Class 10 Elective Geography Chapter 3 Region and Regional Geography of The World

Class 10 Elective Geography Chapter 3 Region and Regional Geography of The World Question answer to each chapter is provided in the list so that you can easily browse throughout different chapters Assam Board HS Class 10 Elective Geography Chapter 3 Region and Regional Geography of The World and select needs one.

Class 10 Elective Geography Chapter 3 Region and Regional Geography of The World

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Region and Regional Geography of The World

Chapter : 3

TEXTUAL QUESTION ANSWER

1. What do you mean by a region? Explain the importance of region in geographical study. 

Ans: Regional Geography is very important among many branches of the discipline Geography. This branch has been receiving special importance from the inception of the discipline. Regional Geography presents the overall geographical picture of any region, country or a continent. A detailed account of physical, social and economic condition and transport-communication, etc. of a country or region can be found through such study. Regional Geography also gives an idea about spatial variation within a region concerned. In addition, it also brings out the nature of geographical relationship that exists between the concerned region and its neighboring region. In short, Regional Geography is the complete geography of world regions.

The importance of region in geographical study:

(a) Homogeneous Region: The homogenous region is identified on the basis of homogeneity of the selected elements. For this purpose an example of Natural Region can be cited here. A Natural region is identified on the basis of homogeneity among the physical elements like soil, climate, vegetation, etc. The monsoon region is a natural region. There exists significant similarities among the elements lution, like climate, soil and vegetation ions of the belonging to this region. On the sources a basis of such similarities the Naturally Brahmaputra Valley of Assam ould als can be considered as a small norms natural region.

(b) Functional Region: Such region is determined based on functional relationship among the different elements. Generally, a functional region is identified centering around a town or market centre. Every town or market centre has its own region, whose functional activities are mainly directed by centering the concerned town. In other words, the areas around a town are linked with the town in such a way that these areas cannot survive without the town. Similarly, without these interlinked areas also the town cannot sustain.

2. Explain how a region can be identified on the earth’s surface?

Ans: A part of the earth’s surface which is characterised or marked by certain noticeable natural or man-made features, making it distinguishable from its surrounding areas is known as a region in geography. In other words, any tract of earth’s surface which stands unique and different from the areas around it is called a region. 

A region can be identified on the basis of two aspect:

(a) On the basis of homogeneity: One of the main features of the earth’s surface is its diversity. Due to factors such as earth’s position in the solar system, earth’s shape and structure, its rotation, revolution, etc., different places on the earth have different climate, rainfall, temperature, topography, soil conditions while many others have different physical environment

(b) On the basis of functional interrelationship: Another way to identify a region is on the basis of functional interrelationship among the different elements.

3. Bring out the differences between the homogeneous region and the functional region.

Ans:

Homogeneous	Functional
It is a region having similarities of the selected elements.	It is a region whose socioeconomic activities are linked to a common town market etc .
It is based on homogeneity of elements.	It is based on functional interrelationship of elements .
Different part of the region are not interdependent .	The town and its surrounding regions are interdependent.

4. What do you mean by regional geography of the world? What is the importance of this study?

Ans:  regional geography is concerned with understanding the spatial and temporal (regional change and development ) aspects of the increasingly complex world we inhabit.

We know that about 149 million sq km of the earth’s surface (i.e. 29%) is covered by land and the remaining 361 million sq km (ie. 71%) is covered by water. The land portion of the earth consists of the continents like Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania and Antarctica. On the other hand, the water portion of the earth is mainly formed by the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Northern and Southern Oceans  It is worth mentioning that the Asia and the Pacific are the largest among the continents and oceans respectively. The continent of Asia covers about = 30% of the earth’s land surface area. On the other side, of the 662 crore world population (as per 2007 estimate), the continent of Asia alone has 60.50%. Moreover, about 90% of the world’s population is living in only northern hemisphere. 

It is notable that the characteristics of topography, climate, soil, plants, animals, etc. are different in different places on the earth. It is due to such variations of different elements of the natural environment, the population distribution and the man’s ways of living are not the same in different places on the earth. Even the socio-economic advancement of different places on the earth greatly depends on the prevailing characteristics of the natural environment. That is why the areas having favourable natural environment and rich in natural resources are generally economically advanced. On the other hand, many areas on the earth having unfavourable natural environment and devoid of necessary natural resources are economically lagging behind.

5. What do you mean by ‘Natural Region? To how many natural regions the whole earth can be divided? Write their names and show in the map?

