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Chapter 11: Problem 11

What are drylands? Where are they found? How important are they for human habitation and agriculture?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Drylands are regions with scarcity of water due to high rates of evaporation which outpace precipitation, found mainly in Africa, Asia, and parts of America. They are pivotal for human habitation and agriculture due to their unique biodiversity, mineral resources, suitability for livestock rearing, and potential for cultivating certain crops. This, despite their challenging climate and soil conditions.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Drylands

Drylands are basically territories characterized by a scarcity of water. They are regions where evaporation rates are notably higher than precipitation rates, causing a lack of available water. These can be categorized into four sub-types including desert, semidesert, dry savannah, and wet savannah.
02

Location of Drylands

Drylands are globally distributed and can be found on every continent. However, the largest continuous regions are found in Africa and Asia. Particularly, the Saharan desert in North Africa, the Kalahari in Southern Africa, the Gobi in Mongolia, and the Australian Outback stand as notable examples. In America, they can be found in parts of the Midwest, South, and the Southwest, including areas of Montana, Wyoming, Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico.
03

Importance for Human Habitation and Agriculture

Despite their harsh climate and soil conditions, drylands are home to a significant portion of the world's population. They offer unique biodiversity, valuable mineral resources, and are key areas for livestock grazing. In terms of agriculture, certain crops like corn, wheat, and barley can be grown in these regions with adequate strategies. They are also important for the cultivation of drought-resistant crops and contribute to the global food supply.

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