NCERT Class 8 Geography — Chapter 1: Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

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Tundra vegetation of cold Polar Regions comprises of:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AConiferous trees
BMosses and Lichens
CThorny bushes
DTall grasses

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (b).

Explanation

The Tundra biome is located in the high latitudes of the Polar Regions (Arctic and Antarctic) and at high altitudes (Alpine Tundra). This region is characterized by extremely cold temperatures, long winters, short cool summers, and the presence of permafrost (permanently frozen subsoil). These harsh climatic conditions severely restrict plant growth.

Option Analysis

Option (a) is incorrect: Coniferous trees (such as pine, fir, and spruce) are the dominant vegetation of the Taiga or Boreal forest biome, which is located just south of the Tundra. The Tundra itself is a treeless zone because the permafrost prevents deep root penetration.
Option (b) is correct: Vegetation in the Tundra is extremely sparse and low-lying. It primarily comprises mosses, lichens, and very small shrubs. These plants are adapted to survive the extreme cold and complete their life cycle during the very short summer season.
Option (c) is incorrect: Thorny bushes and scrubs are characteristic of Hot Desert regions, where plants have adaptations like thorns and thick stems to conserve water in arid conditions.
Option (d) is incorrect: Tall grasses are the defining feature of Tropical Grasslands (Savannas), found in regions with distinct wet and dry seasons, such as parts of Africa and South America.

Key Takeaway: The Tundra is a treeless biome found in polar regions, characterized by permafrost and vegetation limited to simple, low-growing forms like mosses and lichens.

Your note

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Consider the following methods for the conservation of land resources: 1. Deforestation 2. Land reclamation 3. Regulated use of chemical pesticides 4. Checks on overgrazing Which of the methods given above are to check land degradation?

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The correct option is (b).

Explanation

Option Analysis

Option (a) is incorrect: Coniferous trees (such as pine, fir, and spruce) are the dominant vegetation of the Taiga or Boreal forest biome, which is located just south of the Tundra. The Tundra itself is a treeless zone because the permafrost prevents deep root penetration.
Option (b) is correct: Vegetation in the Tundra is extremely sparse and low-lying. It primarily comprises mosses, lichens, and very small shrubs. These plants are adapted to survive the extreme cold and complete their life cycle during the very short summer season.
Option (c) is incorrect: Thorny bushes and scrubs are characteristic of Hot Desert regions, where plants have adaptations like thorns and thick stems to conserve water in arid conditions.
Option (d) is incorrect: Tall grasses are the defining feature of Tropical Grasslands (Savannas), found in regions with distinct wet and dry seasons, such as parts of Africa and South America.

Key Takeaway: The Tundra is a treeless biome found in polar regions, characterized by permafrost and vegetation limited to simple, low-growing forms like mosses and lichens.