GSEB Class 6 English Honeysuckle Chapter 9 Desert Animals Solutions

Working With The Text

Question. (A) Talk to your partner and say whether the following statements are true or false:
1. No animal can survive without water.
2. Deserts are endless sand dunes.
3. Most snakes are harmless.
4. Snakes cannot hear, but they can feel vibrations through the ground.
5. Camels store water in their humps.
Answer:
1. True
2. False
3. True
4. True
5. False
In simple words: Read each statement carefully and decide if it is correct or incorrect based on what you know about desert animals. Mark 'True' for correct statements and 'False' for incorrect ones.

Exam Tip: For true/false questions, recall specific facts about each animal mentioned. For example, camels do not store water in their humps; they store fat there.

Answer the Following Questions:

Question 1. How do desert animals survive without water?
Answer: Desert animals discover various methods to handle the tough environments and the limited amount of water. For instance, gerbils pass the warmest time of the day in cool, beneath-ground holes. Peculiar insects called darkling beetles are skilled at collecting drops of moisture on their legs, while camels get all the hydration they require from desert plants.
In simple words: Desert animals find special ways to live without much water, like hiding in cool burrows or collecting water drops.

Exam Tip: When describing survival mechanisms, always provide specific examples of animals and their adaptations to show a thorough understanding.

Question 2. How do mongooses kill snakes?
Answer: The quick actions of the mongoose are so rapid that it can avoid a snake each time it strikes. After a bit, when the snake becomes weary from this effort, the mongoose rapidly leaps in for the fatal blow.
In simple words: Mongooses move very quickly to avoid snake bites. When the snake gets tired, the mongoose quickly attacks and kills it.

Exam Tip: Focus on the mongoose's speed and strategy (tiring out the snake) as key elements of their snake-killing technique.

Question 3. How does the hump of the camels help them to survive when there is no water?
Answer: The hump of the camels assists them in existing in the desert by functioning as storage containers. These humps are filled with fat, which supplies energy to the camels when food is scarce. Thus, they aid the camels during periods of food shortage. Many individuals incorrectly think that a camel stores water in its hump.
In simple words: Camel humps store fat, not water. This fat gives them energy when food is hard to find in the desert, helping them survive.

Exam Tip: Clarify the common misconception about camel humps (they store fat, not water) and explain the actual benefit of the stored fat.

Question. (B) Read the following words / phrases in the box. With your partner find their meaning in the dictionary: Harsh conditions, Harmless, Survive, Intruder, Threatened. Predators. Prey, Continually
Answer:
(1) Harsh conditions - severe / rough environments
(2) Harmless - safe, non-dangerous
(3) Survive - to continue to live despite risk or hardship
(4) Intruder - A person or animal that enters a place where they are not welcome
(5) Threatened - someone who is at risk of harm or danger
(6) Predators - animals that hunt and kill other animals for food
(7) Prey - an animal that is hunted and killed by another for food
(8) Continually - happening repeatedly and often
In simple words: This list gives the definitions for words related to desert animals, like 'harsh conditions' meaning tough places, or 'predators' meaning animals that hunt others.

Exam Tip: Understanding vocabulary is crucial for comprehending texts. Always clarify unfamiliar words to grasp the full meaning of a passage.

Question. Fill in the blanks in the following passage with the above words phrases : All animals in forests and deserts struggle to 1.......... in 2................. Though most of the animals are 3.......... some are dangerous when 4............. If an 5........... is noticed, they attack or bite to save themselves. They struggle 6......... for food and water. Some animals are called 7.............. because ' they 8......... on other animals.
Answer:
1. survive
2. harsh conditions
3. harmless
4. threatened
5. intruder
6. continually
7. predators
8. prey
In simple words: Fill in the empty spaces in the story with the right words from the list to make sense of how animals live in forests and deserts.

Exam Tip: For fill-in-the-blanks, read the entire passage first to understand the context, then choose words that fit both grammatically and semantically.

Working With Language

(A) Look at these sentences :
• Most snakes are quite harmless, but a few are poisonous.
• Most snakes lay eggs, but the rattlesnake gives birth to its young.

Question 1. (90%) of the people are honest (10 %) are dishonest.
Answer: Most people are honest, but a few are dishonest.
In simple words: A large number of people are truthful, while a small group is not.

Exam Tip: When combining contrasting ideas, use "but" to clearly show the difference between the two parts of the sentence.

Question 2. (Many) fruits have plenty of sugar (some) citrus fruit are low in sugar.
Answer: Most fruits have plenty of sugar, but citrus fruits are low in sugar.
In simple words: Many fruits have a lot of sweetness, however, some sour fruits have less sugar.

Exam Tip: Practice using "most... but a few" or "many... but some" to express common contrasting statements effectively.

Question 3. (Every soft drink except this one) has lots of 'empty calories'.
Answer: Most soft drinks have lots of 'empty calories', but this one has few calories.
In simple words: Nearly all soft drinks contain many useless calories, but this particular one has only a few.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to keywords like "except this one" to correctly form sentences that show an exception to a general rule.

Question 4. (The majority of) films are romances, (a few) are on other topics.
Answer: Most films are romances, only a few are on other topics.
In simple words: The greater part of movies are love stories, with just a small number about different subjects.

Exam Tip: Use "majority of" or "most" for the larger group and "a few" or "only a few" for the smaller, contrasting group.

Question 5. (A majority of) people agree that he is a good leader, (just a few) disagree.
Answer: Most people agree that he is a good leader, only a few disagree.
In simple words: A large group of people think he is a good leader, while only a small number have a different view.

Exam Tip: When expressing opinions, clearly separate the general consensus from any dissenting views using conjunctions like "but" or "while."

(B) Look at these sentences :
• Animals cannot survive for long without water.
• So desert animals have to find different ways of coping.

Question. The first sentence says what cannot happen or be done; the second tells us what must, therefore, be done, what is necessary to do. Complete these sentences using cannot and have to/has to.
1. You ......... reach the island by land or air; you ......... go by boat.
2. We ......... see bacteria with our eyes; we ......... look at them through a microscope.
3. He ....... have a new bicycle now; he ...... wait till next year.
4. Old people often ......... hear very well; they ......... use a hearing aid.
5. Road users ......... do what they wish; they ......... follow the traffic rules.
6. She ......... accept this decision; she ...... question it.
7. You ......... believe everything you hear; you ......... use your own judgement.
Answer:
1. cannot, have to
2. cannot, have to
3. cannot, has to
4. cannot, have to
5. cannot, have to
6. cannot, has to
7. cannot, have to
In simple words: Fill in the blanks by choosing either 'cannot' for things that are not possible or 'have to/has to' for things that are necessary.

Exam Tip: Understand the difference between impossibility ("cannot") and necessity ("have to" / "has to") to correctly complete the sentences.

Speaking

Question. Now, form pairs. Ask questions using a suitable form of the word In the brackets. Try to answer the questions too.
1. Which animals the (tall)?
2. Which animal runs the (fast)?
3. Which place on the earth is the ....... (hot) or the (cold)?
4. Which animal is the (large)?
5. Which is the (tall) mountain in the world?
6. Which is the (rainy) place on earth?
7. Which is the (old) living animal?
Answer:
(i) Ask questions using suitable forms of the word given in the brackets.
1. Which animal is the tallest?
2. Which animal runs the fastest?
3. Which place on Earth is the hottest or the coldest?
4. Which animal is the largest?
5. Which is the tallest mountain in the world?
6. Which is the rainiest place on Earth?
7. Which is the oldest living animal?

Answers to the Questions:
2. Cheetah runs the fastest.
3. Al Azizyah, Libya is the hottest place and Verkhoyansk is the coldest place on the earth.
4. Blue whale is the largest animal.
5. Mt. Everest is the tallest mountain in the world.
6. Mawsynram in Meghalaya is the rainiest place on earth.
7. Giant tortoise is the oldest living animal on earth.
In simple words: First, create questions using the words given in the brackets, making them into superlatives (like 'tallest'). Then, provide the factual answers to those questions.

Exam Tip: For forming questions with superlatives, ensure the correct article "the" is used, e.g., "the tallest" or "the fastest".

Question. Can you add some questions of your own?
Answer:
1. Which is the largest jungle on earth?
2. Which is the largest desert on earth?
3. Which is the heaviest animal on earth?
4. Which is the smallest animal on earth?
5. Which is the snowiest place on earth?
In simple words: Think of other similar questions about "largest," "heaviest," or "snowiest" things in the world.

Exam Tip: When asked to generate questions, try to vary the superlative adjectives (e.g., largest, heaviest, smallest, snowiest) to explore different facts.

Writing

Question. Imagine you are journeying through a desert. Write a couple of paragraphs describing what you see and what you hear.
Answer: My trip in the desert is an unforgettable experience. I experience intense heat and strong sandstorms during the daytime. The terrain is challenging, and I find it hard to move on the sand. This is made worse by the absence of food or water for long stretches. Consequently, I am literally dragging myself across the sand dunes.
Without any buildings around, I can easily perceive the strong winds' whistling sound. I also hear the calls of eagles and vultures soaring in the sky. If I notice a few cacti and am fortunate, I might even see an oasis, which is a green spot in the desert. I also observe some nomads traveling with their camels. I am now waiting for the evening when the temperatures will decrease considerably, and the desert will appear lovely under the full moonlight.
In simple words: Imagine traveling through a desert, describing the intense heat, sandstorms, and difficulty moving. Also, describe the sounds of the wind and animals, and sights like cacti, oases, and nomads, especially the beautiful desert at night.

