Our Environment Class 10: The NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 15, titled “Our Environment,” offer significant benefits to students in thoroughly grasping the concepts. These solutions are meticulously crafted by subject experts in accordance with the latest CBSE syllabus.

The comprehensive questions and detailed answers provided in the NCERT Solutions enable students to comprehend the core ideas and principles covered in the CBSE Class 10 Science examination. By studying from these solutions, students can enhance their chances of achieving good marks in their exams.

This chapter delves into various aspects of the environment, such as the composition of air, the significance of air in soil, the role of oxygen in supporting living organisms, and the importance of the atmosphere for both plants and our survival. By exploring these topics, students can gain valuable knowledge about their surroundings and their impact on life.

In conclusion, utilizing the NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 15 equips students with a deeper understanding of the subject matter, enabling them to excel in their academic endeavors.

Our Environment Class 10 Chapter 13 Solution for NCERT

Our Environment Class 10 Chapter 13 Solution for NCERT

Q 1. What are the trophic levels? Give an example of a food chain and state the different trophic levels in it.

The food chain operates through the transfer of food or energy at different levels, which are referred to as trophic levels.

For instance:

Grass → Goat → Man

In this food chain:

– Grass occupies the first trophic level.
– The goat occupies the second trophic level.
– Man occupies the third trophic level.

At each trophic level, energy is passed from one organism to another, demonstrating the flow of nutrients and energy through the ecosystem.

Q 2. What is the role of decomposers in the ecosystem?

Decomposers play crucial roles within the ecosystem:

1. Acting as environmental cleansers, they decompose deceased plants and animals, aiding in the breakdown and removal of organic matter.
2. They contribute to nutrient recycling, breaking down organic material and releasing essential nutrients back into the ecosystem for reuse.
3. By decomposing the deceased, they create room for new life forms to thrive in the biosphere, ensuring the continuous cycle of life.
4. Decomposers play a vital role in returning various elements to the water, soil, and air, making them available again for producers like crop plants to utilize. This process sustains the ecosystem’s balance and productivity.

Q 3. Why are some substances biodegradable and some non-biodegradable?

The distinction between biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances stems from the specific roles of microorganisms, such as bacteria, and decomposers, like saprophytes. These natural agents are equipped to break down certain materials in the environment, like paper and wood, which are considered biodegradable. However, human-made products like plastics cannot be broken down by these organisms. As a result, some substances fall into the category of biodegradable, while others are classified as non-biodegradable.

Q 4. Give any two ways in which biodegradable substances would affect the environment.

Biodegradable substances have several positive impacts on the environment:

1. Environmental cleanliness is maintained, as biodegradable materials readily undergo decomposition.
2. Biodegradable substances efficiently participate in the geochemical cycle with the assistance of decomposers, ensuring a smooth and natural recycling process.

Q 5. Give any two ways in which non-biodegradable substances would affect the environment.

Non-biodegradable substances can have adverse effects on the environment:

1. They contribute to pollution of the air, soil, and water, posing a significant threat to ecosystems and living organisms.
2. Non-biodegradable substances may lead to bio-magnification within the food chain, potentially impacting humans at the top of the chain, posing serious risks to their health and well-being.

Q 6. What is ozone, and how does it affect the ecosystem?

Ozone is a unique molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms, and it is considered an isotope of oxygen. The ozone layer’s primary role is to shield the Earth’s surface from the detrimental effects of the sun’s harmful UV rays. These rays pose a significant risk to living organisms and have the potential to cause skin cancer. Thus, the ozone layer acts as a crucial protective barrier safeguarding life on our planet from the harmful impacts of excessive ultraviolet radiation.

Q 7. How can you help in reducing the problem of waste disposal? Give any two methods.

