CBSE Class 10 Science Sustainable Management of Natural Resources VBQs

Question. Which of the following does NOT reduce the groundwater level?
(a) Irrigation activities
(b) Diversion of water from water bodies for different purposes
(c) Global warming
(d) Acid rain

Answer: D

Question. How does organic material in the buried solid waste decompose ?
(a) By oxidation
(b) By microorganisms
(c) By flow of water
(d) By soil particles

Answer: B

Question. Which of the following is a green house gas?
(a) Nitrogen dioxide
(b) Sulphur dioxide
(c) Carbon dioxide
(d) Carbon monoxide
Answer : C

Question. The movement that focuses on ecological conservation is
(a) Chipko movement
(b) Silent valley project
(c) Green revolution
(d) Operation flood
Answer : A

Question. The full form of UV rays is
(a) Ultra violet
(b) Ultra violent
(c) Ultra valve
(d) Ultimate violet
Answer : A

Question. Narmada bachao andolan was to
(a) Clean Narmada
(b) Expand Narmada
(c) Save Narmada
(d) None of above
Answer : C

Question. Why should we conserve forest and wild life?
(a) To protect biodiversity
(b) To maintain ecosystem
(c) To maintain balance
(d) To continue food chain
Answer : B

Question. Which of the following Dam is built on Ganga?
(a) Bhakra nagal Dam
(b) Sardar Sarovar
(c) Tehri Dam
(d) Krishna Sagar
Answer : C

Question. Which of the following resource need to be used in a sustainable manner?
(a) Solar energy
(b) Petroleum
(c) Water
(d) Bio gas
Answer : B

Question. Which of the following is best method from environment point of view?
(a) Reduce
(b) Recycle
(c) Reuse
(d) all of above
Answer : D

Question. For which of following activity did Amrita Devi Bishnoi sacrificed her life with 363 people in 1731?
(a) to protect river
(b) to save trees
(c) to save crops
(d) to save wild life
Answer : B

Question. Which of the following is a renewable resource?
(a) Petrol
(b) CNG
(c) LPG
(d) Water
Answer : B

Question. What is the name given for replenishment of forest?
(a) afforestation
(b) silviculture
(c) deforestation
(d) sericulture
Answer : A

Question. Floods can be prevented by
(a) afforestation
(b) removing top soil
(c) deforestation
(d) agriculture
Answer : A

Question. Which of the following resource is used in thermal power plant?
(a) Coal
(b) Kerosene
(c) charcoal
(d) Petroleum
Answer : A

Question. Which of the following is a greenhouse gas?
(a) Nitrogen dioxide
(b) Sulphur dioxide
(c) Carbon dioxide
(d) Carbon monoxide

Answer: C

Question. Which of the following statements refers to repurpose?
(a) Using old plastic bottles for growing plants.
(b) Melting old plastic bottles to make new bottles.
(c) Replacing all plastic bottles with steel bottles.
(d) Cleaning the plastic bottle to use it again.

Answer: A

Question. Near a residential area, sewage is directly dumped into the nearby river. Which of the following would best indicate the biological contamination level of the river?
(a) The total dissolved salts
(b) The total coliform level
(c) The total BOD
(d) The total inorganic and organic matter

Answer: B

Question. Select the eco-friendly activity among the following.
(a) Using car for transportation.
(b) Using poly bags for shopping.
(c) Using dyes for colouring clothes.
(d) Using windmills to generate power for irrigation.

Answer: D

Question. Which of the following is not a natural resource? 
(a) Mango tree
(b) Wooden house
(c) Snake
(b) Wind

Answer: B

Question. The process of planting trees or sowing seeds in a barren patch of land to create a forest or a stand of trees is called:
(a) Agriculture
(b) Aestivation
(c) Vegetation
(d) Afforestation

Answer: D

Question. In our country vast tracts of forests are cleared and a single species of plant is cultivated. This practice promotes : 
(a) biodiversity in the area.
(b) monoculture in the area.
(c) growth of natural forest.
(d) preserves the natural ecosystem in the area.

Answer: B

Question. The three R’s that will help us to conserve natural resources for long term use are : 
(a) recycle, regenerate, reuse.
(b) reduce, regenerate, reuse.
(c) reduce, reuse, redistribute.
(d) reduce, reuse, recycle.

Answer: D

Question. How does the collection of water underground, rather than on the surface, also help in the prevention of diseases?
(a) Groundwater is purer.
(b) Groundwater does not allow the breeding of mosquitoes.
(c) Groundwater has more dissolved minerals.
(d) Groundwater boosts the immunity.

