CBSE Class 8 Social Science Chapter 01 World Geography Some Glimpses MCQs Set 02

Social Science Objective Questions and Answers: Chapter 01 World Geography Some Glimpses

Review structured MCQ sets for Class 8 Social Science Chapter 01 World Geography Some Glimpses. Built according to official CBSE guidelines, these downloadable questions support daily revision and core concept reinforcement.

Download Chapter 01 World Geography Some Glimpses MCQs with Answers

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Question: When cartographers attempt to represent the Earth on a flat surface, they inevitably encounter a fundamental challenge. Which statement best explains why this challenge exists?
A. The Earth's spherical shape cannot be perfectly translated onto a flat plane without losing either accurate size, shape, or distance
B. Modern technology has not yet developed tools capable of creating accurate flat maps
C. The rotation of the Earth causes all flat maps to shift their coordinates over time
D. Flat maps require more materials and resources than globe representations, making them impractical
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) The Earth's spherical shape cannot be perfectly translated onto a flat plane without losing either accurate size, shape, or distance

Explanation:
The chapter explains that the Earth is an oblate spheroid, and attempting to flatten a three-dimensional sphere—like peeling an orange and laying it flat—inevitably creates distortion. Some maps preserve shape but distort size (Mercator), while others compromise between both (Robinson). This is an inherent geometric problem, not a technological limitation.

Question: The chapter mentions that both warm and cold ocean currents influence coastal climates. What role does the Gulf Stream play in shaping the climate of Western Europe?
A. It brings cold water from the Arctic, creating harsh winters across the Atlantic coast
B. It transports warm water northward from the equatorial region, making places like the United Kingdom warmer than their latitude would suggest
C. It prevents the mixing of Mediterranean waters with the Atlantic Ocean
D. It reduces sea levels along the European coast, creating habitable lowlands
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) It transports warm water northward from the equatorial region, making places like the United Kingdom warmer than their latitude would suggest

Explanation:
The Gulf Stream flows north from near the Equator through the Atlantic Ocean towards Western Europe. This warm water makes places like the United Kingdom warmer than other places at the same latitude, demonstrating how ocean currents directly affect regional climate patterns.

Question: Organisms living in the Mariana Trench face extreme conditions including near-freezing temperatures, crushing pressure, and complete darkness. How do these organisms manage to produce food without access to sunlight?
A. They migrate seasonally to shallower waters where photosynthesis is possible
B. They rely on energy from chemicals in the water to synthesise food through chemosynthesis
C. They consume larger predators that hunt at higher ocean depths
D. They store energy from summer months when sunlight penetrates to their depth
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) They rely on energy from chemicals in the water to synthesise food through chemosynthesis

Explanation:
The chapter states that in ocean trenches, since there is no light, plants cannot use photosynthesis to make food. Instead, they use energy from chemicals in the water to produce food. This chemosynthetic process allows life to survive and even thrive in such harsh conditions.

Question: According to the chapter, reefs provide food and shelter for approximately what proportion of all ocean species?
A. One-eighth
B. One-quarter
C. One-third
D. One-half
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) One-quarter

Explanation:
The text explicitly states that reefs 'provide food and shelter for about one-quarter of all ocean species, including fish, crabs, turtles, and sponges,' which is why they are called the 'rainforests of the sea' and are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.

Question: The Tibetan Plateau stretches approximately 2,500 km from east to west and 1,000 km from north to south. Which geological process resulted in the formation of both this plateau and the Himalayan mountain range?
A. Volcanic eruptions that built up layers of lava rock over millions of years
B. Erosion by rivers that carved out the depression where the plateau sits
C. Collisions between the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates
D. Glacial movements during the last ice age that shaped the terrain
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (C) Collisions between the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates

Explanation:
The chapter explicitly states that the Tibetan Plateau 'is the result of collisions between the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which also led to the formation of the Himalayan mountain range.' Tectonic plate collision is the primary geological process responsible for both features.

