Chapter 3: Landforms and Life

Social Science • Class 6

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Chapter Analysis

Beginner18 pages • English

Quick Summary

The chapter explores various landforms such as mountains, plateaus, and plains, detailing their physical characteristics and significance to human life and culture. It covers how these landforms support diverse flora and fauna, influence climate, and affect human activities like agriculture, tourism, and settlements. The text also discusses human adaptation and cultural integration with landforms, highlighting historic and contemporary relationships between people and their environment.

Key Topics

  • Mountain landforms
  • Plateau characteristics
  • Plains and agriculture
  • Human adaptation to landforms
  • Cultural significance of landforms
  • Geographical impact on lifestyles

Learning Objectives

  • Identify major landforms and describe their characteristics
  • Understand the significance of landforms in cultural contexts
  • Analyze how landforms affect human activities and settlements
  • Explore the interrelationship between people and their environments
  • Recognize the role of landforms in biodiversity

Questions in Chapter

In what type of landform is your town / village / city located? Which features mentioned in this chapter do you see around you?

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Let us go back to our initial trip from Chhota Nagpur to Prayagraj and Almora. Describe the three landforms you came across on the way.

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List a few famous pilgrimage spots in India along with the landforms in which they are found.

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State whether true or false — The Himalayas are young mountains with rounded tops.

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Match words in pairs: Mount Everest - Africa, rafting - roof of the world.

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Additional Practice Questions

Explain how different landforms affect the lifestyle and occupation of people living in those regions.

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Answer: Mountains, with their rugged terrain, often see people involved in activities like tourism and limited agriculture, while plains, with fertile lands, predominantly engage in agriculture. Plateaus might concentrate on mining due to mineral richness. Understanding these factors helps appreciate how geography influences human existence and prosperity.

Why are rivers considered sacred in many cultures, particularly in India?

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Answer: Rivers are life-giving sources, providing water for drinking, agriculture, and various rituals. In India, rivers hold spiritual significance, with many festivals and ceremonies centered around them, reflecting the deep cultural and religious connections tied to rivers.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of tourism in mountainous regions?

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Answer: Tourism boosts local economies and introduces cultural exchange. However, excessive tourism can harm the environment, strain resources, and disrupt local communities. Balancing tourism with environmental conservation and cultural preservation is crucial.

Discuss the unique flora and fauna found in desert regions.

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Answer: Deserts, characterized by low precipitation, host unique biodiversity adapted to extreme conditions; for example, succulents like cacti store water, while animals like camels are adapted for survival with minimal water. Understanding desert ecosystems highlights nature's resilience.

Describe how terrace farming is practiced in mountainous regions and its significance.

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Answer: Terrace farming involves creating stepped fields along slopes to reduce soil erosion and optimized water use, allowing cultivation in otherwise challenging terrains. It's significant for supporting agricultural activities in hilly areas where flat lands are scarce.