Factors influencing Natural Recourses Conversation

 

Part A

Unit V

Chapter 15

Factors influencing Natural Recourses Conversation

 

Tick the correct option.

(a)    Which of the following practice(s) has/have caused land degradation?

(i)                  Floods              (ii) Slash-and burn cultivation

(iii)    Soil erosion         (iv) All of above

(ii)                Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct about deforestation?

(i)                  It means cutting and clearing of forests.

(ii)                It is done only for infrastructural development.

(iii)               It means exploitation and mismanagement of forest.

(iv)              All of the above

 

(iii)               Which of the following is an example of natural resource?

(i)         Water                                (ii) Human being

(iii) Automobiles                            (iv) Windmill

 

(j)     How can we save electricity?

(i)                  By switching off the lights and fans when not in use

(ii)                By doing our work during daytime

(iii)               Both (i) (ii)

(iv)              None of the above

 

Short Answer type Questions

1.       What do you understand by the term ecosystem?

Ans. An ecosystem is a dynamic community where living organisms (plants, animals, microbes) interact with each other and their non-living surroundings (air, water, soil, sunlight) as a single, interconnected system.

2.       What are natural resources?

Ans. Natural resources are materials and substances that occur naturally in the environment and can be utilized for economic production, consumption, or human survival.

3.       Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable resources.

Ans. Renewable resources are those that can be replenished naturally over short periods. For example; sunlight, water and air. In contrast, nonrenewable resources are those that do not replenish at a sustainable rate for human use. Once depleted, they are gone for millions of years. Key examples include: fossil fuel, mineral and metals.

4.       How do human beings impact the environment?

Ans. Human beings impact the environment by using natural resources, cutting forests, polluting air and water, and causing climate change. These activities harm plants, animals, and ecosystems. However, humans can also protect the environment through conservation, planting trees, recycling, and using renewable energy.

5.       Enlist four ways to conserve the natural resources.

Ans. Four ways to conserve natural resources:

·         Reduce, reuse, and recycle materials.

·         Save water and electricity.

·         Plant more trees and protect forests.

·         Use renewable sources of energy like solar and wind power.

 

6.       How can recycling help in environmental conservation? Give any two example of the products that can be recycled at home.

Ans. Recycling helps in environmental conservation by reducing waste, saving natural resources, and lowering pollution. It also saves energy required to produce new products from raw materials.

Two products that can be recycled at home are:

·         Paper (old newspapers, notebooks)

·         Plastic bottle

 

Long Answer Questions

1.       What do you understand by the term environment? Discuss how human activities are affecting the environment?

Ans. Environment refers to our surroundings, including air, water, land, plants, animals, and all living and non-living things that support life on Earth.

 

Human activities affecting the environment:

·         Deforestation for agriculture and construction destroys natural habitats.

·         Pollution from industries, vehicles, and waste harms air, water, and soil.

·         Overuse of natural resources leads to their depletion.

·         Burning of fossil fuels causes global warming and climate change.

 

2.       Write a note on the relationship between humans and environment.

Ans. The relationship between humans and the environment is interdependent. Humans depend on the environment for air, water, food, shelter, and other natural resources essential for survival. At the same time, human activities such as agriculture, industry, and urbanization greatly influence the environment.

When humans use natural resources wisely and adopt sustainable practices like conservation, recycling, and afforestation, the environment remains healthy and supportive of life. However, overuse of resources, deforestation, and pollution damage the environment and disturb ecological balance. Therefore, humans have a responsibility to protect and conserve the environment to ensure a safe and healthy future for all living beings.

3.       Discuss how deforestation and global warming are affective the ecosystem?

Ans. Deforestation and global warming are seriously affecting the ecosystem in the following ways:

Deforestation leads to the destruction of natural habitats of plants and animals, causing loss of biodiversity. It results in soil erosion, floods, and disturbance of the water cycle. Cutting trees also reduces oxygen levels and increases carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Global warming raises the Earth’s temperature due to excess greenhouse gases. It causes melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, irregular rainfall, droughts, and floods. These changes disturb ecosystems, affect agriculture, and threaten the survival of many species.

4.       Discuss five ways with the help of which natural resources can be conserved.

Ans. Natural resources are essential for life on Earth and must be used wisely. The following five ways can help in conserving natural resources:

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – Minimizing waste and recycling materials like paper, plastic, and metal helps conserve raw materials and energy.

Afforestation and Forest Conservation – Planting more trees and preventing deforestation help maintain ecological balance.

Water Conservation – Saving water by fixing leaks, using water efficiently, and practicing rainwater harvesting reduces water wastage.

Use of Renewable Resources – Using solar, wind, and biogas energy reduces dependence on fossil fuels.

Energy Conservation – Switching off electrical appliances when not in use and using energy-efficient devices saves natural resources.

5.       Suggest ways through which the environment protection and conservation can be attained.

 

Ans. Environment protection and conservation can be attained through the following ways:

 

1.       Afforestation and prevention of deforestation to maintain ecological balance.

2.       Reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize waste and conserve resources.

3.       Conservation of water and energy by avoiding wastage and using resources efficiently.

4.       Use of renewable sources of energy like solar and wind power instead of fossil fuels.

5.       Control of pollution by treating industrial waste and reducing vehicle emissions.

6.       Protection of wildlife through national parks, sanctuaries, and strict laws.

7.       Environmental awareness and education to encourage responsible behavior.

By adopting these measures, we can protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future.