CBSE Class 7 Social Science Chapter 9: Life in the Temperate Grasslands NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 7 PDF

This chapter delves into the diverse life found in the temperate grasslands of the world, focusing on the Prairies of North America and the Velds of South Africa. Students will explore the geographical features, climate patterns, flora, fauna, and the primary occupations of people living in these regions. The NCERT Solutions provide clear explanations and answers to questions related to the unique characteristics of these grasslands, such as cattle farming on ranches, sheep rearing for wool, and the significance of rivers and mountains. Understanding these solutions will equip students with a solid grasp of the environmental and economic aspects of temperate grassland ecosystems, aiding in their exam preparation by clarifying key concepts and geographical information.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 7
Subject	Social Science
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 9 – Life in the Temperate Grasslands

Chapter summary

Chapter 9, 'Life in the Temperate Grasslands,' focuses on two major grassland regions: the Prairies in North America and the Velds in South Africa. The NCERT Solutions cover their geographical locations, distinctive climates, vegetation, and animal life. It explains the main occupations like cattle ranching and sheep farming, highlighting the economic importance of these grasslands. The solutions also address specific geographical features, rivers, and the impact of local winds like the Chinook.

Learning outcomes

Identify and locate the major temperate grasslands (Prairies and Velds).
Describe the climate and vegetation of the Prairies and Velds.
Explain the primary occupations and economic activities in these regions.
Understand the significance of specific geographical features and winds like the Chinook.
Differentiate between the characteristics of the North American Prairies and South African Velds.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Temperate Grasslands
Prairies of North America
Velds of South Africa
Climate of Grasslands
Vegetation in Grasslands
Fauna of Grasslands
Cattle Farming (Ranches)
Sheep Rearing (Merino Sheep)
Rivers of Grasslands (Mississippi, Orange, Limpopo)
Geographical Features (Rocky Mountains, Drakensberg)
Local Winds (Chinook)
Economic Activities in Grasslands

Important topics

Comparison of Prairies and Velds
Climate and its impact
Major occupations: Ranches and Sheep rearing
Significance of wheat production in Prairies
Role of the Chinook wind

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1 (a)

What are the Temperate Grasslands of North America called?

Solution: The vast temperate grasslands found in North America are known as the Prairies. This region is characterized by its extensive plains covered mainly by grasses.

Question 1 (b)

What are the cattle farms in the North American Grasslands known as?

Solution: The large-scale cattle farms located in the North American Grasslands, particularly the Prairies, are commonly referred to as ranches. These ranches are central to the cattle-rearing industry in the region.

Question 1 (c)

Name the rivers that drain the velds.

Solution: The Velds, the temperate grasslands of South Africa, are primarily drained by tributaries of two major rivers: the Orange River and the Limpopo River.

Question 1 (d)

When is the rainy season in the Velds.

Solution: The Velds experience their rainy season mainly during the summer months. This period typically spans from November to February, bringing essential rainfall to the region.

Question 1 (e)

What is the major occupation of the people of the South African grasslands?

Solution: The primary occupation for the people living in the South African grasslands, known as the Velds, is sheep rearing. The region is particularly famous for its Merino sheep, which produce high-quality wool.

Question 2 (a)

River Mississippi drains which region? (i) Canada (ii) Africa (iii) USA.

Solution: The correct answer is (iii) USA. The Mississippi River is a major river system that flows through the United States of America and is a significant geographical feature of the North American continent.

Question 2 (b)

Drakensberg Mountains are to the west of which region? (i) Prairies (ii) Velds (iii) Pampas.

Solution: The correct answer is (ii) Velds. The Drakensberg Mountains form a significant geographical boundary to the west of the Velds, the temperate grasslands of South Africa.

Question 2 (c)

Merino is a species of which animal? (i) Fish (ii) Elephant (iii) Sheep.

Solution: The correct answer is (iii) Sheep. Merino is a well-known breed of sheep, highly valued for its fine and warm wool, and is a key part of the economy in regions like the Velds.

Question 2 (d)

Kimberley is famous for which resource? (i) diamonds (ii) silver (iii) platinum.

Solution: The correct answer is (i) diamonds. Kimberley, located in South Africa, is historically famous for its rich diamond mines and is a significant center for diamond mining and trading.

Question 3

Match the following: (i) Comboys (ii) Gold (iii) Kudu (iv) Chinook (v) Coal

With: (a) Iron and Steel (b) Prairies (c) Hot wind (d) Velds (e) Johannesberg (f) Animal

Solution: The correct matches are:

(i) Comboys - (b) Prairies (Cowboys are associated with cattle ranching in the Prairies)
(ii) Gold - (e) Johannesberg (Johannesburg is a major city in South Africa, known for gold mining)
(iii) Kudu - (f) Animal (Kudu is a type of antelope found in Africa, including the Velds)
(iv) Chinook - (c) Hot wind (Chinook is a warm, dry wind that blows in the Prairies)
(v) Coal - (a) Iron and Steel (Coal is a key resource used in the Iron and Steel industry, and while not directly matched to a place, it relates to industrial resources. Note: The source provided 'Johannesberg' for Gold and 'Coal' for Iron and Steel, implying a connection to industrial resources found in or related to these regions. The provided answer key links (v) to (a).

