Asia and Europe — Exercise Solutions
How to Use This Page
This page provides step-by-step solutions for every exercise in Class 6 Social Science Term 3 Geography Chapter 1: Asia and Europe (Samacheer Kalvi / TN State Board). Read each question carefully, try to answer it on your own, then check your answer against the solutions below. Map-based and assertion-reasoning questions are included with full explanations.
Key Concepts (Quick Recap)
Physical Divisions of Asia
- The Himalayas: Young fold mountains; contain the world's highest peaks including Mt. Everest (8,848 m).
- Northern Lowlands: Vast plains stretching across Siberia — the Ob, Yenisey, and Lena rivers drain northward into the Arctic Ocean.
- Central Plateaus: Intermontane plateaus — Anatolia, Iran, and Tibet — lie between mountain ranges.
- Great River Valleys: Indus-Ganga-Brahmaputra (India), Huang He-Yangtze (China), Tigris-Euphrates (Mesopotamia).
- Southern Plateaus: Arabian, Deccan, Shan, and Yunnan plateaus.
Climate Zones of Asia
- Equatorial: Hot and wet all year; dense rainforests.
- Monsoon: Seasonal winds bring heavy summer rain; covers South, SE, and East Asia.
- Desert (Hot): Arabian, Thar — extreme heat, little rain. Cold Desert: Gobi, Taklamakan.
- Mediterranean: Warm dry summers, rainy winters — found in West Asia coastal areas.
- Continental: Hot summers, cold winters — interior of Asia.
- Tundra: Frozen ground, mosses and lichens — Arctic coast.
Europe — Key Facts
- Bounded by the Arctic Ocean (north), Mediterranean and Black Sea (south), Atlantic Ocean (west), Ural Mountains (east).
- Called a "giant peninsula" because it is surrounded by water on three sides.
- North Atlantic Drift keeps Western Europe mild despite high latitudes.
- Fjords (narrow deep inlets) along Norway's coast provide natural harbours.
Key Rivers
- Asia: Yangtze (longest), Ganga, Indus, Brahmaputra, Mekong, Tigris, Euphrates, Ob, Yenisey, Lena.
- Europe: Volga (longest), Danube (passes through 9 countries), Rhine, Rhone, Po, Thames.
I. Choose the Correct Answer (MCQ)
Q1. Which is not the western margin of Asia?
- (a) Black Sea
- (b) Mediterranean Sea
- (c) Pacific Ocean
- (d) Arabian Sea
The Arabian Sea is on the southern margin, not the western margin, of Asia.
Q2. The Intermontane ___ plateau is found between Elbruz and Zagros.
- (a) Anatolia
- (b) Iran
- (c) Tibet
- (d) Pamir
The Iran Plateau lies between the Elbruz and Zagros mountain ranges.
Q3. Equatorial climate: (i) Uniform throughout the year (ii) Mean rainfall 200 mm (iii) Average temp 10°C
- (a) i alone is correct
- (b) ii alone is correct
- (c) iii alone is correct
- (d) All are correct
Equatorial climate is uniform (hot and wet) throughout the year. Rainfall exceeds 2000 mm (not 200 mm), and temperatures are around 27°C (not 10°C).
Q4. Match List I with List II:
| Country | Product |
|---|---|
| Malaysia | ? |
| Thailand | ? |
| Korea | ? |
| Israel | ? |
- (a) 2, 3, 4, 1
- (b) 1, 2, 3, 4
- (c) 3, 1, 4, 2
- (d) 4, 3, 2, 1
Malaysia — Rubber (2), Thailand — Teak (3), Korea — Cherry (4), Israel — Figs (1).
Q5. India is the leading producer of ___
- (a) Iron ore
- (b) Mica
- (c) Copper
- (d) Bauxite
India is the world's largest producer of mica.
Q6. The natural boundary between Spain and France is ___
- (a) The Alps
- (b) The Pyrenees
- (c) The Apennines
- (d) The Carpathians
The Pyrenees mountain range forms the natural border between Spain and France.
Q7. Western and NW Europe enjoys mild and humid climate because:
- (a) It is close to the equator
- (b) It is influenced by the North Atlantic Drift
- (c) It has high mountains
- (d) It is near the Mediterranean
The warm North Atlantic Drift (Gulf Stream extension) moderates the climate of Western Europe.
