Mountains are landforms that rise significantly above the surrounding land and have steep slopes. They influence the climate, vegetation, and lifestyle of people living in mountainous regions. Below are some important concepts and questions to help students prepare for AISSEE.
Concepts on Mountain Terrain and Lifestyle For All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination – AISSEE
Q1. What are the characteristics of mountain terrain?
A: Mountain terrain is characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, deep valleys, and rugged landscapes. It experiences cooler temperatures, thin air, and diverse vegetation.
Q2. How does the climate of mountain regions differ from plains?
A: Mountain regions generally have colder temperatures, higher rainfall, and snowfall at high altitudes. The air pressure is lower, and oxygen levels decrease with altitude.
Q3. What type of vegetation is found in mountain regions?
A: Mountain vegetation varies with altitude. Lower slopes have dense forests, while higher altitudes have alpine vegetation. Above the tree line, only mosses and lichens grow.
Q4. How do people adapt to life in mountain regions?
A: People adapt by wearing warm clothing, building houses with sloping roofs to prevent snow accumulation, and practicing terrace farming to prevent soil erosion.
Q5. What are the main occupations of people living in mountainous areas?
A: Agriculture, animal rearing, handicrafts, tourism, and forestry are the main occupations of people in mountainous regions.
Q6. How do mountains affect transportation and communication?
A: Steep slopes and rugged terrain make transportation and communication challenging. Roads are narrow and winding, and in some areas, people use ropeways and mules for travel.
Q7. What are some famous mountain ranges in India?
A: Some famous mountain ranges in India include the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, and the Eastern Ghats.
Q8. What are the advantages of living in a mountain region?
A: Advantages include fresh air, scenic beauty, low pollution, and access to natural resources such as medicinal plants and clean water.
Q9. What are the disadvantages of living in mountainous areas?
A: Challenges include harsh winters, difficult transport, landslides, and limited agricultural land.
Q10. How does terrace farming help in mountain regions?
A: Terrace farming prevents soil erosion, retains water, and allows crops to be grown on steep slopes.
Q11. What are the different types of mountains?
A: Mountains are classified into four types:
- Fold Mountains (e.g., Himalayas, Alps)
- Block Mountains (e.g., Vindhya Range, Sierra Nevada)
- Volcanic Mountains (e.g., Mount Fuji, Mount St. Helens)
- Residual Mountains (e.g., Aravalli Range)
Q12. Why do people practice animal rearing in mountainous regions?
A: Due to limited agricultural land, people rear animals like sheep, goats, and yaks for milk, wool, and meat. Animals also help in transportation.
Q13. What are the common natural disasters in mountain regions?
A: Landslides, avalanches, earthquakes, and flash floods are common in mountainous areas due to steep slopes and unstable land.
Q14. How does tourism impact mountain regions?
A: Tourism provides income and employment but can lead to deforestation, pollution, and overcrowding, affecting the delicate mountain ecosystem.
Q15. What are some traditional foods eaten in mountain regions?
A: Traditional foods include barley, maize, millet, yak milk products, and locally grown vegetables suited to the cold climate.
Q16. What are glaciers, and how do they impact mountain regions?
A: Glaciers are large masses of ice that move slowly over land. They shape mountain landscapes, provide freshwater sources, and influence climate patterns.
Q17. How do people generate electricity in mountain regions?
A: Hydroelectric power plants harness water from rivers and streams flowing down mountains to generate electricity, making it a sustainable energy source.
Q18. What is altitude sickness, and how does it affect people in mountains?
A: Altitude sickness occurs due to low oxygen levels at high elevations, causing headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Acclimatization helps reduce its effects.
Q19. What are the major festivals celebrated in mountain regions?
A: Festivals such as Losar (Tibetan New Year), Hemis Festival, Baisakhi, and Hornbill Festival are widely celebrated in mountain regions, reflecting local traditions and culture.
Q20. Why are mountain regions important for biodiversity?
A: Mountain regions support diverse plant and animal life, including endangered species. Their varied climates and altitudes create unique habitats for flora and fauna.
General Knowledge Questions on Mountain Terrain
Q21. What is the highest mountain in the world?
A: Mount Everest (8,848 meters) is the highest mountain in the world.
Q22. Which mountain range is known as the “Roof of the World”?
A: The Pamir Mountains are known as the “Roof of the World.”
Q23. What is the longest mountain range in the world?
A: The Andes is the longest mountain range, stretching across South America.
Q24. Which Indian state has the largest portion of the Himalayas?
A: Jammu and Kashmir has the largest portion of the Himalayas in India.
Q25. What is the second-highest peak in the world?
A: K2 (8,611 meters) is the second-highest peak in the world.
Q26. What is the significance of the Great Himalayan National Park?
A: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity and conservation of rare species.
Q27. What is the main cause of avalanches in mountain regions?
A: Avalanches are mainly caused by the accumulation of loose snow, sudden temperature changes, or external disturbances like earthquakes.
Q28. Which river originates from the Gangotri Glacier?
A: The Ganges River originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas.
Q29. What is the highest mountain peak in India?
A: Kangchenjunga (8,586 meters) is the highest peak in India.
Q30. Which mountain range separates Europe and Asia?
A: The Ural Mountains separate Europe and Asia.
Q31. What is the coldest inhabited place in the world?
A: Oymyakon, Russia, is the coldest inhabited place on Earth.
Q32. What is the highest volcano in the world?
A: Ojos del Salado in the Andes is the highest active volcano in the world.
Q33. Which Indian river is known as the ‘Sorrow of Bihar’?
A: The Kosi River is known as the ‘Sorrow of Bihar’ due to frequent flooding.
Q34. Which mountain is considered sacred in four religions?
A: Mount Kailash is sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon religion.
Q35. What is the deepest valley in the world?
A: Kali Gandaki Gorge in Nepal is the deepest valley in the world.
Q36. Which Indian state has the largest forest cover?
A: Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover in India.
Q37. What is the longest glacier in India?
A: Siachen Glacier is the longest glacier in India.
Q38. What is the term for a mountain formed by lava accumulation?
A: A volcanic mountain is formed by lava accumulation.
Q39. What is the most earthquake-prone state in India?
A: Assam is one of the most earthquake-prone states in India.
Q40. What is the meaning of ‘Himalaya’?
A: ‘Himalaya’ means ‘Abode of Snow’ in Sanskrit.
Do You Know?
- The Himalayas are the youngest and highest mountain range in the world.
- The world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest (8,848 meters), is part of the Himalayas.
- The Great Himalayan National Park in India is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Yak is commonly used as a pack animal in mountain regions.
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