Question: In the Gobi Desert, Mongolia experiences about 8 to 9 months of sunny weather but winter temperatures can drop to minus 30°C. Given these harsh conditions, how do herding communities survive and sustain their livestock?
A. They migrate seasonally to access pastures supported by underground water supplies
B. They rely entirely on imported food and water from neighbouring regions
C. They practice irrigation farming using surface water from seasonal rainfall
D. They have adapted to living without livestock and depend on trading with coastal communities
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) They migrate seasonally to access pastures supported by underground water supplies

Explanation:
The chapter explains that 'the climate is harsh and vegetation sparse; herds migrate seasonally to access pastures supported by underground water supplies.' This seasonal migration strategy allows pastoralists to find resources across different areas throughout the year.

Question: The Eurasian Steppes extend for over 8,000 km from west to east. What ecological function do these grasslands perform that helps address climate change?
A. They absorb carbon from the air and store it underground, acting as a global carbon sink
B. They produce oxygen through photosynthesis at a rate equivalent to tropical rainforests
C. They filter air pollution by trapping suspended particles in their vegetation
D. They regulate water cycles by preventing evaporation from the soil
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) They absorb carbon from the air and store it underground, acting as a global carbon sink

Explanation:
The chapter states that the steppes 'is a global carbon sink; it absorbs carbon from the air and stores it underground; this helps to reduce greenhouse effects over time.' This carbon sequestration function makes the steppes ecologically significant for climate regulation.

Question: The Alps provide water to major European rivers including the Rhine and tributaries of the Danube. In what ways does this water resource serve lowland Europe?
A. It provides only drinking water for populations in alpine valleys
B. It supplies drinking water, irrigation, and hydroelectric power to lowland Europe
C. It is primarily used for shipping and transportation routes
D. It functions mainly as a source for industrial manufacturing and mining operations
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) It supplies drinking water, irrigation, and hydroelectric power to lowland Europe

Explanation:
The chapter explicitly states that 'The Alps provide water to major European rivers like the Rhine and tributaries of the Danube (see Fig. 1.19), which supply drinking water, irrigation, and hydroelectric power to lowland Europe,' highlighting the multiple essential services this water provides.

Question: The chapter describes the Andes Mountains as a critical conservation hotspot. What does this designation indicate about the current state of biodiversity in this region?
A. The region has successfully protected all its native plant and animal species from extinction
B. Only about one-quarter of the original flora and fauna remains, necessitating focused conservation efforts
C. The region has experienced no significant biodiversity loss and requires no special protection
D. The Andes contain more species today than they did before human colonisation
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Only about one-quarter of the original flora and fauna remains, necessitating focused conservation efforts

Explanation:
The chapter states that 'only about one-fourth of the original flora and fauna remains, making the Andes a critical conservation hotspot.' This indicates significant loss of biodiversity and the need for targeted conservation work to preserve remaining species.

Question: Different map projections distort geographic information in different ways. The Mercator Projection preserves shape and direction but distorts size, particularly near the poles. What is the consequence of this distortion when examining the Mercator Projection map?
A. Countries near the equator appear much larger than they actually are
B. Greenland appears significantly larger than India, even though it is actually smaller
C. Antarctica appears as a thin line along the bottom of the map
D. The Pacific Ocean takes up more space than all land masses combined
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Greenland appears significantly larger than India, even though it is actually smaller

Explanation:
The chapter includes a 'DON'T MISS OUT' note stating: 'In the Mercator Projection Greenland looks larger than India whereas in fact it is smaller.' This is a direct consequence of size distortion near the poles in the Mercator Projection.

