Keywords To Remember
Desert Region Terms
- Desert – A barren area of land with very little rainfall, extreme temperatures, and scarce vegetation.
- Hot Desert – A desert with extremely high temperatures and very low rainfall (e.g., Sahara).
- Cold Desert – A desert located at high altitudes with very low temperatures and low rainfall (e.g., Ladakh).
- Oasis – A fertile area in a desert with a natural water source where vegetation grows.
- Sand Dunes – Hills of sand formed by wind in desert regions.
- Scanty Vegetation – Very few or sparse plants growing in an area due to harsh climate or poor soil.
- Date Palm – A desert tree that produces edible dates and has many uses.
- Camel – An animal adapted to desert life, known as the ‘ship of the desert’.
- Bedouins – Nomadic tribes living in desert regions, especially in the Sahara.
- Rain Shadow – An area receiving little rainfall due to mountains blocking rain-carrying winds.
🔸 Mountain and Cold Region Terms
- Altitude – The height of a place above sea level.
- Pass – A natural route through mountains, allowing movement from one side to another (e.g., Zojila Pass).
- Pashmina Wool – Fine-quality wool obtained from mountain goats in Ladakh.
- Yak – A mountain animal used for milk, meat, and transportation in cold deserts.
- Rainfall – The amount of precipitation received in the form of rain.
- Agriculture – The practice of farming, including cultivation of crops and rearing of animals.
🔸 Grassland Region Terms
- Grasslands – Large open areas where grasses are the dominant vegetation.
- Temperate Grasslands – Grasslands found in temperate zones with moderate climates (e.g., Prairies, Velds).
- Prairies – Temperate grasslands in North America known for agriculture and farming.
- Velds – Grasslands in South Africa, also known for mineral wealth.
- Mixed Farming – A system of farming that involves growing crops and raising animals on the same farm.
- Extensive Farming – Large-scale farming using machines and modern techniques.
- Soil Erosion – The removal of the topsoil due to wind or water, often caused by deforestation or overgrazing.
- Bison – A large herbivore animal found in the prairies.
🔸 Tropical Region Terms
- Amazon Basin – The area around the Amazon River, rich in biodiversity and dense forests.
- Tropical Rainforest – A forest found in tropical regions with heavy rainfall and dense vegetation.
- Evergreen Forest – Forests where trees remain green all year round and do not shed all their leaves at once.
- Humidity – The amount of water vapor present in the air; usually high in rainforests.
- Equator – An imaginary line dividing the Earth into the northern and southern hemispheres, near which tropical forests are found.
- River Basin – The land area drained by a river and its tributaries.
Something To Know
A. Tick (✔) the correct option.
- Which one of the following is a feature of the Sahara Desert?
(a) The summers are short and warm.
(b) It is the world’s largest and the hottest desert.
(c) It is surrounded by lofty and high mountains.
(d) The climatic conditions are very moderate.
Answer – (b) It is the world’s largest and the hottest desert.
- Which river passes through the world’s largest rainforests, located in South America?
(a) Mississippi
(b) Amazon
(c) Nile
(d) Orange
Answer – (b) Amazon
- The Prairies are also known as the ‘Granaries of the World’ due to the practice of-
(a) extensive farming
(b) dairy farming
(c) intensive farming
(d) subsistence farming
Answer – (a) extensive farming
- In which continent is the Kalahari Desert located?
(a) South America
(b) North America
(c) Asia
(d) Africa
Answer – (d) Africa
- Rice, jute and tea are important crops of-
(a) Indus basin
(b) Nile basin
(c) Ganga-Brahmaputra basin
(d) Amazon basin
Answer – (c) Ganga-Brahmaputra basin
B. Fill in the blanks.
- _________ are the common features formed by winds in the hot deserts.
Answer – Sand dunes
- The opening of _________ has made Ladakah a big tourist centre.
Answer – airways
- The prairies produce huge surplus of _________ .
Answer – wheat
- _________ is the world’s longest river.
Answer – Nile
- _________ is known as the world’s largest delta.
Answer – Sunderban Delta
C. Write True or False for the following statements.
- Sahara receives heavy rainfall in the winter season.
Answer – False
- Rhinoceros is a common animal of the Amazon basin.
Answer – True
- The top layer of the Amazon forests is known as canopy.
Answer – True
- Deserts are the areas of low vegetational cover.
Answer – True
- The yak and the sheep are the common animals of the Ladakh desert.
Answer – True
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
- What are the various uses of date palm tree for the inhabitants of the Sahara desert?
Answer – The date palm tree provides food in the form of dates, wood for fuel and building materials, and leaves for making mats and baskets.
- Name the two types of deserts according to their locational zones.
Answer – The two types of deserts are hot deserts and cold deserts.
- Name the important rivers found in the Veld grasslands.
Answer – The important rivers in the Veld grasslands are the Orange and the Limpopo rivers.
- Why is the Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta known as Sunderban?
Answer – It is known as Sunderban because of the Sundari trees that grow abundantly in the region.
