ENVIRONMENT

Q1. Importance of Environment (Maximum 5 points)

1. Provides basic life needs like air, water, food,

and shelter.
2. Maintains ecological balance and natural ECOSYSTEM
cycles (oxygen, carbon dioxide, water cycle).
3. Supports biodiversity and survival of all living
organisms. Q1. Define ecosystem. What are its different
4. Supplies natural resources for human components?
activities (agriculture, industry, energy).
5. Ensures a healthy and sustainable life for Definition:
present and future generations.
An ecosystem is a functional unit where living
organisms (biotic) interact with non-living components
(abiotic) in a given area.
Q2. Scope of Environmental Studies (Maximum 5
points) Components (5 points):

1. Study of environmental components—air, 1. Biotic components – Plants, animals,

water, soil, organisms. microbes.
2. Understanding ecosystems and biodiversity. 2. Abiotic components – Air, water, soil,
3. Study of pollution, its causes, effects, and sunlight, temperature.
control measures. 3. Producers – Green plants that prepare food by
4. Learning about natural resource photosynthesis.
management and conservation. 4. Consumers – Animals that depend on plants or
5. Awareness of environmental laws, policies, other animals.
and sustainable development. 5. Decomposers – Fungi and bacteria that break
down dead matter.

Q3. Types of Environment (Maximum 5 points)

Q2. Describe the structure and function of ecosystem.
1. Natural Environment – Mountains, rivers,
forests, air, water. Structure (3 points):
2. Human-made Environment – Buildings,
roads, industries, machines.
3. Biotic Environment – All living organisms 1. Abiotic components – Water, soil,
(plants, animals, humans). temperature, sunlight.
4. Abiotic Environment – Non-living 2. Biotic components – Producers, consumers,
components (soil, sunlight, temperature). decomposers.
5. Social Environment – Culture, traditions, 3. Trophic levels – Different feeding levels in an
institutions, relationships. ecosystem.

Functions (2 points):

Q4. Relationship of Humans With Environment 4. Energy flow from sun → producers →
(Maximum 5 points) consumers → decomposers.
5. Nutrient cycling (carbon, nitrogen, water
cycles) to maintain balance.
1. Humans depend on the environment for all
necessities of life.
2. Human activities modify and sometimes
damage the environment.
3. Degradation of environment affects human
Q3. Describe the role of producer, consumer &
health and survival.
decomposer in environment.
4. Humans must use resources sustainably to
protect nature.
5. A healthy environment ensures a healthy and Producers (2 points):
balanced life for humans.
1. Make food by photosynthesis.
 2. Form the base of food chain and supply 4. Allogenic succession – Caused by external
energy to all organisms. factors (flood, climate).
5. Climax community – Final stable community
Consumers (2 points): formed after succession.

3. Depend on plants or animals for food (primary,

secondary, tertiary consumers).
4. Help in maintaining population balance in
ecosystems. SHORT ANSWERS (2 MARKS)

Decomposers (1 point):

Q1. Differentiate between autotrophs and

5. Break down dead organisms and recycle heterotrophs.
nutrients back into the soil.

Autotrophs Heterotrophs

Prepare their own food Cannot make food;

Q4. Define ecological pyramid. Describe its various (photosynthesis). depend on others.
types.
Example: Plants, algae. Example: Animals, fungi.
Definition:

An ecological pyramid is a graphical representation of

number, biomass, or energy at different trophic levels of
a food chain. Q2. Define ecology and its types.

Types (5 points): Definition:

1. Pyramid of Number – Shows number of Ecology is the study of interaction of organisms with
organisms at each trophic level. each other and with their environment.
2. Pyramid of Biomass – Shows total biomass at
each level. Types (2–3 points):
3. Pyramid of Energy – Shows energy flow;
always upright.
4. Upright pyramids – Seen in grassland/pond 1. Autecology – Study of individual organisms.
ecosystems. 2. Synecology – Study of groups/communities of
5. Inverted pyramids – Found in some aquatic organisms.
ecosystems (number/biomass). 3. Population ecology – Study of population
growth & distribution. (optional)

Q5. Define ecological succession. What are its various

types? Q3. Define trophic level.

