CHAPTER 9 : International Trade NCERT SOLUTION CLASS 12TH GEOGRAPHY | EDUGROWN NOTES

Short Answer Type Questions:


Q1.Why does international trade exist?
Answer:

International trade is based on the principle of comparative advantage, complimentarity and transfer ability of goods and services and in principle, should be mutually beneficial to the trading partners. International trade is the result of specialization in production. It benefits the world economy if different countries practise specialization and division of labour in the production of commodities or provision of services. Each kind of specialization can give rise to trade. It is the basis of world’s economic organisation and is related to foreign policies of nation. It is essential as no country is self sufficient.


Q2.Explain how ‘difference in national resources’ act as basis of international trade.
Answer:

The world’s national resources are unevenly distributed because of differences in their physical make up i.e. geology, relief soil and climate.

  • Geological structure: It determines the mineral resource base and topbgraphical differences ensure diversity of crops and animals raised. Lowlands have greater agricultural potential. Mountains attract tourists and promote tourism.
  • Mineral resources: They are unevenly distributed the world over. The availability of mineral resources provides the basis for industrial development.
  • Climate: It influences the type of flora and fauna that can survive in a given region. It also ensures diversity in the range of various products, e.g. wool production can take place in cold regions, bananas, rubber and cocoa can grow in tropical regions.


Q3.Explain how ‘population factors’ influence the basis of international trade.
Answer:

Population factors: The size, distribution and diversity of people between .countries affect the type and volume of goods traded.

  • Cultural factors: Distinctive forms of art and craft develop in certain cultures which are valued the world over, e.g. China produces the finest porcelains and brocades. Carpets of Iran are famous while North African leather work and Indonesian batik cloth are prized handicrafts.
  • Size of population: Densely populated countries have large volume of internal trade but little external trade because most of the agricultural and industrial production is consumed in the local markets. Standard of living of the population determines the demand for better quality imported products because with low standard of living only a few people can afford to buy costly imported goods.


Q4.Write a short note on balance of trade.
Answer:

Balance of trade records the volume of goods and services imported as well as exported by a country to other countries. If the value of imports is more than the value of a country’s exports, the country has negative or unfavourable balance of trade. If the value of exports is more than the value of imports, then the country has a positive or favourable balance of trade. A negative balance would mean that the country spends more on buying goods than it can earn by selling its goods. This would ultimately lead to exhaustion of its financial reserves.


Q5.What is trade? What are the types of international trade?
Answer:

Trade means voluntary exchange of goods and services where for both the parties trade is mutually beneficial. International trade may be categorized into two types:

  • Bilateral trade: Bilateral trade is done by two countries with each other. They enter into agreement to trade specified commodities amongst them. For example, country A may agree to trade some raw material with agreement to purchase some other specified item to country B or vice versa.
  • Multi-lateral trade: As the term suggests multi-lateral trade is conducted with many trading countries. The same country can trade with a number of other countries. The country may also grant the status of the “Most Favoured Nation” (MFN) on some of the trading partners.


Q6.Define Free trade. What are its effects?
Answer:

The act of opening up economies for trading is known as free trade or trade liberalization. This is done by bringing down trade barriers like tariffs. Trade liberalization allows goods and services from everywhere to compete with domestic products and services. Globalization along with free trade can adversely affect the economies of developing countries by not giving equal playing field by imposing conditions which are unfavorable. With the development of transport and communication systems goods and services can travel faster and farther than ever before. But free trade should not only let rich countries enter the markets, but allow the developed countries to keep their own markets protected Sum foreign products.


Q7.What are regional trade blocs? Why were they formed?
Answer:

Regional Trade Blocs have come up in order to encourage trade between countries with geographical proximity, similarity and complementarities in trading items and to curb restrictions on trade of the developing world. Today, 120 regional trade blocs generate 52 per cent of the world trade. These trading blocs developed as a response to the failure of the global organisations to speed up intra-regional trade. Though, these regional blocs remove trade tariffs within the member nations and encourage free trade, in the future it could get increasingly difficult for free trade to take place between different trading blocs.


Q8.What are the advantages of international trade?
Answer:

Undertaking international trade is mutually beneficial to nations if it leads to regional specialization, higher level of production, better standard of living, worldwide availability of goods and services, equalization of prices and wages and diffusion of knowledge and culture.


Q9.What are the concerns related with international trade?
Answer:

International trade can prove to be detrimental to nations if it leads to dependence on other countries, uneven levels of development, exploitation, and commercial rivalry leading to wars. Global trade affects many aspects of life; it can impact everything from the environment to health and well-being of the people around the world. As countries compete to trade more, production and the use of natural resources spiral up, resources get used up faster than they can be replenished. As a result, marine life is also depleting fast, forests are being cut down and river basins sold off to private drinking water companies. Multinational corporations trading in oil, gas mining, pharmaceuticals and agri-business keep expanding their operations at all costs creating more pollution – their mode of work does not follow the norms of sustainable development. If organisations are geared only towards profit making, and environmental and health concerns are not addressed, then it could lead to serious implications in the future.


Q10.Explain the types of ports on the basis of type of traffic they control.
Answer:

Generally, ports are classified according to the types of traffic which they handle. Types of port according to cargo handled:

  • Industrial Ports: These ports specialise in bulk cargo-like grain, sugar, ore, oil, chemicals and similar materials.
  • Commercial Ports: These ports handle general cargo-packaged products and manufactured good. These ports also handle passenger traffic.
  • Comprehensive Ports: Such ports handle bulk and general cargo in large volumes. Most of the world’s great ports are classified as comprehensive ports.


Q11.Define ports. Classify them on the basis of location.
Answer:

Ports are collection and distribution centres for commodities for export and import. Cargoes and travellers pass from one part of the world to other through these ports. Types of port on the basis of location:

  • Inland Ports: These ports are located away from the sea coast. They are linked to the sea through a river or a canal. Such ports are accessible to flat bottom ships or barges. For example, Manchester is linked with a canal; Memphis is located on the river Mississippi; Rhine has several ports like Mannheim and Duisburg; and Kolkata is located on the river Hoogli, a branch of the river Ganga.
  • Out Ports: These are deep water ports built away from the actual ports. These serve the parent ports by receiving those ships which are unable to approach them due to their large size. Classic combination, for example, is Athens and its out port is Piraeus in Greece.


Q12.What are the facilities that are provided by the ports?
Answer
:
The chief gateways of the world of international trade are the harbours and ports. Cargoes and travellers pass from one part of the world to another through these ports. The ports provide facilities of docking, loading, unloading and the storage facilities for cargo. In order to provide these facilities, the port authorities make arrangements for maintaining navigable channels, arranging tugs and barges, and providing labour and managerial services. The importance of a port is judged by the size of cargo and the number of ships handled. The quantity of cargo handled by a port is an indicator of the level of development of its hinterland.


Q13.Explain the factors on which the international trade depends. Give example.
Answer:

The basis of international trade are:

  • Trade arises because of regional differences in production and productivity.
  • It also arises because of great variations in the location and distribution of natural resources.

For example; countries differ in climate, mineral availability and geological structure. Therefore trade arises between them as no one country can produce everything whatever it requires.


Q14.How is the trade of services different from the trade of primary and manufacturing sectors?
Answer:

The trade in the service sector is quite different from trade in the products of primary and manufacturing sectors as:

  • The trade in services can be expanded infinitely. .
  • It can be consumed by many at the same time.
  • It is weightless.
  • Once produced it can be easily replicated.
  • Thus, service trade is capable of generating more profit than producing goods.


Q15.Explain how the global trade affects many aspects of life.
Answer:

Global trade affects the environment, health and well-being of the people.

  • Due to competition between countries to trade more, production and the use of natural resources has increased.
  • Resources are used faster than they can renew themselves. As a result, marine life and forests are depleting fast.
  • Multinational corporations trading in oil, gas mining, pharmaceuticals and agri¬business are exploiting local resources and creating more pollution.
  • Health and well being of people is affected due to pollution and depletion of resources


Q16.What are the impacts of negative Jbalance of trade?
Answer:

Negative balance of trade is detrimental for a nation because:

  • It results in fall in the value of domestic currency in terms of foreign currency.
  • It indicates poor production of a country.
  • It increases the pressure of international loans and hence of payment of not only sum but also of international interest. It increases the say of international agencies like IMF in the functioning of economy.
  • It creates inflationary pressure in the domestic economy.

Long Answer Type Questions:


Q1.Write a note on history of international trade.
Answer:

In ancient times, transporting goods over long distances was risky, hence trade was restricted to local markets. Only the rich people bought jewellery, costly dresses and this resulted in trade of luxury items. The Silk Route is an early example of long distance trade connecting Rome to China – along the 6,000 km route. The traders transported Chinese silk, Roman wool and precious metals and many other high value commodities from intermediate points in India, Persia and Central Asia.

After the disintegration of the Roman Empire, European commerce grew during twelfth and thirteenth centuries with the development of ocean going warships trade between Europe and Asia grew and the Americas were discovered.

Fifteenth century onwards, the Portuguese, Dutch, Spaniards, and British captured African natives and forcefully transported them to the newly discovered Americas for their labour in the plantations, thus slave trade emerged. Slave trade was a lucrative business for more than two hundred years. ‘
After the Industrial Revolution the demand for raw materials like grains, meat, wool also expanded, but their monetary value declined in relation to the manufactured goods.

The industrialised nations imported primary products as raw materials and exported the value added finished products back to the non-industrialised nations. In the later half of the nineteenth century, regions producing primary goods were no more important, and industrial nations became each other’s principle customers. During the World Wars I and II, countries imposed trade taxes and quantitative restrictions for the first time. During the post war period, organisations like General Agreement for Tariffs and Trade (which later became the World Trade Organisation), helped in reducing tariff.


Q2.Give the significance of ‘stage of economic development ‘and ‘extent of foreign investments’ as bases of international trade in detail.
Answer:

Stage of economic development: At different stages of economic development of countries, the nature of items traded undergo changes. In agriculturally important countries, agro products are exchanged for manufactured goods whereas industrialised nations export machinery and finished products and import food grains and other raw materials.

Extent of foreign investment: Foreign investment can boost trade in developing countries which lack in capital required for the development of mining, oil drilling, heavy engineering, lumbering and plantation agriculture. By developing such capital intensive industries in developing countries, the industrial nations ensure import of food stuffs, minerals and create markets for their finished products. This entire cycle steps up the volume of trade between nations.


Q3.List the functions and criticism of World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Answer:

WTO is the only international organisation dealing with the global rules of trade between nations. It sets the rules for the global trading system and resolves disputes between its member nations. WTO also covers trade in services, such as telecommunication and banking, and others issues such as intellectual rights. The WTO has however been criticized and opposed by those who are worried about the effects of free trade and economic globalization. It is argued that free trade does not make ordinary people’s lives more prosperous. It is actually widening the gulf between rich and poor by making rich countries more rich. This is because the influential nations in the WTO focus on their own commercial interests. Moreover, many developed countries have not fully opened their markets to products from developing countries. It is also argued that issues of health, worker’s rights, child labour and environment are ignored.


Q4.What are the types of ports on the basis of specialized functions?
Answer:

Types of port on the basis of specialized functions:

  • Oil Ports: These ports deal in the processing and shipping of oil. Some of these are tanker ports and some are refinery ports. Maracaibo in Venezuela, Esskhira in Tunisia, Tripoli in Lebanon are tanker ports. Abadan on the Gulf of Persia is a refinery port.
  • Ports of Call: These are the ports which originally developed as calling points onmain sea routes where ships used to anchor for refueling, watering and taking food items. Later on, they developed into commercial ports. Aden, Honolulu and Singapore are good examples.
  • Packet Station: These are also known as ferry ports. These packet stations are exclusively concerned with the transportation of passengers and mail across water bodies covering short distances. These stations occur in pairs located in such a way that they face each other across the water body, e.g. Dover in England and Calais in France across the English Channel.
  • Entrepot Ports: These are collection centres where the goods are brought from different countries for export. Singapore is an entrepot for Asia. Rotterdam for Europe, and Copenhagen for the Baltic region.
  • Naval Ports: These are ports which have only strategic importance. These ports serve warships and have repair workshops for them. Kochi and Karwar are examples of such ports in India.


Q5.What factors act as a basis of international trade? Discuss.
Answer:

International trade is the result of specialization in production. These are the following factors which act as a basis of international trade.

(i) Difference in national resources: The world’s national resources are unevenly distributed because of differences in their physical make up, i.e. geology, relief soil and climate.

  • Geological structure: It determines the mineral resource base and topographical differences ensure diversity of crops and animals raised. Mountains attract tourists and promote tourism.
  • Mineral resources: They are unevenly distributed in the world. The availability of mineral resources provides the basis for industrial development.
  • Climate; Climate influences the type of flora and fauna that can survive in a given region. It also ensures diversity in the range of various products.

(ii) Population factors: The size, distribution and diversity of people between countries affect the type and volume of goods traded.

  • Cultural factors: Distinctive forms of art and craft develop in certain cultures which are valued the world over.
  • Size of population: Densely populated countries have large volume of internal trade.

(iii) Stage of economic development: At different stages of economic development of countries, the nature of items traded undergoes changes.

(iv) Extent of foreign investment: Foreign investment can boost trade in developing countries which lack in capital required for the development of mining, oil drilling, heavy engineering, lumbering and plantation agriculture. The industrial nations ensure import of foodstuffs, minerals and create markets for their finished products.

(v) Transport: In olden times, lack of adequate and efficient means of transport restricted trade to local areas. Only high value items, e.g. gems, silk and spices were traded over long distances.


Q6.Explain different aspects of international trade.
Answer:

International trade has three important aspects. These are volume, sectoral composition and direction of trade.

  • Volume of Trade: The actual tonnage of goods traded makes up the volume. However, services traded cannot be measured in tonnage. Therefore, the total value of goods and services traded is considered to be the volume of trade.
  • Composition of Trade: It refers to the items of which trade consists of. The nature of goods and services imported and exported by countries have undergone changes during the last centuiy. Trade of primary products was dominant in the beginning of the last centuiy. Later manufactured goods gained prominence. Service sector which includes travel, transportation and other commercial services have been showing an upward trend
  • Direction of Trade: It refers to the countries with which a country has trade relations. Like India’s majority of trade was with UK during colonial rule. The developing countries of the present used to export valuable goods and artefacts, etc., which were exported to European countries. During the 19th century there was a reversal in the direction of trade. European countries started exporting manufactured goods for exchange of foodstuffs and raw materials from their colonies. Europe and U.S.A. emerged as major trade partners in the world and were leaders in the trade of manufactured goods. The world trade pattern underwent a sea change during the second half of the twentieth century. Europe lost its colonies while India, China and other developing countries started competing with developed countries.


