CBSE Class 8 Social Science Chapter 01 World Geography Some Glimpses MCQs Set 03

Download CBSE MCQs for Class 8 Social Science: Chapter 01 World Geography Some Glimpses

Access targeted multiple-choice questions for Chapter 01 World Geography Some Glimpses designed to align with the latest CBSE academic syllabus for Class 8 Social Science. These objective practice sets help students evaluate their conceptual understanding and improve exam readiness.

Chapter-wise Objective Questions: Chapter 01 World Geography Some Glimpses

View or download the dedicated Chapter 01 World Geography Some Glimpses MCQ resource below. Practicing these 50 objective questions regularly builds familiarity with standard exam patterns and helps secure higher marks in final Social Science evaluations.

Question: When representing the Earth on a flat map, cartographers face an inherent problem. Which of the following best explains why some maps show correct country shapes but incorrect sizes, while others do the opposite?
A. The Earth's rotation causes different distortions on different sides of the map
B. It is mathematically impossible to preserve both the exact shape and exact area of all regions when projecting a sphere onto a flat surface
C. Modern technology has not yet been developed to solve this mapping problem
D. Flat maps are intentionally designed to exaggerate certain regions for political reasons
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) It is mathematically impossible to preserve both the exact shape and exact area of all regions when projecting a sphere onto a flat surface

Explanation:
The chapter explains that the Earth is an oblate spheroid, and when transferred to a flat surface, distortion is inevitable. The orange-peel analogy demonstrates this fundamental geometric challenge—you cannot flatten a sphere without either stretching, tearing, or compressing some areas.

Question: The chapter contrasts the Mercator Projection with the Robinson Projection. Which statement accurately captures the key trade-off between these two mapping approaches?
A. Mercator preserves direction and shape but distorts size near the poles, while Robinson balances both size and shape distortions for a more realistic appearance
B. Mercator uses more colours while Robinson uses fewer colours to distinguish landforms
C. Robinson is older and less accurate, while Mercator was developed using modern satellite technology
D. Mercator only shows oceans, while Robinson shows both land and water features
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) Mercator preserves direction and shape but distorts size near the poles, while Robinson balances both size and shape distortions for a more realistic appearance

Explanation:
The Mercator Projection is noted for preserving shape and direction, making it useful for navigation, but it greatly distorts size near the poles—Greenland appears as large as Africa when it is actually smaller. The Robinson Projection offers a compromise, balancing size and shape distortions to give a more visually realistic world map.

Question: In the chapter's colour-coding system for physical maps, blue represents water bodies while dark brown represents high mountains. Based on this system, what would a traveller expect to find in a region marked predominantly in yellow or brown on a physical map?
A. Dense forests with year-round rainfall
B. Plateaus or desert regions with sparse vegetation
C. Extensive grasslands with abundant wildlife
D. Flat plains suitable for intensive agriculture
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Plateaus or desert regions with sparse vegetation

Explanation:
According to the chapter's colour-coding guide, Yellow/Brown indicates plateaus and Light yellow indicates deserts. Therefore, regions marked in these shades would feature elevated terrain with limited vegetation, characteristic of plateaus and arid environments.

Question: The chapter describes how the Gulf Stream influences the climate of Western Europe. Which mechanism best explains why the United Kingdom experiences milder temperatures than other regions at the same latitude?
A. The Arctic Circle redirects cold air masses away from the British Isles
B. Warm water from the equatorial region flows northward through the Atlantic, moderating coastal temperatures
C. Mountain ranges in northern Europe block cold winds from reaching Britain
D. The rotation of the Earth causes different temperature patterns at different longitudes
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Warm water from the equatorial region flows northward through the Atlantic, moderating coastal temperatures

Explanation:
The Gulf Stream flows north from near the equator where water is warm, carrying this warmth through the Atlantic toward Western Europe. This warm ocean current makes places like the United Kingdom warmer than would be expected at their latitude, demonstrating how ocean currents directly affect coastal climate.

