Selina Concise Solutions for ICSE Class 6 Geography Chapter 9 North America Climate Natural Vegetation Wildlife Mineral and Power Resources

EXERCISES

A. Fill in the blanks with the correct answer.

1. The northern parts of North America are colder than the southern parts.
2. The South Westerlies cause rain throughout the year along the north - west coast in the northern part of North America.
3. The Alaskan Current warms the Alaskan Coast and keeps it frost-free in winter.
4. The tropical regions mainly experience rainfall in the summer season.
5. The prairies are a vast stretch of tall grasses.
Answer:
1. colder
2. South Westerlies
3. Alaskan Current
4. summer
5. tall
These answers show how factors like wind, water currents, and land position shape the environment. Understanding these basics helps us predict what the weather and plants will be like in different regions.
Teacher's Tip: Remember "Colder is North" for the northern hemisphere.
Exam Tip: Use a pencil to underline the blank words to make them stand out to the examiner.

B. Match the following

A
1. tundra
2. coniferous trees
3. prairies
4. mixed forests
5. deciduous trees
6. mediterranean vegetation
7. desert
8. tropical rainforests
B
(i) hardwood and softwood trees
(ii) bison
(iii) softwood trees
(iv) cactus, lizards, and scorpions
(v) monkeys and reptiles
(vi) mosses and lichens
(vii) hardwood trees
(viii) olive and citrus fruit trees
Answer:
1. tundra - (v) monkeys and reptiles
2. coniferous trees - (iii) softwood trees
3. prairies - (ii) bison
4. mixed forests - (i) hardwood and softwood trees
5. deciduous trees - (vii) hardwood trees
6. mediterranean vegetation - (viii) olive and citrus fruit trees
7. desert - (iv) cactus, lizards, and scorpions
8. tropical rainforests - (vi) mosses and lichens
This exercise links specific plants and animals to the natural environments where they can survive. It highlights the vast biodiversity across the North American continent from the frozen north to the deserts.
Teacher's Tip: Use logic for the easy ones first: Cacti belong to Deserts, and Bison belong to Prairies.
Exam Tip: If you are unsure, match the ones you definitely know first to narrow down the remaining options.

C. Select the appropriate term from the list given below to fill in the blank after each statement
- the prairies
- chaparral
- the taiga
- the tundra
- Mediterranean climate
1. An extremely cold region which is treeless, the tundra.
2. A vast stretch of coniferous forests in the cool temperate latitudes, the taiga.
3. The only climate in North America which gets winter rain. Mediterranean climate.
4. Grasslands where the bison are nearing extinction. The Prairies.
5. The scrub-like vegetation found in coastal California. Chaparral.
Answer:
1. the tundra
2. the taiga
3. Mediterranean climate
4. The Prairies
5. Chaparral
Each term describes a unique ecosystem with its own specific climate and plant life. Learning these terms helps us identify different biological zones on a map.
Teacher's Tip: Think of "Taiga" as "Tall" trees and "Tundra" as "Tiny" plants.
Exam Tip: Double-check that you have used each word from the provided list only once.

D. Differentiate between each of the following pairs.

Question 1: Cool temperate east coast and west coast climates
Answer:
Cool temperate east coast:
1. The cool temperate East coast experiences milder summer and winter due to the influence of the oceans.
2. The region receives abundant rainfall throughout the year, which is more than that received in the cool temperate climatic region.
West coast climates:
1. The cool temperate west coast type experiences summer warms and dry while winters are mild and wet.
2. Receive abundant rainfall throughout the year brought by the Westerly winds.
West coast climates are influenced by winds coming from the ocean, while east coasts often feel the effects of water currents. This leads to distinct differences in how much rain falls and how temperatures change with the seasons.
Teacher's Tip: Remember that "W"est coast is "W"et and mild in winter because of the Westerlies.
Exam Tip: Always present differences in a point-by-point format to ensure your answer is clear to read.

Question 2: Warm temperate west coast and east coast climates.
Answer:
Temperate west coast :
This climate type is found just south of the cool temperate west coast climatic region, along a narrow belt on the west coast in California.
- Here, summers are warm and dry, while winters are mild and wet.
- The region comes under the influence of the Westerlies in winter.
East coast climates:
- In this climatic region, summers are warm and winters are mild. Rainfall occurs all year round, but mostly in summer brought by the North-East. Trade Winds blowing from the Atlantic Ocean. The rainfall gradually decreases westwards. The south-eastern part of the continent and the coastal areas around the Gulf of Mexico in the USA experience this type of climate.
These regions are found in lower latitudes and have distinct seasonal patterns based on their position relative to the ocean. The east coast generally feels the warmth of trade winds, which bring moisture and summer rain.
Teacher's Tip: "Mediterranean" (Warm temperate west coast) always means dry summers and wet winters.
Exam Tip: Mention specific geographic locations like "California" or "Gulf of Mexico" to enhance the quality of your answer.

