Access the latest NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Geography Chapter-6: Human Environment, 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
1. Answer the following questions:
(i) Name the continent in which the Amazon Basin is located.
The Amazon Basin is located in South America.
(ii) What are the crops grown by the people of the Amazon Basin?
In the Amazon Basin, people grow crops like tapioca, pineapple, and sweet potato. Manioc (also known as cassava) is the staple food, and cash crops such as coffee, maize, and cocoa are also cultivated.
(iii) Name the birds that you are likely to find in the rainforests of the Amazon.
Birds found in the Amazon rainforests include toucans, macaws, and hummingbirds.
(iv) What are the major cities located on the River Ganga?
Major cities on the River Ganga include Allahabad, Kanpur, Varanasi, Lucknow, Patna, and Kolkata.
(v) Where is the one-horned rhinoceros found?
The one-horned rhinoceros is found in the Brahmaputra plains of Assam.
2. Tick the correct answer:
(i) Toucans are a type of
- (a) birds
- (b) animals
- (c) crops
Answer: (a) birds
(ii) Manioc is the staple food of
- (a) Ganga Basin
- (b) Africa
- (c) Amazon
Answer: (c) Amazon
(iii) Kolkata is located on the river
- (a) Orange
- (b) Hooghly
- (c) Bhagirathi
Answer: (b) Hooghly
(iv) Deodars and firs are a type of
- (a) Coniferous trees
- (b) Deciduous trees
- (c) shrubs
Answer: (a) Coniferous trees
(v) Bengal tiger is found in
- (a) mountains
- (b) delta area
- (c) Amazon
Answer: (b) delta area
3. Match the following:
Match the following.
(i) Cotton textile (a) Assam
(ii) Maloca (b) Terrace farming
(iii) Piranha (c) Sericulture
(iv) Silk worm (d) Slanting roof
(v) Kaziranga (e) Ganga plain
(f) Varanasi
(g) Fish
| List 1 | List 2 |
| (i) Cotton textile | (e) Ganga plain |
| (ii) Maloca | (d) Slanting roof |
| (iii) Piranha | (g) Fish |
| (iv) Silk worm | (c) Sericulture |
| (v) Kaziranga | (a) Assam |
4. Give reasons:
(i) The rainforests are depleting.
Rainforests are depleting due to deforestation for agriculture, construction of roads, logging, and other developmental activities. Additionally, practices like slash-and-burn agriculture contribute to forest depletion, reducing biodiversity and altering the natural habitat.
(ii) Paddy is grown in the Ganga-Brahmaputra plains.
Paddy requires high water availability and fertile soil. The Ganga-Brahmaputra plains provide these conditions due to frequent monsoon rains and nutrient-rich alluvial soil, making it an ideal location for rice cultivation.
Other Important Short answer Questions
Here are important short answer questions based on Chapter 6 of the NCERT 7th Class Geography book, designed for competitive exams and UPSC, with answers in clear, simple English:
1. Describe the location and importance of the Amazon Basin.
The Amazon Basin is located in the tropical region of South America, mainly between 10°N and 10°S near the equator. It stretches across countries including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador. As the world’s largest river basin, it has a hot, humid climate with heavy rainfall that supports dense rainforests. These rainforests are rich in biodiversity and play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s oxygen and carbon cycles.
2. What climate characteristics define the Amazon Basin?
The Amazon Basin experiences a hot and wet equatorial climate throughout the year. Days and nights are warm and humid, with daily rainfalls that are often sudden and heavy. Day temperatures are high, and though they decrease at night, humidity remains. This climate supports the dense tropical rainforests of the region.
3. Why is the Amazon rainforest called “the lungs of the Earth”?
The Amazon rainforest is termed the “lungs of the Earth” because its dense vegetation absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide and releases oxygen. This process helps balance global oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. The forest’s role in carbon absorption is crucial for mitigating climate change.
4. What kinds of flora are found in the Amazon Basin rainforests?
The Amazon Basin rainforests have dense vegetation with shade-tolerant plants due to limited sunlight reaching the forest floor. Trees form a thick canopy, and plants like orchids and bromeliads grow as epiphytes on taller trees. These forests are home to various unique plant species that are adapted to high humidity and low light.
