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

A. Choose the correct option.

1.
Ans: (a)

2.
Ans: (c)

3.
Ans: (b)

4.
Ans: (d)

5.
Ans: (d)

6.
Ans: (b)

7.
Ans: (d)

8.
Ans: (d)

9.
Ans: (d)

B. Fill in the blanks with the correct words.

1. 
Ans: The Sun is about 1.39 million kilometres in diameter.

2. 
Ans: The Earth is the third planet from the sun.

3. 
Ans: The Earth's tilt is 23.5°.

4. 
Ans: Places close to the sea have moderate climate.

5. 
Ans: Animals and plants undergo adaptations so that they are able to survive in a particular climate.

6. 
Ans: Animals living in dry and hot climates need to conserve water.

7. 
Ans: Elephants have large flapping ears which help them to stay cool.

8. 
Ans: Leaf and stick insects adapt to their environment by camouflaging.

9. 
Ans: In polar regions, animals adapt to conserve body heat to stay warm.

10. 
Ans: Animals like polar bears and seals have fat deposits called blubber to keep themselves warm.

C. Answer the following questions.

1.
Ans: Weather refers to the short-term conditions of the atmosphere at a specific place and time, including aspects like temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation. Climate, on the other hand, is the average weather conditions of a place over a long period of time, usually several decades.

2.
Ans: Weather elements include factors like temperature, humidity, wind speed, rainfall, and cloud cover. These elements are measured using special instruments and are reported in weather forecasts.

3.
Ans: (a) Latitude: Places closer to the equator are generally warmer because the sun's rays fall directly on these areas. On the other hand, places closer to the poles are colder because the sun's rays fall at a slant here.
(b) Altitude: The higher a place is above sea level, the cooler it is. This is why hill stations are cooler than areas at lower altitudes.
(c) Distance from the sea: The sea has a moderating effect on the temperature of a place. Areas near the sea have moderate temperatures and high humidity, while places far from the sea experience more extreme temperatures.
(d) Presence of mountains: Mountains can change wind direction, stop winds, and influence the amount of rainfall a place gets. They can also affect the temperature of a place.

4.
Ans: A maximum-minimum thermometer is used to measure the highest and lowest temperatures of a day, while a hygrometer is used to measure relative humidity. A rain gauge measures the amount of rainfall.

5.
Ans: Adaptation refers to the structural or behavioral changes in an animal that help it survive in its environment. It is important for animals to adapt because it allows them to live in a variety of climates and conditions, from hot, dry deserts to cold polar regions.

6.
Ans: Migration is a seasonal activity where certain birds and animals move to other areas to avoid unfavorable conditions and in search of food and a warmer climate. Two birds that migrate are the snow geese and the Siberian crane.

7.
Ans: (a) Camels: Camels have humps that store fat and blood that stores water, allowing them to survive without food or water for several days. They also have broad feet for walking on sand, long eyelashes and ear hair to protect them from sandstorms, and thick lips to protect them from the prickles of desert plants.
(b) Stick Insect: Stick insects have adapted to their environment through camouflage, their shape and color blending with their surroundings to make them hard to spot by predators.
(c) African Elephant: African elephants have large ears which they constantly flap to cool their bodies. They also have long legs and tails to help regulate body temperature.

8.
Ans: Animals living in tropical climates are adapted to keep their bodies cool through various means. Some sweat excessively, pant, or lick themselves to increase evaporation, creating a cooling effect. Many are active during the cooler parts of the day and rest during the hottest times. Some animals also have large ears that they flap continuously to cool their bodies.

9.
Ans: Polar bears are adapted to survive in extremely cold climates in several ways. They have a thick layer of fat called blubber under their skin and a thick, furry coat that keeps them warm. Their white fur also provides camouflage in the snow. They are also capable of hibernation, allowing them to survive without food or water during the harsh winter. Additionally, they have large, furry paws that act as snow shoes and help them move easily on snow and swim in water.