​The following table lists habitat types (Column X) and geographic regions (Column Y) where they are found:

Column X Type of habitat		Column Y Geographic region
A.	Mangroves	i.	Western Ghats
B.	Western Ghats	ii.	Banni
C.	Laterite plateaus	iii.	Sunderbans
D.	Arid grasslands	iv.	Himalayan foothills
E.	Shola

Which of the following options represents the correct match between Column X and Column Y?

Correct option is A

​Explanation:

Matching each habitat with its corresponding geographical region:

• A. Mangroves → Sunderbans (iii):
• Mangroves are coastal ecosystems found in tropical and subtropical regions. The Sunderbans, located in West Bengal, is the largest mangrove forest in the world, home to species like the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Sundari tree.
• B. Terai → Himalayan Foothills (iv):
• The Terai region is a lowland belt south of the Himalayan foothills, known for its swampy and marshy lands, which support diverse wildlife such as rhinoceroses, tigers, and elephants.
• C. Laterite Plateaus → Western Ghats (i):
• Laterite plateaus are found in high-rainfall tropical regions. The Western Ghats has significant lateritic plateaus, hosting unique biodiversity.
• D. Arid Grasslands → Banni (ii):
• The Banni Grasslands, located in Gujarat, are one of the most prominent arid grasslands in India, supporting indigenous livestock like the Banni buffalo.
• E. Shola → Western Ghats (i):
• The Shola forests are found only in the Western Ghats, characterized by stunted evergreen vegetation and hosting high-altitude species.

Thus, the correct match is Option (a).

Information Booster:

1. Mangroves are essential for coastal protection and biodiversity conservation.
2. Terai region is crucial for wildlife corridors between India and Nepal.
3. Laterite plateaus are known for their iron-rich soils and seasonal plant life.
4. Banni grasslands are famous for their resilient ecosystems and pastoral economy.
5. Shola forests play a key role in water conservation in the Western Ghats.