Multiple Choice Questions
Q1.
Ans: (c) hot, cold, and polar
The correct answer is c (hot, cold, and polar). Deserts are categorized based on their climatic conditions and locations. Hot deserts are characterized by high temperatures and low rainfall, cold deserts have cold winters and very little precipitation, and polar deserts are located in polar regions and are cold and dry due to extremely low temperatures.
Q2.
Ans: (a) the Nile and Niger
The correct answer is a (the Nile and Niger). The Nile and Niger rivers are major rivers flowing near the Sahara Desert, providing necessary water resources and supporting life along their banks.
Q3.
Ans: (c) 50 degree Celsius
The correct answer is c (50 degree Celsius). Although temperatures in some parts of the Sahara Desert can reach higher values, generally summer temperatures average around 50°C.
Q4.
Ans: (c) Lake Chad
The correct answer is a (Lake Chad). Lake Chad is a significant freshwater source in the Sahara Desert region, although it has been shrinking due to climate change and water usage.
Q5.
Ans: (c) both of them
The correct answer is c (both of them). Camels are incredibly well-suited to desert environments due to their physiological adaptations like water conservation and heat tolerance, making them suitable for both the Sahara and the cold desert conditions of Ladakh.
Q6.
Ans: (c) camel
The correct answer is c (camel). The camel is famously referred to as the 'ship of the desert' because of its ability to travel long distances over desert sands while carrying loads, which is crucial for survival in desert regions.
Q7.
Ans: (b) dzo
The correct answer is b (dzo). A dzo is a hybrid animal, specifically a cross between a yak and a domestic cow, found in mountainous regions like Ladakh.
Q8.
Ans: (b) Ladakh
The correct answer is b (Ladakh). Dzos are adapted to the cold desert climate of Ladakh and are used by the local people primarily for agricultural and load-carrying purposes.
Q9.
Ans: (c) Khardung La
The correct answer is c (Khardung La). Khardung La is one of the highest motorable roads in the world, located in Ladakh, India, and is a critical pass in the region.
Q10.
Ans: (a) Leh
The correct answer is a (Leh). Leh is the joint capital and largest town of the union territory of Ladakh in India.
Answer the following in one sentence.
Q1.
Ans: The Sahara Desert is located in North Africa.
Q2.
Ans: The addax is a type of antelope that is well adapted to desert environments.
Q3.
Ans: The Bedouins, Berbers, and Tuaregs are nomadic tribes that traverse the Sahara.
Q4.
Ans: Ladakh is accessible via several high mountain passes, including Khardung La, and by air through Leh airport.
Q5.
Ans: Ladakhis rear yaks, dzos, sheep, and goats for transportation, wool, milk, and meat, which are vital for their survival in the harsh climatic conditions.
Answer the following questions in brief.
Q1.
Ans: The main difference is that the Sahara is a hot desert located in Africa with extreme temperatures and sandy landscapes, whereas Ladakh is a cold desert in India, characterized by rocky terrain and cold temperatures.
Q2.
Ans: Animals in the Sahara Desert have adapted by developing behaviors and physical traits that help avoid heat, such as being nocturnal, having reflective coats, and minimal water requirements.
Q3.
Ans: The nomadic tribes of the Sahara, such as the Tuaregs, Bedouins, and Berbers, move across the desert in search of water and grazing land, living in temporary shelters and relying heavily on their livestock for sustenance.
Q4.
Ans: The discovery of oil has led to economic opportunities, causing many nomadic people to settle in urban areas for employment, altering their traditional ways of life significantly.
Q5.
Ans: The rivers in Ladakh, such as the Indus and its tributaries, create fertile valleys and gorges, adding greenery and supporting agriculture in an otherwise barren landscape.
Answer the following questions in detail.
Q1.
Ans: The Sahara Desert experiences extremely hot and dry conditions, with summer temperatures reaching up to 50°C and minimal annual rainfall. The climate is characterized by hot days and significantly cooler nights, with frequent sandstorms and dry, dusty winds.
Q2.
Ans: The vegetation in the Sahara, mainly xerophytic, adapts to low rainfall by developing long roots to access deep water, having waxy surfaces to reduce water loss, and spiny leaves to deter herbivores and reduce water loss.
Q3.
Ans: Ladakh is called 'the land of high passes' due to its numerous mountain passes, such as Khardung La and Chang La, which are crucial for connectivity and have historically been important trade routes.
Q4.
Ans: Ladakh features an extreme climate with minimal precipitation and severe cold, especially in winter. Summer days can be warm, but temperatures plummet after sunset, and winters are harsh with significant snowfall.
Q5.
Ans: The people of Ladakh lead a resilient lifestyle, adapting to the harsh environmental conditions by practicing subsistence agriculture, rearing livestock, and engaging in seasonal tourism. They live in close-knit communities, often centered around Buddhist practices and monastic teachings.
