Lessons 26–27 · 2 lessons · P. Gulomov, H. Vahobov, P. Baratov, M. Mamatqulov. Geography (Physical Geography of Central Asia; Physical Geography of Uzbekistan), Grade 7. Revised and expanded 5th edition. “O‘qituvchi” Publishing House, Tashkent, 2017
26
Plants of Central Asia
Textbook: p. 60
GoalKnow the general features of Central Asia’s vegetation and how it depends on relief and climate.
Central Asia has about 9000 plant species; over 8000 of them grow in the mountains, while the plains have few (about 1000). Vegetation depends directly on climate, soil and relief, so plants are the component that best distinguishes the region’s natural complexes. On the northern plains lie steppe (north of about 52° N) and semi-desert (about 48°–52° N), and deserts to the south. In the steppe zone grasses (betaga, yaltirbosh, qo‘ng‘irbosh and others) grow on black and dark chestnut soils, and wormwood on drier stony land. In the semi-desert steppe and desert plants grow mixed: wormwood, izen (kochia), burgan (salt-wort) and others. In all the mountains three altitudinal belts, foothill (adir), mountain and highland pasture (yaylov), repeat, and vegetation changes from belt to belt.
Worked examples
The steppe zone has been almost entirely ploughed and turned into wheat fields, so natural steppe plants remain only in reserves.
Going from a mountain foot up to the summit vegetation changes in order: ephemerals, pistachio-almond shrubland, walnut-juniper forests, alpine meadows.
Class activity
“Plant staircase”: draw a mountain silhouette on a big sheet and colour the plant belts (foothill, mountain, highland) by height, writing two plant names in each.
Practice
1
How many plant species are there in Central Asia and where do most grow?
About 9000 species; most in the mountains.
2
How do steppe and semi-desert plants differ?
Steppe is dominated by grasses; semi-desert mixes steppe and desert plants with much wormwood and burgan.
3
If 8000 of 9000 species grow in the mountains, how many remain for plains and other places?
1000
4
Why are plants the main sign for separating natural complexes?
Because vegetation depends directly on climate, soil and water conditions and is clearly visible.