Our Environment

Chapter-15 Biology

Q1. What are the trophic levels? Give an example of a food chain and state the different trophic levels in
it.

Answer:In the food chain, the transfer of food or energy takes place at various levels, and these levels
are known as trophic levels.

Example:

Grass → Goat →Man

In the above food chain,grass represents the first trophic level.

The goat represents the second trophic level.

Man represents the third trophic level.

: Q2. What is the role of decomposers in the ecosystem?

Answer: The following are the roles of decomposers in the ecosystem:

A) They act as a cleansing agent of the environment by decomposing dead plants and animals.

B) They help in recycling nutrients.

C) They provide space for new beings in the biosphere by decomposing the dead.

D) They help in putting back the various elements into water, soil and air for the reuse of producers like
crop plants.

Q1. Why are some substances biodegradable and some non-biodegradable?

Answer: The microorganisms are decomposers can break down only natural products like paper, wood,
etc., but they cannot break down human-made products like plastics. Based on this, some substances
are biodegradable and some are non-biodegradable.

Q4. Give any two ways in which non-biodegradable substances would affect the environment.

Answer: The following are the ways in which non-biodegradable substances would affect the
environment:

A)They cause air, soil and water pollution.

B)They may cause bio-magnification in the food chain resulting in the end of humans.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q5. What is ozone, and how does it affect the ecosystem?

Answer:Ozone is a molecule formed by the three atoms of oxygen.The main function of the ozone layer
is to provide protection to the earth’s surface from the harmful UV rays of the sun. These rays are
harmful to living organisms and may result in skin cancer.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q6. How can you help in reducing the problem of waste disposal?
Give any two methods.

Answer:

A)3 Rs: By following the 3 Rs, one can reduce the problem of waste disposal. The 3 Rs are reduce, recycle
and reuse. Reducing the usage of private vehicles and opting for public transport can reduce air
pollution. Recycling and reusing plastics is also a way to reduce waste disposal.

B)Preparation of compost: All biodegradable wastes, like kitchen waste, can be dumped in the compost.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q7. What will happen if we kill all the organisms at one trophic
level?

Answer:If we kill all the organisms in one trophic level, the food supply to the next level will stop,
resulting in an imbalance of the ecosystem. As a result, animals in the higher levels will die, making the
growth of animals in the lower trophic level increase in an enormous way. All of this will affect the
overall balance in the ecosystem.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q8. What is biological magnification? Will the levels of this
magnification be different at different levels of the ecosystem?

Answer:Biological magnification can be defined as the progressive increase in the concentration of non-
biodegradable wastes in the food chain. As there is an increase in the magnification at the successive
trophic levels of the ecosystems, all the other levels do get affected, and the concentration may vary
when compared to the first level.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q9. What are the problems caused by the non-biodegradable
wastes that we generate?

Answer:The following are the problems caused by non-biodegradable wastes:

A)These substances cannot be decomposed by microorganisms.

B)As the quantity increases, dumping becomes a problem.

C)Non-biodegradable wastes, like heavy metals, may enter the food chain at the upper trophic levels.
D)They may escape to the groundwater, which causes soil infertility and disturbance in the pH of the
soil.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q10. If all the waste we generate is biodegradable, will this have
no impact on the environment?

Answer:

Biodegradable wastes are decomposed by the microorganisms into simpler substances which can be
used by the producers as raw materials. But the following are the effects of too many biodegradable
wastes:

A)As the decomposition of biodegradable wastes is slow, they produce an awful smell, and when inhaled
by humans, it can be harmful.

B)The dumping areas can be a place where harmful organisms may start to breed, which can be harmful
to humans as well as plants and animals.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q11. Why is damage to the ozone layer a cause for concern?
What steps are being taken to limit this damage?

Answer:The ozone layer is a protective cover for the earth. It prevents harmful UV rays from entering
the earth as these rays are harmful and can result in skin cancer. But, air pollutants like
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the main reason for the depletion of the ozone layer. Too much of UV
rays are harmful to plants as they affect photosynthesis and destroy planktons and decomposers. These
are the reasons why the damage to the ozone layer is a cause of concern.

