Class 10

Students rely on Geography Class 10 Notes Kerala Syllabus Chapter 4 Consumer Rights and Protection to help self-study at home.

Class 10 Geography Chapter 4 Important Questions and Answers Consumer Rights and Protection

Kerala Syllabus Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 4 Consumer Rights and Protection Important Questions

Consumer Rights and Protection Class 10 Important Questions

Question 1.
Who is a consumer?
Answer:
A consumer is a buying or spending unit. In other words, the consumer buys and uses goods and services after paying the price.

Question 2.
The goal of economic activities is to ….
Answer:
Satisfy the consumer.

Question 3.
When was the Consumer Protection Act enacted?
Answer:
1986

Question 4.
Write the three-tier system of consumer courts.
Answer:
District Consumer Protection Council, State Consumer Protection Council, National Consumer Protection Council.

Question 5.
How can we ensure consumer education?
Answer:
Through Awareness programmes and inclusion in the curriculum.

Question 6.
Who gives verdict on consumer disputes where compensation claimed is above ₹20 lakhs but up to rupees one crore? (MODEL 2021, MARCH 2021)
a) State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
b) National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
c) District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum
d) Food Safety Department
Answer:
b) National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission

Question 7.
Name one product-related issue consumers should understand to avoid being cheated.
Answer:
Price (or quality, warranty, or safety standards).

Question 8.
What is the most important initiative mentioned to address consumer rights violations?
Answer:
The Consumer Protection Movement.

Question 9.
What is the right of a consumer when purchasing goods and services?
Answer:
To receive a bill.

Question 10.
What are all the things a consumer expects while purchasing goods and services? (MODEL2020)
Answer:

• Quality
• Reliability
• After-sales services
• Goods at a fair price

Question 11.
What is the service of ISO?
Answer:

• The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is an International standard-setting body.
• It certifies and assures the quality and standard of goods and services in more than 160 countries, including India.
• ISO gives certification or approval to service institutions like hospitals, banks and telecommunication and also to many products.

Question 12.
In your opinion, what are the uses of consumer education? Explain with examples.
Answer:
Consumer education is about educating consumers about their rights, responsibilities, choices of products and services, differences in markets and consumer laws. Consumer education raises awareness and instils selfprotection values among consumers. This helps consumers to be protected from fraud and wrongful transactions.

Question 13.
Identify the methods to be adopted for consumer education.
Answer:

• Observation of consumer day.
• Organise awareness programmes
• Include consumer rights as part of the curriculum.

Question 14.
Briefly outline the three levels of consumer courts established in India.
Answer:
The three levels of consumer courts in India are the District Consumer Forums at the base level, the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions at the intermediate level (hearing appeals and larger value cases), and the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) at the apex (hearing appeals and cases of national importance).

Question 15.
List down the problems faced by consumers in a market.
Answer:

• Selling low-quality products
• Adulteration
• Charging excess price
• Manipulation in weights
• Delay in making services-available
• Selling goods that are hazardous to life and property

Question 16.
Discuss the importance of obtaining a bill with a GST number when purchasing goods and services, highlighting both consumer rights and social commitment.
Answer:
Obtaining a bill with a GST number is crucial for consumers as it serves as proof of purchase, enabling them to claim their consumer rights in case of defective goods or unsatisfactory services. It allows them to hold the seller accountable. Furthermore, by insisting on a GST-compliant bill, consumers contribute to the formal economy, ensuring that taxes are paid. This act of social commitment helps in national development and prevents tax evasion, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.

Question 17.
Mention the situations where complaints about consumer disputes can be filed.
Answer:
Complaints against consumer disputes can be filed when,

• When the purchased product is damaged or defective.
• Defective services received from government/non-government/private institutions.
• Appropriation of price over and above the amount legally fixed or marked on the outer casing.
• Violation of the prevention of adulteration law – Sale of products that are harmful to life and safety.
• Loss due to trading methods, which lead to unfair practices and limited consumer freedom.
• Giving misleading advertisements to increase sales.

Question 18.
List out the Acts for the protection of consumers apart from the Consumer Protection Act of 1986. (MODEL 2020)
Answer:

• The Food Safety Act, 2006 (enacted to ensure the quality of food products).
• Sale of Goods Act, 1930
• Agriculture Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937
• Essential Commodities Act, 1955

Question 19.
Describe the rights of the consumers as per the Consumer Protection Act of 1986. (MODEL 2022)
Answer:

• The right to be informed about the quality-related aspects of goods and services
• The right to have access to goods and services at fair prices.
• The right to be heard and to seek redressal at appropriate forums.
• The right to consumer education

Question 20.
In what ways does consumer education lead to consumer empowerment?
Answer:

• Helps to consume sensibly as per the wants.
• Helps to acquire information regarding products and services
• Enables the consumer to make the right choices
• Makes the consumer aware of his/her rights
• Makes them capable of intervening in consumer disputes.

Question 21.
Write a short note on consumer education.
Answer:
Consumer education is about educating consumers about their rights, responsibilities, choices of products and services, differences in markets and consumer laws. Consumer education raises awareness and instils self-protection values among consumers. This helps consumers to be protected from fraud and wrongful transactions. To protect consumer rights, to make consumers aware of their responsibilities, to ensure safety in trade, especially online trade, to identify ethics and regulations in the market, to create awareness about consumer protection laws, to ensure health safety, etc, are the main objectives of consumer education. Consumer education is being included as a separate topic in the curriculum, and through this, practical experiences are being presented to the children in the classroom. Online courses for consumer education are available today. Consumer clubs in schools also help in raising consumer awareness among students.

Question 22.
Discuss the significance of the Consumer Protection Act of 1986 in the context of consumer rights in India.
Answer:
The Consumer Protection Act of 1986 marked a significant milestone in the Indian consumer protection landscape. Recognising the need for legal recourse against unfair trade practices, this Act clearly defined consumer rights and established a separate judicial system specifically for addressing consumer disputes. It provided consumers with a dedicated avenue to seek redressal for grievances, thereby empowering them and laying the foundation for a more structured approach to consumer protection in the country.

Question 23.
Briefly explain the genesis and primary objectives of the Consumer Protection Movement in India.
Answer:
The Consumer Protection Movement in India originated with the formation of the Consumer Guidance Society of India in Mumbai in 1966. It emerged as a social movement dedicated to safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring their welfare. The primary objectives of this movement include: protecting consumer rights, preventing fraudulent practices, empowering consumers with knowledge, advocating for legislation to protect consumers, ensuring the credibility of advertisements, and securing consumer representation in political forums.

Question 24.
Explain the structure of the consumer dispute redressal mechanism in India and highlight the role of the advisory councils within this framework.
Answer:
The consumer dispute redressal mechanism in India operates on a three-tier system. At the base are the District Consumer Forums, established at the district level to handle complaints regarding goods and services of a specific value. Above them are the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions, which hear appeals from the District Forums and also address complaints of higher value. The apex body is the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), which hears appeals from the State Commissions and handles cases of national importance and significant value. This structure provides multiple avenues for consumers to seek justice.

Complementing this judicial structure are the three-tier advisory committees: the District Consumer Protection Council, the State Consumer Protection Council, and the National Consumer Protection Council. The primary role of these councils is to advise the respective governments (district, state, and central) on matters related to consumer rights. This includes suggesting policies, recommending measures for consumer protection, and ensuring that consumer interests are taken into account in governmental decision-making processes. While they don’t directly adjudicate disputes, they play a crucial role in shaping the broader consumer protection landscape

Question 25.
Elaborate on the concept of consumer education and discuss its primary objectives in empowering consumers.
Answer:
Consumer education is a comprehensive process aimed at equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed decisions in the marketplace. It encompasses understanding their rights as consumers, recognising their responsibilities, being aware of the diverse choices available in products and services, discerning the differences between various markets, and comprehending relevant consumer protection laws. The primary objectives of consumer education are multifaceted and crucial for empowering consumers. Firstly, it aims to protect consumer rights by making individuals aware of the safeguards available to them against unfair trade practices and exploitation. Secondly, it seeks to make consumers aware of their responsibilities, emphasising the need for diligent consumption, ethical behaviour, and understanding the implications of their choices.

Thirdly, it strives to ensure safety in trade, especially online trade, by educating consumers about potential risks and safe transaction practices in the digital marketplace. Furthermore, consumer education aims to identify ethics and regulations in the market, enabling consumers to recognise fair and unfair business conduct and understand the governing rules. It is also vital in creating awareness about consumer protection laws, empowering individuals to seek redressal when their rights are violated. Additionally, it focuses on ensuring health safety by educating consumers about product quality, standards, and potential health hazards. Finally, it aims to promote consumer justice by fostering a society where consumer grievances are addressed effectively and fairly. By achieving these objectives, consumer education plays a vital role in creating a more informed, empowered, and protected consumer base.

Question 26.
Describe the three-tier structure of consumer courts in India and briefly outline the role of the advisory councils under the Consumer Protection Act.
Answer:

• Consumer courts play a crucial role in intervening in consumer disputes and providing justice, including redressal.
• The three-tier advisory committees under the Consumer Protection Act are, the District Consumer Protection Council, the State Consumer Protection Council, and the National Consumer Protection Council
• If a consumer is cheated, he/she can file a complaint with the respective office or consumer courts.
• To make consumers aware and to ensure the quality of the products before purchasing and using them, some symbols are given on the labels of the products.

The history of consumer courts begins with the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act in India in 1986. With this, consumer courts were established, and tribunals were formed for the speedy resolution of complaints. Consumer courts are deployed at three levels.

STRUCTURE OF CONSUMER COURTS

• Consumed courts play a crucial role in intervening in consumer disputes and providing justice, including redressal.
• There are over 600 district forums and 35 state commissions across India.
• At the top of all this, there is an apex body called the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC).

The three-tier advisory committees under the Consumer Protection Act are:
a) District Consumer Protection Council
b) State Consumer Protection Council
c) National Consumer Protection Council

Question 27.
What do you mean by the Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility?
Answer:
Marginal Utility from consuming each additional unit of a commodity declines as its consumption increases, while keeping consumption of other commodities constant.

Question 28.
What is utility, and how can it be measured?
Answer:
The want-satisfying power of a commodity/ good is known as utility. It can be measured by using the unit of utils.

Question 29.
How can you state Cardinal Utility Theory?
Answer:
Cardinal Utility Theory states that the satisfaction derived by the consumer through the consumption of goods and services can be quantified by using cardinal numbers.

Question 30.
List the limitations of Cardinal Utility Theory.
Answer:
Refer: Subtopic 1.1. (Assumptions and Limitations of Cardinal Utility Theory.)

Question 31.
Why are some consumers more likely to be duped when purchasing goods and services?
Answer:
Consumers who lack a clear understanding of product-related issues such as price, quality, warranty, and safety standards are more susceptible to being misled and exploited.

Question 32.
What are the dual benefits of a consumer collecting a bill with a GST number?
Answer:
By collecting a bill with a GST number, consumers not only protect their individual consumer rights (like proof of purchase and recourse in case of issues) but also contribute to a social commitment by supporting a transparent economic system and discouraging unethical practices.

Question 33.
What is identified as the “most important” initiative taken to address the long-standing issue of consumer rights violations in the country?
Answer:
The Consumer Protection Movement is the most important initiative taken to address the violation of consumer rights and the cheating of consumers.

Question 34.
What are the features of the Consumer Protection Act 1986?
Answer:

• To protect consumer rights, a law was passed by both Houses of Parliament in 1986.
• This law (The Consumer Protection Act of 1986) clearly defined consumer rights and established a separate judicial system in India for consumer protection.
• With the emergence of e-commerce platforms, a law to protect consumers in such areas has become imperative.
• It is against this backdrop that the Consumer Protection Act 2019 was enacted.

Question 35.
What are the three-tier advisory committees under the Consumer Protection Act?
Answer:
The District Consumer Protection Council, The State Consumer Protection Council and The National Consumer Protection Council.

Question 36.
What is the use of quality symbols on products? Give some examples.
Answer:
Some symbols are given on the labels of the products to make consumers aware and to ensure the quality of the products before purchasing and using them.
E.g., ISI Mark, FSSAI, etc.

Question 37.
How to file complaints if a consumer is cheated?
Answer:
If a consumer is cheated, he/she can file a complaint with the respective office or consumer courts. Persons with grievances can write a detailed complaint on a white paper and submit it directly to the consumer dispute redressal court, along with supporting documents as evidence. Insisting on bills at the time of purchase assumes significance in this context.

Question 38.
There are different laws to protect the rights of consumers on specific issues, apart from the Consumer Protection Act of 1986. List the different rights of the consumer ensured by these laws.
Answer:

• Consumers should be able to consume with ease and without becoming victims of exploitation, and for this, legal help is needed
• The Consumer Protection Act 1986 was passed by both Houses of Parliament in 1986.
• The Consumer Protection Act 2019, came into force on 20 July 2020, replacing the Consumer Protection Act of 1986.

The Consumer Protection Movement in India came into being with the formation of the Consumer Guidance Society of India in Mumbai in 1966. It is a social movement formed to protect the rights and ensure the welfare of consumers. This movement is led by various consumer organisations and individuals who work against firms or institutions that cheat consumers.

The objectives of the Consumer Protection Movement are:

• To protect consumer rights
• To prevent frauds
• To empower consumers
• To legislate
• To ensure the credibility of advertisements
• To ensure representation of consumers in political forums

Consumers should be able to consume with ease and without becoming victims to exploitation, and for this, legal help is needed. The Consumer Protection Act came into force in India on 24 December 1986, following the adoption of the 1985 United Nations Resolution containing guidelines on consumer protection. To commemorate the event, 24th December is being observed as National Consumer Day.

Question 39.
What are the major objectives of consumer education?
Answer:

• Consumer education is the process of equipping individuals with the knowledge, understanding, and skills necessary to make informed and effective decisions when purchasing and utilizing goods and services.
• Consumer education is being included as a separate topic in the curriculum, and through this, practical experiences are being presented to the children in the classroom.
• Consumer protection law plays a major role in ensuring ethical practices in the business sector where producers and consumers come into contact.

Consumer education is about educating consumers about their rights, responsibilities, choices of products and services, differences in markets and consumer laws. Consumer education raises awareness and instills self-protection values among consumers. This helps consumers to be protected from frauds and wrongful transactions. The main objectives of consumer education are:

• To protect consumer rights
• To make consumers aware of their responsibilities
• To ensure safety in trade, especially online trade
• To identify ethics and regulations in the market
• To create awareness about consumer protection laws
• To ensure health safety To promote consumer justice

Consumer education is being included as a separate topic in the curriculum, and through this, practical experiences are being presented to the children in the classroom. Online courses for consumer education are available today. Consumer clubs in schools also help in raising consumer awareness among students.

Consumers need to be aware of their rights and be able to complain and get solutions to the problems they face. We need to develop a mindset of consuming only the necessary goods. This will provide an opportunity for the people who do not have access to goods and services to get them. Sustainable consumption and development can be achieved in this way. Consumer protection law plays a major role in ensuring ethical practices in the business sector where producers and consumers come into contact. The intervention of a society that has civic consciousness and consumer education should be there in consumer protection.

Question 40.
What do you mean by Consumer education?
Answer:
Consumer education is about educating consumers about their rights, responsibilities, choices of products and services, differences in markets and consumer laws. Consumer education raises awareness and instils self protection values among consumers.

Question 41.
Why is consumer education being integrated into the school curriculum as a separate subject?
Answer:
Consumer education is being included as a separate topic to provide children with practical experiences and raise their awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities from a young age.

Question 42.
What additional elements are important for effective consumer protection, besides the law itself?
Answer:
Besides consumer protection law, the intervention of a society with civic consciousness and consumer education is also important for effective consumer protection.

Question 43.
What is the significance of developing a mindset of consuming only necessary goods?
Answer:
Developing a mindset of consuming only necessary goods can create an opportunity for people who lack access to goods and services to obtain them, contributing to sustainable consumption and development.

Students rely on Geography Class 10 Notes Kerala Syllabus Chapter 3 From The Rainy Forests to The Land of Permafrost to help self-study at home.

Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 Important Questions and Answers From The Rainy Forests to The Land of Permafrost

Kerala Syllabus Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 3 From The Rainy Forests to The Land of Permafrost Important Questions

From The Rainy Forests to The Land of Permafrost Class 10 Important Questions

Question 1.
What is the main vegetation type in equatorial regions?
(a) Grasslands
(b) Evergreen forests
(c) Deciduous forests
(d) Tundra plants
Answer:
(b) Evergreen forests

Question 2.
What is the average July temperature in the tundra regions of Russia?
(a) About 10°C or less
(b) More than 100°C or more
(c) More than 25°C or more
(d) Less than 0°C or less
Answer:
(a) About 10°C or less

Question 3.
What is the approximate annual rainfall in equatorial regions?
(a) 50 cm
(b) 100 cm
(c) 175 cm to 250 cm
(d) 300 cm (more)
Answer:
(c) 175 cm to 250 cm

Question 4.
Which forests are called the “lungs of the world”?
(a) Taiga forests
(b) Equatorial evergreen forests
(c) Temperate forests
(d) Monsoon forests
Answer:
(b) Equatorial evergreen forests

Question 5.
The pygmies of Africa are native to which region?
(a) Sahara Desert
(b) East African mountains
(c) Nile River basin
(d) Congo Basin
Answer:
(d) Congo Basin

Question 6.
What are the main plants in the tundra regions?
(a) Mosses, lichens, and small shrubs
(b) Grasses only
(c) Tall trees
(d) Cereal crops
Answer:
(a) Mosses, lichens, and small shrubs

Question 7.
What is the major disease spread by the Tse Tse fly in the equatorial regions?
(a) Malaria
(b) Dengue fever
(c) Sleeping sickness
(d) Tuberculosis
Answer:
(c) Sleeping sickness

Question 8.
What is the main source of livelihood for people in tundra regions?
(a) Agriculture
(b) Cattle raising
(c) Hunting and fishing
(d) Mining
Answer:
(c) Hunting and fishing

Question 9.
Where are the forests known as “Selvas” found in equatorial regions mainly found?
(a) African forests
(b) Amazon basin in South America
(c) Southeast Asian islands
(d) Australian rainforests
Answer:
(b) Amazon basin in South America

Question 10.
Choose the correct pair of the following:
(a) Pygmies – Amazon Basin
(b) Eskimos – Greenland
(c) Sami – Siberia
(d) Yakuts – Northern Canada
Answer:
(b) Eskimos – Greenland

Question 11.
Choose the correct pair of the following:
(a) Evergreen forests – low rainfall
(b) Tundra region – tall trees
(c) Convectional rain- Equatorial region
(d) Blizzard – Equatorial region
Answer:
(c) Convectional rain – Equatorial region

Question 12.
In which month is the lowest average temperature recorded in tundra regions?
Answer:
February

Question 13.
What is the name of the rain that usually occurs in the afternoon in equatorial regions?
Answer:
Convection rain

Question 14.
What is the special type of house found in the Amazon rainforest?
Answer:
Maloca

Question 15.
Write the name of the special type of vehicle used to move through the snow in tundra regions?
Answer:
Sledge

Question 16.
Villages in the equatorial regions of Malaysia are called as ……………………..
Answer:
Kampongs

Question 17.
Which is a major plantation crop grown extensively in equatorial regions?
Answer:
Rubber.

Question 18.
………………… are the indigenous people found in different parts of Africa.
Answer:
Pygmies

Question 19.
Name a climbing plant found in tropical rainforests.
Answer:
Lianas

Question 20.
Which tree is commonly found in tropical rainforests?
Answer:
Mahogany

Question 21.
Define the term Doldrums.
Answer:
The equatorial region receives a high rate of insolation throughout the year. As a result, a low-pressure region develops along the equator. Horizontal movement of air is minimal in this region. This region is called the doldrums. It is also where the trade winds from both hemispheres converges.

Question 22.
The equatorial region not experience winter. Elucidate.
Answer:
The equatorial region does not experience winter because the temperature remains more or less constant throughout the year, with both the mean monthly and annual temperatures around 27°C. This is due to the high rate of insolation received in the region. The consistent heat prevents any significant seasonal variation, resulting in the absence of a winter season.

Question 23.
What are the main causes of heavy rainfall in the equatorial climatic region?
Answer:
The main causes of heavy rainfall in the equatorial region are the high temperature and the resulting high rate of evaporation, which lead to daily convectional rainfall. In addition, some areas, like the mountainous regions of Indonesia and Africa, also receive orographic rainfall. Occasionally, atmospheric disturbances in the Doldrums can cause cyclonic rainfall as well.

Question 24.
Explain the rainfall pattern in the equatorial climatic region different from the monsoon or savanna regions?
Answer:
Unlike the monsoon or savanna regions, the equatorial climatic region does not have a distinct dry season. Rainfall in the equatorial region is heavy and evenly distributed throughout the year due to constant high temperatures and evaporation rates. This results in continuous and abundant precipitation, maintaining lush vegetation all year round.

Question 25.
What is the average temperature and winter temperature in the tundra regions? What was the main thing the traveller remembered when preparing for the tundra expedition?
Answer:
The climate of the Tundra is characterised by a very low mean annual temperature. In mid-winter, the temperature falls between -25 and -35 degrees Celsius. While preparing for the tundra expedition, the main thing the traveller remembered was his country, which experiences high temperatures all year round.

Question 26.
Kasai Province in the Republic of Congo belongs to which climatic zone on Earth? What is the main point of a traveller’s description of a tundra expedition?
Answer:
Kasai Province in the Republic of Congo belongs to the equatorial climatic zone. A traveller’s description of a tundra expedition mainly focuses on the different climatic zones on Earth. It is recorded that when a person living in the equatorial climatic zone arrived in another climatic zone, the tundra, he experienced the conditions around him completely differently.

Question 27.
What are the main features of equatorial evergreen forests? Why are these forests called the ‘lungs of the world’?
Answer:
These forests are home to many different species of evergreen trees, such as ebony, mahogany, cinchona, and rosewood. In addition to trees, small palms, creepers, epiphytes such as orchids, numerous parasitic plants, ferns, and grasses such as bushes grow densely. These evergreen forests are called the ‘lungs of the world’ because they absorb high amounts of carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.

Question 28.
Describe how human life has adapted to the equatorial climatic region.
Answer:
Human life in the equatorial region has adapted in several traditional and modem ways. Indigenous tribes like the Pygmies, Amazonian Indians, and Orang Asli live by hunting, fishing, and shifting cultivation, growing crops such as manioc, yam, maize, and bananas. With European colonization, plantation agriculture emerged, and crops like rubber, cocoa, oil palm, and tea are now widely cultivated. Most native homes are made from locally available materials like wood and stones. While remote areas remain undeveloped, modem cities like Singapore, Jakarta, and Manaus show urban growth and development through planning and infrastructure.

Question 29.
Explain the key features of tropical rainforests in the equatorial climatic region.
Answer:
Tropical rainforests in the equatorial climatic region are dense, evergreen forests with rich biodiversity. These forests experience no particular season for seeding, flowering, or shedding leaves, making them evergreen. They have multiple layers of vegetation, including tall trees forming canopies, smaller palms, lianas, epiphytes, and grasses like lalang. The forests are home to a vast variety of plant species, and in some areas like Malaysia, up to 200 species can be found in a single acre. These rainforests also play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, earning them the nickname “Lungs of the World.”

Question 30.
What are the main challenges faced by people living in the equatorial climatic region?
Answer:

• In modern cities, most of the equatorial climatic region is devoid of basic amenities. The thick, luxuriant forest hinders the development of this region.
• It is too difficult and expensive to construct and maintain roads and railway lines through these dense forests and over swamps. Lalang (tall grasses) and thick undergrowth spring up as soon as the trees are cut. It often adversely affects the cultivation of crops too.
• Wild animals, disease-spreading insects, and poisonous creatures pose a threat to the lives of those engaged in construction work in these forest areas.
• Many remote parts of the Amazon Basin, the Congo, and Borneo lack modem communication systems even today. The rivers form the only natural highways.
• Although equatorial climatic regions are blessed with thick forests, commercial extraction remains challenging. The density of forest and the difficulty of transporting logs hinder commercial lumbering. Additionally, the hardwoods are too heavy to be floated down the streams.

Question 31.
Describe the climatic conditions of the Tundra region.
Answer:
The Tundra climatic region, also known as the Arctic or Polar climate, is characterized by extremely low temperatures and long winters. In mid-winter, temperatures range between -25°C and -35°C, and it drops even lower in interior areas. Summers are very short and only last a few weeks, with temperatures just rising above 0°C. The region experiences polar day and night-six months of continuous daylight followed by six months of darkness depending on the Earth’s tilt and the sun’s apparent position. Precipitation mainly occurs as snow, especially during winter.

Question 32.
How does the climate influence vegetation and wildlife in the equatorial region?
Answer:
The equatorial- climate, characterised by high temperatures and heavy, well-distributed rainfall, supports dense and diverse vegetation. Evergreen trees, epiphytes, lianas, and ferns thrive due to year-round growth conditions. However, the dense canopy blocks sunlight from reaching the forest floor, resulting in minimal undergrowth. This impacts the wildlife, as herbivores that feed on undergrowth are rare, and consequently, carnivores are also few. Arboreal animals like lemurs, orangutans, and toucans are more common. The constant warmth and humidity make the region ideal for plant and tree growth, sustaining a rich ecosystem.

Question 33.
Complete the following table by identifying different tribes in tundra regions.

Greenland, North Canada, Alaska	Eskimos or Inuit
North Finland, Scandinavia
Siberia
Lena Basin
North-Eastern Asia

Answer:

Greenland, North Canada, Alaska	Eskimos or Inuit
North Finland, Scandinavia	Lapps
Siberia	Samoyeds
Lena Basin	Yakuts
North-Eastern Asia	Koryaks, Chuckchi

Question 34.
Describe the lifestyle and cultural practices of the Pygmies of Africa.
Answer:
The Pygmies are indigenous people primarily found in the Congo Basin of Africa. They are known for their short stature and traditionally lead a nomadic lifestyle. Their subsistence depends heavily on the forest-they hunt animals, gather fruits, roots, honey, and other natural resources. They live in small groups in temporary huts made of leaves and branches. Pygmy communities make decisions collectively and follow traditional rituals and customs closely tied to their natural environment. Music, dance, and the use of indigenous musical instruments play a vital role in their cultural expression.

Question 35.
What is the importance of the different climatic regions of the Earth? Explain with examples how the flora and fauna, and human life in each region adapt to that climate.
Answer:
The different climatic zones of the Earth are essential for the biodiversity and ecological balance on Earth. The flora and fauna, and human life in each climatic zone have adapted to their unique climate through long-term evolution. For example, the high temperature and rainfall in the equatorial region help the growth of evergreen forests, which provide a habitat for many species. The indigenous people here make hunting and gathering of forest resources part of their way of life. The extreme cold and low vegetation of the tundra region favour the growth of creatures that can survive the cold, such as reindeer. People like the Eskimos here depend on these animals for their livelihood. Therefore, each climatic zone makes a unique contribution to the survival of life on Earth.

Question 36.
Compare and describe the major climatic and biological differences between equatorial rainforests and tundra regions. How do these differences affect human life there?
Answer:
There are many climatic and biological differences between equatorial rainforests and tundra regions. The equatorial region has high temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year, and is characterised by evergreen forests and high biodiversity. However, the tundra region experiences long winters, low temperatures, and little precipitation (in the form of snowfall). It is home to a small number of plants (mosses, lichens) and animals that survive the cold. These climatic differences significantly affect human life there. While agriculture and hunting are the main means of livelihood for equatorial inhabitants, tundra inhabitants rely mainly on hunting and fishing. The people of the two regions differ greatly in the way they build their homes, dress, and eat.

Question 37.
How will global climate change affect equatorial rainforests and tundra regions? What are the solutions to mitigate these changes?
Answer:
Global climate change will seriously affect equatorial rainforests and tundra regions. Increasing temperatures in equatorial regions may change the structure and biodiversity of forests, and there is a risk of increased drought and wildfires. The main threat to tundra regions is the possibility of melting ice sheets (permafrost). This will affect the stability of the soil and release greenhouse gases such as methane into the atmosphere. This will further increase the temperature. The solutions to mitigate these changes are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally, prevent deforestation, promote regeneration activities, and ensure environmental protection in tundra regions.

Question 38.
How do the geographical location and the availability of sunlight differ between the equatorial climatic region and the tundra climate region? How do these differences affect the temperature and seasons?
Answer:
The equatorial climate region is located close to the equator, so the sun’s rays fall vertically all year round and receive a high amount of solar energy. This results in high temperatures throughout the year and no significant seasonal changes. However, the tundra climate region is located near the North Pole and the Arctic Circle. Here, the sun’s rays fall obliquely, so the amount of solar energy received is very low. This results in very low temperatures, long winters, and short summers. In the polar regions, depending on the relative position of the sun, the sun does not set or rise for several weeks, which significantly affects the seasons and living things there.

Question 39.
Describe the natural vegetation and animal life in the Tundra region.
Answer:
Natural vegetation in the Tundra region is sparse due to limited sunlight and extended winters. The extreme cold and permafrost prevent the growth of trees. Vegetation is limited to mosses, lichens, sedges, dwarf willows, and stunted birches, while hardy grasses grow in some coastal lowlands. Despite the harsh conditions, summer brings brief activity snow melts, berries appear, and flowers bloom. Fauna includes herbivores like reindeer and carnivores like Arctic foxes, wolves, polar bears, musk-oxen, and Arctic hares. Numerous birds migrate to the region in summer to feed on emerging insects.

Question 40.
What changes have occurred in the lifestyle of the Eskimos due to modernisation?
Answer:
The Eskimos, traditionally nomadic hunters and fishers, have experienced significant lifestyle changes due to modernisation. They now live in permanent coastal villages with modem houses and facilities. Traditional kayaks have been replaced with motorised speedboats for fishing. Commercial rearing of fur-bearing animals and reindeer farming has been introduced. Education has also reached remote areas, with schools established for Eskimo children. These changes have improved their standard of living but also led to cultural shifts away from traditional practices.

Question 41.
How is the Tundra region affected by climate change?
Answer:
The Tundra is severely affected by climate change. Global warming leads to the melting of permafrost – permanently frozen ground, which disrupts the natural ecosystem and environmental balance. As the permafrost melts, it releases trapped greenhouse gases like methane, which further accelerates global warming. The changing climate also threatens the survival of native flora and fauna, alters migration patterns, and endangers the traditional lifestyle of indigenous people. These environmental shifts can have far-reaching consequences for the region and the planet.

Question 42.
Compare the Arctic Tundra and Alpine Tundra regions.
Answer:
The Tundra region is broadly classified into Arctic Tundra and Alpine Tundra, based on their location and elevation. The Arctic Tundra is found in the northernmost parts of the world, including Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Siberia, Iceland, and Scandinavia. It lies to the north of the Taiga (boreal forest). This region has long, freezing winters and very’ short summers, with a mean annual temperature well below zero. Permafrost is a defining feature, and the area is snow-covered for most of the year. In contrast, the Alpine Tundra occurs at high elevations on mountains across the world, such as the Andes, Rockies, Alps, and Himalayas. Though it experiences similar cold temperatures, these are caused by altitude rather than latitude. Unlike Arctic Tundra, the Alpine Tundra is not underlain by permafrost, but it still has a short growing season and similar types of vegetation, like mosses and small shrubs. Both regions lack trees, and the vegetation is limited to low-growing plants. However, the Alpine Tundra may sometimes support a greater variety of plant species due to its proximity to other biomes and-ogcasional milder conditions. Despite their differences, both Arctic and Alpine Tundra play important roles in the Earth’s climate system, particularly in carbon storage and as indicators of climate change.

Question 43.
Compare the Natural vegetation of Equatorial Region and Tundra Region.
Answer:
Equatorial region: Luxuriant forests, called tropical rainforests, are one of the salient features of the equatorial climatic region. The rainforest found in the Amazon Basin is called Selvas. In this climatic region, there is no particular season for seeding, flowering, fruiting, and shedding leaves. Another significant feature of these rainforests is that multiple species coexist in a particular area. The equatorial climatic region is rich in the diversity of wildlife. These forests spread over the Amazon Basin in South America, West-Central Africa, Indonesia, the Malay Peninsula, and New Guinea. In this climatic region, there is no particular season for seeding, flowering, fruiting, and shedding leaves. As these processes occur year-round in the tropical rainforest, it remains evergreen throughout the year.

Hence, these rainforests are also called equatorial evergreen forests. A wide variety of evergreen trees, including ebony, mahogany, cinchona, rosewood, and others, are seen abundantly in these forests. Besides large trees, smaller palms, climbing plants like lianas, epiphytes like orchids, numerous parasitic plants, ferns, and grasses like Lalang grow luxuriantly here. Another significant feature of these rainforests is that multiple species coexist in a particular area. It has been estimated that in the Malaysian rainforests, as many as 200 species of plants may be found in an acre of forest. Plants grow to varying heights depending on the availability of sunlight. Trees form canopies at different levels, according to their heights.

Tudra Region: The natural vegetation is scanty in this region due to insufficient in sunlight and long winters. The diversity of fauna is also scanty here. Trees are normally absent in the Tundra region due to the challenges posed by the climate. Mosses, lichens, sedges, and bushes are commonly found here. Dwarf willows and stunted birches withstand the harsh climatic conditions and survive in certain places. Some hardy grasses grow in the coastal lowlands where favourable conditions prevail. Herbivores like reindeer make survival possible here only by depending on these pastures. Even though summer is very short in the Tundra, which is covered by snow throughout the year, this region becomes active with the onset of summer. In brief summer, as the snow melts, bushes start bearing berries, and flowers begin to bloom. Birds migrate to the Tundra during this period from the south to prey on insects that come out at this time. Arctic foxes, wolves, polar bears, musk-oxen, and arctic hares are the other animals found here.

Question 44.
What is one of the salient features of the equatorial climate?
Answer:
One of the main features of the equatorial climate is that the temperature remains more or less the same throughout the year, with very little variation in both annual and diurnal temperature ranges.

