UNIT – X ECOLOGY

1. - Consider the following two cases:

Case I - A forest that is rich in biodiversity sees a decline in the animal population. The Government
declared it as a biodiversity hotspot and the forest regained its species richness in few years.

Case II - A lake that is rich in marine fishes sees a decline in its species population due to over
exploitation. One wise man in the area decided to worship the lake. The species population of the
lake again became normal.

Answer the following questions based on the above information: (3)

(i) Which values are being promoted in the above cases?

(ii) Suggest some ways in which you can contribute to this concern.

(iii) What would have been the effect is the forest was not declared a biodiversity hotspot?

Answer :-

(i) Biodiversity conservation, ecosystem protection.

(ii) Educate people of the harm of biodiversity loss/persuade Government agencies to protect areas
under danger.

(iii) The forest would have been destroyed completely and many species of plants and animals
would have been lost forever.

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2. - Raman lives in a coastal village. He is the son of a fisherman. Whenever any unwanted animal
comes in the net, instead of killing it, he puts it back in the sea.

Answer the following questions based on above information: (3)

i. What would have happened, had he killed those animals?

ii. Give one reason to justify that Raman’s action is environment friendly.
iii. How can you contribute in the preservation of flora and fauna around you? Mention any two
steps.

Answer :

i. It would have contributed in disturbing the ecological balance. (1)

ii. He is aware of conserving biodiversity. (1)
iii. Creating sensitivity, by not using products derived from animals, by spreading awareness in
other community members about the importance of biodiversity, by developing empathy and
love for all living organisms. (1)

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3. - A debate was conducted in school on the need to conserve biodiversity. One student felt that
there are so many species on earth, why will it matter if we lose a few. Do you feel the same? Justify
your answer. (2)

Answer:

It is definitely a matter of concern when species become extinct from earth due to human activities.
We are losing species more quickly than normal evolutionary processes can replace. Once a
species becomes extinct, its role in its ecosystem is eliminated, leaving a void and weakening
ecosystem function and services.

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4. Ravi and Shyam are neighbours. Both of them decided to buy cars. Ravi opted for a car that
runs on CNG whereas Shyam opted for a car that runs on petrol. Ravi enjoys planting trees
around his house and along the roadside whereas Shyam does not have interest in growing
trees. He even cuts them for making a fire but does not replant them.

Answer the following questions based on the above information: (2)

(i) Which of the two is good citizen? Which value is being promoted by him?
(ii) What advice would you like to give the other person?

Answer:

(i) Ravi is sensitive to the environment and has concern for the environment and would like to
control air pollution. Since CNG is cheaper than petrol, it is better to buy a vehicle that runs on CNG
rather than petrol.

(ii) When you cut trees, they should be replaced by replanting.

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5. The number of dengue cases had increased in Raman’s village in the last one year. He read
in his textbook that diseases like dengue spread through mosquitoes which breed in stagnant
water. He immediately suggested to his friends and decided to kill the mosquitoes in water
bodies in the locality. They also took help of nearest municipal office.

Answer the following questions based on above information: (3)

i. Which preventive measures do you suggest for the prevention of such diseases caused by
mosquitoes? Mention any two measures.
ii. Which values are displayed by Raman in taking initiative?
iii. Suggest one school activity to promote such values in school students.

Answer:

i. Avoid water logging, proper and regular disinfection, use of mosquito net and repellents.
(1/2 + 1/2=1)
ii. Community Service, Social Responsibility, Environmental protection, Awareness of healthy
living conditions (Any two - 1/2+1/2=1)
iii. Organising campaigns for creating awareness amongst masses, Organising debates,
arranging similar community service. Group discussion (1)
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6. There is fear amongst the community in an area where a nuclear reactor is being installed.
Rakesh is a college student and gives repeated demonstrations using a bomb calorimeter to
show how experiments are conducted safely. What values are exhibited by Rakesh? (1)

Answer:

His concern for the environment and need for the nuclear reactor to manage natural resources
effectively.

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7. Amrit’s school insisted on carpooling and initiates a campaign to encourage parents to

volunteer for the same. Amrit’s father does not want to participate in this initiative. Amrit is
unhappy that his father is not cooperating.
a. Why is Amrit unhappy? (1)
b. How will you as Amrit’s friend help him? (1)

Answer:

a. Amrit is unhappy that his father is insensitive to the environment and is unwilling to become a
part of a campaign which will benefit the society, particularly the environment
b. I will help Amrit by meeting his father and help him understand the significance of carpooling.
The need to save energy in the form of fuel and the significance of sustainable development
will be elaborated upon. The need to reduce the greenhouse gases and thereby global
warming will be explained

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8. India has banned the import of CFC into the country. Do you support it and why? (2)

Answer

Yes , I support this decision of the government. The decision shows the responsibility of the
government towards the environment since CFC product causes ozone depletion and is a
greenhouse gas and contributes to global warming.

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9. When we check the human population figures of the world, it is growing in exponential
manner, using all the resources. Is it morally correct for one species to grow in this manner?
What is the other type of growth pattern? Explain.

Ans: textual answer

Value: Equality, concern for other living beings

10. List any three ways of measuring population density. In an area if there are 200 Parthenium
and 2 huge banyan trees, due to difference in their number we may underestimate the
enormous role of banyan tree in the community. What important life value do you get from it?
Ans: quality plays a more important role than quantity, equality, appreciation of others

11. Warblers are known to show resource partitioning and have learnt to co-exist. Can you think
of 2 other life situations where sharing is beneficial.

Ans adjustment , appreciation of available environment, no competition

12. Explain the process of decomposition. Dead leaves, flowers and animals are the raw
materials for decomposition, so it cannot be considered waste. Similarly what we consider
waste may be useful to others. Discuss.

Ans: recycling, reducing waste, saving the environment

13. List five services of a healthy forest ecosystem. b) Man is directly or indirectly depending on
plants for his life. Due to overexploitation and greediness forests are destroyed at a tremendous
rate. How can man act judiciously in such situations.

Ans: sustainable management, no wastage, conservation, equal distribution

14. Explain how xerach sucession progresses from xeric to mesic. Important characteristic of all
community is that they constantly change. This change may encourage some species and
eliminate other species .can you equate it to real life situations and how we can cope with
changes in life?

Ans: positive outlook, courage, dealing with failures as a part of life, accept disappointments

15. Carbon cycle is disturbed due to man’s activities .What are the various activities by which
man disturbs carbon cycle. How can we live in harmony with nature?

Ans: judicious use of any resource, sharing, concern for others

16. What are the limitations of ecological pyramids? How can we recognize and overcome
them?

Appreciation of others, accepting decisions , freedom of thought