Chap 15 : Our Enviorment www.cbse.

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File Revision Date : 10 July 2019

CBSE Previous Years Chapterwise Questions Exam 2019-2020
CLASS : 10th
CHAPTER 15
SUB : Science
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Our Enviorment

1. ONE MARK QUESTIONS 9. What is the function of ozone in the upper atmosphere?
Ans : [Delhi 2015]
Ozone shields the surface of the earth from ultraviolet
1. What is an ecosystem? [Delhi 2017, CBSE 2014] rays from the Sim.
Ans :
NO NEED TO PURCHASE ANY BOOKS
Ecosystem is an interaction of physical and biotic
factors present in an area among each other. For session 2019-2020 free pdf will be available at
www.cbse.online for
2. Why is forest/lake considered a natural ecosystem? 1. Previous 15 Years Exams Chapter-wise Question
Ans : [Delhi 2017] Bank
2. Previous Ten Years Exam Paper (Paper-wise).
Forests and lakes have both biotic and abiotic 3. 20 Model Paper (All Solved).
components which are present naturally and are 4. NCERT Solutions
interacting without man’s interference. All material will be solved and free pdf. It will be
3. If in the following food chain, 100 J of energy is provided by 30 September and will be updated regularly.
Disclaimer : www.cbse.online is not affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education,
available to the lion, how much energy was available New Delhi in any manner. www.cbse.online is a private organization which provide free
study material pdfs to students. At www.cbse.online CBSE stands for Canny Books
to the producer? Plants Deer -> Lion For School Education

Ans : [All India 2017]

10,000 J. 10. The following organisms form a food chain. Which
of this will have the highest concentration of non-
4. In a food chain of frog, grass, insect and snake, assign
biodegradable chemicals? Name the phenomenon
trophic level to frog.
associated with it.
Ans : [All India 2016] Insects, Hawk, Grass, Snake, Frog
Grass $ Insect $ Frog $ Snake Ans : [Foreign 2015]
Frog is in 3rd trophic level i.e., secondary consumer.
(i) Hawk (ii) Biomagnification
5. In a food chain of rabbit, grass and fox, assign trophic
11. What will be the amount of energy available to the
level to rabbit. [Delhi 2016]
organisms of the 2nd trophic level of a food chain, if
Ans : the energy available at the first trophic level is 10,000
Grass $ rabbit $ fox joules?
Rabbit is a primary consumer or a herbivore or 1st Ans : [All India 2015]
trophic level.
1000 joules.
6. Give one protective function of forests. [CBSE 2016]
12. In an ecosystem, rats feed on grains. Name the trophic
Ans : level to which the rats belong.
Forests reduce atmospheric pollution. Ans : [CBSE 2015]
7. The first trophic level in a food chain is always a green Ans :
plant. Why? [CBSE 2016] Second trophic level.
Ans :
13. What is the physical environment of an ecosystem
Plants can only utilize the radiant energy of the sun and
called? Give one example. [CBSE 2015]
transform it to chemical form during photosynthesis.
Ans :
8. Which of the following are always at the second Physical environment of an ecosystem is called as the
trophic level of food chains? Carnivores, Autotrophs, abiotic or non-living component of an ecosystem. This
Herbivores. includes physical factors like temperature, rainfall,
Ans : [CBSE 2016] wind, soil and minerals. (any one)
Ans : 14. How does concentration of a pesticide change once it
Herbivores. enters a food chain? [CBSE 2015]
Ans :

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Chap 15 : Our Enviorment www.cbse.online
Concentration of pesticide gets accumulated 23. State a way to prevent accumulation of harmful
progressively at each trophic level once it enters a chemicals in our bodies. [CBSE 2014]
food chain. Ans :
15. Draw the conclusion if all the herbivores are removed To minimize use of pesticides in agriculture.
from the grassland. [CBSE 2015]
24. During heavy rain in a village the rainwater carried
Ans : excessive fertilizers to a pond. How will it affect the
If all the herbivores are removed from the grassland, fish population in the pond in the long run?
carnivores will not be able to survive and the Ans : [CBSE 2014]
autotrophs will increase in number.
The growth of fish will decrease as water gets polluted
16. Write the appropriate names of the trophic levels Z due to excessive algae growth.
and X in the figure given
25. “Flow of energy is unidirectional.” Name the first two
components of the environment involved in this flow
of energy from the sun. [CBSE 2014]
Ans :
Producers and primary consumers.

NO NEED TO PURCHASE ANY BOOKS

For session 2019-2020 free pdf will be available at
www.cbse.online for
1. Previous 15 Years Exams Chapter-wise Question
Ans : [CBSE 2015] Bank
2. Previous Ten Years Exam Paper (Paper-wise).
Tertiary consumers, X : Primary consumers. 3. 20 Model Paper (All Solved).
17. What is meant by biological magnification? 4. NCERT Solutions
All material will be solved and free pdf. It will be
Ans : [CBSE 2015]
provided by 30 September and will be updated regularly.
Accumulation of non-biodegradable chemicals Disclaimer : www.cbse.online is not affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education,
New Delhi in any manner. www.cbse.online is a private organization which provide free
progressively at each trophic level in a food chain is study material pdfs to students. At www.cbse.online CBSE stands for Canny Books
For School Education
called biological magnification.

