Unit Test (Solutions): Spectacular Wonders

Time: 1 hour
M.M. 30

Attempt all questions.

Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
Question numbers 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1: The Valley of Flowers is located in which state? (1 Mark)
(i) Himachal Pradesh
(ii) Uttarakhand
(iii) Jammu & Kashmir
(iv) Sikkim

Ans: (ii)

The Valley of Flowers, famous for its alpine flowers and biodiversity, is located in Uttarakhand in the Himalayas.

Q2: The living root bridges are mainly found in (1 Mark)
(i) Assam
(ii) Kerala
(iii) Meghalaya
(iv) Odisha

Ans: (iii)

Meghalaya is known for its unique living root bridges made by guiding tree roots across streams and rivers.

Q3: Lonar Crater Lake was formed due to the impact of a (1 Mark)
(i) earthquake
(ii) volcanic eruption
(iii) cyclone
(iv) meteorite

Ans: (iv)

Lonar Crater Lake in Maharashtra was formed when a meteorite hit the basalt rock of the Deccan Plateau thousands of years ago.

Q4: The Magnetic Hill creates an illusion that vehicles are moving (1 Mark)
(i) downhill
(ii) in circles
(iii) uphill
(iv) sideways

Ans: (iii)

Magnetic Hill in Ladakh is a gravity hill where an optical illusion makes vehicles appear to move uphill against gravity.

Q5: The glowing waters of Kerala are caused due to (1 Mark)
(i) sea plants
(ii) micro-planktons
(iii) algae rocks
(iv) coral reefs

Ans: (ii)

Bioluminescent micro-planktons in the waters of Kerala emit a glowing light at night, creating a magical effect.

Q6: What makes the living root bridges of Meghalaya special? Give two points. (2 Marks)

Ans:

1. They are formed by guiding the aerial roots of trees to grow across rivers and streams, creating strong natural bridges.
2. They are durable, eco-friendly, and can last for hundreds of years, supporting the weight of many people.

Q7: What is bioluminescence? Where in India can this phenomenon be seen? (2 Marks)

Ans: Bioluminescence is the natural emission of light by living organisms such as micro-planktons.
In India, it can be seen in the coastal waters of Kerala, especially during certain seasons at night.

Q8: What role do mangrove forests play in protecting the coastline? (2 Marks)

Ans: Mangrove forests act as natural barriers, reducing erosion and protecting the coastline from strong waves, storms, and cyclones. They also provide habitat for many animals and support biodiversity.

Q9: Describe any three special features of the Lonar Crater Lake. (3 Marks)

Ans:

1. Lonar Crater Lake was formed due to the impact of a colossal meteorite that struck the Earth at very high speed.
2. It is the only crater in India formed in basaltic rock by a meteorite impact.
3. The crater has a perfectly circular depression with a unique saline lake at its centre, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding rugged terrain.

Q10: How does the natural phenomenon at Chandipur Beach occur? Explain briefly. (3 Marks)

Ans: Chandipur Beach in Odisha experiences an unusual tidal phenomenon where the sea recedes up to 5 km during low tide, exposing the seabed. This happens due to the shallow slope of the beach, allowing visitors to walk far into the sea.

Q11: How does the writer use descriptive language to make the natural wonders more interesting for the reader? (3 Marks)

Ans: The writer uses vivid and descriptive words to highlight the beauty, mystery, and uniqueness of India's natural wonders. Phrases describing colours, size, movement, and natural settings help readers visualise the scenes clearly. This descriptive language creates curiosity and makes the natural phenomena appear magical and awe-inspiring.

Q12: (a) What are living root bridges?
(b) Why are they called an example of indigenous engineering?
(c) How do they benefit the local people of Meghalaya? (5 Marks)

Ans: (a) Living root bridges are bridges made by training and guiding the roots of rubber trees to grow across rivers and streams.
(b) They are called indigenous engineering because local people ingeniously used natural tree roots and their growth patterns to create durable bridges without modern tools or materials.
(c) They help local people cross rivers safely, especially during monsoons, and support transportation and daily life in hilly regions.

Q13: (a) What are mangrove forests?
(b) Name two animals found in the Sundarbans.
(c) Why does the writer describe India's natural wonders as "awe-inspiring"? (5 Marks)

Ans: (a) Mangrove forests are coastal forests with salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in intertidal zones.
(b) Two animals found in the Sundarbans are the Royal Bengal tiger and saltwater crocodile.
(c) India's natural wonders are described as awe-inspiring because of their rare beauty, unique features, and the sense of wonder they evoke in observers.