Maharashtra Board Class 10 Social Science Geography Paper 2 Question Paper 2024 with Answer Key

The Pantanal is a vast tropical wetland in South America, primarily located in Brazil, with smaller portions in Bolivia and Paraguay. It is home to diverse wildlife, including large reptiles. Among the given options, "huge anacondas" are commonly found in the swampy areas of the Pantanal, making it the correct choice. Condors, pink dolphins, and macaws are found in different habitats such as mountains, rivers, and forests.
Quick Tip: When answering geography-related questions, consider the habitat of the species mentioned. Swampy and wetland regions often host amphibians, reptiles, and aquatic creatures.

The distribution of population is influenced by several factors, including natural, social, economic, and demographic elements. Among the given options, the physiographic factor has a direct impact on population distribution. Physiographic factors include landforms, climate, water bodies, and soil conditions, which determine the suitability of an area for human settlement. Regions with favorable terrain and resources attract more people, while harsh environments such as mountains and deserts have lower population densities. Other factors like sex ratio, literacy, and life expectancy influence population characteristics but do not directly determine distribution.
Quick Tip: Physiographic factors, such as terrain, climate, and natural resources, play a crucial role in determining population distribution. Favorable conditions attract settlement, while harsh environments lead to sparse populations.

In Brazil, roadways are the most widely used mode of transportation due to the country's vast land area and the extensive road network connecting cities and remote regions. Although Brazil has a large number of rivers, waterways are not as developed for transportation. Airways are used for long-distance travel, and railways are less developed compared to road networks. The country's tropical terrain and economic reliance on road transport make roadways the most common method of transportation.
Quick Tip: In countries with vast land areas and uneven terrain, roadways are often the primary mode of transportation. Consider geographical and infrastructural factors when answering transportation-related questions.

A field visit is conducted to gather firsthand information about a specific location, activity, or subject. Among the given options, a questionnaire is the most appropriate item to carry since it helps in systematically collecting data through surveys and interviews. A chair and blackboard are not relevant to data collection, and while a water bottle is useful for hydration, it does not assist in gathering information.
Quick Tip: When conducting a field visit, always carry essential tools such as notebooks, questionnaires, and recording devices to effectively document observations and responses.

Brazil has several coastal states, including Rio de Janeiro, Paraíba, and Amapá, which all have access to the Atlantic Ocean. However, Acre is an inland state located in the western part of Brazil, bordering Peru and Bolivia, making it the odd one out. Therefore, Acre is the correct answer.
Quick Tip: When identifying coastal states, check whether they have direct access to a sea or ocean. Coastal states in Brazil are located along the eastern border facing the Atlantic Ocean.

India experiences diverse climatic conditions, with some regions receiving extremely high rainfall. Among the given options, the Meghalaya Plateau (specifically Mawsynram and Cherrapunji) receives the highest annual rainfall in India.

- Western Ghats also receive significant rainfall, but not as much as Meghalaya.
- Arunachal Pradesh experiences heavy rainfall, yet it is not the highest.
- Western Rajasthan, on the other hand, is part of the Thar Desert, one of the driest regions in India, making it the incorrect choice.

Thus, the correct answer is Meghalaya Plateau.
Quick Tip: When identifying high rainfall regions, focus on areas with monsoon impact, proximity to water bodies, and orographic rainfall. Meghalaya, due to its elevation and monsoon winds, receives the highest rainfall in India.

The Amazon River has several important tributaries that contribute to its vast water flow. Among the given options:

- Purus River is a major tributary of the Amazon and flows through Peru and Brazil.
- Paru River is also a tributary of the Amazon but is less significant compared to Purus.
- Juruika River does not exist as a well-known Amazon tributary.
- Paraná River is incorrect as it is one of the major rivers in South America but flows separately, mainly through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, and is not a tributary of the Amazon.

Thus, the correct answer is Purus River.
Quick Tip: When identifying tributaries of major rivers, consider their geographical location and drainage basin. The Amazon River has many tributaries, but only those originating in the Amazon Basin contribute to its flow.

The Peninsular region of India is known for its diverse wildlife, including Indian bisons (gaur), deer, and antelopes, which are commonly found in forests and grasslands of central and southern India.

- Indian Bison (Gaur) is found in the Western Ghats and central Indian forests.
- Deer and Antelopes are widely distributed in various parts of the peninsular region.
- Yak, however, is found in the Himalayan region at high altitudes and is not native to the Peninsular region of India.