Question 4 (i)

Give reasons: The Prairies are known as the 'Granaries of the world'.

Solution: The Prairies are known as the 'Granaries of the World' because this region is exceptionally well-suited for large-scale wheat cultivation. The fertile soil, favorable climate, and advanced agricultural practices allow for a massive surplus production of wheat, which is then exported globally, feeding many nations.

Question 4 (ii)

Give reasons: Rise of wool industry in the Velds.

Solution: The wool industry has significantly developed in the Velds primarily due to extensive sheep rearing. The region is home to Merino sheep, a breed renowned for producing very warm and high-quality wool. The favorable climate and grasslands support large flocks, making sheep farming and wool production a major occupation and economic activity for the people of the Velds.

Question 5

Map skills: On an outline map of North America, mark the Rocky mountains, the Great Lakes, River Mississippi, River Saskatchewan, the cities—Chicago and Winnipeg.

Solution: To complete this map skill exercise, you would need an outline map of North America. Locate and mark the following:

Rocky Mountains: A major mountain range running along the western side of North America.
Great Lakes: A series of five large interconnected freshwater lakes in eastern North America, on the Canada-United States border.
River Mississippi: A major river flowing southwards through the central United States to the Gulf of Mexico.
River Saskatchewan: A river in Canada that flows through the prairie provinces.
Chicago: A major city in the United States, located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan.
Winnipeg: A major city in Canada, located in the province of Manitoba, often considered a gateway to the Canadian Prairies.

Referencing a political or physical map of North America will help in accurately placing these features.

Question 6

Enumerate the major features of the prairies. [Imp.]

Solution: The major features of the Prairies, the temperate grasslands of North America, include:

Location: Situated in the interior of North America, east of the Rocky Mountains and west of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River.
Topography: Largely characterized by flat, gently sloping, or rolling hilly terrain, forming vast, open plains.
Vegetation: Predominantly covered by tall grasses, which can grow up to two meters high, creating a landscape often described as a 'sea of grass'. While mostly treeless, woodlands can be found in low-lying plains and along river valleys.
Climate: Experiences a continental climate with significant temperature variations between warm summers and cold winters.
Economic Importance: Highly productive for agriculture, especially wheat cultivation, and cattle ranching.

Question 7

Write a brief note on the climate of the prairies.

Solution: The climate of the Prairies is continental, meaning it experiences distinct seasons with considerable temperature extremes. Summers are generally warm, with average temperatures around 20°C. Winters, however, are very cold, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing. For instance, cities like Winnipeg in Canada have recorded winter temperatures as low as -20°C. During winter, a thick blanket of snow typically covers the region. The annual rainfall is moderate, supporting the growth of grasses and crops. A notable climatic feature is the occasional occurrence of a local wind called the Chinook.

Question 8

Write some effects of Chinook? [V. Imp.]

Solution: The Chinook is a warm, dry wind that blows down the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains into the Prairies. Its primary effect is a rapid increase in temperature. This sudden warming causes the snow cover to melt quickly. The melting snow replenishes water sources and, more importantly, exposes the grasslands, making them available for grazing by cattle and other livestock during the winter months, which is crucial for the ranching industry in the region.

Common mistakes

Confusing the names of grasslands (e.g., Prairies vs. Pampas).
Incorrectly associating geographical features or rivers with the wrong grassland.
Misunderstanding the impact of local winds like the Chinook on climate and agriculture.
Not clearly distinguishing between the main occupations in the Prairies and Velds.

Revision tips

Create a comparison chart for Prairies and Velds, noting similarities and differences in climate, flora, fauna, and occupations.
Practice locating key geographical features mentioned in the chapter on a map.
Focus on understanding the reasons behind specific economic activities, like wheat cultivation in Prairies and sheep rearing in Velds.
Review the definitions and effects of unique climatic phenomena, such as the Chinook wind.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What are the temperate grasslands of North America commonly known as?

Q2. Which of the following is a major occupation in the South African grasslands (Velds)?

Q3. The Chinook is a type of wind found in which region?

Q4. Which river system is associated with draining the Velds?

Q5. Why are the Prairies often called the 'Granaries of the world'?

Frequently asked questions

What are the main temperate grasslands discussed in Class 7 Social Science, Chapter 9?

The main temperate grasslands discussed are the Prairies in North America and the Velds in South Africa.

What is the primary occupation in the North American Prairies?

The primary occupation in the North American Prairies is large-scale wheat cultivation, earning them the title 'Granaries of the world'. Cattle ranching is also significant.

What is the main economic activity in the South African Velds?

The major occupation in the South African Velds is sheep rearing, especially of the Merino breed, which is known for its warm wool, leading to a significant wool industry.

What is the Chinook wind and what is its effect?

The Chinook is a hot wind that blows in the Prairies during winter. It rapidly melts the snow, making pastures available for grazing animals.

Which rivers are important in the Velds region?

The Velds are drained by tributaries of the Orange and Limpopo rivers.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to all questions, explaining concepts related to temperate grasslands, their climate, geography, and human activities, aiding in better understanding and exam preparation.

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