Class 7 Social Science Notes Chapter 9 (Life in the Temperate Grasslands) – Our Environment Book

Alright class, let's focus on Chapter 9, 'Life in the Temperate Grasslands'. This is an important chapter, not just for understanding different biomes, but also because questions related to world geography frequently appear in government exams. Pay close attention to the specific details about the Prairies and the Velds.

Chapter 9: Life in the Temperate Grasslands - Detailed Notes

1. Introduction to Temperate Grasslands

• Definition: Grasslands are regions where grasses form the dominant type of plant life. Temperate grasslands are located in the mid-latitudinal zones and in the interior parts of the continents.
• Characteristics:
  • Grass: Grass here is generally short and nutritious.
  • Climate: Characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Rainfall is moderate, ideal for grass growth.
  • Trees: Generally treeless, except along water sources like rivers and springs.
• Global Names: Temperate grasslands are known by different names in different parts of the world:
  • Prairies: North America
  • Pampas: South America
  • Steppe: Central Asia/Eurasia
  • Veld: South Africa
  • Downs: Australia
• Focus of this Chapter: The Prairies (North America) and The Velds (South Africa).

2. The Prairies (North America)

• Location & Extent:
  • Located in the interior of North America (USA and Canada).
  • Bound by the Rocky Mountains in the West and the Great Lakes/Appalachian Mountains in the East.
  • Cover vast areas of the USA (states like North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas etc.) and Canada (provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba).
• Etymology: The word 'Prairie' originated from a Latin word meaning meadow.
• Topography: Gently sloping or hilly land. Vast stretches of flat or rolling grasslands.
• Rivers:
  • USA: Drained by tributaries of the Mississippi River.
  • Canada: Drained by tributaries of the Saskatchewan River.
• Climate:
  • Continental Type: Extreme temperatures (Hot summers ~20°C, Cold winters ~ -20°C, snow cover).
  • Rainfall: Moderate (around 50-70 cm annually), mostly occurs in summer. Suitable for grass growth.
  • Chinook: A local hot wind that blows in winter down the eastern slopes of the Rockies. It raises the temperature in a short time, melting snow and making grazing possible even in winter.
• Flora (Plant Life):
  • Dominant: Grasses. Tall grass (up to 2m) in areas with more rainfall, short grass in drier areas.
  • Trees: Largely treeless, but trees like willows, alders, and poplars grow near river valleys.
  • Agriculture: Extremely fertile soil. Major crops include Maize (Corn - the most important), Potatoes, Soybean, Cotton, and Alfalfa. Areas with less rainfall are suitable for cattle rearing (ranches).
  • "Granaries of the World": Due to huge surplus production of wheat, the Prairies are known as the 'Granaries of the World'.
• Fauna (Animal Life):
  • Main Animal: Bison (American Buffalo). Was hunted extensively, almost leading to extinction, now a protected species.
  • Other Animals: Coyotes, Rabbits, Gophers, Prairie dogs. Cattle rearing is significant in drier western parts.
• People and Economy:
  • Farming: Highly mechanized and scientific. Use of tractors, harvesters, and combines (single machine for sowing, ploughing, threshing). Large farms (Homesteads).
  • Dairy Farming: Important belt extends from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Coast.
  • Minerals: Rich deposits of coal and iron ore.
  • Infrastructure: Well-developed network of roads, railways, and canals.
  • Major Cities: USA - Chicago, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Denver. Canada - Edmonton, Calgary, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg.

3. The Velds (South Africa)

• Location & Extent:
  • Temperate grasslands of South Africa.
  • Cover the eastern part of the plateau region of South Africa.
  • Altitude varies from 600m to 1100m.
  • Bounded by the Drakensberg Mountains on the east and the Kalahari Desert to the west.
• Etymology: 'Veld' is a Dutch word meaning 'field'. Named by Dutch settlers.
• Topography: Rolling plateaus with varying heights. Classified into:
  • Highvelds: 600m - 1100m altitude (some sources mention up to 1600m).
  • Middlevelds
  • Lowvelds (below 600m)
• Rivers: Drained by tributaries of the Orange and Limpopo rivers.
• Climate:
  • Mild Climate: Influenced by the Indian Ocean.
  • Winters: Cold and dry (Temperatures 5°C to 10°C). July is the coldest month.
  • Summers: Short and warm. Rainfall mainly occurs in summer months (November to February) due to warm ocean currents.
  • Drought: Possible if summer rainfall is insufficient.
• Flora (Plant Life):
  • Dominant: Grasses cover the landscape. Vegetation is sparse.
  • Types: Red grass grows in bushvelds. Acacia and Maroola are found in the higher Velds.
• Fauna (Animal Life):
  • Mainly Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Kudu.
• People and Economy:
  • Main Occupations: Cattle rearing and mining.
  • Sheep Rearing: Very important, mainly for wool. Merino sheep is a popular species known for its warm wool. This has led to a significant wool industry in the Velds.
  • Dairy Farming: Second most important agricultural activity, especially in warmer and wetter regions.
  • Agriculture: Limited due to less fertile soil, except in specific areas. Main crops: Maize, wheat, barley, oats, potatoes. Cash crops like tobacco, sugarcane, and cotton are also grown.
  • Mining: Rich reserve of minerals. This is a major economic driver.
    • Gold: Huge reserves. Johannesburg is known as the 'Gold Capital' of the world.
    • Diamonds: Kimberley is famous for its diamond mines.
    • Other Minerals: Coal and iron are also found. Mining and related industries are well-developed.
  • Infrastructure: Well-developed transport network (roads, railways).
  • Tourism: Increasingly important.

Key Differences Summarized:

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. The temperate grasslands of North America are known as:
   a) Pampas
   b) Steppes
   c) Prairies
   d) Downs

2. Which local wind blows in the Prairies during winter, helping in melting snow?
   a) Sirocco
   b) Mistral
   c) Foehn
   d) Chinook

3. The Prairies are known as the 'Granaries of the World' due to the surplus production of:
   a) Maize
   b) Wheat
   c) Cotton
   d) Soybean

4. The temperate grasslands of South Africa are called:
   a) Velds
   b) Savannas
   c) Campos
   d) Llanos

5. Which mountains form the eastern boundary of the Velds?
   a) Rocky Mountains
   b) Andes Mountains
   c) Drakensberg Mountains
   d) Atlas Mountains

6. Merino is a species of _______, primarily reared in the Velds for wool.
   a) Cattle
   b) Goat
   c) Sheep
   d) Bison

7. Which city in South Africa is known as the 'Gold Capital' of the world?
   a) Cape Town
   b) Pretoria
   c) Kimberley
   d) Johannesburg

8. Which of the following is NOT a major animal found in the Prairies?
   a) Bison
   b) Coyote
   c) Leopard
   d) Prairie Dog

9. The climate of the Velds is primarily influenced by:
   a) The Atlantic Ocean
   b) The Pacific Ocean
   c) The Indian Ocean
   d) The Mediterranean Sea

10. Which activity is more dominant in the Velds compared to the Prairies?
    a) Wheat Farming
    b) Dairy Farming
    c) Mining
    d) Maize Cultivation

Answer Key for MCQs:

1. c) Prairies
2. d) Chinook
3. b) Wheat
4. a) Velds
5. c) Drakensberg Mountains
6. c) Sheep
7. d) Johannesburg
8. c) Leopard (Found in Velds/Africa)
9. c) The Indian Ocean
10. c) Mining

Study these notes thoroughly. Understand the locations, climate patterns, flora, fauna, and economic activities specific to each grassland. Good luck with your preparation!