Geography Paper II Solution (N 434) - July 2024
Q. 1. Complete the following sentences by choosing the appropriate alternatives from those given and rewrite the sentences in your answer-book: (4 Marks)
Q. 2. Identify the wrong pair: (4 Marks)
(Correct Fact: Tropic of Cancer passes through the centre of India)
(Correct Fact: India has a higher proportion of youth compared to Brazil)
(Correct Fact: Taj Mahal is in Agra)
Q. 3. Write short notes on (any two): (4 Marks)
(1) India–location and extent
Location: India is located in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres of the Earth. It is located in the southern part of the Asian continent.
Extent: The mainland of India extends from 8°4'N to 37°6'N latitudes and from 68°7'E to 97°25'E longitudes. The Tropic of Cancer (23°30'N) passes through the middle of the country. It is the 7th largest country in the world by area.
(2) Escarpment (The Great Escarpment of Brazil)
Though the Great Escarpment occupies a very small area, it is a unique physiographic division of Brazil. From Sao Paulo to Porto Alegre, the height of the Brazil Highland decreases sharply. The escarpment acts as a barrier to the Southeast Trade winds, causing heavy orographic rainfall in the coastal region. The region to the west of the escarpment remains in the rain shadow area and is known as the 'Drought Quadrilateral'.
(3) Importance of Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean provides India with a strategic location connecting East Asia, Europe, and Africa. It is vital for trade and commerce. The ocean influences the monsoon climate of the Indian subcontinent. It is rich in resources like fish, minerals, and oil (e.g., Bombay High). It also holds strategic importance for national defense and security.
Q. 4. (A) Mark the following in the outline map of Brazil supplied to you, write the names and give index (any four): (4 Marks)
Q. 4. (B) Observe the given map and answer the questions given below it (any four): (4 Marks)
(1) What does the map show?
Answer: The map shows the Population Density of India (2011 census).
(2) Name any two states with less than 100 people per sq. km.
Answer: Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim (Any two).
(3) Write the population density of Madhya Pradesh.
Answer: 101-250 persons per sq. km.
(4) Name any two Southern states with more than 500 people per sq.km.
Answer: Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
(5) Write the density of Mizoram state.
Answer: Less than 100 persons per sq. km.
Q. 5. Give geographical reasons for the following (any two): (6 Marks)
(1) India is a major trading partner for other countries of the world.
India has a central location at the head of the Indian Ocean, connecting the West and the East. It has a vast coastline and major ports facilitating trade. India is a rich source of raw materials, spices, textiles, and software services. Additionally, India's large population provides a massive market for global goods. Hence, it is a significant trading partner.
(2) Brazil does not receive snowfall.
Most of Brazil lies in the tropical zone. The Equator passes through the northern part, and the Tropic of Capricorn passes through the south. The climate is generally hot and humid. Brazil does not have very high mountain ranges (like the Himalayas) where temperatures drop below freezing point to cause snowfall. Snowfall occurs only very rarely in the high-altitude southern regions during extreme winters.
(3) Settlements are sparse in North-Eastern Brazil.
The North-Eastern part of Brazil, particularly the Caatinga region, falls in the rain shadow area of the Great Escarpment. It receives very scanty rainfall and frequently faces drought conditions (Drought Quadrilateral). The land is not suitable for extensive agriculture, and water scarcity makes life difficult. Therefore, settlements are sparse.
(4) Telecom industry has become one of the fastest growing sector in India.
With the rise of digital communication devices like mobile phones and the internet, India has become one of the largest users of smartphones and data services. The country's large and diverse population creates a high demand for communication services. Urbanisation and efforts to extend connectivity to rural areas drive the expansion of telecom infrastructure. The development of indigenous satellites has enabled wider communication coverage across the country. Hence, with the explosion of electronic media, the telecom industry has become one of the fastest-growing sectors in India. Today, India is one of the largest countries using smartphones and internet for wide reach of communication.
Q. 6. (A) With the help of given statistical data, prepare a simple bar graph and answer the following questions: (6 Marks)
(Note: Students should draw the bar graph on graph paper using the data: 1961-18.0, 1971-18.2, 1981-23.3, 1991-25.7, 2001-27.8, 2011-31.2)
(1) In which decade was urbanisation the highest?
Answer: The highest percentage of urbanisation shown is in the year 2011 (31.2%).
(2) By how much percentage did urbanisation increase between 1981 to 1991?
Answer: 1991 (25.7%) - 1981 (23.3%) = 2.4%.
(3) In which decade was the growth of urbanisation lowest?
Answer: Between 1961 to 1971 (Growth was only 0.2%).
Q. 6. (B) OR - Observe the following figures and answer the questions given below them:
(Based on Pie Charts showing contribution of sectors to GDP and Population engagement in Brazil and India)
(1) Which country has a higher percentage of population engaged in primary activities?
Answer: India (48.8% vs Brazil's 10%).
(2) In which country is the contribution of tertiary sector greater in GDP?
Answer: Brazil (67% vs India's 57%).
(3) In which country is the share of secondary activities more in the G.D.P?
Answer: Brazil (27.5% vs India's 26%).
(4) What is the contribution of secondary sector in India’s G.D.P.?
Answer: 26%.
(5) By how much percent is the tertiary sector of Brazil higher than India in its G.D.P.?
Answer: 67% (Brazil) - 57% (India) = 10%.
(6) Name the sector of India which contributes less in GDP but more in population.
Answer: The Primary Sector (Contributes only 17% to GDP but employs 48.8% of the population).
Q. 7. Answer the following questions in detail (any two): (8 Marks)
(1) What is field visit? What precautions you will take when you visit a sea coast?
Field Visit: A field visit is an important method of studying geography where students visit a specific place to collect information directly through observation, interviews, and surveys. It helps in understanding the correlation between human and physical factors.
Precautions while visiting a sea coast:
- Consult local authorities about the timings of high tide and low tide.
- Do not enter deep waters or go swimming without supervision.
- Avoid dangerous rocky areas or cliffs near the sea.
- Carry a first-aid box and obey all warning signs posted on the beach.
- Do not litter or harm marine life.
- Click photographs only from safe distances (avoid risky selfies).
(2) Write detailed information on Himalayan Mountains.
The Himalayas: The Himalayas are young fold mountains located in the northern part of India. They act as a natural barrier and a climatic divide.
- Extent: They stretch from Jammu & Kashmir in the west to Arunachal Pradesh in the east in an arc shape.
- Divisions: The Himalayas are divided into three parallel ranges from South to North:
- The Shiwaliks: The southernmost and youngest range.
- The Lesser Himalayas (Himachal): Located to the north of Shiwaliks.
- The Greater Himalayas (Himadri): The northernmost range with the highest peaks.
- Importance: They obstruct the cold winds from the north and the monsoon winds from the south, causing rainfall in India. They are the source of major perennial rivers like the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra.
(3) What are the major causes of degradation of forest in Brazil and India?
Causes in Brazil:
- Slash and Burn Agriculture (Roca): Clearing forests for farming is a major cause.
- Cattle Ranching: Vast areas of the Amazon are cleared for pastures.
- Logging: Illegal cutting of trees for timber.
- Mining and Infrastructure: Road construction (Trans-Amazonian highway) and mining activities.
Causes in India:
- Population Pressure: Increasing demand for land for settlement and agriculture.
- Urbanisation and Industrialisation: Expansion of cities and industries into forest areas.
- Development Projects: Construction of dams, roads, and railways.
- Jhum Cultivation: Shifting cultivation in the North-East.
- Illegal Logging and Fuelwood: Collection of wood for domestic and commercial use.