Natural Regions | Class 7 | Geography | Chapter 6 | Maharashtra State Board
In this fascinating geography lesson, we will delve into the diverse natural regions around the world, examining their unique characteristics, natural features, and the human life that thrives within them. Join us as we take an immersive journey through various natural regions such as the Tundra Region, Taiga Region, Grasslands, Hot Desert Region, Equatorial Region, Monsoon Region, Mediterranean Region, and West European Region. Discover the location and extent of these regions, as well as the different climates, temperatures, soils, and landforms that define them. We will also explore the rich flora and fauna that inhabit these areas, highlighting the incredible natural diversity found in each region. Learn how natural regions influence the type of housing, clothing, and food choices of the people who live there, and gain a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between humans and their environment. Whether you're a student studying for the Maharashtra Board SSC exams or simply interested in learning about the world's natural wonders, this video will provide valuable insights into the captivating world of natural regions. Don't miss out on this enlightening geography lesson! Hit the play button and let's embark on a virtual journey through the remarkable natural regions of our planet.
Questions & Answers
Q.1. Read the following statements carefully. Correct the wrong ones and write them down.
1. Due to its mild and warm climate, people from the West European region are not energetic.
Ans. False - People from the West European region are energetic despite the mild and warm climate.
2. The prairie region is called the wheat basket of the world.
Ans. True.
3. The trees in the Mediterranean region have oily leaves, and the bark is quite thick. There is a high rate of transpiration.
Ans. False - Trees in the Mediterranean region do not generally have oily leaves or thick bark, and the transpiration rate can vary.
4. The camel is an important animal of the hot desert region as it can survive without water and is useful for transport.
Ans. True.
5. Carnivorous animals like tigers and lions are found in large numbers in the equatorial regions.
Ans. False - Large numbers of carnivorous animals like tigers and lions are not typically found in equatorial regions. They are more commonly found in other habitats such as savannas, grasslands, and forests.
Q.2. Give geographical reasons.
1. People in monsoon region are mainly engaged in agriculture.
Ans.
People in the monsoon region mainly work in agriculture because the region has favorable climatic conditions for growing a variety of crops.
The monsoon region is located in the tropical and subtropical belt between 10° and 30°N parallels, where it receives ample sunlight throughout the year.
The summers are hot, with temperatures ranging from 27° to 32°C, while the winters are mild, with temperatures between 15° and 24°C.
The region receives rainfall during a specific season from the southwest monsoon winds, which varies between 250 to 2500 mm. Due to these conditions, agriculture is the primary occupation of people in the monsoon region.
2. Trees in equatorial forests grow tall.
Ans.
Trees in equatorial forests grow tall because of the unique conditions found in these regions.
Equatorial forests are located between 50°N and 50°S of the equator, where they receive direct sunlight year-round.
The climate is hot, and there is consistent rainfall throughout the year, typically ranging from 2500 to 3000 mm.
These conditions support the growth of dense evergreen forests, where sunlight is limited due to the dense vegetation.
As a result, trees in equatorial forests compete for sunlight and tend to grow tall.
3. Vegetation is short-lived in the Tundra region.
Ans.
The Tundra region is located between 65°N and 90°N parallels, where the climate is extremely cold.
During the brief summer period, the average temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C.
However, the harsh winter climate does not support vegetation growth.
Only short grass, small shrubs, flowers, lichen, moss, and similar plants can grow during the short summer.
As a result, the vegetation in the Tundra region has a short lifespan.
Q.3. Answer the following questions.
1. What is the latitudinal extent of the Taiga region?
Ans. Taiga region extends from 55° to 65° N latitudes from Alaska to the Atlantic coast & in parts of Eurasia.
2. Name any three herbivorous animals from the Sudan region. What has nature endowed them with for self-protection?
Ans.
Sudan region has zebras, elephant and giraffe.
Nature has gifted them with speedy legs.
The skin of the animals here have colourful spots or stripes/bands.
3. What are the characteristics of the Monsoon region?
Ans. The characteristics of the Monsoon region are as follows:
The summer temperatures range between 27° and 32°C, while the winter temperatures range from 15° to 24°C.
Rainfall in this region varies between 250 to 2500 mm, primarily received during specific seasons from the southwest monsoon.
The rainfall distribution is highly variable and uneven.
The region is home to semi-evergreen and deciduous forests, and the type of vegetation depends on the distribution of rainfall.
Agriculture is the primary occupation of the people in this region.
The Monsoon region consists of numerous small hamlets, and there are notable differences in the diet and costumes of the people.
The majority of the population in the Monsoon region is engaged in primary occupations.
Q.4. Show the following items on an outline map of the world. Prepare the index.
• Colorado Desert
• British Columbia
• Downs Grassland
• Inhabited part of
Greenland
• Mediterranean Sea
E X T R A
Q.1. Fill in the blanks choosing the correct option from the bracket.
