CBSE Class 7 Social Science Chapter 10: Life in the Deserts NCERT Solutions

Solution: (a) The world features two primary types of deserts: hot deserts, characterized by high temperatures and arid conditions, and cold deserts, which experience extreme cold and dryness, often at high altitudes. (b) The vast Sahara desert is situated on the continent of Africa, covering a significant portion of its northern region. (c) The Ladakh desert is characterized by an extremely cold and dry climate. Its high altitude, ranging from approximately 3,000 meters in Kargil to over 8,000 meters in the Karakoram range, results in thin air. Daytime summer temperatures are just above freezing, while nighttime temperatures can plummet below -30°C. Winters are severe, with temperatures frequently falling below -40°C for extended periods. Rainfall is minimal, averaging around 10 cm annually. The region endures freezing winds and intense sunlight simultaneously, creating conditions where one can experience both sunstroke and frostbite. (d) Ladakh is a popular tourist destination that draws visitors from both within India and internationally. Tourists are primarily attracted to the numerous Buddhist monasteries, known as gompas, which are scattered across the Ladakhi landscape. The natural beauty, including meadows and glaciers, also plays a significant role in attracting visitors. Additionally, the unique ceremonies and festivities celebrated by the local people during the winter months are a major draw for tourists. (e) The inhabitants of the Sahara desert typically wear heavy robes. These garments are designed to protect them from the harsh desert conditions, including dust storms and the intense heat of the sun. (f) In the Ladakh region, vegetation is sparse. However, one can find scanty patches of grasses and shrubs. Groves of willow and poplar trees are also present, along with fruit trees such as apples, apricots, and walnuts, which are cultivated in suitable areas.

Solution: (i) The correct answer is (b) northern. The Sahara desert is predominantly located in the northern part of Africa. (ii) The correct answer is (b) hot. The Sahara desert is classified as a hot desert due to its high temperatures and arid conditions. (iii) The correct answer is (b) Buddhists and Muslims. The population of the Ladakh desert primarily consists of Buddhists and Muslims. (iv) The correct answer is (a) Scanty vegetation. Deserts are typically characterized by a lack of abundant vegetation due to the harsh environmental conditions, especially the scarcity of water. (v) The correct answer is (c) monastery. Hemis, located in Ladakh, is a well-known and significant Buddhist monastery. (vi) The correct answer is (c) cotton. Egypt, particularly the Nile river valley, is famous for its cotton cultivation.

Solution: The correct matches are as follows: (i) Oasis - (d) depressions with water. An oasis is a fertile spot in a desert where water is found, supporting plant life. (ii) Bedouins - (f) Sahara. Bedouins are nomadic people traditionally found in the Sahara desert and other desert regions. (iii) Oil - (a) Libya. Libya, a country in North Africa bordering the Sahara, is known for its oil reserves. (iv) Gangri - (c) glacier. Gangri is a term often associated with glaciers or mountainous regions, particularly in the context of the Himalayas which influence Ladakh. (v) Lamayura - (b) Monastery. Lamayura is a famous and ancient Buddhist monastery located in Ladakh.

Solution: (i) Vegetation is scanty in deserts because the climate is either extremely hot and dry or extremely cold and dry, neither of which is conducive to plant growth. Furthermore, deserts receive very little rainfall. The scarcity of sufficient water is the primary reason for the limited vegetation found in these arid regions. (ii) The people of the Sahara desert wear heavy robes primarily to protect themselves from the harsh environmental conditions. These robes offer protection against the abrasive dust storms that are common in the desert and also shield their skin from the intense heat of the sun and hot winds.

Solution: (i) To complete this map skill, you would need an outline map of Africa. Locate the vast Sahara Desert in the northern part of the continent. Then, identify and mark four surrounding countries such as Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Chad, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, or Sudan, depending on their proximity to the Sahara. (ii) To complete this map skill, you would need an outline map of India. Locate the northernmost region of India, which is Ladakh. Identify and mark the Karakoram Range in the far north of Ladakh. Below the Karakoram, mark the Zanskar Range. Also, clearly label the region of Ladakh itself and the Zojila Pass, which serves as a crucial gateway to Ladakh from Srinagar.