Question: The Mariana Trench is described as one of Earth's harshest environments, with near-freezing temperatures, extreme pressure, and complete darkness. How do organisms found here manage to obtain energy and produce food?
A. They store energy from sunlight absorbed during brief visits to the surface
B. They break down decomposing matter from the surface that sinks to the ocean floor
C. They use chemical energy from minerals and compounds in the water through chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis
D. They absorb thermal energy directly from the Earth's core through geological vents
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (C) They use chemical energy from minerals and compounds in the water through chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis

Explanation:
The chapter explicitly states that since there is no light in deep trenches, plants cannot use photosynthesis to make food. Instead, organisms use energy from chemicals in the water to produce food, a process known as chemosynthesis. This adaptation allows life to thrive even in the absence of sunlight.

Question: The Great Barrier Reef faces multiple threats including overfishing, pollution, and climate change. According to the chapter, what specific environmental change directly causes coral bleaching?
A. Overharvesting of fish species that normally feed on algae
B. Changes in the chemical composition of ocean waters caused largely by human actions
C. Increased tourism and physical damage from boats and swimmers
D. Rising sea levels that reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the reef
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Changes in the chemical composition of ocean waters caused largely by human actions

Explanation:
The chapter notes that coral bleaching occurs due to changes in the chemical composition of ocean waters, largely caused by human actions. This chemical alteration stresses the corals, leading to bleaching and death, which results in loss of habitat for countless marine species.

Question: The Tibetan Plateau is located north of the Himalayan Range and resulted from tectonic plate collisions. Which two tectonic plates collided to form both the plateau and the adjacent mountain range?
A. The Pacific Plate and the North American Plate
B. The Indo-Australian Plate and the Eurasian Plate
C. The African Plate and the Eurasian Plate
D. The Nazca Plate and the South American Plate
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) The Indo-Australian Plate and the Eurasian Plate

Explanation:
The chapter 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. This ongoing collision process is responsible for the uplift that created these massive geographic features.

Question: Scientists refer to the Tibetan Plateau and its mountains as the 'Third Pole'. What distinguishes this region that justifies this designation?
A. It receives more snowfall annually than the Arctic or Antarctic regions
B. It contains the largest reserves of freshwater outside the polar regions
C. It has permanently frozen soil similar to that found in the Arctic and Antarctic
D. It experiences temperatures as cold as the North and South Poles
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) It contains the largest reserves of freshwater outside the polar regions

Explanation:
The chapter explains that scientists call the Tibetan Plateau and its mountains the 'Third Pole' because it contains the largest reserves of freshwater outside the polar regions. This makes it critically important for water supply to much of Asia, despite its location in a relatively temperate latitude.

Question: The Gobi Desert in Mongolia is called the 'Land of the Eternal Blue Sky' due to its climate pattern. Given that it experiences about 8 to 9 months of sunny weather but winter temperatures drop to minus 30°C, how do herding communities manage livestock survival?
A. They migrate herds seasonally to access pastures supported by underground water supplies
B. They rely entirely on imported grain and fodder from neighbouring regions
C. They construct large artificial shelters to protect animals during winter months
D. They breed livestock specifically adapted to go without water for extended periods
Show Answer & Explanation

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

Explanation:
The chapter describes that the climate in the Gobi is harsh with sparse vegetation, and herds migrate seasonally to access pastures that are supported by underground water supplies. This nomadic approach allows communities to follow available resources throughout the year despite the extreme conditions.

Question: The Eurasian Steppes extend for over 8,000 km from west to east and play a significant ecological role. What specific environmental service do these grasslands provide that helps address climate concerns?
A. They generate wind power that is harnessed for renewable energy production
B. They absorb carbon from the air and store it underground, functioning as a global carbon sink
C. They prevent desertification by maintaining a stable water cycle across the continent
D. They provide nesting habitat for migratory birds that pollinate agricultural crops
Show Answer & Explanation

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

Explanation:
The chapter explicitly states that the steppes are a global carbon sink—they absorb carbon from the air and store it underground, which helps to reduce greenhouse effects over time. This ecological function makes these grasslands important for global climate regulation.