Question 45.
What is the mean annual and mean monthly temperature in the equatorial region?
Answer:
Both the mean annual and mean monthly temperatures are approximately 27°C.

Question 46.
How much rainfall does the equatorial region receive annually?
Answer:
The annual rainfall ranges between 175 cm and 250 cm, and it is well-distributed throughout the year.

Question 47.
Why is Mount Kilimanjaro snow-covered throughout the year despite being in the equatorial region? Answer:
Kilimanjaro is snow-covered year-round because of its high elevation (5,895 meters). At such heights, temperatures are low enough for snow and ice to remain despite its location near the equator.

Question 48.
How does the climate affect human habitation in the equatorial region?
Answer:
The climate is hot and humid, which can make conditions oppressive. However, coastal areas benefit from sea breezes, which bring relief and make these areas more suitable and populated.

Question 49.
What is an equatorial rainforest?
Answer:
An equatorial rainforest is a thick forest found near the equator, like the Amazon, which gets a lot of rain and has many plants and animals.

Question 50.
What is deforestation, and why is it a problem?
Answer:
Deforestation is the large-scale cutting down of trees, mainly for farming, logging, or construction. It destroys natural habitats, reduces oxygen production, and contributes to climate change.

Question 51.
What are the challenges faced by equatorial rainforests nowadays?
Answer:
They face many problems like deforestation, pollution, climate change, mining, and the construction of roads. All of these activities damage the environment and disturb the balance of nature.

Question 52.
Why is it important to protect equatorial rainforests?
Answer:
These forests produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, and support a wide variety of wildlife. They also help control the Earth’s climate and support Indigenous communities who depend on them.

Question 53.
Write a note on Human life in equatorial region.
Answer:

• The relationship between humans and their environment plays a crucial role in shaping human life.
• Due to the physical conditions prevalent in the equatorial climatic region, this area is sparsely populated.
• The Pygmies of Africa, the Indian tribes of the Amazon Basin, and the Orang Asli of Malaysia are some of the important native groups of this region.

Question 54.
Where is the Tundra region located?
Answer:
The Tundra region is located to the north of the Taiga region, along the Arctic coasts of North America, Eurasia, and Greenland.

Question 55.
What are the two types of Tundra?
Answer:
The two types are:

1. Arctic Tundra – Found in Alaska, Northern Canada, Siberia, Greenland, Iceland, and Scandinavia.
2. Alpine Tundra – Found in high mountainous regions

Question 56.
What is a blizzard?
Answer:
A blizzard is a strong snowstorm that causes heavy snowfall in the Tundra region.

Question 57.
How do humans survive in the Tundra region?
Answer:
People (mainly nomadic tribes) survive by hunting, fishing, and using animals for food, clothing, and tools. In winter, they live in igloos; in summer, they use portable tents.

Question 58.
Why is vegetation sparse in the Tundra?
Answer:
Due to the low sunlight, extreme cold, and short growing season, only mosses, lichens, sedges, dwarf willows, and stunted birches grow here.

Students rely on Geography Class 10 Notes Kerala Syllabus Chapter 2 Climatic Regions and Climate Change to help self-study at home.

Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 Important Questions and Answers Climatic Regions and Climate Change

Kerala Syllabus Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 2 Climatic Regions and Climate Change Important Questions

Climatic Regions and Climate Change Class 10 Important Questions

Question 1.
What is the name given to the winds that blow from the east to west?
a) Westerly winds
b) Monsoon winds
c) Westerly winds
d) Gusty winds
Answer:
(b) Monsoon winds

Question 2.
The temperate grasslands are located at which latitudes?
(a) Between 10° and 30° latitudes
(b) Between 40° and 50° latitudes
(c) Between 30° and 60° latitudes
(d) Between 35° and 40° latitudes
Answer:
(b) Between 40° and 50° latitudes

Question 3.
What are the major crops in the savanna climatic region?
(a) Deciduous trees and tall grass
(b) Deciduous forests
(c) Moist forests
(d) Cypress trees
Answer:
(a) Deciduous trees and tall grass

Question 4.
What is the annual temperature of the tropical deserts?
(a) 15°C
(b) 20°C
(c) 30°C
(d) 40°C
Answer:
(c) 30°C

Question 5.
The climatic categories in which short summer and long winters are experienced in ……………………
(a) Hot deserts
(b) Taiga region
(c) Tundra region
(d) Monsoon climatic region
Answer:
(b) Taiga region

Question 6.
What is the average summer temperature in the taiga region?
(a) 15°C to 20°C
(b) 21°C to 32°C
(c) -13°C to -25°C
(d) 20°C to 25°C
Answer:
(a) 15°C to 20°C

Question 7.
What are the main types of trees found in the taiga region?
(a) Deciduous trees
(b) Evergreen trees
(c) Coniferous trees
(d) Small shrubs
Answer:
(c) Coniferous trees

Question 8.
The main characteristic of the Mediterranean climatic region is ……………………
(a) High rainfall throughout the year
(b) Dry summers and humid winters
(c) Dry weather throughout the year
(d) Cool summers and warm winters
Answer:
(b) Dry summers and humid winters

Question 9.
The main livelihoods of the people of the savanna region are:
(a) Agriculture and fishing
(b) Animal husbandry and farming
(c) Mining and industry
(d) Trade and tourism
Answer:
(b) Animal husbandry and farming

Question 10.
What type of climate is experienced in the tropical grasslands?
(a) Short summers and long winters
(b) Long summers and short winters
(c) Cold summers and dry winters
(d) Mild summers and mild winters
Answer:
(a) Short summers and long winters

Question 11.
From the following, find out the reasons for monsoon region becoming one of the most densely populated region of the world.
(a) High rainfall
(b) Availability of labour
(c) Agricultural potential
(d) All of these
Answer:
(d) All of these

Question 12.
Identify the reason for the rain in the equatorial climate zone every day afternoon.
(a) Convection rain
(b) Winter rain
(c) Cyclone
(d) Monsoon rain
Answer:
a) Convection rain

Question 13.
To which climate category does the Indian subcontinent belong to?
(a) Sahara Desert
(b) Mediterranean coastal regions
(c) Monsoon climate
(d) Prairie of North America
Answer:
(c) Monsoon climate

Question 14.
What types of forests are commonly found in monsoon climate zones?
(a) Deciduous trees, grasslands
(b) Shrubs, bushes
(c) Deciduous forests
(d) Taiga forests
Answer:
(c) Deciduous forests

Question 15.
………………….. are the seasonal reversal of wind system.
(a) Monsoons
(b) Winter
(c) Spring
(d) Autumn
Answer:
(a) Monsoons

Question 16.
Why are savanna grasslands known by different names in different regions? What are some of their local names?
Answer:
The different names are due to the geographical features and differences in flora and fauna in different regions. In Africa, they are called savanna, in southern Brazil, they are called campos, and in Venezuela, they are called llanos.

Question 17.
What are the main crops and their economic importance in the Mediterranean climate zone?
Answer:
Fruits and vegetables are the cultivated in this region. Cereals and pulses are also cultivated wherever possible. Agricultural practices developed according to the climate conditions and related activities make the Mediterranean region an area of great economic importance. As in the tropics, in the interior of the subtropical zone, the maritime influence is minimal and treeless grasslands are found. These are the temperate grasslands. About 70 precent of citrus fruit export comes from the Mediterranean countries.

Question 18.
What is greenhouse effect? How has it paved way for Global warming?
Answer:
Certain gases – in the atmosphere are capable of trapping solar energy (insolation) in the atmosphere. Gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide are known as Greenhouse Gases. Greenhouse gases allow sunlight to pass into the earth’s surface and keep the atmosphere warm by intercepting terrestrial radiation returning from the Earth’s surface. This process is known as the Greenhouse Effect of the Atmosphere. Some human activities result in excess production of greenhouse gases. Due to this, the greenhouse effect of the atmosphere becomes stronger and the temperature increases. This increase in atmospheric temperature is called Global warming. Burning of fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum, industrial effluents and solid waste are the sources of excess greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Global warming accelerates climate change.

Question 19.
What are the main plants in the taiga region? Why is this region called Taiga?
Answer:
Taiga climatic region is absent in high latitudes of Southern Hemisphere because the extent of landmass is generally less. This region is dominated by sub-Arctic coniferous evergreen trees. Taiga is the Russian word for ‘coniferous trees’. This region is named as Taiga because of the abundance of such coniferous trees. Coniferous trees such as pine, fir and spruce are the main vegetation types.

Question 20.
Define the term climatic refugees.
Answer:
Many people are being forcibly displaced by the impacts of climate change-induced disasters such as droughts, floods, desertification, sea-level rise, and sea inundation. They are forced to migrate to other regions or countries. Such migrations are called climate migration. UN figures indicate that around 50 million people have been displaced due to climate-related events. Those who have to leave their homes and livelihood due to climate- related phenomena are called climate refugees.

Question 21.
Match the following.

A	B
Establishment of World Meteorological Organisation	1992
Earth Summit	2023
G 20 Summit	1950

Answer:

A	B
Establishment of World Meteorological Organisation	1950
Earth Summit	1992
G 20 Summit	2023

Question 22.
Between which latitudes is the Taiga climate region located? What are the main climatic features here?
Answer:

• It is a cold region located between latitudes of 55° and 70° in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Short summers and long winters are experienced there. Summer temperature is from 15° C to 20° C while winter temperature drops up to -13° C to -25 ° C.
• This region receives an annual rainfall of 50 cm to 70 cm. In winter, precipitation is in the form of snowfall.

Question 23.
What are the main features of the tundra region?
Answer:
Tundra region is the extreme cold zone extending from north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and the Arctic coasts of Europe and Asia. Here winter temperature ranges from -25°C to -40°C and the summer temperature rises up to 10°C. Precipitation is mainly in the form of snowfall. Only a few plants can survive in the harsh climatic conditions of the Tundra region.

Question 24.
Define climate change and differentiate between natural and anthropogenic climate change.
Answer:
According to the UN, climate change refers to a long-term shift in weather patterns and temperatures caused by human activity or natural variability.

Climate change can be classified into: Natural climate change, which results from internal earth processes like volcanic activity or variations in solar radiation. These changes are beyond human control. Anthropogenic climate change, which is caused by human activities such as industrialisation, deforestation, land use changes, and urbanisation.

Question 25.
Name the major climatic region in the world.
Answer:

• Equatorial climatic region
• Monsoon climatic region
• Savanna climatic region
• Hot deserts
• Temperate grasslands
• Mediterranean climatic region
• Taiga region
• Tundra region

Question 26.
How do climate change and sea level rise threaten countries like Nepal and the Maldives?
Answer:
Nepal, located in the Himalayas, faces rapid melting of glaciers at a rate of 12 to 20 meters per year due to rising global temperatures, affecting ecosystems and water resources.

The Maldives, with an average elevation of only 1.5 meters above sea level, is at risk of being completely submerged if the sea level rises by 2.5 meters. The global sea level is rising at approximately 0.42 cm per year, increasing the threat to low-lying island nations.

Question 27.
What are the key elements of climate, and how do changes in these elements lead to climate change? Answer:
The key elements of climate are atmospheric temperature, pressure, winds, precipitation, and humidity. Climate change occurs when there is a significant shift in the quantity, distribution, and seasonal pattern of these elements. Such changes can alter weather patterns and ecosystems, affecting both regional and global environments.

Question 28.
Monsoon climate is characterised by long and humid summer and short dry winter. Elucidate.
Answer:

• Monsoons are the seasonal reversal of wind system
• These winds blow from sea to land in summer and get reversed from land to sea in winter.
• This region is known as a monsoon climatic region because of the decisive influence of monsoon winds.

Monsoon climate is characterised by long and humid summer and short dry winter. In monsoon climatic regions, diurnal range of temperature is very low in coastal areas and very high in the interiors. Depending on the factors like physiography, direction of wind, and distance from the coast, rainfall distribution also varies in the monsoon regions. Regions with as little as 50 cm of rainfall to areas receiving over 1000 cm of annual rainfall can be found in this region.

Question 29.
Describe the main characteristics of the Savanna region in terms of climate, vegetation, wildlife, and human activities.
Answer:
The Savanna region, located between 10° and 30° latitudes in both hemispheres, experiences hot and humid summers and cool, dry winters. It receives 25cm to 125cm of rainfall annually, with average temperatures between 21°C and 32°C. Vegetation consists mainly of deciduous trees and tall grasses, with thorny bushes appearing closer to deserts. The region supports a variety of wildlife, including herbivores like giraffes and zebras, and carnivores such as lions and tigers. Due to relatively fertile soil and low rainfall, dry farming is practiced, and animal husbandry is common. Indigenous tribes like the Maasai lead pastoral lives, while cash crops like cotton (Sudan) and coffee (Brazil) are grown in former European colonies.

Question 30.
Explain how the topography, wind direction, and distance from the coast affect the availability of rainfall in the monsoon climate zone. Describe the agricultural practices and major crops in this climate zone.
Answer:
The main factors that affect the availability of rainfall in the monsoon region are topography, wind direction, and distance from the coast. Areas with mountainous terrain are likely to receive more rainfall due to the blocking of winds. Changes in wind direction affect the amount and distribution of rainfall. The amount of rainfall is higher in areas close to the coast because there is more moisture. However, the amount of rainfall is likely to decrease as you move inland.

The high rainfall and fertile soil make the monsoon climate region an important agricultural region. Intensive subsistence farming is the mainstay here. Tropical crops such as rice, maize, jute, cotton, oilseeds, and sugarcane are cultivated in this region. In some rare areas, shifting cultivation methods also exist. The species and diversity of plant species change according to the differences in rainfall availability.

Question 31.
Describe the main characteristics of hot deserts and explain how human life has adapted to these harsh environments.
Answer:
Hot deserts are regions that receive very little rainfall, typically less than 25 cm annually, and may go without rain for several years. They are among the hottest places on Earth, with an average annual temperature of around 30°,C. Extreme temperatures are common, with places like A1 Aziziya in the Sahara Desert recording highs of 58°C. These regions also experience a high diurnal range of temperature, making the climate harsh and challenging for survival.

Most tropical deserts are found on the western margins of continents due to the effect of trade winds. As these winds travel from the east to the west across continents, they lose moisture, leaving the western margins dry throughout the year. Vegetation in deserts includes drought-resistant plants like cacti, shrubs, and palms. Oases, where underground water reaches the surface, serve as fertile spots that support some vegetation and human settlements.

Human adaptation in desert regions includes practices like dry farming and animal husbandry. Despite sparse population, indigenous tribes such as the Bushmen of the Kalahari have learned to survive in these conditions. Economic activities such as mining have also contributed to human settlement-examples include gold mining in Australia, copper mining in the Atacama Desert, and petroleum extraction in the Sahara and Arabian deserts, which have significantly transformed these regions.

Question 32.
Describe the main causes of climate change and its some impacts experienced globally. What are the international efforts to prevent climate change?
Answer:
Human activities such as excessive use of fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum, industrial waste, and deforestation are increasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This is a major cause of global warming and climate change. As a result of climate change, many impacts are being felt all over the world. The average sea level is rising, the ice in the poles is melting, desertification is spreading, global temperatures are increasing, and unseasonal and extreme rainfall occurs. This affects the stability of climate zones and disrupts the ecological balance. Many efforts are being made at the international level to prevent climate change. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Stockholm Conference (1972), Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit (1992), Kyoto Protocol (1997), Montreal Protocol (1987), Paris Agreement (2015), and G20 Summit (2023) are some of the important ones. The goals of these agreements are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, use renewable energy sources, and protect forests.

Question 33.
Climate change-induced displacement and climate refugees are becoming a major global problem. Explain the causes and consequences of this phenomenon. What can be done at the individual and societal levels to find a solution to this?
Answer:
Many people are forced to leave their homes due to disasters such as drought, floods, desertification, and rising sea levels caused by climate change. These types of displacements are called, climate displacements and these people are called climate refugees. According to UN estimates, about 50 million people have been displaced globally due to climate-related reasons. This phenomenon makes the lives of those affected miserable. They lose their homes and livelihoods. This causes many social and economic problems. The increasing number of displaced people is creating refugee problems in many countries. Collective efforts are needed at the individual and societal levels to find a solution to this problem. Promoting energy efficiency, protecting forests, making lifestyle changes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are some of the things that can be done at the individual level. At the societal level, we can do things like implement laws against climate change, regulate industries that emit greenhouse gases, prioritize sustainable development, and raise awareness about climate change. Only through global cooperation can we find a lasting solution to this serious problem.

Question 34.
Compare and write a note on the major climatic regions given below based on their location, livelihoods, human life etc.
Hints:
1. Equatorial climatic region
2. Monsoon climatic region
3. Savanna climatic region
Answer:
Equatorial climatic region: This climatic region extends up to 10° North and South of the equator. Evergreen forests are abundant in the equatorial climatic region due to high temperatures and high rainfall. The equatorial climatic region is characterised by high temperatures and high rainfall throughout the year. This climatic region is hotter because sun’s rays fall almost vertically throughout the year. This results in higher air convection and convectional precipitation. These areas receive rainfall every day in the afternoon.

Monsoon climatic region: Monsoons are the seasonal reversal of wind system. These winds blow from sea to land in summer and get reversed from land to sea in winter. This region is known as a monsoon climatic region because of the decisive influence of monsoon winds. Monsoon climate is characterised by long and humid summer and short dry winter. In monsoon climatic regions, diurnal range of temperature is very low in coastal areas and very high in the interiors. Depending on the factors like physiography, direction of wind, and distance from the coast, rainfall distribution also varies in the monsoon regions. Regions with as little as 50 cm of rainfall to areas receiving over 1000 cm of annual rainfall can be found in this region. Evergreen and deciduous trees are generally found here. Monsoon forests, also known as tropical deciduous forests, have a mixture of different types of trees depending on the amount of rainfall received. Monsoon region is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. High rainfall and availability of labour keep the monsoon climatic region an important agricultural region. Tropical crops like rice, sugarcane, jute, cotton, tea and coffee, are cultivated here.

• Intensive subsistence agriculture is prevailing in this region.
• In rare areas, shifting cultivation, a primitive subsistence agriculture, also exists.

Savanna climatic region: Savannas are tropical grasslands found between 10° and 30° latitudes in both the hemispheres. Tropical grasslands have hot and humid summers and cool and dry winters. These grasslands are known by different names in different regions. It is known as Savanna in Africa, Campos in Southern Brazil and Llanos in Venezuela. The annual average temperature here is between 21° C and 32° C, and it also receives annual rainfall of 25 cm to 125 cm. Deciduous trees and tall grasses are the dominant vegetation of this region. As we move closer to the deserts, short bushes and thorny forests are seen. The forests and grasslands here provide a favourable habitat for wild animals. Herbivorous animals like giraffes and zebras abound in these grasslands. Carnivorous animals like lion and tiger are also found here. Soil found here is relatively fertile, due to low rainfall, ‘dry farming’ that requires less amount of water, is adopted. Animal husbandry and agriculture are the means of livelihood of the people. Population density is generally low in the savanna region. Maasai, an indigenous tribe of the African savanna, leads a pastoral life. Cash crops are cultivated extensively in the savanna areas of former European colonies.

Question 35.
Write a note on cold regions in the world.
Hints:
(a) Taiga region
(b) Tundra region
Answer:
Taiga region: It is a cold region located between latitudes of 55° and 70° in the Northern Hemisphere. Short summers and long winters are experienced there. Summer temperature is from 15° C to 20° C while winter temperature drops up to -13° C to -25 ° C. This region receives an annual rainfall of 50 cm to 70 cm. In winter, precipitation is in the form of snowfall. The Taiga climatic region is absent in the high latitudes of the Southern hemisphere because the extent of landmass is generally less. Sub-Arctic coniferous evergreen frees dominate this region. Taiga is the Russian word for ‘coniferous trees’. This region is named as Taiga because of the abundance of such coniferous trees. Coniferous trees such as pine, fir and spruce are the main vegetation types.

• Most of the crops cannot be grown in sub-Arctic climates. Hence, the cultivation is very less in this region.
• Lumbering and wool industry are the main economic activities. The lumbering industry is very popular in the Canadian Taiga region.
• As we move from the Taiga region to the polar region, the height of vegetation decreases and becomes sparse and less in number. Only frigid vegetation such as shrubs and mosses can be found in regions close to the Poles.

Tundra region: The Tundra region is the extreme cold zone extending from north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and the Arctic coasts of Europe and Asia. Here, winter temperature ranges from -25°C to -40°C, and the summer temperature rises up to 10°C. Precipitation is mainly in the form of snowfall. Only a few plants can survive in the harsh climatic conditions of the Tundra region. Plants grow only in summer. Due to the very short growing season available, short shrubs and mosses are the main plants found here. The native people of this region, such as Eskimos and Lappas, lead a semi-nomadic life. Arctic regions are the regions with relatively little human intervention. Scientists and explorers are continuing their studies in this region in search of future possibilities for mankind.

Question 36.
Discuss the causes, impacts, and international responses to climate change.”
Hints:
• Climate change and Natural vs. anthropogenic causes
• Impact on regions (Nepal, Maldives)
• Effect on climate elements and ecosystems
• Role of human activities
• Key international agreements
• Ways to reduce human impact
• Need for global cooperation
Answer:
Climate change refers to a long-term shift in weather patterns and temperatures, caused either by natural variability or human activities. According to the UN, climate change is one of the most pressing global issues, resulting in rising temperatures and sea levels. Key human activities like industrialisation, land use changes, and urbanisation significantly contribute to climate change. Climate change can be divided into two types: natural and anthropogenic. Natural climate change occurs due to endogenic Earth processes, such as volcanic eruptions and changes in solar radiation, and cannot be controlled by human actions. On the other hand, anthropogenic (human – induced) climate change arises from activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

Countries like Nepal and the Maldives are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Nepal, being a mountainous nation, faces rapid glacial melting – estimated at 12 to 20 meters per year. This threatens water sources and regional ecosystems. The Maldives, with an average elevation of just 1.5 meters, is at risk of total submersion if sea levels rise by even 2.5 meters. Symbolic cabinet meetings held at Mount Everest and underwater in the Maldives were meant to raise awareness about these dangers.

Climate change disrupts key climate elements – temperature, pressure, wind patterns, humidity, and precipitation leading to severe ecological consequences. It destabilises climate zones, affects biodiversity, and puts the livelihoods of millions at risk, especially in agriculture and coastal communities.

To address this global challenge, international cooperation is crucial. Important initiatives include:

• The Stockholm Conference (1972) for environmental conservation,
• The Earth Summit (1992) which created Agenda 21,
• The Kyoto Protocol (1997) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
• The Paris Agreement (2015) to limit global warming, and
• The G20 Summit (2023), which emphasized green development and climate finance.

Although climate change cannot be entirely stopped, its pace can be slowed by reducing human-induced factors. This includes adopting renewable energy, conserving forests, improving waste management, and encouraging sustainable development practices.

Question 37.
How does vegetation change in the Savanna region near deserts?
Answer:
As rainfall decreases towards desert areas, tree height reduces and vegetation changes to short bushes and thorny plants.

Question 38.
What type of farming is practiced in the Savanna?
Answer:
Due to low rainfall, dry farming is practised. Animal husbandry is common. Cash crops like cotton (Sudan) and coffee (Brazil) are grown.

Question 39.
Explain the reason for daily rainfall in the equatorial region.
Answer:
The sun’s rays fall almost vertically all year, causing high temperatures, rapid air convection, and daily convectional rainfall.

Question 40.
What is a climatic region?
Answer:
A climatic region is an extensive geographical area in which similar climate characteristics like temperature and precipitation are observed. Each region has a unique climate, vegetation, and wildlife adapted to it.

Question 41.
…………………………… grasslands have hot and humid summers and cool and dry winters.
Answer:
Tropical

Question 42.
Define Hot desert?
Answer:
A hot desert is a region with very little rainfall and extremely high temperatures.

Question 43.
What is the average annual temperature in tropical deserts?
Answer:
The average annual temperature is about 30°C.

Question 44.
How much rainfall do desert regions usually receive?
Answer:
Less than 25 cm annually, and some places may go for several years without rain.

Question 45.
What types of vegetation are found in hot deserts?
Answer:
Plants like cactus, shrubs, and palms that are adapted to low rainfall.

Question 46.
What is an oasis?
Answer:
An oasis is a fertile area in a desert where water is available, often supporting plant life and human settlement.

Question 47.
The Mediterranean countries are the world’s leading producers of …………………….
Answer:
wine

Question 48.
What are Mediterranean climatic regions?
Answer:
Regions that lie between 30° and 45° latitudes, mainly on the western coasts of continents, and have a mild, wet winter and a hot, dry summer climate.

Question 49.
Why are dense forests not found in Mediterranean regions?
Answer:
Due to low and seasonal rainfall, dense forests do not grow.

Question 50.
What crops are commonly grown in the Mediterranean region?
Answer:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Cereals and pulses
• Grapevines and citrus fruits

Question 51.
Write a note on Mediterranean region.
Answer:

• The areas about mediterranean sea is the area of the mediterranean region.
• It is a region that experiences dry summers and humid winters. Temperature of around 20 – 25° C is experienced in summer.
• Highest temperature during winter is 10° C to 16° C.
• Winter rainfall of 30 to 75 cm distinguishes this region from other climatic regions.
• Rains during the winter are beneficial to the winter crops.
• The Mediterranean countries are the world’s leading producers of wine.

Question 52.
How much rainfall do temperate grasslands receive annually?
Answer:
They receive 25 cm to 60 cm of rainfall annually, with significant fluctuations.

Question 53.
‘Humans trying to utilise every possible area on Earth, including grasslands’. Elucidate
Answer:
Due to the growing population and increasing human needs, there is a continuous effort to utilise all possible land resources.

Question 54.
Who are the traditional inhabitants of temperate grasslands?
Answer:
The traditional inhabitants are mostly shepherds, as the region serves as natural grazing land.

Question 55.
What are the names given for the temperate grasslands in different parts of the world?
Answer:

Continents	Name of the Grassland
North America	Prairies
South America	Pampas
Europe	Steppes
Asia	Steppes
Africa	Veld
Australia	Downs

Question 56.
Write the location of Tundra region.
Answer:
Tundra region is the extreme cold zone extending from north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and the Arctic coasts of Europe and Asia.

Question 57.
………………….. industry is very popular in the Canadian Taiga region.
Answer:
Lumbering

Question 58.
Taiga is the Russian word for
Answer:
coniferous trees.

Question 59.
Distinguish between Taiga and Tundra Region.
Answer:
Taiga Region

• It is a cold region located between latitudes of 55° and 70° in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Short summers and long winters are experienced there. Summer temperature is from 15° C to 20° while winter temperature drops up to -13° C to -25 ° C.
• This region receives an annual rainfall of 50 cm to 70 cm. In winter, precipitation is in the form of snowfall.
• Taiga is the Russian word for ‘coniferous trees’.

Tundra Region

• Tundra region is the extreme cold zone extending from north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and the Arctic coasts of Europe and Asia.
• Here winter temperature ranges from -25°C to -40°C and the summer temperature rises up to 10°C. Precipitation is mainly in the form of snowfall.

Question 60.
What are the two main causes of climate change?
Answer:
The two main causes of climate change are natural causes (like volcanic activity! Earth’s movements) and anthropogenic (human-made) causes such as industrialisation, deforestation, and urbanisation.

Question 61.
What is the timescale of climate change?
Answer:
Climate change can occur over a few years to millions of years.

Question 62.
Can natural climate change be controlled by humans?
Answer:
No, natural climate change resulting from internal Earth processes cannot be controlled by human efforts.

Question 63.
How does climate change affect different climatic zones?
Answer:
Climate change can alter rainfall, temperature, and wind patterns, which can destabilise climate zones and disturb the ecological balance.

Students often refer to SCERT Class 10 Social Science Notes Kerala Syllabus and Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 From The Rainy Forests to The Land of Permafrost Notes Questions and Answers English Medium that include all exercises in the prescribed syllabus.

SSLC Geography Chapter 3 Notes Pdf English Medium From The Rainy Forests to The Land of Permafrost

SCERT Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 3 From The Rainy Forests to The Land of Permafrost Notes Question Answer Kerala Syllabus

Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 Notes Kerala Syllabus From The Rainy Forests to The Land of Permafrost

Question 1.

a. Which continents does the Equatorial climatic region spread across?
b. Identify the places that belong to this climatic region.

c. To which heat zone does this climatic region belong?
d. Identify the countries that are included in the equatorial climatic regions of continents like Asia, Africa, and South America, and complete the table provided.
Answer:
a. The Equatorial Climatic Region, as shown in the map, spreads across the following continents:

• South America
• Africa
• Asia
• Australia (specifically parts of the islands near northern Australia)

These regions are located along the equator, between the Tropic of Cancer (231/2° N) and the Tropic of Capricorn (231/2° S), and experience hot and humid conditions throughout the year.

b. The places that belong to the Equatorial Climatic Region, as shown in the map, include:
Amazon Basin – Located in South America, primarily in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador.

Central Africa – Encompassing the Congo Basin and surrounding regions in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, and parts of Uganda and Kenya.

South-East Asia – including countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Papua New Guinea, and parts of the Philippines and Thailand.

Islands near Northern Australia, including Papua New Guinea and nearby islands within the equatorial zone.

c. Equatorial Climatic Region belongs to the Torrid Zone (also known as the Tropical Zone).
This zone lies between the Tropic of Cancer (231/2° N) and the Tropic of Capricorn (231/2° S). It receives direct sunlight throughout the year, resulting in consistently high temperatures and a hot, humid climate characteristic of equatorial regions.

Continents	Countries
Asia	• Indonesia • Malaysia • Brunei • Sri Lanka
Africa	• Democratic Republic of Congo • Equatorial Guinea • Somalia • Madagascar
South America	• Brazil • Colombia • Peru • Ecuador

Question 2.
Mark the places that belong to the equatorial region on the outline map of the world and include it in My Own Atlas.
Answer:

Question 3.
Why is this climatic region called the equatorial climatic region?
Answer:
This climatic region is called the equatorial climatic region because it lies along the Equator, the imaginary line at 0° latitude that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In this region, the Sun’s rays fall directly overhead throughout the year, resulting in consistently high temperatures and intense solar heating. As a result, the area experiences heavy rainfall, high humidity, and a hot, wet climate year-round. These unique climatic conditions are characteristic of regions near the equator, which is why the name “equatorial climatic region” is used.

Question 4.
How does convectional rainfall occur? What are the features of convectional rainfall? Discuss in the classroom and prepare a note.
Answer:
Convectional rainfall occurs mainly in hot regions, especially near the equator, where the sun’s heat is
intense throughout the year. During the day, the sun heats the Earth’s surface, which in turn warms the air above it. This warm air becomes lighter and rises into the atmosphere. As the air rises, it cools down, and the water vapour in it condenses to form clouds. When these clouds become heavy with moisture, they release the water as rainfall. This type of rainfall usually occurs in the afternoon and is often accompanied by thunder and lightning. Although it lasts for a short period, convectional rainfall is usually heavy and intense.

Question 5.
Does Kerala experience convectional rainfall, and in which months.
Answer:
Yes, Kerala experiences convectional rainfall, especially during the summer months from March to May, which is the pre-monsoon period. During this time, the intense heat causes the land surface to warm up quickly. As a result, the air above the ground becomes hot and rises. As this warm air rises, it cools and the moisture in it condenses to form thick clouds. When these clouds become heavy, they bring short but intense rainfall, often accompanied by thunder and lightning. This type of rainfall usually occurs in the afternoons or evenings and is a typical feature of convectional rainfall in Kerala before the arrival of the southwest monsoon.

Question 6.
The following diagrams represent the distribution of annual rainfall and temperature recorded in two different places of the equatorial climatic region. Analyse the diagrams and answer the questions that follow.

a. Find the highest and the lowest mean monthly temperatures for each place.
b. What is the annual range of temperature at each place?
c. Is there any month that does not receive rainfall?
Answer:
a. Kuala Lumpur: Highest: 26.3°C (May), Lowest: 25.1°C (January and December)
Bogota: Highest: 13.3°C (September), Lowest: 12.6°C (December)

b. To calculate the annual range, subtract the lowest mean monthly temperature from the highest:
Kuala Lumpur: 26.3°C – 25.1 °C = 1,2°C
Bogota: 13.3°C – 12.6°C = 0.7°C

c. Kuala Lumpur: No. All months receive rainfall. The lowest is 174 mm (February and June).
Bogota: No. All months receive rainfall. The lowest is 31 mm (August).

Question 7.
Why is Kilimanjaro snow-covered throughout the year?
Answer:
Mount Kilimanjaro is snow-covered throughout the year because it is a very high mountain, even though it is located near the equator in Tanzania, Africa. It rises to a height of about 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. As altitude increases, the temperature decreases – this is known as the lapse rate. At such high altitudes, the temperatures are very low, often falling below freezing, which causes snow and ice to form and remain at the summit all year round. So, even though the base of the mountain is warm, the peak stays cold and snow-covered due to its great height.

