Category: Class 7 Social

NCERT Solutions For Class 7 Geography Social Science Chapter 10 Life in the Deserts

1. Answer the following questions briefly:                                                   
(a) What are the two types of deserts found in the world?
(b) In which continent is the Sahara desert located?
(c) What are the climatic conditions of the Ladakh desert?
(d) What mainly attracts tourists to Ladakh?
(e) What type of clothes the people of the Sahara desert wear?
(f) Name the trees that grow in Ladakh
Answer:
(a) The two types of deserts found in the world are hot deserts and cold deserts.

(b) The Sahara desert is located in Africa.

(c) The climate of the Ladakh desert is extremely cold and dry due to its high attitude which varies from about 3,000 m in Kargil to more than 8,000 m in the Karakoram. The air at this attitude is so then that the heat of the sun can be felt intensely. The day temperatures in summer are just above zero degree and the night temperatures are below -30°C. Winters are extremely cold with temperatures below -40°C for most of the time. There is very little rainfall in this region. It is as low as 10 cm every year. The area experiences freezing winds and burning hot sunlight. There is always a chance of sunstroke and frostbite at the same time.

(d) Ladakh is a famous tourist place. The tourists from within the country and abroad enjoy visiting Buddhist monasteries that dot the Ladakhi landscape with their traditional gompas.
The meadows and glaciers in Ladakh also attract these tourists. The ceremonies and festivities in which the local people keep themselves engaged during winter months are great attractions to the tourists.

(e) The people of the Sahara desert wear heavy clothes.

(f) Scanty patches of grasses and shrubs, groves of willows and poplars, fruit trees such as apples, apricots and walnuts.

2. Tick the correct answer:
(i) Sahara is located in which part of Africa?
(a) eastern                          (b)   northern                               (c) western.
(ii) Sahara is what type of dessert?
(a) cold                              (b)   hot                                      (c) mild.
(iii) The Ladakh desert is mainly inhabited by ………..
(a) Christians and Muslims
(b) Buddhists and Muslims
(c) Christians and Buddhists.
(iv) Deserts are characterized by ……………..
(a) Scanty vegetation        (b)heavy precipitation              (iii) low evaporation.
(v) Hemis in Ladakh is famous ………………
(a) temple                           (b)   church                                 (c) monastery.
(vi) Egypt is famous for growing
(a) wheat    (b) maize                                    (c) cotton.
Answer: (i)-(b), (ii)-(b), (iii)-(b), (iv)-(a), (v)-(c), (vi)—(c).

3. Match the following: 

4. Give reasons:

1. There is scanty vegetation in the deserts.
2. People of the Sahara desert wear heavy robes.

Answer:

1. There is scanty vegetation in the deserts because of the following reasons:
   • Vegetation depends on two factors: climate and soil.
     • The climate in the deserts is either very hot and dry or very cold and dry.
       ★ Such a climate does not allow the growth of vegetation.
       ★ Rainfall is scanty. Hence vegetation does not grow in dry conditions.
     • Soil is either sandy (in hot deserts) or covered with snow (cold deserts) for most of the year. Both types of soil do not encourage vegetation to grow.
2. People of the Sahara Desert wear heavy robes because of the following reasons:
   • Robes of the people of Sahara Desert are made of hides (of animals) or hair of animals.
   • These robes are heavy:
     • They protect the people from the scorching sun and extreme heat (dust storms and hot winds).
     • They protect the people from dust storms and hot winds.

5. Map skills:
(i) On the outline map of Africa, marks the Sahara desert and any four countries around it.
(ii) On the outline map of India, mark the Karakoram Range, Zanskar Range, Ladakh and zojila pass.
Answer:

VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. How many countries are touched by the Sahara desert? Name them.
Answer: The Sahara desert touches eleven countries—Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Sudan, Tunisia, and Western Sahara.

2. What are the two characteristic features of a desert?  [V. Imp.]
Answer:  The climate of a desert is either very hot and dry or very cold and dry.
The vegetation is sparse.

3. Mention the day and night temperatures of the Sahara desert.
Answer: The day temperature—It may soar as high as 50°C.
The night temperature—Nearing zero degrees

4. What vegetation is found in the Sahara desert?
Answer: Vegetation in the Sahara desert is comprised of cactus, date, palms, and acacia.
Green islands with date palms can be seen near the oases.

5. Name the two nomadic tribes living in the Sahara desert.
Answer: The Bedouins and Tuaregs.

6. Name the animals reared by the Bedouins and Tuaregs.
Answer: Goats, Sheep, Camels and horses.

7. What do these animals provide them?
Answer: These animals provide them with milk and hides.

8. Name the countries associated with the discovery of oil
Answer: Algeria, Libya and Egypt.

9. Ladakh is made up of two words. Mention these words with their meaning.
Answer: The two words with which Ladakh is made up of are La meaning mountain pass and Dak meaning country.

10. Where is Ladakh located?
Answer: Ladakh is located in the Great Himalayas, on the eastern side of Jammu and Kashmir.

11. Name an important river that flows through Ladakh.
Answer: Indus.

12. Why is there little rainfall in the Ladakh desert?     [Imp.]
Answer: It is because the Ladakh desert lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas.

13. Name the birds which are common in the Ladakh desert.
Answer: Robias, redstarts, Tibetan snowcock, raven and hoopoe.

14. What is the use of the hair of the sheep and goat in the cold desert of Ladak?
Answer: The hair of the sheep and goat is used to make woolens.

15. Why do people hunt Chiru or the Tibetan antelope?
Answer: People hunt the Chiru or the Tibetan antelope for its wool known as Shahtoosh

16. Name some famous monasteries of Ladakh
Answer: Hemis, Thiksey, Shey and Lamayuru.

17. Which National Highway connects Leh to Kashmir valley and through which pass?
Answer: The National Highway A connects Leh to Kashmir valley through the Zojila pass.

