Exploring Society: India and Beyond 3. Landforms and Life
TEXTUAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. In what type of landform is your town / village / city located? Which features mentioned in this chapter do you see around you?
Ans: To determine the type of landform your area is located in, consider the following:
1. Mountains: Hills, peaks, rugged terrain
2. Plains: Flat, low-lying areas
3. Plateaus: Elevated, flat areas
4. Coastal: Near the ocean, beaches, cliffs
5. River delta: Land formed by river deposits
Look around you and see if you can spot features like:
1. Hills or mountains
2. Rivers or streams
3. Lakes or wetlands
4. Coastal features like beaches or cliffs
5. Valleys or canyons
6. Waterfalls
7. Caves
8. Islands (if you're near a coast)
2. Let us go back to our initial trip from Chhota Nagpur to Prayagraj and Almora. Describe the three landforms you came across on the way.
Ans: On our journey from Chhota Nagpur to Prayagraj and Almora, we crossed the following three landforms:
1. Plateau: Chhota Nagpur is situated on the Chota Nagpur Plateau, a part of the Deccan Plateau. This region is characterized by flat-topped hills, valleys, and scenic vistas.
2. Plains: As we traveled towards Prayagraj, we entered the Indo-Gangetic Plains, a vast, flat, and fertile region formed by the Ganges and other rivers. This area is ideal for agriculture and supports a dense population.
3. Mountains: Finally, on our way to Almora, we encountered the Himalayan Mountains, a majestic and rugged range with snow-capped peaks, valleys, and scenic beauty. Almora is nestled in the Kumaon Himalayas, offering breathtaking views and a cool climate.
These landforms showcase India's diverse geological features and natural beauty.
3. List a few famous pilgrimage spots in India along with the landforms in which they are found.
Ans: Here are some famous pilgrimage spots in India, along with the landforms they're located in:
1. Amarnath (Himalayan Mountains, Jammu and Kashmir) - a sacred Hindu shrine nestled in the Himalayas.
2. Badrinath (Himalayan Mountains, Uttarakhand) - a revered Hindu temple situated in the Garhwal Himalayas.
3. Kedarnath (Himalayan Mountains, Uttarakhand) - a sacred Hindu temple located in the Garhwal Himalayas.
4. Varanasi (Indo-Gangetic Plains, Uttar Pradesh) - a holy city situated on the banks of the Ganges River in the Indo-Gangetic Plains.
5. Puri (Coastal Plains, Odisha) - a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal.
6. Dwarka (Coastal Plains, Gujarat) - a revered Hindu temple situated on the coast of the Arabian Sea.
7. Rishikesh (Himalayan Foothills, Uttarakhand) - a spiritual hub located in the foothills of the Himalayas.
8. Shirdi (Deccan Plateau, Maharashtra) - a famous pilgrimage site dedicated to Sai Baba, situated in the Deccan Plateau.
These pilgrimage spots attract millions of devotees and showcase India's diverse geography and spiritual significance.
4. State whether true or false —
1.The Himalayas are young mountains with rounded tops.
2.Plateaus usually rise sharply at least on one side.
3.Mountains and hills belong to the same type of landform.
4.Mountains, plateaus and rivers in India have the same types of flora and fauna.
5.Ganga is a tributary to the Yamuna.
6.Deserts have unique flora and fauna.
7.Melting snow feeds rivers.
8.Sediments from rivers deposited in the plains makes the land fertile.
9.All deserts are hot.
Ans: Here are the true or false answers:
1. False: The Himalayas are young mountains with sharp, rugged tops, not rounded.
2. True: Plateaus often rise sharply on one or more sides, forming escarpments.
3. False: Mountains and hills are different types of landforms, varying in elevation and features.
4. False: Mountains, plateaus, and rivers in India have distinct types of flora and fauna due to varying climates and conditions.
5. False: The Yamuna is a tributary to the Ganga, not the other way around.
6. True: Deserts have unique and adapted flora and fauna due to harsh conditions.
7. True: Melting snow feeds rivers, providing a natural source of water.
8. True: Sediments deposited by rivers in plains make the land fertile, suitable for agriculture.
9. False: Not all deserts are hot; some, like the Gobi or Tibetan deserts, are cold deserts with unique features.
5. Match words in pairs:
| Sr. No. | Column 'A' | Column 'B' | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sr. No.1. | Column 'A'Mount Everest | Column 'B'Africa | Answersclimbing |
| Sr. No.2. | Column 'A'rafting | Column 'B'roof of the world | Answersriver |
| Sr. No.3. | Column 'A'camels | Column 'B'rice fields | Answersdesert |
| Sr. No.4. | Column 'A'plateau | Column 'B'desert | Answersroof of the world |
| Sr. No.5. | Column 'A'Gangetic | Column 'B'plains river | Answersrice fields |
| Sr. No.6. | Column 'A'waterway | Column 'B'Ganga | AnswersGanga |
| Sr. No.7. | Column 'A'Mount Kilimanjaro | Column 'B'tributary | AnswersAfrica |