Answer: B

Question. A successful forest conservation strategy should involve :
(a) protection of animals at the highest trophic level
(b) protection of only consumers
(c) protection of only herbivores
(d) comprehensive programme to protect all the physical and biological components

Answer: D

Question. What is the relationship between the utility of coal and petroleum and the efficiency of machines?
(a) More use of coal and petroleum increases the efficiency of machines.
(b) More efficient machines use more coal and petroleum.
(c) More efficient machines useless coal and petroleum.
(d) More use of coal and petroleum decreases the efficiency of machines.

Answer: C

Question. Khadins, Bundhis, Ahars and Kattas are ancient structures that are examples for : 
(a) Grain storage
(b) Wood storage
(c) Water harvesting
(d) Soil conservation

Answer: C

Question. Which of the following sets contain all the materials that can be recycled as well as repurposed?
(a) Wood, paper, water, coal
(b) Plastic, glass and paper
(c) Coal, plastic and paper
(d) Natural gas, petroleum and paper

Answer: B

Question. The pH of water sample collected from a river was found to be acidic in the range of 3.5–4.5. On the banks of the river were several factories that were discharging effluents into the river. The effluents of which one of the following factories is the most likely cause for lowering the pH of river water ? 
(a) Soap and detergent factory.
(b) Lead battery manufacturing factory.
(c) Plastic cup manufacturing factory.
(d) Alcohol distillery.

Answer: B

Question. Which of the following stakeholders owns the land and controls the resources from forests?
(a) Tribal people
(b) Forest department of the government
(c) Nature enthusiasts
(d) Industrialists

Answer: B

Question. The Chipko Andolan movement first originated in
(a) Reni in Garhwal
(b) Rajasthan
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Punjab

Answer: A

Question. Which of these statements are wrong?
(a) Fossil fuel is not a renewable source.
(b) Natural gas is not a renewable source.
(c) Sunlight is a renewable source.
(d) Coal is a renewable resource.

Answer: D

Question. Read the following sentences and select the correct option from those given below.
Statement: Sustainable development has an impact on socioeconomic and environmental conditions.
Reason: Environmental conditions helps in economic development.
(a) Both the statement and reason are correct and the reason is the correct explanation of the statement.
(b) Both the statement and reason are correct, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the statement.
(c) Both the statement and the reason are incorrect.
(d) The statement is incorrect.

Answer: A

Important Questions for NCERT Class 10 Science Sustainable Management of Natural Resources

Very Short Answer Type Questions :

Question. Write two advantages associated with water harvesting at the community level.
Answer: (a) Exploitation of water resources will be reduced.
(b) It helps to recharge natural wells.

Question. Find out the traditional systems of water harvesting or management in your region? 
Answer: Ponds, pits, lakes etc., are the traditional systems of water harvesting or management in the regions where rain water is stored.

Question. Name the dam on the river Narmada whose height government want to raise.
Answer: Government want to raise the height of Sardar Sarovar dam on Narmada river.

Question. Write the energy conversion that takes place in a hydropower plant.
Answer: In a hydropower plant, the turbine converts the kinetic energy of falling water into mechanical energy and after that generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Question. Name two industries based on forest produce.
Answer: Timber industries and paper manufacturing industries are based on forest produce.

Question. Name two factors which can be used to find whether river water has been contaminated.
Answer: The presence of coliform bacteria in water and BOD value can be used to find whether river water has been contaminated.

Question. If you could use any source of energy for heating your food which one would you prefer? State one reason for your choice. 
Answer: I would prefer a solar cooker for heating food because solar cooker is environmental friendly and causes does not any pollution.

Question. Name few industries based on forest produce.
Answer: Rubber, paper, timber, sports goods manufacturing industries are based on forest produce.

Question. What is a natural resource?
Answer: All the material we obtain from nature and use it is called natural resource.

Question. Name the bacteria whose presence in the water indicates its contamination with diseasecausing microbes.
Answer: Coliform bacteria.

Question. What are 3 R’s used to save environment?
Answer: Reduce, Recycle and Reuse.

Question. State 2 advantages of constructing dam across a river.
Answer: It helps in generating electricity in irrigation.

Question. Name the gas responsible for global warming.
Answer: Carbon dioxide and methane.

Question. Why fossil fuels should be used judiciously?
Answer: It is because these resources are limited, non-renewable and polluting.

Question. Name two important natural resources.
Answer: Forest, Water, Wildlife.

Question. Name the group of bacteria that confirms the contamination of water ?
Answer: Coliform group of bacteria confirms the contamination of water.