Question: The chapter describes several ways in which mountains influence their surrounding regions. Which of the following best captures the multiple roles that mountains play according to the text?
A. Mountains serve only as natural boundaries between countries and regions
B. Mountains determine climate patterns, serve as water sources, function as biodiversity hotspots, and often act as natural boundaries between countries
C. Mountains are primarily valuable as sources of mineral resources for mining operations
D. Mountains exist mainly as tourist attractions and have little ecological or climatic significance
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Mountains determine climate patterns, serve as water sources, function as biodiversity hotspots, and often act as natural boundaries between countries

Explanation:
The chapter explicitly states that mountains 'play an important role in determining climates, serve as "water towers", biodiversity hotspots and, in many cases, serve as natural boundaries between countries,' identifying four distinct roles mountains fulfil.

Question: The Sahara Desert has served as home to nomadic tribes for centuries. How did the geography of the Sahara historically connect distant regions and facilitate exchange?
A. The desert provided abundant water resources that supported large permanent settlements
B. Ancient trade routes passed through the Sahara, carrying gold, salt, and ideas to the Mediterranean world
C. The Sahara prevented trade between Africa and Europe, isolating communities from external influence
D. Nomadic tribes used the Sahara exclusively for hunting and did not engage in trade activities
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Ancient trade routes passed through the Sahara, carrying gold, salt, and ideas to the Mediterranean world

Explanation:
The chapter notes that 'The Sahara has been home to nomadic tribes that herd livestock—sheep, goats and camels—and engage in trade for their livelihood. Ancient trade routes passed through here, carrying gold, salt, and ideas to the Mediterranean world,' showing the Sahara's historical importance as a trade corridor.

Question: The chapter explains that when wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park in 1995, the ecosystem underwent significant restoration. What was the mechanism by which this predator reintroduction restored ecological balance?
A. Wolves eliminated all elk, allowing vegetation to recover without any grazing pressure
B. Wolves hunted elk, reducing their population and enabling the return of flora, thereby restoring ecological balance
C. Wolves brought new plant seeds from other regions that improved the park's vegetation
D. Wolves competed with elk for resources, forcing elk to migrate to healthier ecosystems
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Wolves hunted elk, reducing their population and enabling the return of flora, thereby restoring ecological balance

Explanation:
The chapter states that 'This predator hunted the elk, reducing their population and enabling the return of the flora, hence leading to the restoration of ecological balance.' Wolves acted as a natural regulator, controlling the overgrazing problem caused by excessive elk populations.

Question: The chapter discusses how the Amazon Rainforest receives nutrients from an unexpected source. Which distant region provides essential minerals to support the rainforest ecosystem?
A. The Amazon receives phosphorous and other minerals from dust travelling from the Sahara Desert in Africa
B. The Andes Mountains supply nutrient-rich water through tributaries of the Amazon River
C. The Atlantic Ocean provides salt spray that drifts inland and nourishes the forest
D. Volcanic deposits from Mount Aconcagua in the Andes continuously enrich the rainforest soil
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) The Amazon receives phosphorous and other minerals from dust travelling from the Sahara Desert in Africa

Explanation:
The chapter includes a striking fact: 'Dust travels all the way from the Sahara to the Amazon rainforest, carrying with it phosphorous needed by the plants in the rainforest.' This demonstrates an unexpected ecological connection between two distant ecosystems.

Question: The chapter presents Australia's continent with a large area coloured in a light yellowish-brown tone according to the physical map colour system. Based on the colour-coding explained earlier in the chapter, what does this colouration indicate about Australia's geography?
A. Australia contains vast plateau regions with flat surfaces and steep sides
B. Australia is predominantly composed of desert regions covering a significant portion of the continent
C. Australia's landscape consists primarily of lush plains suitable for extensive agriculture
D. Australia is surrounded entirely by mountain ranges that protect the interior from ocean currents
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Australia is predominantly composed of desert regions covering a significant portion of the continent

Explanation:
According to the physical map colour guide presented early in the chapter: 'Light yellow: deserts'. Since the chapter describes Australia as having 'a large part...desert, or arid, and has been termed the Great Australian Desert,' the light yellowish-brown colouration corresponds to these desert regions.

