Class 6 Social Science Chapter 3 Landforms and Life Practice Paper 3

Class: VI Subject: Social Science Session: 2025-26 Chapter: 03 - Landforms and Life Time: 1½ Hours Max. Marks: 40

General Instructions:

1. All questions are compulsory.

2. This question paper contains 20 questions divided into five sections A, B, C, D and E.

3. Section A contains 10 MCQs of 1 mark each.

4. Section B contains 4 questions of 2 marks each.

5. Section C contains 3 questions of 3 marks each.

6. Section D contains 1 question of 5 marks.

7. Section E contains 2 Case Study Based questions of 4 marks each.

SECTION A - Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark each)

Q1. Which of the following is a characteristic of conifer trees?
(a) Broad leaves and short height
(b) Tall, cone-shaped with thin pointed leaves
(c) Flowers and fruits
(d) Found only in plains

Q2. What is moss?
(a) A large tree found in mountains
(b) A type of animal found in plateaus
(c) A small green plant without flowers or true roots
(d) A type of rock formation

Q3. The Yamuna river is a tributary of which river?
(a) Brahmaputra
(b) Ganga
(c) Godavari
(d) Narmada

Q4. Which ancient Tamil concept classified landscapes into five types?
(a) Varna
(b) Tiṇai
(c) Jati
(d) Mandala

Q5. What is lichen?
(a) A mountain animal
(b) A plant-like organism that clings to rocks, walls or trees
(c) A type of waterfall
(d) A form of precipitation

Q6. What does terrain mean?
(a) A piece of land from the point of view of its physical features
(b) The height of a mountain
(c) A type of farming
(d) A river valley

Q7. Which river does NOT originate in the Himalayas?
(a) Ganga
(b) Yamuna
(c) Son (Sone)
(d) Ghagara

Q8. What is an avalanche?
(a) A sudden violent rainstorm
(b) The sudden fall of snow, ice or rocks from a mountainside
(c) A type of mountain animal
(d) A plateau formation

Q9. In which year did Bachendri Pal climb Mount Everest?
(a) 1980
(b) 1982
(c) 1984
(d) 1986

Q10. What does 'resilience' mean in the context of human adaptation to landforms?
(a) The height of mountains
(b) The capacity to meet challenges and overcome them
(c) The fertility of soil
(d) The flow of rivers

SECTION B - Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)

Q11. What is a cloudburst? How does it affect mountain regions?

Q12. Explain the concept of 'Roof of the World' with reference to a specific plateau.

Q13. What are tributaries? Name two tributaries of the Ganga that originate in the Himalayas.

Q14. Why are many mountains considered sacred by traditional communities? Give one example.

SECTION C - Short Answer Questions (3 marks each)

Q15. Discuss the five tiṇais of ancient Tamil Sangam poetry. What do they tell us about the connection between landforms and culture?

Q16. Explain how rivers contribute to the formation of fertile plains. Why is this important for human civilization?

Q17. Describe the life and achievements of either Bachendri Pal or Arunima Sinha.

SECTION D - Long Answer Question (5 marks)

Q18. Describe the environment of mountain regions in detail. Include information about climate, vegetation, wildlife, and the natural hazards that mountain dwellers face. Also explain how tourism impacts mountain environments both positively and negatively.

SECTION E - Case Study Based Questions (4 marks each)

Q19. Read the following passage and answer the questions: "Many traditional communities around the world consider mountains to be sacred places and worship them. Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world at 8,849 m, has many names. Tibetans call it 'Chomolungma', which means 'Mother Goddess of the World' and worship the mountain as such. Nepalis call it 'Sagarmatha', meaning 'Goddess of the Sky'. Similarly, Mount Kailash in Tibet is held sacred by followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon."
(a) What is the height of Mount Everest? (1 mark)
(b) What does 'Chomolungma' mean? (1 mark)
(c) Which religions consider Mount Kailash sacred? (1 mark)
(d) Why do you think mountains are considered sacred in many cultures? (1 mark)

Q20. Read the following information about deserts and answer the questions: "Deserts are considered to be large and dry expanses with very little precipitation. Their flora and fauna are also unique. Some deserts are hot, like the Sahara Desert in Africa or the Thar Desert in the northwest of the Indian Subcontinent. Others are cold, like the Gobi Desert in Asia. Despite harsh living conditions, humans have adapted to most of the deserts. In India, communities living in the Thar Desert hold rich cultural traditions."
(a) What defines a desert? (1 mark)
(b) Name one hot and one cold desert. (1 mark)
(c) Where is the Thar Desert located? (1 mark)
(d) What does the adaptation of humans to deserts demonstrate? (1 mark) DETAILED ANSWER KEY - PAPER 03