Question 3: Deciduous and coniferous vegetation.
Answer:
Differences between deciduous and coniferous vegetation
Deciduous :
1. They have broad leaves.
2. All trees of one species shed their leaves once a year in the dry season so trees are bare for some time.
3. They yield hardwood.
4. They have wide trunks with wide spread branches at the top.
Coniferous:
1. They have needle - like leaves.
2. The trees do not shed their leaves in any particular season so the forests appear green at all times.
3. They yield softwood.
4. They have tall, slender trunks, wider at the base and tapering at the top.
Deciduous trees change with the seasons to save water, while coniferous trees are shaped like cones to shed heavy snow easily. This demonstrates how different types of trees adapt perfectly to their local weather patterns.
Teacher's Tip: "D"eciduous trees "D"rop their leaves every year.
Exam Tip: Use physical features like "broad leaves" versus "needle-like leaves" as your main points of comparison.

E. Answer the following questions in brief.

Question 1: How does the latitudinal extent of North America affect its climate?
Answer:
North America lies within the temperate zone. Some parts in the north of the continent lie in the frigid zone. So the northern part of the continent is colder than the southern part.
Because North America is so long from north to south, it passes through several different heat zones. This is why you can find frozen ice in the far north and hot sunshine in the south.
Teacher's Tip: Latitude determines the "Attitude" of the temperature in a region.
Exam Tip: Mention the "frigid zone" and "temperate zone" to show you know the correct scientific terms.

Question 2: Identify the winds that bring summer rainfall and winter rainfall to North America.
Answer:
North-East Trade Winds and South Westerlies bring rainfall in North America. The North-East Trade Winds bring heavy rainfall to the east coast and southern parts of North America during summer. The South Westerlies, coming from the Pacific Ocean, bring rain throughout the year to places in the north-west of North America and winter rain to places in south-west North America.
Winds like the Trade Winds act like giant conveyors, carrying moisture from the ocean onto the land. This distribution of air is what creates the different seasons of rain across the continent.
Teacher's Tip: "W"esterlies always come from the "W"est direction.
Exam Tip: Clearly state which winds bring summer rain and which bring winter rain to get full marks.

Question 3: Why does the Alaskan Coast remain frost-free in the winter season?
Answer:
The Gulf Stream in the south-east and the Alaskan Current in the north-west are warm currents. The coastal parts of Alaska are frost-free even in winter because of the Alaskan Current.
Warm water currents act like a giant heater for the land nearby, preventing the air from getting too cold. Even though it is far north, this current keeps the water from freezing solid.
Teacher's Tip: Ocean currents are like "rivers" in the sea that carry heat from one place to another.
Exam Tip: Name the "Alaskan Current" specifically to show you understand the direct cause.

Question 4: Which areas of North America experience the cool temperate or mid-latitude continental type of climate? Name the type of natural vegetation found here.
Answer:
The interior of North America in the middle latitudes. The southern part of central Canada and the northern part of central USA experience this climate which is characterized by warm summers and cool and cold winters. This region receives moderate rainfall in summer and snow in winter.
The natural vegetation of this region is adapted to withstand the drought conditions. The cork oak, olive, Mediterranean pine, laurel, and cedar are the trees found in this region. Fruit trees such as orange, peach, apricot, lemon, and walnut thrive.
This climate is found far away from the ocean, so it gets very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. The plants here must be tough enough to handle dry spells and changing temperatures.
Teacher's Tip: "Continental" means a place is far from the sea, so expect more extreme temperatures.
Exam Tip: List at least three types of trees or fruits found in the region to provide a complete answer.

Question 5: Bring out the difference between the wildlife of the tropical and taiga forests of North America.
Answer:
The tropical regions of Central America have hardwood vegetation consisting mainly of mahogany, palms, rubber, and cocoa trees. These forests are dense and large animals are rare. Instead a variety of birds, monkeys, insects, and reptiles thrive in these forests.
Tropical forests are warm and wet, making them perfect for climbing animals and colorful birds. In contrast, taiga forests are much colder, so animals there need thick fur or fat to survive long winters.
Teacher's Tip: Associate "Tropical" with monkeys and "Taiga" with furry, cold-weather animals.
Exam Tip: Focus your answer on the "density" of the forest and the "size" of the animals found there.

