Access the latest NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Geography Chapter-8: Transport and Communication, updated for 2024-2025. Solution is designed to help students tackle difficult questions with ease. The content is written in simple, easy-to-understand language.
Exercise
Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.
(i) The Trans–Continental Stuart Highway runs between
(a) Darwin and Melbourne
(b) Edmonton and Anchorage
(c) Vancouver and St. John’s City
(d) Chengdu and Lhasa
Ans. (a) Darwin and Melbourne
(ii) Which country has the highest density of railway network?
(a) Brazil
(b) U.S.A
(c) Canada
(d) Russia
Ans. (b) U.S.A.
(iii) The Big Trunk Route runs through
(a) The Mediterranean – Indian ocean
(b) The North Atlantic Ocean
(c) The South Atlantic Ocean
(d) The North Pacific Ocean
Ans. (b) The North Atlantic Ocean
(iv) The Big Inch pipeline transports
(a) Milk
(b) Liquid petroleum gas (LGP)
(c) Water
(d) Petroleum
Ans. (d) Petroleum
(v) Which one pair of the following places is linked by Channel Tunnel?
(a) London – Berlin
(b) Paris – London
(c) Berlin – Paris
(d) Barcelona – Berlin
Ans. (b) Paris – London
Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
(i) What are the problems of road transport in mountainous, desert, and flood prone regions?
In mountainous regions, roads face difficulties due to steep slopes, landslides, and avalanches. In deserts, the loose sand makes road construction and maintenance challenging. Flood Prone areas suffer from road damage during heavy rains, making them unusable.
(ii) What is a transcontinental railway?
A transcontinental railway is a rail network that connects the two opposite ends of a continent. It is typically constructed for long distance transport across vast regions, often playing a vital role in linking economic hubs and facilitating trade.
(iii) What are the advantages of water transport?
Water transport is economical for long distance and heavy cargo movement, as it requires no construction of transport routes like roads or rails. It is energy efficient, as water offers less friction compared to land, reducing fuel consumption.
Answer the following questions in not more than 150 words.
(i) Elucidate the statement– “In a well managed transport system, various modes complement each other”.
A well managed transport system utilizes various modes—road, rail, water, and air—so that each complements the other based on its advantages. For instance, railways are suited for long distance and heavy cargo, while roads provide door to door service for shorter distances. Waterways are best for bulky international trade, and airways handle highvalue, perishable goods over long distances quickly. When these modes are integrated, they improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance accessibility, making the system more effective and reliable for both passengers and freight.
(ii) Which are the major regions of the world having a dense network of airways?
The major regions with a dense network of airways include Eastern U.S.A., Western Europe, and Southeast Asia. Cities like New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, and Singapore serve as major hubs with a convergence of multiple air routes. These regions are highly industrialized and urbanized, leading to frequent air services for passengers and cargo.
(iii) What are the modes by which cyberspace will expand the contemporary economic and social space of humans?
Cyberspace expands the economic and social space through modes like email, ecommerce, elearning, and e governance. With Internet and digital networks, communication across vast distances has become instantaneous, reducing the need for physical movement. Online platforms enable businesses to trade globally, while individuals can engage in social interactions, education, and governance, transcending geographical boundaries. The spread of cyber technologies connects people globally, enabling access to information and services anytime, anywhere.
Other Important Short Answer Type Questions
Here are some important short answer type questions based on Chapter 8: Transport and Communication from the NCERT Class 12 Geography textbook that could be useful for both NCERT 12th exams and UPSC preparation:
1. What is the importance of transport in trade and communication?
Transport is essential for linking producing centers with consuming centers, facilitating the movement of goods and services. It supports mass production and distribution, enabling trade and high living standards by connecting regions specialized in specific commodities.
2. Define a transport network.
A transport network consists of several places (nodes) joined together by a series of routes (links) to form a pattern that enables the movement of goods and people from one location to another.
3. What is the significance of pipelines as a mode of transportation?
Pipelines are used for transporting liquids like petroleum, natural gas, and water. They offer an uninterrupted, low cost method for transporting large volumes of fluid materials across long distances.
4. What factors influence the choice of a mode of transport?
The choice of transport mode depends on the type of goods being transported, costs, distance, time, and the availability of transport infrastructure. For example, railways are ideal for bulk goods over long distances, while airways are preferred for high value and perishable goods.
5. What role do pack animals play in transportation?
Pack animals, such as horses, camels, mules, and reindeer, are still used in areas where modern transport infrastructure is inaccessible. They are essential for transporting goods across rough terrains like deserts and mountainous regions.
6. Explain the significance of the TransSiberian Railway.
The TransSiberian Railway is the longest double tracked and electrified transcontinental railway in the world, running from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok. It plays a crucial role in connecting Asia with European markets and facilitating trade.
7. What are the key features of highways?
Highways are wide, metalled roads designed for unobstructed vehicular movement. They include separate traffic lanes, bridges, and flyovers, facilitating long distance travel and connecting major cities, ports, and industrial centers.
8. Describe the role of air transport in overcoming geographical barriers.
Air transport is essential in overcoming geographical barriers like mountains, deserts, and snowfields. It provides the fastest means of transportation, connecting remote areas and regions that are otherwise inaccessible by road or rail.
