Textbook Solutions: South Africa: Geographical Features | Footprints Class 7: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

I. Tick (✓) the correct option.

1.
Ans: (c)

2.
Ans: (a)

3.
Ans: (a)

4.
Ans: (a)

5.
Ans: (a)

II. Fill in the blanks.

1.
Ans: High Veld

2.
Ans: climate

3.
Ans: southwestern

4.
Ans: reptiles

5.
Ans: animal

III. State whether the following statements are true or false. Rewrite the corrected statements in your notebook.

1.
Ans: True

2.
Ans: True

3.
Ans: False. The cold Benguela Current flows north past the west coast.

4.
Ans: False. The warm Agulhas Current moves south along the east coast.

5.
Ans: False. The northernmost areas of South Africa have tropical savanna grasslands.

IV. There are two statements given as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read both the statements and choose the correct option.

1.
Ans: (c)

2.
Ans: (c)

V. Answer the following questions in brief.

1.
Ans: Proximity to the oceans (Atlantic and Indian Oceans) and the elevation (altitude) of the plateau.

2.
Ans: St Helena Bay, Saldanha Bay, and Table Bay.

3.
Ans: The Vaal River.

4.
Ans: The Benguela Current and the Agulhas Current.

5.
Ans: The southwestern part of South Africa.

VI. Answer the following questions in detail.

1.
Ans: 

• Major physical features include the High Veld, Great Escarpment, Drakensberg Mountains, Great Karoo, Little Karoo, and the coastal plains.
• Explanation: The High Veld is a central and eastern part of the plateau, with an average elevation of 1,200 m to 2,000 m. It slopes from east to west and includes some of the highest points in South Africa, such as Mafadi peak and Njesuthi.

2.
Ans: South Africa is home to several major rivers, such as the Orange River (which flows into the Atlantic Ocean) and the Limpopo River (which flows into the Indian Ocean). The Vaal River is a significant tributary of the Orange River. Lake St Lucia is the largest lake, and notable bays include St Helena Bay, Saldanha Bay, Table Bay, False Bay, Mossel Bay, and Algoa Bay.

3.
Ans: The southwestern part of South Africa experiences a Mediterranean climate due to its location and the influence of the North Westerlies, which bring winter rainfall to the region. This type of climate is characterized by wet winters and dry summers.

4.
Ans: The Mediterranean type of vegetation, known as Fynbos, is adapted to dry summers and wet winters. This biome includes plants with thick tap roots, small spiky leaves, and flowers that typically bloom in winter. The vegetation has adapted to survive in the unique climate of the southwestern part of South Africa.

5.
Ans: South Africa is rich in wildlife, supported by its diverse climate and vegetation. The country is home to species such as lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, rhinoceroses, hyenas, hippopotamuses, African buffaloes, zebras, and various types of deer and antelope. The national parks and reserves play a crucial role in conserving this wildlife. Birdlife includes species such as flamingos, kingfishers, pelicans, bald ibises, owls, and black eagles.