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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:
- Arctic Tundra – Found in Alaska, Northern Canada, Siberia, Greenland, Iceland, and Scandinavia.
- 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.