Temperate forests of South India, known as 'Sholas' are found in which of the following hills ? 1. Anaimalai 2. Nilgiris 3. Palani Select the answer using the code given below :

Shola forests are unique montane wet temperate forests found in the higher reaches of the South Indian hills, typically at altitudes above 1,500 meters [3]. These forests consist of stunted evergreen trees found in sheltered valleys and depressions, interspersed with extensive grasslands [3]. According to multiple sources, Sholas are prominently distributed across the Nilgiris, Anaimalai, and Palani hills [5]. They are also found in other ranges such as the Meghamalai, Agasthyamalai, and parts of the Malnad region [5]. These ecosystems play a critical role in water conservation, acting as sponges that feed perennial streams and rivers like the Bhavani [3]. The vegetation is characterized by small, leathery leaves and species such as Magnolia, Cinchona, and Rhododendron [3]. Therefore, all three mentioned hill ranges—Anaimalai, Nilgiris, and Palani—host these temperate Shola forests.

Sources

1. [2] INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation > Montane Forests > p. 45
2. [3] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 3: Terrestrial Ecosystems > O* ycu knaw? > p. 24
3. [1] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 9: Indian Biodiversity Diverse Landscape > g.4.3. Tropical rai.n forest region > p. 159
4. [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shola