Ch5.

Major Domains of the Earth

I. Define the following terms:
1. Biosphere: The narrow zone where we find land, water and air
together which contains all forms of life.
2. Isthmus: It is a narrow strip of land that joins two land masses.
3. Strait: It is a narrow stretch of shallow water, which connects
two large water bodies.
4. Trench: A long, narrow depression on the sea floor.
II. Answer the following questions:
1. Draw different layers of atmosphere and name them.
Ans. The atmosphere extends up to a height of about 1,600 km.
The atmosphere is divided into five layers based on composition,
temperature and other properties. These layers starting from
earth’s surface are called the troposphere, the stratosphere, the
mesosphere, the thermosphere and the exosphere.
2. Why is the Atlantic Ocean world's busiest ocean in terms of
commerce?
Ans. The Atlantic Ocean is the world's busiest ocean in terms of
commerce because
1. It is surrounded by four continents.
2. The indented and irregular coastline provides ideal condition
for harbours and ports, which makes the region suitable for
carriage of goods and transportation.
 3. What is global warming and how can it be disastrous?
Ans. The increasing amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) leads to
increase in global temperature. This is termed as global warming.

The three domains of the earth are interlinked with each other.
Harming one domain may lead to destruction of other domains.
The rising temperature results in increasing natural calamities
which could be turned into disasters.
4. How can environment be protected?
Ans. The environment can be protected if we
a. use natural resources in a limited way to maintain the
balance of nature between all the domains of the earth.
b. do not pollute or harm any of the domains of the earth.
5. Mention the reasons of fast removal of soil from slopes.
Ans. The reasons behind fast removal of soil from slopes are given
below:
a. cutting of plants for fulfilling our demands.
b. clearing land for agriculture

To be done in the book

1. Name the two divisions of the earth's surface.
Ans. The two main divisions of the earth's surface are-
a. Continents: The large landmasses.
b. Ocean basins: The huge waterbodies.
2. How is the elevation of land measured?
Ans. Since the level of seawater remains the same everywhere.
Elevation of land is measured from the level of sea, which is taken
as zero.

3. Give two reasons for water shortage on our planet even though
the earth is described as the blue planet.
Ans. The reason behind shortage of water or 0.03 per cent as
fresh water available for our use on the earth are as follows:
a. The major portion of water is present on the earth in salty
form.
The large percent of freshwater is present in the form of ice
sheets and underground.
Mark the following in the Map Practice Book: (Pg. 15)
1. The world’s largest hot desert.
2. Asia is separated from Europe by which mountain range.
3. World’s longest mountain range.
4. The world’s longest river.
5. The world’s largest river.
6. It is called an island continent.

Answer:
1. Sahara desert
2. Ural mountain
3. Andes
4. Nile
5. Amazon
6. Australia