CH:4 Environmental Management Solutions Class 10th | Environmental Management Questions And Answers SSC Class 10
Reorganize the following food chain. Describe the ecosystem to which it belongs.
Given food chain: Grasshopper – Snake – Paddy field – Eagle – Frog.
Reorganized food chain:
Paddy field → Grasshopper → Frog → Snake → Eagle
Explanation:
- The paddy field (plants) is the producer that provides food to the primary consumer, the grasshopper.
- The grasshopper is eaten by the frog, making it a secondary consumer.
- The snake preys on the frog, classifying it as a tertiary consumer.
- The eagle, being a top predator, consumes the snake.
Ecosystem:
This food chain belongs to an agricultural ecosystem, specifically a paddy field ecosystem. It includes producers (paddy plants), primary consumers (grasshoppers), secondary consumers (frogs), tertiary consumers (snakes), and apex predators (eagles). This ecosystem is influenced by human agricultural activities, climatic conditions, and biodiversity.
Explain the statement - ‘we have got this Earth planet on lease from our future generations and not as an ancestral property from our ancestors.’
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
The statement emphasizes the concept of sustainable development, which means using natural resources wisely to ensure they remain available for future generations. Unlike ancestral property, which is inherited without obligations, our planet is a shared resource that must be protected for future inhabitants.
Key Points:
- Natural resources such as air, water, forests, and fossil fuels are limited.
- Excessive deforestation, pollution, and overuse of resources are causing environmental degradation.
- Sustainable practices like afforestation, renewable energy, and waste management help preserve Earth's resources.
This perspective reminds us that we are merely caretakers of the planet and must ensure its well-being for future generations.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Imagine you borrow a bicycle from a friend for a few days. You would take good care of it so that when you return it, it's still in good condition. Similarly, we are borrowing Earth from future generations, and it is our duty to keep it clean and healthy.
If we cut too many trees, pollute the air and water, or use up all the resources, the next generations will struggle to survive. So, we must act responsibly and use resources wisely, just like taking care of a borrowed bicycle.
Example: If we keep polluting rivers and oceans, future generations might not have clean drinking water. This is why we must reduce pollution and use water wisely.
Write a short note on: Environmental Conservation.
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Environmental conservation refers to the protection, preservation, and sustainable management of natural resources to maintain ecological balance. It aims to prevent environmental degradation and ensure that resources remain available for future generations.
Key Aspects of Environmental Conservation:
- Biodiversity Protection: Preventing the extinction of plant and animal species.
- Pollution Control: Reducing air, water, and soil pollution through waste management and eco-friendly practices.
- Sustainable Resource Use: Using renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
- Afforestation and Reforestation: Planting trees to maintain ecological balance.
Importance: Environmental conservation helps combat climate change, protect wildlife, and maintain clean air and water, ensuring a healthy future for all living beings.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Environmental conservation means protecting nature so that we and future generations can enjoy clean air, water, and a healthy planet.
Example: If we keep cutting down trees without planting new ones, the air will become polluted, and animals will lose their homes. But if we protect forests and plant more trees, we help keep the Earth healthy.
By saving water, reducing plastic use, and keeping our surroundings clean, we can all help in environmental conservation!
Write a short note on: Chipko Movement of Bishnoi.
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
The Chipko Movement was a forest conservation movement in India that aimed to protect trees from deforestation. It was inspired by the earlier efforts of the Bishnoi community in Rajasthan.
Bishnoi and Environmental Conservation:
- In 1730, Amrita Devi Bishnoi and 363 others sacrificed their lives to protect trees from being cut down by the king's men.
- The Bishnoi community follows a nature-friendly lifestyle and protects trees and wildlife.
- Their sacrifice inspired the later Chipko Movement of the 1970s in Uttarakhand, where villagers hugged trees to prevent deforestation.
Impact: The movement led to increased awareness about deforestation and influenced environmental policies in India.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
The Chipko Movement was a campaign to save trees. The word ‘Chipko’ means ‘to hug,’ as people hugged trees to stop them from being cut down.
Long before this, in 1730, a brave woman named Amrita Devi Bishnoi and 363 others sacrificed their lives to protect trees. The Bishnoi people believe in caring for nature and wildlife.
Example: Just like we protect our homes, the Bishnoi people protected trees as they were part of their life. Their efforts later inspired the Chipko Movement.
Write a short note on: Biodiversity.
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms found on Earth, including different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems they form.
Types of Biodiversity:
- Genetic Diversity: Variation in genes within species, ensuring adaptability and survival.