- Mention the three layers of foliage of the equatorial forests.
Answer – The three layers are: canopy, understory, and forest floor.
E. Answer the following questions
- Distinguish between the Sahara desert and the Ladakh desert with respect to location, climate and vegetation.
Answer –
Feature | Sahara Desert | Ladakh Desert |
Location | North Africa | Northern India |
Climate | Extremely hot and dry | Cold and dry |
Vegetation | Sparse – cactus, date palms | Sparse – grasses, shrubs, willows |
- Why are the rainforests of the Amazon basin disappearing?
Answer – The rainforests are disappearing due to deforestation caused by logging, agriculture, mining, and construction of roads and dams.
- Why is the density of population in the Sahara desert low?
Answer – The density is low due to harsh climatic conditions, lack of water, and limited vegetation, making life difficult.
- Differentiate between the Prairies and the Velds.
Answer –
Feature | Prairies (North America) | Velds (South Africa) |
Climate | Temperate with moderate rainfall | Mild climate with summer rainfall |
Crops | Wheat and maize | Maize, wheat, and fruits |
Animals | Bison, cattle | Elephants, lions, cattle |
- Why is the Ganga-Brahmaputra region thickly populated?
Answer – It has fertile soil, abundant water, suitable climate, and good transport facilities, making it ideal for agriculture and habitation.
Value Based Question
Indigenous people are those that have historically belonged to a particular region or country before its colonisation or transformation into a nation state and have different, often unique cultural, linguistic and traditional characteristics.
In your opinion, should the indigenous people be modernised to get rid of their backwardness?
Answer – Indigenous people should not be forced to abandon their traditions in the name of modernisation. They have rich cultures and knowledge systems that must be respected.
Suggest measures to protect their identity, rights and bring some elements of modernisation for the betterment of their life.
Answer – Provide education in their native languages.
Improve healthcare and basic amenities without displacing them.
Protect their land and cultural rights through laws.
Offer skill development and employment opportunities respecting their lifestyle.
Promote eco-friendly tourism that respects their traditions.
Map Skill
On the political outline map of the world, locate and label-
(a) All the continents of the world.
Answer – (a) Locate and label all the continents of the world on a world map:
Asia
Africa
North America
South America
Antarctica
Europe
Australia
(b) Countries:
Bangladesh
Brazil
United States of America
South Africa
Algeria
Answer – (a) Locate and label all the continents of the world on a world map:
- Asia
- Africa
- North America
- South America
- Antarctica
- Europe
- Australia
(Students will do this at their own.)
Something To Do
Collect information and prepare travelogue on the lifestyle of any one of the following-
(a) American Cowboys.
(b) Bedouins of Sahara desert in Algeria and Libya.
(c) Farmers of Sunderban delta.
(d) Tribes in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil, Peru and Ecuador.
Answer – Bedouins of the Sahara Desert in Algeria and Libya
The Bedouins are nomadic desert dwellers of the Sahara. They live in tents made of animal skin, travel on camels, and wear long robes to protect themselves from heat and sand. Their diet includes dates, milk, and meat. Bedouins are skilled in storytelling, music, and craft. Though some now settle in towns, many still follow traditional lifestyles, moving in search of grazing land and water.
Additional Questions and Answers – 01
Fill in the Blanks (20)
- The ________ desert is the world’s largest hot desert.
Answer: Sahara - The ________ is a cold desert located in India.
Answer: Ladakh - ________ is the main occupation of people in the Velds.
Answer: Cattle rearing - ________ is the major river flowing through the Amazon basin.
Answer: Amazon - The climate in the equatorial region is hot and ________.
Answer: Humid - The Amazon rainforest is also called the ________ of the Earth.
Answer: Lungs - Camels are known as the ________ of the desert.
Answer: Ship - ________ farming is widely practiced in the Prairies.
Answer: Extensive - The main crop grown in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta is ________.
Answer: Rice
- The Ladakh desert lies in the ________ Himalayas.
Answer: Trans - The ________ tree is common in the Sahara Desert.
Answer: Date Palm - ________ forests are found in the equatorial region.
Answer: Evergreen - The ________ River forms the world’s largest delta with the Brahmaputra.
Answer: Ganga - The ________ grasslands are located in North America.
Answer: Prairies - ________ are temporary rivers that flow in deserts after rain.
Answer: Wadis - The people of Ladakh use yaks for milk, wool, and ________.
Answer: Transport - The Amazon rainforest spans across ________ countries.
Answer: Nine - The ________ tree gives wood for house building in rainforests.
Answer: Mahogany - The ________ people are traditional nomads of the Sahara.
Answer: Bedouins - The soil in the Velds is very rich in ________.
Answer: Minerals
Multiple Choice Questions (20)
- Which of the following is a cold desert?
(a) Sahara
(b) Kalahari
(c) Ladakh
(d) Atacama
Answer: (c) Ladakh - What is the main source of livelihood in the Amazon basin?