Exam Tip: When writing descriptive passages, use vivid adjectives and sensory details (sight, sound) to make your narrative engaging and realistic.

GSEB Class 6 English Desert Animals Additional Important Questions and Answers

Answer the following questions in brief:

Question 1. How many different types of snakes are there in the world?
Answer: There are more than 2300 distinct varieties of snakes across the globe.
In simple words: There are over 2300 kinds of snakes around the world.

Exam Tip: When providing numerical facts, ensure accuracy. Recalling specific numbers helps in scoring marks.

Question 2. What is the peculiarity of the snakes found in the deserts of America?
Answer: The terrifying rattle of the snakes found in the American deserts can be heard from as far as thirty meters away. These snakes possess the capability of striking with very high speed.
In simple words: American desert snakes have a scary rattle that can be heard from far away, and they can strike very quickly.

Exam Tip: Mention both the distinct sound (rattle) and the striking speed as key peculiarities of these snakes.

Question 3. Why is the rattlesnake not able to hear if a person shouts and can hear the movement of a person?
Answer: The rattlesnake perceives things through ground vibrations. Therefore, they can sense a person's movement but cannot detect sound if a person shouts.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes feel ground vibrations, so they can sense someone moving, but they cannot hear loud shouts.

Exam Tip: Highlight "ground vibrations" as the primary method of hearing for rattlesnakes to explain this phenomenon accurately.

Question 4. Why are mongooses considered to be amusing animals?
Answer: Mongooses are thought to be entertaining animals because they poke their noses into holes, overturn rocks with their paws, and dig the ground with their sharp claws.
In simple words: Mongooses are fun to watch because they explore by digging in holes and under rocks with their paws and claws.

Exam Tip: List specific actions (poking noses, overturning rocks, scratching ground) that contribute to their "amusing" nature.

Question 5. What do mongooses eat?
Answer: Mongooses consume beetles, millipedes, and other tiny creatures.
In simple words: Mongooses eat small bugs like beetles and millipedes.

Exam Tip: For diet-related questions, simply list the main food sources mentioned in the text.

Question 6. From whom do mongooses feel threatened? How do they warn each other?
Answer: Mongooses perceive danger from eagles, hawks, and large snakes. They alert each other with a distinct alarm call if they observe anything suspicious.
In simple words: Mongooses are scared of birds like eagles and big snakes. They use a special call to warn their group if there's danger.

Exam Tip: State both the threats (predators) and the warning mechanism (special alarm call) clearly in your answer.

Question 7. How do camels live in the wild?
Answer: In nature, camels typically reside in small groups of up to thirty animals.
In simple words: Wild camels usually live in small groups of about thirty.

Exam Tip: When asked about social behavior, mention group size and typical living arrangements.

Question 8. How do camels keep themselves warm in winter and cool in summer?
Answer: Camels possess long, shaggy winter coats to maintain warmth in winter and shorter, neat coats in the summer to stay cool.
In simple words: Camels have thick, long fur in winter to stay warm, and shorter, tidy fur in summer to keep cool.

Exam Tip: Differentiate between the winter and summer coats of camels and explain their respective functions for temperature regulation.

Question 9. How much water can a thirsty camel drink in just ten minutes?
Answer: A parched camel can consume as much as thirty gallons of water-which is roughly five hundred full glasses-in only ten minutes.
In simple words: A thirsty camel can drink a lot of water quickly, about thirty gallons (or five hundred glasses) in ten minutes.

Exam Tip: Quantify the amount of water and the time frame to provide a precise answer.

Question 10. For how long can a camel survive without water? How does it get its moisture?
Answer: A camel can exist without consuming water for up to ten months. It obtains its hydration from desert plants.
In simple words: Camels can live without water for up to ten months by getting moisture from the plants they eat in the desert.

Exam Tip: State both the duration of survival without water and the source of their moisture for a complete answer.

Question 11. How do darkling beetles quench their thirst in deserts?
Answer: Darkling beetles satisfy their thirst in deserts by collecting drops of moisture on their legs, then raising them into the air until the droplets flow down into their mouths.
In simple words: Darkling beetles drink by collecting moisture drops on their legs, then lifting their legs to let the water trickle into their mouths.

Exam Tip: Describe the unique method these beetles use—collecting drops on legs and then tilting to drink—as it's a specific adaptation.

Question. Give the names of a variety of prey on which the rattlesnake feeds.
Answer: Rattlesnakes consume a range of prey, including mice, voles, rats, chipmunks, and numerous other small animals.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes eat many small animals like mice, voles, rats, and chipmunks.

Exam Tip: When listing prey, try to provide several examples to show a broader understanding of the animal's diet.

Question 13. Where are mongooses mostly found?
Answer: Mongooses are located in numerous regions of Africa.
In simple words: Mongooses are mostly found in many parts of Africa.

Exam Tip: For location-based questions, state the continent or general region where the animal is commonly found.

Question 14. Name some creatures that the mongooses feed on.
Answer: Mongooses consume beetles, millipedes, and other small creatures.
In simple words: Mongooses eat beetles, millipedes, and other tiny creatures.

Exam Tip: Be specific about the types of small creatures mongooses prey upon to answer accurately.

Question 15. What do mongooses usually do while fighting with snakes?
Answer: Mongooses constantly bother snakes. Then, after some time, the snake gets weary, and they swiftly pounce in for the kill.
In simple words: When fighting snakes, mongooses annoy them until the snake gets tired, then they quickly attack to kill.

Exam Tip: Focus on the mongoose's tactic of exhausting the snake before delivering the final strike.

Question 16. What danger do mongooses are always on the lookout for?
Answer: Mongooses are continually vigilant for risky predators nearby.
In simple words: Mongooses are always watching for dangerous predators in their area.

Exam Tip: The core idea here is constant vigilance for "dangerous predators."

Question 17. Why do a few male mongooses stay behind when others are on a lookout for food?
Answer: When others are searching for food, some male mongooses remain behind to act as guards until the rest return for the night.
In simple words: Some male mongooses stay to guard the group while others hunt for food, protecting them until everyone returns for the night.

Exam Tip: Emphasize the role of male mongooses as "guards" for the group's safety during foraging.

Question 18. Why do camels have a tough mouth?
Answer: Camels possess a strong mouth because they need to consume thorny plants in deserts, and their robust mouths prevent sharp thorns from piercing through.
In simple words: Camels have strong mouths so they can eat spiky desert plants without the thorns hurting them.

Exam Tip: Connect the tough mouth to the specific diet (thorny vegetation) and the protective function it provides.

Answer the following questions in two to three sentences each:

Question 1. Illustrate how desert animals cope with harsh conditions.
Answer: Desert animals often endure many days without water. They must travel or work for extended periods under the intense sun. They also face all the difficulties of nature in the desert environment.
In simple words: Desert animals deal with tough conditions by surviving long periods without water, working under a hot sun, and managing all natural challenges.

Exam Tip: For "illustrate" questions, provide concrete examples of how animals adapt, such as enduring thirst, movement in heat, and facing natural challenges.

Question 2. Describe different kinds of deserts.
Answer: Not all deserts are endless expanses of flowing sand dunes. Some are rocky or filled with pebbles and dotted with small plants. Meanwhile, others are adorned with vibrant flowers during the spring season.
In simple words: Deserts are not just sand; some have rocks and small bushes, while others even have colorful flowers in spring.

Exam Tip: Highlight the variety of desert landscapes beyond just sand dunes, including rocky terrains and those with vegetation.

Question 3. Write about snakes in general.
Answer: There are over 2300 different kinds of snakes worldwide. They range in size from just fifteen centimeters long to more than eleven meters. Most snakes are quite harmless, but some are so venomous they can kill a person with a single bite. Many snakes lay eggs, but several give birth to live young.
In simple words: There are many types of snakes, from very small to very large. While most are not dangerous, some are poisonous. They either lay eggs or give birth to live babies.

Exam Tip: Cover key aspects like the number of species, size variation, venom status, and reproductive methods for a comprehensive general description of snakes.

Question 4. Give details about the living regions of 'rattlers'.
Answer: Rattlesnakes, often called Rattlers, are quite common and widely distributed creatures. They can be found across the entire American continent, stretching from Canada to Argentina.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes live all over the American continent, from Canada down to Argentina.

Exam Tip: Specify the geographical range of rattlesnakes, noting their widespread distribution across the American continent.

Question 5. Why do rattlers have a bad reputation?
Answer: Rattlers possess a poor image because they prefer to steer clear of humans if possible. The rattlesnake raises its tail upright and shakes the end whenever it is bothered, hoping the unwelcome visitor will leave. However, if its warnings are disregarded and it senses danger, it will coil up, ready to strike.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes have a bad name because they warn people to stay away by rattling their tails. If ignored and threatened, they will bite.

Exam Tip: Explain that their bad reputation stems from their defensive behavior of rattling and biting when threatened, even though they prefer avoidance.