Thus, the correct answer is Yak as it is not found in the Peninsular region.
Quick Tip: When answering questions about wildlife distribution, consider the climatic and geographical conditions of the region. High-altitude animals like yaks are found in cold mountainous areas, while antelopes and bisons thrive in grasslands and forests.

The retreating monsoon, also known as the northeast monsoon, occurs during the transition
period between the southwest monsoon and winter. It generally takes place from October to
November. During this phase, the monsoon winds begin to withdraw from the Indian
subcontinent as the low-pressure system over land weakens and high-pressure conditions
develop.
Key characteristics of the retreating monsoon:
• It marks the withdrawal of monsoon winds from northern and central India.
• It leads to clear skies, rising temperatures, and high humidity in many regions.
• It brings significant rainfall to the eastern coast of India, especially in Tamil Nadu,
Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.
• It is influenced by the shifting Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
Impact: The retreating monsoon is crucial for agriculture in southern India, particularly for
rice cultivation in Tamil Nadu, where it serves as the primary source of rainfall.
Conclusion: The retreating monsoon is a significant climatic phenomenon affecting the
weather patterns and agricultural cycles of India, particularly in the southeastern coastal
regions.

Deciduous forests in India are a type of vegetation that sheds its leaves during the dry season
to conserve water. These forests are primarily found in areas with moderate rainfall (100-200
cm annually) and are classified into two main types:
• Moist Deciduous Forests: Found in regions with 100-200 cm of rainfall, such as the
Western Ghats, eastern slopes of the Himalayas, and northeastern states. Common trees
include Sal, Teak, Shisham, and Mahua.
• Dry Deciduous Forests: Found in regions with less rainfall (50-100 cm), such as central
and northwestern India. These forests contain trees like Acacia, Neem, and Palash that
are adapted to drier conditions.
Importance of Deciduous Forests:
• Serve as a habitat for diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, deer, and langurs.
• Provide valuable timber resources such as Teak and Sal.
• Play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and soil conservation.
Conclusion: Deciduous forests are a vital component of India’s biodiversity and ecosystem,
supporting both flora and fauna while contributing significantly to the economy through
timber production.

Brazil, the largest country in South America, has a rich and diverse history shaped by
indigenous cultures, European colonization, and independence movements.
Key Historical Events:
• Pre-Colonial Era: Before European arrival, Brazil was inhabited by numerous
indigenous tribes, mainly the Tupi, Guarani, and Yanomami peoples.
• Portuguese Colonization (1500): Brazil was discovered by Pedro ´Alvares Cabral, a
Portuguese explorer. The Portuguese established settlements, exploited natural
resources, and introduced sugarcane plantations.
• Slavery and Economic Growth: Brazil became a major center for African slave trade
to work in sugarcane and coffee plantations.
• Independence (1822): Brazil gained independence from Portugal on September 7,
1822, under the leadership of Dom Pedro I, establishing a constitutional monarchy.
• Republic Formation (1889): The monarchy was overthrown, and Brazil became a
republic, leading to political and economic changes.
• Modern Era: Brazil has since evolved into a democratic nation, experiencing economic
growth, industrialization, and global influence.
Conclusion: Brazil’s history is marked by colonization, economic transformations, and
political changes, shaping it into the vibrant nation it is today.

Title: India - Political Map
Subtitle: Major Transport Networks and Geographical Features
2.
The northern and western parts of India, particularly the states of Uttar Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu, have a higher density of roadways due
to urbanization, industrialization, and economic activity.
3. The two main parts of the western coast of India are: - Konkan Coast (stretching from
Maharashtra to Goa) - Malabar Coast (stretching from Karnataka to Kerala)
4. 
The East-West Corridor (National Highway 27) connects Porbandar in Gujarat to
Silchar in Assam and is part of the Golden Quadrilateral project.
5.
Sagar Island is located near Kolkata, in the Sundarbans delta region, and is famous for
the Gangasagar Mela.

Geographical Reason: The Himalayan region experiences extreme climatic conditions,
which significantly affect vegetation growth. The key factors responsible for sparse
vegetation at high altitudes include:
• Low Temperature: As altitude increases, temperature decreases, making it difficult for
plants to survive in the harsh cold conditions.
• Heavy Snowfall: The Himalayas receive substantial snowfall, covering the land for
most of the year and preventing the growth of vegetation.
• Thin Atmospheric Pressure: Reduced oxygen levels and atmospheric pressure at high
elevations make plant survival challenging.
• Rocky and Barren Terrain: High-altitude regions mostly consist of rocky and steep
slopes, which do not support fertile soil required for plant growth.
• Short Growing Season: Due to long winters and extreme weather, the growing season
for plants is very short, restricting dense vegetation.
Conclusion: The combination of extreme cold, high altitude, and challenging terrain limits
vegetation in the Himalayan highlands, with only hardy plant species like alpine shrubs and
mosses surviving in some areas.

