Unit 1: Basic Concept of Environment
1 Mark Questions (Answer in short or fill in the blank):
What is the meaning of the term "environment"?
Answer: The term "environment" means surroundings and consists of air, water, soil, and sunlight.Fill in the blank:
The protective blanket of gases surrounding the Earth is called the _______.
Answer: Atmosphere.What is the role of ozone in the stratosphere?
Answer: It protects life on Earth by filtering out harmful ultraviolet radiation.What are the components of the environment?
Answer: Abiotic, biotic, and energy components.What does the word "environment" derive from?
Answer: The French word "environner," meaning "to encircle or surround."
2 Marks Questions (Short Notes):
Write a short note on biotic components of the environment.
Answer: Biotic components consist of all living organisms, including plants (flora), animals (fauna), and microorganisms, that interact with the abiotic components.What are the environmental segments?
Answer: The four environmental segments are the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.Define environmental education.
Answer: It is the educational process dealing with man's relationship with natural and man-made surroundings, aiming to create awareness about environmental challenges.
2+1 Marks Questions (Define and Distinguish):
Define and distinguish between abiotic and biotic components of the environment.
Definition:- Abiotic components are the non-living elements like air, water, soil, and sunlight.
- Biotic components are the living organisms like plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Distinction: Abiotic components support life indirectly, whereas biotic components are directly involved in life processes.
Define and distinguish between atmosphere and lithosphere.
Definition:- The atmosphere is the blanket of gases surrounding the Earth.
- The lithosphere is the Earth's outer solid crust containing minerals and soil.
Distinction: The atmosphere consists of gases, while the lithosphere is solid and supports life on land.
5 Marks Questions:
Explain the multidisciplinary nature of environmental education.
Answer:
Environmental education integrates knowledge from various disciplines:- Biological Sciences like botany, zoology, and genetics for understanding life systems.
- Physical Sciences like physics and chemistry for studying environmental processes.
- Engineering Disciplines such as environmental engineering for pollution control.
- Social Sciences including sociology and economics to address human interactions with the environment.
This multidisciplinary approach fosters a holistic understanding of the environment and its challenges.
Discuss the need for environmental awareness.
Answer:
Environmental awareness is essential to tackle issues like pollution, deforestation, and climate change. Overpopulation and industrialization have led to resource depletion and ecological imbalances. Educating people about sustainable practices ensures conservation of resources for future generations and mitigates environmental degradation.
Unit 2: Ecological Concept
1 Mark Questions (Answer in short or fill in the blank):
Define ecology.
Answer: Ecology is the study of organisms in their natural homes and their interactions with the environment.Fill in the blank:
An ecosystem where water flows freely, like rivers, is known as a _______ ecosystem.
Answer: Lotic.What are autotrophs?
Answer: Autotrophs are producers that synthesize their own food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide through photosynthesis.What is the unit of ecological study?
Answer: Ecosystem.Give an example of a man-made ecosystem.
Answer: Cropland ecosystem.
2 Marks Questions (Short Notes):
Write a short note on food chains.
Answer: A food chain is a sequence of organisms through which energy flows by the process of eating and being eaten. For example: Grass → Grasshopper → Frog → Snake.What are decomposers? Give examples.
Answer: Decomposers are microorganisms like fungi and bacteria that break down dead organic matter into simpler substances, recycling nutrients into the ecosystem.What are trophic levels?
Answer: Trophic levels are the feeding levels in a food chain, such as producers (first level), primary consumers (second level), and so on.
2+1 Marks Questions (Define and Distinguish):
Define and distinguish between natural and artificial ecosystems.
Definition:- Natural ecosystems exist in nature without human intervention (e.g., forests, ponds).
- Artificial ecosystems are created and maintained by humans (e.g., croplands, aquariums).
Distinction: Natural ecosystems are self-sustaining, while artificial ecosystems require human intervention to maintain balance.
Define and distinguish between food chain and food web.
Definition:- A food chain is a linear sequence showing who eats whom.
- A food web is a network of interconnected food chains.
Distinction: A food chain is simple and direct, while a food web shows the complexity of energy transfer in an ecosystem.
5 Marks Questions:
Explain the structure and functions of an ecosystem.
Answer:
An ecosystem consists of two main components:- Abiotic components: Non-living elements like sunlight, water, soil, and air.
- Biotic components: Living organisms like producers (plants), consumers (herbivores, carnivores), and decomposers (fungi, bacteria).
Functions:
- Energy Flow: Energy from the sun flows through producers to consumers and decomposers in a food chain.
