BIOLOGY

Class 10th (KPK)

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UNIT 16

Man, And His Environment

Exercise
Short Question
Q1: Define the terms: species, biosphere and ecosystem.
Ans: They are the following:
➢ Species:
The first level of ecological organization is the specie. A specie may be define as:
A group of organisms which can interbreed freely in nature to produce fertile offspring is called
species.
➢ Biosphere:
All ecosystem of the world together form the biosphere. It includes all the ecosystem of the
planet Earth. In other words, the biosphere consist of all the organisms present on the earth and
all region of the earth where they live.
Range:
Biosphere ranges from the floor of the ocean to the tops of the highest mountains.
Thickness:
It is about 20 kilometer thick. The biosphere make a thin layer surrounding the planet earth. If
you consider the earth as of the size of an apple, then the biosphere will be a thick as the apple’s
skin.
➢ Ecosystem:
The self-sufficient unit of an environment that is found as result of interactions between its biotic
community and the abiotic component of environment interact with each other to form an
ecosystem.
Types of ecosystem:
There are two types of ecosystem.
1. Natural ecosystem:
Examples

• A pond
• A lake
• A forest
2. Artificial ecosystem:

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Example:

• An aquarium
Q2: Differentiate between population and community?
Ans:
Population Community
A group of the organisms of the same species All the population that live in a habitat and
inhabiting a specific geographical areas interact in various with one another are
(habitat) at a particular time is called a collectively called a community.
population.
Example:
Example:
• All the fish
• Population of student in a school. • Turtles
• Population of frog in a pond. • Plants
• Population of pine tree in a forest. • Algae
• And bacteria in the pond make up
ecosystem.

Q3: Differentiate between food chain and food web.

Ans:

Food chain Food web

A series of an organisms with in an A network of food web which are interconnected

ecosystem, in which each organisms feeds at various trophic levels is called food web.
on the one before it and is fed by the one
after it is called food chain. Add Pictures

Example: Explanation:

Following is the food chain in an In nature, food chain are very complex, as one
ecosystem: organisms may be food source of many other
organisms. Thus, instead of a simple linear food
chain, there is web like structure formed by these
inter-linked food chains. Such interconnected
food chain collective make food webs.

Explanation:
The base of food chain is always formed
by a plant (producer). It is eaten by a
primary consumer, which is preyed upon
by a secondary consumer. The secondary
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consumer may be eaten by a tertiary

consumer. A food chain, can therefore be
presented as,

𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆𝒓 → 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒓

→ 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒓
→ 𝑻𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒓
Advantages:
A food chain involves a nutritive
interaction among the biotic components
of an ecosystem.
Number of Trophic level:
Usually there are 4 or 5 trophic levels.
Shorter food chain provide greater
available energy and vice versa. Advantages:
A food web benefits life science lessons
on physical and behavioral adaptations of plants
and animals by representing a pattern of
consumption based upon natural survival
attributes and instincts.

Q4: How does deforestation affect the environment?

Definition:
The cleaning of forest by natural causes or human is called deforestation.
Effects:
The effects of deforestation includes:
1. Flood
2. Drought
3. Landslides
4. Soil erosion
5. Global warming
6. Loss of habitat of many species
Other effects:
Deforestation has many negative effects on the environment.

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➢ Loss of habitat:
The most dramatic impact is a loss of habitat for millions of species. 70% of the Earth’s land
animals and plants live in forest, and many cannot afford deforestation since it results in the
destruction of their home.
➢ Climate change:
Deforestation also result in climate change. Forest soil are moist, but without protection from
sun-blocking tree cover, they quickly dry out.
➢ Water cycle:
The trees also help perpetuate the water cycle by returning water vapors back into the
atmosphere. Without trees to fulfil these roles, many former forest lands can quickly become
barren deserts.
➢ Absorbing greenhouse gases:
Trees also play a critical role in absorbing the greenhouse gases that are responsible for global
warming.

Q5: Distinguish between herbivore, carnivore, and omnivore.

Ans: Herbivore:
The animals that feed on plants are called herbivores. The herbivores are the primary consumers.
They feed directly on plants or products of plants.
Examples:
● Cattle, Deer, Rabbit, Grasshopper
Carnivores:-
The animals that feed on meat of other animals are called carnivores. The carnivores are the
secondary consumers.
Example:-
Fox, Frog, Predatory birds, many fishes, snakes.
Omnivores:
The animals that feed on plants and animals are called omnivores.
Example:-
Human being

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Q6: Outline the role of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle.

Ans: Role of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle:
Some bacteria also have the ability to transform gaseous nitrogen into nitrates. It is called
biological nitrogen fixation. Some of these nitrogen fixing bacteria live as symbioses and many
are free-living.
➢ Ammonification and nitrification
The breakdown of the proteins of dead organisms and nitrogenous wastes (urea, uric acid etc.) to
ammonia is called ammonification. It is done by ammonifying bacteria.
➢ Nitrification:
The process of conversion of ammonia into nitrites and nitrates is called nitrification. It is done
by nitrifying bacteria.
Formation of nitrites:
First, ammonia is converted into nitrites by bacteria like:

• Nitrosomonas
Formation of nitrates:
The nitrites are then converted into nitrates by other bacteria like:

• Nitrobacteria

➢ Denitrification:
The biological process in which nitrates and nitrites are reduced to nitrogen gas by denitrifying
bacteria is called dentrification. By this process nitrogen is returned to atmosphere.

