RBSE Solutions Class 7 Social Science Chapter 1 Biosphere and Landscape

Exercise from Text Book

Question 1. Choose the correct options:
(1). Which is not a natural landform of the following?
(a) Mountain
(b) Plateau
(c) Domicile
(d) Plains
Answer: (c) Domicile
In simple words: A domicile is a place where someone lives, which is built by people, not a natural part of the earth's surface like mountains or plains.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that natural landforms are features created by nature, while domiciles are man-made structures for living.

Question 1. (2). Landform surrounded by water on three sides.
(a) Island
(b) Peninsula
(c) Sea
(d) Ocean
Answer: (b) Peninsula
In simple words: A peninsula is a piece of land that has water on three sides, like a thumb sticking out into the sea.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between an island (water on all sides) and a peninsula (water on three sides, connected to mainland on one side).

Question 2. Fill in the Blanks:
(1) The four oceans on earth are
(i). _______
(ii). _______
(iii). _______
(iv). _______
(2) Gaddi, Bakarwal and Bhotlya tribes of Himalayas reside there in _______ season.
(3) _______ is the area where river flows along with its tributaries.
(4) A stream of water flowing naturally on land is called as _______.
Answer:
(i). Pacific Ocean
(ii). Atlantic Ocean
(iii). Indian Ocean
(iv). Arctic Ocean
(2) Gaddi, Bakarwal and Bhotlya tribes of Himalayas reside there in winter season.
(3) River basin is the area where river flows along with its tributaries.
(4) A stream of water flowing naturally on land is called as river. The flowing water of rivers helps shape the land over time.
In simple words: The big water bodies are oceans. Some Himalayan tribes live there in cold seasons. A river basin is where a main river and its smaller rivers flow. A river is a natural stream of water on land.

🎯 Exam Tip: For fill-in-the-blanks, try to recall definitions or common facts related to geography to complete the sentences accurately.

Question 3. What is biosphere? Why it is found only on earth?
Answer: The biosphere is the part of Earth where life exists. It includes all living things and the parts of the Earth that support them, like land, water, and air. Life is found only on Earth for these main reasons:
• The sun gives Earth energy all the time.
• There is a lot of water on Earth.
• This part of Earth has a good mix of all three forms of matter: solid (land), liquid (water), and gas (air). This perfect combination allows life to thrive.
In simple words: Biosphere is where all life on Earth is found. It exists here because Earth has sunshine, lots of water, and a good balance of land, water, and air.

🎯 Exam Tip: When defining the biosphere, remember to include its key components (land, water, air) and the essential factors that support life (sunlight, water, suitable environment).

Question 4. Write difference between ecosystem and environment by defining them.
Answer:
Ecosystem: All living things influence each other and are influenced by their surroundings. This creates a complex web of relationships between organisms and their environment. This linked system of biological (living) and non-biological (non-living) factors is called an ecosystem. It shows how everything works together.
Environment: The word 'environment' comes from the French word 'environ', meaning surrounding. Everything around us is our environment, which includes both living and non-living things. The environment is the sum total of all conditions and influences affecting the development of an organism.
Difference: An ecosystem shows the deep connections between living and non-living parts of the environment. In contrast, the environment simply refers to all the living and non-living things separately that surround us.
In simple words: An ecosystem is how living and non-living things interact together. The environment is just everything around us, both living and non-living, whether they interact or not.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize "inter-relationship" and "interaction" for ecosystem, and "surroundings" or "all things around us" for environment to highlight the key difference.

Question 5. What is food chain? Explain with example?
Answer: A food chain explains how energy moves from one living thing to another when they eat each other. The Sun is the main source of energy for all plants and land animals. Plants make their own food using the Sun's energy. This energy, stored in the plants, then moves to an animal that eats the plant, and then to another animal that eats that animal, creating a chain. This path of energy transfer through food is what we call a food chain. For example, grass uses sunlight to make food, a deer eats the grass, and a tiger eats the deer.
In simple words: A food chain shows how energy goes from one living thing to another when they eat. It starts with the sun, then plants, then animals that eat plants, and then animals that eat other animals.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always start your food chain explanation with the sun or a producer (like a plant) and show the flow of energy through different levels.

Question 6. What should we do to maintain the balance in the environment?
Answer: The balance of our ecosystem is getting upset because of more industries and a growing population. So, it is very important to keep the environment balanced. Here are the most important things we need to do:
(i) Development should happen in a way that does not harm the ecosystem. We need to plan carefully to avoid damage.
(ii) We should use nature's resources wisely for development work. We need to create a balance so that growth continues without hurting the environment. We should work together to protect nature, not just use it up.
In simple words: To keep our environment balanced, we must develop carefully without harming nature and use its resources wisely, focusing on cooperation instead of just taking.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on sustainable development and responsible resource use as key points for maintaining environmental balance.