Definition: A trophic level is a specific feeding level in a food chain

where organisms obtain energy in similar ways, such as
producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers,
Ecological succession is a gradual process by which one etc.
community of organisms replaces another leading to a
stable climax community.

Types (5 points):
Q4. Differentiate between food chain and food web.
1. Primary succession – Starts on bare surfaces
(rocks, sand, lava). Food Chain Food Web
2. Secondary succession – Occurs in disturbed
areas (after fire, flood). Single, straight pathway of Network of interconnected
3. Autogenic succession – Caused by internal
energy flow. food chains.
changes in the community.
 Food Chain Food Web

Simple and less stable. More stable and realistic. Need for Adaptation (3 points):

1. To survive in changing environmental

conditions (temperature, water, light).
2. To obtain food, shelter & mates effectively.
ECOLOGICAL INTER. AND ADAPTATION 3. To protect from predators and harsh
conditions.

Q1. What are the biological interactions? Describe

positive and negative interactions.
Long-Term Adaptation (Explanation + Example):
Biological Interactions (Definition):
Explanation (2 points):
Biological interactions are the relationships between
organisms living in the same environment, affecting their
survival and growth. 4. Long-term adaptation (evolutionary adaptation)
occurs over many generations through natural
selection.
5. Beneficial traits become common in a
population and improve survival.
Positive Interactions (any 3 points)
Example (1 point):
1. Mutualism – Both species benefit.
Example: Bees and flowers.  Giraffe’s long neck evolved over time to reach
2. Commensalism – One benefits, other is leaves on tall trees.
neither helped nor harmed. OR
Example: Barnacles on whales.  Polar bears developed thick fur and fat layers
3. Protocooperation – Both benefit, but the to survive cold Arctic climate.
association is not essential for survival.
Example: Birds removing ticks from cattle.

Negative Interactions (any 3 points)

1. Predation – One organism kills and eats

another.
Example: Tiger hunting deer.
2. Parasitism – One benefits (parasite), the other
is harmed.
Example: Tapeworm in human intestine. POPULATION ECOLOGY
3. Competition – Two organisms compete for the
same resources. Q1. Define population. What are the various
Example: Plants competing for sunlight. characteristics of population?

Definition:

A population is a group of individuals of the same

Q2. What is adaptation? What is its need? Give an species living in a particular area at a given time.
account of long-term adaptation with example.
Characteristics (any 5):
Adaptation (Definition):
1. Population size – Total number of individuals.
Adaptation is a heritable change in structure, behaviour, 2. Population density – Number of individuals
or physiology that helps an organism survive and per unit area.
reproduce in its environment. 3. Natality (birth rate) – Number of births per
unit time.
 4. Mortality (death rate) – Number of deaths per r-Selected Species K-Selected Species
unit time.
5. Age structure – Proportion of individuals in
Produce many offspring. Produce few offspring.
different age groups.
(You may also use: sex ratio, dispersion
pattern, growth rate.) Short lifespan, early Long lifespan, late
maturity. maturity.

Unstable environments. Stable environments.

Q2. What is Malthus’ theory on population growth?

Write its postulates, assumptions and limitations.

Malthus Theory (Definition): Q2. Differentiate between species and community.

Thomas Malthus stated that population grows faster Species Community

than the food supply, leading to scarcity, poverty, and
famine. Group of organisms that All populations of different
can interbreed. species living together.

Many species interacting in

Postulates (any 2–3): One type of organism.
one area.

1. Population increases geometrically (2, 4, 8,

16…).
2. Food supply increases arithmetically (2, 4, 6,
8…). Q3. What are exponential and logistic growth curves?
3. If unchecked, population growth will lead to
misery, hunger and conflict. Exponential Growth (2 points):

1. Population grows rapidly without limiting

factors.
Assumptions (any 2–3): 2. Produces a J-shaped curve.

