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Q52 (IAS/2015) Environment & Ecology › Biodiversity & Protected Areas › National parks network Official Key

Which one of the following National Parks has a climate that varies from tropical to subtropical, temperate and arctic?

Result
Your answer:  ·  Correct: D
Explanation

The correct answer is option D - Namdapha National Park. Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh is unique among Indian national parks due to its exceptional altitudinal range, spanning from approximately 200 meters to over 4,500 meters above sea level. This dramatic elevation gradient creates distinct climatic zones within the park boundaries.

The park encompasses tropical-subtropical[4] forests at lower elevations and temperate-boreal[3] forests and woodlands at higher altitudes. As elevation increases further, the climate transitions through temperate zones into alpine and arctic conditions near the peaks. This makes Namdapha one of the few protected areas in the world where such a complete spectrum of climatic zones exists within a single park.

The other options - Khangchendzonga, Nandadevi, and Neora Valley National Parks - while located in mountainous regions with significant elevation ranges, do not encompass the same comprehensive range from tropical through arctic zones. Namdapha's location in the Eastern Himalayas and its vast altitudinal span give it this distinctive characteristic, supporting an incredibly diverse range of ecosystems and species adapted to different climatic conditions.

Sources
  1. [1] https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/2020-037-En.pdf
  2. [2] https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/2020-037-En.pdf
  3. [3] https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/2020-037-En.pdf
  4. [4] https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/2020-037-En.pdf
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Q. Which one of the following National Parks has a climate that varies from tropical to subtropical, temperate and arctic? [A] Khangchendzo…
At a glance
Origin: Mixed / unclear origin Fairness: Low / Borderline fairness Books / CA: 0/10 · 0/10

This is a classic 'Superlative' question. UPSC loves National Parks that hold a unique record (e.g., 'only floating park', 'widest climate range'). The phrase 'Tropical to Arctic' is the specific Unique Selling Point (USP) of Namdapha in standard geography and environment modules.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Does Khangchendzonga National Park have a climate that ranges from tropical and subtropical through temperate to arctic?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Climates of India > Types of Climates in India > p. 48
Strength: 5/5
“We have often seen how India is a land of diversity. This is equally true of its climate: • In the north, the Himalayan mountains have an alpine climate with cold, snowy winters and cool summers (the word 'alpine' comes from the Alps, a mountain range of Europe). That's probably where you will see the thickest clothing in India!• Lower in the Himalayas, and in many hilly areas of India, the climate is often said to be temperate, as the winters are moderately cold and the summers not too hot. That is where we find many 'hill stations', much frequented by people seeking relief from the heat in the plains below. • In the northern plains, the climate is subtropical, with very hot summers and cold winters.”
Why relevant

Explains that the Himalayas include alpine (cold/snowy) climates and lower Himalayan zones are temperate, while lower plains are subtropical—showing vertical zonation in Himalayan regions.

How to extend

A student could combine this rule of vertical climatic zonation with the park's position in the Himalayas and its elevation range (from a map or park data) to judge whether multiple climate bands are plausible.

INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Climate > FACTORS DETERMINING THE CLIMATE OF INDIA > p. 29
Strength: 4/5
“India's climate is controlled by a number of factors. Latitude : You already know the latitudinal and longitudinal extent of the land of India. You also know that the Tropic of Cancer passes through the central part of India in east-west direction. Thus, northern part of the India lies in sub-tropical and temperate zone and the part lying south of the Tropic of Cancer falls in the tropical zone. The tropical zone being nearer to the equator, experiences high temperatures throughout the year with small daily and annual range. Area north of the Tropic of Cancer being away from the equator, experiences extreme climate with high daily and annual range of temperature.”
Why relevant

States latitude (Tropic of Cancer) splits India into tropical and subtropical/temperate zones, giving a latitudinal basis for different climate zones within India.

How to extend

Using the park's latitude on a map relative to the Tropic of Cancer, a student could infer whether tropical/subtropical influences are possible at lower elevations of the park.

CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: Climate > Latitude > p. 27
Strength: 3/5
“The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of the country from the Rann of Kuchchh in the west to Mizoram in the east. Almost half of the country, lying south of the Tropic of Cancer, belongs to the tropical area. All the remaining area, north of the Tropic, lies in the sub-tropics. Therefore, India's climate has characteristics of tropical as well as subtropical climates.”
Why relevant

Reiterates that parts of India south of the Tropic of Cancer are tropical and areas north are subtropical—useful for assessing broad climatic potential of northern Himalayan locations.