Question 7. What is Island? Are they found only in sea?
Answer: An island is a piece of land that has water all around it. It is not true that islands are only found in the sea. They can also be in rivers, lakes, or oceans. The Andaman and Nicobar islands and Lakshadweep are important islands in the Indian Ocean. Majuli Island, located in the Brahmaputra River, is the largest river island in the world. This shows islands can form in various water bodies.
In simple words: An island is land surrounded by water. They are found not only in the sea but also in rivers and lakes.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to mention examples of islands in both oceans and rivers to show a complete understanding.

Question 8. How many types of plains are there? Explain their main importance with example.
Answer: A plain is a flat area on the Earth's surface. These places are usually less than 300 meters high from sea level. Rivers create plains by leaving behind soil. Plains cover about 50% of the Earth's surface. There are mainly two types of plains:
• Coastal plains
• Internal plains
(i) Coastal plains: These plains are found near the sea and are mainly made by sea waves. They are not very wide and are good for building seaports. Examples in India include the Konkan and Malabar coasts. People often visit these places for fun and they are also used for fish farming. Internal plains are found far from the coast, typically in river valleys, and are very fertile for agriculture.
In simple words: Plains are flat lands. There are two main kinds: coastal plains near the sea, which are good for ports and fishing, and internal plains, often in river valleys, which are good for farming.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining types of plains, describe their location (e.g., near sea, inland) and their primary uses or characteristics (e.g., ports, agriculture).

Activities from Textbook

Let's Do It (Page 9)

Question 1. Try to find out which landform is present in your village/city. Make a picture of near by land form.
Answer: The landform in our village is mostly extensive plains. It is a flat area that is about 300 meters above sea level. This land is very fertile and is mainly used for agriculture, supporting many farms and crops. Understanding local geography helps connect learning to real life.
In simple words: Our village is on flat land (plains), which is good for farming because the soil is fertile.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing local landforms, include details about their height, fertility, and main uses to provide a complete picture.

Question 2. List plants and animals of your nearby biosphere.
Answer: The plants and animals found in the biosphere around us are listed below:
• Plants/trees: Some common plants and trees include Neem, Pipal, Babool, Mango, Shisham, and various bushes. These plants provide oxygen and food.
• Creatures: Animals like cows, bulls, horses, camels, sheep, goats, dogs, monkeys, cats, snakes, mice, crows, different types of birds, and fish are often seen. Each creature plays a role in the local ecosystem.
In simple words: Around us, we see trees like Neem and Mango, and animals such as cows, dogs, and birds, all living together.

🎯 Exam Tip: When listing plants and animals, try to include a variety of species from different categories (trees, bushes, mammals, birds, etc.) that are common in your local area.

Question 3. Look and write names of following land form. Also write its uses and discuss in class.
Answer: The names of the landforms shown in the images are as follows:
(i) Island: An island is a piece of land completely surrounded by water. Islands can be found in rivers, lakes, or the sea. Generally, islands are popular tourist spots, and because they are small, most have fewer people living on them.
(ii) River Basin: A river basin is the area or surface where a main river and all its smaller rivers (tributaries) flow. Rivers in these basins provide us with water all year round for farming and other uses.
(iii) Plains: Plains are the flattest and most populated parts of the Earth's surface. These fertile lands are created by rivers. Besides farming, plains also have widespread networks for trade, industries, and transportation.
(iv) Plateau: A plateau is a high land area that is flat on top and has a gentle slope. High plateaus are used as grazing lands for animals, while lower plateaus are used for farming. Some plateaus are also important sources of valuable minerals.
(v) Coastal plains: These are flat areas of land located near the sea. They are mainly formed by the action of sea waves. Coastal plains are usually not very wide and are excellent for building sea ports, helping with trade. Many people also visit these places for enjoyment, and they are frequently used for pisciculture (fish farming).
(vi) Mountain: Mountains are high landforms that rise steeply from the surrounding area. They are often rugged and can influence weather patterns, leading to varied climates. Mountains are important for wildlife and can be home to unique human communities. They also serve as sources for many rivers.
In simple words: Islands are land in water; river basins are areas drained by rivers, providing water. Plains are flat, fertile areas good for farming and cities. Plateaus are flat-topped hills used for grazing or farming, sometimes with minerals. Coastal plains are flat lands by the sea, good for ports. Mountains are tall landforms, important for climate and life.