Question . Write the energy conversion that takes place in a hydropowe plant.
Answer: In a hydropower plant, the turbine converts the kinetic energy of falling water into mechanical energy and after that generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Short Answer Type Questions :

Question. “White tiger has become an endangered species” why?
Answer : White tiger has become an endangered species because of:
a) Loss of habitat due to deforestation.
b) Poaching by man
c) or any other correct reason.
Due to this their number has decreased to such an extent that they are facing a threat to their existence.

Question. Why should we preserve bio diversity? 
Answer : If the bio- diversity is not preserved, the ecological stability of an area will be lost and ecological crisis will be caused.

Question. What are “bio diversity hot spots”? Why this name has been given? 
Answer : Forests are called bio diversity hot spots because of the presence of a large number of species of plants and animals.

Question. “Forests can not be conserved only by legislation; local human intervention is also required.” Justify your answer with two examples. 
Answer : The two examples when human intervention saved the forest are:
1. The protection of Khajuri trees- In 1731 Amrita Devi Bishnoi led a group of 363 persons who sacrificed their lives for the protection of Khajuri trees in Khejrati village (Rajasthan).
2. Hug the trees movement(Chipko Andolan)- In a Reni village in Gharwal when the contractor’s workers came into the forest to cut down the trees against the will of local people, the women of the village reached the forest quickly and clasped the trunks with their arms, and the forest trees were thus saved.

Question. Which one is better to save an environment “Reuse” or “Recycling”? Give reasons to support your answer. 
Answer : “Reuse” of material is better than “Recycling” in saving our environment because:
1. Reuse of material does not use any energy, whereas recycling uses some energy.
2. In reuse things are used again and again instead of throwing away.

Question. Why rain harvested water stored underground has many advantages? Give any three advantages.
Answer : 1. The water stored underground does not evaporate.
2. The water stored underground percolates, which enriches the water table and recharges ground water sources.
3. The water stored underground is protected from contamination by human and animal wastes, and also does not promote breeding of pests.

Question. What can you do as an individual to conserve water? 
Answer : To conserve water I can adopt some changes in my habits while doing my routine work:-
1. Using bucket for bathing instead of taking shower bath.
2. Cutting down the flow of water through tap while brushing teeth or washing face, hands, etc.
3. Waste water after washing vegetables, fruits etc. will be used in watering plants. (Any other correct reason)

Question. Three advantages of exploiting resources with short term aims:
(i) Immediate benefit to few people.
(ii) Progress in science and technology for development in a country.
(iii) Urbanisation and Industrialisation of an area.
Answer: Three advantages of using a long time perspective:
(i) Resources will be made available for sustainable development.
(ii) Provides valuable contribution to the socio-economic development.
(iii) Quality of environment will be conserved.

Question. Compare the traditional system with the probable systems in hilly or mountainous areas or plains or plateau regions. 
Answer: Water harvesting system in hilly or mountainous areas is different from plains or plateau regions because in hilly regions like in Himachal Pradesh local systems of canal irrigation which are man-made channels through which water flows from streams and were carried to various villages. These were called Kulhs. This method was practiced nearly 400 years ago. But in plains or plateaus water is stored in dams, tanks etc.

Question. On the basis of the issue raised in this chapter, (Management of natural resources) what changes would you incorporate in your life style in a move towards a sustainable use of our resources? 
Answer: Changes that I would incorporate in my life for sustainable use of our resources are:
(a) Use of energy efficient bulbs instead of conventional bulbs.
(b) Planting more trees.
(c) Switching off lights, fans, TV, computer when not in use.
(d) Closing off water taps while shaving, brushing.
(e) Repairing leaky taps and pipes on time.
(f) Separating biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes before disposing them in dustbins.
(g) Walking to nearby places and using of public transport to conserve fuels.
(h) Use of renewable sources of energy like solar energy.

Question. How would these short term aims advantages differ from the advantages of using a long term perspective in managing our resources?
Answer: Exploiting resources for short term aim provides benefit to meet the needs of present generation only but exploiting resources for long term prospective to meet the needs of
future generation also. The management of natural resources for future use is a sustainable practice. The judicious use of natural resources in present generation enables the future generation also to use them for their benefits.

Question. Discuss the advantages of storing water in ground.
Answer: The advantages of water stored in the ground are:
(a) It does not evaporate, but spreads out to recharge wells and provides moisture for vegetation over a wide area.
(b) It does not provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes like stagnant water collected in ponds or artificial lakes.
(c) The ground-water is also protected from contamination by human and animal waste.