Q7.Distinguish between inland port and out port.
Answer:

Inland Ports,Out Ports
(i) These ports are located away from the sea coast. They are linked to the sea through a river or a canal.(i) These are deep water ports built away from the actual ports.
(ii) Such ports are accessible to flat bottom ships or barges.(ii) These serve the parent ports by receiving those ships which are unable to approach them due to their large size.
(iii) For example, Manchester is linked with a canal; Memphis is located on the river Mississippi; Kolkata is located on the river Hoogli.(iii) Classic combination, for example, is Athens and its out port Piraeus in Greece.
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CHAPTER 8 : Transport and Communication NCERT SOLUTION CLASS 12TH GEOGRAPHY | EDUGROWN NOTES

Short Answer Type Questions:


Q1.What factors influence the mode of transportation?
Answer:

The significance of a mode depends on the type of goods and services to be transported, costs of transport and the mode available. International movement of goods is handled by ocean freighters. Road transport is cheaper and faster over short distances and for door-to door services. Railways are most suited for large volumes of bulky materials over long distance within a country. High-value, light and perishable goods are best moved by airways. In a well-managed transport system, these various modes complement each other.


Q2.Suggest steps for better urban transport solution.
Answer:

For better urban transport system, the following can be adopted:

  • Mass rapid transit (MRT)
  • Improved public bus service
  • Expressways
  • Car pool
  • Higher parking fees
  • Government measures like odd-even car system to regulate traffic flow.


Q3.Write a short note on Trans Canadian railways?
Answer:

Trans Canadian railway is 7050km long and runs from Halifax in the east to Vancouver to the West, through Montreal, Ottawa and Winnipeg. It was initially constructed as a part of an agreement to make British Columbia on the West coast join federation of states.

It gained economic significance because it connected the Quebec-Montreal industrial region with the wheat belt of the Prairie region, and the coniferous forest region in the north, thus making each of them complimentary to the other. A loop line connects it to the important waterways of the world. It is the economic artery of Canada, and wheat and meat are important exports on this route.


Q4.What are the steps for modernization of waterways?
Answer:

Modem passenger liners (ships) and cargo ships are equipped with radar, wireless and other navigation aids. The development of refrigerated chambers for perishable goods, tankers and specialized ships has also improved cargo transport. The use of containers has made cargo handling at the world’s major ports easier. The sea routes are the cheapest means of transportation for bulky material over long distance as it doesn’t require route construction and maintenance.


Q5.What are the factors on which development of inland waterways depend?
Answer:

Rivers, canals, lakes and coastal areas have been important waterways since time immemorial. Boats and steamers are used as means of transport for cargo and passengers. The development of inland waterways is dependent on the navigability width and depth of the channel, continuity in the water flow, and transport technology in use. Rivers are the only means of transport in dense forests. Very heavy cargo like coal, cement, timber and metallic ores can be transported through inland waterways.


Q6.What are the problems faced by inland waterways?
Answer:

Though in the ancient times, rivers were the main highways of inland transportation, but they lost importance because of competition from railways, lack of water due to diversion of water for irrigation and their poor maintenance.


Q7.How are rivers modified to enhance their navigability?
Answer:

Many rivers have been modified to enhance their navigability by dredging, stabilising river banks and building dams and barrages for regulating the flow of water.


Q8.Write a note on Danube waterway.
Answer:

This important inland waterway serves Eastern Europe. The Danube river rises in the Black Forest and flows eastwards through many countries. It is navigable up to Tauma Severin. The chief export items are wheat, maize, timber and machinery.


Q9.Write a note on Volga waterway.
Answer:

Russia has a large number of developed waterways, of which the Volga is one of the most important. It provides a navigable waterway of 11,200 km and drains into the Caspian Sea. The Volga- Moscow Canal connects it with the Moscow region and the Volga-Don Canal with the Black Sea.


Q10.Write a note on railways in Australia.
Answer:

Australia has about 40,000 km of railways, of which 25 per cent are found in New South Wales alone. The Australian Trans continental railway rail¬line runs west-east across the southern part of the continent from Perth on the west coast, to Sydney on the east coast passing through Kalgoorlie, Broken Hill and Port Augusta. Another major north- south line connects Adelaide and Alice Spring and to be joined further to the Darwin-Birdum line.


Q11.Write a note on the union and pacific railway.
Answer:

This rail-line connects New York on the Atlantic Coast to San Francisco on the Pacific Coast passing through Cleveland, Chicago, Omaha, Evans, Ogden and Sacramento. The most valuable exports on this route are ores, grain, paper, chemicals and machinery.


Q12.What is the Orient express?
Answer:

This line runs from Paris to Istanbul passing through Strasbourg, Munich, Vienna, Budapest and Belgrade. The journey time from London to Istanbul by this Express is now reduced to 96 hours as against 10 days by the sea-route. The chief exports on this rail-route are cheese, bacon, oats, wine, fruits, and machinery.


Q13.Describe some of the important highways of the world.
Answer:

Important highways of the world:

  • Trans-Canadian Highway links Vancouver with St. John’s city.
  • Alaskan Highway links Edmonton to Anchorage.
  • North American highways link cities of east coasts with that of west coasts.
  • Trans-Continental Stuart Highway connects Darwin and Melbourne.
  • Pan – American Highway links cities of South America, Central America, and the USA-Canada.
  • Golden Quadrilateral in India links metropolitan cities.
  • Moscow-Vladiostok Highway serves the east region.
  • Highways criss-cross China connecting all major cities.
  • Highways join Algiers to Conakry in Africa.


Q14.How many types of railway tracks are there?
Answer
:
The railway gauges vary in different ‘ countries and are roughly classified as broad (more than 1.5m), standard (1.44 m), metre gauge (1 m) and smaller gauges. The standard gauge is used in the U.K.


Q15.Explain the importance of trade, transport and communication.
Answer:

  • They link the areas of production with areas of consumption.
  • They reduce distance between places of natural resources, manufacturing and market.
  • They facilitate the movement and exchange of goods and services and people.
  • Today’s world economy heavily depends on efficient trade, transport and communication.
  • High living standard and quality of life depend on efficient transport, communication and trade.
  • It promotes cooperation and unity among scattered peoples.


Q16.Name the longest highway of India. Which other highways are under construction?
Answer:

National Highway No. 7 (NH 7), connecting Varanasi with Kanyakumari, is the longest highway in the country. The Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) or Super Expressway is underway to connect the six metropolitan cities — New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad.


Q17.What are the important railway routes of African continent?
Answer:

The important routes of the continent are:

  • The Beneguela Railway through Angola to Katanga-Zambia Copper Belt
  • The Tanzania Railway from the Zambian Copper Belt to Dar-es-Salaam on the coast.
  • The Railway through Botswana and Zimbabwe linking the landlocked states to the South African network and
  • The Blue Train from Cape Town to Pretoria in the Republic of South Africa.


Q18.Write a short note on inter-continental airways.
Answer:

In the Northern Hemisphere, there is a distinct east-west belt of inter-continental air routes. Dense network exists in Eastern U.S.A., Western Europe and Southeast Asia. The U.S.A. alone accounts for 60 per cent of the airways of the world. New York, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Rome, Moscow, Karachi, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago are the nodal points where air routes converge or diverge to all continents.


Q19.Bring out the significance of highways in Europe.
Answer:

Europe has a large number of vehicles and a well-developed highway network. But highways face a lot of competition from railways and waterways. In Russia, a dense highway network is developed in the industrialized region west of the Urals with Moscow as the hub. The important Moscow-Vladivostok Highway serves the region to the east. Due to the vast geographical area highways in Russia are not as important as railways.


Q20.Why is the North Atlantic sea route significant?
Answer:

This links North-eastern U.S.A. and Northwestern Europe, the two industrially developed regions of the world. The foreign trade over this route is greater than that of the rest of the world combined. One fourth of the world’s foreign trade moves on this route. It is, therefore, the busiest in the world and otherwise, called the Big Trunk Route. Both the coasts have highly advanced ports and harbour facilities.

Long Answer Type Questions:

Q1.What are advantages and disadvantages of road transport?
Answer:

Advantages:

  • Most economical for short distance compared to railways.
  • Freight transport by road is gaining importance as it offers door to door service.
  • Roads are cheaper, easier and simple to construct and maintain than the railways.
  • They can be taken through any terrains and negotiate bends unlike railways..
  • Since railways cannot be taken to every corner, so roads play an important role in nation’s trade and commerce and for promoting tourism.

Disadvantages:

  • Unmetalled roads are not effective and serviceable throughout the year, even the metalled roads become unmotorable during heavy rains and floods.
  • Carrying capacity of roadways per vehicle is much lower than the railways.
  • The quality of roads in the developing countries is not good as it requires heavy investment for construction and maintenance.
  • City roads suffer from chronic traffic congestion. As a result of this most of the cities face the problem of traffic congestion.


Q2.Write a note on North American highways.
Answer:

In North America, highway density is high, about 0.65 km per sq km. Eveiy place is within 20 km distance from a highway. Cities located on the Pacific coast (west) are well-connected with those of the Atlantic Coast (east). Likewise, the cities of Canada in the north are linked with those of Mexico in the south. The Trans-Canadian Highway links Vancouver in British Columbia (west coast) to St. John’s City in Newfoundland (east coast) and the Alaskan Highway links Edmonton (Canada) to Anchorage (Alaska). The Pan-American Highway, a large portion of which has been constructed, will connect the countries of South America, Central America and U.S.A.-Canada.


Q3.Write a note on highways in Asia.
Answer:

In China, highways criss-cross the country connecting all major cities such as Tsungtso (near Vietnam boundary), Shanghai (central China), Guangzhou (south) and Beijing (north). A new highway links Chengdu with Lhasa in Tibet.

In India, there are many highways linking the major towns and cities. For example, National Highway No. 7 (NH 7), connecting Varanasi with Kanyakumari, is the longest in the country. The Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) or Super Expressway is underway to connect the six metropolitan cities — New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. In Asia, highway network is most developed in India and China.


Q4.Write a note on railways in North America.
Answer:

North America has one of the most extensive rail networks accounting for nearly 40 per cent of the world’s total. In contrast to many European countries, the railways are used more for long-distance bulky freight like ores, grains, timber and machinery than for passengers. The most dense rail network is found in the highly industrialized and urbanized region of East Central U.S.A. and adjoining Canada. In Canada, railways are in the public sector and distributed all over the sparsely populated areas. The transcontinental railways carry the bulk of wheat and coal tonnage.


Q5.Give five important points on railways in Europe.
Answer:

Europe has one of the most dense rail networks in the world. There are about 4,40,000 km of railways, most of which is double or multiple-tracked. Belgium has the highest density of 1 km of railway for every 6.5 sq kms area. The industrial regions exhibit some of the highest densities in the world. The important rail heads are London, Paris, Brussels, Milan, Berlin and Warsaw.

Passenger transport is more important than freight in many of these countries. Underground railways are important in London and Paris’. Channel Tunnel, operated by Euro Tunnel Group through England, connects London with Paris. Trans-continental railway lines have now lost their importance to quicker and more flexible transport systems of airways and roadways.

In Russia, railways account for about 90 per cent of the country’s total transport with a very dense network west of the Urals. Moscow is the most important rail head with major lines radiating to different parts of the country’s vast geographical area. Underground railways and commuter trains are also important in Moscow. The Trans-Siberian railways and the Orient express are some of the important railways in the Europe.


Q6.Give the advantages of water transport.
Answer:

90-95% of the international trade is carried out through water transport. The energy cost of water transportation is lower. The oceans offer a smooth highway traversable in all directions with no maintenance costs. Winds and oceans currents help in movement of the oceanic vessels thus reducing the fuel cost of transportation.

Compared to land and air, ocean transport is a cheaper means of haulage (carrying of load) of bulky material over long distances from one continent to another. Modern passenger liners (ships) and cargo ships are equipped with radar, wireless and other navigation aids. The development of refrigerated chambers for perishable goods, tankers and specialised ships has also improved cargo transport. The use of containers has made cargo handling at the world’s major ports easier.

Water transport is the only means of transportation in dense tropical forest where roads and railways cannot be constructed. It is also the main mode of transportation for people living on islands as it is economic.
One of the great advantages of water transportation is that it does not require route construction. The oceans are linked with each other and are negotiable with ships of various sizes. All that is needed is to provide port facilities at the two ends. It is much cheaper because the friction of water is far less than that of land. The energy cost of water transportation is lower. It is highly suitable for bulky and heavy commodities. It is eco friendly as ocean currents and winds help to a large extent in water transportation.


Q7.Write a note on the Mediterranean- Indian ocean sea route.
Answer:

This sea route passes through the heart of the Old World and serves more countries and people than any other route. Port Said, Aden, Mumbai, Colombo and Singapore are some of the important ports on this route. The construction of Suez canal has greatly reduced the distance and time as compared to the earlier route through the Cape of Good Hope. This trade route connects the highly industrialized Western European region with West Africa, South Africa, South-east Asia and the commercial agriculture and livestock economies of Australia and New Zealand. Before the construction of the Suez Canal this was the route connecting Liverpool and Colombo which was 6,400 km longer than the Suez Canal route. The volume of trade and traffic between both East and West Africa is on the increase due to the development of the rich natural resources such as gold, diamond, copper, tin, groundnut, oil palm, coffee and fruits.


Q8.Why cape of good hope sea route has less traffic?
Answer:

This sea route is another important one across the Atlantic Ocean which connects West European and West African countries with Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay in South America. The traffic is far less on this route because of the limited development and population in South America and Africa. Only southeastern Brazil and Plata estuary and parts of South Africa have large-scale industries. There is also little traffic on the route between Rio de Janeiro and Cape Town because both South America and Africa have similar products and resources.


Q9.Which canal has shortened the distance between Europe and Asia? Give five points on the canal.
Answer:

Suez canal has shortened the distance between Europe and Asia. This canal had been constructed in 1869 in Egypt between Port Said in the north and Port Suez in the south linking the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.

  • It gives Europe a new gateway to the Indian Ocean and reduces direct sea- route distance between Liverpool and Colombo compared to the Cape of Good Hope route.
  • It is a sea-level canal without locks which is about 160 km and 11 to 15m deep.
  • About 100 ships travel daily and each ship takes 10-12 hours to cross this canal.
  • The tolls are so heavy that some find it cheaper to go by the longer Cape Route whenever the consequent delay is not important.
  • A railway follows the canal to Suez, and from Ismailia there is a branch line to Cairo.
  • A navigable fresh-water canal from the Nile also joins the Suez Canal in Ismailia to supply fresh-water to Port Said and Suez.


Q10.Which canal has shortened the distance between eastern and western coasts of North America? What is its economic significance?
Answer:.