Question 8.
With the help of information technology, create a digital album containing the pictures of fauna in the equatorial climatic region.
Answer:
Hints:

Question 9.
With the help of information technology, prepare a table containing a list of major plantation crops in the equatorial climatic region and the corresponding areas where they are grown.
Answer:

Plantation Crop	Main Areas Grown
Rubber	Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Congo (Africa)
Oil Palm	Nigeria, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cameroon, Colombia
Cocoa (Chocolate)	Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Brazil, Ecuador
Coffee	Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Uganda, Indonesia
Banana	Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Philippines
Sugarcane	Brazil, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand
Tea	Kenya, Sri Lanka, India (Assam), Indonesia
Coconut	Philippines, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka
Spices (e.g., Pepper, Nutmeg)	India (Kerala), Indonesia, Sri Lanka

Question 10.
With the help of information technology, find out the major cities in the equatorial climatic region. Locate them on an outline map of the world and include it in ‘My Own Atlas’.
Answer:
(Hints: Major cities in the equatorial climatic region are typically located near the Equator (between 10°N and 10°S latitude) and experience high temperatures and heavy rainfall year-round. Here are some notable cities in this region:

1. Singapore – Singapore
2. Jakarta – Indonesia
3. Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia
4. Kinshasa – Democratic Republic of the Congo
5. Kampala – Uganda
6. Quito – Ecuador
7. Manaus – Brazil

Question 11.
By utilizing the possibilities of information technology, collect news on forest fires in the Amazon forests from the media and prepare a note on it. Present the same in your classroom.
Answer:
(Hints: collect news and images as shown below)

Amazon fires
The Amazon rainforest is facing serious forest fires in 2025. These fires are destroying large parts of the forest, harming plants, animals, and people. Most of the fires are caused by human activities like cutting down trees and burning land for farming. Climate change also makes the forest drier, which increases the chances of fires. These fires are dangerous because they destroy animal homes, pollute the air with smoke, and make global warming worse by releasing carbon dioxide. The Amazon is very important because it helps keep the Earth’s climate balanced. To help, governments, communities, and many countries are working together to stop illegal tree cutting and protect the forest. We must all do our part to save the Amazon and our planet.

Question 12.
Use information technology to gather details on the challenges faced by equatorial rainforests. Lead a discussion on the topic.
Answer:
Equatorial rainforests, like the Amazon, face many challenges today. People cut down too many trees for wood, farming, and building. This is called deforestation, and it harms animals, plants, and the people who live in the forests. Pollution and climate change are also big problems. They make the forests hotter and drier, which is not good for the trees and animals. Some forests are also hurt by mining and building roads. If we don’t protect these forests, we could lose many plants and animals forever. Using technology like the internet, scientists and people around the world are sharing ideas to help save these forests.

Question 13.
My intense longing for many years to see the northernmost town in the world has finally brought me to Longyearbyen, a town in the Svalbard Islands located north of Norway in the Arctic Sea. The Svalbard Islands, covered by snow throughout the year, are part of Norway. This mining town, inhabited by more than a thousand people, is considered the northernmost settlement in the world. The conditions in this region and the way people live here will generate both astonishment and curiosity in anyone. Is it necessary to specify how amazing the experiences in this part of the world are for someone like me, especially coming from the equatorial region? The day I arrived, there was heavy snowfall. Every year, from mid-November to January, this town experiences seemingly everlasting nights. Those living here must adjust their lives during this period, known as the polar night. When they go out for work during the day, they must wear reflective clothing over their usual woollen clothes to be recognized in the darkness. One of nature’s wonders that can be witnessed here is the Northern Lights. As I gazed at the multi-coloured sky and the snow-covered mountains reflecting the same sky, I stood still, forgetting everything around me.

a. What features have you noticed here that are different from those in the equatorial region?
b. By using an atlas, find the location of the town of Longyearbyen and identify the climatic region to which this town belongs.
Answer:

• Snowfall – Longyearbyen has snow all year; equatorial regions do not.
• Polar night – Months of darkness in winter, unlike the equator.
• Cold climate – Freezing temperatures, unlike the warm equatorial climate.
• Woollen clothes – Needed for warmth; not required in hot regions.
• Northern Lights – Visible here but not near the equator.

b. Location of Longyearbyen:

• Longyeacbyen is located on the Svalbard Islands in the Arctic Ocean, north of Norway.
• It lies around 78° North latitude and 15° East longitude.

Climatic Region:

• Longyearbyen belongs to the Polar Climate (also called the Arctic Climate).
• This region is known for very cold temperatures, snow-covered landscapes, and long, dark winters.

Question 14.
Examine the map given below and write down the regions marked on the map.

Answer:

• Ice cap
• Tundra Climatic Region

Question 15.
Have you identified the location of the Tundra region? Now, find the continents over which the Tundra region spreads. Complete the table given below.

Answer:

Places	Continents
1. Siberia	Asia
2. Greenland	North America
3. Iceland	Europe
4. North Scandinavia	Europe
5. North Canada	North America
6. Alaska	North America

Question 16.
a. In which months is the apparent position of the sun in the Northern Hemisphere?
b. In which months is the apparent position of the sun in the Southern Hemisphere?
c. How long are the nights and days during these periods at the Poles?
Answer:
a. April to September

b. October to March

c. At the North Pole, there is continuous daylight (24 hours) from March to September and continuous night (24 hours) from September to March. At the South Pole, it is the opposite – daylight from September to March and night from March to September.

Question 17.
The following diagram represents the average annual temperature and rainfall recorded at a place in the Tundra region. Analyse the diagram using the indicators given below.

Indicators
a. Month that receives the maximum rainfall
b. Month that receives the minimum rainfall
c. Month in which the maximum average temperature is recorded
d. Month in which the minimum average temperature is recorded
e. The maximum average temperature and the minimum average temperature
f. The Annual range of temperature
Answer:
a. August
b. February
c. July
d. February
e. 6.4°C in July and -23.4°C in February
f. 6.4°C – (-23.4°C) = 29.8°C

Question 18.
With the help of information technology, create a digital picture album of animals found in the Tundra region.
Answer:

Question 19.
With the help of an atlas, identify the regions where each tribal group lives in Tundra and mark these regions on an outline map of the world. Write the name of each tribal group appropriately on the map. Include this map in My Own Atlas.
Answer:
(Hints)

Tribal Group	Region	Continent
Inuit	Northern Canada, Greenland, Alaska	North America
Sami	Northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and part of Russia (Scandinavia)	Europe
Chukchi	Siberia (Northeastern Russia)	Asia
Yakuts (Sakha)	Central and Eastern Siberia	Asia
Nenets	Northern Russia (Arctic coast)	Asia

Marking on the Outline World Map

• Print or use a blank world map (outline).
• Shade or mark the Arctic region with a light color.

In each tundra area, write the name of the tribal group clearly:

• Mark Inuit across Alaska, Canada, and Greenland.
• Mark Sami in northern Scandinavia.
• Mark Chukchi, Yakuts, and Nenets in different parts of northern Russia.

Add a title:

• “Tribal Groups of the Tundra Region”
• Optional: Add a legend (key) with colored dots or shapes for each group.

Question 20.
With the help of information technology, prepare a note on the topic ‘The Challenges Posed by Climate Change in the Tundra Region’. Present it in the classroom.
Answer:
Climate change is causing serious problems in the Tundra region. The ground in this region, called permafrost, is always frozen, but due to global warming, it is starting to melt. This can damage buildings, roads, and also release harmful gases into the air. Animals like polar bears, reindeer, and arctic foxes are losing their homes because the ice and snow they depend on are disappearing. The natural plants of the Tundra are changing too, which affects the food chain. Indigenous people, like the Inuit, who live by hunting and fishing, are also facing difficulties as their traditional ways of life are being affected. The region is also seeing stronger storms and more extreme weather. All these changes show how important it is to protect the Tundra from the harmful effects of climate change.

Question 21.
Haven’t you read the imaginary travel memoirs included in the chapter? Imagine that you are the expeditioner travelling from the Equatorial region to the Tundra. Prepare a travelogue comparing these two regions based on the indicators given below. Make it attractive by including appropriate pictures.
• Climate
• Flora and Fauna
• Human Life
• Challenges faced by each region
Answer:
(Hints: Based on the comparisons given below, you can prepare a travelogue and also can add images suitable for the following)
1. Climate:
• Equatorial Region:
a. Hot, humid, and tropical all year round.
b. Regular rainfall and high temperatures (25 – 30°C / 77 – 86°F).
c. Little variation in seasons.

• Tundra:
a. Extremely cold with long winters and short, cool summers.
b. Temperature often below freezing; permafrost.
c. Snowfall is common, and the wind is harsh.

2. Flora and Fauna:
• Equatorial Region:
a. Lush, dense rainforests with towering trees, ferns, and flowering plants.
b. Rich biodiversity: monkeys, exotic birds (parrots, toucans), insects, reptiles, etc.
c. Warm, stable climate supports diverse ecosystems.

• Tundra:
a. Sparse vegetation: moss, lichens, grasses, and low shrubs.
b. Animals are adapted to extreme cold: Arctic foxes, polar bears, reindeer, migratory birds,
c. Short growing seasons limit plant growth.

3. Human Life:
• Equatorial Region:
a. Dense populations near forests and rivers.
b. Communities rely on agriculture, fishing, and forest resources.
c. Life affected by heat, humidity, and tropical diseases.

• Tundra:
a. Small, scattered human settlements, often indigenous peoples (e.g., Inuit).
b. Subsistence hunting, fishing, and some nomadic lifestyles.
c. Survival depends on adapting to extreme cold and maintaining warmth.

4. Challenges Faced:
• Equatorial Region:
a. High humidity, heat, and diseases like malaria.
b. Thick jungles make travel difficult.
c. Constant rainfall and flooding can disrupt daily life.

• Tundra:
a. Extreme cold, lack of shelter, and freezing temperatures.
b. Limited food sources and harsh winters.
c. Long periods of darkness during winter and constant winds.

Std 10 Geography Chapter 3 Notes Kerala Syllabus – Extended Activities

Question 1.
Conduct a seminar in your class on the topic “Human Life in the Equatorial Climatic Region and the Tundra Region.”
Answer:
(Hints)
Good morning everyone,
Today I am going to talk about how people live in two very different parts of the world – the Equatorial Climatic Region and the Tundra Region. These places are almost opposites in tenns of weather and lifestyle.

1. The Equatorial Climatic Region
Where is it?
It is found near the equator. Countries like Brazil (South America), Congo (Africa), and Indonesia (Asia) are part of this region.

What is the climate like?
Very hot and wet all year round
Heavy rainfall
Dense forests called rainforests

How do people live here?
Many people live in small villages.
Houses are made on stilts to avoid floods.
People mostly farm and grow crops like bananas, rice, and cocoa.
They travel by rivers or walk through the forests.
Clothes are light because of the hot weather.

Challenges:
Too much rain can damage crops.
Insects and wild animals are common.

2. The Tundra Region
Where is it?
Found in the far north near the Arctic Circle – places like northern Canada, Alaska, Russia, and Greenland.

What is the climate like?
Very cold and dry
Covered with snow most of the year
Short summers, long winters
Trees do not grow here

How do people live here?
People like the Inuit live here.
Houses used to be made from ice blocks (igloos), but now they also have modem homes.
They wear thick clothes made from animal skin.
They hunt animals like seals and fish for food.
Snowmobiles and sleds are used for transport.

Challenges:
Very harsh weather
Hard to grow food – they depend on hunting and modem supplies

Conclusion:
Even though the Equatorial region is hot and rainy and the Tundra region is cold and snowy, people have learned to live in both places. They use the resources around them and adjust their homes, clothes, and food to survive.

Thank you

Question 2.
With the help of information technology, create a digital album containing pictures that illustrate the lifestyles of tribes in the Equatorial Climatic Region and the Tundra Region. Make a comparative study of their lifestyles.
Answer:
(Hints)
Page 1: Cover Page: Title: Life of Tribes in the Equatorial and Tundra Regions

Page 2: Introduction

• A few lines introducing both climatic regions
• Show a world map marking the Equator and the Arctic Circle

Page 3 – 5: Equatorial Region Tribes
Example Tribe: Yanomami (Amazon Rainforest)
Images: Forest, stilt houses, tribal people, river boats
Lifestyle points:

• Live in large family groups in the rainforest
• Hunt, fish, and gather fruits
• Use blowpipes and arrows for hunting
• Wear light clothes or no clothes due to hot weather
• Houses made from wood and leaves

Page 6 – 8: Tundra Region Tribes
Example Tribe: Inuit (Arctic Region)
Images: Snow-covered land, igloos, fur clothing, sled dogs

Lifestyle points:

• Live in icy and snowy areas
• Wear clothes made from animal skin for warmth
• Eat fish, seals, and caribou
• Travel using sleds and snowmobiles
• Homes are modern now, but igloos were used earlier

Page 9: Comparison based on the above points (can add tables)

Page 10: Conclusion

Question 3.
Prepare a note comparing the climate of both the Equatorial Climatic Region and the Tundra Region. Answer:

Feature	Equatorial climatic region	Tundra region
Location	Near the Equator (0° latitude)	Near the North Pole (Arctic Circle)
Temperature	Always hot (25°C to 30°C)	Always cold (can go below -30°C in winter)
Rainfall	Heavy rainfall all year round	Very little rainfall or snow
Seasons	No real seasons – hot and wet all year	Long winters and short, cool summers
Sunlight	Almost 12 hours of sunlight every day	Very little sunlight in winter, long days in summer
Humidity	Very high – the air feels wet and sticky	Very low – dry and cold air
Wind	Calm winds, but storms can happen	Cold, strong winds blow across the land

Question 4.
Prepare a pictorial description of the Northern Lights after collecting more information about it.
Present it in the classroom.
Answer:
(Hints)
Slide 1: What Are the Northern Lights?
Picture: Sky glowing with green, purple, and pink waves
“The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are glowing lights in the night sky. They look like dancing ribbons and happen near the North Pole!”

Slide 2: How Do They Happen?
Picture: Diagram showing the sun, Earth, and light reaching the poles
“The sun sends out tiny particles called solar wind. When these touch the Earth’s air near the North Pole, the sky lights up!”

Slide 3: What Colors Do You See?
Picture: Northern Lights in green, purple, and red
“You can see green, purple, blue, or even red lights. The colors depend on which gas the particles bump into in the sky.”

Slide 4: Where Can You See Them?
Picture: Map showing places like Alaska, Norway, Canada, etc.
“You can see them best in Alaska, Canada, Norway, Finland, and other Arctic places – especially on dark, cold nights.”

Slide 5: Cool Facts!
Picture: Aurora + Inuit people + snowy land
“In olden times, people thought the lights were spirits dancing in the sky!”
“There are also Southern Lights in Antarctica – called Aurora Australis!”

Question 5.
Conduct a debate on the topic ‘The Challenges faced by the Equatorial Rainforests’.
Answer:
(Hints)
For the Motion (Challenges are serious):

• Deforestation – Trees are cut down for farming, mining, and roads.
• Loss of biodiversity – Animals and plants lose their homes and may go extinct.
• Climate change – Fewer trees means more carbon dioxide in the air.
• Soil erosion – Without trees, soil gets washed away easily.
• Illegal logging – Many trees are cut without permission, harming the forest.
• Tribal displacement – Indigenous people are forced to leave their land.
• Pollution – Industries pollute rivers and the air in forest areas.

Against the Motion (There are ways to manage the challenges):

• Economic needs – Forest land is used for jobs, farming, and development.
• Sustainable logging – Trees can be cut and replanted responsibly.
• Eco-tourism – Rainforests attract tourists, helping local economies.
• Technology and research – Scientists are finding new ways to protect forests.
• Conservation efforts – Many countries have laws to protect forests.
• Global awareness – More people now care and take action for rainforests.
• Balancing development and nature – Smart planning can help both people and the environment.

From The Rainy Forests to The Land of Permafrost Class 10 Notes Pdf

• One of the salient features of the equatorial climate is that the temperature remains more or less the same throughout the year.
• In the equatorial region, there is no significant variation in the annual and diurnal ranges of temperature.
• There is no winter in the equatorial climatic region.
• The atmospheric disturbances caused by the convergence of air currents in the Doldrums occasionally lead to intermittent rainfall of cyclonic origin.
• The annual rainfall in the equatorial region is between 175 cm and 250 cm.
• Luxuriant forests, called tropical rainforests, are one of the salient features of the equatorial climatic region.
• The rainforest found in the Amazon Basin is called Selvas.
• In the equatorial climatic region, there is no particular season for seeding, flowering, fruiting, and shedding leaves.
• The Pygmies of Africa, the Indian tribes of the Amazon Basin, and the Orang Asli of Malaysia are some of the important native groups of equatorial region.
• Sleeping sickness is a type of disease found in equatorial rainforests.
• The equatorial climatic region is rich in the diversity of wildlife.
• The Tundra region is located to the north of the Taiga region.
• Tundra region spreads along the Arctic coasts of North America and Eurasia, and of Greenland.
• The Tundra region can be categorised into Arctic Tundra and Alpine Tundra.
• The Tundra climatic region is also called the Arctic or Polar Climate.
• The climate of the Tundra is characterised by a very low mean annual temperature.
• The Tundra is a sparsely populated region. Human life in this region is largely confined to the coast.

INTRODUCTION

This chapter, ‘From the rainy forests to the land of permafrost,’ takes us through two contrasting climatic regions: the Equatorial Climatic Region and the Tundra Region. The Equatorial Climatic Region, situated near the Equator, is characterised by a consistently hot and humid climate with heavy rainfall throughout the year. This creates ideal conditions for the growth of dense tropical rainforests, which are home to a rich diversity of plant and animal life. The people living in this region, such as the indigenous Yanomami of the Amazon, rely heavily on the forest for sustenance, using the land for farming, hunting, and fishing. In stark contrast, the Tundra Region, located near the Earth’s poles, experiences extreme cold and is covered by permafrost, or permanently frozen soil. Due to the harsh climate, only hardy plants like mosses and lichens can survive here. Human life in the tundra, particularly for the Inuit people, is shaped by the need for warm clothing, sheltered homes like igloos, and a reliance on hunting and fishing to sustain life. This chapter explores how these two regions, each with its unique climate and natural vegetation, have shaped the way humans live and adapt to their environments.

Equatorial Climatic Region

• One of the salient features of the equatorial climate is that the temperature remains more or less the same throughout the year.
• In the equatorial region, there is no significant variation in the annual and diurnal ranges of temperature.
• There is no winter in the equatorial climatic region.
• The high rate of insolation received here causes consistently high temperature.
• The equatorial climatic region is the region where the rainfall is heavy and well-distributed throughout the year.
• The annual rainfall in this region is between 175 cm and 250 cm.
• The atmospheric disturbances caused by the convergence of air currents in the Doldrums occasionally lead to intermittent rainfall of cyclonic origin.

Natural Vegetation in Equatorial Climatic Region

• Luxuriant forests, called tropical rainforests, are one of the salient features of the equatorial climatic region.
• The rainforest found in the Amazon Basin is called Selvas.
• In this climatic region, there is no particular season for seeding, flowering, fruiting, and shedding leaves.
• Another significant feature of these rainforests is that multiple species coexist in a particular area.
• The equatorial climatic region is rich in the diversity of wildlife.
• In equatorial rainforests, the forest is cleared at certain places for shifting cultivation.
• Due to the physical conditions prevalent in the equatorial climatic region, this area is sparsely populated.
• The Pygmies of Africa, the Indian tribes of the Amazon Basin, and the Orang Asli of Malaysia are some of the important native groups of this region.
• Sleeping sickness is a type of disease found in equatorial rainforests.

Tundra Region

• The Tundra region is located to the north of the Taiga region.
• Tundra region spreads along the Arctic coasts of North America and Eurasia, and of Greenland.
• The Tundra region can be categorised into Arctic Tundra and Alpine Tundra.
• The Tundra climatic region is also called the Arctic or Polar Climate.
• The climate of the Tundra is characterised by a very low mean annual temperature.
• One of the features of this region is that during the period when the sun’s apparent position is in the Northern Hemisphere, the North Pole experiences day for around six months.
• In contrast, during the period when the sun’s apparent position is in the Southern Hemisphere, the North Pole experiences night for around six months.
• During winter, they live in houses called igloos, and in summer, they migrate to other places for hunting and fishing.

EQUATORIAL CLIMATIC REGION

• One of the salient features of the equatorial climate is that the temperature remains more or less the same throughout the year.
• In the equatorial region, there is no significant variation in the annual and diurnal ranges of temperature.
• There is no winter in the equatorial climatic region.
• The high rate of insolation received here causes consistently high temperature.
• The equatorial climatic region is the region where the rainfall is heavy and well-distributed throughout the year.
• The annual rainfall in this region is betw een 175 cm and 250 cm.

One of the salient features of the equatorial climate is that the temperature remains more or less the same throughout the year. In the equatorial region, there is no significant variation in the annual and diurnal ranges of temperature. The mean monthly temperature and the mean annual temperature are both around 27 degrees Celsius. The high rate of insolation received here causes consistently high temperature. Because of this, the region does not experience winter. The mornings experience a moderate temperature, but as the day progresses, it increases considerably. This significant rise in temperature causes a high rate of evaporation, followed by heavy downpours of convectional rain in the afternoons.

The equatorial climatic region is the region where the rainfall is heavy and well-distributed throughout the year. The annual rainfall in this region is between 175 cm and 250 cm. High temperature and high rate of evaporation are the reasons for the heavy rainfall. Along with convectional rainfall, orographic rainfall is also received in certain places. It is the mountainous areas of Indonesia and Africa where orographic rainfall is experienced.

• The atmospheric disturbances caused by the convergence of air currents in the Doldrums occasionally lead to intermittent rainfall of cyclonic origin.
• Unlike in the monsoon climate or the savanna region, there is no distinct dry season in the equatorial climatic region. This is due to the abundant rainfall received in the equatorial region throughout the year.

Do you know?
The local wind called Harmattan blowing along the Guinea coast during the night reduces the temperature of that region.

Doldrums
The equatorial region receives a high rate of insolation throughout the year. As a result, a low- pressure region develops along the equator. Horizontal movement of air is minimal in this region. This region is called the doldrums. It is also where the trade winds from both hemispheres converges.

In spite of being situated in the equatorial climatic region, Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain peak in Africa, is snow-covered throughout the year. Excessive humidity, high rates of insolation and intense heat make the days in the equatorial climatic region quite oppressive. However, the moderating effect of winds blowing from the sea brings some relief to the coastal areas. As a result, coastal regions tend to be more populated. The significant features of the equatorial climatic region include consistently high temperature and heavy rainfall throughout the year. The high temperature and abundant rainfall in this region pave the way for luxuriant vegetation growth.

NATURAL VEGETATION IN EQUATORIAL CLIMATIC REGION

• Luxuriant forests, called tropical rainforests, are one of the salient features of the equatorial climatic region.
• The rainforest found in the Amazon Basin is called Selvas.
• In this climatic region, there is no particular season for seeding, flowering, fruiting, and shedding leaves.
• Another significant feature of these rainforests is that multiple species coexist in a particular area.
• The equatorial climatic region is rich in the diversity of wildlife.

These forests spread over the Amazon Basin in South America, West-Central Africa, Indonesia, the Malay Peninsula, and New Guinea. In this climatic region, there is no particular season for seeding, flowering, fruiting, and shedding leaves. As these processes occur year-round in the tropical rainforest, it remains evergreen throughout the year. Hence, these rainforests are also called equatorial evergreen forests.

A wide variety of evergreen trees, including ebony, mahogany, cinchona, rosewood, and others, are seen abundantly in these forests. Besides large trees, smaller palms, climbing plants like lianas, epiphytes like orchids, numerous parasitic plants, ferns, and grasses like Lalang grow luxuriantly here. It has been estimated that in the Malaysian rainforests, as many as 200 species of plants may be found in an acre of forest.

• Plants grow to varying heights depending on the availability of sunlight.
• Trees form canopies at different levels, according to their heights.

These evergreen rainforests absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen at a massive rate. As a result, these forests are often referred to as the ‘Lungs of the World’.

• In equatorial rainforests, the forest is cleared at certain places for shifting cultivation.
• When these clearings are abandoned after cultivation, less luxuriant secondary forests spring up. Such secondary forests are called ‘belukar’ in Malaysia. In the coastal areas and brackish swamps, mangrove forests thrive.

The equatorial climatic region is rich in the diversity of wildlife. Because of the climatic characteristics of this region, most of the wildlife thrive in trees. The animals which spend most of their lives in trees are called arboreal animals.

Since sufficient sunlight does not penetrate to the floor in these dense forests, undergrowth is absent. As a result, herbivores that feed on this undergrowth are not commonly seen. Consequently, carnivores that prey on them are also negligible in number.

Wildlife in this region includes lemurs, chimpanzees, orangutans, tree-dwelling reptiles, hippopotamuses, alligators, and many birds such as parrots, toucan and hornbills.

HUMAN LIFE

• The relationship between humans and their environment plays a crucial role in shaping human life.
• Due to the physical conditions prevalent in the equatorial climatic region, this area is sparsely populated.
• The Pygmies of Africa, the Indian tribes of the Amazon Basin, and the Orang Asli of Malaysia are some of the important native groups of this region.

Pygmies

Pygmies are the indigenous people found in different parts of Africa, especially in the Congo Basin. They are comparatively short-statured. Traditionally, they live by hunting and heavily depend on the forest for subsistence. They also gather fruits, pulses, honey and other forest resources for food. Their diet includes meat, fish, roots and fruits. They follow a nomadic lifestyle and often live in small temporary huts made of leaves and branches. Pygmies live in groups. Decisions are also made collectively. They follow their traditional rituals strictly. Their rituals and beliefs are closely related to the environment. Indigenous musical instruments, music and dance are important parts of their culture.

The tribes living in these rainforests sustain themselves by hunting animals, gathering nuts and fruits, and fishing. The traditional method of cultivation practised here is shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture. Crops are grown after clearing a forest area by cutting and burning the trees. Cultivation continues until the land loses its fertility.

Once the soil becomes infertile, the tribes move to another forest area, leaving the previous clearings behind, and repeat the same process. Crops such as manioc (tapioca), yam, maize, bananas, and groundnuts are primarily grown through shifting cultivation.

With the arrival of Europeans, plantation agriculture was started extensively. The prevailing climate in this region has proven to be highly favourable for the cultivation of certain crops that are highly significant for industrial purposes. An important crop among them is rubber. Malaysia and Indonesia are the leading rubber-producing countries in the world.

• Another plantation crop widely cultivated in the equatorial climatic region is cocoa.
• Other major plantation crops extensively grown here include oil palm, coconuts, sugarcane, coffee, tea, bananas, and pineapples.
• Most of the natives in the equatorial climatic region are nomads. Most houses are built with locally available resources.

Most of the people living in the equatorial climatic region are either primitive tribes or nomads, residing in houses built with wood and stones. On the contrary, there are many beautiful tourist destinations and modem cities here. Cities like Equitas, Quito Bogota, Singapore, Jakarta, and Manaus and Belem cities of Amazon basin are a few examples. In Malaysia, Singapore, and Eastern Brazil, significant development has also been made through systematic planning and hard work.

Shelters in the Amazon and Malaysian Equatorial Region
In the Amazon Basin, people live in a distinct type of house called Maloca. Malocas have steep-sided slanting roofs. Houses thatched with coconut leaves are also seen here. Villages in the equatorial regions of Malaysia are called Kampongs. Houses are mainly made of wood here. As the houses are constructed with wood, bamboo, and leaves, extreme heat is not felt inside these houses.

Challenges faced by Human life
Though the equatorial climatic region is blessed with rich forests, numerous rivers, abundant water, and scenic beauty, it encounters many challenges. The hot and wet equatorial climate is highly supportive of plant growth. At the same time, it also encourages the spread of insects and pests. As germs and bacteria are more easily transmitted through moist air, this leads to a widespread occurrence of diseases in the region. The spread of insects and pests is also harmful to crops.

• In modern cities, most of the equatorial climatic region is devoid of basic amenities. The thick, luxuriant forest hinders the development of this region.
• It is too difficult and expensive to construct and maintain roads and railway lines through these dense forests and over swamps. Lalang (tall grasses) and thick undergrowth spring up as soon as the trees are cut. It often adversely affects the cultivation of crops too.
• Wild animals, disease-spreading insects, and poisonous creatures pose a threat to the lives of those engaged in construction work in these forest areas.
• Many remote parts of the Amazon Basin, the Congo, and Borneo lack modem communication systems even today. The rivers form the only natural highways.
• Although equatorial climatic regions are blessed with thick forests, commercial extraction remains challenging. The density of forest and the difficulty of transporting logs hinder commercial lumbering. Additionally, the hardwoods are too heavy to be floated down the streams.

Livestock rearing is not a primary subsistence activity in most parts of this climatic region due to the absence of grazing land as well as insect attacks on the animals. The equatorial rainforests play a crucial role in making the world’s climate sustainable. About one-third of the world’s total forests are located in three regions: the Amazon Basin, the Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia. These forests, which play a significant role in influencing the world’s climate, face numerous threats of deforestation in many ways.

Another issue encountered by this region is human-induced forest deterioration. Human activities such as agriculture, construction, urbanisation, and mining are alarmingly destroying these forests.

Sleeping Sickness
Sleeping sickness is a type of disease found in equatorial rainforests. It is spread through Tsc Tsc flies. Another fatal disease in the equatorial rainforests is yellow fever, caused by mosquitoes.

TUNDRA REGION

• The Tundra region is located to the north of the Taiga region.
• Tundra region spreads along the Arctic coasts of North America and Eurasia, and of Greenland.
• The Tundra region can be categorised into Arctic Tundra and Alpine Tundra.
• The Tundra climatic region is also called the Arctic or Polar Climate.
• The climate of the Tundra is characterised by a very low mean annual temperature.
• One of the features of this region is that during the period when the sun’s apparent position is in the Northern Hemisphere, the North Pole experiences day for around six months.

The Tundra region can be categorised into Arctic Tundra and Alpine Tundra. Identify from the table below the regions to which each type of Tundra belongs:

Arctic Tundra	Alpine Tundra
In parts located to the north of Taiga in Alaska, Northern Canada, Siberia, Greenland, Iceland, Scandinavia	In high mountainous regions

The polar climate is characterised by short summers and long winters. The climate of the Tundra is characterised by a very low mean annual temperature. In mid-winter, temperature falls between -25 and -35 degrees Celsius and the temperature in the interior parts of the Tundra falls still lower. Summers are short here during whieh, a few weeks have-the temperature rising above 0 degrees Celsius. The sun never sets for weeks in the area between the Arctic Circle and the Pole. Likewise, the sun never rises for weeks in this area either.

• One of the features of this region is that during the period when the sun’s apparent position is in the Northern Hemisphere, the North Pole experiences day for around six months.
• In contrast, during the period when the sun’s apparent position is in the Southern Hemisphere, the North Pole experiences night for around six months.

During winter, the precipitation is in the form of snow. The coastal areas where cyclones are strong have much heavier rainfall. The strong snowstorms that blow over this region are called blizzards. They often cause heavier snowfall.

NATURAL VEGETATION
The natural vegetation is scanty in this region due to insufficient in sunlight and long winters. The diversity of fauna is also scanty here. Trees are normally absent in the Tundra region due to the challenges posed by the climate. Mosses, lichens, sedges, and bushes are commonly found here. Dwarf willows and stunted birches withstand the harsh climatic conditions and survive in certain places. Some hardy grasses grow in the coastal lowlands where favourable conditions prevail. Herbivores like reindeer make survival possible here only by depending on these pastures.

• Even though summer is very short in the Tundra, which is covered by snow throughout the year, this region becomes active with the onset of summer.
• In brief summer, as the snow melts, bushes start bearing berries, and flowers begin to bloom. Birds migrate to the Tundra during this period from the south to prey on insects that come out at this time. Arctic foxes, wolves, polar bears, musk-oxen, and arctic hares are the other animals found here.

HUMAN LIFE IN TUNDRA REGION

• The Tundra is a sparsely populated region. Human life in this region is largely confined to the coast.
• Plateaus and mountains are permanently snow-covered, making them uninhabitable.
• The Tundra is mainly inhabited by some nomadic tribes.

Hunting and fishing are the major activities for subsistence by the people of the Tundra. Whales, seals, caribou, various kinds of fish, birds, and furbearing animals provide them with everything they need for food and clothing. Their bones and other parts are used as weapons, tools, and even utensils. The Polar Eskimos of Greenland still lead a primitive lifestyle, not very much different from their forefathers.

Different tribes in the tundra and the regions they belong to:

Greenland, North Canada, Alaska	Eskimos or Inuit
North Finland, Scandinavia	Lapps
Siberia	Samoyeds
Lena Basin	Yakuts
North-Eastern Asia	Koryaks, Chuckchi

• During winter, they live in houses called igloos and in summer, they migrate to other places for hunting and fishing.
• During the summer season, they live by the side of streams in portable tents made of animal skin.
• There are Eskimos who hunt and feed on even polar bears.

In the last sixty years, the way of life of the Eskimos has undergone tremendous changes through their contact with Europeans. In coastal villages, Eskimos live in houses with modern amenities. They now use speedboats for fishing instead of small rowing boats called kayaks. Fur-bearing animals are being reared on a commercial scale. In some areas of the Tundra in Canada and Alaska, schools have been established for Eskimo children to enable them to live a modern life. In the Eurasian Tundra, most of the tribal groups lead a nomadic life, wandering with their herds of reindeer in search of pastures. In the Siberian Tundra, large farms have been established for rearing fur-bearing animals, including reindeer, on a commercial scale.

Mining in the Tundra region results in the development of new settlements. In certain areas of the Southern Tundra where favourable conditions exist, cereals with short growing season are also cultivated.

Igloo: The dome-shaped, temporary shelters made out of blocks of snow by Eskimos in the Tundra region.
Sledge: In some areas of the Tundra, a distinct type of vehicle called sledge, which slides over snow, is used for transportation. Dogs are usually used to pull these vehicles.

THE TUNDRA AND THE CLIMATE CHANGE

• The Tundra is one of the places that is adversely affected by climate change.
• Due to global warming, the permafrost in the Tundra melts considerably.
• This adversely affects the ecosystem and environmental equilibrium of the region.

Students often refer to SCERT Class 10 Social Science Notes Kerala Syllabus and Class 10 Geography Chapter 4 Consumer Rights and Protection Notes Questions and Answers English Medium that include all exercises in the prescribed syllabus.

SSLC Geography Chapter 4 Notes Pdf English Medium Consumer Rights and Protection

SCERT Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 4 Consumer Rights and Protection Notes Question Answer Kerala Syllabus

Class 10 Geography Chapter 4 Notes Kerala Syllabus Consumer Rights and Protection

Question 1.
What are the various factors that influence consumption?
Answer:

1. Price
2. Perceived quality
3. Advertising spend
4. Consumer income
5. Consumer confidence
6. Changes in taste and fashion

Question 2.
The change in total utility and marginal utility after the consumption of each additional unit of orange is given in the table below. Analyse the table and answer the following questions:

(a) What happens to total utility when 1 to 5 units of oranges are consumed? What is the change in total utility after the consumption of the 6th unit?
(b) When a certain unit of oranges is consumed, the marginal utility is shown as zero. Which is it? Why does the marginal utility become negative when 7 and 8 units of oranges are consumed?
Answer:
(a) When 1 to 5 units of oranges are consumed, the total utility increased from 20 to 67. The total utility remains the same (67) after the consumption of the 6^th unit.