| Sr. No.8. | Column 'A'Yamuna | Column 'B'climbing | Answerstributary |
The Big Questions
1. What are the major types of landforms and their significance to life and culture?
Ans: The major types of landforms and their significance to life and culture are:
1. Mountains:
- Provide natural resources (minerals, timber, water)
- Support unique ecosystems and biodiversity
- Influence climate and weather patterns
- Often considered sacred or culturally significant
2. Hills:
- Offer fertile soil for agriculture
- Support varied ecosystems and wildlife
- Can be used for settlement and urbanization
- May hold cultural or historical significance
3. Plateaus:
- Provide flat terrain for agriculture and settlement
- Often have unique rock formations and mineral deposits
- Support distinct ecosystems and biodiversity
- Can be culturally significant (e.g., Deccan Plateau in India)
4. Plains:
- Fertile soil supports agriculture and food production
- Flat terrain facilitates transportation and settlement
- Often densely populated and culturally rich
- May be prone to flooding or natural disasters
5. Coastal Plains:
- Provide access to oceans and marine resources
- Support unique ecosystems (mangroves, coral reefs)
- Often densely populated and culturally significant
- Vulnerable to sea-level rise and coastal erosion
6. Islands:
- Support unique ecosystems and biodiversity
- Often culturally significant (e.g., tropical paradises)
- Can be isolated or strategically important
- May face environmental challenges (climate change, erosion)
7. Deserts:
- Support adapted ecosystems and unique wildlife
- Often culturally significant (e.g., spiritual or historical sites)
- Can be rich in natural resources (minerals, oil)
- Pose challenges for human habitation and settlement
These landforms significantly impact:
- Human settlement and urbanization
- Agriculture and food production
- Natural resource availability and management
- Ecosystems and biodiversity
- Cultural identity and heritage
- Economic development and trade
Understanding landforms is essential for managing natural resources, mitigating environmental challenges, and appreciating cultural diversity.
2. What are the challenges and opportunities of life associated with each landform?
Ans: Here are the challenges and opportunities associated with each landform:
Mountains
Challenges:
- Harsh climate and weather conditions
- Limited accessibility and transportation
- Soil erosion and landslides
- Limited agricultural land
Opportunities:
- Natural resources (minerals, timber, water)
- Tourism and recreation (hiking, skiing, etc.)
- Unique ecosystems and biodiversity
- Cultural and spiritual significance
Hills
Challenges:
- Soil erosion and landslides
- Limited agricultural land
- Water scarcity
- Limited accessibility
Opportunities:
- Fertile soil for agriculture
- Unique ecosystems and biodiversity
- Scenic beauty and tourism
- Settlement and urbanization
Plateaus
Challenges:
- Limited water availability
- Soil erosion
- Limited agricultural land
- Isolation
Opportunities:
- Unique rock formations and mineral deposits
- Fertile soil for agriculture
- Settlement and urbanization
- Cultural significance
Plains
Challenges:
- Flooding and waterlogging
- Soil salinization
- Limited natural resources
- High population density
Opportunities:
- Fertile soil for agriculture
- Easy transportation and accessibility
- High population density and cultural diversity
- Economic development and trade
Coastal Plains
Challenges:
- Coastal erosion and flooding
- Saltwater intrusion
- Limited freshwater availability
- Vulnerability to climate change
Opportunities:
- Access to oceans and marine resources
- Tourism and recreation
- Unique ecosystems (mangroves, coral reefs)
- Settlement and urbanization
Islands
Challenges:
- Isolation and limited accessibility
- Limited natural resources
- Vulnerability to climate change
- Limited land area
Opportunities:
- Unique ecosystems and biodiversity
- Tourism and recreation
- Cultural significance and identity
- Strategic importance (trade, military)
Deserts
Challenges:
- Harsh climate and water scarcity
- Limited agricultural land
- Soil erosion and sandstorms
- Limited accessibility
Opportunities:
- Natural resources (minerals, oil)
- Unique ecosystems and biodiversity
- Tourism and recreation
- Cultural significance and identity
LET’S EXPLORE
1. As a class activity, form groups of four or five students and observe the school’s surroundings. What kind of landscape do you see? Will the landscape change a few kilometers away? Or within some 50 kilometers? Compare with other groups.
Ans: Here's a possible class activity:
Group Observation and Discussion
1. Divide into groups of 4-5 students.
2. Observe the school's surroundings and note the type of landscape (e.g., urban, rural, hilly, plain).
3. Discuss within your group:
- What kind of landscape do you see?
- Will the landscape change a few kilometers away? How?
- Will it change within 50 kilometers? How?
4. Share your observations and discussions with other groups.
5. Compare and contrast the different landscapes observed by each group.
Possible Findings:
- Urban landscape near the school, changing to rural or suburban within a few kilometers.
- Hilly terrain near the school, giving way to plains or valleys within 50 kilometers.
- Coastal landscape near the school, changing to inland plains or hills within 50 kilometers.
