Geography Notes

Class VIII

Chapter 1: Representation of Geographical

Fill in the blanks:

Question 1(a)
The difference in elevation between successive
contours is called contour interval.
Question 1(b)
Contours are imaginary lines joining places of same
height above sea level.
Question 1(c)
In nucleated settlement permanent huts are shown in
a cluster.
1
Question 1(d)
In scattered settlement the permanent huts are shown
in dispersed manner.
Question 1(e)
When contours are drawn close together they
show steep slope.
Question 1(f)
When contours are drawn far apart, they
show gentle slope.
Tick the correct answer

Question 2(a)
A plateau shown in contours has a
[Link] top
[Link] top ✓
[Link] top
[Link] top
Question 2(b)
A cliff is of
[Link] rock ✓
2
 [Link] rock
[Link] slope
[Link] rock
Question 2(c)
A saddle is a
[Link] depression✓
[Link]
3.a pass between two hills
4.a narrow passage
Question 2(d)
A col is formed
[Link] the ridge of a watershed ✓
[Link] two plateaus
[Link] two v-shaped valleys
[Link] two hills
Question 2(e)
Linear settlements are found on
[Link] side of a river ✓
[Link] the plains
[Link] the mountain area
3
 [Link] the valley area
Answer the following:

Question 1
Which is the largest settlement? Name and identify
it.
Answer
Wahan is the largest settlement.
Question 2
How are linear and scattered settlements shown?
Explain by means of a drawing in your notebook.
Answer
Linear Settlement

Scattered Settlement

4
Question 3
What type of settlements are Wahan and
Gulabaganj? Give a reason for your answer.
Answer
Wahan and Gulabganj are nucleated settlements,
because the permanent huts are clustered or grouped
together.
Question 4
How are scattered settlements shown in the map?
Name them.
Answer
Scattered settlements are shown as isolated or
scattered huts in the map as shown below:

5
Boki Derli and SigarliKhera are scattered
settlements.
Question 4
Identify a gentle slope and steep slope by means of
drawing contours in your notebook in brown colour.
Answer
Below contour diagram represents gentle slope and
steep slope:

6
Question 6
Why is Anadra an important town? State its
favourable features (any 2).
Answer
Anadra is an important town because has police
chowki, Dispensary and post telegraph office.
Question 7
In what colour are contours shown on the map and
what is the contour interval?
Answer
Contours are shown with brown colour on the map.
The difference between the value of any two
successive contours is known as the contour interval.
7
 Chapter 2: Population Dynamics

Tick the correct option

Question 1
The population within the age group of 15-60 is
regarded as:
[Link] population
[Link] population ✓
[Link]-age population
[Link] population
Question 2
People living in towns and cities are termed as:
[Link] population
[Link] population ✓
[Link]
[Link] population
Question 3
The most favourable place for human settlements is:
[Link]
8
 [Link] areas
[Link] plains ✓
[Link]
Question 4
Settlement in the Arabian Peninsula has been due
to:
[Link] wells
[Link] wells ✓
[Link] soil
[Link] factor
Question 5
The Deccan Plateau of India is:
[Link] populated
[Link] populated ✓
[Link] populated
[Link]
Question 6
After the Industrial Revolution, population grew
rapidly because of:
[Link] birth rate ✓
9
 [Link] growth rate
[Link] birth rate
[Link] growth rate
Match the following

Question 1
Column A Column B
Densely populated region Japan
Moderately populated region Ladakh
Sparsely populated region Bangladesh
A country with high life expectancy China
A country with a low literacy rate Ukraine
Answer
Column A Column B
Densely populated region China
Moderately populated region Ukraine
Sparsely populated region Ladakh
10
 Column A Column B
A country with high life expectancy Japan
A country with a low literacy rate Bangladesh
Fill in the blanks

Question 1
Man through his knowledge, intellect and skill
transforms natural resources into valuable
resources.
Question 2
Man plays the dual role of both
the producer and consumer of resources.
Question 3
Human development in different environmental
conditions of the world is a product
of adaptation action.
Question 4
The greater the number of productive population,
the higher is the development of the country.

11
Question 5
Rural population implies people living in villages.
Define the following

Question 1
Workforce or working population
Answer
The population between the age of 15 to 64 years is
the productive section of the population. It is termed
as working population.
Question 2
Literacy rate
Answer
The percentage of population who know how to
read and write is known as the literacy rate.
Question 3
Birth rate
Answer
Birth rate refers to the number of live births per
1000 persons in a given geographical area per year.
12
Question 4
Infant mortality rate
Answer
It refers to the number of deaths of children below 1
year of age per 1000 persons in a given
geographical area per year.
Question 5
Growth rate of population
Answer
The difference between the birth rate and the death
rate of a country is called the natural growth rate of
the population.
Question 6
Population pyramid
Answer
A population pyramid is a graphical representation
that shows the distribution of various age groups
and gender in a population.
Distinguish between

13
Question 1
Birth rate and Death rate
Answer
Birth rate Death rate
Birth rate refers to the Death rate refers to the
number of live births per number of deaths per
1000 persons in a given 1000 people in a given
geographical area per geographical area per
year. year.