SECTION A - Answers to MCQs

Ans 1.
(b) Tall, cone-shaped with thin pointed leaves Explanation: Conifer trees such as pines, firs, spruce and deodar are found in montane forests. They grow tall and cone-shaped, with thin, pointed leaves (also called needles). These trees are adapted to cold mountain climates. Ans 2.
(c) A small green plant without flowers or true roots Explanation: Moss is a small green plant without flowers or true roots. It often spreads in a cushion-like cover on rocks and ground in mountain environments, especially at higher altitudes where trees cannot grow.

Ans 3.
(b) Ganga Explanation: The Yamuna river is a tributary of the Ganga. It originates in the Himalayas and joins the Ganga at Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad). A tributary is a river that joins another larger river. Ans 4.
(b) Tiṇai Explanation: The five tiṇais of ancient Tamil Sangam poetry classified landscapes into five types: Kuriñji (mountainous regions), Mullai (grassland and forests), Marudam (fertile agricultural plains), Neydal (coastal regions), and Pālai (arid, desert-like regions). Ans 5.
(b) A plant-like organism that clings to rocks, walls or trees Explanation: Lichen is a plant-like organism that generally clings to rocks, walls or trees. It is found in mountain environments at higher altitudes where trees give way to grasses, mosses and lichen.

Ans 6.
(a) A piece of land from the point of view of its physical features Explanation: Terrain refers to a piece or stretch of land from the point of view of its physical features. For example, mountain terrain is usually rugged with steep slopes, while plain terrain is flat and gentle. Ans 7.
(c) Son (Sone) Explanation: The Son (or Sone) river does not originate in the Himalayas. It originates from the Vindhya Range to the south of the Ganga plain. The Ganga, Yamuna, and Ghagara all originate in the Himalayas.

Ans 8.
(b) The sudden fall of snow, ice or rocks from a mountainside Explanation: An avalanche is the sudden fall of snow, ice or rocks from a mountainside. It often occurs when the snow starts melting and is a serious natural hazard in mountain regions. Ans 9.
(c) 1984 Explanation: Bachendri Pal became the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest in 1984. She was awarded Padma Shri the same year for this achievement and later received Padma Bhushan in 2019. Ans 10.
(b) The capacity to meet challenges and overcome them Explanation: Resilience is the capacity to meet challenges and difficulties, adapt to them or overcome them. The diverse ways humans have adapted to all landforms demonstrates human resilience and adaptability.

SECTION B - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Ans 11. Cloudburst and its effects: Cloudburst: A cloudburst is a sudden violent rainstorm that occurs in mountain regions. It is an intense precipitation event where very heavy rain falls in a short period of time. Effects on Mountain Regions: • Can cause flash floods - sudden local floods • Triggers landslides - sudden collapse of earth or rock • Damages roads, bridges and infrastructure • Poses serious danger to human life and property • Can wash away crops and livestock • Makes mountain regions vulnerable during monsoon season Ans 12. 'Roof of the World':

The Tibetan Plateau is nicknamed the "Roof of the World" because: • It has an average altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level • It is the highest plateau in the world • It is also the largest plateau in the world • From east to west, it stretches nearly 2,500 km (distance from Chandigarh to Kanyakumari) • Its extreme height makes it appear like a roof over the world Ans 13. Tributaries and examples: Tributaries: A tributary is a river or stream that flows into and joins a larger river. Tributaries contribute to the water volume of the main river.

Two tributaries of Ganga from Himalayas:

1. Yamuna - Originates in the Himalayas and joins the Ganga at Prayagraj (Allahabad)

2. Ghagara - Also originates in the Himalayas and is an important tributary of the Ganga The Ganga has numerous tributaries. Some originate in the Himalayas while others, like the Son (Sone), originate from the Vindhya Range. Ans 14. Sacred mountains: Many traditional communities around the world consider mountains to be sacred places because: • Mountains are seen as dwelling places of gods and goddesses • Their towering height inspires awe and reverence • Mountains are sources of life-giving rivers • They represent strength, permanence and spiritual elevation Example:

Mount Kailash in Tibet is held sacred by followers of four religions: • Hinduism - considered the abode of Lord Shiva • Buddhism - sacred in Buddhist traditions • Jainism - place of liberation for the first Tirthankara • Bon - sacred in ancient Tibetan Bon religion (Other examples: Mount Everest - called 'Chomolungma' meaning 'Mother Goddess of the World' by Tibetans and 'Sagarmatha' meaning 'Goddess of the Sky' by Nepalis)

