Important Questions: Life in the Deserts | Social Studies (SST) Class 7 PDF Download

Q1: Describe the geographical extent of the Sahara Desert and name the countries it touches.
Ans: The Sahara Desert, the world's largest desert, covers around 8.54 million sq. km and touches eleven countries: Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Sudan, Tunisia, and Western Sahara.

Q2: Explain the climate of the Sahara Desert and its impact on daily life.
Ans: The Sahara has a scorching hot and dry climate with a short rainy season. Day temperatures can reach 50°C, while nights can be freezing. The lack of moisture and clear skies affect daily life.

Q3: Identify the flora and fauna in the Sahara Desert and explain how they adapt to the harsh environment.
Ans: The Sahara has vegetation like cactus, date palms, and acacia. Animals include camels, hyenas, jackals, and snakes. These species have adaptations for survival in the arid conditions.

Q4: Discuss the traditional lifestyle of Bedouins and Tuaregs in the Sahara, highlighting their nomadic practices and reliance on livestock.
Ans: Bedouins and Tuaregs are nomadic tribes relying on livestock like goats, sheep, camels, and horses for various needs, including milk, hides, and hair for crafting.

Q5: Explore the impact of oil discovery in the Sahara, particularly in Algeria, Libya, and Egypt, on the desert's cultural landscape.
Ans: The discovery of oil in these areas is transforming the Sahara, leading to changes such as urbanization, modernization, and shifts in traditional occupations.

Q6: Compare the climate of Ladakh with that of the Sahara Desert, emphasizing the key differences in temperature and precipitation.
Ans: Ladakh has a cold and dry climate due to its high altitude, while the Sahara is scorching hot and parched. Ladakh experiences freezing temperatures, while the Sahara can reach extremes of both hot and cold.

Q7: Describe the flora and fauna in Ladakh and explain how they have adapted to the extreme climatic conditions.
Ans: Ladakh has sparse vegetation, including grasses and shrubs. Animals like wild goats, wild sheep, yak, and various birds have adaptations for survival in the cold and arid environment.

Q8: Explore the cultural similarities and differences between the people of Ladakh and the inhabitants of Tibet and Central Asia.
Ans: People in Ladakh are either Muslims or Buddhists, sharing cultural elements with Tibet and Central Asia. Buddhist monasteries, such as Hemis and Thiksey, are prominent in Ladakh.

Q9: Discuss the significance of festivals and ceremonies in Ladakh, considering the harsh winter climate and its impact on daily life.
Ans: In the winter months, with harsh weather conditions, people in Ladakh engage in festivities and ceremonies. Describe the role of these cultural activities in their lives.

Q10: Analyze the economic activities of the people in Ladakh, especially focusing on agriculture, business, and the impact of modernization.
Ans: In the summer, Ladakhis cultivate barley, potatoes, peas, beans, and turnips. Women engage in various activities, and modernization is transforming economic practices.

Q11: Explain the role of tourism in Ladakh and its impact on the local economy and way of life.
Ans: Tourism is a major activity, contributing to the local economy. Describe how visits to gompas, treks, and festivals attract tourists and influence the lifestyle of the people.

Q12: Describe the challenges faced by the people of Ladakh due to the scarcity of resources like water and fuel. How do they manage these resources with reverence and care?
Ans: Due to limited resources, Ladakhis use water and fuel with reverence and care. Explain how their sustainable practices have evolved over centuries.

Q13: Discuss the geographical features surrounding Ladakh, including the mountain ranges and rivers.
Ans: Ladakh is enclosed by the Karakoram Range in the north and the Zanskar mountains in the south. Several rivers, with the Indus being the most important, form deep valleys and gorges.

Q14: Explore the impact of Ladakh being in the rain shadow of the Himalayas on its climate and precipitation patterns.
Ans: Ladakh receives little rainfall, as low as 10 cm annually, due to being in the rain shadow of the Himalayas. Explain how this geographical feature influences the climate.

Q15: Discuss the role of women in Ladakh, highlighting their contributions to household activities, fields, and small businesses.
Ans: Women in Ladakh play a crucial role, engaging in household activities, fieldwork, and managing small businesses. Explore the significance of their contributions to the local economy and community.