Sal is a major tree in which type of forest?

Correct answer: Tropical deciduous forest

Direct answer: Option B, tropical deciduous forest. Sal is an important tree of tropical deciduous forests in India, especially in regions with seasonal rainfall. These forests receive enough rain during the wet season but experience a dry period, so many trees shed leaves to conserve water. Teak is another commonly associated tree, though the exact species composition varies by region. Option A is wrong because mangrove forests grow in saline tidal wetlands and contain salt-tolerant species such as Sundari. Option B is correct because sal is a standard example of a tropical deciduous forest tree. Option C is wrong because thorn forests are adapted to very dry conditions and are dominated by thorny, small-leaved plants. Option D is wrong because alpine forests occur above the tree line or near it in high mountains and contain cold-adapted vegetation, not sal as the characteristic tree. Memory cue: sal and teak are common exam examples of tropical deciduous forests.