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

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

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 7 PDF

CBSE Class 7 Social Science Our Environment Chapter 10 introduces the fascinating world of 'Life in the Deserts.' This chapter explores the diverse desert ecosystems across the globe, categorizing them into hot and cold deserts. We journey to iconic locations like the Sahara in Africa and the stark beauty of Ladakh in India, examining their extreme climates characterized by minimal rainfall, sparse vegetation, and dramatic temperature fluctuations. The text highlights the remarkable adaptations of plants and animals that allow them to survive in these challenging conditions. Furthermore, it sheds light on the resilient human communities inhabiting these regions, their traditional livelihoods, and the unique challenges they navigate. Understanding these adaptations and human interactions is vital for appreciating the variety of life on Earth and the ingenuity of its inhabitants.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 7
Subject	Social Science Our Environment
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 10

Chapter summary

Chapter 10, 'Life in the Deserts,' focuses on understanding the characteristics of desert environments. It covers the classification of deserts into hot and cold types, their geographical locations like the Sahara and Ladakh, and the extreme climatic conditions they experience. The solutions also touch upon the sparse vegetation, animal life, and the ways of life of the people inhabiting these challenging regions, including their clothing and occupations. This chapter aims to provide a foundational understanding of life in arid and semi-arid zones.

Learning outcomes

Identify the two main types of deserts found globally.
Locate major deserts like the Sahara and Ladakh on a world map.
Describe the extreme climatic conditions prevalent in desert regions.
Explain the adaptations of plants and animals to desert life.
Understand the lifestyle and occupations of people living in deserts.
Recognize the geographical features and human activities in Ladakh and Sahara.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Types of Deserts
Hot Deserts
Cold Deserts
Sahara Desert
Ladakh Desert
Desert Climate
Desert Vegetation
Desert Fauna
Life in the Sahara
Life in Ladakh
Tourism in Ladakh
Adaptations to Desert Life

Important topics

Characteristics of Hot and Cold Deserts
Climate of Ladakh
Life and Occupations in Sahara
Adaptations for Survival in Deserts
Geographical Location of Deserts

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Questions and Solutions

1. (A)

What are the two types of deserts found in the world?

Solution: The world features two primary types of deserts: hot deserts and cold deserts. These environments are defined by their low rainfall, sparse vegetation, and extreme temperature fluctuations. The specific type of desert, whether hot or cold, is determined by its prevailing temperatures. Human settlements and agriculture are possible only in areas where a minimal amount of water is available.

1. (B)

In which continent is the Sahara desert located?

Solution: The Sahara Desert is situated on the African continent. It is the largest desert globally, spanning approximately 8.54 million square kilometers across Northern Africa and influencing eleven countries, including Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Sudan, Tunisia, and Western Sahara.

1. (C)

What are the climatic conditions of the Ladakh desert?

Solution: The Ladakh desert experiences extreme cold and dry climatic conditions due to its very high altitude, which ranges from about 3,000 meters in Kargil to over 8,000 meters in the Karakoram range. The air at this altitude is very thin, which allows the sun's heat to be felt intensely during the day. Summer daytime temperatures are often just above freezing point, while nighttime temperatures can plummet below -30°C. During winter, the conditions are even more severe, with temperatures frequently remaining below -40°C for extended periods. This aridity results in sparse vegetation, with only occasional patches of grasses and shrubs available for grazing animals.

1. (D)

What mainly attracts tourists to Ladakh?

Solution: Ladakh attracts a significant number of tourists, both from within India and internationally. Key attractions include visits to the ancient Buddhist monasteries known as gompas, treks through scenic meadows and to glaciers, and the opportunity to witness vibrant local ceremonies and festivities. The region's unique cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes are major draws for visitors.

1. (E)

What type of clothes the people of the Sahara Desert wear?

Solution: The inhabitants of the Sahara Desert typically wear heavy robes. These garments provide essential protection against the abrasive dust storms and the strong, hot winds that are characteristic of this arid environment. Despite the harsh climate, various groups like the Bedouins and Tuaregs have adapted to life here, often engaging in nomadic herding of livestock such as goats, sheep, camels, and horses.

1. (F)

Name the trees that grow in Ladakh.

Solution: In the Ladakh desert, due to the extreme cold and dry climate, vegetation is sparse. The types of trees that can grow here are limited. Commonly found are fruit-bearing trees like apples, apricots, and walnuts, along with some species of poplar and willow trees, particularly in areas where water is available for irrigation. Scanty patches of grasses and shrubs also grow, providing grazing for animals.

Common mistakes

Confusing hot and cold desert characteristics.
Underestimating the impact of altitude on climate in cold deserts.
Not understanding the adaptations required for survival in extreme temperatures and aridity.
Generalizing the lifestyle of all desert dwellers without considering regional differences.

Revision tips

Create a comparison chart for hot and cold deserts, noting key differences in climate, vegetation, and animal life.
Visualize the locations of the Sahara and Ladakh deserts and recall their defining features.
Focus on understanding the adaptations of plants and animals to survive in extreme conditions.
Review the daily life and occupations of people in these deserts to understand human-environment interaction.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which continent is the Sahara Desert primarily located in?

Q2. What are the two main types of deserts found in the world?

Q3. Which of the following is a characteristic of the Ladakh desert's climate?

Q4. What type of clothing do people in the Sahara Desert typically wear?

Q5. What is a major tourist attraction in Ladakh?

Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of deserts covered in this chapter?

This chapter covers the two main types of deserts found in the world: hot deserts, like the Sahara, and cold deserts, like Ladakh.

Where is the Sahara Desert located?

The Sahara Desert is located in the African continent, covering a vast area of Northern Africa.

What is the climate like in the Ladakh desert?

The Ladakh desert has an extremely cold and dry climate due to its high altitude. Temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night and during winter.

Why do people in the Sahara wear heavy robes?

People in the Sahara Desert wear heavy robes to protect themselves from the harsh conditions, such as dust storms and hot winds.

What attracts tourists to Ladakh?

Tourists are attracted to Ladakh for its unique landscape, including gompas (monasteries), opportunities for trekking, and witnessing local ceremonies and festivities.

How does the altitude affect the climate of Ladakh?

The high altitude of Ladakh results in a thin atmosphere and extreme cold temperatures, with intense solar radiation during the day and freezing conditions at night and in winter.

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