Chapter 3 Landforms and Life

Exercise Solutions

A. Darken the correct option in OMR sheet

1. What are the three main landforms?

(a) Mountains, plateaus and plains

(b) Mountains, plateaus and hills

(c) Hills, plateaus and plains

(d) Plateaus, valleys and plains

Answer: (a) Mountains, plateaus and plains

2. Mountains can be recognised by a:

(a) Broad base

(b) Steep slopes

(c) Narrow summit

(d) All of these

Answer: (d) All of these

3. A landform that rises up from the surrounding land and has a more or less flat surface; some of its sides are often steep slopes is called:

(a) Mountains

(b) Plateaus

(c) Hills

(d) Plains

Answer: (b) Plateaus

B. Write 'T' for true and 'F' for false statements

1. A landform is a physical feature on the surface of our planet Earth.

Answer: T

2. Plateaus are landforms that are much higher than the surrounding landscape.

Answer: T

3. Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga are the two highest peaks of the Himalayan range.

Answer: T

4. The plateau environment is very diverse across the world.

Answer: T

5. The Jog Falls drop down 340 metres from the Cherrapunji Plateau (in Meghalaya).

Answer: F
 

C. Answer the following questions in short

1. What are the major landforms?

Answer: The three major landforms of the Earth are mountains, plateaus and plains.

2. What is the difference between a mountain and a plateau?

Answer: A mountain is a very high landform with steep slopes and a pointed peak. A plateau is a raised flat land with a broad, level top and steep sides.

3. Name the mountain that is not the part of any range.

Answer: Mount Kilimanjaro is a mountain that is not part of any mountain range.

4. Define plateau and give its importance.

Answer: A plateau is a high flat land with steep sides. Plateaus are rich in minerals, provide grazing land, help in farming and are important sources of waterfalls and hydroelectric power.

5. Write short notes on Plains.

Answer: Plains are large, flat or gently sloping areas of land. They have fertile soil, making them suitable for agriculture. Most cities and villages are located on plains because transport, trade and communication are easier there.

D. Answer the following questions in detail

1. What are the major types of landforms and their significance to life and culture?

Answer: The three major landforms are mountains, plateaus and plains. Mountains are high landforms with steep slopes. They are the source of many rivers, support forests and wildlife, and attract tourists. Plateaus are elevated flat lands. They are rich in minerals and are important for mining, grazing and hydroelectric power generation. Plains are flat and fertile lands. They are best suited for agriculture, industries, transport and human settlements. Most of the world's population lives on plains. Thus, all three landforms play an important role in supporting human life, economy and culture.

2. What are the challenges and opportunities of life associated with each landform?

Answer: Each landform has its own opportunities and challenges. Mountains provide fresh water, forests and tourism opportunities, but transport is difficult and the climate is very cold. Plateaus are rich in minerals and suitable for mining and grazing, but farming is difficult because the soil is often less fertile. Plains have fertile soil, good transport and are ideal for agriculture and industries, but they may face floods and overcrowding. Therefore, every landform has both advantages and disadvantages depending on its physical features.