CBSE Class 5 Environmental Studies: A Shelter So High! NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 5 PDF

CBSE Class 5 Environmental Studies chapter 'A Shelter So High!' explores diverse living conditions and shelters. It guides students through understanding travel routes, including states and capitals, and the unique characteristics of hilly regions like Manali. The chapter also covers personal experiences with camping in tents and the necessity of climate-appropriate housing, exemplified by Tashi's family adapting to winter. Students will learn about the physiological challenges of high altitudes, such as difficulty breathing, and the impact of sub-zero temperatures. The importance of animals in daily life is also highlighted. These NCERT Solutions offer comprehensive explanations and answers, aiding students in comprehending geographical concepts, climate variations, and human adaptability, serving as a valuable tool for exam preparation.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 5
SubjectEnvironmental Studies
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter13 A Shelter So High

Chapter summary

Chapter 13, 'A Shelter So High!', focuses on understanding diverse living environments. The NCERT Solutions cover identifying states and capitals on travel routes, distinguishing between plain and hilly areas, and personal reflections on camping and housing. It explains why certain houses are built in specific ways to suit climate, like ground-floor living in winter, and the physiological effects of high altitudes on breathing. The chapter also highlights the crucial role of animals in human life and the experience of extreme cold. These solutions offer a comprehensive review of the chapter's key themes.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify states and capital cities on a travel route.
  • Describe characteristics of hilly areas and their locations.
  • Explain the reasons behind different housing styles based on climate.
  • Understand the physiological effects of high altitudes on breathing.
  • Recognize the importance of animals in daily life.
  • Identify places experiencing sub-zero temperatures.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Travel and Geography
  • States and Capitals
  • Hilly Areas vs. Plains
  • Types of Houses
  • Climate and Housing
  • Altitude and Breathing
  • High Altitude Effects
  • Importance of Animals
  • Temperature Below 0°C
  • Adaptation to Environment
  • Camping Experience
  • Shelters

Important topics

  • States and Capitals on Travel Routes
  • Altitude and Breathing Difficulties
  • Climate-Appropriate Housing
  • Role of Animals in Life
  • Understanding High Altitude Environments

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Questions and Solutions

Find Out - Question 1

Check on a map: Which states would one pass through while travelling from Mumbai to Kashmir?
Solution:

To travel from Mumbai to Kashmir, you would typically pass through the following states:

  1. Maharashtra (Mumbai is in Maharashtra)
  2. Gujarat
  3. Rajasthan
  4. Haryana
  5. Punjab
  6. Himachal Pradesh
  7. Jammu and Kashmir (now divided into Union Territories, but historically the destination state)

This route covers a significant portion of northern India.

Find Out - Question 2

Gaurav Jani passed through several states while going from Mumbai to Delhi. Find the capital cities of these states. Was there any other big town on his way?
Solution:

Gaurav Jani's journey from Mumbai to Delhi would involve passing through several states. Here are some of the likely states and their capital cities:

  • Maharashtra: Capital is Mumbai.
  • Gujarat: Capital is Gandhinagar.
  • Rajasthan: Capital is Jaipur.
  • Haryana: Capital is Chandigarh (which is also the capital of Punjab).

Besides these capital cities, other significant towns or cities on his route could include:

  • Ahmedabad (Gujarat)
  • Udaipur or Jodhpur (Rajasthan)
  • Agra (Uttar Pradesh, if the route goes slightly differently towards Delhi)

The exact route can vary, but these are common major cities encountered.

Find Out - Question 3

Is Manali a plain or hilly area? In which state is it?
Solution:

Manali is a popular tourist destination located in the hilly area of the Himalayas. It is situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh.

Tell - Question 1

Have you ever stayed in a tent? Where? What was it like?
Solution:

Yes, I have stayed in a tent during a camping trip. For example, I stayed in a tent when I went camping in Kullu. It was a very exciting and adventurous experience. Sleeping in a tent felt different from sleeping in a regular house, closer to nature, with sounds of the surroundings being more audible.

