Deserts of the United States Quiz

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    Where does the North American Desert stretch from? 

    • Southern Oregon to northern Mexico
    • Northern Canada to southern Texas
    • Eastern Florida to western California
    • Northern Alaska to southern Arizona
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About This Quiz

Fancy a trek through the terrains of the United States? Here's your chance with the "Deserts of the U.S. Quiz"! Jump into the Quiz and test your knowledge about these breathtaking landscapes.

Created to be an engaging and informative experience, the Quiz delves into the iconic deserts scattered across the U.S., such as the Mojave, Sonoran, and Great Basin deserts. You can anticipate questions ranging from geographical features, unique flora, and fauna to exciting facts about these desert ecosystems.

This Quiz is perfect for those intrigued by deserts' distinctive beauty and challenges. It serves as an interactive platform to test and enhance knowledge about these remarkable landscapes of the United States.

Deserts Of The United States Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    How many major deserts are there in the United States?

    • 2

    • 3

    • 4

    • 5

    Correct Answer
    A. 4
    Explanation
    There are four major deserts in the United States: the Great Basin, Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan. These diverse ecosystems, each with its unique characteristics and species, collectively form the North American Desert, a testament to the varied landscapes found within the United States.

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  • 3. 

    What is the largest desert located entirely within the United States?

    • Great Basin

    • Mojave

    • Sonoran

    • Chihuahuan

    Correct Answer
    A. Great Basin
    Explanation
    The Great Basin Desert, covering around 190,000 square miles, holds the title for the largest desert located entirely within the United States. Its vast expanse, mostly within Nevada and crossing into parts of Idaho, California, Utah, and Oregon, offers a unique blend of fauna and flora adapted to its arid conditions.

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  • 4. 

    Which is the smallest of the four major American Deserts?

    • Great Basin

    • Mojave

    • Sonoran

    • Chihuahuan

    Correct Answer
    A. Mojave
    Explanation
    The Mojave Desert, though the smallest of the four major American Deserts, is an immense and impressive sight to behold. Its location, spanning parts of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona, offers a diverse landscape that challenges the common perception of deserts as barren wastelands.

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  • 5. 

    Which desert is also called the Desierto de Altar?

    • Great Basin

    • Mojave

    • Sonoran

    • Chihuahuan

    Correct Answer
    A. Sonoran
    Explanation
    The Sonoran Desert, which covers 120,000 square miles across Southeastern California, Southwestern Arizona, and portions of the Mexican states of Baja California Sur, and Sonora, is also called the Desierto de Altar. Its vast expanse and diverse ecosystems make it a hotspot for biodiversity.

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  • 6. 

    Which desert is classified as a cold mid-latitude desert?  

    • Mojave Desert

    • Great Basin Desert

    •  Chihuahuan Desert

    • Sonoran Desert 

    Correct Answer
    A. Great Basin Desert
    Explanation
    The Great Basin Desert is categorized as a cold mid-latitude desert primarily due to its geographical location and climatic characteristics. One key factor is its rain shadow effect, caused by the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges to the west, which block moisture-laden air from the Pacific Ocean. As a result, precipitation is limited, and much of the region receives less than 10 inches (25 cm) of rainfall annually.

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  • 7. 

    What is the main characteristic of the North American Desert’s climate? 

    • Mild rainfall

    • Mild temperatures

    • Overall aridity

    • None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Overall aridity
    Explanation
    The climate of the North American Desert is characterized by overall aridity, which means that there is a persistent lack of moisture in the air and on the ground. This arid condition is primarily due to the fact that the region experiences an excess of potential evaporation over precipitation. As a result, the North American Desert receives minimal rainfall, and the little precipitation it does receive often evaporates quickly due to the high temperatures and dry air.

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  • 8. 

    Which desert is the largest in North America?

    • Great Basin

    • Mojave

    • Sonoran

    • Chihuahuan

    Correct Answer
    A. Chihuahuan
    Explanation
    The Chihuahuan Desert, spanning through Eastern Arizona, Southern New Mexico, portions of Southwest Texas, and then far South into Mexico’s Central Highlands, is the largest desert in North America. Its size and geographical spread contribute to its diverse ecosystem, making it a fascinating subject of study for ecologists and nature enthusiasts alike.

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  • 9. 

    Which desert is sometimes considered an extension of the Great Basin Desert? 

    • The Red Desert of southern Wyoming

    • The Mojave Desert of California

    • The Sonoran Desert 

    • Chihuahuan Desert 

    Correct Answer
    A. The Red Desert of southern Wyoming
    Explanation
    The Red Desert of southern Wyoming is often regarded as an extension of the Great Basin Desert due to similarities in their geological and climatic characteristics. While the Great Basin Desert primarily spans parts of Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Idaho, and California, the Red Desert is located in the southwestern portion of Wyoming.

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  • 10. 

    Who established the legend of a “Great American Desert”?

    • Christopher Columbus

    • Lewis and Clark

    • Stephen H. Long

    • Benjamin Franklin

    Correct Answer
    A. Stephen H. Long
    Explanation
    The legend of the "Great American Desert" originated in the early 1820s, largely due to the detailed accounts provided by an expedition led by the American pioneer explorer and engineer, Stephen H. Long. During this expedition, which took place between 1819 and 1820, Long and his team explored the central region of what is now the United States.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Feb 13, 2024 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Feb 13, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jan 15, 2024
    Quiz Created by
    Kasturi Chaudhuri
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