Panama canal has shortened the distance between eastern and western coasts of North America. This canal connects the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west.
Its economic significance are:

  • The canal is about 72 km. long and involves a very deep cutting for a length of 12 km.
  • It has a six lock system and ships cross the different levels (26 m up and down) through these locks before entering the Gulf of Panama.
  • It shortens the distance between New York and San Francisco by 13,000 km by sea.
  • Likewise the distance between Western Europe and the West-coast of U.S.A.; and North-eastern and Central U.S.A. and East and South-east Asia is shortened.
  • The economic significance of this Canal is relatively less than that of the Suez. However, it is vital to the economies of Latin America.


Q11.Which is the most heavily used inland waterways in the world? Why is it important?
Answer:

Rhine waterway is the most heavily used inland waterways in the world. The Rhine flows through Germany and the Netherlands. It is navigable for 700 km from Rotterdam, at its mouth in the Netherlands to Basel in Switzerland. Ocean-going vessels can reach up to Cologne. The Ruhr river joins the Rhine from the east. It flows through a rich coalfield and the whole basin has become prosperous manufacturing area. Dusseldorf is the Rhine port for this region. Huge tonnage moves along the stretch south of the Ruhr. This waterway is the world’s most heavily used. Each year more than 20,000 ocean-going ships and 2,00,000 inland vessels exchange their cargoes. It connects the industrial areas of Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands with the North Atlantic Sea Route.


Q12.What are advantages and disadvantages of air transport?
Answer:

Advantages:

  • It is the fastest means of transportation.
  • Comfortable for long distance travel.
  • Suitable for rapid movement of valuable and perishable cargo.
  • It is the only means to reach inaccessible area.
  • It is also highly effective during emergency like when routes get blocked due to landslides, avalanches, flood etc.. Strategically airways are very significant.

Disadvantages:

  • Costly, not within reach of poor people.
  • It is also expensive to maintain aircraft as well as the airports.
  • It’s operation dependent on the weather conditions.
  • Construction of airports is limited by certain physical constrains.


Q13.What are pipelines? Give the advantages and disadvantages of pipeline transportation.
Answer:

Pipelines are used to transport liquids like water, oil, gas for uninterrupted flow.
Advantages:

  • It can be taken through any terrain.
  • The initial cost is high but the maintenance cost is low.
  • It is eco friendly as it requires no fuel.
  • It’s operation is not affected by unwanted human intervention.

Disadvantages:

  • Solids cannot be transported.
  • Any undetected leakage leads to wastage.


Q14.What is cyberspace? Write a note on it.
Answer:

Cyberspace is the world of electronic computerized space. It is encompassed by the Internet such as the World Wide Web (www). In simple words, it is the electronic digital world for communicating or accessing information over computer networks without physical movement of the sender and the receiver. It is also referred to as the Internet. Cyberspace exists everywhere. It may be in an office, sailing boat, flying plane and virtually anywhere. As billions use the Internet each year, cyberspace will expand the contemporary economic and social space of humans through e-mail, e-commerce, e-leaming and e-governance. Internet together with fax, television and radio will be accessible to more and more people cutting across place and time. It is these modem communication systems, more than transportation, that has made the concept of global village a reality.


Q15.Which hemisphere is served more by the air transport? Why there is less development of it in the other hemisphere?
Answer:

Northern hemisphere is served more by the air transport. In the Northern Hemisphere, there is a distinct east-west belt of inter-continental air routes. Dense network exists in Eastern U.S.A., westren Europe and Southeast Asia. U.S.A. alone accounts for 60 per cent of the airways of the world. New York, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Rome, Moscow, Karachi, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago are the nodal points where air routes converge or radiate to all continents. Africa, Asiatic part of Russia and South America lack air services. There are limited air services between 10-35 latitudes in the Southern hemisphere, due to sparser population, limited landmass and economic development.


Q16.Write a note on railways in Asia.
Answer:

In Asia, rail network is the most dense in the thickly populated areas of Japan, China and India. Other countries have relatively few rail routes. West Asia is the least developed in rail facilities because of vast deserts and sparsely populated regions. One of the most important railways of Asia is trans-Siberian Railways, a major rail route of Russia which runs from St. Petersburg in the west to Vladivostok on the Pacific Coast in the east passing through Moscow, Ufa, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Chita and Khabarovsk. It is the most important route in Asia and the longest (9,332 km) double-tracked and electrified trans-continental railway in the world.

It has helped in opening up its Asian region to West European markets. It runs across the Ural Mountains Ob and Yenisei rivers. Chita is an important agro-centre and Irkutsk, a fur centre. There are connecting links to the south, namely, to Odessa (Ukraine), Baku on the Caspian Coast, Tashkent (Uzbekistan), Ulan Bator (Mongolia), and Shenyang (Mukden) and Beijing in China. There is a proposal to build Trans Asiatic railway linking Istanbul with Bangkok via Iran, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Myanmar.


Q17.What is the latest development in the field of communication?
Answer:

Over the years human beings have used different methods long-distance communications of which the telegraph and the telephone were important. Even today, the telephone is the most commonly used mode. In developing countries, the use of cell phones, made possible by satellites, is important for rural connectivity. Today there is a phenomenal pace of development. The first major breakthrough is the use of optic fiber cables (OFC). Faced with mounting competition, telephone companies all over the world soon upgraded their copper cable systems to include optic fiber cables.

These allow large quantities of data to be transmitted rapidly, securely, and are virtually error- free. With the digitisation of information in the 1990’s, telecommunication slowly merged with computers to form integrated networks termed as Internet. Internet is the largest electronic network on the planet connecting about 1,000 million. As billions use the Internet each year, cyberspace will expand the contemporary economic and social space of humans through e-mail, e-commerce, e-learning and e-governance. Internet together with fax, television and radio will be accessible to more and more people cutting across place and time. It is these modem communication systems, more than transportation, that has made the concept of global village a reality.


Q18.Air transport has made world a global village. How? Also explain the significance of air transport.
Answer:

Air transport has brought about a connectivity revolution in the world in many ways. It is the fastest mode of transport. It is because of air transport that there is no place in the world which is more than 35 hours away. Significance of air transport can be understood as follows:

(a) Economic Significance:

  • Air transport is used only for high value goods and passengers.
  • Valuable goods can be moved rapidly.
  • It is preferred for long distance travel.
  • It is the easiest way to reach inaccessible areas such as mountainous snowfields or inhospitable deserts. In the Himalayan region, the routes are often obstructed due to landslides, avalanches or heavy snowfall. At such times, air travel is the only alternative to reach a place.

(b) Airways also have great strategic importance:

  • Airports with wide facilities have to be built.
  • The construction of airports and facilities is very costly. Therefore airports are built in places where the traffic is large.
  • It requires large arrangements such as hanger, fuelling, landing facilities.
Read More

CHAPTER 7 : Tertiary and Quaternary Activities NCERT SOLUTION CLASS 12TH GEOGRAPHY | EDUGROWN NOTES

Short Answer Type Questions:


Q1.What are the components of tertiary activity?
Answer:

Tertiary activities includes both production and exchange. Production includes the provision of services that are consumed. The output is indirectly measured in terms of wages and salaries. Exchange involves trade, transport and communication facilities that are used to overcome distance. Tertiary activities involve the commercial output of services rather than the production of tangible goods. Examples include work of a technician, driver, lawyer, administrator, publisher, etc


Q2.With examples, explain retail trading service.
Answer:

This is the business activity concerned with the sale of goods directly to the consumers. Most of the retail trading takes place in fixed establishments or stores solely devoted to selling. Street peddling, handcarts, trucks, door-to-door, mail-order, telephone, automatic vending machines and internet are examples of non-store retail trading.


Q3.How is transport distance measured?
Answer:

Transport is a service or facility by which people, materials and manufactured goods are physically carried,from one location to another. Transport, distance can be measured as: km distance or actual distance of route length; time distance or the time taken to travel on a particular route; and cost distance or the expense of travelling on a route. In selecting the mode of transport, distance, in terms of time or cost, is the determining factor.


Q4.Enlist the factors that affect transport services.
Answer:

Demand for transport is influenced by the size of population. The larger the population size, the greater is the demand for transport. Routes depend on: location of cities, towns, villages, industrial centres and raw materials, pattern of trade between them, nature of the landscape between them, type of climate, and funds available for overcoming obstacles along the length of the route.


Q5.What are the factors that affect tourism?
Answer:

Factors affecting tourism are:
Demand: Since the last century, the demand for holidays has increased rapidly. Improvements in the standard of living and increased leisure time, permit many more people to go on holidays for leisure. Transport: The opening-up of tourist areas has been aided by improvement in transport facilities. Travel is easier by car, with better road systems. More significant in recent years has been the expansion in air transport. For example, air travel allows one to travel anywhere in the world in a few hours of flying time from their homes. The advent of package holidays has reduced the costs.


Q6.What is outsourcing? Why do some countries outsource their work? What is its outcome?
Answer:

Outsourcing or contracting out is giving work to an outside agency to improve efficiency and to reduce cost. Some of the developed countries
outsource their work because of high wages in their own countries compared to the developing countries which offer similar services at a much cheaper rate. So for optimal use of resource and to maximize profit, these companies outsource their work to overseas location (offshoring). Example; Data processing is an IT related service which can be easily carried out in Asian, East European countries where IT skill staff with good English language are available at a much lower wages. Also overhead costs are much lower, making it all the more profitable.


Q7.Define Medical Tourism. Which countries are gaining from Medical Tourism? How does it help?
Answer:

When medical treatment is combined with international tourism activity, it is commonly known as medical tourism. India has emerged as a leading center with world class hospitals in the metro cities. Medical tourism brings huge benefits to the developing countries like India, Thailand. There is also the trend of outsourcing the medical tests and data interpretation, and some centers in India, Switzerland and Australia carry on some medical services like reading of radiology images, to interpreting MRI’s and ultrasound tests. It is advantageous to patients as it provides better quality and specialized care.

Q8.What is meant by digital divide? Why does it vary inter-country and intra country?
Answer:

Opportunities emerging from the Information and Communication Technology based development is unevenly distributed across the globe. There are wide ranging economic, political and social differences among countries. How quickly countries can provide ICT access and benefits to its citizens is the deciding factor. While developed countries in general have surged forward, the developing countries have lagged behind and this is known as the digital divide. Similarly digital divides exist within countries. For example, in a large country like India or Russia, it is inevitable that certain areas like metropolitan centers posses^ better connectivity an access to the digital world versus peripheral rural areas.


Q9.Explain the following terms:
Answer:

  • Network: With the development of transport system, different places . are linked together to form a network. They are formed of nodes and links. A developed network has many links, which means that places are well connected.
  • Node: A node is the meeting point of two or more routes, point of origin, a point of destination, or any sizeable town along the route.
  • Link: Every road that joins two nodes is called a link.


Q10.What are the factors of tourist attractions?
Answer:

Climate: Most people from colder regions expect to have warm, sunny weather for beach holidays. This is one of the main reasons for the importance of tourism in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean lands. The Mediterranean climate offers almost consistently higher temperatures, than in other parts of Europe, long hours of sunshine and low rainfall throughout the peak holiday season. People taking winter holidays have specific climatic requirements, either higher temperatures than their own homelands, or snow cover suitable for skiing.

Landscape: Many people like to spend their holidays in an attractive environment, which often means mountains, lakes, spectacular sea coasts and landscapes not completely altered by man.

History and Art: The history and art of an area have potential attractiveness. People visit ancient or picturesque towns and archaeological sites, and enjoy exploring castles, palaces and churches. Culture and Economy: These attract tourists with a penchant for experiencing ethnic and local custom. Besides, if a region provides for the needs of tourists at a cheap cost, it is likely to become very popular. Home-stay has emerged as a profitable business such as heritage homes in Goa, Madikere and Coorg in Karnataka.


Q11.How tourism has become the single largest tertiary activity?
Answer:

Tourism has become the single largest activity in the total registered jobs and total revenue because:

  • It not only serves the purpose of recreation but also it provides employment to many local people. They provide services like transport, accommodation, entertainment and other services.
  • Tourism fosters the growth of infra¬structure industries, retail trading and craft industry.
  • It also increases national income.

Long Answer Type Questions:


Q1.What are trading centers? Write a note on trading centers of the world?
Answer:

Trading centers are the towns and cities where buying and selling of items take place, which were produced elsewhere. Trading center may be rural and urban. Rural marketing centers cater to nearby settlements, these are semi urban centers of rudimentary type and act as local collecting and distributing centers. Personal and professional services are not well developed here, but they are important to cater to the basic demand of rural people. In rural areas periodic markets are also organized, these markets are held on specified days and move from place to place.

Urban trading centers provide specialized services, along with the ordinary goods and services required by the people. They provide manufactured goods and as well as many specialized markets offer like labour, housing, etc. Specialized service of lawyers, doctors, veterinary services, consultants of different professions are also available. Retail trading also takes place through specialized stores like cooperative stores, departmental stores and chain stores.


Q2.Write a note on Telecommunication services and its importance.
Answer
:
Telecommunication is generally distance communication and it’s use is directly linked to the development of modem technology. It has revolutionized communications because of the speed with which messages are sent. The time reduced is from weeks to minutes. Besides, the recent advancements like mobile telephone have made communications direct and instantaneous at any time and from anywhere. The telegraph, morse code and telex have almost become things of the past. Radio and television also help to relay news, pictures, and telephone calls to vast audiences around the world and hence they are termed as mass media. They are vital for advertising and entertainment. Newspapers are able to cover events from all corners of the world. Satellite communication relays information of the earth and from space. The internet has truly revolutionized the global communication system.


Q3.With examples show the importance of tourism in the world today.
Answer:

Tourism is travel undertaken for purposes of recreation rather than business. It has become the world’s single largest tertiaiy activity in total registered jobs (250 million) and total revenue (40 per cent of the total GDP). Besides, many local persons, are employed to provide services like accommodation, meals, transport, entertainment and special shops serving the tourists. Tourism fosters the growth of infrastructure industries, retail trading, and craft industries (souvenirs). In some regions, tourism is seasonal because the vacation period is dependent on favorable weather conditions, but many regions attract visitors all the year round.

The warmer places around the Mediterranean Coast and the West Coast of India are some of the popular tourist destinations in the world. Others include winter sports regions, found mainly in mountainous areas, and various scenic landscapes and national parks, which are scattered. Historic towns also attract tourists, because of the monument, heritage sites and cultural activities. All these regions benefited from tourism through the development of infrastructure industries, retail trading, craft industries in their respective regions.


