Mountains and Deserts

The correct answer is A. Relief in the Western Ghats produces changes in altitude, slope, temperature, drainage, and exposure to the southwest monsoon. The west-facing slopes receive heavy rainfall, while leeward areas may be comparatively drier; elevation also creates different climatic belts. These contrasts produce many habitats, including evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, montane grasslands, shola ecosystems, streams, and valleys. Habitat variety supports many endemic plants and animals, which is a major reason the Western Ghats are recognised as a biodiversity hotspot. Sandy plains, widespread glaciers, and coral reefs on mountains do not describe this relief system.