 Ans: ‘Natural Region’ as given by the geographer is notable. “The portion of the earth’s surface in which the influence of same type of physical systems is felt and accordingly human activities are moulded is known as a Natural Region.

The whole earth the whole earth can be divided in to following natural region:

(a) Equatorial Region.

(b) Monsoon Region Tropical Grassland Region.

(d) Tropical Hot Desert Region.

(e) Mediterranean Region. 

(f) Mid-Latitude Desert Region.

(g) Mid-Latitude Temperate Region.

(h) Mid-Latitude Grassland Region.

(i) Cold Coniferous Forest Region.

(j) Cold Polar Region.

(k) High Mountain Region.

6. How can the regional geography of the world be understood through the study of natural regions? Write in brief.

Ans: The parts of the earth’s surface which have almost similar relief, climate, natural vegetation and soil characteristics are together broadly known as Natural Regions. It is on the basis of some of such characteristics of the physical environment one region can be separated from the other. In fact, the natural environment and human life-style system do not have marked difference among the areas within such a natural region. The definition of ‘Natural Region’ as given by the geographer A.J. Harbertson in this context is notable. According to him “The portion of the earth’s surface in which the influence of same type of physical systems is felt and accordingly human activities are moulded is known as a Natural Region”. Of course, it is not easy to determine a boundary between two natural regions as there is no significant difference in the characteristics of the elements in the middle portion of the two adjoining regions. It is notable hat some characteristics of both the regions appear in middle portion of the area lying between the two natural regions.

7. Write about the physical environment of each of the natural regions of the world?

Ans: The physics environment of each of the natural regions of the world are given below:

(a) Equatorial region: The Equatorial Region is located on both sides of the equator between 10 north and 10 south latitudes. The climate of this region is hot and wet. Due to vertical sun rays the temperature difference between day and night, and summer and winter is very low in this region. Its average annual temperature is 27° C. Well known for heavy rainfall this equatorial region experiences average annual rainfall of 200 cm. Almost the entire equatorial region is covered with dense evergreen forests. Besides, there are innumerable small shrubs and variety of climbers. Due to dense forest cover and prevalence of very high temperature and rainfall throughout the year the natural environment of this region is not suitable for human habitation.

(b) Monsoon region: The monsoon region generally lies between 10° N to 30° N latitudes in the northern hemisphere and 10°S to 30°S latitudes in the southern hemisphere. In fact, the areas influenced by the monsoon wind fall under this region. The main climatic character of the monsoon region is seasonal change warm and wet summer season, and cold and dry winter season. The temperature difference between summer and winter seasons is 15°C. The average annual rainfall is 200 cm. As the change of season results in variation of rainfall, the importance of deciduous vegetation is quite high. These trees shed their leaves in winter due to shortage of moisture.

(c) Tropical grassland region: This region experiences a short and warm summer season and a long and dry winter season, with high diurnal and seasonal range of temperature. The amount of rainfall in moderate ie about 25-100 cm and tropical grasslands are seen in This region

(d) Tropical hot desert region: This region has a hot and dry climate throughout the year, with high diurnal range of temperature Rainfall is almost negligible (20-25 cm annually) Unlike other regions, most part of this region remains covered with sand. Only short grans and thorny shrubs are found over the next sanity areas.

(e) Mediterranean region: The climate here is a hot and mary summer and bold and wet winter The average annual temperature le 8 25°C and annual rainfall is 25-75 om The vegetation consists of evergreen short Tees and shrubs.

8. Discuss about the climate and vegetation as found in different natural regions of the world.

Ans: The region that have similar climate rainfall ,soil  condition natural vegetation. 

(a) Equatorial region: The climate of this region is hot and wet.

(b) As this region gets vertical sunrays, the temperature difference between day and night and summer and winter is very low.

(c) The average annual temperature is 27°C.

(d) The region experience rainfall throughout the year The average annual rainfall throughout the year The average annual rainfall being 200 cm.

Vegetation 

(a) The entire region is covered with dense evergreen forests

(b) Innumerable variety of shrubs and climbers are also found

(c) A kind of dense forests known as Selvas are seen in the Amazon river basin

(d) Some of the agricultural crops cultivated in this region include rice rubber tea, coffee, etc.

(1) Monsoon region

Climate (a) The region gets rainfall mainly in summer The average annual rainfall m 200 cm.

(b) It has warm and well and cod and dry writer.

(c) The temperature difference between summer and winter seasons / 15°C.