18. Name the four passes which Manali-Leh highway crosses.
Answer: Rohtang La, Lungalacha La, Baralacha La and Tanglang La.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. Describe the Climate of the Sahara desert. [V. Imp.]
Answer: The Sahara desert experience scorching hot and parch dry climate. The rainy season occurs for the short time. The sky is cloudless and clear. Days are extremely hot. The temperatures during the day may rise as high as 50°C. The nights may be freezing cold with temperatures nearing zero degrees.

2. Mention the summer and winter activities of the people of the Ladakh desert.[V. Imp.]
Answer: In the summer season the people of the Ladakh desert are busy in cultivation work. They grow crops such as barley, potatoes, peas, beans and turnip. The climate during winters is very harsh and people keep themselves engaged in festivities and ceremonies. The women manage the house and fields with great efficiency. They also manage small businesses and shops.

3. Describe the flora and fauna found in the Sahara desert
Answer: Flora. The Sahara desert has vegetation such as cactus, date palms and acacia. In some places there are oases where one can see green islands with date palms. Fauna. The animals found in the Sahara desert are camels, hyenas, jackals, foxes, scorpions, several varieties of snakes and lizards.

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. Describe the people of the Sahara desert Also write about their activities.  [V. Imp.]
Answer: The Sahara desert experiences a harsh climate. Despite that various groups of people such as the Bedouins and Juaregs live here. These are nomadic tribes who pursue different activities. They rear animals such as goats, sheep, camels and horses. They get jnilk and hides from these animals. They prepare leather from hides. This leather is used in making belts, slippers, water bottles. They use the hair of these animals in making mats, carpets, clothes and blankets. The people of the Sahara desert wear heavy robes to protect themselves from the dust storms and hot winds.

The oasis in the Sahara desert and the Nile valley in Egypt support the settled population. Since water is available, people grow date palms. They also grow rice, wheat, barley and beans.

The Sahara is undergoing change with fast speed. Tuaregs, the nomadic tribe, are now acting as guides to foreign tourists. More and more nomadic herdsmen are migrating to cities in search of jobs in oil and gas operations.

2. Describe the flora and fauna found in the Ladakh desert.    [V. Imp.]
Answer: Flora—Vegetation is scanty in the Ladakh desert. There are scanty patches of grasses and shrubs. Groves of willows and poplars are seen in the valleys. During the summers, fruit trees such as apples, apricots and walnuts grow.

Fauna. Several species of birds are found in the Ladakh desert. Robins, redstarts, Tibetan snowcock, raven, and hoopoe are common. The animals found in this region are wild goats, wild sheep, yak, and special kinds of dogs.

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NCERT Solutions For Class 7 Geography Social Science Chapter 9 Life in the Temperate Grasslands

1. Answer the following questions briefly.

1. What are the Temperate Grasslands of North America called?
2. What are the cattle farms in the North American Grasslands known as?
3. Name the rivers that drain the velds.
4. When is the rainy season in the Velds.
5. What is the major occupation of the people of the South African grasslands?

Answer:

1. The Temperate Grasslands of North America are called Prairies.
2. The cattle farms in the North American grasslands are known as Ranches.
3. The names of the rivers which drain the velds are:
   • River Orange
   • River Limpopo
   • Their tributaries.
4. The rainy season in the velds is from November to February.
5. The major occupation of the people of the South African grasslands is Sheep Rearing.

2. Tick the correct answer:
(a) River Mississippi drains
(i) Canada(ii) Africa(iii) USA.
(b) Drakensberg Mountainsare to the west of 
(i) Prairies(ii) Velds(iii) Pampas.
(c) Merino is a species of
(i) Fish(ii) Elephant(iii) Sheep.
(d) Kimberley is famous for
(i) diamonds     (ii)silver  (iii) platinum.
Answer: (a)—(iii), (b)—(ii), (c)—(iii),(d)—(i)

3. Match the following:
(i) Comboys  (a)Iron and Steel
(ii) Gold    (b)Prairies
(iii) Kudu    (c)Hot wind
(iv) Chinook   (d)Velds
(v) Coal           (e)Johannesberg   (f)Animal
Answer: (i)—(b), (ii)—(e), (iii)—(f), (iv)—(c), (v)—a

4. Give reasons:

1. The Prairies are known as the ‘Granaries of the world’.
2. Rise of the wool industry in the Velds.

Answer:

1. The Prairies are known as the ‘Granaries of the World’ because of the following reasons:
   • Prairies grasslands have been cleared and wheat is grown extensively on these plains.
   • The use of tractors, harvesters, etc. and modem technologies have made the wheat production surplus:
   • Prairies supply wheat all over the world.
   • They satisfy the hunger of millions of people spread all over the world.
2. Rise of the wool industry in the Velds. The reasons responsible for this rise are the following:
   • Sheep rearing is the most important occupation of the people of the Velds grasslands.
   • Sheep are bred mainly for wool. Hence wool availability is in ample quantity.
     • The Merino wool is of the best quality.
     • Further merino wool is very warm.
     • Merino wool and woolen garments are in great demand all over the world.

5. Map skills:
On an outline map of North America, mark the Rocky mountains, the Great Lakes, River Mississippi, River Saskatchewan, the cities—Chicago and Winnipeg.
Answer:

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. Enumerate the major features of the prairies. [Imp.]
Answer: The major features of the prairies are:

• These are the temperate grasslands of North America.
• It is a region of flat, gently sloping or hilly land.
• Prairies are almost treeless for the most part, but near the low lying plains, flanking river valleys, woodlands can be found.
• The landscape is dominated by tall grass, upto two metres high. It looks like a ‘sea of grass’.

2. Write a brief note on the climate of the prairies.
Answer: Prairies are located in the middle of the continent (North America). It is therefore, we find there a continental type of climate, characterised by extreme temperatures. The summers are warm with temperatures of around 20°C, while in winter-20°C has been recorded in Winnipeg and Canada, the important cities of the American prairies. In winters a think blanket of snow covers this region. The annual rainfall is moderate. A local wind called Chinook blows here.

3. Write some effects of Chinook? [V. Imp.]
Answer: Chinook is a hot wind that blows in winter. Being hot it raises the temperature within a short time. This increase in temperature results in the melting of snow, making the pasturelands available for grazing of animals.

