Nature and Scope Exercise | Class 12 Geography Solutions Chapter 8 Nature and Scope

1. Identify the correct group.

Q: 1.

A	B	C	D
Geomorphology	Cartography	Tourism	Political Geography
Climatology	Survey Forest	Conservation	Physical Geography
Biogeography	Data collection	Wildlife Conservation	Population Geography
Historical Geography	GIS/GPS	Culture Conservation	Economic Geography

Solution:

Q: 2.

A	B	C	D
History	Economics	Biogeography	Geomorphology
Sociology	Geology	Population Geography	GIS
Demography	Remote sensing	Cartography	Demography
Political Science	Climatology	Psychology	Pedology

Solution:

2. Give geographical reasons.

Q: 1. Human Geography is multidisciplinary in nature.

Solution:

Human geography is the branch of geography dealing with human activities and their influence on culture, communities and economies.
In human geography every social science studies separately has interface with branch of human geography; because of their spatial attributes.
Social sciences like sociology, political science, economics, history and demography are very closely related with branches of human geography, such as social geography, political geography, economic geography and historical geography, respectively.
Since, we study varied branches of geography in human geography, it is said to be multidisciplinary in nature.

Q: 2. Geography is dynamic in nature.

Solution:

Most geographical phenomena whether physical or human are not static and can change overtime.
In economic geography, we study economic activities as well as factors affecting their distribution and changes.
In climatology we study changes in temperature and rainfall due to global warming. Depending upon the changes in climate, changes are made in cropping patterns.
Geographers study relationship between production, distribution and geographical factors.
For example, tea is grown on a large scale in the State of Assam due to high temperature, heavy rainfall, red soil, hilly relief, cheaper water transportation due to the Brahmaputra River and cheap and skilled labour supply from nearby States of Bihar and Orissa.
We study weather over a period of about 30 years and decide climate of that place or population of a country or the world over a period of time. Since, changes occur time to time.
Thus, geography is dynamic in nature.

Q: 3. Geography is dualistic in nature.

Solution:

There are two contrasting approaches to study the subject of geography. They are possibilism and environmental determinism. This contrast in approaches is called as dualism in geography.
Some geographers are of the view that nature is more dominant than man. It is called environmental determinism. According to them, when we study geography, we study the earth. We study how natural resources have influence on economic activities, as well as food habits of people.
For example, in coastal areas fishing activity is more developed and fish is the main food of the people.
Some geographers are of opinion that man dominates the nature. It is called possibilism. According to them man can make changes in nature due to his intelligence.
For example, there are polyhouses even in polar areas, in which temperature is controlled artificially and vegetables are grown.
There are many other thinkers who have different approaches in geography.
Thus, the study of geography is dualistic in nature.

3. Write short notes on.

Q: 1. Physical Geography is related to various branches of science.

Solution:

Almost every discipline, under natural and social sciences is linked with geography.
Geomorphology, Climatology, Oceanography and Biogeography are the branches of physical geography.
Geomorphology studies landforms, rock types, processes of formation of rocks, landforms, etc. Therefore, it is related to geology.
Climatology studies elements of atmosphere such as temperature, winds, rainfall, humidity, natural disasters like cyclones, anticyclones, storms, etc. Therefore, it is related to meteorology.
Oceanography studies oceans and seas on the surface of the earth, ocean currents, ocean routes, etc. Therefore, it is related to Hydrology.
Biogeography studies the distribution of plants and animals, their species, ecosystems, etc. Therefore, it is related to biology.
Knowledge of mathematics is important for cartographic techniques, such as drawing of maps and diagrams. Similarly, knowledge of statistics is useful to do data analysis since various statistical techniques and hypotheses testing are used in data analysis.
Thus, physical geography is related to various branches of sciences.

Q: 2. Branches of Geography.

Solution:

There are three major branches of Geography – Physical Geography, Human Geography and Geographic Techniques.
Geography has various sub-branches; however, the four major sub-branches of Physical Geography are Geomorphology, Climatology, Biogeography and Oceanography.
Human geography comprises of six sub-branches, Historical Geography, Political Geography, Economic Geography, Behavioural Geography, Social Geography and Population Geography.
Geographic Techniques have four branches, namely, remote sensing, quantification methods in geography, cartography and Geographic Information System [GIS].