Question. Write the negative effect on the environment of affluent life style of few persons of a society.
Answer: Use of air-conditioners, personal transport etc., releases very harmful gases like CFCs, oxides of sulphur, nitrogen into our environment. This may be responsible for ozone
layer depletion and acid rain. Excessive use of nonbiodegradable material may cause hazardous problem and excessive exploitation of resources may cause depletion of the environment.

Question. What is water harvesting? List two main advantages associated with water harvesting at the community level. Write two causes for the failure of sustained availability of groundwater.
Answer: Water harvesting means capturing rain where it falls or capturing the run off in village or town. It can be done by capturing run off from rooftops and local catchments.
Advantages:
(a) Harvesting water allows capturing better utilisation of an energy resource or when there is an immediate need.
(b) This water is suitable for irrigation.
Causes for failure of sustained ground water availability are:
(a) Increase in agricultural activities leads to depletion of ground water.
(b) Increase in population and industries are also responsible for the same.

Question. What can you as an individual do to reduce your consumption of the various natural resources? 
Answer: I would follow 5 R’s techniques i.e., Reduce, Reuse, Refuse, Repurpose and Recycle.
(a) Use of lights, fans, televisions, music players etc., when required.
(b) Using CFLs bulbs, fluorescent tubes which consume less energy instead of conventional bulbs or tubes.
(c) Repairing of pipes and taps that cause leakage of water.
(d) Using solar energy for cooking and solar heater to heat water during winters.
(e) We can use waste water that is produced from water purifier in watering plants, moping floor, cleaning vehicles etc.
(f) We can write on both sides of a paper, we can give our unused and old things to needy and poor people, bottles of jams, jellies, pickles when finished can be used to store other things etc.
(g) We can recycle things like paper, plastics, metals, glass etc.

Question. Give four characteristics of a good fuel?
Answer: Four characteristics of a good fuel are:
(a) It causes little to no pollution.
(b) It should have high calorific value.
(c) It should be economical, easily available and easily transported.
(d) It should have moderate ignition temperature.

Question. We saw in chapter (Management of natural resources) that there are four main stake-holders when it comes to forests and wildlife. Which among these should have the authority to decide the management of forest produce? Why do you think so?
Answer: The local people who live in or around Forest and Forest Department of Government should have the authority to decide the management of forest produce because local
people know the practices to use these resources in a sustainable manner without causing any harm or damage to environment. Since we have seen in our past how local people protect the Sal forests of Arabari and tribal women of Tehri-Garhwal district of UP protest against the felling of trees by hugging them. There should also be a governing
body which should take steps and create awareness among people for conserving and managing forests and wildlife resources.

Long Answer Type Questions :

Question. What is the importance of forest as a resource? What are the causes of deforestation?
Answer: Forests are an important natural resource due to following reasons:
(a) Forests provide us wood, dry fruits, spices, gums, resins, dyes, tannins and various products like honey, camphour, rubber etc.
(b) The roots of trees hold the soil firmly preventing soil erosion.
(c) It absorbs carbon dioxide from atmosphere and release oxygen which is life supporter.
(d) It absorbs carbon dioxide which is a greenhouse gas thus plays an important role in reducing global warming.
(e) It increases frequency of rainfall and regulates water cycle.
(f) It serves as a shelter for wildlife.
Causes of deforestation are:
(a) Large scale deforestation for demand of wood, timber as raw materials for industries, domestic purposes etc.
(b) Construction of dams, reservoirs, roads, railways.
(c) Setting up of factories and industries.
(d) Construction of big apartments to provide space to the growing population.
(e) Shifting cultivation for agriculture.
(f) Overgrazing by livestock. 

Fig. Traditional water harvesting system an ideal setting of the Khadin System

Question. List three environmental consequences of using fossil fuels.
Suggest three steps to minimise the pollution caused by various energy sources.
Answer: The combustion of fossil fuels releases different harmful products. Three environmental consequences of using fossil fuels are:
(a) It release CO₂ which is a greenhouse gas which traps the solar energy falling on earth and it leads to global warming.
(b) Carbon monoxide is poisonous gas which when enters in the blood stream stops the functioning of red blood cells to carry oxygen from lungs to other parts of the body. It also
causes death.
(c) Sulphur dioxide released during the burning of fossil fuels is harmful for lungs and causes bronchitis and other diseases.
Steps to minimise the pollution caused by various energy sources are:
(a) Solar cookers should be used to cook food wherever possible.
(b) Use of biogas as domestic fuel should be encouraged in rural areas.
(c) Five R’s strategy—Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle should be practiced.