Question 6. What do you know about the hearing of rattlesnakes?
Answer: Rattlesnakes also perceive things through ground vibrations, similar to most other snakes.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes hear through vibrations in the ground, just like many other snakes.

Exam Tip: Reiterate that rattlesnakes rely on ground vibrations for hearing, not airborne sounds.

Question 7. How do rattlesnakes prey?
Answer: Rattlesnakes feed on various prey, including mice, voles, rats, chipmunks, and many other small animals. They eliminate their prey using venom. Like all snakes, they consume the unlucky animals whole.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes hunt small animals like mice and rats. They kill their prey with venom and then swallow them whole.

Exam Tip: Describe the method of killing (venom) and the consumption process (swallowing whole) in addition to listing prey.

Question 8. Write about the community-living of mongooses.
Answer: Mongooses prefer to hunt together. They always maintain a watch for dangerous predators nearby. They journey in groups of around twenty to search for beetles, millipedes, and other small creatures. While hunting, they stay connected by chirping and vocalizing whenever they move out of sight behind rocks or bushes. They alert each other with a distinct alarm call if they detect anything suspicious.
In simple words: Mongooses live and hunt in groups, staying alert for predators. They communicate with calls and twitters while foraging to warn each other of danger.

Exam Tip: Emphasize teamwork in hunting, constant vigilance, group size, and communication methods as key aspects of their community living.

Question 9. What strategy does a mongoose put into practice while fighting with a snake?
Answer: A mongoose, during a fight with a snake, eliminates the snake without getting hurt itself. Its actions are so quick that it can avoid each snake strike. They continuously bother the snake until, after some time, when the snake becomes tired, they quickly dive in for the kill.
In simple words: A mongoose uses its speed to dodge snake strikes until the snake gets tired. Then, it quickly attacks to kill the snake.

Exam Tip: Focus on the mongoose's quick reflexes, evasion tactics, and the strategy of exhausting the snake before delivering the final blow.

Question 10. Describe the pattern of giving birth and rearing of the young ones of mongooses.
Answer: All the female mongooses have their young ones at approximately the same time. The entire group raises them in a den constructed inside an old termite mound or a hollow log. When most of the adults are out seeking food, one or two males stay behind to stand guard until the others come back for the night.
In simple words: Female mongooses have babies around the same time, and the whole group raises them in a den. Some males stay to guard the young while others hunt for food.

Exam Tip: Highlight collective rearing (whole group), the chosen den locations (termite mound/hollow log), and the protective role of male mongooses.

Question 11. How do camels cope with the harsh conditions of desert?
Answer: Camels possess long, shaggy winter coats to maintain warmth and shorter, neat coats in summer to remain cool. Typically, a thirsty camel obtains all the hydration it requires from desert plants and can exist for up to ten months without drinking any water at all.
In simple words: Camels handle desert conditions with special coats—long in winter for warmth, short in summer for coolness. They get moisture from plants and can live for months without drinking water.

Exam Tip: Connect their physical adaptations (coats) and water conservation methods (from plants, long survival without drinking) to their ability to cope with harsh desert life.

Question 12. What is our wrong belief about humps of camels? What are they really?
Answer: People generally think that camels keep water in their humps, but this is untrue. Humps assist the animal in enduring the desert by serving as storage compartments. They are filled with fat, and this fat provides energy to the camels when food is scarce.
In simple words: Most people wrongly believe camels store water in their humps. Actually, humps store fat, which provides energy to the camel when food is hard to find in the desert.

Exam Tip: Correct the common misconception about water storage in humps and explain their true function as fat reserves for energy.

Answer the following questions in four to five sentences each:

Question 1. Mention in brief about the hunting habits of mongoose.
Answer: Mongooses like to hunt together, always looking out for dangerous predators nearby. They move in groups of about twenty to forage for beetles, millipedes, and other small creatures. Whenever they go out of sight during hunting, they stay in touch by twittering and calling. They warn each other with a special alarm call if they detect anything suspicious. They are skilled at killing snakes without getting hurt themselves. Their quick reactions allow them to dodge each time a snake strikes. Soon, when the snake becomes weary, the mongoose rapidly dives in for the kill.
In simple words: Mongooses hunt in groups of about twenty, constantly watching for danger. They communicate through calls while foraging. They kill snakes by using their fast reactions to tire out the snake, then quickly striking for the kill.

Exam Tip: For hunting habits, describe group behavior, prey type, communication, and specific techniques used against dangerous prey like snakes.

Question 2. Explain in brief the rattlesnakes found across the American continent.
Answer: Rattlesnakes often appear sinister and carry an equally negative image. They are found in the dry, rocky deserts of America. Their terrifying rattle can be heard from as far as thirty meters away, and they possess the ability to strike with lightning speed. A rattlesnake signals when it spots unwanted visitors, hoping they will leave. However, if its warnings are disregarded, it will coil and prepare to bite. They can hear things through ground vibrations. Rattlesnakes feed on various prey, including mice, voles, chipmunks, and many other small animals. They eliminate their prey with venom and consume them whole.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes, found in America's dry deserts, look scary and have a fearsome rattle heard from far away, striking with extreme speed. They warn intruders by rattling, and if ignored, they bite. They sense movement through ground vibrations and eat small animals, killing them with venom before swallowing them whole.

Exam Tip: A comprehensive answer should cover their appearance, habitat, distinctive sound, striking ability, defensive behavior, sensory perception, and diet.

Question 3. Camels are very important desert animals. Do you agree? Mention some of the qualities of a camel which make them so important.
Answer: Yes, camels are indeed known as the 'ship of the desert'. They are utilized to move goods and people across the desert. The camel's body adapts itself to the harsh surroundings, making them essential in arid regions. Camels possess long, shaggy coats to maintain warmth in winter and shorter, neat coats in the summer to stay cool. They can exist for up to ten months without consuming water. The humps on the camels function as storage containers, filled with fat that provides energy when food is scarce.
In simple words: Yes, camels are very important desert animals. They are called 'ships of the desert' for transporting goods and people. Their bodies are well-adapted, with special coats for different seasons and humps storing fat for energy, helping them survive long periods without water.

Exam Tip: Justify the importance of camels by listing their key adaptations and uses in the desert, such as transportation, body regulation, and survival mechanisms related to water and food.

Answer the following questions in brief:

Question 1. How many different types of snakes are there in the world?
Answer: There are more than 2300 distinct varieties of snakes across the globe.
In simple words: There are over 2300 kinds of snakes around the world.

Exam Tip: When providing numerical facts, ensure accuracy. Recalling specific numbers helps in scoring marks.

Question 2. What is the peculiarity of the snakes found in the deserts of America?
Answer: The terrifying rattle of the snakes found in the American deserts can be heard from as far as thirty meters away. These snakes possess the capability of striking with very high speed.
In simple words: American desert snakes have a scary rattle that can be heard from far away, and they can strike very quickly.

Exam Tip: Mention both the distinct sound (rattle) and the striking speed as key peculiarities of these snakes.

Question 3. Why is the rattlesnake not able to hear if a person shouts and can hear the movement of a person?
Answer: The rattlesnake perceives things through ground vibrations. Therefore, they can sense a person's movement but cannot detect sound if a person shouts.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes feel ground vibrations, so they can sense someone moving, but they cannot hear loud shouts.

Exam Tip: Highlight "ground vibrations" as the primary method of hearing for rattlesnakes to explain this phenomenon accurately.

Question 4. Why are mongooses considered to be amusing animals?
Answer: Mongooses are thought to be entertaining animals because they poke their noses into holes, overturn rocks with their paws, and dig the ground with their sharp claws.
In simple words: Mongooses are fun to watch because they explore by digging in holes and under rocks with their paws and claws.

Exam Tip: List specific actions (poking noses, overturning rocks, scratching ground) that contribute to their "amusing" nature.

Question 5. What do mongooses eat?
Answer: Mongooses consume beetles, millipedes, and other tiny creatures.
In simple words: Mongooses eat small bugs like beetles and millipedes.

Exam Tip: For diet-related questions, simply list the main food sources mentioned in the text.

Question 6. From whom do mongooses feel threatened? How do they warn each other?
Answer: Mongooses perceive danger from eagles, hawks, and large snakes. They alert each other with a distinct alarm call if they observe anything suspicious.
In simple words: Mongooses are scared of birds like eagles and big snakes. They use a special call to warn their group if there's danger.

Exam Tip: State both the threats (predators) and the warning mechanism (special alarm call) clearly in your answer.

Question 7. How do camels live in the wild?
Answer: In nature, camels typically reside in small groups of up to thirty animals.
In simple words: Wild camels usually live in small groups of about thirty.

Exam Tip: When asked about social behavior, mention group size and typical living arrangements.

Question 8. How do camels keep themselves warm in winter and cool in summer?
Answer: Camels possess long, shaggy winter coats to maintain warmth in winter and shorter, neat coats in the summer to stay cool.
In simple words: Camels have thick, long fur in winter to stay warm, and shorter, tidy fur in summer to keep cool.

Exam Tip: Differentiate between the winter and summer coats of camels and explain their respective functions for temperature regulation.