Excessive denitrification reduces soil fertility and is stimulated by:

• Water logging
• Lack of aeration
Q7: How can overpopulation affect the environment?
Ans:Over population:
The condition of being populated with excessively large numbers of people.
It has the following affect on population.

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Loss of fresh water:

Water is the one of the basic element of life. As the human population increased so also the
consumption of fresh water also increased. So, it is difficult to provide fresh water to over
populated areas.
Water pollution:
The problem with water is not only overconsumption but also pollution. The toxin substances
from factories are discharged into waterway or filed so then it polluted water and destroy water
bodies.
Soil degradation:
Population growth result increases the demand for food production. Farmers began to cultivate
on dry, hilly and nutrient-poor areas due to limited arable land so it causes land to lose nutrients
and lead to soil degradation.
Deforestation:
The search for more agricultural farmland causes more cultivation. The slash-and-burn
cultivation leads to deforestation.
Loss of biodiversity:
Deforestation, water pollution, soil degradation leads to loss of many wild life habitat.
Q8: Name any five sources of water pollution?
ANS: Five sources of water pollution:
Following are the five sources of water pollution:
1. Sewage:
Sewage is one of the major pollutants of water. It contains organic matter and the excrete of
human and other animals. Organic matter encourages the growth of micro-organisms which
spread diseases.
2. Industrial wastes:
The wastes of industries (acids, alkalis, dyes and other chemicals) are disposed in nearby water
bodies. These wastes change the pH of water and are harmful or even fatal to aquatic organisms.
3. Hot water:
Certain industries release a lot of hot water from their cooling plants. It results in heating up of
water bodies and kills aquatic life.

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4. Fertilizers and pesticides:

Fertilizers and pesticides enter into water bodies with the rain water flow and the ground water
by seepage. These chemicals remain in water for a long time and can enter food chains.
5. Oil leakage:
Oil tankers and offshore petroleum refineries cause leakage into water. Oil floats on the water
surface and prevents atmospheric oxygen from mixing in water. So, aquatic animals begin to die
due to oxygen shortage.
Q9: Differentiate between parasitism mutualism.
Ans: See long Q6
Q10: Define nitrogen fixation and nitrification.
Ans: Nitrogen fixation:
Nitrogen fixation is a process where N2 is converted into ammonium with the help of certain
bacteria.
For example: Rhizobium
Nitrogen fixing bacteria often formed symbiotic relationship with the legume (beans and peas).
In addition to nitrogen fixing bacteria, high energy natural events such as lightning, forest, fires
and even hot lava flows can cause the fixation of smaller amount of nitrogen.
Nitrification:
Some of the ammonium produced by decomposition is converted to nitrate via a process called
nitrification. Nitrification is accomplished by two groups of bacteria.
✓ One group of bacteria (Nitrosomes) convert ammonia into nitrites.
✓ Second group of bacteria (Nitrobacteria) converts nitrites into nitrates.

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LONG QUESTION ANSWER

Q1: Describe the nitrogen cycle in detail. What would happen if nitrogen cycle stopped
working?
ANS: Nitrogen cycle:
Occurrence:
Nitrogen is an important component of many biomolecules, like:

• Proteins
• Nucleic acids ( DNA and RNA)
• Atmosphere is the reservoir of free gaseous nitrogen.
Living organisms cannot pickup this gaseous nitrogen directly from atmospheric except for
nitrogen fixing bacteria. It has to be converted into nitrates to be utilized by plants.
Nitrogen cycling involves several stages.
➢ Formation of nitrates
It is done by the following ways:
The conversion of nitrogen gas into nitrates is called nitrogen fixation. It occurs in the following
ways:
Atmospheric nitrogen fixation:
Thunderstorms and lightening convert atmospheric gaseous nitrogen to oxides of nitrogen. These
oxides dissolve in water and form nitrous acid and nitric acid. The acids in turn combine with
other salts to produce ‘nitrates’. It is called as atmospheric nitrogen fixation.
Biological nitrogen fixation:
Some bacteria also have the ability to transform gaseous nitrogen into nitrates. It is called
biological nitrogen fixation. Some of these nitrogen fixing bacteria live as symbioses and many
are free-living.
Industrial nitrogen fixation:
Nitrogen fixation is also done in industries. In industries nitrogen fixation, hydrogen is combined
with atmospheric nitrogen under high pressure and temperature. It produces ammonia which is
further converted into ammonium nitrate.
➢ Ammonification and nitrification
The breakdown of the proteins of dead organisms and nitrogenous wastes (urea, uric acid etc.) to
ammonia is called ammonification. It is done by ammonifying bacteria.
Nitrification:
The process of conversion of ammonia into nitrites and nitrates is called nitrification. It is done
by nitrifying bacteria.
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Formation of nitrites:
First, ammonia is converted into nitrites by bacteria like:

• Nitrosomonas
Formation of nitrates:
The nitrites are then converted into nitrates by other bacteria like:

• Nitrobacteria

➢ Assimilation:
Definition:
The utilization of nitrates by organisms is called assimilation.
Explanation:
The nitrates formed by the process of nitrification, are absorbed by plants and are utilized for
making proteins etc. Animals take nitrogenous compounds from plants.
➢ Denitrification:
The biological process in which nitrates and nitrites are reduced to nitrogen gas by denitrifying
bacteria is called denitrification. By this process nitrogen is returned to atmosphere.
Excessive denitrification reduces soil fertility and is stimulated by:

• Water logging
• Lack of aeration

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Stoppage of nitrogen cycle:

