Oceans and Continents – Short Answer Type Questions
Class 6
CBSE Class 6 Social Science — Chapter 2: Oceans and Continents
CBSE Board Examinations: Short Answer Questions (2–3 marks), Map labelling, Practical assessment.
Content Bank — Chapter 2 (Topic-wise)
Major Oceans; Seven Continents; Oceanic features (currents, trenches); Islands, peninsulas & isthmuses; Human uses—trade, fishing; Map skills & coordinates.
Topic 1 — Major Oceans (Q1–Q9)
Q1. Name the five major oceans of the world.
A1. Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern (Antarctic) and Arctic Oceans.
Q2. What is the Pacific Ocean known for?
A2. It is the largest and deepest ocean, with major trenches and island chains.
Q3. Why is the Indian Ocean important for India?
A3. It influences monsoon climate and is a key route for trade and shipping to Africa and Asia.
Q4. Describe one distinctive feature of the Arctic Ocean.
A4. It is the smallest, shallowest ocean with seasonal sea ice and polar ecosystems.
Q5. How does the Southern Ocean contribute to global climate?
A5. It helps drive global ocean circulation and exchanges heat between oceans, affecting climate.
Q6. What is an ocean basin?
A6. A large low area on the Earth's surface covered by ocean water forming an ocean's floor.
Q7. Name a major shipping advantage provided by oceans.
A7. Oceans provide cost-effective international shipping routes for global trade.
Q8. What role do oceans play in the water cycle?
A8. Oceans are the main source of evaporation, forming clouds and driving precipitation worldwide.
Q9. Why are oceans important for biodiversity?
A9. They host diverse habitats like coral reefs and deep-sea ecosystems supporting numerous species.
Topic 2 — Continents Overview (Q10–Q19)
Q10. List the seven continents.
A10. Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe and Australia.
Q11. Which continent has the largest population?
A11. Asia has the largest population.
Q12. Name a major desert in Africa.
A12. The Sahara Desert.
Q13. Which continent is famous for the Amazon Rainforest?
A13. South America.
Q14. Why is Antarctica important for scientists?
A14. It provides records of past climate and is crucial for climate research due to its ice cores.
Q15. What makes Australia unique among continents?
A15. It has unique flora and fauna and is the smallest continent by area.
Q16. Which continent is often called the birthplace of Western civilisation?
A16. Europe.
Q17. Name a major mountain range in South America.
A17. The Andes.
Q18. Which continent is largely within the tropics and has high biodiversity?
A18. South America (Amazon basin) and parts of Africa and Asia are tropical with high biodiversity.
Q19. Which continent straddles the Eurasian landmass with varied climates?
A19. Asia (and Europe together form Eurasia) with climates from arctic to tropical.
Topic 3 — Oceanic Features (Q20–Q28)
Q20. What is an ocean current?
A20. A continuous, directed movement of seawater generated by winds, salinity and temperature differences.
Q21. Name the warm Atlantic current that affects Europe's climate.
A21. The Gulf Stream (and North Atlantic Drift).
Q22. What causes ocean trenches?
A22. Tectonic plate subduction where one plate sinks beneath another creates deep ocean trenches.
Q23. What is a continental shelf?
A23. The shallow, gently sloping submerged edge of a continent before the ocean floor drops off.
Q24. Explain what a reef is.
Q25. How do ocean currents influence fishing?
A25. Currents carry nutrients that support plankton growth, attracting fish and creating rich fishing grounds.
Q26. Define 'upwelling'.
A26. Upwelling is the upward movement of cold, nutrient-rich water to the ocean surface, boosting marine productivity.
Q27. What is the importance of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?
A27. It is an underwater mountain range formed by tectonic divergence, affecting seafloor spreading and marine habitats.
Q28. Why are deep-sea trenches important for scientists?
A28. They host unique organisms and record Earth's geological processes and history.
Topic 4 — Islands, Peninsulas & Isthmuses (Q29–Q36)
Q29. Define an island.
A29. A piece of land completely surrounded by water.
Q30. What is an archipelago?
A30. A group or chain of islands, like Indonesia or the Philippines.
Q31. Define a peninsula.
A31. Land surrounded by water on three sides and attached to the mainland on one side.
Q32. Give an example of a famous peninsula.
A32. The Arabian Peninsula or the Indian Peninsula (Indian subcontinent).
Q33. What is an isthmus?
A33. A narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas, e.g., Isthmus of Panama.
Q34. Why are coral islands important?
A34. They protect coasts, support tourism and host rich marine biodiversity.
Q35. Where is the Strait of Gibraltar located and why is it important?
A35. It connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and is a major shipping chokepoint between Europe and Africa.
Q36. How do islands affect trade and transportation?
A36. Islands can be strategic ports or require ferry/air services, affecting connectivity and trade routes.
Topic 5 — Human Uses & Resources (Q37–Q44)
Q37. Name three human activities that depend on oceans.
A37. Fishing, shipping/trade, tourism (and resource extraction like oil/gas).
Q38. What is exclusive economic zone (EEZ)?
A38. A sea zone extending 200 nautical miles from a country's coast where it has rights to marine resources.
Q39. How does pollution affect marine life?
A39. Pollution harms organisms, causes habitat loss, bioaccumulates toxins and reduces fish stocks.
Q40. How does overfishing impact oceans?
A40. Overfishing depletes fish populations, disrupts food chains and threatens livelihoods.
Q41. Why are ports important for a country's economy?
A41. Ports facilitate imports and exports, create jobs and connect regions through maritime trade.
Q42. Mention one renewable and one non-renewable ocean resource.
A42. Renewable: fish; Non-renewable: offshore oil and natural gas.
Q43. What role does tourism play in coastal economies?
A43. Tourism generates revenue, employment and promotes conservation but may also cause environmental strain.
Q44. Suggest one measure to protect marine ecosystems.
A44. Establish marine protected areas, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable fishing practices.
Topic 6 — Map Skills & Quick Revision (Q45–Q50)
Q45. How do you use latitude and longitude to locate a place?
A45. Latitude gives north/south position; longitude gives east/west. Their intersection pinpoints a place (e.g., 28°N, 77°E).
Q46. What is the Equator?
A46. The Equator is the 0° latitude line dividing Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Q47. Name two items that should appear on a good map legend.
A47. Symbols for features (e.g., rivers, roads) and colour meanings (e.g., green = forest); scale and north arrow are also important.
Q48. What is a hemisphere?
A48. A hemisphere is half of the Earth, divided by the Equator (Northern/Southern) or by a meridian (Eastern/Western).
Q49. Give one quick tip for map labelling in exams.
A49. Use a sharp pencil, write clearly near the feature, and avoid overlapping labels for neatness and accuracy.
Q50. Why is it useful to know the locations of continents and oceans?
A50. It helps understand global patterns in climate, resources, trade routes and cultural connections.
Note: These Short Answer Questions with Answers are prepared strictly as per the NCERT syllabus and are ideal for CBSE Class 6 board exam practice and classroom revision.