(b) The marginal utility is shown as zero when 6 units of oranges are consumed. When 7 units of oranges are consumed, total utility diminishes from 67 to 64 (so, its marginal utility is calculated as 64 – 67 = -3). Then, when 8 units of oranges were consumed, the total utility diminished again, and the marginal utility at that situation is -7 (ie, 57 – 64 = -7), so that the values of marginal utility become negative.

Question 3.
Using the quantities given in the above table, we can draw a Total Utility Curve and a Marginal Utility Curve, shown below.

Observe the above graph and prepare a note explaining the relationship between total utility and marginal utility.
Answer:
As per the graph, Total utility increases while consuming each unit of oranges up to a maximum of 6 units of oranges. According to this, the marginal utility decreases up to 5 units and becomes zero at the 6th unit. After consuming additional units of oranges (7^th & 8^th), the total utility diminishes so that the marginal utility becomes negative. As consumption increases, MU typically diminishes (law of diminishing marginal utility), and TU increases at a decreasing rate, reaching a maximum when MU is zero, and then declines when MU becomes negative.

Question 4.
Different types of goods and services and their characteristics are given below. Complete the table using the hints provided.
Hints:
• Sunlight, Air
• Food, Vehicles
• Clothes, Minerals
• Factory, Machinery
• House, Footwear
• Table, House
• Milk, Vegetables
Answer:

Types of goods	Peculiarities	Examples
Free goods	Free goods are those that are abundant in nature and are freely available to everyone. They need not be paid for.	Sunlight, Air
Economic goods	These are goods and services that are purchased and used for a price. They can often be manufactured or collected from nature.	Milk, Vegetables, vehicles, clothes
Consumer goods	Consumer goods are the final goods used by the consumers to satisfy their wants. They are bought and sold for a price and are not subjected to production process again.	Food, Vehicles, clothes, Table, machinery.
Capital goods	It is a physical product which is used in the production of another product. Capital goods are goods that assist in the production process and are sometimes used as consumables. It is not considered as capital goods at such instances.	Machinery, Vehicles, House
Durable goods	Durable goods are things that last for a long time. They can be reused	Vehicles, Table, machinery.
Non -Durable goods	Non-durable goods are items that can be used only for a short period of time.	Food, Clothes, Footwear, Milk, vegetables

Question 5.
What are the things a consumer should pay attention to while buying goods and services from markets? Complete the list.
Answer:

• Seller reputation
• Product features
• Customer reviews

Question 6.
When you receive a bill for purchasing goods and services, check whether it has the GST number. Write down the other things you should pay attention to.
Answer:

• Customer name
• Item details, i.e. description, quantity (number), Unit (meter, kg, etc.)

Question 7.
Check the bills of goods purchased in your household over a period of time and prepare a list of items that are subject to different GST rates.
Answer:

Examples of items	Indicative GST rate
Fresh milk, vegetables, unpacked food grains, eggs, newspaper, books	0%
Sugar, tea, coffee, edible oils, packed paneer, spices, domestic LPG,	5%
Butter, ghee, processed food, fruit juices, packed coconut water, some kitchen wares, computers, and mobile phones	12%
Hair oil, tooth pastes, ice creams, soaps, com flakes, mineral water, furniture, kitchen appliances, stationery items	18%

Question 8.
Prepare posters on consumer rights and display them in the class.
Answer:

CONSUMER POWER! KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! • Right to Safety • Right to Information • Right to Choice • Right to Redressal • Right to Consumer Education

Question 9.
Search the newspapers of the last six months available at your school library. Prepare a note on the various types of fraud reported in them.
Answer:
Here are some types of fraud commonly reported in newspapers.

a) Digital and Online Frauds:

• Sellers on online platforms are not delivering goods after receiving payment
• Creating fake websites that look very similar to legitimate ones.
• Unauthorised use of credit/debit card information for online or offline purchases.

b) Financial Frauds:

• Providing false information or documents to obtain loans.
• Concealing the origins of illegally obtained money by passing it through a complex sequence of banking transactions.

c) Social and Other Frauds:
Creating fake online profiles to deceive individuals into believing they are in a romantic relationship and then asking for money.

Question 10.
Examine the labels of the two toothpastes given in the figure below and prepare a note by adding the symbols found and their meanings.

Answer:
The Symbols found on these two labels of toothpastes are:

• The green dot inside a square: This indicates that the product is 100% vegetarian.
• The number 20 inside a triangle with an arrow: This is the resin identification code for paper and cardboard, indicating that the packaging is recyclable.
• The letters “PAP” below the triangle further specify that the material is paper.
• A symbol of a person throwing trash into a bin: This encourages proper disposal and recycling of the packaging.

Question 11.
There are many other symbols that indicate the quality of products. Find them and prepare a picture album.
Answer:

Question 12.
Laws and procedures alone cannot fully ensure customer satisfaction. We need the intervention of a civic-minded society also. How can a society intervene in this matter? Organise a discussion in the class and prepare notes.
Answer:
The discussion points are:

• The statement “Laws and procedures alone cannot fully ensure customer satisfaction. We need the intervention of a civic-minded society also” highlights a crucial aspect of consumer rights and business ethics.
• Laws often set minimum acceptable standards. True customer satisfaction requires businesses to go beyond these minimums and build positive relationships.
• Customer satisfaction is not solely transactional. It involves emotional and relational aspects that laws cannot fully regulate. Empathy, responsiveness, and a genuine desire to help contribute significantly to a positive customer experience.
• Educating citizens about their rights and responsibilities as consumers empowers them to make informed choices and demand better service. This can be done through public awareness campaigns, workshops, and educational curricula.
• Online platforms and social media allow consumers to share their experiences (both positive and negative), creating transparency and influencing the reputation of businesses. Responsible and constructive feedback can encourage improvements.
• A civic-minded society can encourage businesses to adopt corporate social responsibility initiatives that prioritize customer well-being and ethical conduct.

Points

• Consumer satisfaction is the main objective of all economic activities, and the customer gets satisfaction from using goods and services.
• The want-satisfying power of a commodity/ good is known as utility, and to understand the change in utility when a good is consumed continuously over a given period of time, we need to know about the measures of utility, such as total utility and marginal utility.
• Consumers who lack a clear understanding of product-related issues such as price, quality, warranty, and safety standards are more susceptible to being misled and exploited.
• The Consumer Protection Movement is the most important initiative taken to address the violation of consumer rights and the cheating of consumers.
• The Consumer Protection Act came into force in India on 24 December 1986, following the adoption of the 1985 United Nations Resolution containing guidelines on consumer protection.
• The Consumer Protection Act 2019 came into force on 20 July 2020, replacing the Consumer Protection Act of 1986.
• Consumer courts play a crucial role in intervening in consumer disputes and providing justice, including redressal.
• The three-tier advisory committees under the Consumer Protection Act are, District Consumer Protection Council, the State Consumer Protection Council, and the National Consumer Protection Council.
• If a consumer is cheated, he/she can file a complaint with the respective office or consumer courts.
• Consumer cheating often occurs due to a combination of factors, including the carelessness and ignorance of consumers, as well as unethical business practices and inadequate regulatory enforcement.
• Consumer education is about educating consumers about their rights, responsibilities, choices of products and services, differences in markets and consumer laws.

Std 10 Geography Chapter 4 Notes Kerala Syllabus – Extended Activities

Question 1.
Visit the website national consumer helpline.gov.in, study the Consumer Handbook and prepare an album of pictures related to consumer protection.
Answer:

Question 2.
Visit the different markets in your area and conduct a survey to identify the changing consumer preferences, product characteristics, and price variations.
Answer:
(Hints: Some survey questions were given for your reference).
1. In the past year, have your preferences for the types of products you buy changed?

• Yes □
• No □
• Slightly □

2. Are you more or less likely to try new brands or products compared to a year ago?

• Much more likely □
• Slightly more likely □
• No change □
• Slightly less likely □
• Much less likely □

3. What are your preferred ways of getting information about new products or services? (Select all that apply)

• Online advertisements □
• Social media □
• Recommendations from friends/family □
• In-store displays □
• Reviews websites □
• Other (please specify) □

4. Are you buying more organic or locally sourced food products now compared to before?

• Yes, significantly more □
• Yes, slightly more □
• No change □
• Less □

5. How important are the latest features and technology when you buy electronics?

• Very important □
• Moderately important □
• Not very important □
• Not at all important □

Question 3.
Conduct a survey of homes in your neighbourhood by adding appropriate questions to the questionnaire on consumer rights already given in this chapter
Answer:
(Hints: Some survey questions were given for your reference).
1. How familiar are you with your basic consumer rights in India?

• Very familiar □
• Somewhat familiar □
• Not very familiar □
• Not at all familiar □

2. Have you ever faced a situation where you felt your consumer rights were violated?

• Yes □
• No □
• Not sure □

3. Do you know about any consumer protection laws or helplines in India?

• Yes (Please specify which ones if possible) □
• No □

4. How satisfied are you with the overall quality of goods and services available in our neighbourhood?

• Very satisfied □
• Satisfied □
• Neutral □
• Dissatisfied □
• Very dissatisfied □

5. Have you ever filed a consumer complaint?

• Yes □
• No □

Question 4.
Set up a consumer help desk under the auspices of the school’s consumer club. With the help of teachers, educate the public on the steps to be taken if a consumer is cheated.
Answer:
By establishing this Consumer Help Desk and actively engaging in public education, the school’s Consumer Club can play a significant role in empowering the local community with knowledge about their consumer rights and the steps they can take when faced with unfair practices. This initiative fosters civic responsibility among students and contributes to a more informed and protected consumer environment.

If a consumer is cheated, these are the steps to be taken by the public:

• Advise consumers to remain calm and polite when dealing with the seller/service provider.
• Stress the importance of collecting and preserving all evidence such as Original bills, receipts, invoices, etc.
• Encourage consumers to first approach the seller/service provider with their grievance and attempt to resolve the issue amicably. And advise them to do this in writing (email or registered post) to have a record of their communication.
• Educate the public on fundamental consumer rights, such as the right to safety, the Right to be informed, the right to choose, the Right to be heard, the right to seek redressal, Right to consumer education.
• Explore Grievance Redressal Mechanisms such as, Consumer Help Desk (Your School’s Initiative), Online Consumer Complaint Portals, Consumer Forums, Consumer Organisations/NGOs, Legal Aid (if applicable), etc.
• Emphasise the importance of filing complaints within the stipulated time period (usually within two years of the cause of action).
• Encourage consumers not to give up easily if they have a genuine grievance.
• Check the sustainability of the Help Desk.

Question 5.
If any of your school’s alumni is working in consumer courts, invite them to your school and organise an interview about consumer rights.
Answer:
(Some interview questions are given below for your reference).

1. Could you please tell us a bit about your journey after graduating from our school and how you ended up working in consumer courts?
2. What motivated you to specialise in consumer law?
3. From your experience, what are some of the most common types of consumer rights violations that you see in the consumer court? (Are there any specific trends you’ve noticed in Kochi/Kerala?)
4. What are the fundamental consumer rights that every citizen should be aware of? Can you explain them in simple terms for our students?
5. What is the typical process involved in filing a complaint in a consumer court? What kind of evidence is crucial for a successful case?
6. What are some of the most frequent types of complaints you encounter related to goods (e.g., defective products, misleading advertisements)?
7. What skills or knowledge would you recommend for students interested in pursuing a career in consumer law or related fields?

Question 6.
Celebrate Consumer Day in a grand manner by including seminars, exhibitions, etc.
Answer:
(Main Points that must be included in Seminars on Consumer Day)

• Basic Consumer Rights for Students
• Safe Online Shopping and Avoiding Cyber Fraud
• Understanding Product Labels and Quality Standards
• The Importance of Bills and Receipts
• How to file a Consumer Complaint (with local examples)
• Sustainable Consumption Practices
• Food Safety and Consumer Rights
• Financial Literacy and Avoiding Financial Scams

Based on the seminars conducted, you can arrange exhibitions including the pictures on consumer acts,
consumer satisfaction, consumer education, etc. or make picture albums.

Question 7.
Prepare short documentaries on what you, as students, can do to spread consumer education.
Answer:
The Steps for Students to Create Documentaries are:

• Brainstorming and Idea Selection: As a class or in groups, brainstorm potential themes relevant to consumer issues in Kochi. Select a theme and define the target audience and key message.
• Research and Scripting: Conduct thorough research on the chosen topic using reliable sources (with teacher guidance). Develop a concise and engaging script.
• Storyboarding: Plan the visual flow of the documentary by creating a storyboard outlining the scenes and shots.
• Filming: Shoot the necessary footage in and around the school and local areas (with necessary permissions and adult supervision). Utilise smartphones or basic cameras.
• Editing: Learn basic video editing skills to assemble the footage, add narration, text overlays (in English and Malayalam), and background music.
• Review and Feedback: Share the draft documentaries with teachers and peers for constructive feedback.
• Finalisation and Sharing: Make necessary revisions and finalise the documentaries for sharing within the school, during Consumer Day events, and potentially on school social media platforms (with appropriate permissions).

Question 8.
Prepare a note examining recent court observations and judgments against misleading advertisements.
Answer:
The recent trend in court observations and judgments indicates a heightened scrutiny of misleading advertisements in India. The judiciary is actively reinforcing consumer rights, emphasizing truthfulness and accuracy in advertising, and holding both advertisers and endorsers accountable. The existing legal framework, particularly the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, provides the necessary teeth to address this issue, and its enforcement is being given greater importance. This evolving legal landscape aims to create a more transparent and fair marketplace for consumers in India, including in Kochi, Kerala. Consumers are being empowered to seek redressal, and advertisers are being put on notice to ensure their claims are genuine and do not deceive the public. The judiciary, along with regulatory bodies, is increasingly emphasising the protection of consumer rights and holding advertisers accountable for false and deceptive claims. Here’s an examination of some key trends and pronouncements:

• The Supreme Court has been actively hearing petitions related to misleading advertisements, particularly in the context of health and food products. A significant case involves the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Patanjali Ayurved, where the court has taken a strong stance against unsubstantiated claims, and the denigration of modem medicine.

• The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, defines “misleading advertisement” broadly, encompassing false descriptions, guarantees, and deliberate concealment of important information. The Act empowers the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to investigate and take action against misleading advertisements.

Consumer Rights and Protection Class 10 Notes Pdf

INTRODUCTION

Human needs are many. The list of needs of modern man is long, like food, clothing, shelter, education, health, and entertainment. For all these needs, man uses various kinds of goods and services. Among these goods and services, there are those that are bought at a price and those that are not paid for. Imagine you buy something or pay for a service. Consumer rights are like the basic rules that say you deserve to get what you paid for – good quality, honest information, and fair treatment. Consumer protection is like having a system in place to make sure these rules are followed. It’s about laws and organisations that help you if a company tries to cheat you or sells you something bad. In India, there’s a main law called the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, that helps protect your rights as a buyer. Basically, it makes sure businesses treat you fairly.

Consumer satisfaction

• Consumer satisfaction is the main objective of all economic activities, and it isn’t easy to measure mathematically because it is subjective and depends on each person’s mental state.
• The customer gets satisfaction from using goods and services.
• The want-satisfying power of a commodity/ good is known as utility, and it can be measured by using the unit of utils.
• To understand the change in utility when a good is consumed continuously over a given period of time, we need to know about the measures of utility, such as total utility and marginal utility.
• The Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility is based on the assumptions that all products must be of the same quality and that the consumer’s income and tastes do not change.

Consumer rights and protection

• Consumers who lack a clear understanding of product-related issues such as price, quality, warranty, and safety standards are more susceptible to being misled and exploited.
• By collecting a bill with a GST number, consumers not only protect their individual consumer rights (like proof of purchase and recourse in case of issues) but also contribute to a social commitment by supporting a transparent economic system and discouraging unethical practices.
• The Consumer Protection Movement is the most important initiative taken to address the violation of consumer rights and the cheating of consumers.

Consumer protection movement

• The Consumer’ Protection Movement in India came into being with the formation of the Consumer Guidance Society of India in Mumbai in 1966.
• The Consumer Protection Act came into force in India on 24 December 1986, following the adoption of the 1985 United Nations Resolution containing guidelines on consumer protection.
• The Consumer Protection Act 2019 came into force on 20 July 2020, replacing the Consumer Protection Act of 1986.

Consumer courts

• Consumer courts play a crucial role in intervening in consumer disputes and providing justice, including redressal.
• The three-tier advisory committees under the Consumer Protection Act are, District Consumer Protection Council, the State Consumer Protection Council, and the National Consumer Protection Council.
• If a consumer is cheated, he/she can file a complaint with the respective office or consumer courts.
• Persons with grievances can write a detailed complaint on a white paper and submit it directly to the consumer dispute redressal court, along with supporting documents as evidence.
• Consumer cheating often occurs due to a combination of factors, including the carelessness and ignorance of consumers, as well as unethical business practices and inadequate regulatory enforcement

Consumer education

• Consumer education is about educating consumers about their rights, responsibilities, choices of products and services, differences in markets and consumer laws.
• Consumer education is being included as a separate topic in the curriculum, and through this, practical experiences are being presented to the children in the classroom.
• Consumers need to be aware of their rights and be able to complain and get solutions to the problems they face.
• Consumer protection law plays a major role in ensuring ethical practices in the business sector where producers and consumers come into contact. The intervention of a society that has civic consciousness and consumer education should be there in consumer protection.

CONSUMER SATISFACTION

• Consumer satisfaction is the main objective of all economic activities.
• The want-satisfying power of a commodity/good is known as utility, and it can be measured by using the unit of utils.
• To understand the change in utility when a good is consumed continuously over a given period of time, we need to know about the measures of utility. They are total utility and marginal utility.
• The Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility is based on the assumptions that all products must be of the same quality and that the consumer’s income and tastes do not change.

The customer gets satisfaction from using goods and services. Consumer satisfaction is the main objective of all economic activities. But satisfaction is difficult to measure mathematically because it is subjective and depends on each person’s mental state. However, if we want to know the dynamics of satisfaction, we need to quantify it. Alfred Marshall was the first economist to make an attempt at such a quantification. The satisfaction gained through consumption can be considered as the utility of goods and services.

UTILITY

• The want-satisfying power of a commodity/ good is known as utility.
• It can be measured by using the unit of utils.
• Cardinal Utility Theory states that the satisfaction derived by the consumer through the consumption of goods and services can be quantified by using cardinal numbers.
• Changes in utility can influence the choice and consumption of goods and services.
• Utility is individual-based. It may vary depending on place and time.
  Eg: the utility provided by a fan to a person living in a hot climate may not be the same for a person in a cold climate.
• Any consumer would prefer to choose goods and services that provide the most utility.
• The price of goods and the income of the consumer often influence the choice of goods and services. Every consumer would like to have quality goods and services available at a reasonable price and in accurate measurement. It is also the right of the consumer.

To understand the change in utility when a good is consumed continuously over a given period of time, we need to know about the measures of utility.
They are:
a) Total Utility (TU)
The total amount of utility that a person receives when he continuously consumes several units of a particular commodity is known as Total utility.

b) Marginal utility (MU)
The change in total utility that occurs when one additional unit of a commodity is consumed is called marginal utility.

Eg: Suppose your classmate Nina’s favourite fruit is oranges. Imagine that you are giving oranges one by one for her to eat. When she eats the first orange, her satisfaction will be great. Imagine that she gets 20 utils as satisfaction from it. If you give her another orange to eat, she may not get as much satisfaction from it as she did from the first one. Let’s assume that satisfaction obtained from the second orange is 18 utils(38 – 20 = 18). Thus, the total utility derived from both oranges is 38 utils. 18 utils is the marginal utility obtained from the consumption of the second orange. Suppose five oranges are continuously eaten one by one. The utility gained from the consumption of all the five units is called total utility and the change in total utility between the consumptions of the 4th and the 5th oranges consumed is called marginal utility.

Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility
Marginal Utility from consuming each additional unit of a commodity declines as its consumption increases, while keeping consumption of other commodities constant.

Assumptions and Limitations of Cardinal Utility Theory

• The Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility is based on the assumptions that all products must be of the same quality and that the consumer’s income and tastes do not change.
• Some of the limitations of the Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility are that consumption must be continuous, that the use of other goods must be ascertained, and that the units must be of a fixed quantity and quality.
• Since utility cannot be quantified using cardinal numbers, new theories have been developed to replace the Cardinal Utility Theory.
• It is a fact that, the utility obtained from a good decreases as additional units of it are consumed and it also generally influences consumption.

Utility and Usefulness
All the goods and services we use in our daily lives have utility. But all of them need not be useful. For example, a person who smokes a cigarette gets utility from it. But as we know, cigarette is not a useful thing, and it is harmful to health. Ethics has no relevance in utility.

CONSUMER RIGHTS AND PROTECTION

• Consumers who lack a clear understanding of product-related issues such as price, quality, warranty, and safety standards are more susceptible to being misled and exploited
• The Consumer Protection Movement is the most important initiative taken to address the violation of consumer rights and the cheating of consumers.

Consumers who do not have a clear understanding of product-related issues such as price, quality, warranty, and safety standards are sometimes duped. This can result in consumer exploitation. To avoid such exploitation, we need to know many basic things related to goods and services. It is the right of the consumer to receive a bill when purchasing goods and services. Make sure that the bill has the GST number. Otherwise, you may be cheated. By collecting the bill, you not only protect consumer rights but also ensure a social commitment.

Incidents, such as violation of consumer rights and cheating of consumers, have been happening in our country for a long time. Many initiatives have been taken to address them, the most important being the Consumer Protection Movement.

Goods and Service Tax (GST)
GST came into effect in India on 1 July 2017, as part of the implementation of the 101st Amendment to the Constitution. The aim of GST is to make the economy transparent by unifying various taxes and implementing the concept of “One Nation, One Tax”. There are various rates of GST such as 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%. There are also products that are exempted from GST. The structure of GST is as follows. The state government receives 50% of the GST we pay as SGST and the Central Government receives 50% (CGST). GST registration is mandatory for traders with an annual turnover of more than Rs 20 lakhs.

CONSUMER PROTECTION MOVEMENT

• Consumers should be able to consume with ease and without becoming victims of exploitation, and for this, legal help is needed
• The Consumer Protection Act 1986 was passed by both Houses of Parliament in 1986.
• The Consumer Protection Act 2019, came into force on 20 July 2020, replacing the Consumer Protection Act of 1986.

The Consumer Protection Movement in India came into being with the formation of the Consumer Guidance Society of India in Mumbai in 1966. It is a social movement formed to protect the rights and ensure the welfare of consumers. This movement is led by various consumer organisations and individuals who work against firms or institutions that cheat consumers.

• The objectives of the Consumer Protection Movement are:
• To protect consumer rights
• To prevent frauds
• To empower consumers
• To legislate
• To ensure the credibility of advertisements
• To ensure representation of consumers in political forums

Consumers should be able to consume with ease and without becoming victims to exploitation, and for this, legal help is needed. The Consumer Protection Act came into force in India on 24 December 1986, following the adoption of the 1985 United Nations Resolution containing guidelines on consumer protection. To commemorate the event, 24th December is being observed as National Consumer Day.

CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT 1986

• To protect consumer rights, a law was passed by both Houses of Parliament in 1986.
• This law (The Consumer Protection Act of 1986) clearly defined consumer rights and established a separate judicial system in India for consumer protection.
• With the emergence of e-commerce platforms, a law to protect consumers in such areas has become imperative.
• It is against this backdrop that the Consumer Protection Act 2019 was enacted.

CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT 2019

• This Act came into force on 20 July 2020, replacing the Consumer Protection Act of 1986.
• This Act aims to empower consumers and protect their rights.

The features of the Consumer Protection Act 2019 are:

• Established the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to protect and enforce the rights of consumers.
• Covers rules to prevent unfair trade practices by e-commerce platforms.
• Helps in simplifying the consumer dispute resolution process.
• Provides for the punishment of those who manufacture or sell adulterated counterfeit goods.
• Prohibits the dissemination of misleading advertisements.
• Guarantees the right to consumer education.

There are different laws to protect the rights of consumers on specific issues, apart from the Consumer Protection Act of 1986.
E.g., The Food Safety Act, 2006 (enacted to ensure the quality of food products).

Different rights of the consumer ensured by these laws:
a) Right to Safety: The right to be protected from those goods and services that pose a threat to life and property.
b) Right to Choose: Right to choose goods and services at competitive prices
c) Right to Know: Right to know the quality, quantity, purity and price of goods to protect the consumer from unfair trade practices.
d) Rights to seek Redressal: Right to seek redressal from unfair trade practices and consumer exploitation.
e) Right to Consumer Education: The right to acquire the knowledge and skills to be an informed consumer.

CONSUMER COURTS

• Consumer courts play a crucial role in intervening in consumer disputes and providing justice, including redressal.
• The three-tier advisory committees under the Consumer Protection Act are, the District Consumer Protection Council, the State Consumer Protection Council, and the National Consumer Protection Council
• If a consumer is cheated, he/she can file a complaint with the respective office or consumer courts.
• To make consumers aware and to ensure the quality of the products before purchasing and using them, some symbols are given on the labels of the products.

The history of consumer courts begins with the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act in India in 1986. With this, consumer courts were established, and tribunals were formed for the speedy resolution of complaints. Consumer courts are deployed at three levels.

STRUCTURE OF CONSUMER COURTS

• Consumed courts play a crucial role in intervening in consumer disputes and providing justice, including redressal.
• There are over 600 district forums and 35 state commissions across India.
• At the top of all this, there is an apex body called the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC).

The three-tier advisory committees under the Consumer Protection Act are:
a) District Consumer Protection Council
b) State Consumer Protection Council
c) National Consumer Protection Council

The role of these committees is to advise the respective governments on matters related to consumer rights. Various types of fraud and the institutions and methods to be approached to resolve them.

a) Frauds related to educational institutions:

• Contact UGC, AICTE, State Board
• Approach Consumer Forum
• Lodge a complaint with the police
• Contact the Ministry of Education

b) Healthcare Frauds:

• File a complaint through the grievance portal of the State/National/Medical Council
• Complain with a report to the Director of Health.
• File Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court and Supreme Court for serious health frauds
• File a complaint through the Aarogya Setu app

c) Fraudulent offers of jobs abroad:

• Can complain through the Protectorate of Emigrants (P0E)
• A case can be filed under IPC Section 420.
• If you were scammed after arriving in a foreign country, you can lodge a complaint with the Indian Embassy or High Commission.
• Can get in touch with at Pravasi Sahayata Kendra (PBSK) Toll No: 1800 – 11 – 3090

d) Online Fraud:

• Complain to the Cyber Crime Cell at cybercrime, gov. in.
• Report to the CERT – IN portal (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team)
• Submit a complaint through the National Consumer Helpline or at info@cert.in.org.in

e) Banking frauds:

• Approach the Bank Grievance Redressal Mechanism (Branch Manager)
• If the bank does not respond within 30 days, you can approach the RBI Ombudsman.
• Banking Ombudsman Toll-free no: 14448, cgmbank@rbi.org.in

HOWTO FILE COMPLAINTS

• If a consumer is cheated, he/she can file a complaint with the respective office or consumer courts.
• Persons with grievances can write a detailed complaint on a white paper and submit it directly to the consumer dispute redressal court, along with supporting documents as evidence.
• Insisting on bills at the time of purchase assumes significance in this context.

Some quality symbols
To make consumers aware and to ensure the quality of the products before purchasing and using them, some symbols are given on the labels of the products.

Carelessness, ignorance and being cheated
Consumer cheating often occurs due to a combination of factors, including the carelessness and ignorance of consumers, as well as unethical business practices and inadequate regulatory enforcement. Regulating consumer cheating requires a multi-pronged approach, which involves Strengthening Consumer Protection Laws and Enforcement, Enhancing Consumer Awareness and Education, Promoting Ethical Business Practices, etc.

CONSUMER EDUCATION

• Consumer education is the process of equipping individuals with the knowledge, understanding, and skills necessary to make informed and effective decisions when purchasing and utilizing goods and services.
• Consumer education is being included as a separate topic in the curriculum, and through this, practical experiences are being presented to the children in the classroom.
• Consumer protection law plays a major role in ensuring ethical practices in the business sector where producers and consumers come into contact.

Consumer education is about educating consumers about their rights, responsibilities, choices of products and services, differences in markets and consumer laws. Consumer education raises awareness and instills self¬protection values among consumers. This helps consumers to be protected from frauds and wrongful transactions. The main objectives of consumer education are:

• To protect consumer rights
• To make consumers aware of their responsibilities
• To ensure safety in trade, especially online trade
• To identify ethics and regulations in the market
• To create awareness about consumer protection laws
• To ensure health safety
• To promote consumer justice

Consumer education is being included as a separate topic in the curriculum, and through this, practical experiences are being presented to the children in the classroom. Online courses for consumer education are available today. Consumer clubs in schools also help in raising consumer awareness among students.

Consumers need to be aware of their rights and be able to complain and get solutions to the problems they face. We need to develop a mindset of consuming only the necessary goods. This will provide an opportunity for the people who do not have access to goods and services to get them. Sustainable consumption and development can be achieved in this way. Consumer protection law plays a major role in ensuring ethical practices in the business sector where producers and consumers come into contact. The intervention of a society that has civic consciousness and consumer education should be there in consumer protection.

Students often refer to SCERT Class 10 Social Science Notes Kerala Syllabus and Class 10 Geography Chapter 5 Money and Economy Notes Questions and Answers English Medium that include all exercises in the prescribed syllabus.

SSLC Geography Chapter 5 Notes Pdf English Medium Money and Economy

SCERT Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 5 Money and Economy Notes Question Answer Kerala Syllabus

Class 10 Geography Chapter 5 Notes Kerala Syllabus Money and Economy

Question 1.
Observe the pictures. Picture 5.2 shows that money is used to buy goods. Similarly, all the pictures show the various activities that money does. Discuss with your friends and explain pictures 5.3, 5.4 and 5.5.

Answer:

• Figure 5.3 – Money as a Unit of Value: The girl tells her father that the pen cost ten rupees and the pencil cost seven rupees. This shows that money acts as a measure of value, helping us to know the price of goods. It provides a standard way to compare the value of different items, which helps people make decisions while buying.
• Figure 5.4 – Money as a Store of Value: Here, it is said that Noomi’s father sold land and deposited the money in the bank for her higher education.
  This illustrates that money can be saved and stored for future use. Banks help keep money safe and allow people to use it wtien needed, such as for education or other important expenses.
• Figure 5.5 – Money as a Means of Deferred Payment: In this scene, the vendor promises to pay for the paddy next week. This shows that money can be used for payments in the future, even if the goods are delivered today. This is known as deferred payment, where trust and credit play an important role in trade.

Question 2.
What were the transactions of goods and services using money in your household in the past month? Prepare a list in consultation with your parents.
Answer:
(Hint: Prepare the list with the help of your parents by following the given steps)

1. Step 1: Ask your parents about the things bought or paid for last month.
2. Step 2: Write down the goods and services and how much was spent.
3. Step 3: Note the payment method (cash, card, or UPI).
4. Step 4: Make a clear list or table.
5. Step 5: Check with your parents to make sure it’s correct.

Question 3.
Characteristics of Money
A key characteristic of money is that it is generally recognised and accepted. What other characteristics should money possess? Discuss and complete the list.
Answer:

1. Generally accepted
2. Durable
3. Portable
4. Stable in value
5. Medium for measuring value

Question 4.
Write down the various functions of money.
Answer:

1. Medium of Exchange
2. Measure of Value
3. Store of Value
4. Standard of Deferred Payment
5. Transfer of Value

Question 5.
My trail
I am a hundred rupee note. At 9 am today, a student took me to a shop and bought two notebooks worth Rs. 50 each. Using your imagination, complete my journey by writing down how many transactions I would have undergone by 5 pm, fully utilising my value. How many transactions have taken place in my journey according to you? What is the total value of these transactions?
Answer:
(Example)
a) 9:00 AM: The student walked into a stationery shop and bought two notebooks worth Rs. 50 each. I was handed over to the shopkeeper in full, and in return, he gave the notebooks to the student.

b) 9:30 AM: The shopkeeper went to have his breakfast at a small eatery. He paid Rs. 40 for his meal, and I changed hands again. Now I was with the tea shop owner, along with Rs. 60 change returned to the shopkeeper.

c) 10:30 AM: The tea shop owner used me to buy milk and sugar from a nearby grocery store worth Rs. 100.1 was gone again!

d) 11:00 AM: The grocery store owner used me to pay his delivery boy’s weekly wages – yes, exactly Rs. 100. Now the delivery boy had me!

e) 1:00 PM: Hungry after work, the delivery boy went to a food stall and bought a meal for Rs. 70. The stall owner gave him Rs. 30 back and took me.

f) 2:00 PM: The food stall owner gave me to his vegetable vendor to buy vegetables worth Rs. 100. Another transaction done!

g) 4:00 PM: The vegetable vendor went to a mobile recharge shop and recharged his phone for Rs. 100. I moved again!

h) 5:00 PM: Finally, the mobile recharge shopkeeper placed me in the day’s earnings to deposit in hisbank.

Number of transactions: 8
Total value of all transactions: Rs. 100 × 8 = Rs. 800

Question 6.
Find some news stories related to inflation and present them before the class. List the causes mentioned in each news story.
Answer:
(Hints: Collect more news stories related to inflation and identify the causes)

Question 7.
Inflation based on the General Consumer Price Index in August 2023 and September 2023 is given below. What was the change in inflation in September 2023 compared to the inflation rate in August 2023?