Q: 3. Latest trends in Geography.

Solution:

Currently, the explanation of all geographic phenomena depends upon the cause and effect relationship.
Geographers developed number of disciplines within its boundaries.
Number of techniques for analysis and prediction through data collection and modelling are also developed by geographers.
Due to the dynamic nature of geography, new things are added in the subject.
Use of audio-visual media and information technology has enriched the database.
The latest technology of software has brought about better opportunities in data collection, interpretation, analysis and presentation.
Presently, the Use of GIS and GPS has become essential. Therefore, maps are made by using GIS software and have proved to be more accurate.
Nowadays the use of mathematical modelling and computer models in applied geography has increased. They are used for prediction of weather changes or natural calamities.
The above mentioned are all the latest trends in Geography.

Q: 4. Skills required for studying geography.

Solution:

The skills required to study the methods and techniques used in geography have made the study of geography empirical and practical in nature.
The study of geography is based on theory and observation. It is supported by the scientific study like data collection and data analysis through number of tools and techniques.
The geographers developed skills for conducting surveys with the help of advanced technology. They have also acquired the skills to make use of satellite images for data collection.
The geographers have attained the skills for experiments, data collection, data organisation, observation patterns, data analysis, research findings, etc.
The geographers have learnt analytical techniques of data with the help of statistical techniques and representation of statistical data using graphs and maps.

4. Answer the following Q:s in detail.

Q: 1. Explain how the knowledge of Geography is important in our day-to-day life. Give examples.

Solution:

The knowledge of geography is important in our day-to-day life because with geographical knowledge we can understand the basic physical systems that affect our everyday life.
For example, the earth-sun relationship, water cycle, wind, ocean currents, etc.
For the effective functioning of different places, we learn the physical and cultural characteristics of places.
With the help of geography, we can understand the geography of the past, how geography had played an important role in the evolution of people, their ideas, places and environment.
We can prepare a map of a province or territory, country and the world, so that one can understand the location of various countries. For example, the political map of the Asian continent gives idea about location of Asian countries.
With the help of various distribution maps, we can understand distribution of minerals, crops, population, etc., in the world. For example, with the help of dot map we can understand spatial distribution of population in the world.
With the help of economic geography, we can understand the development of economic activities in different countries of the \yorld and their correlation with physical and economic factors. For example, we can study the world’s leading areas in fishing activities and their reasons.
With the help of climatology, we understand atmospheric phenomenon, such as cyclones, global warming, etc.
The study of sustainable development in geography teaches us to appreciate the earth as humankind’s homeland and provide an insight for wise management decisions about the usage of the earth’s resources.
With the help of geography, we can understand global inter-dependence to become a better global citizen.
Thus, with the help of geography, we can study physical features, economic activities, trade, people, etc., in the world.

Q: 2. Discuss the relationship between Geography and other subjects.

Solution:

Geography is related to almost every discipline under natural and social sciences. There are three major branches of Geography, namely, Physical Geography, Human Geography and Geographic Techniques.
Geography has various sub-branches; however, the four major sub-branches of Physical Geography are Geomorphology, Climatology, Biogeography and Oceanography.
In Geomorphology we study the formation and types of landforms, gradient, rock structure, etc. This is related to the subject of geology.
In Climatology we study the atmospheric elements such as temperature winds, rainfall, humidity, natural disasters like cyclones, anticyclones, storms, etc. This it is related to the subject of meteorology.
In Oceanography we study the ocean currents, ocean routes, coastal features, submarine relief, etc., of oceans and seas. This it is related to the subject of hydrology.
In geography of soil, we study the components, layers, texture, and fertility of the soil, etc. This is related to the subject of pedology.
Human geography comprises of six sub-branches, Historical Geography, Political Geography, Economic Geography, Behavioural Geography, Social Geography and Population Geography. In historical geography, we study the correlation of historical events with geographical factors. This is related to the subject of history.
In Political Geography, we study the effect of geographical factors on political events. This is related to the subject of political science.
In Economic Geography, we study the correlation of geographical factors and economic activities. This is related to the subject of economics.
Similarly, Behavioural Geography, Social Geography and Population Geography are related to the subjects of psychology, sociology and demography respectively.
Thus, it can be concluded by saying that geography has a strong relationship with other subjects in natural as well as human or social sciences.