As a step to limit this, many developing and developed countries have signed and are obeying the
directions of UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) to freeze or limit the production and
usage of CFCs.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Ques:why kulhads are not being used in trains now?

Ans:Manufacturing kulhads on large scale would result in the depletion of fertile top soil making the
land inadequate for the cultivation.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Food chain: Sequence of organisms through which energy is
transferred in the form of food by the process of one organism consuming other.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Ques:What is an ecosystem?Give eg of natural and man made.

Ans:All organisms such as plants,animals,microorganisms, humans and physical surroundings interact

with each other and maintain a balance in nature.

All the interacting organisms together with the non living constituents of the environment form an
ecosystem.
A)natural:pond,forest

B)artificial:aquarium,crop field

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Two problems caused by non biodegradable wastes we generate
in our daily life:

A)wastes like plastic,can if falls on drains causes clogging.

B)polythene when gets buried in soil increases soil temperature making the soil unfit for agriculture.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Enzymes are specific in their action. Human body does not
contain the enzyme which can break coal to get energy.

Hence, we do not get any energy if we try to eat coal. [0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Our
Environment

Chapter-15 Biology

Q1. What are the trophic levels? Give an example of a food chain and state the different trophic levels in
it.

Answer:In the food chain, the transfer of food or energy takes place at various levels, and these levels
are known as trophic levels.

Example:

Grass → Goat →Man

In the above food chain,grass represents the first trophic level.

The goat represents the second trophic level.

Man represents the third trophic level.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q2. What is the role of decomposers in the ecosystem?

Answer:The following are the roles of decomposers in the ecosystem:

A)They act as a cleansing agent of the environment by decomposing dead plants and animals.

B)They help in recycling nutrients.

C)They provide space for new beings in the biosphere by decomposing the dead.

D)They help in putting back the various elements into water, soil and air for the reuse of producers like
crop plants.
[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q1. Why are some substances biodegradable and some non-
biodegradable?

Answer: The microorganisms are decomposers can break down only natural products like paper, wood,
etc., but they cannot break down human-made products like plastics. Based on this, some substances
are biodegradable and some are non-biodegradable.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q4.Give any two ways in which non-biodegradable substances
would affect the environment.

Answer:The following are the ways in which non-biodegradable substances would affect the
environment:

A)They cause air, soil and water pollution.

B)They may cause bio-magnification in the food chain resulting in the end of humans.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q5. What is ozone, and how does it affect the ecosystem?

Answer:Ozone is a molecule formed by the three atoms of oxygen.The main function of the ozone layer
is to provide protection to the earth’s surface from the harmful UV rays of the sun. These rays are
harmful to living organisms and may result in skin cancer.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q6. How can you help in reducing the problem of waste disposal?
Give any two methods.

Answer:

A)3 Rs: By following the 3 Rs, one can reduce the problem of waste disposal. The 3 Rs are reduce, recycle
and reuse. Reducing the usage of private vehicles and opting for public transport can reduce air
pollution. Recycling and reusing plastics is also a way to reduce waste disposal.

B)Preparation of compost: All biodegradable wastes, like kitchen waste, can be dumped in the compost.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q7. What will happen if we kill all the organisms at one trophic
level?

Answer:If we kill all the organisms in one trophic level, the food supply to the next level will stop,
resulting in an imbalance of the ecosystem. As a result, animals in the higher levels will die, making the
growth of animals in the lower trophic level increase in an enormous way. All of this will affect the
overall balance in the ecosystem.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q8. What is biological magnification? Will the levels of this
magnification be different at different levels of the ecosystem?

Answer:Biological magnification can be defined as the progressive increase in the concentration of non-
biodegradable wastes in the food chain. As there is an increase in the magnification at the successive
trophic levels of the ecosystems, all the other levels do get affected, and the concentration may vary
when compared to the first level.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q9. What are the problems caused by the non-biodegradable
wastes that we generate?

Answer:The following are the problems caused by non-biodegradable wastes:

A)These substances cannot be decomposed by microorganisms.

B)As the quantity increases, dumping becomes a problem.

C)Non-biodegradable wastes, like heavy metals, may enter the food chain at the upper trophic levels.

D)They may escape to the groundwater, which causes soil infertility and disturbance in the pH of the
soil.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q10. If all the waste we generate is biodegradable, will this have
no impact on the environment?