Question. Answer the following questions:
(i) What are fossil fuels and why are they called so?
(ii) How are they important for us?
(iii) Name two fossil fuels?
(iv) Give some methods to conserve fossil fuels?
Answer:
(i) Fossil fuels are obtained by degradation of dead remains of plants and animals which are buried under the surface of th over a million years ago. They are called so as they
are produced by degradation of biomass over a million years ago.
(ii) They are an important source of fuels. Petroleum products like petrol, diesel etc., are used as fuel in automobiles. Coal is used in thermal power plants to generate electricity and
also used as a fuel for domestic purposes. Natural gas is also used as a fuel in automobilies in the form of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
(iii) The two fossil fuels are coal and petroleum.
(iv) Methods of conserving fossil fuels are:
(a) Use of CNG in place of petrol and diesel as a fuel in automobiles.
(b) Switching to renewable sources of energy like solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectric energy instead of using non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels.
(c) Wastage during extraction and transportation of fossil fuels should be minimised.
(d) Protecting them from accidental fires.
(e) Over consumption and wastage of petrol or diesel should be checked in automobiles by proper servicing and efficient internal combustion engines.

Question. What are dams? Give some examples of major dams in our country? State some benefits of constructing dams?
Answer: Dams are large water storage bodies built by government agencies to regulate the flow of water and utilise it for benefit of human beings. There are many dams constructed
across major rivers in different parts of our country. For examples:
(a) Bhakra dam across river Sutlej in Punjab.
(b) Tehri dam on river Ganga in Uttaranchal.
(c) Mettur dam on river Cauvery in Tamil Nadu.
(d) Sardar Sarovar dam on river Narmada in Gujarat.
(e) Hirakud dam on river Mahanadi in Odisha .
Some benefits of constructing dams are:
(a) It stores adequate amount of water which can be used for irrigation.
(b) Water can be supplied to villages and towns when there is shortage of water through pipelines.
(c) It can be used to generate hydroelectricity.
(d) It can be used for flood control.

Question. Explain 5 R’s in the conservation of environment.
Answer:
Refuse : The word ‘refuse’ refers to ‘ to deny or to say no’.
Refusing will help to eliminate a lot of waste from the very beginning. It is simply about saying no to the things that you do not need and looking into reusable alternatives. It includes the activities:
(a) To say no to buy products that can harm you and the environment.
(b) Looking into reusable alternatives.
(c) Refuse single use plastics, like disposable coffee cups, utensils and straws. These materials are often made of plastic and thrown away after one use.
Reduce: The word ‘reduce’ refers to ‘ use less’. It includes the activities:
(a) Do not waste food.
(b) Save electricity by switching off electrical appliances when not required.
(c) Saving the fuel such as petrol, diesel etc. by walking or cycling to go for shorter distances.
(d) Repairing the leaking taps.
Recycle: The word ‘recycle’ refers to ‘processing of waste articles to form new products’. A number of materials such as tins, cans, glass, plastics, polythenes etc. The following articles
can be recycled are:
(a) Broken glass to form new glass.
(b) Waste polythene sheet to form a new sheet.
(c) Plastic articles can be recycled to produce inferior quality of plastics.
Reuse: The word ‘reuse’ refers to ‘ using of articles till it gets broken’. It is more advantageous than recycling as it does not require energy. It includes the activities:
(a) Writing on both sides of paper.
(b) Using cloth carrying bags.
(c) Use of metals, ceramics, glass containers.
Repurpose: The word ‘repurpose refers ‘to recover’.
Repurpose means converting waste into resources. This requires a bit of thinking and craftiness, but does not have to be beautiful. It includes the activities:
(a) Waste plastic bottle can be used to make boat.
(b) Waste oils that cannot be refined for reuse in vehicles can be burnt for energy recovery.
(c) Recovering the energy from waste oil reduces our dependence on coal and imported oil.

Question. Answer the following questions:
(i) What is meant by rain water harvesting? Name some of the ancient structures used for rain water harvesting by the rural people.
(ii) What are the various advantages of water stored in ground?
Answer:
(i) Rain water harvesting is a process of collecting and storing rain water by using special techniques for future use when there is shortage of water or during non-rainy days. There
were various traditional methods by the rural people for rain water harvesting. These include Khadins, Nadis, Bandharas, Kulhs, Kattas, Tals etc.
(ii) The various advantages of water stored in ground are:
(a) Water is not polluted.
(b) Water does not get evaporated but it spreads out to recharge wells.
(c) It does not serve as breeding places for mosquitoes, flies.
(d) It does not get contaminated due to human activities.
(e) It provides moisture for vegetation.
(f) Mitigates flood and droughts.