(a) Fishing and farming
(b) Mining
(c) Tourism
(d) Trade
Answer: (a) Fishing and farming - Which animal is native to the Velds of South Africa?
(a) Kangaroo
(b) Lion
(c) Yak
(d) Bison
Answer: (b) Lion - Which country does not have part of the Amazon rainforest?
(a) Brazil
(b) Peru
(c) Argentina
(d) Ecuador
Answer: (c) Argentina - The Ganga-Brahmaputra delta is also known as the:
(a) Nilgiri delta
(b) Indo-China delta
(c) Sunderban
(d) Malabar coast
Answer: (c) Sunderban - Which feature is typical of deserts?
(a) Heavy rainfall
(b) Thick vegetation
(c) Sand dunes
(d) Glaciers
Answer: (c) Sand dunes - What is the main economic activity in the Prairies?
(a) Fishing
(b) Manufacturing
(c) Agriculture
(d) Mining
Answer: (c) Agriculture - Which of these trees is found in equatorial forests?
(a) Oak
(b) Pine
(c) Mahogany
(d) Birch
Answer: (c) Mahogany - The Velds are located in:
(a) North America
(b) South America
(c) Africa
(d) Europe
Answer: (c) Africa - Which desert is found in southern Africa?
(a) Sahara
(b) Thar
(c) Gobi
(d) Kalahari
Answer: (d) Kalahari
True or False (15)
- Deserts receive very high rainfall throughout the year.
False - The Ladakh desert remains snow-covered throughout the year.
False - The Velds are known for their rich mineral deposits.
True - Mahogany and rosewood are trees found in the Amazon rainforest.
True - Agriculture is not possible in the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin.
False - The canopy blocks sunlight from reaching the forest floor.
True - People in deserts mostly wear light cotton clothes.
True - Camels have thick fur to protect against heat.
False - Prairie dogs are found in the Prairies.
True
- Rainforests have poor biodiversity.
False - Nomadic herding is practiced in the Sahara.
True - The Amazon River basin is sparsely forested.
False - Equatorial regions receive heavy rainfall.
True - In Ladakh, houses are built with thick walls.
True - Grasslands have extremely dense forests.
False
Competency Based Questions (5)
- Why do people in desert areas prefer loose, light-coloured clothing?
Answer: To protect themselves from the heat and reflect sunlight, loose and light-coloured clothes help keep the body cool and comfortable. - How do the geographical features of the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin make it suitable for agriculture?
Answer: Fertile alluvial soil, plenty of water from rivers, and flat land make it ideal for growing rice, jute, tea, and other crops. - How does the canopy layer in a rainforest affect the growth of plants on the forest floor?
Answer: The dense canopy blocks sunlight, so very little light reaches the ground, limiting the growth of smaller plants. - What adaptations help camels survive in deserts?
Answer: Camels have humps for fat storage, long eyelashes, padded feet, and can survive with little water. - Why are the Velds and Prairies ideal for farming and cattle rearing?
Answer: They have flat terrain, fertile soil, moderate climate, and wide grasslands suitable for both crops and livestock.
High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions (5)
- How would life be different if rainforests disappeared from the Earth?
Answer: It would lead to loss of biodiversity, increase in carbon dioxide levels, climate change, and affect indigenous communities and global ecosystems. - Why is it important to conserve desert vegetation like cacti and date palms?
Answer: They prevent soil erosion, support desert ecosystems, and provide resources like food and shelter to both humans and animals. - In what ways can technology help improve life in extreme climates like Ladakh or Sahara?
Answer: Solar energy, better irrigation, eco-housing, and improved transport can make life easier and more sustainable in extreme climates. - What lessons can modern urban society learn from indigenous people of the Amazon?
Answer: Sustainable living, respect for nature, community cooperation, and minimal resource use. - How does the presence of a major river like the Amazon or Ganga impact nearby regions?
Answer: It supports agriculture, provides water and transport, helps in biodiversity, and sustains large human populations.
Short Answer Questions (5–6 lines) (5)
- Describe the main climatic condition of the Sahara Desert.
Answer: The Sahara has an extremely hot and dry climate with very little rainfall. Temperatures can soar above 50°C during the day and drop significantly at night. - What are the main occupations of people in the Amazon Basin?
Answer: Fishing, farming (shifting cultivation), hunting, and collecting forest products are common occupations in the Amazon Basin. - Why is the Veld region important to the economy of South Africa?
Answer: The Velds support farming, cattle rearing, and are rich in minerals like gold and diamond, contributing significantly to the economy. - How do people adapt to life in the Ladakh desert?
Answer: People wear woollen clothes, build thick-walled houses, depend on yak and sheep, and use glacial meltwater for agriculture. - What are the features of equatorial forests?
Answer: These forests are dense, evergreen, multi-layered, and rich in biodiversity. They grow in hot and humid regions near the equator.
Long Answer Questions (60–70 words) (5)
- Explain why the Sahara Desert has low population density.
