Test: South America - Climate, Natural Vegetation and Population - UPSC MCQ

The equatorial zone in South America, characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year, falls under the Köppen classification of "Af."

The South American climatic zone with distinct wet and dry seasons influenced by monsoon winds is classified as "Am" in the Köppen classification, such as the northeastern coast of Brazil and parts of Guyana.

The Tropical Savanna (Aw) zone in South America experiences high temperatures, distinct wet and dry seasons, and is influenced by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). It is found in countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela.

The Desert (BWh, BWk) zone in South America, such as the Atacama Desert in Peru and northern Chile, is known for extremely arid conditions and low rainfall throughout the year.

The Mediterranean (Csb, Csa) zone in South America, found along the central and southern coast of Chile, experiences warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters.

The Amazon Rainforest covers a significant portion of South America, primarily in Brazil. It is characterized by dense evergreen forests with high biodiversity. The Amazon Rainforest is known as the largest tropical rainforest in the world and is home to a wide range of plant and animal species.

The Cerrado in South America, mainly located in Brazil, is characterized by a mix of grasslands, scrublands, and wooded savannas. It is a unique ecosystem known for its high biodiversity and adaptations to the region's seasonal climate, including drought-tolerant species.

The Pantanal is the world's largest wetland area and is primarily located in Brazil. It is a mosaic of flooded grasslands, forests, and shrublands, providing a unique habitat for numerous plant and animal species.

The vegetation in the Andean Mountain Range changes with increasing elevation. At higher elevations, paramos and alpine grasslands are found. These areas are characterized by hardy plants adapted to the cold and windy conditions, such as grasses and cushion plants.

The Gran Chaco region in South America, encompassing parts of Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil, is known for its dry forests, thorny shrublands, and grasslands. It is adapted to the region's dry and semi-arid climate, with characteristic vegetation including quebracho trees, carob trees, and cacti.