Vegetation 

(a) Due to seasonal charges deciduous Trees are found in this region. They shed their leaves. The dry winter due to shortage of mate

Agriculture omps like nice sugarcane wheat, cott Aile olleeds tea etc are cultivated in the moisture.

9. Give a description of the life styles of the people living in different natural regions of the world.

Ans: The economic occupation and the lifestyle of the people living in different nature region are not same due to due to variations in climate, soil, topography, location, distance from the sea, altitude, etc. 

The main economic activities found in different natural regions of the world are:

(a) Equatorial Region: The Equatorial Region is located on both sides of the equator between 10 north and 10 south latitudes. The climate of this region is hot and wet. Due to vertical sun rays the temperature difference between day and night, and summer and winter is very low in this region. Its average annual temperature is 27° C. Well known for heavy rainfall this equatorial region experiences average annual rainfall of 200 cm. Almost the entire equatorial region is covered with dense evergreen forests. Besides, there are innumerable small shrubs and variety of climbers. Due to dense forest cover and prevalence of very high temperature and rainfall throughout the year the natural environment of this region is not suitable for human habitation. 

(b) Monsoon Region: The monsoon region generally lies between 100 N to 30° N latitudes in the northern hemisphere and 10°S to 30°S latitudes in the southern hemisphere. In fact, the areas influenced by the monsoon wind fall under this region. The main climatic character of the monsoon region is seasonal change-warm and wet summer season, and cold and dry winter season. The temperature difference between summer and winter seasons is 15°C. The average annual rainfall is 200 cm. As the change of season results in variation of rainfall, the importance of deciduous vegetation is quite high. These trees shed their leaves in winter due to shortage of moisture.

(c) Tropical Grassland Region: Generally tropical grasslands are seen in the interior of the continents located in the tropical zone. This region is spread within 10°-25° north and south latitudes of the continents of South America, Africa and Australia. Some special type of physical condition prevails in such grasslands which is transitional between equatorial region and tropical desert region. The climate of the tropical grassland region is characterised by short warm summer season and long dry winter season. The diurnal and seasonal range of temperature in this region is quite high. The amount of annual rainfall is moderate (25-100 cm). It is due to such a climatic character the grass variety plants with height up to 3 meters have created vast grasslands in this region. Such grassland of the tropical region is known as Savannah. The grasslands of Brazil highlands of South America and the Orinoco river basin located in Venezuela, northern and southern parts of the Zaire basin in Africa, highlands of eastern Africa and some parts of South Africa, and northern part of Australia are under the tropical grassland region. It may be mentioned that the grasslands of Venezuela and Brazil are locally known as Llanos and Campos respectively.

(d) Tropical Hot Desert Region: The tropical hot desert region is generally located on the western fringes of the continents. This desert region is spread up to the neighbouring areas of the tropic of cancer (23% North) and tropic of capricorn (23½ south). The climate of this region is almost always hot and dry. The difference of day and night temperature is high. The day- time temperature increases up to 45° Celsius during summer. On the other hand, the amount of rainfall is very negligible. The amount of average annual rainfall is 20-25 cm. Due to paucity of rainfall only short grass and thorny vegetation grow in some areas of such desert region. A large part of this region remains covered with sand. Of course, apart from the growth of date palm, variety of plants, some amount of cultivation is also seen in the scattered patches of oasis in the desert.

(e) Mediterranean: The Mediterranean type of climate is generally prevalent in the places located in the western margins of the continents and also in the northern part of tropical desert region. This natural region is characterised by hot and dry summer and cold and wet winter. It means that rainfall occurs in winter in this region. The summer season is little longer in this region. The average temperature of the whole year is 8º-25º celsius. The amount of average annual rainfall is 25-75 cm. The evergreen short trees and shrubs are the major natural vegetation of this region. As such a natural condition generally prevails in the peripheral areas of the Mediterranean sea, it is known as Mediterranean region. The Mediterranean region is largely formed by the neighbouring areas of Mediterranean sea including southern Europe, south-western Asia and northern Africa. Besides, the coastal California of North America, central Chile of South America, Cape coast of South Africa and south-west coast of Australia also belong to the Mediterranean natural region.

(f) Mid latitude desert region: The natural condition of some parts of the plateau and basin areas located within the continents of Asia and North America is desertic. Such a natural region is surrounded by high mountains from almost all sides. As it is located far away from the sea and surrounded by high mountains, the amount of rainfall is very low here. Moreover, due to its continental location the summer and winter difference of temperature is quite high. Similarly, day-night temperature difference is also notable. Some amount of snowfall also occurs in the region during winter.

