How was the altitude based movement of Gujjar Bakarwals linked with Himalayan ecology?

Correct answer: They used high pastures in summer and lower areas in winter

The direct answer is B: Gujjar Bakarwals used high pastures in summer and lower areas in winter. Himalayan ecology changes with altitude and season. In summer, snow melts in higher regions and fresh grass becomes available there. In winter, snowfall and severe cold make high pastures difficult or impossible, so the pastoralists move down to warmer, lower areas where animals can find shelter and fodder. This is vertical or altitude-based seasonal migration. Option B is correct because it connects the route with temperature, snow and grass. Option A is wrong because Gujjar Bakarwals were not city residents only. Option C is wrong because their livelihood was pastoralism, not maritime trade. Option D is wrong because keeping animals in permanent enclosures would not explain their regular movement between seasonal grazing grounds. The movement was a practical ecological adaptation, not random travel. Exam cue: summer means upward movement to fresh high pastures; winter means downward movement to safer low areas.