A part of Earth's surface which has a comparatively high degree of uniformity of structure, surface form and climate within it:
- Earth Region
- Surface Region
- Climate Region
- Natural Region
Answer
Natural Region
Reason — A natural region is a part of the Earth's surface that has a comparatively high degree of uniformity in structure, surface features (relief), climate, natural vegetation, and soils, giving it a distinct natural identity.
The basic factor on the basis of which the world is divided into major natural regions is:
- temperature
- area
- water
- climate
Answer
climate
Reason — Climate is the basic factor on the basis of which the world is divided into major natural regions, because climate influences the soil, flora and fauna and the vegetation of a region; hence the major natural regions are named after the climate or the vegetation type.
In different natural regions human activities differs when there is dominance of:
- agriculture
- animal husbandry
- forestry
- all of the above.
Answer
all of the above
Reason — Human response shows a broad relationship with climatic conditions, and this relation is striking in regions where the primary activities like agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry are dominant, as all these activities are governed directly by the climatic conditions.
Which of the following is true for the Equatorial region?
- Temperature ranges from 25°C to 30°C
- Rainfall is orographic
- Crops like cotton are cultivated
- It lies in the temperate zone.
Answer
Temperature ranges from 25°C to 30°C
Reason — The temperature in the Equatorial Region ranges between 25°C and 30°C during the year. The other options are incorrect because the rainfall here is of the convectional type, cotton is not an Equatorial crop, and the region lies in the Torrid belt and not in the temperate zone.
Equatorial forests : Broad-leaved evergreen trees :: ................ : deciduous trees
- Tropical grasslands
- Tropical monsoon forests
- Mediterranean forests
- Temperate grasslands
Answer
Tropical grasslands
Reason — The Tropical Grasslands (Savannas) have scattered deciduous trees that shed their leaves during the dry season to reduce water loss, whereas Equatorial forests consist of broad-leaved evergreen trees.
The top layer formed by the crowns of trees which grow close together:
- understorey
- canopy
- emergent layer
- forest floor
Answer
canopy
Reason — The canopy is the top layer of the rainforest, formed by the crowns of trees which grow close together. It blocks out sunshine and wind, so the plants of the understorey below have larger leaves to maximise the light absorbed.
Equatorial Region : Lungs of the World :: ................ : Granaries of the World
- Savannas
- Selvas
- Steppes
- Tundra
Answer
Steppes
Reason — The Temperate Grasslands or Steppes are known as the 'granaries of the world' because they are ideal for extensive wheat cultivation and produce the greatest quantity of wheat per capita amongst the wheat-growing nations of the world.
Which amongst the following is also called the 'natural cattle country'?
- Tropical Deserts
- Tropical Rainforests
- Tropical Grasslands
- Mediterranean Region
Answer
Tropical Grasslands
Reason — The Savannas or Tropical Grasslands are called the 'natural cattle country' because many of the traditional native people here are herdsmen or pastoralists who keep large numbers of cattle that are fed on the tall grass and the bushes, and provide them with meat and milk.
Plants which are adapted to arid condition:
- Arid Plants
- Adapted Plants
- Xeropholic Plants
- Xerophytic Plants
Answer
Xerophytic Plants
Reason — Plants which are adapted to arid conditions are known as xerophytic plants. They are almost leafless and store water in their stems.
Which amongst the following is not one of the Tropical Marine Type Area?
- Honduras
- Thailand
- Eastern Brazil
- Jamaica
Answer
Thailand
Reason — Thailand lies in the Tropical Monsoon type of climate region of Asia. The Tropical Marine type areas include Jamaica, Belize, Honduras and Nicaragua in Central America, Eastern Brazil in South America, parts of South-East Africa and Madagascar, and parts of North-eastern Australia.
Which amongst the following is the most common tree found in the Mediterranean Region?