To address the issue of waste disposal effectively, consider the following approaches:

1. Embrace the 3 Rs: To minimize waste disposal problems, adopt the principles of the 3 Rs: reduce, recycle, and reuse. Reduce your consumption and waste generation, recycle materials whenever possible, and find ways to reuse items to extend their lifespan. Additionally, opting for public transport over private vehicles not only reduces waste but also helps in lowering air pollution.

2. Composting: Dispose of biodegradable waste, such as kitchen scraps, through composting. By composting organic materials, you can divert them from landfills and create nutrient-rich compost, benefiting soil health and reducing overall waste.

By implementing these waste reduction strategies, we can make a significant positive impact on waste management and promote a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

Q 8. Which of the following groups contain only biodegradable items?

a. Grass, flowers and leather
b. Grass, wood and plastic
c. Fruit peels, cake and lime juice
d. Cake, wood and grass

a) Grass, flowers, and leather
c) Fruit peels, cake, and lime juice
d) Cake, wood, and grass

The groups listed above consist exclusively of biodegradable items. However, since plastic is not biodegradable, any group that includes plastic cannot be considered biodegradable.

Q 9. Which of the following constitutes a food chain?

a. Grass, wheat and mango
b. Grass, goat and human
c. Goat, cow and elephant
d. Grass, fish and goat

In the group comprising of grass, goat, and human:

The grass functions as the producer, as it generates its own food through photosynthesis.

The goat takes on the role of the primary consumer, as it directly consumes the grass for sustenance.

The human serves as the secondary consumer, as they consume the goat, which in turn relies on the grass for its nourishment.

Q 10. What will happen if we kill all the organisms at one trophic level?

Eliminating all the organisms within a specific trophic level will disrupt the flow of food to the next level, leading to an ecological imbalance. Consequently, the higher-level animals will suffer, potentially causing a surge in the population of lower trophic level animals. This uncontrolled growth can severely impact the overall equilibrium within the ecosystem. Maintaining the delicate balance between trophic levels is crucial for the stability and sustainability of the entire ecosystem.

Q 11.Will the impact of removing all the organisms in the trophic level be different for different trophic levels? Can the organisms of any trophic level be removed without causing any damage to the ecosystem?

Indeed, the consequences of eliminating all organisms within a trophic level will vary across different trophic levels. For instance, if all the producers are removed, it could lead to the death or migration of primary consumers, thereby disrupting the balance of trophic levels. This principle applies uniformly to all trophic levels.

Hence, the removal of organisms at any level would result in an upset of the entire ecosystem, as the disruption of the food chain would reverberate throughout. The survival of higher-level animals is entirely reliant on the presence and stability of animals at the lower levels within the ecosystem.

Q 12. What is biological magnification? Will the levels of this magnification be different at different levels of the ecosystem?

Biological magnification refers to the gradual rise in the concentration of non-biodegradable pollutants within the food chain.

With each successive trophic level in the ecosystem, the magnification intensifies, impacting all the other levels and leading to varying concentrations compared to the initial level. This phenomenon highlights the potential risks and consequences of accumulating harmful substances as they move up the food chain, posing a threat to organisms at higher levels.

Q 13. What are the problems caused by the non-biodegradable wastes that we generate?

Non-biodegradable wastes give rise to several issues:

1. Microorganisms cannot decompose these substances, leading to their persistence in the environment.
2. As the quantity of non-biodegradable wastes increases, disposal becomes a challenging problem.
3. Hazardous non-biodegradable wastes, such as heavy metals, may enter the food chain, affecting organisms at higher trophic levels.
4. These wastes have the potential to contaminate groundwater, resulting in soil infertility and disruption in soil pH levels.

Q 14. If all the waste we generate is biodegradable, will this have no impact on the environment?

Biodegradable wastes undergo decomposition by microorganisms, producing simpler substances that can be utilized as raw materials by producers. However, excessive biodegradable waste can lead to the following effects:

1. Slow decomposition of biodegradable wastes results in the emission of unpleasant odors, posing potential harm to humans when inhaled.
2. Dumping areas of excessive biodegradable wastes can become breeding grounds for harmful organisms, posing risks to humans, plants, and animals alike.
3. A surge in the population of aquatic organisms due to biodegradable waste can lead to oxygen depletion in water bodies, potentially harming aquatic ecosystems.

