Test: North America - Physical - UPSC MCQ

The Great Plains in North America are known as the "Breadbasket of North America" due to their fertile soil and extensive grasslands that support significant agricultural activities and contribute to a significant portion of the world's grain supply.

The Great Plains in North America are characterized by vast grasslands, making it the largest biome in the continent. Native grasses thrive in this environment, ranging from tallgrass prairies in the east to shortgrass prairies in the west.

The Canadian Shield, which covers extensive areas of eastern, central, and northwestern Canada, is renowned for its rocky terrain and is interspersed with a remarkable number of lakes. It also encompasses the tundra biome along the northern borders of Alaska and Canada.

The Florida Everglades, located in the eastern region of North America, are a vast wetland system and an example of a wetland ecosystem. Sawgrass marshes dominate the area, providing a habitat for alligators, wading birds, and other wetland species.

The Caribbean Region, consisting of numerous islands, reefs, and cays, is known for its stunning coral reefs. These intricate ecosystems, formed by millions of coral organisms, harbor a diverse range of tropical fish, sharks, sea turtles, and other marine creatures.

The Bay of Fundy in Canada boasts the world's greatest tidal range. The tides in this bay can reach heights of up to 50 feet (15 meters), creating a unique and remarkable natural phenomenon.

The Mississippi River, one of the longest river systems in the world, meanders through 31 U.S. states, shaping diverse landscapes along its course. It is a significant and iconic feature of North America's physical geography.

The western region of North America is dominated by the Rocky Mountains, a sprawling chain of mountains stretching from British Columbia in Canada to New Mexico in the United States. These majestic mountains are part of the Cordilleras, a system of parallel mountain ranges extending from Canada to the Isthmus of Panama.

The Sonoran Desert is located in the American Southwest and northern Mexico. It is one of the remarkable desert landscapes within the western region of North America, known for its unique flora and fauna adapted to the harsh arid conditions.

The eastern region of North America encompasses the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic coastal plain. These ancient mountain ranges have been historically significant for their coal and mineral deposits. The region also boasts diverse wetland ecosystems, particularly exemplified by the Florida Everglades.