Question. What do you mean by watershed management? What is its main aim? What are the advantages of watershed management?
Answer: Watershed management is concerned with scientific soil and water conservation to increase the production of biomass.
Its main aim is to:
(a) To develop land and water resources, to produce secondary resources of plants and animals without causing any ecological imbalance.
(b) To implant the sustainable management of natural resources to improve the quality of living.
(c) Improvement of quality of soil for better productivity.
(d) Supplying clean and safe drinking water to all.
Advantages of watershed management are:
(a) It enhances the life of downstream dam and reservoirs.
(b) It minimises the risk of droughts, landslides and floods.
(c) It increases ground water level.
(d) It increases crop production.
(e) Various developmental activities like hydroelectric power generation, supply water for irrigation and other domestic uses.

Question. What do you understand by sustainable development? Explain.
Answer: Sustainable development, is a kind of development that takes into account the needs of the economy, and the environment without compromising either of the aspects. If the economic development is sustainable then the present use of natural resources will not limit us from their use in the future. Thus, sustainable development tells us that development must be of a kind which can take care of our needs as well as the needs of future generations. In other words, “sustainable development refers to the process of economic development where resources are used judiciously to satisfy needs of not only present generation but also to conserve them for the use of future generations”.
Sustainable development takes places without depleting the present natural resources.

Question. Explain Khadin system of water harvesting with diagram?
Answer: Khadins are a traditional way of harvesting rain water and it is mainly followed by people of Rajasthan. These are very long earthen embankments which are built across the lower edge of the sloping farmlands which are called bund. Rain water flows down the slopes and fills the bunds to form a reservoir. Pathways are made from bund to nearby well
which are mainly dug behind the bund where water seeps and fills the wells.

Question. Advancement of the technology has resulted in improvement of our lifestyle and has also changed our attitude. When the human population was low and technology was in its infancy, the various kinds of solid wastes generated due to human activities were easily degraded by decomposers present in nature and it did not create any Significant harmful effect on the environment. In the recent times, however human population has increased tremendously and the technology has become greatly advanced. These two factors have contributed Significantly in the deterioration of our environment due to addition of number of wastes.
(i) Samaira took three different types of solid wastes P,Q, R and buried them under the soil in a pot, as she wanted to study their rate of decomposition. Her findings are shown in the given graph 

Select the option that correctly identifies P, Q and R

(i) Which of the following statements regarding solid wastes is correct?
(a) Change in the packaging technology has resulted in generation of lot of solid wastes.
(b) Dumping of solid wastes could reduce the fertility of the soil leading to reduction in crop yield.
(c) Accumulation of solid waste could cause increased incidents of disease in a locality.
(d) All of these
Answer:
(i) (a) According to the given graph, P is a waste that is not decomposed with the time. Hence, it can be a nonbiodegradable waste such as glass and plastic wastes, synthetic polymers, pesticides, etc. Q took sometime for decomposing; hence it can be a waste made up of biodegradable material such as leather bag. As R starts decomposing in a very short span of time, this means it is a biodegradable waste such as fruit peel, cow dung, human excreta, etc.
(ii) (d) Increased use of plastic material in packaging has resulted in generation of lot of solid wastes. Dumping industrial chemical waste affects the soil fertility and subsequently reduces crop yield. Solid waste can block drains creating pools of water which can become breeding ground for mosquitoes and therefore, could increase the incidents of disease in the locality.

Reasoning Based Questions :

Question. What are the two main objectives of sustainable development? Why is reuse considered better than recycling?
Answer: The two main objectives of sustainable development are:
(a) The main objective is to provide economic well-being to the present as well as future generations as well as to maintain a healthy environment and life support system.
(b) Implement a massive ecological construction project to slow down ecological degradation.
Reuse is considered better than recycling as recycling consume some energy to generate new things which is not seen in case of reuse. Reuse prevents environment
pollution by not creating any waste. Reuse also saves money as material is used again without any process.

Question. Although coal and petroleum are produced by the degradation of biomass even then we need to conserve them. Why?
Answer: Coal and petroleum are formed from degradation of dead remains of plant and animals and it is a very slow process.
It takes millions of years for the formation of coal and petroleum from the dead remains of plants and animals. But with increasing demand and consumption of these fossil fuels, they are depleting at a faster rate as compared to the rate of their replenishment. So, we need to conserve them.

Question. Why do we need to manage our resources carefully? Why management of natural resources requires a long term perspective?
Answer: We need to manage our resources carefully as resources are limited hence over-exploitation of resources would lead to its depletion and it may not be available for our future
generations. Equitable distribution of resources is also important so that everyone can be benefitted equally without any discrimination between rich and poor. We should also see that it may not cause damage to our environment. Management of natural resources requires a long term perspective so that it helps in sustainable development and it should be available for our future generations also.

