Short & Long Question Answers: Landforms and Life | Social Studies for Class 6 PDF Download

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Short Question Answers

Q1: What are landforms and how many types are there?
Ans: Landforms are natural features of the Earth's surface, shaped over millions of years through processes like erosion and uplift. 

• Examples include mountains, plateaus, and plains, each distinct in shape and formation. 
• There are three primary types of landforms mentioned: mountains, which are elevated areas with high peaks; plateaus, which are elevated areas with flat tops; and plains, which are large stretches of flat land. 
• Additionally, deserts are discussed as another type of landform characterized by their arid conditions.

Q2: What are mountains and how do they differ from hills?
Ans: 

• Mountains are large landforms that rise prominently above their surroundings, typically having steep slopes, a pronounced summit, and a significant height above sea level. Examples include Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. In contrast, hills are smaller and less steep than mountains, with more rounded tops. 
• Mountains tend to have a more dramatic impact on the environment and climate than hills, and they usually feature more extreme biodiversity.

Q4: What is terrace farming and why is it used in mountains?
Ans: Terrace farming involves the creation of stepped areas on mountain slopes for agriculture. This method is used in mountainous regions where the terrain is too steep for traditional farming.

• Terraces prevent erosion and surface runoff, maximizing water retention and allowing crops like rice and barley to be cultivated. 
• This technique is essential in areas like North India, where flat land is scarce, making it a critical adaptation for sustaining agricultural productivity.

Terrace Farming

Q5: What is a plateau and name two examples.
Ans: A plateau is an elevated area with a flat top and steep sides that rise sharply above surrounding land. 

• Two examples mentioned are the Tibetan Plateau, referred to as the 'Roof of the World' due to its high elevation, and the Deccan Plateau in India, known for its rich volcanic soil.
•  Plateaus are significant for their unique ecosystems and are often rich in minerals, making them important geographical features.

Q6: Why are plateaus called ‘storehouses of minerals’?
Ans: Plateaus are often referred to as ‘storehouses of minerals’ because their geological formations typically contain abundant mineral deposits. For instance, the Chhota Nagpur Plateau in India is rich in iron, coal, and manganese, while the East African Plateau is known for its deposits of gold and diamonds. These highland areas provide valuable resources that are essential for industrial use, contributing significantly to local and global economies.

Chhota Nagpur Plateau

Q7: What are plains and why are they good for agriculture?
Ans: Plains are broad, flat areas of land that generally have rich, fertile soil accumulated over time through the deposition of sediment by rivers and other geological processes. 

• Their flatness and fertility make plains ideal for agriculture, allowing for extensive cultivation of crops such as grains, which require large, open spaces for optimal growth. 
• Examples include the Ganga Plain, which is known for its productive agricultural land.

Q8: What are deserts and how have humans adapted to them?
Ans: Deserts are arid regions with very little precipitation, making them inhospitable environments for most forms of life. Humans have adapted to these conditions through various means. 

• For example, in the Thar Desert, communities have developed unique architectural styles that maximize cooling, and water conservation techniques that allow them to survive. 
• Cultural adaptations include the development of nomadic lifestyles, which enable people to move in search of resources.

Q9: What is snow and how does it affect mountain life? 
Ans: Snow is water falling as a solid, forming a white blanket at high altitudes where it’s cold enough, unlike rain or hail in lower areas . 

• In mountains like the Himalayas, snow covers peaks, melting in summer to feed rivers like the Ganga, supporting life . At higher altitudes, it stays permanent, making peaks snow-capped . 
• This affects mountain life by limiting farming to valleys or terraces and attracting tourists for skiing, as in north India . Snow’s beauty and water supply make it vital, though it poses challenges like avalanches.

Q10: Why are waterfalls common on plateaus? 
Ans: Waterfalls are common on plateaus because their steep slopes and edges cause rivers to drop sharply, as seen with Nohkalikai Falls (340 m) on the Cherrapunji Plateau. 

• Plateaus like the Deccan or Tibetan rise high with flat tops, and rivers flowing off these edges create spectacular falls, like Jog Falls in the Western Ghats. Volcanic plateaus with rocky terrain channel water into these drops. 
• These falls add beauty, drawing tourists, and highlight plateaus’ unique geography compared to flat plains or peaked mountains.

Nohkalikai Falls on the Cherrapunji Plateau

Long Question Answers

Q1: What are some of the highest peaks in the world and their locations?

Ans: Several mountains stand out as the highest peaks in various regions of the world, each notable for its geographical significance and location:

• Mount Everest, located between Tibet (China) and Nepal, is the highest peak of the Himalayan range.
• Kanchenjunga, situated between Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim, is another prominent peak in the Himalayas.
• Mount Aconcagua, found in South America, holds the title as the highest peak of the Andes mountain range.
• Mount Kilimanjaro in eastern Africa is notable as an isolated mountain, not part of any mountain range, making it unique in its solitary prominence.
• Mont Blanc, located in Western Europe, is the highest mountain in the Alps, renowned for its stunning scenery and challenging climbs.
• Anamudi, also known as ‘Anai Peak’, located in Kerala, India, is the highest mountain in south India and is a significant landmark within the Western Ghats.

