Keyword To Remember
- Ecosystem
A system formed by the interaction of living organisms (plants, animals, humans) with their physical environment (air, water, soil). - Homo sapiens
The scientific name for modern human beings. - Vegetation
All types of plant life in an area, including trees, grasses, shrubs, and herbs. - Climate
The average weather conditions (temperature, rainfall, humidity, etc.) in a region over a long period. - Tropical Region
The area near the equator between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, known for hot and humid conditions. - Temperate Region
The area between the tropics and the polar circles, having moderate temperatures. - Equatorial Forest
A type of tropical rainforest found near the equator with dense and evergreen trees. - Rainfall
The amount of precipitation received in the form of rain, important for plant and animal life. - Shrubs
Small or medium-sized woody plants with several stems growing from the base. - Grasslands
Vast open areas dominated by grasses and having few trees, found in regions with moderate rainfall. - Barren
Land that is dry, infertile, and not suitable for growing plants. - Photosynthesis
The process by which green plants make their own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water. - Decomposition
The process of rotting or decaying organic matter, which adds nutrients to the soil. - Adaptation
The process by which animals or plants adjust to their environment for survival. - Coniferous Forests
Forests with cone-bearing, evergreen trees like pine, spruce, and fir, found in cold regions. - Lichens
A type of small plant (a combination of algae and fungi) that grows in very cold or dry areas like tundra or deserts. - Deforestation
The cutting down or clearing of forests by humans for agriculture or development. - Afforestation
Planting of trees in areas where there were no previous tree cover to restore forests. - Extinction
The state of a species no longer existing anywhere on Earth. - Global Warming
A rise in the average global temperature due to increased greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. - Pollution
The presence or introduction of harmful substances into the environment causing damage to life. - Wildlife
All wild animals and birds living in natural habitats. - Conservation
The sustainable use and management of natural resources to prevent exploitation, degradation, or destruction. - Preservation
The act of protecting natural environments and wildlife by restricting or prohibiting human activity. - Sustainable Development
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. - Taiga
A type of coniferous forest found in subarctic regions, also known as boreal forests. - Savanna
A grassy plain in tropical and subtropical regions, with few trees, especially found in Africa. - Pampas
Vast grassy plains of South America, particularly Argentina. - Veld
Open, uncultivated grassland in southern Africa. - Downs
Treeless grasslands with gently rolling hills, especially in Australia and New Zealand.
Something To Know
A. Tick (✔) the correct option.
- Which one of the following is a threat to ecological balance?
(a) plantation
(b) wildlife protection
(c) population growth
(d) growing crops
Answer – (c) population growth
- Taiga is-
(a) a Russian name for evergreen coniferous forests.
(b) an animal living in the polar region.
(c) a softwood tree.
(d) a cold desert area.
Answer – (a) a Russian name for evergreen coniferous forests.
- For the preservation of varied plant and animal life, the government has set-up various –
(a) zoological parks
(c) national parks
(b) industrial parks
(d) adventure parks
Answer – (c) national parks
- Mosses and lichens are-
(a) commonly found vegetation in the polar regions.
(b) trees found in tropical deciduous forests.
(c) insect-eating animals.
(d) animals having thick fur on their body.
Answer – (a) commonly found vegetation in the polar regions.
- The temperate grasslands of North America are called the-
(a) atacama
(c) prairies
(b) veld
(d) campos
Answer – (c) prairies
B. Fill in the blanks.
- The first form of life on the earth appeared in the ________ belonging to flora world.
Answer – water
- The living zone of the planet earth is known as ________.
Answer – biosphere
- The human beings, who first appeared on the earth, were known as________ .
Answer – Homo habilis.
- The Taiga vegetation is also known as ________.
Answer – coniferous forest
- The plants prepare their own food and are known as ________ of the biosphere.
Answer – producers
C. Write True or False for the following statements.
- In the grasslands, the number of animals is less as compared to those in the equatorial forest.
Answer – True
- Afforestation causes rise in the pollution level in the atmosphere.
Answer – False
- Tiger and lion are the endangered species in India.
Answer – True
- Pampas are the temperate grasslands in Australia.
Answer – False (Pampas are in South America; Australia has Downs)
- Insect-eating animals are most commonly found in the dense forests of the equatorial region.
Answer – True
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
- Name the major types of vegetation of the world.
Answer – Tropical evergreen forests, tropical deciduous forests, temperate forests, coniferous forests (Taiga), grasslands, deserts, and tundra vegetation.
- Name some common plants found in cold and hot desert regions of the world.
Answer – Cold deserts: Mosses, lichens, and low shrubs
Hot deserts: Cactus, date palm, thorny bushes
- What are the major components of Ecosystem?
Answer – The major components are biotic components (plants, animals, microorganisms) and abiotic components (air, water, soil, temperature, sunlight).
