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

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 7 PDF

This chapter delves into the diverse life found in the temperate grasslands of the world, specifically focusing on the Prairies of North America and the Velds of South Africa. Students will explore the geographical features, climate, flora, fauna, and human occupations characteristic of these regions. The NCERT Solutions provide clear explanations and answers to key questions about these environments, helping students understand the unique adaptations of life in these vast grasslands. These solutions are designed to aid in exam preparation by offering a structured approach to learning the chapter's core concepts, ensuring a thorough understanding of the temperate grassland ecosystems and their inhabitants.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 7
SubjectSocial Science Our Environment
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 9

Chapter summary

Chapter 9 of the NCERT Social Science textbook for Class 7, 'Life in the Temperate Grasslands,' introduces students to two major temperate grassland regions: the Prairies in North America and the Velds in South Africa. The solutions cover the geographical locations, climate patterns, dominant vegetation, animal life, and primary human activities like cattle rearing, sheep farming, and mining in these areas. This chapter highlights the distinct characteristics of each grassland and how they support specific forms of life and economic activities.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify and locate the major temperate grasslands of the world (Prairies and Velds).
  • Describe the climate and geographical features of the Prairies and Velds.
  • Explain the types of vegetation and animal life found in these grasslands.
  • Understand the main occupations and lifestyles of people living in the temperate grasslands.
  • Differentiate between the characteristics of the North American Prairies and the South African Velds.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Temperate Grasslands
  • Prairies (North America)
  • Velds (South Africa)
  • Geography of Grasslands
  • Climate of Grasslands
  • Vegetation in Grasslands
  • Fauna in Grasslands
  • Human Occupations
  • Cattle Ranches
  • Sheep Rearing
  • Mining
  • Rivers of Grasslands

Important topics

  • Comparison of Prairies and Velds
  • Key Occupations (Ranching, Sheep Rearing, Mining)
  • Geographical Features and Climate
  • Major Rivers and Drainage Systems
  • Adaptations of Life in Grasslands

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1 (A)

What are the Temperate Grasslands of North America called?
Solution: The temperate grasslands found in North America are known as the Prairies. These vast regions are characterized by extensive fields of grass and are a significant biome in the continent.

Question 1 (B)

What are the cattle farms in the North American Grasslands known as?
Solution: The large-scale cattle farms in the North American grasslands are called ranches. These ranches are dedicated to raising animals such as cows, sheep, and horses, and cattle rearing is a primary occupation for the people living in these areas.

Question 1 (C)

Name the rivers that drain the Velds.
Solution: The Velds, the temperate grasslands of South Africa, are drained by two major rivers: the Orange River, which flows through the southern parts, and the Limpopo River, which flows through the northern parts. Both of these rivers eventually drain into the Indian Ocean.

Question 1 (D)

When is the rainy season in the Velds?
Solution: The Velds experience their rainy season during the months of November to January. Rainfall can also occur during the winter months of June, July, and August. Insufficient rainfall during these periods can lead to drought-like conditions in the region.

Question 1 (E)

What is the major occupation of the people of the South African grasslands?
Solution: The major occupations of the people living in the South African grasslands, known as the Velds, are sheep rearing and mining. Sheep rearing is considered the most important occupation. Additionally, the region is rich in minerals like gold and diamonds, leading to the development of significant mining activities and related industries such as steel and iron.

Question 2 (A)

Tick the correct Answer. River Mississippi drains
  1. Canada
  2. Africa
  3. USA
Solution: The correct answer is USA. The Mississippi River is a major river system that flows through the United States and is crucial for draining the Prairies, which are the temperate grasslands of the USA.

Question 2 (B)

Tick the correct Answer. Drakensberg Mountains are to the west of
  1. Prairies
  2. Velds
  3. Pampas
Solution: The correct answer is Velds. The Drakensberg Mountains form a significant geographical feature located to the west of the Velds, the temperate grasslands of South Africa.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the names of grasslands (e.g., Prairies vs. Velds).
  • Incorrectly identifying rivers that drain specific grassland regions.
  • Misunderstanding the primary occupations of people in these areas.
  • Not accurately recalling the geographical locations of mountain ranges relative to grasslands.

Revision tips

  • Create a comparison chart for Prairies and Velds, noting similarities and differences in climate, flora, fauna, and occupations.
  • Memorize the names of key rivers and mountain ranges associated with each grassland.
  • Focus on understanding the economic activities and why they are prominent in each region.
  • Use maps to visualize the locations of these grasslands and their geographical features.

Practice MCQs

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

Q2. Which rivers are significant in draining the Velds region of South Africa?

Q3. Cattle farms in the North American grasslands are known by which term?

Q4. Which of the following is a major occupation in the South African Velds, besides mining?

Q5. The river Mississippi is primarily associated with draining which grassland region?

Frequently asked questions

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

Chapter 9 focuses on two major temperate grasslands: the Prairies in North America and the Velds in South Africa. These regions are explored in terms of their unique characteristics and the life they support.

What is the primary difference between the Prairies and the Velds?

While both are temperate grasslands, the Prairies are located in North America and are known for cattle ranching and grain cultivation, drained by the Mississippi River. The Velds are in South Africa, famous for sheep rearing and mining, and are drained by the Orange and Limpopo rivers.

What are the main occupations of people living in the Velds?

The major occupations in the South African Velds are sheep rearing, which is very important, and mining. The region is rich in minerals like gold and diamonds, and industries related to steel and iron have also developed.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to all questions from the chapter exercises. They break down complex information into understandable steps, helping students grasp concepts like climate, vegetation, and human activities in grasslands for better exam preparation.

What is a 'ranch' in the context of North American grasslands?

A ranch is a large farm or estate, especially in North America, where cattle, sheep, and horses are raised. Rearing cattle is a significant occupation in the Prairies.

Important links

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