1. Human desires and reproduction remain Logistic Growth (2 points):

constant.
2. Food production cannot increase faster than 1. Growth slows as resources become limited.
arithmetic rate. 2. Produces an S-shaped curve, reaching
3. Population growth is limited only by natural carrying capacity.
checks (famine, diseases).

Limitations (any 2–3):

ENERGY RESOURCES
1. Did not consider technological advances in
agriculture.
2. Ignored family planning and social awareness. Q1. Differentiate between renewable and non-
3. Assumed food production cannot grow rapidly, renewable resources.
which is not true today.
Renewable Resources Non-renewable Resources

Can be replenished Cannot be replenished once

naturally. exhausted.

SHORT ANSWERS (2 MARKS) Available in unlimited

Limited and exhaustible.
amount.

Q1. Differentiate between r-selection and k-selection. Eco-friendly. Cause pollution when used.
 Renewable Resources Non-renewable Resources

Examples: Solar, wind, Examples: Coal, petroleum,

water. natural gas.
ENVIRONMENT AND DISASTERS

1. What are biogeochemical cycles? Describe

nitrogen cycle in detail.
Q2. Describe the formation of coal and petroleum.
(Max 5 points)
Biogeochemical Cycles (5 points)

Formation of Coal:
1. Cycles through which essential elements like
carbon, nitrogen, and water circulate in nature.
1. Formed from dead plants buried in swamps 2. These cycles operate between living
millions of years ago. organisms (bio) and earth components (geo).
2. Heat and pressure converted plant remains into 3. They ensure the continuous supply of
peat → lignite → bituminous → anthracite. nutrients.
3. Process is called carbonisation. 4. Maintain ecological balance.
5. Prevent depletion and accumulation of
Formation of Petroleum: elements.

4. Formed from dead marine plants and Nitrogen Cycle (5 points)

animals buried under oceans.
5. Heat, pressure, and anaerobic conditions 1. Nitrogen Fixation: Atmospheric nitrogen (N₂)
converted them into oil and natural gas is converted into ammonia/nitrates by bacteria
trapped between rock layers. and lightning.
2. Nitrification: Ammonia is converted to nitrites
and nitrates by nitrifying bacteria.
3. Assimilation: Plants absorb nitrates to form
proteins; animals obtain nitrogen by eating
plants.
Q3. What are biofuels? Name any two. (2 marks) 4. Ammonification: Dead organisms and wastes
are converted back to ammonia by
Definition: decomposers.
5. Denitrification: Denitrifying bacteria convert
nitrates back to N₂ and return it to the
Biofuels are renewable fuels produced from biological
atmosphere.
materials such as plants and animal waste.

Examples (Any two):

1. Ethanol
2. Biodiesel 2. Define atmosphere. Describe its various layers.
(Also valid: Biogas)
Atmosphere (Definition – 1 line)

The atmosphere is the layer of gases surrounding the

Earth that supports life and controls climate.

Q4. What are the limitations of nuclear energy?

Layers of Atmosphere (5 points)
(Max 5 points)

1. Troposphere: Lowest layer; weather changes

1. Produces radioactive waste which is occur here.
dangerous and hard to dispose. 2. Stratosphere: Contains ozone layer; protects
2. High initial cost of setting up nuclear plants. from UV radiation.
3. Risk of nuclear accidents (leaks, explosions). 3. Mesosphere: Coldest layer; meteors burn here.
4. Limited availability of uranium. 4. Thermosphere: Contains ionosphere; radio
5. Requires strict safety measures and skilled communication occurs.
manpower. 5. Exosphere: Outermost layer; merges with
space.
 Atmosphere: Layer of gases surrounding Earth.