- Give some examples of trees having needle-shaped leaves.
Answer – Pine, fir, spruce, and cedar.
- Why do animals in the polar region have thick fur on their bodies?
Answer – To protect themselves from the extremely cold temperatures and to retain body heat.
E. Answer the following questions
- Why are equatorial forests known as evergreen forests? Give a few examples of trees found there.
Answer – Equatorial forests are called evergreen because they receive heavy rainfall throughout the year, so trees do not shed all their leaves at the same time. Examples include mahogany, ebony, rosewood, and rubber trees.
- What role do plants play in ecological balance?
Answer – Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, prevent soil erosion, provide food and shelter to animals, and maintain the water cycle, thus playing a vital role in ecological balance.
- Distinguish between tropical and temperate grasslands.
Answer –
Feature | Tropical Grasslands | Temperate Grasslands |
Location | Near the equator (e.g., Africa) | In temperate zones (e.g., North America) |
Rainfall | Moderate to high | Low to moderate |
Vegetation | Tall grasses with few trees | Shorter grasses |
Examples | Savannas | Prairies, Steppes, Pampas, Velds |
- Differentiate between hot and cold deserts.
Answer –
Feature | Hot Deserts | Cold Deserts |
Temperature | Very high during day | Very low throughout the year |
Examples | Sahara, Thar | Gobi, Ladakh |
Vegetation | Cactus, thorny bushes | Mosses, lichens |
Rainfall | Very low | Very low |
- What are the various problems related to the ecological imbalance? What steps should we take to solve them?
Answer – Problems: Deforestation, loss of biodiversity, climate change, soil erosion, pollution, extinction of species.
Solutions: Afforestation, wildlife conservation, pollution control, use of renewable resources, public awareness, and strict environmental laws.
Value Based Question
The Asiatic lion, once found across a vast area, is today crammed into a small scrubby forest of Gir in the south of Gujarat. Today, violence towards nature has caused retreat of forests, endangered species and also various sufferings to the mankind. Clearly the ideals of reverence for life have been renounced in favour of a materialistic way of life that justifies the destruction of nature and man both.
- What values should be adopted in life for preservation of plant and animal diversity?
Answer – We should adopt values like compassion for nature, responsibility, sustainability, environmental awareness, and respect for all forms of life.
- How far do you agree/disagree with those who justify destruction of nature and man both?
Answer – I strongly disagree. Justifying the destruction of nature leads to long-term harm to both the environment and humanity. Sustainable development and harmony with nature should be our priority.
Map Skill
On the outline map of the world, label one area each of-
(a) Tropical Evergreen Forests
(b) Tropical Deciduous Forests
(c) Tropical Grasslands
(d) Temperate Grasslands
(e) Hot Deserts
(f) Cold Deserts
(g) Coniferous Forests
Answer – (a) Tropical Evergreen Forests – Amazon Basin (South America), Congo Basin (Africa)
(b) Tropical Deciduous Forests – Central India, parts of Southeast Asia
(c) Tropical Grasslands – Savannas of Africa
(d) Temperate Grasslands – Prairies (USA), Pampas (Argentina), Steppes (Russia), Velds (South Africa)
(e) Hot Deserts – Sahara (Africa), Thar (India), Arabian Desert
(f) Cold Deserts – Gobi (Mongolia), Ladakh (India)
(g) Coniferous Forests – Canada, Siberia (Russia), parts of Northern Europe
Something To Do
- Collect some interesting information and pictures related to India’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Answer – Jim Corbett National Park – Uttarakhand, famous for Bengal tigers
Kaziranga National Park – Assam, home to one-horned rhinoceros
Sundarbans – West Bengal, known for mangroves and Royal Bengal tigers
(Pictures can be collected from books or wildlife websites)
- Collect information about three species of animals or plants which are facing the danger of extinction
Answer – Snow Leopard – Threatened due to poaching and habitat loss
Indian Vulture – Decline due to diclofenac poisoning
Red Sanders (tree) – Endangered due to overexploitation
- Wildlife Week is celebrated all over the country in the month of October from 2nd to 8th every year. Here are a few projects and events for you to join the celebration of wildlife week (Choose any one).
(a) River or Beach clean up
(b) Community tree planting
(c) Create a schoolyard habitat.
(d) A Habitat Garden in your own house
Answer – (b) Community tree planting
Answer: Organize a tree-planting drive with classmates or neighbours. Choose native species, plant them in your school or colony, and make a watering schedule to take care of them.
Additional Questions and Answers – 01
Fill in the Blanks (with Answers):
- Forests are an important part of the __________.
Answer – ecosystem - Tropical evergreen forests receive more than ________ cm of rainfall annually.
Answer – 200 - The taiga or coniferous forest is found in the _________ hemisphere.
