What are the main characteristics of the Thorn Forests and Scrubs?
Answer:
- In regions which receive less than 70 cm of rainfall, the natural vegetation consists of thorny trees.
- This type of vegetation is found in the north-western part of the country including semi-arid areas of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, UP and Haryana.
- Acacia, palms, euphorbias and cacti are the main plant species.
- Trees are scattered and have long roots penetrating deep into the soil in order to get moisture.
- Leaves are mostly thick and small to minimise evaporation.
- These forests give way to thorn forests and scrubs in arid areas.
- In these forests, the common animals are rats, mice, rabbits, fox, the wolf, tiger, lion, wild ass, horses and camels.