Answer:

Biodegradable wastes are decomposed by the microorganisms into simpler substances which can be
used by the producers as raw materials. But the following are the effects of too many biodegradable
wastes:

A)As the decomposition of biodegradable wastes is slow, they produce an awful smell, and when inhaled
by humans, it can be harmful.

B)The dumping areas can be a place where harmful organisms may start to breed, which can be harmful
to humans as well as plants and animals.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q11. Why is damage to the ozone layer a cause for concern?
What steps are being taken to limit this damage?

Answer:The ozone layer is a protective cover for the earth. It prevents harmful UV rays from entering
the earth as these rays are harmful and can result in skin cancer. But, air pollutants like
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the main reason for the depletion of the ozone layer. Too much of UV
rays are harmful to plants as they affect photosynthesis and destroy planktons and decomposers. These
are the reasons why the damage to the ozone layer is a cause of concern.

As a step to limit this, many developing and developed countries have signed and are obeying the
directions of UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) to freeze or limit the production and
usage of CFCs.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Ques:why kulhads are not being used in trains now?
Ans:Manufacturing kulhads on large scale would result in the depletion of fertile top soil making the
land inadequate for the cultivation.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Food chain: Sequence of organisms through which energy is
transferred in the form of food by the process of one organism consuming other.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Ques:What is an ecosystem?Give eg of natural and man made.

Ans:All organisms such as plants,animals,microorganisms, humans and physical surroundings interact

with each other and maintain a balance in nature.

All the interacting organisms together with the non living constituents of the environment form an
ecosystem.

A)natural:pond,forest

B)artificial:aquarium,crop field

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Two problems caused by non biodegradable wastes we generate
in our daily life:

A)wastes like plastic,can if falls on drains causes clogging.

B)polythene when gets buried in soil increases soil temperature making the soil unfit for agriculture.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Enzymes are specific in their action. Human body does not
contain the enzyme which can break coal to get energy.

Hence, we do not get any energy if we try to eat coal. [0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Our
Environment

Chapter-15 Biology

Q1. What are the trophic levels? Give an example of a food chain and state the different trophic levels in
it.

Answer:In the food chain, the transfer of food or energy takes place at various levels, and these levels
are known as trophic levels.

Example:

Grass → Goat →Man

In the above food chain,grass represents the first trophic level.

The goat represents the second trophic level.

Man represents the third trophic level.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q2. What is the role of decomposers in the ecosystem?

Answer:The following are the roles of decomposers in the ecosystem:

A)They act as a cleansing agent of the environment by decomposing dead plants and animals.

B)They help in recycling nutrients.

C)They provide space for new beings in the biosphere by decomposing the dead.

D)They help in putting back the various elements into water, soil and air for the reuse of producers like
crop plants.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q1. Why are some substances biodegradable and some non-
biodegradable?

Answer: The microorganisms are decomposers can break down only natural products like paper, wood,
etc., but they cannot break down human-made products like plastics. Based on this, some substances
are biodegradable and some are non-biodegradable.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q4.Give any two ways in which non-biodegradable substances
would affect the environment.

Answer:The following are the ways in which non-biodegradable substances would affect the
environment:

A)They cause air, soil and water pollution.

B)They may cause bio-magnification in the food chain resulting in the end of humans.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q5. What is ozone, and how does it affect the ecosystem?

Answer:Ozone is a molecule formed by the three atoms of oxygen.The main function of the ozone layer
is to provide protection to the earth’s surface from the harmful UV rays of the sun. These rays are
harmful to living organisms and may result in skin cancer.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q6. How can you help in reducing the problem of waste disposal?
Give any two methods.

Answer:

A)3 Rs: By following the 3 Rs, one can reduce the problem of waste disposal. The 3 Rs are reduce, recycle
and reuse. Reducing the usage of private vehicles and opting for public transport can reduce air
pollution. Recycling and reusing plastics is also a way to reduce waste disposal.

B)Preparation of compost: All biodegradable wastes, like kitchen waste, can be dumped in the compost.
[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q7. What will happen if we kill all the organisms at one trophic
level?

