Students rely on Class 8 English Extra Questions and Class 8 English Chapter 9 Spectacular Wonders Extra Questions and Answers to improve their grades.
Spectacular Wonders Extra Question Answer Class 8 English Chapter 9
Spectacular Wonders Very Short Questions and Answers
Question 1.
Which Indian forest is home to the Bengal tiger and mangroves?
Answer:
The Sundarbans is home to the Bengal tiger, estuarian crocodiles and mangroves.
Question 2.
Name the phenomenon where living organisms emit light naturally.
Answer:
The phenomenon where living organisms emit light naturally is known as bioluminescence.
Question 3.
Which Indian state is home to Magnetic Hills?
Answer:
Ladakh is home to Magnetic Hills.
Question 4.
Which natural wonder is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uttarakhand?
Answer:
The Valley of Flowers National Park is a natural wonder. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site
Question 5.
What is the main attraction of the Valley of Flowers?
Answer:
The main attraction of the valley of flowers is — it has almost 600 species of exotic flowers.
Spectacular Wonders Short Questions and Answers
Question 1.
What makes the Valley of Flowers a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Answer:
The Valley of Flowers is home to more than 600 species of exotic flowers and rare animals like snow leopards. Its vibrant biodiversity and natural beauty led to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Question 2.
What makes the Sundarbans ecologically important?
Answer:
The Sundarbans are the largest mangrove forest in the world, home to the Bengal tiger and various estuarine species. They protect the coastline from erosion and storms, and support rich biodiversity.
Question 3.
Describe what happens at Chandipur Beach during low tide.
Answer:
During low tide, the sea at Chandipur Beach recedes by 2-5 kilometers, making the sea appear to vanish temporarily and then return during high tide.
Question 4.
Why is the Rainbow Mountain in Peru colourful?
Answer:
The Rainbow Mountain displays vibrant colours due to layers of different minerals like clay, limestone and sandstone that settled over millions of years ago.
Question 5.
How do the Living Root Bridges reflect the harmony between humans and ‘) nature?
Answer:
The Living Root Bridges are grown using tree roots without harming the trees. Locals guide the roots across rivers, showing how people can work with nature instead of against it.
Spectacular Wonders Long Questions and Answers
Question 1.
What phenomenon occurs at Magnetic Hills in Ladakh and how is it explained?
Answer:
Magnetic Hills near Leh in Ladakh is known for a strange optical illusion where parked vehicles appear to roll uphill against gravity. This phenomenon, marked by a specific point on the road, creates an illusion caused by the layout of the surrounding land. The downward slope of the road is hidden by the background, making it look like an uphill incline. Though not a real magnetic effect, the illusion has puzzled and amazed visitors, earning the area the title “The Phenomenon That Defies Gravity.”
Question 2.
What causes the glowing waters in Kerala’s Kumbalangi milage, and how has it influenced tourism?
Answer:
The glowing waters observed in Kumbalangi village, near Kochi in Kerala, are due to a phenomenon called bioluminescence. It occurs because of a high concentration of micro-planktons—tiny marine organisms that emit light due to a chemical reaction in their bodies. This magical glow in the serene backwaters attracts tourists and has helped establish Kumbalangi as an eco-tourism destination. Visitors can experience village life and local culture while witnessing this natural spectacle.
Question 3.
How does the phenomenon at Chandipur Beach differ from other coastal beaches, and what scientific explanation supports it?
Answer:
Chandipur Beach in Odisha exhibits a rare tidal phenomenon where the sea seems to vanish and reappear daily. During ebb tide, the water retreats up to 5 kilometers into the sea, exposing the seabed, and returns during high tide. Unlike typical beaches where
the shoreline remains relatively consistent, Chandipur’s dramatic tide movement gives an illusion of the sea disappearing. Scientifically, this is due to the gravitational pull of the moon affecting tidal cycles. This phenomenon not only attracts tourists but also highlights the dynamic nature of coastal ecosystems.
Question 4.
How does the chapter “Spectacular Wonders” help readers appreciate the mysteries and power of nature?
Answer:
The chapter “Spectacular Wonders” showcases a variety of unique natural phenomena across India, from bioluminescent waters and disappearing seas to gravity- defying hills and meteorite craters. Through vivid descriptions and engaging questions, the text ignites curiosity and wonder in readers. It highlights how natural forces shape our world in mysterious ways and how these wonders often defy logical expectations. By combining scientific explanations with cultural context, the chapter encourages readers to respect, preserve, and be fascinated by the immense power and beauty of the natural world.
