The high biodiversity of the Western Ghats is related to which physical condition?

Correct answer: High and continuous mountain wall

The correct answer is C because the Western Ghats form a high, fairly continuous mountain chain along the western edge of peninsular India. Their relief forces moisture-laden monsoon winds to rise, producing heavy rainfall on the windward side. The mountains also create differences in altitude, temperature, soil, drainage and exposure, so many habitats occur within a relatively small area. These varied conditions support a large number of plant and animal species, including endemic species, making the region a biodiversity hotspot. A flat plain would generally provide less topographic variation, distance from the sea would not explain the strong monsoon effect, and sand dunes indicate an arid environment rather than the humid, forested setting of the Western Ghats.