Answer:If we kill all the organisms in one trophic level, the food supply to the next level will stop,
resulting in an imbalance of the ecosystem. As a result, animals in the higher levels will die, making the
growth of animals in the lower trophic level increase in an enormous way. All of this will affect the
overall balance in the ecosystem.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q8. What is biological magnification? Will the levels of this
magnification be different at different levels of the ecosystem?

Answer:Biological magnification can be defined as the progressive increase in the concentration of non-
biodegradable wastes in the food chain. As there is an increase in the magnification at the successive
trophic levels of the ecosystems, all the other levels do get affected, and the concentration may vary
when compared to the first level.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q9. What are the problems caused by the non-biodegradable
wastes that we generate?

Answer:The following are the problems caused by non-biodegradable wastes:

A)These substances cannot be decomposed by microorganisms.

B)As the quantity increases, dumping becomes a problem.

C)Non-biodegradable wastes, like heavy metals, may enter the food chain at the upper trophic levels.

D)They may escape to the groundwater, which causes soil infertility and disturbance in the pH of the
soil.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q10. If all the waste we generate is biodegradable, will this have
no impact on the environment?

Answer:

Biodegradable wastes are decomposed by the microorganisms into simpler substances which can be
used by the producers as raw materials. But the following are the effects of too many biodegradable
wastes:

A)As the decomposition of biodegradable wastes is slow, they produce an awful smell, and when inhaled
by humans, it can be harmful.

B)The dumping areas can be a place where harmful organisms may start to breed, which can be harmful
to humans as well as plants and animals.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q11. Why is damage to the ozone layer a cause for concern?
What steps are being taken to limit this damage?
Answer:The ozone layer is a protective cover for the earth. It prevents harmful UV rays from entering
the earth as these rays are harmful and can result in skin cancer. But, air pollutants like
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the main reason for the depletion of the ozone layer. Too much of UV
rays are harmful to plants as they affect photosynthesis and destroy planktons and decomposers. These
are the reasons why the damage to the ozone layer is a cause of concern.

As a step to limit this, many developing and developed countries have signed and are obeying the
directions of UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) to freeze or limit the production and
usage of CFCs.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Ques:why kulhads are not being used in trains now?

Ans:Manufacturing kulhads on large scale would result in the depletion of fertile top soil making the
land inadequate for the cultivation.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Food chain: Sequence of organisms through which energy is
transferred in the form of food by the process of one organism consuming other.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Ques:What is an ecosystem?Give eg of natural and man made.

Ans:All organisms such as plants,animals,microorganisms, humans and physical surroundings interact

with each other and maintain a balance in nature.

All the interacting organisms together with the non living constituents of the environment form an
ecosystem.

A)natural:pond,forest

B)artificial:aquarium,crop field

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Two problems caused by non biodegradable wastes we generate
in our daily life:

A)wastes like plastic,can if falls on drains causes clogging.

B)polythene when gets buried in soil increases soil temperature making the soil unfit for agriculture.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Enzymes are specific in their action. Human body does not
contain the enzyme which can break coal to get energy.

Hence, we do not get any energy if we try to eat coal. [0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Our
Environment

Chapter-15 Biology
Q1. What are the trophic levels? Give an example of a food chain and state the different trophic levels in
it.

Answer:In the food chain, the transfer of food or energy takes place at various levels, and these levels
are known as trophic levels.

Example:

Grass → Goat →Man

In the above food chain,grass represents the first trophic level.

The goat represents the second trophic level.

Man represents the third trophic level.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q2. What is the role of decomposers in the ecosystem?

Answer:The following are the roles of decomposers in the ecosystem:

A)They act as a cleansing agent of the environment by decomposing dead plants and animals.

B)They help in recycling nutrients.

C)They provide space for new beings in the biosphere by decomposing the dead.

D)They help in putting back the various elements into water, soil and air for the reuse of producers like
crop plants.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q1. Why are some substances biodegradable and some non-
biodegradable?

Answer: The microorganisms are decomposers can break down only natural products like paper, wood,
etc., but they cannot break down human-made products like plastics. Based on this, some substances
are biodegradable and some are non-biodegradable.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q4.Give any two ways in which non-biodegradable substances
would affect the environment.