- Species Diversity: The number of different species in a particular habitat.
- Ecosystem Diversity: Variety of ecosystems such as forests, oceans, and deserts.
Importance: Biodiversity helps maintain ecological balance, supports food chains, and provides essential resources like medicine and oxygen.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Biodiversity means the different kinds of living things on Earth, like plants, animals, and even tiny microbes.
Example: A forest has many types of trees, birds, insects, and animals. This variety helps nature stay balanced. If one species disappears, it can affect many others.
Protecting biodiversity is important because it keeps nature healthy and provides us with food, clean air, and medicines.
Write a short note on: Sacred Groves.
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Sacred groves are patches of forests or natural vegetation protected by local communities due to religious or cultural beliefs. These forests are considered sacred and are often associated with deities, rituals, and traditional conservation practices.
Key Features of Sacred Groves:
- These areas are strictly protected, and cutting trees or hunting animals is prohibited.
- They serve as a refuge for rare and endangered species of plants and animals.
- They help in conserving water resources and maintaining ecological balance.
Examples: Sacred groves are found in several Indian states, including Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, and Rajasthan.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Sacred groves are small forests that people protect because they believe they are special or connected to gods.
Example: In many villages, people do not cut trees in these forests because they think they bring good luck and protect nature.
These forests help save plants and animals, keep the air clean, and provide water. Protecting sacred groves helps keep nature healthy.
Write a short note on: Disaster and its management.
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Disaster refers to a sudden event that causes major damage to life, property, and the environment. Disasters can be classified into natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, cyclones, etc.) and man-made disasters (industrial accidents, nuclear explosions, deforestation, etc.).
Disaster Management involves preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation to reduce the impact of disasters. It includes:
- Preparedness: Planning and training for disaster situations.
- Response: Immediate actions such as rescue and relief operations.
- Recovery: Rebuilding infrastructure and rehabilitating affected people.
- Mitigation: Measures to reduce risks, such as constructing earthquake-resistant buildings.
Example: In India, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) helps in disaster planning and response.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
A disaster is a big event that causes harm to people, animals, and nature. It can be natural, like floods and earthquakes, or caused by humans, like pollution or factory accidents.
How do we manage disasters?
- Be prepared: Learn safety rules and have emergency plans.
- Help quickly: Rescue people and give them food, water, and shelter.
- Fix things: Rebuild houses, roads, and hospitals after a disaster.
- Prevent future disasters: Grow more trees, follow safety rules, and build strong houses.
Example: In flood-prone areas, people build houses on higher ground to stay safe.
How will you justify that overcoming pollution is a powerful way of environmental management?
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Pollution is one of the major environmental issues that harms air, water, soil, and living organisms. It leads to global warming, acid rain, and health hazards.
Overcoming pollution is a key part of environmental management because:
- It improves air and water quality, making the environment healthier.
- It reduces diseases caused by pollutants like respiratory and skin problems.
- It helps in conserving biodiversity by protecting ecosystems.
- It promotes sustainable development by reducing industrial waste and adopting eco-friendly practices.
Example: The use of electric vehicles (EVs) instead of fuel-based cars reduces air pollution and promotes environmental management.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Pollution is the dirtying of our air, water, and land. It harms our health and the Earth. Stopping pollution is very important because:
- It makes the air and water clean, keeping us healthy.
- It saves animals and plants from harm.
- It keeps our surroundings beautiful and fresh.
- It helps us live in a safe and happy environment.
Example: Planting trees and reducing plastic use can help reduce pollution and make the Earth greener.
Which projects will you run in relation to environmental conservation? How?
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Environmental conservation involves protecting natural resources and ecosystems. Some projects that can help in conservation are:
- Afforestation Project: Planting trees to increase green cover and reduce carbon dioxide.
- Water Conservation Project: Building rainwater harvesting systems and preventing water wastage.
- Waste Management Project: Recycling waste materials to reduce pollution and landfills.
- Wildlife Protection Project: Establishing protected areas to save endangered species.
Example: The ‘Save Water, Save Life’ campaign encourages people to use water wisely.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
We must take care of our environment to keep it clean and safe. Some projects that can help are:
- Planting Trees: More trees mean more oxygen and less pollution.
- Saving Water: Use less water and store rainwater.
- Cleaning Waste: Throw garbage in bins and recycle plastic.
- Helping Animals: Protect forests and stop hunting animals.
Example: Schools can start a tree-planting day to make the surroundings greener.