- Oak
- Laurel
- Cork
- Olive
Answer
Olive
Reason — Olive is the most common tree of the Mediterranean region. Though oak, laurel, cork, oleander, beech and ash are the dominant evergreen trees of the Mediterranean region of Europe, it is the olive that is most commonly found.
Steppes : Euro-asia :: Downs : ................
- South America
- Australia
- Mediterranean region
- Savannas
Answer
Australia
Reason — The temperate grasslands are known by different names in different continents. In Euro-Asia they are known as the Steppes, while in Australia they are known as the Downs, and are found in the Murray-Darling basin.
Which amongst the following is also known as the 'Cool Temperate Continental type' or 'Siberian Type'?
- Taiga Region
- Mediterranean Region
- Tropical Deserts
- Temperate Grasslands
Answer
Taiga Region
Reason — The Taiga region is also known as the Cool Temperate Continental type or the Siberian type of climate. It lies between 55° and 70° in the Northern Hemisphere and is marked by severe winters of long duration and a cool, brief summer.
The Tundra type of climate is also known as the:
- Antarctic Type
- Polar Type
- Tundra Type
- Plain Type
Answer
Polar Type
Reason — The Tundra type of climate is also known as the Arctic or Polar type. It is found mainly north of the Arctic Circle in the Northern Hemisphere and is characterised by long, severe winters and cool, brief summers.
In mid-winters (January) temperature in the Tundra is as low as:
- 0 degrees
- -15 degrees
- -10 degrees
- -37 degrees
Answer
-37 degrees
Reason — The Tundra region has a low annual range of temperature. The temperature in the warmest month (June) seldom rises to more than 10°C, while in mid-winters (January) temperatures are as low as -37°C.
Assertion (A): The climatic regions are also named after the vegetation type prevalent there.
Reason (R): The climate influences soil, flora and fauna and the vegetation of the region.
- Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
- Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
- A is true but R is false.
- A is false but R is true.
Answer
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation — The climate influences soil, flora and fauna and the vegetation of the region. That's why the climatic regions are also named after the vegetation type prevalent there.
Assertion (A): The relation between climate and human activities is striking in regions where the primary activities like agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry are dominant.
Reason (R): These activities are governed directly by the climatic conditions.
- Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
- Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
- A is true but R is false.
- A is false but R is true.
Answer
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation — Activities like agriculture, animal husbandry, and forestry are directly influenced by climate (temperature, rainfall, humidity, etc.). Therefore, in regions where these activities dominate, the impact of climate on human activity is most visible.
| Climate Type | Location | Climate | Vegetation | Human Adaptation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equatorial Region | ||||
| Tropical Grasslands | ||||
| Tropical Deserts | ||||
| Tropical Monsoon Type Climate | ||||
| Mediterranean Region | ||||
| Temperate Grasslands | ||||
| Taiga Region |
Answer
| Climate Type | Location | Climate | Vegetation | Human Adaptation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equatorial Region | 0-10° north and south of Equator. | Heavy rainfall and uniformly high temperatures throughout the year | Tropical Rainforest or Selvas | Hunting and gathering, Shifting cultivation |
| Tropical Grasslands | 7° to 20° north and south of the Equator | hot, wet summers and cool dry winters | tall grasses with scattered deciduous trees and low bushes | Cattle ranching, plantation agriculture |
| Tropical Deserts | Between 15° to 30° North and South Latitudes | Hot days, cool nights, very scanty rainfall | Xerophytic plants | nomadic hunting and food gathering, irrigation through rivers, dams, oasis and canals, crops grown include barley, cane, cotton, wheat, sugar, fruits and vegetables |
| Tropical Monsoon Type Climate | Southern and South-East Asia | hot summers and cool winters with a distinct rainy season | Tropical evergreen forests in high-rainfall areas and tropical deciduous (monsoon) forests in low-rainfall areas | Intensive agriculture and Terrace farming |
| Mediterranean Region | between 30° to 45° North and South latitudes | Warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters | Evergreen shrubs and trees with some deciduous trees | Orchard farming (grapes, olives, citrus fruits) |
| Temperate Grasslands | 40° to 55° North and South | moderate rainfall, hot summers, cold winters | Tall grasses in wetter areas and short grasses in drier areas | Extensive wheat cultivation, other crops- cotton, maize |
| Taiga Region | between 55° and 70° in the Northern Hemisphere | Long, severe winters; short, cool summers with moderate rainfall | Evergreen Coniferous Forests | sparsely populated, crops grown- barley, oats, rye, potatoes and beetroots |
Define the term 'natural region'.