Answer:The following are the ways in which non-biodegradable substances would affect the
environment:

A)They cause air, soil and water pollution.

B)They may cause bio-magnification in the food chain resulting in the end of humans.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q5. What is ozone, and how does it affect the ecosystem?
Answer:Ozone is a molecule formed by the three atoms of oxygen.The main function of the ozone layer
is to provide protection to the earth’s surface from the harmful UV rays of the sun. These rays are
harmful to living organisms and may result in skin cancer.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q6. How can you help in reducing the problem of waste disposal?
Give any two methods.

Answer:

A)3 Rs: By following the 3 Rs, one can reduce the problem of waste disposal. The 3 Rs are reduce, recycle
and reuse. Reducing the usage of private vehicles and opting for public transport can reduce air
pollution. Recycling and reusing plastics is also a way to reduce waste disposal.

B)Preparation of compost: All biodegradable wastes, like kitchen waste, can be dumped in the compost.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q7. What will happen if we kill all the organisms at one trophic
level?

Answer:If we kill all the organisms in one trophic level, the food supply to the next level will stop,
resulting in an imbalance of the ecosystem. As a result, animals in the higher levels will die, making the
growth of animals in the lower trophic level increase in an enormous way. All of this will affect the
overall balance in the ecosystem.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q8. What is biological magnification? Will the levels of this
magnification be different at different levels of the ecosystem?

Answer:Biological magnification can be defined as the progressive increase in the concentration of non-
biodegradable wastes in the food chain. As there is an increase in the magnification at the successive
trophic levels of the ecosystems, all the other levels do get affected, and the concentration may vary
when compared to the first level.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q9. What are the problems caused by the non-biodegradable
wastes that we generate?

Answer:The following are the problems caused by non-biodegradable wastes:

A)These substances cannot be decomposed by microorganisms.

B)As the quantity increases, dumping becomes a problem.

C)Non-biodegradable wastes, like heavy metals, may enter the food chain at the upper trophic levels.

D)They may escape to the groundwater, which causes soil infertility and disturbance in the pH of the
soil.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q10. If all the waste we generate is biodegradable, will this have
no impact on the environment?
Answer:

Biodegradable wastes are decomposed by the microorganisms into simpler substances which can be
used by the producers as raw materials. But the following are the effects of too many biodegradable
wastes:

A)As the decomposition of biodegradable wastes is slow, they produce an awful smell, and when inhaled
by humans, it can be harmful.

B)The dumping areas can be a place where harmful organisms may start to breed, which can be harmful
to humans as well as plants and animals.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q11. Why is damage to the ozone layer a cause for concern?
What steps are being taken to limit this damage?

Answer:The ozone layer is a protective cover for the earth. It prevents harmful UV rays from entering
the earth as these rays are harmful and can result in skin cancer. But, air pollutants like
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the main reason for the depletion of the ozone layer. Too much of UV
rays are harmful to plants as they affect photosynthesis and destroy planktons and decomposers. These
are the reasons why the damage to the ozone layer is a cause of concern.

As a step to limit this, many developing and developed countries have signed and are obeying the
directions of UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) to freeze or limit the production and
usage of CFCs.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Ques:why kulhads are not being used in trains now?

Ans:Manufacturing kulhads on large scale would result in the depletion of fertile top soil making the
land inadequate for the cultivation.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Food chain: Sequence of organisms through which energy is
transferred in the form of food by the process of one organism consuming other.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Ques:What is an ecosystem?Give eg of natural and man made.

Ans:All organisms such as plants,animals,microorganisms, humans and physical surroundings interact

with each other and maintain a balance in nature.

All the interacting organisms together with the non living constituents of the environment form an
ecosystem.

A)natural:pond,forest

B)artificial:aquarium,crop field

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Two problems caused by non biodegradable wastes we generate
in our daily life:
A)wastes like plastic,can if falls on drains causes clogging.

B)polythene when gets buried in soil increases soil temperature making the soil unfit for agriculture.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Enzymes are specific in their action. Human body does not
contain the enzyme which can break coal to get energy.

Hence, we do not get any energy if we try to eat coal. [0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Our
Environment

Chapter-15 Biology

Q1. What are the trophic levels? Give an example of a food chain and state the different trophic levels in
it.