Question 5.
Why is the Lonar Crater Lake in Maharashtra considered a rare geological wonder?
Answer:
The Lonar Crater Lake in Maharashtra is a rare geological site formed by a meteorite impact thousands of years ago. It is the only crater in basaltic rock in India and one of the largest of its kind in the world. The lake has a perfectly circular shape with saline water, creating a striking visual against the rocky terrain. It is important scientifically for studying meteor impacts and Earth’s geology, and visually, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and ancient history.
Spectacular Wonders Competency Based Questions
Question 1.
If you were promoting eco-tourism in Kumbalangi village, Kerala, how would you use the bioluminescent phenomenon to attract visitors responsibly?
Answer:
To promote eco-tourism responsibly, I would highlight the glowing waters as a unique and magical experience caused by bioluminescent plankton. I would offer guided night tours that educate tourists about marine life and the importance of protecting water ecosystems. I’d ensure that tours are limited in number to prevent pollution and work with local villagers to provide homestays and traditional meals, which would support the local economy while preserving the natural environment.
Question 2.
What common themes connect the natural wonders described in the chapter, and what do they teach us about the power of nature?
Answer:
The common themes are mystery, natural beauty, scientific curiosity, and the awe-inspiring power of nature. Each site— whether it’s a disappearing beach, a glowing sea, or a crater formed by a meteorite—shows that nature can surprise us and challenge our understanding. They teach us to respect nature’s forces, preserve its wonders, and recognize that some of the most fascinating phenomena come from natural processes, not human-made ones.
Spectacular Wonders Extract Based Questions and Answers
1. “The Valley of Flowers is an eye-catching spectacle with around 600 species of exotic flowers, including orchids, poppies, primulas, marigold, daisies, and anemones. It is a place where nature blooms in its full glory offering an attractive view.
The trek to the valley offers spectacular views of beautiful waterfalls and wild streams. The valley is also home to rare wildlife species like the grey langur, flying squirrel, red fox, lime butterfly, and snow leopard, to name a few.
With a stunning backdrop of the mighty Himalayan ranges, the Valley of Flowers National Park presents an unforgettable experience for visitors.” (Page 138)
Question 1.
What makes the Valley of Flowers a visual delight?
(a) Backdrop the Himalayan range
(b) 600 species of exotic flowers
(c) Wide stretch of primulas
(d) None of the above
Answer:
(a) It has 600 species of exotic flowers
Question 2.
State Whether True or False:
The Valley of Flowers is a man-made botanical park.
Answer:
False (It is natural)
Question 3.
Fill in the Blank:
The Valley of Flowers offers a stunning view with the __________ ranges in the background.
Answer:
Himalayan
Question 4.
Name one special feature of the Valley of Flowers.
Answer:
It has around 600 species of exotic flowers.
2. Lying at a distance of around 30 km from Leh, the Magnetic Hill is marked by a yellow signboard which reads The Phenomenon That Defies Gravity’. It also instructs visitors to park vehicles in the box marked with a white point on the road, which is known as the Magnetic Road. When the vehicles are parked at the indicated spot, they begin moving forward at a speed of almost 20km/h. This unusual place creates an optical illusion where vehicles appear to roll uphill, a sight that has left tourists in disbelief for years, caused by the peculiar alignment of surrounding slopes and the horizon line. (Page-140)
Question 1.
Where is Magnetic Hills located?
(a) Manali-Shimla Highway
(b) Mumbai-Pune Expressway
(c) 30 km away from Leh
(d) Chennai-Bangalore Highway
Answer:
(c) Leh-Kargil-Baltic Highway
Question 2.
State Whether True or False:
Magnetic Hills pulls vehicles backward using real magnetic forces.
Answer:
False (They pull vehicles forward)
Question 3.
Fill in the Blank:
Magnetic Hills creates an optical __________ where a downhill slope looks like an uphill slope.
Answer:
illusion
Question 4.
What makes Magnetic Hills appear to defy gravity?
Answer:
The peculiar alignment of surrounding slopes, and horizon line create an optical illusion that makes magnetic Hills appear to defy gravity.
3. This happens in Odisha. It is a beach in the Balasore district where one can witness the sea disappearing mysteriously-the Chandipur Beach which is known for its unique feature of playing hide-and- seek with its visitors.
