HOTS Questions: Some Unique Places | Our Wondrous World Class 5 - New NCERT PDF Download

Q1: If climate change causes sea levels to rise, evaluate the impact on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands' biodiversity.
(a) Loss of coastal habitats and endemic species
(b) More coral reefs from warmer waters
(c) Increased land for forests
(d) No effect on isolated islands
Ans: (a)
Explanation: Rising sea levels flood the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ coasts, washing away homes of unique animals like birds and turtles. 
This could wipe out endemic species like special birds and turtles that only exist there, with nowhere else to go. 
Saltwater sneaking into fresh areas would hurt forests too, messing up the whole island's balance. 

Q2: Analyse why mangroves in Sundarbans are vital for tiger conservation.
(a) They provide open hunting grounds
(b) They offer dense cover and prey habitats
(c) They reduce tiger populations
(d) They are irrelevant to tigers
Ans: (b)
Explanation: Mangroves in Sundarbans give tigers thick, hidden spots to sneak up on deer and other prey, keeping them safe from people.
These twisty trees create perfect homes for fish and animals that tigers eat, supporting the whole food chain. 
Without them, tigers would have less food and places to hide, making survival harder. 

Q3: Propose how living root bridges in Northeast India demonstrate sustainable engineering.
(a) They harm tree growth
(b) They require constant rebuilding
(c) They grow naturally, needing minimal maintenance
(d) They use non-renewable materials
Ans: (c)
Explanation: Living root bridges grow from tree roots to cross rivers without cutting trees. 
They show how to use nature for strong, eco-friendly paths.
It shows how people can work with trees instead of against them, saving resources. 
In rainy Northeast India, they handle floods well, too.

Q4: If tourism increases in the Western Ghats without regulation, predict the effects on lion-tailed macaques.
(a) Population boom from food scraps
(b) Migration to urban areas
(c) Habitat disruption and stress leading to decline
(d) No impact as they are adaptable
Ans: (c)
Explanation: Too many tourists in the Western Ghats scare lion-tailed macaques and ruin their forest homes. 
This stress makes it hard for them to live and have babies.
This stress could make them sick or stop having babies, leading to fewer monkeys over time. 
That's why habitat disruption and stress would lead to their decline.

Q5: Evaluate the 'Save Silent Valley' movement's success in preserving biodiversity.
(a) It had minimal ecological benefit
(b) It increased deforestation
(c) It failed to stop development
(d) It protected rare species by halting a dam
Ans: (d)
Explanation: The ‘Save Silent Valley’ movement stopped a dam, saving rare animals like lions and elephants. It kept Kerala’s forest safe for unique wildlife.
People protested peacefully to win. 
That's why it protected rare species by halting a dam for biodiversity success.

Q6: Compare the isolation of Andaman tribes like the Sentinelese to mainland communities.
(a) Isolation preserves traditions but limits external knowledge
(b) They have advanced technology
(c) They are more integrated
(d) They face no environmental threats
Ans: (a)
Explanation: Andaman tribes like the Sentinelese keep their old ways by staying apart. 
This saves their traditions.
But this means they miss modern medicine or tools that mainland folks have.  
That's why isolation preserves traditions but limits external knowledge compared to the mainland.

Q7: Why do root bridges in Meghalaya exemplify human-nature harmony?
(a) They utilise living trees without cutting them
(b) They destroy forests
(c) They are temporary
(d) They require machinery
Ans: (a)
Explanation: Root bridges in Meghalaya are grown from rubber tree roots woven together.
This lets people cross streams while the trees keep growing strong and healthy. 
This shows respect for nature by using it without harming, blending human needs with forest life.  
That's why they utilise living trees without cutting them for human-nature harmony.

Q8: Analyse how Bhut Jolokia's heat serves practical purposes in Northeast India.
(a) It attracts pests
(b) It deters elephants from crops
(c) It has no uses beyond spice
(d) It cools food in hot climates
Ans: (b)
Explanation: Bhut Jolokia, the super spicy chilli from Northeast India, is smeared on fences to keep elephants away because its heat burns their trunks and stops them from eating farms. 
This saves crops without hurting the animals or using guns. 
People also use it in food for flavour and health boosts. It's one of the hottest chillies worldwide. 
That's why it deters elephants from crops for practical purposes.