Answer
A natural region refers to a part of the Earth's surface which has a comparatively high degree of uniformity of structure, surface form and climate within it.
Every natural region is a homogeneous unit in which the climatic conditions, soil, natural vegetation and human activities are uniform.
Name any four natural regions of the world.
Answer
Four natural regions of the world are-
- Equatorial region
- Tropical grasslands
- Tropical deserts
- Mediterranean region
Briefly state the relationship between climate and human activities.
Answer
Climate has a strong influence on human activities. The relationship is most evident in primary activities such as agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry, which are directly governed by climatic conditions.
For example, different crops require specific ranges of temperature and rainfall. Therefore, each climatic region is suitable for the cultivation of particular crops.
State the location of the Equatorial Region.
Answer
The Equatorial region extends between 0-10° north and south of Equator.
What is the latitudinal extent of the Monsoon climate?
Answer
Tropical monsoon climatic region is normally located between 10° and 25° North and South of the equator. In India, it extends up to 30° North latitude.
Name the two dominant type of vegetation of the Equatorial region.
Answer
The two dominant type of vegetation of the Equatorial region are-
- Ebony
- Mahogany
State the location of the Tropical Desert Climate region.
Answer
The location of the Tropical Desert Climate type is 15-30° north and south latitudes. They lie to the west of the landmass.
What are xerophytic plants?
Answer
Plants which are adapted to arid conditions are known as xerophytic plants. They are almost leafless and store water in their stems. Some plants have leathery leaves, others have thorns and still some have a repugnant smell as a means of protection against animal grazing. For example, thorny cactus.
What local conditions produce variation in the Mediterranean Type of climate?
Answer
As the Mediterranean region lies between the Tropical Deserts on the equatorward side and Cool Temperate West Margin region on the poleward side, it shares the summer drought conditions of the deserts at lower latitudes and rain in winter.
Many local variations are produced in the Mediterranean region due to the following conditions:
- The east-west extent of the Mediterranean Sea allows the westerly winds to penetrate deep into the Afro-Asian landmass.
- The indented coastline and local relief produce many local wind variations.
- Cold polar winds such as the Mistral (Rhone Valley) and Bora (northern Adriatic Sea) sometimes blow in winter, causing severe weather.
- Hot, dry local winds such as the Sirocco from North Africa cause considerable damage to crops.
State the rainfall pattern in the Mediterranean climate.
Answer
The rainfall in the Mediterranean region is experienced mostly in winter. The annual average rainfall varies between 35 cm to 75 cm. Rainfall is more on the Poleward sides of the region. The effect of this moderate rainfall is marked.
What type of vegetation is found in the Mediterranean region?
Answer
The Mediterranean region is characterised by evergreen and deciduous trees adapted to withstand the long, dry summer season. These trees have deep roots, thick bark and small, leathery leaves to reduce water loss.
The dominant trees of the Mediterranean region of Europe include olive, oak, cork oak, laurel, beech, ash and oleander. Olive is the most common tree.
In the North American Mediterranean region, chestnut, maple and hemlock are common tree species.
Name six Temperate Grasslands of the world.
Answer
Six Temperate Grasslands of the world are-
- Steppes in Euro-Asia
- Pustaz in Hungary
- Velds in Africa
- Prairies in North America
- Pampas in South America
- Downs in Australia
Why there are no trees in the Steppe type climate region?
Answer
There are no trees in the Steppe type climate region because of scanty rainfall, long droughts and severe winters.