Question. Why is forest considered as natural ecosystem?
Answer: Forests are considered as natural ecosystem as they have plants and animal species that grow without human intervention and these are naturally sustainable. All these
species interact with each other and are interdependent.

Question. Why are the Arabari forests of Bengal known to be a good example of conserved forest?
Answer: In 1972, West Bengal forest Department found that there is great degradation of Sal forests. So forest officer A.K. Banerjee involved the local villagers in protection of these
forests. They were given employment in both silviculture and harvesting operations. By 1983, the sal forests of Arabari became thick and green. So, it is a good example of
conserved forest.

Question. Why do you think that there should be equitable distribution of resources? What forces would be working against an equitable distribution of our resources?
Answer: There should be equitable distribution of resources because everyone whether rich or poor has equal rights to use natural resources and get benefits from them.
Geographical factors and economic factors are the forces working against an equitable distribution of our resources.
The rich and powerful people take advantage and get more benefits by using resources as compared to poor people.
Over exploitation and mismanagement of resources also work against equitable distribution of our resources.

Question. Why should we conserve forests and wildlife?
Answer: Forests and wildlife are rich source of biodiversity. They maintain an ecological balance in nature. Forests provide us various valuable products like honey, medicines, lac, gums, resins, wood, prevent soil erosion and flood, brings rainfall, release oxygen to atmosphere which is a life supporter. Forests are habitat of variety of living organisms.
Loss of biodiversity would lead to ecological imbalance so we need to conserve forests and wildlife.

Creating Based Questions :

Question. Using the following information form a pathway showing the meaning of three R’s with example. And also include information that is not mentioned below to complete it. Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, save electricity, plastic, use again.
Answer: Reduce → use less → example → save electricity by switching off unnecessary lights and fans.
Recycle → recycle materials to make required things → example → recycle the products like plastic, paper, glass and metal.
Reuse → use things again and again → example → Like the plastic bottles in which you buy various food-items like jam or pickle can be used for storing things in the kitchen.

Question. Ramesh is concerned about the quality of water in the river flowing in his village. On the banks of the river several factories were discharging effluents into the river. There were soap and detergent factory, lead battery manufacturing unit, plastic cup manufacturing unit and alcohol distillery in the nearby area.
He collected the water samples and sent them for testing in a laboratory, the pH of water sample collected from a river was found to be acidic in the range of 3·5-4·5. The effluents of which one of the following factories is the most likely cause for lowering the pH of river water? Suggest what should Ramesh do?
Answer: Acid spillage from lead battery manufacturing factory can lower down the pH. Ramesh should talk to management authorities of lead battery manufacturing unit to make
alternative arrangements for disposal of their effluents.

Question. In our country, there are attempts to increase the height of several existing dams like Tehri and Almati, dams across Narmada. People living in nearby area are afraid of the consequence of raising the height of dams. Can you suggest some such consequences that might affect these people.
Answer: People might face social problems because such projects displace large number of peasants and tribals without adequate compensation or rehabilitation, economic problems because these projects swallow up huge amounts of public money without the generation of proportionate benefits, environmental problems because they contribute enormously to deforestation and the loss of biological diversity.
The people who have been displaced by various development projects are largely poor tribal who do not get any benefits from these projects and are alienated from their lands and forests without adequate compensation. The oustees of the Tawa Dam built in the 1970s are still fighting for the benefits they were promised.

Case Based Questions :

Read the passage carefully and answer the following questions from Study the photograph of a forest given below carefully and then answer the questions.

Question. Who are the important stakeholders those need to be considered when we discuss conservation of forests? 
(a) industrialists using forest produces
(b) local people
(c) conservation activists
(d) all of the above

Answer: D

Question. We conserve forests so that: 
(a) we can preserve the biodiversity we have inherited.
(b) we can preserve animal.
(c) we can run forest-based industries.
(d) we can use more plants.

Answer: A

Question. Before Britishers came to our country, a lot of people lived in forests for centuries and still forests were alive. This is because: 
(a) they worshipped forests.
(b) they did not use resources from forests.
(c) they planted trees.
(d) they developed sustainable practices to use the resources.

Answer: D

Question. Which one of the following industries is not based on forest produce? 
(a) sports equipment
(b) lac
(c) textile
(d) paper

Answer: C

Question. Local people living in or around forests do not use forests for: 
(a) fishing and hunting.
(b) getting firewood, timber and thatch.
(c) getting fruits, nuts and medicines.
(d) getting electricity.