Question 2
Immigration and Emigration
Answer
Immigration Emigration
When someone moves to a When someone moves
country from another out of a particular place,
place, it is known as it is known as
Immigration. Emigration.
When a person immigrates When a person
to a country its population emigrates from a
increases. country, its population
14
 Immigration Emigration
shrinks.
Give reasons for the following

Question 1
People are the greatest resource of the world.
Answer
People are the greatest resource of the world
because man plays the dual role of both the
producer and consumer of resources.
Question 2
A country which is underpopulated cannot exploit
its natural resources to the maximum.
Answer
A country which is underpopulated cannot exploit
its natural resources to the maximum because there
is a shortage of skilled labour.
Question 3

15
The fertility rate in many developed and developing
countries has dropped to about two children per
woman.
Answer
The fertility rate in many developed and developing
countries has dropped to about two children per
woman due to the factors like literacy, economic
development or urbanization making the idea of
having big families impractical.
Question 4
Emigration always has negative effect on the
population.
Answer
Emigration always has negative effect on the
population because the higher educated people
leave the country and this leads to shortage of
skilled and competent people.
Answer the following questions in brief

Question 1
Give the importance of high literacy rate.
Answer
16
The literacy rate is important because it shows how
much of the country is educated. A country with
high literacy rate has educated, trained and skilled
population. The high literacy rate in developed
countries like USA, France, Japan etc., have proved
how human resource can develop a country, in spite
of lack of natural resources.
Question 2
Name the sparsely populated regions of the world.
Answer
The sparsely populated regions of the world are-
[Link] hot deserts like Sahara and Kalahari of
Africa, the Arabian desert and Thar desert of
Asia, Atacama and Patagonia desert of South
America, Great Australian desert and Arizona
desert of USA and arid areas of Western
Mexico.
[Link] cold deserts of Central Asia, the Gobi and
Takla Makan desert, a portion of Ladakh in
India.
[Link] polar regions of Arctic in North America,
Eurasia and Antarctica
17
 [Link] dense Equatorial Rainforests of the
Amazon and Zaire basin.
Question 3
What is meant by density of population? How is it
measured?
Answer
The total number of people in a country in relation
to its land, is known as population density.
It can be measured as follows-
Population density = Total population of a country /
Total land area of the country
Question 4
How does migration of people affect the total
population of a country?
Answer
People migrate with the intention of settling
permanently in the new location, so migration of
people leads to decrease of the population of a
country i.e., shortage of skilled and competent
people in a country.

18
Question 5
Define the following terms:
(a) Infant mortality rate
(b) Life expectancy
Answer
(a) Infant mortality rate — It refers to the number
of deaths of children below 1 year of age per 1000
persons in a given geographical area per year.
(b) Life expectancy — Life expectancy is the
average age at which people die in a given
geographical area.
Question 6
What is meant by population change? Explain in
brief.
Answer
Population change is the change in the number of
people during a specific time. It occurs due to
births, deaths and migration of people.
Question 7

19
What is meant by population pyramid? Explain with
the help of examples.
Answer
A population pyramid is a graphical representation
that shows the distribution of various age groups
and gender in a population. Population pyramid for
youthful population is shown below:

For example, Niger's population pyramid has mostly

20
Question 8
Compare and contrast the impact of overpopulation
and underpopulation.
Answer
The following points compare and contrast the
impact of overpopulation and underpopulation of a
country-
[Link] of Resources — Overpopulation
may increase the pressure on the natural
resources and the food and fresh water supplies
would be inadequate or insufficient which may
result in depletion of natural resources while
underpopulation may lead to under utilization of
resources due to the shortage of labour and less
demand.
[Link] on Environment — Overpopulation
would increase the demand for area and this
would result in deforestation or loss of natural
habitat and increase in pollution levels while
underpopulation decreases the pressure on
natural resources and the pollution level would
also decrease.

21
 [Link] on Employment — Overpopulation
would result in scarcity of jobs while
underpopulation would create labour shortage
which would have both positive and negative
impacts.
In conclusion, both overpopulation and
underpopulation are not considered good for the
economy.
Question 9
Give one point of difference in the population
pyramid of India and Japan.
Answer
Population pyramid of India — In India, where
the death rates are decreasing, the pyramid is broad
at the base in the younger age group, as more
infants survive to adulthood. Population pyramid of
India is shown below:

22
Population pyramid of Japan — In Japan, low
birth rates make the pyramid narrow at the base,
decreased death rates allow number of people to
reach old age. Population pyramid of Japan is
shown below:

Question 10
What is meant by MEDCs and LEDCs?
Answer
MEDCs stands for More Economically Developed
Countries.
LEDCs stands for Less Economically Developed
Countries.

23
 Chapter 3: Migration

Tick the correct option

Question 1
Various types of migration depend on the
[Link] of people often involved
[Link] for movement
[Link] of migration
[Link] of the above ✓
Question 2
International movement of people into a destination
country of which they are not natives is called
[Link] ✓
[Link]
[Link]
[Link] migration
Question 3
Which of these is not a positive advantage of
migration on destination country?
24
 [Link] labour
[Link] diversity
[Link] labour
[Link] ✓
Question 4
Which of the following is an advantage of migration
on the home country?
[Link]
[Link] job opportunities
[Link] and skill flow
[Link] of these ✓
Question 5
Which of the following is considered a pull factor
responsible for brain drain?
[Link] of freedom
[Link] economic outlook ✓
[Link] culture
[Link] of research facilities
Fill in the blanks

Question 1
25
Nomadic movement is not migration as it
is seasonal.
Question 2
Hong Kong has many
more immigrants than emigrants.
Question 3
Migrants generally do many unskilled jobs at low
wages.
Question 4
The trend of brain drain is considered a problem.
Question 5
Pull factors are those factors in the destination
country that attract the individual to leave their
home.
Answer in one word

Question 1
Ideas, customs and social behaviour of a particular
society.
Answer
26
Culture
Question 2
An amount of money sent as a gift to someone.
Answer
Remittances
Question 3
Movement from one country to another country.
Answer
Immigration
Question 4
The process in which a country loses its most
educated and talented workers to other countries.
Answer
Brain drain
Question 5
Movement of people from one place to another
within its borders.
Answer
27
Inland migration
Answer the questions briefly

Question 1
Give the meaning of migration.
Answer
Movement of people from their home to another
city, state or country for a job or shelter is called
migration.
Question 2
Distinguish between immigration and emigration.
Answer
Immigration Emigration
When someone moves to a When someone moves
country from another out of a particular place,
place, it is known as it is known as
Immigration. Emigration.
When a person immigrates When a person
to a country its population emigrates from a
increases. country, its population
28
 Immigration Emigration
shrinks.