Q: 3. Explain the nature of Geography in detail.

Solution:

Geography is the study of the earth as a home of man, and various phenomena related to it.
Therefore, geography is the study of the physical environment in relation to man. The physical environment has direct effect on cultural and social environments.
The earth is dynamic in nature. Hence, we find variations in its physical and cultural/social environments.
In geography we study the relation between the physical environment and production, distributions and their patterns and variations.
Geographers study the location, geographical phenomena, whether physical or human, which are highly dynamic and its causes.
Since geography is the study of space and time it makes geography dynamic in nature.
In geographical study, the geographer tries to answer Q:s like what, why, where and when.

5. Differentiate between.

Q: 1. Physical Geography and Human Geography

Solution:

Physical Geography	Human Geography
(i) Physical Geography is the branch of geography dealing with natural features.	(i) Human Geography is the branch of geography dealing with how human activities influence the culture, communities, economies, etc.
(ii) Geomorphology, Climatology, Oceanography, Biogeography, Geography of soils, are the branches of Physical Geography.	(ii) Historical Geography, Political Geography, Economic Geography, Behavioural Geography, Social Geography and Population Geography are the branches of Human Geography.
(iii) Physical geography is natural science.	(iii) Human geography is a social science.

Q: 2. Possibilism and Determinism.

Solution:

Possibilism	Determinism
(i) When man dominates nature, it is called possibilism.	(i) When nature dominates man, it is called determinism.
(ii) Due to intelligence, man makes changes in the natural environment.	(ii) Determinism asserts that development of human history, culture, society, lifestyle, etc., are shaped by their physical environment.
(iii) There are limitations to changes made by man in nature.	(iii) There are no limitations on impact of physical environment on human activities.

6. Draw a neat and well-labelled diagrams

Q: 1. Relationship between Geography and other subjects.

Solution:

Q: 2. Skills required to study Geography.

Solution:

Nature and Scope Notes| Class 12 Geography Notes Chapter 8 Nature and Scope

Geographical explanation

While studying geography, you have learnt about the physical environment of the earth as well as the human activities and their interactive relationship with each other. The nature of the earth’s surface is full of variations. There are various features with variations such as mountains, hills, plains, plateaus, oceans, rivers, lakes, deserts and many more.

Climatic patterns on the global and local level, its impact on vegetation and wildlife, wind patterns, soils and its types, etc. are also studied in Geography. Types of landforms, submarine relief, ocean currents, salinity, etc. are also studied by a geographer. All these physical aspects affect human populations. These factors bring about variations in social and cultural features too, which changes from place to place and time to time.

This variation is observed in the forms of settlements, transportation networks, ports, markets and many other elements created by man, across the entire period of their cultural development. Thus, the subject matter of Geography can be divided into two major themes : physical factors and human factors. This has given rise to two branches in Geography- Physical and Human Geography.

Thus, Physical Geography includes the study of landforms, drainage, relief, slope (lithosphere), composition, structure, weather and climate, winds, precipitation, climate types (atmosphere), oceans, seas, lakes, rivers (hydrosphere) and life forms including human being and macroorganism, ecosystem, food chain, ecological balance (biosphere).

Human Geography studies relationship between man and his environment and distribution of various attributes related to humans social and environmental phenomena around the world.

Nature of Geography as a discipline :

Geography is a study of the earth and phenomena related to it. The earth is dynamic. We find there are variations in its physical and cultural environments. Geographers study these distributions, their patterns and these variations. In addition, geographers also study the causes behind these phenomena.

Thus, a geographer is interested in knowing the cause and effect relationship between these distributions and patterns. For example, a geographer studies various crops in different regions. He understands that this is a result of different climates, soils, demand in the market and application of technologies, etc. By studying a region, he can tell what type of economic activities are most suitable for a region. Also, a geographer studies ‘space’ or ‘area’ or a ‘geographical location’.

Moreover, these geographical phenomena, whether physical or human, are not static but highly dynamic. They change over time. For example, we study weather over a period of time (roughly 30 years) and decide the climate of a place. The population of India or world over a period of time, development of a landform or the age of the earth are various phenomena which are of interest to a geographer as they are concerned with ‘time’.