Tell - Question 2

Imagine that you were to stay alone in a small tent for two days and could take with you only ten things. Make a list of those ten things.
Solution:

If I had to stay alone in a small tent for two days, I would prioritize essential items for survival and comfort. Here is a list of ten things I would take:

  1. Warm clothes (including a sweater)
  2. A thick blanket
  3. A torch with extra batteries
  4. Packaged food (like biscuits, noodles, or ready-to-eat meals)
  5. Sufficient drinking water
  6. A portable stove and fuel (if cooking is necessary)
  7. Mosquito repellent
  8. A pair of sturdy shoes
  9. A first-aid kit
  10. A mobile phone (for emergencies)

This list focuses on safety, sustenance, and basic comfort.

Tell - Question 3

What are the different types of houses that you have seen? Tell your friends about it. Make drawings too.
Solution:

I have observed various types of houses in different places, each suited to its environment and purpose. Some common types include:

  • Thatched huts: These are often made with mud walls and roofs constructed from dry leaves, straw, or grass. They are common in rural areas.
  • Pucca houses: These are more permanent structures built with bricks, cement, concrete, and steel. They are typically found in towns and cities.
  • Stilt houses: Houses built on tall stilts, often made of bamboo, are common in areas prone to flooding or with uneven terrain. They keep the living space elevated above the ground.
  • Apartments/Multi-storey buildings: These are common in urban areas, housing many families in separate units within a single large structure.
  • Houseboats: Found in places like Kashmir, these are houses built on boats that float on water.

Each type of house has unique features that make it suitable for its location and the lifestyle of its inhabitants.

Write - Question 1

During winters, Tashi and his family live on the ground floor. Why would they be doing so?
Solution:

Tashi and his family likely live on the ground floor during winters to stay warm. In many traditional houses, especially in colder regions, the ground floor is often more insulated from the outside cold. It might have fewer windows or better insulation compared to upper floors, helping to retain heat and keep the living space cozy during the harsh winter months.

Write - Question 2

What is the roof of your house like? What all is the roof used for?
Solution:

The roof of my house is flat and constructed using bricks and cement. It serves multiple purposes:

  • Drying clothes: It provides an open space to hang laundry to dry in the sun.
  • Drying food items: We use it to dry various food items like papads, mango slices (aam papad), and potato chips, which helps preserve them.
  • Relaxation: During hot summer nights, sleeping on the rooftop is a common practice to enjoy the cool breeze and escape the heat indoors.
  • Gathering space: It can also be used as an additional space for family gatherings or activities.

Find Out - Question 1

At what height is the place where you live?
Solution:

The place where I live, Delhi, is situated at an approximate height of 220 metres above sea level. This height is considered to be in the plains region, not at a high altitude.

Find Out - Question 2

Why did Gaurav Jani say—"This place is so high that it is difficult to breathe normally?"
Solution:

Gaurav Jani said this because when one travels to very high altitudes, the atmospheric pressure decreases. This makes the air thinner, meaning there is less oxygen available in each breath. Consequently, the body receives less oxygen, making it difficult to breathe normally and requiring more effort to inhale sufficient air.

Find Out - Question 3

Have you ever been to a hilly place? Where?
Solution:

Yes, I have visited a hilly place. I have been to Kullu, which is a well-known hill station.

Find Out - Question 4

At what height was it? Did you have any difficulty in breathing there?
Solution:

Kullu is located at an approximate height of 2000 metres above sea level. Yes, I did experience some difficulty in breathing when I was there. It was noticeable, especially when I tried to walk fast or climb slopes, as my body adjusted to the lower oxygen levels.

Find Out - Question 5

Which is the highest place you have been to?
Solution:

The highest place I have been to is Rohtang Pass. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 4000 metres above sea level.

