Steppe - GS questions based on daily current affairs

1)   Consider the following statements

1. Steppes are usually characterized by a semi-arid and continental climate.
2. Steppe areas can be found in the interior of the South Island of New Zealand.

Which of the above statements is / are correct?


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both
d. None
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Both

Explanation:
In physical geography, a steppe is an ecoregion, in the montane grasslands and shrublands and temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands biomes, characterized by grassland plains without trees apart from those near rivers and lakes. It may be semi-desert, or covered with grass or shrubs or both, depending on the season and latitude. The term is also used to denote the climate encountered in regions too dry to support a forest, but not dry enough to be a desert. The soil is typically of chernozem type.