- Nutrient Cycling: Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus cycle through the ecosystem, supporting life.
- Ecological Balance: Interactions between organisms maintain the stability of the ecosystem.
Discuss the importance of food chains, food webs, and trophic levels.
Answer:
Food chains and food webs illustrate the transfer of energy and nutrients in an ecosystem. Food chains show linear energy flow, while food webs depict complex interconnections, ensuring ecosystem stability. Trophic levels categorize organisms based on their energy source, with producers forming the base, followed by consumers and decomposers. This understanding helps in studying ecological interactions and energy efficiency in ecosystems.
Unit 3: Biodiversity and Its Conservation
1 Mark Questions (Answer in short or fill in the blank):
Define biodiversity.
Answer: Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life forms, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and ecosystems.Fill in the blank:
A species that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring is called a _______.
Answer: Species.What is genetic diversity?
Answer: It is the diversity of genes within a species, which gives rise to variations like different crop varieties.Give an example of in-situ conservation.
Answer: National parks and wildlife sanctuaries.Which year was the Wildlife Protection Act passed in India?
Answer: 1972.
2 Marks Questions (Short Notes):
What are the threats to biodiversity?
Answer: The main threats include habitat destruction, poaching, climate change, overgrazing, natural calamities, and biopiracy.Explain the term biopiracy.
Answer: Biopiracy refers to the unethical exploitation of biological resources and traditional knowledge by patenting products without proper acknowledgment or compensation to the source.What are sacred groves?
Answer: Sacred groves are patches of forest protected by local communities due to religious or cultural beliefs, often serving as biodiversity hotspots.
2+1 Marks Questions (Define and Distinguish):
Define and distinguish between genetic diversity and species diversity.
Definition:- Genetic diversity refers to variations within the genes of a species.
- Species diversity refers to the variety of species within a specific area.
Distinction: Genetic diversity focuses on gene-level variations, while species diversity deals with the number of different species.
Define and distinguish between in-situ and ex-situ conservation.
Definition:- In-situ conservation is the protection of species in their natural habitats (e.g., national parks).
- Ex-situ conservation involves conserving species outside their natural habitats (e.g., botanical gardens).
Distinction: In-situ conservation preserves ecosystems, while ex-situ focuses on species in controlled environments.
5 Marks Questions:
Discuss the value of biodiversity.
Answer:
Biodiversity has several values:- Consumptive Use: Provides food, fuel, and medicine (e.g., quinine from cinchona).
- Productive Use: Resources like silk, wool, and paper contribute to industries.
- Social Use: Sacred plants and animals hold religious and cultural significance.
- Aesthetic Value: Biodiversity enhances natural beauty, which attracts tourism.
- Ecological Services: Maintains water cycles, soil fertility, and climate stability.
Explain conservation strategies for biodiversity.
Answer:
Biodiversity conservation strategies include:- In-situ Conservation: Protecting biodiversity in its natural environment through biosphere reserves, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries.
- Ex-situ Conservation: Conserving biodiversity in artificial settings like zoos, botanical gardens, and gene banks.
- National Strategies: The Environment Protection Act (1986) and Wildlife Protection Act (1972) aim to safeguard species and habitats. Public awareness and strict enforcement of laws are crucial.
Unit 1: Environmental Education
Chapter 1: Basic Concept of Environment (1-7)
1 Mark Questions (Answer in short or fill in the blank):
What is the meaning of the term "environment"?
Answer: The term "environment" means surroundings and consists of air, water, soil, and sunlight.Fill in the blank:
The _______ are the non-living components of the environment, such as air, water, and soil.
Answer: Abiotic components.What is the protective blanket of gases surrounding the Earth?
Answer: Atmosphere.Fill in the blank:
The process of photosynthesis in plants leads to the production of _______ for humans and animals.
Answer: Oxygen.What is the main component of the atmosphere responsible for sustaining life on Earth?
Answer: Oxygen.Fill in the blank:
The green forests produce oxygen by _______ which is vital for life on Earth.
Answer: Photosynthesis.What are the four segments of the environment?
Answer: Atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.Fill in the blank:
The _______ is the solid outer layer of the Earth consisting of minerals and soil.
Answer: Lithosphere.What is the role of ozone in the stratosphere?
Answer: The ozone layer protects life on Earth by filtering out harmful ultraviolet radiation.What is environmental education?
Answer: Environmental education is the process of creating awareness and understanding of environmental issues and the interrelationship between man and the environment.
Chapter 2: Ecological Concept (8-16)
1 Mark Questions (Answer in short or fill in the blank):
What is ecology?