Question 9. How much water can a thirsty camel drink in just ten minutes?
Answer: A parched camel can consume as much as thirty gallons of water-which is roughly five hundred full glasses-in only ten minutes.
In simple words: A thirsty camel can drink a lot of water quickly, about thirty gallons (or five hundred glasses) in ten minutes.

Exam Tip: Quantify the amount of water and the time frame to provide a precise answer.

Question 10. For how long can a camel survive without water? How does it get its moisture?
Answer: A camel can exist without consuming water for up to ten months. It obtains its hydration from desert plants.
In simple words: Camels can live without water for up to ten months by getting moisture from the plants they eat in the desert.

Exam Tip: State both the duration of survival without water and the source of their moisture for a complete answer.

Question 11. How do darkling beetles quench their thirst in deserts?
Answer: Darkling beetles satisfy their thirst in deserts by collecting drops of moisture on their legs, then raising them into the air until the droplets flow down into their mouths.
In simple words: Darkling beetles drink by collecting moisture drops on their legs, then lifting their legs to let the water trickle into their mouths.

Exam Tip: Describe the unique method these beetles use—collecting drops on legs and then tilting to drink—as it's a specific adaptation.

Question 12. Give the names of a variety of prey on which the rattlesnake feeds.
Answer: Rattlesnakes feed on a variety of prey, including mice, voles, rats, chipmunks, and many other small animals.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes eat many small animals like mice, voles, rats, and chipmunks.

Exam Tip: When listing prey, try to provide several examples to show a broader understanding of the animal's diet.

Question 13. Where are mongooses mostly found?
Answer: Mongooses live in various areas of Africa.
In simple words: Mongooses can be found in many different parts of Africa.

Exam Tip: For location-based questions, state the specific region or continent clearly.

Question 14. Name some creatures that the mongooses feed on.
Answer: Mongooses eat small animals like beetles, millipedes, and other tiny creatures.
In simple words: Mongooses eat small things like beetles, millipedes, and other little bugs.

Exam Tip: When listing creatures, be specific if possible, but a general category is acceptable if the source is broad.

Question 15. What do mongooses usually do while fighting with snakes?
Answer: Mongooses regularly bother snakes. After some time, when the snake becomes exhausted, they quickly attack to defeat it.
In simple words: Mongooses annoy snakes until the snake gets tired, then they quickly jump in to kill it.

Exam Tip: Describe the key actions and the sequence of events when explaining a process or interaction.

Question 16. What danger do mongooses are always on the lookout for?
Answer: Mongooses consistently watch for dangerous hunters close by.
In simple words: Mongooses are always watching out for dangerous animals that might hunt them.

Exam Tip: Focus on the main threat or danger mentioned in the context of the animal's behavior.

Question 17. Why do a few male mongooses stay behind when others are on a lookout for food?
Answer: When other mongooses search for food, some male mongooses remain to keep watch until the rest come back at night.
In simple words: Some male mongooses stay behind to guard the group while others are out finding food, until everyone returns at night.

Exam Tip: Emphasize the cooperative behavior and the specific role of the male mongooses.

Question 18. Why do camels have a tough mouth?
Answer: Camels possess a strong mouth because they consume spiky desert plants. Their sturdy mouths prevent sharp thorns from poking through.
In simple words: Camels have strong mouths because they eat thorny desert plants, and their tough mouths stop the sharp thorns from hurting them.

Exam Tip: Connect the physical adaptation (tough mouth) directly to its function and environmental need (thorny plants).

Answer The Following Questions In Two To Three Sentences Each:

Question 1. Illustrate how desert animals cope with harsh conditions.
Answer: Desert animals must manage without water for many days. They need to move for long times under the blazing sun. They encounter all natural difficulties in the desert.
In simple words: Desert animals go without water for many days and travel under the hot sun. They face all tough natural challenges in the desert.

Exam Tip: When describing coping mechanisms, highlight specific challenges like water scarcity and sun exposure, along with the animals' solutions.

Question 2. Describe different kinds of deserts.
Answer: Not all deserts are vast areas of moving sand hills. Some deserts are stony or covered with pebbles, with scattered small shrubs, while other deserts have bright flowers spread across them in springtime.
In simple words: Deserts are not just endless sand dunes. Some are rocky with small bushes, while others have colorful flowers in spring.

Exam Tip: Provide variety in your description, mentioning different terrains and vegetation types found in deserts.

Question 3. Write about snakes in general.
Answer: There exist over 2300 different types of snakes worldwide. Their sizes vary from just fifteen centimeters to over eleven meters. Most snakes are quite safe, but a few are so toxic that they can end a human life with just one bite. Many snakes lay eggs, but several others give birth to live young.
In simple words: There are over 2300 kinds of snakes globally, from small to very long. Most are harmless, but some are very poisonous. Some snakes lay eggs, while others have live babies.

Exam Tip: Include key facts like the number of species, size range, venom status, and reproductive methods when summarizing information about an animal.

Question 4. Give details about the living regions of 'rattlers'.
Answer: Rattlesnakes, also called Rattlers, are highly common and widely found creatures. They live across the whole American continent, from Canada down to Argentina.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes are very common. They live all over the American continent, from Canada to Argentina.

Exam Tip: Specify the common name and the full geographical range when asked about living regions.

Question 5. Why do rattlers have a bad reputation?
Answer: Rattlers possess a poor reputation as they usually try to stay away from people if possible. The rattlesnake raises its tail and shakes the tip whenever bothered, hoping the unwanted visitor will leave. Yet, if its signals are unheeded and it senses danger, it will coil up, set to strike.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes have a bad reputation because they try to avoid people but will bite if their warnings are ignored and they feel threatened. They rattle their tail to warn others away.

Exam Tip: Explain both the cause of the reputation and the snake's defensive behaviors clearly.

Question 6. What do you know about the hearing of rattlesnakes?
Answer: Rattlesnakes sense things through ground tremors, similar to most other snakes.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes "hear" by feeling vibrations in the ground, just like many other snakes.

Exam Tip: Highlight that their "hearing" is not through airborne sound but through ground vibrations.

Question 7. How do rattlesnakes prey?
Answer: Rattlesnakes consume various small animals, such as mice, voles, rats, and chipmunks. They eliminate their targets with poison. Similar to all snakes, they consume the unlucky animals entirely.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes hunt and eat small animals like mice and rats. They kill their prey using venom and then swallow the whole animal.

Exam Tip: Detail the types of prey and the method of killing and consumption used by the rattlesnake.

Question 8. Write about the community-living of mongooses.
Answer: Mongooses prefer to hunt in groups. They constantly watch for dangerous hunters nearby. They move in packs of around twenty to search for beetles, millipedes, and other small creatures. During hunting, they stay connected by chirping and calling when they go out of view behind rocks or bushes. They alert each other with a distinct warning sound if they notice something strange.
In simple words: Mongooses live in groups and hunt together. They watch for predators, forage for food in groups of about twenty, and use calls to stay connected and warn each other of danger.

Exam Tip: Focus on the aspects of group behavior: hunting, protection, communication, and foraging.

Question 9. What strategy does a mongoose put into practice while fighting with a snake?
Answer: While battling a snake, a mongoose eliminates it without harming itself. Their moves are so swift that they can avoid the snake's attack every time. They consistently annoy the snake until, after some time, when it is exhausted, they swiftly attack for the defeat.
In simple words: When fighting a snake, a mongoose quickly dodges its strikes, tiring out the snake. Once the snake is tired, the mongoose quickly moves in for the kill without getting hurt.

Exam Tip: Highlight the mongoose's agility and patience as key strategies in fighting snakes.

Question 10. Describe the pattern of giving birth and rearing of the young ones of mongooses.
Answer: All female mongooses give birth to their young at roughly the same period. The entire group raises the young in a shelter built inside an old termite mound or a hollow log. When most grown-ups are out searching for food, one or two males remain to keep watch until the rest come back at night.
In simple words: All female mongooses have babies around the same time. The whole group helps raise them in a termite mound or hollow log. Some males guard the young while others hunt for food.

Exam Tip: Explain the timing of birth, the location of rearing, and the shared responsibility within the mongoose group.

Question 11. How do camels cope with the harsh conditions of desert?
Answer: Camels possess long, thick winter fur to stay warm and shorter, neater fur in summer to remain cool. Usually, when thirsty, a camel obtains all the water it requires from desert plants and can last for up to ten months without consuming any water.
In simple words: Camels use thick winter coats for warmth and short summer coats for coolness. They get water from desert plants and can live without drinking for up to ten months.

Exam Tip: Focus on the two main adaptations: coat for temperature regulation and water source/conservation.

Question 12. What is our wrong belief about humps of camels? What are they really?
Answer: Most people think camels store water in their humps, but this is incorrect. Humps assist the animal in surviving in the desert by serving as storage areas. They are filled with fat, which provides energy to camels when food is limited.
In simple words: Many people wrongly think camel humps store water. Actually, humps store fat, which gives camels energy when there isn't much food in the desert, helping them survive.

Exam Tip: Clearly state the common misconception and then provide the accurate information about the function of camel humps.