If there was not nitrogen cycle. There would likely be no living things. Nitrogen is needed to
create amino acids which in turn build proteins in all plants and animals. Without a nitrogen
cycle that converts atmospheric nitrogen into other compounds, living creatures would not be
able to grow.
Q2: Compare the flow of materials and the flow of energy in ecosystem.
Ans: Flow of materials:
The materials flow from one trophic level to the next by means of food chains and food webs.
Trophic level:
Trophic level is the level at which an organism feeds in food chain. The first trophic level is
made of producers; the second of primary consumers and so on.
➢ Food chain
Definition:
A series of organisms within an ecosystem, in which each organism feeds on the one before it
and is fed by the one after it is called food chain.
Example:
Following is the food chain in an ecosystem:

Explanation:
The base of food chain is always formed by a plant (producer). It is eaten by a primary
consumer, which is preyed upon by a secondary consumer. The secondary consumer may be
eaten by a tertiary consumer. A food chain, can therefore be presented as,

𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑒𝑟 → 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑟

→ 𝑆𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑟 → 𝑇𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑟

Advantages:
A food chain involves a nutritive interaction among the biotic components of an ecosystem.

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Number of Trophic level:

Usually there are 4 or 5 trophic levels. Shorter food chain provide greater available energy and
vice versa.
➢ Food web:
A network of food web which are interconnected at various trophic levels is called food web.
Explanation:
In nature, food chain are very complex, as one organisms may be food source of many other
organisms. Thus, instead of a simple linear food chain, there is web like structure formed by
these inter-linked food chains. Such interconnected food chain collective make food webs.

➢ Flow of energy:
In an ecosystem, energy travels from one trophic level to next.
Trophic level:
Trophic level is the level at which one organism feed in food chain. The first trophic level is
made of producers; the second of primary consumers and so on.
Unidirectional flow:
The flow of energy of Trophic level in different trophic levels of ecosystem is unidirectional.

Primary source:
The sun is the primary source of energy for all ecosystem.

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Energy in producers:
Producers get solar energy and transform it into chemical energy by the process of
photosynthesis. They store their energy in their tissues and also transform it into mechanical and
heat energy during their metabolic activities.
Energy herbivores:
The energy in producers tissues flows to herbivores when producers are eaten. Herbivores
transform it into mechanical and heat energy during their metabolic activities and store the rest in
their tissues.
Energy in carnivores:
Carnivores eat herbivores and get energy. They also use it for their body activities and store the
rest in their tissues.
Energy in decomposers:
After the death of producers and consumers, the energy stored in their tissues is used by
decomposers.
Law of thermodynamics:
The storage and expenditure of energy in an ecosystem is in accordance with the basic law of
thermodynamics.

• Statement:
Energy can neither be created nor destroyed but can be transformed from one form to another.
Energy within ecosystem:
In an ecosystem there is:
Constant flow:
Constant flow or transfer of energy from the sun through producers to consumers and
decomposer.
➢ Decrease in energy :
A significant decrease in useful energy during transfer of energy at each trophic level.

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Q3: Write a note on the energy flow through dissimilar components of ecosystem.
Q4: What are the different ways through which organism of the ecosystem interact with
each other?
Ans: Interaction in the ecosystem:
The existence of the living world depends on the flow of energy and circulation of materials
through the ecosystem. In all ecosystem, the organisms living in the same area interact with each
other. These interactions may be intraspecific i.e. between the organisms of the same species or
inter-specific. The following are some of the important interactions among organisms.
➢ Competition:
In ecosystem, the natural resources e.g. nutrients, space etc. are usually in short supply. So, there
is a competition among the organisms of ecosystem for the utilization of resources.
Types of competition:
The competition may be intraspecific or interspecific.

• Intraspecific Competition:
The competition among the individuals of the same species is called intraspecific competition.

• Interspecific competition:
The competition among the individuals of the different species is called interspecific
competition.
Comparison:
Intraspecific competition is always stronger and more severe than the interspecific competition.
Advantage:
Competitions helps in maintaining a balance between the available resources and the number of
individuals of a species.
Competitions in plants:
Plants also show competition for:

• Space
• Light
• Water
• Minerals

➢ Predation:
Introduction:
It is an interaction between two animals of different species or between a plant and an animal.

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Definition:
The relationship between predator and prey is called predation.
Predator:
The organisms that attacks, kills and feeds on other organisms is called predator.

Prey:
The organisms that is being hunted upon is called prey.
Examples:
All carnivore animals are predators. Some examples of predation are given below:

• Frog preys upon mosquito.

• Fox preys upon rabbit.
• Tiger prey upon zebra.

There are some examples where a predator is preyed upon by a second predator then the second
one is preyed upon by a third predator.

For example:

Frog (predator 1) is preyed upon by a snake (predator 2) and the snake is preyed upon by an
eagle (predator 3).

Predation in plants:

Certain plants are carnivorous and live as predators. Such plants live in the areas where minerals
and other nutrients are lacking. They feed on insects to fulfill their nitrogen requirements. These

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plants have mechanism to attract insects. For example, they secrete sweet nectar that attract the
insects searching food. Their leaves are also modified to capture the pray.

Examples:

• Pitcher plant
• Sundew
• Venus fly trap

Advantage:

Predation keeps the prey population under check, so as to maintain an ecological balance.
Human benefit from this interaction in the biological control of weeds and pests. In order to
control pests in an area, their predators are released there.

