All questions of Landforms and Life for Class 6 Exam

Herding is often the main occupation in mountainous regions due to the rugged terrain, which makes large-scale farming difficult.

Pollution is a major environmental challenge faced by the Ganga plains, affecting water quality and the health of people living in the region. Efforts are ongoing to clean and protect the river.

The Nohkalikai Falls, located on the Cherrapunji Plateau in Meghalaya, is one of the highest waterfalls in India, with a drop of 340 meters.

The Ganga River, also known as the Ganges, originates from the Himalayas and is one of the largest and most important rivers in India.

Terrace farming involves cutting steps into slopes to create flat areas for cultivation, which helps prevent soil erosion and makes farming possible on steep terrain.

Understanding Mountain Characteristics
Mountains are defined by specific physical features that distinguish them from other landforms. The correct answer, option 'B', highlights the key attributes of mountains.
Key Features of Mountains:

• Wide Base: Mountains typically have a broad foundation which provides stability and support for their towering heights.
• Steep Slopes: They are characterized by steep inclines, which create a dramatic rise from the surrounding landscape. This steepness is a result of geological processes such as tectonic activity and erosion.
• Narrow Summit: Most mountains culminate in a narrow peak or summit. This peak often represents the highest point on the mountain, creating a distinctive silhouette against the sky.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

• Flat Tops: This feature is more characteristic of plateaus or mesas rather than traditional mountains.
• Warm Climate: While some mountains may exist in warmer climates, mountains can be found in a variety of climates, including cold, temperate, and tropical regions.
• No Vegetation: Many mountains support diverse ecosystems and vegetation, particularly in lower elevations. The presence or absence of vegetation varies with altitude and climate.

Conclusion:
Mountains are recognized primarily by their wide bases, steep slopes, and narrow summits. These physical characteristics contribute to their unique appearance and ecological significance. Understanding these features helps us appreciate the grandeur and diversity of mountain landscapes.

Soil Types Found on Lava Plateaus
Lava plateaus are unique geological formations created by volcanic activity. When lava flows out of a volcano and spreads over a large area, it cools and solidifies, forming a flat, elevated surface. The type of soil that develops on these plateaus is influenced by the volcanic material.
Characteristics of Black Soil
- Composition: The soil formed from volcanic rock is rich in minerals and nutrients. This mineral-rich composition gives it a dark, black color.
- Fertility: Black soil is known for its high fertility, which is beneficial for agriculture. It retains moisture well, making it suitable for growing a variety of crops.
- Formation Process: Over time, weathering and the decomposition of organic matter contribute to the development of black soil. This process enhances nutrient availability.
Why Other Soil Types Are Less Common
- Sandy Soil: Sandy soil is characterized by larger particles and does not retain moisture well. It is not typically found in volcanic regions.
- Clay Soil: While clay soil can be found in various environments, it tends to form in areas with slow drainage, which is not typical for lava plateaus.
- Peaty Soil: Peaty soil is rich in organic matter and usually forms in wetland areas. It is not associated with volcanic activity.
Conclusion
In summary, the soil commonly found on lava plateaus is black soil due to its mineral content, fertility, and formation process. This makes it ideal for agriculture, distinguishing it from other soil types like sandy, clay, or peaty soils.

Mining is a common activity in plateau regions because they are often rich in mineral deposits, making them important sites for extracting valuable resources.

Understanding Plains
Plains are significant landforms that play a crucial role in geography. They are characterized by their flat or gently undulating landscape, making them different from other landforms such as mountains, valleys, or deserts.
Characteristics of Plains:
- Flat Terrain: Plains are predominantly flat, which means they have very little elevation change. This flatness makes them ideal for agriculture, as they provide ample sunlight and easy access to water sources.
- Gentle Undulations: While many plains are flat, some may have gentle hills or undulations. This subtle variation can create diverse ecosystems and habitats.
Comparison with Other Landforms:
- Steep Mountains: Plains are the opposite of steep mountains, which have high elevations and rugged terrain.
- Deep Valleys: Unlike valleys that are lower than surrounding areas, plains maintain a relatively even elevation.
- Desert Areas: Deserts are arid and often have sandy or rocky surfaces, which differ from the fertile and often lush plains.
Importance of Plains:
- Agricultural Land: Many of the world's agricultural activities occur in plains due to their rich soil and favorable climate conditions.
- Habitat: They provide habitat for various wildlife, supporting biodiversity.
- Human Settlement: Plains often support large populations because they are easier to build upon and develop infrastructure.
In conclusion, the correct answer to the question about plains is option 'B' because they are defined by their flat or gently undulating landforms, distinguishing them from other geographical features.

Understanding the Common Activity in Plains
Plains are flat, expansive areas of land that are usually characterized by fertile soil and a favorable climate for agriculture. Here’s why agriculture is the most common activity in these regions:
1. Fertile Soil
- Plains often have rich alluvial soil, which is ideal for growing crops.
- The deposition of nutrients by rivers contributes to the soil's fertility.
2. Favorable Climate
- Many plains experience moderate weather conditions, with adequate rainfall during the growing season.
- This climate supports a variety of crops, enabling successful farming.
3. Accessibility
- The flat terrain of plains makes it easier to cultivate land and use machinery for farming.
- Transportation of agricultural products to markets is more efficient due to the lack of geographical barriers.
4. Diverse Crop Production
- Plains can support the cultivation of various crops such as grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- This diversity helps in meeting the food demands of growing populations.
5. Economic Importance
- Agriculture in plains contributes significantly to the economy through job creation and food production.
- It also plays a vital role in trade, both locally and internationally.
In contrast, activities like skiing and mining are typically associated with mountainous or rugged terrains, while fishing is more common in areas near water bodies. Thus, agriculture stands out as the predominant activity in plains, making it essential for sustenance and economic development.

The Himalayas are the highest mountain range in the world, home to many of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.

Understanding Floodplains
Floodplains are flat areas adjacent to rivers and streams that are prone to flooding. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem and agriculture due to their unique characteristics.
Main Characteristic: Fertile Soil
- Nutrient-Rich Deposits: Floodplains are formed by the accumulation of sediments carried by floodwaters. When rivers overflow, they deposit nutrient-rich silt and organic matter onto the land.
- Agricultural Benefits: This fertile soil makes floodplains excellent for farming. Crops like rice, corn, and wheat thrive in these areas because of the rich nutrients available in the soil.
- Natural Irrigation: Flooding can also help with natural irrigation. The water from floods saturates the soil, providing essential moisture for plants to grow.
Other Characteristics of Floodplains
- Flat Terrain: Unlike steep slopes or high altitudes, floodplains are generally flat, which allows water to spread out evenly during flooding.
- Ecosystem Diversity: Floodplains support diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, which provide habitat for various wildlife species.
- Controlled Flooding: The periodic flooding of floodplains can help maintain the ecological balance by replenishing groundwater and supporting aquatic habitats.
In conclusion, the main characteristic of floodplains is their fertile soil, which supports agriculture and biodiversity, distinguishing them from areas with high altitudes, steep slopes, or sandy deserts.

Farming is the main occupation in fertile agricultural plains due to the rich soil and flat terrain, which make these areas ideal for growing crops.