Hydrosphere: All water bodies on Earth (oceans,

rivers, glaciers).
3. What is an earthquake? What are its causes and
consequences?
Lithosphere: Earth’s solid outer layer, including
crust and upper mantle.
Earthquake (Definition – 1 line)

A sudden shaking of the Earth's surface due to movement

of tectonic plates. 2. How are floods caused and what are their
consequences?
Causes (5 points)
Causes (3 points)
1. Movement of tectonic plates.
2. Volcanic eruptions. 1. Heavy rainfall and cloudbursts.
3. Fault formation in the Earth's crust. 2. Overflow of rivers and dams.
4. Underground explosions. 3. Melting of glaciers or cyclones.
5. Collapse of underground cavities.
Consequences (3 points)
Consequences (5 points)
1. Loss of life and property.
1. Destruction of buildings and infrastructure. 2. Spread of diseases and contamination of water.
2. Loss of life and injuries. 3. Damage to agriculture and infrastructure.
3. Landslides and fires.
4. Tsunamis in coastal areas.
5. Economic loss and homelessness.

3. Write down the significance of biogeochemical

cycles. (5 points)

1. Maintain balance of essential nutrients on

4. Define volcano. What are the different types of Earth.
volcanoes? 2. Recycle matter between living and non-living
components.
Volcano (Definition – 1 line) 3. Support life and ecosystem stability.
4. Prevent depletion of resources.
5. Regulate climate and environmental processes.
A volcano is an opening in the Earth's crust through
which molten lava, ash, and gases erupt.

Types of Volcanoes (5 points)

1. Active Volcano: Erupts regularly.

2. Dormant Volcano: Has not erupted recently
ENV. EDU. AND AWARENESS
but may erupt again.
3. Extinct Volcano: No possibility of future
eruptions. 1. Briefly explain Chipko Movement. (Max 5
4. Shield Volcano: Broad, gentle-sloping. points)
5. Composite Volcano: Steep-sided, explosive
eruptions.
1. Started in 1973 in Uttarakhand (then UP).
2. Villagers, especially women, hugged trees to
stop them from being cut.
3. Led by Sunderlal Bahuguna and local
villagers.
Short Questions (2–3 marks) 4. Aimed to protect forests from commercial
logging.
5. Became a symbol of non-violent
1. Define atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. environmental conservation.
2. What is the importance of environmental 1. Write a short note on occupational diseases.
education? (Max 5 points) (Max 5 points)

1. Creates awareness about environmental 1. Occupational diseases are illnesses caused due
problems. to workplace conditions.
2. Promotes conservation of natural resources. 2. They occur due to exposure to dust,
3. Develops responsible attitudes and behaviour chemicals, noise, radiation, or repetitive
towards nature. work.
4. Encourages sustainable development. 3. Common in workers of mines, factories,
5. Helps individuals participate in environmental construction, agriculture, etc.
protection programs. 4. Examples include silicosis (due to silica dust),
asbestosis, hearing loss, and skin disorders.
5. Prevention includes use of safety equipment,
proper ventilation, and regular health check-
ups.

3. What are the different modes of environmental

awareness? (Max 5 points)

1. Formal education: Schools, colleges, 2. What are air, water, and soil-borne diseases?
textbooks.
Give any two examples of each. (Max 5 concise
2. Informal education: TV, radio, newspapers,
documentaries. points)
3. Public campaigns: Rallies, posters, awareness
drives. Air-borne diseases
4. Social media: YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram
campaigns. Diseases spread through air, droplets, or dust particles.
5. NGOs & community programs: Workshops, Examples:
tree plantation drives.
1. Tuberculosis
2. Influenza (Flu)
(You may also mention: Measles, Chickenpox)

4. What are NGOs? Name any two NGOs related to

environment.
Water-borne diseases
NGOs (Definition – short & simple)
Diseases spread through contaminated water.
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are voluntary, Examples:
non-profit organisations working for social and
environmental causes. 1. Cholera
2. Typhoid
Two NGOs related to environment: (Also acceptable: Hepatitis A, Dysentery)

1. WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature)

2. Greenpeace
(You may also write: Centre for Science and Soil-borne diseases
Environment (CSE), TERI)

Diseases spread through pathogens present in soil.

