Hooker and Thomson classified India in 1867 into how many vegetational zones?

Appeared in: UPPSC 2023

Explanation

In 1867, botanists Hooker and Thomson proposed one of the earliest and most foundational classifications of Indian vegetation.
They divided the Indian subcontinent into 8 distinct phytogeographical (vegetational) zones.
This classification was based on their extensive botanical surveys and analysis of the diverse climate, topography, and distribution of plant species.

Option A: The number 12 does not correspond to any major historical phytogeographical classification of India by prominent botanists.
Option C: The number 10 refers to the number of phytogeographical regions proposed by D. Chatterjee in 1939. This was a later and more refined classification.
Option D: The number 6 is not associated with the primary classifications of India's vegetation by Hooker & Thomson or other key botanists.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Historical Phytogeographical Classification of India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This is a general knowledge question related to botany and geography, not a direct nursing concept.
Understanding the biodiversity and vegetational zones of India can be relevant for community health, as different regions have unique flora, including medicinal plants, allergens, and vectors for disease.
What if the question asked about Chatterjee's classification? The answer would change to 10, reflecting a more detailed system developed later in 1939 that is also widely recognized.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question from the subject of biogeography or general knowledge.
Identify the key elements in the question: the names 'Hooker and Thomson', the year '1867', and the term 'vegetational zones'.
The question asks for a specific number associated with this particular classification.
Recall the specific number of zones defined by Hooker and Thomson, which is a foundational fact in Indian botany.
Differentiate this from other similar classifications, such as Chatterjee's (10 zones), which is a common point of confusion and a frequent distractor in exams.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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