Final answer:
The statement is false; subtropical deserts are located between 15° to 30° latitudes, not just near the equator, and can also be found on the lee side of mountain ranges.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that deserts are only found near the equator is False. Subtropical deserts exist between 15° and 30° north and south latitude, which means they are centered on the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, not directly on the equator. These areas are characterized by low annual precipitation and extreme temperatures. Deserts can be found on the lee side of mountain ranges as well, which can be well outside the equatorial region. For example, the North American deserts, such as the Mohave and Sonoran deserts, are located in this way, with their formation influenced by the creation of a rain shadow after prevailing winds drop their water content on the mountains.