Examples:

1. Tetanus
2. Hookworm infection
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH (Also acceptable: Ascariasis)
 NATURAL RESOURCES AND 5. What is Green and White Revolution?
AGRICULTURE
Green Revolution:
1. Short note on Food Security
1. A major increase in food grain production
1. Food security means ensuring that all people (especially wheat & rice).
have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious 2. Achieved using high-yield varieties (HYV) of
food. seeds.
2. It helps people live healthy and active lives. 3. Use of fertilizers, pesticides and improved
3. It depends on food availability, affordability irrigation.
and accessibility.
4. Government schemes like PDS, mid-day meals White Revolution:
help maintain food security. 4. A movement to increase milk production in India.
5. Natural disasters, poverty and crop failures can 5. Led to improved dairy farming and cooperative
threaten food security. networks (like Amul).

2. What are mineral resources? Write their 6. Economic importance of forests

classification.
1. Provide timber, fuelwood and raw materials for
Mineral resources: industries.
2. Support employment in forestry and tourism.
1. These are naturally occurring substances found 3. Supply medicinal plants and herbs.
in the Earth. 4. Help in soil conservation and water regulation,
2. They are formed over millions of years and are benefiting agriculture.
non-renewable. 5. Contribute to national income through forest
products.
Classification:
3. Metallic minerals (e.g., iron, copper, gold). 1. Main causes of disappearance of traditional
4. Non-metallic minerals (e.g., limestone, mica, gypsum). varieties of crops
5. Energy minerals (e.g., coal, petroleum, natural gas).
1. Use of high-yield varieties (HYV) after the
Green Revolution.
2. Farmers prefer fast-growing and more
profitable modern seeds.
3. What are animal resources? Give examples. 3. Loss of local farming knowledge and
traditional practices.
1. Animal resources are useful materials obtained 4. Overuse of fertilizers and pesticides affecting
from animals. native crops.
2. They help meet human needs like food, 5. Climate change and reduced tolerance of
clothing and transport. traditional crops to new conditions.
3. Examples include milk, meat, eggs, wool and
leather.
4. Animals like cattle, sheep, goats and poultry
provide these resources.
5. They also support economic activities like 2. What is Integrated Pest Control?
dairy and poultry farming.
1. Integrated Pest Control (IPC) or IPM is a
method of controlling pests using a
combination of techniques.
2. It reduces the use of harmful chemical
4. Two medicinal plants of J&K pesticides.
3. Uses biological control (predators), cultural
1. Lavender – used for oils and stress relief. methods, and safe chemicals.
2. Saffron (Kesar) – used for medicine, digestion 4. Focuses on keeping pest levels low, not on
and immunity. completely eliminating them.
(Alternatively: Tulsi, Artemisia, Aconitum, 5. Protects the environment, soil and human
Saussurea.) health.
3. Advantages & disadvantages of pesticides and
fertilizers

Advantages

1. Increase crop yield by reducing pest damage.

2. Help in fast and healthy growth of plants.
3. Protect crops from diseases and insects.
4. Improve food production to meet population
needs.
5. Easy to apply and widely available.

Disadvantages

1. Overuse harms soil and water quality.

2. Can kill beneficial insects like bees.
3. Harmful to human health if not used safely.
4. Pests may become resistant over time.
5. Chemicals can remain in food (residue).

4. Techniques of achieving sustainable agriculture

1. Crop rotation to maintain soil fertility.

2. Use of organic manure and compost instead of
chemicals.
3. Rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation
(drip/sprinkler).
4. Use of biological pest control methods.
5. Mixed farming and agroforestry to protect
biodiversity.

5. Brief concept of modern agriculture

1. Modern agriculture uses advanced technology

to increase productivity.
2. Includes HYV seeds, improved irrigation and
chemical fertilizers.
3. Uses machines like tractors, harvesters, and
drones.
4. Focuses on scientific methods and efficient
farming practices.
5. Aims to produce more food in less time and
with less labour.