World Geography: Some Glimpses
Questions and activities
Q1. Why do all map projections have some amount of distortion?
Answer: The Earth is an oblate spheroid, while maps are drawn on a flat surface. It is impossible to represent the curved surface of the Earth on a flat surface without some distortion. Therefore, some maps show the correct shapes of countries but distort their sizes, while others show the correct sizes but distort their shapes. Every map projection involves a compromise.
Q2. What makes the Tibetan Plateau unique?
Answer: The Tibetan Plateau is the highest and largest plateau on Earth. It is located north of the Himalayan Range and was formed by the collision of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates. It has an average height of over 4,500 metres above sea level. It influences the climate of Asia and is the source of major rivers such as the Indus, Brahmaputra and Yangtze. It is also called the ‘Third Pole’ because it contains the largest reserves of freshwater outside the polar regions.
Q3. Why are coral reefs called the ‘rainforests of the sea’?
Answer: Coral reefs are called the ‘rainforests of the sea’ because they are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. They provide food and shelter for about one-quarter of all ocean species, including fish, crabs, turtles and sponges. They support a rich variety of marine life and are important for maintaining biodiversity.
Q4. How do the oceans help to regulate the Earth’s climate?
Answer: Oceans help regulate the Earth’s climate by absorbing heat and slowly releasing it. They add moisture to the air, which helps form clouds and rainfall. Ocean currents also influence the climate of coastal areas. For example, the warm Gulf Stream makes places such as the United Kingdom warmer than other places at the same latitude.
Q5. What is the main reason for the Great Barrier Reef facing threats today?
Answer: The Great Barrier Reef faces serious threats mainly because of human activities. Overfishing, pollution and climate change damage the reef ecosystem. Changes in the chemical composition of ocean water can cause coral bleaching and the death of corals. This leads to the loss of habitats for many marine animals, making the conservation of the reef essential.
Q6. Why is the Amazon Rainforest often called the ‘Lungs of the Earth’?
Answer: The Amazon Rainforest is often called the ‘Lungs of the Earth’ because its vast vegetation supports the Earth’s natural environmental balance. It is a major forest ecosystem that provides habitats for numerous species and plays an important role in the global environment. The forest is threatened by deforestation and climate change, so protecting it is important for the planet.
Q7. Choose two different types of geographical features you have explored in this chapter. Write short paragraphs on how they influence the flora and fauna or human lives in that area. Do they also have an implication for the whole globe?
Answer:
Mountains: Mountains influence climate, provide freshwater through melting snow and glaciers, and support diverse ecosystems. The Ural Mountains contain forests and provide habitats for animals such as brown bears, wolves, reindeer and lynx. They are also rich in mineral resources and can serve as natural boundaries between countries. Mountains influence water supplies, biodiversity and the lives of people across regions.
Deserts: Deserts are large, dry areas with very little rainfall and unique plants and animals adapted to harsh conditions. The Sahara Desert supports animals and plants adapted to extreme heat. Nomadic communities herd livestock such as sheep, goats and camels and depend on trade for their livelihood. Deserts also have global significance because their ecosystems are affected by human activities and climate change.
The Big Questions? (Page No . 1)
Q1. What are the unique physical features of the continents?
Answer: Each continent has unique physical features, such as mountains, plateaus, plains, deserts, grasslands, rivers, and forests. These features differ from one continent to another and influence climate, ecosystems, and human life.
Q2. Why do we need to understand world geography?
Answer: We need to understand world geography to learn about the Earth’s physical features, including continents, oceans, mountains, and deserts. It helps us understand how these features influence climate, ecosystems, human activities, and the relationship between people and the environment.
Q3. How do human actions trigger environmental issues?
Answer: Human activities such as deforestation, overuse of natural resources, and pollution disturb the Earth’s natural balance. These activities can cause environmental problems such as desertification, loss of biodiversity, and climate change.
Leave a Reply