Analyzing Geographical Pairs: Biosphere Reserves, Lakes, and National Parks

This question asks us to examine three pairs, each linking a geographical feature or protected area with a hill range or region, and determine which pairs are correctly matched.

Let's analyze each pair carefully:

Pair 1: Nokrek Biosphere Reserve Garo Hills

• Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is a national park and biosphere reserve located in the state of Meghalaya, India.
• Meghalaya is known for its prominent hill ranges, including the Garo Hills, Khasi Hills, and Jaintia Hills.
• Nokrek Peak, the highest peak of the Garo Hills, is located within the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve.
• Therefore, Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is indeed located in the Garo Hills.
• This pair is correctly matched.

Pair 2: Loktak (Loktak) Lake Barail Range

• Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India.
• It is famous for its floating phumdis (heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil, and organic matter at various stages of decomposition).
• Loktak Lake is located in the Manipur Valley, near Moirang, in the state of Manipur.
• The Barail Range is a range of hills that extends across parts of Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur. While it is geographically near Manipur, Loktak Lake itself is situated in the valley region, not directly within the Barail Range.
• This pair is incorrectly matched.

Pair 3: Namdapha National Park Dafla Hills

• Namdapha National Park is the largest protected area in the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot.
• It is located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, specifically in the Changlang district.
• Namdapha National Park is situated between the Mishmi Hills and the Patkai range.
• The Dafla Hills, also located in Arunachal Pradesh, are further to the west, associated with the region around the Lower Subansiri district.
• Therefore, Namdapha National Park is not located in the Dafla Hills.
• This pair is incorrectly matched.

Summary of Pair Analysis

Conclusion

Only the first pair, linking Nokrek Biosphere Reserve with the Garo Hills, is geographically accurate.

The correct answer is the option that states only 1 is correctly matched.

Revision Table: Key Geographical Locations

Additional Information: Northeast India Geography

Northeast India is a region characterized by diverse topography, including plains, valleys, and numerous hill ranges. Understanding the location of major geographical features and protected areas is crucial for competitive exams.

• The Himalayas extend into Arunachal Pradesh.
• The Patkai range, part of the larger Purvanchal Range, forms the border with Myanmar.
• Other important hill ranges in the region include the Naga Hills, Mizo Hills, Jaintia Hills, and Khasi Hills.
• Major rivers like the Brahmaputra flow through the region, creating fertile valleys.
• The region is a biodiversity hotspot, home to many national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves protecting unique flora and fauna.