Answer: The Sahara Desert has an extremely harsh climate, with very hot days and little rainfall. Water is scarce, vegetation is sparse, and farming is difficult. Due to these unfavourable conditions, only a few nomadic groups like the Bedouins live there. Limited resources and infrastructure also discourage permanent settlements, leading to low population density. - How does the Amazon River basin support life despite being a dense rainforest?
Answer: The Amazon Basin has rich biodiversity and provides resources like fruits, nuts, fish, and medicinal plants. Rivers serve as natural highways, and local people practice fishing and shifting agriculture. The rainforest supports diverse tribes who live in harmony with nature. Despite dense vegetation, it remains habitable due to abundant resources and favourable climate. - What are the economic activities practiced in the Prairies?
Answer: The Prairies are ideal for extensive farming, particularly wheat and maize cultivation. Modern machinery is used on large farms. Dairy farming and cattle rearing are also major activities. The fertile soil and flat terrain support commercial agriculture. Cities in the Prairie region are well-developed and play a role in trade and processing of farm products. - Why is the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin one of the most populated regions in the world?
Answer: The basin has fertile alluvial soil, abundant water, and a favourable climate, making it ideal for agriculture. It supports the cultivation of rice, jute, sugarcane, and tea. The region also has good transport networks, industries, and trade centers. These factors attract large populations, making it one of the most densely populated areas globally. - Describe the main features of equatorial forests.
Answer: Equatorial forests are found near the equator and have a hot and humid climate with heavy rainfall throughout the year. These forests are evergreen, multi-layered, and home to diverse flora and fauna. Tall trees form a dense canopy, blocking sunlight. These forests are important for global oxygen production and climate regulation.
Additional Questions and Answers – 02
Fill in the Blanks Questions and Answers
- Question: A desert has extreme temperature conditions with very ______ rainfall.
Answer: A desert has extreme temperature conditions with very low - Question: The Sahara is the world’s ______ and hottest desert.
Answer: The Sahara is the world’s largest and hottest desert. - Question: The only source of water in the Sahara desert is the ______ river.
Answer: The only source of water in the Sahara desert is the Nile - Question: The average annual rainfall in the Sahara is less than ______ cm.
Answer: The average annual rainfall in the Sahara is less than 20 - Question: Important trees in the Sahara include cactus and ______ palm.
Answer: Important trees in the Sahara include cactus and date - Question: Ladakh is known as one of the ______ deserts in the world.
Answer: Ladakh is known as one of the coldest deserts in the world. - Question: The average annual rainfall in Ladakh is only ______ cm.
Answer: The average annual rainfall in Ladakh is only 8 - Question: The main river of Ladakh is the ______.
Answer: The main river of Ladakh is the Indus. - Question: The grasslands in North America are known as the ______.
Answer: The grasslands in North America are known as the Prairies. - Question: The Prairies are drained by the River ______ and its tributaries.
Answer: The Prairies are drained by the River Mississippi and its tributaries. - Question: The temperate grasslands of South Africa are called ______.
Answer: The temperate grasslands of South Africa are called Velds. - Question: The main rivers of the Veld are the Limpopo and the ______.
Answer: The main rivers of the Veld are the Limpopo and the Orange. - Question: The Amazon basin is the ______ river basin in the world.
Answer: The Amazon basin is the largest river basin in the world. - Question: The Amazon is the ______ longest river in the world.
Answer: The Amazon is the second longest river in the world. - Question: The topmost layer of foliage in the Amazon rainforest is known as ______.
Answer: The topmost layer of foliage in the Amazon rainforest is known as canopy. - Question: The Ganga and Brahmaputra form the world’s largest ______ in Bangladesh.
Answer: The Ganga and Brahmaputra form the world’s largest delta in Bangladesh. - Question: The average rainfall in the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin is about ______ cm.
Answer: The average rainfall in the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin is about 200 - Question: The lowest part of the Ganga delta is covered with ______ forests.
Answer: The lowest part of the Ganga delta is covered with mangrove - Question: The Ganga-Brahmaputra delta is home to the ______ tiger.
Answer: The Ganga-Brahmaputra delta is home to the Bengal - Question: Major crops in the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin include rice, wheat, and ______.
Answer: Major crops in the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin include rice, wheat, and sugarcane.
(Multiple Choice Questions and Answers
- Question: What characterizes a desert?
a) High rainfall
b) Extreme temperatures and low rainfall
c) Dense vegetation
d) Cold climate
Answer: b) Extreme temperatures and low rainfall - Question: Where is the Sahara desert located?
a) South America
b) Northern Africa
c) Australia
d) Asia
Answer: b) Northern Africa - Question: What is the only source of water in the Sahara desert?
a) Red Sea
b) Nile river
c) Atlantic Ocean
d) Mediterranean Sea
Answer: b) Nile river - Question: What is the average annual rainfall in the Sahara?
a) 50 cm
b) 20 cm
c) 10 cm
d) 5 cm
Answer: b) 20 cm - Question: Which tree is common in the Sahara desert?
a) Willow
b) Date palm
c) Pine
d) Rubber
Answer: b) Date palm - Question: Where is Ladakh located?