Answer: D

Read the passage carefully and answer the following questions from In present world, most of the energy sources comes from nonrenewable energy sources such as petroleum, hydrocarbons (gases and liquids), natural gas, coal, and nuclear energy. All these sources of energy are called non-renewable because their supplies are limited to the amounts that we can mine or extract from the earth. 

Question. Consumption of coal and oil can be reduced best by increasing the use of: 
(a) nuclear energy
(b) hydro-electricity
(c) natural gas
(d) solar energy

Answer: D

Question. Which of the following forms of non-renewable energy is not classified under a fossil fuel? 
(a) Nuclear
(b) Petroleum
(c) Oil
(d) Natural gas

Answer: A

Question. When combustion takes place in insufficient air (oxygen), then _______ is formed instead of carbon dioxide. 
(a) carbonate
(b) oxygen
(c) carbon monoxide
(d) carbon tetraoxide

Answer: C

Question. Coal and petroleum were formed from the _______ millions of years ago. 
(a) accumulations of metallic ores
(b) decomposition of animals
(c) burning of forests
(d) degradation of biomass

Answer: D

Question. Along with carbon, coal is a source of: 
(a) chlorine, hydrogen, and nitrogen.
(b) hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulphur.
(c) oxygen, nitrogen, and sulphur.
(d) hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen.

Answer: B

Read the passage carefully and answer the following questions from India is one of the world’s richest countries in terms of its vast array of biological diversity. For centuries, rural communities have relied on their local knowledge to conserve their environment. Through learning from experiences, imitating and observations, rural people have developed a body of knowledge on forest and wildlife conservation. The term conservation in this context refers to the processes of maintaining, protecting and managing forest and wildlife resources. Forests are indispensable for the provision of ecosystem goods and services, spiritual and cultural values, and nutrient cycles. The decline in biodiversity adversely affects rural livelihoods and threatens food, energy and health security of nearby communities.

Question. In which year Indian Wildlife Protection Act was implemented? 
(a) 1972
(b) 1983
(c) 1999
(d) 2001

Answer: A

Question. Which one of the following is a great achievement of the Chipko Movement?
(a) More trees are planted.
(b) Development in Himalayan region.
(c) Successfully resisted deforestation.
(d) Soil erosion gets declined.

Answer: C

Question. A local system of canal irrigation called kulhs is practised in which state?
(a) Himachal Pradesh
(b) Orissa
(c) Uttar Pradesh
(d) Madhya Pradesh

Answer: A

Question. Endangered species are: 
(a) those that are in danger of extinction.
(b) whose population has declined to levels from where it is likely to move into the endangered category.
(c) species with small population may move into the endangered or vulnerable category.
(d) none of the above

Answer: A

Question. Amrita Devi Bishnoi National Award is given for: 
(a) Water harvesting
(b) Wildlife conservation
(c) Excellence in Science
(d) Energy conservation

Answer: B

Read the passage carefully and answer the following questions from Forest conservation is the practice of planting and maintaining forest areas for the benefit and sustainability of coming generations. The conservation of forest aims at a change in the composition of trees species and age distribution, and involves the upkeep of the natural resources within a forest that are beneficial to both humans and the environment. Forests are vital for human life because they provide a diverse range of resources; they act as carbon sink and produce oxygen which is vital for existence of life on the earth. Forests are rightly called as lungs of the earth. Not only this, forests help in regulating hydrological cycle, planetary climate, purify water, provide wildlife habitat (50% of the earth’s biodiversity occurs in forests), reduce global warming, absorb toxic gases and noise, reduce pollution, conserve soil, and mitigate natural hazards such as floods and landslides.

Question. Loss of forest diversity will definitely lead to loss of:
(a) food and medicine options.
(b) plants.
(c) ecological stability.
(d) resources.

Answer: C

Question. One of the easiest tests to check water quality is to check its:
(a) pH
(b) colour
(c) particulate matter concentration
(d) odour

Answer: A

Question. A dispute, between the local villagers and a logging contractor who had been allowed to fell trees in a forest close to the village, gave rise to a famous movement called: 
(a) Green Revolution
(b) Sal Forest Movement
(c) Chipko Andolan
(d) Arabari Forest Movement

Answer: C

Question. With increase in human population across the world, energy demand is increasing:
(a) exponentially
(b) linearly
(c) quadratically
(d) minimally

Answer: A

Question. _______ are also called biodiversity hot spots.
(a) Sea
(b) Forests
(c) National parks
(d) Water reservoirs

Answer: B