Question: When examining why reefs are called the 'rainforests of the sea', the chapter emphasises their ecological role. Which characteristics best support this comparison?
A. Both reefs and rainforests are found in warm climates with abundant rainfall
B. Both are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth and provide food and shelter for a vast proportion of species in their respective environments
C. Both reefs and rainforests produce oxygen through photosynthesis at equivalent rates
D. Both ecosystems exist in isolation from human activity and are completely protected from environmental threats
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Both are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth and provide food and shelter for a vast proportion of species in their respective environments

Explanation:
The chapter states that reefs are 'among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, often called the "rainforests of the sea", as they provide food and shelter for about one-quarter of all ocean species.' This parallel to rainforests rests on their ecological diversity and role as habitat providers.

Question: Physical maps use a standardized colour system to represent different landforms. If you were examining a physical map and observed a large dark brown area, what would you reasonably expect to encounter if you travelled to that region?
A. Extensive plains suitable for agriculture and settlement
B. High mountains with steep slopes and potentially snow-capped peaks
C. Large bodies of water such as lakes or coastal areas
D. Sparse desert vegetation with minimal rainfall
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) High mountains with steep slopes and potentially snow-capped peaks

Explanation:
According to the colour-coding system explained in the chapter: 'Dark brown: high mountains.' Therefore, dark brown areas on a physical map indicate mountainous terrain with significant elevation.

Question: Which of the following best explains why the Mercator Projection causes Greenland to appear larger than it actually is compared to India?
A. The projection preserves shape and direction but significantly distorts size, particularly in regions near the poles
B. The Robinson Projection was intentionally designed to make Greenland appear smaller to balance visual representation
C. Greenland is genuinely larger in area than India, but appears equal on other projections due to deliberate distortion
D. The Mercator Projection uses different colour scales for polar and equatorial regions, creating size illusions
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) The projection preserves shape and direction but significantly distorts size, particularly in regions near the poles

Explanation:
The chapter explicitly states that the Mercator Projection preserves shape and direction for navigation purposes but greatly distorts size near the poles, causing Greenland to look as big as Africa when it is actually smaller. This is a fundamental characteristic of how this particular projection method converts the Earth's spherical surface onto a flat plane.

Question: Based on the colour-coding system for physical maps described in the chapter, what would a cartographer expect to find in a region marked in light yellow?
A. Arid or semi-arid lands with very little water and sparse vegetation
B. Flat or gently rolling terrain suitable for extensive agriculture
C. Shallow freshwater lakes and river systems
D. Ice sheets and glaciers at high elevations
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) Arid or semi-arid lands with very little water and sparse vegetation

Explanation:
According to the 'Let's Explore' section on page 2, light yellow represents deserts on physical maps. Deserts are characterized by very low precipitation and minimal vegetation, matching the visual indicator of light yellow colouring used by cartographers.

Question: The chapter describes how the Tibetan Plateau influences Asia's climate and serves as a crucial freshwater source through snow-melt and glaciers. What geological process created both this plateau and the adjacent Himalayan mountain range?
A. Erosion by wind and water over millions of years gradually wore down rock layers
B. Collision and collision between the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates
C. Volcanic eruptions that built up layers of lava and ash over thousands of years
D. Underground river systems that carved massive trenches upward over geological time
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Collision and collision between the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates

Explanation:
The chapter explicitly states that the Tibetan Plateau resulted from collisions between the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which also led to the formation of the Himalayan mountain range. This tectonic activity is the primary geological force behind both features.

Question: Ocean trenches like the Mariana Trench present an environment with near-freezing temperatures, crushing pressure, and complete darkness. How do organisms living in these extreme conditions produce food without access to sunlight?
A. They depend entirely on decaying organic matter falling from surface waters
B. They use energy from chemicals in the water to synthesize food through chemosynthesis
C. They hibernate during periods of darkness and survive on stored nutrients
D. They migrate seasonally to shallower waters where photosynthesis is possible
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) They use energy from chemicals in the water to synthesize food through chemosynthesis

Explanation:
The chapter describes that scientists studying ocean trenches discovered unique life forms that use chemical energy from the water to produce food, rather than relying on photosynthesis. This adaptation allows life to thrive in the absolute darkness of the deepest ocean environments.