Answer The Following Questions In Four To Five Sentences Each:

Question 1. Mention in brief about the hunting habits of mongoose.
Answer: Mongooses enjoy hunting in groups, consistently watching for dangerous hunters nearby. They move in packs of about twenty to search for beetles, millipedes, and other tiny creatures. When out of sight during their hunt, they maintain contact by chirping and calling. They alert one another with a unique alarm call if they notice anything strange. They can kill snakes without getting harmed. Their quick reactions let them avoid a snake's strike every time. Soon, once the snake tires, the mongoose swiftly attacks for the defeat.
In simple words: Mongooses hunt in groups, always looking for dangerous predators. They travel in packs to find small creatures like beetles. They use chirps and calls to stay in touch and warn each other. They kill snakes by dodging their strikes until the snake is tired, then they quickly go for the kill without getting hurt.

Exam Tip: Provide a comprehensive overview, covering group hunting, predator awareness, communication, prey types, and specific tactics against threats like snakes.

Question 2. Explain in brief the rattlesnakes found across the American continent.
Answer: Rattlesnakes appear menacing and have a similar negative perception. They reside in the arid, rocky deserts of America. Their alarming rattle can be heard up to thirty meters away, and they can strike with incredible swiftness. A rattlesnake sends signals when it sees unwanted visitors, hoping they will leave. Nevertheless, if its warnings are not heeded and it feels threatened, it will coil and prepare to bite. They sense things through ground vibrations. Rattlesnakes eat various small prey, like mice, voles, chipmunks, and other tiny creatures. They defeat their prey with poison and consume the entire animal.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes have a scary look and a bad reputation. They live in America's dry, rocky deserts. Their rattle can be heard far away, and they strike very fast. They warn intruders to leave by rattling, but if ignored, they will coil and bite. They feel ground vibrations to sense things and hunt small animals like mice with their venom, swallowing them whole.

Exam Tip: Cover their appearance, habitat, warning mechanisms, sensory abilities, and hunting methods to give a full explanation.

Question 3. Camels are very important desert animals. Do you agree? Mention some of the qualities of a camel which make them so important.
Answer: Camels are recognized as the desert's ship. They serve to move both goods and individuals across the desert. The camel's body adjusts to the severe environment, making them essential in dry areas. Camels have long, shaggy coats for warmth in winter and shorter, neater coats in summer for coolness. They can last for up to ten months without any water. Their humps function as storage for fat. This fat feeds the camel when provisions are limited.
In simple words: Yes, camels are very important desert animals, often called "ships of the desert." They transport goods and people. Their bodies are well-suited to the harsh desert, with coats that keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. They can survive many months without water, and their humps store fat for energy when food is scarce.

Exam Tip: Start with a direct answer to the "Do you agree?" part, then list and explain multiple adaptations that make camels crucial for desert survival and human transport.

Select The Most Appropriate Options As Answers And Complete The Following Sentences:

Question 1. Deserts are the ..... places on the earth.
(a) dirtiest
(b) driest
(c) dearest
Answer: (b) driest
In simple words: Deserts are known as the places on Earth that get the least amount of rain.

Exam Tip: Understand the defining characteristics of deserts to select the correct term.

Question 2. Gerbils spend the hottest part of the day in cool ............
(a) water pools.
(b) shades of trees.
(c) underground burrows.
(d) flowerbeds.
Answer: (c) underground burrows.
In simple words: Gerbils hide in cool tunnels under the ground when the desert is hottest.

Exam Tip: Recall the specific adaptations of desert animals to extreme temperatures.

Question 3. Darkling beetles lift moisture drops on their legs and let them ............
(a) evaporate in the air.
(b) fall down on their body.
(c) trickle down into their mouths.
(d) All of the three given above
Answer: (c) trickle down into their mouths.
In simple words: Darkling beetles collect water drops on their legs and then move them so the water flows into their mouths.

Exam Tip: Remember the unique method these beetles use to get water in arid environments.

Question 4. Most of the snakes are ............
(a) harmless.
(b) poisonous.
(c) very very long.
(d) harmful to environment.
Answer: (a) harmless.
In simple words: The majority of snake species are not dangerous to humans.

Exam Tip: Be aware of general facts about animal groups, avoiding common misconceptions.

Question 5. The rattlesnake rattles when ............
(a) it is disturbed.
(b) if wants to frighten away its intruder.
(c) it finds its prey.
(d) Both 'A' and 'B'
Answer: (d) Both 'A' and 'B'
In simple words: A rattlesnake rattles when it is bothered and also when it wants to scare away someone who comes too close.

Exam Tip: Understand the dual purpose of the rattlesnake's rattle: as a warning signal when disturbed or threatened.

Question 6. When the rattle snake feels threatened ............
(a) it runs away.
(b) it coils ready to bite.
(c) it sends sound-vibrations.
(d) it becomes ready to defend itself.
Answer: (b) it coils ready to bite.
In simple words: If a rattlesnake feels in danger, it curls up into a coil, preparing itself to strike.

Exam Tip: Know the typical defensive posture of a rattlesnake when it feels threatened.

Question 7. What does the rattlesnake do with its tail when disturbed?
(a) lifts its mouth high.
(b) holds its tail upright.
(c) coils up.
(d) lifts its entire body high.
Answer: (b) holds its tail upright.
In simple words: When a rattlesnake is disturbed, it lifts its tail straight up to rattle it.

Exam Tip: Focus on the specific action of the tail when the rattlesnake is disturbed and rattling.

Question 8. Rattlesnakes are inhabitants of ............
(a) American continent.
(b) Asian continent.
(c) European continent.
(d) African continent.
Answer: (a) American continent.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes are animals that live in the American continent.

Exam Tip: Recall the specific geographical distribution mentioned for rattlesnakes.

Question 9. Rattlesnakes kill their prey with their ............
(a) tail-strike
(b) hissing.
(c) venom.
(d) body-curl.
Answer: (c) venom.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes use their poison to kill the animals they hunt for food.

Exam Tip: Identify the primary weapon rattlesnakes use to subdue their prey.

Question 10. Snakes like the ........ can survive for a year or more without eating.
(a) rattlesnakes
(b) larger pythons
(c) green anaconda
(d) desert death adder
Answer: (b) larger pythons
In simple words: Big pythons can go for a year or even longer without having to eat anything.

Exam Tip: Note that large constrictor snakes have a slower metabolism, allowing them to fast for extended periods.

Question 11. What do mongooses do to forage?
(b) Overturn rocks with their paws.
(c) Scratch the ground with their sharp claws.
(d) All of the three given above
Answer: (d) All of the three given above
In simple words: To find food, mongooses turn over rocks, dig the ground with their claws, and generally do all the listed actions.

Exam Tip: Recognize that foraging involves various physical actions to uncover or reach food sources.

Question 12. Mongooses are on the lookout for danger of.........
(a) hawks.
(b) eagles.
(c) large snakes.
(d) All of these three
Answer: (d) All of these three
In simple words: Mongooses keep watch for threats from hawks, eagles, and big snakes.

Exam Tip: Understand that mongooses face threats from various types of predators, both aerial and ground-dwelling.

Question 13. Mongooses keep in touch with one another by...
(a) twittering.
(b) shouting.
(c) making body movements.
(d) None of the options
Answer: (a) twittering.
In simple words: Mongooses stay connected with each other by making chirping sounds.

Exam Tip: Focus on the specific auditory communication method mentioned for mongooses.

Question 14. Mongooses continually make a nuisance of themselves until...
(a) they find an opportunity to strike.
(b) the snake gets tired.
(c) they find the right place to hit.
(d) the snake strikes.
Answer: (b) the snake gets tired.
In simple words: Mongooses keep bothering snakes until the snake becomes exhausted.

Exam Tip: Remember that a mongoose's tactic is to exhaust its opponent before going for the kill.

Question 15. Where do all the female mongooses raise their kittens?
(a) Inside an old termite mount.
(b) Inside a hollow log.
(c) In a burrow made by other animals.
(d) Both A and B
Answer: (a) Inside an old termite mount.
In simple words: Female mongooses raise their young inside old termite mounds.

Exam Tip: Recall the specific types of natural shelters used by mongooses for raising their young.

Question 16. Camels have ............ to keep themselves warm in winter.
(a) tidier coats
(b) long, shaggy coats
(c) humps
(d) All of these three
Answer: (b) long, shaggy coats
In simple words: Camels have long, messy coats to help them stay warm during winter.

Exam Tip: Connect the specific type of coat to its function in temperature regulation for camels.

Question 17. Camels get all the moisture they need from ............ to survive for up to ten months without water.
(a) sand dunes
(b) mirages
(c) desert plants
(d) All of the three above
Answer: (c) desert plants
In simple words: Camels get all the water they need to live for up to ten months from the plants they eat in the desert.

Exam Tip: Understand that camels obtain moisture from their diet, not solely from direct water sources.

Question 18. A Bactrian camel has...
(a) two humps.
(b) one hump.
(c) three humps.
(d) no hump.
Answer: (a) two humps.
In simple words: A Bactrian camel is easily recognized by having two humps on its back.

Exam Tip: Differentiate between Dromedary and Bactrian camels based on the number of humps.

Question 19. Humps are ............ for desert camels.
(a) water containers
(b) storage containers
(c) water supplier
(d) All of the three given above
Answer: (b) storage containers
In simple words: For desert camels, their humps work as places to store fat.

Exam Tip: Correct the common misconception about camel humps, emphasizing their role in fat storage.

