Test: Asia- Climate, Natural Vegetation and Population - 1 - UPSC MCQ

The natural vegetation reflects various factors such as temperature, rainfall, drainage, elevation, and soil conditions. These physical phenomena are interrelated and provide an understanding of the physical environment.

The Tundra region in Asia is characterized by cold, treeless plains with permanently frozen subsoil. It is located in the northern parts of Asia, bordering the Arctic Ocean.

The trade wind deserts and steppe-lands of Asia are characterized by desert vegetation. These regions have sparse plant cover with moisture-combating, waxy, deep-rooted, or thorny shrubs and sporadic stunted trees.

The monsoon region of Asia is associated with tropical rainforests. These regions receive a high amount of precipitation throughout the year and are characterized by evergreen, broad-leafed tall trees with a dense canopy.

The river valleys of Asia are covered with alluvial soils. These soils are formed by periodic inundation of silt-bearing waters from the rivers in flood and are among the richest in plant nutrients.

Laterization is the process responsible for the formation of soils in the hot, wet regions of Asia. It involves the removal of salts and the transfer of iron and aluminum compounds near the surface, resulting in lateritic soils.

Podzolic soils are found in the humid regions of Asia with cool, wet conditions. This type of soil undergoes podzolization, which removes soluble salts, iron, and aluminum compounds from the surface horizons.

The Mediterranean lands of Asia are underlain by black prairie and chernoz.

Montane forests are typically found in mountainous regions at moderate to high elevations. The southwestern part of China, with its diverse topography, is known for its montane forests. These forests are characterized by a mix of broadleaf evergreen trees and bamboo, which thrive in the moist and cool climate of the mountainous regions.

The monsoon regions of South Asia, particularly in countries like India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, are known for their savanna vegetation. Savannas are tropical grasslands with scattered trees, often found in areas with a distinct wet and dry season. The tall grasses and intermittent tree cover make it suitable for grazing animals and support a diverse range of wildlife in the region.