Identify the type of drainage pattern on the basis of the given characteristics : 1. It represents the most common pattern of streams and their tributaries 2. It occurs in areas of uniform rock type and regular slope 3. A map, or aerial photograph, shows a pattern like the veins on a leaf— smaller streams join the main stream at an acute angle.

The characteristics described identify the dendritic drainage pattern. It is the most common drainage pattern globally [3]. This pattern develops in areas where the underlying rock structure is uniform or homogeneous, meaning the subsurface material has similar resistance to weathering and erosion [3]. Visually, it resembles the branching of a tree or the veins of a leaf, a similarity noted in aerial photographs and maps [2]. In this system, smaller tributary streams join the main river channel at acute angles (less than 90 degrees) [1]. This contrasts with trellis or rectangular patterns where tributaries join at right angles [3]. The term 'dendritic' is derived from the Greek word 'dendron', meaning tree, reflecting its characteristic appearance [2]. Examples include the rivers of the northern plains of India [1].

Sources

1. [3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/drainage-pattern
2. [1] INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Drainage System > Important Drainage Patterns > p. 17
3. [2] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 5: Landforms made by Running Water > The Development of a River System > p. 48