18. Give one example each from your daily life where the
26. Mention one negative effect of our affluent lifestyle on
domestic waste can be reused and recycled.
the environment. [CBSE 2014]
Ans : [All India 2014]
Ans :
Waste paper, boxes, envelopes, plastic and glass
Our activities to maintain an affluent lifestyle pollute
bottles.
the environment.
19. Select one item which is made up of biodegradable
27. Name two gases which have replaced CFCs.
material - plastic bag, leather bag, nylon rope, kettle
Ans : [CBSE 2014]
Ans : [All India 2014-15]
(i) Isobutane (ii) Perfluorocarbon (PFC)
Leather bag.
28. Write any two consequences if decomposers are
20. In the food chain given below identify the trophic level
removed from the ecosystem. [CBSE 2014]
in which the number of organisms available would be
minimum? Ans :
Grass $ grasshopper $ Frog $ Snake $ (i) Dead organisms will pile up.
Peacock (ii) There will be no replenishment of soil.
Ans : [All India 2014-15]
29. State 10 percent law. [All India 2013]
Peacock.
Ans :
21. Identify the biodegradable pollutant from the The energy available at any trophic level is only 10%
following: of energy from previous trophic level.
Sewage, agricultural waste, fertilizers and pesticide.
30. What will be the impact on ecosystems if bacteria,
Ans : [All India 2014-15]
fungi/microorganism are removed from the
Sewage. environment?
22. List two items that can be easily recycled but we Ans : [All India 2013]
throw them in the dustbin. Complex organic molecules will not breakdown into
Ans : [All India 2014] simple inorganic substances, preventing replenishment
of soil.
Glass and plastic items can be easily recycled.

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Chap 15 : Our Enviorment www.cbse.online
31. Give one example from your daily life where the Compounds which depletes ozone layer are:
household wastes can be effectively reused and (i) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and fluorocarbons.
recycled respectively. (ii) Free chlorine.
Ans : [All India 2013] (iii) Aerosols.
To reuse paper envelope To recycle-plastic mug. 42. Draw a food chain which operates in a forest ecosystem.

