Test: The Hot Desert and Mid- Latitude Desert Climate - UPSC MCQ

Steppes are generally referred to as temperate grasslands. They differ in the density and quality of grass. The grasses are taller and more nutritious in areas where the rainfall averages above 50 cm, while short, wiry and sparse grasses are found in areas where the rainfall is less than 50 cm or the soil is poor.

Grasslands have been ploughed up for extensive mechanized wheat cultivation and are termed as granaries of the world. Hence grasslands of mid-latitudes produce greatest exporters of wheat in the world.

Hot desert climates are typically found under the subtropical ridge. These areas are located between 15-30 degrees south and north latitude, under the subtropical latitudes called the horse latitudes.

Cold ocean currents result in cold air above such currents, which ensures less evaporation of moisture with scarce evaporation resulting in the formation of mist and fog but no clouds, hence no rain. This is the effect of the cold Peruvian current that makes Atacama the driest place on earth.

Among the mid-latitudes deserts, many are found on plateau and are at a considerable distance from the sea. Examples of mid-latitude deserts include the Gobi Desert and the Turkestan Desert.

Option b is correct. As mentioned in the passage, deserts have an extremely high diurnal temperature range because of the intense heat during the day and freezing cold nights.

Option a is correct. As mentioned in the passage, the Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world and can reach temperatures of up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.

Option c is correct. As mentioned in the passage, the desert tortoise spends much of its time underground.

Option b is correct. As mentioned in the passage, the predominant vegetation in deserts is xerophyte or drought-resistant which usually consists of scrub, herbs, weeds, roots, and bulbs.

Option c is correct. As mentioned in the passage, plants in deserts develop an extended root system close to the surface to collect a lot of water during scant rainfall, or they develop a deep root system and reach groundwater.

The vegetation in deserts is mostly xerophyte or drought-resistant. They have developed various adaptations to survive in the arid conditions of the desert. One such adaptation is having few or no leaves, which helps to reduce the loss of water through transpiration. Hence option B is correct.

The Kalahari and Atacama deserts are known for their mineral reserves. They are rich in diamonds and copper. Hence option C is correct.

Desert vegetation has developed various strategies to conserve water in the arid conditions of the desert. One such strategy is to remain small, which helps to save surface area through which water evaporates. Hence option C is correct.

Camels are known for their ability to survive in the harsh conditions of the desert. They can go for days without food and water. They have adapted ways to help them keep cool and use less water, making them one of the most suited animals for desert conditions. Hence option B is correct.

Desert nomads are people who live in the desert and move from place to place in search of water and pasture for their animals. They have a nomadic lifestyle, and their survival is dependent on their ability to adapt to the harsh desert conditions. Hence option C is correct