Asia : Climate, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife (Excursions)
Workout
A. Fill in the blanks.
1. The coniferous belt beyond the tundra is called tundra region.
2. The Taiga Climate region stretches in a broad belt through northern Russia and northern Siberia.
3. The three most endangered animals of Asia are panda, tiger and orangutan.
4. Tropical deserts found in Asia are the Arabian Desert in Saudi Arabia and the Thar Desert in India.
B. Complete the table.
=
|
Climatic Region |
Climate |
Natural Vegetation |
Wildlife |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The tundra |
Long severe winters, Short and cold summers, Scanty rainfall. |
Mosses and lichens, |
Reindeer, Whales, seals, and walruses. The Arctic fox, polar bear,
musk, ox and sable are commonly found. |
|
Tropical desert climate |
Cool winter, hot summer with little rainfall. |
Citrus fruits |
Scorpions, gazelles, mules, camel and horses. |
|
China-type |
Hot summer, mild winter, moderate rainfall. |
Oak, camphor, camellia and magnolia. |
Rodents, lizards and small insects. |
|
Manchurian-type |
Very cold winters, short and warm summer. |
Spruce, fir and pine. |
Bears, foxes and squirrels. |
C. Fill in the blanks with the correct answers.
1. Permanently frozen subsoil is also known as .................
a. permafrost. [✓]
b. permanent frost. [ ]
c. Both a. and b. [ ]
d. None of the above. [ ]
2. Antelopes, mules, horses and wolves are found in the ..................
a. downs. [ ]
b. steppes. [✓]
c. pampas. [ ]
d. savanna. [ ]
3. Asia stretches from the ................... and ............
a. Antarctic Circle, Northern Hemisphere. [ ]
b. Antarctic Circle, Southern Hemisphere. [ ]
c. Arctic Circle to, Southern Hemisphere. [✓]
d. Arctic Circle, Northern Hemisphere. [ ]
4. The natural vegetation in the Mediterranean-type of climate of Asia.
a. mahogany and rosewood. [ ]
b. mosses and lichens. [ ]
c. evergreen laurel and acacia. [✓]
d. date palms and cacti. [ ]
D. Answer these questions in detail.
1. List the factors that determine the climate of Asia.
= ❐ The northern regions of Asia are exposed to cold Arctic air. Temperature is extreme in these places as they do not experience the warming effect of the maritime climate of the south. The Himalayas form a natural barrier between the north and south, preventing the cold air from reaching South Asia and moisture-rich air from reaching the freezing north.
❐ The air coming from the Atlantic Ocean loses most of its moisture above Europe and Africa. The air that reaches Asia is continental, with less moisture. Air absorbs moisture over the Pacific Ocean. However, the isolating effect created by the mountain ranges limits the impact of this air on the eastern regions of Asia.
❐ The monsoon winds are the most spectacular feature of the climate of Asia. These seasonal winds affect a large part of Asia, especially the Indian subcontinent. They are caused by the asymmetrical heating of land and sea. They blow onshore during the summer and offshore during the winter. The cold and warm ocean currents also influence the climate of India.
2. Write a short note on:
a. Mediterranean type of climate.
= The Mediterranean type of climate is found in the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea - Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel and west Asia. Summers are hot and dry, and winters are mild and wet. They receive mild rainfall in winter.
b. Equatorial type of climate.
= The equatorial type of climate is found in the regions located close to the equator. Malaysia, Indonesia and southern Philippines experience this climate as they are located between 10°N and 10°S of the equator. The temperature remains high throughout the year with heavy rainfall. The summer temperatures are as high as 30°C whereas the winter temperature may go down to 27°C. The annual range of temperature is very low, and there are no distinct seasons.
3. Explain the difference between the topical desert and the temperate desert climates.
= Difference in terms of location : Tropical deserts are found in Asia are the Arabian desert in Saudi Arabia and the Thar Desert in India. Temperate desert climate is prevalent in the Gobi Desert and in the Tibetan Plateau.
Difference in terms of climate : In tropical desert climate, winters are cool and summers are hot with very little rainfall. The difference between day and night temperatures is much greater than the difference between summer and winter temperatures.
In temperate desert climate, summers are very hot with very little rainfall. Winters are very cold and the temperature remains below freezing point for several months.
Difference in terms of natural vegetation : In tropical desert climate, the hot and dry conditions allow very little vegetation to grow. Plants that mostly grow in the region are cactus, thorny bushes and shrubs. These plants have roots that spread far and wide to absorb the sub-surface water. These plants are modified to obtain and conserve water in different ways.
In temperate desert climate, the land is mostly barren and wind swept. Thus, the vegetation is very scanty and consists of scattered tufts of coarse grass and shrubs.
Difference in terms of wildlife : In tropical desert climate, mainly burrow animals like scorpions, gazelles, mules and horses are found in this region. The camel is the most important animal and is known as the ship of the desert. It has the ability to go without water for many days.
In temperate desert climate, wildlife mostly includes rodents, lizards and small insects.
4. How have the plants in tropical desert adapted to the extreme climatic conditions?
= In tropical desert climate, the hot and dry conditions allow very little vegetation to grow. Plants that mostly grow in the region are cactus, thorny bushes and shrubs. These plants have roots that spread far and wide to absorb the sub-surface water. These plants are modified to obtain and conserve water in different ways.