Discussion Points:
- How do human activities (e.g., urbanization, agriculture) impact the landscape?
- How do natural factors (e.g., climate, geology) shape the landscape?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in different types of landscapes?
- How do landscapes influence local culture, economy, and lifestyle?
Conclusion:
- Landscapes can change significantly within a short distance.
- Human activities and natural factors interact to shape the landscape.
- Understanding landscapes helps us appreciate local diversity and challenges.
This activity encourages observation, critical thinking, and collaboration among students, promoting a deeper understanding of their surroundings and the complex relationships between human and natural factors that shape our environment.
2. In the same groups, discuss a journey that any of you has made through a region of India. List the different landscapes seen on the way. Compare with other groups.
Ans: Group Discussion: Journey Through India's Landscapes
1. Share a personal experience of a journey through a region of India.
2. List the different landscapes seen during the journey:
- Mountains
- Hills
- Plains
- Plateaus
- Coastal areas
- Deserts
- Rivers
- Valleys
3. Discuss within your group:
- How did the landscape change during the journey?
- What were the notable features of each landscape?
- How did the landscape impact the local culture, economy, and lifestyle?
4. Share your journey and landscapes with other groups.
5. Compare and contrast the different landscapes observed by each group.
Possible Journeys:
- A trip from Delhi to Ladakh, passing through the Himalayas, hills, and valleys.
- A journey from Mumbai to Goa, along the coastal plain and beaches.
- A train ride from Chennai to Ooty, through the Eastern Ghats and Nilgiri Hills.
- A road trip from Jaipur to Jaisalmer, across the Thar Desert and sand dunes.
Discussion Points:
- How do landscapes influence local architecture, agriculture, and traditions?
- What are the challenges and opportunities of traveling through different landscapes?
- How do landscapes shape our perceptions and experiences of a region?
- What are the unique features of each landscape, and how do they contribute to India's diversity?
Conclusion:
- India's diverse landscapes offer a wealth of experiences and insights.
- Landscapes play a significant role in shaping local culture, economy, and lifestyle.
- Sharing our journeys and observations helps us appreciate the complexity and beauty of India's landscapes.
3. Can you give examples of river sources or confluences from your region that are regarded as sacred by any community?
Ans: Here are some examples of river sources or confluences considered sacred by various communities:
1. Ganges River (India): The source of the Ganges, known as Gangotri Glacier, is revered by Hindus as a sacred site.
2. Sangam (India): The confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Allahabad is a sacred site for Hindus, known as the Triveni Sangam.
3. Brahmaputra River (India and Bangladesh): The confluence of the Brahmaputra and Ganges rivers, known as the Jamuna River, is revered by Hindus and Buddhists.
These sacred sites often hold significant cultural, spiritual, and ecological importance, and are frequently protected and preserved by local communities and governments.
4. Visit a nearby river and observe all activities there, whether economic or cultural. Note them down and discuss with your classmates.
Ans: Here's a sample observation report:
River Observation Report
Location: Nearby River (River Ganga)
Date: [24/8/2024]
Activities Observed:
Economic Activities:
1. Fishing: Local fishermen were seen fishing using nets and rods.
2. Boating: Boatmen were transporting people and goods across the river.
3. Sand mining: Workers were extracting sand from the riverbed for construction purposes.
4. Agriculture: Farmers were irrigating their crops using river water.
Cultural Activities:
1. Worship: Devotees were performing puja (prayer) and offering flowers to the river.
2. Bathing: People were taking a holy dip in the river, considered sacred.
3. Recreation: Children were playing and swimming in the river.
4. Picnicking: Families were enjoying a picnic on the riverbank.
Other Observations:
1. Pollution: Litter and plastic waste were seen floating in the river.
2. Erosion: The riverbank was showing signs of erosion due to heavy rainfall.
3. Wildlife: Birds and fish were seen in and around the river.
Discussion Points:
1. How do economic activities impact the river's ecosystem?
2. What cultural significance does the river hold for the local community?
3. What measures can be taken to reduce pollution and protect the river?
4. How can we balance economic and cultural activities with environmental conservation?
Class Discussion:
Share your observations and insights with your classmates. Discuss the importance of rivers in our lives, the impact of human activities on rivers, and ways to promote sustainable river management.
5. Name some popular tourist destinations in India and identify the category of landform they are associated with.
Ans: Here are some popular tourist destinations in India, along with the category of landform they are associated with:
1. Shimla (Himalayan Mountains) - Hill Station
2. Goa (Coastal Plain) - Beach Destination
3. Kerala Backwaters (Coastal Plain) - Waterway Network
4. Taj Mahal (Indo-Gangetic Plain) - Cultural Heritage Site
5. Ladakh (Himalayan Mountains) - High-Altitude Desert
6. Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Island Archipelago) - Tropical Island Getaway
7. Mysore (Deccan Plateau) - Cultural Heritage Site
8. Darjeeling (Himalayan Mountains) - Hill Station
9. Rann of Kutch (Thar Desert) - Salt Desert
10. Puri (Coastal Plain) - Beach Destination
These destinations showcase India's diverse landforms, from the majestic Himalayas to the scenic coastal plains, and from arid deserts to tropical islands.