SECTION C - Answers to Short Answer Questions

Ans 15. The five tiṇais and landform-culture connection: The five tiṇais of ancient Tamil Sangam poetry were five landscapes associated with specific characteristics:

1. Kuriñji - Mountainous regions • Main occupation: Hunting and gathering

2. Mullai - Grassland and forests • Main occupation: Cattle rearing

3. Marudam - Fertile agricultural plains • Main occupation: Farming

4. Neydal - Coastal regions • Main occupation: Fishing and seafaring

5. Pālai - Arid, desert-like regions • Main occupation: Journeying and fighting Connection between Landforms and Culture: • The tiṇais show a different classification of landforms based on Tamil cultural understanding • They reflect a keen awareness of diverse regions and their characteristics • Each tiṇai was associated with specific deities, lifestyles, moods and emotions (love, longing, separation, etc.) • They illustrate the deep connection between humanity and the natural environment • Show how landforms shaped human occupations, culture and even literature • Demonstrate that ancient people understood how geography influences human life and activities Ans 16. Rivers and formation of fertile plains:

How Rivers Contribute to Formation of Fertile Plains: Step 1 - Collection of Sediments: • Rivers originate in mountain ranges at high altitudes • As they flow down, they erode rocks and collect particles • These particles include rock fragments, sand, and silt (called sediments) Step 2 - Transportation: • Rivers carry these sediments all the way from mountains to lower areas • The flowing water transports vast amounts of material over long distances Step 3 - Deposition: • When rivers reach the plains, their speed decreases • The sediments get deposited on the plains • Over thousands of years, layers of sediments accumulate • This creates floodplains - extensive flat areas Step 4 - Soil Fertility:

• The deposited sediments are rich in minerals and nutrients • They make the soil very fertile • This creates ideal conditions for agriculture Importance for Human Civilization: • Thousands of years ago, first civilizations developed around rivers in fertile plains • Fertile soil allows abundant crop production and food security • Supports large populations - example: 40 crore people live in Ganga plain • Enables development of agriculture-based societies • Rivers also provide water for drinking, irrigation and transportation • Combination of fertile soil, water and flat terrain makes plains ideal for human settlement • Led to growth of cities, trade, and advanced civilizations Ans 17. Achievements of mountain climbers:

BACHENDRI PAL: Early Life and Interest: • Started climbing mountains from a young age • Developed a passion for mountaineering • Underwent rigorous training in mountain climbing Major Achievement: • Became the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest in 1984 • This was a historic achievement for Indian women • Broke gender barriers in adventure sports Awards and Recognition: • Awarded Padma Shri in 1984 (same year as her Everest climb) • Awarded Padma Bhushan in 2019 • Became a role model for aspiring women mountaineers Continued Contribution:

• Led many women's climbing expeditions • Encouraged and trained other women mountaineers • Helped Arunima Sinha in her mountaineering journey OR ARUNIMA SINHA: Challenging Beginning: • Lost a leg in an accident when she was 22 years old • Faced a life-changing tragedy • Could have given up on an active life Determination and Training: • Did not let disability stop her dreams • Received encouragement and training from Bachendri Pal • Underwent intensive training despite physical challenges • Showed extraordinary determination and willpower Historic Achievements:

• Managed to climb Mount Everest in 2013 with a prosthetic leg • First female amputee to climb Mount Everest • Went on to climb the highest peak of every continent • Climbed Mount Vinson in Antarctica (one of the most challenging) • Achieved what many able-bodied people cannot Recognition: • Awarded Padma Shri in 2015 • Became an inspiration for people with disabilities worldwide • Proved that human spirit can overcome any physical limitation

SECTION D - Answer to Long Answer Question

Ans 18. Mountain environment in detail: CLIMATE: Temperature: • Generally cold, especially at higher altitudes • Temperature decreases with increasing altitude • Permanent snow at very high altitudes where it never melts • At lower altitudes, snow melts in summer • Crisp, fresh air characteristic of mountains Precipitation: • Can receive heavy precipitation • At high altitudes: precipitation as snow • At lower altitudes: precipitation as rain • Some regions experience cloudbursts (sudden violent rainstorms) • Melting snow feeds rivers flowing down to plains VEGETATION:

