Detailed Answers to Environmental Science
Examination Questions
Questions and Answers
1. Write 3 points regarding preparedness in disaster manage-
ment? (3 marks)
• Establishing early warning systems to detect potential disasters and communicate
alerts to the public.
• Developing and regularly updating disaster management plans, including evacua-
tion routes and emergency response strategies.
• Conducting community education and training programs to raise awareness about
disaster preparedness and safety protocols.
2. With respect to urban planning write 3 points along with
one-line explanation on how each will create sustainability and
efficient use of energy? (3 marks)
• Green Building Design: Incorporating energy-efficient materials and renewable
energy sources in construction reduces energy consumption.
• Public Transportation Systems: Expanding efficient public transport reduces
dependency on private vehicles and minimizes carbon emissions.
• Smart Cities: Implementing IoT-enabled systems for energy management en-
hances resource efficiency and sustainability.
3. Define habitat, ecological niche, and food chain. (3 marks)
• Habitat: The natural environment where an organism lives, including all the biotic
and abiotic factors that affect it.
• Ecological Niche: The role and position an organism occupies in its ecosystem,
including its interactions with other species and its environment.
• Food Chain: A linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy
pass as one organism eats another.
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4. Write in brief about two disruptive technologies which have
also led to sustainable development. (4 marks)
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI optimizes resource management, enhances energy
efficiency, and supports precision agriculture, contributing to sustainability.
• Internet of Things (IoT): IoT enables smart energy grids and waste management
systems, reducing environmental impact and promoting efficient resource use.
5. What are the causes and effects of deforestation and forest
degradation? (2+2 marks)
• Causes: Agricultural expansion, logging, infrastructure development, and mining
activities.
• Effects: Loss of biodiversity, increased greenhouse gas emissions, disruption of
water cycles, and soil erosion.
How do forests contribute to the ecological, economic, and social well-being
of humans and other species? (2+2 marks)
• Ecological Contribution: Forests act as carbon sinks, regulate climate, and sup-
port biodiversity.
• Economic and Social Contribution: Forests provide timber, non-timber prod-
ucts, and livelihoods for indigenous communities while offering recreational and
spiritual value.
6. Give two examples of man-made disasters highlighting the
role of human beings in it. Also suggest how they could have
been avoided. (2+2 marks)
• Example 1: Oil spills caused by negligence or accidents during drilling or trans-
portation. Prevention: Strict adherence to safety protocols and advanced moni-
toring systems.
• Example 2: Industrial accidents like the Bhopal gas tragedy due to improper
handling of hazardous materials. Prevention: Regular safety audits and proper
training for handling chemicals.
7. Write four best practices in soil conservation. (4 marks)
• Crop rotation to maintain soil fertility.
• Contour plowing to prevent soil erosion on slopes.
• Use of natural fertilizers like compost instead of chemical fertilizers.
• Afforestation and maintaining vegetative cover to protect soil.
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8. Specify reasons why it is very hard to replace plastic by
biodegradable material? (3 marks)
• High production cost of biodegradable alternatives.
• Limited durability and performance of biodegradable materials compared to plas-
tics.
• Inadequate infrastructure for large-scale production and disposal of biodegradable
materials.
9. Write 3 major points to be considered for making risk assess-
ment. (3 marks)
• Identifying potential hazards and their sources.
• Assessing the likelihood and severity of risks.
• Developing mitigation strategies to minimize identified risks.
10. Consider any one environmental problem and give two inno-
vative solutions to them along with its underlying principle. (4
marks)
Problem: Air Pollution
• Solution 1: Deployment of green walls and vertical gardens in urban areas. Prin-
ciple: Plants absorb pollutants and produce oxygen.
• Solution 2: Adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy sources.
Principle: Reducing emissions from fossil fuels.
[More answers to follow in subsequent sections.]