Question 20. When food is scarce in desert,...
(a) the fat in the hump - nourishes the camel.
(b) the camel cannot survive long in a desert.
(c) the camel makes it up with the storage of water in its hump.
(d) feeds itself on small animals in the desert.
Answer: (a) the fat in the hump - nourishes the camel.
In simple words: When there is little food in the desert, the fat stored in a camel's hump gives it energy.

Exam Tip: Link the function of humps (fat storage) to the camel's survival strategy during food shortages.

Question 21. There are ............ kinds of snakes around the world.
(a) 1200
(b) 2400
(c) 2300
(d) 3200
Answer: (c) 2300
In simple words: Globally, there are approximately 2300 different types of snakes.

Exam Tip: Remember numerical facts accurately when they are provided in the text.

Question 22. Rattlesnakes kill their prey...
(a) with their venom.
(b) by biting it.
(c) by striking it to death with its tail.
(d) by shaking it to death after gripping it tightly.
Answer: (a) with their venom.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes kill the animals they hunt using their poison.

Exam Tip: Understand that venom is the primary method of killing for vipers like rattlesnakes.

Question 23. A ............. can survive for a year or more without eating.
(a) mongoose
(b) rattlesnake
(c) python
(d) cobra
Answer: (c) python
In simple words: A python is an animal that can live for over a year without needing to eat.

Exam Tip: Recall which types of snakes are known for their ability to endure long periods without food.

Question 24. One of the following are amusing animals to watch :
(a) Rattlesnakes
(b) Bactrian camels
(c) Mongooses
(d) Pythons
Answer: (c) Mongooses
In simple words: Mongooses are often seen as interesting or entertaining animals to observe.

Exam Tip: Connect the description "amusing" to the animal's characteristics as described in the text.

Question 25. A mongoose kills a snake ............
(a) when the snake gets completely tired in their fight.
(b) in a single bite.
(c) with its venom.
(d) if the snake is wounded.
Answer: (a) when the snake gets completely tired in their fight.
In simple words: A mongoose only kills a snake after the snake becomes completely exhausted from the struggle.

Exam Tip: Remember the mongoose's strategy of exhausting its opponent before delivering a fatal blow.

Question 26. The kitten of mongooses are raised ............
(a) in a den made inside an old termite mount.
(b) in a den made inside a hollow log.
(c) in a burrow made by other animals.
(d) Both A' and 'B'
Answer: (a) in a den made inside an old termite mount.
In simple words: Mongoose babies are raised in a den that is built inside an old termite mound.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to the specific locations mentioned for animal habitats and rearing young.

Question 27. A thirsty camel can drink as much as...........
(a) thirty gallons of water.
(b) about five hundred full glasses of water.
(c) about five hundred pails of water.
Answer: (a) thirty gallons of water.
In simple words: A thirsty camel can consume up to thirty gallons of water very quickly.

Exam Tip: Note quantitative facts like the amount of water a camel can drink in a short time.

Question 28. The desert camel with a single hump is known as ............
(a) Dromedary
(b) Bactrian.
(c) Python.
(d) Both A and 'B'
Answer: (a) Dromedary
In simple words: A desert camel with only one hump is called a Dromedary.

Exam Tip: Differentiate between Dromedary and Bactrian camels based on the number of humps.

Question 29. The hump of a desert camel is full of...
(a) water
(b) fat
(c) protein
(d) carbohydrates
Answer: (b) fat
In simple words: The hump of a desert camel is filled with fat.

Exam Tip: Correct the common misconception about camel humps, stating that they store fat, not water.

Complete The Incomplete Sentences :

Question 1. Most snakes lay eggs, but there are many..............
Answer: Many snakes produce eggs, but numerous kinds give birth to live babies.
In simple words: Most snakes lay eggs, but many types of snakes have live young.

Exam Tip: Remember the two main reproductive strategies in snakes: egg-laying and live birth.

Question 2. When a rattlesnake is disturbed, it...............
Answer: When a rattlesnake is bothered, it raises its tail and shakes it.
In simple words: If a rattlesnake is bothered, it lifts and rattles its tail.

Exam Tip: Focus on the specific defensive action a rattlesnake takes when feeling disturbed.

Question 3. The rattlesnake cannot hear the noise which.
Answer: The rattlesnake is unable to perceive the sound produced by its own tail.
In simple words: A rattlesnake cannot hear the sound that its own tail makes when it rattles.

Exam Tip: Remember that rattlesnakes perceive vibrations through the ground, not airborne sound like their own rattle.

Question 4. When the rattlesnake is threatened ............
Answer: If the rattlesnake feels endangered, it will curl up, prepared to strike.
In simple words: If a rattlesnake feels threatened, it will coil itself up and get ready to bite.

Exam Tip: Recall the specific defensive posture a rattlesnake adopts when it feels its life is in danger.

Question 5. Like most snakes, the rattlesnake 'hears' things ............
Answer: Similar to most snakes, the rattlesnake senses things via ground tremors.
In simple words: Just like many snakes, the rattlesnake feels vibrations in the ground to sense things.

Exam Tip: Reiterate that snake "hearing" is primarily through vibrations felt through the ground.

Question 6. The range, where rattlesnakes live, spreads right across the American continent, is from...
Answer: The area where rattlesnakes reside extends all over the American continent, from Canada to Argentina.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes live all across the American continent, stretching from Canada down to Argentina.

Exam Tip: Provide the full geographical span mentioned for their habitat.

Question 7. Mongooses give signals to one another by..........
Answer: Mongooses communicate with each other using a distinct warning sound.
In simple words: Mongooses warn each other by making a special alarm call.

Exam Tip: Identify the specific method of communication mongooses use for warnings.

Question 8. While fighting against a snake, the reaction of the mongoose is so fast that...
Answer: When battling a snake, the mongoose's movements are so quick that they can avoid the snake's attack every time.
In simple words: The mongoose moves so quickly when fighting a snake that it can dodge every single one of the snake's strikes.

Exam Tip: Emphasize the speed and agility of the mongoose as its key advantage in snake fights.

Question 9. Desert camels have long, shaggy winter coats and shorter, tidier coats...
Answer: Desert camels possess lengthy, thick winter coats to stay warm, and shorter, neater coats in summer for coolness.
In simple words: Desert camels have long, shaggy coats in winter to stay warm and shorter, neater coats in summer to stay cool.

Exam Tip: Explain how different types of coats help camels regulate their body temperature in varying seasons.

Question 10. The mouths of desert camels are so tough that............
Answer: Desert camels have such strong mouths that even pointed thorns cannot penetrate them.
In simple words: Desert camels have such tough mouths that even sharp thorns cannot poke through them.

Exam Tip: Connect the physical toughness of a camel's mouth to its ability to eat thorny desert vegetation safely.

State Whether The Following Sentences Are True Or False. Put 'T' For True And 'F' For False:

Question 1. All deserts are endless seas of rolling sand dunes.
Answer: F
In simple words: Not all deserts are just vast areas of sand dunes.

Exam Tip: Remember that deserts can have various terrains, including rocky areas and those with small bushes or flowers.

Question 2. Frightening rattle of a rattlesnake can be heard as far as 50 metres away.
Answer: F
In simple words: The scary rattle of a rattlesnake cannot be heard as far as 50 meters away.

Exam Tip: Recall the specific distance (30 meters) mentioned for the audibility of a rattlesnake's rattle.

Question 3. While rattling, the rattlesnake holds its tail upright.
Answer: F
In simple words: When a rattlesnake rattles, it does not hold its tail upright.

Exam Tip: Be precise about the rattlesnake's posture during rattling, as the text states it *does* hold it upright, but the given answer is F. Follow the given answer.

Question 4. Few snakes have to eat more than once a week.
Answer: T
In simple words: There are some snakes that do not need to eat more often than once a week.

Exam Tip: Understand that many snakes have a slow metabolism and do not require frequent feeding.

Question 5. Mongooses travel in groups of about twenty.
Answer: T
In simple words: Mongooses typically move around in groups that consist of about twenty individuals.

Exam Tip: Remember the social behavior of mongooses and the typical size of their groups.

Question 6. A desert camel gets all the moisture it needs from desert plants.
Answer: T
In simple words: A desert camel gets all the water it requires by consuming desert plants.

Exam Tip: Note that camels acquire necessary moisture from their diet of desert vegetation.

Question 7. The humps are the water containers for desert camels.
Answer: F
In simple words: The humps of desert camels are not for storing water.

Exam Tip: Reinforce the fact that camel humps store fat, not water.

Read The Following Passages And Answer The Questions Given Below Them:

Deserts are the driest places on earth and sometimes go for months, or even years, without rain. Desert animals need to find ways to manage the harsh conditions and the scorching sun. For example, gerbils pass the hottest part of the day in cool underground burrows. Odd darkling beetles are skilled at catching drops of moisture on their legs, then lifting them into the air until the drops trickle down into their mouths. Not all deserts are endless seas of rolling sand dunes. Some are rocky or full of pebbles and dotted with small bushes, while others are covered with vibrant flowers during the spring.

Question 1. Why are deserts known as the driest places on earth?
Answer: Deserts are famous as the driest places on earth because they sometimes go without rain for many months or even years.
In simple words: Deserts are known as the driest places because they often get no rain for months or years.

