NCERT 7th Class (CBSE) Science: Weather, Climate and Adaptations of Animals to Climate

Weather, Climate and Adaptations of Animals to Climate [Page 4]

Weather, Climate and Adaptations of Animals to Climate – Question: Describe the adaptations of the polar bear in the polar climatic condition.

Answer: Polar bears have white fur so that they are not easily visible in the snowy white background which help it to protect them from their predators. It also helps them in catching their prey.

1. They have two thick layers of fur to protect them from extreme cold.
2. They also have layer of fat under their skin.
3. The polar bear goes for swimming for physical activities on warm days necessary for cooling.
4. Its paws are wide and large, which help it not only to swim well but also to walk with ease in the snow.
5. Polar bears can remain under water for long duration.
6. It has a strong sense of smell so that it can catch its prey for food.

Question: Write the important characteristics of tropical rain forest?

Answer: Tropical rain forests lie between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, or 1,400 miles north and south of the Equator. This region receives rainfall distributed regularly throughout the year, about 6-33 feet a year. It remains frost free and warm all year long, with temperatures between 70° and 85°F with very little daily fluctuation. Tropical rain forests are found in Western Ghats and Assam in India, Southeast Asia, Central America and Central Africa. Because of continuous warmth and rain, this region supports wide variety of plants and animals.

Weather, Climate and Adaptations of Animals to Climate – Question: Which type of animals are inhabitants of tropical rain forest area?

Answer: The major types of animals living in the rain forests are monkeys, apes, gorillas, lions, tigers, elephants, leopards, lizards, snakes, birds and insects. The climatic conditions in rain forests are highly suitable for supporting an enormous number and variety of animals. As there is competition for food, some animals are adapted to get food, which is not easily reachable.

Question: Rain forests offers hospitable climatic conditions to support huge population of animals. Explain how?

Answer: The climatic conditions in rain forests are highly suitable for supporting an enormous number and variety of animals.

1. Tropical rain forests lie near to the Equator. This region receives rainfall distributed regularly throughout the year, about 6-33 feet a year.
2. It remains frost free and warm all year long, with temperatures between 70° and 85°F with very little daily fluctuation.
3. Because of continuous warmth and rain, this region supports wide variety of plants and animals.
4. The major types of animals living in the rain forests are monkeys, apes, gorillas, lions, tigers, elephants, leopards, lizards, snakes, birds and insects. Tropical rain forests are found in Western Ghats and Assam in India, Southeast Asia, Central America and Central Africa.

Question: Explain with examples how animals have adapted themselves to overcome the competition for food and shelter in the rain forests.

Answer: To overcome the competition for food and shelter, some animals are adapted to get food which is not easily reachable. For example, red-eyed frog has developed sticky pads on its feet to help to climb tress on which it lives. Another example is of the Toucan bird, which possesses a long, large beak. This helps a toucan to reach the fruits on branches which are otherwise too weak to support its weight.