NCERT Solutions class 6 Social-Science Chapter 2. Oceans and Continents Extra Questions With Answers

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A. Very Short Answer Questions

Q1. Name the largest ocean on Earth.
Answer: The Pacific Ocean.

Q2. Which continent is known as the island continent?
Answer: Australia.

Q3. What is the main source of freshwater on Earth?
Answer: Rivers, lakes, groundwater, and glaciers.

Q4. Which ocean surrounds Antarctica?
Answer: The Southern Ocean.

Q5. What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by water?
Answer: About three-fourths.

Q6. Which is the largest island in the world?
Answer: Greenland.

Q7. Name the ocean located to the west of India.
Answer: Arabian Sea (part of the Indian Ocean).

Q8. Which continent is completely covered by ice?
Answer: Antarctica.

B. Short / Long-Type Questions (3–4 Marks)

Q1. Why are oceans important for climate and weather?
Answer: Oceans absorb and release heat, create winds, and form clouds that bring rain. They regulate temperature, influence monsoons, and maintain global climate balance. Warm and cold ocean currents also affect the climate of nearby regions.

Q2. Write a note on the Indian Ocean and its special features.
Answer: The Indian Ocean lies south of Asia and is the only ocean named after a country—India. The Arabian Sea is on the west and the Bay of Bengal on the east of India. It influences the Indian monsoon, supports rich marine life, and provides major international trade routes.

Q3. Distinguish between continents and islands.
Answer: Continents are very large continuous landmasses like Asia and Africa. Islands are smaller landmasses completely surrounded by water, such as Sri Lanka and Greenland. Continents contain many countries, whereas islands may be a single country or part of one.

Q4. Why is Antarctica considered unique?
Answer: Antarctica is unique because it is entirely covered by ice, has no permanent human settlements, and experiences extreme cold. It hosts scientific research stations and is surrounded by the Southern Ocean. It plays a key role in Earth’s climate and sea level regulation.

C. Long Answer Questions (5–6 Marks)

Q1. Describe the major oceans of the world and highlight one feature of each.
Answer: The Earth has five major oceans. The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest. The Atlantic Ocean is ideal for navigation due to its “S” shape. The Indian Ocean is the only ocean named after a country and influences the monsoon. The Arctic Ocean surrounds the North Pole and remains frozen for most of the year. The Southern Ocean circles Antarctica and merges with other oceans. Together they support marine life, regulate climate, and provide global trade routes.

Q2. Discuss the seven continents and their major characteristics.
Answer: The Earth has seven continents. Asia is the largest and most populated. Africa is the second-largest with vast deserts and rich wildlife. North America has varied climate zones and developed nations. South America contains the Amazon rainforest. Antarctica is permanently ice-covered. Europe is known for its historical and cultural heritage. Australia, the smallest continent, is called an island continent and has unique wildlife. Each continent has different landforms, climates, and environments.

Q3. Explain the importance of oceans for human life and the environment.
Answer: Oceans are essential for life because they support diverse marine organisms and provide food resources like fish. They produce a significant portion of Earth’s oxygen through algae and phytoplankton. Oceans regulate global climate by absorbing heat and generating winds and rainfall. They are central to international trade, scientific research, and transport. Additionally, oceans influence weather events such as cyclones and monsoons. Protecting oceans is important due to threats like pollution, overfishing, and climate change.