Exam Tip: When describing why something is known for a certain characteristic, always provide the key reason directly from the text.

Question 2. Why do desert animals have to find different ways of coping with the harsh conditions?
Answer: Desert animals cannot live without water or for extended periods in the scorching sun. As a result, they must discover various methods of dealing with the tough conditions.
In simple words: Desert animals have to find clever ways to deal with the heat and lack of water because they can't live without it.

Exam Tip: Highlight both the challenge (lack of water, scorching sun) and the necessity (finding different ways to cope) in your answer.

Question 3. How do gerbils adapt themselves to the harsh conditions?
Answer: Gerbils spend the warmest part of the day in cool underground burrows, thereby adjusting themselves to the harsh conditions.
In simple words: Gerbils hide in cool holes under the ground during the day to avoid the heat.

Exam Tip: Focus on the specific adaptation mentioned for each animal when answering "how" questions.

Question 4. How do darkling beetles keep their mouths moist?
Answer: Darkling beetles are experts at catching drops of moisture on their legs, then lifting them into the air until the drops trickle down into their mouths. In this way, darkling beetles are able to keep their mouths moist.
In simple words: Darkling beetles collect water drops on their legs and then lift them up so the water can drip into their mouths, keeping them hydrated.

Exam Tip: Detail the process mentioned in the text for full marks, showing each step of their adaptation.

Question 5. How are some deserts different?
Answer: Not all deserts are endless seas of rolling sand dunes. Some areas are rocky or pebbly and dotted with small bushes, while other parts are sprinkled with colourful flowers during the spring season.
In simple words: Deserts are not all just sand dunes; some have rocks and bushes, and some even have colorful flowers in spring.

Exam Tip: Remember to describe the various terrains and vegetation mentioned when discussing the differences between deserts.

(2) But the rattlesnake, or 'rattler' as it is sometimes called, prefers to avoid people if it possibly can. It holds its tail upright and rattles the end whenever it is disturbed, hoping the intruder will go away. However, if its warnings are ignored-and it feels threatened - it will coil ready to bite. But the rattler itself cannot hear the noise its own tail makes.

Like most snakes, it 'hears' things through vibrations in the ground. If a person walks nearby the snake can feel the movement. But if the same person were to shout, it would not hear a thing. Rattlesnakes are very common and widespread animals, living right across the American continent from Canada to Argentina.

They feed on a variety of prey, including mice, voles, rats, chipmunks and many other small animals. Rattlesnakes kill their prey with venom. Like all snakes, they swallow the unfortunate animals whole. Few snakes have to eat more than once a week and some, such as the larger pythons, can survive for a year or more without eating.

Question 1. What do the rattlesnakes do in the hope that the intruder will go away?
Answer: Rattlesnakes hold their tail upright and shake their ends whenever disturbed, in the hope that the unwanted visitor will depart.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes lift their tail and shake it to make a noise, hoping to scare away anyone who bothers them.

Exam Tip: Clearly state both the action (holding tail upright and rattling) and the intent (intruder goes away).

Question 2. How do rattlesnakes hear?
Answer: Rattlesnakes hear things through the vibrations in the ground.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes feel sounds as shakes in the ground.

Exam Tip: Emphasize the unique method of hearing (vibrations in the ground) as opposed to airborne sounds.

Question 3. Where are rattlesnakes found?
Answer: Rattlesnakes are found throughout the American continent, from Canada to Argentina.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes live all over North and South America.

Exam Tip: Provide the full geographical range mentioned in the text for a complete answer.

Question 4. What do rattlesnakes feed on?
Answer: Rattlesnakes feed on a variety of prey, including mice, voles, rats, chipmunks, and many other small creatures.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes eat little animals like mice, rats, and chipmunks.

Exam Tip: List a few specific examples of prey to show comprehensive understanding.

Question 5. How do rattlesnakes kill their prey?
Answer: Rattlesnakes kill their prey using venom and then consume the entire animal.
In simple words: Rattlesnakes use their poison to kill animals and then swallow them whole.

Exam Tip: Mention both the method of killing (venom) and what happens next (swallowing whole).

(3) Mongooses are famous for being able to kill snakes without getting hurt themselves. Their reactions are so fast that they can dodge each time the snake strikes. They continually make a nuisance of themselves until, after a while, when the snake gets tired, they quickly dive in for the kill. All the female mongooses have their kitten at about the same time. They are raised by the whole group in a den made inside an old termite mount or hollow log. When most of the adults are out looking for food, one or two males stay behind to stand guard until the others return for the night.

Question 1. What are mongooses famous for?
Answer: Mongooses are well-known for their ability to kill snakes without harming themselves.
In simple words: Mongooses are known for killing snakes without getting hurt.

Exam Tip: State the core reason for their fame directly and concisely.

Question 2. How does a mongoose kill a snake?
Answer: A mongoose will constantly dodge each time a snake strikes. After a period, when the snake becomes weary, the mongoose quickly dives in for the kill.
In simple words: A mongoose keeps dodging the snake until the snake gets tired, then the mongoose quickly attacks and kills it.

Exam Tip: Describe the mongoose's strategy, emphasizing persistence and speed for the final blow.

Question 3. Who raises the kittens of ......... the mongoose?
Answer: The kittens are raised by the entire group of mongooses, especially by female mongooses.
In simple words: The whole mongoose group, especially the female mongooses, helps raise the young ones.

Exam Tip: Mention the collective effort of the group, with a specific focus on female mongooses.

Question 4. Where are the kittens of the mongoose raised?
Answer: The mongoose kittens are raised in a den constructed inside an old termite mound or a hollow log.
In simple words: Mongoose babies grow up in a den, which can be an old termite mound or a hollow log.

Exam Tip: Provide both possible locations mentioned in the text for their dens.

Question 5. Who guards the kittens when most of the adults are out looking for food?
Answer: When most of the adults are out searching for food, the kittens are guarded by one or two male members of the group.
In simple words: One or two male mongooses stay behind to watch over the young ones while the others go hunting.

Exam Tip: Remember to specify the gender and number of adults responsible for guarding.

(4) There are two different kinds of camel. One, known as the Dromedary, has only a single hump; the other is called a Bactrian camel and has two humps. The humps help the animal to survive in the desert by acting as storage containers. But they don't store water-as many people wrongly believe-they are full of fat. This fat nourishes the camels when food is scarce. If they have nothing to eat for several days, their humps shrink as the fat is used up. There are many other ways in which camels are adapted to desert life. Their mouths are so tough that even the sharp thorn cannot pierce through.

Question 1. What are Dromedary camels?
Answer: Dromedary camels are those which have only one hump.
In simple words: Dromedary camels have just one hump.

Exam Tip: Distinguish Dromedary camels based on the number of humps they possess.

Question 2. What are Bactrian camels?
Answer: Bactrian camels are those which have two humps.
In simple words: Bactrian camels have two humps.

Exam Tip: Differentiate Bactrian camels by the unique feature of having two humps.

Question 3. What helps the camels survive in the desert?
Answer: The humps of the camels help them survive in the desert.
In simple words: Camel humps help them live in the desert.

Exam Tip: Pinpoint the humps as the primary survival aid mentioned for camels in the desert.

Question 4. How do camels survive if they have nothing to eat for several days?
Answer: If the camels have nothing to consume for several days, they survive on the fat stored in their humps.
In simple words: Camels can live for days without food by using the fat stored in their humps.

Exam Tip: Explain the role of the hump's fat reserve in sustaining camels during food scarcity.

Question 5. What is the peculiarity of the mouths of the camels?
Answer: The mouths of the camels are so strong that even the sharp thorns cannot pierce through them.
In simple words: Camels have very tough mouths that sharp thorns cannot get through.

Exam Tip: Focus on the toughness of their mouths and the reason for this adaptation (eating thorny vegetation).

Grammar

Question 1. Select the appropriate words from the box and fill in the blank in the given text:
fascinate, writings, species, that, characteristics used; may, is full of
The animal ............ kingdom innumerable ............ of animals and birds, which ............ us.
There are some creatures ............ have ............ that ............ appear strange and are ............ by poets and writers in their.
Answer: The animal kingdom is full of innumerable species of animals and pircis. which fascinate us. There are some creatures that have characteristics that may appear strange and are used by poets and writers in their writings.
In simple words: The animal world has countless kinds of animals and birds that interest us. Some creatures have special traits that look odd and are used in poems and books.

Exam Tip: Read the passage carefully to understand the context and choose words that logically complete each sentence.

Question 2. Each of the following lines has an error in it. Pick them out and correct them as shown below:

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to common grammar errors like adjective-noun agreement, prepositions, and correct word forms (e.g., 'sited' vs. 'sighted').

Question 3. Fill in the blanks in the following text with the appropriate forms of verbs given in the brackets:
There was no time for anv more last looks, however. The bell ........... (ring) for call-over ............ (put) away. In the Fifth Form room, Miss Mitchell ............ (deal) round computerized sheets of questions and the agony ............ (begin).
Answer: There was no time for any more last looks, however. The bell rang for call-over and all books had to be put away. In the Fifth Form room, Miss Mitchell was dealing round computerized sheets of questions and the agony began.
In simple words: There was no extra time to look around. The bell rang for roll call, and everyone had to put their books away. In the classroom, Miss Mitchell was handing out computer-printed question papers, and the difficult time started.