🎯 Exam Tip: For descriptive questions involving multiple elements, define each term clearly and then provide key characteristics or uses, along with relevant examples if possible.

Other Important Questions

(A) Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1. What is the primary source of energy on the earth?
(a) Coal
(b) Petroleum
(c) Sun
(d) None of the options
Answer: (c) Sun
In simple words: The sun is the main source of all energy on Earth, providing light and heat that powers life and natural processes.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always remember that the sun is the ultimate energy source for nearly all life and energy cycles on Earth, directly or indirectly.

Question 2. On which mountain ranges is Mount Everest located?
(a) Rocky
(b) Andes
(c) Himalayas
(d) Atlas
Answer: (c) Himalayas
In simple words: Mount Everest, the world's tallest peak, is found in the grand Himalayan mountain range.

🎯 Exam Tip: Know the major mountain ranges and the famous peaks associated with them, as this is a common geography question.

Question 3. What is the main occupation of people living in mountains?
(a) Agriculture
(b) Industries
(c) Transportation
(d) Animal husbandry
Answer: (d) Animal husbandry
In simple words: People in mountain areas often raise animals like sheep and goats as their main way of earning a living, because farming can be difficult there.

🎯 Exam Tip: Consider the environmental challenges of mountain regions (steep slopes, cold climate) to infer the most suitable occupations for residents.

Question 4. (a) Mountains (b) Plains (c) Plateaus (d) Coastal areas
Answer: (c) Plateaus
In simple words: When given a choice of landforms, plateaus are often the correct answer if the question implies a high, flat area.

🎯 Exam Tip: Carefully read the question (even if parts are missing in the OCR) and match the characteristics of the options with known landform definitions.

Question 5. The naturally flowing single stream of water is called.
(a) Waterfall
(b) Tributary
(c) River
(d) All of the options
Answer: (c) River
In simple words: A single, natural flow of water over land is known as a river, moving from higher to lower ground.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the basic definitions of water bodies; a river is a flowing channel, a waterfall is a drop, and a tributary flows into a larger river.

Question 6. On which river is the Majuli Island situated?
(a) Ganga
(b) Godawari
(c) Kaveri
(d) Brahamputra
Answer: (d) Brahamputra
In simple words: Majuli, the world's largest river island, is located in the Brahmaputra River in India.

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorize the locations of important geographical features like major islands and their associated rivers for such specific questions.

(B) Fill in the Blanks:

Question 1. The entire area of earth where life exists is called _______.
Answer: Biosphere
In simple words: The biosphere is the part of Earth that supports all forms of life, including land, water, and air.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the definition of biosphere as the region of the Earth occupied by living organisms.

Question 2. The hard surface of earth is called _______.
Answer: Lithosphere
In simple words: The lithosphere is the hard, outer layer of the Earth, which includes the crust and upper part of the mantle.

🎯 Exam Tip: Learn the different layers of the Earth (lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere) and what each one represents.

Question 3. We find plants make their food from _______.
Answer: Sun/Sunlight
In simple words: Plants use energy from the sun to make their own food through a process called photosynthesis.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the fundamental process of photosynthesis and the role of sunlight as the primary energy source.

(C) Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. When did the biosphere develop on earth?
Answer: The biosphere, where life exists, began to develop on Earth millions of years ago. It took a very long time for all the conditions to be just right for living things to appear and thrive. The Earth's environment slowly changed to support life.
In simple words: The biosphere started forming on Earth many millions of years ago, as the planet became suitable for life.

🎯 Exam Tip: While an exact date isn't usually required, remember that the development of the biosphere was a gradual process over geological time.

Question 2. What is food chain?
Answer: A food chain shows how energy and food are passed from one living thing to another in an organized way within the biosphere. It describes who eats whom, starting from producers and moving to consumers. For example, a plant is eaten by a rabbit, and the rabbit is eaten by a fox.
In simple words: A food chain is the path that food and energy take from one living thing to the next in an ecosystem.

🎯 Exam Tip: When defining a food chain, always highlight the transfer of both "food" and "energy" between different levels of organisms.

