Which vegetation symbol corresponds to arid regions with low-growing or stunted perennial vegetation such as cactus or sagebrush?

• A. Woodlands
• B. Scrub, shrubland
• C. Orchard
• D. Vineyard

Answer: (B)

In dry climates, the plant communities that survive are typically drought-tolerant shrubs that stay low to the ground and spread out, producing a sparse, shrubby cover. This low-growing, perennial vegetation is captured by the symbol for scrub, shrubland, which is why it best matches arid regions with plants like cactus or sagebrush. Woodlands imply a canopy of trees and taller vegetation, not the sparse shrub cover seen in deserts. Orchards and vineyards are cultivated systems with rows of cultivated trees or vines, not natural arid vegetation. So the symbol that fits arid regions with low-growing or stunted perennial vegetation is scrub, shrubland.