32. Why did United Nations act to reduce the levels of

Ans : [CBSE 2012,13]
chloroflurocarbons used in refrigerators? Grass $ Deer $ Tiger.
Ans : [All India 2012]
43. Give the full form of CFC.
UN wanted to check the depletion of ozone layer. Ans : [CBSE 2012,13]
33. How is ozone layer important for human kind? CFC stands for Chlorofluorocarbon compounds.
Ans : [All India 2012]
44. In a certain study conducted on occurrence of DDT
Ozone layer checks the entry of ultra violet rays of along food chains in an ecosystem, the concentration
sun from reaching the earth. These rays otherwise can of DDT in grass was found to be 0.5 ppm (parts per
cause skin and blood cancer as well as defects in vision million), in sheep it was 2 ppm and in man it was 10
in human beings. ppm. Why was the concentration of DDT maximum
in case of man?
34. A primary consumer in the food chain has 10000 J
energy available. How much energy will be provided Ans : [CBSE 2012,13]
for tertiary consumer in this food chain? DDT is non-biodegradable substance which
Ans : [All India 2012] accumulates at each trophic level. Since man is at the
highest trophic level, there is maximum accumulation
100 J.
of DDT in him (biological magnification).
35. Name the two components of an ecosystem.
45. Ozone is deadly poisonous, still it performs an essential
Ans : [Delhi 2012] function. How? [CBSE 2012]
Biotic and abiotic are two components of an ecosystem. Ans :
36. Name two decomposers operating in our ecosystem. Ozone layer shields the surface of the earth and blocks
the entry of UV rays from the sun.
Ans : [Delhi 2012]
Bacteria and fungi. 46. What is depicted in the below mentioned scheme?
Ans : [CBSE 20121
37. How do bacteria and fungi able to decompose some of
the wastes in our ecosystem? [Delhi 2012] Food chain/10% law.
Ans : 47. List two man-made ecosystems. [CBSE 2012]
Bacteria and fungi have enzymes to break down Ans :
complex organic substances to simple and smaller
Aquarium, crop land, park are man made ecosystem.
ones.
48. “Save the Tiger” campaign is being over¬emphasised
38. Which chemical is used in fire extinguishers? How is
these days by our government. What may be the
it harmful?
possible reason? [CBSE 2012]
Ans : [CBSE 2012]
Ans :
Fire extinguishers use Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). It
Tiger stands at the top trophic level. To maintain
depletes ozone layer.
ecological balance in nature and to preserve gene pool.
39. What are the two main components of our environment? Tiger is a threatened species. To help its survival, the
‘Save the Tiger’ campaign is emphasized.
Ans : [CBSE 2012,13]
Two main components of our environment are: 49. Why are plastics non-biodegradable substances?
a. Biotic (e.g., plants, animals etc.) Ans : [CBSE 2012]
b. Abiotic (e.g., soil, air, water etc.)
Plastics cannot be broken down by the action of
40. Why are green plants called ‘producers’ ? enzymes/bacteria/saprophyte.
Ans : [CBSE 2012] 50. Mention the role of microorganisms like bacteria and
‘Producers’ are the organisms which prepare their fungi in the ecosystem. [CBSE 2012]
own food in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll. Ans :
Therefore green plants are called producers as they
To breakdown the dead remains and waste product of
prepare their own food.
organisms.
41. Which compounds are responsible for the depletion of
51. In the following food chain, grass provides 4000 J of
ozone layer? [CBSE 2012]
energy to the grasshopper. How much energy will be
Ans :
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Chap 15 : Our Enviorment www.cbse.online
available to snake and frog? 90%.
Grass, Grasshopper, Frog, Snake.
59. Why should use of Chlorofluorocarbons be reduced?
Ans : [CBSE 2012]
Ans : [CBSE 2010]
Grass $ Grasshopper $ Frog $ Snake
(4000 J) (400 J) (40 J) (4 J) Chlorofluorocarbons [CFCs] are res¬ponsible for
So, for snake and frog, 4 J and 40 J energy will be depletion of ozone layer.
available by 10 % law respectively.
60. Mention two ways to make our environment clean of
52. What is meant ‘non-biodegradable’ waste? Identify garbage?
biodegradable waste from the following: Ans : [Delhi 2008]
Empty packet of chips, empty plastic bottle of mineral a. Reduce the use of plastics
water, empty paper box of sweets, empty tin of a cold b. Recycle waste paper, plastic, glass and metal
drink. items.
Ans : [CBSE 2012]
NO NEED TO PURCHASE ANY BOOKS
Substances that do not break down by biological
process are called non¬biodegradable waste. Empty For session 2019-2020 free pdf will be available at
paper box of sweets. www.cbse.online for
1. Previous 15 Years Exams Chapter-wise Question
53. Consider a food chain consisting of: Bank
wheat, rat, snakes, peacock: 2. Previous Ten Years Exam Paper (Paper-wise).
What will happen if all the snakes are killed? 3. 20 Model Paper (All Solved).
Ans : [CBSE 2012] 4. NCERT Solutions
All material will be solved and free pdf. It will be
If all snakes of food chain are killed the peacocks
provided by 30 September and will be updated regularly.
belonging to the next level will also die. Also the Disclaimer : www.cbse.online is not affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education,
population of rats in the preceding level will highly New Delhi in any manner. www.cbse.online is a private organization which provide free
study material pdfs to students. At www.cbse.online CBSE stands for Canny Books
increase. For School Education

54. Choose one consumer each that belongs to the second

and third trophic levels from the organisms given
below: TWO MARKS QUESTIONS
Eagle, frog, tiger, rabbit, fox
Ans : [CBSE 2012] 61. State two advantages of conserving
(i) Second trophic level $ Rabbit (i) forests
(ii) Third trophic level $ Frog and fox. (ii) wild life
Ans : [All India 2017]
55. What happens during the first step of ozone formation
in the atmosphere? [CBSE 2012] (i) Advantages of conserving forest are termed as
Ans : “biodiversity hotspots”. They have large number
of species of plants and animals.
Oxygen in the presence of UV rays splits oxygen (a) They purify air, help in recharging
molecule into 2 oxygen atoms. groundwater, bring rains and maintain the
+ fertility of soil.
+ (b) They are also a source of income for tribal
people.
56. Why are non-biodegradable substances not broken (ii) Wild life is important
down by microbes? [CBSE 2012] (a) To preserve bio-diversity.
Ans : (b) As each species has a position in the food
chain so wildlife helps in balancing the nature.
Microbes are highly specific enzymes which can
breakdown natural materials. 62. What are ozone holes? How do they form?
Ans : [Delhi 2016]
57. If the energy available in phytoplanktons is 10,000 KJ,
how much energy would a whale get on consuming The coolants of Refrigerators and A/Cs use CFCs
them? which release fluorine which react with ozone gas
Ans : [Delhi 2011] and break it into oxygen and a very reactive form
of atomic oxygen which in turn can break another
1000 J. ozone molecule. Thus a chain reaction starts and layer
of ozone becomes thinner at some places in upper
58. When plants are eaten by primary consumers, a great
atmosphere. These are called ozone holes.
deal of energy is lost as heat to the environment
and some amount goes in carrying out various life 63. In cities garbage disposal is a major problem. How can
processes. State the average percentage of energy lost we deal with this problem? List any two ways.
in this manner.
Ans : [All India 2016]
Ans : [Sample Paper 2010]