Answer:In the food chain, the transfer of food or energy takes place at various levels, and these levels
are known as trophic levels.

Example:

Grass → Goat →Man

In the above food chain,grass represents the first trophic level.

The goat represents the second trophic level.

Man represents the third trophic level.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q2. What is the role of decomposers in the ecosystem?

Answer:The following are the roles of decomposers in the ecosystem:

A)They act as a cleansing agent of the environment by decomposing dead plants and animals.

B)They help in recycling nutrients.

C)They provide space for new beings in the biosphere by decomposing the dead.

D)They help in putting back the various elements into water, soil and air for the reuse of producers like
crop plants.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q1. Why are some substances biodegradable and some non-
biodegradable?

Answer: The microorganisms are decomposers can break down only natural products like paper, wood,
etc., but they cannot break down human-made products like plastics. Based on this, some substances
are biodegradable and some are non-biodegradable.
[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q4.Give any two ways in which non-biodegradable substances
would affect the environment.

Answer:The following are the ways in which non-biodegradable substances would affect the
environment:

A)They cause air, soil and water pollution.

B)They may cause bio-magnification in the food chain resulting in the end of humans.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q5. What is ozone, and how does it affect the ecosystem?

Answer:Ozone is a molecule formed by the three atoms of oxygen.The main function of the ozone layer
is to provide protection to the earth’s surface from the harmful UV rays of the sun. These rays are
harmful to living organisms and may result in skin cancer.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q6. How can you help in reducing the problem of waste disposal?
Give any two methods.

Answer:

A)3 Rs: By following the 3 Rs, one can reduce the problem of waste disposal. The 3 Rs are reduce, recycle
and reuse. Reducing the usage of private vehicles and opting for public transport can reduce air
pollution. Recycling and reusing plastics is also a way to reduce waste disposal.

B)Preparation of compost: All biodegradable wastes, like kitchen waste, can be dumped in the compost.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q7. What will happen if we kill all the organisms at one trophic
level?

Answer:If we kill all the organisms in one trophic level, the food supply to the next level will stop,
resulting in an imbalance of the ecosystem. As a result, animals in the higher levels will die, making the
growth of animals in the lower trophic level increase in an enormous way. All of this will affect the
overall balance in the ecosystem.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q8. What is biological magnification? Will the levels of this
magnification be different at different levels of the ecosystem?

Answer:Biological magnification can be defined as the progressive increase in the concentration of non-
biodegradable wastes in the food chain. As there is an increase in the magnification at the successive
trophic levels of the ecosystems, all the other levels do get affected, and the concentration may vary
when compared to the first level.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q9. What are the problems caused by the non-biodegradable
wastes that we generate?

Answer:The following are the problems caused by non-biodegradable wastes:

A)These substances cannot be decomposed by microorganisms.

B)As the quantity increases, dumping becomes a problem.

C)Non-biodegradable wastes, like heavy metals, may enter the food chain at the upper trophic levels.

D)They may escape to the groundwater, which causes soil infertility and disturbance in the pH of the
soil.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q10. If all the waste we generate is biodegradable, will this have
no impact on the environment?

Answer:

Biodegradable wastes are decomposed by the microorganisms into simpler substances which can be
used by the producers as raw materials. But the following are the effects of too many biodegradable
wastes:

A)As the decomposition of biodegradable wastes is slow, they produce an awful smell, and when inhaled
by humans, it can be harmful.

B)The dumping areas can be a place where harmful organisms may start to breed, which can be harmful
to humans as well as plants and animals.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q11. Why is damage to the ozone layer a cause for concern?
What steps are being taken to limit this damage?

Answer:The ozone layer is a protective cover for the earth. It prevents harmful UV rays from entering
the earth as these rays are harmful and can result in skin cancer. But, air pollutants like
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the main reason for the depletion of the ozone layer. Too much of UV
rays are harmful to plants as they affect photosynthesis and destroy planktons and decomposers. These
are the reasons why the damage to the ozone layer is a cause of concern.

As a step to limit this, many developing and developed countries have signed and are obeying the
directions of UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) to freeze or limit the production and
usage of CFCs.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Ques:why kulhads are not being used in trains now?

