Textbook Questions and Answers
Keywords:
- Moss: A very short, non-flowering plant usually found in damp places.
- Hibernate: A dormant stage or period of inactivity in animals during winter.
- Sledges: Wheelless carts made of wood and animal bones.
- Snowmobile: A motor vehicle used for traveling on snow.
Define the following:
- Permafrost: Permafrost is the permanently frozen layer of ground in cold regions.
- Hibernate: A state or period of inactivity in animals during cold winters.
Answer the Following Questions:
1. How is the climate in the Tundra region?
Ans: The Tundra region is frozen for most of the year. Winters are very cold and long, and temperatures dip to -50°C. Summers are very short.
2. Name the plants that grow in the Tundra region.
Ans: In the Tundra region, there is not enough soil for large trees to grow. During the summer, the permafrost thaws just enough to let plants grow. The soil can support low-growing plants such as moss, lichen, and heath.
3. Name some animals that live in the Tundra region.
Ans: Herbivores such as the reindeer, musk ox, Arctic hare, and lemming are found in the Tundra region. Predators such as the wolf and Arctic fox eat the herbivores. Polar and brown bears are also found here.
4. What is the main occupation of the Inuit?
Ans: Hunting, fishing, and herding are the main occupations of the Inuit.
5. Why are igloos suitable houses for the Tundra region?
Ans: Igloos are suitable houses because they are made of blocks of snow, which trap air and act as good insulators. They keep the inside warmer.
6. How has the life of the Inuit changed?
Ans: The life of the Inuit has changed a lot over time. They have started living in permanent houses made of stone and earth. They have access to schools, hospitals, electricity, and other modern facilities. They also use snowmobiles and motorboats for transport. Places such as Greenland are connected by air with several cities.
Assertion and Reasoning Questions:
1. Assertion (A): Farming is the main occupation of the Inuit.
Reasoning (R): The land remains frozen for most of the year.
Ans: A is false, but R is true.
2. Assertion (A): Very few trees grow in the Tundra region.
Reasoning (R): The ground remains frozen for most of the year.
Ans: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Case-Based Questions:
An Inuit family hunts fish and seals for food. They use animal skins to make warm clothes. Today, they also live in modern houses and send their children to school.
(a) Who are the people described in the passage?
Ans: The Inuit people.
(b) Why do they depend on hunting and fishing?
Ans: Because farming is difficult due to the frozen land and extremely cold climate.
(c) Name one modern facility available to them today.
Ans: Modern houses.