Question 3
State the meaning and causes of rural-urban
migration.
Answer
Rural-urban migration involves the movement of
people from rural areas or countryside to urban areas
of the same country in search of new job
opportunities and lifestyles.
The causes of rural-urban migration include
marriage, employment, education, lack of security,
etc.
Question 4
State any two advantages of migration to destination
country.
Answer
Two advantages of migration to destination country
are-

29
 [Link] labour is available for different types of
services.
[Link] labour contribute to the knowledge and
production in the interest of the country.
Question 5
Explain briefly the causes of brain drain in India.
Answer
The causes of brain drain in India are-
[Link] of research facilities
[Link] discrimination
[Link] underdevelopment
[Link] of freedom
[Link] working conditions
[Link] of job opportunities
[Link] cultures
[Link] intolerance
Question 6
State the effects of brain drain in India.
Answer

30
The effects of brain drain in India are both positive
and negative:
Positive effects
[Link] get opportunities to learn new skills and
expertise. This knowledge they can utilise to the
advantage of the home country once they return.
[Link] migrants send money to their relatives
living in the home country. This money can help
stimulate the economy of the home country.
[Link] money remittances help in reducing the
level of poverty in the home country.
Negative effects
[Link] investment in higher education is lost as the
highly educated people leave India and they
become assets to other countries.
[Link] shortage of skilled labour and competent
people in India.
[Link] of potential future entrepreneurs.
[Link] of innovative ideas and investment in
education.
Question 7

31
What are the advantages and disadvantages of
migration.
Answer
The advantages and disadvantages of migration in
destination countries are as follows:
Advantages
[Link] labour
[Link] labour
[Link] diversity
Disadvantages
[Link] loss
[Link] and racism
[Link] pressure
[Link] of culture and tradition
[Link]
The advantages and disadvantages of migration to
the home country are as follows-
Advantages —
[Link]
[Link] job opportunities for locals
32
 [Link] and skill flow
Disadvantages —
[Link] of skilled labour
[Link] in demand of home goods
[Link] impact
Question 8
What does emigration mean? In what way it affects
the country from where the migrants come?
Answer
It means leaving one's resident country with the
intention to settle down elsewhere. It is especially
migration from one's native country.
Emigration has advantages as well as disadvantages:
Advantages
[Link]
[Link] job opportunities for locals
[Link] and skill flow
Disadvantages
[Link] of skilled labour
33
 [Link] in demand of home goods
[Link] impact
Give reasons for the following

Question 1
The trend of brain drain is considered a problem in
the developing countries.
Answer
The trend of brain drain is considered a problem in
the developing countries because in this, the most
highly skilled and competent individuals leave the
country and these people contribute their expertise to
the economy of other countries.
Question 2
In India, rural to urban and urban to rural migration
is important.
Answer
In India, rural to urban and urban to rural migration
is important because rural to urban population
provides labour to the industries in the urban areas.
This labour sends remittances to their family in the
rural areas and hence help in rural development.
34
Also, when people move from urban to rural areas,
they bring new ideas with them. At times, the
industrialists move to rural areas to set up factories,
which provide employment to the rural people and
help in raising their standard of living.
Question 3
Migration has positive impact on the home country.
Answer
Migration has positive impact on the home country
because migration brings in foreign exchange as
remittances, better job opportunities for the locals
and in case of seasonal migration, migrants often
bring new ideas, skills and knowledge that they have
acquired during travel.

35
 Chapter 4: Urbanization

Tick the correct option

Question 1
The process of urbanisation usually occurs when a
nation is
[Link] developing ✓
[Link]
[Link]
[Link] of the above
Question 2
In rural area, people have to depend on .......... for
their livelihood
[Link]
[Link]
[Link] ✓
[Link] of the above
Question 3

36
Which of these is not a positive effect of
urbanisation
[Link]
[Link] life ✓
[Link] integration
[Link] of resources
Question 4
Urban life is characterised by
[Link]
[Link]
[Link] families
[Link] of the above ✓
Question 5
Which is the satellite city of Kolkata?
[Link]
[Link] Lake City ✓
[Link]
[Link] of the above
Fill in the blanks

37
Question 1
Growth of industries have
expanded employment opportunities.
Question 2
The number by which the birth rate exceeds
the death rate gives the natural growth rate.
Question 3
Urbanisation gives access to education, health,
social services, etc. in cities.
Question 4
Satellite city is a planned city in the natural growth
path of a nearby larger city.
Question 5
Singapore was crowned as the smartest city on
earth.
Question 6
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia region in
North Eastern Spain.
Give the satellite cities of the following
38
Question
City Satellite City
Brisbane
Delhi
Chandigarh
Hyderabad
Ahmedabad
Answer
City Satellite City
Brisbane Gold Coast, Queensland
Delhi Gurugram
Chandigarh Panchkula
Hyderabad HITEC City
Ahmedabad Gandhinagar
Answer the questions briefly

39
Question 1
What is meant by urbanisation?
Answer
Urbanisation refers to a process in which an
increasing proportion of an entire population lives
in cities and the suburbs of the cities.
Question 2
State the main features of urbanisation.
Answer
The main features of urbanisation are-
[Link]
[Link] economic growth
[Link] employment opportunities
[Link] transport network
[Link] available commercial services
[Link] facilities
[Link] facilities
[Link] network
[Link] facilities
10. Improved standard of living
40
Question 3
State and explain any three causes of urbanisation.
Answer
Three causes of urbanisation are-
[Link] — Growth of industries has
expanded the employment opportunities. As a
result, rural people have migrated to cities due
to better employment opportunities.
[Link] for better job — Agriculture depends
on climate and rainfall. Therefore, in drought
conditions or natural calamities, rural people
have to migrate to cities and towns.
[Link] — Rural people get attracted to
towns and cities in order to have a comfortable
life with better infrastructure, sophisticated
technology, better transport and communication
facilities, etc.
Question 4
Explain any five positive effects of urbanisation
briefly.
Answer

