Q. With reference to the structural differences between Tropical and Temperate Grasslands, consider the following statements:
1.Tropical grasslands are dominated by exceptionally tall grasses that can grow up to 3–4 meters in height, whereas temperate grasslands primarily feature short, low-lying plants.
2.Precipitation in temperate grasslands occurs in the form of uniform tropical monsoons, while tropical grasslands rely primarily on dew and snow.
3.Large wild herbivores such as elephants, giraffes, and zebras are native to tropical savannas, whereas wild buffaloes, bisons, and antelopes dominate temperate grasslands.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: C
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct: Due to the combination of year-round warmth and heavy seasonal rain (50–130 cm), tropical savanna grasses like elephant grass grow massive stalks reaching 3 to 4 meters. Temperate grasslands have less moisture and freezing winters, producing short, nutrient-dense, lawn-like carpets.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: Tropical grasslands experience distinct wet and dry seasons with warm monsoonal or convective rains. It is the temperate grasslands that face sub-zero winters where precipitation routinely takes the form of morning dew and heavy snow.
- Statement 3 is correct: The megafauna differs dramatically: the African/Tropical savanna supports browsing giants like elephants and giraffes alongside cursorial plains herds (zebras, cheetahs), while temperate steppes and prairies historically supported massive migratory herds of wild bison, pronghorn antelopes, and wild horses.
