NCERT 5th Class (CBSE) Social Science: Hot Deserts

Question: Describe the climatic conditions in the desert?

Answer: The climatic conditions in the deserts are as follow:

1. It receives scanty rainfall, ie less than 25 cm annum
2. During the daytime the temperature is very high and reaches 50°C
3. The nights are cooler and the temperature goes down to 10°C
4. Those are no clouds and dry winds blow here

Question: Mention the different types of deserts found in the world?

Answer: The three types of deserts are:

1. Hot or tropical deserts
2. Temperate deserts
3. Cold deserts

Question: How have plants adapted themselves to desert life?

Answer: The plants have adapted themselves to desert life as follow:

1. Trees and shrubs have long roots that go deep into the soil in search water.
2. Most plants do not have leaves and in their place thorns or thick waxy coating to prevent water from evaporating.
3. Their leaves are spine – like which protect them from animals.
4. The stems are thick and fleshy and store water for plants.

Question: What makes the camel specially adapted to the desert?

Answer: The camel has some special features which are:

1. It can store water in the lining of its stomach and thus can survive without water for days.
2. The camel can store food in its hump in the form of fat.
3. The camel has thick padded feet which help it to walk in the sand.
4. It’s eyelids protect its during sandstorm.
5. It’s small ears and nostrils prevent sand from entering into them.
6. It has tough, strong lips and jaws, which help it to eat thorny lashes and cactus without hurting itself.

Question: What are the main occupations of the people of the desert?

Answer: The main occupations of the people of the desert are:

1. Animal rearing
2. Trading
3. Farming
4. Mining