Short Answer Questions
Q1: What is Indira Point?
Ans: It’s India’s southernmost tip in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Surrounded by sea, it’s part of a chain with unique forests and wildlife.
Q2: Describe the living root bridges in Northeast India.
Ans: Made from tree roots grown across streams, they are natural and strong. Local people maintain them, showcasing harmony with nature.
Q3: What makes the Sundarbans unique?
Ans: It’s the world’s largest mangrove forest where the Ganga meets the sea. Mangroves grow in salty water, protecting against erosion and hosting tigers.
Q4: Name an animal unique to the Western Ghats.
Ans: The lion-tailed macaque, a monkey found only here. It lives in rich forests with diverse wildlife and medicinal plants.
Q5: What is the Silent Valley National Park known for?
Ans: A silent rainforest in Kerala, home to rare species. The ‘Save Silent Valley’ movement protected it from a dam, preserving its biodiversity.
Q6: How do the Andaman Islands support unique wildlife?
Ans: Isolated forests host birds like the Andaman hornbill. Roots support trees, and corals shelter marine life, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
Q7: What is Bhut Jolokia?
Ans: The hottest chilli from Northeast India, used in food and to deter elephants. It reflects the region’s spicy cuisine and agriculture.
Q8: Describe the Kailasanatha Temple.
Ans: Carved from a single rock in Maharashtra, it’s the world’s largest such structure. It showcases ancient Indian architecture and craftsmanship.
Q9: Why are mangroves important?
Ans: Their roots hold soil, prevent erosion, and grow in salty water. They protect coasts and support fish and birds.
Q10: What is Chandrayaan-3’s achievement?
Ans: It made India the first to land on the lunar south pole. This highlights India’s space exploration and scientific progress.
Long Answer Questions
Q1: Explain the unique features of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Ans: Unique features of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
- These islands in the Bay of Bengal have unique trees with supporting roots and endemic birds like the Andaman hornbill.
- Coral reefs shelter marine life, while tribes like the Sentinelese live traditionally.
- Forests are biodiversity hotspots, but tsunamis pose risks.
- Ecotourism and protection efforts preserve this isolated paradise, teaching nature’s wonders and human-nature harmony.
Q2: Discuss the importance of mangroves in the Sundarbans.
Ans: Importance of mangroves in the Sundarbans:
- Sundarbans’ mangroves thrive in salty mud, with breathing roots preventing erosion from waves.
- They host tigers and birds, supporting local livelihoods like fishing.
- People depend on forests for honey and wood, living harmoniously.
- Conservation protects against climate change, as mangroves act as natural barriers, sustaining ecosystems and communities in this delta region.
Q3: Describe the biodiversity and cultural aspects of Northeast India.
Ans: Northeast India, also known as Seven Sisters, is culturally very rich.
- The ‘Seven Sisters’ states feature root bridges, the hottest chillies like Bhut Jolokia, and festivals with dances.
- Rich wildlife includes Hargila storks protected by locals.
- Bamboo houses suit hilly terrain, and markets sell unique crafts.
- This diversity fosters traditions like weaving, blending nature and culture, making it a vibrant, eco-conscious region.
Q4: What makes the Western Ghats a biodiversity hotspot?
Ans: The Western Ghats, a mountain range running parallel to India’s western coast, is considered one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity. This exceptional status is attributed to a combination of factors:
- This mountain range spans six states, with rare animals like lion-tailed macaques and over 200 mango varieties.
- Rivers originate here, supporting tribes using medicinal plants.
- Forts like Kumbhalgarh and temples like Kailasanatha add historical value.
- Protection through parks like Silent Valley conserves wildlife, emphasising sustainable living and community efforts in preserving India’s natural heritage.
Q5: How do unique places in India reflect human-nature connections?
Ans: India is home to many places that beautifully show the strong bond between people and nature. These sites reveal traditional ways of life, sacred beliefs, and sustainable practices that have respected the environment for generations.
- Places like Andamans with corals, Sundarbans’ mangroves, and Northeast’s root bridges show adaptations to environments.
- Tribes in Sentinel Island use nature signs for safety, while Western Ghats’ surveys protect fruits.
- These highlight traditional knowledge, biodiversity, and conservation movements.
- They teach respect for nature, inspiring protection of India’s diverse landscapes for future generations.