Question 6: Name the areas of important coal deposits in North America.
Answer:
Coal is mainly found in the Appalachians and is of the high grade bituminous and anthracite variety. Northeastern Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Illinois, and West Virginia are some important coal producing centres. Large deposits of coal are also found in the Rockies of Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana.
These deposits are the remains of ancient forests that were buried and compressed millions of years ago. Finding them helps us identify where the major mining industries are located on the continent.
Teacher's Tip: Always think of the "Appalachians" first when you think of North American coal.
Exam Tip: Name specific states like "Pennsylvania" or "Kentucky" to demonstrate your detailed knowledge.

F. Answer the following questions in one or two paragraphs.

Question 1: How do the mountain ranges affect the climate of North America?
Answer:
In North America, both the Western Cordilleras and the Eastern Highlands extend in a north-south direction parallel to the coast. Thus, in winter, the cold winds from the tundra region can easily reach the interior of the continent as there is no east-west range to block it.
Likewise, in summer, the warm winds from the torrid zone raise the temperature of places situated in the temperate latitudes. The direction of the mountain ranges also cuts off the interior central plains from the maritime influence of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
The north-south direction of the mountains acts like a funnel for air coming from the Arctic and the Tropics. Without mountain ranges to block the path east-to-west, weather can change very quickly across the central plains.
Teacher's Tip: Imagine the mountains as "walls" that redirect wind and keep ocean air out of the center.
Exam Tip: Mention both the summer and winter effects to show a complete understanding of climate control.

Question 2: Write about the climatic characteristics of the hot desert type of climate in North America.
Answer:
The desert climate is mainly found in northern Mexico and in the south-west of the USA. Where the influence of the rain-bearing Westerlies and the North-East Trade Winds is not felt, a dry climate with very hot summers and little or no rainfall is experienced.
Deserts form in areas where winds have already lost all their moisture before reaching the land. This results in intense heat during the day and a landscape where only specialized plants can grow.
Teacher's Tip: The simple formula for this climate is: No rain + High heat = Desert.
Exam Tip: Identify the "south-west USA" and "northern Mexico" as the two key locations for this climate.

Question 3: The vegetation of North America is closely related to the climatic conditions. Explain this statement and give examples from any two regions.
Answer:
The great variety of climates has resulted in a great variety of vegetation in North America - tropical forests in Central America, desert vegetation in Mexico and southern USA, Mediterranean vegetation along the Californian Coast, coniferous forests in Canada, and tundra vegetation in the areas of Arctic climate.
Plants can only grow where they have the exact amount of heat and water they need to survive. This is why the forest type changes dramatically as you move from the frozen Arctic north to the tropical south.
Teacher's Tip: Climate is like the "boss" that tells different plants exactly where they are allowed to live.
Exam Tip: Use two clear examples like "Tundra" and "Tropical Forests" to explain your point clearly.

Question 4: Where are the prairies situated? What are the major human activities in this region?
Answer:
The prairies are the natural vegetation of the interior parts of North America in the cool temperate latitudes. Very little summer rainfall can support only the rich, tall grasses, which occur in vast stretches. Cattle rearing is, therefore, the main occupation here. But at several places, the grass has been replaced by wheat farms, another major occupation of the region.
These vast grasslands are often called the "breadbasket of the world" because the soil is so good for growing grain. The moderate rain and fertile earth make it perfect for both farming crops and ranching animals.
Teacher's Tip: Just remember: Prairies = Grass and Grain.
Exam Tip: Mention "cattle rearing" and "wheat farming" as the two primary human activities in the prairies.

Question 5: Describe the climate and vegetation of the Mediterranean climate region of North America.
Answer:
The west coast of North America, especially the Californian Coast, experiences hot dry summers and cool wet winters. So, the natural vegetation of this region is adapted to withstand the drought conditions. The cork oak, olive, Mediterranean pine, laurel, and cedar are the trees found in this region. Fruit trees such as orange, peach, apricot, lemon, and walnut thrive. Fruit orchards have replaced much of the original scrub-like vegetation called chaparral.
This region has a unique weather cycle where rain comes in the winter instead of the summer. Plants here, like the olive tree, have thick or waxy leaves to stop them from losing water in the hot summer sun.
Teacher's Tip: Mediterranean regions are the world's best lands for "Orchards and Olives."
Exam Tip: Use the term "Chaparral" to correctly describe the original scrub-like vegetation found there.