41
Five positive effects of urbanisation are-
[Link] of employment opportunities — As
more and more people migrate to cities, more
employment opportunities are created in urban
centres, which leads to further development.
[Link] — Urbanisation gives more
access to education, health, social services and
cultural activities to people in cities than in
villages. Cities have more advanced transport
and communication facilities.
[Link] of educational facilities — In
cities, more schools, colleges and universities
are established to train and develop human
resources. Thus, students have a wide choice for
their future career.
[Link] social integration — In case of
urbanisation, people of many castes and
religious groups, live and work together. This
creates better understanding among people and
helps break down social and cultural barriers in
the society.
[Link] of resources — Many settlements
are established where the natural resources are
available.
42
Question 5
Explain any four negative effects of urbanisation
briefly.
Answer
Four negative effects of urbanisation are-
[Link] of overpopulation — Concentration
of population becomes a major problem in cities
and towns due to overcrowding. This leads to
accommodation problem and growth of slums.
[Link] of joint family— Due to high
cost of living in the cities, it becomes difficult
to maintain joint families. People prefer to live
in nuclear families.
[Link] cost of living — It becomes difficult for
the lower income groups to maintain a decent
standard of living.
[Link] in crime rates — Due to higher
concentration of population the crime rate also
increases. This creates unrest in the society.
Question 6
State the basis of ranking the smartest cities in the
world.
43
Answer
The basis of ranking the smartest cities in the world
are-
[Link] of smart grid technologies
[Link] lighting
[Link] of information technology to improve
traffic
[Link]-fi access points
[Link] penetration
[Link] landscape, etc.
Question 7
What is meant by satellite cities? Name any five.
Answer
Satellite cities are smaller cities that are near a large
city which is the centre of a metropolitan area.
Satellite cities are different from suburbs,
subdivisions, etc., because they have their own
centres.
Five satellite cities are-
[Link] - Satellite of Delhi
[Link] - Satellite of Delhi
44
 [Link] - Satellite of Chandigarh
[Link] Mumbai - Satellite of Mumbai
[Link] City - Satellite of Hyderabad
Give reasons for the following

Question 1
In urban areas, the growth rate is higher than the
rural areas.
Answer
In urban areas, the growth rate is higher than the
rural areas due to better health and medical
facilities.
Question 2
Compared to villages, life in cities is more
comfortable.
Answer
Compared to villages, life in cities is more
comfortable as urban areas have the advantage of
better infrastructure, sophisticated technology,
better transport and communication facilities, better
education and medical facilities.
45
Question 3
In cities, urban life is highly monotonous.
Answer
In cities, urban life is highly monotonous because
the concept of neighbourhood and community life
are almost absent. People have no concern for the
other human beings as they are more self-centred.
Question 4
Singapore is one of the world's major smart cities.
Answer
Singapore is a top smart city due to its clever
transportation rules and technology. They spent a
lot on things like road sensors and smart traffic
lights to improve traffic. Singapore also uses
technology to enhance travel and has good internet
access, with many people using smartphones.

46
Chapter 5: Natural and Man-made Disasters

Fill in the blanks

Question 1
A disaster is a sudden calamity that may cause
displacement of great number of people.
Question 2
Traffic accidents, chemical and industrial accidents
and epidemics are man-made disasters.
Question 3
Landslides occur in hilly areas.
Question 4
Natural disasters occur naturally.
Question 5
Kedarnath is in Uttarakhand.
Explain the following

Question 1

47
Natural disaster
Answer
When disasters occur due to natural forces, they are
called natural disasters, over which man has hardly
any control. For example, earthquakes, floods etc.
Question 2
Man-made disaster
Answer
A man-made disaster is a disaster resulting from
human intent, negligence or error. For example,
nuclear disaster, chemical disaster etc.
Question 3
Hybrid disaster
Answer
Hybrid disasters are the disasters that are linked with
both natural and man-made disasters. For example,
drought due to over-consumption, landslides due to
extensive deforestation etc.
Answer the following questions in brief

Question 1
48
Define a disaster. State any three effects of a
disaster.
Answer
A disaster can be defined as a sudden, accidental
event of great magnitude that causes considerable
damage to life and property.
Three effects of disaster are-
[Link] of life
[Link] of property
[Link] of people affected by the disaster
Question 2
How many types of disasters are there?
Answer
There are three types of disasters-
[Link] disasters
[Link]-made disasters
[Link] disasters
Question 3
State any three causes of disaster.

49
Answer
Three causes of disaster are-
[Link] and uncontrolled urbanisation
[Link] of natural resources
[Link] infrastructure of buildings
Question 4
State any three effects of earthquakes.
Answer
Three effects of earthquakes are-
[Link].
[Link].
[Link] of lives and destruction of property.
Question 5
How is a tsunami generated? When did the last
tsunami affect India and neighbouring areas?
Answer
Tsunamis are generated by a large impulsive
displacement of the sea bed. They can be generated
by earthquakes of the sea floor, landslides under
water and volcanic activity.
50
The last tsunami that occurred in India was that of
26th December, 2004 on Boxing Day.
Question 6
State any three preventive measures to be taken
during floods.
Answer
Three preventive measures to be taken during floods
are-
[Link] area must be evacuated at the first sign of
warning.
[Link] appliances must be disconnected to
avoid short circuit resulting in fire.
[Link] and essential items like drinking
water, food and flash light must be taken while
going to a shelter.
Question 7
When did the Bhopal Gas Tragedy occur?
Answer
Bhopal Gas tragedy occurred on the night of 2nd and
3rd December, 1984 at the Union Carbide India