(g) Mid-Latitude Temperate Region: The temperate natural region is located in a large portion of the mid-latitudes of both the hemispheres of the world. This natural region is generally seen in a large part of the area between tropic of cancer (23½º North) and 50° North latitude in the northern hemisphere, and some parts of the area between tropic of capricorn (23½º south) and 500 south latitude in the southern hemisphere. The intensity of summer and winter is less in this region. The average temperature stands at 15°C in summer and 5°C-10°C in winter. The climate of the coastal areas is of equitable nature. The average annual rainfall varies between 75 cm and 150 cm. The amount of rainfall decreases with the increase in the distance from the sea. The winter season is very dry in this region. Quite different types of natural vegetation are seen to grow in this region due to variation in the occurrence of rainfall. Of course, deciduous vegetation is largely found in this region. On the other hand, evergreen vegetation is seen in the areas receiving considerably high rainfall, and coniferous vegetation largely in the hill slopes. The forests of this region are not very deans.

(h) Mid-Latitude Grassland Region: The mid-latitude grassland region is located between 30°-50° latitudes in the northern hemisphere and south of the tropic of capricorn (23½° South) in the southern hemisphere. Actually, due to considerably low amount of rainfall in the interior of the continents these areas have been converted into grasslands. The difference of summer and winter temperature has become more in this region due to its inland or continental location. Only a small amount of rainfall occurs in summer in this region. The average annual rainfall is only 15-50 cm. Due to shortage of rainfall and severity of cold the vegetation cover is almost absent in this region. Of course, the soil of this region is quite fertile owing to its rich organic matter content.

(i) Cold Coniferous Forest Region: The cold coniferous forest region is confined to 50°-70° latitudes of the northern hemisphere. The tundra region is located to its north and the mid-latitude grassland region to the south. The climate of this region is somewhat dry and cold. The average temperature in summer increases up to 15°C. There is occurrence of snowfall in winter due to fall in the temperature. The length of summer season is shorter than that of the winter in this region. There is an occurrence of some amount of rainfall in summer. Due to the prevalence of cold and dry climate this region is covered with evergreen coniferous forests. Such type of soft-wood forest land being covered with coniferous trees is known as Taiga.

(j)  Cold Polar Region: The region around the north and south poles and having covered with snow for almost whole year is called polar region. This region is generally located in the north of arctic circle (66½° North latitude) in the northern hemisphere. Prevalence of extreme cold is the main climatic character of this natural region. Here, the summer season is short and the winter is long. The dry temperature ranges between 0°C and 10°C in summer season. On the other hand, the temperature decreases up to -18°C in winter. Here, there is almost no rainfall. Rather, there is an occurrence of heavy snowfall in winter. As most part of the year remains covered with snow, almost no vegetation can grow in this region. Only some grass, moss, fern, etc grow in the areas which witness melting of ice with little rise of temperature in summer. The animals like deer, white fox, bear, etc which can withstand extreme cold live in this region. On the other hand, having permanently covered with thick ice, the Antarctica of south polar region is mainly a habitat.

11. How many and what are the continents in the world? Give a brief geographical introduction of each of the continents.

Ans: There are  seven continents in the world: Asia, Africa America, South America, Europe North America, Oceania, Antarctica.

(a) Asia: The continent of Asia is covered with high mountain ranges,plateaus, river valleys, low-lands, coastal plains, islands, deserts, etc. Its central part is full of mountains and plateaus. Among the mountain ranges, the north-south Ural mountain ranges running along the western boundary of the continent, the world’s highest east-west running Himalayan mountain ranges and the offshoots in the middle, Karakoram mountain ranges, Aravalli mountain, etc are worth mentioning. The continent of Asia is rich in natural resources. Among the natural resources, forest, agricultural and mineral resources are worth mentioning. The economy of the continent of Asia is still mainly dependent on agriculture. Its main crops are rice, wheat, sugarcane, tobacco, cotton, tea, rubber, coffee, etc. Among the major mineral resources of Asia, petroleum of Saudi Arabia and other parts of south-westAsia, India, Myanmar, Indonesia, China and Siberia; coal and natural gas of India, Myanmar, China and Siberia; iron ore of India, China, Siberia, Indonesia and Philippines; and manganese of India and Siberia are worth mentioning.

