Weather is the short-term condition of any location, whereas climate is the long-term average of weather. Climates can be estimated for periods ranging from minutes to months. In contrast, weathers may be calculated for periods ranging from minutes to months.

The various weather elements for any location are given below. Weather variations are also caused by the earth's rotation on its axis and its revolution around the sun. The earth rotates in an elliptical pattern. As a result, the earth is sometimes farther away from the sun and sometimes closer to it. This also generates turbulence in the weather and on earth's tides.

Rainfall: Rainfall is a simple weather factor that estimates the amount of rain that will fall in every location. Weather forecasters and the Meteorological Department forecast rainfall on an annual basis so that farmers can plant their crops accordingly. It also aids in reducing the uncertainties that may occur as a result of reduced rainfall.

Temperature: Temperature is an important meteorological element that determines the present temperature of any location and future predictions. We all know that the temperature drops in the winter and rises in the summer.

Humidity: The amount of water vapour present in the atmosphere is referred to as humidity. It is also a significant weather factor.

Snowfall: Because of the altitude, snowfall is common in hilly locations. It is a weather phenomenon that causes frozen water to enter the sky.

Storms and winds: These are basic meteorological phenomena that affect the wind flow in a specific location.

The Meteorological Department is the government organisation in charge of forecasting the weather in any particular location. Weather reports are broadcasted on television and in the news, and they tell us what the weather will be like the next day. Weather forecasts are crucial for many individuals, including farmers and business owners, because they may plan their work and other activities around the forecasted weather. If regular rainfall is predicted, farmers across the country will plant crops. Weather forecasts are sometimes used to prevent losses. In the event of adverse weather, farmers might select alternate crops that can withstand the forecasted conditions.

The climate of any location significantly impacts all living species in that location. Humans, animals, and plants that live in extremely cold or hot climatic circumstances have specific characteristics that protect them against extreme climatic extremes. This part will teach you about animal adaptation to various habitats.

The Polar Region

The polar region has extreme climatic conditions and is typically blanketed in snow, making it exceedingly chilly. All species that live in polar regions have adapted to the harsh environmental conditions of the region. Polar bears have thick white fur that protects them from the area's harsh climate. Polar bears go swimming on warm days because their wide and huge paws not only make them good swimmers but also allow them to move freely on snow. Penguins, like polar bears, have adapted admirably to harsh climatic circumstances.

The Tropical Region

Since the tropical zone is located near the equator, the climate is quite hot. During the summer, the temperature here might reach 40 degrees Celsius, and the days and nights are always of equal length. The main species living in this area are monkeys, apes, lizards, leopards, elephants, and tigers. In this section, you will learn in-depth about the animals that live near the equator and how they adapt to the area's extreme climatic circumstances.

Explain, using examples, why we find various types of animals living under specific climatic circumstances.

Climate has a significant impact on all living organisms. Hence, animals adapt themselves according to their specific environment and climate.

Polar bears cannot survive in tropical rainforests since they are from an ice-cold environment. Their skin is cushioned with an additional layer of fat to help them tolerate the intense cold. Another example is the red-eyed frog, which lives in a tropical rain forest and has sticky pads on its feet to climb the trees.

Explain how elephants adapt in rainforests?

Elephants in rainforests have a variety of unique adaptation mechanisms. Because their trunk has a high sense of smell, they use it as a nose. This also helps them when it comes to scooping up food. Their tusks are modified teeth that can shred the bark of trees for their favourite food, allowing them to compete for food. Large ears allow them to hear even mild noises and keep their bodies cool in the humid rainforest atmosphere.

What type of climate surrounds the following areas?

(a) Rajasthan: Hot and dry climate

(b) Kerala: Hot and wet climate

(c) Jammu and Kashmir: Hot and wet climate

(d) North-east India: Wet climate

The following are some animal characteristics. Each feature indicates whether the adaptation is for tropical rainforests or polar settings. Do you believe that some of these traits can be adapted to both regions?

(i) Wide and large paws – Polar regions

(ii) Bright colours – Tropical rain forests

(iii) The layer of fat under the skin – Polar regions

(iv) Long and large beak – Tropical rain forests 

(v) Pads on feet- Tropical rain forests

(vi) Need to migrate- Polar regions

(vii) Diets heavy on fruits- Tropical rain forests

(viii) White fur – Polar regions

(ix) Strong tails – Tropical rain forests

(x) Loud voice-Tropical rain forests

Name the elements that influence a region's weather?

The elements that determine a region's weather based on the day-to-day conditions of the atmosphere include temperature, rainfall, wind speed, and humidity.

When are the highest and lowest temperatures expected to occur during the day?

The day's maximum temperature happens in the afternoon, and the minimum temperature occurs in the early morning. These temperatures are measured using maximum and minimum thermometers.

Fill in the blanks: 

(i) The polar region and the tropical region of the globe have harsh climate conditions.

(ii) A place gets extremely little rainfall and maintains a high temperature all year. That area's climate will be hot and dry.

(iii) Climate is the average weather over a lengthy period.

Which characteristics enable polar bears to survive in extremely cold climates?

(i) White furs, acute smell and fat below the skin.

(ii) White body, paws, respiration gills.

(iii) Longtails, strong claws and white furs

(iv) Thin skin, large eyes, a white fur.

Solution:

The answer is (i) White furs, acute smell and fat below the skin.

Which of the following options best represents a tropical region?

(i) cold and humid 

(ii) moderate temperature, heavy rainfall

(iii) hot and humid

(iv) hot and dry

Solution:

The answer is (iii) hot and humid.

Weather, Climate, and Animal Adaptations of Climate refer to the atmospheric conditions of a specific location. It is important to be aware of our weather predictions since it is the underlying foundation of our agriculture. Many businesses would be harmed as a result of the bad weather projected. Many elements influence weather and climatic conditions and the atmosphere of a location. For example, a continent closer to the sea can have a more moderate temperature. It occurs as a result of the land breeze and sea breeze phenomena, which affect the wind and temperature in the surrounding areas.