Q. Assertion: Alpine forests consist of dwarf shrubs mainly of junipers, silver firs and rhododendrons.
Reason: Alpine forests occur in the Himalayas above the altitude of 3500 metres.

 1818  199 AIIMSAIIMS 1996 Report Error

Solution:

Alpine tundra is the highest altitudinal biome which occurs near the top of very high mountains having permanent snow i.e. at the height to approximate 3500 metres, e.g. in Himalayas "alpine tundra" vegetation is found. It is a treeless region and lies above the timber line. Trees of lower region becomes tiny shrubs in this area (e.g. Rhododendron, Juniperus, Abies). Other constituents of alpine tundra are lichens, mosses, grasses, herbs and small shrubs like Artemesia, Arenaria, Primula and Anemone.