Answer: Ecology is the study of organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment.Fill in the blank:
An ecosystem where water is stagnant, like lakes, is called a _______ ecosystem.
Answer: Lentic.What are autotrophs?
Answer: Autotrophs are organisms that produce their own food, usually through photosynthesis, such as plants.Fill in the blank:
The different levels of an ecosystem are organism, species, population, _______ and ecosystem.
Answer: Community.What is a food chain?
Answer: A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms in an ecosystem, through which energy is passed from one organism to another.Fill in the blank:
In a food web, _______ form the base of the energy flow.
Answer: Producers.What are decomposers?
Answer: Decomposers are organisms like bacteria and fungi that break down dead matter and recycle nutrients in the ecosystem.Fill in the blank:
The first trophic level in a food chain consists of _______ which produce food through photosynthesis.
Answer: Producers.What is a trophic level?
Answer: A trophic level refers to the position of an organism in the food chain, based on its feeding relationships.Fill in the blank:
An ecosystem where both biotic and abiotic components interact is called a _______ ecosystem.
Answer: Natural.
Chapter 3: Biodiversity and Its Conservation (17-25)
1 Mark Questions (Answer in short or fill in the blank):
What is biodiversity?
Answer: Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and ecosystems.Fill in the blank:
_______ diversity refers to the variety of species in an ecosystem.
Answer: Species.What is genetic diversity?
Answer: Genetic diversity is the variation in genes within a species, which leads to differences like size, color, and resistance to diseases.Fill in the blank:
The main causes of biodiversity loss are habitat destruction, _______ and climate change.
Answer: Overexploitation.What is in-situ conservation?
Answer: In-situ conservation is the protection of species in their natural habitat, such as in national parks or wildlife sanctuaries.Fill in the blank:
Ex-situ conservation involves protecting species outside their natural _______.
Answer: Habitat.What is poaching?
Answer: Poaching refers to the illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals, often for commercial purposes.Fill in the blank:
The _______ of biodiversity involves protecting ecosystems and species in their natural habitats.
Answer: Conservation.What is biopiracy?
Answer: Biopiracy is the unauthorized use of biological resources and traditional knowledge by individuals or companies for commercial purposes.Fill in the blank:
The _______ reserves are designated areas for the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems.
Answer: Biosphere.
Chapter 4: Natural Resources (26-31)
1 Mark Questions (Answer in short or fill in the blank):
What are natural resources?
Answer: Natural resources are materials and substances provided by nature that are used by humans for various purposes, such as air, water, minerals, and forests.Fill in the blank:
Renewable resources, such as solar energy, can be _______ within a short period of time.
Answer: Replenished.What are non-renewable resources?
Answer: Non-renewable resources are finite resources that cannot be replenished on a human timescale, such as coal, petroleum, and minerals.Fill in the blank:
The conservation of _______ resources is crucial for sustaining life on Earth and preventing resource depletion.
Answer: Natural.What is water conservation?
Answer: Water conservation is the efficient use and management of water resources to prevent wastage and ensure long-term availability.Fill in the blank:
The process of _______ refers to the cutting down and removal of trees from forests.
Answer: Deforestation.What are mineral resources?
Answer: Mineral resources are naturally occurring inorganic substances found in the Earth's crust, used for industrial and economic purposes.Fill in the blank:
_______ resources are the world's forests, which provide timber, fuel, and other essential goods.
Answer: Forest.What is the significance of land resources?
Answer: Land resources are essential for agriculture, housing, industry, and other human activities, and their conservation is vital for sustainable development.Fill in the blank:
_______ resources are the most important for sustaining human life, as they provide essential services like food, water, and shelter.
Answer: Natural.
Unit 1: Environmental Education
Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution (32-54)
1 Mark Questions (Answer in short or fill in the blank):
What is pollution?
Answer: Pollution is the undesirable change in the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of the environment caused by human activities.Fill in the blank:
The primary pollutants that contribute to air pollution are _______ and nitrogen oxides.
Answer: Sulfur dioxide.What are the different types of pollution?
Answer: The different types of pollution are air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, noise pollution, and thermal pollution.Fill in the blank:
The release of harmful substances into water bodies, making the water harmful to living organisms, is called _______ pollution.
Answer: Water.What is soil pollution?
Answer: Soil pollution is the contamination of the soil with harmful chemicals or waste, which affects plant life and organisms living in the soil.Fill in the blank:
Air pollution is primarily caused by the emission of pollutants from _______ and industrial processes.
