INDIAN GEOGRAPHY

Detailed explanation-1: -The altitudinal variations are greater in the eastern half than those in the western half. The Himalaya consists of three parallel ranges in its longitudinal extent. A number of valleys lie between these ranges. The northern-most range is known as the Great or Inner Himalayas or the Himadri.

Detailed explanation-2: -This happens due to the fault in the tectonic plates. The Himalayas were formed due to tectonic plate movements, thus are known as fold mountains. The fault is greater at the eastern portion, thus the mountains are greater on that side.

Detailed explanation-3: -The pattern of variation of plant and animal species relative to elevation, in response to vertical differences in climate (particularly temperature and precipitation).

Detailed explanation-4: -Altitudinal zonation (or elevational zonation) in mountainous regions describes the natural layering of ecosystems that occurs at distinct elevations due to varying environmental conditions.

Detailed explanation-5: -1. The snowline in the Western Himalaya is at a lower altitude than in the Eastern Himalaya. E.g. while the glaciers of the Kanchenjunga in the Sikkim portion hardly move below 4000m, and those of Kumaon and Lahul to 3600m, the glaciers of the Kashmir Himalayas may descend to 2500m above the sea level.