Answer – northern - __________ are treeless regions found in polar areas.
Answer – Tundra - In deserts, plants like __________ are found, which store water.
Answer – cactus - The _________ forest is also known as the monsoon forest.
Answer – tropical deciduous - Grasslands in Argentina are known as _________.
Answer – Pampas - The Gir forest is the only natural habitat of the __________ lion.
Answer – Asiatic - Thorny bushes are common in areas with less than ________ cm of rainfall.
Answer – 50
- Coniferous trees have _________ shaped leaves to reduce water loss.
Answer – needle
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Which of the following is a tropical grassland?
Velds
B. Pampas
C. Savanna
D. Steppes
Answer – C. Savanna - Which tree is commonly found in coniferous forests?
Teak
B. Mahogany
C. Pine
D. Sal
Answer – C. Pine - Which desert is a cold desert?
Sahara
B. Gobi
C. Thar
D. Kalahari
Answer – B. Gobi - Tropical deciduous forests are also called:
Monsoon forests
B. Rainforests
C. Evergreen forests
D. Alpine forests
Answer – A. Monsoon forests - What is the main reason for the extinction of wildlife?
Migration
B. Deforestation
C. Heavy rainfall
D. Snowfall
Answer – B. Deforestation - Which of the following forests shed their leaves in the dry season?
Evergreen
B. Coniferous
C. Tropical deciduous
D. Tundra
Answer – C. Tropical deciduous - Where is the tundra vegetation found?
Near the Equator
B. In deserts
C. In polar regions
D. In tropical forests
Answer – C. In polar regions
True / False Questions (with Answers):
- The taiga is a hot desert region.
Answer – False - Cacti are commonly found in desert regions.
Answer – True - Deforestation leads to ecological balance.
Answer – False - Evergreen forests shed their leaves in winter.
Answer – False - Animals in polar regions have thick fur to protect against cold.
Answer – True - Trees in coniferous forests have broad leaves.
Answer – False - The Sundarbans is a tropical evergreen forest.
Answer – False
Competency-Based Questions (with Answers):
- Question: Ravi noticed that areas with heavy rainfall have dense vegetation, while dry areas have shrubs and cacti. Why is this so?
Answer: The type of vegetation depends on the amount of rainfall. High rainfall supports dense forests, while low rainfall areas support drought-resistant plants like shrubs and cacti. - Question: A wildlife sanctuary is being cleared for urban development. What consequences might arise from this?
Answer: It may lead to loss of biodiversity, extinction of species, ecological imbalance, and climate changes due to deforestation. - Question: Your school plans to adopt a nearby forest area for conservation. What activities would you plan?
Answer: Tree plantation, awareness drives, cleanup activities, monitoring illegal activities, and educating locals about forest conservation.
High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Questions:
- Question: Why is it important to conserve both flora and fauna for ecological stability?
Answer: Flora and fauna are interdependent and essential for maintaining the food chain, water cycle, and climate balance. Their conservation ensures sustainability and survival of ecosystems. - Question: How can technology help in conserving forests and wildlife?
Answer: Technology like satellite imaging, GPS tracking, drones, and wildlife monitoring apps help in surveillance, tracking poachers, studying biodiversity, and planning conservation strategies effectively. - Question: Why are coniferous forests found in cold regions, and not in tropical zones?
Answer: Coniferous trees are adapted to cold climates with needle-like leaves and conical shapes to withstand snow. Tropical zones have warm temperatures that support broad-leaved trees instead.
Short Answer Questions (with Answers):
- What is natural vegetation?
Answer – Natural vegetation refers to plants that grow naturally in an area without human interference. - Name two desert plants and mention one adaptation of each.
Answer – Cactus – stores water in stems; Acacia – has deep roots to absorb groundwater. - How do evergreen forests maintain their green appearance throughout the year?
Answer – They shed leaves gradually and not all at once, ensuring the forest remains green year-round. - What are grasslands? Name two types.
Answer – Grasslands are regions dominated by grasses. Two types are tropical (e.g., Savanna) and temperate (e.g., Prairie).
Long Answer Questions (60–70 words):
- Explain the characteristics of tropical deciduous forests.
Answer – Tropical deciduous forests grow in regions with moderate rainfall (100–200 cm). They shed their leaves during dry seasons to conserve water. Common trees include teak, sal, and bamboo. These forests are also called monsoon forests and are found in India, Brazil, and parts of Africa. They support rich wildlife like deer, tigers, elephants, and monkeys. - What causes deforestation, and what are its effects on wildlife?
Answer – Deforestation is caused by activities like logging, farming, urban expansion, and mining. It leads to habitat loss, endangering wildlife, and causes ecological imbalance. Animals lose shelter and food sources, leading to extinction of species. It also affects climate and causes soil erosion. - Describe the adaptation of animals in polar regions.