Q4.Write a note on the Quinary activities & their importance in today’s world.
Answer:

The highest level of decision makers or policy makers perform quinary activities. Quinary activities are services that focus on the creation, re-arrangement and interpretation of new and existing ideas; data interpretation and the use and evaluation of new technologies. Often referred to as ‘gold collar’ professions, they represent another subdivision of the tertiary sector representing special and highly paid skills of senior business executives, government officials, research scientists, financial and legal consultants, etc. Their importance in the structure of advanced economies far outweighs their numbers.


Q5.Explain the similarities and differences between quaternary and quinary activities.
Answer:

In order to understand the similarities between the two, let us first look at their features:
Features of Quaternary Activities:

  • These services are advanced and specialized economic activities and are concern mainly with information processing, research and development,
  • Offer high income.
  • These services are mainly concentrated in fast growing developed countries with specialized knowledge, technical skills, and administrative competence.
  • It belongs to service sector that is knowledge oriented and can also be outsourced. They are not tied to resources, affected by the environment, or necessarily localized by market. Features of Quinary Activities:
  • Quinary activities are the services that focus on the creation, re-arrangement and interpretation of new and existing ideas, data and technologies.


Q6.Differentiate the following:
(a) Tertiary Activities and Secondary Activities.
(b) Rural Marketing Centres and Urban Marketing Centres
(c) Retail and Wholesale Trading Services
(d) BPO ahd KPO
(e) Communication and Telecommunication
Answer:

(a) Tertiary Activities and Secondary Activities:

Tertiary ActivitiesSecondary Activities
(i) They rely more heavily on specialised skills, experience and knowledge of the workers(i) They rely on the production techniques, machinery and factory processes.
(ii) They involve the commercial output of services.(ii) They involve the production of tangible goods.
(iii) They are not directly involved in the processing of physical raw materials(iii) They are directly involved in the processing of physical raw materials

(b) Rural Marketing Centres and Urban Marketing Centres:

Rural Marketing CentresUrban Marketing Centres
(i) Rural marketing centre provide facility to nearby settlements.(i) Urban marketing centre provide facility to wide services to large areas.
ii) Rural centres are mos,tly rudimentary type.(ii) Urban centres offer specialised services.
(iii) Personal and professional services are developed in rural centres.(iii) They are highly developed in urban centres.
(iv) They act as a local collecting and distributing centres.(iv) They provide services beyond cities at national or international levels

(c) Retail and Wholesale Trading Services:

Retail TradingWholesale Trading
(i) Rural marketing centres provide facility to the nearby settlements(i) This is the business activity concerned with the bulk selling of goods through merchants and the supply-houses.
(ii) Retailers act as intermediaries between wholesaler and customer(ii)  Wholesalers act as intermediaries between retail stores and manufacturers.
(iii) It is done through fixed stores- large shops as well as through non-stores-street peddling, door- to-door, mail-order, telephone, automatic vending machines and internet.(iii) It is always through fixed place
(iv) Retailers generally do not give credit to their customers.(iv) Wholesalers also give credit to retail stores.

(d) BPO ahd KPO:

BPOKPO
(i) It stands for Business Processing Outsourcing.(i) It stands for Knowledge Processing Outsourcing.
(ii) It is outsourcing of business activities such as customer care.(ii) It is information driven Knowledge Outsourcing.
(iii) The BPO industry involves relatively less high skilled workers as compared to KPO.(iii) The KPO industry involves more high skilled workers.
(I (iv) BPO enables companies to reduce cost and increase efficiency. (iv) KPO enables companies to create additional business opportunities.
(v) Examples: data processing, accounting services, call centres and customer support.(v) Examples: research and development (R and D) activities, e-learning, business research, intellectual property (IP), research, legal profession and the banking sector.

(e) Communication and Telecommunication:

CommunicationTelecommunication
(i) It refers to the transmitting of messages, facts and ideas either by words-oral or written; or through body or para language.(i) It refers to communication using electronic technology.
(ii) It can be in two forms—visual or audio. It has not made much progress.(ii) It has made a great progress due to improvement in technology.
(iii) These were actually carried by hand, boat, animals, road, rail and air. Therefore, all lines of transport are also called lines of communication.(iii) They are carried through satellites and has reduced time of communication from minutes to seconds and then to instantaneous.
(iv) It includes mail, telephonic conversations and face to face conversation.(iv) It includes radio, television, newspapers, etc.
(v) It takes more time.(v) It is less time consuming.
(vi) It is used for personal and business purposes.(vi) It is used for marketing, public awareness and entertainment.
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CHAPTER 6 : Secondary Activities NCERT SOLUTION CLASS 12TH GEOGRAPHY | EDUGROWN NOTES

Short Answer Type Questions:


Q1.What are footloose industries?
Answer:

Footloose industries can be located in a wide variety of places. They are not dependent on any specific raw material, weight losing or otherwise. They largely depend on component parts which can be obtained anywhere. They produce in small quantity and also employ a small labour force. These are generally not polluting industries. The important factor in their location is accessibility by road network.


Q2.Discuss three sub-sectors of cotton textile industry.
Answer:

Cotton textile industry has three sub¬sectors i.e. handloom, power loom and mill sectors.

  • Hand loom sector is labour intensive and provides employment to semi skilled workers. It requires small capital investment. This sector involves spinning, weaving and finishing of the fabrics.
  • The powerloom sector introduces machines and becomes less labour intensive and the volume of production increases.
  • Cotton textile mill sector is highly capital intensive and produces fine clothes in bulk.


Q3.What is an industry? Classify industry based on output.
Answer:

An industry is a geographically located manufacturing unit maintaining books of accounts and, records under a management system. As the term industry is comprehensive, it is also used as synonymous with ‘manufacturing’. When one uses terms like ‘steel industry’ and ‘chemical industry’ one thinks of factories and processes. Based on output there are two types of industries:

  • Basic industries: The industry whose products are used to make other goods by using them as raw materials are basic industries. Eg. Iron and steel industry for making machineries for textile industries to make clothes.
  • Consumer goods industries: The consumer goods industries produced goods which are consumed by consumers directly. Example, industries producing breads and biscuits, tea, soaps and toiletries, paper for writing, televisions, etc. are consumer goods or non-basic industries.


Q4.Classify industry based on ownership.
Answer:

Based on ownership, industries are classified as:

  • Public Sector Industries are owned and managed by government. In India, there were a number of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Socialist countries have many state owned industries. Mixed economies have both Public and Private sector enterprises.
  • Private Sector Industries are owned by individual investors. These are managed by private organisations. In capitalist countries, industries are generally owned privately.
  • Joint Sector Industries are managed by joint stock companies or sometimes the private and public sectors together establish and manage the industries.


Q5.What are the characteristics of traditional large scale industrial region?
Answer:

Traditional large scale industrial regions are based on heavy industry, often located near coal-fields and engaged in metal smelting, heavy engineering, chemical manufacture or textile production. These industries are now known as smokestack industries. Traditional industrial regions can be recognized by:

  • High proportion of employment in manufacturing industry. High-density housing, often of inferior type, and poor services. Unattractive environment, for example, pollution, waste heaps, and so on.
  • Problems of unemployment, emigration and derelict land areas caused by closure of factories because of a worldwide fall in demand.

Long Answer Type Questions:


Q1.Discuss the major trends of modern industrial activities especially in the developed countries of the world.
Answer:

Traditional large scale industries were based on heavy industry, often located near coal-fields and engaged in metal smelting, heavy engineering, chemical manufacture or textile production. These industries are now known as smokestack industries. With modernization, there has been changes in industrial sector which have led to the decay of some areas, and there are problems of industrial waste and pollution. The future prosperity of these traditional areas has shifted from their traditional activities to high technology, or simply high-tech, which is the latest generation of manufacturing activities. It is best understood as the application of intensive research and development (R and D) efforts leading to the manufacture of products of an advanced scientific and engineering character.

Robotics on the assembly line, computer- aided design (CAD) and manufacturing, electronic controls of smelting and refining processes, and the constant development of new chemical and pharmaceutical products are notable examples of a high-tech industry. Neatly spaced, low, modem, dispersed, office-plant-lab buildings rather than massive assembly structures, factories and storage areas mark the high-tech industrial landscape. The Silicon Valley near San Francisco and Silicon Forest near Seattle are examples of technopolies. The traditional industrial regions have shifted their focus from traditional large scale industries to assembly plants (footloose industries), new chemical plants, universities, out of town shopping centres etc.


Q2.Give a brief account on the following:
(a) Iron and Steel industry
(b) Cotton Textile Industry
Answer:

(a) The iron and steel industry:
It forms the base of all other industries and, therefore, it is called a basic industry. It is basic because it provides raw material for other industries such as machine tools used for further production. It may also be called a heavy industry because it uses large quantities of bulky raw materials and its products are also heavy. Iron is extracted from iron ore by smelting in a blast furnace with carbon (coke) and limestone. The molten iron is cooled and moulded to form pig iron which is used for converting into steel by adding strengthening materials like manganese. The large integrated steel industry is traditionally located close to the sources of raw materials – iron ore, coal, manganese and limestone – or at places where these could be easily brought, e.g. near ports. But in mini steel mills access to markets is more important than inputs.

Distribution: This industry is one of the most complex and capital-intensive industries and is concentrated in the advanced countries of North America, Europe and Asia. In U.S.A, most of the production comes from the north
Appalachian region (Pittsburgh), Great Lake region. The industry has also moved towards the southern state of Alabama. Pittsburg area is now losing ground. It has now become the “rust bowl” of U.S.A. In Europe, U.K., Germany, France, Belgium, Luxembourgh, the Netherlands and Russia are the leading producers. In Asia, the important centres include Nagasaki and Tokyo-Yokohama in Japan; Shanghai, Tienstin and Wuhan in China; and Jamshedpur, Kulti-Bumpur, Durgapur, Rourkela, Bhilai, Bokaro, Salem, Visakhapatnam and Bhadravati in India centres.

(b) Cotton textile industry:
Cotton textile industry has three sub¬sectors i.e. handloom, powerloom and mill sectors. Handloom sector is labour¬intensive and provides employment to semi-skilled workers. It requires small capital investment. This sector involves spinning, weaving and finishing of the fabrics. The powerloom sector introduces machines and becomes less labour intensive and the volume of production increases. Cotton textile mill sector is highly capital intensive and produces fine clothes in bulk. Cotton textile manufacturing requires good quality cotton as raw material. India, China, U.S.A, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Egypt produce more than half of the world’s raw cotton. The U.K, NW European countries and Japan also produce cotton textile made from imported yam. Europe alone accounts for nearly half of the world’s cotton imports.

The industry has to face very stiff competition with synthetic fibres hence it has now shown a declining trend in many countries. With the scientific advancement and technological improvements the structure of industries changes. For example, Germany recorded constant growth in cotton textile industry since Second World War till the seventies but now it has declined. It has shifted to less developed countries where labour costs are low.


Q3.Define manufacturing. List the characteristics of modern large scale manufacturing.
Answer:

Manufacturing literally means “to make by hand’. However, now it includes goods ‘made by machines’. It is essentially a process which involves transforming raw materials into finished goods of higher value for sale in local or distant markets. Modern large scale manufacturing has the following characteristics: Specialization of Skills/Methods of Production: Under the ‘craft’ method factories produce only a few pieces which are made-to-order. So the costs are high. On the other hand, mass production involves production of large quantities of standardized parts by each worker performing only one task repeatedly.

Mechanization: Mechanization refers to using gadgets which accomplish tasks. Automation (without aid of human thinking during the manufacturing process) is the advanced stage of mechanization. Technological Innovation: Technological innovations through research and development strategy are an important aspect of modern manufacturing for quality control, eliminating waste and inefficiency, and combating pollution. Organisational Structure and Stratification: Modern manufacturing is characterized by:

  • a complex machine technology
  • extreme specialization and division of labour for producing more goods with less effort, and low costs
  • vast capital
  • large organisations
  • executive bureaucracy.


Q4.Describe the factors that affect the location of industries.
Answer:

Major concentrations of modern manufacturing have flourished in a few number of places. These cover less than 10 per cent of the world’s land area. These nations have become the centres of economic and political power. Industries maximise profits by reducing costs. Therefore, industries should be located at points where the production costs are minimum. Some of the factors influencing industrial locations are as under: Access to Market: The existence of a market for manufactured goods is the most important factor in the location of industries. ‘Market’ means people who have a demand for these goods and also have the purchasing power (ability to purchase) to be able to purchase from the sellers at a place. Remote areas inhabited by a few people offer small markets. The developed regions of Europe, North America, Japan and Australia provide large global markets as the purchasing power of the people is very high. The densely populated regions of South and South-east Asia also provide large markets.

Access to Raw Material: Raw material used by industries should be cheap and easy to transport. Industries based on cheap, bulky and weight-losing material (ores) are located close to the sources of raw material such as steel, sugar, and cement industries. Perishability is a vital factor for the industry to be located closer to the source of the raw material. Agro-processing and dairy products are processed close to the sources of farm produce or milk supply respectively. Access to Labour Supply: Labour supply is an important factor in the location of industries. Some types of manufacturing still require skilled labour. Increasing mechanization, automation and flexibility of industrial processes have reduced the dependence of industry upon the labours. Access to Sources of Energy: Industries which use more power are located close to the source of the energy supply such as the aluminium industry. Earlier coal was the main source of energy, today hydroelectricity and petroleum are also important sources of energy for many industries.

Access to Transportation and Commu-nication Facilities: Speedy and efficient transport facilities to carry raw materials to the factory and to move finished goods to the market are essential for the development of industries. The cost of transport plays an important role in the location of industrial units. Communication is also an important need for industries for the exchange and management of information. Government Policy: Governments adopt ‘regional policies’ to promote ‘balanced’ economic development and hence set up industries in particular areas.
Access to Agglomeration Economies/ Links between Industries: Many industries benefit from nearness to a leader-industry and other industries. These benefits are termed as agglomeration economies. These factors operate together to determine industrial location.


Q5.Classify industry based on inputs. Ans. On the basis of the raw materials used, the industries are classified as:
(a) agro-based
(b) mineral based
(c) chemical based
(d) forest based and
(e) animal based.
Answer:

(a) Agro based Industries:
Agro processing involves the processing of raw materials from the field and the farm into finished products for rural and urban markets. Major agro-processing industries are food processing, sugar, pickles, fruits juices, beverages (tea, coffee and cocoa), spices and oils fats and textiles (cotton, jute, silk), rubber, etc. Food and Agro processing includes canning, producing cream, fruit processing and confectionary. While some preserving techniques, such as drying, fermenting and pickling, have been known since ancient times, these had limited applications to cater to the pre-industrial Revolution demands.
(b) Mineral based Industries:
These industries use minerals as a raw material. Some industries use ferrous metallic minerals which contain ferrous (iron), such as iron and steel industries but some use non-ferrous metallic minerals, such as aluminium, copper and jewellery industries. Many industries use non-metallic minerals such as cement and pottery industries.
(c) Chemical based Industries:
Such industries use natural chemical minerals, e.g. mineral-oil (petroleum) is used in petrochemical industry. Salts, sulphur and potash industries also use natural minerals. Chemical industries are also based on raw materials obtained from wood and coal. Synthetic fibre, plastic, etc. are other examples of chemical based industries.
(d) Forest based raw Material using Industries:
The forests provide many major and minor products which are used as raw material. Timber for furniture industry, wood, bamboo and grass for paper industry, lac for lac industries come from forests.
(e) Animal based Industries:
Leather for leather industry and wool for woollen textiles are obtained from animals. Besides, ivory is also obtained from elephant’s tusks.