How to extend

Combine the park's latitudinal location with this latitudinal climate division to assess likely presence of tropical/subtropical versus temperate zones at different elevations.

FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: World Climate and Climate Change > Warm Temperate (Mid-Latitude) Climates-C > p. 93
Strength: 3/5
“Warm temperate (mid-latitude) climates extend from 30° - 50° of latitude mainly on the eastern and western margins of continents. These climates generally have warm summers with mild winters. They are grouped into four types: (i) Humid subtropical, i.e. dry in winter and hot in summer (Cwa); (ii) Mediterranean (Cs); (iii) Humid subtropical, i.e. no dry season and mild winter (Cfa); (iv) Marine west coast climate (Cfb).”
Why relevant

Defines warm temperate (mid-latitude) climates and their latitude bands (30°–50°) and characteristics, supplying a framework for identifying temperate climate at certain latitudes/elevations.

How to extend

A student could compare the park's latitude and known elevation-dependent lapse rates (standard outside knowledge) to see if temperate conditions could occur within the park.

Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 23: The Cool Temperate Continental (Siberian) Climate > Distribution > p. 216
Strength: 3/5
“The Cool Temperate Continental (Siberian) Climate is experienced only in the northern hemisphere where the continents within the high latitudes have a broad east-west spread (Fig. 23.1). On its poleward side, it merges into the Arctic tundra of Canada and Eurasia at around the Arctic Circle. Southwards, the climate becomes less severe and fades into the temperate Steppe climate dealt with in Chapter 20. The predominant vegetation of this Siberian or 'sub-Arctic' type of ilimate is evergreen coniferous forest. It stretches in a great, continuous belt across North America, Europe and Asia. The greatest single band of the coniferous forest is the taiga (a Russian word for coniferous forest) in Siberia.”
Why relevant

Describes the progression from sub-Arctic/taiga to Arctic tundra poleward and the concept of climate zones changing with latitude, a general pattern of zonation.

How to extend

Using this pattern, a student could reason that extremely high elevations (analogous to higher latitudes in climatic effect) in the park might support arctic-like climates, if elevations are sufficient.

Statement 2
Does Nanda Devi National Park have a climate that ranges from tropical and subtropical through temperate to arctic?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > 2. The Greater Himalaya > p. 12
Strength: 5/5
“Gasherbrum, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Gosainthan, Cho-Cyu, Nanda-Devi, Kamet, Badrinath, Nanda Devi, etc., lie in this zone. The Greater Himalaya are composed of crystalline, igneous or metamorphic rocks (granite, schists, and geneiss). The basal complex of the Himalaya is Archaean. At places, due to heavy thrust, older rocks are found overlying the newer rocks. The Greater Himalaya are almost a contiguous range. The range has very few gaps mainly provided by the antecedent rivers. The Greater Himalaya receive less rainfall as compared to the Lesser Himalaya and the Shiwaliks. Physical weathering is pronounced. Erosion is, however, less effective over the Greater Himalaya as compared to the Lesser Himalaya.”
Why relevant

Lists Nanda Devi among peaks of the Greater Himalaya, implying very high elevations where climates vary with altitude.

How to extend

A student could combine this with a topographic map or known elevation zonation to infer possible temperature/vegetation belts up the mountain.

Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Climates of India > Types of Climates in India > p. 48
Strength: 5/5
“We have often seen how India is a land of diversity. This is equally true of its climate: • In the north, the Himalayan mountains have an alpine climate with cold, snowy winters and cool summers (the word 'alpine' comes from the Alps, a mountain range of Europe). That's probably where you will see the thickest clothing in India!• Lower in the Himalayas, and in many hilly areas of India, the climate is often said to be temperate, as the winters are moderately cold and the summers not too hot. That is where we find many 'hill stations', much frequented by people seeking relief from the heat in the plains below. • In the northern plains, the climate is subtropical, with very hot summers and cold winters.”
Why relevant

Explains that the Himalayas exhibit distinct altitudinal climates: alpine (cold/snowy) at high reaches and temperate lower down; mentions temperate and alpine zones explicitly.

How to extend

Use this rule to expect alpine/arctic conditions at Nanda Devi's high altitudes and temperate conditions at lower slopes.

INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Climate > FACTORS DETERMINING THE CLIMATE OF INDIA > p. 29
Strength: 4/5
“India's climate is controlled by a number of factors. Latitude : You already know the latitudinal and longitudinal extent of the land of India. You also know that the Tropic of Cancer passes through the central part of India in east-west direction. Thus, northern part of the India lies in sub-tropical and temperate zone and the part lying south of the Tropic of Cancer falls in the tropical zone. The tropical zone being nearer to the equator, experiences high temperatures throughout the year with small daily and annual range. Area north of the Tropic of Cancer being away from the equator, experiences extreme climate with high daily and annual range of temperature.”
Why relevant

Gives a latitudinal rule: areas north of the Tropic of Cancer fall in sub-tropical and temperate zones while south fall in tropical zone.

How to extend

Combine Nanda Devi’s latitudinal position (north of Tropic of Cancer) with this rule to assess whether subtropical/temperate zones are plausible for some elevations.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > BIOSPHERE RESERVES > p. 49
Strength: 2/5
“country. Out of the 18 biosphere reserves, seven biosphere reserves have been included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves so far. These 7 include: Sundarban, Gulf of Mannar, Nilgiri, Nanda Devi, Panchmarhi, Simlipal and Nokrek. These biosphere reserves include: 1. Nilgiri, 2. Nokrek, 3. Nanda Devi, 4. Sundraban, 5. Gulf of Mannar, 6. Manas, 7. Great Nicobar, 8. Simlipal, 9. Dibru-Saikhova, 10. Dehang-Dibang, 11. Panchmarhi, 12. Kanchanjunga, 13. Agasthamalai, 14. Achanakamar, 15. Great Rann of Kutch, 16. Cold Desert (Pin-Valley-H.P.), 17. Seshachalam (Andhra Pradesh), 18. Panna (M.P.).”
Why relevant

Identifies Nanda Devi as a biosphere reserve in India, a designation often applied to areas with multiple ecological/altitudinal zones.

How to extend

A student could take this as a cue to look for documented zonation (vegetation/climate belts) within the reserve using maps or reserve descriptions.

Statement 3
Does Neora Valley National Park have a climate that ranges from tropical and subtropical through temperate to arctic?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: Climate > Latitude > p. 27
Strength: 4/5
“The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of the country from the Rann of Kuchchh in the west to Mizoram in the east. Almost half of the country, lying south of the Tropic of Cancer, belongs to the tropical area. All the remaining area, north of the Tropic, lies in the sub-tropics. Therefore, India's climate has characteristics of tropical as well as subtropical climates.”
Why relevant

Explains that much of India lies in tropical and subtropical zones (Tropic of Cancer divides the country), so locations in eastern India can have tropical/subtropical climates.

How to extend

A student could locate Neora Valley on a map (in eastern India, near the Tropic of Cancer) to judge whether parts of the park fall in tropical/subtropical latitudinal bands.

Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 30: Climatic Regions > 30.2. A – Tropical Humid Climates > p. 423
Strength: 4/5
“• Tropical humid climates exist between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn. The sun is almost overhead throughout the year, and the presence of Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) makes the climate hot and humid with the annual range of temperature being very low, and annual rainfall high.• The tropical group is divided into three types, namely • 1) Af Tropical wet climate• 2) Am Tropical monsoon climate• 3) Aw Tropical wet and dry climate Tropical Wet Climate (Af: A – Tropical, f – no dry season)”
Why relevant

Defines tropical humid climates as occurring between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn with hot, humid conditions and high rainfall.

How to extend

If low-elevation parts of Neora Valley are within the tropical belt, a student could infer they might exhibit these tropical humid characteristics.

FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: World Climate and Climate Change > Warm Temperate (Mid-Latitude) Climates-C > p. 93
Strength: 3/5
“Warm temperate (mid-latitude) climates extend from 30° - 50° of latitude mainly on the eastern and western margins of continents. These climates generally have warm summers with mild winters. They are grouped into four types: (i) Humid subtropical, i.e. dry in winter and hot in summer (Cwa); (ii) Mediterranean (Cs); (iii) Humid subtropical, i.e. no dry season and mild winter (Cfa); (iv) Marine west coast climate (Cfb).”
Why relevant

States warm temperate (mid-latitude) climates occur roughly between 30°–50° latitude and describes temperate climate characteristics.

How to extend

A student can compare Neora Valley’s latitude/altitude to these bands to assess whether temperate conditions are plausible at some elevations or latitudinal positions.

Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Climates of India > Types of Climates in India > p. 48
Strength: 5/5
“We have often seen how India is a land of diversity. This is equally true of its climate: • In the north, the Himalayan mountains have an alpine climate with cold, snowy winters and cool summers (the word 'alpine' comes from the Alps, a mountain range of Europe). That's probably where you will see the thickest clothing in India!• Lower in the Himalayas, and in many hilly areas of India, the climate is often said to be temperate, as the winters are moderately cold and the summers not too hot. That is where we find many 'hill stations', much frequented by people seeking relief from the heat in the plains below. • In the northern plains, the climate is subtropical, with very hot summers and cold winters.”
Why relevant

Gives examples of altitude-related climate change in India: Himalayas have alpine climate, lower hills are temperate, plains are subtropical.

How to extend

By combining Neora Valley’s Himalayan hill/mountain setting with elevation maps, a student could infer a vertical sequence from tropical/subtropical at low slopes to temperate/alpine at higher slopes.

Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 23: The Cool Temperate Continental (Siberian) Climate > Distribution > p. 216
Strength: 3/5
“The Cool Temperate Continental (Siberian) Climate is experienced only in the northern hemisphere where the continents within the high latitudes have a broad east-west spread (Fig. 23.1). On its poleward side, it merges into the Arctic tundra of Canada and Eurasia at around the Arctic Circle. Southwards, the climate becomes less severe and fades into the temperate Steppe climate dealt with in Chapter 20. The predominant vegetation of this Siberian or 'sub-Arctic' type of ilimate is evergreen coniferous forest. It stretches in a great, continuous belt across North America, Europe and Asia. The greatest single band of the coniferous forest is the taiga (a Russian word for coniferous forest) in Siberia.”
Why relevant

Describes the 'Cool Temperate Continental / sub-Arctic' (taiga) and Arctic tundra as high-latitude climates, illustrating what 'arctic' climate means in climatic taxonomy.

How to extend

A student could use this definition to judge whether any part of Neora Valley could truly meet 'arctic' criteria (likely requiring very high altitude) by comparing park elevations to conditions described for Arctic/sub‑Arctic climates.

Statement 4
Does Namdapha National Park have a climate that ranges from tropical and subtropical through temperate to arctic?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Climate > FACTORS DETERMINING THE CLIMATE OF INDIA > p. 29
Strength: 5/5
“India's climate is controlled by a number of factors. Latitude : You already know the latitudinal and longitudinal extent of the land of India. You also know that the Tropic of Cancer passes through the central part of India in east-west direction. Thus, northern part of the India lies in sub-tropical and temperate zone and the part lying south of the Tropic of Cancer falls in the tropical zone. The tropical zone being nearer to the equator, experiences high temperatures throughout the year with small daily and annual range. Area north of the Tropic of Cancer being away from the equator, experiences extreme climate with high daily and annual range of temperature.”
Why relevant

Explains latitude as a primary control on climate and that areas north of the Tropic of Cancer lie in subtropical and temperate zones.

How to extend

A student can locate Namdapha's latitude on a map to see whether it falls near the Tropic/transition zones and thus could include tropical to temperate climates.

FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: World Climate and Climate Change > Group A : Tropical Humid Climates > p. 92
Strength: 4/5
“Tropical humid climates exist between Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn. The sun being overhead throughout the year and the presence of Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) make the climate hot and humid. Annual range of temperature is very low and annual rainfall is high. The tropical group is divided into three types, namely (i) Af- Tropical wet climate; (ii) Am - Tropical monsoon climate; (iii) Aw- Tropical wet and dry climate.”
Why relevant

Defines the tropical humid climate as restricted to the zone between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn.

How to extend

By checking whether parts of Namdapha lie within or south of the Tropic of Cancer (or at low elevation within the tropical belt), one could infer presence of tropical climates at lower elevations.

FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: World Climate and Climate Change > Warm Temperate (Mid-Latitude) Climates-C > p. 93
Strength: 3/5
“Warm temperate (mid-latitude) climates extend from 30° - 50° of latitude mainly on the eastern and western margins of continents. These climates generally have warm summers with mild winters. They are grouped into four types: (i) Humid subtropical, i.e. dry in winter and hot in summer (Cwa); (ii) Mediterranean (Cs); (iii) Humid subtropical, i.e. no dry season and mild winter (Cfa); (iv) Marine west coast climate (Cfb).”
Why relevant

Gives the latitudinal band (30°–50°) where warm temperate (mid-latitude) climates occur.

How to extend

Compare Namdapha's latitude to this band to assess whether warm temperate climates are plausible at regional-scale locations.

Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Climates of India > Types of Climates in India > p. 48
Strength: 5/5
“We have often seen how India is a land of diversity. This is equally true of its climate: • In the north, the Himalayan mountains have an alpine climate with cold, snowy winters and cool summers (the word 'alpine' comes from the Alps, a mountain range of Europe). That's probably where you will see the thickest clothing in India!• Lower in the Himalayas, and in many hilly areas of India, the climate is often said to be temperate, as the winters are moderately cold and the summers not too hot. That is where we find many 'hill stations', much frequented by people seeking relief from the heat in the plains below. • In the northern plains, the climate is subtropical, with very hot summers and cold winters.”
Why relevant

Notes that in India, high mountains have alpine climate and lower hilly areas have temperate climates—showing altitude produces colder climate types within the same region.

How to extend

A student can combine this altitude–climate rule with Namdapha's altitudinal range (from maps or park data) to judge if alpine/arctic-like climates could occur at high elevations.

Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 30: Climatic Regions > 30.2. A – Tropical Humid Climates > p. 423
Strength: 3/5
“• Tropical humid climates exist between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn. The sun is almost overhead throughout the year, and the presence of Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) makes the climate hot and humid with the annual range of temperature being very low, and annual rainfall high.• The tropical group is divided into three types, namely • 1) Af Tropical wet climate• 2) Am Tropical monsoon climate• 3) Aw Tropical wet and dry climate Tropical Wet Climate (Af: A – Tropical, f – no dry season)”
Why relevant

Reiterates the definition and latitudinal limits of tropical humid climates, emphasizing where 'tropical' conditions exist.

How to extend

Use this definition together with a map to identify whether lower parts of Namdapha fall within the tropical belt, supporting presence of tropical climates at low elevations.

Pattern takeaway: Geography is not just about location; it is about 'Physiographic Potential'. If a park spans the foothills of Arunachal (tropical) to the snow-capped peaks (arctic), the climate diversity is a derived fact, not just rote memory.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. This is a standard fact found in almost every 'Protected Areas of India' compilation (Shankar IAS, PMF IAS, or Year Book).
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Altitudinal Zonation of Vegetation. The concept that as you go up the Himalayas, climate mimics the journey from Equator to Poles.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the USPs of other Himalayan parks: Khangchendzonga (First Mixed Heritage Site, Lepcha tribe); Nanda Devi (Biosphere Reserve, World Heritage, strictly Temperate-Alpine); Neora Valley (Red Panda, West Bengal); Hemis (Largest NP, Snow Leopard).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not memorize the climate of all 100+ parks. Only memorize the climate for parks with extreme vertical gradients (foothills to peaks). Namdapha rises from ~200m to ~4500m, making it physically unique.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Altitudinal climate zonation in the Himalayas
💡 The insight

The statement asserts a vertical sequence of climates (tropical → subtropical → temperate → arctic-like); Himalayan altitude-driven zoning explains such transitions.

UPSC questions often ask how altitude modifies climate within mountain systems. Mastering altitudinal zonation helps answer questions on vegetation belts, biodiversity gradients and human settlement in mountain regions. Study by linking Himalayan examples (alpine, temperate, subtropical) and practice sketching vertical climate/vegetation profiles.

📚 Reading List :
  • Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Climates of India > Types of Climates in India > p. 48
🔗 Anchor: "Does Khangchendzonga National Park have a climate that ranges from tropical and ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Latitudinal climate zones of India (tropical, subtropical, temperate)
💡 The insight

Distinguishing India's tropical, subtropical and temperate regions is necessary to evaluate claims about a location in the Indian Himalayas spanning multiple climate zones.

High-yield for UPSC: questions probe latitude-related climate controls, distribution of climatic zones, and implications for agriculture and population. Connect this to monsoon behaviour and use NCERT maps/text to memorise zone boundaries and examples.

📚 Reading List :
  • INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Climate > FACTORS DETERMINING THE CLIMATE OF INDIA > p. 29
  • CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: Climate > Latitude > p. 27
🔗 Anchor: "Does Khangchendzonga National Park have a climate that ranges from tropical and ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Climate classification examples (tropical marine, warm temperate, taiga/arctic)
💡 The insight

Understanding named climate types and their characteristic ranges (tropical marine, warm temperate, taiga/arctic) lets one judge whether a site's climate could include 'arctic' or other types.