Additional Questions and Answers
A. Answer the following in short.
1. What is a landform?
Ans: A landform is a natural feature of the Earth's surface, such as a mountain, hill, plateau, plain, valley, or body of water. Landforms can be created by various geological processes, including:
1. Tectonic plate movement
2. Volcanic activity
3. Weathering and erosion
4. Deposition of sediments
Landforms can be classified into different categories, including:
1. Mountains: high, rugged landforms with steep slopes
2. Hills: smaller, rounded landforms with gentler slopes
3. Plateaus: flat or gently sloping landforms elevated above surrounding terrain
4. Plains: flat or low-lying landforms, often formed by sediment deposition
5. Valleys: low areas between hills or mountains, often with a river or stream
6. Coastal landforms: features like beaches, cliffs, and deltas, shaped by ocean waves and tides
Landforms can be further divided into smaller features, such as:
1. Peaks
2. Ridges
3. Canyons
4. Gorges
5. Waterfalls
6. Islands
2. What are the three categories of landforms? Explain with suitable examples.
Ans: They are- mountains, plateaus and plains. Here's an explanation of each:
Mountains
- Elevated landforms with steep slopes and high elevations
- Formed by tectonic plate movement, volcanic activity, or erosion
- Can be rugged, rocky, and snow-capped
- Examples: Himalayas, Mount Everest, Rocky Mountains
- Characteristics:
- High elevation
- Steep slopes
- Narrow valleys
- Limited accessibility
- Unique ecosystems and biodiversity
Plateaus
- Elevated landforms with flat or gently sloping surfaces
- Formed by volcanic activity, erosion, or tectonic uplift
- Can be vast, flat, and featureless
- Examples: Deccan Plateau, Colorado Plateau, Ethiopian Highlands
- Characteristics:
- Flat or gently sloping surface
- Elevated above surrounding terrain
- Often formed by volcanic rock or sedimentary deposits
- May have unique rock formations and mineral deposits
- Can be arid or semi-arid
Plains
- Low-lying landforms with flat or gently sloping surfaces
- Formed by sediment deposition, erosion, or tectonic subsidence
- Can be vast, flat, and featureless
- Examples: Indo-Gangetic Plain, Great Plains, Amazon Basin
- Characteristics:
- Flat or gently sloping surface
- Low elevation
- Often formed by sedimentary deposits (rivers, glaciers, wind)
- May be fertile and suitable for agriculture
- Can be prone to flooding or waterlogging
These landforms have distinct features, formation processes, and characteristics, shaping our environment, ecosystems, and human activities.
3. What is altitude?
Ans: Altitude refers to the height or elevation of a location above sea level. It is a measure of how high a place is above the average level of the ocean. Altitude is usually expressed in units of meters or feet.
4. What is Precipitation?
Ans: Precipitation is the formation and falling of water droplets or ice crystals from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface. It is a vital component of the water cycle, and it occurs when the air reaches its dew point, causing the water vapor to condense into droplets.
5. What is snow?
Ans: Snow is a natural weather phenomenon where water vapor in the air freezes into ice crystals, forming delicate, white flakes that fall to the ground. It occurs when the air temperature cools to a point where the water vapor can no longer remain in its liquid state, typically at temperatures below 0°C (32°F).
6. Floodplains are ideal for growing crops of all kinds. Give a reason.
Ans: 1. Floodplains are one type of plains formed by rivers originating in mountain ranges, where they collect particles of rock, sand and silt called ‘sediments’.
2. These sediments are carried all the way to the plains, where the rivers deposit them, making the soil very fertile. As a result, these plains are ideal for growing crops of all kinds
7. What are problems affecting the Ganga plains?
Ans: 1.The depletion (or decrease) of groundwater
2. High population and pollution
8. What is river confluence?
Ans: A river confluence is the point where two or more rivers meet and merge to form a single river. It's a location where the waters of different rivers come together, often creating a larger, more powerful river.
9. What is the importance of river confluence in India?
Ans: In India, numerous festivals, ceremonies and rituals are conducted at such locations.
10. What are the five tiṇais?
Ans: The five tiṇais of ancient Tamil Sangam poetry are five landscapes associated with certain specific deities, lifestyles, moods or emotions (such as love, longing, separation, quarrel, etc.).
11. What are the characteristics of the five landscapes and the main human occupations with reference to ancient Tamil Sangam poetry?