Montane Forests (Lower and Middle Altitudes): • Mountain slopes covered with montane forests • Conifer trees dominate: pines, firs, spruce, deodar • Trees grow tall and cone-shaped • Have thin, pointed leaves (needles) adapted to cold • Dense forest cover on mountain slopes Higher Altitudes: • Trees give way to grasses as altitude increases • Mosses - small green plants spreading in cushion-like cover • Lichen - plant-like organisms clinging to rocks and trees • Vegetation becomes increasingly sparse • Near snow line, very little vegetation survives WILDLIFE:

Mountains are home to diverse fauna adapted to high altitudes and cold climate: Birds: • Golden eagle - large bird of prey • Peregrine falcon - fastest bird in the world Mammals: • Snow leopard - endangered big cat of high mountains • Himalayan tahr - wild goat-antelope • Ibex - wild goat with large curved horns • Yak - large bovine used by mountain people • Mountain hare - adapted to cold with white winter coat • Canadian lynx - medium-sized wild cat • Grey fox - adaptable canine • Black bear - omnivorous mammal Habitat:

• Deep forests provide shelter • Flowing rivers and lakes for water • Grasslands for grazing • Caves for protection NATURAL HAZARDS:

1. Landslides: • Sudden collapse of mass of earth or rock from mountainside • Can block roads and destroy villages • More common during monsoon season

2. Avalanches: • Sudden fall of snow, ice or rocks from mountainside • Often occurs when snow starts melting • Extremely dangerous, can bury entire areas

3. Flash Floods: • Sudden local floods in valleys • Often caused by cloudbursts • Can wash away everything in their path

4. Cloudbursts: • Sudden violent rainstorms • Heavy rainfall in very short time • Triggers flash floods and landslides

5. Heavy Snowfall: • Can block roads and cut off regions • Makes travel impossible • Difficulty in accessing food and supplies

6. Cold Weather: • Extreme cold poses health risks • Frostbite and hypothermia dangers • Difficult living conditions IMPACT OF TOURISM: Positive Impacts: • Important source of income for mountain people • Creates employment opportunities (hotels, guides, transport) • Supports local economy and development • Helps preserve local culture and traditions • Attracts visitors for: - Scenic beauty and crisp mountain air - Adventure sports (skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding) - Pilgrimages to holy sites - Peace and natural beauty Negative Impacts:

• Excessive inflow puts fragile mountain environment under pressure • Uncontrolled tourism causes: - Environmental pollution (plastic waste, litter) - Traffic congestion on narrow mountain roads - Damage to natural habitats - Disturbance to wildlife - Overuse of water and resources - Noise pollution • Construction of hotels and roads damages ecosystems • Difficult to find right balance between economic benefits and environmental protection

SECTION E - Answers to Case Study Based Questions

Ans 19. Answers based on passage about sacred mountains:
(a) Height of Mount Everest (1 mark): Mount Everest is 8,849 meters high. It is the highest mountain in the world.
(b) Meaning of 'Chomolungma' (1 mark): 'Chomolungma' means 'Mother Goddess of the World'. This is what Tibetans call Mount Everest, and they worship the mountain as such.
(c) Religions that consider Mount Kailash sacred (1 mark): Four religions consider Mount Kailash sacred:

1. Hinduism

2. Buddhism

3. Jainism

4. Bon (an ancient Tibetan religion)
(d) Why mountains are considered sacred (1 mark): Mountains are considered sacred in many cultures because: • Their towering height and grandeur inspire awe and reverence • They are seen as closer to heaven or the divine realm • They are sources of life-giving rivers and water • They represent strength, permanence, and purity • Many communities believe gods and goddesses dwell on mountain peaks • Mountains have provided spiritual inspiration for thousands of years Ans 20. Answers based on passage about deserts:

(a) What defines a desert (1 mark): A desert is defined as a large and dry expanse with very little precipitation (rainfall). Deserts receive very minimal water from the atmosphere.
(b) One hot and one cold desert (1 mark): Hot desert: Sahara Desert (in Africa) OR Thar Desert (in India) Cold desert: Gobi Desert (in Asia)
(c) Location of Thar Desert (1 mark): The Thar Desert is located in the northwest of the Indian Subcontinent. It is also called the Great Indian Desert and extends into Pakistan.

(d) What human adaptation demonstrates (1 mark): The adaptation of humans to deserts demonstrates: • Human resilience - the capacity to overcome challenges • Human adaptability to even the harshest environments • That humans can develop rich cultural traditions even in difficult conditions • That no environment is too harsh for human ingenuity and determination • The diverse ways humans have made all landforms their home