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Unit-6 Lesson – 8

North America: Geographical and Natural Environment

A.  Short Answer Questions

1.  What is Prairies? What are its uses?

And:- The extensive temperate grassland of North America is called prairies. Its uses are:

i)  Agricultural production due to plain land, fertile soil and availability of irrigation.

ii)  Industries can’ be established as there is the production of crops and rear animals.

iii)  Animal rearing can be carried out as it is the grassland with nutritious grass.

2.  Why is the forest extended in the northern region considered as an important natural resource? Give reasons. 

Ans:- The forest extended in the northern region is considered as an important natural resource because this region is the area of coniferous forest which is important in commercial poirit of view. The leaves, bark, etc. of the tree can be used for making paper and pulp. The soft wooded trees also can be used to run furniture industry, match stick industry, etc. Similarly, this region is naturally beautiful which helps to promote tourism industry.

3.  Rocky mountain range is advanced in tourism? Mention the reasons.

Ans:- Rocky mountain range is advanced in tourism because of the following reasons:

i)  It has natural beauty due to geographical diversity.

ii)  It is the protected areas where the visitors can view wild animals and plants.

iii)  The scene of volcanic eruption can be seen.

iv)  Here is the facilities of lodging, fooding, or other required facilities for tourists.

v)  Availability of infrastructure for tourism like transportation, communication, ete.

4.  Mention any four Characteristics of Tundra climate.

And:- Following are the four Characteristics of Tundra climate:

i)  Very low temperature.

ii)  Summers are cool and short and they last 2 to 3 months.

iii)  Winters are long and severely cold and they last for 9 to 10 months.

iv)  Very scanty rainfall usually below 25 cm occurs in summer and snowfalls in winter.

5.  Write short note on the topic “Climate of North America”.

And:- North America experiences a variety of climate due to its vast latitudinal extension, varied relief, impact of ocean currents and prevailing winds. It lies mostly in temperate zone. It also includes tropical and tundra climate in south and north. In the higher altitude of Rockies, there is very cold and snowfall occurs. North western part has a mild climate. The central part in prairies has an extreme climate. It is very hot in summer and very cold in winter. To the eastern part of the continent receives rainfall throughout the year. California and Florida receive rainfall only in winter. South east part is under the influence of cyclones and receives rainfall in summer, south-west part of the continent has the desert climate.

6.  What are the three physical regions of North America? Discuss and write their names.

Ans:- The three physical regions of North America are:

i)  The Western Mountain System:- This range extends from Alaska in the north to the Panama in the south, a distance of about 6500 km. It consists of high mountain, deserts and earthquake and volcano prone zone.

ii)  The Central Low Land:– This is also known as Great plains which extends from Hudson Bay in the north to the Gulf of Mexico in the south. This plain is drained by Mississippi and its tributaries. The extensive temperate grassland called prairies lies here.

iii)  Eastern Highlands:- These highlands are old fold mountain. Eastern highlands are lower than western mountain. It is formed by three important highlands- the plateau of Greenland, the Canadian Shield and Appalachian highland. The climate of this highland is very pleasant for human settlement.

7.  North America has diversified climates. Give reasons.

Ans:- NorthAmerica has diversified climates. Because the northernmost part of the continent is extremely cold throughout the year. Western coast of Canada and north western part of USA has a mild climate. The central part of the continent has an extreme climate. It is very hot in summer and very cold in winter. The eastern part of Canada and the areas around St. Lawrence River receives rainfall throughout the year. California and Florida receives rainfall only in winter. The south east part of the USA is under the influence of cyclones and receives rainfall in summer. The southernmost part of the continent is hot and wet throughout the year. South west part of the USA has desert type climate.

8.  Make a list of the countries of North America.

Ans:- 

9.  Which parts of North America are affected by earthquake, volcano, flood and a hurricane?

And:- The following parts of North America are affected by earthquake, volcano, flood and  hurricane:

Earthquake — Western part (Rocky Mt. range)

Volcano — Western part (Rocky Mt. range)

Flood — Southern parts

Hurricane — Eastern parts