Ans:
| Tiṇai | Landscape | Main occupation |
|---|---|---|
| TiṇaiKuriñji | Landscapemountainous regions | Main occupationhunting and gathering |
| TiṇaiMullai | Landscapegrassland and forests | Main occupationcattle rearing |
| TiṇaiMarudam | Landscapefertile agricultural plains | Main occupationfarming |
| TiṇaiNeydal | Landscapecoastal regions | Main occupationfishing and seafaring |
| TiṇaiPālai | Landscapearid, desert-like regions | Main occupationjourneying and fighting |
12. What is the difference between plateaus and plains?
Ans:
| Plateaus | Plains |
|---|---|
| Plateaus1. Elevated regions with flat or gently sloping surfaces | Plains1. Low-lying regions with flat or gently sloping surfaces |
| Plateaus2. Formed by volcanic activity, erosion, or tectonic uplift | Plains2. Formed by sediment deposition, erosion, or tectonic subsidence |
| Plateaus3. Typically higher than surrounding terrain | Plains3. Typically lower than surrounding terrain |
| Plateaus4. Steep slopes or cliffs often surround plateaus | Plains4. Gradual slopes or no clear boundaries |
| Plateaus5. Examples: Deccan Plateau, Colorado Plateau, Ethiopian Highlands | Plains5. Examples: Indo-Gangetic Plain, Great Plains, Amazon Basin |
13. Match the following:
| Sr. No. | Column 'A' | Column 'B' |
|---|---|---|
| Sr. No,1. | Column 'A'Victoria Falls | Column 'B'Subarnarekha River |
| Sr. No,2. | Column 'A'Hundru Falls | Column 'B'Zambezi River |
| Sr. No,3. | Column 'A'Jog Falls | Column 'B'Cherrapunji |
| Sr. No,4. | Column 'A'Nohkalikai Falls | Column 'B'Sharavati River |
| Sr. No, | Column 'A' | Column 'B' |
|---|---|---|
| Sr. No,1. | Column 'A'Victoria Falls | Column 'B'Zambezi River |
| Sr. No,2. | Column 'A'Hundru Falls | Column 'B'Subarnarekha River |
| Sr. No,3. | Column 'A'Jog Falls | Column 'B'Sharavati River |
| Sr. No,4. | Column 'A'Nohkalikai Falls | Column 'B'Cherrapunji |
B. Answer the following in one sentence.
1. What is a landform?
Ans: A landform is a natural feature of the Earth's surface, such as a mountain, hill, plateau, plain, valley, or body of water.
2. What are the three categories of landforms?
Ans: They are- mountains, plateaus and plains
3. What are called hills?
Ans: Highlands with a lower height, less steep slopes and rounded tops are called hills.
4. Where is the location of the mountain Himalaya, the Alps and the Andes?
Ans: The Himalayas in Asia, the Alps in Europe and the Andes in South America.
5. Name the two highest peaks of the Himalayan range.
Ans: Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga are the two highest peaks of the Himalayan range.
6. What is the highest peak of the Andes?
Ans: Mount Aconcagua (in South America) is the highest peak of the Andes.
7. Where is Mount Kilimanjaro?
Ans: Mount Kilimanjaro is in eastern Africa.
8. Which is the highest mountain in south India?
Ans: Anamudi (in Kerala, also known as ‘Anai Peak’) is the highest mountain in south India.
9. Which is the youngest mountain?
Ans: Mountain Himalaya.
10. Which is the oldest mountain range?
Ans: Aravalli Range
11. What is montane forest?
Ans: Mountain slopes are often covered with a type of forest called montane forest, where conifer trees such as pines, firs, spruce and deodar are common.
12. What is home to diverse fauna?
Ans: Deep forests, flowing rivers, lakes, grasslands and caves in the mountains are home to diverse fauna.
13. What are the animals found in mountain regions?
Ans: The golden eagle, the peregrine falcon, the Canadian lynx, the snow leopards, the ibex, the Himalayan tahr, the mountain hare, the yak, the gray fox and the black bear are found in mountain regions.
14. Where does Ganga originate from?
Ans: in the Himalayas.
15. What is the length of river Ganga?
Ans: Nearly 2,500 km long.
16. What are the tributaries of river Ganga which originate in the Himalayas?
Ans: The Yamuna and the Ghagara.
17. What are the tributaries of river Ganga which originate from the Vindhya Range to the south of the Ganga plain?
Ans: The Son or Sone, originate from the Vindhya Range to the south of the Ganga plain.
18. What is terrain?
Ans: A piece or stretch of land, from the point of view of its physical features is known as terrain.
19. What is terrace farming?
Ans: Cultivation is practised on the slopes by cutting steps into the slope. This is called terrace farming.
20. What is the important source of income for the people living in the mountains?
Ans: Tourism is an important source of income for the people living in the mountains.
21. What is a Valley?
Ans: Valley is a lower area between hills or mountains, often with a river or stream flowing through it.
22. Tourism is growing in mountain regions because-
Ans: 1.The crisp mountain air and scenic beauty attract many tourists. 2. Some tourists also go to the mountains for sports such as skiing, hiking, mountaineering and paragliding.
23. Who was the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest?
Ans: Bachendri Pal
24. When did Bachendri Pal climb Mount Everest?
Ans: In 1984.
25. Who encouraged Arunima Sinha to climb Mount Everest?
Ans: Bachendri Pal
26. When did Arunima Sinha manage to climb Mount Everest?
Ans: In 2013.
