Test: Africa - Physical - UPSC MCQ

The Sahara is the world's largest hot desert, covering 8.5 million square kilometers (3.3 million square miles). It constitutes 25 percent of the African continent and is characterized by distinct physical features such as ergs (sand dunes), regs (plains of sand and gravel), hamadas (elevated plateaus), and oases.

The Sahel is a narrow band of semi-arid land that lies between the Sahara desert and the savannas. It stretches across Africa from Senegal to Sudan and is characterized by flat, barren plains. Unfortunately, the Sahel is experiencing desertification due to factors such as drought, deforestation, and intensive agriculture.

The Ethiopian Highlands are a mountainous region in Africa that began to rise 75 million years ago. They are home to 80 percent of Africa's tallest mountains and feature a craggy landscape. The Ethiopian Highlands are also known for their unique animal and plant species, such as the walia ibex and the Ethiopian rose.

Savannas, or grasslands, cover almost half of Africa. They extend from south of the Sahara and Sahel to the northern regions of the continent. The Serengeti Plains, located within the savanna region, are famous for their diverse wildlife population, including lions, zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest.

The Swahili Coast stretches along the Indian Ocean from Somalia to Mozambique. It is characterized by sandy beaches, coral reefs, and barrier islands. The region is home to unique animal species such as the golden-rumped elephant shrew and the bush baby.

Most of Africa's native rainforests are concentrated in Central Africa, along the Congo River Basin. These rainforests are rich in biodiversity and support a wide range of animal and plant species. Some notable species include African forest elephants, gorillas, and the okapi.

The African Great Lakes region is home to several large and deep lakes, including Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Malawi. These lakes formed in cracks and depressions in Earth's surface and are vital habitats for various aquatic and terrestrial animal species.

Southern Africa is dominated by the Kaapvaal craton, an ancient shelf of bedrock. The region is known for its wildlife reserves, which protect species such as lions, elephants, rhinos, and zebras. The Cape Floral Region in southern Africa is also renowned for its diverse plant life.

The Sahel region in Africa is characterized by a fertile delta formed by the Niger River. However, the Sahel is facing the process of desertification, which involves the transformation of fertile land into desert-like conditions due to factors like drought, deforestation, and intensive agriculture.

The Sahara is the largest desert in the world and covers a significant portion of Africa. It is known for its distinct physical features such as ergs, regs, hamadas, and oases. The Sahara's animal and plant communities have adapted to survive in its extremely dry conditions, showcasing remarkable survival strategies.