Class 9 Social Science Part 2 Chapter 2 MCQ – Life on Earth

Temperature affects growing seasons, while rainfall determines water availability. Together they strongly influence vegetation and the animals that a region can support.

A biome covers a broad ecological region. Its characteristic climate and vegetation support particular communities of organisms, although smaller ecosystems exist within it.

Dense leaves in the emergent and canopy layers intercept sunlight. Plants near the forest floor therefore receive less light and must tolerate shade.

Taiga, or boreal forest, is dominated by conifers such as pine and spruce. These trees are adapted to cold conditions and relatively short growing seasons.

Seasonal leaf shedding helps trees cope with cold or other unfavourable conditions. It reduces the costs of maintaining leaves when growth becomes difficult.

Savannas are tropical grasslands with scattered trees. Seasonal rainfall supports grasses and grazing animals but generally does not maintain continuous dense rainforest.

Grasslands provide forage for grazing animals. People use many grassland regions for livestock rearing and, where soils and water permit, agriculture.

Deserts are defined mainly by low precipitation, not heat alone. The Sahara is a hot desert, while the Gobi includes cold desert conditions.

The Rann changes seasonally. Monsoon water creates marshy conditions, while drying exposes extensive salt surfaces, producing a distinctive and demanding habitat.

A dense coat provides insulation in Ladakh’s cold desert. The contrast with Rajasthan’s camel shows how physical features relate to environmental conditions.

Camel humps contain fat reserves. These provide stored energy; the animal’s ability to survive dry conditions involves several adaptations, not a hump filled with water.

Tundra conditions restrict root growth and the time available for plant growth. Mosses, lichens and low shrubs tolerate these conditions better than tall trees.

Ponds usually contain freshwater and support organisms adapted to low salinity. Marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs and open seas, have salty water.

Coral reefs develop in marine environments and support many interconnected organisms. They are part of aquatic biodiversity, rather than terrestrial forest or grassland biomes.

Biodiversity includes differences within species, the variety of species and the ecosystems they form. Protecting habitats therefore matters alongside protecting individual animals.

Decomposers break down dead organic material and return nutrients to the environment. Plants can reuse these nutrients, helping maintain the functioning of ecosystems.

Sacred groves are protected through local beliefs and customs. Restrictions on damaging them can conserve species, water sources and valuable community knowledge.

Responsible ecotourism combines learning with low-impact behaviour and local benefits. Respecting rules and supporting appropriate local services helps protect habitats and livelihoods.

Thenmala is a planned ecotourism destination in Kerala. The chapter uses it to show how conservation, visitor education and local employment can connect.

Honey can be obtained from forest ecosystems without being timber. Other non-timber products include fruits, leaves, resins and materials supporting forest-based livelihoods.

A Geographical Indication identifies a product whose qualities or reputation relate to its origin. Selling it elsewhere does not change that geographical association.

Kandhamal Haldi is linked with Odisha. The example shows how a regional product can connect environmental conditions, traditional production and recognition in markets.

When habitats shrink or fragment, animals may encounter farms and settlements while seeking food or water. Waste and deliberate feeding can further attract them.

Securing food waste removes an artificial food source. It helps reduce repeated wildlife visits without teaching animals to depend on human feeding.

Replacing smoky solid fuels with LPG can reduce indoor smoke exposure. Continued use, affordable refills and safe cooking practices remain important for sustained benefits.

Community management can combine local knowledge, recognised rights and agreed conservation rules. Participation works best when responsibilities, benefits and monitoring are clear.

The Mendha Lekha example highlights community decisions through the Gram Sabha. Collective forest management links local livelihoods with responsibilities for protecting resources.

Ecological commons are natural resources shared or collectively managed by communities. Rules and cooperation help prevent overuse and maintain fair access.

Traditional tanks capture and store water, supporting irrigation and other local needs. Their usefulness depends on maintenance, catchment protection and fair management.

Asola Bhatti lies in southern Delhi’s Ridge landscape. The other named areas belong to different regions and should not be placed within Delhi.