5. List some unique animals found in the Amazon Basin.
The Amazon Basin supports a diverse range of animals, including toucans, macaws, monkeys, sloths, anacondas, and piranhas. Many birds, like toucans, have vibrant colors, while the forests host reptiles, such as snakes and crocodiles, along with many insect species.
6. Explain “slash and burn” agriculture and its impact.
In “slash and burn” agriculture, small areas of forest are cleared by cutting and burning trees, which releases nutrients into the soil. Crops are grown for a few years, but the soil becomes less fertile over time, and farmers move to a new area. While useful for small communities, this practice contributes to deforestation and soil erosion when done on a large scale.
7. How has transportation developed in the Amazon Basin, and what effects does it have?
The construction of the Trans-Amazon highway and the use of aircraft have made remote parts of the rainforest more accessible, promoting development and trade. However, increased access has led to deforestation and displacement of indigenous populations, threatening the basin’s ecosystem and biodiversity.
8. What are some environmental impacts of deforestation in the Amazon Basin?
Deforestation in the Amazon leads to loss of biodiversity, disruption of the carbon and water cycles, and soil erosion. The destruction of trees reduces carbon absorption, contributing to climate change. Deforestation also leads to habitat loss for numerous species and affects indigenous communities.
9. What makes the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin suitable for agriculture?
The Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin has fertile alluvial soil deposited by rivers, making it ideal for agriculture. The region receives ample rainfall during the monsoon season, which, combined with the fertile plains, supports crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane, making it one of India’s most productive agricultural regions.
10. Describe the main types of vegetation in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin.
The Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin is home to tropical deciduous forests, with trees like teak, sal, and peepal. In areas with higher altitudes, coniferous trees such as pine and deodar are common. The delta region supports mangroves, particularly in the Sundarbans, which are adapted to saline water.
11. What is the significance of the Sundarbans in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin?
The Sundarbans in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta is a unique mangrove ecosystem, home to the Bengal tiger and diverse aquatic species. Mangrove roots help stabilize the shoreline, prevent soil erosion, and provide a natural habitat for various fish and birds, which are crucial for maintaining ecological balance.
12. How does population distribution vary within the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin?
Population density is higher in the fertile plains where agriculture is prominent, supporting large rural populations. In contrast, the mountainous areas have steep terrain and less arable land, leading to lower population density. Major cities like Kolkata and Patna are densely populated due to their economic opportunities.
13. Explain terrace farming and its advantages in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin.
Terrace farming is practiced on mountain slopes, where steps are cut into the hillside to create flat surfaces for crops. This method reduces soil erosion, allows water retention, and makes efficient use of steep land. It is crucial for farming in hilly areas with limited flat land.
14. What are the staple crops grown in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin?
The staple crop in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin is paddy (rice), which requires a high amount of water. Other crops include wheat, maize, jute, and tea (in Assam and West Bengal). The basin’s monsoon climate and fertile soil make it ideal for diverse crop cultivation.
15. How does river pollution affect the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin?
River pollution in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin, caused by untreated industrial waste and sewage, harms aquatic life and affects people relying on river water for drinking, agriculture, and fishing. Initiatives like the Namami Gange program aim to clean and conserve the Ganga for sustainable use.
16. What role does the river dolphin play as an indicator species in the Ganga River?
The river dolphin (Susu) is an indicator of healthy river ecosystems. Its presence signifies clean, oxygen-rich water. Pollution, however, threatens this endangered species, highlighting the need for sustainable river management to protect biodiversity.
17. Describe the transport system in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin.
The basin has a well-developed road, rail, air, and water transport network. Roadways and railways connect the major cities, while waterways are used along navigable rivers like the Ganga. Kolkata serves as an important port, facilitating trade and transportation in the region.
18. Why is tourism significant in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin?
The Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin attracts tourists with landmarks like the Taj Mahal, Kaziranga National Park, and cities like Varanasi. The natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage sites contribute to the region’s economy and help preserve its unique traditions.
19. What is the impact of the monsoon on the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin?
The monsoon season brings heavy rains that sustain agriculture but also cause seasonal floods in the basin. These floods enrich soil fertility but can disrupt daily life. Monsoon rainfall is crucial for rice cultivation and supports the dense population dependent on farming.
20. Explain the environmental importance of the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta.
The Ganga-Brahmaputra delta is the world’s largest delta, providing a rich habitat for mangroves, Bengal tigers, and various fish species. Its mangroves protect against coastal erosion, support biodiversity, and act as a buffer against storms, making it vital for regional ecology.