Answer: Vehicles.What is deforestation?
Answer: Deforestation refers to the large-scale clearing of forests for agriculture, urban development, and other human activities.Fill in the blank:
The burning of _______ fuels like coal, petroleum, and natural gas contributes significantly to air pollution.
Answer: Fossil.What is the major cause of noise pollution?
Answer: The major causes of noise pollution are industrial activities, traffic, construction, and loud music.Fill in the blank:
_______ pollution refers to the contamination caused by the discharge of harmful chemicals into the atmosphere, affecting human health and the environment.
Answer: Air.
Chapter 6: Social Issues and Environment (55-64)
1 Mark Questions (Answer in short or fill in the blank):
What is sustainable development?
Answer: Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.Fill in the blank:
_______ effect is the warming of Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.
Answer: Greenhouse.What are the sources of energy?
Answer: The sources of energy include renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, and non-renewable sources like coal, oil, and natural gas.Fill in the blank:
_______ gases like methane and carbon dioxide contribute to global warming by trapping heat in the atmosphere.
Answer: Greenhouse.What is global warming?
Answer: Global warming refers to the gradual increase in Earth's average temperature due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.Fill in the blank:
_______ is the gradual thinning and depletion of the ozone layer, which protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Answer: Ozone layer depletion.What is acid rain?
Answer: Acid rain is rain that is more acidic than normal due to the presence of pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere.Fill in the blank:
The excessive use of fossil fuels leads to the production of _______ gases that contribute to climate change.
Answer: Greenhouse.What is the relationship between environment and health?
Answer: The health of the environment directly affects human health. Pollution, climate change, and environmental degradation can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory issues, waterborne diseases, and more.Fill in the blank:
_______ change refers to long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions.
Answer: Climate.
Unit 2: Disaster Management (65-75)
1 Mark Questions (Answer in short or fill in the blank):
What is disaster management?
Answer: Disaster management refers to the process of preparing for, responding to, and recovering from natural and man-made disasters to minimize their impact.Fill in the blank:
_______ disasters include events like earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes.
Answer: Natural.What is the role of students in disaster management?
Answer: Students play a role by spreading awareness, participating in training, and assisting in relief efforts during disasters.Fill in the blank:
_______ disasters are caused by human actions such as industrial accidents or chemical spills.
Answer: Man-made.What is the first step to take during a disaster?
Answer: The first step is to remain calm and assess the situation.Fill in the blank:
During a disaster, it is important to avoid _______ areas to ensure safety.
Answer: Dangerous.What is search and rescue?
Answer: Search and rescue is the operation of locating and helping people who are trapped or in danger during a disaster.Fill in the blank:
_______ is a major man-made disaster that involves the sudden release of hazardous materials into the environment.
Answer: Chemical spill.What should not be done during a disaster?
Answer: People should not panic, attempt risky rescues, or ignore safety protocols during a disaster.Fill in the blank:
Disaster management initiatives in India are coordinated by agencies like the _______ Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Answer: National.
Unit 3: Road Safety (76-95)
1 Mark Questions (Answer in short or fill in the blank):
What is road safety?
Answer: Road safety refers to the measures and practices that prevent accidents and injuries on the roads.Fill in the blank:
The primary cause of road accidents is _______ driving.
Answer: Reckless.What is the importance of wearing a helmet while riding a bike?
Answer: Wearing a helmet protects the head in case of an accident, reducing the risk of serious injuries or death.Fill in the blank:
_______ belts are crucial in preventing injuries during accidents in vehicles.
Answer: Seat.What should drivers always obey when on the road?
Answer: Drivers should always obey traffic signs, signals, and rules.Fill in the blank:
_______ is a major contributor to road accidents, especially in urban areas.
Answer: Traffic congestion.What is the purpose of traffic lights?
Answer: Traffic lights control the flow of traffic to prevent accidents and ensure orderly movement on roads.Fill in the blank:
A valid _______ is required to legally drive a vehicle.
Answer: Driving license.What are road signs?
Answer: Road signs are symbols or signs placed on roads to give drivers instructions or warnings.Fill in the blank:
Vehicular emissions contribute to _______ pollution.
Answer: Air.
Environmental Education/Studies (EVS) for HS 1st Year: A Comprehensive Overview
Environmental Education (EE) or Environmental Studies (EVS) is an essential part of the curriculum for higher secondary (HS) students, particularly in the 1st year (11th grade). It provides students with the knowledge and understanding of environmental issues, fostering an awareness of the interconnectedness of humans and nature. EVS is a multidisciplinary field that aims to develop a sense of responsibility toward the environment, encouraging sustainable practices and solutions to global challenges.
