Exercises: Climate & Adaptation | Class 7 Oxford Science: Chapter Notes, Worksheets & Tests PDF Download

I. Objective type questions

In hot and dry climates, water is scarce and animals need adaptations to conserve water.

Q.2. _____ (Hygrometer/Rain gauge) is the instrument used to measure the amount of rainfall.

Rain gauge is the instrument used to measure the amount of rainfall.

Q.3. Places closer to the_____ (equator/poles) are generally hot.

Places closer to the equator are generally hot.

Q.4. Fennecs have long ears to help it in _____ (conserving /dissipating) heat.

Fennecs have long ears to help it in dissipating heat.

Q.5. In Polar Regions, animals adapt to conserve ______ (water/body heat) to stay warm.

In Polar Regions, animals adapt to conserve body heat to stay warm.

B. Choose the correct option.

II. Very Short Answer Type Questions

Examples of weather elements are temperature and precipitation.

Q.2. Instruments used to measure weather elements

Thermometer is used to measure temperature, and rain gauge is used to measure precipitation.

Q.3. Places that have extreme climates

Places that have extreme climates include the Sahara Desert in Africa and the Siberian tundra in Russia.

Q.4. Animals found in tropical and temperate climates

Animals found in tropical climates include monkeys and parrots, while animals found in temperate climates include deer and squirrels.

Q.5. Arctic birds that migrate to warmer regions during winter

Arctic birds such as the Snowy Owl and the Arctic Tern migrate to warmer regions during winter.

III. Short answer type questions

(i) Two factors that affect the climate of a planet as a whole are the distance from the Sun and the amount of atmosphere the planet has.

(ii) Two factors that affect the temperature of a place are the latitude of the place and the elevation of the place.

Q.2. What are the factors of climate that could be affected by the presence of a mountain near a place?

The presence of a mountain near a place can affect several factors of climate such as:

(i) It can cause differences in temperature and precipitation on either side of the mountain due to the rain shadow effect.

(ii) It can act as a barrier to air movement, leading to differences in air pressure and temperature.

(iii) It can affect the distribution of vegetation and wildlife in the surrounding areas.

Q.3. What would be the climate of a place if it is located close to the sea?

If a place is located close to the sea, its climate is likely to be moderate with mild winters and cool summers. This is because the sea has a moderating effect on temperature, meaning that it can absorb and release large amounts of heat without the temperature changing too much. As a result, areas close to the sea tend to have more moderate temperatures than areas located further inland.

Q.4. Why do some birds living in extremely cold climates show migration?

Birds living in extremely cold climates show migration to escape the harsh winters and lack of food. As the temperature drops and the ground freezes over, birds may find it difficult to find food and shelter. By migrating to warmer areas, they can find more abundant food sources and a more suitable habitat to survive. Additionally, some birds may breed in the warmer areas, allowing them to raise their young in a more favorable environment before returning to their original habitat.

IV. Long answer type questions

The distance from the equator of a place has a significant impact on its climate. The amount of sunlight that reaches the earth's surface varies with latitude, and this variation is the primary driver of climate. Places that are closer to the equator receive more direct sunlight, resulting in warmer temperatures. This is because the sun's rays are spread over a smaller area, and as a result, more heat is concentrated in those regions.
On the other hand, places farther from the equator receive less direct sunlight, resulting in cooler temperatures. This is because the sun's rays are spread over a larger area, and as a result, less heat is concentrated in those regions. Therefore, places closer to the equator tend to have a tropical or subtropical climate, while places farther away tend to have a temperate or cold climate.

Q.2. Give any five adaptations that help the camel to survive in hot and dry climates. 

Camels are well adapted to live in hot and dry climates. Some of the adaptations that help them survive are:
Hump: Camels have a hump on their back that stores fat. This fat can be used as a source of energy when food and water are scarce.
Thick fur: Camels have thick fur that keeps them warm in the cold desert nights and protects them from the scorching sun during the day.
Wide feet: Camels have wide feet that help them to walk on sand without sinking. The large surface area of their feet helps distribute their weight evenly, making it easier for them to move through the sand.
Water storage: Camels can drink up to 40 gallons of water in one sitting, which they can store in their stomachs for up to three days. They also have the ability to conserve water by producing dry feces and reducing their sweating.
Nictitating membrane: Camels have a third eyelid called the nictitating membrane, which protects their eyes from blowing sand and harsh winds.

Q.3. What helps polar bears survive in extremely cold climates?

Polar bears are adapted to live in extremely cold climates. Some of the adaptations that help them survive are:
Thick fur: Polar bears have a thick layer of fur that keeps them warm in the extreme cold. Their fur is made up of two layers - a dense undercoat and longer guard hairs that help repel water.
Large body size: Polar bears are the largest land predator and have a large body size, which helps them conserve heat.
Layer of blubber: Polar bears have a layer of blubber beneath their skin, which serves as an insulation layer and provides them with an energy reserve when food is scarce.
Paws: Polar bears have large, wide paws that help them walk on snow and ice. The soles of their paws are covered in small bumps called papillae, which provide them with traction on slippery surfaces.
Hunting abilities: Polar bears have developed hunting techniques that allow them to catch prey even in the extreme cold. They can swim long distances in the icy waters and have a keen sense of smell, which helps them detect prey.