Why is the climate in the Mediterranean region so called?
Answer
The climate in the Mediterranean region is so called because the largest stretch of area having such climate lies along the margins of the Mediterranean Sea. The regions having similarities with the Mediterranean region are located on the western margins of continents in the latitudinal belt between 30° to 45° North and South latitudes.
Explain how is a natural region a homogeneous unit.
Answer
Every natural region is a homogeneous unit because the climatic conditions, soil, natural vegetation and human activities in the region are uniform.
State any two common characteristics on which different climate zones are based.
Answer
Two common characteristics on which different climate zones are based are-
- The temperature, pressure, winds and humidity conditions so human response under different climate types is different.
- Landforms differ in different climatic regions.
Give a reason for each of the following:
(i) There is a uniformly high temperature in the Equatorial region.
(ii) Though Mt. Kilimanjaro is located close to the Equator, yet its peaks remain covered with snow throughout the year.
(iii) The Equatorial region is also called the 'Lungs of the World'.
Answer
(i) TThe Equatorial region lies in the Torrid Zone, where the Sun's rays are almost vertical throughout the year. Hence, it receives maximum insolation, resulting in uniformly high temperatures.
(ii) Mt. Kilimanjaro remains snow-covered because of its high altitude (5,895 m). As altitude increases, temperature decreases, making the summit cold enough for snow throughout the year.
(iii) The Equatorial region is called the 'Lungs of the World' because its dense rainforests absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to maintain the balance of gases in the atmosphere.
Discuss briefly the type of natural vegetation found in the Tropical Rainforests.
Answer
The vegetation found in the tropical rainforests shows four distinct layers-
- Emergent layer — It is at the edge of the forest and has trees like the kapok and mahogany which reach up to the height of over 50 metres.
- Canopy layer — It is the top layer, formed by the crowns of trees which grow close together. The canopy blocks out sunshine and wind.
- Understorey layer — Since the light is blocked by canopy, the plants in this layer, have larger leaves to maximise the light to be absorbed.
- Bottom layer — The forest floor has ferns and shrubs as well as climbers.
The main trees of rainforests include ebony, mahogany, cinchona, greenheart, rosewood and rubber.
State the location and extent of Tropical Grasslands.
Answer
Tropical grasslands are grassland biome located in semi-arid to semi-humid climate regions of sub-tropical and tropical latitudes. They lie roughly between 7° to 20° north and south of the equator.
Name the two distinct regions of 'Savanna' in South America.
Answer
The two distinct regions of 'Savanna' in South America are-
- Llanos of the Orinoco Basin
- Campos of the Brazilian Highlands
Give a geographical reason for each of the following:
(i) Deciduous trees shed their leaves in the dry season.
(ii) The Savannas are called the 'natural cattle country'.
(iii) Tropical grasslands have great potential for the cultivation of plantation crops.
Answer
(i) Deciduous trees shed their leaves during the dry season to reduce water loss through transpiration.
(ii) The Savannas are called the 'natural cattle country' because their vast grasslands provide excellent grazing for large herds of cattle. Many of the native people are herdsmen or pastoralists who depend on cattle for meat and milk.
(iii) Tropical grasslands have great potential for the cultivation of plantation crops such as cotton, sugarcane, coffee, oil palm, groundnuts and tropical fruits because of their moderate annual rainfall (about 30 inches) and the absence of severe cold.
Give a brief account of rainforests together with their location and types of trees.
Answer
The Equatorial region has a dense forest cover known as Tropical Rainforest. These forests are thick and luxuriant. The trees have broad leaves and are evergreen.
Location of rainforests — Rainforests are usually found in the equatorial region which extends between 0-10° north and south of Equator. The rainforests occupy low altitude areas near the Equator in South America especially in the Amazon Lowlands, Central and West Africa, in the Indo-Malay peninsula, and the New Guinea region.