Question: The Alps provide water to major European rivers including the Rhine and tributaries of the Danube. Which of the following best describes the full range of benefits this water provides to lowland Europe?
A. Only drinking water for alpine villages and nearby towns
B. Drinking water, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation
C. Primarily irrigation for agricultural areas, with minimal use for drinking water
D. Navigation routes for shipping, with limited use for agriculture or drinking
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Drinking water, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation

Explanation:
The chapter states that the Alps provide water to major European rivers through snow and glacier melt, and this water supplies drinking water, irrigation, and hydroelectric power to lowland Europe. This demonstrates the multiple critical functions that mountain water sources serve.

Question: The chapter compares coral reefs to rainforests by calling them the 'rainforests of the sea'. Which characteristic most directly supports this comparison?
A. Both are located in tropical regions with warm water or warm climate
B. Both provide food and shelter for about one-quarter of all species in their respective ecosystems
C. Both produce the majority of the world's oxygen supply
D. Both are under protection by the United Nations and international law
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Both provide food and shelter for about one-quarter of all species in their respective ecosystems

Explanation:
The chapter explains that reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, often called the 'rainforests of the sea' because they provide food and shelter for about one-quarter of all ocean species, including fish, crabs, turtles, and sponges. This incredible biodiversity justifies the comparison to rainforests.

Question: The Sahara has historically been home to nomadic tribes who herd livestock and engage in trade. How did the geography and location of the Sahara facilitate economic connections between distant regions?
A. Rivers crossing the desert provided reliable water routes for merchant ships
B. Ancient trade routes passed through the region, carrying gold, salt, and ideas to the Mediterranean world
C. The desert's mineral resources attracted merchants from across Africa and Asia
D. Mountain passes through the Sahara created natural corridors for caravan routes
Show Answer & Explanation

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

Explanation:
The chapter notes that the Sahara has been home to nomadic tribes that engaged in trade, and ancient trade routes passed through the region, carrying gold, salt, and ideas to the Mediterranean world. This geographic position made it a crucial corridor for trans-continental commerce and cultural exchange.

Question: The chapter describes an ecosystem restoration project in Yellowstone National Park involving the reintroduction of wolves in 1995. What mechanism of ecological change does this example illustrate?
A. Reducing human hunting of elk allows their populations to recover naturally
B. Introducing a top predator controls overpopulation of herbivores, allowing vegetation to regenerate and restoring ecosystem balance
C. Climate change warming allows new plant species to grow and provide food for herbivores
D. Protected status prevents all hunting and harvesting, enabling natural population growth
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Introducing a top predator controls overpopulation of herbivores, allowing vegetation to regenerate and restoring ecosystem balance

Explanation:
• The chapter explains the park was experiencing ecological imbalance due to overgrazing by elk
• Wolves hunted elk, reducing their population
• This allowed flora to return, restoring ecological balance
• This demonstrates how predator-prey relationships regulate ecosystem health

Question: The chapter mentions that dust travels from the Sahara Desert all the way to the Amazon Rainforest. What does this remarkable fact suggest about the interdependence of distant geographical regions?
A. Ocean currents transport sediment between continents faster than previously thought
B. Atmospheric circulation patterns connect ecosystems across entire continents, carrying essential nutrients like phosphorous needed by rainforest plants
C. Desert animals migrate seasonally to the Amazon in search of water and food
D. Human trade routes have historically caused the mixing of distant ecosystems
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Atmospheric circulation patterns connect ecosystems across entire continents, carrying essential nutrients like phosphorous needed by rainforest plants

Explanation:
The chapter highlights that dust travels from the Sahara to the Amazon Rainforest, carrying phosphorous needed by the plants in the rainforest. This illustrates how atmospheric circulation connects distant regions, transporting vital nutrients across continents and demonstrating global ecological interdependence.

