Class 7 Geography Question Answers - Human Environment Interactions - The Tropical and Subtropical Region

Clear all your Class 7 doubts with EduRev Join for Free

Join for Free

Q1. Describe the situation and location of the Amazon Basin.
Ans: Situation and Location of the Amazon Basin:

• The Amazon Basin is located close to the equator, between 10°N and 10°S.
• This area is known as the equatorial region.
• The Amazon River flows through this region, starting from the mountains in the west and emptying into the Atlantic Ocean in the east.
• Many tributaries join the Amazon River, forming the Amazon Basin.
• The basin drains parts of Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, and a small section of Venezuela.

Q2. Discuss briefly about the Amazon Basin.
Ans: The Amazon Basin is a significant region in South America, known for its unique features:

• It is formed by the drainage of the Amazon River and its tributaries.
• The area is covered with dense forests, where sunlight rarely reaches the ground.
• It has a hot and humid climate, with warm temperatures both day and night.
• Rainfall occurs frequently, often without warning, contributing to the region's lush vegetation.

This basin is also rich in wildlife, including:

• Birds: Macaws, toucans, and hummingbirds.
• Animals: Monkeys, sloths, and various reptiles.
• Fish: Species such as the piranha.

Q3. What do the people of the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin mainly do?
Ans: The people of the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin mainly engage in the following activities:

• Agriculture: The primary occupation, with crops such as paddy, wheat, gram, millets, and maize. Cash crops like jute and sugarcane are also cultivated. In hilly regions, crops are grown on terraces.
• Sericulture: Many residents rear silkworms and produce silk.
• Industry: Towns and cities host various industries, providing employment opportunities.
• Tourism: The sector is vibrant, offering numerous jobs to locals.

Q4. How is tourism an important activity in the Ganga Brahmaputra plain?
Ans: Tourism is a vital activity in the Ganga Brahmaputra plain for several reasons:

• The region is rich in natural resources and has a long history of human evolution, leading to the development of major cities.
• Many historical sites attract tourists, including:
  • The Taj Mahal in Agra
  • Buddhist stupas in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
  • The Imambara in Lucknow
• Scenic hilly areas, such as those in Arunachal Pradesh, offer beautiful landscapes, including mountains and waterfalls.
• Forested regions, like the Manas and Kaziranga wildlife sanctuaries in Assam, are rich in wildlife.
• Many holy and cultural sites, such as Varanasi, draw visitors for spiritual experiences.

Q5. Discuss about the people living in the rainforests.
Ans: The life of people living in rainforests is quite challenging. Here are some key points about their lifestyle:

• They often lead a difficult life compared to those in other regions.
• People cultivate crops in small areas by clearing trees from the rainforest.
• Women engage in slash-and-burn agriculture to grow crops such as pineapple, sweet potato, and cash crops like maize, coffee, and cocoa.
• Men primarily focus on hunting.
• Their staple food is manioc, a root vegetable similar to potato.
• They also consume queen ants and their eggs.
• Housing varies; some live in thatched homes, while others reside in larger structures called maloca.
• As outside access to rainforests increases, these indigenous people face greater challenges, often being displaced from their native lands.

Q6. Name the countries of the basin through which the equator passes.
Ans: The countries of the basin through which the equator passes are:

• South America:
  • Ecuador
  • Colombia
  • Brazil
• Africa:
  • Gabon
  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Uganda
  • Kenya
• Asia:
  • Indonesia

Q7. Give an account of the climate of Amazon Basin.
Ans: Climate of Amazon Basin:

• The Amazon Basin is located directly on the Equator.
• It experiences a hot and humid climate year-round.
• Day and night temperatures are consistently high.
• The air feels sticky due to humidity.
• Rain occurs almost daily, often without warning.
• Daytime temperatures are elevated, accompanied by high humidity.
• Night temperatures decrease slightly, but humidity remains high.

Q8. Give an account of rain forests and wild life of Amazon Basin.
Ans: Rainforests of the Amazon Basin:

• The Amazon Basin experiences heavy rainfall.
• It is home to thick, dense forests.
• The canopy formed by leaves and branches blocks sunlight from reaching the ground, resulting in a dark and damp environment.
• Only shade-tolerant plants, such as orchids and bromeliads, thrive here.

Wildlife of the Amazon Basin:

• The rainforest is rich in fauna.
• It hosts vibrant birds like toucans, hummingbirds, and macaws, which are known for their colourful plumage and large bills.
• These birds are also quite vocal.
• Common animals include monkeys, sloths, and tapirs.
• The region is home to various reptiles and snakes, including crocodiles, pythons, and the infamous anaconda.
• Thousands of insect species also inhabit the basin. In the rivers, you can find several fish species, including the notorious Piranha.

Q9. What changes have occurred with life of the people of Amazon Basin in recent times?
Ans: Life of the people of the Amazon Basin is slowly changing.

• In the past, the only way to reach the heart of the forest was by river.
• Since 1970, the Trans Amazon highway has made all areas of the rainforest accessible.
• Now, aircraft and helicopters are also used for travel.
• The indigenous population has been pushed out of their lands.
• Many diverse rainforests are being destroyed, leading to long-term consequences.

Q10. Give an account of Slash and Burn Agriculture.
Ans: Slash and Burn Agriculture is a method of farming that involves:

• Clearing land by cutting down trees and bushes.
• Burning the cleared vegetation, which releases nutrients into the soil.
• Growing crops in the newly cleared area for a few years.
• After several years, the soil loses nutrients and is abandoned.
• Farmers then clear a new plot of land to continue planting.
• During this time, young trees grow in the abandoned field, helping to restore soil fertility.
• Eventually, farmers return to the old field to cultivate it again.

Q11. Explain the physiography of the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin.

Ans: Physiography of the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin:

• The Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin is formed by the tributaries of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers.
• It is located in the sub-tropical region, between 10°N and 30°N latitudes.
• Key tributaries of the Ganga include:
  • Ghaghra
  • Son
  • Chambal
  • Gandak
  • Kosi
• Tributaries of the Brahmaputra include:
  • Dihang
  • Dibang
  • Lohit
  • Dhansiri
• Main physiographical features:
  • Mountains and foothills of the Himalayas
  • Sundarbans delta
  • Ox-bow lakes in the plains

Q12. How does the environment play a dominant role in the distribution of population in the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin?
Ans: Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin:

• The basin features varied topography.
• The environment significantly influences population distribution.
• Mountain areas with steep slopes are inhospitable, leading to fewer residents.
• In contrast, the plains offer the most suitable land for human habitation.
• The soil in these regions is fertile, supporting agriculture as the main occupation.
• Population density is notably high in the plains.
• Paddy cultivation thrives where there is sufficient water from rainfall.
• Other crops include wheat, maize, and cash crops like sugarcane and jute.