Question 1

Abiotic components include:

Accepted Answer

Abiotic are non-living physical components.

Question 2

Renewable resources are those which:

Accepted Answer

Renewables can replenish naturally if managed.

Question 3

10% law states that:

Accepted Answer

Only ~10% transfers; rest lost.

Question 4

Pollution is:

Accepted Answer

Pollution is harmful undesirable environmental change.

Question 5

WASH stands for:

Accepted Answer

WASH = Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.

Question 6

Sustainable development means:

Accepted Answer

Definition of sustainability as per Brundtland idea.

Question 7

EMP in EIA stands for:

Accepted Answer

EMP = Environmental Management Plan.

Question 8

Decomposers are mainly:

Accepted Answer

Decomposers break down dead matter.

Question 9

Wet waste mainly includes:

Accepted Answer

Organic kitchen waste is wet waste.

Question 10

Biotic components include:

Accepted Answer

Biotic means living organisms.

Question 11

Mitigation means:

Accepted Answer

Mitigation reduces causes/emissions.

Question 12

Population growth leads to:

Accepted Answer

More population increases resource demand and pressure.

Question 13

Biodiversity means:

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity includes variety of all living organisms.

Question 14

Vulnerability means:

Accepted Answer

Vulnerability increases potential harm.

Question 15

A food web is:

Accepted Answer

Food web links multiple food chains.

Question 16

Species diversity refers to:

Accepted Answer

Species diversity is variety of species.

Question 17

E-waste includes:

Accepted Answer

E-waste is electronic waste.

Question 18

Major source of urban air pollution is:

Accepted Answer

Vehicles emit CO, NOx, PM etc.

Question 19

Detritus food chain starts with:

Accepted Answer

Detritus chain begins from dead matter.

Question 20

In EIA, screening means:

Accepted Answer

Screening checks if EIA is needed.

Question 21

Give one example of natural disaster.

Accepted Answer

Earthquake is an example of natural disaster.

Question 22

State one threat to biodiversity.

Accepted Answer

Habitat destruction is a major threat to biodiversity.

Question 23

What is environmental justice?

Accepted Answer

Environmental justice means fairness in distribution of environmental benefits and burdens.

Question 24

Define sustainable development.

Accepted Answer

Sustainable development meets present needs without harming future generations' ability to meet their needs.

Question 25

What is segregation at source?

Accepted Answer

Segregation at source means separating waste into wet, dry and hazardous categories at the place of generation.

Question 26

What is solid waste management?

Accepted Answer

Solid waste management is the systematic handling of waste from generation to safe disposal.

Question 27

Expand CPCB.

Accepted Answer

CPCB stands for Central Pollution Control Board.

Question 28

Define global warming.

Accepted Answer

Global warming is the long-term rise in Earth's average temperature mainly due to greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 29

Define afforestation.

Accepted Answer

Afforestation is planting trees on non-forest land to increase forest cover.

Question 30

Define environment.

Accepted Answer

Environment is the sum of biotic and abiotic components and their interactions surrounding organisms.

Question 31

Write any three control measures for water pollution.

Accepted Answer

STPs/ETPs, preventing discharge into rivers, reducing chemical runoff, and proper waste management are control measures (any three).

Question 32

Write any three ecosystem services.

Accepted Answer

Oxygen production, soil fertility, water purification, pollination and climate regulation are ecosystem services (any three).

Question 33

Write any three individual actions for resource conservation.

Accepted Answer

Save electricity/water, practise 3Rs, avoid waste, use public transport and plant trees are individual actions (any three).

Question 34

Write any three impacts of population on environment.

Accepted Answer

Deforestation, water scarcity, increased waste and pollution, loss of biodiversity and higher energy demand are impacts (any three).

Question 35

Explain grazing food chain with an example.

Accepted Answer

Grazing food chain starts with producers (green plants). Example: grass → deer → tiger.

Question 36

Explain sustainable development and its pillars with examples.

Accepted Answer

Sustainable development means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Three pillars:
1) Environmental: protect air, water, soil, biodiversity and resources.
2) Economic: growth, jobs and efficient resource use.
3) Social: equity, health, education and quality of life.

Examples:
- using renewable energy
- rainwater harvesting
- recycling and 3Rs
- afforestation and conservation

Sustainability balances development with environmental protection and long-term well-being.

Question 37

Explain ecosystem: structure and functions.

Accepted Answer

An ecosystem is a functional unit of nature where living organisms (biotic components) interact with the physical environment (abiotic components).

Structure of ecosystem:
1) Abiotic components: sunlight, air, water, soil, temperature, nutrients.
2) Biotic components:
   - Producers (autotrophs): plants/algae that make food.
   - Consumers (heterotrophs): herbivores, carnivores and omnivores.
   - Decomposers: bacteria and fungi that break down dead matter.

Functions:
- productivity (primary production by producers)
- decomposition (breakdown of dead organic matter)
- nutrient cycling (recycling of carbon, nitrogen, etc.)
- energy flow through food chains and webs

Thus ecosystem maintains balance and supports life through energy flow and nutrient cycling.

Question 38

Explain EIA: meaning, objectives and steps with EMP.

Accepted Answer

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process to identify and predict environmental impacts of a proposed project before it is approved.

Objectives:
- assess impacts on air, water, land, biodiversity and people
- suggest mitigation measures and an Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
- support informed decision-making and sustainable development

Main steps:
1) Screening (whether EIA is required)
2) Scoping (key issues and terms)
3) Baseline data collection
4) Impact prediction and evaluation
5) Mitigation measures and EMP
6) Public consultation/hearing
7) Appraisal by expert committee
8) Clearance decision with conditions
9) Monitoring and compliance

EIA helps reduce long-term environmental damage and improves project planning.

Question 39

Explain environment and health relationship with examples.

Accepted Answer

Environment and health are closely linked.

Environmental factors affecting health:
- air pollution causes asthma, bronchitis and respiratory infections
- water pollution causes diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid
- poor sanitation increases infections and epidemics
- noise pollution leads to stress, sleep disturbance and hypertension
- chemical exposure can cause long-term health effects

Improving health through environment:
- safe drinking water and proper sewage treatment
- solid waste management
- controlling emissions and pollution
- promoting hygiene (WASH)

A clean environment is essential for a healthy population.

Question 40

Explain noise pollution: sources, effects and control measures.

Accepted Answer

Noise pollution is unwanted and unpleasant sound that causes discomfort and health problems.

Sources:
- traffic, horns and airports
- loudspeakers and public events
- industries and construction work

Effects:
- hearing impairment
- stress, irritation and headaches
- sleep disturbance
- increased blood pressure and reduced concentration

Control measures:
- restrictions on loudspeakers and honking
- sound-proofing and silencers in machines
- green belts and proper urban planning
- awareness and strict enforcement of noise limits

Hence controlling noise pollution improves public health and quality of life.

Environmental Studies — Question Paper

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