Question 3. Describe the various landforms on the earth.
Answer: The Earth has many different types of landforms. Here are some of the main ones:
(i) Mountains: These are very tall areas of land that rise high above the surroundings.
(ii) Plateaus: These are high lands that have a flat top, like a table.
(iii) Plains: These are large, flat areas of land.
(iv) River basins: These are the areas of land where a river and its smaller branches (tributaries) collect water.
(v) Coastal plains: These are flat lands found along the sea or ocean.
(vi) Islands: These are pieces of land that are completely surrounded by water. Each landform has unique features and uses.
In simple words: Earth has different land shapes like tall mountains, flat-top plateaus, wide plains, river basins where rivers flow, coastal plains near the sea, and islands surrounded by water.

🎯 Exam Tip: Briefly define each landform in simple terms and try to visualize them to remember their characteristics easily.

Question 4. Name the highest peak on the earth?
Answer: The highest peak on Earth is Mount Everest, which stands at 8848 meters. It is located in the Himalayan mountain ranges, a majestic part of the world's geography. This towering peak is a symbol of natural grandeur.
In simple words: Mount Everest is the highest peak on Earth, and it is 8848 meters tall, found in the Himalayas.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember both the name (Mount Everest) and the approximate height (8848 meters) along with its mountain range (Himalayas) for full marks.

Question 5. What are mountain range?
Answer: A mountain range is a group or chain of mountains that are connected. These mountains are often formed together by the same geological processes, like plate tectonics. They usually stretch over a long distance, creating a significant landform. For example, the Himalayas are a famous mountain range.
In simple words: A mountain range is a long line or group of many mountains that are joined together.

🎯 Exam Tip: When defining a mountain range, emphasize that it's a *series* or *chain* of mountains, not just a single peak, and often shares a common origin.

Question 7. Describe plateaus?
Answer: Plateaus are areas of land that are high up, wide, and have a flat top, with a gentle slope. They are often called tablelands because of their flat surfaces. The Deccan Plateau and the Chhota Nagpur Plateau in India are good examples of plateaus. Plateaus can be found all over the world and are important for various reasons, including agriculture and minerals.
In simple words: Plateaus are high, wide areas of land that are flat on top, like a table, and have gentle slopes.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight "high," "wide," and "flat top" as the key descriptive terms for a plateau, and include an example to illustrate.

Question 8. What do you mean by river basin?
Answer: A river basin is the entire area of land where a main river and all its smaller rivers (tributaries) flow and collect water. All the rainfall in this area eventually drains into that main river. It forms a network of water channels that support the surrounding land and its inhabitants.
In simple words: A river basin is the whole land area where a main river and all its smaller connected rivers flow.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state that a river basin includes the main river and its tributaries, and is the area where all water drains into that system.

Question 9. What do you mean by tributaries?
Answer: Just like branches on a tree, tributaries are smaller rivers that flow into a bigger, main river. They join together with the main river, adding to its volume of water. These smaller rivers help to drain water from a wider area into the main river, contributing to the overall river system. They are crucial for the water cycle and ecosystem.
In simple words: Tributaries are smaller rivers that flow and join into a larger main river.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the analogy of "branches of a tree" to explain tributaries, making it easier to understand their role in feeding a main river.

(D) Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Mention three main characteristics of Biosphere.
Answer: Here are three main characteristics of the biosphere:
• A large amount of water is available. Water is essential for all life forms.
• The Earth constantly receives energy from the sun. This solar energy is vital for processes like photosynthesis.
• This part of the Earth has a good combination of solid (land), liquid (water), and gas (atmosphere). This unique blend creates a habitable environment.
In simple words: The biosphere has lots of water, gets energy from the sun all the time, and has a good mix of land, water, and air.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the fundamental elements necessary for life – water, energy (sun), and a balanced physical environment (solid, liquid, gas).

Question 2. Classify the organisms of biosphere.
Answer: Organisms in the biosphere are broadly classified based on how they get their food and energy. The three main categories are:
• Producers: These organisms, mainly plants, make their own food using sunlight through photosynthesis.
• Consumers: These organisms get energy by eating other organisms. They can be herbivores (eat plants), carnivores (eat meat), or omnivores (eat both).
• Decomposers: These organisms, like bacteria and fungi, break down dead plants and animals, returning nutrients to the soil. This classification helps us understand energy flow.
In simple words: Organisms in the biosphere are grouped into producers (make food), consumers (eat others), and decomposers (break down dead things).

🎯 Exam Tip: When classifying organisms, remember the three main roles (producer, consumer, decomposer) and briefly define each, focusing on their energy source.