4. Describe the climate of the velds.
Answer: The velds are under the influence of the Indian Ocean. Therefore they have a mild climate. Winters are cold and dry. Temperatures vary between 5°C and 10°C and July is the coldest month. Summers are short and warm Rainfall occurs in the summer months from November to February. Drought may occur if the rainfall is poor in the winter months from June to August.

5. Describe the flora and fauna of the prairies.                                                   [V. Imp.]
Answer: Flora. Prairies don’t have many trees. A few trees such as willows, alders and poplars grow where water is available. Fertile soil is found in the places that receive rainfall of over 50 cm. The crops grown here are maize, potatoes, soyabean, cotton and alfa-alfa. In the areas receiving poor rainfall, short grasses can be found.

Fauna. Cattle rearing is suitable in these areas. Large cattle farms called ranches are found here. Bison or the American buffalo is the important animal of this region. Other animals are rabbits, coyotes, gophers and Prairie dog.

6. Describe the flora and fauna of the velds.
Answer: Flora. Velds are not rich in vegetation. Grasses dominate the landscape. Red grass grows in bush velds. High velds are characterised by grasses like acacia and maroola.
Fauna. The animals found in the velds are lions, leopards, Cheetah, and Kudu.

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. What are the major occupations of the people in the prairies? What factors contributed to the industrialisation of this region. [V. Imp.]
Answer: The people living in the praries are hardworking. Their main occupations are cultivations and dairy fanning. People use scientific methods in cultivation. They use tractors, harvesters and combines and produce surplus food. The prairies are known as the ‘Granaries of the world’ due to the huge surplus of wheat production.

Another main occupation of the people of the prairies is dairy farming. The daily belt extends from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic coast in the east. Daily farming and extensive agriculture both promote setting up of food processing industries. The factors that led to the industrialisation of this region are:

• Large mineral deposits such as coal and iron.
• A good network of roads, railways and canals.

2. What various activities are performed by the people living in the velds?
Answer: Cattle rearing and mining are the two major activities of the people living in the velds. However, some people have engaged in agriculture also, though it is not the main occupation of this region. The soils are not very fertile in the velds. Where the land is fertile enough to grow crops, maize, wheat, barley, oats, and potato are cultivated. Cash crops like tobacco, sugercane, and cotton are also grown.

People of the velds are mostly engaged in sheep rearing. Sheep is bred mainly for wool and has given rise to the wool industry in the velds. Dairy farming is the next important occupation. Cattle are reared in warmer and wetter regions and dairy products such as butter, cheese is produced for both domestic supply and also for export.

As velds are very rich in mineral reserves, gold and diamond mining are also the chief occupations of the people of this region. Johannesburg is known for being the gold capital of the world. Kimberley is famous for its diamond mines.

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NCERT Solutions For Class 7 Geography Social Science Chapter 8 Human Environment Interactions (The Tropical and the Subtropical Region)

1. Answer the following questions briefly:

1. Name the continent in which the Amazon Basin in located.
2. What are the crops grown by the people of the Amazon Basin?
3. Name the birds that you are likely to find in the rain forests of the Amazon.
4. What are the major cities located on the river Ganga?
5. Where are the one-homed rhinoceros found?

Answer:

1. South America.
2. Crops are grown by the people of Amazon Basin:
   • Tapioca
   • Pineapple
   • Sweet-potatoes
   • Cassava (manioc)
   • Maize, coffee, and cocoa are other important crops.
3. Birds:
   • Toucans
   • Humming Birds
   • Bird of paradise with their brilliantly coloured plumage, oversized bills.
4. Major Cities located on the banks of River Ganga:
   • Dev Prayag
   • Rishikesh
   • Haridwar
   • Kanpur
   • Allahabad
   • Varanasi
   • Patna
5. In Assam.

2. Tick the correct answer:
(a) Toucans are a type of
(i) birds                              (ii) animals     (iii) crops.
(b) Manioc is the staple food of
(i)  Ganga Basin                 (ii) Africa   (iii) Amazon.
(c) Kolkata is located on the river
(i)  Orange                          (ii) Hooghly   (iii) Bhagirathi.
(d) Deodars and firs are a type of
(i)  Coniferous trees            (ii) Deciduous trees   (iii) Shrubs.
(e) Bengal tiger is found in
(i)   Mountains                     (ii) Delta area   (iii) Amazon.
Answer: (a)-(i), (b)—(iii), (c)-(ii), (d)—(i), (e)—(ii).

3. Match the following:
(i) Cotton textile   (a) Assam
(ii) Maloca             (b) Terrace farming
(iii) Piranha           (c) Sericulture
(iv) Silk worm        (d) Slanting roof
(v) Kaziranga         (e) Ganga plain     (f) Varanasi  (g)Fish
Answer: (i)—(f), (ii)—(d), (iii)—(g), (iv)—(c),(v)—(a)

4. Give reasons:

1. The rainforests are depleting.
2. Paddy is grown in the Ganga-Brahmaputra plains.

Answer:

1. The Rainforests are depleting because of the following reasons:
   • Developmental activities have been started in a big way, resulting in the cutting of rainforests for various purposes.
   • The indigenous population has been pushed out who practiced conservation activities of forests and wildlife.
   • Industries are being set up after clearing the forests.
   • Lumbering has developed.
   • Topsoil is washed away during rains and lush green forests turn into barren lands.
2. Paddy is grown in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Plains because of the following:
   • Deep loamy soil is found in these plains due to the deposition of silt by the rivers for thousands of years.
   • Rivers in floods spread a new layer of alluvial every year. Hence it does not require manuring.
   • Canals from rivers supply ample water for irrigation of paddy fields during the dry season.
   • The lower portion of the plains receives adequate rainfall.
   • Cheap labour is available from the densely populated plains.
   • Means of transportation are developed to raise the movement of paddy and rice to the nearby markets.
   • New technologies are being adopted by the farmers because they can afford it due – to their sound financial position.

