What are dry grasslands called in Mongolia?

• A. Prairies
• B. Borreal
• C. Plateau
• D. Steppes

Answer: (D)

In Mongolia, dry grasslands are referred to as steppes. This term is used to describe large areas of flat grassland characterized by a semi-arid climate, where the vegetation mainly consists of grasses, herbs, and few shrubs. The steppes of Mongolia have significant ecological importance and are known for supporting a wide variety of wildlife, as well as traditional pastoralist communities.

The term "steppes" specifically captures the unique climatic and geographical conditions of these grasslands, which are found not only in Mongolia but also in parts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Its usage emphasizes the expansive, treeless character of these areas, which are distinct from other types of grasslands or habitats, such as prairies which may have different climatic conditions or ecosystems.

In contrast, the terms "prairies" and "boreal" are not accurate in this context. Prairies usually refer to similar grasslands found in North America, while boreal relates to forested regions found in colder climates. "Plateau" refers to an elevated flat area of land, which is not specifically describing grassland types. Thus, steppes is the most fitting and contextually correct term for the dry grasslands in Mongolia.