51
Limited (UCIL), a pesticide plant in Bhopal,
Madhya Pradesh.
Question 8
What were the long term effects of Bhopal Gas
Tragedy?
Answer
The long term effects of Bhopal Gas Tragedy were-
[Link] of people had succumbed by the
morning hours after the leak in the night.
[Link] than 170,000 people were treated at
hospitals.
[Link] cause of deaths were choking, reflex
organic circulatory collapses and pulmonary
oedema.
[Link] during autopsies revealed changes not
only in lungs but also cerebral oedema and
tubular necrosis of the kidneys.
[Link] still birth rate increased upto 300% and
neonatal mortality rate by 200%.
[Link] laboratory tests in 1989 revealed that the
soil and water samples collected near the factory

52
 were toxic to fish. Hence, fish was not
considered edible.
[Link] hazardous health concern still continues.
Question 9
State any three causes of hybrid disasters.
Answer
Three causes of hybrid disasters are-
[Link] cutting down of the forests
[Link] industrialisation
[Link] exploitation of natural resources
Question 10
What is disaster management?
Answer
Disaster Management is the coordination of efforts
to address emergencies and minimize their impact. It
involves teamwork across society, including
individuals and the government, to create efficient
plans for preparedness, response, and recovery. The
goal is to reduce the dangers of disasters by planning
steps to handle them effectively, establishing

53
response systems, facilitating rehabilitation, and
building resilient communities.
Question 11
What is NDM? What are its objectives?
Answer
NDM, or National Disaster Management, is a
framework created by the Ministry of Home Affairs
(MHA) to prepare communities for dealing with the
negative impacts of disasters. The objectives of
NDM are to provide special training to disaster
management personnel, raise public awareness about
disaster management, train engineers, architects, and
masons in safe construction practices. Additionally,
Disaster Management is now a core subject in the
school curriculum for all educational boards.
Question 12
What was the cause of flash floods in Uttarakhand in
June 2013? State any three effects of the same.
Answer
The flash floods in Uttarakhand in June 2013 were
caused due to heavy rainfall in the state of
Uttarakhand and adjoining areas, which was about
54
375% more than the benchmark rainfall during a
normal rainfall.
This caused the melting of Chorabari glacier at the
height of 3800 metres and erupting of Mandakini
river, which led to heavy floods, near Gobind Ghat,
Kedar Dham, Rudraprayag and Uttarakhand.
Three effects of flash floods are-
[Link] to the figures provided by the
Uttarakhand Government, 5748 people were
missing.
[Link] to the figures provided by the
Uttarakhand Government, about 1000 people
were reported dead.
[Link] to bridges and roads left over 70,000
pilgrims to Kedarnath, trapped in various places.
Many of them were rescued by army, Indian air
force and the paramilitary troops.
Question 13
Write a short note on fire safety.
Answer
Fire safety is a set of practices intended to reduce
destruction caused by fire. Fire measures include
55
those that are intended to prevent ignition of an
uncontrolled fire, and those that are used to limit the
development and effects of a fire after it starts.
Question 14
How are remote sensing satellites helpful in
detecting a natural disaster like Tsunami and
earthquake?
Answer
Remote sensing satellites orbit the earth at different
altitudes. They gather electromagnetic energy
reflected or scattered back from a part of the earth’s
atmosphere below the satellite.
Satellite remote sensing is a powerful tool and can
clearly reveal the factors causing environmental
degradation occurring in any part of the world.
Monitoring emergencies as they happen, keeping
track of a flood, alerting Coast Guard to pollutants in
water, detecting burning fires are some of the
important tasks done by remote sensing satellites.
Give reasons for the following

Question 1
56
Disaster is a natural or a man made event.
Answer
Disaster is a natural or a man made event because it
can be caused due to any natural phenomena, human
activities or both.
Question 2
Fire hazards pose threat to life and property.
Answer
Fire hazards pose threat to life and property as they
include all types of live flames, causes of sparks, hot
objects and chemicals that have a potential for
ignition, or that can aggravate a fire to become large
and uncontrolled.
Question 3
Human activities have disastrous consequences for
human beings themselves.
Answer
Human activities have disastrous consequences for
human beings themselves as human beings have
interfered with the natural environment to a great

57
extent. Moreover, human activities are generally
responsible for causing many hybrid disasters.
Question 4
Mismanagement of natural resources is the main
cause of natural disasters.
Answer
Mismanagement of natural resources is the main
cause of natural disasters as a natural disaster is a
disruption in the balance of the environment. Human
activities like over exploitation of natural resources
can also disrupt the balance of the environment.
Question 5
All over the world the frequency of disasters is
increasing.
Answer
All over the world the frequency of disasters is
increasing as a result of degradation of environment
and changing climate patterns.

58
 Chapter 8: India: Geographical Features

Tick the correct option

Question 1
The Great Indian Desert is located in
[Link]
[Link] ✓
[Link]
[Link]
Question 2
The highest peak of Western Ghats
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link] ✓
Question 3
Uttarkhand was created from
[Link]
[Link] Bengal
59
 [Link] Pradesh ✓
[Link]
Question 4
India takes its standard time from the meridian
1.82½°E ✓
2.90°E
3.100°E
4.80°E
Question 5
The Kayals are found along the
[Link] areas
[Link] coast ✓
[Link] coast
[Link] coast
Answer in one word

Question 1
The ranges located along the eastern boundary of
India.
Answer
60
Purvanchal range
Question 2
The plateau located to the south of great plains of
India.
Answer
Peninsular Plateau
Question 3
A large land mass surrounded by water on three
sides.
Answer
Peninsula
Question 4
A big geographical region forming a well-defined
geographical unit.
Answer
Sub-continent
Question 5
The plain that extends from Sadiya in the east to
Dhubri in the west.
61
Answer
The Brahmaputra plain
Write True or False against each of the following

Question 1
Mt. Everest is the highest peak in the world.
True
Question 2
All the rivers of peninsular plateau meet the Arabian
Sea.
False
Question 3
India is situated in the temperate zone.
False
Question 4
The Tropic of Cancer passes through Madhya
Pradesh.
True
Question 5