Answer – Animals in polar regions, like polar bears and arctic foxes, have thick fur or blubber to retain body heat. They have white fur for camouflage in snow. Some hibernate or migrate to survive extreme cold. These adaptations help them conserve energy and survive in harsh climates.
Additional Questions and Answers – 02
Fill in the Blanks Questions and Answers
- Question: The first form of life on Earth appeared in the ______ world.
Answer: The first form of life on Earth appeared in the flora - Question: The relationship between plant kingdom, animal kingdom, and humans with their environment is called ______.
Answer: The relationship between plant kingdom, animal kingdom, and humans with their environment is called Ecosystem. - Question: The first human beings on Earth were called ______.
Answer: The first human beings on Earth were called Homosapiens. - Question: The living zone on Earth is known as ______.
Answer: The living zone on Earth is known as biosphere. - Question: Plants are known as ______ factories because they prepare their own food.
Answer: Plants are known as food factories because they prepare their own food. - Question: Tropical Hardwood Forests are found between ______ North to 23½° South.
Answer: Tropical Hardwood Forests are found between 23½° North to 23½° South. - Question: Equatorial Evergreen Forests are found between ______ North and 10° South latitudes.
Answer: Equatorial Evergreen Forests are found between 10° North and 10° South latitudes. - Question: Common trees in Tropical Deciduous Forests include sal, teak, and ______.
Answer: Common trees in Tropical Deciduous Forests include sal, teak, and bamboo. - Question: Tropical Grasslands receive about ______ cm of rainfall.
Answer: Tropical Grasslands receive about 100 cm of rainfall. - Question: Temperate Grasslands receive ______ to 75 cm of rainfall.
Answer: Temperate Grasslands receive 25 to 75 cm of rainfall. - Question: The Sahara desert is an example of a ______ desert.
Answer: The Sahara desert is an example of a Hot - Question: Cold deserts are mostly found around the ______ regions.
Answer: Cold deserts are mostly found around the polar - Question: Temperate Softwood Forests are also known as ______ forests.
Answer: Temperate Softwood Forests are also known as Coniferous - Question: Common animals in the equatorial region include monkeys, elephants, and ______.
Answer: Common animals in the equatorial region include monkeys, elephants, and crocodiles. - Question: In grasslands, common animals include lion, cheetah, and ______.
Answer: In grasslands, common animals include lion, cheetah, and leopard. - Question: Polar region animals like polar bears have thick ______ to protect from cold.
Answer: Polar region animals like polar bears have thick fur to protect from cold. - Question: Human activities like clearing forests have disturbed the ______ balance.
Answer: Human activities like clearing forests have disturbed the ecological - Question: To maintain ecological balance, ______ should be taken up on a large scale.
Answer: To maintain ecological balance, afforestation should be taken up on a large scale. - Question: The government has set up ______ sanctuaries to protect animals.
Answer: The government has set up wildlife sanctuaries to protect animals. - Question: A ______ park is a large area set aside to protect natural beauty and wildlife.
Answer: A national park is a large area set aside to protect natural beauty and wildlife.
Multiple Choice Questions and Answers
- Question: What was the first form of life on Earth?
a) Fauna
b) Flora
c) Homosapiens
d) Insects
Answer: b) Flora - Question: What is the relationship between plants, animals, and humans with their environment called?
a) Biosphere
b) Ecosystem
c) Habitat
d) Vegetation
Answer: b) Ecosystem - Question: What is the living zone on Earth called?
a) Ecosystem
b) Atmosphere
c) Biosphere
d) Hydrosphere
Answer: c) Biosphere - Question: Why are plants called food factories?
a) They consume animal food
b) They prepare their own food
c) They provide shelter
d) They grow tall
Answer: b) They prepare their own food - Question: Where are Tropical Hardwood Forests found?
a) 23½° North to 23½° South
b) 10° North to 10° South
c) 30° North to 30° South
d) Polar regions
Answer: a) 23½° North to 23½° South - Question: Which forests remain green throughout the year?
a) Tropical Deciduous Forests
b) Equatorial Evergreen Forests
c) Temperate Softwood Forests
d) Grasslands
Answer: b) Equatorial Evergreen Forests - Question: What type of trees are found in Tropical Deciduous Forests?
a) Pine and fir
b) Sal and teak
c) Cactus and shrubs
d) Mosses and lichens
Answer: b) Sal and teak - Question: How much rainfall do Tropical Grasslands receive?
a) 25 cm
b) 75 cm
c) 100 cm
d) 150 cm
Answer: c) 100 cm - Question: What are Temperate Grasslands called in North America?
a) Savanna
b) Prairies
c) Campos
d) Veld
Answer: b) Prairies - Question: Which desert is an example of a Hot Desert?
a) Siberia
b) Sahara
c) Canada
d) Polar region
Answer: b) Sahara - Question: What type of vegetation is common in Cold Deserts?