Q8. Which statement is incorrect?
- (a) Europe is the second smallest continent
- (b) All the rivers of Europe originate in the Alps
- (c) Europe has a long coastline
- (d) Most of Europe lies in the temperate zone
Not all European rivers originate in the Alps. Many originate in other highlands (e.g., the Volga originates in the Valdai Hills).
Q9. Choose the incorrect pair:
- (a) The Alps — France
- (b) The Pyrenees — Spain
- (c) The Pennines — Italy
- (d) The Carpathians — Eastern Europe
The Pennines are in England, not Italy.
Q10. Which country in Europe has very low population density?
- (a) Iceland
- (b) Netherlands
- (c) Monaco
- (d) Malta
Iceland has a very low population density due to its harsh climate and sparse habitation.
II. Fill in the Blanks
1. Taurus and Pontine ranges radiate from the Armenian knot.
2. The wettest place in the world is Mawsynram (in Meghalaya, India).
3. Iran is the largest producer of dates in the world.
4. Europe is connected with South and SE Asia by Suez Canal (sea route).
5. The national dance of Philippines is Tinikling.
6. The second highest peak in Europe is Mont Blanc (4,807 m).
7. The climate in central and eastern Europe is Continental type.
8. The important fishing ground in the North Sea is Dogger Bank.
9. The density of population in Europe is 34 persons/km².
10. The river Danube passes through nine countries of Europe.
III. Match the Following
| 1. Mesopotamian Plain | → Euphrates and Tigris |
|---|---|
| 2. Mawsynram | → Highest Rainfall |
| 3. Rice Bowl of SE Asia | → Thailand |
| 4. Fjord Coast | → Norway |
| 5. Bull Fighting | → Spain |
IV. Let Us Learn
Q1. Assertion: Italy has dry summers and rainy winters. Reason: It is in the Mediterranean region.
- (a) Both A and R are true, R explains A
- (b) Both A and R are true, R does not explain A
- (c) A is true, R is false
- (d) A is false, R is true
Mediterranean climate has wet winters and dry summers. The assertion reverses this — Italy has wet winters (not rainy) and dry summers (not dry). So the assertion is incorrect, but the reason about the Mediterranean region is correct.
Q2. Map question — Plains of Asia: Match the numbered locations.
Q3. Shaded areas on the Asia map indicate cultivation of which crop?
- (a) Rice
- (b) Dates
- (c) Wheat
- (d) Tea
V. Answer in Brief
Q1. Mention the important intermontane plateaus of Asia.
Q2. Write a note on Monsoon climate.
Summer is hot and humid; winter is cool and dry. This climate supports intensive rice cultivation.
- Summer monsoon (Southwest): Brings heavy rainfall to India, Bangladesh, Indo-China, Philippines, and southern China.
- Winter monsoon (Northeast): Brings cool, dry weather.
Q3. Explain the physiography and population of Asia.
China and India alone account for about 3/5th of Asia's total population. Average density: 143 persons/km².
- Densely populated: River valleys and deltas (Ganga Plain, Yangtze Delta) and industrial regions (Japan, South Korea).
- Sparsely populated: Deserts (Gobi, Thar), mountains (Himalayas), and tundra regions (Siberia).
Q4. Name the important ports of Asia.
Q5. Why is Asia called the 'Land of Contrasts'?
- Landforms: Highest peak (Mt. Everest, 8,848 m) and lowest point (Dead Sea, -430 m).
- Climate: Equatorial heat and Arctic cold; wettest (Mawsynram) and driest (Arabian Desert) places.
- Population: Densely populated river plains vs. empty deserts and mountains.
- Cultures: Many races, languages, religions, and traditions.
Q6. Name the mountains in the Alpine system.
Q7. Name the important rivers of Europe.
Q8. Name the countries that experience Mediterranean climate.
Q9. Write about the population of Europe.
Urbanisation is high; about 75% of Europeans live in cities.
- High density: Near coalfields and industrial areas — Monaco, Malta, Netherlands.
- Low density: Iceland, Norway — due to harsh climate and rugged terrain.
Q10. Mention the festivals of Europe.