9. How has satellite communication revolutionized global connectivity?
Satellite communication has revolutionized global connectivity by enabling real time communication across vast distances. It has made services like internet access, mobile communication, television broadcasts, and weather forecasting widely available, even in remote areas.
10. What is cyberspace, and how does it impact global communication?
Cyberspace refers to the world of electronic communication via the internet. It has transformed global communication by allowing instant access to information, promoting e governance, ecommerce, e-learning, and creating a more interconnected world.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Based on Chapter 8, “Transport and Communication,” from the NCERT Class 12 Geography book, here are 20 multiple choice questions (MCQs) that align with key themes relevant to previous NCERT exams and UPSC patterns. The answers are provided at the end.
1. What is the primary function of transport in economic systems?
a) To facilitate the circulation of money
b) To move people and goods between locations
c) To improve living standards
d) To support communication networks
2. Which of the following is considered the most economical mode of transportation for bulky goods over long distances?
a) Road transport
b) Air transport
c) Railways
d) Pipelines
3. Which is the longest transcontinental railway line in the world?
a) TransSiberian Railway
b) TransCanadian Railway
c) Union Pacific Railway
d) Australian TransContinental Railway
4. The Big Trunk Route is the busiest sea route in the world. Which regions does it connect?
a) North America and South America
b) Western Europe and Eastern Europe
c) Northeastern USA and Northwestern Europe
d) Asia and Africa
5. What is the main disadvantage of air transport?
a) Slow speed
b) High cost
c) Limited cargo capacity
d) Lack of navigational aids
6. Which of the following countries has the highest road density in the world?
a) USA
b) Russia
c) India
d) Canada
7. What is the main purpose of constructing highways?
a) To connect local villages
b) For tourism development
c) To provide an uninterrupted flow of vehicles over long distances
d) To connect airports
8. Which of the following sea routes connects Western Europe to East Africa and Asia?
a) North Atlantic Sea Route
b) Mediterranean–Indian Ocean Sea Route
c) Southern Atlantic Sea Route
d) Cape of Good Hope Sea Route
9. What is the most significant characteristic of pipeline transport?
a) It can only transport water
b) It is the cheapest form of transport for heavy loads
c) It allows for continuous and uninterrupted flow of liquids and gases
d) It connects cities for passenger transport
10. Which of the following is NOT a mode of land transport?
a) Railways
b) Roads
c) Pipelines
d) Shipping
11. Which important international sea route passes through the Suez Canal?
a) The Northern Pacific Route
b) The Mediterranean–Indian Ocean Sea Route
c) The Southern Atlantic Route
d) The North Atlantic Route
12. Which country has the densest railway network in the world?
a) Brazil
b) Belgium
c) China
d) Russia
13. What is the primary use of airways in the context of global transport?
a) Transportation of heavy machinery
b) Short Distance transportation
c) Rapid movement of high value, light, and perishable goods
d) Moving bulky goods
14. Which of the following cities does the TransCanadian Railway connect to?
a) New York and Los Angeles
b) Vancouver and Halifax
c) Tokyo and Beijing
d) Paris and Berlin
15. What makes cyber communication a significant modern transportation tool?
a) It facilitates faster air travel
b) It reduces transportation costs
c) It enhances global connectivity without physical movement
d) It simplifies road transport systems
16. Which country pioneered commercial jet transport?
a) Russia
b) United Kingdom
c) United States
d) Germany
17. Which two regions are connected by the Channel Tunnel?
a) London and Paris
b) Berlin and Paris
c) London and Berlin
d) Rome and London
18. What are the main items transported via the Rhine Waterways?
a) Machinery, oil, coal, and timber
b) Milk, meat, and wheat
c) High Value goods like electronics
d) Perishable goods like fruits and vegetables
19. Which canal significantly reduces the sea distance between Europe and South Asia?
a) Panama Canal
b) Rhine Canal
c) Suez Canal
d) Welland Canal
20. What is the key role of border roads in a country?
a) Promote tourism in border areas
b) Facilitate trade with neighboring countries
c) Provide military support and integrate remote areas
d) Improve transportation for rural areas
Answers
1. b) To move people and goods between locations
2. c) Railways
3. a) TransSiberian Railway
4. c) Northeastern USA and Northwestern Europe
5. b) High cost
6. a) USA
7. c) To provide an uninterrupted flow of vehicles over long distances
8. b) Mediterranean–Indian Ocean Sea Route
9. c) It allows for continuous and uninterrupted flow of liquids and gases
10. d) Shipping
11. b) The Mediterranean–Indian Ocean Sea Route
12. b) Belgium
13. c) Rapid movement of high value, light, and perishable goods
14. b) Vancouver and Halifax
15. c) It enhances global connectivity without physical movement
16. b) United Kingdom
17. a) London and Paris
18. a) Machinery, oil, coal, and timber
19. c) Suez Canal
20. c) Provide military support and integrate remote areas
Other Chapter
Chapter 1:- Human Geography: Nature and Scope | Chapter 2:- The World Population: Distribution, Density and Growth |
Chapter 3:- Population Composition | Chapter 4:- Human Development |
Chapter 5:- Primary Activities | Chapter 6:- Secondary Activities |
Chapter 7:- Tertiary and Quaternary Activities | Chapter 9:- International Trade |
Chapter 10:- Human Settlements |