Symbiosis:

See long Q6
Q5: Discuss the biotic components of the ecosystem.
Ans: Biotic components:
All the living part (organisms) of the ecosystem are called as biotic components.
Classification:
Biotic components are further classified as:
i. Producers
ii. Consumers
iii. Decomposers

➢ Producers:
The producers are the autotrophs present in ecosystem. These organisms are able to synthesize
complex organic compounds (food) from inorganic raw material. Producers from the basic of
any ecosystem.
Examples:

• Producers include:
• Plants
• Algae
• Photosynthetic bacteria

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Terrestrial ecosystem:
In terrestrial ecosystem, plants are the main producers.
Aquatic ecosystem:

In aquatic ecosystem, the main producers are the floating photosynthetic organisms (mainly
algae) called phytoplankton and shallow water rooted plants.

➢ Consumers:

The consumers are heterotrophs. They cannot synthesize their food and so depend upon
producers for food.

Examples:

Consumers include:

• All animals
• Fungi
• Protozoans
• Many of the bacteria

➢ Herbivores ( primary consumers):

The animals that feed on plants are called herbivores. The herbivores are the primary consumers.
They feed directly on plants or products of plants.

For example:

• Cattle
• Deer
• Rabbit
• Grasshopper

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➢ Primary carnivores:

Primary carnivores (secondary consumers) feed on herbivores.

Example:

• Fox
• Frog
• Predatory birds
• Many fishes
• Snakes

Secondary carnivores:

Secondary carnivores (tertiary consumers) feed on primary carnivores.

Example:

• Wolf
• Owl

Tertiary carnivores:

• Lion
• Tiger

➢ Decomposers:

Decomposers or reducers breakdown the complex organic compounds of dead matter of plants
and animal into simple compounds. They secrete digestive enzymes into dead and decaying
plant and animal remains to digest the organic material. After digestion, decomposers absorb the
products for their own use. The remaining substances are added to environment.

Examples:

• Bacteria
• Fungi
Q6: Write a note on three types of symbiosis.
Ans: Symbiosis:
A relationship between members of different species, in which they live together for longer or
shorter periods of time, is called symbiosis.
Type of symbiosis:
Symbiosis is of three types:

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1. Parasitism
2. Mutualism
3. Commensalism
➢ Parasitism:
A type of symbiosis between members of different species, in which smaller partner (parasites)
derive food and shelter from the body of larger partner (host) and, in turn, harms it is called
parasitism.
Temporary parasitism:
In temporary parasitism, the parasite spends most of its life cycle as parasites.
Examples:
Leech, Bed bug, Mosquito.
Permanent parasitism:
In permanent parasitism spend their whole life cycle as parasites.
Examples:
Disease causing bacteria, all viruses etc.
Classification of parasites:
Parasites may also be classified as ectoparasites and endoparasites.
Ectoparasites:-
The parasites that live outside i-e on the surface of host’s body and get food from there are called
ectoparasites.
Examples:-
Mosquitoes, Leeches, Lice etc.
Endoparasites:-
The parasites that live inside the body of host and get food and shelter from there are called
endoparasites.
Examples:-
Bacteria, Viruses, Tapeworm, Ascaris, Entamoeba etc.
Parasitic plants:-
Some plants are parasites on other plants. Parasitic plants grow special types of roots called
haustoria into host body and suck the required nutrients from the vascular tissues of host.

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Example:-
Cuscuta, also called dodder.
Survival of host and parasite:-
Host can survive without parasite, but parasite cannot survive without host.
➢ Mutualism:
Definition:-
The type of symbiotic interaction in which both partners of different species get benefit and
neither is harmed is called mutualism.
Examples:
Termites and zoo flagellates:
Termites eat wood but are not able to digest it. A protozoan lives in its intestine. It secrete
“cellulase” enzyme to digest the cellulose of wood. In return, the termite provides food and
shelter to the protozoan.
Root nodules:
The nitrogen fixer bacteria Rhizobium live in the root nodules of leguminous plants like pea,
gram etc. The bacteria obtain food and shelter from plants while in return they fix gaseous
nitrogen into nitrates for the plant which is required for their growth.

➢ Commensalism:
Definition:
It is a type of symbioses in which one partner is benefited while the other is neither benefited nor
harmed.
Examples:
Epiphyte are small plants found growing on other larger plants for space only. They absorb water
and minerals from atmosphere and prepare their own food. The larger plants are neither
benefited nor harmed in any way.

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Sucker fish:
Sucker fish attaches to the surface of sharks by its sucker. In this way, the shark provides easy
transport to the sucker fish to new feeding grounds.

Barnacles on the body of whale

Q7: Enlist the causes of water pollution and also describe how water pollution can be
controlled.
ANS: Water pollution:-
Definition:
The change in the composition of water by the addition of harmful substances is called water
pollution.
Causes of water pollution:-

• Sewage:
Sewage is one of the major pollutants of water. It contains organic matter and the excrete of
human and other animals. Organic matter encourages the growth of micro-organisms which
spread diseases.

• Industrial wastes:
The wastes industries (acids, alkalis, dyes and other chemicals) are disposed in nearby water
bodies. These wastes change the pH of water and harmful or even fatal to aquatic organisms.

• Hot water:
Certain industries release a lot of hot water from their cooling plants. It results in heating up of
water bodies and kills aquatic life.

• Fertilizers and pesticides:

Fertilizers and pesticides enter into water bodies with the rain water flow and the ground water
by seepage. These chemicals remain in water for a long time and can enter food chains.

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• Oil leakage:
Oil tankers and offshore petroleum refineries cause leakage into water. Oil floats on the water
surface and prevents atmospheric oxygen from mixing in water. So, aquatic animals begin to die
due to oxygen shortage.