VI. Distinguish Between
Q1. Intermontane Plateaus and Southern Plateaus
| Feature | Intermontane Plateaus | Southern Plateaus |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Between mountain ranges | South of the mountain ranges, relatively lower |
| Examples | Anatolia, Iran, Tibet | Arabian, Deccan, Shan, Yunnan |
| Elevation | Generally higher | Generally lower |
Q2. Cold Desert and Hot Desert
| Feature | Cold Desert | Hot Desert |
|---|---|---|
| Climate | Very short summer; cold, dry winter | Hot throughout the year; very little rain |
| Examples | Gobi, Taklamakan | Arabian, Thar |
| Temperature | Below freezing in winter | Can exceed 50°C in summer |
Q3. Tundra and Taiga
| Feature | Tundra | Taiga |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Arctic coast and N. Scandinavian highlands | South of Tundra — Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia |
| Vegetation | Mosses, lichens; no trees | Coniferous — pine, fir, spruce, larch |
| Animals | Polar bear, reindeer, walrus | Mink, silver fox, squirrel |
Q4. NW Highlands and Alpine Mountains
| Feature | NW Highlands | Alpine Mountains |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Norway, Sweden, Finland, Scotland, Iceland | Southern Europe — young fold mountains |
| Features | Fjord coast, many lakes, glacial valleys | High peaks, active volcanoes, deep valleys |
| Examples | Kjolen Mts, Scandinavian Mts | Pyrenees, Alps, Apennines, Carpathians |
VII. Give Reasons
Q1. Why is Asia the leading producer of rice?
Q2. Why is Asia the largest and most populous continent?
Q3. Why is Europe called 'a giant peninsula'?
Q4. Why does Western Europe have a moderate climate despite high latitudes?
VIII. Answer in Paragraph
Q1. Describe the drainage system of Asia.
- North-flowing (into the Arctic Ocean): Ob, Yenisey, Lena — these freeze in winter.
- East-flowing (into the Pacific): Amur, Huang He, Yangtze — the Yangtze is the longest river in Asia.
- South-flowing (into the Indian Ocean): Brahmaputra, Ganga, Indus, Irrawaddy — these are perennial rivers fed by snowmelt from the Himalayas.
- West-flowing (into the Persian Gulf): Tigris and Euphrates — form the Mesopotamian Plain.
- Inland drainage: Some rivers in arid regions disappear into deserts or inland lakes.
Q2. Write about the mineral sources of Asia.
- Iron ore: China, India — major producers.
- Coal: China and India are among the world's largest producers.
- Petroleum: Southwest Asia — Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran, UAE, Qatar.
- Bauxite: India, Indonesia.
- Mica: India is the world's largest producer.
- Tin: Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia.
Q3. What are fjords? Explain.
Q4. Explain the climatic divisions of Europe.
Common Mistakes
1. Confusing the Arabian Sea with a western margin of Asia — it is on the southern side; the Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea are on the west. 2. Reversing Mediterranean climate seasons — Mediterranean climate has wet winters and dry summers, not the other way around. 3. Saying all European rivers originate in the Alps — only some do; the Volga, for example, originates in the Valdai Hills. 4. Confusing intermontane plateaus with southern plateaus — intermontane plateaus lie between mountain ranges and are higher; southern plateaus are older and lower. 5. Mixing up Tundra and Taiga — Tundra is colder with no trees; Taiga has coniferous forests and is slightly warmer. 6. Forgetting the Suez Canal — the sea route connecting Europe to South and Southeast Asia is through the Suez Canal, not around Africa. 7. Confusing population density facts — Iceland has very low density; Monaco and Malta have very high density.
Exam Checklist
- [ ] All MCQ answers reviewed (10 questions)
- [ ] Fill in the Blanks memorised (10 items)
- [ ] Match the Following practiced (5 pairs)
- [ ] Assertion-Reasoning technique understood
- [ ] Physical divisions of Asia can be named and located
- [ ] Climate zones of both Asia and Europe memorised
- [ ] Key rivers of both continents recalled
- [ ] "Distinguish Between" answers practised (4 pairs)
- [ ] "Give Reasons" answers can be written in 3-4 lines
- [ ] Paragraph answers on drainage, minerals, fjords, and climate practised