Answer:

• In India, the overall inflation rate decreased from 6.83% in August 2023 to 5.02% in September 2023, showing a drop of 1.81 percentage points.
• In urban areas, inflation fell from 7.02% to 5.33%, while in rural areas, it went down from 6.59% to 4.65%.
• In Kerala, the total inflation rate reduced from 6.26% in August to 4.72% in September, a decrease of 1.54 percentage points. Urban Kerala saw a decline from 6.40% to 4.59%, and rural Kerala from 6.08% to 4.93%.
• Overall, the data shows that inflation reduced in both India and Kerala in September 2023 compared to August 2023, with the sharpest decline observed in rural India.

Question 8.
The repo rates for different periods are given below
June 2022 4.90%
December 2022 6.25%
September 2023 6.50%

a) Find out the trend in the repo rate.
b) Discuss how the repo rate affected the credit and savings in the period from June 2022 to December 2022.
Answer:
a) The repo rate has shown a consistent upward trend from June 2022 to September 2023.
It increased from 4.90% in June 2022 to 6.25% in December 2022 and 6.50% in September 2023.

b) From June 2022 to December 2022, the repo rate increased from 4.90% to 6.25%. As a result of the higher repo rate, borrowing became more expensive for banks. Consequently, banks increased their lending rates, which led to a decrease in credit or borrowing by individuals and businesses. At the same time, banks also raised interest rates on deposits to attract more savings. This encouraged people to save more. Therefore, during this period, there was a decline in credit growth and a rise in savings due to the increase in the repo rate.

Question 9.
Visit the Reserve Bank of India website and find out the current repo rate, reverse repo rate, and cash reserve ratio and present them in the class.
Answer:
(Hint: Follow the given steps to find out the rates)
Step 1 : Access the Official RBI Website (URL: https://www.rbi.org.in)
Step 2: Locate the Latest Monetary Policy Information
Step 3: Identify the Required Rates (Current repo rate, reverse repo rate and cash reserve ratio)

Question 10.
Analyse the functions of the Reserve Bank and explain how it regulates economic activities in India. Answer:
The Reserve T3 and of India (RBI) is the central bank of the country and plays a vital role in regulating economic activities. One of its main functions is to control the supply of money in the economy through monetary policy by adjusting key interest rates like the repo rate and the reverse repo rate. By doing so, the RBI manages inflation and ensures economic stability. It also acts as a regulator and supervisor of the banking system to maintain public confidence and ensure the safety of the financial system. The RBI issues currency, manages foreign exchange reserves, and acts as a banker to the government. It also promotes financial inclusion and ensures smooth payment and settlement systems across the country. Through these functions, the RBI influences credit, investment, and consumption patterns in the economy, thereby regulating overall economic activity in India.

Question 11.
Find out which banks operate in your area and list the category they fall into.
Answer:
(Hint)
Step 1: Identify your local area
Step 2: Search online to find the names of banks nearby.
Step 3: Make a list of the banks you find
Step 4: Find out the Cctegory of each Bank (Public banks, Private banks, Co-operative banks etc)
Step 5: Prepare your final list
Eg: State Bank of India (SBI) – Public Sector Bank
HDFC Bank – Private Sector Bank
Federal Bank – Private Sector Bank

Question 12.
Why do banks offer higher interest rates on fixed deposits than on savings deposits?
Answer:
Banks offer higher interest rates on fixed deposits than on savings deposits because fixed deposits involve locking in money for a specific period, which gives banks more certainty and stability in managing their funds. When a customer puts money in a fixed deposit, they agree not to withdraw it before the maturity date, allowing the bank to use that money for lending or investment over a longer term. In contrast, savings deposits can be withdrawn at any time, so banks must keep more cash readily available and cannot use those funds as freely. To encourage customers to commit their money for longer durations, banks offer higher interest rates on fixed deposits as a reward for locking in their funds.

Question 13.
Anu and Manu are students of Class 9. Anu won a prize of Rs. 25,000 in a state-level elocution competition. Manu receives National Meritcum-Means Scholarship of Rs. 12,000 every year from Class 9 to 12. Both of them want to deposit this money in a bank for their higher education. Which bank accounts would you suggest for Anu and Manu to deposit this money?
Answer:

• For Anu, a Fixed Deposit account is ideal as it offers higher interest and is suitable for long-term saving.
• For Manu, a Recurring Deposit account works best for regular deposits, or he could choose a Savings Account for flexibility, though with lower interest.

Question 14.
Identify and prepare notes on various loans offered by commercial banks.
Answer:
(Hints: Find more loans offered by commercial banks and prepare notes)

Personal Loan

• Purpose: For personal needs such as weddings, vacations, medical emergencies, or home renovations.
• Features: Unsecured loan (no collateral required), Flexible use of funds, Higher interest rates compared to secured loans.
• Repayment: Generally paid in EMls over 1 – 5 years.

Car Loan

• Purpose: To purchase a new or used car.
• Features: Secured loan (the car serves as collateral), Short to medium repayment tenure (1 – 7 years),
  Lower interest rate compared to personal loans.
• Repayment: Paid through monthly EMIs.

Question 15.
Visit three banks in your area and find out the rates they charge as interest for various loans and complete the table.

a) Identify the type of loan for which banks charge the lowest rate of interest.
b) List the collateral that the banks accept for various loans.
Answer:

a) Home loan
b) Residential Property, Commercial Property, Gold Ornaments or Gold Coins etc.

Question 16.
How do commercial banks influence economic activity?
Answer:
Commercial banks play a vital role in influencing economic activity by acting as financial intermediaries between savers and borrowers. They mobilize savings from individuals and businesses through deposit schemes and lend these funds to those in need, such as entrepreneurs, farmers, industries, and consumers. By offering credit for productive purposes, commercial banks help increase investment, boost production, and generate employment. They also facilitate trade by providing services like issuing letters of credit, enabling digital payments, and offering foreign exchange services. Moreover, through their lending policies, they help control inflation and maintain price stability in coordination with the central bank. In this way, commercial banks actively contribute to the growth and development of the economy.

Question 17.
Organize an interview with a bank official to create awareness about the possible frauds that can occur while using banking services online and the steps we need to take against it. Prepare a questionnaire for this purpose.
Answer:
(Hints: Conduct an interview with a bank official by using the given questions)

• Can you tell us about your role and responsibilities in the bank?
• What are some of the most common online banking frauds today?
• What is SIM swapping, and how can it affect a person’s bank account?
• Why should we avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking transactions?
• How can someone recognize a fake banking app or website?
• What steps should customers take to protect their online banking accounts?
• What should a person do immediately if they notice an unauthorised transaction?

Question 18.
The sources of credit in Kerala during various periods are given in the table.

a) Find out the reason for the decrease in loan share from banks and increase in loan share from SHGs during 2019 – 21.
b) Discuss the influence of local moneylenders on the credit system in Kerala.
Answer:
a) Reason for Decrease in Loan Share from Banks and Increase in Loan Share from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) (2019 – 2021):
From the data:

• Bank credit fell from 68.55% in 2019 to 44.51% in 2021.
• SHG credit rose sharply from 8.8% in 2019 to 41.53% in 2021.

Reasons:
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact (2020 – 21):

• Banks tightened credit due to increased risk and uncertainty.
• Formal procedures and documentation may have made bank loans less accessible.

Accessibility of SHGs:

• SHGs provided quicker, more flexible loans with minimal paperwork.
• They became a lifeline for many during economic hardships, especially in rural areas.

Government and NGO Support:

• During the pandemic, government schemes promoted SHG involvement in microcredit.
• SHGs were encouraged to support vulnerable communities, boosting their role.

b) From the data: Share of local moneylenders dropped from 8.04% in 2019 to 4.43% in 2021.
Traditional Role: Local moneylenders have historically been a convenient source of credit, especially in rural areas with limited banking access.
Issues with High Interest Rates: They often charge very high, unregulated interest rates, leading to debt traps.
Declining Influence: Due to better access to SHGs and microfinance institutions, reliance on moneylenders has decreased. Awareness and financial literacy may also contribute to their reduced role.
Still Relevant in Emergencies: Despite decline, they remain important for emergency loans where formal options are not feasible.

Question 19.
What are the different sources of credit in India? Discuss in class how they function in the economy. Answer:
In India, the main sources of credit can be broadly categorized into formal and informal sources. Formal sources include banks and cooperatives, which are regulated by the government and provide loans at reasonable interest rates with proper documentation. These institutions support economic activities by offering credit to farmers, businesses, and individuals for various needs like agriculture, education, and housing. Informal sources, such as moneylenders, traders, employers, and friends or relatives, operate outside government regulation. Though they are easily accessible, they often charge high interest rates and may exploit borrowers. In the economy, formal credit promotes growth and stability, while dependence on informal credit can lead to debt traps. It is important to increase access to formal credit to ensure fair and inclusive economic development.

Question 20.
Credit deposit ratio in public sector banks in various states is given.

a) Find out the reasons why the credit deposit ratio is high in some states and low in others.
b) Examine the credit deposit ratio from March 2021 to March 2023.
Answer:
a)

• Economic Activity and Industrial Development
• Banking Infrastructure and Financial Inclusion
• Population Density and Urbanization
• Agricultural Dependence and Credit Risk
• Migration and Remittances
• Policy and Regulatory Factors

b)

• Andhra Pradesh shows a consistent increase from 136.20 (2021) to 155.40 (2023), indicating growing credit disbursal and economic activity.
• Assam also shows a steady rise from 37.69 to 47.27, suggesting gradual financial inclusion and economic growth.
• Tamil Nadu experienced a slight dip in 2022 but recovered in 2023, showing a stable credit environment.
• Kerala showed steady growth from 64.74 to 72.05, indicating improved lending practices and utilization of deposits.
• Punjab, however, saw a continuous decline from 44.56 to 41.92, which may point to economic slowdown, credit risk, or conservative lending behavior in the state.

Question 21.
What are the steps the government has taken to promote financial inclusion?
Answer:

• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): Launched in 2014, this is one of the largest financial inclusion programs in the world. It aims to provide every household with a bank account, along with a debit card, accidental insurance, and over draft facility.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Under this system, government subsidies and welfare payments are directly transferred into beneficiaries’ bank accounts, reducing leakages and ensuring transparency.
• Digital Payment Platforms: The government has promoted platforms like BHIM app, UPI (Unified Payments Interface), Rupay cards, and mobile wallets to encourage digital transactions and reduce dependence on cash.
• Financial Literacy Programs: The RBI and other government bodies regularly conduct awareness campaigns to educate people about savings, credit, insurance, and digital banking.
• MUDRA Yojana: Through the Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA), the government provides loans to small and micro enterprises, especially to those who don’t have access to traditional banking.
• Jan Suraksha Schemes: These include affordable insurance and pension schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY).
• Small Finance Banks and Payments Banks: The RBI has licensed these banks to focus on underserved areas, offering basic banking services to low-income groups.

Std 10 Geography Chapter 5 Notes Kerala Syllabus – Extended Activities

Question 1.
Visit the website of Reserve Bank of India and prepare a class report on its various publications
Answer:
(Hints for Class Report on RBI Publications)
Introduction:

• RBI is India’s central bank.
• It manages money, banks, and inflation.
• Shares information through regular publications.

Types of RBI Publications:
a. Annual Report

• Published once a year.
• Explains RBI’s work and future plans.
• Shows how the economy performed.

b. Financial Stability Report (FSR)

• Talks about safety of banks.
• Tells if the financial system is stable.

c. Monetary Policy Report

• Explains RBI’s decisions on interest rates.
• Focuses on inflation and money control.

d. Report on Currency and Finance

• Gives deep analysis of economic topics.
• Useful for researchers and policymakers.

e. RBI Bulletin

• Monthly magazine-like report.
• Contains articles, data, and news.

f. Handbook of Statistics

• Lots of economic and banking data.
• Useful for students and economists.

g. Consumer Education Material

• Guides for the public.
• Topics: digital banking, fraud safety, etc. Conclusion

Question 2.
Visit a Commercial bank in your area and understand their various activities and services provided. Prepare a chart showing the credit deposit ratio, various loans and deposits and their interest rates.
Answer:
(Hints)
Class Report : Visit a Commercial Bank
Bank Visited : State Bank of India (SBI) – [Insert your local branch name]
Date of Visit : (Insert date)

Type of Service	Details
Deposits	Savings Account, Current Account, Fixed Deposit (FD), Recurring Deposit (RD)
Loans	Home Loan, Personal Loan, Car Loan, Education Loan, Business Loan
Other Services	ATM services, Internet Banking, Mobile Banking, Debit/Credit Cards, UPI
Customer Support	Help Desk, KYC Updating, Account Opening Assistance

These are the common activities in a bank. Also, try to find the various deposits (savings deposits, current deposits, fixed deposits), loans (Home loan, personal loan, car loan) and their interest rates.

Question 3.
Visit a production unit and prepare a report containing the following information.
■ Operating sector (primary, secondary or tertiary)
■ Services provided by the bank to this production unit
■ Relation with other sectors
Answer:
(Hints: Visit to a Production Unit and Prepare Report)
Operating Sector

• Identify what the unit produces: goods (like clothes, food, machinery) or services.
• If it makes physical goods, it is in the Secondary Sector.
• If it grows raw materials (like farming, fishing), it’s Primary Sector.
• If it provides services (like banking, IT, education), it’s Tertiary Sector.

Bank Services Provided (Ask or find out about)

• Loans: Working capital loan, machinery loan, or building loan?
• Bank accounts: Current account for business use?
• Digital services: Internet banking, mobile banking?

Relation with Other Sectors

• From whom do they buy raw materials? (Primary Sector)
• Who helps them sell or deliver products? (Tertiary Sector)
• Do they use transport, advertising, or software?

Money and Economy Class 10 Notes Pdf

INTRODUCTION

This chapter “Money and Economy” explores the crucial role that money plays in the functioning of a modern economy. It begins by explaining the concept of money, its functions, and how it serves as a medium of exchange. The chapter then highlights the role of the Central Bank, especially the Reserve Bank of India, in regulating the supply of money and maintaining economic stability. It also discusses the functioning of banks and non-banking financial institutions, which provide vital financial services to individuals and businesses. With the advancement of technology in banking, digital transactions and online banking have become more accessible and efficient. The chapter further examines the sources of credit in India, both formal and informal, and emphasises the significance of financial inclusion ensuring that banking services reach all sections of society, including the rural and marginalized. Together, these topics help students understand the interconnected nature of money, financial institutions, and economic development.

Money

• Anything accepted in the exchange of goods and services can generally be called money.
• Money stimulates the economic activities of production, distribution and consumption and strengthens the economy by making the transactions faster.
• The number of times a unit of money is exchanged in a given period of time is known as the velocity of circulation of money.
• General functions of Money:
  • Medium of Exchange
  • Measure of Value
  • Store of Value
  • Means of Deferred Payments

Money and Central Bank

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the central bank of India and it is headed by its Governor. It was established on 1 April 1935 in Kolkata under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
• In 1937, the headquarters of the Reserve Bank was shifted to Mumbai. It was nationalized in 1949.
• The Reserve Bank sees the total amount of money in our economy in the form of Ml, M2, M3 and M4.
• Fiscal policy is the policy regarding taxation and government spending.
• Monetary policy is the policy regarding the supply of money and the rate of interest.

Banks and Non-banking Financial Institutions

• Banks and non-banking financial institutions are institutions that provide financial services to individuals, organizations, and businesses in the economy.
• Banks can be broadly classified into commercial banks and cooperative banks.
• Commercial banks are licensed by the RBI to provide banking services and are included in the Second Schedule of the RBI Act, 1934.
• Commercial banks that were allowed to operate in India after the financial reforms of the 1990s are known as new generation banks.
• Unlike banks, non-banking financial institutions cannot accept savings and deposits from the public.

Banks and Technology

• Technology is helpful in increasing the speed of transactions.
• With the advent of mobile banking and online banking, customers have been able to access various banking services using smartphones and computers.
• Some of the payment systems that have emerged in the banking sector as a result of technology are:
  • National Electronic Fund Transfer System
  • Real Time Gross Settlement
  • Core Banking
  • Universal Payment Interface

Sources of Credit in India

• Credit can be considered as the main source for the financing of development activities.
• Sources of credit in India can be classified into formal and informal sources of credit.
• Formal sources of credit are the organized, institutionalized and regulated systems.
• Informal sources of credit are the unorganized and non-institutionalized systems.
• Credit Deposit Ratio measures the proportion of a bank’s deposits that are used for loans.

Financial Inclusion

• Financial inclusion and inclusive economic growth accelerate when banking services reach the common man, the rural population and the marginalised people.
• Government has taken various steps for this.
  • Nationalisation of Banks
  • Co-operative Banking Systems
  • Microfinance
  • Jan Dhan Account

MONEY

• The exchanges of goods and services between individuals, and between production units became easier
  with the advent of money.
• Anything accepted in the exchange of goods and services can generally be called money.

It is money that made the exchange of goods and services faster and made specialization possible. For example, rubber farmers are able to focus solely on their production because they can convert their product, which is rubber, into money and use that money to buy other goods and services he needs. Forms of money change day by day. This is because money influences human life at different levels such as consumers, producers, and suppliers. Banks play a major role in facilitating the activities of money in the economy. Money helps people to buy and sell goods and services, compare the prices of different goods and services, store the value of savings and assets, and lend and borrow money.

GENERAL FUNCTIONS OF MONEY
a) Medium of Exchange: Goods and services can be sold for money, and the money can be used to purchase the goods and services that are needed. For example, labour can be supplied and its reward can be received in the form of money. The same money can be used to purchase goods and services. In this way money is crucial for making countless transactions in the economy.

b) Measure of value: The value of all goods can be expressed in monetary terms. In the barter system, it was not easy to compare the value of one good with the value of another. Money made it easy to compare the values of two goods. The value of a good is the price that is assigned to it in the transaction process. Just as the value of good is measured in monetary terms, the value of money can also be expressed in terms of other goods. The value of money is its purchasing power. When the price of goods increases, the purchasing power of money will decrease, and when the price of goods decreases, the purchasing power of money will increase. Changes in the purchasing power of money are keenly felt when there is inflation or deflation in the economy.

c) Store of Value: When money became something that was acceptable to everyone, it had become possible to store the value of any good in the form of money. This was not possible in the barter system. Through this it is possible to convert the value of goods, including that of perishable items, into money or asset and it can be used in the future.

d) Means of Deferred Payments: In the modem times many business activities are carried out with ease because of the advantage of settling the financial transactions at a later date. Both buyers and sellers generally agree that the cash settlement of the transactions of goods and services can be cleared later. It is possible to measure the value of borrowing and lending in the form of money. This is very helpful for short and longterm business transactions.

How does money work in the economy?

• It is money that moves the economy and speeds up its functioning.
• Money stimulates the economic activities of production, distribution and consumption and strengthens the economy by making the transactions faster.
• Eg: Rice production is an economic activity in the primary sector. A farmer who produces rice may need fertilisers, seeds, pesticides, machinery, and labour. When money is spent on fertilizers and machinery, it becomes a source of income for the producers in the industrial sector. When the rice producers depend upon transportation facilities to get the rice to the market, it becomes a source of income for service providers.

The money received as income by the industrial and service sectors is pumped back into the economy. In this way, each currency spent in the economy changes hands again and again. As the number of exchanges increase, the transactions in the economy also increase. The number of times a unit of money is exchanged in a given period of time is known as the velocity of circulation of money. An increase in the velocity of circulation money indicates an acceleration in economic growth, while a decrease in the velocity of circulation money indicates a slowdown in economic growth. In the economies where growth rate is high, producers and consumers have more chances to spend money, while in the economies where growth rate is low, producers and consumers have limited chances to spend money.Banks and financial institutions play a major role in facilitating money transactions and also in regulating the economic activities. Every country has its own banking system.

MONEY AND CENTRAL BANK
In each country, the respective central banks will be the ultimate authority of the money. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the central bank of India and it is headed by its Governor. It was established on 1 April 1935 in Kolkata under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. In 1937, the headquarters of the Reserve Bank was shifted to Mumbai. It was nationalized in 1949.The central bank regulates and coordinates the activities of banks and nonbanking financial institutions in the economy.

FUNCTIONS OF THE RESERVE BANK OF INDIA
a) Printing and Issuing Currency: As per the Reserve Bank of India Act 1934, only the Reserve Bank of India has the power to print and issue all currencies except coins and one rupee notes. The coins and one rupee notes are printed and issued by the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. The Reserve Bank of India is responsible for designing, incorporating the security features, printing, and distributing the currency. Currency notes are printed at the Government of India’s printing presses at Nasik (Maharashtra) and Dewas (Madhya Pradesh). It is also printed at two presses at Mysore (Karnataka) and Salboni (West Bengal) by Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Limited (BRBNML), owned by RBI. Coins are minted at the Government of India’s mints at Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Noida. Based on the government’s instructions, the Reserve Bank of India can withdraw the currency notes in circulation. This is known as demonetization.

b) Bankers’ Bank: The Reserve Bank acts as the bankers’ bank. It provides emergency loans to banks in the times of crisis, maintains the reserves of banks, and helps to settle transactions between banks.

c) Controls the supply of money and credit: When the supply of money increases and the production of goods and services does not increase proportionately, there arises a situation where there are fewer goods and services and more money in the economy. This causes the prices of goods and services to rise. An increase in the general price level of goods and services is known as inflation. Inflation in India is measured using the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is prepared by the National Statistical Office under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI).

If inflation increases in the economy without any control, it causes a decrease in the purchasing power of money. It adversely affects economic growth and production. Therefore, inflation must be controlled. One of the reasons behind inflation is the increase in the quantity of money supply. The total amount of money in an economy is the total amount of money held by the public and money held by banks and non¬banking financial institutions.The Reserve Bank sees the total amount of money in our economy in the form of M1, M2, M3 and M4.

M1 = Coins and currency notes held by the public and the savings deposits in commercial banks
M2 = M1 + savings deposits in post office savings banks
M3 = M1 + net fixed deposits in commercial banks
M4 = M3 + total deposits in post offices (excluding National Savings Certificates)
where M1 and M2 are known as narrow money and M3 and M4 are known as broad money.

Uncontrolled lending by banks leads to the increase in the money supply in the economy and also inflation. This needs to be controlled. RBI uses quantitative and qualitative measures to control credit.

Inflation is controlled by changing bank rates and changing the reserve ratio, by RBI. The important bank rates are the repo rate and the reverse repo.

For example when inflation increases unchecked, RBI increases repo rate and reverse repo rate. When RBI increases these rates, the commercial banks also change these rates. When these rates are increased, the money available with the commercial banks for lending fall because at a higher rate of interest the commercial banks will take less loans from RBI and deposit more in the RBI. In the same way the loan taken by the public will also be less. So the money available in the economy also would be less. When the rate of interest is high, people will prefer to save more money rather than spend, because the reward for not consuming is greater. The money held by the public Rows to commercial banks and from there to the Reserve Bank. The amount of money in the economy decreases and the inflation comes under control.

• Reserve Bank of India controls the credit and supply of money by changing the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR).
• This is the amount of money the banks must keep as reserves with the Reserve Bank out of the money they receive as deposits.
• When the reserve ratio decreases, the amount of money available with banks to lend increases and the availability of credit increases. This increases the money available with the people.
• However, when the reserve ratio increases, amount of money available with banks to lend will decrease. This reduces the availability of credit and reduces the amount of money people have.

Repo Rate: The rate of interest charged by the Reserve Bank of India on the loans taken by commercial banks from the RBI.
Reverse Repo Rate: The rate of interest given by the Reserve Bank of India on the deposits by the commercial banks.

d) Acts as the government’s bank: The Reserve Bank of India is responsible for maintaining government accounts, providing banking services, and implementing financial management. It also advises the government on matters such as fiscal and monetary policy.

e) Custodian of foreign exchange reserves: The foreign exchange reserves of our economy are the sum total of foreign currencies and gold reserves. RBI is the custodian of all these.

f) Publication of Reports: RBI publishes various reports at different periods such as Banking Trends in India, Monetary Policy Reports, Consumer Surveys, RBI Bulletin and Statistical Supplements.

Who prints one rupee note and coins?
Before 1835, the rupee, coins and other forms of money were used in India. There are historical reasons why the Government of India prints one rupee note and coins.

• The historical convention of 1835 allowed the East India Company, on the basis of Paper Currency Act of 1835, to print paper currency in British India.
• The intention was to facilitate trade and commerce.
• The Coinage Act of 1906 and the Coinage Act of 2011 gave the central government the power to mint coins.
• The Government of India retains this power and therefore prints one rupee note and coins.

Demonetization
The most recent demonetization was implemented in India was effected on 8 November 2016. The aim was to prevent corruption, black money, terrorism, and counterfeit currencies. The existing currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 were declared as no longer legal tender. New currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 were printed. The public had the opportunity to deposit old currency notes, without declaration till 31 December 2016 in banks and with declaration till 31 March 2017 in the RBI.

Fiscal policy and Monetary policy

• Fiscal policy is the policy regarding taxation and government spending.
• Monetary policy is the policy regarding the supply of money and the rate of interest.

BANKS AND NON-BANKING FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

• Banks and non-banking financial institutions are institutions that provide financial services to individuals, organizations, and businesses in the economy.
• Banks can be broadly classified into commercial banks and cooperative banks.
• While the operations of commercial banks are controlled by shareholders, the ownership of cooperative banks is vested with the members of the cooperative societies.
• Kerala Bank is an example of a cooperative bank.

COMMERCIAL BANKS
Commercial banks are licensed by the RBI to provide banking services and are included in the Second Schedule of the RBI Act, 1934. Public sector banks, private sector banks, small finance banks, payment banks, specialized banks, regional rural banks, and foreign banks are some examples of commercial banks.
Eg: NABARD,SBI,Canara Bank
Commercial banks that were allowed to operate in India after the financial reforms of the 1990s are known as new generation banks.
Eg: Axis Bank, Mahindra Bank, Yes Bank and Indus Bank.

Functions of Commercial Banks
The main functions of commercial banks are to accept deposits from the public and to provide loans. Banks act as a safe haven for savings. They are able to convert the money deposited in banks into various types of loans and make them available to entrepreneurs.

a) Accepting Deposits
Various types of deposit accounts offered to the public by commercial banks are:
Savings Deposit: This is a deposit that instills the habit of saving in individuals and allows them to withdraw money according to their needs. The depositor has the opportunity to withdraw money from such deposits, subject to restrictions. The number of times money can be withdrawn within a period and the limit on the amount that can be withdrawn varies from bank to bank. Banks often offer low interest rates on savings deposits.

Current Deposit: A current account is an account intended for business transactions. There is no limit to the number of transactions that can be made from such accounts in a single day. Banks do not pay interest on the money in this account. Overdraft facility is provided for this account. An overdraft is a system that allows you to withdraw more than the amount in the current account within a predetermined limit.

Term Deposit or Fixed Deposit Account: Money that is not needed to be withdrawn immediately can be deposited in such accounts. Banks pay more interest on such deposits than on money in a savings bank account. If money is withdrawn from these deposits before the maturity period, the interest rate received by the depositors may be reduced. The interest can be withdrawn upon maturity along with the deposits, or at various periods determined by the depositor.

Recurring Deposits: Recurring deposits are deposits of a fixed amount of money at regular intervals for a specific period of time. Such deposits earn higher interest rates than savings deposits. However, they are lower than the interest rates on fixed deposits. At the end of the tenure, the accumulated amount can be withdrawn along with interest.

b) Lending Loans
It is the Commercial banks that provide various loans to individuals and institutions for various financial activities. Commercial banks act as intermediaries between depositors and borrowers. Banks keep a portion of the deposits received as reserves and lend the rest to entrepreneurs. Commercial banks charge interest on the various loans they provide to their customers. The interest rate charged to borrowers is higher than the interest rate paid to depositors. The difference between the interest paid to depositors and the interest charged from borrowers is the income of banks. This is known as the spread. Banks provide loans by accepting various collaterals. They accept gold, land documents, salary certificates, etc. as collateral.

c) Other functions Providing various services.
Commercial banks provide various banking services to the public.

• Credit Card,Debit Card
• ATM Services
• Locker Facility

NON-BANKING FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

• These are financial institutions that operate in the banking sector but perform only some of the functions of a bank.
• Unlike banks, non-banking financial institutions cannot accept savings and deposits from the public.
• Money cannot be withdrawn by using cheques from such financial institutions.

Non-banking financial institutions are regulated by institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA), and National Housing Bank (NHB). Insurance companies (e.g. LIC, GIC), mutual fund companies (e.g. UTI), and nonbanking financial institutions (e.g. KSFE) are all examples of non-banking financial institutions.

KSFE
KSFE is a non-banking financial company in Kerala. It was established in 1969 to provide financial services to the people of Kerala. It provides various services like gold loans, personal loans, business loans, vehicle loans, housing loans, microfinance and chits, through its various branches. KSFE has a strong presence in Kerala through its network of branches and the strong support of its customers.

BANKS AND TECHNOLOGY
Technology is helpful in increasing the speed of transactions. With the advent of mobile banking and online banking, customers have been able to access various banking services using smartphones and computers. Online banking is a system where bank transactions are available through the internet. Banking services that were available only at certain times and days are now available 365 days a year, anywhere in the world, due to the intervention of technology. Some of the payment systems that have emerged in the banking sector as a result of technology :

• National Electronic Fund Transfer System (NEFT)
  This is a system introduced by the Reserve Bank of India to make bank transactions between account holders easier and faster. Funds are transferred using the Indian Financial System Code (IFSC).
• Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS)
  RTGS is a system introduced by the RBI to transfer large amounts of money between account holders. The feature of this is that transactions can be completed in a very short time.
• Core Banking
  Core banking is a system that enables an account holder of a bank to carry out financial transactions from any of its branches. There is no need to go to the specific branch where the customer holds the account for the bank transactions. It is conv enient for the customers.
• Universal Payment Interface (UPI)
  UPI is a payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It enables realtime money transfers between bank accounts. Users can connect their various bank accounts through a mobile application and make simple and secure transactions. Some of the popular UPI apps are Google Pay, Paytm, Phone Pay, BIM UPI, and Amazon Pay.

The use of cyber technology can help deliver personalized services and reduce costs, but it also poses significant challenges to security.

SOURCES OF CREDIT IN INDIA
Entrepreneurs need money to start new ventures, to expand existing ventures and to enable firms to adopt new technologies. A large percentage of this comes from banks and non-banking financial institutions. Credit can be considered as the main source for the financing of development activities. Sources of credit in India can be classified into formal and informal sources of credit. Formal sources of credit are the organized, institutionalized and regulated systems. Informal sources of credit are the unorganized and non-institutionalized systems. The mutual coexistence and operational success of both are necessary for the growth of the economy.

Credit Deposit Ratio : Credit Deposit Ratio measures the proportion of a bank’s deposits that are used for loans. It is monitored by the RBI. A high credit deposit ratio indicates that banks have lent out a large portion of the deposits they have received. A low credit deposit ratio indicates that banks are lending out a smaller portion of the deposits they have received.

FINANCIAL INCLUSION
Financial inclusion and inclusive economic growth accelerate when banking services reach the common man, the rural population and the marginalised people.Government has taken various steps for this.

a) Nationalization of Banks
In order to bring the functioning of banks to different parts of the country and to more people, 14 banks were nationalized in 1969 and 6 banks, in 1980. The main objectives of bank nationalization are:

• To expand banking facilities in rural areas
• To provide credit to farmers at lower rates
• To ensure equitable distribution of credit
• To prevent the concentration of economic power in a few people.

b) Co-operative Banking Systems: Co-operative banks play a crucial role in activating the rural economy by providing banking facilities to villagers and ordinary farmers. They operate on the principles of cooperation, self-help and mutual assistance. The objectives of co-operative banks are to inculcate the habit of saving among the villagers, to protect the common people from private money lenders, and to provide low-cost loans to farmers and small businessmen.

c) Microfinance: Microfinance aims to provide financial services to low-income individuals, families, and businesses who do not have access to conventional banking services. Poverty alleviation, empowerment of women and the marginalized, promotion of entrepreneurship and ensuring job creation, and improvement of quality of life are all goals set by micro finance. The Grameen Bank, founded by Professor Muhammad Yunus in Bangladesh in 1983, is a good example of microfinance. Kudumbashree in Kerala works on the concept of microfmance. The work done by Kudumbashree in Kerala for poverty alleviation and w omen empowerment has repeatedly attracted world attention. These systems work by accepting small deposits through Neighborhood Groups and Self Help Groups (NHGS, SHGS) and by providing loans as per the need.

d) Jan Dhan Account: The Prime Minister Jan Dhan Account is a scheme to open an account for all those w ho do not have a bank account in the country. Its aim is to bring all the people of the country under the ambit of banking services. Zero minimum balance account is the special feature of this scheme. It also aims to provide financial services to the low-income group, promote financial literacy and inculcate the banking habit.

• Digital currency has been the latest trend in financial transactions.
• The government is also promoting Aadhaar based payment system, e-wallet and National Finance
  Switch to reduce the use of physical currencies and increase the use of digital currencies, thus moving towards a cashless economy.

Money plays a vital role in enabling the economic activities of production, consumption and distribution. As money turned digital, the number and magnitude of the transactions also increased. New currencies are emerging, keeping in with the changes in the world order. Money channelled into the market for consumption goes directly to producers and distributors while money set aside for saving goes to the entrepreneurs as loans through banks and non-banking financial institutions. Banks and non-banking financial institutions play a significant role in accelerating economic growth rate by promoting transactions. The proliferation and use of technology has promoted cashless transactions and succeeded in bringing those remote areas that have hither to no access to banks into the banking network.