62
Cape Comorin is the southernmost part of India.
True
Match the following

Question 1
Column A Column B
Kutchh Marusthali
Kathiawar Dhrian
Great Indian Desert Northern Arc
Shifting sand dunes Gulf of Cambay
Shivaliks Mt. Girnar
Answer
Column A Column B
Kutchh Gulf of Cambay
Kathiawar Mt. Girnar
Great Indian Desert Marusthali
Shifting sand dunes Dhrian
63
 Column A Column B
Shivaliks Northern Arc
Answer the following questions in brief

Question 1
State the latitudinal extent of India.
Answer
The latitudinal extent of India is 8°4'N to 37°6'N.
Question 2
Name the southernmost part of India.
Answer
Cape Camorin in Tamil Nadu near Kanniyakumari is
the southernmost tip of India.
Question 3
Describe the location of India.
Answer
The latitudinal and longitudinal extent of India is
approximately 8°N to 37°N and 68°E to 97°E.

64
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands extend further
southwards and add to its latitudinal extent.
The north-south extent of mainland India from
Kashmir in the north to Kanniyakumari in the south
is 3214 km. Its west to east extent from Rann of
Kutchh in the west to Arunachal Pradesh in the east
is 2933 km. The length of the coastline along the
peninsular India is about 6100 km.
The Tropic of Cancer (23½°N) passes through the
middle of the country, dividing it into two latitudinal
halves, north temperate and south tropical lands. It
passes through the state of Madhya Pradesh,
covering the longest distance.
Cape Camorin in Tamil Nadu near Kanniyakumari is
the southernmost tip of India.
Question 4
What is meant by the term peninsula? Why India is
called so?
Answer
The term peninsula means a tract of land having
water on three sides.

65
The Indian plateau is called so because it is
surrounded by water bodies on three sides-
[Link] Indian ocean in the south
[Link] Arabina sea in the west
[Link] Bay of Bengal in the east
Question 5
Name the countries which are included in Indian
subcontinent.
Answer
India, along with its neighbouring countries,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and
Maldives, is called the Indian subcontinent.
Question 6
Name the physical divisions of India.
Answer
The physical divisions of India include-
[Link] Himalayas
[Link] Plains
[Link] Plateau
[Link] Regions
66
 [Link]
Question 7
What is the westernmost limit and easternmost limit
of Northern Arc.
Answer
The westernmost limit of Northern Arc is Nanga
Parbat and the easternmost limit of Northern Arc is
marked by Namcha Barwa.
Question 8
Name the hills included in Purvanchal.
Answer
The hills included in Purvanchal range are-
[Link] Bum and Naga hills in the north
[Link] hills in northwest
[Link], Khasi and Jayantia hills in the centre
Question 9
Where is the Central Arid Zone Research Institute
located? What is its objective?
Answer
67
The Central Arid Zone Research Institute is located
in Jodhpur.
Its objectives are as follows:
[Link] and applied research on sustainable
farming systems in the arid ecosystem.
[Link] of information on the state of natural
resources and desertification processes.
[Link]-based farming systems and range
management practices for the chronically
drought-affected areas.
[Link] and transferring location-specific
technologies.
Question 10
How was Deccan plateau formed? Name the ranges
included in the Deccan plateau.
Answer
The Deccan plateau is made up of lava flows which
are several hundred metres thick.
The northern part of the Deccan has some minor
ranges. They are Rajmahal, Mahadeo hills and
Maikal range in Madhya Pradesh and Ajanta and
Satmala hills in Maharashtra.
68
The Deccan plateau is triangular in shape and is
flanked by the Western Ghats in the west and the
Eastern Ghats in the east.
Question 11
Which is the highest peak in Western Ghats?
Answer
Anamudi in the Annamalai hills is the highest peak
in Western Ghats.
Question 12
What is meant by Kayals? Where are they found?
Answer
Malabar coast has a number of lagoons and
backwaters called Kayals.
Kayals are a special feature of Malabar coast in
Kerala.
Question 13
Name the prominent lakes on the East Coast of
India.
Answer

69
The prominent lakes on the East Coast of India are-
[Link] Chilika in Odisha
[Link] Kolleru and lake Pulicat in Andhra Pradesh

Chapter 9: India: Climate, Flora and Fauna

Tick the right option

Question 1
Nainital is cooler as compared to Agra because of
[Link] ✓
[Link]
[Link] from the sea
[Link] region
Question 2
The northeast monsoon blows from
[Link] to NE
[Link] to SE
70
 [Link] to SW ✓
[Link] to South
Question 3
The southwest monsoon blows from
[Link] to NE ✓
[Link] to South
[Link] to NW
[Link] to SW
Question 4
Tropical rainforests are found in
[Link] coast of India
[Link] Ghats ✓
[Link] plateau
[Link]-Gangetic plains
Question 5
Tidal forests are found in
[Link] plain
[Link] ✓
[Link] Ghats
[Link] Ghats
71
Fill in the blanks

Question 1
The temperate depressions are also known
as Western disturbances.
Question 2
The word monsoon means season.
Question 3
The dry northeast monsoon winds blow from north-
east to south-west.
Question 4
Tropical cyclones originate in Bay of Bengal.
Question 5
The natural habitat of Indian lion is Gir forest in
Gujarat.
Question 6
A national park is a large area where
several ecosystems exist freely.
Question 7
72
Project Tiger was launched by Kailash Sankhala on
1st April 1973.
Question 8
Endangered species of plants and animals are those
which are so rare that it is likely that they may soon
become extinct.
Answer in one word

Question 1
Cyclonic storms caused by low pressure in the Bay
of Bengal.
Answer
Tropical cyclones
Question 2
The premonsoon showers in April-May.
Answer
Mango Showers
Question 3
The animals of a particular region.
Answer
73
Fauna
Question 4
Calamity of Baisakh month
Answer
Kali Baisakhi
Question 5
Forests with breathing roots in Sundarban Delta.
Answer
Tidal forests
Match the following