a) North-eastern Jammu and Kashmir
b) Southern India
c) Western Africa
d) South America
Answer: a) North-eastern Jammu and Kashmir - Question: What is the average annual rainfall in Ladakh?
a) 20 cm
b) 15 cm
c) 8 cm
d) 5 cm
Answer: c) 8 cm - Question: Which animal is important in Ladakh for transportation?
a) Camel
b) Yak
c) Bison
d) Deer
Answer: b) Yak - Question: What are the grasslands in North America called?
a) Velds
b) Prairies
c) Steppes
d) Pampas
Answer: b) Prairies - Question: Which river drains the Prairies?
a) Nile
b) Amazon
c) Mississippi
d) Ganga
Answer: c) Mississippi - Question: What are the temperate grasslands of South Africa called?
a) Prairies
b) Velds
c) Downs
d) Steppes
Answer: b) Velds - Question: Which mineral is found in the Veld region?
a) Oil
b) Diamond
c) Iron
d) Copper
Answer: b) Diamond - Question: Where is the Amazon basin located?
a) North America
b) South America
c) Africa
d) Asia
Answer: b) South America - Question: What is the Amazon river in terms of length?
a) Longest in the world
b) Second longest in the world
c) Third longest in the world
d) Shortest in the world
Answer: b) Second longest in the world - Question: What is the topmost layer of foliage in the Amazon rainforest called?
a) Understory
b) Canopy
c) Shrub layer
d) Ground layer
Answer: b) Canopy - Question: What do the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers form in Bangladesh?
a) A mountain range
b) A desert
c) The world’s largest delta
d) A lake
Answer: c) The world’s largest delta - Question: What is the average rainfall in the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin?
a) 100 cm
b) 150 cm
c) 200 cm
d) 250 cm
Answer: c) 200 cm - Question: What type of forests cover the lowest part of the Ganga delta?
a) Tropical evergreen
b) Mangrove
c) Coniferous
d) Deciduous
Answer: b) Mangrove - Question: Which animal is found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta?
a) Camel
b) Bengal tiger
c) Yak
d) Bison
Answer: b) Bengal tiger - Question: Which crop is cultivated in the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin?
a) Cocoa
b) Rice
c) Brazil nut
d) Cassava
Answer: b) Rice
True/False Questions and Answers
- Question: A desert has extreme temperature conditions with very low rainfall.
Answer: True - Question: The Sahara is the smallest desert in the world.
Answer: False (It is the largest.) - Question: The Nile river is the only source of water in the Sahara desert.
Answer: True - Question: The average annual rainfall in the Sahara is 50 cm.
Answer: False (It is less than 20 cm.) - Question: Date palm is a common tree in the Sahara desert.
Answer: True - Question: Ladakh is known as a hot desert.
Answer: False (It is a cold desert.) - Question: The average annual rainfall in Ladakh is 8 cm.
Answer: True - Question: The main river of Ladakh is the Ganga.
Answer: False (It is the Indus.) - Question: The grasslands in North America are called Prairies.
Answer: True - Question: The Prairies are drained by the River Nile.
Answer: False (They are drained by the Mississippi.) - Question: The temperate grasslands of South Africa are called Velds.
Answer: True - Question: Agriculture is highly productive in the Veld due to fertile soil.
Answer: False (Agriculture is low due to infertile soil.) - Question: The Amazon basin is the largest river basin in the world.
Answer: True - Question: The Amazon is the longest river in the world.
Answer: False (It is the second longest.) - Question: The topmost layer of foliage in the Amazon rainforest is called the canopy.
Answer: True - Question: The Ganga and Brahmaputra form the world’s largest delta in Bangladesh.
Answer: True - Question: The average rainfall in the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin is 100 cm.
Answer: False (It is about 200 cm.) - Question: The lowest part of the Ganga delta is covered with mangrove forests.
Answer: True - Question: The Ganga-Brahmaputra delta is home to the Bengal tiger.
Answer: True - Question: The Ganga-Brahmaputra basin is known for growing cocoa.
Answer: False (It grows crops like rice and wheat.)
Competency-Based Questions and Answers
- Question: A student learns that the Sahara has very low rainfall. How does this impact the vegetation and human life in the region?
Answer: The Sahara’s low rainfall (less than 20 cm) results in scanty vegetation, with only grasses, shrubs, and trees like cactus and date palms near the Nile. This limits agriculture, concentrating populations around oases for water and crops like wheat and maize. Humans adapt by wearing loose, white clothes to bear the heat, relying on dates and sparse resources for survival. - Question: You read that Ladakh is a cold desert with low rainfall. How do people and animals adapt to these conditions?
Answer: In Ladakh, low rainfall (8 cm) and cold temperatures lead to scanty vegetation like willow trees, supporting animals like yaks with thick fur for warmth, used for milk and transport. People grow crops like barley in summer, rely on the Indus for water, and follow Buddhism, adapting to the harsh climate through seasonal agriculture and traditional practices suited to high-altitude living. - Question: A classmate notes that the Prairies are ideal for agriculture. Why is this region significant for food production?
