CBSE Social Science Chapter 3: Landforms and Life - FREE PDF Download
FAQs on Landforms and Life Class 6 Notes: CBSE Social Science (Exploring Society India and Beyond) Chapter 3
1. What is a quick summary of the main landforms covered in this chapter?
The main landforms are large natural features of the Earth's surface. This chapter focuses on four major types for revision: Mountains (high, rugged elevations), Plains (flat, low-lying areas), Plateaus (elevated flatlands, like a tabletop), and Valleys (low areas between hills or mountains). Each has a unique impact on life.
2. How can I revise the key concepts of mountain and plateau formation?
For a quick revision, remember that both are formed by powerful forces within the Earth. Mountains are typically created by the folding and faulting of the Earth's crust or by volcanic activity. Plateaus, or tablelands, are formed when a large flat area of rock is uplifted or by layers of lava flowing out over a vast area.
3. What is the key difference to remember between plains and plateaus?
The primary difference is elevation. While both are relatively flat, plains are low-lying, vast stretches of land, often formed by river deposits. In contrast, plateaus are high-altitude flatlands, significantly elevated above the surrounding area, resembling a large table.
4. What are the key points about the importance of plains for life?
Plains are crucial for life primarily because their flat terrain and fertile soil, deposited by rivers, are ideal for agriculture. This allows for large-scale food production, which in turn supports dense human populations and the development of cities and transport networks.
5. How do different landforms fundamentally influence human settlement patterns?
Landforms are a major factor in determining where people live. Plains and valleys are densely populated because they offer fertile land for farming, easy transportation, and access to water. In contrast, mountains and deserts are sparsely populated due to harsh conditions like steep slopes, extreme cold, or lack of water, which make agriculture and construction difficult.
6. Why is life in a desert so different from life in a valley?
The main difference comes down to water availability and soil quality. Valleys, often carved by rivers, have fertile soil and a reliable water source, making them ideal for farming and supporting diverse ecosystems. Deserts, however, are defined by their extreme lack of rainfall (aridity), leading to barren land, sparse vegetation, and specialised animal life adapted to survive with minimal water.
7. How can one summarise the impact of landforms on climate?
Landforms significantly influence local and regional climates. For example, high mountains act as barriers to wind and moisture. They force air to rise and cool, causing rain on one side (the windward side) and creating a dry "rain shadow" on the other (the leeward side). This directly affects temperature, rainfall, and the types of plants that can grow there.
8. What is the best way to connect the concepts of 'Landforms' and 'Life' for revision?
A great way to revise is to think of it as a cause-and-effect relationship. For each landform, ask yourself:
- What is it like? (e.g., Mountain: steep, high)
- What does this mean for resources? (e.g., Hard to farm, rich in minerals, source of rivers)
- How does this affect life? (e.g., Sparse population, specific jobs like mining or tourism, unique plants and animals)
This method helps summarise the core theme of the chapter: that the physical shape of the land directly shapes human activities and ecosystems.

















