Ch-3 LANDFORMS AND LIFE
Key Words
1. Montane forest: A type of forests that grows in mountainous regions.
2. Lichen: A plant like organism that generally clings to rocks, walls or tree.
3. Terrain: A piece or stretch of land, from the point of view of its physical features.
4. Valley: A lower area between hills or mountains, often with a river or stream flowing through it.
5. Flash flood: A sudden local flood, often caused by a cloudburst.
6. Landslide: The sudden collapse of a mass of earth or rock from a mountainside.
7. Cloudburst: A sudden violent rainstorm.
8. Sea level: The average level of the surface of the oceans, also called 'mean sea level'.
9. Confluence: The meeting point of two or more rivers.
Very short answer
Q1. What kind of trees are found in montane forests?
A1: Montane forests have tall, cone-shaped trees like pines, firs, spruce, and deodar.
Q2. Name two animals that live in mountain environments.
A2: Animals like the snow leopard and golden eagle live in mountain environments.
Q3. What are the three main types of landforms discussed in the article?
A3. The three main types of landforms discussed in the article are mountains, plateaus, and plains.
Q4. What are some examples of famous mountain ranges around the world?
A4.1) The Himalayas in Asia
2)The Alps in Europe
3)The Andes in south America [Link] is Moss:
A5.A small green plant without flowers or true roots, often spreading in a cushion-like cover.
Short answer
Q1.. How are mountains formed?
A1. Mountain formation occurs due to a variety of geological processes associated with large-scale movements of
Earth's crust (tectonic plates)
Q2. How do plains differ from mountains and plateaus ?
A2. Plains are extensive, flat or gently rolling lowlands, while mountains are large, steep, elevated landforms with
peaks and valleys,
and plateaus are elevated, flat-topped landforms that rise sharply from the surrounding area.
Q3. What is Altitude
A3. The height of an object above Sea level. Examples: the altitude of a mountain, the altitude of a bird or plane in
flight, the altitude of a satellite.
[Link] is Resilience:
[Link] capacity to meet challenges and difficulties, adapt to them or overcome them. Q5. What is Avalanche:
[Link] sudden fall of snow, ice or rocks from a mountainside; often occurs when the snow starts melting.
[Link] is Precipitation:
[Link] from the atmosphere reaching the ground in any form rain, snow and hail are the most common forms of
precipitation.
Long Answers
[Link] are the major types of landforms and their significance to life and culture?
[Link] Major Landforms are
Mountains:
Tall, naturally elevated landforms with a broad base, steep slopes, and a narrow, pointed summit. They are formed by
the collision of tectonic plates.
Plateaus:
Elevated, flat-topped table lands that rise sharply from the surrounding land. They are rich in minerals and suitable
for mining.
Plains:
Vast, flat, or gently sloping areas of land with little change in elevation. Plains are fertile and are vital for agriculture,
supporting large human populations.
Other Landforms
Hills: Lower in elevation than mountains, hills are usually rounded.
Valleys: Low-lying areas situated between two mountains or hills, often formed by the erosive action of rivers or
glaciers.
Q2 .What is the significance of plateaus in terms of agriculture and human settlement?
[Link] for agriculture
Fertile volcanic soil: Some plateaus, known as lava plateaus, are covered in fertile black soil that is excellent for
agriculture.
Unique microclimates: Higher elevations can create cooler climates suitable for specific crops like millets, pulses,
and oilseeds through rainfed farming, while irrigated areas grow rice and sugarcane.
Livestock grazing: The vast, elevated grasslands on many plateaus are ideal for animal husbandry, including the
grazing of sheep, goats, and cattle.
Terraced farming: In some rugged plateau areas, farmers use terraced farming techniques to adapt to the
topography, prevent erosion, and make cultivation possible.
Advantages for human settlement
Stable ground: The flat and elevated terrain of plateaus offers a stable settlements and the construction of
roads and other infrastructure.
Natural resources: Many plateaus are rich in minerals like coal, iron ore, gold, and diamonds.
Cooler climate: Even in tropical or subtropical regions, higher-altitude plateaus can offer a cooler climate,
attracting settlement.