The sea can actually be witnessed disappearing and reappearing. This is because the sea water moves. It retreats by 2-5 km during ebb tide, the duration between the high tide and low tide, and comes back to the shore at the time of high tide. This unusual natural phenomenon keeps on happening daily, where one can actually see the sea, and then watch it disappear in front of their eyes! (Pages 141-142)
Question 1.
What makes Chandipur Beach unique?
(a) It has golden sand dunes
(b) The water glows at night
(c) The sea disappears and returns every day
(d) It is surrounded by coral reefs
Answer:
(c) The sea disappears and returns every day
Question 2.
State Whether True or False:
The sea at Chandipur Beach disappears and reappears during ebb time.
Answer:
True
Question 3.
Fill in the Blank:
During low tide at Chandipur Beach, the sea recedes by __________ kilometers.
Answer:
2 to 5 km
Question 4.
What natural phenomenon occurs daily at Chandipur Beach?
Answer:
The sea disappears and reappears due to tides.
4. The living root bridges are incredible feats of engineering built by the indigenous people of Meghalaya. The living root bridges are one of Meghalaya’ s most beautiful tangible UNESCO world heritage sites.
Crossing the many waterways without bridges was difficult for people in the past, during monsoons. (Page 138)
Question 1.
Which Indian state is famous for living root bridges?
(a) Kerala
(b) Arunachal Pradesh
(c) Meghalaya
(d) Uttarakhand
Answer:
(c) Meghalaya
Question 2.
State Whether True or False:
Living root bridges are artificial constructions made of cement and steel.
Answer:
False (They are made of intertwined roots)
Question 3.
Fill in the Blank:
The living root bridges are one of the most beautiful __________ heritage sites of Meghalya.
Answer:
tangible
Question 4.
Who creates and maintains the living root bridges in Meghalaya?
Answer:
The local people (villagers) of Meghalya create and maintain the living root bridges.
Spectacular Wonders Extra Questions for Practice
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
The Living Root Bridges are found in which state?
(a) Assam
(b) Nagaland
(c) Meghalaya
(d) Manipur
Question 2.
Which state is home to the Lonar Crater Lake?
(a) Gujarat
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Karnataka
(d) Andhra Pradesh
Question 3.
What causes the glowing effect in the waters of Kerala?
(a) Light pollution
(b) Electrical current
(c) Micro-planktons
(d) Reflections
Question 4.
What is special about Magnetic Hill in Ladakh?
(a) Magnet attracts cars
(b) Vehicles move uphill on their own
(c) Ice caves
(d) Geysers erupt
Question 5.
The living roots bridges in Meghalaya are made from:
(a) Cement
(b) Stones
(c) Concrete
(d) Intertwined roots
Fill in the Blanks
1. The Valley of Flowers is located in the __________ district of Uttarakhand.
2. The Living Root Bridges are found in the state of __________.
3. The Lonar Crater Lake was formed by a __________ impact.
4. Magnetic Hill in Ladakh creates an optical __________.
5. The Glowing Waters of Kerala are caused by __________
State Whether True or False
1. The Sundarbans are a type of mangrove forest found in West Bengal.
2. Chandipur Beach is known for its sand dunes and palm trees.
3. Bioluminescence is a natural light produced by some living organisms.
4. The Valley of Flowers has more than 500 species of exotic flowers.
5. The Living Root Bridges can last for over 100 years.
Assertion and Reason Question
Two statements are given—Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read them carefully and choose the correct option.
Question 1.
Assertion (A): Chandipur Beach in Odisha is famous for its disappearing sea.
Reason (R): The sea at Chandipur recedes by 2 to 5 kilometers during low tide and returns later.
Codes:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What is the geographical shape of the Lonar Crater Lake?
Question 2.
Name one rare animal found in the Valley of Flowers.
Question 3.
What type of forest is found in the Sundarbans?
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Why is the Magnetic Hill phenomenon called “defying gravity”?
Question 2.
What is bioluminescence and where is it seen in India?
Question 3.
Why is Lonar Crater Lake considered unique in the world?
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Discuss the cultural and environmental significance of the Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya.
Question 2.
Why is the Valley of Flowers considered both a visual and ecological treasure, and how does its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site contribute to its protection?
Competency Based Question
Question 1.
Imagine the Valley of Flowers is facing a rise in tourist footfall that threatens its delicate ecosystem. What steps would you suggest to balance tourism and conservation?