Q9: Evaluate the importance of protecting unique places like Silent Valley for global biodiversity.
(a) They harbour endemic life, contributing to genetic diversity
(b) They are replaceable
(c) They lack medicinal plants
(d) They have common species
Ans: (a)
Explanation: Places like Silent Valley hide special plants and animals found nowhere else, adding unique genes that could help medicine or farming worldwide. 
Protecting them keeps Earth's life variety rich against diseases or changes. 
Losing them means forever-gone treasures. It helps balance nature globally. 
That's why they harbour endemic life, contributing to genetic diversity for its importance.

Q10: Propose why coir craft in Kerala is considered zero-waste.
(a) It repurposes coconut husks fully
(b) It generates plastic waste
(c) It uses synthetic materials
(d) It requires deforestation
Ans: (a)
Explanation: Coir craft turns tough coconut husks, usually thrown away, into ropes, mats, and pots, using every bit without leftover trash. 
This zero-waste way gives jobs and saves trees by replacing other materials. 
Kerala's coconuts provide plenty, making it eco-friendly. Nothing goes to landfills. 
That's why it repurposes coconut husks fully for zero waste.

Q11: If tsunamis threaten the Andaman Islands, analyse how traditional knowledge aids survival.
(a) It increases vulnerability
(b) It relies on technology
(c) Tribes read animal behaviour and winds for warnings
(d) It ignores natural signs
Ans: (c)
Explanation: Andaman tribes watch birds flying away or unusual winds as signs of coming tsunamis, helping them run to high ground fast.
 This old knowledge saved lives in past big waves, passed down without gadgets. 
It beats modern warnings sometimes in remote spots. 
They respect nature's clues. That's why tribes read animal behaviour and the winds for survival aids.

Q12: Compare biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats to non-hotspot areas.
(a) Non-hotspots are more diverse
(b) Hotspots host rare, endemic life under threat
(c) Both are equally protected
(d) Hotspots have fewer species
Ans: (b)
Explanation: Biodiversity hotspots like Western Ghats pack in tons of unique plants and animals in small areas, but they're in danger from cutting trees or building. 
Non-hotspot places have fewer special species and less urgency for protection. 
Hotspots need extra care to save rare life. They're key to Earth's health. 
That's why hotspots host rare, endemic life under threat compared.

Q13: Why is Chandrayaan-3's south pole landing significant for science?
(a) It explored water ice in shadowed craters
(b) It was on the visible side
(c) It found life on the moon
(d) It had no discoveries
Ans: (a)
Explanation: Chandrayaan-3 landed on the moon's south pole, a dark and cold spot, to check for water ice hidden in craters that could help future space trips. 
This was India's big win, being the first there, opening doors for moon bases. 
It sent back info on rocks and temps. Science gains from these finds. 
That's why it explored water ice in shadowed craters for significance.

Q14: Evaluate how root bridges promote sustainability in hilly terrains.
(a) They integrate with ecosystems without disruption
(b) They require heavy machinery
(c) They degrade quickly over time
(d) They harm root systems
Ans: (a)
Explanation: Root bridges blend into hilly forests by growing from trees, not disturbing soil or wildlife like concrete ones do. 
They handle rain and last long, reducing the need for repairs or new materials. 
This keeps paths open without harming nature. Locals in the hills use them wisely. 
That's why they integrate with ecosystems without disruption for sustainability.

Q15: Propose initiatives to protect unique places like the Sundarbans from climate change.
(a) Increase coastal development
(b) Promote deforestation
(c) Restore mangroves and monitor sea levels
(d) Ignore delta regions
Ans: (c)
Explanation: To save Sundarbans, plant more mangroves to block rising seas and storms, while watching water levels with tech and community help. 
This protects tigers and people living there from floods. 
Stop cutting trees and clean the pollution too. 
That's why restore mangroves and monitor sea levels for protection initiatives.