Learning Objectives
- Learn about mountains and life in mountainous regions
- Understand how altitude affects climate and living conditions
- Know about different things found at different heights
- Appreciate the challenges of living in high altitude areas
Key Concepts
Mountains and Altitude
Mountains are high landforms that rise above the surrounding land. The Himalayas in India are the highest mountain range in the world, with Mount Everest being the tallest peak at 8,849 metres. As you go higher up a mountain, the air becomes thinner (less oxygen), the temperature drops, and the weather changes. This is why mountain tops are cold and often covered in snow.
Life at Different Heights
Different plants and animals live at different heights on a mountain. At the base, you find thick forests with many types of trees. Higher up, you find pine and deodar trees. Even higher, only small bushes and grasses grow. Near the top, where it is very cold and snowy, almost nothing grows. Animals like snow leopards, yaks, and mountain goats live at high altitudes and have thick fur to stay warm.
People in Mountain Areas
People living in mountains face special challenges. Roads are narrow and winding. It can be hard to grow crops because the land is steep. In winter, heavy snow blocks roads and paths. Houses are built with sloping roofs so snow slides off. People wear warm, woollen clothes. Despite the challenges, mountain people are strong and resilient. They grow crops like apples, potatoes, and rice on terraced fields (step-like flat areas cut into the hillside).
Breathing at High Altitudes
At very high altitudes, there is less oxygen in the air. People who are not used to it may feel dizzy, breathless, and tired. This is called altitude sickness or mountain sickness. People who live in mountains have bodies that are adapted to less oxygen. When visitors go to high places, they need to go slowly and give their body time to adjust. Drinking lots of water helps.
Important Terms
- Altitude: The height of a place above sea level
- Mountain Range: A long chain of mountains connected together
- Himalaya: The highest mountain range in the world, located in India
- Terrace Farming: Cutting step-like flat areas on a hillside to grow crops
- Altitude Sickness: Feeling sick due to less oxygen at high altitudes
- Yak: A large, hairy animal found in high mountains, used for transport and milk
Quick Revision
- Mountains are very high land forms; Himalayas are the highest
- Temperature drops and air becomes thinner as you go higher
- Different plants and animals live at different heights
- Mountain houses have sloping roofs for snow
- Terrace farming is used to grow crops on steep hillsides
- Altitude sickness occurs due to less oxygen at high heights