Useful for comparing regional climates and for demand-type UPSC questions asking which climate types occur where. Learn key characteristics and typical latitudinal/altitudinal positions of each type to eliminate wrong options in source-based questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 16: The Tropical Monsoon and Tropical Marine Climate > The Tropical Marine Climate > p. 159
  • FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: World Climate and Climate Change > Warm Temperate (Mid-Latitude) Climates-C > p. 93
  • Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 23: The Cool Temperate Continental (Siberian) Climate > Distribution > p. 216
🔗 Anchor: "Does Khangchendzonga National Park have a climate that ranges from tropical and ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Latitude-based climate zones in India
💡 The insight

References describe how latitude (Tropic of Cancer) divides India into tropical, subtropical and temperate zones, which is central to claims about broad climatic ranges.

High-yield for UPSC: questions often test how latitude influences climate, seasonal variation and vegetation; links to monsoon behaviour and regional planning. Master by mapping latitudinal belts, linking to climatic descriptions and practice questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Climate > FACTORS DETERMINING THE CLIMATE OF INDIA > p. 29
🔗 Anchor: "Does Nanda Devi National Park have a climate that ranges from tropical and subtr..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Himalayan vertical (altitudinal) zonation: alpine to temperate
💡 The insight

Sources state the Himalayas have alpine climates at higher elevations and temperate climates lower down — relevant when evaluating climate variation in mountain reserves like Nanda Devi.

Important for UPSC topics on mountain ecosystems, biodiversity and disaster vulnerability; frequently asked in geography and environment papers. Prepare by studying altitudinal belts, corresponding vegetation and examples (hill stations, alpine zones).

📚 Reading List :
  • Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Climates of India > Types of Climates in India > p. 48
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > 2. The Greater Himalaya > p. 12
🔗 Anchor: "Does Nanda Devi National Park have a climate that ranges from tropical and subtr..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Protected area status: Biosphere reserve / World Heritage listing
💡 The insight

Several references identify Nanda Devi as a biosphere reserve and World Heritage Site, placing it contextually in Himalayan conservation frameworks even if climatic details are not given.

Useful for UPSC environment and polity questions on conservation policy, protected area categories and international designations. Learn lists and significance of major reserves, and connect to climate/altitude-driven biodiversity patterns.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > BIOSPHERE RESERVES > p. 49
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > 7.r Natural World Sites > p. 434
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > Table 5.8 > p. 51
🔗 Anchor: "Does Nanda Devi National Park have a climate that ranges from tropical and subtr..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Latitudinal climate zones (tropical, subtropical, temperate, arctic)
💡 The insight

The statement lists climate types that are fundamentally organized by latitude; references explain how India's position relative to the Tropic of Cancer determines tropical vs subtropical/temperate zones.

High-yield for UPSC geography: questions often ask how latitude controls broad climate belts, or to classify regional climates. Understanding the latitudinal framework helps link location (e.g., Tropic of Cancer) to likely climate types and is useful for case-based questions about regional climate variations. Study by mapping latitudinal belts and practicing map-based questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: Climate > Latitude > p. 27
  • INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Climate > FACTORS DETERMINING THE CLIMATE OF INDIA > p. 29
🔗 Anchor: "Does Neora Valley National Park have a climate that ranges from tropical and sub..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

Namdapha is also the only National Park in the world to harbour four feline species of big cats: Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Clouded Leopard. This is the next logical question about this specific park.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Apply the 'Base Elevation' Logic. To have 'Tropical' climate, a park must start at low elevation (foothills/plains). Nanda Devi and Khangchendzonga have high base elevations (starting >1500m-2000m), meaning they skip the tropical phase and start directly at Subtropical/Temperate. Only Namdapha (Arunachal foothills) starts low enough (~200m) to include the Tropical zone.

🔗 Mains Connection

Mains GS-1 & GS-3: Link this to 'Ecotones'. Namdapha acts as a massive vertical ecotone. This makes it highly resilient to climate change (species can migrate upwards) but also vulnerable to 'mountaintop extinction' for alpine species.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS · 2019 · Q18 Relevance score: 1.09

Which one of the following National Parks lies completely in the temperate alpine zone?

CDS-II · 2011 · Q17 Relevance score: -0.75

Kanha National Park belongs to which one among the following biogeographi- cal areas in the world ?

CAPF · 2009 · Q32 Relevance score: -1.76

Which one of the following is not a World Heritage Site ?

IAS · 2008 · Q144 Relevance score: -2.52

Which one among the following has the maximum number of National Parks?