Question 6: What is natural gas? What are its uses?
Answer:
Natural gas is a mixture of hydrocarbons such as methane, ethane, and propane. It is usually found together with petroleum in the same region. It is an important fuel and is used for lighting, heating and generating electricity for industrial and domestic use. Nowadays natural gas is transported by pipelines and in special tankers or barges as liquefied natural gas.
Natural gas is a vital energy resource that burns cleaner than coal or oil. It powers our stove burners at home and is also used by huge factories to create the products we use every day.
Teacher's Tip: Natural gas is almost always found as a "neighbor" to petroleum deposits.
Exam Tip: List the different gases like methane and ethane to show you know the chemical mixture.

Question 7: North America has vast water power resources. Explain.
Answer:
North America also has vast water power resources. Large dams have been constructed across rivers such as the Columbia, the Tennessee and the Colorado to produce hydroelectric power. Many power projects have also been developed in the Appalachian and the Rocky Mountains. The Niagara Falls provide water power to both Canada and the USA.
By using fast-flowing rivers, countries can generate electricity without needing to burn coal or gas. Large dams capture the energy of falling water to power millions of homes across the continent.
Teacher's Tip: Water power is officially called "Hydroelectric power."
Exam Tip: Mention "Niagara Falls" as a key example of a water resource shared by two different countries.

G Map work.
On a blank outline map of North America, do as directed

Question 1: Show with black arrows the North-East Trade Winds and the South Westerlies.
Answer:
(Refer to the provided map in the textbook to draw arrows showing the winds' directions).
 

Question 2: Use red arrows to show the warm ocean currents and blue arrows to show the cold currents that wash the shores of North America in the east and the west.
Answer:
See answer Q.1. above.
 

Question 3: Make a key and show with different colours the different climates found in North America.
Answer:
(Refer to the climatic map to color the different regions such as Arctic, Desert, and Tropical).
 

Question 4: In each of the above climatic regions write the name/ names of the tree species that thrive there.
Answer:
1. Arctic or tundra - Mosses, lichens grasses and dwarf bushes.
2. Cold - Continental
3. Cool temperate mid-latitude
4. Cool temperate East Coast
5. Cool temperate West Coast
6. Warm temperate West Coast
7. Warm temperate East Coast
8. Desert : Saguaro (against cactus), coarse grass and creosote brushes.
9. Tropical : Mahogny, palms, rubber and coca trees.
Each tree species has evolved over time to thrive in its own specific climate zone. This list shows the incredible variety of nature that can be found across a single giant continent.
Teacher's Tip: Mosses for the cold north, and Palms for the hot tropical south.
Exam Tip: Match the tree species exactly to the climate region as listed in your textbook map key.

H. Picture study.

1. This is a photograph of the coniferous forests in North America.

Question 1: Where in North America is this variety of trees found?
Answer:
California
Coniferous forests are usually found in cooler or mountainous parts of the continent where trees need to stay green all year. California's high mountains provide the perfect temperature for these trees to grow tall.
Teacher's Tip: Coniferous trees are shaped like cones to help snow slide off easily.
Exam Tip: State the specific location "California" as indicated in your textbook answer.

Question 2: How do the animals of this region protect themselves from extreme temperatures?
Answer:
The animals of the region also have thick fur to protect them from extreme cold. Some animals hibernate or sleep all through winters. The thick layers of fat under their skin proves useful during this period.
Nature provides these animals with thick "coats" of fur and "blankets" of fat to keep their body heat inside. Hibernation is a clever survival strategy that lets animals "skip" the hardest part of the year.
Teacher's Tip: Fat layers act like a natural "jacket" and "battery" combined for wild animals.
Exam Tip: Mention "thick fur," "fat layers," and "hibernation" as the three main ways animals stay safe.

2. This is a photograph of a famous waterfall in North America.

Question 1: Name the waterfall seen in the picture.
Answer:
Niagara falls
Niagara Falls is one of the most powerful and famous natural sights in the entire world. It sits exactly on the border between two countries and moves a massive amount of water every second.
Teacher's Tip: Niagara is famous for its unique "Horseshoe" shape on the Canadian side.
Exam Tip: Be sure to spell "Niagara" correctly to avoid losing marks on your exam.

Question 2: Which countries get hydroelectricity from this waterfall?
Answer:
Canada and USA
Because the falls are located right on the international border, both neighboring countries share the clean power it generates. This is a perfect example of how two nations can cooperate to use a shared natural resource.
Teacher's Tip: It's a "Friendly Falls" shared by two great neighbors.
Exam Tip: Name both "Canada" and "USA" clearly to receive full credit for this question.