Short & Long Questions: Life in the Desert | Window on the Word Class 7: Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What is the primary characteristic that defines a desert climate?
Ans: A desert climate is primarily defined by very low precipitation, typically less than 25 cm annually.

Q2: Name two hot deserts mentioned in the chapter.
Ans: Two hot deserts mentioned are the Sahara and the Thar Desert.

Q3: What is the primary vegetation found in the Sahara desert, and how has it adapted to the arid conditions?
Ans: Cacti and shrubs are the primary vegetation. They have adapted with moisture-storing roots, leaves, thorns, and stems.

Q4: Which animals are commonly found in the Sahara desert?
Ans: Animals like camels, hyenas, foxes, jackals, scorpions, snakes, and various birds inhabit the Sahara.

Q5: What is the main occupation of the Bedouin and Tuareg communities in the Sahara?
Ans: They rear animals like goats, camels, sheep, donkeys, and cattle for various purposes.

Q6: In Ladakh, what economic activities are significant for the people's livelihoods?
Ans: People in Ladakh are involved in agriculture, horticulture, sericulture, cattle rearing, handicrafts, and tourism.

Q7: How have Ladakhis adapted to the scarcity of water in their region?
Ans: Ladakhis use dry toilets and turn the excreta into organic manure. They also grow water-efficient crops like barley.

Q8: Why is Ladakh considered a cold desert despite having several water bodies?
Ans: Ladakh is on the leeward side of the Himalayas, which blocks monsoon winds, leading to arid conditions despite the presence of water bodies.

Q9: What is the major economic activity that attracts tourists to Ladakh?
Ans: The major economic activity that attracts tourists to Ladakh is tourism, thanks to trek routes, monasteries, glaciers, and the beautiful landscape.

Q10: What is the significance of petroleum and coal in the Sahara region?
Ans: Rich deposits of petroleum and coal in Algeria, Libya, and Egypt have led to the development of industries and settlements in the Sahara.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Differentiate between hot deserts and cold deserts based on climate and examples.
Ans: Hot deserts are characterized by high temperatures and are located in tropical regions. Examples include the Sahara and the Thar Desert. Cold deserts have extreme temperature variations, short summers, and are often found in temperate regions. Examples include Ladakh and the Gobi desert.

Q2: Explain the role of various landforms like hamadas, regs, and ergs in the Sahara desert.
Ans: Hamadas are elevated rock-covered plateaus, while regs are plains of sand and gravel. Ergs are vast plains covered with sand and sand dunes. They collectively shape the diverse landscape of the Sahara.

Q3: Describe the climate of the Sahara desert and explain why it experiences such extreme temperatures.
Ans: The Sahara has an arid climate with high summer temperatures and cool to very cold winters. The daily temperature range is extreme. The lack of rainfall and the desert's location contribute to these harsh conditions.

Q4: How do people in the Sahara adapt to their desert environment, and what are the main sources of livelihood in the region?
Ans: People in the Sahara adapt by wearing protective clothing, rearing animals, and settling around oases. Bedouin and Tuareg communities are prominent. Livelihoods depend on animal husbandry, agriculture around oases, and the growing industrial sector.

Q5: Describe the key features of Ladakh's climate and explain why it is considered a cold desert.
Ans: Ladakh experiences long, freezing winters and short, dry summers. The region is considered a cold desert because it is located on the leeward side of the Himalayas, deprived of monsoon winds, resulting in arid conditions despite the presence of water bodies.

Q6: Explain the types of natural vegetation and wildlife found in Ladakh.
Ans: Ladakh has sparse vegetation due to aridity, with patches of trees and shrubs in river valleys. Wildlife includes snow leopards, red foxes, ibex, chiru, and various bird species.

Q7: How have Ladakhis adapted to their challenging environment in terms of water conservation and food and clothing choices?
Ans: Ladakhis use dry toilets and turn excreta into organic manure to conserve water. They grow water-efficient crops like barley. They also consume butter and tea for warmth and wear layers of wool, fur, or animal skin for protection from the cold.

Q8: Discuss the significance of the Kargil War and the lessons it offers in facing challenges.
Ans: The Kargil War between India and Pakistan in 1999 was fought in extreme terrain with temperatures below -50°C. It showcases the bravery and determination of soldiers facing harsh conditions, teaching us the importance of perseverance and not giving up.

Q9: Explain the major economic activities of people in Ladakh and how these activities contribute to their livelihoods.
Ans: People in Ladakh are involved in agriculture, horticulture, sericulture, cattle rearing, handicrafts, and tourism. These activities provide income, sustenance, and economic growth for the region.

Q10: How has industrialization and modernization impacted the Sahara desert region, and what changes have been observed in transportation?
Ans: Industrialization has led to the settlement of nomadic communities, and mineral resources like petroleum and coal have fueled regional development. Transportation has modernized with highways replacing traditional camel caravans in many areas, improving the movement of goods.