Kerala Bank
The history of Kerala Bank starts with the registration of Thiruvananthapuram Central Co-operative Bank in 1915 through the Travancore co-operative society regulation act of His Highness Sree Moolam Thirunal in 1914. It started functioning as a bank on 18 January 1916. It was included in the Second Schedule of the Reserve Bank of India Act in July 1966. In 2019, the thirteen district cooperative banks of Kerala were merged into the Kerala State Co-operative Bank and became known as Kerala Bank. Kerala Bank operates in all 14 districts of Kerala with 823 branches. The main objectives of Kerala Bank are to provide better banking services, ensure financial inclusion and to accelerate the economic development of the state. Social commitment, rural development and providing support to the marginalized community are also the objectives of the bank. 40% of the bank’s shares are held by the Government of Kerala, 30% by District Co-operative Bank and 30% by others. Kerala Bank provides many banking services to its beneficiaries. This includes accepting deposits, providing loans and making other monetary transactions. The bank provides many facilities to its customers with ATM services across Kerala, modern banking technology and digital platform.

Students rely on Geography Class 10 Notes Kerala Syllabus Chapter 1 Weather and Climate to help self-study at home.

Class 10 Geography Chapter 1 Important Questions and Answers Weather and Climate

Kerala Syllabus Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 1 Weather and Climate Important Questions

Weather and Climate Class 10 Important Questions

Question 1.
What is the name given to the atmospheric conditions such as temperature, pressure, wind, humidity and precipitation for a shorter period of time?
a) Climate
b) Weather
c) Temperature
d) Humidity
Answer:
b) Weather

Question 2.
Which is the earth’s main source of energy?
a) Wind
b) Rain
c) Sun
d) Cloud
Answer:
c) Sun

Question 3.
What is the name of the process of producing energy in the sun?
Answer:
Nuclear fusion

Question 4.
Define Insolation.
Answer:
The amount of sun’s rays reaching the earth’s surface is called Insolation.

Question 5.
What do you mean by Terrestrial Radiation?
Answer:
The re-radiation of energy in the form of long waves from the earth’s surface is called Terrestrial radiation.

Question 6.
In which thermal region does the sun’s ray fall vertically?
Answer:
Torrid Zone

Question 7.
Which instrument is used to measure atmospheric pressure?
Answer:
Barometer

Question 8.
What is the low pressure zone formed due to high temperatures in the equatorial region?
Answer:
Equatorial low pressure belt

Question 9.
What is the name given to winds that blow constantly in a certain direction throughout the year?
Answer:
Permanent winds

Question 10.
Define Humidity.
Answer:
The invisible water content in the atmosphere is called Humidity.

Question 11.
What is the local wind that blows through the Sahara desert?
Answer:
Harmattan

Question 12.
Name the planetary winds. (MARCH 2021)
Answer:
Trade winds , Westerlies and Polar winds.

Question 13.
Friction is one of the factors that influences the speed and direction of wind. Mention the other factors.
(FIRST TERM 2019)
Answer:
Pressure gradient and Coriolis force

Question 14.
What are the difference between the Weather and Climate?
Answer:

Weather	Climate
It is the study of atmospheric conditions for a short period of time.	It is the study of the average weather condition observed over a long period of time.
It is short term phenomenon	It is a long term phenomenon
Weather changes frequently	It does not change frequently
It depends on a smaller areas like district or state	It depends on a larger area like state or country

Question 15.
What are the main differences between short waves and long waves?
Answer:
Energy is radiated in the form of short waves from hotter objects. Due to high frequency, the short waves traverse through the atmosphere without obstruction. Objects with relatively less heat radiate energy in the form of long waves. Due to low frequency, long waves will be absorbed or reflected by the atmospheric particles.

Question 16.
What is Terrestrial Radiation? How does this affect atmospheric temperature?
Answer:
The re-radiation of energy in the form of long waves from the earth’s surface is called Terrestrial radiation. The absorption of terrestrial radiation by the atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide heats up the atmosphere. This phenomenon is tenned as Green House Effect.

Question 17.
Explain Conduction, Convection, Advection.
Answer:
Conduction: Heat is transferred to the lower part of the atmosphere which is directly in contact with the
surface of the earth.

Convection: As the heated air expands and rises up, heat is transferred to higher reaches of the atmosphere. Advection: Heat is transferred horizontally through wind.

Question 18.
When is the maximum and minimum temperature recorded in a day? Why?
Answer:
The temperature recorded at 2pm is considered as the maximum temperature of the day by the meteorologists. The surface temperature of the earth gradually decreases in the afternoon due to the decrease in intensity of insolation as well as the simultaneous terrestrial radiation. The earth’s surface as well as the atmosphere get cooled by more energy loss through terrestrial radiation during night. Thus the temperature recorded just before the sun rise is considered as the minimum temperature of the day.

Question 19.
What are the Isotherms? What is the significance of these in the study of climate?
Answer:
Data regarding the temperature are being utilized for climatic studies and further analysis. Plotting the temperature recorded at specific places, smooth curved lines are drawn connecting the places having equal temperature. These imaginary lines are called Isotherms. Isotherm maps are very useful for analysing temperature distribution.

Question 20.
How is the Equatorial Low Pressure Belt formed? What is the specialty of this belt?
Answer:
The expansion and rising up of air due to high temperature prevailing in the equatorial region is the cause for the formation of Equatorial Low Pressure Belt. This zone of vertical air currents is devoid of winds. Being the windless zone, this pressure belt is called Doldrum.

Question 21.
How are the south-west monsoon winds formed? W hat is the significance of these in India?
Answer:
During summer the South Asian land masses, especially the Indian Sub Continent, gets heated up intensely and severe low pressure develops. Wind blows towards the land mass from the Indian Ocean where comparatively high pressure prevails. These winds blowing as South West winds due to Coriolis effect causes widespread rainfall on entering the land. This is South west monsoon. This south west monsoon is the main reason for the rainy season in India.

Question 22.
What is relative humidity? How is this calculated?
Answer:
The ratio between the actual amount of water present in the atmosphere and the total waterholding capacity of atmosphere at that particular temperature and time is referred to as Relative Humidity. It is expressed in percentage.
Relative Humidity = \(\)\frac{\text { Absolute Humidity }}{\text { Total water holding capacity of the atmosphere }}\(\) × 100

Question 23.
Explain how the Coriolis force affects the direction of winds. (FIRST TERM 2023)
Answer:
One of the major factors influencing the direction of winds is the Coriolis Force. Owing to the Coriolis effect, the winds will deflect towards the right of its direction in the Northern Hemisphere and towards the left of its direction in the Southern Hemisphere.

Question 24.
What is atmospheric pressure? What are the main factors influencing the atmospheric Pressure?
Answer:
The weight exerted by the atmospheric air over the earth’s surface is termed as Atmospheric Pressure. Barometer is the instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure.
Factors affecting atmospheric pressure are:

• Temperature: Atmospheric air expands on getting heated, and rises up. Thus low pressure regions are formed. This rising air gradually cools, contracts and subsides to form high pressure regions.
• Altitude: As the density of atmospheric gases decreases with increase in altitude, atmospheric pressure gradually decreases. The vertical variation of atmospheric pressure is at the rate of about lmb per 10 metres.
• Humidity: As the humidity increases, the water molecules displace the heavier gases in the atmosphere like nitrogen and oxygen. The atmospheric pressure becomes low, as humid air is lighter than dry air.

Question 25.
How is energy produced in the sun? What is the amount of solar energy reaching the Earth?
Answer:
Sun is the sole source of energy for the earth. Energy is produced in the sun by nuclear fusion. Massive amount of energy continuously produced in the sun through nuclear fusion is emitted in the form of short waves. Only a small amount of energy radiated from the sun reaches the earth’s surface (approximately one part of 200 million). The amount of sun’s rays reaching the earth’s surface is called Insolation.

Question 26.
What is earth’s heat budget? How does this help in maintaining earth as a living planet?
Answer:
Almost entire energy reaching the earth as insolation is radiated back every day Thus the surface temperature of the earth remains balanced without becoming extremely hot or cold. This process of heat balancing is called the Heat Budget of the Earth. Consider the total amount of solar energy reaching the top of the atmosphere of the earth as 100 units. Out of this, 35 units will be reflected back and 14 units will be absorbed by the atmospheric particles. The total amount of energy reaching the surface of the earth is estimated as 51 units. Out of this, 34 units will be transferred to the atmosphere through the processes of heat transfer such as conduction and convection. By re-radiating 17 units of energy directly from the earth’s surface and 48 units from the atmosphere, the entire energy received by the earth and its atmosphere gets sent back.

Question 27.
How winds are formed? What are the factors that influence wind direction and speed?
Answer:
Winds are the horizontal movements of air from high pressure areas to low pressure areas.

• One of the major factors influencing the direction of winds is the Coriolis Force. Owing to the Coriolis effect, the winds will deflect towards the right of its direction in the Northern Hemisphere and towards the left of its direction in the Southern Hemisphere.
• The speed and intensity of winds are influenced mainly by two factors.
• Pressure gradient is the change in pressure over a horizontal distance. If there is considerable change in pressure between nearby places, it indicates high pressure gradient. If there is no considerable difference of pressure over horizontal distance, pressure gradient is said to be low. At places where there is high pressure gradient, winds will be strong.
• The friction caused by hills, mountains, forests and man-made structures will obstruct the free flow of winds.

Question 28.
What are Periodic winds? Explain with examples.
Answer:
Winds subjected to the periodic reversal of their direction are termed as Periodic winds. Diurnal winds such as the land breezes, sea breezes, mountain breezes and valley breezes, as well as the monsoon winds which repeat in summer and winter, are periodic winds.

a) Permanent Winds
The winds blowing constantly over a particular direction throughout the year are called Permanent winds. These winds are also known as prevailing winds and planetary winds. These winds blow between global pressure belts. Trade winds, Westerlies and Polar winds are the major permanent winds.

ITCZ
The equatorial low pressure region where the trade winds from the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere converge is known as Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). ITCZ shifts with the apparent movement of the sun.

b) Periodic Winds: Winds subjected to the periodic reversal of their direction are termed as Periodic winds. Diurnal winds such as the land breezes, sea breezes, mountain breezes and valley breezes as well as the monsoon winds which repeat on summer and winter are periodic winds.

Land Breezes and Sea Breezes
The air in contact with the land also gets heated up and ascends as the land heats up quickly during the daytime. This leads to the formation of low pressure over the land which causes the comparatively cooler air to blow from the sea. This is known as sea breeze.

As the land cools faster than the sea during the night it would be high pressure over the land and low pressure over the sea. This results in the movement of air from the land to sea. This is the land breeze.

Mountain Breezes and Valley Breezes
During night, air along the mountain slopes cools, contracts and moves down slope. These winds are called mountain breezes. During day time, the heating by sunlight and rising up of air along the mountain slopes make the wind to blow up slope from the valley. These winds are called valley breezes.

Monsoon Winds
• The term ‘monsoon’ implies the seasonal reversal in the wind pattern.
During summer the South Asian land masses, especially the Indian Sub Continent, gets heated up intensely and severe low pressure develops. Wind blows towards the land mass from the Indian Ocean where comparatively high pressure prevails. These winds blowing as South West winds due to Coriolis effect causes widespread rainfall on entering the land. This is Southwest monsoon.

During winter, as the northern land masses get severely cooled, high pressure develops over North India. This causes the winds to blow continuously from the land towards the Indian Ocean as north east winds.

c) Local Winds: Local winds are winds formed as a result of local differences in temperature and pressure in different parts of the world. Most of the local winds are periodic in nature. These winds are known by local regional names. Details regarding a few such local winds:

Local Winds	Region	Characteristics
Loo	North Indian Plains	Hot wind
Chinook	Slopes of Rocky Mountains in North America	Dry hot wind
Foehn	Slopes of Alps Mountain in Europe	Dry hot wind
Harmattan	Sahara Desert in Africa	Relief to intense heat

d)Variable Winds: Winds of short duration, of which the intensity or direction cannot be predicted are called variable winds. Cyclones and Anticyclones belong to this category.

Cyclones
• Cyclones are low pressure systems towards which winds whirl from the surroundings.
Even if the cyclones developed over the tropical region are comparatively lesser in diameter, they are devastative than temperate cyclones. Tropical cyclones originate over tropical oceans. The tropical cyclones moving in northwest direction over the oceans, get dissipated on hitting the lands. Different temperature conditions prevailing on land and also the friction causes the dissipation of cyclones on entering land.

The tropical cyclones cause intense rainfall and strong whirlwinds along the coasts. They are known by different names in different parts of the world such as Hurricanes, Typhoons, Willy Willies, Tornadoes etc. Temperate cyclones are formed in temperate regions where warm and cold air masses meet. Even if the temperate cyclones are larger in diameter, they are less devastative. Unlike the tropical cyclones, these low-pressure systems can move over land also. The direction of flow of air into the cyclones are anticlockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and southern Hemisphere clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

Anticyclones

• Anticyclones are high pressure system from which winds whirl outwards. Generally anticyclones do not cause atmospheric disturbances.
• The direction of flow of winds from anticyclones is clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and anticlockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

Question 29.
What is Humidity? What is the difference between Absolute Humidity and Relative Humidity?
Answer:
The invisible water content in the atmosphere is called Humidity.

• Actual amount of water vapour present per unit volume of atmosphere is called Absolute humidity. Hygrometer is the instrument used to measure atmospheric humidity.
• The ratio between the actual amount of water present in the atmosphere and the total waterholding capacity of atmosphere at that particular temperature and time is referred to as Relative Humidity. It is expressed in percentage.
• Relative humidity can be estimated based on the difference in temperature recorded in wet and dry bulb thermometers.
• Relative Humidity = \(\)\frac{\text { Absolute Humidity }}{\text { Total water holding capacity of the atmosphere }}\(\) × 100
  Total water holding capacity of the atmosphere

Question 30.
Match Column A with Column B.

Cirrus Cloud	Cotton wool-like clouds
Cumulus Cloud	Thin, delicate, feather-like clouds
Nimbus Cloud	Thick-layered clouds
Stratus Cloud	Dark,rain-bearing clouds

Answer:

Cirrus Cloud	Thin, delicate, feather-like clouds
Cumulus Cloud	Cotton wool-like clouds
Nimbus Cloud	Dark, rain-bearing clouds
Stratus Cloud	Thick-layered clouds

Question 31.
Complete the missing columns in the given table.

Mountain Breeze	a)
b)	During day time,the heating by sunlight and rising up of air along the mountain slope.
Land Breeze	c)
d)	d) During the day, it blows from the high-pressured sea

Answer:

Mountain Breeze	During night, air along the mountain slopes cools, contracts and moves down slope.
Valley Breeze	During day time, the heating by sunlight and rising up of air along the mountain slope.
Land Breeze	At night the pressure blows from high land to sea.
Sea Breeze	During the day, it blows from the high-pressured sea

Question 32.
What is condensation? What are the different forms of condensation? Explain.
Answer:
Condensation
The atmospheric moisture is visible only when the water vapour condenses to form tiny droplets of water.

Different forms of Condensation:
a) Dew: During the night, as the earth’s surface cools down, the atmosphere close to the earth’s surface also cools. The water vapour condenses to form tiny droplets of water which may cling on to the grass tips, leaf blades as well as other cold surfaces.

b) Frost: Whenever the atmospheric temperature falls below 0° Celsius, especially during nights, tiny crystals of ice are formed instead of dew.

c) Mist and Fog: When the atmosphere gets cooled, the water vapour condenses to form tiny droplets of water and remains suspended in the lower atmosphere. Fog or mist is formed as a result of condensation of water vapour around tiny dust particles in the lower atmosphere. Fog and mist can be distinguished based on the range of visibility through them.

d) Clouds: Clouds are formed as a result of condensation around the tiny dust particles in the atmosphere. The water droplets thus formed are less than 0.001 cm in diameter. This is why, they remain suspended in the atmosphere.

Clouds can be classified based on their form as well as the height at which they are formed.

• Thin, delicate, feather-like clouds formed at very high altitudes are called Cirrus clouds.
• Thick-layered clouds, usually formed in the lower atmosphere, are called Stratus clouds.
• Cotton wool-like clouds formed as a result of intense convection currents, are called Cumulus clouds. These clouds have great vertical development.
• Dark, rain-bearing clouds, formed in the lower part of the atmosphere, are called Nimbus clouds. The dark colour is due to the thick concentration of water droplets which does not allow light to penetrate through them.
• These clouds are not usually seen independently. Mostly we see the combinations of different types of clouds. Such clouds are called as cirro stratus, strato cumulus, cumulo nimbus, nimbo stratus etc.

Question 33.
Monsoon winds are classified as southwest and northeast. Validate the statement.
Answer:
The term ‘monsoon’ implies the seasonal reversal in the wind pattern.

• During summer the South Asian land masses, especially the Indian Sub Continent, gets heated up intensely and severe low pressure develops. Wind blows towards the land mass from the Indian Ocean where comparatively high pressure prevails. These winds blowing as South West winds due to Coriolis effect causes widespread rainfall on entering the land. This is Southwest monsoon.
• During winter, as the northern land masses get severely cooled, high pressure develops over North India. This causes the winds to blow continuously from the land towards the Indian Ocean as north east winds. These winds which are generally dry in nature are called Northeast monsoon winds.

Question 34.
Explain how equatorial low pressure belt and subtropical high pressure belts are formed. Identify the planetary wind that blows between these pressure belts.
Answer:

• The expansion and rising up of air due to high temperature prevailing in the equatorial region is the cause for the formation of Equatorial Low Pressure Belt.
• The rising warm air along the equatorial region moves polewards as upper air winds which gradually cool and subside at about 30° North and 30° South latitudes. This results in the formation of Sub Tropical High Pressure Belts.
• The planetary wind that blows between these pressure belts are trade winds and westerlies.

Question 35.
What are variable winds? Distinguish between cyclones and anticyclones. (MODEL 2020)
Answer:
Winds of short duration, of which the intensity or direction cannot be predicted are called variable winds. Cyclones and Anticyclones belong to this category.

Cyclones: Cyclones are low pressure systems towards which winds whirl from the surroundings. Even if the cyclones developed over the tropical region are comparatively lesser in diameter, they are devastative than temperate cyclones. Tropical cyclones originate over tropical oceans. The tropical cyclones moving in northwest direction over the oceans, get dissipated on hitting the lands. Different temperature conditions prevailing on land and also the friction causes the dissipation of cyclones on entering land. The tropical cyclones cause intense rainfall and strong whirlwinds along the coasts. They are known by different names in different parts of the world such as Hurricanes, Typhoons, Willy Willies, Tornadoes etc. Temperate cyclones are formed in temperate regions where warm and cold air masses meet. Even if the temperate cyclones are larger in diameter, they are less devastative. Unlike the tropical cyclones, these low-pressure systems can move over land also. The direction of flow of air into the cyclones are anticlockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

Anticyclones: Anticyclones are high pressure system from which winds whirl outwards. Generally anticyclones do not cause atmospheric disturbances. The direction of flow of winds from anticyclones is clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and anticlockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

Question 36.
What is Precipitation? What are the different forms of Precipitation? Explain their characteristics.
Answer:
As a result of continuous condensation, the size of water droplets within the clouds gradually increases. As the size of water droplets grows beyond the limit of resistance against gravity, water droplets will be released from the clouds and may fall on earth in various forms. This is termed as precipitation. Rainfall, snow fall and hailstones are the different forms of precipitation.

• Rainfall is the common and familiar manifestation of precipitation which is in the form of water droplets.
• Temperature falls below 0° Celsius in cold climatic regions as well as in temperate regions during winter. In such places, precipitation occurs in the form of tiny crystals of ice. This form of precipitation is called snowfall.
• The water droplets released from the clouds are subjected to repeated condensation at different levels of atmosphere. It reaches the earth in the form layered ice pellets. These are termed as hailstones.

Question 37.
List out the global pressure belts. Explain any two global pressure belts. (FIRST TERM 2022,2023)
Answer:
(Refer: Topic 4)
Global Pressure Belts: Temperature is inversely proportional to pressure. Thus the lowest atmospheric pressure might be experienced in the equatorial region and the highest might be in the polar regions. The pressure should therefore increase from the equator towards the poles. But actually this is not the case. Distinct pressure conditions prevail at certain specific zones due to the influence of the rotation of the earth.

• Different pressure belts are formed along certain specific latitudinal zones. These are called Global Pressure Belts.

• The expansion and rising up of air due to high temperature prevailing in the equatorial region is the cause for the formation of Equatorial Low Pressure Belt.
• This zone of vertical air currents is devoid of winds. Being the windless zone, this pressure belt is called Doldrum.
• Atmospheric conditions along the poles are just opposite to that in equatorial region. Polar High Pressure Belts are formed as a result of the contraction and subsidence of cold air.
• The rising warm air along the equatorial region moves polewards as upper air winds which gradually cool and subside at about 30° North and 30° South latitudes. This results in the formation of Sub Tropical High Pressure Belts.
• At about 60° North and 60° South latitudes, normally high pressure zones should be formed due to lower temperature conditions. But owing to the continuous throwing up of air along these regions caused by the influence of the rotation of the earth Sub Polar Low Pressure Belts are formed.
• As the temperature conditions vary with the apparent movement of the sun, the global pressure belts are subjected to relative shifts.
• Global pressure belts may shift to about 5° to 10° northwards during summer season and shift southward during winter season. This shifting of global pressure belts has decisive influence on global climate.

The pressure differences in the atmosphere are largely noticeable through air movements. There are two types of air movements in the atmosphere.

• Air Currents: Air Currents are the vertical movements of air.
• Winds: Winds are the horizontal movements of air from high pressure areas to low pressure areas.

Temperature is inversely proportional to pressure. Thus the lowest atmospheric pressure might be experienced in the equatorial region and the highest might be in the polar regions. The pressure should therefore increase from the equator towards the poles. But actually this is not the case. Distinct pressure conditions prevail at certain specific zones due to the influence of the rotation of the earth. Different pressure belts are formed along certain specific latitudinal zones. These are called Global Pressure Belts.

The zone of vertical air currents is devoid of winds. Being the windless zone, this pressure belt is called Doldrum. Atmospheric conditions along the poles are just opposite to that in equatorial region. Polar High Pressure Belts are formed as a result of the contraction and subsidence of cold air. The rising warm air along the equatorial region moves polewards as upper air winds which gradually cool and subside at about 30° North and 30° South latitudes. This results in the formation of Sub Tropical High Pressure Belts. At about 60° North and 60° South latitudes, normally high pressure zones should be formed due to lower temperature conditions. But owing to the continuous throwing up of air along these regions caused by the influence of the rotation of the earth Sub Polar Low Pressure Belts are formed. As the temperature conditions vary with the apparent movement of the sun, the global pressure belts are subjected to relative shifts. Global pressure belts may shift to about 5° to 10° northwards during summer season and shift southward during winter season. This shifting of global pressure belts has decisive influence on global climate.

Question 38.
How does rain occur? Prepare a note explaining the different types of rain.
Answer:
As a result of continuous condensation, the size of water droplets within the clouds gradually increases. As the size of water droplets grows beyond the limit of resistance against gravity, water droplets will be released from the clouds and may fall on earth in various forms. This is termed as precipitation. Rainfall, snow fall and hailstones are the different forms of precipitation.

• Rainfall is the common and familiar manifestation of precipitation which is in the form of water droplets.
• Temperature falls below 0° Celsius in cold climatic regions as well as in temperate regions during winter. In such places, precipitation occurs in the form of tiny crystals of ice. This form of precipitation is called snowfall.
• The water droplets released from the clouds are subjected to repeated condensation at different levels of atmosphere. It reaches the earth in the form layered ice pellets. These are termed as hailstones.

Rainfall
Rainfall is the most familiar form of precipitation.

Types of Rainfall
a) Orographic rainfall or Relief rainfall.

Moisture-laden winds from the sea enter the land and will be raised along the mountain slopes. This leads to condensation and formation of rain clouds along the windward slopes of mountains. Rainfall occurring in this manner is called Orographic rainfall or Relief rainfall.

While the windward slopes of mountains get plenty of rainfall, the descending dry air makes the leeward side rainless. Such regions are called Rain Shadow Regions.

b) Convectional Rainfall

Rainfall occurs in the afternoon during summer season due to the convection process. Rainfall occuring in this manner are called Convectional Rainfall. As the convectional rainfall commonly occurs during afternoons, it is also called 4 O’Clock rains.

c) Cyclonic Rainfall.
In cyclonic systems where warm and cold air meet, the warm air will be raised up to cause condensation and rainfall. This type of rainfall is called Cyclonic Rainfall.

As the boundary lines between warm and cold air masses are known as fronts, this type of rainfall are also called Frontal Rainfall.

Question 39.
Which are the elements of weather?
Answer:
Temperature, Pressure, Wind and Humidity.

Question 40.
Differentiate climate and weather.
Answer:
Weather refers to atmospheric conditions like temperature, pressure, wind, humidity, and precipitation for a short period of time, while climate is the average weather condition experienced over a longer period (about 35 to 40 years) across a larger area.

Question 41.
How does climate influence human life and activities?
Answer:
Climate affects the flora and fauna, food habits, dressing, settlement, occupation, physical and mental conditions, and even the colour and race of people. It also determines agricultural practices and influences transport and communication systems.

Question 42.
Energy is produced in the sun by …………………………
Answer:
Nuclear fusion

Question 43.
What are the common units for recording temperature?
Answer:
Degree Celsius and Degree Fahrenheit

Question 44.
What is heat and in which unit is it measured?
Answer:
Heat is the total energy of an object due to molecular movement. It is measured in Joules.

Question 45.
What is Thermal Equator?
Answer:
Imaginary line connecting places with highest mean annual temperature along every longitude is termed as Thermal Equator.

Question 46.
How is temperature defined and what are its units of measurement?
Answer:
Temperature is the degree of hotness of an object. It is measured in units such as Degree Celsius, Degree Fahrenheit, and Kelvin.

Question 47.
Write any two factors that influencing the distribution of Temperature.
Answer:
Latitide and Altitude

Question 48.
Define Normal Lapse Rate.
Answer:
The phenomenon of gradual decrease in temperature at the rate of 6.4° Celsius per kilometre of altitude is termed as Normal Lapse Rate.

Question 49.
Why is the temperature higher near the equator and lower towards the poles?
Answer:
Very, high temperature is experienced along the equatorial regions where the incidence of sun’s rays is almost vertical. Owing to the spherical shape of the earth, the incidence of sun’s rays are more inclined away from the equator towards the poles. Thus the temperature gradually decreases towards both the poles.

Question 50.
How does altitude affect atmospheric temperature?
Answer:
Atmospheric temperature gradually decreases with an increase in altitude.

Question 51.
Define Atmospheric Pressure.
Answer:
The weight exerted by the atmospheric air over the earth’s surface is termed as Atmospheric Pressure.

Question 52.
Which instrument is used to measure atmospheric pressure?
Answer:
Barometer

Question 53.
What are the two main types of barometers?
Answer:
Mercury Barometer and the Aneroid Barometer.

Question 54.
What are isobars?
Answer:
Isobars are smooth curved lines drawn on maps to connect places having equal atmospheric pressure.

Question 55.
What are the two types of air movements in the atmosphere?
Answer:
Air Currents and Winds.

Question 56.
What is the Coriolis effect and how does it influence the direction of winds?
Answer:
One of the major factors influencing the direction of winds is the Coriolis Force.Owing to the Coriolis effect, the winds will deflect towards the right of its direction in the Northern Hemisphere and towards the left of its direction in the Southern Hemisphere.

Question 57.
What are the functions of an anemometer and wind vane?
Answer:
Anemometer is the instrument used to measure the speed of wind. The distance travelled by wind per hour can be estimated using this instrument. Wind Vane is the instrument which indicates the direction of wind.

Question 58.
What is the characteristics of the local wind Chinook?
Answer:
Dry hot wind

Question 59.
What is the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and how does it shift?
Answer:
The equatorial low pressure region where the trade winds from the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere converge is known as Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) . ITCZ shifts with the apparent movement of the sun.

Question 60.
What are local winds and how are they named?
Answer:
Local winds are winds formed due to local differences in temperature and pressure. They are periodic in nature and are known by local regional names.

Question 61.
……………………… is the instrument used to measure atmospheric humidity.
Answer:
Hygrometer

Question 62.
What are the factors influencing atmospheric humidity?
Answer:
Atmospheric humidity varies from place to place depending on the temperature and availability of water.

Question 63.
How is relative humidity estimated?
Answer:
Relative humidity can be estimated based on the difference in temperature recorded in wet and dry bulb thermometers.

Question 64.
What is saturation level and saturation point in the atmosphere?
Answer:
The state at which the atmosphere is fully saturated with moistur/water vapour is known as Saturation level and the temperature at which this level is attained is termed as Saturation point.

Question 65.
As the convectional rainfall commonly occurs during afternoons, it is also called ………………………
Answer:
4 O’Clock rains

Students rely on Social Science Class 10 Kerala Syllabus Important Questions Chapter 5 Public Opinion in Democracy to help self-study at home.

Class 10 History Chapter 5 Important Questions and Answers Public Opinion in Democracy

Kerala Syllabus Class 10 Social Science History Chapter 5 Public Opinion in Democracy Important Questions

Public Opinion in Democracy Class 10 Important Questions

Question 1.
What ensures democratic communication?
Answer:
Public opinion

Question 2.
Define Public Opinion.
Answer:
Public opinion is the general opinion of the people about the issues affecting them.

Question 3.
Which is the first agency that influences a child’s opinion formation?
Answer:
Family

Question 4.
What do political parties use to promote their views before elections?
Answer:
Manifesto

Question 5.
What type of literacy includes knowledge of internet and cyber awareness?
Answer:
Digital

Question 6.
What do you mean by Peer groups?
Answer:
Peer Groups are groups of similar age and with similar interests and goals. Peer groups tend to be similar in their beliefs, values and ideals.

Question 7.
What is civil society and why is it important in a democracy?
Answer:
Civil society is an important idea in democracy. It includes organisations, groups, and people who work for the welfare of the society. They do this voluntarily, without government control or profit motive, and they represent different views and ideas.

Question 8.
Explain the role of Family and educational institutions in developing public opinion.
Answer:
Family: A child’s socialisation process starts from the family and the traditional beliefs and perceptions of the family, influences opinion formation. The child is a participant or a witness in the discussion held in the family in which politics, beliefs, religion, literature, etc. are all topics. In this way, the family has the first place in the formation of the child’s opinion on various issues.

Educational Institutions: Educational institutions play a major role in shaping and developing the child’s knowledge, rights, duties, scientific thinking, critical thinking, and culture. All knowledge and skills are acquired by the child mainly through educational institutions. The process of education helps a person to fonn an independent and rational opinion on any subject. Educational institutions play an important role in shaping children’s understanding of various subjects. Activities in school such as school parliament, club activities, sports and cultural activities act as a platform in developing democratic and civic sense among the students. Such activities provide enough avenues for the learners to express their opinions and that develops skills in forming public opinion.

Question 9.
Write any three factors that hinder the formation of public opinion.
Answer:
Illiteracy, Digital divide, Poverty.

Question 10.
Explain the role of public opinion in a democratic system.
Answer:
Democracy is a political system that ensures equal participation of all the people of a country. As a system that ensures public participation, democratic governments formulate their policies and programmes by considering the opinions and interest of the people.In a democratic system, civil society makes the mlers responsible through constant criticism.In such a society, the people are fully aware of the rights and duties of citizens. Arbitrary and dictatorial tendencies are prevented in a society with strong public opinion and the rights and freedom of citizens are protected. In a society with strong public opinion, every issue is critically evaluated and it makes political parties responsible. Public opinion, as the consolidated opinion of the people, plays a key role in democratic systems.

Question 11.
Differentiate between Media Literacy and Digital Literacy.
Answer:
Media literacy is the ability to access, analyse, evaluate, create new messages and communicate the messages received through various forms of media. Content creation and the way it shapes our perceptions and how we critically interpret news and messages are all included in this. It includes the way we shape our perceptions and critically interpret news and messages.

Digital literacy is the ability to find information from the digital world and evaluate them efficiently using digital equipment and technology. This includes basic computer knowledge, effective use of internet, navigation of digital platforms, critical evaluation of online content, cyber awareness, etc. Digital literacy is how we effectively use digital tools and technology to find out and evaluate information from digital spaces.

Question 12.
Peer group is one of the important agency to shape public opinion.Explain.
Answer:
Debates and discussions among peer group members are important factors influencing public opinion formation. Peer group members share almost common characteristics in terms of personality, attitudes and behaviour which are important factors influencing public opinion formation. They all share some common characteristics in their personal experiences and social influences. Peer group members can influence each other on the policies of the government, various social issues and political parties. Such peer group discussions are helpful in eliciting common opinions, correcting existing ones and arriving at correct opinions. This debate and discussion lead,to the formation of public opinion.

Question 13.
How do political parties influence the formation of public opinion in a democratic system?
Answer:
Political parties and their activities are at the forefront of shaping, and mobilising public opinion in the democratic system of government. Both ruling and the opposition parties play a role in shaping public opinion.The main objective of political parties is to make the public think about common public issues politically. Each political party publishes journals, pamphlets, manifestos, posters, write ups etc. to create public opinion in their favour. Along with that conference, demonstrations, rallies and seminars are all organised for the formation of public opinion. Every party tries to mobilise the people in its favour by presenting their views and ideas, and making them involved in public affairs, and ensuring participation in the electoral process. During the election campaign parties try to sway public opinion in their favour. Even after the completion of the election process, the political parties keep on campaigning on public issues. When political parties go overboard and engage in personal attacks and negative propaganda, the election commission intervenes and controls them.

Question 14.
Explain how art and literature contribute to the formation of public opinion with examples.
Answer:
“Chandalabhikshuki” by Mahakavi Kumaran Asan is a work that had a strong influence in forming public opinion against social evils based on the caste system, such as untouchability. Art, literature, and cinema of each era influence the formation of the public opinion of the times. “Patta Bakki”, “Adukkalayil Ninnu Arangathekku”, and so on were some of the plays that had a significant role in changing the social life of Kerala. Literary works of Rabindranath Tagore, Subramania Bharathi and Vallathol Narayana Menon inspired the Indian freedom movement.The art forms such as Ottanthullal, Chakyarkoothu, etc could form strong public opinion against the then existing social evils, customs, and thereby ignite social revolution. Various art forms and literary works influence our tastes and interests.