Importance of Environmental Education (EVS) in Higher Secondary
Environmental Education for HS students is not just a subject but a necessity for creating environmentally conscious citizens. In today’s rapidly changing world, environmental challenges such as climate change, deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity loss are more prevalent than ever. EVS empowers students with the skills to tackle these issues and contribute positively to society.
Awareness of Environmental Issues: EVS exposes students to various environmental concerns such as global warming, plastic pollution, loss of biodiversity, and waste management. It encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address these concerns.
Sustainable Development: The study of environmental education helps students understand the importance of sustainable development practices that balance economic growth, social development, and environmental protection. It equips them with the knowledge needed to make eco-friendly decisions in daily life.
Promoting Green Practices: By learning about the environmental impact of human activities, students are encouraged to adopt greener habits. These practices could include recycling, conserving water and energy, and using eco-friendly products.
Interdisciplinary Learning: EVS connects various subjects such as science, geography, economics, and sociology. This interdisciplinary approach enables students to grasp the complex relationship between environmental, economic, and social factors.
Informed Decision Making: EVS helps students make informed decisions related to environmental sustainability. It provides them with the necessary tools to understand the consequences of human activities on the planet, thus fostering responsible decision-making.
Key Topics in EVS for HS 1st Year (11th)
The Environmental Education syllabus for higher secondary students typically covers a wide range of topics that include theoretical and practical learning. Some of the key areas include:
1. Introduction to Environmental Studies
- Definition and importance of EVS
- Scope and objectives of Environmental Education
- Historical development of environmental concerns
2. Ecological Concepts
- Ecosystem: Definition, types, and components
- Energy flow in ecosystems
- Food chains and food webs
- Ecological balance and human impact
3. Environmental Pollution
- Types of pollution: Air, water, soil, noise, and thermal
- Causes and effects of pollution
- Strategies for pollution control and management
4. Biodiversity and Conservation
- Understanding biodiversity: Species, genetic, and ecosystem diversity
- Threats to biodiversity: Habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species
- Conservation strategies: Protected areas, biodiversity hotspots, and sustainable resource management
5. Climate Change and Global Warming
- The science behind climate change
- Greenhouse effect and its impact on global temperatures
- Mitigation and adaptation strategies for climate change
6. Environmental Sustainability
- Definition of sustainability
- Principles of sustainable development
- Sustainable agriculture, energy use, and waste management
7. Natural Resources and Management
- Renewable and non-renewable resources
- Overuse and depletion of natural resources
- Sustainable management practices
8. Human Population and Environment
- Population growth and its effects on the environment
- Urbanization and industrialization
- Human health and the environment
Learning Outcomes from EVS for HS 1st Year Students
By the end of the Environmental Education course in the 11th grade, students should:
- Understand the importance of maintaining ecological balance and how human actions influence the environment.
- Be aware of environmental issues at local, national, and global levels and comprehend their long-term impact on society and biodiversity.
- Develop the ability to critically analyze environmental policies and advocate for sustainable practices.
- Be equipped with the knowledge and skills to participate in community-based environmental protection activities.
- Have a deep understanding of how to reduce their environmental footprint through individual and collective efforts.
Practical Approaches to Teaching EVS
To enhance the learning experience of students in EVS, educators can incorporate the following strategies:
Field Trips and Nature Walks: These activities offer students the opportunity to observe ecosystems, wildlife, and natural resources in their local environment. They help students connect theory to real-world applications.
Project-Based Learning: Students can engage in projects that address environmental issues such as waste management, water conservation, or biodiversity preservation. These projects promote teamwork, creativity, and hands-on learning.
Interactive Discussions and Debates: Classroom discussions on current environmental issues can foster critical thinking. Debates on topics such as deforestation, renewable energy, or sustainable agriculture help students articulate their views and listen to differing opinions.
Environmental Awareness Campaigns: Encourage students to organize campaigns, raise awareness, and take part in community activities like tree planting, plastic collection drives, or promoting the use of eco-friendly products.
Conclusion
Environmental Education or EVS plays a pivotal role in shaping the mindset of the younger generation toward environmental conservation. The curriculum for HS 1st Year (11th grade) provides a solid foundation for understanding the complexity of environmental issues and equips students with the knowledge to make informed decisions for a sustainable future. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, EVS fosters a sense of responsibility and activism in students, helping them become the eco-conscious leaders of tomorrow.
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