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Chap 15 : Our Enviorment www.cbse.online
Two methods of garbage disposal are: given food chain?
a. Converting organic wastes into biogas or compost. Plants $ Deers $ Tigers
Organic wastes like cow dung, leaves etc can be Ans : [CBSE 2015]
decomposed and converted into useful substance
If all deers are removed from the given food chain,
like biogas and manure.
then
b. Recycling plastics, glass and metals.
a. Tigers will not survive.
64. Compare the advantages of cloth bags over polythene b. Plants will increase in number.
bags. [CBSE 2016]
70. Food web increases the stability of an ecosystem.
Ans : Justify.
Cloth bags being biodegradable are broken down by Ans : [CBSE 2015]
the action of bacteria or other saprophytes, whereas
Food web depicts feeding connection in an ecological
polythene bags being non-biodegradable persist in
community. It consists of many food chains. Thus, if
the environment for a long time, causing harm to the
any of the organism becomes endangered or extinct,
ecosystem.
the one who is dependent on it has an alternative
65. Pesticides like DDT which are sprayed to kill pests on option available to him for its survival. In this way,
crops are found to be present in the soil, groundwater, food web increases stability in an ecosystem.
water bodies etc. Explain how do they reach these
NO NEED TO PURCHASE ANY BOOKS
places?
Ans : [CBSE 2016] For session 2019-2020 free pdf will be available at
www.cbse.online for
a. Soil: Pesticides are sprayed to protect plants from 1. Previous 15 Years Exams Chapter-wise Question
insects and they, consequently, get settled into soil Bank
particles, when used on plants. 2. Previous Ten Years Exam Paper (Paper-wise).
b. Groundwater: Through irrigation in the fields, 3. 20 Model Paper (All Solved).
these pesticides present in soil pass into lower 4. NCERT Solutions
layers of soil and reaches groundwater. All material will be solved and free pdf. It will be
c. Water bodies: When the waste water or other provided by 30 September and will be updated regularly.
agricultural waste is thrown in water bodies like Disclaimer : www.cbse.online is not affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education,
New Delhi in any manner. www.cbse.online is a private organization which provide free
river, canals, ponds, etc., the pesticides affect study material pdfs to students. At www.cbse.online CBSE stands for Canny Books
water bodies. For School Education

66. Aquariums need to be cleaned once in a while, whereas

ponds or lakes do not require any cleaning. Explain. 71. State with reason any two possible consequences of
elimination of decomposers from the earth.
Ans : [CBSE 2016]
Ans : [CBSE 2015]
A aquarium is not a ‘self-sustained’ ecosystem. Waste
in aquarium cannot be decomposed as microorganisms Two possible consequences of elimination of
in it are not active. decomposers from the earth are:
a. Increase of complex organic substances causes
Whereas ponds and lakes are natural, and self- land, water and air pollution.
sustained ecosystem in which microorganisms help in b. It may disturb ecosystem as without decomposition,
decomposing the waste matters. soil will not be replenished, which is essential for
‘plants’, which forms the basis of an ecosystem.
67. What is ozone? How does it form?
Ans : [All India 2015] 72. Differentiate between the food habits I of organisms
Ozone layer forms due to combination of molecular belonging to the first and second trophic level.
and elemental form of oxygen in the presence of UV Ans : [All India 2014-15]
rays. O3 or ozone is a deadly poison formed from First trophic level : Producer/autotroph Second
oxygen O2, due to the effect of UV rays of sun. trophic level: Primary consumer/ herbivore.
68. Accumulation of harmful chemicals in our body can 73. State two methods to get rid of non-biodegradable
be avoided. Explain how this can be achieved. wastes.
Ans : [CBSE 2015] Ans : [CBSE 2014]
Accumulation of chemicals in our body can be avoided a. Paper bags or cloth bags should be used to carry
by: things instead of plastic bags.
a. Washing vegetables and fruits properly with b. Non-biodegradable wastes should be sent in
water. factories for recycling.
b. Soak vegetables and fruits in salt water for few
minutes before cooking. 74. Define food web. State its significance for ecosystem.
c. Most vegetables should be boiled. Ans : [CBSE 2014]
d. ‘Organic subtances’ should be used for cultivation.
A system of interconnected food chains between
69. What will happen if all the deers are removed in the various organisms is called a food web.

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A food web maintains ecological balance by b. No, because flow of energy is unidirectional. It is
maintaining the interdependene of different organisms. from lower to higher level.