27. What was Arunima Sinha awarded in 2015?
Ans: She was awarded Padma Shri in 2015.
28. Who climbed Mount Vinson in Antarctica?
Ans: Arunima Sinha
29. What is the height of Mount Everest?
Ans: 8,849 meters.
30. What do Tibetans call Mount Everest?
Ans: Tibetans call it ‘Chomolungma’, which means ‘Mother Goddess of the World’.
31. What is the ancient Tibetan religion called?
Ans: Bon
32. Where is Mount Kailash?
Ans: In Tibet
33. Mount Kailash is sacred for whom?
Ans: Mount Kailash in Tibet is held sacred by followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon (an ancient Tibetan religion).
34. Which is the largest and highest plateau in the world?
Ans: The Tibetan Plateau
35. Give two examples of Plateau.
Ans: The Tibetan Plateau and the Deccan Plateau.
36. What is the height of the Tibetan Plateau?
Ans: 4,500 meters.
37. Which plateau is nicknamed as the ‘Roof of the World’?
Ans: The Tibetan Plateau.
38. Where is the Deccan Plateau?
Ans: Deccan Plateau is in central and south India.
39. Through which process the Deccan Plateau formed?
Ans: The Deccan Plateau formed through volcanic activity millions of years ago.
40. Mining is a major activity on plateaus. Give a reason.
Ans: Because the plateaus are rich in mineral deposits
41. What is the East African Plateau famous for?
Ans: The East African Plateau famous for gold and diamond mining.
42. What is the Chhota Nagpur Plateau in India famous for?
Ans: In India, huge reserves of iron, coal and manganese are found in the Chhota Nagpur Plateau.
43. Where is Victoria Falls?
Ans: The Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River in southern Africa.
44. Where is the Hundru Falls?
Ans: The Hundru Falls is on the Subarnarekha River in the Chhota Nagpur Plateau.
45. Where is the Jog Falls?
Ans: The Jog Falls on the Sharavati River in the Western Ghats.
46. Where is the Nohkalikai Falls?
Ans: The Nohkalikai Falls is in Cherrapunji Plateau (in Meghalaya).
47. How many people live in India’s Gangetic plain?
Ans: About 40 crore people, more than one-fourth of the total Indian population lives in India’s Gangetic plain.
48. What are the major occupations of people in the plains region?
Ans: River fishing and agriculture is the major occupation of the people in the plains.
49. What are the food crops grown in plains?
Ans: Food crops such as rice, wheat, maize, barley and millets are grown in plains.
50. What are the fiber crops grown in the Gangetic plain?
Ans: Fibre crops such as cotton, jute and hemp are also grown in the Gangetic plain.
51. What is Resilience?
Ans: The capacity to meet challenges and difficulties, adapt to them or overcome them.
52. What do Nepalis call Mount Everest?
Ans: Nepalis call it ‘Sagarmatha’, meaning ‘Goddess of the Sky’.
53. Name the desert in the northwest of the Indian Subcontinent.
Ans: Thar desert.
C. Fill in the blanks:
1. ___ are landforms that are much higher than the surrounding landscape. (Mountains/plateaus)
2. At ___ altitudes, the snow melts every summer and turns into water that feeds rivers. (higher/lower)
3. Snow and hailstones are nothing but precipitation of water in a ___ state. (solid/liquid)
4. Mont Blanc in Western Europe is the highest mountain of the ___. (Alps/Andes)
5. ___ is a lower area between hills or mountains, often with a river or stream flowing through it. (Valley/ Plains)
6. ___ lost a leg in an accident when she was 31. (Arunima Sinha/Bachendri Pal)
7. A ___ is a landform that rises up from the surrounding land and has a more or less flat surface; some of its sides are often steep slopes. (plateau/plains)
8. ___ are landforms that have an extensive flat or gently undulating surface.(Plains/Plateau)
9. Floodplains are one type of plains formed by ___. (rivers/wind)
10. The meeting point of two or more rivers. (Confluence/Divergence)
D. State the following TRUE or FALSE.
1. All landforms have the same climates. FALSE
2. Some mountains are covered with snow. TRUE
3. Mount Kilimanjaro in eastern Africa is an isolated mountain that is not part of any range. TRUE
4. In many mountainous regions of the world, herding is the preferred occupation over agriculture. TRUE
5. Bachendri Pal was awarded Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.TRUE
6. The plateau environment is not diverse across the world. FALSE
7.The lava plateaus have a rich black soil. TRUE
8. The first civilisations developed around rivers in fertile plains.TRUE
9. Deserts are considered to be large and dry expanses with very high precipitation.FALSE
10. Each landform offers different challenges as well as opportunities.TRUE
E. Choose the appropriate answer from the given below options.
1. Which one is not the part of landforms?
(a) mountains
(b) plateaus
(c) plains
(d) deserts
👁Answer
Correct Answer: (d) deserts
2. Which Vedas say, the Earth is my mother and I am her child?
(a) Rigveda
(b) Atharv Veda
(c) Yajurveda
(d) Samveda
3. Where is Chhota Nagpur?
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Sikkim
(c) Jharkhand
(d) Orissa
4. Where is Prayagraj?
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Jharkhand
(d) Orissa
5. The height of an object above sea level is known as —
(a) Distance
(b) Altitude
(c) Attitude
(d) Humidity
6. — are landforms that are much higher than the surrounding landscape.