Q6.Give the characteristics of hightech industries.
Answer:

High technology, or simply high-tech, is the latest generation of manufacturing activities. It is best understood as the application of intensive research and development (R and D) efforts leading to the manufacture of products of an advanced scientific and engineering character. Professional (white collar) workers make up a large share of the total workforce. These highly skilled specialists greatly outnumber the actual production (blue collar) workers.

Robotics on the assembly line, computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing, electronic controls of smelting and refining processes, and the constant development of new chemical and pharmaceutical products are notable examples of a high-tech industry. Neatly spaced, low, modern, dispersed, office-plant-lab buildings rather than massive assembly structures, factories and storage areas mark the high-tech industrial landscape. Planned business parks for high-tech start-ups have become part of regional and local development schemes.

High-tech industries which are regionally concentrated, self-sustained and highly specialized are called technopolies. The Silicon Valley near San Francisco and Silicon Forest near Seattle are examples of technopolies. Bangalore is known as Silicon Valley of India.


Q7.Distinguish between cottage industrie and small scale industries.
Answer:

Cottage IndustrySmall Scale Industries
(i) It is the smallest manufacturing unit. Finished products may be for consumption in the same household or, for sale in local (village) markets, or, for barter.(i) Small scale manufacturing is distinguished from household industries by its production techniques and place of manufacture (a workshop outside the home/cottage of the producer).
(ii) The artisans use local raw materials and simple tools to produce everyday goods in their homes with the help of their family members or part time labour.(ii) This type of manufacturing uses local raw material, simple power-driven machines and semi-skilled labour.
(iii) Some common everyday products produced in this sector of manufacturing include foodstuffs, fabrics, mats, containers tools, furniture, shoes, and figurines from wood lot and forest, shoes, thongs and other articles from leather; pottery and bricks from clays and stones. Goldsmiths make jewellery of gold, silver and bronze. Some artefacts and crafts are made out of bamboo, wood obtained locally from theforests.(iii) It provides employment and raises local purchasing power. Therefore, countries like India, China, Indonesia and Brazil, etc. have developed labour¬intensive small scale manufacturing in order to provide employment to their population.  


Q8.Distinguish between small scale & large scale manufacturing industry.
Answer:

Small Scale IndustriesLarge Scale Industries
(i) Its manufacturing place (workshop) is outside the home/cottage of the producer.(i) Large scale industry is totally market oriented industry, involving large scale production and technological advanced methods of production of goods in large factory set up.
(ii) It uses local raw material, simple power-driven machines and skilled labour.(ii) It involves a large market, various raw materials, enormous energy, specialized workers, advanced technology, assembly-
(iii) Countries like India, China, Indonesia and Brazil, etc. have developed labour-intensive small scale manufacturing in order to provide employment to their population.(iii) This kind of manufacturing developed in the last 200 years, in the United Kingdom, north-eastern U.S.A. and Europe.


Q9.Differentiate between Basic Industry and Consumer Goods industry
Answer:

Basic IndustryConsumer Goods Industry
(i) Industries whose products are used to produce other goods by using them as raw materials are called basic industries.(ii) Iron and steel industry produces steel which is used by other industries as a raw material to produce machines.(i) Industries which produce goods for direct consumption are known as consumer goods industries.(ii) Tea, bread, soap and television which are used by consumers.


Q10.Differentiate between Private Sector Industry and Public Sector Industry
Answer:

Basic IndustryConsumer Goods Industry
(i) Industries owned and managed by an individual or a corporate body belongs to private sector. Individuals invest their own capital and they manage these industries themselves.(ii) Reliance Industries Limited(i) When the ownership and management of an industry is in the hand of the state, it is called public sector industry.(ii) Bharat Heavy Electronics Limited


Q11.Differentiate between white collar worker and blue collar worker.
Answer:

White Collar WorkerBlue Collar Worker
(i) Those group of workers which is highly qualified and skilled and does mental work is called white collar worker.(ii) These workers enjoy high standard of living and better social status.(i) Those group of workers which is not so qualified and skilled and does physical work is called blue collar worker.(ii) They get relatively lesser wages.
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CHAPTER 5 : Primary Activities NCERT SOLUTION CLASS 12TH GEOGRAPHY | EDUGROWN NOTES

Short Answer Type Questions:


Q1.List the areas where gathering is practiced.
Answer:

  • Gathering is practiced in regions with harsh climatic conditions.
  • Generally primitive societies who extract plant and animal products to satisfy their need for food, shelter and clothing, practise it.

It is practised in High latitude zones of Northern Canada, Northern Eurasia and Southern Chile, Low latitude zones of Amazon basin, Tropical Africa, Northern fringe of Australia, interior parts of South East Asia.


Q2.List different animals kept in different regions as far as nomadic herding is concerned.
Answer:

A wide variety of animals is kept in different regions. In tropical Africa, cattle are the most important livestock, while in Sahara and Asiatic deserts, sheep, goats and camel are reared. In the mountainous areas of Tibet and Andes, yak and llamas and in the Arctic and sub Arctic areas, reindeer are the most important animals.


Q3.Which regions are associated with pastoral nomadism?
Answer:

Pastoral nomadism is associated with three important regions. The core region extends from the Atlantic shores of North Africa eastwards across the Arabian peninsula into Mongolia and Central China. The second region extends over the tundra region of Eurasia. In the southern hemisphere there are small areas in South-west Africa and on the island of Madagascar.


Q4.What is transhumance?
Answer:

Pastoral nomadism is undertaken either over vast horizontal distances or vertically from one elevation to another in the mountainous regions. The process of migration from plain areas to pastures on mountains during summers and again from mountain pastures to plain areas during winters is known as transhumance. In mountain regions, such as Himalayas, Gujjars, Bakarwals, Gaddis and Bhotiyas migrate from plains to the mountains in summers and to the plains from the high altitude pastures in winters. Similarly, in the tundra regions, the nomadic herders move from south to north in summers and from north to south in winters.


Q5.What is intensive subsistence agriculture? What are its types?
Answer:

Intensive subsistence agriculture is practiced in the poorer regions of the world, where farmers grow crops for family consumption. Very little is left as surplus for market. There are two types of

  • Intensive subsistence agriculture dominated by wet paddy cultivation: – It is characterized by dominance of the rice crop. Land holdings are veiy small due to the high density of population. Farmers work with the help of family labour leading to intensive use of land. Use of machinery is limited and most of the agricultural operations are done by manual labour. Farm yard manure is used to maintain the fertility of the soil. In this type of agriculture, the yield per unit area is high but per labour productivity is low.
  • Intensive subsidence agriculture dominated by crops other than paddy: Due to the difference in relief, climate, soil and some of the other geographical factors, it is not practical to grow paddy in many parts of monsoon Asia. Wheat, soyabean, barley and sorghum are grown in northern China, Manchuria, NorthKorea and North Japan. In India wheat is grown in western parts of the Indo- Gangetic plains and millets are grown in diy parts of western and southern India. Most of the characteristics of this type of agriculture are similar to those dominated by wet paddy except that irrigation is often used.


Q6.Write a note on Mediterranean agriculture from the point of view of its importance, areas and crops grown.
Answer:

  • Mediterranean agriculture is highly specialized commercial agriculture.
  • It is practised in the countries on either side of the Mediterranean sea in Europe and in north Africa from Tunisia to Atlantic coast, southern California, central Chile, south western parts of South Africa and south and south western parts of Australia.
  • It is an important supplier of citrus fruits. »Viticulture or grape cultivation is a speciality of the Mediterranean region.
  • Best quality wines in the world with distinctive flavors are produced from high quality grapes in various countries of this region. The inferior grapes are dried into raisins and currants.
  • This region also produces olives and figs.
  • The advantage of Mediterranean agriculture is that more valuable crops such as fruits and vegetables are grown in winters when there is great demand in European and North American markets.


Q7.List the different uses of minerals in ancient time.
Answer:

The discovery of minerals in the history of human development, is reflected in many stages in terms of copper age, bronze age and iron age. The use of minerals in ancient times was largely confined to the making of tools, utensils and weapons. The actual development of mining began with the industrial revolution and its importance is continuously increasing.


Q8.Describe the factors that affect mining activities.
Answer:

The profitability of mining operations depends on two main factors:

  • Physical factors include the size, grade and the mode of occurrence of the deposits.
  • Economic factors such as the demand for the mineral, technology available and used, capital to develop infrastructure and the labour and transport costs.


Q9.Write a short note on commercial livestock rearing.
Answer:

Commercial livestock rearing is organized and capital intensive. The ranches on which it is practised are permanent and cover large area, which are further divided into fenced parcels to regulate grazing. When one parcel is grazed, the animals are shifted to another parcel and the number of animals in a parcel are kept according to the carrying capacity of the parcel. Only one type of animal (like sheep, cattle, goat and horses) is reared. Their products like milk, wool and hide are processed and packed scientifically, and then exported to world markets. The main emphasis is here on breeding, health care, disease control and genetic improvement of the animal. This is totally market and profit oriented. The developed countries like New Zealand, Australia, USA practise commercial livestock rearing.


Q10.Describe four different groups/types of economic activities.
Answer:

Economic activities are broadly grouped as Primary activities, Secondary activities, Tertiary activities and Quaternary activities.

  • Primary Activities: It refers to extraction/ utilisation of raw materials from the earth’s surface. These include hunting, gathering, pastoralism, fishing, forestry, mining and agriculture.
  • Secondary Activities: It includes industries that transform raw materials into finished foods having higher value. For example, manufacturing cotton textiles from raw cotton, and iron and steel from iron ore.
  • Tertiary Activities: It includes all kinds of services provided for the people such as education, health, trade and transport.
  • Quaternary Activities: It represents special kind of services, which is related to highly intellectual activities. For example, research and development service, information generation, information processing and transmission.


Q11.In modem times some gathering is market-oriented and has become commercial. Explain.
OR
Narrate the changes in gathering as an activity in recent times.
Answer:

It is absolutely right to say that in modem times, some gathering is market- oriented and has become commercial. Gatherers collect valuable plants and after simple processing sell these in the market.
They use different parts of the plants. For example, they use:

  • Bark of the tree for making quinine, tanin extract and cork.
  • Leaves are used to produce beverages, drugs, cosmetics, fibres, thatch and fabrics.
  • Nuts are used for food and oils.
  • Tree trunk provides rubber, balata, gums and resins.


Q12.Write a short note on market gardening?
Answer:

In market gardening, high value crops such as vegetables, fruits and flowers are cultivated solely for the urban areas. Under this the size of farms is small and they are located where there are good transportation links with the urban centres where high income consumers are located. It is both labour and capital intensive and lays emphasis on the use of irrigation, HYV seeds, fertilizers, insecticides, green houses and artificial heating in colder regions.
This type of agriculture is well developed in densely populated industrial districts of North West Europe, North Eastern United States of America and the Mediterranean regions.

The Netherlands specializes in flowers and horticulture crops especially tulips, which are exported all over Europe. Those regions where farmers specialize in vegetables only, it is called truck farming.


Q13.What do you mean by Kolkhoz? How did it begin? Explain its features.
Answer:

Kolkhoz is the name for collective farming in Soviet Union. It was introduced in erstwhile Soviet Union to improve upon the inefficiency of previous methods of agriculture and to boost agricultural production for self sufficiency.
Its features:

  • This type of farming is based on social ownership of the means of production and collective labour.
  • The farmers pool in all their resources like land, livestock and labour.
  • Yearly targets are set by the government and the produce is also sold to the state at fixed prices.
  • Members are paid according to the nature of the work allotted to them by the farm management.


Q14.Describe the main features of extensive commercial grain cultivation.
Answer:

Important features of Extensive Commercial Grain Agriculture are as follows:

  • It is practised in the interior parts of semi-arid lands of the mid latitudes.
  • Wheat is the principal crop though other crops like com, barley, oats and rye are also grown.
  • The size of the farm is very large; therefore all the operations from ploughing to harvesting are mechanised.
  • Yield per hectare is low but yield per person is high because less people and more machines are used.
  • It is best developed in Eurasian steppes, the Canadian and American Prairies, the Pampas of Argentina, the Velds of South Africa, the Australian Downs and the Canterbury plains of New Zealand.


Q15.Describe the main features of market gardening and horticulture.
OR
List six points to describe market gardening & horticulture.
Answer:

The main features of horticulture and market gardening are

  • It specializes in the cultivation of high value crops such as vegetables, fruits and flowers.
  • Crops are cultivated exclusively for the urban markets.
  • Farms are small and are located near urban market.
  • It is both labour and capital intensive.
  • It lays emphasis on the use of irrigation, HYV seeds, fertilizers, insecticides, greenhouses and artificial heating in colder regions.
  • This type of agriculture is well developed in densely populated industrial areas of Europe, North East U.S.A. and the Mediterranean regions.


Q16.What do you mean by subsistence agriculture? Explain its two types.
Answer:

Subsistence agriculture is one in which the farming areas consume all of the products that are locally grown. It is of two types:

  • Primitive Subsistence Agriculture: It is also called shifting cultivation. Under this vegetation is cleared by fire and land is used for cultivation. These ashes add to fertility of soil and hence, it is also called slash and burn agriculture.
  • Intensive Subsistence Agriculture: Under this type of farming, land holdings are very small and farmers work with the help of family labour leading to intensive use of land with limited used of machinery.

Long Answer Type Questions:


Q1.“There is low yield per acre but high yield per person.” In which type of agriculture is this evident? Why? Where is this type of agriculture practised?
Answer:

This feature is characteristic of extensive commercial grain cultivation. Since it is extensive that is on a very large scale, so use of mechanical devices, irrigation, sprinklers, tractors, low flying aircrafts is common.

In the areas practising commercial grain cultivation, the areas of production are high, as the farming is intensive, but due to the low population and high degree of mechanization, the number of people employed in these farms is less. Due to high level of scientific and technological skills employed in the production activities, the total yield is high, which results in very high per person yield, but due to extensive nature of farming and low pressure per unit area of land, yield per acre is low.