a) Cactus
b) Tall trees
c) Mosses and lichens
d) Bamboo
Answer: c) Mosses and lichens - Question: What are Temperate Softwood Forests also known as?
a) Deciduous Forests
b) Coniferous Forests
c) Evergreen Forests
d) Tropical Forests
Answer: b) Coniferous Forests - Question: Which animal is commonly found in the equatorial region?
a) Polar bear
b) Elephant
c) Yak
d) Fox
Answer: b) Elephant - Question: Which animal is commonly found in grasslands?
a) Crocodile
b) Monkey
c) Lion
d) Penguin
Answer: c) Lion - Question: What protects polar region animals from extreme cold?
a) Thick fur
b) Scales
c) Feathers
d) Shells
Answer: a) Thick fur - Question: What has caused a disturbance in the ecological balance?
a) Afforestation
b) Clearing forests
c) Wildlife sanctuaries
d) Conservation
Answer: b) Clearing forests - Question: What measure can help maintain ecological balance?
a) Deforestation
b) Hunting
c) Afforestation
d) Pollution
Answer: c) Afforestation - Question: What has the government set up to protect animals?
a) Factories
b) Wildlife sanctuaries
c) Cities
d) Farms
Answer: b) Wildlife sanctuaries - Question: What is a large area set aside to protect natural beauty and wildlife called?
a) Biosphere reserve
b) National park
c) Wildlife sanctuary
d) Forest
Answer: b) National park - Question: What does conservation refer to in wildlife management?
a) Non-use
b) Wise use
c) Complete ban
d) Exploitation
Answer: b) Wise use
True/False Questions and Answers
- Question: The first form of life on Earth appeared in the flora world.
Answer: True - Question: The relationship between plants, animals, and humans is called the biosphere.
Answer: False (It is called an ecosystem.) - Question: The first human beings on Earth were called Homosapiens.
Answer: True - Question: The biosphere is divided into three kingdoms.
Answer: False (It is divided into two kingdoms: plant and animal.) - Question: Plants are called food factories because they consume animal food.
Answer: False (They prepare their own food.) - Question: Tropical Hardwood Forests are found between 23½° North to 23½° South.
Answer: True - Question: Equatorial Evergreen Forests shed their leaves in the dry season.
Answer: False (They remain green throughout the year.) - Question: Tropical Grasslands receive about 100 cm of rainfall.
Answer: True - Question: Temperate Grasslands are found in the equatorial region.
Answer: False (They are found in the temperate zone.) - Question: The Sahara is an example of a Cold Desert.
Answer: False (It is a Hot Desert.) - Question: Cold Deserts have vegetation like mosses and lichens.
Answer: True - Question: Temperate Softwood Forests are also known as Coniferous Forests.
Answer: True - Question: The equatorial region has a large variety of animals due to thick vegetation.
Answer: True - Question: Grasslands have more animals than equatorial forests.
Answer: False (They have fewer animals.) - Question: Polar region animals have thick fur to protect from cold.
Answer: True - Question: Clearing forests has disturbed the ecological balance.
Answer: True - Question: Afforestation can help maintain ecological balance.
Answer: True - Question: Hunting of animals should be encouraged to maintain ecological balance.
Answer: False (It should be banned.) - Question: Wildlife sanctuaries are set up to protect endangered animals.
Answer: True - Question: Conservation in wildlife management means non-use of resources.
Answer: False (It means wise use.)
Competency-Based Questions and Answers
- Question: A student learns that the biosphere includes plants and animals living in harmony. Why is this harmony important for ecosystems?
Answer: Harmony in the biosphere ensures ecosystems function smoothly, as plants produce food using sunlight, air, and water, supporting animals, while animals provide nutrients for plants through their remains. This interdependence maintains ecological balance, ensuring food chains, nutrient cycles, and biodiversity, which are vital for the survival of all species, including humans, in a stable and sustainable environment. - Question: You read that plants are called food factories. How do they support life in the biosphere?
Answer: Plants, as food factories, produce their own food using sunlight, air, and water through photosynthesis, providing energy for the biosphere. They supply food for animals and humans, ensuring survival, while releasing oxygen, which is essential for respiration. Additionally, plants support nutrient cycles by enriching soil, making them foundational for sustaining life and maintaining ecological balance in the biosphere. - Question: A classmate notes that Tropical Evergreen Forests remain green year-round. How does this impact animal life in the region?
Answer: Tropical Evergreen Forests, remaining green year-round due to high rainfall and temperature, provide constant food and shelter for animals. This supports a large variety of species, like monkeys and elephants, by ensuring a stable habitat with dense vegetation, promoting biodiversity, and allowing animals to thrive without seasonal disruptions, enhancing the region’s ecological richness and stability for animal life. - Question: You learn that Temperate Grasslands receive 25 to 75 cm of rainfall. How might this affect the types of animals living there?