Question: The Atacama Desert in South America is described as one of the driest places on Earth, yet it has become notable for two very different reasons. Which statement best captures the contradiction inherent in this region's current situation?
A. It is famous for ancient civilisations yet contains no archaeological remains
B. It offers the clearest night skies for astronomy while simultaneously becoming one of the world's fastest-growing dumps for discarded fast-fashion clothing
C. It is completely lifeless yet supports a thriving tourist industry
D. It receives abundant rainfall yet maintains extremely high temperatures
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) It offers the clearest night skies for astronomy while simultaneously becoming one of the world's fastest-growing dumps for discarded fast-fashion clothing

Explanation:
The chapter contrasts the Atacama's value for stargazing and its clear night skies with its emergence as a dumping ground for discarded clothing from the fast fashion industry, described by the UN as an 'environmental and social emergency.' This juxtaposition illustrates the tension between preserving natural wonders and managing the consequences of consumer culture.

Question: The chapter describes the Andes Mountains as both a vital freshwater source and a critical conservation hotspot. What does the term 'conservation hotspot' indicate about the current state of biodiversity in the Andes?
A. The Andes have experienced no change in biodiversity and contain all original species
B. Only about one-fourth of the original flora and fauna remains, making concentrated conservation efforts necessary to prevent further species loss
C. The Andes contain the largest concentration of untouched and pristine ecosystems remaining on Earth
D. All species in the Andes are protected by international law and face no extinction risk
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Only about one-fourth of the original flora and fauna remains, making concentrated conservation efforts necessary to prevent further species loss

Explanation:
The chapter states that only about one-fourth of the original flora and fauna remains in the Andes, making the region a critical conservation hotspot. This designation indicates that concentrated efforts are needed to save the remaining native species and prevent further loss due to human activities.

Question: The chapter's discussion of map projections emphasises that 'every map is a compromise'. Why is it necessary to examine multiple projections rather than relying on a single world map?
A. Different projections are better for different purposes—some preserve shape for navigation while others preserve size for accurate area comparisons
B. Earlier projections are inaccurate while newer ones are completely accurate, so multiple projections show the progression of cartographic knowledge
C. Political boundaries change constantly, requiring frequent updates to all map projections
D. Each continent should be represented on a separate projection for clarity
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (A) Different projections are better for different purposes—some preserve shape for navigation while others preserve size for accurate area comparisons

Explanation:
The chapter explains that some maps show right shapes but wrong sizes, while others show right sizes but distorted shapes. To understand the world fairly, one must look at multiple projections, not just one. Different projections serve different purposes—the Mercator is useful for navigation while the Robinson provides visual balance, illustrating why no single projection can be universally perfect.

Question: Mountains are described in the chapter as playing multiple important roles in determining regional and global conditions. Which of the following best captures the range of these functions?
A. Mountains primarily serve as barriers that divide populations and prevent trade and communication
B. Mountains influence climate, serve as 'water towers' by providing freshwater, act as biodiversity hotspots, and often function as natural boundaries between countries
C. Mountains are important only for tourism and recreational activities like skiing and hiking
D. Mountains primarily function as sources of mineral extraction and have minimal influence on climate or ecosystems
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Mountains influence climate, serve as 'water towers' by providing freshwater, act as biodiversity hotspots, and often function as natural boundaries between countries

Explanation:
The chapter lists multiple roles that mountains play: they determine climates, serve as 'water towers' providing freshwater through melting snow and glaciers, function as biodiversity hotspots, and in many cases serve as natural boundaries between countries. The Ural Mountains example demonstrates these diverse functions—they provide mineral resources, support diverse ecosystems, and form a boundary between Europe and Asia.