• Heavy metals:
Some heavy metals e.g. lead, mercury, arsenic and calcium also make the water polluted. Such
metals can be present in the water, released from industrial and urban areas.

Effects of water pollution:

Water pollution severely affects the health of people.
The following are major effects of pollution.
➢ Eutrophication:
The enrichment of water with inorganic nutrients like nitrates and phosphates is called
eutrophication.

➢ Algal blooms:
The sewage and fertilizers contain large amount of inorganic material (nutrients). When sewage
and fertilizers reach water bodies, the nutrients present in them promote algal blooms (excessive
growth) present in water and it results in the depletion of oxygen. Algal bloom also reduces the
light reaching the lower layers in water.
➢ Food chain contamination:
The non-biodegradable water pollutants may stay in water for long times. From water, they
enter into small organisms, which are fed upon by fish. The fish in turn are fed upon by land
animals including human.
➢ Epidemics:
Organic pollutants in water facilitate the growth of germs. Such polluted water causes epidemics
like cholera, gastroenteritis etc.

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➢ Effect of heavy metals:

If water with such heavy metals is given to plants, the metals enter the vegetables that grow on
these plants. Such contaminated vegetables are harmful for human health. Following are the
adverse effects of heavy metals.

• Reduce growth and development

• Cause cancer
• Damage to nervous system

➢ Effects of mercury and land:

Mercury and land can cause:

• Joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis

• Diseases of kidneys
• Diseases of circulatory system and nervous system
Control of water pollution:
➢ Public awareness:
Public should be made aware of the dangerous of water pollution.
➢ Sewage treatment:
Before releasing the sewage into water bodies, it must be purified through sewage treatment
techniques.

➢ Industrial waste treatment:

Industrial wastes should also be treated before they are released into water bodies.
Q8: Write a comprehensive note on land pollution.

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Land pollution:-
Definition:
The change in the composition of soil by the addition of harmful substances is called land
pollution.
Control of land pollution:
o Disposals of wastes:
There should be suitable and safe disposal of wastes including nuclear wastes.
o Recycling:
Non-biodegradable materials like plastics, glass, metals, etc. should be recovered and recycled.
o Less use of Inorganic Pesticides:
Inorganic Pesticides should be replaced by organic pesticides.
Importance of land:
Land is an important resource as it is the basis for the growth of producers. In the recent times,
soil has been subjected to pollution.
Sources of land pollution:-
Following are the main sources of land pollution.
✓ Pesticides:
The pesticides used in agriculture have chemicals that stay in soil for long times.
✓ Acid rains:
The acid rain change the pH of soil making it unsuitable for cultivation.

✓ Garbage:
The household and other city garbage lies scattered in soil in the absence of a proper disposal
system.
✓ Polythene material:
Materials like polythene block the passage of water into soil and so decrease the water holding
capacity.
✓ Industrial wastes:
Many industries produce harmful chemicals which are disposed without being treated.
Nuclear wastes:

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Improper disposal of nuclear wastes also causes radioactive substances to remain in soil for a
long time.
Improper sewerage system:
Open latrines in villages and some parts of cities are also the source of land pollution.

CONTROL OF LAND POLLUTION:-

Disposal of wastes:
There should be suitable and safe disposal of wastes including nuclear wastes.

Recycling:
Non-biodegradable materials like plastic, glass, metals etc. should be recovered and recycled.
Less use of inorganic pesticides:
Inorganic pesticides should be replaced by organic pesticides.

Q9: Explain, by making diagrams, pyramids of number and biomass.

ANS: Ecological pyramids

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Introduction:

In 1927, Charles Elton (an English ecologist) developed the concept of ecological pyramids.
Organisms in food chain.

Observation:

He noted that the animals present at the beginning of food chain are abundant in number while
the animals present at the end of food chain are fewer in number.

Definition:

A representation of the number of individuals or amount of biomass or energy present in various

trophic levels of food chain.

Types of pyramids:

Ecological pyramids are of three types. The two are:

1. Pyramid of numbers
2. Pyramid of biomass

1. Pyramid of numbers

Definition:

The graphic representation of the number of individuals per unit area at various trophic levels is
called pyramid of numbers.

Explanation:

Usually, producers are present in large number, primary consumers are in lesser in number, and
secondary consumers are fewer, and so on. So, the producers are of smallest size but maximum
in number, while the tertiary consumers are larger in size but lesser in number.

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2. Pyramid of biomass:

Definition:

The graphic representation of biomass present per unit area at different trophic levels is called
pyramid of biomass.

Biomass:

The total amount of living organic matter in an ecosystem at any time is called biomass.

Explanation:

In a terrestrial ecosystem, the maximum biomass occurs in producers, and there is progressive
decrease in biomass from lower to higher trophic levels.
Q10: Write a note on the causes and effect of air pollution.
Ans: Air pollution:-
Major issue:
Air pollution is one of the major environmental issues of today.
Definition:
The change of composition of air by the addition of harmful substances is called air pollution.
Harmful substances:
The harmful substances causing air pollution may be:

• Industrials gases
• Automobile gases
• Particular matter
Sources or causes:
All sources of air pollution are related to human activities.