Question 15.
Media play an important role in shaping public opinion. Substantiate the statement.
Answer:
Media play an important role in shaping public opinion. News, discussions and advertising programmes available through traditional media (print media, radio and television) and new media (Digital and social media) have a great influence on people. Media can bring an issue to public attention and shape public opinion on it.

a) Newspapers: Newspapers play an important role in bringing all political and social events before the public. Newspapers are able to strengthen the democratic process by bringing current issues to the people and at the same time bring the opinion of the people to the government. Therefore, fore newspapers play a key role in shaping public opinion. The influence of newspapers help not only in forming public opinion but also in changing and diverting it according to certain interests. Sometimes some news does not necessarily have to be factual and it can mislead the public opinion. Due to vested interest, wrong news might reach people through online newspapers, etc. There is a criticism that impartial approach and accuracy in the news are not often from the side of the media.

b) Radio, Television: Radio and television are serving as a mirror to social life. While the print media considers only the literate community, radio and television play an important role in forming ideas and knowledge among the illiterate community. Radio and television play a significant role in sharing the opinions and thoughts of the people in society about various policies and programmes of the government.

c) Social media: Today, social media and all mainstream media have an important role in forming public opinion. In the modem age, almost all people in society communicate through digital platforms. Everybody should recognise such traps in the digital world. We have to acquire digital and media literacy.

Question 16.
Define Public opinion and explain the role of the given agencies in shaping public opinion.
• Social Institutions and Organisations
• Opinion Poll
Answer:
Public opinion is the general opinion of the people about the issues affecting them. It can be the position or opinion generally held by a section of society on a particular issue.

• Social Institutions and Organisations: Various social institutions and organisations working in society play a crucial role in shaping public opinion. Religious institutions, caste-religious organisations, student movements, youth movements, women’s equality movements, trade unions, human rights movements, merchant associations, environmental organisation etc. play their own role in shaping public opinion.

• Opinion polls: Opinion polls are a very effective way to gather information about public attitudes and opinions on various social, cultural, political and economic issues. A sample of population is approached for their views regarding specific issues. By using the information public opinion can be formed. There are various professional agencies working to conduct opinion polls.

Question 17.
Write the characteristics of Public opinion.
Answer:
The influence of public opinion on social life, governance and politics is enormous. Public opinion is formed when responsible citizens brings out the problems in the society to the attention of others, it is an effective social control over the government and it encourages debate that empowers democracy. Public opinion is considered as one of the essential criteria of democracy. Social and cultural background of individuals, attitude, belief, preconceptions, leadership skills, education etc are the factors that influence public opinion.

• Public opinion reflects diverse opinions.
• Public opinion is not necessarily the views and opinions of the majority of people but, is the creation of a general consensus on a topic.
• Public opinion may change with the circumstances, time and new knowledge.
• Public opinion is always formed not only on political matters but also in relation to Socio-economic and cultural matters.
• There is no fixed place from where one can express public opinion and anyone can express their opinion from any where.
• Public opinion ensures democratic communication.

Question 18.
There are some factors that hinder the formation of public opinion in society. Which are they? Explain.
Answer:
Democracy will be stronger where public opinion is strong. The limitations of democracy can be corrected and guided in the right direction with strong public opinion. However, there are some factors that hinder the formation of public opinion in society.

Illiteracy: Illiterate people have only limited knowledge about public issues. They may not have the capacity to form rational opinions.

Digital Divide: The digital divide is the gap in accessing modern information technology such as the internet, computer, and smartphone. This hinders the formation of effective public opinion.
Poverty: Groups experiencing poverty are often isolated from public affairs. Hence, they are not able to participate in the formation of public opinion appropriately.

Unhealthy political activity and lack of democracy in political parties: Partisanship in political activities and polarisation among the people are factors that hinder the formation of public opinion.
Unhealthy practices during the election campaigns: Unhealthy practices that are used to influence voters during election times often hinder the formation of real public opinion.

In addition to these, corruption, regionalism, other socioeconomic, cultural and parochial group interests, and hero worship are all factors that undermine true public opinion.

Question 19.
Define Public Opinion.
Answer:
Public opinion is the general opinion of the people about the issues affecting them.

Question 20.
Citizens empowered through public opinion will strengthen the …………………….
Answer:
Democracy

Question 21.
How is public opinion formed?
Answer:
Public opinion is formed when responsible citizens bring social problems to the attention of others.

Question 22.
What are the factors that influence public opinion?
Answer:
Factors that influence public opinion include social and cultural background, attitude, belief, preconceptions, leadership skills, and education.

Question 23.
Public opinion is formed through both ……………………. and informal processes.
Answer:
formal

Question 24.
What are the different agencies that contribute to the formation of public opinion?
Answer:
Family, educational institutions, Peer groups, media, political parties, social institutions and organisations, opinion polls, art and literature.

Question 25.
Define Peer Groups
Answer:
Peer Groups are groups of similar age and with similar interests and goals. Peer groups tend to be similar in their beliefs, values and ideals.

Question 26.
Why is illiteracy a barrier to the formation of strong public opinion?
Answer:
Illiterate people have only limited knowledge about public issues. They may not have the capacity to form rational opinions.

Question 27.
Write any two factors that hinder the formation of public opinion.
Answer:
Digital divide, Poverty.

Question 28.
What are the benefits of having strong public opinion in a democratic society?
Answer:
Strong public opinion prevents arbitrary and dictatorial tendencies, protects the rights and freedom of citizens, ensures critical evaluation of issues, and makes political parties responsible.

Students often refer to SCERT Class 10 Social Science Notes Kerala Syllabus and Class 10 Geography Chapter 1 Weather and Climate Notes Questions and Answers English Medium that include all exercises in the prescribed syllabus.

SSLC Geography Chapter 1 Notes Pdf English Medium Weather and Climate

SCERT Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 1 Weather and Climate Notes Question Answer Kerala Syllabus

Class 10 Geography Chapter 1 Notes Kerala Syllabus Weather and Climate

Question 1.
Conduct a discussion in the class on the significance of weather studies in day-to-day human activities. Hints: Agriculture, travel/ transport, fishing, tourism.
Answer:
Agriculture: Weather studies are very important in agriculture because farmers depend on the right weather conditions to grow crops. Information about rainfall, temperature, and storms helps them decide when to sow seeds, irrigate fields, or harvest crops. Sudden changes in weather, like unseasonal rains or droughts, can damage crops, so accurate weather forecasts help farmers take preventive steps and protect their produce.

Travel/Transport: Weather has a big impact on travel and transportation. Bad weather conditions like heavy rain, fog, snow, or strong winds can delay or cancel flights, trains, and bus services. By studying weather patterns, transport departments can plan safe routes and prevent accidents. For example, during storms or cyclones, ships and flights are often rescheduled based on weather forecasts to ensure the safety of passengers and goods.

Fishing: In the fishing industry, especially for people who depend on the sea, weather forecasts are essential. Fishermen need to know about sea conditions, wind speeds, and the possibility of storms before going out to fish. Accurate weather predictions help prevent accidents and loss of life. Also, knowledge of weather and ocean currents can help in finding areas rich in fish, which supports better catch and income.

Tourism: Tourism activities are closely linked to weather. Tourists usually prefer visiting places during pleasant weather conditions. For example, beach destinations are popular during sunny seasons, while hill stations attract visitors during summer. Weather studies help tourism departments plan events and prepare for tourist seasons. They also help warn tourists about extreme weather conditions like heatwaves or snowstorms, ensuring their safety and comfort.

Question 2.
Discuss the importance of heat budget in sustaining the earth as a life supporting planet.
Answer:
The heat budget plays a vital role in sustaining Earth as a life-supporting planet. It refers to the balance between the incoming solar radiation from the Sun and the outgoing heat energy that Earth radiates back into space. This balance helps maintain a stable average temperature on the planet, which is essential for the survival of all living organisms. If the Earth absorbs more heat than it gives off, the temperature will rise, leading to global warming. On the other hand, if it loses more heat than it receives, the planet would cool down, making it difficult for life to exist. The heat budget also drives important processes like the water cycle and weather patterns, which are crucial for agriculture, drinking water, and overall ecosystem health. Therefore, maintaining a balanced heat budget is essential for keeping Earth’s environment stable and suitable for life.

Question 3.
Calculate the diurnal range of temperature and the daily mean temperature if the maximum and minimum temperatures of a place are 36°C and 28°C respectively.
Answer:
Maximum temperatures of a place = 36°C
Minimum temperatures of a place = 28°C
Diurnal Range = Maximum temperature – Minimum temperature
= 36°C – 28°C = 8°C
Daily mean temperature = \(\frac{\text { Maximum temperature }+ \text { Minimum temperature }}{2}\)
= \(\frac{36^{\circ} \mathrm{C}+28^{\circ} \mathrm{C}}{2} \)
= \(\frac{64}{2}\) = 32°C

Question 4.
Observe the given diagram. Familiarise the temperature zones and identify the latitudes between which these zones are located.

Answer:

• Torrid Zone – Between Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricon
• North Temperate Zone – Between Tropic of Cancer
• South Temperate Zone – Between Tropic of Capricorn and Antarctic Circle
• North Frigid Zone – Between Arctic Circle and North Pole
• South Frigid Zone – Between Antarctic Circle and South Pole

Question 5.
Observe the given diagram. Familiarise the decrease in temperature with altitude. Estimate the temperature at 6 km altitude and label it.

Answer:
The phenomenon of gradual decrease in temperature at the rate of 6.4° Celsius per kilometre of altitude is termed as Normal Lapse Rate.
Temperature at 6 km altitude = -8.4°C

Question 6.
Why do we generally experience low temperature at places situated at higher elevations such as Ooty, Munnar and Kodaikanal?
Answer:
We generally experience low temperatures at places situated at higher elevations like Ooty, Munnar, and Kodaikanal because as altitude increases, the temperature decreases. This happens because the atmosphere becomes thinner at higher altitudes, and there are fewer air molecules to absorb and retain heat from the Sun. As a result, the air is cooler. Also, the land at higher elevations loses heat quickly after sunset, making these places even cooler, especially at night.

Question 7.
Look at the given diagram. Analyse, which place, A or B, experiences the highest diurnal range of
temperature. Give reason for your answer.

Answer:
The diurnal range of temperature will be higher in place B. The reason for this is that B is located far from the sea.

Question 8.
Diurnal range of temperature is generally low in Kerala. Why?
Answer:
The diurnal range of temperature is generally low in Kerala because it is a coastal state located along the Arabian Sea. The presence of the sea has a moderating influence on the climate, meaning it reduces the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Water heats up and cools down more slowly than land, so the sea keeps the surrounding areas cooler during the day and warmer at night. As a result, Kerala experiences a relatively uniform temperature throughout the day and night, leading to a low diurnal range of temperature.

Question 9.
Why do we feel discomfort like clogging of ears while travelling to higher elevations?
Answer:
We feel discomfort like clogging of ears while travelling to higher elevations because of a sudden change in air pressure. As we go higher, the air pressure outside our body becomes lower, but the pressure inside our ears takes some time to adjust. This difference in pressure pushes on the eardrum, making it feel blocked or uncomfortable. The feeling usually goes away when the pressure inside and outside the ear becomes equal, which can happen when we swallow, yawn, or chew.

Question 10.
Coastal regions experience comparatively lower atmospheric pressure than interior locations. Why? Answer:
Coastal regions experience comparatively lower atmospheric pressure than interior locations mainly due to the influence of the ocean. Water heats up and cools down more slowly than land. During the day, the land in interior areas heats up quickly, causing the air above it to rise and create low pressure. However, in coastal areas, the sea keeps the surrounding air cooler, which leads to a more stable and relatively lower pressure system over time. Additionally, the constant evaporation of seawater adds moisture to the air, making it lighter and reducing the atmospheric pressure. This combination of temperature moderation and higher humidity contributes to the lower atmospheric pressure commonly observed in coastal regions.

Question 11.
Download the pressure distribution maps of different seasons with the help of ICT and familiarise the difference in pressure distribution.
Answer:
(Hint: Collect more pressure distribution maps by using online platforms and websites and identify the difference)

Question 12.
What is the name given to the monsoon winds blow ing towards the north east direction in India?
Answer:
The monsoon winds blowing towards the north-east direction in India are called the Northeast Monsoon or Retreating Monsoon.

Question 13.
Analyse the patterns of isobars given below and find out where the winds are strong. (Put a tick mark)

Answer:

The wind speed is higher in the marked area because here the isobars are seen closely.

Question 14.
Winds are comparatively stronger over oceans than over continents. Why?
Answer:
Winds are comparatively stronger over oceans than over continents because the smooth surface of the ocean offers less friction, allowing winds to move more freely and at higher speeds.

Question 15.
Observe the given diagram and identify the pressure belts between which each of these permanent winds blow. Make use of the diagram showing the global pressure belts also. (MODEL 2019)


Answer:

Permanent	Winds
Trade Winds	Front the Sub tropical high pressure belts to the equatorial low pressure belt
Wasterlies	From Sub tropical high pressure belt to the Sub polar low pressure belt
Polar Winds	From Polar high pressure belt to the Sub polar low pressure belt

Question 16.
Trade winds are North Easterlies in the Northern Hemisphere and are South Easterlies in the Southern Hemisphere. Why?
Answer:
Trade winds blow as North Easterlies in the Northern Hemisphere and South Easterlies in the Southern Hemisphere due to the rotation of the Earth and the Coriolis effect, which deflects winds to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere.

Question 17.
Westerlies are comparatively stronger in the Southern Hemisphere than in the Northern Hemisphere. Why?
Answer:
Westerlies are comparatively stronger in the Southern Hemisphere than in the Northern Hemisphere mainly due to the difference in landmass distribution. The Southern Hemisphere has vast stretches of open oceans with fewer landmasses to interrupt the flow of wind. This allows the westerly winds to blow more consistently and with greater strength. In contrast, the Northern Hemisphere has larger and more continuous landmasses, which create friction and disrupt the smooth movement of these winds. As a result, the westerlies in the Southern Hemisphere are more powerful and steady.

Question 18.
Compare the tropical cyclones with temperate cyclones and prepare a note.
Answer:
Even if the cyclones developed over the tropical region are comparatively lesser in diameter, they are devastative than temperate cyclones. Tropical cyclones originate over tropical oceans. The tropical cyclones moving in northwest direction over the oceans, get dissipated on hitting the lands. Temperate cyclones are formed in temperate regions where warm and cold air masses meet. Even if the temperate cyclones are larger in diameter, they are less devastative. Unlike the tropical cyclones, these low-pressure systems can move over land also. The direction of flow of air into the cyclones are anticlockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

Question 19.
Name the process by which water turns to water vapour?
Answer:
Evaporation

Question 20.
What are the sources through which water vapour reaches atmosphere?
Answer:
Oceans – Most important source
Rivers, lakes, and reservoirs – Water evaporates
Soil moisture – Evaporation from high temperatures
Plants (Transpiration) – Water is released as vapor through leaves

Question 21.
Measure the relative humidity everyday for a particular period by using the wet and dry bulb thermometer in the school weather station/ social science lab and prepare a table.
Answer:
(Hint)

1. Step 1: Set Up the Thermometers (wet and dry bulb thermometer)
2. Step 2: Record the Dry bulb temperature and Wet bulb temperature
3. Step 3: Calculate the Difference (Subtract the wet bulb temperature from the dry bulb temperature)
4. Step 4: Determine Relative Humidity
5. Step 5: Record Data in a Table
6. Step 6: Repeat the Process Daily

Question 22.
At the saturation level, what may be the relative humidity in percentage?
Answer:
At the saturation level, the relative humidity is 100%.

Question 23.
Watch the sky and try to distinguish the various types of clouds. Remember to note the season and time at which the different clouds appear.
Answer:
(Hint)

• Step 1: Observation (Go outside and look at the sky during different times of the day)
• Step 2: Record the Season and Time
• Step 3: Identify the Cloud Type
• Cumulus – Big, white, fluffy (like cotton balls) → often seen on sunny days.
• Stratus – Gray, flat, blanket-like → often seen in cool or rainy weather.
• Cirrus – Thin, wispy, high up → seen in clear weather.
• Nimbus – Dark and thick → brings rain.
• Cumulonimbus – Tall, dark, stormy → brings thunder and lightning.
• Step 4: Write your Observations

Question 24.
Is hailstone a winter phenomena? Inquire.
Answer:
Hailstone is not only a winter phenomenon. The fall of the hailstone usually occurs with a strong thunderstorm accompanied by summer rain.

Question 25.
While Kerala receives Southwest monsoon rains, the western parts of Tamil Nadu receives very little rainfall. Why?
Answer:
While Kerala receives abundant southwesterly rainfall, the western parts of the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu fall into the rain shadow region, resulting in very little rainfall.

Question 26.
In equatorial climatic regions convectional rainfall is a diurnal phenomenon. Why?
Answer:
In equatorial climate regions, the temperature is very high due to direct sunlight. Therefore, the air heats up quickly and rises. This causes the process of convection and leads to rainfall every day.

Std 10 Geography Chapter 1 Notes Kerala Syllabus – Extended Activities

Question 1.
Read the daily maximum temperature and minimum temperature using the max-minimum thermometer in the school weather station/social science lab. Estimate the daily mean temperature and diurnal range of temperature, and display it in the school notice board.
Answer:
(Hint)

• Observe the Thermometer (Mximum and Minimum Thermometer)
• Record the Temperatures
• Calculate Daily Mean Temperature
  Formula : Maximum temperature – Minimum temperature
• Calculate Diurnal Range of Temperature:
  Formula: Daily mean temperature = \(\frac{\text { Maximum temperature }+ \text { Minimum temperature }}{2}\)
• Display it in the school notice board

Question 2.
Measure the daily amount of rainfall using rainguage for a particular period. Prepare a bar diagram using the data and exhibit it in your class room. Remember to display the daily amount of rainfall in the notice board.
Answer:
(Hint)

• Step 1: Use the Rain Gauge
• Place the rain gauge in an open area (away from trees and buildings)
• Check the gauge at the same time every day
• Note the amount of water collected (in millimetres)
• Step 2: Record the Data (Write down the date and the amount of rainfall each day)
• Step 3: Prepare a Bar Diagram (X-axis – Dates,Y-axis – Rainfall in mm)
• Step 4: Display in school notice board.

Question 3.
Prepare a digital album by collecting pictures of different types of clouds using ICT.
Answer:

Weather and Climate Class 10 Notes Pdf

• Atmospheric conditions such as temperature, pressure, wind, humidity and precipitation for a shorter period of time are termed as Weather.
• The average weather condition experienced for a longer period over a larger area is termed as the Climate.
• The amount of sun’s rays reaching the earth’s surface is called Insolation.
• Conduction, convection, advection and radiation are the major processes of heat transfer.
• The re-radiation of energy in the form of long waves from the earth’s surface is called Terrestrial radiation.
• The temperature recorded just before the sun rise is considered as the minimum temperature of the day.
• Diurnal range of temperature is the difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature of a day.
• The average temperature of a day is called as Daily mean temperature.
• Plotting the temperature recorded at specific places, smooth curved lines are drawn connecting the places having equal temperature. These imaginary lines are called Isotherms.
• Imaginary line connecting places with highest mean annual temperature along every longitude is termed as Thermal Equator.
• Latitude, Altitude, Distance from the sea, Ocean Currents etc are the factors influencing the distribution of temperature.
• The weight exerted by the atmospheric air over the earth’s surface is termed as Atmospheric Pressure.
• Barometer is the instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure.
• Factors affecting atmospheric pressure are Temperature, Altitude and Humidity.
• Smooth curved lines are drawn on maps to connect places having equal atmospheric pressure. These imaginary lines are called Isobars.
• Two types of air movements in the atmosphere are Air Currents and Winds.
• One of the major factors influencing the direction of winds is the Coriolis Force.
• The speed and intensity of winds are influenced mainly by two factors: Pressure gradient force and Frictional force.
• Permanent Winds, Periodic Winds, Local Winds and Variable Winds are the different types of Winds.
• The invisible water content in the atmosphere is called Humidity.
• Actual amount of water vapour present per unit volume of atmosphere is called Absolute humidity.
• The ratio between the actual amount of water present in the atmosphere and the total waterholding capacity of atmosphere at that particular temperature and time is referred to as Relative Humidity.
• Dew, Frost, Mist and Fog and Cloud are the different forms of Condensation.
• Clouds can be classified based on their form as well as the height at which they are formed.
• Cirrus Cloud, Cumulus Cloud, Nimbus Cloud and Stratus Cloud are the types of Clouds.
• As the size of water droplets grows beyond the limit of resistance against gravity, water droplets will be released from the clouds and may fall on earth in various forms. This is termed as precipitation.
• Rainfall, snowfall fall and hailstones are the different forms of precipitation.
• Orographic rain, Convectional rain and Cyclonic rain are the types of rainfall.

INTRODUCTION

Weather and climate are important aspects of our environment that affect our daily lives, occupations, food habits, clothing, and even shelter. While weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, and wind at a particular place and time, climate is the average pattern of weather taken over a long period in a specific region. This chapter explains important topics such as atmospheric temperature, pressure, humidity, winds, and rainfall. By learning about these elements, we can better understand how weather is formed, why it changes, and how different climates exist around the world.

Weather and Climate

• Atmospheric conditions such as temperature, pressure, wind, humidity and precipitation for a shorter period of time are termed as Weather.
• The average weather condition experienced for a longer period over a larger area is termed as the Climate.
• The atmospheric conditions of any place depend on the factors such as temperature, pressure, wind and humidity. They in turn, are influenced by the amount of sunlight available there. Hence these are called elements of weather.
• The climate of a place is determined by considering the weather conditions of about 35 to 40 years.

Atmospheric Temperature

• The amount of sun’s rays reaching the earth’s surface is called Insolation.
• Conduction, convection, advection and radiation are the major processes of heat transfer.
• The re-radiation of energy in the form of long waves from the earth’s surface is called Terrestrial radiation.
• The absorption of terrestrial radiation by the atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide heats up the atmosphere. This phenomenon is termed as Green House Effect.
• The temperature recorded at 2pm is considered as the maximum temperature of the day
• The temperature recorded just before the sun rise is considered as the minimum temperature of the day.
• Diurnal range of temperature is the difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature of a day.
• The average temperature of a day is called as Daily mean temperature.
• Plotting the temperature recorded at specific places, smooth curved lines are drawn connecting the places having equal temperature. These imaginary lines are called Isotherms.
• Degree Celsius and Degree Fahrenheit are the common units for recording temperature.
• The total energy of an object due to molecular movement is termed as Heat. It is measured in Joule.
• Degree of hotness of an object is its temperature. Temperature is recorded in units such as Degree Celsius, Degree Fahrenheit and Kelvin.
• Imaginary line connecting places with highest mean annual temperature along every longitude is termed as Thermal Equator.

Factors Influencing the Distribution of Temperature

• Latitude: Very high temperature is experienced along the equatorial regions where the incidence of sun’s rays is almost vertical.
• Owing to the spherical shape of the earth, the incidence of sun’s rays are more inclined away from the equator towards the poles.
• Altitude: Atmospheric temperature gradually decreases with increase in altitude. The phenomenon of gradual decrease in temperature at the rate of 6.4° Celsius per kilometre of altitude is termed as Normal Lapse Rate.
• Differential Heating of Land and Sea: Compared to sea, land gets heated and cooled at a faster rate. Thus thedand areas experience higher summer temperature and lower winter temperature, when compared to sea.
• Distance from the Sea: Away from the sea, the maritime influence gradually decreases to cause very high day temperature and low night temperature.
• Ocean Currents The temperature along the coastal regions is raised or lowered by the warm currents and cold currents respectively as they pass by.
• Relief: Availability of sunlight differs from one place to another in accordance with the relief.

Atmospheric Pressure

• The weight exerted by the atmospheric air over the earth’s surface is termed as Atmospheric Pressure.
• Barometer is the instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure.
• Factors affecting atmospheric pressure are Temperature,Altitude and Humidity.
• Smooth curved lines are drawn on maps to connect places having equal atmospheric pressure. These imaginary lines are called Isobars.
• The symbol ‘H’ represents High Pressure Centres and ‘L’ Low Pressure Centres.
• Different pressure belts are formed along certain specific latitudinal zones. These are called Global Pressure Belts.
• Two types of air movements in the atmosphere are Air Currents and Winds.

Winds

• One of the major factors influencing the direction of winds is the Coriolis Force.
• Owing to the Coriolis effect, the winds will deflect towards the right of its direction in the Northern Hemisphere and towards the left of its direction in the Southern Hemisphere.
• The speed and intensity of winds are influenced mainly by two factors: Pressure gradient force and Frictional force
• Permanent Winds,Periodic Winds,Local Winds and Variable Winds are the different types of Winds.
• The equatorial low pressure region where the trade winds from the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere converge is known as Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

Humidity

• The invisible water content in the atmosphere is called Humidity.
• Actual amount of water vapour present per unit volume of atmosphere is called Absolute humidity.
• Hygrometer is the instrument used to measure atmospheric humidity.
• The ratio between the actual amount of water present in the atmosphere and the total waterholding capacity of atmosphere at that particular temperature and time is referred to as Relative Humidity.
• Relative humidity can be estimated based on the difference in temperature recorded in wet and dry bulb thermometers.
• The atmospheric moisture is visible only when the water vapour condenses to form tiny droplets of water.
• Dew, Frost, Mist and Fog and Cloud are the different forms of Condensation.
• Clouds can be classified based on their form as well as the height at which they are formed.
• Cirrus Cloud, Cumulus Cloud, Nimbus Cloud and Stratus Cloud are the types of Clouds.
• As the size of water droplets grows beyond the limit of resistance against gravity, water droplets will be released from the clouds and may fall on earth in various forms. This is termed as precipitation.
• Rainfall, snowfall fall and hailstones are the different forms of precipitation.
• Orographic rain, Convectional rain and Cyclonic rain are the types of rainfall.

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

• The atmospheric conditions of any place depend on the factors such as temperature, pressure, wind and humidity. They in turn, are influenced by the amount of sunlight available there. Hence these are called elements of weather.
• Atmospheric conditions such as temperature, pressure, wind, humidity and precipitation for a shorter period of time are termed as Weather.
• The average weather condition experienced for a longer period over a larger area is termed as the Climate.

The climate of a place is determined by considering the weather conditions of about 35 to 40 years. The climatic conditions of any place is detrimental to the diverse flora and fauna as well as human life of the place. The influence of climatic elements is evident not only in the food habits, dressing, settlement and occupation but also in the physical and mental conditions and in the colour and race of mankind as well. Agricultural practices world over mainly correspond to the climatic conditions. Weather has always been an influential factor right from the early marine voyages which revolutionised the world history, to the modern transport and communication systems.

Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)
Indian Meteorological Department is the agency functioning under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. This is the principal agency responsible for the weather observations, weather forecast etc. in the country. Delhi is the headquarters of IMD. Hundreds of observation stations are functioning at various places in India as well as in Antarctica.

ATMOSPHERIC TEMPERATURE

• Sun is the sole source of energy for the earth.
• Energy is produced in the sun by nuclear fusion.

Massive amount of energy continuously produced in the sun through nuclear fusion is emitted in the form of short waves. Only a small amount of energy radiated from the sun reaches the earth’s surface (approximately one part of 200 million). The amount of sun’s rays reaching the earth’s surface is called Insolation. A part of insolation coming towards the earth gets reflected or absorbed by the atmospheric particles such as clouds and dust particles. As the incoming solar radiation is in the form of short waves, it does not heat the atmosphere considerably. The earth’s surface gets heated by insolation. Then the heat is transferred to the atmosphere through various processes from the earth’s surface.

Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is the reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei collide and merge together to form a larger atom. This process is common in the case of elements with lower atomic number. Massive amount of energy is generated through this process. In all the stars including the sun, energy is continuously generated through nuclear fusion. It is estimated that 600 million tonnes of Hydrogen is being converted to Helium every second in the sun through this process.

Processes of heat transfer
Conduction, convection, advection and radiation are the major processes of heat transfer.

• Conduction : Heat is transferred to the lower part of the atmosphere which is directly in contact with the surface of the earth.
• Convection: As the heated air expands and rises up, heat is transferred to higher reaches of the atmosphere.
• Advection: Heat is transferred horizontally through wind.
• Radiation: Emission of energy in the form of long waves after the earth’s surface gets heated up.

Short waves and Long waves
Energy is radiated in the form of short waves from hotter objects. Due to high frequency, the short waves traverse through the atmosphere without obstruction. Objects with relatively less heat radiate energy in the form of long waves. Due to low frequency, long waves will be absorbed or reflected by the atmospheric particles.

Green House Effect: The re-radiation of energy in the form of long waves from the earth’s surface is called Terrestrial radiation. The absorption of terrestrial radiation by the atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide heats up the atmosphere. This phenomenon is termed as Green House Effect. Almost entire energy reaching the earth as insolation is radiated back every day Thus the surface temperature of the earth remains balanced without becoming extremely hot or cold. This process of heat balancing is called the Heat Budget of the Earth.

Heat Budget
Consider the total amount of solar energy reaching the top of the atmosphere of the earth as 100 units. Out of this, 35 units will be reflected back and 14 units will be absorbed by the atmospheric particles. The total amount of energy reaching the surface of the earth is estimated as 51 units. Out of this, 34 units will be transferred to the atmosphere through the processes of heat transfer such as conduction and convection. By re-radiating 17 units of energy directly from the earth’s surface and 48 units from the atmosphere, the entire energy received bv the earth and its atmosnhere nets sent back.

Maximum and Minimum Temperature
The surface temperature of the earth gradually increases by the flow of insolation since the sun rise and attains the maximum by the noon. As the atmosphere is heated through various processes of heat transfer, it takes more time for the atmosphere to get heated up than the time taken for the earth’s surface.

Thus the temperature recorded at 2pm is considered as the maximum temperature of the day by the meteorologists. The surface temperature of the earth gradually decreases in the afternoon due to the decrease in intensity of insolation as well as the simultaneous terrestrial radiation. The earth’s surface as well as the atmosphere get cooled by more energy loss through terrestrial radiation during night. Thus the temperature recorded just before the sun rise is considered as the minimum temperature of the day.

Maximum – Minimum Thermometer
Atmospheric temperature is measured using an instrument called Thermometer. Maximum – Minimum thermometer is a special type of instrument made by connecting two ordinary thermometers using a U-shaped glass tube. The Maximum temperature and the Minimum temperature of a day can be read out from the recordings of a Maximum-Minimum thermometer.

By making use of the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature, diurnal range of temperature and daily mean temperature can be calculated.

• Diurnal range of temperature is the difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature of a day.
  Diurnal Range = Maximum temperature – Minimum temperature
• The average temperature of a day is called as Daily mean temperature.
  Daily mean temperature = \(\frac{\text { Maximum temperature }+ \text { Minimum temperature }}{2}\)

Data regarding the temperature are being utilized for climatic studies and further analysis. Plotting the temperature recorded at specific places, smooth curved lines are drawn connecting the places having equal temperature. These imaginary lines are called Isotherms. Isotherm maps are very useful for analysing temperature distribution. World distribution of temperature using isotherms:

• Temperature gradually decreases while moving away from the equator.
• The isotherms show a noticeable bend along land-sea confluences.
• Compared to the Northern Hemisphere, Isotherms are more or less parallel to the latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere.
• There is spatial and temporal variation in the temperature experienced on earth.
• Degree Celsius and Degree Fahrenheit are the common units for recording temperature.
• In Fahrenheit the melting point of water is 32° and the boiling point is 212°.
• This is equivalent to 0° Celsius and 100° Celsius respectively.
  °F = °C x \(\frac{9}{5}\) + 32 °C = (°F – 32) \(\frac{5}{9}\)

Heat and Temperature

• The total energy of an object due to molecular movement is termed as Heat. It is measured in Joule.
• Degree of hotness of an object is its temperature. Temperature is recorded in units such as Degree Celsius, Degree Fahrenheit and Kelvin.

Thermal Equator
Imaginary line connecting places with highest mean annual temperature along every longitude is termed as Thermal Equator.

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE DISTRIBUTION OF TEMPERATURE
Latitude

• Very high temperature is experienced along the equatorial regions where the incidence of sun’s rays is almost vertical.
• Owing to the spherical shape of the earth, the incidence of sun’s rays are more inclined away from the equator towards the poles.
• Thus the temperature gradually decreases towards both the poles. On the basis of this, different temperature zones may be formed.

Altitude: Atmospheric temperature gradually decreases with increase in altitude. The phenomenon of gradual decrease in temperature at the rate of 6.4° Celsius per kilometre of altitude is termed as Normal Lapse Rate.

Differential Heating of Land and Sea: Compared to sea, land gets heated and cooled at a faster rate. Thus the land areas experience higher summer temperature and lower winter temperature, when compared to sea.

Distance from the Sea: The winds blowing from land to sea and vice versa help to moderate the temperature experienced along coastal areas. Away from the sea, the maritime influence gradually decreases to cause very high day temperature and low night temperature.

Ocean Currents: The temperature along the coastal regions is raised or lowered by the warm currents and cold currents respectively as they pass by. For example, the warm current called North Atlantic Current gives relief for the Western European countries from severe cold.

On the other hand, the places situated along the North Eastern Canada, which are also in the same latitude, experience severe cold for months due to the influence of Labrador cold current.

Relief: Availability of sunlight differs from one place to another in accordance with the relief. Due to this difference, the mountain slopes facing the sun experience higher temperature and opposite slopes experience lower temperature.
Eg: In the given figure mountain slopes marked as B gets more sunlight.

ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
Like any other matter, air also has weight. The weight exerted by the atmospheric air over the earth’s surface is termed as Atmospheric Pressure. Barometer is the instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure. Barometers are of different types such as Mercury Barometer and Aneroid Barometer. In Mercury Barometer, the average pressure on the earth’s surface is recorded as 76 cm. Atmospheric pressure is usually recorded in units millibars (mb) or hectopascal (hpa). The average atmospheric pressure experienced on the earth’s surface is estimated as 1013.2mb or hpa. Following are the factors affecting atmospheric pressure.