Answer: The Prairies, drained by the Mississippi, have fertile soil and a continental climate, supporting extensive farming of wheat, corn, and oats using modern methods and machines. Known as the “granaries of the world,” they produce surplus food, supporting global food security, with large farms and transport networks enabling efficient distribution, making the region a key contributor to North America’s agricultural economy. - Question: You learn that the Veld has low agricultural production. How do mineral resources support the economy of this region?
Answer: The Veld’s infertile soil and low rainfall limit agriculture, but its rich mineral resources like gold, diamonds, and coal drive the economy. Coal mines in Johannesburg and diamond mines in Kimberley support mining industries, while agro-based industries process local products. These resources attract industries, create jobs, and boost economic growth, compensating for the region’s agricultural challenges and supporting urban development. - Question: A teacher explains that the Amazon basin has dense rainforests. How does this environment influence the lifestyle of its inhabitants?
Answer: The Amazon basin’s dense rainforests, with heavy rainfall and tall trees, support a lifestyle centered on forest resources. Inhabitants grow crops like manioc and coffee, relying on arboreal animals and fish for food. The humid climate and biodiversity shape a subsistence-based life, but recent deforestation for lumbering and roads has introduced economic activities, altering traditional practices and increasing migration to the region. - Question: During a discussion, you hear that the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin has fertile soil. How does this impact agriculture and population density?
Answer: The Ganga-Brahmaputra basin’s fertile alluvial soil, deposited by rivers, supports diverse crops like rice, wheat, and jute, boosting agriculture and agro-based industries like textiles. This fertility attracts a high population density, with cities like Varanasi and Patna developing rapidly along river banks, as people rely on the land for livelihoods, making the region a key agricultural and economic hub. - Question: You read that the Sahara’s population is concentrated near oases. Why is this significant for human survival in the desert?
Answer: The Sahara’s population concentrates near oases because they provide water, essential for drinking, irrigation, and sustaining crops like wheat and maize in a region with less than 20 cm rainfall. Oases enable settled life, support date palm cultivation for food, and sustain livestock, making them vital for human survival in the harsh desert climate, where resources are otherwise scarce. - Question: A news report highlights the biodiversity of the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta. Why are mangrove forests and wildlife sanctuaries important in this region?
Answer: Mangrove forests in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta, like the Sunderban, protect against erosion and floods, supporting biodiversity with species like the Bengal tiger. The Sunderban Wildlife Sanctuary preserves this ecosystem, ensuring species survival, promoting eco-tourism, and maintaining ecological balance, which supports local livelihoods through fishing and tourism while safeguarding the delta’s unique environment for future generations. - Question: You learn that the Prairies face soil erosion due to grassland clearance. How does this affect the region’s environment and agriculture?
Answer: Grassland clearance in the Prairies for agriculture and settlements causes soil erosion, leading to drought and reduced fertility, threatening the region’s status as a granary. This environmental degradation disrupts agriculture by lowering crop yields, impacting food production, and necessitating sustainable practices like crop rotation and reforestation to restore soil health, prevent desertification, and ensure long-term agricultural productivity. - Question: A teacher mentions that the Amazon basin’s rainforests are being cleared. How does this impact the ecosystem and local communities?
Answer: Clearing the Amazon rainforests for lumbering and roads destroys habitats, reducing biodiversity and affecting arboreal animals like apes. It disrupts the ecosystem’s balance, impacting climate regulation and rainfall. Local communities lose traditional resources like manioc, facing economic shifts as migration increases for new opportunities, altering their subsistence lifestyle and necessitating conservation to preserve the forest and their way of life.
High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Questions and Answers
- Question: Why might the extreme conditions of the Sahara and Ladakh deserts shape distinct human and animal adaptations, and what challenges do these pose for sustainability?
Answer: The Sahara’s heat (43°C) and low rainfall (20 cm) lead to adaptations like camel humps for fat storage and human use of loose clothes, while Ladakh’s cold (-40°C) and 8 cm rainfall result in yak fur and seasonal farming. These pose sustainability challenges like water scarcity in the Sahara and limited growing seasons in Ladakh, requiring conservation and sustainable resource use to support life. - Question: How do the climatic conditions of the Prairies and Velds influence their economic activities, and what environmental concerns arise from these activities?
Answer: The Prairies’ fertile soil and moderate climate support extensive wheat farming, making it a granary, while the Veld’s dry climate and infertile soil favor mining of gold and diamonds. Environmental concerns include soil erosion in the Prairies from over-farming, causing droughts, and habitat loss in the Veld due to urban development, necessitating sustainable farming and mining practices to preserve ecosystems. - Question: Why might the dense rainforests of the Amazon basin support greater biodiversity than the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin, and what implications does this have for conservation?