Question
Column 1 Column 2
Retreating
Season of the SW Monsoon
monsoon
Clear and pleasant weather and
Deserts
low temperatures
Withdrawal of monsoon June to

74
 Column 1 Column 2
September
Xerophytic forests Cold weather
Use for extraction of resin and
Chir-pine
turpentine
Answer
Column 1 Column 2
June to
Season of the SW Monsoon
September
Clear and pleasant weather and
Cold weather
low temperatures
Retreating
Withdrawal of monsoon
monsoon
Xerophytic forests Deserts
Use for extraction of resin and
Chir-pine
turpentine
Give reasons for the following

75
Question 1
The Himalayas act as a barrier for India.
Answer
The Himalayas act as a barrier for India as they
obstruct the bitter cold winds from Siberia from
entering the Indian sub-continent. The Himalayas
also intercept the moisture laden southwest monsoon
winds forcing them to shed their moisture, resulting
in heavy rainfall in the north-east and Indo-Gangetic
plains.
Question 2
Mumbai experiences less range of temperature as
compared to Agra.
Answer
Mumbai experiences less range of temperature as
compared to Agra because Mumbai is situated at the
coast. Thus, it experiences equable climate whereas
Agra is situated away from the sea, hence, it
experiences extreme type of climate.
Question 3
Northwest India receives rainfall in winter.
76
Answer
Western disturbances originate in Mediterranean sea
during winter and they are responsible for bringing
rainfall in north-west India. Hence, Northwest India
receives rainfall in winter.
Question 4
Chennai has more rainy months but receives less
rainfall than Mangalore.
Answer
Chennai lies on the eastern side of the Indian
peninsula and receives rainfall both from the
Southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon winds.
Hence, it has more rainy months. But, the South
west monsoon winds blow parallel to the Chennai
coast and do not cause much rainfall. Mangalore lies
on the windward side of the Western Ghats and
hence, it receives more rainfall than Chennai inspite
of having less rainy months.
Question 5
Jaisalmer in Rajasthan receives very low rainfall
from southwest monsoon.
Answer
77
Jaisalmer in Rajasthan receives very low rainfall
from southwest monsoon because the southwest
monsoon winds run parallel to the Aravalis. They do
not give rainfall in Rajasthan as they do not get any
obstruction from the Aravalis. Also, the high
temperature in the desert increases their capacity to
hold moisture.
Question 6
Many species are in the danger of becoming extinct.
Answer
Many species are in the danger of becoming extinct
due to hunting by greedy hunters for commercial
purposes. Pollution due to chemical and industrial
waste, acid deposits, reckless cutting of forests to
bring land under cultivation and inhabitation are also
responsible for the imbalance in our ecosystem and
endangering many species.
Answer the following questions in brief

Question 1
Name the four seasons of India.
Answer
78
The four seasons of India are-
[Link] hot dry season (March to May)
[Link] rainy season or the season of Southwest
monsoon (June to September)
[Link] season of retreating southwest monsoon
(October and November)
[Link] cold season or the season of Northeast
monsoon (December to February)
Question 2
State any two characteristics of southwest monsoon.
Answer
Two characteristics of southwest monsoon are-
[Link] monsoon winds cause seasonal
rainfall from June to September.
[Link] is unevenly distributed and orographic
in nature.
Question 3
What are the characteristic features of hot season?
Give any two features of the hot season.
Answer
79
The characteristic features of hot season are-
[Link] season is marked by dry weather and
excessive heat.
[Link] this season, the sun shines directly overhead
the Tropic of Cancer.
Question 4
The Eastern Coast receives rainfall in winter.
Answer
During winter the dry offshore northeast monsoon
winds blow from high pressure to low pressure. As
they cross the Bay of Bengal, they gather enough
moisture. As they strike the Coromandel coast in
eastern India, they give heavy rainfall to Andhra
Pradesh and Tamil Nadu accompanied by stormy
winds. Hence, the Eastern Coast receives rainfall in
winter.
Question 5
What is meant by rainshadow area?
Answer
A rainshadow area describes the dry area on one side
of a mountain or mountain range where less rain
80
falls. This side of the mountain or mountain range is
called the leeward side, while the side which has
greater rainfall is called the windward side.
Question 6
In what way the vegetation of a place corresponds
with its climate? Give two examples.
Answer
The vegetation of a place corresponds with its
climate. The vegetation adapts to the climate of a
place as can be seen by the following examples-
[Link] vegetation — The plants that grow in
desert and semi-desert type of climate either
have very thin leaves or no leaves. Their stems
and leaves are often covered by sharp spines and
they have long roots to draw water as the rainfall
is very scarce.
[Link] forest vegetation — Tidal forests have
plants which are characterised by breathing roots
which act as respiratory organs. The stilt like
roots remain submerged underwater but can be
seen during low tide. This tangled mass of root
helps the plant to survive in the shifting mud of
coastal region.
81
Question 7
Where are the deciduous forests found? Give two
characteristics of the same.
Answer
The deciduous forests are found in the areas of
average temperature of about 27°C and average
rainfall between 150 to 200 cm.
They are found in the belt running along the Western
Ghats, surrounding the belt of evergreen forests,
both on eastern and western slopes. Another belt
runs along the Shivalik range and Chhota Nagpur
plateau.
Two characteristics of deciduous forests are-
[Link] forests shed their leaves for about 6-8
weeks during the spring and early summer
during March/April, when sufficient moisture
for leaves is not available. Forests of north
temperate zone shed their leaves in autumn.
[Link] are most important economically as they
yield valuable timber and several other forest
products.
Question 8
82
Differentiate between a National Park and a
Sanctuary.
Answer
National Park Sanctuary
Can include flora, fauna or any
The main aim is to
other objects of
protect a particular
historical/geographic
flora or fauna.
significance.
Boundaries are fixed and There are no fixed
defined. boundaries.
No human activities are Human activities
allowed. are allowed.
It is open to the
Not usually open to the public.
general public
National Parks are
Sanctuaries are usually formed
formed by the state
by the order of Central or the
or central
State Government
Legislature.
A national park cannot be A sanctuary can be
downgraded to a sanctuary. upgraded to a
83
 National Park Sanctuary
national park.

