Environment - Questions and Answers

Chapter 2: Environment and Environmental Problems

1. Write in your own words the meaning of environment.

Environment refers to the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. It includes all the living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components that surround an organism and influence its life and development. The environment encompasses physical, chemical, biological, and social factors that interact with each other.

2. Mention some of the biotic and abiotic elements of environment.

Biotic Elements (Living Components):

Abiotic Elements (Non-living Components):

3. Write the meaning of lithosphere.

The lithosphere is the solid, outer part of the Earth that includes the crust and the upper portion of the mantle. It consists of rocks, minerals, and soil that form the continents and ocean basins. The lithosphere provides the foundation for terrestrial life and contains valuable mineral resources.

4. What are the features included in the hydrosphere?

The hydrosphere includes all the water present on Earth's surface, underground, and in the atmosphere. Its main features are:

5. Write about the composition of the atmosphere.

The atmosphere is composed of several layers of gases that surround the Earth. Its main composition includes:

6. Give an outline of the extent of the biosphere.

The biosphere extends from the deepest ocean floors to the highest mountains where life exists. Its extent includes:

7. Discuss briefly the relation among the four major components of environment.

The four major components of environment - lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere - are interconnected and interdependent:

8. Mention the major causes of environmental change.

Major causes of environmental change:

9. Explain the meaning of environmental problem.

Environmental problems refer to issues that arise when the natural environment is harmed, degraded, or altered in ways that negatively affect living organisms and ecological balance. These problems occur when human activities or natural processes disrupt the normal functioning of ecosystems, leading to adverse consequences for both the environment and human well-being.

10. Write geographical divisions of the environmental problems.

Geographical divisions of environmental problems:

11. What is a local environmental problem? Give examples.

A local environmental problem is one that affects a specific, limited geographical area, typically within a community, city, or small region. These problems have localized impacts and can often be addressed through local initiatives.

Examples:

12. Give two examples of regional environmental problem.

Examples of regional environmental problems:

13. Which problems are considered as global environmental problem?

Global environmental problems:

14. Mention the major environmental problems of the world.

Major global environmental problems:

15. Give the meaning of the term pollution.

Pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. These contaminants, called pollutants, can be naturally occurring substances present in excessive amounts, or man-made substances that degrade the quality of air, water, soil, or other environmental components, making them harmful to living organisms and ecosystems.

16. What is water pollution? How does it occur?

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies such as rivers, lakes, oceans, groundwater, and aquifers, making the water unfit for its intended uses.

How water pollution occurs:

17. Write a short note on land pollution.

Land pollution refers to the degradation of Earth's land surfaces, often caused by human activities and their misuse of land resources. It occurs when waste is not properly disposed of, or when chemicals are released onto the land.

Major causes:

Effects: Soil contamination, reduced soil fertility, health hazards, and ecosystem damage.

18. Write how air is polluted.

Major sources of air pollution:

19. What is a desert? Give the definition of desertification.

Desert: A desert is a barren area of landscape where little precipitation occurs and consequently living conditions are hostile for plant and animal life. Deserts are characterized by extreme temperatures, sparse vegetation, and specific adapted wildlife.

Desertification: Desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture. It is the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, primarily caused by human activities and climatic variations.

20. Mention the causes of desertification.

Major causes of desertification:

21. Is it possible to control desertification?

Yes, desertification can be controlled and reversed through various measures:

22. What is global warming? Mention its causes.

Global Warming: Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.

Major causes of global warming:

23. What are the probable consequences of global warming?

Probable consequences of global warming:

24. Write how to control global warming.

Measures to control global warming:

25. Is there any environmental problem in your own locality? If yes, then explain their causes and indicate some measures for their solution.

Sample Answer (Adapt according to your locality):

Yes, there are several environmental problems in my locality:

1. Air Pollution:

2. Water Pollution:

3. Solid Waste Management:

General Measures: Community participation, strict enforcement of environmental laws, education and awareness programs, sustainable development practices.