75. Why Amrita Devi Bishnoi national award for wildlife 81. How will food chain be affected if we hunt all the
conservation has been instituted? [Foreign 2013] tigers in a forest? [All India 2012]
Ans : Ans :
Amrita Devi Bishnoi gave her life while saving wild Tiger is the top Consumer or Top Carnivore.
life and forest trees in her locality. This award is given Eliminating it from food chain through hunting would
for those who show major contribution in conservation lead to leaving the organism at trophic level below
and protection of wild life. it to multiply without control. Since there are large
herbivores like deer, they will eat up the producers
76. Government of India is imposing ban on the use of (grass, plants) and make the soil without vegetation.
polythene bags for shopping. List four advantages of
using cloth or jute bag over polythene bags. No vegetation in soil would cause desertification,
soil erosion, floods, drought etc. Less vegetation means
Ans : [Foreign 2013]
less rainfall and disruption of water cycle. It will be a
Four advantages of using jute/cloth bag over polythene vicious cycle.
bags:
Thus this act can lead to ecological balance as
a. It is biodegradable.
well as climatic problems.
b. Does not add to the garbage and land pollution.
c. Made from renewable resources. 82. Mention the differences between food habits of
d. Does not block the flow of water in the drains. organisms belonging to the first and third trophic
e. Can be washed and reused many times. level. Give one example of each of them.
77. State the meaning of ‘biodiversity’. List two advantages Ans : [CBSE 2012,13]
of conserving forest and wildlife. [Foreign 2013]
First Trophic Level Third Trophic Level
Ans :
1. The organisms of this The organisms of
Biodiversity consists of various species of plants and trophic level are plants this trophic level are
animals. Wild life means our flora and fauna. and are also called animals and are also
Two advantages of conserving forest and wildlife are: producers. called secondary.
a. To preserve bio-diversity.
b. As each species has a position in the food chain so 2. They transform They obtain chemical
wildlife helps in balancing the nature. solar energy into energy by eating other
chemical energy by animals.
78. We often observe domestic waste decomposing in the photosynthesis. e.g., e.g., all carnivores
by lanes of residential colonies. Suggest ways to make grass (all green plants) (like lion).
people realise that the improper disposal of waste is
harmful to the environment. [Delhi 2013] 83. List two causes of depletion of ozone layer. Mention
any two harmful effects of depletion of this layer.
Ans :
Ans : [CBSE 2012]
a. Provide separate dustbins - green for wet waste
and blue for recyclable dry waste at public places. Two causes of depletion of ozone layer are:
b. Resident welfare associations should insist on i. Use of CFs (Chlorofluorocarbons) in refrigerator.
segregation of household waste before their ii. Use of CFCs in fire extinguishers and aerosol
disposal to outside. sprayers.
c. Awareness campaigns like Swachh Bharat to The harmful effects of depletion of ozone layer are:
disseminate the knowledge about consequences of a. Due to depletion of ozone layer, UV radiations
improper disposal of wastes. reach the earth. These UV radiations cause skin
cancer, damage to eyes and immune system.
79. What would happen if number of carnivores decreases b. This depletion of ozone layer may also lead to
in an ecosystem? [CBSE 2013] variations.
Ans :
84. What will happen if we kill all the organism in a
a. Population of herbivores will increase beyond trophic level?
control. Ans : [All India 2011]
b. Autotrophs will disappear from earth due to
overgrazing done by herbivores. The food chain will get disrupted if we kill all the
c. Both these factors may disturb food chains thus organism in a trophic level. The organism at the lower
affecting the ecosystem. level will increase in number as there in no one to eat
them and those at higher level will die of starvation.
80. State the direction of flow of energy in food chain. This will cause ecological imbalance.
Can food and energy from a trophic level move back
to the previous level? Give reason for your answer.
THREE MARKS QUESTIONS
Ans : [CBSE 2013]
a. Energy flows from producer to top carnivores.