Types of trees — The vegetation found in the tropical rainforests shows four distinct layers-
- Emergent layer — It is at the edge of the forest and has trees like the kapok and mahogany which reach up to the height of over 50 metres.
- Canopy layer — It is the top layer, formed by the crowns of trees which grow close together. The canopy blocks out sunshine and wind.
- Understorey layer — Since the light is blocked by canopy, the plants in this layer, have larger leaves to maximise the light to be absorbed.
- Bottom layer — The forest floor has ferns and shrubs as well as climbers.
The main trees of rainforests include ebony, mahogany, cinchona, greenheart, rosewood and rubber.
State the location of Tropical deserts. Name the two primitive tribes which inhabit the Tropical Deserts.
Answer
Location — Between 15° to 30° North and South latitudes are the Tropical deserts. They are called so because this latitude zone mostly falls in the tropical zone. They lie to the west of the landmass.
The two primitive tribes which inhabit the Tropical Deserts are-
- the Bushmen of the Kalahari
- the Bindibu of Australia
Describe briefly the Tropical Monsoon type of climate.
Answer
The Tropical Monsoon type of climate is found in Southern Asia with onshore wet monsoons in the summer and offshore dry monsoons in the winter. This type of climate has hot summers and cool winters with a distinct rainy season.
Temperature — Summer temperatures range from 27°C to 30°C in the coastal areas and 35°C to 38°C in the interior. Winter temperatures range from 5°C to 18°C in the interior and 22°C to 25°C in the coastal areas.
Rainfall — Most of the rainfall is received during summer. In winter, the Trade Winds blow from land to sea. In India, due to the Himalayan barrier, they blow as the North-East Monsoon. After picking up moisture from the Bay of Bengal, they bring winter rainfall to the Coromandel Coast. Rainfall is unevenly distributed and varies from 75 cm to 200 cm annually, while Cherrapunji (Meghalaya) receives over 1200 cm of rainfall.
Give a reason for each of the following:
(i) In the Tropical Desert climate region, Trade Winds are dry.
(ii) In the Indian subcontinent, there are three distinct seasons.
(iii) Agriculture is the chief occupation in the monsoon region.
Answer
(i) The Trade Winds become dry because they shed their moisture on the eastern margins of the continents before reaching the western sides.
(ii) In the Indian subcontinent, there are three distinct seasons i.e., the hot dry season, the rainy season and the cool, dry season. The main cause for seasonal climate is the differential rate of heating of land and sea.
(iii) Agriculture is the chief occupation in the monsoon region because monsoon rainfall provides the moisture required for crop growth. Farming mainly depends on seasonal rainfall, and crops are grown on plains and terraced hills.
State the chief characteristics of the Mediterranean type of climate.
Answer
As the Mediterranean region lies between the Tropical Deserts on the equatorward side and the Cool Temperate West Margin region on the poleward side, it has hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
The chief characteristics of the Mediterranean type of climate are:
Temperature —
- Mean summer temperatures range between 20°C and 28°C, and may reach 30°C in the hottest month.
- Coastal areas experience lower temperatures due to the moderating influence of the sea.
- Mean winter temperatures range between 6°C and 10°C, though night temperatures may fall below 0°C.
Rainfall —
- Rainfall occurs mainly in winter, brought by the Westerlies and temperate cyclones.
- The average annual rainfall ranges from 35 cm to 75 cm.
- Rainfall is generally higher on the poleward side of the region.
Seasons —
The deciduous type of vegetation and abundance of flowering plants indicate that there are four climate seasons- Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn.
How are the Temperate Grasslands different from the Tropical Savannas?