Answer: Temperate Grasslands, receiving 25 to 75 cm of rainfall, have short, soft grasses due to limited water, supporting fewer animals than forests. This environment suits grazing animals like deer and predators like lions, adapted to open spaces with less cover. The moderate rainfall and snowfall shape a habitat where animals must adapt to seasonal changes for survival. - Question: A teacher explains that Hot Deserts have limited vegetation. Why might this limit animal life in these regions?
Answer: Hot Deserts, with scanty rainfall and high temperatures, have limited vegetation like cactus and shrubs, providing minimal food and shelter. This restricts animal life, as only species adapted to extreme heat and water scarcity, like certain reptiles and small mammals, can survive. The lack of diverse vegetation limits biodiversity, making the ecosystem less supportive for a wide variety of animals. - Question: During a discussion, you hear that animals in polar regions have thick fur. How does this adaptation help their survival?
Answer: Animals in polar regions, like polar bears and yaks, have thick fur to insulate against extreme cold, where temperatures stay below freezing. This adaptation traps body heat, preventing hypothermia and enabling survival in harsh climates. It also provides camouflage in snowy environments, aiding hunting or avoiding predators, ensuring these animals can thrive in the polar region’s challenging conditions. - Question: You read that humans have cleared forests for agriculture. How has this impacted the ecological balance?
Answer: Humans clearing forests for agriculture have disrupted ecological balance by reducing habitats, endangering species like tigers, and increasing pollution and global temperatures. Deforestation breaks food chains, reduces biodiversity, and melts glaciers, affecting climate and ecosystems. This imbalance threatens human survival by diminishing resources and increasing environmental instability, highlighting the need for sustainable practices to restore harmony. - Question: A news report highlights the role of wildlife sanctuaries. Why are they important for maintaining biodiversity?
Answer: Wildlife sanctuaries protect endangered species by providing safe habitats where animals like tigers can live, breed, and be monitored, preventing extinction. They maintain biodiversity by preserving ecosystems, ensuring species diversity, and supporting ecological balance. By banning human activities, sanctuaries safeguard natural beauty and wildlife, contributing to a healthy environment essential for global ecosystems and future generations. - Question: You learn that afforestation can help maintain ecological balance. How does this practice benefit the environment?
Answer: Afforestation, the process of planting trees on barren land, helps maintain ecological balance by restoring habitats, increasing biodiversity, and reducing pollution. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, combat global warming, and prevent soil erosion, while providing food and shelter for animals. This practice enhances oxygen levels, stabilizes climate, and supports ecosystems, ensuring a healthier environment for all living organisms and future sustainability. - Question: A teacher mentions that national parks protect wildlife with no human activity allowed. Why is this significant for conservation?
Answer: National parks, by banning human activity, protect wildlife and their habitats, ensuring species like tigers can thrive without disturbance, which is crucial for conservation. This preserves natural beauty, maintains ecological balance, and prevents extinction by safeguarding biodiversity. As core zones of biosphere reserves, they support ecosystems, allowing nature to flourish, which is essential for long-term environmental health and species survival.
High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Questions and Answers
- Question: Why might the interdependence of plants, animals, and humans in the biosphere be critical for Earth’s sustainability, and what happens if this balance is disrupted?
Answer: Interdependence in the biosphere ensures sustainability as plants produce food and oxygen, animals provide nutrients, and humans utilize both, maintaining ecological balance. Disruption, like deforestation, breaks food chains, reduces biodiversity, and increases pollution, leading to climate change, species extinction, and resource scarcity, threatening all life forms, including humans, and highlighting the need for conservation to preserve this delicate balance. - Question: How do variations in climatic conditions across vegetation belts influence the distribution of plant and animal life, and what does this suggest about ecosystem adaptability?
Answer: Climatic variations, like high rainfall in equatorial regions supporting dense forests and diverse animals, versus scanty rainfall in deserts limiting life, shape plant and animal distribution. This suggests ecosystems adapt to local conditions, with species evolving traits like thick fur in polar regions or drought resistance in deserts, emphasizing the need for conservation to protect these uniquely adapted ecosystems from human-induced changes. - Question: Why might Tropical Evergreen Forests support more biodiversity than Temperate Grasslands, and what implications does this have for conservation efforts?
Answer: Tropical Evergreen Forests, with high rainfall and temperature, provide dense vegetation and year-round resources, supporting diverse species like elephants and monkeys, unlike Temperate Grasslands with limited rainfall and vegetation, hosting fewer animals like deer. This implies conservation efforts should prioritize protecting tropical forests to preserve higher biodiversity, ensuring ecosystems remain balanced and species-rich, while also addressing grassland preservation for specific adapted species. - Question: How do the characteristics of Coniferous Forests in high latitudes reflect their adaptation to climate, and what role do they play in the ecosystem?
