Unit Test (Solution): Geographical Diversity of India | Social Science Class 7 - New NCERT PDF Download

M.M: 30
Attempt all questions.

• Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
• Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
• Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
• Question numbers 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1. What is the name of the mountain range that acts as a natural barrier in the northern part of India? (1 Mark)
Ans: The Himalayas.

Q2. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the Thar Desert? (1 Mark)
(i) Dense forests
(ii) Vast stretch of golden dunes
(iii) Heavy rainfall
(iv) Snow-covered peaks
Ans: (ii) Vast stretch of golden dunes.

Q3. Fill in the blank: 
The _______ Plateau is a vast area of flat highlands bordered by the Western and Eastern Ghats. (1 Mark)
Ans: Deccan Plateau.

Q4. Which water body surrounds the Lakshadweep Islands? (1 Mark)
(i) Bay of Bengal
(ii) Indian Ocean
(iii) Arabian Sea
(iv) Andaman Sea
Ans: (iii) Arabian Sea.

Q5. What is the name of the only active volcano in India? (1 Mark)
Ans. Barren Island.

Q6. Define the term 'peninsula' and name the major peninsular plateau of India. (2 Marks)
Ans: A peninsula is a piece of land surrounded by water on three sides. The major peninsular plateau of India is the Deccan Plateau.

Q7. Name two major river systems of the Gangetic Plains and mention one way they support human life. (2 Marks)
Ans: The Ganga and Brahmaputra are two major river systems of the Gangetic Plains. They support human life by providing water for agriculture, enabling fertile soil for farming.

Q8. What is a cold desert? Name one example in India. (2 Marks)
Ans: A cold desert is a desert with extremely low temperatures, especially in winter, and minimal rainfall. An example in India is Ladakh.

Q9. Explain how the Himalayas influence the climate and water resources of India. (3 Marks)
Ans: The Himalayas act as a natural barrier, blocking cold winds from Central Asia, which helps maintain a warmer climate in northern India. They also trap monsoon winds, causing heavy rainfall in the region. Additionally, the melting snow from Himalayan peaks feeds major rivers like the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra, providing water for drinking, farming, and industrial use, supporting millions of people.

Q10. Describe the role of the Aravalli Hills in shaping the geography of northwestern India. (3 Marks)
Ans: The Aravalli Hills act as a natural barrier, preventing the Thar Desert from expanding eastward, thus protecting the fertile lands of northwestern India. They influence the climate by moderating the spread of arid conditions. Additionally, the Aravallis are rich in minerals like marble, granite, zinc, and copper, supporting mining and construction activities for centuries.

Q11. Why is the Western Ghats considered a biodiversity hotspot? (3 Marks)
Ans: The Western Ghats are considered a biodiversity hotspot due to their rich variety of flora and fauna, including unique species like the lion-tailed macaque, king cobra, and insectivorous plants. The region’s dense forests and varied altitudes create diverse habitats. It is also home to many rivers and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its ecological significance.

Q12. Explain the significance of India’s coastline and describe the key differences between the West Coast and East Coast. (5 Marks)
Ans: India’s coastline, over 7,500 km long, is significant for its economic, cultural, and ecological roles. It supports major ports and cities, facilitating trade and economic activities for millennia. The coastline features diverse landscapes like beaches, cliffs, coral reefs, and deltas, which support fishing, tourism, and biodiversity.
Key Differences between West Coast and East Coast:

• Location and Extent: The West Coast stretches from Gujarat to Kerala along the Arabian Sea, while the East Coast lies between the Ganga delta and Kanyakumari along the Bay of Bengal.
• Physical Features: The West Coast has a narrow plain with estuaries, coves, and creeks formed by short, swift rivers from the Western Ghats. The East Coast has wider plains with large river deltas formed by rivers like the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri.
• Water Bodies: The West Coast features estuaries like those of the Narmada and Tapti, while the East Coast has significant deltas and water bodies like Chilika Lake and Pulicat Lake.
• Economic Activity: The West Coast has major ports and cities like Mumbai, while the East Coast supports extensive agriculture due to fertile deltaic plains.
  These differences highlight the diverse geographical and economic contributions of India’s coastlines.

Q13. Discuss the major geographical regions of India and explain how they contribute to the country’s diversity. (5 Marks)
Ans: India’s major geographical regions include the Himalayas, Gangetic Plains, Thar Desert, Peninsular Plateau, Coastlines, and Islands, each contributing to the country’s diversity in unique ways:

• Himalayas: This mountain range in the north, with peaks over 8,000 meters, acts as a climatic barrier and feeds major rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra, supporting agriculture and water supply. Its cultural significance attracts spiritual seekers, and its biodiversity includes unique wildlife.
• Gangetic Plains: These fertile plains, nourished by rivers, are ideal for agriculture, supporting a large population. They have well-developed transportation networks and have been central to India’s historical and cultural development.
• Thar Desert: Located in the west, this arid region with golden dunes has shaped a unique lifestyle adapted to harsh conditions, including water conservation techniques like taankas. It acts as a natural barrier and supports cultural festivals like the Pushkar Mela.
• Peninsular Plateau: Surrounded by the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean, this plateau, including the Deccan, is rich in minerals, forests, and fertile land. It supports tribal communities and rivers like the Godavari and Krishna, vital for farming and hydroelectric power.
• Coastlines and Islands: India’s extensive coastline supports trade, fishing, and tourism, with diverse features like coral reefs and deltas. The Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands add unique ecosystems, including coral reefs and volcanic landscapes, and are home to ancient tribes.

These regions create varied soil types, climates, flora, fauna, and economic opportunities, fostering a rich cultural and ecological diversity that makes India a ‘mini-continent.’