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Combustion:
Burning of coal produces a lot of smoke and dust whereas burning of petroleum produces
sulphur dioxide.
Air pollutants:
In addition to these, air pollutants include:
1. Carbon monoxide
2. Carbon dioxide
3. Nitrogen oxides
4. Hydrocarbons
5. Particular matter
6. Fluorine
In thermal industries:
Thermal industries are coal based and their pollutants are:
1. Fly ash
2. Soot
3. Sulphur dioxide
Textile industries:
Textile industries release.
1. Cotton dust
2. Nitrogen oxides
3. Chlorine
4. Smoke
5. Sulphur dioxide
Steel industries:
Steel industries release:
1. Carbon monoxide
2. Carbon dioxide
3. Sulphur dioxide
4. Phenol
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5. Fluorine
6. Cyanide
7. Particular matter
Effects of air pollution:-
Global warming:
Global warming is one of the consequences of air pollution.
Smog formation:
When pollutants like hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides combine in the presence of sunlight,
smog is formed. This is a mixture of gases. It forms a yellowish brown haze especially during
winter.
Effects:
The bad effects of smog are:
1. It hampers visibility during winter.
2. It cause many respiratory disorders.
3. It causes allergies as it contains polluting gas.
✓ Acid rains:
The air pollutes like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with water atmosphere producing
acid rains.
✓ Ozone depletion:
The upper layer (stratosphere) of the atmosphere has ozone (O3) which absorbs ultraviolet (UV)
rays present in the sun’s radiation. However the air pollutants like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
destroy the ozone molecules and so break the ozone layer. Ozone holes are created which permit
UV rays to reach the Earth surface. The UV rays increase the temperature and also cause skin
cancer.

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TOPIC WISE QUESTIONS:

Q1: Write a note on abiotic component of an ecosystem.
Ans: Abiotic Components:
Definition:
The non-living factors present in ecosystem are called abiotic components.
Example:
The important non-living factors are:

• Sunlight light
• Water
• Temperature
• Atmosphere and wind
• Soil
• Gravity
They are define as:

• Sunlight light:
Sunlight influences the growth and distribution of living organisms. Plants utilizes sunlight
during the photosynthesis and prepare food. Light intensity, light quality and light duration
affects lives of animals and plants in one way or in the other.
For example: The plant growth during the insufficient light do not develop chlorophyll and a
very high intensity of light destroy chlorophyll.

• Water:
Water is a vital component of life. Water covers more than 70% of the surface of the Earth and
act as a universal solvent. It dissolve minerals in the soil which is then taken by plants. Water is
one of the raw material of photosynthesis. In the desert environment, water is scarce and
therefore there are few species, while rainforest have plenty of rainfall throughout the year, so it
has numerous species and are full of life.

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• Temperature:
Temperature plays an important role in the distribution of plants and animals. Temperature has
great effects on the growth, function and distribution of organisms. The range of temperature for
the activity of life lies between 10◦C to 45◦C. Cells may rupture if water in them freezes at the
temperature below 0◦C . Enzymes and protein may denature at temperature above 45◦C.

• Atmosphere and wind

Atmosphere is the gaseous reservoir, which surrounds the Earth. It contains nitrogen (78%),
oxygen (21%) and carbon dioxide (0.04).
Nitrogen:
Nitrogen forms a significant part of proteins, chlorophyll, nucleic acids and vitamins in living
things. Some bacteria and algae present in the soil fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and convert
it into compounds of nitrogen. Plants utilize these for the synthesis of proteins and other
compounds. Animal feeding on plants get these proteins and other nitrogenous compounds.
When plants and animals die bacteria and fungi present in the soil converts the nitrogenous waste
into nitrogenous compounds, which are in turn used by the plants again.
Nitrogen gas:
Certain other bacteria covert some parts of nitrogenous wastes into nitrogen gas, which goes
back to the atmosphere. Therefore, green plants fix nitrogen in the atmosphere and its level
remains constant.
Oxygen:
Oxygen is required for respiration of organisms.
Carbon dioxide:
Carbon dioxide is essential for photosynthesis.

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Humidity:
Humidity is also an important factor in controlling the rate of evaporation and transpiration. It
also effects the behaviours of animals e.g. desert animals come out of their hideouts only at the
time when moisture in the air at is maximum.
Wind:
The atmosphere in motion is called wind which is an important abiotic factor. Strong wind can
damage buds on the windward side and produce flag form trees. Strong wind cause soil erosion,
uproot trees and breaks branches. Wind is also responsible for pollination and dispersal of seeds
and fruits.

• Soil
Soil the upper layer of the Earth’s crust. Plants are anchored in the soil and it is a source of water
and nutrients for them. The structure and chemical makeup of soil in an area affect the types of
plants that grow there. For example: little grasses have extensive roots that obtain scarce
moisture in the soil. In aquatic environments, the characteristics of the underlying sand affects
the types of plants and algae that can grow. This in turn influences the other organisms found
there.

• Gravity
Gravity is a constant abiotic factor, which acts as an external stimulus on the growth of the roots
of plants. As a result of gravity roots grow downwards into the soil and can access nutrients.
Conversely some organisms have adapted to deal with gravity. For instance, birds overcome the
problem of the gravitational pull due to wings and light bones.
Q2: Write a note on carbon cycle?
Carbon cycle:
Introduction:
Carbon atom is the principal building block of many kinds of biomolecules. Carbon is found as
graphite and diamond in nature. It also occur as carbon dioxide in atmosphere.
Sources:
Major source of carbon for the living world is carbon dioxide present in atmosphere and water.
Carbonates of earth crust also give rise to carbon dioxide. Fossil fuel also contain carbon like:

• Peat
• Coal
• Natural gas
• Petroleum

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Photosynthesis:
The major process that bring carbon from atmosphere or water into living world is called
photosynthesis. Producer take in carbon dioxide from atmosphere and convert it into organic
compound. In this way, the carbon become the part of the body of producers.
Carbon in Animals:
This carbon enter food chain and is passed to:

