CBSE Class 7 English An Alien Hand Chapter 3: The Desert NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 7 PDF

This section provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Chapter 3, "The Desert," from the CBSE Class 7 English (An Alien Hand) textbook. It covers comprehension checks that explore the common perceptions versus the scientific understanding of deserts, highlighting their unique ecosystems. The solutions explain how various desert flora and fauna, including camels and smaller animals, have adapted to survive in harsh, arid conditions, particularly concerning water conservation. These solutions offer clear explanations and step-by-step answers to help students grasp the adaptations and characteristics of desert life, aiding in their exam preparation and understanding of the chapter's core themes.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 7
SubjectEnglish An Alien Hand
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 3

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for Class 7 English (An Alien Hand) Chapter 3, "The Desert," focuses on understanding the contrasting views of deserts and the remarkable adaptations of life within them. It clarifies common misconceptions about deserts being barren wastelands and presents them as specialized environments. The solutions detail how animals like camels and smaller desert creatures conserve water and survive extreme temperatures, providing insights into their unique survival strategies.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the dual perception of deserts: common belief vs. scientific view.
  • Identify and match phrases describing desert characteristics.
  • Explain the physiological adaptations of camels for water conservation.
  • Describe how smaller desert animals obtain water and survive heat.
  • Analyze the concept of an oasis as a fertile desert environment.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Desert perceptions
  • Desert environment
  • Adaptations of desert animals
  • Camel's survival
  • Smaller desert animals' water needs
  • Oasis definition
  • Plant and animal life in deserts
  • Water conservation in arid regions

Important topics

  • Contrasting views of the desert
  • Camel adaptations for water conservation
  • Survival strategies of smaller desert animals
  • The significance of an oasis

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Questions and Solutions

Comprehension Check I - Question 1

1. From the first paragraph:
  1. Pick out two phrases which describe the desert as most people believe it is.
  2. Pick out two phrases which describe the desert as specialists see it. Which do you think is an apt description, and why?
Solution:
  1. The phrases that depict the common, often mistaken, view of a desert are: "an endless stretch of sand, where no rain falls and no vegetation grows," and "A place that is dry, hot, waterless and without shelter." These phrases emphasize the perceived barrenness and harshness.
  2. The phrases that reflect the specialist's perspective, recognizing the desert's unique ecosystem, are: "a beautiful place" and "home of a variety of people, animals and plants that have learnt to live under hot and dry conditions." These highlight the desert's ecological significance and the resilience of its inhabitants.
  3. Both descriptions can be considered apt, depending on the context. The common perception highlights the challenges and extreme conditions, while the specialist's view acknowledges the intricate adaptations and the life that thrives there. The specialist's description is perhaps more complete as it recognizes the existence and survival of life, not just the harshness.

Comprehension Check I - Question 2

2. The phrases on the left in the following box occur in the text. Match each of them with a phrase on the right.
  1. an endless stretch of sand
  2. waterless and without shelter
  3. an oasis
  4. hidden by a cover of grass
Solution:

Here are the correct matches for the phrases:

  1. an endless stretch of sand ---- nothing but sand as far as one can see
  2. waterless and without shelter -- no water and no shade
  3. an oasis -- fertile place with water and plants in a desert
  4. hidden by a cover of grass -- not visible because the grass is thick.

This exercise helps in understanding the descriptive language used for different aspects of the desert environment.

Comprehension Check II - Question 1

1. A camel can do without water for days together. What is the reason given in the text?
Solution:

Camels, often referred to as the "Ship of the Desert," possess remarkable adaptations that allow them to survive for extended periods without drinking water. The text explains that they can drink a very large quantity of water in one go. Furthermore, they can tolerate a high body temperature, which means they sweat less. By minimizing water loss through sweating, they conserve the water they have consumed for much longer durations.

Comprehension Check II - Question 2

2. How do the smaller desert animals fulfil their need for water?
Solution:

Smaller desert animals have developed ingenious ways to meet their water requirements without necessarily drinking water directly. Many of them burrow underground to escape the intense heat during the day and become active at night. Their primary source of water is often their food. Some animals eat other animals and obtain the necessary moisture from the meat. Others consume plants and seeds, deriving water from the juices present in these plant materials.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing common perceptions of deserts with their ecological reality.
  • Difficulty in matching descriptive phrases accurately.
  • Not fully understanding the specific adaptations for water conservation in desert animals.

Revision tips

  • Focus on the contrasting descriptions of the desert to understand its true nature.
  • Memorize the specific adaptations of camels and smaller animals for survival.
  • Practice matching the phrases to reinforce vocabulary and comprehension.
  • Review the concept of an oasis and its significance in the desert ecosystem.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which phrase best describes the common perception of a desert?

Q2. According to specialists, what is a key characteristic of a desert?

Q3. What does the term 'oasis' refer to in a desert context?

Q4. How do camels conserve water, according to the text?

Q5. How do smaller desert animals primarily get their water?

Frequently asked questions

What are the two main ways deserts are described in Chapter 3?

The chapter contrasts the common perception of deserts as endless, dry, hot, and barren stretches of sand with the scientific view of deserts as beautiful places that are home to a variety of specially adapted people, animals, and plants.

Why are camels called the 'Ship of the Desert'?

Camels are called the 'Ship of the Desert' because they can survive for days without water, drink large quantities at once, and tolerate high body temperatures, allowing them to travel long distances across the arid landscape efficiently.

How do smaller desert animals manage to get water?

Smaller desert animals often get their water from the food they eat. Some consume meat from other animals, obtaining moisture from it, while others eat plants and seeds, getting water from their juices.

What is the role of burrowing for desert animals?

Burrowing underground helps smaller desert animals escape the extreme heat of the day. They emerge at night when temperatures are cooler to find food and water.

What is an oasis in the context of a desert?

An oasis is a fertile area within a desert where water is available, supporting plant life and providing a habitat for animals. It stands in contrast to the surrounding arid conditions.

Important links

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