Question: The chapter states that the Great Barrier Reef supports approximately one-quarter of all ocean species and is often compared to rainforests. Which characteristic most directly supports this 'rainforests of the sea' comparison?
A. Both ecosystems receive constant rainfall and high water flow throughout the year
B. Both provide food and shelter for an exceptionally high diversity of species in a relatively concentrated area
C. Both contain trees and plants as their primary structural components
D. Both are equally threatened by deforestation and require identical conservation strategies
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Both provide food and shelter for an exceptionally high diversity of species in a relatively concentrated area

Explanation:
The chapter explains that reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth and provide food and shelter for about one-quarter of all ocean species. This exceptional biodiversity in a concentrated habitat mirrors the role rainforests play in terrestrial ecosystems, making the comparison apt.

Question: The Eurasian Steppes extend for over 8,000 km and function as a global carbon sink. How does this grassland ecosystem contribute to addressing climate change over time?
A. • The grass absorbs carbon dioxide from the air • The carbon is stored underground in the soil • This process helps reduce greenhouse effects gradually • Water bodies nearby support migratory species that regulate atmospheric gases
B. Steppes reflect sunlight back into space, creating a cooling effect on the atmosphere above them
C. The tall grasses release oxygen directly into the atmosphere at rates higher than forests
D. Permafrost in steppe regions traps carbon permanently and prevents any release of greenhouse gases
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) • The grass absorbs carbon dioxide from the air • The carbon is stored underground in the soil • This process helps reduce greenhouse effects gradually • Water bodies nearby support migratory species that regulate atmospheric gases

Explanation:
The chapter defines the Eurasian Steppes as a global carbon sink that absorbs carbon from the air and stores it underground, helping to reduce greenhouse effects over time. This is the primary climate-related function of these grasslands, making this bulleted explanation accurate and complete.

Question: When examining why the Atacama Desert in South America has become one of the world's fastest-growing dumps for discarded clothing, which term from the chapter best describes the economic practice driving this problem?
A. Sustainable fashion, which encourages consumers to buy clothing that lasts longer
B. Fast fashion, defined as the rapid replication of trendy clothing at low costs with quick disposal
C. Artisanal textile production, which creates unique handmade garments for local communities
D. Circular economy practices that recycle and repurpose all discarded textiles
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Fast fashion, defined as the rapid replication of trendy clothing at low costs with quick disposal

Explanation:
The chapter defines fast fashion as the replication of trendy clothing fast and at low costs, with clothing being very quickly discarded when fashion trends change. The UN has called the resulting waste problem in the Atacama Desert 'an environmental and social emergency,' linking fast fashion directly to this issue.

Question: The chapter presents the Paika Sangram and Sambalpur Uprising as examples of resistance movements in eastern India during the colonial period. Which grievance most directly united diverse groups—peasants, tribal communities, and local elites—against British rule in both movements?
A. British refusal to allow Indian religious practices and temple worship to continue without interference
B. • Colonial revenue policies that imposed heavy land taxes • Loss of hereditary rights and dispossession of lands • Economic exploitation through currency changes and forced payments
C. British restrictions on trade routes that prevented local merchants from selling their goods internationally
D. The introduction of new crops that destroyed traditional agricultural practices in eastern India
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) • Colonial revenue policies that imposed heavy land taxes • Loss of hereditary rights and dispossession of lands • Economic exploitation through currency changes and forced payments

Explanation:
Both the Paika Sangram and Sambalpur Uprising were rooted in colonial economic policies—high land taxes, loss of hereditary rent-free lands, and forced payments in new currency. These revenue-related grievances affected peasants, Paikas, tribal communities, and local landlords alike, making economic exploitation the unifying cause across both movements as described in the chapter.

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