Q 15. Why is damage to the ozone layer a cause for concern? What steps are being taken to limit this damage?

The ozone layer serves as a protective shield for the Earth, safeguarding it from harmful UV rays that can lead to skin cancer. However, the ozone layer’s depletion is primarily caused by air pollutants like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Excessive UV rays can have detrimental effects on plants, affecting photosynthesis, and harming vital organisms such as plankton and decomposers. This concern arises from the potential consequences of ozone layer damage.

To address this issue, both developing and developed countries have taken measures to combat the problem. Many nations have signed agreements with and are adhering to the guidelines set forth by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). These guidelines aim to freeze or limit the production and usage of CFCs, serving as a crucial step to mitigate the depletion of the ozone layer.

Key Features of NCERT Solutions for Science Chapter 13 – Our Environment Class 10

Comprehensive answers to the chapter questions have been compiled below using lucid language that can be understood by all.

These answers are genuine and appropriate, making them suitable for CBSE exams, Olympiads, and other competitive exams. The provided responses are concise to aid students in better understanding the concepts.

Please feel free to refer to these solutions to enhance your preparation for various examinations. If you have any further queries, do not hesitate to ask for more detailed explanations. Happy learning!

Read More

• NCERT Solutions Science Class 10 All Chapter
• Chemical Equations and Reactions Class 10: Solution of Sci. Ch.1

Frequently Asked Questions on Our Environment Class 10 NCERT Solutions for Science Chapter 13

Q 1. What is the importance of our environment Chapter for class 10 student?

The environment chapter holds significant importance for Class 10 students as it offers essential insights into the delicate balance of nature and its impact on our lives.

Understanding the environment helps students comprehend the interdependence between living organisms and their surroundings, fostering ecological awareness and responsible behavior.

Knowledge about air, water, soil, and ecosystem components empowers them to become environmentally conscious citizens, contributing to sustainable practices and conservation efforts. Moreover, learning about biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances, pollution, and waste management equips students with practical solutions to address pressing environmental challenges.

This knowledge enables them to make informed decisions, promoting a healthier and harmonious coexistence with the natural world.

Q 2. What is the summary of our environment?

The environment can be divided into three main components:

1. Natural components, which include air, water, land, and all living organisms present in the ecosystem.

2. Human components, encompassing individuals, families, and communities that interact and influence the environment.

3. Human-made components, which consist of artificial structures such as roads, monuments, and industries.

Our environment is a dynamic blend of both natural and human-made elements, creating a complex interplay of phenomena that shape the world around us.

Q 3. What are the things that make our environment?

The environment comprises both a physical and a biological component. The physical part includes non-living elements and conditions such as mountains, valleys, rivers, streams, rocks, soils, sunlight, heat, rain, and snow.

On the other hand, the biological part encompasses living organisms like plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria. Together, these components interact to shape the ecosystem, influencing the life and activities of all living beings in the environment.

Q 4. How can we protect the environment?

Adopt sustainable practices to protect our environment:

1. Reduce, reuse, and recycle to conserve resources and reduce landfill waste.
2. Volunteer for community cleanups and watershed protection to contribute to a cleaner environment.
3. Educate yourself and others about the value of natural resources.
4. Conserve water to minimize ocean pollution from runoff and wastewater.
5. Make sustainable seafood choices to support responsible fishing practices.
6. Opt for eco-friendly shopping by reducing plastic use and using reusable bags.
7. Use energy-efficient light bulbs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and remember to turn off lights when not in use.
8. Plant trees to promote oxygen, energy savings, and combat climate change.
9. Use non-toxic chemicals at home and work to avoid contaminating waterways.
10. Opt for biking over driving to reduce emissions and promote a greener environment.