NCERT Class 6 Social Science Exploring Society India and Beyond: Chapter 3 — Landforms and Continents
This chapter, "Landforms and Continents," from NCERT's Class 6 Social Science book "Exploring Society: India and Beyond," introduces students to the diverse physical features of Earth's surface. It explains that landforms, such as mountains, plateaus, and plains, are shaped over millions of years and significantly impact the environment and life. The chapter highlights how different landforms possess distinct climates, supporting varied flora and fauna. Humans have adapted to these varied environments, though population distribution differs across landforms. It begins by defining landforms and introduces the concept of altitude, setting the stage for exploring the challenges and opportunities associated with living on different landforms, crucial for understanding India's geography and human settlements.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Exploring Society India and Beyond |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — Landforms and Continents |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 419 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify and differentiate between major landforms: mountains, plateaus, and plains.
- Understand the concept of altitude and its relevance to landforms.
- Recognize the relationship between landforms, climate, flora, and fauna.
- Appreciate the human adaptation to different landforms and their impact on population distribution.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Landform | A physical feature on the surface of our planet Earth. |
| Altitude | The height of an object above sea level. |
| Mountains | Landforms much higher than the surrounding landscape, with a broad base, steep slopes, and a narrow summit. |
| Plateaus | Elevated flat-topped landforms. |
| Plains | Large areas of flat or gently rolling land. |
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Practice questions
- What is a landform? Answer: A landform is a physical feature on the surface of our planet Earth.
- Name the three major categories of landforms discussed in the chapter. Answer: The three major categories are mountains, plateaus, and plains.
- What is altitude? Answer: Altitude is the height of an object above sea level.
- How are mountains recognized? Answer: Mountains are recognized by a broad base, steep slopes, and a narrow summit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main focus of the chapter 'Landforms and Continents'?
The chapter focuses on the major types of landforms (mountains, plateaus, plains), their characteristics, and their significance to life and culture.
What are the three main landforms discussed?
The three main landforms discussed are mountains, plateaus, and plains.
How are landforms defined in the chapter?
A landform is defined as a physical feature on the surface of our planet Earth.
What is altitude?
Altitude is the height of an object above sea level.
Do humans live on all types of landforms?
Yes, humans have adapted to live on all landforms, but the population density varies across different types.
What is the significance of landforms?
Landforms take millions of years to form and have a significant connection with the environment, climate, flora, fauna, and human life and culture.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 6 Social Science — Exploring Society India and Beyond — Chapter 3 — Landforms and Continents. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.