Answer: Coniferous Forests in high latitudes, with conical shapes and needle-shaped leaves, adapt to cold climates by shedding snow easily and minimizing water loss, ensuring survival in low temperatures. They play a key ecosystem role by providing habitat for animals like foxes, supporting soil stability, and contributing to the carbon cycle, making them vital for maintaining ecological balance in harsh environments. - Question: Why might the limited vegetation in Hot Deserts restrict animal diversity, and how does this impact the overall ecosystem stability in these regions?
Answer: Limited vegetation in Hot Deserts, due to scanty rainfall, restricts food and shelter, reducing animal diversity to only adapted species like reptiles, which impacts ecosystem stability by creating a fragile balance. With fewer species, food chains are shorter, making the ecosystem vulnerable to disruptions like climate change, emphasizing the need for conservation to protect these delicate desert ecosystems and their unique biodiversity. - Question: How does the presence of thick fur in polar animals illustrate the concept of adaptation, and what challenges might climate change pose to these adaptations?
Answer: Thick fur in polar animals like polar bears illustrates adaptation by providing insulation against extreme cold, aiding survival in freezing climates. Climate change, by melting polar ice and raising temperatures, challenges this adaptation, as reduced ice limits hunting grounds and warmer conditions may overheat fur-clad animals, threatening their survival and necessitating urgent conservation to mitigate habitat loss and preserve these adaptations. - Question: Why might human activities like deforestation have a far-reaching impact on global ecosystems, and what measures can mitigate these effects?
Answer: Deforestation disrupts global ecosystems by reducing biodiversity, endangering species like tigers, increasing pollution, and melting glaciers, which raises global temperatures and affects climate. Mitigation measures include large-scale afforestation, enforcing hunting bans, and establishing wildlife sanctuaries and national parks to protect habitats, promoting sustainable practices to restore ecological balance, and ensuring long-term environmental health for all species, including humans. - Question: How do wildlife sanctuaries and national parks contribute to maintaining ecological balance, and why might they be more effective than other conservation methods?
Answer: Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks maintain ecological balance by protecting endangered species and habitats, banning human activities to preserve biodiversity, as seen in Kanha National Park. They are more effective than other methods because they provide undisturbed environments, ensuring species survival, supporting ecosystems, and serving as core zones in biosphere reserves, fostering long-term conservation and natural ecological processes. - Question: Why might the establishment of biosphere reserves be a holistic approach to conservation, and how does this benefit both nature and humans?
Answer: Biosphere reserves holistically conserve ecosystems by protecting biodiversity, allowing sustainable human coexistence, and preserving natural resources, as seen in Nanda Devi Bio-reserve. They benefit nature by maintaining ecological balance and species diversity, while humans gain through sustainable resources, research opportunities, and eco-tourism, ensuring environmental health, supporting livelihoods, and fostering a balanced relationship between human development and nature conservation for future generations. - Question: How does the concept of ecological balance highlight the importance of coexistence between species, and what role do humans play in preserving or disrupting this balance?
Answer: Ecological balance highlights coexistence as species like plants, animals, and humans depend on each other—plants provide food, animals enrich soil, and humans utilize both. Humans preserve this through afforestation and wildlife sanctuaries, but disrupt it via deforestation and pollution, endangering species and climate, emphasizing their critical role in adopting sustainable practices to maintain harmony for global ecosystem stability.
Short Questions and Answers
- Question: What was the first form of life on Earth?
Answer: Flora. - Question: What is the relationship between plants, animals, and humans called?
Answer: Ecosystem. - Question: What were the first human beings called?
Answer: Homosapiens. - Question: What is the living zone on Earth called?
Answer: Biosphere. - Question: Why are plants called food factories?
Answer: They prepare their own food. - Question: Where are Tropical Hardwood Forests found?
Answer: 23½° North to 23½° South. - Question: Which forests remain green year-round?
Answer: Equatorial Evergreen Forests. - Question: What trees are found in Tropical Deciduous Forests?
Answer: Sal, teak, bamboo. - Question: How much rainfall do Tropical Grasslands receive?
Answer: 100 cm. - Question: What are Temperate Grasslands called in North America?
Answer: Prairies. - Question: What is an example of a Hot Desert?
Answer: Sahara. - Question: What vegetation is common in Cold Deserts?
Answer: Mosses and lichens. - Question: What are Temperate Softwood Forests also called?
Answer: Coniferous Forests. - Question: Which animal is found in the equatorial region?
Answer: Elephant. - Question: Which animal is common in grasslands?
Answer: Lion. - Question: What protects polar animals from cold?
Answer: Thick fur. - Question: What has disturbed the ecological balance?