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Chap 15 : Our Enviorment www.cbse.online
85. Students in a school listened to the news read in the school which is creating environmental awareness
morning assembly that the mountain of garbage in amongst the school students, spreading the same in
Delhi, suddenly exploded and various vehicles got society and working hard for preventing environmental
buried under it. Several people were also injured and degradation of the surroundings.
there was traffic jam all around. In the brain storming a. Why is it necessary to conserve our environment?
session, the teacher also discussed this issue and asked b. State the importance of green and blue ) dustbins
the students to find out a solution to the problem of in the safe disposal of the household waste.
garbage. Finally they arrived at two main points - one c. List two values exhibited by your classmate who is
is self management of the garbage we produce and the an active member of the Eco-club of your school.
second is to generate less garbage at individual level. Ans : [All India 2016]
a. Suggest two measures to manage the garbage we
a. Conservation of our environment is necessary
produce.
to leave it in good condition for our future
b. As an individual, what can we do to generate the
generations.
least garbage? Give two points.
b. Green and blue dustbins should be used to
c. List two values the teacher instilled in his students
segregate wet and dry waste so that according to
in this episode.
their nature they can be sent for the safe disposal
Ans : [All India 2018] to compost pits/ biogas plant and recycling in
a. Segregation and safe disposal. Encouraging use of factories.
recycled paper, plastic and glass items. c. Two values: He is concerned about environment,
b. Following the strategy of 3Rs: problem solving attitude.
(i) Reducing the use of packing, buying only
whatever is required, taking small serving at 88. Monika was observing a lizard on the wall which
a time. chased an insect and ate it. She felt that lizard is
(ii) Reusing envelops, boxes, bottles and . cans. cruel and ugly. Suddenly the lizard fell and was eaten
Old clothes can be converted into dusters, by a cat. She started thinking, how organisms are
bags etc connected to each other for their food?
(c) (i) Scientific attitude (ii) concern for environment. a. What is a food chain? Will the world be a better
place without lizards?
86. You have been selected to talk on “ozone layer and its b. Make a food chain of five organisms.
protection” in the school assembly on ‘Environment c. Do you think lizard is cruel and ugly?
Day’. d. To which trophic level does the lizard belong?
a. Why should ozone layer be protected to save the Ans : [All India 2017]
environment?
a. Food chain is a sequence of ‘who eats whom’ in
b. List any two ways you will stress in your talk to
an ecosystem. No, lizards are a part of many food
bring the awareness amongst your fellow students
chains. Without them food chain will be disrupted.
that would protect the ozone layer as well as the
b. Grass $ grass hopper $ frog $ snake
environment. [Delhi 2017]
$ peacock.
or
c. No, it is only obtaining food for its survival like
How is depletion of ozone layer a matter of concern?
all other organisms.
What steps should be taken to check their formation?
d. Third trophic level/ secondary consumer/ small
Ans : [2008 Panchkula] carnivore.
Depletion of Ozone Layer due to release of CFCs. It
will result in UV radiation reaching the earth, causing 89. a. What is the height of ozone from the equator?
skin cancer, damage to eyes and immune system. b. Name the rays against which ozone layer provides
a. Two steps which can be taken are alternate protection.
technology and chemicals should be used to make c. Name one effect of depletion of ozone.
these appliances where CFCs and CFs are being Ans : [CBSE 2016]
used. i. 10 to 16 km.
b. In 1987, the United Nations Environment ii. UV rays.
Programme (UNEP) succeeded in forging an iii. Global wanning.
agreement to freeze CFC production at 1986
levels. Many countries have banned the use of 90. Differentiate between autotrophs, heterotrophs and
CFCs. decomposers and give one example of each.
Ans : [CBSE 2016]
87. The activities of man has adverse effect on all forms
of living organisms in the biosphere. Unlimited a. Autotrophs are the organisms that can make their
exploitation of nature by man disturbed the delicate own food from carbon dioxide and water under
ecological balance between the living and non-living the action of sunlight and in the presence of
components of the biosphere. The unfavourable chlorophyll. Example: All green plants.
conditions created by man himself threatened the b. Heterotrophs are the organisms which cannot make
survival of not only of himself but also of the entire their own food by the process of photosynthesis
living organisms on the mother earth. One of your and are dependent on others for food. Example:
classmate is an active member of‘Eco Club’ of your All animals.