5. Map skills.
(i) Art an outline map of the Indian sub-continent, draw the rivers Ganga and Brahmaputra from the source to the mouth Also show the important tributaries of both the rivers.
(ii) On the political map of South America, draw the equator. Mark the countries through which the equator passes.

Answer:

6. For fun:
Make a collage to show places of attractions in India You can divide the class into different groups to show attractions based on mountain landscapes, coastal beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and places of historical importance.
Ans. Attempt yourself.

7. Activity
Collect under mentioned material and observe how the destruction of trees affects the soil cover.
Material
(i) Three small flowerpots or food cans (e.g,, cold drinks tin cans),
(ii) One big can with holes punched in the bottom (this will act as a sprinkling can),
(iii) twelve coins or bottle caps
(iv) Soil.
Steps
Take three small cans or pots. Fill them with soil till the top. Press the soil to make it level with the top of the can. Now put four coins or bottle caps on the soil of each can. Take the big can that has been punched with holes and fill it with water. You can also take the sprinkling can from your garden. Now, sprinkle water on the three cans. On the first can sprinkle water veiy slowly so that no soil splashes out. Let moderate amount of water be sprinkled on the second can. On the third can, sprinkle the water heavily. You will observe that unprotected soil splashes out. Where the ‘rain’ is heavy the amount of soil that splashes out is the maximum and least in case of the first can. The coins or caps represent the tree covers. It is clear that if the land is cleared completely of the vegetation, the soil cover will quickly disappear.
Answer: Students are suggested to do this activity themselves under the guidance of their parents/guardians.

VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. What type of vegetation grows in the Amazon forest?
Answer: Only shade tolerant vegetation grow here.

2. Name the animals Found in the Amazon forest.
Answer: Monkeys, sloth and ant-eating tapirs.

3. What do men and women of the rainforest do?
Answer: Men hunt and fish along the rivers and women take care of the crops.

4. What do the people of the rainforest grow?
Answer: They grow tapioca, pineapple and sweet potato.

5. Name the cash crops that people of the rainforest grow.
Answer: Coffee, maize and cocoa.

6. What is the population density of West Bengal and Bihar? .
Answer: The populations density of west Bengal is 904 and that of Bihar is 880.

7. What is susu? What does its presence indicate?
Answer: In the fresh water of River Ganga and River Brahmaputra, a variety of dolphin is found which is locally known as susu. Its presence indicates the health of the river.

8. How and why are terraces built?              [V. Imp.]
Answer: Tarraces are built on steep slopes to create flat surfaces on which crops are grown.

9. By what names is the river Brahmaputra known in different places.
Answer: Meghna, Padma, Dehang, Debang, Yamuna, etc.

10. What leads to the pollution of the rivers?           [V. Imp.]
Answer: The wastewater from these towns and industries is discharged into the rivers. This leads to the pollution of the rivers.

11. Name the river on which Tcy Mahal is situated?
Answer: River Yamuna.

12. Name the cash crops grown in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin.
Answer: Sugarcane and jute.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. Write a short note on the climate of the Amazon Basin.
Answer: The climate of the Amazon Basin is characterised by hot and wet climate throughout the year. Both day and night and almost equally hot and humid. It rains almost everyday. The day temperatures are high with very high humidity. At night the temperature goes down but the humidity remains high.

2. What do you know about the location of the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin? Mention the climate of this Basin.
Answer: The Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin lies in the sub-tropical region that is situated between 10°N to 30°N latitudes. The tributaries of river Ganga such as the Ghaghra, the son, the Chambal, the Gandak, the Kosi and the tributaries of Brahmaputra drain it.

The area of the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin is dominated by the monsoon climate. The monsoon brings rains from mid-June to mid-September. The summers are hot and the winters are cool.

3. The Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin has varied topography. How does it affect the distribution of population there?  [V. Imp.]
Answer: The basin area has a varied topography. As a result, the distribution of the population is not even everywhere in the area. The mountain areas with steep slopes have inhospitable terrain. Therefore less number of people live in the mountain area of the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin. The plain area provides the most suitable land for human habitation. Therefore, the density of the population of the plains is very high.

4. What is the main activity of the people of the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin? Give an account of it.
Answer: The main activity of the people of the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin is agriculture. Paddy is the main crop here. Other crops grown here are wheat, maize, sorgham gram and millets. Cash crops like sugarcane and jute are also grown. Banana plantations are seen in some areas in the plain. In the West Bengal and Assam tea is grown in plantations. Silk is produced through the cultivation of silkworms in parts of Bihar and Assam. In the mountains and hills, where the slopes are gentle crops are grown on terraces.

5. How can you say that the life of the people of the Amazon basin is changing?[Imp.]
Answer: Time is moving ahead very fast. This has resulted in the change of the life style of the people everywhere. The life of the people of the Amazon basin is also changing, though not at fast speed. In the old days it was difficult to reach the heart of the forest. In 1970 the Trans Amazon highway made all parts of the rain forest accessible. Aircrafts and helicopters are also used for reaching various places. The indigenous populations was pushed out from the area and forced to settle in new areas.

6. What do you know about the wildlife of the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin?     [V. Imp.]
Answer: The Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin is rich in wildlife. A variety of animals are found here. Elephants, tigers, deer and monkeys are common. The one-horned rhinoceros is found in the Brahmaputra plain. In the delta region, Bengal tiger, crocodiles and alligator are found. Acquatic life abounds in the fresh river waters, the lakes and the Bay of Bengal Sea. Popular varieties to fish such as catla, rohu and hilsa can be found here.

7. How is tourism an important activity in the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin?
Answer: The Ganga-Brahmaputra plain has several big towns and cities, such as Allahabad, Kanpur, Varanasi, Lucknow, Patna and Kolkata. All these places are important from tourism point of view. Taj Mahal on the bank of river Yamuna in Agra is a famous tourist place. Allahabad is situated on the confluence of the river Ganga and Yamuna. Several people visit this place everyday to have a holy dip in it. Buddhist stupas in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Lucknow with its Imambara, Assam with Kaziranga and Manas with wildlife sanctuaries are some other places in the basin where people from different parts of the country and abroad go with great enthusiasm.