Thus, Geography is a study of ‘space’ and ‘time’. This makes Geography dynamic in nature. In short, a geographer tries to answer the questions : Where, ‘When, What and Why.’

The skills required to study Geography and the methods and techniques used in Geography make it empirical and practical in nature. See fig. 8.1. The study is very scientific and is always supplemented with experiments, data, observation patterns, data analysis and research findings.

It is not just based on theory but supported by evidence based on data collection and analysis through various tools and techniques. Initially, Geography has developed through observations. When we look back at the history of the subject, we find that earlier scholars of the subject have written a lot about the description of the earth.

Notable among them is the work of a Greek scholar called Hecataeus. His book GesPeriodus (description of the earth), which was published most probably before the end of the 6th century BC. It is the first systemic description of the world. It also gives a detailed account of the Mediterranean Sea, islands, straits and describes the general outline of all the countries of the world.

(Fig. 8.2) Ptolemy’s ‘Geography’ was another book on general description and also included an atlas. Another book by a Roman scholar called Strabo was ‘Geographica’, which is an encyclopaedia of geographical knowledge, consisting of 17 ‘volumes’. (fig. 8.3)

Thus, the skills acquired by a geographer enables him to make observations and describe the various elements he sees on the earth. These skills of the geographer have enriched the subject as newer branches of geography keep developing with time.

When you discuss these points you realise that they are two contrasting approaches to study Geography. For example, does nature rule us or does man rule the nature? When we study Geography, shall we study various regions in which a sector is distributed or study various sectors in a region? These are some of the questions, a geographer faces while studying.

This contrast is known as Dualism in Geography. It refers to existence of two contrasting or separate approaches in Geography. For example, some geographers are of the view that nature is more dominant than man. This is called environmental determinism. While others think that man dominates the nature, they believe in possibilism. There are many other such dualistic approaches in Geography. This makes Geography dualistic in nature.

We find that almost every discipline, under natural and social sciences, is linked with Geography. (See Fig. 8.4) Geology, Meteorology, Hydrology and Pedology are linked with the fields of Physical Geography such as Geomorphology, Climatology, Oceanography and Geography of Soils, respectively. Similarly, knowledge of Mathematics is essential for cartographic techniques. Drawing of maps and diagrams requires understanding of Mathematics.

To do data analysis, geographers use various statistical techniques and hypotheses testing. In case of Human Geography, every social science studied separately has interface with branch of Human Geography because of their spatial attributes. Social sciences such as Sociology, Political science, Economics, History and Demography are closely linked with the branches of Human Geography like Social, Political, Economic, Population and Historical Geography, respectively.

Latest Trends in Geography :

A geographer explains the phenomena in a frame of cause and effect relationship. It helps in analysis but also predicts the future through data collection and modelling. This opens up intra and inter-disciplinary avenues and widens the scope of Geography. The dynamic nature of Geography keeps adding new things in the subject. The audio-visual media and Information Technology have enriched the database. Technology, use of computers and softwares, has offered better opportunities in data collection, interpretation, analysis and presentation. Use of GPS and GIS has become a mandatory aspect of geographical studies. Mapping is now mostly done using GIS softwares.

Thus, knowledge of computers is now an added skill that a geographer requires. Use of Apps has also further enhanced its applications in daily life. Mathematical modelling and computer models are now increasingly being used in Applied Geography. The future growth and density of population, use of land, intensity of cropping and migration, pattern of population, industrialization, urbanization and growth of cities and slums are being predicted with the help of such models.

These are increasingly being used in the forecast of weather, change of climate, change in sea level, environmental pollution, soil erosion, forests depletion and evolution of landforms. Advanced statistical techniques and computer programmes are being used in studying and explaining geographical phenomena depending on the collection of reliable data about earth surface phenomena. The use of computer helps in measurement of numerous elements in the geographic environment.

With such a vast scope and dynamic developments occurring in the subject, it has become a lucrative option as a career. Besides being a popular and lucrative subject and providing a good base of knowledge in competitive examinations, Geography offers great careers with a combination of various hard and soft skills. Here is a list of major career possibilities in Geography. (Table 8.3) In some cases, knowledge of disciplines in combination with Geography also becomes imperative.