These are found in the developed countries of the world like in the Eurasian Steppes, the Canadian and American Prairies, the Pampas of Argentina, the Velds of South Africa, the Australian Downs and the Canterbury Plains of New Zealand.


Q2.What is the status of mining in the developed and developing economies of the world?
Answer:

Mining is primarily extraction of minerals from surface or beneath the surface of the earth’s crust for further processing in industrial and other uses. It involves more of manual labour and is hazardous, so the developed economies are retreating from mining, processing and refining stages of production due to high labour costs, while the developing countries with large labour force and striving for higher standard of living are becoming more important. Several countries of Africa and few of south America and Asia have over fifty per cent of the earnings from minerals alone.


Q3.Dairy farming is a modern occupation. Explain.
Answer:

It is absolutely right to say that dairy farming is a modern occupation. It is a type of agriculture in which major emphasis is on breeding and rearing milch cattle. Its main features are given below which can prove that it is a modem occupation:

  • It is highly capital intensive. Large investments are made on animal sheds, storage facilities for fodder, feeding and milching machines.
  • Special emphasis is laid on cattle-breeding, health care and veterinary services.
  • It is also highly-labour intensive as it involves painstaking care in feeding and milching.
  • There is no off-season during the year.
  • It is practised mainly near urban and industrial market.
  • Dairy farming development depends on transportation, refrigeration, pasteurisation and other preservation processes.


Q4.Distinguish between the types of farming based on organization.
Answer:

Cooperative FarmingCollecting Farming
(i) group of farmers form a co-operative society by pooling in their resources voluntarily for more efficient and profitable farming.(i) the basic principle behind this types of farming is based on social ownership of the means of production and collective labour.
(ii) dividual farms remain intact and farming is a matter of cooperative initiative.(ii) The farmers used to pool in all their resources like land, livestock and labour.
(iii) Co-operative societies help farmers, to procure all important inputs of farming, sell the products at the most favourable terms and help in processing of quality products at cheaper rate(iii) Yearly targets were set by the government and the produce was also sold to the state at fixed prices. Produce in excess of the fixed amount was distributed among the members or sold in the market.
(iv) It has been successful in many western European countries like Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Italy etc.(iv) This type of farming was introduced in former Soviet Union under the socialist regime which was adopted by the socialist countries. After its collapse, these have already been modified


Q5.Compare mixed farming and dairy farming.
Answer:

Mixed FarmingDairy Farming
(i) Mixed farms are moderate in size and grow mainly wheat, barley, oat, rye, fodder. Crop rotation, inter cropping etc. are practised to maintain soil fertility.(i) Dairy farming is most advanced  and efficient type of rearing milch animals.
(ii) It is highly capital intensive and high investment in farm machinery, building, fertilizer, manure and skill of the farmers.(ii) It is labour intensive as it requires intensive care in feeding and milching. It is an activity requiring year round labour as there is no off season like in the cropping activities.
(iii) Animals like cattle, sheep, poultry provide main income along with crops(iii) It is highly capital intensive. Animal sheds, storage facilities for fodder, feeding and milching machines are the areas of heaviest expenditures.
(iv) Equal emphasis on crop cultivation and animal husbandry.(iv) Special emphasis is laid on cattle breeding, healthcare and veterinary services.
(v) Practised in highly developed parts of the world- North Western Europe, East and North America, parts of Eurasia and temperate latitudes of southern continents.(v) Practised near urban and industrial centres for easy access to dairy market. The main regions of commercial dairy farming are North Western Europe (largest), Canada, South East Australia and New Zealand.
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CHAPTER 4 : Human Development NCERT SOLUTION CLASS 12TH GEOGRAPHY | EDUGROWN NOTES

Short Answer Type Questions:


Q1.How does the Human Development Index ranks the countries?
Answer:

The Human Development Index ranks the countries based on their performance in the key areas of health, education and access to resources. These ranking are based on a score between 0 to 1, that a country earns from it record in the key areas of human development. Each of these dimensions is given a weightage of 1 / 3. The HDI is the sum total of the weights assigned to all these dimensions. The closer a score is to 1, the greater is the level of human development.


Q2.What are the aspects of human development?
Answer:

Leading a long and healthy life, being able to gain knowledge and having enough means to be able to live a decent life are the most important aspects of human development. Therefore, access to resources, health and education are the key areas in human development.


Q3.Why are some people incapable of making the basic choices?
Answer:

Very often, people do not have the capability and freedom to make even basic choices. This may be due to their inability to acquire knowledge, their material poverty, social discrimination, inefficiency of institutions and other reasons. This prevents them from leading healthy lives being able to get educated or to have the means to live a decent life. Building people’s capabilities in the areas of health, education and access to resources is therefore, important in enlarging their choices. If people do not have capabilities in these areas, their choices also get limited. For example, an uneducated child cannot make the choice to be a doctor because her choice has got limited by her lack of education. Similarly, very often poor people cannot choose to take medical treatment for disease because their choice is limited by their lack of resources.


Q4.With examples show how the government expenditure on social sector is an indicator of human development in different area?
Answer:

The pattern of government expenditure on social sector is an important indicator of the level of human development in a particular region. The political environment of the country and the amount of freedom people have is also important. Countries with high levels of human development invest more in the social sectors and are generally free from political turmoil and instability. Distribution of the country’s resources is also far more equitable.

On the other hand, places with low levels of human development tend to spend more on defense rather than social sectors. This shows that these countries tend to be located in areas of political instability and have not been able to initiate accelerated economic development.

Long Answer Type Questions:


Q1.Compare the social-economic conditions of the people in the countries with different human development levels.
Answer:

High level of human development group has 53 countries. Providing education and healthcare is an important government priority. Countries with higher human development are those where a lot of investment in the social sector has taken place. Altogether, a higher investment in people and good governance has set this group of countries apart from the others. Many of these countries have been the former imperial powers. The degree of social diversity in these countries is not very high. Many of the countries with a high human development score are located in Europe and represent the industrialized western world. Yet there are striking numbers of non-European countries also who have made it to this list.

Countries with medium levels of human development form the largest group. There are 42 countries in the medium level of human development. Most of these are countries which have emerged in the period after the Second World War. Some countries from this group were former colonies while many others have emerged after the break up of the erstwhile Soviet Union in 1990. Many of these countries have been rapidly improving their human development score by adopting more people-oriented policies and reducing social discrimination. Most of these countries have a much higher social diversity than the countries with higher human development scores. Many in this group have faced political instability and social uprisings at some point of time in their recent history.

As many as 43 countries record low levels of human development. A large proportion of these are small countries which have been going through political turmoil and social instability in the form of civil war, famine or a high incidence of diseases. There is an urgent need to address the human development requirements of this group through well thought out policies.


Q2.Explain the four pillars of human development.
Answer:

The idea of human development is supported by the concepts of equity, sustainability, productivity and empowerment.
Equity refers to making equal access to opportunities available to everybody. The opportunities available to, people must be equal irrespective of their gender, race, income and in the Indian case, caste. Yet this is veiy often not the case and happens in almost every society. For example, in any country, it is interesting to see which group the most of the school dropouts belong to. In India, a large number of women and persons belonging to socially and economically backward groups drop out of school. This shows how the choices of these groups get limited by not having access to knowledge.
Sustainability means continuity in the availability of opportunities. To have sustainable human development, each generation must have the same opportunities. All environmental, financial and human resources must be used keeping in mind the future. Misuse of any of these resources will lead to fewer opportunities for future generations.

A good example is about the importance of sending girls to school. If a community does not stress the importance of sending its girl children to school, many opportunities will be lost to these young women when they grow up. Their career choices will be severely curtailed and this would affect other aspects of their lives. So each generation must ensure the availability of choices and opportunities to its future generations.
Productivity means human labour productivity or productivity in terms of human work. Such productivity must be constantly enriched by building capabilities in people. Ultimately, it is people who are the real wealth of nations. Therefore, efforts to increase their knowledge, or provide better health facilities ultimately leads to better work efficiency.

Empowerment means to have the power to make choices. Such power comes from increasing freedom and capability. Good governance and people-oriented policies are required to empower people. The empowerment of socially and economically disadvantaged groups is of special importance.


Q3.What are the different approaches/ ways of looking at the problem of human development?
Answer:

Some of the important approaches of looking at human development are:
(a) Income Approach: This is one of the oldest approaches to human development. Human development is seen as being linked to income. The idea is that the level of income reflects the level of freedom an individual enjoys. Higher the level of income, the higher is the level of human development.
(b) Welfare Approach: This approach looks at human beings as beneficiaries or targets of all development activities. The approach argues for higher government expenditure on education, health, social secondary and amenities. People are not participants in development but only passive recipients. The government is responsible for increasing levels of human development by maximising expenditure on welfare.
(c) Basic Needs Approach: This approach was initially proposed by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Six basic needs i.ehealth, education, food, water supply, sanitation, and housing were identified. The question of human choices is ignored and the emphasis is on the provision of basic needs of defined sections.
d) Capability Approach: This approach is associated with Prof. Amartya Sen. Building human capabilities in the areas of health, education and access to resources is the key to increasing human development.


Q4.“The Human Poverty index is more revealing than the Human Development Index”. Explain with examples,
Answer:

The human development index measures attainments in human development. It reflects what has been achieved in the key areas of human development. Yet it is not the most , reliable measure. This is because it does not say anything about the distribution. The human poverty index is related to the human development index. This , index measures the shortfall in human development. It is a non-income measure. The probability of not surviving till the age of 40, the adult illiteracy rate, the number of people who do not have access to clean water, and the number of small children who are underweight are all taken into account to show the shortfall in human development in any region. Often the human poverty index is more revealing than the human development index.
Looking at both these measures of human development together gives an accurate picture of the human development situation in a country.

The ways to measure human development are constantly being refined and newer ways of capturing different elements of human development are being researched. Researchers have found links between the level of corruption or political freedom in a particular region. There is also a discussion regarding a political freedom index and, a listing of the most corrupt countries.


Q5.Differentiate between growth and development.
Answer:

GrowthDevelopment
(i)  Growth is quantitative and value neutral.  (i) development means a qualitative change which is always value positive. This means that development cannot take place unless there is an increment or addition to the existing condition.
(ii) It may have a positive (increase) or negative (decrease) sign.(ii) it occurs when positive growth takes place in quality.


Q6.State the three differences between Human Development Index and Human Poverty Index.
Answer:

Human Development IndexHuman Poverty Index
(i) The Human Development Index measures attainments in human development.(i) The Human Poverty Index measures the shortfall in human development
(ii) Human Development Index (HDI) does not say anything about the distribution(ii) The Human Poverty Index (HPI) measures the levels of distribution of education, health and resources.
(iii) HDI is an income measure(iii) HPI is a non-income measure.
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CHAPTER 3 : Population Composition NCERT SOLUTION CLASS 12TH GEOGRAPHY | EDUGROWN NOTES

Short Answer Type Questions:


Q1.What does the literacy rate of a country indicate?
Answer:

Proportion of literate population of a country is an indicator of its socio¬economic development as it reveals the standard of living, social status of females, availability of educational facilities and policies of government. Level of economic development is both a cause and consequence of literacy.


Q2.Why is unfavorable female sex ratio found in India and other South Asian countries?
Answer:

In India and South Asian countries, female sex ratio is low due to:

  • Widespread gender discrimination
  • High mortality rate of female child during birth.
  • Lower social-economic status of women.
  • High female infant mortality due to negligence and lack of medical facilities.
  • Preference to male child which results in high female foeticide and female infanticide.
  • Domestic violence against women.


Q3.What do you mean by natural advantage and social disadvantage?
Answer:

Females have a biological advantage over males as they tend to be more resilient than males. This is called Natural Advantage. Social disadvantage is that women are not preferred as a child in the society and people have a preference for a male child. The natural advantage is cancelled by the social disadvantage and discrimination against women.

Long Answer Type Questions:


Q1.How does sex ratio give important information about status of women in a country?
Answer:

In regions where gender discrimination is rampant, the sex ratio is bound to be unfavorable to women. Such areas are those where the practice of female foeticide, female infanticide and domestic violence against women are prevalent. One of the reasons could be lower social-economic status of women in these areas. You must remember that more women in the population does not mean they have a better status. It could be that the men might have migrated to other areas for employment.


Q2.Describe the world pattern of sex ratio.
Answer:

On an average, the world population reflects a sex ratio of 102 males per 100 females. The highest sex ratio in the world has been recorded in Latvia where there are 85 males per 100 females. In contrast, in Qatar there are 311 males per 100 females. The world pattern of sex ratio does not exhibit variations in the developed regions of the world. The sex ratio is favorable for females in 139 countries of the world and unfavorable for them in the remaining 72 countries listed by the United Nations. In general, Asia has a low sex ratio. Countries like China, India, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Afghanistan have a lower sex ratio.
On the other extreme is greater part of Europe (including Russia) where males are in minority. A deficit of males in the populations of many European countries is attributed to better status of women, and an excessive male-dominated out-migration to different parts of the world in the past.


Q3.How is occupational structure a good indicator of levels of economic development of a nation?
Answer:

The working population (i.e. women and men of the age group – 15 to 59) take part in various occupations ranging from agriculture, forestry, fishing, manufacturing construction, commercial transport, services, communication and other unclassified services. Agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining are classified as primary activities manufacturing as secondary, transport, communication and other services as tertiary and the jobs related to research and developing ideas as quaternary activities.

The proportion of working population engaged in these four sectors is a good indicator of the levels of economic development of a nation. This is because only a developed economy with industries and infrastructure can accommodate more workers in the secondary, tertiary and quaternary sector. If the economy is still in the primitive stages, then the proportion of people engaged in primary activities world be high as it involves extraction of natural resources.

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CHAPTER 2 : The World Population (Distribution, Density and Growth) NCERT SOLUTION CLASS 12TH GEOGRAPHY | EDUGROWN NOTES

Short Answer Type Questions:


Q1.What is population growth? What does population change indicate for an area?
Answer:

Population growth or population change refers to the change in the number of inhabitants of a territory during a specific period of time.
It is an important indicator of economic development and historical and cultural background of the region.


Q2.What are the components of population change?
Answer:

There are three components of population change: Births, deaths and migration. Population growth occurs not only by increasing birth rate but also due to decreasing death rate. Apart from these the population size is also affected by the movement of people from one place to another in pursuit of better living i.e. migration.


Q3.Distinguish between place of origin and place of destination.
Answer:

Migration may be explained as a spontaneous effort to achieve a better balance between resources and population. When people move from one place to another, the place they move from is called the place of origin and the place they move to is called the place of destination.


Q4.How did science and technology help in population growth?
Answer:

Steam engine replaced human and animal energy and also provided mechanized energy from other sources and helped in increasing agricultural and industrial production. Improvement in medical facilities, inoculation against epidemics and sanitation helped in the decline of death rate.