Question: How does the Gulf Stream demonstrate the influence of ocean currents on regional climate?
A. It brings cold water from polar regions, making Western Europe colder than expected for its latitude
B. It transports warm water from near the equator northward through the Atlantic, making places like the United Kingdom warmer than other regions at similar latitudes
C. It creates strong winds that prevent warm air from reaching Europe's coastlines
D. It absorbs heat from the sun and releases it only during winter months in Western Europe
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) It transports warm water from near the equator northward through the Atlantic, making places like the United Kingdom warmer than other regions at similar latitudes

Explanation:
The Gulf Stream flows northward from near the equator carrying warm water through the Atlantic toward Western Europe, which is why the UK experiences milder temperatures than other places at the same latitude. This warm-water current directly affects coastal climate patterns.

Question: The Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayan mountains were formed as a result of interactions between two major tectonic plates. Which plates were involved in this geological process?
A. The Pacific and North American plates
B. The Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates
C. The African and Eurasian plates
D. The Philippine and Eurasian plates
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) The Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates

Explanation:
The chapter explicitly states that collisions between the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates resulted in the formation of both the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayan mountain range.

Question: Based on the physical map colour-coding system explained in the chapter, which landform would you expect to find in regions marked with dark brown colouration?
A. Deserts with very little vegetation
B. High mountains
C. Flat plains suitable for agriculture
D. Water bodies such as oceans and seas
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) High mountains

Explanation:
The chapter's colour system specifies that dark brown represents high mountains on physical maps, whereas light yellow indicates deserts, green shows plains, and blue depicts water bodies.

Question: The chapter emphasises that organisms living in the Mariana Trench adapt to survive despite near-freezing temperatures, crushing pressure, and complete darkness. Which survival strategy do these organisms employ?
A. They rely on photosynthesis to produce their own food like surface plants
B. They use energy from chemicals in the water to synthesise their own food instead of depending on photosynthesis
C. They migrate to shallower depths during winter months to find warmer conditions
D. They feed exclusively on sediment falling from the ocean surface above
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) They use energy from chemicals in the water to synthesise their own food instead of depending on photosynthesis

Explanation:
The chapter states that since there is no light in deep ocean trenches, plants cannot use photosynthesis to make food; instead they use energy from chemicals in the water to produce food, allowing life to survive even in such harsh conditions.

Question: The Earth has long been personified in Indian tradition as a living deity with specific names. According to the chapter, which of the following represents how the Earth is traditionally perceived in Indian culture?
A. As Gaia, the ancient Greek goddess of the earth
B. As Bhūdevī or Vasudhā, a revered mother figure
C. As a mechanical sphere governed only by physical laws
D. As a resource to be exploited without limits
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) As Bhūdevī or Vasudhā, a revered mother figure

Explanation:
The chapter explicitly states that the Earth has been personified in India as a living deity, often known as Bhūdevī or Vasudhā. This reflects a deep cultural understanding of the Earth as a sacred and revered entity deserving respect and care.

Question: The chapter describes how tiny marine organisms called plankton contribute substantially to the air we breathe. If pollution damaged plankton populations significantly and they could no longer produce adequate oxygen, what would be the most direct consequence for all living beings?
A. Global sea levels would rise dramatically and flood all coastal regions
B. Oxygen availability in the atmosphere would decrease, affecting respiration in all organisms
C. Fish populations would migrate to deeper ocean waters where it is safer
D. The temperature of the oceans would increase by several degrees Celsius
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (B) Oxygen availability in the atmosphere would decrease, affecting respiration in all organisms

Explanation:
The chapter states that oceans give us almost half the oxygen we breathe, with plankton making this possible through photosynthesis. A significant reduction in plankton would directly reduce oxygen production, creating a life-threatening crisis for all organisms dependent on atmospheric oxygen for respiration.

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