MCQs on Chapter 6 of the NCERT 7th Class Geography book
Here are 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with answers based on Chapter 6 of the NCERT 7th Class Geography book (Life in the Amazon Basin and the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin). These are crafted to be relevant for both NCERT and competitive exams like UPSC.
MCQs on Life in the Amazon Basin
- Which countries does the Amazon Basin span across?
a) India and Bangladesh
b) Brazil, Peru, and Colombia
c) China and Japan
d) United States and Mexico - The Amazon rainforest is known as the “lungs of the Earth” because it:
a) Produces vast amounts of oxygen
b) Is located near the equator
c) Has many rivers
d) Contains rich mineral deposits - What type of climate characterizes the Amazon Basin?
a) Hot and dry
b) Cold and dry
c) Hot and wet
d) Cold and wet - What is “slash and burn” agriculture?
a) Burning fields to improve air quality
b) Clearing forest areas by cutting and burning trees
c) A method for irrigating crops
d) Planting crops without clearing land - Which of the following animals is commonly found in the Amazon rainforest?
a) Polar bears
b) Kangaroos
c) Anacondas
d) Penguins - Which unique fish species known for being flesh-eating is found in the Amazon River?
a) Trout
b) Piranha
c) Salmon
d) Catfish - What is the staple food crop for the people living in the Amazon Basin?
a) Wheat
b) Rice
c) Manioc (cassava)
d) Barley - What is a “Maloca” in the Amazon Basin?
a) A tree species
b) A traditional large communal house
c) A small water stream
d) A local bird species - How does the Amazon rainforest benefit the global environment?
a) By absorbing pollution
b) By producing freshwater
c) By supporting global oxygen levels
d) By creating mountains - Which river is the main water source for the Amazon Basin?
a) Ganga
b) Amazon
c) Nile
d) Brahmaputra
MCQs on Life in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin
- The Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin lies in which climatic region?
a) Polar
b) Temperate
c) Subtropical
d) Desert - Which is the primary crop grown in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin?
a) Wheat
b) Corn
c) Cotton
d) Paddy (rice) - Which types of trees are typically found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta region?
a) Coniferous trees
b) Mangroves
c) Deciduous trees
d) Grasslands - What kind of agriculture method is commonly used on mountain slopes in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin?
a) Plantation farming
b) Slash and burn
c) Terrace farming
d) Crop rotation - Which city on the Ganga River is known for its spiritual and cultural significance?
a) Kolkata
b) Mumbai
c) Varanasi
d) Chennai - Why is the one-horned rhinoceros significant in the Brahmaputra plain?
a) It’s an endangered species native to the region
b) It’s commonly found across all of India
c) It helps fertilize the soil
d) It’s the largest animal in Asia - What type of soil is predominantly found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin, aiding agriculture?
a) Laterite
b) Alluvial soil
c) Sandy soil
d) Black soil - The Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin has a high population density primarily because:
a) It has vast mineral resources
b) It has fertile plains suitable for agriculture
c) It’s an industrial area
d) It has a cold climate - Which of the following animals can be found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta?
a) Polar bears
b) Bengal tiger
c) Kangaroos
d) African elephants - What is an indicator of river health found in the Ganga River?
a) Himalayan deer
b) Susu (river dolphin)
c) Bengal tiger
d) Great Indian Bustard
Answers:
- b) Brazil, Peru, and Colombia
- a) Produces vast amounts of oxygen
- c) Hot and wet
- b) Clearing forest areas by cutting and burning trees
- c) Anacondas
- b) Piranha
- c) Manioc (cassava)
- b) A traditional large communal house
- c) By supporting global oxygen levels
- b) Amazon
- c) Subtropical
- d) Paddy (rice)
- b) Mangroves
- c) Terrace farming
- c) Varanasi
- a) It’s an endangered species native to the region
- b) Alluvial soil
- b) It has fertile plains suitable for agriculture
- b) Bengal tiger
- b) Susu (river dolphin)
Other Chapters
| Chapter 1:- Environment | Chapter 2:- Inside Our Earth |
| Chapter 3:- Our Changing Earth | Chapter 4:- Air |
| Chapter 5:- Water | Chapter: 7- Life in the Deserts |
