Which of the following animals is used for transport in Tibet?
Yak
Understanding Transport Animals in Tibet
Tibet is known for its high altitude and challenging mountainous terrain. Transport in such regions requires animals that are well-adapted to the climate, altitude, and landscape. Different parts of the world use various animals for transport depending on the environment.
Analyzing the Options for Tibetan Transport
- Camel: Camels are typically used for transport in desert areas, known for their ability to survive long periods without water. Tibet is a high-altitude plateau, not a desert, making the camel unsuitable for its environment.
- Llama: Llamas are domesticated animals native to the Andes Mountains in South America. While they are used as pack animals in their native region, they are not the primary traditional transport animal in Tibet.
- Bullock: Bullocks (castrated male cattle) are commonly used as draft animals for pulling carts or ploughs, particularly in agricultural areas and flatter or lower-altitude regions. They are less suited for the steep, rocky, and high-altitude trails of much of Tibet.
- Yak: The Yak (Bos grunniens) is a long-haired domesticated or wild ox found throughout the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. Yaks are incredibly well-adapted to high altitudes, cold climates, and rough terrain. They have large lungs and heart to cope with thin air, dense fur for insulation, and are sure-footed on mountain paths.
Why Yak is the Primary Transport Animal in Tibet
The Yak's unique physiological adaptations make it the ideal animal for transport across the Tibetan Plateau. They are used to carry goods, serve as mounts, and are crucial for the livelihoods of people living in the region. Their strength and endurance at high altitudes are unmatched by the other options in the Tibetan environment.
Therefore, based on the suitability of animals for the Tibetan environment, the Yak is the animal predominantly used for transport.
Revision Table: Animals and Their Common Transport Regions
| Animal | Common Transport Region/Environment | Suitability for Tibet |
|---|---|---|
| Camel | Deserts (e.g., Sahara, Gobi) | Low - Unsuited for high altitude, cold |
| Llama | Andes Mountains (South America) | Low - Not native or traditionally used as primary transport |
| Bullock | Plains, Agricultural Areas (lower altitudes) | Low - Less suited for steep, high-altitude terrain |
| Yak | Himalayas, Tibetan Plateau | High - Perfectly adapted to high altitude, cold, rough terrain |
Additional Information on Yak Transport
Yaks are not just used for carrying loads; they are also important for milk, meat, wool, and hide, making them integral to Tibetan culture and economy. Their ability to navigate difficult mountain passes makes them essential for connecting remote villages and transporting goods where vehicles cannot go. Modern transport methods like roads and vehicles are becoming more common, but yaks remain vital for transport in many parts of rural and high-altitude Tibet.
Their domestication goes back thousands of years, highlighting their long-standing relationship with the people of the Tibetan Plateau as reliable transport animals.
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1. Moringa (drumstick tree) is a leguminous evergreen tree.
2. Tamarind tree is endemic in South Asia.
3. In India, most of the tamarind is collected as minor forest produce.
4. India exports tamarind and seeds of moringa.
5. Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used in the production of biofuels,
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Which of the following pair of forest-tree is correct?
I. Mountain - Palm
II. Mangrove - Birch
From which among the following pairs of species, a small quantity of fine quality wool is obtained in India?
Nilgiri Tahr is _________.
Destruction of trees and forests is called deforestation. Deforestation is the cause of ________.