Answer: The Amazon’s year-round heavy rainfall and dense canopy support diverse arboreal species like apes, unlike the Ganga-Brahmaputra’s seasonal monsoon and converted farmland, which limits biodiversity to species like Bengal tigers. This implies the Amazon requires stricter conservation to protect its vast ecosystem, while the Ganga-Brahmaputra needs reforestation and sanctuaries like Sunderban to restore habitats, balancing human needs with biodiversity preservation. - Question: How does the reliance on oases in the Sahara and the Indus in Ladakh highlight the role of water in desert ecosystems, and what risks do these dependencies pose?
Answer: Oases in the Sahara and the Indus in Ladakh provide water for agriculture and survival, sustaining life in deserts with low rainfall. Over-reliance risks depletion from over-extraction, climate change reducing water levels, and pollution, threatening ecosystems and human settlements, necessitating sustainable water management, rainwater harvesting, and conservation to ensure long-term availability in these fragile desert environments. - Question: Why might the conversion of grasslands in the Prairies and Velds for agriculture and industry threaten their ecosystems, and what measures can mitigate these effects?
Answer: Conversion of Prairies and Velds for agriculture and industry causes soil erosion, droughts, and habitat loss, threatening biodiversity like bison and mineral ecosystems. Mitigation includes sustainable farming practices like crop rotation, reforestation to stabilize soil, regulated mining in the Veld, and protected areas to preserve grasslands, ensuring ecological balance while supporting economic activities for long-term environmental health. - Question: How does the biodiversity of the Amazon and Ganga-Brahmaputra basins reflect their climatic differences, and what does this suggest about human impact on these regions?
Answer: The Amazon’s equatorial climate with heavy rainfall supports dense rainforests and diverse species like lemurs, while the Ganga-Brahmaputra’s monsoon climate has deciduous forests, now farmland, hosting tigers. This reflects greater human impact in the Ganga-Brahmaputra through deforestation, suggesting the Amazon needs protection from similar clearing, while the Ganga-Brahmaputra requires restoration to balance agriculture with biodiversity conservation. - Question: Why might the mineral wealth of the Veld be both an economic opportunity and an environmental challenge, and how can this be managed sustainably?
Answer: The Veld’s minerals like gold and diamonds drive economic growth through mining and industry, but urban development reduces grasslands, disrupting ecosystems. Sustainable management includes regulated mining, reforestation, and creating protected areas to preserve biodiversity, ensuring economic benefits do not compromise the environment, maintaining ecological balance, and supporting long-term livelihoods in the region. - Question: How does the yak’s role in Ladakh illustrate the interdependence of humans and animals in cold deserts, and what challenges might climate change pose to this relationship?
Answer: The yak in Ladakh provides milk, transport, and fur, supporting human survival, while humans sustain yaks through grazing, showing interdependence. Climate change, by warming temperatures and melting snow, reduces grazing areas and water, threatening yak survival and human livelihoods, necessitating adaptive measures like sustainable grazing and water conservation to maintain this vital relationship in a changing climate. - Question: Why might the deforestation in the Amazon basin have global environmental consequences, and what steps can be taken to address this issue?
Answer: Deforestation in the Amazon reduces carbon absorption, increasing global warming, and disrupts rainfall patterns worldwide, as rainforests regulate climate. It also threatens biodiversity. Steps include enforcing anti-deforestation laws, promoting sustainable logging, reforesting cleared areas, and supporting eco-tourism to provide economic alternatives, ensuring the Amazon’s role in global climate regulation and biodiversity preservation is maintained for future generations. - Question: How does the fertile soil of the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin support its population, and what challenges arise from rapid urban development in this region?
Answer: The fertile alluvial soil of the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin supports agriculture, growing rice, wheat, and jute, sustaining a dense population and agro-industries. Rapid urban development in cities like Patna increases pollution, reduces farmland, and strains resources, threatening food security and ecosystems like the Sunderban, requiring sustainable urban planning, pollution control, and farmland preservation to balance growth with environmental health.
Short Questions and Answers
- Question: What characterizes a desert?
Answer: Extreme temperatures and low rainfall. - Question: Where is the Sahara desert located?
Answer: Northern Africa. - Question: What is the only source of water in the Sahara?
Answer: Nile river. - Question: What is the average rainfall in the Sahara?
Answer: Less than 20 cm. - Question: Name a common tree in the Sahara.
Answer: Date palm. - Question: Where is Ladakh located?
Answer: North-eastern Jammu and Kashmir. - Question: What is the average rainfall in Ladakh?
Answer: 8 cm. - Question: What is the main river of Ladakh?
Answer: Indus. - Question: What are the grasslands in North America called?
Answer: Prairies. - Question: Which river drains the Prairies?
Answer: Mississippi. - Question: What are the temperate grasslands of South Africa called?
Answer: Velds. - Question: Name a mineral found in the Veld.
Answer: Diamond. - Question: Where is the Amazon basin located?
Answer: South America. - Question: What is the Amazon river in terms of length?
Answer: Second longest. - Question: What is the topmost layer of foliage in the Amazon called?
Answer: Canopy. - Question: What do the Ganga and Brahmaputra form in Bangladesh?