• Temperature: Atmospheric air expands on getting heated, and rises up. Thus low pressure regions are formed. This rising air gradually cools, contracts and subsides to form high pressure regions.
• Altitude: As the density of atmospheric gases decreases with increase in altitude, atmospheric pressure gradually decreases. The vertical variation of atmospheric pressure is at the rate of about, lmb per 10 metres.
• Humidity: As the humidity increases, the water molecules displace the heavier gases in the atmosphere like nitrogen and oxygen. The atmospheric pressure becomes low, as humid air is lighter than dry air.

The air movements right from light breezes to violent gales are the results of variations in atmospheric pressure. Thus, thorough analysis regarding the spatial distribution of atmospheric pressure is essential for meteorological purposes.

• Smooth curved lines are drawn on maps to connect places having equal atmospheric pressure. These imaginary-lines are called Isobars.
• The given map showing the world distribution of atmospheric pressure using isobars.The symbol ‘H’
  represents High Pressure Centres and ‘L’ Low Pressure Centres.

Global Pressure Belts: Temperature is inversely proportional to pressure. Thus the lowest atmospheric pressure might be experienced in the equatorial region and the highest might be in the polar regions. The pressure should therefore increase from the equator towards the poles. But actually this is not the case. Distinct pressure conditions prevail at certain specific zones due to the influence of the rotation of the earth.

• Different pressure belts are formed along certain specific latitudinal zones. These are called Global Pressure Belts.

• The expansion and rising up of air due to high temperature prevailing in the equatorial region is the cause for the formation of Equatorial Low Pressure Belt.
• This zone of vertical air currents is devoid of winds. Being the windless zone, this pressure belt is called Doldrum.
• Atmospheric conditions along the poles are just opposite to that in equatorial region. Polar High Pressure Belts are formed as a result of the contraction and subsidence of cold air.
• The rising warm air along the equatorial region moves polewards as upper air winds which gradually cool and subside at about 30° North and 30° South latitudes. This results in the formation of Sub Tropical High Pressure Belts.
• At about 60° North and 60° South latitudes, normally high pressure zones should be formed due to lower temperature conditions. But owing to the continuous throwing up of air along these regions caused by the influence of the rotation of the earth Sub Polar Low Pressure Belts are formed.
• As the temperature conditions vary with the apparent movement of the sun, the global pressure belts are subjected to relative shifts.
• Global pressure belts may shift to about 5° to 10° northwards during summer season and shift southward during winter season. This shifting of global pressure belts has decisive influence on global climate.
  The pressure differences in the atmosphere are largely noticeable through air movements. There are two types of air movements in the atmosphere.
• Air Currents: Air Currents are the vertical movements of air.
• Winds: Winds are the horizontal movements of air from high pressure areas to low pressure areas.

WINDS
Winds are of different types, varying from light breezes to devastating gales. Winds are named according to the direction from which they blow. For example, the winds blowing from the south west are termed as south west winds and the winds blowing from the sea towards the land are termed as sea breezes.

• One of the major factors influencing the direction of winds is the Coriolis Force.
• Owing to” the Coriolis effect, the winds will deflect towards the right of its direction in the Northern

Hemisphere and towards the left of its direction in the Southern Hemisphere.

The speed and intensity of winds are influenced mainly by two factors.
a) Pressure gradient force
b) Frictional force

a) Pressure gradient is the change in pressure over a horizontal distance. If there is considerable change in pressure between nearby places, it indicates high pressure gradient. If there is no considerable difference of pressure over horizontal distance, pressure gradient is said to be low. At places where there is high pressure gradient, winds will be strong.

b) The friction caused by hills, mountains, forests and man¬made structures will obstruct the free flow of winds.

Anemometer and Wind Vane

• Anemometer is the instrument used to measure the speed of wind. The distance travelled by wind per hour can be estimated using this instrument.
• Wind Vane is the instrument which indicates the direction of wind.

TYPES OF WINDS

a) Permanent Winds
The winds blowing constantly over a particular direction throughout the year are called Permanent winds. These winds are also known as prevailing winds and planetary winds. These winds blow between global pressure belts. Trade winds, Westerlies and Polar winds are the major permanent winds.

ITCZ
The equatorial low pressure region where the trade winds from the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere converge is known as Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). ITCZ shifts with the apparent movement of the sun.

b) Periodic Winds: Winds subjected to the periodic reversal of their direction are termed as Periodic winds. Diurnal winds such as the land breezes, sea breezes, mountain breezes and valley breezes as well as the monsoon winds which repeat on summer and winter are periodic winds.

Land Breezes and Sea Breezes
The air in contact with the land also gets heated up and ascends as the land heats up quickly during the daytime. This leads to the formation of low pressure over the land which causes the comparatively cooler air to blow from the sea. This is known as sea breeze.

As the land cools faster than the sea during the night it would be high pressure over the land and low pressure over the sea. This results in the movement of air from the land to sea. This is the land breeze.

Mountain Breezes and Valley Breezes
During night, air along the mountain slopes cools, contracts and moves down slope. These winds are called mountain breezes. During day time, the heating by sunlight and rising up of air along the mountain slopes make the wind to blow up slope from the valley. These winds are called valley breezes.

Monsoon Winds
The term ‘monsoon’ implies the seasonal reversal in the wind pattern.
During summer the South Asian land masses, especially the Indian Sub Continent, gets heated up intensely and severe low pressure develops. Wind blows towards the land mass from the Indian Ocean where comparatively high pressure prevails. These winds blowing as South West winds due to Coriolis effect causes widespread rainfall on entering the land. This is Southwest monsoon.

During winter, as the northern land masses get severely cooled, high pressure develops over North India. This causes the winds to blow continuously from the land towards the Indian Ocean as north east winds. These winds.

c) Local Winds: Local winds are winds formed as a result of local differences in temperature and pressure in different parts of the world. Most of the local winds are periodic in nature. These winds are known by local regional names. Details regarding a few such local winds:

Local Winds	Region	Characteristics
Loo	North Indian Plains	Hot wind
Chinook	Slopes of Rocky Mountains in North America	Dry hot wind
Foehn	Slopes of Alps Mountain in Europe	Dry hot wind
Harmattan	Sahara Desert in Africa	Relief to intense heat

d) Variable Winds: Winds of short duration, of which the intensity or direction cannot be predicted are called variable winds. Cyclones and Anticyclones belong to this category.

Cyclones

• Cyclones are low pressure systems towards which winds whirl from the surroundings.
Even if the cyclones developed over the tropical region are comparatively lesser in diameter, they are devastative than temperate cyclones. Tropical cyclones originate over tropical oceans. The tropical cyclones moving in northwest direction over the oceans, get dissipated on hitting the lands. Different temperature conditions prevailing on land and also the friction causes the dissipation of cyclones on entering land. The tropical cyclones cause intense rainfall and strong whirlwinds along the coasts. They are known by different names in different parts of the world such as Hurricanes, Typhoons, Willy Willies, Tornadoes etc. Temperate cyclones are formed in temperate regions where warm and cold air masses meet. Even if the temperate cyclones are larger in diameter, they are less devastative. Unlike the tropical cyclones, these low-pressure systems can move over land also. The direction of flow of air into the cyclones are anticlockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and southern Hemisphere clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

Anticyclones

• Anticyclones are high pressure system from which winds whirl outwards. Generally anticyclones do not cause atmospheric disturbances.
• The direction of flow of winds from anticyclones is clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and anticlockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

HUMIDITY

• Another weather element caused by solar energy is the atmospheric humidity.
• The invisible water content in the atmosphere is called Humidity.

water rises as water vapour on heating. As a result of heating by sunlight water from different sources on the earth’s surface turns to water vapour and reaches the atmosphere in different quantities.Water vapour remains invisible in the atmosphere.

• Actual amount of water vapour present per unit volume of atmosphere is called Absolute humidity.
• Hygrometer is the instrument used to measure atmospheric humidity.
  Atmospheric humidity varies from place to place depending on the temperature and availability of water. There is a limit to the amount of water vapour that the atmosphere can hold at a particular temperature.
• The ratio between the actual amount of water present in the atmosphere and the total waterholding capacity of atmosphere at that particular temperature and time is referred to as Relative Humidity. It is expressed in percentage.
• Relative humidity can be estimated based on the difference in temperature recorded in wet and dry bulb thermometers.
  Relative Humidity = \(\frac{\text { Absolute Humidity }}{\text { Total water holding capacity of the atmosphere }}\) × 100

The state at which the atmosphere is fully saturated with moistur/water vapour is known as saturation level and the temperature at which this level is attained is termed as saturation point. When the atmosphere is fully saturated with water vapour, condensation begins.

Condensation
The atmospheric moisture is visible only when the water vapour condenses to form tiny droplets of water.
Different forms of Condensation:
a) Dew: During the night, as the earth’s surface cools down, the atmosphere close to the earth’s surface also cools. The water vapour condenses to form tiny droplets of water which may cling on to the grass tips, leaf blades as well as other cold surfaces.

b) Frost: Whenever the atmospheric temperature falls below 0° Celsius, especially during nights, tiny crystals of ice are formed instead of dew.

c) Mist and Fog: When the atmosphere gets cooled, the water vapour condenses to form tiny droplets of water and remains suspended in the lower atmosphere. Fog or mist is formed as a result of condensation of water vapour around tiny dust particles in the lower atmosphere. Fog and mist can be distinguished based on the range of visibility through them.

d) Clouds: Clouds are formed as a result of condensation around the tiny dust particles in the atmosphere. The water droplets thus formed are less than 0.001 cm in diameter. This is why, they remain suspended in the atmosphere.

Clouds can be classified based on their form as well as the height at which they are formed.

• Thin, delicate, feather-like clouds formed at very high altitudes are called Cirrus clouds.
• Thick-layered clouds, usually formed in the lower atmosphere, are called Stratus clouds.
• Cotton wool-like clouds formed as a result of intense convection currents, are called Cumulus clouds. These clouds have great vertical development.
• Dark, rain-bearing clouds, formed in the lower part of the atmosphere, are called Nimbus clouds. The dark colour is due to the thick concentration of water droplets which does not allow light to penetrate through them.
• These clouds are not usually seen independently. Mostly we see the combinations of different types of clouds. Such clouds are called as cirro stratus, strato cumulus, cumulo nimbus, nimbo stratus etc.

Precipitation
As a result of continuous condensation, the size of water droplets within the clouds gradually increases. As the size of water droplets grows beyond the limit of resistance against gravity, water droplets will be released from the clouds and may fall on earth in various forms. This is termed as precipitation. Rainfall, snow fall and hailstones are the different forms of precipitation.

• Rainfall is the common and familiar manifestation of precipitation which is in the form of water droplets.
• Temperature falls below 0° Celsius in cold climatic regions as well as in temperate regions during winter. In such places, precipitation occurs in the form of tiny crystals of ice. This form of precipitation is called snowfall.
• The water droplets released from the clouds are subjected to repeated condensation at different levels of atmosphere. It reaches the earth in the form layered ice pellets. These are termed as hailstones.

Rainfall
Rainfall is the most familiar form of precipitation.

Types of Rainfall
a) Orographic rainfall or Relief rainfall.

Moisture-laden winds from the sea enter the land and will be raised along the mountain slopes. This leads to condensation and formation of rain clouds along the windward slopes of mountains. Rainfall occurring in this manner is called Orographic rainfall or Relief rainfall.

While the windward slopes of mountains get plenty of rainfall, the descending dry air makes the leeward side rainless. Such regions are called Rain Shadow Regions.

b) Convectional Rainfall

Rainfall occurs in the afternoon during summer season due to the convection process.Rainfall occuring in this mamier are called Convectional Rainfall. As the convectional rainfall commonly occurs during afternoons, it is also called 4 O’Clock rains.

c) Cyclonic Rainfall

In cyclonic systems where warm and cold air meet, the warm air will be raised up to cause condensation and rainfall. This type of rainfall is called Cyclonic Rainfall.
As the boundary lines between warm and cold air masses are known as fronts, this type of rainfall are also called Frontal Rainfall.

Torrential rain and Cloud burst
Intense rainfall occurring at certain specific areas for a shorter duration is refereed to as torrential rain. This may lead to flash floods and landslides. If the amount of rainfall exceeds 10 cm per hour, it is considered as Cloud burst. It is most common in mountainous regions. Meteorologists recognised that the landslides that occurred in Kavalappara and Puthumala in Kerala during 2019 were the result of torrential rain following cloud burst. Experts perceive the landslides of Mundakkai and Chooralmala in 2024 to be the result of cloud burst.

Students rely on Social Science Class 10 Kerala Syllabus Important Questions Chapter 4 Wealth and the World to help self-study at home.

Class 10 History Chapter 4 Important Questions and Answers Wealth and the World

Kerala Syllabus Class 10 Social Science History Chapter 4 Wealth and the World Important Questions

Wealth and the World Class 10 Important Questions

Question 1.
In which year did the Cold War end?
Answer:
1991

Question 2.
What caused the end of the Cold War?
Answer:
The disintegration of the Soviet Union

Question 3.
Which economic system gives importance to banks and stock markets over production?
Answer:
Finance Capitalism

Question 4.
Who funded the newly independent countries after the Second World War?
Answer:
The United States

Question 5.
State True or False.
The United States and the Soviet Union are the two superpowers emerged after World War II.
Answer:
True

Question 6.
Write the names of the countries that came under Axis Power.
Answer:
Italy, Germany, Japan

Question 7.
The Munich Agreement is a prime example of ……………………
Answer:
Western appeasement

Question 8.
League of nations was founded on ………………………
Answer:
January 10, 1920

Question 9.
Name the countries under Triple Alliance.
Answer:
Italy, Germany, Austria-Hungary

Question 10.
England, Russia and France were together known as ……………………..
Answer:
Triple Entente

Question 11.
The First World War lasted from ……………………. to …………………………
Answer:
1914 to 1918.

Question 12.
Complete ‘b’ by analysing the relation of ‘a’.
a. Italy, Germany, Austria-Hungary: Triple alliance
b. England, Russia, France: ………………………..
Answer:
Triple Entente

Question 13.
The silver and gold collected as wealth were known as ………………………
Answer:
Bullion

Question 14.
Who named the region ‘America’?
Answer:
Martin Waldseemuller

Question 15.
Finance Capitalism works with the aim of making ……………………
Answer:
huge profits.

Question 16.
United Nation Organization was formed with the aim of ensuring …(a) …………………. and ………………. (b) ………………….
Answer:
(a) global peace,
(b) security

Question 17.
World War II begins with Germany’s invasion of Poland on …………………
Answer:
September 1, 1939

Question 18.
…………………. advocated for the unification of regions in Eastern Europe inhabited by Slavic people.
Answer:
The Pan-Slav Movement

Question 19.
………………. led by Germany, aimed to unite the Teutonic (Germanic) people.
Answer:
The Pan-German Movement

Question 20.
Which among the following countries was a member of Triple Entente?
(a) France
(b) Germany
(c) Italy
(d) Austria-Hungary (MARCH 2022)
Answer:
(a) France

Question 21.
How did Industrial Revolution cause conflicts among nations?
Answer:
As a result of industrial revolution, production, profits and capital investment increased.

• With the increase in products, the colonial powers competed to find a market for their products.
• Their competition to make more colonies resulted in conflicts among nations.

Question 22.
‘Fascism was a product of the First World War’- Discuss.
Answer:
Both allies were devastated by the First World War. Many European governments lost their power. People were in misery. Their entire system was grasped by inflation, unemployment, and poverty. Fascism in Italy and Nazism in Germany rose to power, capitalising on the political and economic chaos prevailing then. Economic destruction, rivalry against the victors, aimlessness, etc., facilitated these forces to grab power. All these led to the emergence of fascism.

Question 23.
It was the conflicting ideologies that led to the ‘Cold War’. Evaluate.
Answer:
The USA and USSR were partners during the Second World War. but they broke apart after the war. The US led a group of capitalist countries, while the USSR led a group of socialist countries. This led to the Cold War. Ideological differences led to political and diplomatic battles during this time, establishing an atmosphere for decades of rising tensions around the world.

Question 24.
Mow does colonisation differ from imperialism?
Answer:
Using political powers and military’ Forces, the European countries economically exploited the Latin American, Asian and African countries. This is called colonisation. But the distinctive phase of flow of finance capital to colonies is known as imperialism.

Question 25.
Define the following.
a. Pan-Slav Movement
b. The Pan-German Movement
Answer:
a. The Pan-Slav Movement advocated for the unification of regions in Eastern Europe inhabited by Slavic people. Serbia, a Balkan nation, led this movement and Russia supported this.

b. Pan-German Movement: The Pan-German Movement, led by Germany, aimed to unite the Teutonic (Germanic) people. The goal of this movement was to expand German influence into Central Europe and the Balkan region.

Question 26.
What are the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles signed with Germany after the First World War? Answer:

• All of Germany’s colonies were partitioned by the Allies. Germany had to pay a huge amount as war reparations.
• The Allies took over the rich mining areas and blamed Germany for the war.
• Germany was disarmed.

Question 27.
What are the objectives of the United Nations Organisation? (First Term – 2023)
Answer:

• Save the succeeding generations from the scourge of war
• To protect international treaties and laws.
• To foster the social and economic development of countries.

Question 28.
Write a note on Non-Aligned movement.
Answer:

• Movement formed after the Second World War. It was a unity of nations that did not become part of a capitalist or socialist bloc.
• NAM was formed in the conference held at Bandung in Indonesia in 1955.
• The first conference was held in Belgrade in 1961.

Question 29.
Why pepper is important to Europeans?
Answer:
Europeans relied on spices, particularly pepper, to preserve food and for medicinal purposes. These spices were traditionally obtained through trade routes passing via Constantinople. However, after the closure of this route, Europeans were compelled to explore and establish a sea route to Asia to secure access to these valuable commodities.

Question 30.
Write the geographical location of the Atlantic Islands and its importance.
Answer:
The Atlantic Islands are located to the west of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. Notable among them are Madeira, Azores, Canary and Cape Verde. These islands served as agricultural lands and strategic port centres. The Portuguese, who initially controlled many of these islands, used them as key bases for their operations in Africa and as stopover points for ships travelling to Asia to restock food and water. Later, the Canary Islands became a colony of Spain.

Question 31.
How New World was transformed as America.
Answer:
Spain was another country that took part in geographical expeditions. They, too, had a long coast and seafaring heritage just like the Portuguese. They received the patronage of King Ferdinand and Isabella, the rulers of Spain. With the financial aid of Spain in 1492, Christopher Columbus, an Italian navigator, reached the Bahamas Islands located in the southeastern region Vasco da Gama of North America. This journey led to the discovery of a previously unknown continent for Europeans. The event paved the way for the invasion and exploitation of the region by Europeans, which came to be known as the “New World.” Eventually, this region was named America.

Question 32.
List out the explorers and Expeditions.
Answer:

Explorers	Expeditions
Vasco da Gama	Reached Calicut, India
Christopher Columbus	Landed in the Americas
Amerigo Vespucci	Realised it was a new continent

Question 33.
List out the merits and demerits of industrial revolution.
Answer:

Merits	Demerits
Rise of factories	Exploitation of labourers
Increase in production	Poverty, epidemics
New employment opportunities	Long working hours and low wages for women and children
Rise of cities and urbanisation	Rise of slums
Urban life	Busy and polluted cities
Better living conditions	Miserable life for labourers in cities

Question 34.
Geographical explorations had far-reaching consequences. What are they?
Answer:

• The Atlantic coast emerged as the most important trade route, connecting Europe with the Americas, Asia, and Africa. This shift led to a decline in Mediterranean trade and the rise of Atlantic trade.
• Large parts of the Americas, Africa, and Asia came under European invasion and colonisation.
• Efforts were made by Europeans to monopolise the trade of pepper and other spices from Asia.
• Gold and silver were transported in large quantities from South America to Europe, with a portion of this wealth eventually reaching India.
• The development of the triangular trade system connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Question 35.
Explain the causes of the First World War. (March 2023)
Answer:
Causes of the First World War

• Disputes between the imperialist powers
• Competition between European countries for colonies
• Formation of military alliances
• Formation of aggressive nationalist movements -Imperialist Crisis
• The conflicts between the imperialist powers and the competition between the European countries for colonial gains led to the formation of military alliances
• Formation of Aggressive nationalism
• Aggressive nationalists considered their own nations as supreme and justified whatever the actions of their nations.

Question 36.
Finance capitalism works with the aim of making huge profits. Justify.
Answer:
FinanciaLexchanges are more important at this stage than industrial production and population welfare. Banks, stock market and investment institutions play a crucial role in this economy. This system allows for the accumulation of more wealth without any production or technological change. Finance capitalism allows big corporates to exert influence beyond military’ power and war. Such companies invest in different countries and make profits. Finance Capitalism works with the aim of making huge profits. Common people and those involved in traditional occupations continued to suffer the consequences.

They lose the resources they could have used freely and are controlled by capitalists. Uncontrolled exploitation of resources also leads to environmental problems. New technologies and related changes in society have led to the emergence of these economic changes. Capitalism developed through several stages over five centuries. It highlights the role of economic factors and systems in determining the course of history. Along with this, this period also witnessed the collapse of human values before capitalist interests.

Question 37.
Define the following terms.
a. UN Organisation
b. League of Nations
c. Bullion coin
d. Fascism
e. Agrarian revolution
Answer:
a. UN Organisation: After the Second World War, the United Nations Organisation was formed with the aim of ensuring global peace and security. It was established on October 24, 1945.

b. League of Nations: Woodrow Wilson, the American President, proposed the idea of forming an international organisation to maintain world peace and ensure freedom for all nations. Based on this proposal, the League of Nations was established on January 10,1920, to restore global peace and security.

c. Bullion Coin: The silver and gold collected as wealth were known as Bullion. The value and amount of the metals in the coins were considered for the transactions. E.g., the value of the gold in a gold coin would be considered as its value in transaction.

d. Fascism: The term “Fascism” is derived from the Latin word ’fasces’, which refers to ‘a bundle of rods and an Axe’ symbolising authority and power, a representation of the rule of Roman emperors.

e. The term ‘Agrarian Revolution’ is used to refer to the series of changes that took place in England’s
agricultural sector in the 17th century. Major changes associated with the Agrarian Revolution:

• Small farms were consolidated to form large farms protected by fencing (Enclosure Movement)
• Crop rotation was introduced
• Use of new agricultural implements.

Question 38.
Write the factors that affected colonisation.
Answer:

• Wealth was extracted from the colonies and flowed into European countries
• natives lost their economic and political rights over their own regions
• indigenous cultures in the colonies faced destruction
• Western lifestyles and practices spread across the colonies
• Christianity was propagated in colonised regions

Question 39.
Merchant capitalism is termed as a New changing economic order. Substantiate.
Answer:
Geographical exploration paved the way for notable changes in global trade. Individuals who had been
involved in trade before these explorations became very wealthy and were referred to as merchant capitalists. This economic system was known as Merchant Capitalism. In this system, merchants supplied raw materials to artisans living in rural areas. The artisans manufactured goods in cottage-based production. After compensating the artisans for their labour, the merchants sold the finished products and made profits. These merchants acted as intermediaries between producers and consumers. England started industries using the wealth gained through colonisation. Those who invested their wealth in this way became the owners of industries and made huge profits. With this, merchant capitalism gave way to industrial capitalism.

Question 40.
What are the major changes that took place in the Industrial Revolution?
Answer:

• production was mechanised
• advancement in metallurgy leading to the production of better tools
• steam was used as a source of energy
• transport facilities developed
• production shifted from cottages to factories

Question 41.
Write a note on First world war
Hints:
a. Imperialist Rivalry
b. Extreme Nationalism
Answer:
a. The new imperialist nations could expand their influence only by capturing territories controlled by the older imperialist powers. Germany’s unprecedented progress in economic and industrial sectors caused concern for France and England. With much of Asia and Africa already under British and French control, Germany turned its focus towards regions under the Ottoman Empire. To achieve this, they planned the construction of the Berlin-Baghdad railway line. This project alarmed England, France, and Russia, as they feared it could threaten the security of their territories. Consequently, tensions and hostilities began to escalate among these nations.

b. Extreme nationalism refers to an intense and emotional devotion to one’s country, often involving its excessive glorification. This concept is often related to racism. Many nations argued that regions inhabited by a particular race rightfully belong to that race alone. Such arguments were used by many nations to justify territorial expansion and conquest. In countries like Germany and Serbia, extreme nationalism grew in alarming proportions. Movements such as Pan-Slavism and Pan-Germanism serve as examples of organisations promoting such extreme nationalist ideologies.

Question 42.
Write a note on the formation of Military alliances with respect to the aftermath of first world war.
Answer:

• The competition for colonies and the rise of extreme nationalism created fear and mistrust among European nations. This atmosphere of suspicion led to the formation of military alliances.
• Two military alliances: Triple Alliance, Triple Entente.
• Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia, was the site of a significant event that further fuelled tensions.

Conflicts arose across various parts of the world between countries belonging to the two major alliances. These conflicts often stemmed from attempts to seize colonies held by rival nations. The situation escalated as allied nations joined forces with their respective allies, intensifying the clashes.

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia, was the site of a significant event that further fuelled tensions. Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary, was assassinated in Sarajevo, where former French president Mitterrand visited. The assassin, Gavrilo Princip, was a Serbian nationalist. Due to the existing conflict between Serbia and Austria-Hungary, Austria accused Serbia of orchestrating the assassination. This led Austria-Hungary to declare war against on Serbia on July 28, 1914. As allied nations aligned themselves with their respective sides, the conflict expanded into a World War.

Aftermath of the First World War:

• Millions of soldiers and civilians lost their lives
• Industrial and agricultural sectors were devastated
• marked the beginning of the decline of European global domination
• Freedom movements in Asia and Africa gained momentum.
• Formation of the League of Nations
• Italy, Germany, and Spain transitioned to totalitarian regimes

Question 43.
Differentiate between the policies of Italy and Germany.
Answer:

ITALY

GERMANY

• The ideology was known as Fascism in Italy. • Founder: Benito Mussolini • In 1922, Mussolini organised the March on Rome, using threats and terror to seize power. • Rose to power following the march. • Formed a militia called the Blackshirts. • Banned all non-Fascist political parties. • Enmity towards socialists, labour, and peasant organisations.

• The ideology was referred to as Nazism in Germany. • Founder: Adolf Hitler • In 1923, Hitler led a march to Berlin and was subsequently imprisoned. • Initiated efforts to secure power through elections. • Established a militia known as the Brownshirts. • In the 1933 elections, he failed to win a majority but came to power through manipulations. • Initiated efforts to eliminate Communists, Socialists, Democrats, and Jews.• Formed the Gestapo (secret police) to gather intelligence and suppress opposition. • Hitler’s aggression led to World War II.

Question 44.
Write the background of second world war.
OR
What are the causes and consequences of second world war (MODEL 2023)
Hints:
a. Treaty of Versailles
b. The failure of league of nations
c. Formation of military alliances
d. Policy of appeasement
Answer:
a. Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty that Germany signed with the Allies after World War I. Its provisions sowed the seeds of World War II. Under this treaty, Germany lost its colonies and territories it held. Germany was disarmed and huge war reparations were imposed on Germany. In short, World War II was a German revolt against the Treaty of Versailles and its architects.

b. The failure of league of nations
The League of Nations formed after World War I was unable to resolve disputes or enforce international disarmament. The league failed to act when Japan, Italy, and Germany launched offensives.

c. Formation of military alliances
Imperialist rivalry led to the formation of the following military alliances.

Later Soviet Union and USA became part of the allied powers

Munich agreement
Hitler laid claim to the Sudetenland, the most industrialised region of Czechoslovakia. Hitler’s argument was based on the large German population living in Czechoslovakia. Instead of resisting Hitler’s argument, France and Britain ceded the Sudetenland to Germany in a treaty signed in Munich, Germany in 1938. This is called the Munich Agreement. This treaty was not ratified by Czechoslovakia. The Soviet Union, which supported them, was not invited to the talks.

d. Policy of appeasement

• The Soviet Union, which came into being after the Russian Revolution, spread socialist ideas around the world.
• The Munich Agreement is a prime example of Western appeasement.

The Soviet Union, which came into being after the Russian Revolution, spread socialist ideas around the world. This was a threat to other western capitalist countries. For this reason, they saw the Soviet Union as their enemy. They saw fascist aggression as a means of countering the spread of socialist ideas. The Munich Agreement is a prime example of Western appeasement. These appeasement policies gave Hitler confidence and he continued his offensives aggressively. World War II begins with Germany’s invasion of Poland on September 1,1939. Results of the war:

• Millions lost their lives
• Famines and epidemics spread throughout the world
• The European economy collapsed
• Colonisation and imperialism faced setbacks
• Europe’s hegemony came to an end
• The United Nations Organization was formed
• Totalitarianism ended in Italy and Germany
• Colonies in Asia and Africa gained independence
• The United States and the Soviet Union emerged as global powers

United Nations Organisation
After the Second World War, the United Nations Organisation was formed with the aim of ensuring global peace and security. It was established on October 24,1945.

Causes of the war

• The background of the Second World War took place from 1939 to 1945.
• World War II begins with Germany’s invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939.
• The Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty that Germany signed with the Allies after World War I.
• Germany was disarmed, and huge war reparations were imposed on Germany.
• Imperialist rivalry led to the formation of military alliances.

Question 45.
Who reached Cape of Good Hope in 1488?
Answer:
Bartolomeu Dias

Question 46.
Which two events in the 15th century were significant in launching geographical expeditions?
Answer:

• The conquest of Constantinople by the Turks
• The arrival of Portuguese sailors at the Guinea Coast of Africa

Question 47.
Who was the first European to reach India by sea, and when?
Answer:
Vasco da Gama, in 1498, reached the Indian coast at Kappad in Kozhikode after sailing around the Cape of Good Hope.

Question 48.
How did the continent “America” get its name?
Answer:
Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian explorer, recognised it as a new continent. In 1507, cartographer Martin Waldseemuller named it “America” in Vespucci’s honor.

Question 49.
What was the main aim of European nations under mercantilism?
Answer:
The main aim was to collect as much gold and silver as possible because these were seen as signs of wealth and power.

Question 50.
How did countries try to increase their wealth under mercantilism?
Answer:
They tried to export more goods and import less, so they could earn gold and silver from other countries.

Question 51.
What were colonial policies?
Answer:
Colonial policies were rules made by colonial powers to take wealth from their colonies, especially through trade.

Question 52.
What is a Joint Stock Company?
Answer:
it is a company where many people invest money (capital) by buying shares, and the money is used for trade and business.

Question 53.
What is meant by Merchant capitalism?
Answer:

• One of the consequences of European colonisation on native populations was slavery and the slave trade in Africa.
• Individuals who had been involved in trade before these explorations became very wealthy and were referred to as merchant capitalists. This economic system was known as Merchant Capitalism.
• The merchants acted as intermediaries between producers and consumers.
• Merchant capitalism gave way to industrial capitalism.

Question 54.
What was one of the consequences of European colonisation on native populations in Africa?
Answer:
One of the consequences was slavery and the slave trade, where many Africans were captured and sold into forced labour.

Question 55.
What was the economic system associated with early trade and wealthy merchants called?
Answer:
The system was called Merchant Capitalism.

Question 56.
When did the Industrial Revolution take place?
Answer:
The Industrial Revolution took place between 1780 and 1850.

Question 57.
Where did the Industrial Revolution begin?
Answer:
It began in the textile industry.

Question 58.
What major change happened in the manufacturing sector during the Industrial Revolution?
Answer:
Machinery was introduced, and production became mechanised.

Question 59.
Give an example of a country that used its colony to get raw materials.
Answer:
Belgium used its colony Congo to get rubber.

Question 60.
What is imperialism?
Answer:
Imperialism is when a country controls the politics, economy, and society of another region or country.

Question 61.
Which two countries were the most powerful imperial nations by the late 19th century?
Answer:
England and France.

Question 62.
What was the Pan-Slav Movement? Who supported it?
Answer:
The Pan-Slav Movement advocated for the unification of Slavic people in Eastern Europe. Serbia led the movement, and Russia supported it.

Question 63.
What was unique about the scale of the First World War?
Answer:
It was the first global war, involving nearly every country either directly or indirectly.

Question 64.
Define extreme nationalism.
Answer:
Extreme nationalism is an intense and emotional devotion to one’s country, often involving excessive glorification and racism. It was used to justify territorial expansion.

Question 65.
What is totalitarianism?
Answer:
Totalitarianism is a system where the government controls every part of people’s lives and takes away individual freedoms and civil rights.

Question 66.
What are the key features of totalitarianism?
Answer:

• Rejection of democracy
• Opposition to socialism
• Support for dictatorship
• Extreme nationalism

Question 67.
Who was the founder of Fascism in Italy?
Answer:
Benito Mussolini was the founder of Fascism in Italy

Question 68.
What are the major results of World War II?
Answer:

• Millions lost their lives
• Famines and epidemics spread throughout the world
• The European economy collapsed
• Colonisation and imperialism faced setbacks
• Europe’s hegemony came to an end
• The United Nations Organization was formed
• Totalitarianism ended in Italy and Germany
• Colonies in Asia and Africa gained independence
• The United States and the Soviet Union emerged as global powers

Question 69.
What was the aim of the UN organisation?
Answer:
After the Second World War, the United Nations Organisation was formed with the aim of ensuring global peace and security. It was established on October 24, 1945.

Question 70.
Write the name of countries came under Axis powers ?
Answer:
Italy, Germany, Japan

Question 71.
Define Non-Aligned movement.
Answer:
The Non-Aligned Movement is a coalition of countries that did not belong in either of these camps.

Question 72.
Define the term Finance capitalism.
Answer:
Finance capitalism is an economy in which financial institutions such as banking and insurance play a major role. Finance Capitalism works with the aim of making huge profits.

Question 73.
Cold war ended in ……………………….
Answer:
1991