Q1. Which of the following is an azonal soil group?
Explanation
Azonal soils are poorly developed soils whose profile is not strongly controlled by climate zones; they are often young, shallow, or formed on steep and rocky surfaces. Lithosol soil fits this group because it is thin, stony, and weakly developed over hard rock. Laterite soil is a zonal tropical soil shaped by intense leaching. Podzol soil is associated with cool, humid coniferous regions and has a distinct profile. Tundra soil is also climate-linked, forming under cold tundra conditions. Hence lithosol is the azonal group here.