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. How is the rainforest of the Amazon basin rich infauna?
Answer: The rainforest of the Amazon basin is very rich in fauna. A variety of birds such as toucans, hummingbirds, birds of paradise with their brilliantly coloured. Plumage and oversized bills for eating are found here.

These birds also make loud sounds in the forests. Animals like monkeys, sloth, and ant-eating tapirs are found here. Various species of reptiles and snakes also thrive in these jungles. A number of crocodiles, snakes, and pythons are also found here. Anaconda and boa constrictor are some of the species. The basin is also the home to thousands of species of insects. Several species of fishes including the flesh-eating Piranha fish is also found in the river.

2. What do you know about the people of the rainforest?   [V- Imp.]
Answer: The people of the Amazon basin practise slash and bum agriculture. They grow most of their food in small areas after clearing some trees in the forest. Men hunt and fish along the rivers and women take care of the crops. They mainly grow tapioca, pineapple and sweet potato. As hunting and fishing are uncertain it is the women who support the family. They feed them the vegetables that they grow. Their staple food is manioc, also known as cassava that grows under the ground like a potato. They also eat queen ants and egg sacs. Cash crops like coffee, maize, and cocoa are also grown.

People get wood for their houses from the rainforests. They build thatched houses shaped like beehives. There are also malocas there which are large apartment­like houses with a steeply slanting roof.

The Amazon basin is developing day by day. In 1970 the trans-Amazon highway made all parts of the rainforest accessible. With the change of time, people’s lifestyle is also changing gradually.

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NCERT Solutions For Class 7 Geography Social Science Chapter 7 Human Environment–Settlement, Transport and Communication

1. Answer the following questions briefly.

1. What are the four means of transport?
2. What do you understand by the term ‘settlement’?
3. Which are the activities practiced by the rural people?
4. Mention any two merits of railways.
5. What do you understand by communication?
6. What is the mass media?

Answer:

1. Four Means of Transport:
   • Roadways
   • Railways
   • Waterways
   • Airways
2. Settlement:
   • The settlement is the group of houses where people live with their families.
3. Activities Practised by the Rural People:
   • Primary Activities:
   • Agriculture
   • Animal rearing/Pastoral activities
   • Fisting
   • Mining
   • Extracting and collecting
   • Trading of products related to primary activities.
   • Services related to primary activities.
4. Merits of Railways:
   • Quick means of transport
   • Carrier of bulk goods over long distances
     Cheap means of transport. (Any two)
5. Communication:
   • By communication we mean transmitting messages, ideas and words, written or oral.
6. Mass Media:
   • Mass Media is the medium of communication to the masses.
   • They are print media, radio, and television.

2. Tick the correct answer:
(a) Which is not a means of communication?
(i) telephone                       (ii)   books                               (iii)    table.
(b) Which type of road is constructed under the ground?
(i) flyover                          (ii)    expressways                     (iii)    subways.
(c) Which mode of transport is most suitable to reach an island?
(i) ship                              (ii)   train                                 (iii)   car.
(d) Which vehicle does not pollute the environment?
(i) cycle                             (ii)    bus                                  (iii)    aeroplane.
Answer: (a)—(iii), (b)—(iii), (c)—(i), (d)—(i).

3.Match the following:
(i) Internet                                        (a) areas where people are engaged in manufacturing,                                                                         trade and services
(ii) Canal route                                    (b) closely built area of houses
(iii) Urban areas                                 (c) houses on stilts
(iv) Compact settlement                   (d) inland waterways
                                                               (e)a means of communication
Ans. (i)—(e), (ii)—(d), (iii)—(a), (iv)—(b).

4. Give reasons:
Today’s world is shrinking.
Answer:
Today’s world is shrinking because of the following reasons:

• Airways have become popular, more and more people use aeroplanes to travel to
  far off places. Airways have reduced time taken in journeys.
• Means of communication have reduced both distances and time. We can talk, see, and interact with people sitting thousands of kilometers away within no time.
• We can strike business deals in seconds through superfast means of communication, like the internet, satellite phones, etc.

5. For Fun:
(i) Conduct a survey in your locality and find out how people commute to their respective workplaces using:
(a) more than two modes of transport
(b) more than three modes of transport
(c) stay within walking distance.
(ii) Mention which mode of communication you will prefer most in the following situations:
(a) your grandfather has suddenly fallen ill How will you inform the doctor?
(b) your mother wants to sell the old house. How will she spread this news?
(c) you are going to attend the marriage of your cousin for which you will be absent from the school for the next two days. How will you inform the teacher?
(d) your friend has moved out with his/her family to New York. How will you keep in touch on a daily basis?
Answer:
(i) (a) on foot, metro, and auto-rickshaw
(b) on foot, bus, metro, and rickshaw
(c) on foot.

(ii)
(a) By telephone or mobile.
(b) Through newspaper or through realty brokers.
(c) Through written application.
(d) Through telephone, mobile, e-mail, internet, etc.

VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. Why did settlements grow near the river valleys? [V. Imp.]
Answer: Settlements grew near the river valleys because plenty of water was available there and the land was fertile.

2. What are called temporary settlements? [Imp.]
Answer: Settlements which are occupied for a short time are called temporary settlements.

3. What do people living in temporary settlements practice?
Answer: They practice hunting, gathering, shifting cultivation, and transhumance.

4. Why do people who rear animals move from place to place?
Answer: They move from place to place in search of new pastures according to changes in seasons.

5. Differentiate a compact settlement from a scattered settlement.
Answer: A compact settlement is a closely built area of dwellings wherever flat land is available. In a scattered settlement dwellings are spaced over an extensive area.

6. Where are scattered settlements found? [V. Imp.]
Answer: Scattered settlements are found in hilly tracts, thick forests, and regions of extreme climate.

