Short Note :
1. Relationship between humans and the environment.
Ans. Humans and the environment share a deep and
interdependent relationship. The environment provides
essential resources such as air, water, food, land, and raw
materials that support human life and economic
activities. In return, human actions greatly influence the
environment through agriculture, industrialization,
urbanization, and technology. While humans depend on
nature for survival, excessive exploitation of natural
resources has led to environmental degradation,
pollution, deforestation, and climate change. A balanced
relationship is necessary where humans use resources
responsibly and protect ecosystems. Sustainable
development emphasizes meeting human needs while
preserving the environment for future generations,
highlighting the need for harmony between humans and
nature.
2. Importance of the environment.
Ans. The environment is essential for the survival of all
living organisms. It provides basic necessities such as air
to breathe, water to drink, fertile soil for agriculture, and
a stable climate. Natural resources from the environment
support industries, energy production, and economic
growth. The environment also maintains ecological
balance through food chains, nutrient cycles, and
biodiversity. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in
regulating temperature, rainfall, and atmospheric
conditions. A healthy environment contributes to human
physical and mental well-being. Therefore, protecting the
environment is vital for sustaining life, economic
development, and ecological stability.
3. Air resources.
Ans. Air is one of the most important natural resources,
essential for the survival of living organisms. The
atmosphere is composed mainly of nitrogen, oxygen,
carbon dioxide, and other gases. Oxygen supports
respiration in humans and animals, while carbon dioxide
is necessary for photosynthesis in plants. Air also helps
regulate Earth’s temperature and protects life from
harmful solar radiation. However, air resources are being
threatened by pollution from industries, vehicles, and
burning of fossil fuels. Air pollution causes health
problems, global warming, and climate change. Hence,
conservation of air resources is crucial for a healthy
environment.
4. Explain the environmental crisis.
Ans. An environmental crisis refers to the severe
degradation of the environment due to human activities.
Rapid population growth, industrialization, deforestation,
pollution, and overuse of natural resources have
disturbed ecological balance. Major environmental crises
include climate change, global warming, loss of
biodiversity, water scarcity, and pollution of air, water,
and soil. These crises pose serious threats to human
health, food security, and natural ecosystems. Natural
disasters such as floods, droughts, and cyclones are also
increasing due to environmental imbalance. Addressing
the environmental crisis requires sustainable practices,
environmental awareness, and strict conservation
measures.
Q1. What is the meaning of the word environment?
Ans. The word environment is derived from the French
word “environner”, which means “to surround” or “to
encircle.” Environment refers to the sum total of all
external conditions—both living (biotic) and non-living
(abiotic)—that influence the life, growth, and
development of organisms. It includes natural elements
such as air, water, land, plants, animals, and climate, as
well as human-made components like buildings, roads,
industries, and social institutions. The environment
affects human health, behavior, culture, and economic
activities, while humans in turn modify the environment
through their actions. Thus, the environment is a
complex system in which natural and human components
interact with each other continuously.
Q2. Structure of the environment.
Ans. The structure of the environment refers to its major
components and how they are organized.
Broadly, the environment is divided into four main
spheres:
1. Lithosphere – It is the solid outer layer of the Earth,
consisting of land, rocks, and soil. It provides space for
human settlement, agriculture, and natural resources.
2. Hydrosphere – It includes all forms of water such as
oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwater, and glaciers. Water is
essential for all forms of life and human activities.
Atmosphere – It is the layer of gases surrounding the
Earth. It provides oxygen for respiration, regulates
climate, and protects life from harmful solar radiation.
3. Biosphere – It includes all living organisms—plants,
animals, and microorganisms. The biosphere interacts
with the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere to
support life.
Together, these components form the structure of the
environment and maintain ecological balance.