In world climate geography, on which of the following continents is the Tundra type of climate not naturally found?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Africa

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This general knowledge question relates to world climate zones, specifically the Tundra climate. Tundra regions are known for very cold temperatures, a short growing season and limited vegetation such as mosses and lichens. Competitive exams often test whether you know where such climates occur and where they are absent on the world map.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The climate type in question is Tundra climate.
  • The options list Europe, Asia, Africa and North America.
  • We assume natural climatic regions, not artificial environments like research stations.


Concept / Approach:
Tundra climates occur mainly in high latitude regions just south of the Arctic ice caps, where temperatures are low for most of the year and the ground may remain frozen (permafrost). Such conditions are found in parts of North America, northern Europe and northern Asia. Africa, being largely situated in tropical and subtropical latitudes, does not naturally have Tundra climate zones. By recalling the basic latitude positions of these continents, we can identify which one does not host Tundra climate.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Consider Europe. Northern parts of Europe, including regions of Scandinavia and areas near the Arctic Circle, experience Tundra conditions with very short summers and long, cold winters. So Europe does have Tundra climate. Consider Asia. The northern parts of Russia and Siberia extend well into high latitudes with Tundra vegetation and climate just south of the polar regions. Thus, Asia also has Tundra climate. Consider North America. Northern Canada, parts of Alaska and areas near the Arctic Ocean show classic Tundra characteristics. So North America also contains Tundra climate zones. Consider Africa. Most of Africa lies in tropical and subtropical zones, with climates such as equatorial, savanna, desert and Mediterranean. There are no natural Tundra climate regions on this continent. Therefore, Africa is the only continent in the list where Tundra type climate is not found.


Verification / Alternative check:
A quick look at a climate zone map confirms that Tundra is mainly found around the Arctic Circle in the northern hemisphere, covering parts of Canada, Greenland, northern Russia, Scandinavia and nearby islands. Africa, though it has high mountains and deserts, does not extend into such extreme northern latitudes where Tundra typically appears. This geographic pattern verifies that Europe, Asia and North America have Tundra regions, while Africa does not.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, Europe, is wrong because northern Europe clearly includes Tundra areas. Option B, Asia, is wrong because Siberia and other northern Asian regions are classic examples of Tundra landscapes. Option D, North America, is wrong because northern Canada and Alaska are well known for Tundra climate. Only Africa lacks such regions, making the other options incorrect answers to the question posed.


Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may think that because Africa has mountains with snow, it must also have Tundra climate. However, Tundra climate is defined not just by cold on mountaintops but by broad, high latitude zones with specific vegetation and permafrost conditions. Another mistake is to choose Europe or Asia due to confusion about the exact reach of the Arctic Circle. Remember that Tundra is closely tied to high latitudes near the north pole, and Africa does not extend into those regions.


Final Answer:
Tundra type of climate is not naturally found in Africa, so option C is correct.

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