7. Name the materials used in building houses in rural areas?
Answer: Stones, mud, clay, straw, etc

8. Name some animals used for carrying goods in India.
Answer: Donkeys, mules, bullocks, and camels,

9. Where do you find a dense network of roads?
Answer: In plains

10. What has replaced the steam engine? [Imp.]
Answer: Diesel and electric engines have replaced the steam engines.

11. Name any two important ports of the world.
Answer: Singapore and Rio de Janerio.

12. When are helicopters proved to be very useful?
Answer: Helicopters are proved to be very useful in the time of calamities for rescuing people and distributing food, water, clothes, and medicines,

13. How have satellites proved themselves helpful?        [V. Imp.]
Answer: Satellites have helped in oil exploration, a survey of forest, underground water, mineral wealth, weather forecast and disaster warning,

14. Why is air travel very expensive?
Answer: Air travel is very expensive due to the high cost of fuel.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

1. What do you mean by a site? Mention the natural conditions for the selection of an ideal site?  [V. Imp.]
Answer: The place where a building or a settlement develops is called its site. The natural conditions of an ideal site are:

• Favourable climate
• Availability of water
• Suitable land
• Fertile soil.

2. Write down the features of houses built in rural areas.
Answer: The houses built in rural areas suit to the environment. In regions of heavy rainfall, people build houses with slanting roofs. Places where water accumulates in the rainy season the houses are constructed on a raised platforms or slits,

3. How did people in the early days travel long distances? What changes came with time?     [V. Imp.]
Answer: In the early days people have no means of transport. Whenever they had to go somewhere they walked on foot. They used animals to carry their goods. It took a great deal to time. The invention of the wheel proved to be a boon for the people. It made transport easier. By and by different means of transport such as railways, airways etc. developed. Airplanes have made travel faster. Now, we can cover a long distance within hours,

4. Write a short note on the airways.
Answer: Airways is the fastest mode of transport today. It is very expensive due to high cost of fuels. It is the only mode of transport to reach the most remote and distant areas especially where there are no roads and railways. Helicopters are useful in most inaccessible areas and in time of calamities of rescuing people and distributing essential. Some important airports are Delhi, Mumbai, New York, London, Paris, Frankfurt and Cairo.

5. How has Internet made our lives more comfortable?   [V. Imp.]
Answer: Internet is the latest development in the field of information technology. It not only provides us with worldwide information and interaction but has also made our lives very comfortable. In this age of internet we can reserve tickets for railways, airways and even cinemas and hotels silting at home. We can chat with our friends and relatives living far off places.

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTION

1. How settlements become a necessity? What are its different types? [V. Imp.]
Answer: Settlements are places where people build their homes to live in. Early human beings did not need to develop settlements because they lived on trees and in caves. When they started to grow crops, it became essential to have a permanent home. Thus, settlements began to grow near the river valleys as the water was available and land was fertile. By and by settlements became larger because trade, commerce, and manufacturing developed.
Settlements can be permanent or temporary.

• Temporary Settlement. Settlements which are occupied for a short time Eire called temporary settlements. The people living in deep forests, hot and cold desserts, and mountains often dwell in such settlements. These people are engaged in hunting, gathering, shifting cultivation, and transhumance.
• Permanent Settlement. Under permanent settlements, people build homes to live in.

2. Give a detailed description of waterways.
Answer: Waterways are the cheapest mode of transport. They carry heavy and bulky goods over long distances. They are mainly of two types—inland waterways and sea routes.

• Inland Waterways. Navigable rivers and lakes are used as inland waterways. Some important inland waterways are the Ganga-Brahmaputra river system, the Great Lakes in North America, and the river Nile in Africa.
• Sea routes. Sea routes and oceanic routes are mostly used for transporting merchandise and goods from one country to another. These routes are connected with the ports. Some important ports are Singapore, Mumbai, Rio de Janeiro, Sydney, etc.

3. What are the major means of transport? Explain each of them [Imp.]
Answer: There are four major means of transport:

1. Roadways
2. Railways
3. Waterways
4. Airways

Roads the most commonly used means of transport. Roads are of two types—metalled roads also known as pucca roads and unmetalled roads also known as Kutcha roads. The plugins have a dense network of roads. Roads built underground are called subways or underpass. Flyovers are built over raised structures.

The railways carry people and bulky goods. They cover long distances quickly and cheaply. The railway network is well developed over the plain areas. With the development of advanced technical skills, we have now railway lines laid in difficult mountain terrains also. The Indian railway network is well developed and the largest in Asia.

Waterways are the cheapest means of transport. They carry heavy and bulky goods over long distances. They are of two types—inland waterways and sea routes. Navigable rivers and lakes are used as inland waterways— for example, the Ganga-Brahmaputra river system. Sea routes and oceanic routes are mostly used for transporting merchandise and goods from one country to another.

Airways are the most expensive means of transport. It is the only mode of transport to reach the most remote and distant areas especially where there are no roads and railways. Helicopters are useful in most inaccessible areas and in times of calamities.

NCERT SolutionsMathsScienceSocialEnglishSanskritHindiRD Sharma

NCERT Solutions For Class 7 Geography Social Science Chapter 6 Natural Vegetation and Wildlife

1. Answer the following questions briefly.

1. Which are the two factors on which the growth of vegetation mostly depends?
2. Which are the three broad categories of natural vegetation?
3. Name the two hardwood trees commonly found in tropical evergreen forest
4. In which part of the world is tropical deciduous forests found?
5. In which climatic conditions are citrus fruits cultivated?
6. Mention the uses of coniferous forest.
7. In which part of the world is seasonal grassland found?

Answer:

1. Two factors on which growth of vegetation mostly depends:
   • Climate (Temperature and Moisture).
   • Height
   • Slope
   • The thickness of the soil.
     (Any two factors)
2. Three broad categories of natural vegetation:
   • Forests: Grow in regions of high temperature and rain.
   • Grasslands: Grow in regions of moderate rainfall.
   • Thorny shrubs and scrubs: Grow in dry regions.
3. Two Hardwood Trees:
   • Rosewood
   • Ebony
   • Mahogany (Any Two)
4. Tropical deciduous forest is found in the following parts of the world:
   • Large parts of India.
   • Northern Australia
   • Central America
5. Citrus fruits are cultivated in the Mediterranean climatic conditions.
6. Four uses of coniferous forests:
   • Coniferous forests provide softwood.
   • It is used in making pulp. The pulp is used in making paper and newsprint.
   • The matchmaking industry gets softwood from coniferous forests.
   • Softwood is also used in making package boxes.
7. Seasonal grassland is found in the Savannah region of Africa. It gets dried up in the dry season.