(a) Plains
(b) Plateaues
(c) Mountains
(d) Deserts
7. Consider the following statements with regards to mountain altitude.
1. At lower altitudes, the snow melts every summer and turns into water that feeds rivers.
2. At high altitudes, the snow may never melt, leaving the mountain permanently snowcapped.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 Only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
8. The highlands with a lower height, less steep slopes and rounded tops are called
(a) Plains
(b) Plateaues
(c) Mountains
(d) Hills
9. Water from the atmosphere reaching the ground in any form — rain, snow and hail- is known as —
(a) precipitation
(b) confluence
(c) resilience
(d) condensation
10. Choose the correctly matched pair.
(a) Himalayas - Europe
(b) Alps - Asia
(c) Andes - North America
(d) Hundru Falls - Chhota Nagpur Plateau
11. Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga are the two highest peaks of the — range.
(a) Himalayan
(b) Aravali
(c) Anamudi
(d) Shivalik
12. Where is Mount Aconcagua?
(a) Europe
(b) Asia
(c) North America
(d) South America
13. — is the highest peak of the Andes.
(a) Mont Blanc
(b) Mount Aconcagua
(c) Mount Kilimanjaro
(d) Mount Everest
14. — is the highest mountain in south India.
(a) Anamudi
(b) Aravali
(c) Udayagiri
(d) Mount Everest
15. Anamudi (also known as ‘Anai Peak’) the highest mountain in south India is in —.
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Karnataka
(c) Kerala
(d) Goa
16. Which of the following is the youngest mountain?
(a) Mont Blanc
(b) Mount Aconcagua
(c) Mount Kilimanjaro
(d) Mount Himalaya
17. A type of forest that grows in mountainous regions.
(a) Rain forest
(b) Montane forest
(c) Deciduous forest
(d) Thorny bushes
18. A small green plant without flowers or true roots, often spreading in a cushion-like cover.
(a) Lichen
(b) corn
(c) Algae
(d) Moss
19. A plant-like organism that generally clings to rocks, walls or tree.
(a) Lichen
(b) corn
(c) Algae
(d) Moss
20. ‘Kumārasambhava’ is the poem composed by
(a) Tagore
(b) Kalidas
(c) Surdas
(d) Kabir
21. The poem, Kumārasambhava, begins with an invocation to the —
(a) Vindhyas
(b) Ganga
(c) Godavari
(d) Himalayas
22. Which one is not the home to diverse fauna?
(a) Deep forests
(b) flowing rivers
(c) lakes
(d) Modern cities
23. What is the length of river Ganga?
(a) 1500 km
(b) 2000 km
(c) 2500 km
(d) 3000 km
24. Which one is not the tributary of river Ganga?
(a) Godavari
(b) Son
(c) Yamuna
(d) Ghagara
25. River Son or Sone, originates from the — Range to the south of the Ganga plain.
(a) Anamudi
(b) Himalaya
(c) Aravali
(d) Vindhya
26. Cultivation is practised on the slopes by cutting steps into the slope.
(a) Zoom cultivation
(b) Terrace farming
(c) Intensive farming
(d) Agroforestry
27.A lower area between hills or mountains, often with a river or stream flowing through it.
(a) Hills
(b) Valley
(c) Trench
(d) Pit
28. The skiing, hiking, mountaineering and paragliding are the activities related to —
(a) Rivers
(b) Plains
(c) Mountains
(d) Plateaus
29. — was the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest in 1984.