Answer: World’s largest delta. - Question: What is the average rainfall in the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin?
Answer: 200 cm. - Question: What type of forests cover the Ganga delta’s lowest part?
Answer: Mangrove. - Question: Name an animal in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta.
Answer: Bengal tiger. - Question: Name a crop grown in the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin.
Answer: Rice.
Long Questions and Answers (60-70 Words)
- Question: Describe the climate and vegetation of the Sahara desert and their impact on human life.
Answer: The Sahara desert has a hot, dry climate with less than 20 cm rainfall, temperatures reaching 43°C by day and 10°C at night, leading to scanty vegetation like cactus and date palms near the Nile. This limits agriculture, concentrating populations around oases for crops like wheat, with people wearing loose clothes and relying on dates, adapting to the harsh conditions for survival. - Question: Explain the environmental conditions of Ladakh and how people adapt to them.
Answer: Ladakh, a cold desert, has low rainfall (8 cm) and temperatures below freezing, with scanty vegetation like willow trees in valleys. People adapt by growing barley and fruits like apples in summer, relying on the Indus for water, and using yaks for transport. Most follow Buddhism, living near river banks, and use passes like Srinagar-Leh road to connect with the world, surviving the harsh climate. - Question: Discuss the agricultural significance of the Prairies and the environmental challenges they face.
Answer: The Prairies, with fertile soil drained by the Mississippi, support extensive farming of wheat, corn, and oats, earning the title “granaries of the world.” Modern farming methods boost production, but grassland clearance for agriculture causes soil erosion, leading to droughts and reduced fertility, threatening sustainability, necessitating practices like crop rotation and reforestation to maintain soil health and prevent environmental degradation. - Question: Describe the economic activities in the Veld and their impact on the natural environment.
Answer: The Veld’s economy relies on mining gold, diamonds, and coal, with mines in Johannesburg and Kimberley, supporting industries and urban growth. However, this development reduces grasslands, disrupts ecosystems, and causes habitat loss, affecting biodiversity. Sustainable mining, reforestation, and protected areas are needed to balance economic benefits with environmental preservation, ensuring the Veld’s natural landscape and resources remain viable for future generations. - Question: Explain the biodiversity of the Amazon basin and the impact of human activities on it.
Answer: The Amazon basin’s dense rainforests, with a canopy and heavy rainfall, host diverse species like apes, snakes, and colorful birds, supporting crops like manioc. Human activities, such as deforestation for lumbering and roads, reduce biodiversity, disrupt rainfall, and impact climate, threatening ecosystems. Conservation efforts, sustainable logging, and reforestation are crucial to preserve this biodiversity and maintain the basin’s global environmental role. - Question: Discuss the agricultural productivity of the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin and its role in supporting the population.
Answer: The Ganga-Brahmaputra basin’s fertile alluvial soil supports crops like rice, wheat, sugarcane, and jute, boosting agriculture and agro-industries like textiles. This productivity sustains a dense population, with cities like Patna thriving along river banks, providing livelihoods through farming and trade. The basin’s fertility ensures food security, supporting millions, but rapid urban growth challenges sustainability, requiring balanced development to preserve resources. - Question: How do animals in the Sahara adapt to the desert climate, and what role do they play in human life?
Answer: Animals in the Sahara, like camels with humps to store fat, adapt to the hot climate (43°C) and low water by surviving long without food. Reptiles like snakes thrive in the heat. Camels aid human life by providing transport and milk, while date palm products support diets, showing how adaptations enable survival and sustain human communities in the harsh desert environment. - Question: Describe the role of mangrove forests in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta and their significance for wildlife.
Answer: Mangrove forests in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta, like the Sunderban, prevent erosion, protect against floods, and support biodiversity with species like Bengal tigers and one-horned rhinos. They provide habitats for wildlife, sustaining ecosystems, and the Sunderban Wildlife Sanctuary ensures their survival, promoting eco-tourism and ecological balance, making them vital for the delta’s environmental health and wildlife preservation amidst human activities. - Question: Explain the climate of the Amazon basin and its influence on the region’s vegetation and wildlife.
Answer: The Amazon basin’s hot, humid climate with heavy year-round rainfall supports dense tropical rainforests, featuring tall trees, a canopy, and diverse plants like rubber trees. This environment fosters rich wildlife, including arboreal animals like apes, reptiles, and colorful birds, thriving in the layered vegetation. The climate ensures abundant resources, shaping a biodiversity hotspot, though deforestation threatens this delicate ecological balance. - Question: How does the fertile soil of the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin support agro-based industries, and what challenges does urban growth pose?
Answer: The Ganga-Brahmaputra basin’s fertile soil supports crops like rice, sugarcane, and jute, fueling agro-based industries such as textiles and sugar, boosting the economy in cities like Varanasi. Urban growth increases pollution, reduces farmland, and strains resources, threatening sustainability, requiring sustainable urban planning, pollution control, and farmland preservation to maintain agricultural productivity and support the region’s economic and environmental health.