Write the factors affecting the environment.
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
The environment is influenced by various natural and human-made factors. These factors can be classified into two types:
- Natural Factors: These are naturally occurring changes that impact the environment.
- Climate Change: Rising temperatures, extreme weather conditions.
- Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.
- Biodiversity Changes: Loss of species due to ecosystem disturbances.
- Human-Made Factors: Activities performed by humans that lead to environmental changes.
- Deforestation: Cutting down trees reduces oxygen levels and leads to global warming.
- Pollution: Air, water, and land pollution from industries, vehicles, and waste.
- Urbanization: Increased construction leads to habitat destruction.
- Overuse of Natural Resources: Excessive mining, water consumption, and fossil fuel use.
Example: Air pollution due to vehicle emissions leads to respiratory diseases and global warming.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Many things affect our environment. Some are natural, while others happen because of human activities.
- Natural Causes:
- Big storms, earthquakes, and floods change the land and water.
- When animals or plants disappear, the balance of nature changes.
- Human Activities:
- Cutting down too many trees harms nature.
- Throwing garbage and using too much plastic pollutes land and water.
- Building more cities takes away land from animals and plants.
- Using too much water and fuel harms nature.
Example: If we throw garbage in rivers, the water becomes dirty, and animals living in it suffer.
Give scientific reason: Why do human beings have an important place in the environment?
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Humans hold a crucial place in the environment due to their ability to alter and manage natural resources. They influence the ecosystem in several ways:
- Ecological Impact: Humans shape the environment by modifying landscapes, cultivating crops, and domesticating animals.
- Technological Influence: Advancement in industries, transportation, and energy production significantly affects the surroundings.
- Resource Utilization: Humans depend on natural resources like water, air, and minerals for survival and development.
- Biodiversity Conservation: While human activities can lead to species loss, conservation efforts like wildlife sanctuaries and afforestation help protect biodiversity.
Example: Deforestation for agriculture reduces forest cover, but reforestation helps restore ecological balance.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Humans play an important role in nature because they can change and take care of the environment.
- They grow food: People plant crops and keep animals for food.
- They build houses and cities: This provides shelter but can also harm nature.
- They use natural things: We use water, air, and minerals for living and making things.
- They protect animals and plants: People create parks and forests to save nature.
Example: Planting trees helps clean the air and gives animals a home.
Write the types and examples of biodiversity.
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms present in different ecosystems. It is classified into three main types:
- Genetic Biodiversity: This refers to variations in genes within a species. It ensures adaptability and survival in changing environments.
- Example: Different breeds of dogs such as Labrador, German Shepherd, and Pug.
- Species Biodiversity: The variety of species found within a particular habitat or ecosystem.
- Example: Different fish species in an ocean like sharks, dolphins, and clownfish.
- Ecosystem Biodiversity: The variety of ecosystems on Earth, including different habitats and ecological processes.
- Example: Forests, grasslands, deserts, and wetlands.
Example: The Amazon rainforest is one of the richest biodiversity hotspots, containing millions of plant and animal species.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Biodiversity means the different types of living things like animals, plants, and small organisms in nature. It has three types:
- Genetic Biodiversity: Differences in living things of the same kind.
- Example: Different types of mangoes like Alphonso and Kesar.
- Species Biodiversity: Many different animals and plants in one place.
- Example: Lions, tigers, and elephants live in a forest.
- Ecosystem Biodiversity: Different places where animals and plants live.
- Example: Deserts, jungles, rivers, and seas.
Example: A garden has many types of flowers, insects, and birds, making it a small example of biodiversity.
How can biodiversity be conserved?
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Biodiversity conservation is essential for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the survival of all living beings. It can be conserved through the following methods:
- In-situ Conservation: Protecting species in their natural habitat.
- Example: National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.
- Ex-situ Conservation: Conserving species outside their natural habitat.
- Example: Zoos, botanical gardens, gene banks, and seed banks.
- Afforestation: Planting more trees to restore forests and improve habitats.
- Controlling Deforestation: Preventing excessive tree cutting and promoting sustainable land use.
- Reducing Pollution: Minimizing air, water, and soil pollution to protect ecosystems.
- Legal Protection: Implementing strict laws against poaching, hunting, and illegal wildlife trade.
- Public Awareness: Educating people about the importance of biodiversity and encouraging conservation efforts.
Example: The Project Tiger initiative in India aims to protect the declining population of tigers through habitat conservation.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
We can protect biodiversity by taking care of plants, animals, and nature. Here’s how:
- Protecting forests and wildlife: Creating national parks and sanctuaries where animals and plants are safe.
