Our Environment
Theme 5 : The Environment - Major Concerns (My Watch Tower Social Studies)
Time to Camp - Exercises
A. Choose the correct answers and fill the OMR box.
1. Bacteria are example of __________ .
a. growers. [ ]
b. consumers. [ ]
c. producers. [ ]
d. decomposers. [✓]
2. The biosphere is an important part of the Earth's __________ .
a. atmosphere. [✓]
b. landsphere. [ ]
c. solar sphere. [ ]
d. water sphere. [ ]
3. The exchange of information, goods and services across the world is known as _________ .
a. connection. [ ]
b. globalisation. [✓]
c. socialisation. [ ]
d. capitalization. [ ]
4. The greenhouse gases include _________ and _________ .
a. oxygen, nitrogen. [ ]
b. CO₂, methane. [✓]
c. nitrogen, CO₂. [ ]
d. oxygen, methane. [ ]
5. Ice caps in both the polar regions have started melting due to ________ .
a. conservation. [ ]
b. abiotic components. [ ]
c. global warming. [✓]
d. biotic components. [ ]
B. Fill in the blanks.
1. Our environment comprises abiotic and biotic components.
2. Animals and human beings are examples of biotic components.
3. Better job opportunities are the result of globalisation.
4. Ice caps are melting as a result of global warming.
C. State whether true or false.
1. Our environment is made up of both living and non-living organisms. [T]
2. Plants are the examples of consumers in the environment. [F]
3. Nitrogen is a greenhouse gas. [F]
4. Solar energy is created by burning fossil fuels. [F]
5. Decomposers decay dead matters. [T]
D. Answer these questions.
1. What do you mean by environment? Name its components. Give two examples each.
= Whatever we see around us - the streets, parks, houses, trees, school, fields, animals and humans - all constitute our environment. In particular, the environment also refers to the surrounding that assists the growth of traits of a particular thing or person.
2. Write a short note about the interdependency between the natural and human environment.
= Human activities affect the natural environment. The interaction between natural and human environment brings about changes in the environment creating favourable conditions for the survival and comfortable living for humans. These interactions may be sudden or gradual but all have profound impact on the natural environment. All living organisms including human beings are dependent on the natural environment for their sustenance. It is, therefore, imperative that the natural environment is conserved. A proper balance and interaction between natural and human environment is therefore necessary to ensure favourable conditions for existence of human life on Earth. This is called ecological balance.
3. What do you mean by globalisation? What are the negative effects of globalisation?
= The exchange of information, goods and services across the world is known as globalisation.
Globalisation has its own repercussions. With the rise of global conglomerates, local companies and smaller manufacturers face greater challenges. Increased travel around the world has caused an increase in pollution and rapid spread of diseases from one country to another. Globalisation has also led to migration of large number of people from less economically affluent nations to more developed nations. This has led to an intellectual drain in lesser developed nations. Technological advancements and economic development also mean that impact of human activities in one part of the world affects not just that particular region but also the surrounding areas.
4. What is global warming? Write three important effects of global warming.
= Excessive use of fossil fuels and felling of trees have led to a sudden increase in the amount of the greenhouse gases, leading to an increased temperature of the Earth's surface. This is known as global warming.
Three important effects of global warming are -
❐ Increase in the temperature of the Earth.
❐ Melting of polar ice caps.
❐ Increasing level of sea and ocean waters leading to submergence of coastal areas.
5. Do you think use of fossil fuels should be restricted? Give reasons.
= Yes, I think use of fossil fuels should be restricted.
The burning of fossil fuels produce a large amount of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. This leads to the increase of temperature and causes a large amount of respiratory diseases and lungs infection. Instead of fossil fuels, we should depend on the solar and wind energy.
Picture Study
Look at the picture and answer the questions.
1. Is this a biotic or abiotic component of the environment?
= This is a biotic component of the environment.
2. What is the importance of this component in our lives?
= Trees are the most important biotic component of the environment. They keep the balance of the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. They provide us food, clothes, shelters and medicine. They protect soil erosion and prevent droughts.