(b) Africa: Africa is the second largest continent of the world. With an area of slightly more than 30 million km² the continent of Africa covers about 20% of the world’s total land area. The equator which passes almost through middle of the continent divides it into two parts. The continent is located between 37º north latitude in the North to 34º south latitude in the South and 51º east longitude in the East to 17º west longitude in the West. It is surrounded by the Mediterranean sea in the north; the Southern Ocean in the south; the Indian Ocean in the east; and the Atlantic Ocean in the west. Its length of the coastline is about 30 thousand km. With an area of 2.5 million km² Sudan is the largest country of the continent.

(c) Europe: The Continent of Europe: The continent of Europe is situated along the north-eastern boundary of Asia. It is completely located in the northern hemisphere. This continent is spread from 36° North latitude in the south to 71º North latitude in the north, and 10° West longitude in the west to 65° East longitude in the east (Fig. 3.07). Its geographical area is 10.9 million km², that is 7.3% of the world’s land area and three times the land area of India. Europe is surrounded by the continent of Asia on the east, the Atlantic Ocean on the west, the Northern Ocean on the north, and the Mediterranean Sea, Caspian Sea and Black Sea on the South. Physically the Ural mountain range and the Ural river have separated the continent of Europe from Asia. Europe is surrounded by the oceans and seas from three sides. The coastal length of its mainland is 38 thousand km. The world’s largest country Russia is located in Europe.

(d) North America: and Africa. Its land area is 24.3 million km², that is 16.3% of the world’s land area. As this continent of America is located in the northern hemisphere, it is known as North America. This continent is spread from 7º North latitude in the South to 83° North latitude in the north and 50º West longitude (Fig. 3.08). North America is 4,960 km from east to west and 9,600 km from north to south. It is worth mentioning that the continent of North America is spread from the cold north polar region to the hot equatorial region. It is surrounded by the Northern Ocean in the north, South America, Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean in the south, the Atlantic Ocean in the east and the Bering Sea, Bering strait and Pacific Ocean in the west. It means besides Canada, United States and Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, etc. of the central America and Cuba, Jamaica, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, etc. of the Caribbean islands are all belonging to North America. Among these countries, Canada with an area of 9.2 million km² is the largest country in the continent and third largest country in the world.

(e) South America: The continent located on the South of North America is South America. It spreads from 12º North latitude in the north to 55° South latitude in the south and 35° West longitude in the east to 81° West longitude in the west (Fig. 3.9). The shape of the continent is like a reversed triangle. It means its northern part is very wide and southern part is very narrow. Its length is about 7,500 km from north to south and about 5,100 km from east to west. The total geographical area of the continent is about 18 million km², that is 12.2% of the world’s land area. The continent of South America is surrounded by North America, Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean on the north; Southern Ocean on the South; Pacific Ocean on the west and Atlantic Ocean on the east. Among the countries of South America, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, etc. are worth mentioning. Of course, with an area of 8.54 million km² (47% of the continent) Brazil is the largest country of the continent and fifth largest in the world.

(f) Oceania: The continent of Oceania is formed by the great island of Australia and many other islands of varying size located in the south-west Pacific Ocean including New Zealand, Tasmania, New Guinea, etc. Located on the south of Asia this continent is completely a part of southern hemisphere. It spreads from 0º equator on the north to 48° South latitude on the south, and 1130 East longitude on the west to 180º longitude on the east (Fig. 3.10). With an area of 7.7 million km² Australia is the largest country of Oceania and the sixth largest country in the world. Its length of the coastline is about 10,000 km. The total land area of Oceania consisting of Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, New Guinea and many other islands is about 9 million km². Accordingly, Oceania is the world’s smallest continent. It is surrounded by Java-Sumatra-Celebes islands of the South-East Asia and Pacific Ocean on the north, Southern Ocean and Antarctica on the south, the Pacific Ocean on the east and the Indian Ocean on the west. It means Australia, the mainland of Oceania, and other islands.

12. Which is the most populous continent in the world? Writein brief about the population and economic characteristics of that continent? 

Ans: Asia is the largest populated of all the continents in Its geographical area (44,4 million km²) constitutes the earth’s land surface area. The continent of Asia is mainly located in the northern hemisphere.