2. Tick the correct answer.
(a) Mosses and Lichens are found in
(i) Desertic vegetation
(ii) Tropical vegetation (iii) Tundra vegetation.
(b) Thorny bushes are found in
(i) Hot and humid tropical climate
(ii) Hot and dry desertic climate
(iii) Cold polar climate.
(c) In tropical evergreen forest, one of the common animals is
(i) Monkey                         (ii)    Giraffe
(iii) Camel.
(d) One important variety of coniferous forest is
(i) Rosewood                       (ii)    Pine
(iii) Teak.
(e) Steppe grassland is found in
(i) S. Africa                        (ii)    Australia
(iii) Central Asia.
Answer: (a)—(iii), (b)—(ii), (c)—(i), (d)—(ii), (e)—(iii).

Question 3.
Match the following.
(i) Walrus                  (a) Softwood tree
(ii) Cedar                  (b) An animal of tropical deciduous forest
(iii) Olives                 (c) A polar animal
(iv) Elephants           (d) Temperate grassland in Australia
(v) Campos               (e) Thorny shrubs
(vi) Downs                (f) A citrus fruit
                                 (g) Tropical grassland of Brazil
Answer.
(i) Walrus                  (c) A polar animal
(ii) Cedar                  (a) Softwood tree
(iii) Olives                 (f) A citrus fruit
(iv) Elephants           (b) An animal of tropical deciduous forest
(v) Campos               (g) Tropical grassland of Brazil
(vi) Downs                (d) Temperate grassland in Australia

4. Give reasons:

1. The animals in the polar region have thick fur and thick skin.
2. Tropical deciduous trees shed their leaves in the dry season.
3. The type and thickness of vegetation changes from place to place.

Answer:

1.  The animals in the polar region have thick fur and thick skin because of the following reasons:
   • Polar regions are very cold. .
   • Animals that do not have thick fur and thick skin cannot survive in these harsh and cold climates.;
   • They have to protect themselves from cold by thick fur and thick skin.
2. Tropical deciduous trees shed their leaves in the dry season because of the following reasons:
   • During the dry season, rainfall is scarce and water supply to plants and trees through their roots is reduced.
   • Transpiration occurs through leaves.
   • To reduce transpiration in dry season, trees shed their leaves.
   • The short supply of moisture through their roots keeps them alive during the dry season.
3. The type and thickness of vegetation changes from place to place because of the following reasons:
   • Climate (temperature and moisture)
   • Height from mean sea level – Slope
   • The thickness of the soil.
   • As these conditions vary from place to place, natural vegetation (types and thickness) also varies from place to place.

5. Activity:
(a) Collect pictures and photographs of forests and grasslands of different parts of the world. Write one sentence below each picture.
(b) Make a collage of rainforest, grassland, and coniferous forests.
Answer:
(a) Pictures and photographs of forests and grasslands of different parts of the world.

These forests are found in the regions near the equator and close to the tropics. These regions are hot and receive heavy rainfall throughout the year. These trees do not shed their leaves altogether.

These forests are the monsoon forests found in the large part of India, northern Australia and in central America. Trees shed their leaves in dry season.

These forests are commonly found along the eastern margin of the continents and comprise both hard and softwood trees like oak, pine etc.

The grass can grow veiy tall, about 3 to 4 metres in height. Savannah grasslands of Africa are of this type.
(b) Students are suggested to do this activity themselves

6. For Fun:
In the crossword table given below, some words are hidden. They are all about vegetation and wildlife and are to be found horizontally and vertically. Two have been worked out for you. Work in pairs with a friend

Answer:

Class 7 Geography Chapter 6 Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Intext Questions

Question 1.
Now can you tell why Salima saw changes in the natural vegetation as she climbed higher and higher? What type of vegetation did she see in the Himalayas starting with the foothills and going to the higher altitudes?  (NCERT Page 39)
Answer.
Salima saw changes in the natural vegetation as she climbed higher and higher because of the following reasons:

1. Change in a climate with an increase in height.
2. Slope
3. The thickness of the soil.

Types of vegetation she saw

1. Sal and teak forests
2. Coniferous forests
3. Rhodo-dendrous
4. Short grass

Question 2.
Like Salima, when you go to visit any new place, notice the type of natural vegetation occurring there and try to think of factors responsible for the growth of such vegetation in that habitat.
Note down if any human interference has taken place in that area in terms of deforestation, grazing, cultivation of cash crops, constructional activities, etc. (NCERT Page 39)
Answer.
In October to Nainital.

• Alpine and Montane vegetation.

Factors:

• Cold climate.
• Heavy rainfall.
• Mountainous soil.

Yes, for habitation and commercial activities.

Question 3.
Where in India do tropical evergreen and tropical deciduous forests occur? Name the states. (NCERT Page 41)
Which type of forest dominates most parts of India?
Answer.

1. Western slopes of western ghats, N.E. India—Tropical evergreen (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, and N.E. states)
2. Central India—Deciduous (M.P., Chhattisgarh), Jharkhand etc.
3. Tropical Deciduous.

Question 4.
Look around in your surroundings and find out the articles made of hardwood and softwood.
Find out and learn the names of few trees of your locality. (NCERT Page 43)
Answer.
Hardwood: Steppers, bridges, furniture, doors, windows.
Softwood: Matches, packing material, false ceiling, boats etc.
Mango, neem, jamun, shisham, kikar, peepal, sal.

Question 5.
Can you name the great desert of India? Name some of the common animals of the desert. (NCERT page 44)
Answer.
Thar is the great Indian desert.
Camel, Snakes, lizards and many insects are found here.

