NCERT Class 7 Geography — Chapter 1: The Tropical and the Subtropical Region

mcqeasy

The agricultural practice of 'Slash and Burn' in the Amazon Basin is technically referred to as:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AMixed farming
BTerrace farming
CShifting cultivation
DPlantation agriculture

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Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

Shifting cultivation

Explanation

The agricultural practice described as 'Slash and Burn' is a form of primitive subsistence farming. It involves clearing a patch of forest land by cutting vegetation and burning it to release nutrients into the soil, allowing for cultivation until soil fertility declines.

Detailed Analysis

Shifting Cultivation (Correct): This is the technical term for 'Slash and Burn' agriculture. It is extensively practiced in the thickly forested areas of the Amazon basin, tropical Africa, parts of Southeast Asia, and Northeast India. In the Amazon region specifically, this practice is locally known as 'Roca' in Brazil, but technically categorized as shifting cultivation.
Terrace Farming (Incorrect): This method involves cutting steps or terraces into steep slopes to create flat land for crops and reduce soil erosion. It is characteristic of mountainous regions (e.g., the Andes or Himalayas), not the dense forest plains of the Amazon.
Plantation Agriculture (Incorrect): This is a commercial type of farming where a single crop (such as tea, coffee, sugarcane, or rubber) is grown on a large scale. It requires significant capital and labor, distinct from the subsistence nature of slash and burn.
Mixed Farming (Incorrect): This refers to the simultaneous cultivation of crops and rearing of livestock on the same farm. It is a more advanced and intensive form of agriculture compared to the primitive slash and burn technique.

Key Takeaway: 'Slash and Burn' is synonymous with Shifting Cultivation, a practice prevalent in tropical rainforest regions like the Amazon Basin, where it is known by various local names such as Roca (Brazil), Milpa (Central America), and Jhuming (India).

Your note

More from Chapter 1: The Tropical and the Subtropical Region

With reference to the location and extent of the Amazon Basin, consider the following statements: 1. The tropical region containing this basin lies between 10°N and 10°S latitudes. 2. The river Amazon flows from the mountains in the east to reach the Atlantic Ocean in the west. 3. The river basin drains portions of Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the climate of the Amazon Basin: 1. It is characterized by a hot and wet climate throughout the year. 2. Day temperatures are high but humidity remains low throughout the year. 3. At night the temperature goes down, but the humidity remains high. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

hard

With reference to the rainforest vegetation in the Amazon Basin, consider the following statements: 1. The forests are sparse enough to allow abundant sunlight to reach the ground. 2. Only shade-tolerant vegetation can grow on the ground layer. 3. Orchids and bromeliads grow as plant parasites in these forests. Which of the statements given above are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the wildlife of the Amazon Basin: 1. Birds such as toucans are not found in the Amazon Basin. 2. The basin is home to the flesh-eating Piranha fish. 3. Tapirs found in this region are primarily ant-eating animals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

With reference to the agricultural practices in the Amazon Basin, consider the following statements: 1. Women are primarily responsible for taking care of the crops while men hunt. 2. The staple food is wheat, which grows above ground. 3. Cash crops like coffee, maize, and cocoa are also grown. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

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Correct Option

The correct option is

Shifting cultivation

Explanation

Detailed Analysis

Shifting Cultivation (Correct): This is the technical term for 'Slash and Burn' agriculture. It is extensively practiced in the thickly forested areas of the Amazon basin, tropical Africa, parts of Southeast Asia, and Northeast India. In the Amazon region specifically, this practice is locally known as 'Roca' in Brazil, but technically categorized as shifting cultivation.
Terrace Farming (Incorrect): This method involves cutting steps or terraces into steep slopes to create flat land for crops and reduce soil erosion. It is characteristic of mountainous regions (e.g., the Andes or Himalayas), not the dense forest plains of the Amazon.
Plantation Agriculture (Incorrect): This is a commercial type of farming where a single crop (such as tea, coffee, sugarcane, or rubber) is grown on a large scale. It requires significant capital and labor, distinct from the subsistence nature of slash and burn.
Mixed Farming (Incorrect): This refers to the simultaneous cultivation of crops and rearing of livestock on the same farm. It is a more advanced and intensive form of agriculture compared to the primitive slash and burn technique.