It may be mentioned that the world’s largest continent Asia is also the largest in population. As per estimate for the year 2007 its population is 401 crores, i.e. three-fifth of the world’s population. Due to variation in physiographic characteristics its population distribution is also very uneven. About three-fourth of its population live in south, south-east and eastern tropical and sub-tropical monsoon region. For instance, 61% of the total population of 49 countries of Asia is concentrated only in two countries (China and India). It is worth mentioning that Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, with 34 million population, is the largest city not only in Asia, but also in the whole world. Some other big cities of the continent are Beijing, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Singapore, Seoul, Shanghai, Hongkong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, etc. 41% of the people of Asia are urban dwellers. Its average per capita gross national income is US dollar 6,630.

13. Mention the geographical characteristics of the continent of Europe.

Ans: Its geographical area is 10.9 million km², that is 7.3% of the world’s land area and three times the land area of India. Europe is surrounded by the continent of Asia on the east, the Atlantic Ocean on the west, the Northern Ocean on the north, and the Mediterranean Sea, Caspian Sea and Black Sea on the South.

Characteristics of the continent of Europe Are giving below:

The physiographic structure of Europe is very complex and diverse. In respect of physiography Europe can be broadly

divided into two parts.

(a) The Northern part: The northern frontier region and the southern highland region of the continent are very much under the influence of glacier. Among the mountain ranges of the southern Europe, the Alps, Pyrenees, Carpethian and Caucasus are worth mentioning.

(b) The Southern part: Southern part (from Spain to the Black Sea) having covered with hills, mountains and plateaus is highly rugged. The northern frontier region and the southern part ( from Spain to the Black sea) having covered with hills, mountains,and plateaus is highly rugged.

14. Write in brief about the drainage and vegetation of the continent of South America.

Ans: South American is the fourth largest continent in the world. The continent of South America is surrounded by North America, Caribbe; Southern Ocean on the South; Pacific Ocean on the west and Atlantic Ocean on the east. Among the countries of South America, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, etc. 

The important rivers of South America are Amazon, Orinoco, Parana, Uruguay, Paraguay, etc. The Amazon river rises in the Andes mountains, flows through the equatorial forests of Brazil and falls into the Atlantic. It has a large number of tributaries. They flow separately for some distance and then meet together under the name of Parana Further south, the river Uruguay meets Parana and the combined river flows into the Atlantic Ocean under the name of the Rio De La Plata. This river system in the south is very useful as it flows through the rich and productive areas of Uruguay. Paraguay and Argentina. These river systems have created numerous plains which cover almost the whole continent. The natural vegetation in South America varies with the climate and relief. The Amazon basin in the equatorial region with high temperature and heavy rainfall has evergreen dense equatorial forests. This region is known as the Selvas. The amount of rainfall gradually decreases to the north and south of the equatorial region. This has led to the growth of grasslands in these regions. The grasslands of Paraguay-Parana-Uruguay basin are called Campos, Granchaco and Pampas.

15. Write briefly about the topography and mineral resources of the continent of North America.

Ans: North America is the third biggest continent in the world .it has a total geography area of 24.3 million sq km. Its land area is 24.3 million km², that is 16.3% of the world’s land area. As this continent of America is located in the northern hemisphere, it is known as North America. 

The following of topographical features can be noticed in this contained.

Physiographic divisions: Physiographically, North America can be divided into the following four divisions:

(a) The Rocky mountainous: The Rocky mountainous region consisting of the lofty young folded mountain ranges is located in the western part of NorthAmerica from Alaska to Mexico in north-south direction. This region consists of many mountain ranges like Brooks range, Alaska mountain system, Mackenzie, Coast range, Cascade, Sierra Nevada, Sierra Madre, etc.

(b)The  Coastal mountain ranges of the west like Cascade, Sierra Nevada and Coast range. On the other hand, a wide area located on the east of Rocky mountain region and west of Appalachian highland and stretching from northern part of Canada to the Gulf of Mexico is known as the Great Plain. It consists of erosional plateaus and fertile plains. 

(c) The Appalachian highlands: the Appalachian highlands and east coastal region of the continent has increased significantly. About 77% people of the continent are urban dwellers. Among the major cities of North America, Boston, New York, Philadelphia,Baltimore, Washington, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Quebec, San Francisco, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Mexico city, Minneapolis, Chicago, Havana, St. Louis, Houston, etc. 

(d) The Great upland plain region: This is a wide area lying to the east of the Rocky mountain region and west of the Appalachian highlands and stretching from the northern part of Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. This region consists of erosional plateaus and fertile plains. The rivers like Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, etc. have converted the southern part of this region into fertile levelled land. 