Question 3. Describe the inter-relationship between man and environment.
Answer: Earth has a lot of natural variety, and its climate changes from the equator to the poles. These differences in geography lead to different environments. Because of these varied environments, many different birds, animals, and plants have grown and adapted on Earth. Clearly, the environment affects plants and animals, and in return, they affect the environment.
Today, humans have made both relative and absolute changes to the environment. These changes can be good or bad. For example, we irrigate deserts for farming, but we also cut down forests. Every living thing is important for keeping the environment balanced. All organisms on Earth matter, so we should protect them all. Humans have a big responsibility to keep this balance.
In simple words: Humans and the environment are connected; the environment shapes life, and humans change the environment in many ways. We must protect all living things to keep Earth balanced.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the two-way relationship between humans and the environment, including both the environment's influence on life and human impact (positive and negative).

Question 4. Explain the causes of environment imbalance in the present.
Answer: To meet their ever-growing needs and for economic growth, humans are using nature very intensely. This is causing an imbalance in the environment. The main reasons for this imbalance are:
• Destruction of plants and animals (flora and fauna).
• Replacing native plants and animals with foreign species.
• Changes in the parts of the ecosystem for development.
• Wide use of harmful pesticides and insecticides.
• Changes in the amounts of different gases in the air.
• Environmental pollution, which makes the air, water, and land dirty. These human activities often disrupt natural harmony.
In simple words: The environment is getting unbalanced because humans are intensely using nature for their growing needs and development. This includes destroying plants and animals, using pesticides, changing ecosystems, and causing pollution.

🎯 Exam Tip: When listing causes of environmental imbalance, group them into categories like deforestation/habitat loss, pollution, and unsustainable resource use.

Question 5. Describe the types of rivers according to the availability of water.
Answer: A river is a single stream of water flowing naturally on the Earth's surface. Rivers always follow the slope of the land. They usually start in high mountain areas. Rivers can be mainly of two types based on their water source:
• Perennial Rivers: These rivers have their origin in very high mountains. They get water from both rainfall and melting snow throughout the year, so they flow continuously. Examples include the Ganga and Brahmaputra.
• Non-Perennial or Seasonal Rivers: These rivers mainly depend on rainfall. They flow only during the rainy season and may dry up or have very little water during dry periods. Examples include many rivers in peninsular India.
This distinction helps understand their flow patterns.
In simple words: Rivers flow naturally. Some rivers, called perennial, flow all year because they get water from rain and melting snow. Others, called seasonal rivers, flow only when it rains.

🎯 Exam Tip: Classify rivers into perennial and seasonal, explaining their water sources (melting snow/rain vs. only rain) and flow patterns (continuous vs. intermittent).

Question 1. Describe the utility of oceans.
Answer: Oceans cover about three-fourths of the Earth's surface. There are mainly four oceans: the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean. Their importance is as follows:
• Oceans are home to many living organisms, especially fish, which are a major food source for humans.
• They hold large amounts of valuable minerals.
• Coastal areas near oceans often have possibilities for petroleum reserves.
• Oceans offer the cheapest way to travel and transport goods. Importing and exporting through sea routes is very cost-effective.
• Just like land, oceans also have underwater mountains, plateaus, plains, and deep trenches (gorges). These underwater features support diverse ecosystems.
In simple words: Oceans cover most of Earth and are useful for many things. They provide food (fish), minerals, and a cheap way to travel. They also have mountains and plains under the water.

🎯 Exam Tip: List a variety of utilities for oceans, including economic benefits (food, minerals, transport) and ecological importance (habitat, underwater landforms).

Question 2. What do you understand by mountain? Describe its characteristics.
Answer: A mountain is a large natural elevation of the Earth's surface that rises sharply above the surrounding area, typically 600 meters or more. Mountains can extend for thousands of kilometers in length. They are prominent landforms that often influence climate and ecosystems. They are formed through various geological processes, such as tectonic plate collisions.
Special Characteristics of Mountains:
• Mountains are usually wide at their base and become narrow towards the top.
• The top part, or summit, of a mountain often has a steep slope.
• Mountainous regions are cooler than nearby low-lying areas because temperature drops as height increases.
• Air carrying water (water-laden air) causes heavy rainfall when it hits mountains. The side of the mountain facing the wind (windward side) gets plenty of rain, while the other side (leeward side) gets very little rain. This dry area is called a rain shadow area. This is a crucial concept in geography.
• Raising animals is a major occupation in these areas. Farming is generally less common compared to flatter plains.
In simple words: A mountain is a very high part of Earth's land, usually tall and wide at the bottom, getting narrow at the top. Mountains are cooler, cause rain on one side, and people often raise animals there because farming is hard.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing mountains, include both their definition (height, shape) and key features like temperature changes, rainfall patterns (rain shadow), and common human activities.