Class 7 Social Science Chapter 1 HOTS Questions - Geographical Diversity of India

Q1: How do the geographical features of India, such as the Himalayas and the Thar Desert, shape the culture and way of life in the country?
Ans:

• The Himalayas protect India from cold winds, shape climate patterns, and provide water for agriculture.
• They also influence cultural practices, such as pilgrimage routes like the Char Dham Yatra.
• The Thar Desert, on the other hand, has shaped the lifestyle of its inhabitants by leading to unique adaptations such as rainwater harvesting and reliance on camels for transport.
• These geographical features influence food, clothing, festivals, and farming practices, creating distinct cultural identities in different regions.

Q2: Compare the Gangetic Plains and the Thar Desert in terms of agriculture, climate, and population density.
Ans:

• The Gangetic Plains are fertile, supported by rivers like the Ganga, and ideal for farming crops like rice and wheat.
• They have a temperate climate and support a high population density due to their fertile soil.
• In contrast, the Thar Desert has an arid climate with very little rainfall, making agriculture challenging.
• People in the Thar have adapted to its harsh conditions through rainwater harvesting and camel transport.
• The population density is lower here due to the limited resources available for farming and water supply.

Q3: If you were to design a sustainable tourism plan for Ladakh, how would you balance tourism with environmental conservation?
Ans:

• To design a sustainable tourism plan for Ladakh, I would promote eco-friendly practices, such as using local materials for construction and reducing the use of plastic.
• I would ensure that tourists are educated about Ladakh’s fragile environment and the importance of preserving it.
• Strict regulations would be enforced to limit waste, conserve water, and protect wildlife.
• Additionally, promoting responsible tourism like hiking, cultural exchanges, and monastery visits would help reduce the ecological footprint while benefiting the local community.

Q4: Imagine the Aravalli Hills are at risk due to mining activities. What steps would you take to protect this important natural barrier while considering economic factors?
Ans:

• I would first educate the local population and government about the ecological importance of the Aravalli Hills, such as preventing the Thar Desert from spreading and preserving biodiversity.
• I would propose alternative economic activities like eco-tourism, sustainable mining, and promoting the extraction of minerals with minimal environmental impact.
• Collaborating with environmental NGOs, I would push for stricter environmental regulations on mining and the restoration of mined areas to ensure long-term ecological health while also providing jobs for the local population.

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Q5: Do you think the Peninsular Plateau's unique geography has contributed to India’s economic growth? Justify your answer.
Ans:

• Yes, the Peninsular Plateau’s unique geography has contributed significantly to India’s economic growth.
• The plateau is rich in minerals like coal, iron, and bauxite, which are crucial for industries.
• Rivers like the Godavari and Krishna provide water for irrigation, supporting agriculture.
• The plateau’s proximity to the Western and Eastern Ghats also provides hydropower potential, fueling industrial growth.
• Furthermore, the plateau's location between two seas has made it an ideal region for ports, contributing to trade and commerce.

Q6: What do you think might happen if the Himalayas stopped growing? How would this affect the rivers that originate from them?
Ans:

• If the Himalayas stopped growing, it could have long-term consequences for the rivers that originate from them, such as the Ganga and Brahmaputra.
• The continuous growth of the Himalayas feeds the rivers with water from melting snow, maintaining their flow throughout the year.
• Without this growth, the rivers might lose their source of fresh water, potentially leading to decreased water availability for agriculture, industry, and daily life.
• This could also affect the fertility of the plains and lead to challenges in water management and agriculture.

Q7: Design a model to protect the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem while promoting sustainable development. What key features would you include in the model?
Ans:

• The model would integrate sustainable tourism, eco-friendly fishing practices, and strict regulations against deforestation.
• I would encourage eco-tourism, where tourists are educated about the importance of mangroves, and involve local communities in conservation efforts.
• The model would promote alternative livelihoods, such as sustainable farming or handicrafts, to reduce dependence on the forest.
• Additionally, I would implement a monitoring system to track the health of the ecosystem and enforce laws against illegal activities like poaching or over-exploitation of resources.