• Herbivorous
• Carnivores
• Omnivorous
• Decomposers
Respiration:
Carbon dioxide is released back to environment by respiration of producer and consumer.
Decomposers:
It is also released by the decomposition of organic waste and dead bodies by decomposers.
Combustion:
Burning of wood and fossil fuels also adds large amount of carbon dioxide in atmosphere.
Perfect cycle:
Carbon cycle is perfect in the sense that carbon is returned to atmosphere as soon as it is
removed.
Upset of Carbon cycle:
The balance of carbon cycle has been upset by human activities such as:

• Deforestation
• Excessive burning of fossil fuels
Consequences:
As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide in atmosphere is increasing, causing:

• The greenhouse effect

• Global warming

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Q3:What is the balance of the ecosystem? Also describe Human impact on ecosystem.
Ans: Balance in the Ecosystem and Human effect:
A balanced ecosystem is important not only for a single specie but also for the whole
biodiversity of the ecosystem. All the organisms living in the earth are dependent on the
environment for their needs. The environment provides all the resources, which are necessary for
the survival of organisms. The species living in an ecosystem get the resources through the
interaction with the environment and among themselves. Biogeochemical cycle also play an
important role in the availability of natural resources to the species. In a balanced ecosystem, the
interaction and biochemical cycles run smoothly and the species get natural resources.
Human impact:
Human being try to modify their environment to meet their needs. This has disturbed the delicate
balance in the environment.
For example:
Until the beginning of the 19 century, the size of the human population was small in relation to
environmental resources. So, there was no immediate shortage of environmental resources.
However, with resources at an increasing rate. This has not only created, like population,
deforestation etc.

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Due to tremendous increase in population, urbanization and industrialization more sewerage

enters the rivers and more gases are released into atmosphere. Thus, the environmental condition
become gradually worse. The local problem of the environmental pollution has now become
global ones. Now industrial products, toxic chemicals and solid wastes have made the land, air
and water polluted. Thus, the degradation and depletion of resources and the modification of the
environment are the direct results of human intervention.
Q4: What do you know about global and regional environmental problems?
Ans: There are the following global and regional problems:

• Overpopulation
• Urbanization
• Deforestation
• Acid rain
• Global warming
Q5: What do you about overpopulation?
Ans: Overpopulation:
Population definition:
A group of the organisms of the same species inhabiting a specific geographical area (habitat) at
a particular time is called a population.
World population:
Past:
When the industrial revolution started some 250 years ago, the world population was 600
million.
Present:
Now the world population is almost ten times 6 billion.
Future:
The population will grow to 8 billion by 2015.
Reason:
The following things have contributed in population growth:

• Better health facilities

• Lowered mortality rates

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Q6: What is urbanization?

• Urbanization:
The growing of cities is called urbanization.
Reason:
People move from rural areas to cities in search of:

• Better jobs
• Education opportunities
• Higher standard of living.
Problems for government:
If there is rapid urban growth, the government find its difficult to provide even the basic
facilities:

• Health
• Education
• Shelter
• Water
• Electricity
Urban poverty:
Most of the migrants in cities do not find good jobs and become the part of the urban poor.
Overcrowding:
There is overcrowding in schools, hospitals etc. The slum areas increases in number and people
living there are at greater risk of diseases.
Global problem:
Urbanization is a global problem and cannot be stopped but it can be managed.
Urbanization in Pakistan:
The current level of urbanization in Pakistan is about 37% which is not high by global standard
but it is increased uniformly over the decades.
Planned urbanization:
A planned urbanization can solve many problems.

• The cities should have thick green belts in their surroundings to control pollution.
• The open spaces in cities should be reserved through zoning and land plans.
• The urban spread-out should be controlled.
• Utilization of public transport instead of individual transports also proves effective way to
manage urbanization.

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Q7: What do you know about deforestation?

Deforestation:
The clearing of forest by natural causes or humans is called deforestation.
Reason of deforestation:

• Urbanization requires more land, thus forest are cut to build roads and houses etc.
• More land is required for cultivation.
• Trees are removed to develop pastures for grazing.
• Wood is used both as timber or fuel wood.
• Some plants are collected for their medicinal importance.
• Some plants are removed to give us fibre.
• Timber mafia cuts trees for cash.

Effects on the environment:

Effects:
The effects of deforestation includes:
1. Flood
2. Drought
3. Landslides
4. Soil erosion
5. Global warming
6. Loss of habitat of many species

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Other effects:
Deforestation has many negative effect on the environment.
✓ Loss of habitat:
The most dramatic impact is a loss of habitat for millions of species. 70% of the Earth’s land
animals and plants live in forest, and many cannot afford deforestation since it results in the
destruction of their home.
✓ Climate change:
Deforestation also result in climate change. Forest soil are moist, but without protection from
sun-blocking tree cover, they quickly dry out.
✓ Water cycle:
The trees also help perpetuate the water cycle by returning water vapours back into the
atmosphere. Without trees to fulfil these roles, many former forest lands can quickly become
barren deserts.
✓ Absorbing greenhouse gases:
Trees also play a critical role in absorbing the greenhouse gases that are responsible for global
warming.
Q8: What do you about acid rain?
Ans: Acid rain:
The rain consisting of sulphuric acid and nitric acid is called acid rain.
Formation of acid rain:
When rain falls through polluted air, it comes across chemicals such as oxides of sulphur and
nitrogen. These chemicals interact with water vapours in the presence of sunlight to form
sulphuric acid. These acids remain as vapours at high temperature.
pH level:
As temperature falls, the acids began to condense into liquid form and mix with rain or snow, on
the way down to the Earth. This makes rain acidic with pH range of 3 to 6.
Significant ill effect of acid rain:

• Destruction of nutrients:
Acid rain destroys the necessary nutrients present in the waters of rivers and lakes. Acid rain
washes nutrients out of soil.