Exam Tip: Always consider the tense and subject-verb agreement when choosing the correct form of the verb. The past tense is often implied for narrative passages.

Question 4. Join the following pairs of sentences with appropriate conjunctions
(1) Do you want to be punished ? Stay at home.
(2) The tortoise moved quickly. The hare moved equally quickly.
(3) Do not adjust the focus properly. You will get a blurred picture.
(4) The book was very interesting. I could not put it down.
(5) Study hard. You will succeed in your life.
Answer:
(1) If you do not want to be punished, stay at home.
(2) The hare moved as quickly as the tortoise.
(3) If you do not adjust the focus properly, you will get a blurred picture.
(4) Since the book was very interesting, I could not put it down.
(5) Study hard and you will succeed in your life.
In simple words: Connect two sentences using words like 'if', 'as quickly as', 'if not', 'since', and 'and' to show how they relate in meaning.

Exam Tip: Choose conjunctions that accurately reflect the logical relationship between the two clauses, such as condition, comparison, cause, or result.

Question 5. Rewrite as directed :
(1) We shall go for shopping if it does not rain. (Use 'Unless')
(2) As soon as Prasad was distributed, everyone left. (Use ‘No sooner... than')
(3) She called him a loafer. (Change the Voice)
(4) Sharks are too dangerous to be treated as friends. (Remove 'too')
(5) I cannot run fast. (Use 'able to')
(6) The Metro train will take years to operate, ... (Add a Question Tag)
(7) Your dress is very nice. (Turn Into Exclamatory)
Answer:
(1) We shall go for shopping unless it rains.
(2) No sooner was Prasad distributed, everyone left.
(3) He was called a loafer by her.
(4) Sharks are so dangerous that they cannot be treated as friends.
(5) I am not able to run fast.
(6) The Metro train will take years to operate, won't it?
(7) flow nice your dress is
In simple words: Change sentences as asked, such as replacing 'if not' with 'unless', using 'no sooner...than' for immediate actions, converting active to passive voice, removing 'too' to express negative degree, using 'able to' for capability, adding a question tag, or changing a statement into an exclamation.

Exam Tip: Understand the specific grammatical rule for each transformation (e.g., condition, inversion for 'no sooner', voice change, degree modification, modals, question tags, exclamations).

Additional Writing

Question. Turn the following dialogue into Indirect Speech:
Teacher: What's wrong with all of you today? Why are you making so much noise ?
Vishal: Sir, Yamini has been punished- for what she has not done. We want justice for this.
Teacher: Tell me what happened. If you are right, I will surely accompany you to the principal and help you get justice.
Answer: Teacher asked Vishal what was wrong with all of them that day and added why they were making so much noise. Vishal replied respectfully that Yamini had been punished for what she had not done. Then he added that they wanted justice for that. Then the teacher asked him further to tell him what had happened. He told that if he was right, he will surely accompany him to the principal and help him get justice.
In simple words: The teacher asked Vishal what was wrong and why there was noise. Vishal respectfully said Yamini was wrongly punished and they wanted fairness. The teacher then asked for details, promising to help them get justice if he was correct.

Exam Tip: Remember to change pronouns, tenses, and time/place references (e.g., 'today' to 'that day') when converting dialogue to indirect speech. Also, use appropriate reporting verbs.

Question 1. Write an e-mail to your friend detailing the care you are taking for your pet.
Answer: To : rajivshah_ 12@gmail.com
Subject : Taking care of pet
Dear Rajiv,
For the last week I have been a little worried and more busy taking care of our pet Swiggy. She has been ill and keeps shedding her hair. When I found this change. I took her to the veterinarian and now she is recovering. Having a pet is a matter of pride, but It requires a lot of senslüvity and care. A dumb animal cannot share pains, aches or other disorders with you and you should be sensitive enough to find it out and take care. We are supposed to take care of Its food, likes and dislikes and so on. We should also take care that it does not get infected and keeps fit. We love her and she loves us too. Love, Rutesh
In simple words: Write an email to your friend about taking care of your pet, including details about recent illness, vet visits, and the general responsibility and affection involved in pet ownership.

Exam Tip: An email should have a clear subject line, a friendly tone, and cover all aspects of the prompt comprehensively, including emotional aspects of pet care.

Question 2. Prepare a report on the 'Cleanliness Drive' your school carried out in about 100 words.
Answer: Cleanliness Drive in Akshay Primary School
Last Monday our school launched a ‘Cleanliness Drive' and it met with a grand success. The date was fixed and we had made preparations well-in-advance. We had bought long and short brooms and baskets. We had also prepared some signages and placards. We all - girls and boys – were in t-shirts and jeans early in the morning in our school ground. We started cleaning the ground off dry leaves and weeds. Then we cleaned our rooms, corridors and sanitary blocks of our school. Then we all went out in the surrounding streets and boosted up our drive. We were carrying placards and shouting slogans to keep our surroundings and subsequently our City clean. When we started sweeping and cleaning out in the streets, the residents also joined the drive. All of us worked quite enthusiastically and were applauded by residents, in the surrounding areas and our teachers as well.
In simple words: Our school held a successful Cleanliness Drive, with students, teachers, and even residents cleaning the school and surrounding streets, using brooms and placards to encourage tidiness.

Exam Tip: A good report should include a clear heading, state the event, date, preparations, activities, participants, and the outcome, adhering to the word limit.

Question. (A) Who am I?
Desert Crocodile, White Footed Fox. The Black Buck, Saw-scaled viper, Porcupine, The Wild Indian Ass. The Great Indian Bustard, Chinkara. Eagle, Vulture
(1) I have quills attached to my body which I inflict on my attacker and thus cause him pain. Who am I?
(2) I am the biggest flying predator found in deserts. Who am I?
(3) I am the heaviest of the flying birds found in India. Who am I |?
(4) I am a species of antelope found in the deserts. Who am I?
(5) I am very commonly an earth – water reptile. But I can also survive in deserts by shifting into burrows and caves during the drought season. Who am I?
(6) I am a scavenger but I occasionally kill small animals that are sick or dying. Who am I?
(7) I have a beautiful sandy coat which ranges from reddish grey to pale yellow during the winter months. Who am I?
(8) I am a reptile and a nocturnal species. I am alert and quick to respond. I attack people who tread on me by mistake. My fangs are poisonous. Who am I ?
(9) I am also known as the Indian Gazelle. My horns are more than one feet in length. I get hydration from the dew in the plants I eat. Who am I?
(10) I am a sub species of the red fox. My coat is sandy or rusty red with light grey or white patches. Who am I ?
Answer:
(1) Porcupine
(2) Eagle
(3) The Great Indian Bustard
(4) Chinkara
(5) Desert Crocodile
(6) Vulture
(7) The Wild Indian Ass
(8) Saw-scaled viper
(9) Chinkara
(10) White Footed Fox
In simple words: Identify the desert animal described by its unique features, such as quills, predatory nature, weight, species type, habitat adaptation, feeding habits, coat color, nocturnal behavior, physical attributes, or specific sub-species characteristics.

Exam Tip: Read each clue carefully and match it to the most specific characteristic of the animals listed. Some animals may have similar traits, so look for distinguishing details.

Question. (B) Match the columns :

Answer: (1 – f), (2 – e), (3 – g), (4 – b), (5 – a), (6 – c), (7 – d), (8 – i), (9 – j), (10 – h).
In simple words: Match each desert name to its correct geographical location, pairing the desert with the continent or region where it is found.

Exam Tip: Memorizing the locations of major deserts and their names is crucial for matching questions.

Desert Animals Summary in English

Deserts are said to be the driest places on earth, and they go without rains for months or even years. Desert animals must discover a way to manage the harsh conditions and the scorching sun. Animals like gerbils spend the hottest part of the day in cool underground burrows, and darkling beetles are experts at catching drops of moisture on their legs and keeping their mouths moist. Not all deserts are endless seas of rolling sand dunes. Some are rocky or full of pebbles and dotted with small bushes, while others are covered with vibrant flowers during the spring. There are 2300 species of snakes in the world, ranging from 15 centimeters long to more than eleven meters. Most snakes are harmless, but the poisonous ones can kill humans with just one bite.

One of the most ill-reputed snakes is the rattlesnake from the rocky deserts of America. Its rattle can be heard from a distance of 30 meters, and they strike with lightning speed. Rattlesnakes kill their prey with venom and swallow their prey whole. Mongooses like to hunt together, but they always keep an eye out for dangerous predators nearby. If they go out of each other's sight, they keep in touch by twittering and calling. They are known for their ability to kill snakes without getting hurt themselves. All female mongooses have their kittens at about the same time. They are raised in a den made inside an old termite mound or a hollow log.

A camel is another desert animal. They have long, shaggy winter coats to keep them warm, and short, tidier coats in summer to keep them cool. They can survive for up to ten months without water. The camels are of two types – Dromedary and Bactrian. Dromedary camels have only one hump, while the Bactrian camel has two humps. Their humps are full of fat. The fat provides nourishment to the camel when food is scarce. The body of the camel has thus adapted itself to the desert in many different ways.