Question 9
Why is it necessary to conserve forests?
Answer
The latest reports of the National Remote Sensing
Agency (NRSA) indicate that the country is losing
about 1.3 million hectares of forest cover every year.
This will be detrimental to our national interest.
Hence, there is an urgent need for conservation of
forests.
Question 10
How do forests help in conserving our wildlife and
ecobalance in nature?
Answer
Forests are the natural habitat of a large variety of
wildlife. Wildlife refers to the animal species that
are not domesticated. So, any living organism that
lives in the forest region is associated with wildlife.
It is found in almost all ecosystems such as rain
84
forests, boreal forests, plains, grasslands, deserts etc.
Wildlife provides great stability to our environment
wherein they are involved in natural processes either
directly or indirectly. Each living organism is placed
in the food chain and is equally important, they may
be a producer, a consumer or a decomposer, all these
are interlinked and depend on each other for their
survival. Since, forests provide a habitat to wildlife,
they help in conserving our wildlife.
Animals release carbon-dioxide during respiration
which is absorbed by plants. On the other hand,
plants release oxygen during the process of
photosynthesis. In this way the oxygen and carbon
dioxide cycle goes on. Since forests contain a large
number of plants and trees, they help in maintaining
the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide in
the atmosphere.
Forests also affect the climate of a place by
regulating the temperature and rainfall of the area.
They prevent soil erosion as well. Hence, forests
help in balancing our ecosystem.
Question 11

85
Why is it necessary to conserve our wildlife
resources?
Answer
Wildlife is the part and parcel of the ecosystem.
They play a major role in maintaining the ecological
balance. Some animals also help in cleaning the
environment.
It is necessary to conserve our wildlife resources as-
[Link] serves as gene pool for pest-resistant
strains — Scientists look for resistant strains in
wild plants because wild plants have evolved
features resistant to disease.
[Link] enriches food production — Bees,
bats, birds and other animals help plants to
become productive by serving as agents of
pollination.
[Link] is a source of medicine — More than
40,000 species of plants, animals, fungi and
microscopic animals are used in some way to
benefit humans. More than a third of
pharmaceuticals originate from wild plants.

86
 [Link] has bequest value — The goal of
wildlife conservation is to ensure that nature will
be around for future generations to enjoy and
also to recognize the importance of wildlife and
wilderness for humans and other species alike.

Chapter 10: India: Human Resource

Question 1
Human resource resides in the
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link] of the above ✓
Question 2
In India, in 2011 the rural population was about
1.28 — 30%
87
 2.38 — 48%
3.48 — 68%
4.68 — 84% ✓
Question 3
Factors which affect the distribution of population
are
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link] of the above ✓
Question 4
Which of the following is an economic factor?
[Link] customs
[Link] knowledge
[Link] progress ✓
[Link] of inventions
Question 5
Unskilled labour refers to a person who is
[Link]
[Link]
88
 [Link] trained ✓
[Link]
Fill in the blanks

Question 1
In developing countries with agricultural economy,
rural population is higher.
Question 2
The physical environment plays a vital role in
determining the distribution of population.
Question 3
Sex ratio means the proportion of male and female
in the total population.
Question 4
Better developed human resources leads to
the economic and social development of a country.
Question 5
Trained and well-educated human resource is
called skilled manpower.
Answer the following questions in brief
89
Question 1
What is meant by human resource?
Answer
Human resource can be defined as the resource that
resides in the knowledge, skills and motivation of
the people.
Question 2
State the rural and urban population distribution in
India.
Answer
According to the census 2011, the total population of
India has reached 121 crores. Of the 121 crores
Indians, 83.3 crore live in rural areas while 37.7
crore stay in urban areas.
Question 3
State and explain the factors affecting distribution of
population in India (any three).
Answer
The factors affecting distribution of population in
India are-
90
 [Link] — Areas with rich mineral deposits
attract industries. Mining and industrial
activities generate employment. So, skilled and
semi-skilled workers move to these areas and
make them densely populated.
[Link] of water — People prefer to live in
areas where freshwater is easily available. Water
is used for a variety of daily needs and hence,
the river valleys are among the most densely
populated areas of the world.
[Link] — Cities offer better employment
opportunities, educational and medical facilities,
better means of transport and communication.
Good civic amenities and the attraction of city
life draws people to the cities and results in rural
to urban migration.
Question 4
Write a short note on sex ratio in India.
Answer
Sex ration means the proportion of male and female
in the total population. In India, sex ratio is
unfavourable to females. This is due to many
reasons. Some of these reasons are-
91
 [Link] are neglected and males get preferential
treatment.
[Link] die at all stages of life due to different
reasons.
[Link] children die due to negligence.
[Link] are killed just after birth.
[Link] die at the time of delivery.
Question 5
Distinguish between skilled and unskilled human
resource with examples.
Answer
Skilled human Unskilled human
resource resource
It refers to the persons It refers to the person who
who are trained, well possesses no special
educated, energetic, training and whose work
experienced, devoted to involves the performance
their field. of simple duties.
Skilled human resource It is a workforce
is capable of doing any associated with limited
specific work in a skill or minimal economic
92
 Skilled human Unskilled human
resource resource
balanced way and value for the work
efficiently. performed.
For example, peon,
For example, teachers,
watchman, cleaner,
lawyers, doctors,
sweeper, gardener,
engineers etc.
labourer etc.

II. Give reasons for the following:

93