16. Mention the major mountain systems and rivers of the world and show them in the map.

Ans: The major mountain systems and rivers of the world are:

(a) The Central mountain ranges of Asia.

(b) The Alps mountain system of Europe.

(c) The Rocky mountain system of North America.

(d) The Andes mountain system of South America.

The major rivers of the world are:

(a) Asia: Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra, Mekong, Hwang-ho Tigris, Euphrates, etc.

(b) Europe: Volga, Don, Danube, Rhine, Seine, Ural, etc

(c) Africa: Nile, Congo, Orange, Limpopo, Volta, Senegal, Niger, Zambazi, etc.

(d) South America: Amazon, Orinoco, Uruguay, Paraguay, et

(e) North America: Columbia, Colorado, St Lawrence, Mississippi, Mackenzie, etc.

(f) Oceania: Murray

17. Write in brief about the climate and mode of living in the continent of Africa?

Ans: Africa is the second largest continent of the world. With an area of slightly more than 30 million km² the continent of Africa covers about 20% of the world’s total land area. The equator which passes almost through middle of the continent divides it into two parts. The continent is located between 37º north latitude in the North to 34º south latitude in the South and 51º east longitude in the East to 17º west longitude in the West. It is surrounded by the Mediterranean sea in the north; the Southern Ocean in the south; the Indian Ocean in the east; and the Atlantic Ocean in the west. Its length of the coastline is about 30 thousand km. With an area of 2.5 million km² Sudan is the largest country of the continent.

A Large part of the continent enjoys tropical climate. Only the northern and southern margins experience sub-tropical and temperate climate. The plain regions and the coastal regions of Africa get high rainfall but there is hardly any rainfall in the desert regions of Sahara, Kalahari and Namibia. Owing to this reason, many areas of Africa are gradually getting dry.

Mode of living. The continent has rich water, forest and mineral resources. The economy is however mainly agro-based. Nearly 70% of the population of Africa is engaged in agriculture. The main agricultural items produced are maize, jowar, bajra, rice. sweet potato, groundnut, cotton, coffee, tea, sugar cane, tobacco, banana, etc. Africa also has minerals resources like petroleum, natural gas, iron, copper, gold, diamond, uranium. etc. The average per capita income of the African continent is about US dollar 2,550. About 37% of the total population lives in urban areas.

18. Which is the smallest continent in the world? Write briefly about the geographical situation of that continent?

Ans: Oceania is the smallest island of world. The total geographical area of Oceania is about 9 million sq. Australia and many other islands of varying size located in the south-west Pacific Ocean including New Zealand, Tasmania, New Guinea, etc. Located on the south of Asia this continent is completely a part of southern hemisphere. It spreads from 0º equator on the north to 48º South latitude on the south, and 1139 East longitude on the west to 180° longitude on the east With an area of 7.7 million km² Australia is the largest country of Oceania and the sixth largest country in the world. Its length of the coastline is about 10,000 km. 

The total land area of Oceania consisting of Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, New Guinea and many other islands is about 9 million km². Accordingly, Oceania is the world’s smallest continent. It is surrounded by Java-Sumatra-Celebes islands of the South-East Asia and Pacific Ocean on the north, Southern Ocean and Antarctica on the south, the Pacific Ocean on the east and the Indian Ocean on the west. It means Australia, the mainland of Oceania, and other islands.are surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Besides the major countries of the Pacific Ocean region, viz. Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania, the other islands are broadly grouped under Micronesia (the islands located on the north of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea including north Mariana islands, Marshall islands, Guam, Carolina islands, Gilbert, etc.), Melanesia (the islands located on the east of Indonesia including Papua New Guinea, Solomon, New Caledonia, New Hebrides, etc.) and Polynesia (the islands like Hawaii, Cook, American Samoa, Society, French Polynesia, Marquesas, Tokelau, etc.)

19. Write short notes:

(a) Major Grassland regions of the world.

Ans: Grassland region is located between 30°-50° latitudes in the northern hemisphere and south of the tropic of capricorn (232 South) in the southern hemisphere. Actually, due to considerably low amount of rainfall in the interior of the continents these areas have been converted into grasslands.

(b) Equatorial natural region.

Ans: The Equatorial Region is located on both sides of the equator between 100 north and 100 south latitudes. The climate of this region is hot and wet. Due to vertical sun rays the temperature difference between day and night, and summer and winter is very low in this region. Its average annual temperature is 27º C. Well known for heavy rainfall this equatorial region experiences average annual rainfall of 200 cm. Almost the entire equatorial region is covered with dense evergreen forests. Besides, there are innumerable small shrubs and variety of climbers. Due to dense forest cover and prevalence of very high temperature and rainfall throughout the year the natural environment of this region is not suitable for human habitation.

