UPSC Prelims 2005 Q8: Geography – World Physical Geography
Which one of the following is the correct sequence of the given Continents in the decreasing
order of their percentage of Earth’s land?
- (a) North America - Africa - South America - Europe
- (b) Africa - North America - South America - Europe
- (c) North America - Africa - Europe - South America
- (d) Africa - North America - Europe - South America
Answer: (b) Africa - North America - South America - Europe
Explanation
Continents by share of Earth's land
| Continent | Share of land |
|---|---|
| Africa | About 20.3% |
| North America | About 16.5% |
| South America | About 12% |
| Europe | About 6.8% |
The decreasing order is Africa - North America - South America - Europe. (Asia, at about 29.5%, is the largest overall.)
Answer: (b) Africa - North America - South America - Europe.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. It starts with North America although Africa is larger.
- (b) CORRECT. Africa, then North America, South America, Europe.
- (c) Incorrect. It starts with North America and puts Europe above South America.
- (d) Incorrect. It places Europe above South America.
Key point
Area order: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Australia.
Remember
Africa is the second-largest continent after Asia.
Common mistakes
- Putting North America above Africa.
- Placing Europe above South America.
- Forgetting Antarctica sits between South America and Europe in the full list.
Exam tip
Mnemonic for area order: As-Af-NA-SA-An-Eu-Au (Asia first).
Sources
- NCERT Class XI Geography — Fundamentals of Physical Geography — Distribution of Oceans and Continents
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — continent