Q5.What are the impacts of population change?
Answer:

A small increase is beneficial for a growing economy. But growth beyond the carrying capacity of land create problems. Resource depletion is the most serious of all the problems.Population decline also indicate that the resources are insufficient to support the population of an area which it had done earlier.


Q6.What was Thomas Malthus’s theory?
Answer:

Thomas Malthus in his theory (1793) stated that the number of people would increase faster than the food supply. Any further increase would result in population crash caused by disease, famine, and war. Preventive checks are better than physical checks. For future sustainability world population need to be controlled.


Q7.Which areas of the world have high density of population?
Answer:

Fertile plains with favorable climate and highly industrialized and urbanized areas are densely populated. There are four areas where density is more than 200 persons per sq. km. They are:

  • East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan).
  • South and .South-east Asia (India, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Pakistan).
  • North-West Europe (UK, France and Germany).
  • The Northeastern Coast of North America.

Long Answer Type Questions:


Q1.What is the trend in growth of population over the years in the world?
Answer:

The world population attained its present strength over centuries. It grew very slowly in the early periods. About 8000 – 10000 years ago, after the introduction of agriculture the size of population was around 8 million.

In the 1st centuries it was below 300 million. The 16th and 17th centuries set the stage for growth of population with expanding trade. The 2nd most significant cultural change that impacted the growth of population came around the 1750 in the dawn of ‘Industrial Revolution’ with approx 550 million population. It exploded after the industrial revolution in the 18th century. The 3rd major cultural and technological change that influenced the population growth came in the 20th century through ‘Medical Revolution’ – which drastically brought down the ‘death rate’ with the introduction of several life saving drugs and improved medical facilities through better connectivity and paved the path for rapid population growth.


Q2.What is population change? What is the Spatial Rate of population change?
Answer:

Difference in the birth, death and migration of an area between two points of time leads to the size of population thus resulting in change. Population growth is low in developed countries than the developing countries. Population growth and economic developments are negatively correlated. In a developing country with a large population, even a small annual growth rate will lead to a huge change in population. Even if the growth rate continues to decline, the total population grows each year.

Presently the population of the world is 7.033 billion and is increasing at an alarming rate with more than 8 crores being added every year. Though the developed nations have stabilized their growth, the developing nations are yet to reach that target. The population in the developing nations is bound to increase in the coming years as the proportion of their youthful population is high.


Q3.What is Demographic Transition? Explain the stages of demographic transition theory with examples.
Answer:

The Demographic Transition Theory gives us the relationship between the level of economic development of a country and its demographic characteristics. It mentions the transition of a society from a phase of high fertility and mortality to a phase where both come down to low and the countries move from primitive agricultural, illiterate and rural economy to a modern industrial, literate and urban state. Initially, there were three stages of the theory—Underdeveloped stage, Developing stage and Developed stage.

Stage-1: Stage of slow population growth. This stage was marked by both high birth rate and high death rates. So population growth rate was very low. Agriculture oriented activities depended on the vagaries of nature leading to low productivity. Society was highly illiterate with poor technology. Large families with high birth rates were the norms as they had to compensate the high death rate. About a couple of centuries back all the economies were at this stage of demographic transition.

Stage-2: Stage of the beginning of Industrial Revolution. With betterment economic conditions and living standards, this stage started with improvement of medical facilities, sanitation and as a result death rate went down but birth rate remained high initially. This gave rise to a sudden increase in population which is common in a developing economy.

Though both of them were falling, the rate of fall in death rate was much faster than that of birth rate – creating a wide gap between them – which in turn gave rise to sharp increase in population, often termed as population explosion triggered by the better medical facilities and food supply. Stage-3: Stage of late Industrial Revolution and urban state.

Typically characterized by low and stable growth rate of population. This stage is marked with a decline in birth rate along with a steady decrease in death rate. The mortality rate gets very low and stabilizes. This Demographic Transition theory clearly shows how an economy changes from an agrarian, illiterate rural state with high birth rate, and Death rate to an industrial, literate and urban state with low Birth rate and Death rate through technological innovations and medical improverhents.


Q4.What are the repercussions of population increase? What are the population control measures?
Answer:

A small increase in population is desirable in a growing economy but uncontrolled population growth leads to numerous problems mainly on the limited resources.

Thomas Malthus in his theory (1793) stated that the number of people would increase faster than the food supply. Any further increase would result in population crash caused by disease, famine and war. Preventive checks are better than physical checks. For future sustainability world population need to be controlled.

Access to family planning measures is an important factor in controlling population. Propaganda, creating awareness, free availability of contraceptives, tax disincentives for large families are some of the measures which can be adopted for controlling population.

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CHAPTER 1 : Human Geography (Nature and Scope) NCERT SOLUTION CLASS 12TH GEOGRAPHY | EDUGROWN NOTES

Short Answer Type Questions:


Q1.What do you mean by ‘Dualism in Geography?
Answer:

The teaching and learning of Geography has been a matter of debate amongst geographers. Some examples are:

  • Whether geographical phenomena be theoretically interpreted or through historic-institutional approach;
  • Whether subject matter be organised and approach to study and teach geography should be regional or systematic;
  • Whether geography as a discipline should be a law making/theorising or descriptive?


Q2.State some examples of metaphors used to describe the physical and human phenomena.
Answer:

Some examples of metaphors used to describe the physical and human phenomena are as follows:

  • “Face’ of the earth.
  • ‘Eye’ of the storm.
  • Regions, villages, towns have been described as ‘organisms’.
  • Networks of roads, railways and water¬ways are described as “arteries of circulation”.
  • “Mouth’ of the river.
  • ‘Snout’ (nose) of the glacier.
  • “Neck’ of the isthmus.
  • “Profile’ of the soil.


Q3.When and how did Human Geography begin? Explain.
Answer:

Human Geography may be said to have originated since man has started interacting with his environment. It has its roots deep in history. Therefore, the concerns of human geography have a long temporal continuum though approaches to articulate them have changed over time. This dynamism and changes in articulation are indicator of vibrant nature of the discipline.

In the beginning, the interaction between various societies was negligible. Therefore knowledge about each other was also limited. Travelers and explorers used to gather information before a journey and navigational skills were underdeveloped. In late 15th century, Europe witnessed attempts of explorations and the myths and mysteries about countries and people started to open up.

In the colonial period, these attempts increased with an objective of getting access to resources and to obtain inventorised information. Through all this we get to know the sequential information about the development of human geography and to understand that the development of this discipline has been a steady process.


Q4.Make a list of elements that human beings have created through their activities on the stage provided by physical environment.
Answer:

Man creates many elements through his activities on the stage provided by physical environment with the help of technology. Houses, villages, cities, farms, ports, items of our daily use and all others So elements of material culture have been created by man using the resources provided by physical environment.


Q5.How do human activities help to create cultural landscape?
Answer:

On the basis of attained knowledge, technology and industries, man has been able to develop cultural landscape. The imprints of human activities are available everywhere.

For example; health resorts on highlands have been used as recreation places, huge urban sprawls, fields, orchards and pastures in plains and rolling hills have added to beauty, ports on the coasts, oceanic routes on the oceanic surface and satellites in the space have enabled man to touch the heights of the sky. This was coined the term “Possibilism.’.


Q6.“There is no free run without accidents.” Explain.
Answer:

In this statement, the thought of Possibilism in which man was taken as free, uncontrolled and master of unlimited powers has been criticized because as a consequence of free run of developed economies many problems are being faced today like green house effect, ozone layer depletion, global warming, receding glaciers, degrading lands, problem of pollution and incurable diseases.

Long Answer Type Question:


Q1.Describe the fields and sub-fields of Geography and its inter-relationship with other fields.
Answer:

Nature of Human Geography is inter-disciplinary. In order to understand and describe the human elements found on the earth, human geography has established strong bond with other social sciences and their helping subjects. With the expansion of knowledge, new subjects keep on developing. These are studied with humanistic approach but because they are not free from geographical and environmental effects, they become subject matter of human geography. Fields under Human Geography include: Social Geography, Urban Geography, Political Geography, Population Geography, Settlement Geography and Economic Geography.

Sub-fields of Social Geography are: Behavioral Geography, Geography of Social Well-being, Geography of Leisure, Cultural Geography, Gender Geography, Historical Geography and Medical Geography.

Sub-fields of Political Geography are Electoral Geography and Military Geography. Sub-fields of Economic Geography are: Geography of Resources, Geography of Agriculture, Geography of Tourism, Geography of Industries, Geography of Marketing and Geography of International Trade.

Other than this, Sociology, Psychology, Welfare Economics, Demographic Studies, History, Epidemiology, Anthropology, Urban Studies and Planning, Political Science, Psephology, Military Science, Demography, Urban or Rural Planning, Agricultural Sciences, Industrial Economics, Business Studies, Commerce, Tourism 6s Travel Management and International Trade are such disciplines which study human activities and behavior. As the scope of these disciplines is expanding, it is also leading to increase in the scope of Human Geography.


Q2.How did man develop and expand proper technology?
Answer:

Human beings were able to develop proper technology using his knowledge and intelligence. It has taken man a long time to reach at the present level of technology. In primitive age when the level of technology was very low man was bound to follow the dictates of nature. In those times man was a slave of nature, scared of its powerful force and used to worship nature to make it happy. In these conditions the state of cultural development was also primitive.

However, the process was gradual but man developed technology and it is also to be noted that man has been able to utilize this technology only after understanding the various laws of nature. For example; understanding of laws of friction gave birth to many inventions. Similarly after understanding secrets of DNA and laws of genetics, man has overcome many diseases and aeroplanes could be invented only after understanding the laws of aerodynamics. Today the level of technology is touching the heights of sky through which man seems to get free from the natural forces. Earthquake, cyclones, landslides, volcanoes and other natural disasters keep reminding man that he is still a slave to nature.

It implies that man can’t be completely free from natural forces but with the development of technology man has become free from nature and this freedom can be expanded further. Man needs to follow Stop and Go approach. It means possibilities can be created within the limits which do not damage the environment and there is no free run without accidents.


Q3.Differentiate between Physical Environment and Cultural Environment.
Answer:

Physical EnvironmentCultural Environment
Physical environment includes all those elements which nature has made available as free gifts for human development. For example, land forms, soils, climate, water, natural flora and fauna, etc.It includes all those physical-cultural elements which have been developed by man through his gained knowledge and technology. For example, houses, villages, towns, network of roads and railways, modes of transportation, industrial units, fields, hospitals, sports complex, means of entertainment, markets, ports and goods of daily and special use.


Q4.Differentiate between Determinism and Possibilism.
Answer:

DeterminismPossibilism
According to this thought, man is a slave of nature. There is direct dependence of human beings on nature for resources and nature is taken as a powerful force, it is worshipped, revered and conserved. If man does not follow the dictates of nature, he has to bear with the aftermaths. Kont, Humbolt, Ritter and German Expert Ratzel and his student Ellen Churchill Semple advocated the philosophy of ‘Determinism.’French geographers denied to accept determinism and considered man as master of his destiny. They claimed that man has the ability to change the nature completely with his will power. It means that everything is possible for man and it is called possibilism. French expert Lucian Febre and Paul Vidal de la Blache are considered as founder of possibilism.


Q5.Differentiate between Regional Geography and Systematic Geography.
Answer:

          Regional GeographySystematic Geography
Under this all the geographical elements of a region are studied as one unit. And one region is considered a different unit from another region or differentiated from another region only on the basis of these geographical differences. We need to understand this regional difference in geographical context.Under this special geographical elements of a regional unit are studied and which are generally based on political units. Therefore, it is the individual study of a special geographical feature of a region.


Q6.Differentiate between Humanistic or Welfare School of Thought and Behavioral School of Thought.
Answer:

Welfare School of ThoughtBehavioral School of Thought
Welfare School of Thought was mainly concerned with the different aspects of social well-being of the people. These included aspects such as housing, health and education. Geographers have developed welfare as a base to study geography. This thought was the result of rapid changes that happened after Second World War because this war gave birth to many human problems, therefore to solve these problems, welfare or humanistic thought has developed.In 1950-60, on the basis of psychological researches through qualitative and other methods many humanitarian aspects like human race, caste and religion. Behavioural School of thought laid great emphasis on lived experience and the perception of space by social categories based on ethnicity, race and religion, etc.


Q7.Differentiate between Nomothetic and Ideographic.
Answer:

NomotheticIdeographic
Under this, the subject matter of geography is studied as per fixed principles. Before study, aims and objectives are determined then its laws are fixed. Attaining goals on the basis of these laws is the objective of a geographer.Under this, the description of geographical elements is prepared and under this a geographer tries to understand which of the natural and geographical factors have affected interaction of human activities and to what extent.
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NCERT MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS CLASS – 12 | SOCIOLOGY PART A IMPORTANT QUESTIONS | CHAPTER-4 | THE MARKET AS A SOCIAL INSTITUTION | EDUGROWN |

In This Post we are  providing  CHAPTER 4 THE MARKET AS A SOCIAL INSTITUTION NCERT MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS for Class 12 SOCIOLOGY PART A which will be beneficial for students. These solutions are updated according to 2021-22 syllabus. These MCQS  can be really helpful in the preparation of Board exams and will provide you with a brief knowledge of the chapter

NCERT MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ON THE MARKET AS A SOCIAL INSTITUTION

Question 1.
What is Distribution?
Answer:

For a layman, the meaning of distribution is to take anything from one place to another and to sell that thing. But in economics, distribution is that process with which the actual and complete value of anything is distributed among those persons who have contributed to the production of that thing. Different persons and groups have their own specific contribution in the production of anything and they should be rewarded for that. In this way, the money or reward given to them is distributed. For example, rent to the owner of the land, labor to laborer, interest to the person who has invested money, tax to the government. All of them get a share in this form.

Question 2.
What do you mean by Capitalism?
Answer:

Capitalism is an economic system in which private property is of great importance. Production in capitalism is on large scale and we can see stiff competition among different capitalists. Capitalist tries to get more profit because of which he invests his money. This money and credit are of great importance in capitalism. The biggest feature of capitalism is the exploitation of laborers.

Question 3.
Write characteristics of Capitalism.
Answer:

  1. Production in capitalism is on large scale.
  2. The base of capitalism is private property.
  3. There is a lot of competition among different classes in capitalism.
  4. Capitalist invests his money to get more profit.
  5. The exploitation of laborers is there in capitalism.
  6. Money and credit are of great importance in a capitalist economy.

Question 4.
In agrarian societies, periodic markets are a central feature of social and economic organizations. Explain. (C.B.S.E. 2012)
Answer:

In most agrarian or peasant societies around the world, periodic markets are a central feature of social and economic organization. Weakly markets bring together people from surrounding villages, who come to sell their agricultural or other products and to buy manufactured goods and other items that are not available in their villages.

