Grasslands are vast expanses of land dominated by grasses rather than large shrubs or trees. They are incredibly diverse ecosystems, home to a wide array of plant and animal species. From the sweeping plains of Africa to the prairies of North America, grasslands cover a significant portion of the Earth’s surface and play a vital role in the planet’s ecology. For aspirants preparing for the OSSSC RI, ARI, Amin, SFS, ICDS Supervisor exams, understanding the geography and characteristics of major grasslands is crucial. To aid in your preparation, we present a comprehensive guide to the top 30 grasslands in the world, accompanied by multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to test your knowledge.
Top 30 Grasslands in World MCQS For OSSSC RI,ARI, Amin, SFS, ICDS Supervisor
- What is the defining characteristic of a grassland in its narrow sense?
A) Presence of numerous trees
B) Dominated by grasses with little or no tree cover
C) Covered by shrubs and herbs
D) Covered by dense forest
Answer: B) Dominated by grasses with little or no tree cover - According to UNESCO, what percentage of tree and shrub cover classifies land as grassland?
A) Less than 10%
B) 10-40%
C) More than 40%
D) Less than 20%
Answer: A) Less than 10% - Which of the following describes a wooded grassland?
A) Less than 10% tree and shrub cover
B) 10-40% tree and shrub cover
C) More than 40% tree and shrub cover
D) 5-15% tree and shrub cover
Answer: B) 10-40% tree and shrub cover - Grasslands are typically found in areas with:
A) High rainfall like forests
B) Very low rainfall like deserts
C) Intermediate rainfall between deserts and forests
D) Extremely high temperatures
Answer: C) Intermediate rainfall between deserts and forests - What is a plagioclimax?
A) A climax ecosystem unaffected by human activities
B) An ecosystem maintained by human activities like grazing or fire
C) A natural climax ecosystem
D) An ecosystem with excessive tree growth
Answer: B) An ecosystem maintained by human activities like grazing or fire - Why do grasslands typically have short plants?
A) Because of excessive rainfall
B) Due to dry climate and poor soil
C) Due to high altitude
D) Because of abundant tree cover
Answer: B) Due to dry climate and poor soil - Which of the following is a characteristic of grasses in grasslands?
A) Slow to regrow after grazing
B) Quickly regrow after grazing or fire
C) Cannot grow back after being burned
D) Only grow in winter
Answer: B) Quickly regrow after grazing or fire - Which of the following statements is true about large grasslands?
A) They are generally cold throughout the year
B) They are mostly hot and dry, especially in summer
C) They have a lot of tree cover
D) They are mostly found in polar regions
Answer: B) They are mostly hot and dry, especially in summer - Tropical Grasslands are also known as:
A) Prairies
B) Pampas
C) Savannahs
D) Veld
Answer: C) Savannahs - Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of tropical grasslands?
A) Located near the equator
B) Have a tropical continental climate
C) Are covered by dense forests
D) Have alternating wet and dry seasons
Answer: C) Are covered by dense forests - Which grassland is found in East Africa?
A) Pampas
B) Prairie
C) Savanna
D) Steppe
Answer: C) Savanna - Where are temperate grasslands typically located?
A) Near the equator
B) In polar regions
C) In temperate zones
D) In tropical zones
Answer: C) In temperate zones - What is a unique feature of temperate grasslands compared to tropical grasslands?
A) They have a tropical climate
B) They suffer from extreme climates
C) They have dense tree cover
D) They receive high annual rainfall
Answer: B) They suffer from extreme climates - Which grassland is known for having fertile soil rich in nutrients and minerals?
A) Tropical Rainforest
B) Temperate Grasslands
C) Desert
D) Tundra
Answer: B) Temperate Grasslands - What is the main form of precipitation in temperate grasslands?
A) Heavy rainfall
B) Dew and snow
C) Continuous rainfall throughout the year
D) None of the above
Answer: B) Dew and snow - Which grassland is found in Argentina?
A) Veld
B) Pampas
C) Steppe
D) Prairie
Answer: B) Pampas - In which continent is the ‘Prairie’ grassland found?
A) South America
B) Africa
C) North America
D) Australia
Answer: C) North America - Which grassland is found in South Africa?
A) Campos
B) Llanos
C) Veld
D) Down
Answer: C) Veld - Which of the following is a grassland in Australia?
A) Steppe
B) Prairie
C) Down
D) Llanos
Answer: C) Down - Which grassland is known as ‘Campos’?
A) Found in Venezuela
B) Found in Brazil
C) Found in East Africa
D) Found in North America
Answer: B) Found in Brazil - Where is the Steppe region primarily located?
A) Europe and North Asia
B) South America
C) Africa
D) Australia
Answer: A) Europe and North Asia - Which country is predominantly associated with the Puszta grassland?
A) Hungary
B) Argentina
C) USA
D) South Africa
Answer: A) Hungary - The Prairies are a significant grassland region in which country?
A) USA
B) Argentina
C) South Africa
D) Australia
Answer: A) USA - The Pampas grassland is prominent in which South American country?
A) Argentina
B) Brazil
C) Chile
D) Peru
Answer: A) Argentina - What nation is famous for its Veld grasslands?
A) South Africa
B) Australia
C) New Zealand
D) Canada
Answer: A) South Africa - Downs is a term used for grasslands primarily found in which country?
A) Australia
B) South Africa
C) USA
D) New Zealand
Answer: A) Australia - Canterbury is associated with grasslands in which country?
A) New Zealand
B) USA
C) Argentina
D) Canada
Answer: A) New Zealand - Savannah is a grassland biome primarily found in which continents?
A) Africa and Australia
B) South America and Europe
C) Asia and North America
D) Africa and South America
Answer: A) Africa and Australia - Taiga, while not a grassland, is a biome found adjacent to grasslands and primarily extends through which continents?
A) Europe and Asia
B) North America and Africa
C) South America and Australia
D) Antarctica and Asia
Answer: A) Europe and Asia - Which of the following grasslands is not correctly matched with its region?
A) Pampas – Argentina
B) Veld – South Africa
C) Puszta – Australia
D) Steppe – Europe and North Asia
Answer: C) Puszta – Australia