Class 7 Science Question Answers - Climate and Adaptation

Short Types Questions

Q.1. What is the difference between weather and climate?

Weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific region, such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind. On the other hand, climate is the average weather conditions that prevail over a long period in a particular region.

Q.2. Name two factors that affect the climate of the Earth.

Two factors that affect the climate of the Earth are latitude and altitude. Latitude influences the amount of solar radiation that a region receives, while altitude affects the temperature and precipitation patterns of a region.

Q.3. How do animals adapt to different climates?

Animals adapt to different climates in several ways. Some animals have thick fur or fat layers to keep them warm in cold climates, while others have thin fur or sweat glands to cool them down in hot climates. Some animals hibernate during winters to conserve energy, while others migrate to warmer regions.

Q.4. What are some adaptations that humans make to adapt to different climates?

Humans make several adaptations to adapt to different climates, such as wearing appropriate clothing, using air conditioning or heating systems, building houses with insulation, and consuming foods and drinks that help regulate body temperature.

Q.5. What is an extremely cold climate, and how do organisms adapt to it?

An extremely cold climate is a region where the temperature remains below freezing for most of the year. Organisms that live in such regions have adapted to the cold by growing thick fur or feathers, hibernating during winters, and having a low surface area to volume ratio to minimize heat loss. Some organisms also have special adaptations such as antifreeze proteins in their blood to prevent their bodily fluids from freezing.

Long Types Questions

Weather and climate are two terms used to describe the atmospheric conditions of a particular place or region. Weather refers to the day-to-day atmospheric conditions such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, etc. Climate, on the other hand, refers to the long-term average of weather conditions over a specific region, typically measured over a period of 30 years or more. Weather is highly variable and can change rapidly, while climate is more stable and changes slowly over time.
Weather and climate are related to each other because climate is determined by the average weather conditions over a long period of time. The climate of a region is influenced by various factors such as latitude, altitude, distance from the sea, prevailing winds, etc. These factors determine the temperature, precipitation, and other weather conditions of a region. Thus, weather and climate are interdependent, and changes in weather can impact the climate of a region over time.

Q.2. What are the factors that affect climate? Explain the impact of each factor on climate.

Climate is influenced by several factors that affect the temperature, precipitation, wind, and other weather conditions of a region. The main factors that affect climate are:
(a) Latitude: The distance from the equator determines the amount of sunlight a region receives, which in turn affects the temperature and climate of that region.
(b) Altitude: The height above sea level affects the temperature and precipitation of a region, with higher altitudes generally being colder and receiving more precipitation.
(c) Distance from the sea: The proximity to large water bodies such as oceans or seas can moderate the temperature and humidity of a region, with coastal areas experiencing more moderate temperatures and higher humidity.
(d) Prevailing winds: The direction of the winds and their moisture content can affect the amount and distribution of precipitation in a region.
(e) Ocean currents: The temperature and salinity of ocean currents can influence the temperature and climate of coastal regions.
The impact of these factors on climate can be seen in various regions around the world. For example, the polar regions experience extremely cold temperatures due to their high latitudes, while tropical regions have warm temperatures due to their proximity to the equator. Coastal regions tend to have milder temperatures due to the moderating effect of the sea, while areas with prevailing winds from the ocean can receive heavy precipitation. Altitude also plays a significant role in determining the climate of a region, with higher altitudes generally being colder and receiving more precipitation.

Q.3. Describe the adaptations in animals for different climates. Give examples of animals and their adaptations. 

Animals have adapted to different climates in various ways to survive in their habitats. Some adaptations that animals have developed for different climates are:
(a) Thick fur or feathers: Animals living in extremely cold climates such as the Arctic and Antarctic have developed thick fur or feathers to keep themselves warm. Examples include polar bears, penguins, and arctic foxes.
(b) Camouflage: Animals in desert regions have adapted to blend in with their surroundings to avoid predators and regulate their body temperature. Examples include sand-colored lizards, desert foxes, and camels.
(c) Burrowing: Some animals in hot and dry regions burrow underground to avoid the extreme heat and conserve moisture. Examples include desert tortoises, meerkats, and kangaroo rats.
(d) Migration: Some animals, such as birds, migrate to different regions to avoid harsh weather conditions or find food. Examples include Arctic terns, monarch butterflies, and caribou.

Q.4. How does the length of the day affect the climate of a place? Explain the activity of plotting changes in the length of the day.

The length of the day affects the climate of a place because it determines the amount of sunlight that a region receives. Places closer to the poles have longer days during summers and shorter days during winters, which affects the temperature and humidity levels. The activity of plotting changes in the length of the day involves keeping a record of the hours of daylight throughout the year. This helps in understanding the changes in the duration of daylight and how they affect the climate of a region. For example, during summers, places closer to the poles receive more sunlight, leading to warmer temperatures, while during winters, they receive less sunlight, leading to colder temperatures.

Q.5. What are the factors that can affect climate change on the Earth? How can humans adapt to these changes?

The factors that can affect climate change on the Earth include natural factors such as volcanic eruptions, solar radiation, and changes in the Earth's orbit, as well as human activities such as deforestation, burning of fossil fuels, and industrialization. These activities release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere, leading to global warming. Humans can adapt to these changes through various ways such as reducing their carbon footprint, using renewable energy sources, planting more trees, and adopting sustainable practices. For example, using public transport, carpooling, or cycling instead of using private vehicles can help in reducing carbon emissions. Similarly, using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind energy can reduce the dependence on fossil fuels.