The Zulu people live in the Steppes grassland and lead a nomadic life. (Zulu, Pygmies, Kyrgyz)
The Monsoon region receives rains from the SW monsoon winds. (NE monsoon, SW monsoon, SE monsoon)
Westerlies cause cyclonic rain in the West European region. (Westerlies, Easterlies, Polar)
Sailors and explorers are mainly found in the Mediterranean region. (Mediterranean, Monsoon, West European)
The evergreen type of forest is found in the Equatorial region. (coniferous, evergreen, deciduous)
The Meditterranean region receives rainfall in winter. (Mediterranean, Equatorial, Taiga)
The seat of Greek and Roman civilization is found in the Meditterranean region. (Taiga, Hot desert, Mediterranean)
In the Monsoon region, agriculture is the main occupation of the people. (agriculture, animal husbandry, secondary)
Q.2. Match the pair correctly.
Region | Answer | Latitudinal extent |
Tundra region | 65° to 90° N and S | 5° to 20° N and S |
Taiga region | 55° to 65° N and S | 20° to 30° N and S |
Grassland (Steppes and Prairies) | 30° to 55° N and S | 30° to 55° N and S |
Hot Desert | 20° to 30° N and S | 55° to 65° N and S |
Grassland (Sudan type) | 5° to 20° N and S | 65° to 90° N and S |
Q.3. Answer in one sentence.
1. What is the mean winter temperature in the Tundra region?
Ans. The mean winter temperature in the Tundra region is approximately -20°C to -30°C.
2. How are the summers and winters in the Sudan region?
Ans. In the Sudan region, summers are hot and humid, whereas winters are warm and dry.
3. What is the annual rainfall in the Equatorial region?
Ans. The annual rainfall in the Equatorial region is between 2500 and 3000 mm.
4. Which animal is commonly found in the hot deserts? Why?
Ans. Camels are commonly found in the hot deserts because they can survive for days without water.
5. What are the characteristics of plants in the hot desert region?
Ans. The vegetation in the hot desert region consists of thorny bushes with few leaves. The leaves are narrow, oily, and the plants have thick bark.
6. What type of forests are found in the Taiga region?
Ans. The Taiga region is mainly characterized by coniferous forests.4
Q.4. Give geographical reasons for.
1. In the hot desert region, animals like camels can survive for days without water.
Ans.
In the hot desert region, the mean summer temperature ranges from 30°C to 45°C.
The heat is intense, and rainfall is very low.
Camels have adapted to these extreme conditions. When food and water are available, camels can consume and store large amounts in their hump as fat. This allows them to survive for days without water in the hot desert region.
2. The Mediterranean region is known for its rainfall in winters.
Ans.
The Mediterranean region is located between the 30° and 40° parallels in both hemispheres on the western side of continents.
As a result, the Mediterranean region is influenced by westerlies, which bring rainfall during winters.
3. Why is the Prime Meridian considered an important meridian?
Ans.
The Taiga region has a cool climate, with summer temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C and winter temperatures falling below 0°C.
Mainly coniferous forests are found in this region.
The wood of the trees in the Taiga region is light and soft, making lumbering the primary occupation.
4. As one travels from the equator to the poles, the spectrum of biodiversity narrows down.
Ans.
In the equatorial region, human occupations are based on forest produce, such as gathering gum, rubber, etc.
Towards the poles, the availability of natural resources significantly affects human occupations.
The availability of sunlight and water varies from the equator to the polar region, resulting in a narrowing spectrum of biodiversity as one travels from the equator to the poles.
5. There are variations in biodiversity in different parts of the world.
Ans.
Differences in landforms, climate, and soil greatly influence flora, fauna, and human life.
These variations give rise to differences in biodiversity in different parts of the world.
6. The equatorial region has a number of diseases.
Ans. The equatorial region is prone to a number of diseases due to its hot and humid climate, which leads to the decomposition of vegetal litter.
Q.5. Answer the following question in short.
1. Describe coniferous trees in the Taiga region.
Ans. Coniferous trees in the Taiga region have light and soft wood. Their leaves are narrow and pointed. The branches of these trees tend to lean towards the ground.
2. Describe the vegetation in the Mediterranean region.
Ans. In regions with low rainfall in the Mediterranean, grass is commonly found, while mountainous areas are home to coniferous forests. Trees in the Mediterranean region have thick barks and small, thick, and oily leaves.
3. What types of forests are found in the Monsoon region?
Ans. In the Monsoon region, you can find semi-evergreen and deciduous forests.
Q.6. Answer the following question in detail.
1. What are the characteristics of the West European Region?
Ans. The characteristics of the West European Region are as follows:
The mean summer temperature is around 20°C, and the mean winter temperature is around 5°C.
The mean rainfall ranges between 500 and 2500 mm.
The rainfall in this region is mostly in the form of cyclones associated with westerlies.
It rains throughout the year.
The climate is mild.
Green grass is visible all year round.
Trees shed their leaves in winter.
Coniferous trees and short grasses are found in this region.
2. What are the characteristics of the Mediterranean region?
Ans. The characteristics of the Mediterranean region are as follows:
It experiences dry summers and rainfall in winter, with mean summer temperatures ranging from 21°C to 27°C.
The winter temperature ranges between 10°C and 14°C.
The mean annual rainfall in this region is between 500 and 1000 mm.
Rainfall occurs mainly in winter.
The vegetation in this region is characterized by thick, small, and oily leaves.
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