• Lowering pH level:
It also lower the pH of water. Most of the aquatic animals cannot survive at this pH.

• Damage to trees:
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It damages the bark and leaves of trees and harms root hairs. Leaf pigments like chlorophyll are
also destroyed.

• Corrosion:
Metallic surfaces exposed to acid rain are easily corroded.

• Loss of strength:
The following products lose their material strength or disintegrate easily due to acid rains:
✓ Fabrics
✓ Paper
✓ Leather
• Damage to building material:
Building material are weakened with acid rain because of the following soluble compounds
such as:
✓ Limestone
✓ Marble
✓ Dolomite
✓ Mortar
✓ Slate
• Damage to historical mountain:
Acid rain is dangerous for historical monuments. The building of famous Taj Mahal has been
corroded at many places, due to acid rain.

Q9: What do you about global warming?

Ans: Global warming:
The increase in the temperature of the earth due to the accumulation of the greenhouse gases is
called global warming.

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Explanation:
The addition of greenhouse gases in atmosphere increases the temperature of the Earth.
These greenhouse gases are:
✓ Carbon dioxide
✓ Methane
✓ Ozone
Reflecting back of solar radiation:
These gases remain in the lowest part of Earth’s atmosphere and do not allow solar radiation to
reflect back into space. As a result, heat remains within the Earth’s atmosphere and increases its
temperature.
Effects:
Due to global warming:
✓ Polar ice-caps and glacier are melting faster than the time taken for new ice layers to form.
✓ Sea water is also expanding causing sea level to rise.
✓ Due to melting glacier, rivers overflow and causes floods.

Q10: Write a note on greenhouse effect.

ANS: Greenhouse Effect:
The term “Greenhouse Effect” refer to the phenomenon in which certain gases called greenhouse
gases trap heat in the atmosphere.
Escape of heat:
These gases act like the glass in a greenhouse, which does not allow the inner heat to escape.
When sunlight reaches the surface of the Earth, much of its energy transformed into heat energy.
The Earth surface reflects this heat energy towards space as infrared radiation. The greenhouse
gases trap infrared radiation and send it back to Earth.
Greenhouse gases:
Some important greenhouse gases are:

• Carbon dioxide
• Methane
• Nitrous oxide
Increases in concentration:
Since 1800, there is remarkable increase in the amount of the following gases in atmosphere.

• Carbon dioxide 30 %
• Methane Doubled

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• Nitrous oxide 8 %

Q11: What do you know about control of air pollution?

Ans: Control of air pollution:-
For effective control of air pollution, it is important to create public awareness about the ill-
effects of air pollution. Air pollution can be controlled by the following ways:
1. Afforestation:
The establishment of new forests by planting on non-forest area is called afforestation. Forest are
effective mean to control air pollution because plants can filter and absorb air pollution.
2. Modification of industrial effluents:
The air pollutants coming from industries should be passed through filters and other devices, so
that the particulate matter is removed before the waste gases are released out. The smoke
producing unit should have long chimneys to take the pollutant gases far above and then disperse
over a large area. Industries should also invest for solar cookers or for producing bio gas.
3. Environment friendly fuels:
Lead-free fuels should be used in automobiles. Similarly, sulphur-free fuel should be used in coal
based industry to reduce pollution by sulphur dioxide.
4. Use of public transportation:
Government should encourage people to use public transportation or adopt car-pooling to save
energy and money.
5. Conservation of energy:
Large amounts of fossil fuels are burnt to produce electricity. On a personal level saving
electricity should be made a habit.
For example:
Switching off fans and lights when not in the room. Energy saver light/LED consume less
electricity as compare to traditional bulbs and tube-lights.

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6. Use of clean energy resources:

Clean energy technologies like solar, wind and geothermal are in high demand these days. These
will reduce the amount of electricity being produced through the burning of fossils fuels.
Q12: Write a note on conservation of nature and explain 3R Principle.
ANS: Conservation of nature:
Meaning:
Conservation of nature means the Conservation of nature resources.
Need of conservation:
Everything that we use or consume e.g. food, petrol etc. is obtained from natural resources. The
renewable nature resources e.g. air are reproduced easily but the non- renewable resources (e.g.
mineral and fossil fuels) are not replenished once they get depleted. We have to conserve the
non- renewable resources because there reserves are limited and humans are heavily dependent
on them for daily needs. The renewable resources have to be judiciously.
Methods for the Conservation of nature:-
1. Reduce:
• We should use the natural resources less and should not waste them.
• We should use this principle at different places in our daily life.
• We should not waste water, electricity, fuel etc.
• We should turn of the tap when not in use.
• We should bathe with bucket instead of shower.
• The lights and fans should be off, when where not in room.
• We should take public transport (like buses) or walk short distances instead of using motor
fuel.
• We should not waste food and should give unused food to poor people.
2. Reuse:
We should use things again and again. We should not throw away material such as glass,
containers, plastic bags, paper, cloth etc. These should be reused at domestic level rather than being
thrown. It also reduces solid waste pollution.
3. Recycle:
Materials such as paper, plastic, glass etc. can be recycle. This decrease the volume of refused and
helps in the conservation of natural resources and recycling of one ton of paper can save 17 trees.

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