Question

Give reasons for the following.

Thorn and Scrub forests are mainly found in the North West part of India.

Answer 1

Thorn and scrub forests are mainly found in India’s northwest, where the climate is arid and semi-arid, with little precipitation. Specifically, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and portions of Haryana have less than 50 cm of yearly rainfall, which is insufficient to maintain dense vegetation or huge trees. Furthermore, the region experiences high summer temperatures, which cause quick evaporation, leaving the land dry and parched. To survive these severe water-stress conditions, native plant species have evolved specialised xerophytic adaptations such as deep roots to tap groundwater, small or waxy leaves to reduce transpiration, and sharp thorns instead of broad leaves, making this harsh environment ideal only for drought-resistant scrub and thorny bushes.