(a) Arunima Sinha
(b) Bachendri Pal
(c) Karnam Malleshwari
(d) Geeta Fogat
30. Which award was given to Bachendri Pal?
(a) Padma Shri
(b) Padma Bhushan
(c) Both a and b
(d) None of these
31. Who was the inspiration for Arunima Sinha?
(a) Kiran Bedi
(b) Bachendri Pal
(c) Karnam Malleshwari
(d) Geeta Fogat
32. When was Arunima Sinha awarded Padma Shri?
(a) 2015
(b) 2016
(c) 2017
(d) 2018
33. Arunima Sinha managed to climb Mount Everest in —
(a) 2015
(b) 2016
(c) 2017
(d) 2013
34. Who climbed Mount Vinson successfully?
(a) Arunima Sinha
(b) Bachendri Pal
(c) Karnam Malleshwari
(d) Geeta Fogat
35. Where is Mount Vinson?
(a) Europe
(b) North America
(c) Antarctica
(d) Africa
36. A sudden local flood, often caused by a cloudburst.
(a) Flash flood
(b) Landslide
(c) Avalanche
(d) Cloudburst
37. The sudden collapse of a mass of earth or rock from a mountainside.
(a) Flash flood
(b) Landslide
(c) Avalanche
(d) Cloudburst
38. The sudden fall of snow, ice or rocks from a mountain side; often occurs when the snow starts melting.
(a) Flash flood
(b) Landslide
(c) Avalanche
(d) Cloudburst
39. A sudden violent rainstorm.
(a) Flash flood
(b) Landslide
(c) Avalanche
(d) Cloudburst
40. Mount Everest is known as ‘Sagarmatha’ in —
(a) China
(b) Tibet
(c) Bhutan
(d) Nepal
41. Nepalis call the Mount Everest ‘Sagarmatha’, meaning —
(a) Goddess of the Ocean
(b) Goddess of the Wind
(c) Goddess of the Sky
(d) Goddess of the Earth
42. Which one is the highest mountain in the world?
(a) Mont Blanc
(b) Mount Aconcagua
(c) Mount Kilimanjaro
(d) Mount Everest
43. What is the height of Mount Everest?
(a) 7,849 meter
(b) 8,849 meter
(c) 5,849 meter
(d) 9,849 meter
44. Which is the largest and highest plateau in the world?
(a) Tibetan Plateau
(b) Deccan Plateau
(c) Colorado Plateau
(d) Pamir Plateau
45. Which plateau is known as the ‘Roof of the World’?
(a) Tibetan Plateau
(b) Deccan Plateau
(c) Colorado Plateau
(d) Pamir Plateau
46. What is the average altitude of the Tibetan Plateau?
(a) 7,849 meter
(b) 8,849 meter
(c) 5,849 meter
(d) 4,500 meter
47. — Plateau of central and south India is one of the oldest plateaus in the world, formed through volcanic activity millions of years ago.
(a) Tibetan Plateau
(b) Deccan Plateau
(c) Colorado Plateau
(d) Pamir Plateau
48. Mountains, plateaus are rich in mineral deposits; they have been called ‘storehouses of —
(a) grains
(b) fruits
(c) minerals
(d) water
49. East — Plateau is famous for gold and diamond mining
(a) Tibetan Plateau
(b) Deccan Plateau
(c) Colorado Plateau
(d) African Plateau
50. In India, huge reserves of iron, coal and manganese are found in the — Plateau.
(a) Tibetan Plateau
(b) Deccan Plateau
(c) Colorado Plateau
(d) Chhota Nagpur Plateau
51. Plains are landforms that have an extensive flat or gently undulating surface.
(a) Rivers
(b) Plains
(c) Mountains
(d) Plateaus
52. Floodplains collect particles of rock, sand and silt called ‘---
(a) sand
(b) soil
(c) sediments
(d) silicon
53. Plains are ideal for growing crops of all kinds, and agriculture is a major economic occupation in this landform.
(a) hunting
(b) fishing
(c) mining
(d) agriculture
54. Thousands of years ago, the first civilisations developed around rivers
(a) oceans
(b) rivers
(c) mountains
(d) forests
55. About 40 crore people, more than — of the total Indian population, live in India’s Ganga plain
(a) one-fourth
(b) three-fourth
(c) one-fifth
(d) two-fourth
56. Find the odd one.
(a) rice
(b) wheat
(c) jute
(d) barley
57. Find the odd one.
(a) cotton
(b) hemp
(c) jute
(d) barley
58. The meeting point of two or more rivers is known as —
(a) flow
(b) stream
(c) confluence
(d) divergence
59. Where is the Sahar desert?
(a) China
(b) North America
(c) Africa
(d) South America
60. — is in the northwest of the Indian Subcontinent.
(a) Sahara
(b) Gobi
(c) Atacama
(d) Thar
Competency Based Exercise:
F. Read the following passage and answer the questions given below:
The mountain terrain is usually rugged or rough, and has steep slopes. This means that regular farming can only be practised in some valleys. Cultivation is practised on the slopes by cutting steps into the slope. This is called terrace farming. In many mountainous regions of the world, herding is the preferred occupation over agriculture.
Tourism is often an important source of income for the people living in the mountains. The crisp mountain air and scenic beauty attract many tourists. Some tourists also go to the mountains for sports such as skiing, hiking, mountaineering and paragliding. For many centuries, people have also travelled to these uplands for pilgrimages to holy sites. But an excessive inflow of visitors can also put the fragile mountain environment under pressure; it is often difficult to find the right balance.
1. What is terrace farming?
2. Why do many tourists attract towards mountains?
3. What is the important source of income for the people living in the mountains?
4. Why should an excessive inflow of visitors be controlled?
5.Which of these activities is not mentioned in the above passage?
(a) skiing
(b) paragliding
(c) mountaineering
(d) Rafting
Ans:
1.Cultivation is practised on the slopes by cutting steps into the slope.
2.The crisp mountain air and scenic beauty attract many tourists.
3.Tourism
4. an excessive inflow of visitors can put the fragile mountain environment under pressure
5.(d) Rafting