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Chap 15 : Our Enviorment www.cbse.online
c. Decomposers are the organisms that decompose eating the food some friends collected the leftover
the complex molecules present in the dead remains food and plastic bags etc and planned to dispose them
of plants and animals. Example: Bacteria, Fungi. off by burning. Rakesh immediately checked them
and suggested to segregate the leftover food and peels
91. a. What is an ecosystem? List its two main of fruits from the plastic materials and respectively
components. dispose them off separately in the green and red
b. We do not clean ponds or lakes, but an aquarium dustbins placed in the corner of the park.
needs to be cleaned regularly. Explain. a. In your opinion, is burning plastic an eco¬friendly
Ans : [CBSE 2016, Delhi 2013, CBSE 2008] method of waste disposal? Why? State the
a. A self-sustaining functional unit consisting of advantage of method suggested by Rakesh.
living (biotic) and nonliving (abiotic) components, b. How can we contribute in maintain the parks and
is called an ecosystem. roads neat and clean?
1. Biotic components: Plants and animals. Ans : [Delhi 2015]
2. Abiotic components: Light, soil, temperature, a. No, it pollutes air.
humidity, wind, air, etc. Advantage: Segregation of wastes into
b. An aquarium is an artificial and incomplete biodegradable and non biodegradable wastes at
ecosystem in contrast to a pond or lake which is the initial stage of disposal saves time and energy.
natural, self- sustaining and complete ecosystem. b. By putting wastes in proper dustbins.
In natural ecosystem, decomposers help in
recycling waste. So, an aquarium needs to be 95. “Energy flow in a food chain is unidirectional.” Justify
cleaned regularly. this statement. Explain how the pesticides enter a
food chain and subsequently get into our body.
92. What is ozone? How and where is it formed in the
Ans : [CBSE 2015, All India 2014]
atmosphere? Explain how it affects an ecosystem?
Ans : [Foreign 2015] a. Energy moves progressively through the various
trophic levels and is no longer available to the
Ozone is a molecule containing three atoms of oxygen previous trophic level. The energy captured by
(O3), a highly poisonous gas present in the upper autotrophs does not revert back to the solar
layers of the atmosphere. input. Therefore flow of energy is unidirectional.
Formation of ozone - The UV radiations split some b. Pesticides, used for crop rotation when washed
molecular oxygen (O2) apart into free oxygen atoms down into the soil/water body, are absorbed by
(O + O). These atoms then combine with molecular the plant/producer along with water and minerals.
oxygen to form ozone. Being non-biodegradable these chemicals get
Affects of an ecosystems are: accumulated progressively in the food chain and
i. Due to depletion of ozone layer, UV radiations enter our body.
reach the earth. These UV radiations cause skin
cancer, damage to eyes and immune system. NO NEED TO PURCHASE ANY BOOKS
ii. This depletion of ozone layer may also lead to For session 2019-2020 free pdf will be available at
variations. www.cbse.online for
1. Previous 15 Years Exams Chapter-wise Question
93. Differentiate between biodegradable and non-
Bank
biodegradable substances with the help of one
2. Previous Ten Years Exam Paper (Paper-wise).
example each. List two changes in habit that people
3. 20 Model Paper (All Solved).
must adopt to dispose non-biodegradable waste, for
4. NCERT Solutions
saving the environment.
All material will be solved and free pdf. It will be
Ans : [All India 2015] provided by 30 September and will be updated regularly.
Disclaimer : www.cbse.online is not affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education,
a. Biodegradable substances can be broken down New Delhi in any manner. www.cbse.online is a private organization which provide free
into simpler substances by nature or decomposers study material pdfs to students. At www.cbse.online CBSE stands for Canny Books
For School Education
or bacteria or saprophytes. Example: Human
excreta, Vegetable peels, etc.
b. Non-biodegradable substances cannot be broken 96. Larger animals kill the smaller animals in the forest,
down into simpler substances by nature or eat whatever they can, leave the rest in the forest but
decomposers. Example: Plastic/glass. the forest is never found full of dead animals. What
Habits which people must inculcate are: happens to the bodies of these dead animals?
c. Use of separate dustbins for biodegradable and Ans : [All India 2015, Delhi 2012]
non-biodegradable waste..
d. Reuse of things such as poly-bags, etc. Bacteria and fungi have enzymes to break down
e. Recycle of waste. complex organic substances to simple and smaller
f. Use of cotton/jute bags for carrying vegetables ones. They decompose them returning the nutrients
etc. back to soil/ humus.

94. After the examination Rakesh with his friends went 97. Within the school premises while playing some
on a picnic to a nearby park. All friends carried cooled students observed that some people are burning dry
food packed in plastic bags or plastic cans. After leaves. They knew that it would cause harm to the
environment. They immediately went and to these
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Chap 15 : Our Enviorment www.cbse.online
people requested them to stop it. 101. Distinguish between biodegradable , and non-
(i) How can the above activity be changed to make it biodegradable substances. ‘ List two effects of each of
environment friendly? them on our environment.
(ii) “Students took initiative to stop the practice”. Ans : [CBSE2012,13,15]
What values are displayed by them in this
situation? Biodegradable Non-biodegradable
(iii) How can we spread awareness among people 1. Substances that Substances that are
about being environment friendly? are broken down by not broken down by
Ans : [All India 2014-15] biological processes biological processes
(i) Dry leaves can be put in the cojnpost pit to make are said to be are said to be non-
manure. biodegradable. biodegradable.
(ii) Concern for environment, scientific temperament. 2. These substances These substances
(iii) Counselling, posters, print and audio visual get recycled and, require a lot of space
media. therefore, do not for dumping which
require any dumping causes wastage of
98. What is wild life? How is it important? How is it
sites. land.
being protected by government of India?
Ans : [All India 2013, 2016] Effects of biodegradable substances:
Wild life means our flora and fauna. It is important: a. They release harmful gases like methane,
a. to preserve bio-diversity. ammonia, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide,
b. as each species has a position in the food chain so etc., during decomposition process.
wildlife helps in balancing the nature. b. They release foul smell only during decomposition
Various species of plants and animals are preserved process but they do not cause any type of soil
in botanical gardens, national parks, zoological parks pollution.
and wildlife sanctuaries. Effects of non-biodegradable substances:
a. They persist in the environment for a long time
99. List three environmental friendly practices which you and, thus, harm the various members of the
would like to form a part of your daily habits giving ecosystem.
justification for each. b. They release very harmful gases when they are
Ans : [Foreign 2013] acted upon by physical processes like heat and
pressure.
Three environmental friendly activities are: c. They cause pollution of air, soil and water.
a. Should walk short distance to reduce use of vehicle
running on fossil fuels. 102. Make an aquatic food chain up to tertiary consumer
b. Use both sides of papers to reduce its use. Less level. State the trophic level at which concentration of
trees will be cut to make more paper. pesticide is maximum and why? [Sample Paper 2010]
c. Packing the gifts should not be practiced. It will Ans :
reduce the use of shiny but non- biodegradable
packing paper. Instead use the boxes and envelopes Phytoplankton —> Zooplankton -> Small fish —>
in which the gifts was received. Bird.
Tertiary consumer, E.g., Bird.
100. State one important function of ozone layer in the Pesticides are not degradable and get progressively
atmosphere. How is it formed there? Which compounds accumulated at each trophic level.
are responsible for the depletion of ozone layer? How
103. Write the aquatic organisms in order of who eats
do these compounds enter into the atmosphere?
whom starting from producer and form a chain of
Ans : [CBSE 2012,13,15]
at least three steps. What name is given to such a
Ozone present in the upper regions of the atmosphere chain in an ecosystem and what name is given to each
protects us from dangerous UV radiations. stage. [Sample Paper 2010]
Formation of ozone layer : Ans :
Ozone at the higher levels of the atmosphere is
a product of UV radiations acting on oxygen (O2) a. Phytoplankton, Zooplankton, Fish,
molecule. The higher energy UV radiations split apart b. Aquatic food chain.
some molecular oxygen (O2) into free oxygen (O) c. Producer, herbivore, camivore/Producer, Primary
atoms. These atoms then combine with the molecular consumer, Secondary consumer.
oxygen to form ozone as shown: 104. How is depletion of ozone layer a matter of concern?
+ What steps should be taken to check their formation?
[Panchkula 2008]
+ or
How is ozone formed in the upper atmosphere? Why
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are responsible for is damage to ozone layer a cause of concern to us?
the depletion of ozone layer. These compounds enter What causes this damage?
the atmosphere. Ans : [All India 2008 2008C]