- Growing more trees: Planting trees to provide homes for birds and animals.
- Stopping pollution: Keeping air, water, and land clean so that living beings can survive.
- Saving endangered species: Taking care of animals that are at risk of disappearing, like tigers and pandas.
- Teaching others: Spreading awareness about how important nature is for our future.
Example: If we stop cutting trees in a jungle, many birds and animals will have a place to live.
What do we learn from the story of Jadav Molai Peyang?
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Jadav Molai Peyang’s story highlights the importance of afforestation and its impact on ecosystem restoration. His consistent efforts in planting trees transformed a barren sandbar into a thriving forest ecosystem. This case demonstrates how human intervention can counteract deforestation and contribute to biodiversity conservation. His initiative also plays a vital role in climate change mitigation by increasing carbon sequestration, preventing soil erosion, and restoring the ecological balance.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
The story of Jadav Molai Peyang teaches us that one person’s effort can bring a big change. By planting trees daily, he turned an empty land into a dense forest, which became home to many animals. His work shows us the importance of trees in protecting nature and encourages us to plant more trees for a better environment.
Write the names of biodiversity hot spots.
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Biodiversity hot spots are regions with rich biodiversity that are under significant threat due to human activities. The biodiversity hot spots in India are:
- The Himalayas – Covers the entire Indian Himalayan region and parts of neighboring countries.
- Indo-Burma – Includes North-East India, Myanmar, and parts of Bangladesh.
- The Western Ghats – Stretches along the western coast of India, known for high endemism.
- The Sundaland (including the Nicobar Islands) – Encompasses the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, parts of Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Biodiversity hot spots are special areas with many types of plants and animals, but they are in danger. The four biodiversity hot spots in India are:
- The Himalayas – Mountainous region with unique plants and animals.
- Indo-Burma – Includes North-East India and has many rare species.
- The Western Ghats – A mountain range rich in forests and wildlife.
- The Sundaland – Includes the Nicobar Islands, home to many marine and land species.
Which are the reasons for endangering the many species of plants and animals? How can we save those?
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Many species of plants and animals are endangered due to various environmental and human-induced factors:
- Deforestation – Habitat destruction due to urbanization, agriculture, and logging.
- Pollution – Air, water, and soil pollution harm species and disrupt ecosystems.
- Climate Change – Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns affect survival.
- Poaching and Illegal Trade – Hunting and capturing species for commercial purposes.
- Introduction of Invasive Species – Non-native species compete with native ones for resources.
Conservation Measures:
- Afforestation and protection of natural habitats.
- Strict laws and enforcement against poaching and wildlife trade.
- Reducing pollution and promoting sustainable practices.
- Creating protected areas like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
- Raising awareness about biodiversity conservation.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Plants and animals are becoming endangered because of:
- Cutting down forests – Trees are removed for buildings and farms.
- Pollution – Dirty air and water harm animals and plants.
- Climate change – Changes in weather make it hard for animals to survive.
- Hunting and poaching – Some animals are killed for their skin, horns, or meat.
- New harmful species – Some foreign plants and animals take over the homes of local species.
Ways to Save Them:
- Plant more trees and protect forests.
- Stop hunting and protect animals.
- Reduce pollution and keep the environment clean.
- Support national parks and wildlife reserves.
- Teach people about saving plants and animals.
What are the meanings of the following symbols? Write your role accordingly.
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
The given symbols represent important environmental conservation concepts:
- Recycling Symbol: This represents the process of recycling, which involves converting waste materials into new products to reduce pollution and conserve natural resources.
- Water Conservation Symbol: This symbol, depicted as a water droplet turning off a tap, signifies the importance of saving water and preventing wastage.
- Solar Energy Symbol: This symbol represents the use of solar energy as a renewable and sustainable source of power, reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
My Role:
- Practice and promote recycling to reduce waste.
- Use water responsibly by fixing leaks and avoiding wastage.
- Support and use solar energy whenever possible to reduce carbon footprint.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
The three symbols mean:
- Recycling Symbol: This means we should recycle materials like paper, plastic, and glass instead of throwing them away.
- Water Conservation Symbol: This reminds us to save water by turning off taps and using water wisely.
- Solar Energy Symbol: This shows that solar power is a clean and green way to produce electricity.
My Role:
- Recycle old items like bottles and newspapers.
- Turn off the tap when not in use to save water.
- Support solar energy by using solar-powered lights or appliances.