They attract traders from outside the local area, as well as moneylenders, entertainers, astrologers, and a host of other specialists offering their services and wares. In rural India, there are also specialized markets that come up at less frequent intervals, for example, cattle markets. These periodic markets link different regional and local economies together and link them to the wider national economy and to towns and metropolitan centers.

Question 5.
What is Globalisation? Explain briefly.
Answer:

The process of Globalisation is a wide economic process that can be seen in all societies and countries. Different countries have free trade and economic relations in this process. Actually, not even a single country is completely self-dependent to fulfill its need. It has to depend upon other countries to fulfill the basic needs of its people. With this, even other countries are also dependent upon each other to fulfill their needs.

Because of this mutual dependence, mutual relations were increased in different countries and one idea came into being to increase relations of free trade in each other’s country. This idea of increasing economic relations and free trade is given the name of Globalisation. The concept of Globalisation gave rise to the concept of liberalization in which different countries are opening their doors for other countries to have duty-free trade relations among them.

The concept of Globalisation is not very old. It is as old as 15-20 years which has taken the whole world in its fold. That is why the world is shrinking these days. We can get the foreign-made goods while living in our small town or city. We can see any sector of the country. For example, many foreign cars like Mercedes, General Motors, Rolls Royce, Ferrari, Honda, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Skoda, Toyota, etc. came to India, which were not available in the decade of 1980s.

It is happening because of Globalisation and liberalization that the market of our country is opened for foreign companies. In this way, a lot of foreign-made goods and Indian goods are available in our country. It is Globalisation in which different countries are opening their doors for foreign companies and are encouraging free trade. These days the world is shrinking and now it is just like a small village or town. The government is increasing Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in every sector. This is called Globalisation.

Question 6.
Explain briefly the different characteristics of Globalisation.
Answer:

1. World Trade. The first and necessary condition of Globalisation is world trade. It is the main base of trade in the world. It unites the people of different sectors living in different countries and gives them business. For example, India has a lot of surplus tea. That is why different countries of the world are importing tea from India. In the same way, almost all the countries of the world depend upon Arabian countries for crude oil. In this way, with the exchange of goods and because of trade they are coming closer to each other. People of India depend upon Arabian people and they depend upon us. World Trade and Globalisation has been increased.

2. Economic globalization: Globalisation has established a new economy in the world. Now the economy of one country depends upon the economy of another country. That is why the concept of the world economy came into being. Different countries unite with each other because of the economy and the exchange of cultural traits starts between them. Investment, exchange of division of labor, specialization, production, consumption, etc. have an important role in this business. Economic globalization has encouraged capitalism. Now, people are thinking even for international economy and structure.

3. Globalisation of market: Globalisation has increased the market to a great extent. Now, globalization of the market is not being done only on the basis of production but is also on the basis of consumption. Companies are producing things while keeping in mind the market of other countries or international markets. Even some countries depend on others for consumption. In this way, production and consumption depend upon the foreign market. With this, the business with other countries increases and foreign exchange comes into the country. In this way, the market depends upon foreign countries. We can find a number of foreign-made goods in our market. Even the eatables are available in markets. In this way, the market is expanded with globalization.

4. Division of labor: Globalisation has encouraged the division of labor. Now, people are doing many courses to go to a foreign country. For example, people are doing a number of computer courses so that they could earn money in a foreign country. We can see many types of advertisements in newspapers that specialists in different countries are required. Division of labor is encouraged because specialists are in great demand in different countries of the wound. It is the feature of globalization that has encouraged the division of labor.

5. Migration of laborers to other countries: Another feature of globalization is the migration of workers from one country to another country in search of work. Generally, people, specialists in different sectors from South Asian countries are going to western countries for work because they think that they can earn more in western countries. Workers of different countries are working in foreign lands and are earning money. In this way because of globalization people of different countries have been able to migrate to other countries.

6. World economy: Another feature of globalization is the encouragement of the world economy. Now the economy of one country is not restricted only to that country because its economy is affected by the economies of other countries. With the increase in trade, economies depend upon each other. In this way because of inter-dependence, the world economy and world trade have been increased.

Question 7.
What is the impact of Globalisation on the Indian Economy?
Answer:

1. Increase of the Indian Share in world export: With the process of globalization, the Indian share in world export has been increased. Indian goods and services in the decade of 1990-2000 have been increased by 125%. In 1990, the Indian share in the world’s export of goods and services was 0.55% which was increased up to 0.75% in 1999.

2. Foreign investment in India: Foreign direct investment is an important feature of globalization because foreign investment increases the capacity of production of any economy. Foreign investment in India is continuously increasing. From 1995-96 up to 2000-01, it has been increased by 53% and during this time 500 crores have been invested in India annually.

3. Foreign Exchange Reserve: Foreign exchange is necessary for import. In June 1991, the foreign exchange reserve in India was 1 Billion Dollars which was enough only to fulfill the needs of only two weeks of the country. After this India adopted new economic policies. Globalization and liberalization were encouraged because of which foreign exchange reserve was increased very quickly. Now, the foreign exchange reserve is near 350 Billion Dollars. ‘

4. Growth of Gross Domestic Product: Because of globalization the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country has been increased. In 1980, it was 5.63% which was increased to 5.80% in 1990. Now, it is around 7%.

5. Increase in Unemployment: Because of globalization, unemployment in India has been increased. During the decade of 1990-2000, the economic problems came in Mexico, South Korea, Thailand, Singapur, Indonesia, Malasia and it was because of globalization.

That is why millions of people lost their jobs and they had to live below the poverty line. At the start of the 1990’s the rate of unemployment was 6% which was 3.8% in 2011.

6. Impact on Agriculture: The share of agriculture and its related activities in the Gross Domestic Product of the country is 14%. But it is 2% in the U.S.A., 55% in Japan and France. If we look at the labor force then India’s 69% labor force is related to agricultural functions but the labor force in the agricultural sector in U.S.A. and U.K. is only 2.6%. In the near future, it is necessary for India to open its market for world companies in the agricultural sector which is in agreement with W.T.O.

7. Educational and technical development: Globalisation and liberalization have exerted a great impact on the education and technology sector which has seen a revolution. The world has been shrinking due to means of transport and communication. Internet and computer have brought a revolution in this sector.

8. Change in the form of Classes: Globalisation has changed the form of different classes. In the 20th century, only three main classes i.e., higher class, middle class, and lower class were there but now the number of classes has been increased.

9. Privatization: One of the good effects of globalization can be seen in the form of Privatisation. Many public sector undertakings (P.S.U.’S) like V.S.N.L., I.P.C.L., NALCO are now in the hands of private parties because of which they are earning huge profits.

10. Development of Industries. Foreign direct investment is very helpful in achieving a higher rate of economic development. It gives not the only advantage to industries but consumers are getting products of better quality and better technology. It gives motivation to Indian industries to compete with foreign companies in the international market.

Thus, the process of globalization is very good in bringing social change and giving good quality products to consumers in India.

Question 8.
What is meant by liberalization? Which problems occurred due to liberalization?
Answer:

Meaning of liberalization. Lifting up of unnecessary restrictions of the controlled economy is liberalization. Lifting up unnecessary restrictions from businesses and industries, so that economy could become more competitive and open, is called liberalization. liberalization is a process in which different countries of the world are motivated to provide such facilities with which free business and trade could develop among them.

One of its aims is to reach the objective of better international economic relations. This process encourages wide business and economic relations between different countries of the world. This policy increases the working capacity of the economy and private enterprises have the ability to give better results than public enterprises.

Problems of liberalization. This process brought up many problems in India which are given below:
1. Increase in Unemployment. The unemployment rate in India was 6% in 1990, which became 7% in 1999 and it was 3.8% in 2011. It is only the result of liberalization. 36% of the total population of India still lives below the poverty line because they lack basic amenities. Domestic industries are directly related to employment because they give a lot of employment to a number of people.

If industries will increase then more and more people will get employment. But if local industries will be destroyed then not only unemployment but poverty will also increase. The process of liberalization is going on for more than is the year in our country. Large industries are coming forward but domestic and cottage industries are destroyed by these larger industries. It has increased unemployment.

2. Evil consequences of liberalization. Industries begin to throw out their employees from factories with this process. When the policy of liberalization was implemented then it was told that this process will solve all the problems of the country. But even after such a long time not much impact has been seen on our economy. 36% of the total Indian population still lives below the poverty line. Yet India got technical advantage through this but certain areas are there which have faced evil consequences of this process.

3. Increasing pressure of foreign debt. The first era of economic reforms was started in 1991 and went until 2001. The second era was started in 2001. During the second era, it was thought that the rate of economic growth of the country will increase but nothing happened. Steps on the way of economic progress and economic reforms became slower. The aim of economic growth was kept at 8% but it fluctuated all the time. The pressure of foreign debt is increasing. India has to pay 349.5 billion dollars of foreign debt in 2012 and that is why every Indian is under the debt of foreign countries. All this has happened because of the process of liberalization.

4. Decrease in Export and Increase in Import. Export of India has also been reduced by process of liberalization and also import has increased. Import as compared to 1991, was increased in 1996 and export was reduced. Its reason was that western things came into our country and the people started to use those things. That is why imports were increased and export was decreased. Balance of business was also destabilized. Increasing import has adversely affected local industries. Western things are durable and less expensive. That is the reason why local industries are adversely affected.

5. Reduction in Value of Rupee. The value of the rupee has been decreased to a great extent due to liberalization. The value of one dollar was Rs. 18 in 1991, it became Rs. 36 in 1996 and Rs. 47 in 2001. Now, it is around Rs. 67. It is all because of liberalization. The decline in the monetary value of a country led to an increase in inflation which is also not good for poor people. It might be profitable for developed countries but is disastrous for developing countries. In this way value of the rupee has been declining due to liberalization.

Question 9.
What do you know about capitalism? Write in detail.
Answer:

Capitalism is an economic system in which private property is of great importance. Capitalism does not its an advanced stage at once but it develops slowly. To see its development we have to study it from ancient societies.

In ancient societies, the system of exchange of goods was there. There was no concept of profit at that time. People were not collecting things for profit but were collecting for those days when those things will become unavailable. The business system was generally dependent upon the exchange of service and goods. No one was aware of economic factors like labor, investment, individual profit during those times.

In the middle ages, business and commerce developed a bit. Yet, in the beginning, the business was based on the system of exchange and gradually money became the medium of business. It has given a type of motivation to business and commerce because of which the importance of money, gold, silver, and coin was increased. Money was, yet, not the property, but was the symbol of property. It has a complete effect on the production forces and features. According to Simmer, the institution of money has affected all parts of life when it became systematic in modern western society.

It has given the freedom to owner and servant and also affects the things and services and buyers and sellers because with this formal relations came into being in both sides of the business. According to Simmer, money has brought a lot of changes in the philosophy of our life. It has made us practical because now we are measuring everything in terms of money. Social relationships and social contact have become informal and formal. Human relationships have become cold.

At the beginning of modem times, economic activities were regulated by governmental forces. In this, we can see the shadow of moving forward of European people under their monarchs. At this time economic activities were regulated by the political authority so that the king’s profit is increased and treasure should be filled. The country was running under the supervision of businessmen and the businessmen were engaged in earning money like an economic organization. Production forces were also regulated by business laws.

After this, the industrial revolution came, which changed the ways of production. Business policies were unsuccessful in doing the welfare of the people. For the production of more things policy of ‘Laissez Fairer was adopted. According to this policy, there will be no interference in economic matters. According to this, any person can see his individual interests, there was no pressure and burden on him. The state has stopped interfering in economic matters. According to Sumner, State should remove all the restrictions which were put on business and commerce and it should remove all the restrictions which were put on production, exchange, and accumulation of money. Adam Smith has given four concepts at this moment:

  1. The policy of individual interest.
  2. Policy of Laissez Fairer
  3. Theory of competition, and
  4. To see a profit.

These concepts have put a great effect on that particular time. Under the effect of these rules and because of the industrial revolution new system of property and ownership of production came into, being which was given the name of capitalism. Because of the industrial revolution, the domestic system of production was changed into the production in factories. In factories, every work has been divided into small parts and every laborer was doing small work. That is why production was increased.

With the passage of time, big industries came into being. Big owner corporations of these industries came into being. In this new system of production and exchange, owners of means of production were different individuals and they had no social responsibility. The property was completely private and it was totally free from the restrictions of state, religion, family, and other institutions. Owners of the factories were free to do anything. Their main aim was profit. They were not restricted to produce anything without profit. The way of production was profitable and the government had adopted the policy of no-interference and it helped the owners of means of production in this way.

Question 10.
What is meant by the Market? Explain the main features of the Market.
Answer:

In common everyday usage, the word Market may refer to particular markets such as the fruit market, the wholesale market, the vegetable market. It means we relate it with the economy. But it is also a social institution. Sociologists are of the view that markets are social institutions that are constructed in culturally specific ways. Markets are generally organized or controlled by particular social groups or classes and have specific relations to other institutions, social processes, and structures. From an economic point of view, only economic activities and institutions are included in markets. It means that only mutual exchange or contracts take place in the market which is based upon money.

In both Economics and Sociology, a market is understood to be an area over which any well-defined commodity is exchanged between buyers and sellers. Such commodities are considered to be of two kinds-goods and services. The total amount of a commodity produced and available for purchase is referred to as the supply of the commodity, while the total amount being sought for purchase is termed the demand.

(Features of Market)
The following are the main features of a Market:
1. Mutual exchange: First and most important feature of the market is a mutual exchange. In general, the market is based on mutual exchange. In this, either things are given for things, or things are given for money, or services are given for things. If mutual exchange would not be there would not have been a market.

2. Continuous process: The market is a continuously changing institution. We can observe any of the society like modern society, rural society, or tribal society. The market is available in all societies. If anyone wants to run the house then he is required to go to the market to buy things. It leads to regulation of the market as well.

3. Formal relations: Another feature of the market is that people have formal relations among them. Yet, people know very well about shopkeepers of the market but their mutual relations are limited to a certain extent. If they have good relations among them, even then they cannot exert a great impact on market rules. The shopkeeper will definitely take his profit. It hardly matters whether it is less or more. Relations in the market could be made between two strangers.

4. Medium: Medium of exchange is used according to market rules. This medium could be in any form like things, money, or services. The number of goods could be reduced or increased according to the value of the medium. Contracts are always based on the quantity of medium and mutual exchange that takes place according to this.

5. Relations based on a contract: Relations in the market are always based on the contract. These relations are always formal. Rules of a contract are applicable on all markets in one form or the other and everyone is bound to accept these rules. In modem industrial society, relations based on contract are in demand.

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