Answer
| Temperate Grasslands | Tropical Savannas |
|---|---|
| The temperate grasslands occupy the interior of the continents in the mid-latitude zone of 40° to 55° North and South. | The tropical Savannas are located in semi-arid to semi-humid climate regions of subtropical and tropical latitudes. They lie roughly between 7° to 20° north and south of the Equator. |
| The annual range of temperature varies between 18°C to 26°C in the case of Calgary. In the Southern Hemisphere winters are less severe owing to the moderating effect of the oceans. | The climate of the region is characterised by hot, wet summers and cool dry winters. Noon temperatures can be over 38°C while night temperatures can drop to below 10°C. The length of the wet and dry season differs from area to area. |
| The landscape is characterised by much shorter grasses. | The landscape is characterised by tall grasses and short trees. The grass is coarse and grows to a height of 3 to 6 feet at maturity. |
| There are no trees in this region. | Deciduous trees like baobabs and bottle trees are found here. |
| People of this region practice agriculture. | People of this region are herdsmen or pastoralists. |
| They are ideal for wheat cultivation. | They have immense potential for plantation agriculture. |
State the locational extent of the Taiga and Tundra region.
Answer
Taiga region — This region lies between 55° and 70° in the Northern Hemisphere. Towards the poles, it merges with the Arctic Tundra of Canada and Eurasia at around the Arctic Circle.
Tundra region — This region lies roughly beyond 65° North on the northern side of the Taiga region.
Give a geographical reason for each of the following:
(i) In the Mediterranean region of Europe, winds blow deep inside the land.
(ii) The Taiga region is sparsely populated.
(iii) There are no trees in the Tundra Region.
Answer
(i) In the Mediterranean region of Europe, winds blow deep inside the land due to the considerable East-West extent of the sea. On account of the local conditions and indented coastline, many local variations of the winds are produced.
(ii) The Taiga region is sparsely populated as the land remains covered with snow during the long, cold winter season.
(iii) There are no trees in the Tundra Region because of very short growing season of three months and the warmest month having 10° C temperature.
What type of climate is found in the north-western part of Europe? State briefly the human response to this type of climate.
Answer
The Cool Temperate Continental type or Siberian type of climate is found in the north-western part of Europe.
Human response to this climate:
- The region is densely populated due to its favourable climate.
- Mixed farming and dairy farming are the chief occupations.
- Wheat, oats, barley, potatoes and sugar beet are the main crops grown.
- Sheep and cattle rearing are important because of the lush green pastures.
- Fishing, forestry and industries are also well developed.
What do you think is the advantage of dividing the world into natural regions? Give reasons to support your answer.
Answer
The advantages of dividing the world into natural regions are:
- Environmental Understanding — It helps identify patterns and interrelationships within ecosystems, enhancing our understanding of the environment.
- Resource Management — Natural regions enable efficient allocation and conservation strategies for different resources, optimizing their use.
- Disaster Preparedness — By identifying high-risk areas, it allows for targeted mitigation measures and better preparation for natural disasters.
- Biodiversity Conservation — Natural regions help focus conservation efforts on unique habitats and endemic species, contributing to biodiversity preservation.
- Cultural Preservation — Recognizing natural regions promotes the preservation of cultural heritage and facilitates sustainable tourism initiatives.
In which natural region of the world is India located? Which characteristic features of this type of natural region are found in India?
Answer
India is located in the Tropical Monsoon region. The characteristic features of this natural region found in India are:
- Climate — India experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by hot summers and cool winters with a distinct rainy season.
- Rainfall — The rainy season in India is from June to September. The annual rainfall varies from 75 to 200 cms. Mawsynram in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya has recorded heaviest rainfall in the world.
- Vegetation — The natural vegetation found in India's tropical monsoon region includes tropical deciduous forests, which shed their leaves during the dry season, and evergreen forests in areas with higher rainfall.
- Biodiversity — The region is known for its rich biodiversity, with a variety of plant and animal species. India is home to diverse wildlife, including tigers, elephants, monkeys, and numerous bird species.
- Agriculture — The tropical monsoon region in India is highly suitable for agriculture. The abundant rainfall and fertile soil support the cultivation of crops such as rice, wheat, sugarcane, tea, coffee, and spices.
- Rivers — The region is intersected by several major rivers, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Godavari. These rivers provide water for irrigation and support the agricultural activities in the area.