Class 7 Geography Chapter 6 Natural Vegetation and Wildlife VSAQ

1. How is height of land and the character of vegetation related with each other? [V. Imp.]
Answer: With the change in height the climate changes and that changes natural vegetation.

2. Where are shrubs found?
Answer: Shrubs are found in the dry regions.

3. Why do trees of tropical evergreen forests not shed their leaves altogether?
Answer: It is because there is no particular dry season.

4. What is the special feature of tropical evergreen forests?  [V. imp.]
Ans. Thick canopies of the closely spaced trees are found here. As a result sunlight do not reach inside the forest.

5. Name the trees found in the tropical deciduous forests.
Ans. Sal, teak, neem and shisham.

6. Where are temperate evergreen forests located?
Answer: These forests are located in the mid-latitudinal coastal region.

7. Why are only citrus fruits cultivated in Mediterranean regions? [V. Imp.]
Answer: It is because people have removed the natural vegetation in order to cultivate citrus fruits.

8. Mention one special feature of coniferous forests.
Answer: These forests have tall and softwood evergreen trees.

9. Name the animals found, in the coniferous forests.
Answer: Silver fox, mink, and polar bear.

10. Name the animals found in tropical grasslands. ,
Answer: Elephants, zebras, giraffes, dear and leopards.

11. Where are Savannah grasslands found?
Answer: They are found in East Africa.

12. Where are Llanos grasslands found?
Answer: They are found in Venezuela.

13. Which type of grassland Prairie is?
Answer: Prairie is temperate grassland.

14. Where are tropical deserts located?
Answer: They are located on the western margins of the continents.

15. Name some animals found in polar regions.
Answer: Seal, walruses, musk-oxen, Arctic owl, polar bear, and snow foxes.

Class 7 Geography Chapter 6 Natural Vegetation and Wildlife SAQ

1. Mention the major features of tropical evergreen forests. [V. Imp.]
Answer: Major features of tropical evergreen forests are:

• These forests are so dense that thick canopies are developed which do not allow the sunlight to penetrate inside the forest.
• As there is no particular dry season, the trees do not shed their leaves altogether. This keeps the forest evergreen.
• Hardwood trees such as rosewood, ebony and mahogany are found here.

2. Mention the features of Mediterranean trees.
Answer: These trees adapt themselves to dry summers with the help of their thick barks and wax-coated leaves which help them reduce transportation.

3. Write a short note tropical grasslands.          [V. Imp.]
Answer: Tropical grasslands occur on either side of the equator and extend till the tropics. This vegetation grows in the areas of moderate to low amount of rainfall. The grass can grow very tall, about 3 to 4 metres in height. Savannah grasslands of Africa are of this type. Common animals found here are elephants, zebras, giraffes, deer and leopards.

4. Give cm account of the natural vegetation and wildlife found in the polar regions.
Answer: Polar regions are extremely cold. Therefore the growth of natural vegetation is very limited here. Only mosses, lichens and veiy small shrubs are found here. They grow during the very short summer. This is called Tundra type of vegetation. This vegetation is found in the polar areas of Europe, Asia and North America. The animals found here have thick fur and thick skin which protect them from the cold climatic conditions. Seal, walruses, musk-oxen, Arctic owl, Polar bear and snow foxes are some of the animals found in these regions.

Class 7 Geography Chapter 6 Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Long Answer Questions

1. Discuss various types of forests. [V. Imp.]
Answer: Types of forests:                                                                                ,

1. Tropical evergreen forests
2. Tropical deciduous forests
3. Temperate evergreen forests
4. Temperate deciduous forests
5. Mediterranean vegetation
6. Coniferous forests

1. Tropical evergreen forests. These forest are very dense and found in the regions near the equator and close to the tropics. These regions receive heavy rain throughout the year. The trees of these forests do not shed their leaves altogether and therefore they remain green all the time. Hardwood trees like rosewood, ebony and mahogany are found here.

2. Tropical deciduous forests. These forest are found in the regions which experience seasonal changes. Trees shed their leaves in the dry season to conserve water. The hardwood trees like sal, teak, neem and shisham are found here. Animals like tigers, lions, elephants, langoors and monkeys are common in these forests.

3. Temperate evergreen forests. These forests are commonly found along the eastern margin of the continents. They comprise both hard and softwood trees. For example, oak, pine, eucalyptus etc.

4. Temperate deciduous forests. Trees of these forests shed their leaves in dry ‘season’. Oak, ash, beech, etc. are common trees here. Deer, foxes, wolves, etc. are common animals in these forests.

5. Mediterranean vegetation. It is mostly found in the areas around the Mediterranean sea in Europe, Africa and Asia. Citrus fruits like oranges, figs, olives and grapes are commonly cultivated in the Mediterranean regions.

6. Coniferous forests. They are also called Taiga. They are tall, softwood evergreen trees. Chir, pine, cedar is an important variety of trees in these forests. Silver, fox, mink, polar bear are the common animals found here.

2. Describe different types of grasslands. [V. Imp.]
Answer: Different types of grasslands are:

1. Tropical grasslands
2. Temperate grasslands
3. Thorny bushes
4. Tropical grasslands. This type of vegetation grows in the areas of moderate to low amounts of rainfall. The grass here can grow very tall, about 3 to 4 metres in height. Savannah grasslands of Africa are of this type. Common animals found here are elephants, zebras, giraffes, deer, leopards etc.
5. Temperate grasslands. This type of vegetation is found in the mid-latitudinal zones and in the interior part of the continents. Grass here is usually short and nutritious. Common animals found in this region are wild buffaloes, bison, antelopes etc.
6. Thorny bushes. These are found in the dry desert-like regions. Tropical deserts are located on the western margins of the continents, which are characterised by scarce vegetation.

Vegetation in the polar regions is also limited. Only mosses, lichens, and very small shrubs are found here. It grows during the very short summer. This is called Tundra type of vegetation. Polar animals have thick fur and thick skin which protect them from the cold climate conditions, for example, seal, walruses, musk-oxen, Arctic owl, etc.

NCERT SolutionsMathsScienceSocialEnglishSanskritHindiRD Sharma