Find Out - Question 6

For the Changpas, their animals are a very important part of their life. Is any animal a part of your life? For example, as a pet, or as helpers in farming. List five ways in which different animals are a part of your life.
Solution:

Yes, animals are an important part of my life. I have a pet dog, who is a beloved member of my family. Besides pets, animals contribute to our lives in many ways. Here are five ways animals are a part of our lives:

  1. Companionship (Pets): Like my dog, many people keep pets such as dogs, cats, or birds for companionship and emotional support.
  2. Milk and Dairy Products: Animals like cows and buffaloes provide us with milk, which is a primary source of nutrition and is used to make products like curd, butter, and cheese.
  3. Farming and Agriculture: Animals such as bullocks are essential for ploughing fields and other farm work. Donkeys and horses are also used for transportation of goods in rural areas.
  4. Transportation: Horses, donkeys, and camels are used to carry people and goods, especially in areas where vehicles cannot easily travel.
  5. Wool and Leather: Sheep provide wool for clothing, and animals like cows and goats provide leather for making shoes, bags, and other items.

Find Out - Question 1

You read that in Changthang the temperature drops below 0°C. Look at newspapers or on TV to find cities in India or abroad where the temperature drops below 0°C. In which months do you expect to see this?
Solution:

Yes, places like Changthang experience temperatures below 0°C. Many cities in India and abroad also face such extreme cold. Some examples include:

  • In India: Leh, Ladakh, Shimla, Gulmarg, and other high-altitude regions in the Himalayas.
  • Abroad: Cities like Ottawa (Canada), Minnesota (USA), Moscow (Russia), and many parts of Siberia experience sub-zero temperatures.

This phenomenon typically occurs during the winter months, primarily in December and January, when the Earth's tilt causes these regions to receive less direct sunlight.

Tell - Question 1

The houses in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir are made to suit the climate and the needs of the people there. Are there different types of houses in the place where you live? If yes, think about the reasons.
Solution:

Yes, there are different types of houses in the place where I live, and these variations are indeed due to the climate and the diverse needs and economic conditions of the people.

  • Multi-storeyed buildings: These are common in urban areas and cater to a large population, offering housing solutions within a smaller land footprint and often suiting the budgets of middle-class families.
  • Bungalows/Independent Houses: These are larger, often luxurious homes preferred by wealthier individuals who have the space and resources for more expansive living.
  • Smaller Houses/Flats: For people with limited budgets, smaller apartments or houses made with more economical materials like tin roofs and walls are common, providing basic shelter.
  • Houses in Slums: These are often constructed with temporary or recycled materials, reflecting the economic challenges faced by some residents.

These differences show how housing adapts to factors like income, family size, and the urban or rural setting.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing capital cities with other major towns.
  • Not understanding the concept of altitude and its effect on breathing.
  • Incomplete lists of essential items for a camping trip.
  • Overlooking the connection between climate and house design.

Revision tips

  • Trace the travel routes mentioned on a map to visualize the states and capitals.
  • Discuss with friends and family about different types of houses you have seen.
  • Imagine yourself in high-altitude areas and think about the breathing difficulties.
  • List animals you know and their specific uses to humans.
  • Research cities with very cold climates and their typical temperatures.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which state's capital city is Gandhinagar?

Q2. Why does it become difficult to breathe normally at high altitudes?

Q3. Tashi and his family live on the ground floor during winters. What is the likely reason?

Q4. Which of these is NOT mentioned as a use for a flat rooftop in summers?

Q5. Which of the following animals is primarily mentioned for farming activities and pulling carts?

Frequently asked questions

What is Chapter 13 of Class 5 EVS about?

Chapter 13, 'A Shelter So High!', discusses various aspects of shelters and living conditions, including travel routes, different types of houses, the effects of high altitudes on breathing, and the importance of animals in life.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to textbook questions, helping students understand concepts like geography, climate adaptation, and the physiological effects of altitude, aiding in their exam preparation.

What is the significance of high altitudes mentioned in the chapter?

The chapter explains that at high altitudes, the air becomes thinner with less oxygen, making it difficult to breathe normally and requiring more effort to inhale.

Why are different types of houses important?

Different houses are built to suit the local climate, available materials, and the needs of the people living there, ensuring comfort and safety.

What are some examples of animals important to human life discussed in the chapter?

The chapter mentions animals like dogs (as pets and protectors), cows and buffaloes (for milk), and bullocks (for farming and transport).

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