Answer: Clearing forests. - Question: What can help maintain ecological balance?
Answer: Afforestation. - Question: What has the government set up to protect animals?
Answer: Wildlife sanctuaries. - Question: What does conservation mean in wildlife management?
Answer: Wise use.
Long Questions and Answers (60-70 Words)
- Question: Describe the role of plants and animals in the biosphere and their interdependence.
Answer: In the biosphere, plants, as food factories, produce food using sunlight, air, and water, providing energy and oxygen for animals and humans. Animals supply nutrients to soil through their remains, aiding plant growth. This interdependence ensures ecological balance, as plants support animal survival, while animals enrich plant ecosystems, creating a harmonious cycle vital for sustaining life and biodiversity on Earth. - Question: Explain the characteristics of Tropical Evergreen Forests and their impact on animal life.
Answer: Tropical Evergreen Forests, found between 10° North and South, receive heavy rainfall and high temperatures, remaining green year-round with tall trees like ebony and mahogany. This dense vegetation provides abundant food and shelter, supporting a large variety of animals like monkeys, elephants, and crocodiles, enhancing biodiversity and creating a stable habitat that promotes thriving animal populations in these equatorial regions. - Question: Discuss the features of Temperate Grasslands and the types of animals they support.
Answer: Temperate Grasslands, located in temperate zones, receive 25 to 75 cm rainfall, with short, soft grasses and occasional snowfall, known as Prairies or Pampas. They support grazing animals like deer and predators like lions and cheetahs, adapted to open spaces with less vegetation, reflecting a balanced ecosystem where species thrive despite limited rainfall and seasonal changes in these regions. - Question: How do Hot and Cold Deserts differ in their vegetation and climate, and what does this mean for animal life?
Answer: Hot Deserts, like the Sahara, have high temperatures and scanty rainfall, with vegetation like cactus, limiting animal life to adapted species. Cold Deserts, like Siberia, have below-freezing temperatures and mosses or lichens, supporting few animals. This restricts biodiversity in both, with Hot Deserts favoring heat-tolerant species and Cold Deserts favoring cold-adapted ones, creating fragile ecosystems vulnerable to environmental changes. - Question: Describe the adaptations of animals in polar regions and the challenges they face due to climate change.
Answer: Polar region animals, like polar bears and yaks, have thick fur for insulation against extreme cold, aiding survival in freezing climates. Climate change poses challenges by melting ice, reducing hunting grounds, and raising temperatures, which may overheat fur-clad animals, threatening their survival. This habitat loss disrupts food chains, emphasizing the need for conservation to protect these adaptations and ensure their survival. - Question: Explain the impact of human activities on the ecological balance and the consequences for wildlife.
Answer: Human activities like deforestation for agriculture and industries have disturbed ecological balance, reducing habitats and endangering species like tigers, while increasing pollution and global temperatures, melting glaciers. This disrupts food chains, reduces biodiversity, and threatens wildlife survival, leading to extinction risks and environmental instability, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices to mitigate these far-reaching consequences on global ecosystems. - Question: Discuss the role of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in preserving biodiversity.
Answer: Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks preserve biodiversity by providing safe habitats for endangered species like tigers, banning human activities to ensure survival, as seen in Kanha National Park. They maintain ecological balance, protect natural beauty, and support ecosystems, serving as core zones in biosphere reserves, ensuring species diversity and long-term conservation, which is vital for global environmental health and sustainability. - Question: How does afforestation help in maintaining ecological balance, and why is it important?
Answer: Afforestation helps maintain ecological balance by planting trees, restoring habitats, increasing biodiversity, and reducing pollution through carbon absorption, combating global warming. It prevents soil erosion and supports wildlife by providing food and shelter, ensuring ecosystem stability. This is important for sustaining environmental health, stabilizing climate, and preserving resources for future generations, addressing the damage caused by deforestation and human activities. - Question: Why are biosphere reserves significant for conservation, and how do they benefit humans and nature?
Answer: Biosphere reserves, like Nanda Devi, are significant for conservation as they protect ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and allow sustainable human coexistence with nature. They benefit nature by preserving species and habitats, and humans by providing resources, eco-tourism, and research opportunities, fostering a balanced relationship that ensures environmental health, supports livelihoods, and secures ecological stability for future generations through integrated conservation efforts. - Question: How does the variation in vegetation belts reflect the influence of climate on ecosystems, and what does this mean for conservation strategies?
Answer: Variation in vegetation belts, like dense equatorial forests versus sparse desert vegetation, reflects climate’s influence, with rainfall and temperature shaping ecosystems and biodiversity. This means conservation strategies must be region-specific, prioritizing tropical forests for high biodiversity, protecting desert species adapted to scarcity, and ensuring sustainable practices across belts to maintain ecological balance and support diverse life forms in varying climatic conditions.