Geographical Reason: The Amazon River Basin is one of the most ecologically diverse yet
sparsely populated regions due to several geographical and environmental factors:
• Dense Rainforests: The basin is covered by the Amazon Rainforest, which makes
large-scale human settlements difficult due to thick vegetation and lack of cleared land.
• High Rainfall and Humidity: The region experiences heavy rainfall (over 2000 mm
annually) and high humidity, creating an environment that is challenging for permanent
human habitation.
• Poor Soil Quality: Most of the soil in the Amazon Basin is infertile and leached,
making large-scale agriculture unsustainable.
• Limited Infrastructure: Due to its remote location and dense forests, transportation
and infrastructure development are minimal, reducing accessibility for settlements.
• Presence of Indigenous Tribes: The region is home to various indigenous tribes, many
of whom follow a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle rather than forming dense urban
settlements.
Conclusion: Due to harsh climatic conditions, dense vegetation, and lack of infrastructure,
human settlements in the Amazon River Basin are sparse and primarily limited to small
indigenous groups and scattered settlements along riverbanks.

Geographical Reason: Fishing is a significant economic activity in India due to the
country’s extensive coastline and inland water resources. The key reasons are:
• Extensive Coastline: India has a 7,517 km long coastline, providing ample
opportunities for marine fishing.
• Rich Biodiversity: The Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal support a wide
variety of fish species, including tuna, shrimp, mackerel, and sardines.
• Employment Generation: The fishing industry provides livelihood to millions of
fishermen and workers involved in processing, transportation, and export.
• Inland Fishing: India has numerous rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, contributing
significantly to freshwater fish production.
• Foreign Exchange Earnings: India is a leading exporter of seafood, with shrimp and
prawns being major exports, contributing to foreign exchange reserves.
• Government Initiatives: Schemes like Blue Revolution and Pradhan Mantri Matsya
Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) promote sustainable fishing and boost the sector.
Conclusion: With its vast marine and inland resources, India’s fishing industry plays a vital
role in employment, food security, and exports, making it a crucial part of the national
economy.

To determine the decade with the lowest urbanisation growth, we calculate the
increase in urbanisation for each decade:
1961-1971: 18.2 − 18.0 = 0.2
1971-1981: 23.3 − 18.2 = 5.1
1981-1991: 25.7 − 23.3 = 2.4
1991-2001: 27.8 − 25.7 = 2.1
2001-2011: 31.2 − 27.8 = 3.4
The lowest growth occurred in the decade 1961-1971, with an increase of only: 0.2
Quick Tip: For analyzing urbanisation trends, calculate the growth rate between consecutive decades and compare values to determine the period of slowest growth.

Tertiary Sector
Quick Tip: The primary sector mainly includes agriculture and resource extraction, while the tertiary sector encompasses services like education, finance, and IT.

A questionnaire for a field visit to a factory should include questions related to
operations, safety, production, and management. Sample questions:
• What are the main products manufactured in this factory?
• What raw materials are used in the production process?
• How many workers are employed in this factory?
• What safety measures are followed in the workplace?
• What are the working hours and shift patterns?
• How is waste managed and disposed of?
• What machinery and technology are used in the factory?
• What quality control measures are taken?
A well-structured questionnaire helps in effective data collection.

Brazil has a vast coastline of approximately 7,400 km along the Atlantic Ocean.
The coastal region is characterized by:
• Major cities like Rio de Janeiro, S˜ao Paulo, and Salvador.
• A warm and humid climate with tropical rainforests.
• High population density due to better economic opportunities.

The distribution of India’s population is influenced by several factors:
1. Geographical Factors:
• Fertile plains (e.g., Indo-Gangetic plains) have high population density.
• Mountains (e.g., Himalayas) have low population due to harsh climate.
• Coastal regions attract high population due to trade and economic activities.
2. Economic Factors:
• Industrialized areas (e.g., Mumbai, Delhi) have higher population due to job
opportunities.
• Agricultural regions depend on fertile land and irrigation.
3. Social and Political Factors:
• Areas with better education, healthcare, and infrastructure attract more people.
• Government policies, such as urban planning and special economic zones, influence
population distribution.
Population distribution is shaped by geography, economy, and social factors.
Quick Tip: Understanding population distribution helps in urban planning, resource allocation, and economic development.