(c) Mediterranean natural region.

Ans: The Mediterranean type of climate is generally prevalent in the places located in the western margins of the continents and also in the northern part of tropical desert region. This natural region is characterised by hot and dry summer and cold and wet winter. It means that rainfall occurs in winter in this region. The summer season is little longer in this region. The average temperature of the whole year is 8°-25º celsius. The amount of average annual rainfall is 25-75 cm. The evergreen short trees and shrubs are the major natural vegetation of this region. As such a natural condition generally prevails in the peripheral areas of the Mediterranean sea, it is known as Mediterranean region. The Mediterranean region is largely formed by the neighbouring areas of Mediterranean sea including southern Europe, south-western Asia and northern Africa. Besides, the coastal California of North America, central Chile of South America, Cape coast of South Africa and south-west coast of Australia also belong to the Mediterranean natural region.

(d) Monsoon region.

Ans: The monsoon region generally lies between 10° N to 30° N latitudes in the northern hemisphere and 10°S to 30°S latitudes in the southern hemisphere. In fact, the areas influenced by the monsoon wind fall under this region. The main climatic character of the monsoon region is seasonal change-warm and wet summer season, and cold and dry winter season. The temperature difference between summer and winter seasons is 15°C. The average annual rainfall is 200 cm. As the change of season results in variation of rainfall, the importance of deciduous vegetation is quite high. These trees shed their leaves in winter due to shortage of moisture.

(e) Topography and climate of Asia.

Ans: Topography is the study and description of the physical features of an area, for example its hills, valleys, or rivers, or the representation of these features on maps. The topography of a particular area is its physical shape, including its hills, valleys, and rivers.

(f) Tundra region.

Ans: Tundra ecosystems are treeless regions found in the Arctic and on the tops of mountains, where the climate is cold and windy, and rainfall is scant. Tundra lands are covered with snow for much of the year, but summer brings bursts of wildflowers.

(g) World population and its distribution.

Ans: World population and its distribution. The total geographical area of the world is 510 million sq. km. Out of this, the land surface area constitutes about 29% (140 million sq. km) while the water bodies constitute about 29% (149 million sq. km) while the water bodies constitute about 71% (361 million sq km). The world’s total population is over 662 crores as per 2007 estimate. Currently, the total population of the world is estimated to be around 7000 million or 7 billion. As per 2007 estimate, the population is Asia in over 401 crores which 60.50% of the total world population Africa has a population of 944 million while the third biggest continent North America has a population of 5d23 million. The population of Europe around 733 million though it is fifth in size among the continents.

(h) Tropical Grassland region.

Ans: The mid-latitude grassland region is located between 30°- 50° latitudes in the northern hemisphere and south of the tropic of capricorn (23/½º South) in the southern hemisphere. Actually, due to the considerably low amount of rainfall in the interior of the continents these areas have been converted into grasslands. The difference of summer and winter temperature has become more in this region due to its inland or continental location. Only a small amount of rainfall occurs in summer in this region. The average annual rainfall is only 15-50 cm. Due to shortage of rainfall and severity of cold the vegetation cover is almost absent in this region.

(i) Tropical Hot Desert region.

Ans: The natural condition of some parts of the plateau and basin areas located within the continents of Asia and North America is desertic. Such a natural region is surrounded by high mountains from almost all sides. As it is located far away from the sea and surrounded by high mountains, the amount of rainfall is very low here. Moreover, due to its continental location the summer and winter difference of temperature is quite high. Similarly, day-night temperature difference is also notable. Some amount of snowfall also occurs in the region during winter.

(j) Cold coniferous forest region.

Ans: The cold coniferous forest region is confined to 50°- 70° latitudes of the northern hemisphere. The tundra region is located to its north and the mid-latitude grassland region to the south. The climate of this region is somewhat dry and cold. The average temperature in summer increases up to 15°C. There is an occurrence of snowfall in winter due to fall in the temperature. The length of the summer season is shorter than that of the winter in this region. There is an occurrence of some amount of rainfall in summer. Due to the prevalence of cold and dry climate this region is covered with evergreen coniferous forests. Such type of soft-wood forestland being covered with coniferous trees is know as Taiga.