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Chap 15 : Our Enviorment www.cbse.online

Depletion of Ozone layer occurs due to release of environment and maintained ecological balance.
CFCs. This will result in UV radiation reaching the (ii) Forest wealth could be utilized for food, fodder,
earth, thereby causing skin cancer, damage to eyes fuel, fertilizers and fibers keeping in mind its
and immune system. conservation.
Two steps which can be taken are alternate technology We should conserve forests as:
and chemicals should be used to make these appliances (i) Forests purify the air and also prevent pollution
where CFs and CFCs are being used. of air and regulate the climate by maintaining the
In 1987, the United Nations Environment level of rainfall necessary for their own existence.
Programme (UNEP) succeeded in forging an (ii) Forests are a storehouse of biodiversity (hotspots
agreement to freeze CFC production at 1986 levels. of biodiversity).
Many countries have banned the use of CFCs.
WWW.CBSE.ONLINE

FIVE MARKS QUESTIONS NO NEED TO PURCHASE ANY BOOKS

For session 2019-2020 free pdf will be available at
www.cbse.online for
105. Some wastes in nature persist for a long time while
1. Previous 15 Years Exams Chapter-wise Question
others get decomposed in a shorter period. Explain
Bank
their difference. State in brief two ways each in which
2. Previous Ten Years Exam Paper (Paper-wise).
they affect the environment.
3. 20 Model Paper (All Solved).
Ans : [All India 2013] 4. NCERT Solutions
All wastes generated are not of the same nature. All material will be solved and free pdf. It will be
Biodegradable wastes such as plant and animal provided by 30 September and will be updated regularly.
Disclaimer : www.cbse.online is not affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education,
can be acted upon by decomposers in nature and New Delhi in any manner. www.cbse.online is a private organization which provide free
study material pdfs to students. At www.cbse.online CBSE stands for Canny Books
broken down easily in simpler substances as they For School Education
possess enzymes to do so. Example: animal excreta,
fruit peels, leftover food, crop refuge and so on.
Some other wastes or materials especially the
ones produced by man can not be broken down by
decomposers as they do not possess enzymes to do
so. They are non biodegradable wastes such as some
pesticide-DDT, detergents, plastics, radioactive
wastes, metals etc. These substance may be broken
down by chemical and physical processes in nature
such as rusting of iron but not by biological processes.
Two ways each in which biodegradable wastes
affect the environment:
a. The beauty of a place and it stinks.
b. It attracts flies, cockroaches and germs which
spread diseases.
Biodegradable pollutants are agricultural waste
and sewage.
Non biodegradable wastes affect our environment
by entering the food chain and accumulating in the
body of organisms (biomagnification).
Nitrates and phosphates entering the water bodies
can result in eutrophication. Some pesticide-DDT,
detergents, plastics, radioactive wastes, metals etc.

106. Give one instance where people’s participation helped

to save this natural resource? Why should forests be
conserved?
Ans : [All India 2009] [Delhi 2017]
Chipko movement i.e., “hug the trees movement” is
one of the movements in India to conserve biodiversity
and to the end the alienation of people from their
forests which started in March 1973 by Sunder Lal
Bahuguna in Hilly areas like Himachal Pradesh.
Two benefits are:
(i) Existing forest cover was protected reducing
landslides, land erosion. It actually protected

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