Q1: How do the Tamil Sangam tinais and modern challenges in plains reflect the connection between landforms and human life?
Ans: Tamil Sangam Tinais Concept: Ancient Tamil Sangam literature categorizes landscapes into five tinais (ecotypes), each associated with specific lifestyles and economic activities.

• Kurinji (Mountains): Associated with hunting and gathering, reflecting the challenges and lifestyles adapted to rugged terrains.
• Mullai (Forests/Grasslands): Linked with pastoral activities, suitable for cattle rearing and other pastoral practices.
• Marudam (Fertile Plains): Focused on intensive agriculture, exemplified by the extensive farming activities in the Ganga plain.
• Neydal (Coastal): Connected to fishing and salt extraction, indicating the economic reliance on coastal resources.
• Palai (Desert): Described with themes of travel and endurance, suitable for nomadic lifestyles as seen in arid regions like the Thar Desert.

• Challenges in Modern Plains:
  • Population Pressure: The Ganga plain supports a massive population, straining natural resources and necessitating efficient land and water management.
  • Pollution: Industrial activities and urban waste contribute to pollution in rivers, affecting both agriculture and freshwater resources.

Q2: How do plateaus differ from mountains and plains in features and uses?
Ans: 

Q3: What are the major effects of landforms on human occupations?
Ans: 

• Mountains: Often associated with forestry, mining, and tourism, mountains dictate occupations that can adapt to steep and rugged terrains.
• Plateaus: Known for mining due to their rich mineral deposits, plateaus also support certain types of agriculture, especially in flatter regions.
• Plains: Being the most agriculturally productive landforms, plains support extensive farming activities, benefiting from fertile soils and ample water supply.
• Impact on Settlement Patterns: The economic activities supported by different landforms influence where and how people live, shaping settlements from sparse mountain villages to densely populated river plains.

Q4: How do humans adapt to challenges in different landforms?
Ans: 

• Mountains: Techniques such as terrace farming utilize limited arable land efficiently; communities also develop unique architectural styles to withstand harsh climates and landscapes.
• Plateaus: Adaptations include exploiting mineral wealth and adjusting agricultural practices to suit the less fertile terrains.
• Plains: Advanced irrigation and flood management systems are developed to maximize agricultural output and manage the abundant water resources.
• Deserts: Inhabitants adapt through nomadic lifestyles or develop settlements around oases; cultural adaptations include folk traditions that reflect the desert environment.
• Navigation and Trade: Rivers in plains are utilized for transportation and trade, enhancing economic development and cultural exchanges.
• Resilience to Natural Disasters: Communities in mountainous areas develop strategies to cope with natural hazards such as landslides and avalanches.

Q5: Discuss the importance of rivers in shaping the plains and their impact on agriculture.
Ans: 

• Irrigation and Fertility: Rivers contribute significantly to the fertility of plains by depositing silt during floods, which enriches the soil making it ideal for agriculture.
• Water Supply: They provide a continuous supply of water necessary for irrigation, which supports the cultivation of water-intensive crops like rice and wheat, predominant in plain areas.
• Economic Development: Rivers in plains facilitate the establishment and growth of cities and industries by providing essential water resources and transportation routes, enhancing trade and connectivity.
• Cultural Significance: Rivers on plains hold immense cultural and spiritual significance, hosting numerous cultural events and festivals, which further influence the human settlements along their banks.
• Challenges: While rivers support extensive agricultural activities, they also pose challenges such as flooding, which requires sophisticated management techniques like dams and levees to protect and sustain human life and activities.

Q6: Explain how plateaus are utilized for mineral extraction and the environmental impacts of such activities.
Ans: 

• Mineral Richness: Plateaus often have rich deposits of minerals and gems due to their geological formations, making them prime locations for mining activities.
• Mining Activities: Areas like the Chhota Nagpur Plateau are known for extensive mining of minerals such as iron, coal, and bauxite, which are crucial for the manufacturing and energy sectors.
• Economic Benefits: The extraction of minerals provides significant economic benefits, including employment opportunities and contributions to national and regional economies.
• Environmental Impacts: While beneficial economically, mining activities can lead to severe environmental degradation, including deforestation, soil erosion, water contamination, and loss of biodiversity.
• Sustainable Practices: There is a growing emphasis on implementing sustainable mining practices to minimize environmental impacts, such as using more efficient technologies, rehabilitating mined areas, and complying with environmental regulations to ensure the ecological health of plateau regions.

Q7: Evaluate the role of deserts in the natural ecosystem and the adaptations of life forms that inhabit them.
Ans:

• Extreme Conditions: Deserts are characterized by harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures, low water availability, and minimal vegetation.
• Biodiversity: Despite these conditions, deserts are home to a variety of life forms that have uniquely adapted to the environment. These adaptations include nocturnal lifestyles, water conservation mechanisms, and specialized feeding habits.
• Ecological Role: Deserts play a crucial ecological role by hosting unique ecosystems that contribute to global biodiversity. They act as natural barriers, influencing weather patterns and maintaining the Earth's heat balance.
• Human Adaptations: Human inhabitants of deserts have historically adapted through nomadic lifestyles, efficient use of scarce resources, and cultural practices that respect and preserve the delicate desert ecosystem.
• Conservation Challenges: The increasing impacts of climate change and human activities threaten desert ecosystems, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect these unique landscapes and their biodiversity.