Ans:Manufacturing kulhads on large scale would result in the depletion of fertile top soil making the
land inadequate for the cultivation.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Food chain: Sequence of organisms through which energy is
transferred in the form of food by the process of one organism consuming other.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Ques:What is an ecosystem?Give eg of natural and man made.
Ans:All organisms such as plants,animals,microorganisms, humans and physical surroundings interact
with each other and maintain a balance in nature.

All the interacting organisms together with the non living constituents of the environment form an
ecosystem.

A)natural:pond,forest

B)artificial:aquarium,crop field

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Two problems caused by non biodegradable wastes we generate
in our daily life:

A)wastes like plastic,can if falls on drains causes clogging.

B)polythene when gets buried in soil increases soil temperature making the soil unfit for agriculture.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Enzymes are specific in their action. Human body does not
contain the enzyme which can break coal to get energy.

Hence, we do not get any energy if we try to eat coal. [0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Our
Environment

Chapter-15 Biology

Q1. What are the trophic levels? Give an example of a food chain and state the different trophic levels in
it.

Answer:In the food chain, the transfer of food or energy takes place at various levels, and these levels
are known as trophic levels.

Example:

Grass → Goat →Man

In the above food chain,grass represents the first trophic level.

The goat represents the second trophic level.

Man represents the third trophic level.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q2. What is the role of decomposers in the ecosystem?

Answer:The following are the roles of decomposers in the ecosystem:

A)They act as a cleansing agent of the environment by decomposing dead plants and animals.
B)They help in recycling nutrients.

C)They provide space for new beings in the biosphere by decomposing the dead.

D)They help in putting back the various elements into water, soil and air for the reuse of producers like
crop plants.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q1. Why are some substances biodegradable and some non-
biodegradable?

Answer: The microorganisms are decomposers can break down only natural products like paper, wood,
etc., but they cannot break down human-made products like plastics. Based on this, some substances
are biodegradable and some are non-biodegradable.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q4.Give any two ways in which non-biodegradable substances
would affect the environment.

Answer:The following are the ways in which non-biodegradable substances would affect the
environment:

A)They cause air, soil and water pollution.

B)They may cause bio-magnification in the food chain resulting in the end of humans.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q5. What is ozone, and how does it affect the ecosystem?

Answer:Ozone is a molecule formed by the three atoms of oxygen.The main function of the ozone layer
is to provide protection to the earth’s surface from the harmful UV rays of the sun. These rays are
harmful to living organisms and may result in skin cancer.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q6. How can you help in reducing the problem of waste disposal?
Give any two methods.

Answer:

A)3 Rs: By following the 3 Rs, one can reduce the problem of waste disposal. The 3 Rs are reduce, recycle
and reuse. Reducing the usage of private vehicles and opting for public transport can reduce air
pollution. Recycling and reusing plastics is also a way to reduce waste disposal.

B)Preparation of compost: All biodegradable wastes, like kitchen waste, can be dumped in the compost.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q7. What will happen if we kill all the organisms at one trophic
level?

Answer:If we kill all the organisms in one trophic level, the food supply to the next level will stop,
resulting in an imbalance of the ecosystem. As a result, animals in the higher levels will die, making the
growth of animals in the lower trophic level increase in an enormous way. All of this will affect the
overall balance in the ecosystem.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q8. What is biological magnification? Will the levels of this
magnification be different at different levels of the ecosystem?

Answer:Biological magnification can be defined as the progressive increase in the concentration of non-
biodegradable wastes in the food chain. As there is an increase in the magnification at the successive
trophic levels of the ecosystems, all the other levels do get affected, and the concentration may vary
when compared to the first level.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q9. What are the problems caused by the non-biodegradable
wastes that we generate?

Answer:The following are the problems caused by non-biodegradable wastes:

A)These substances cannot be decomposed by microorganisms.

B)As the quantity increases, dumping becomes a problem.

C)Non-biodegradable wastes, like heavy metals, may enter the food chain at the upper trophic levels.

D)They may escape to the groundwater, which causes soil infertility and disturbance in the pH of the
soil.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q10. If all the waste we generate is biodegradable, will this have
no impact on the environment?

Answer:

Biodegradable wastes are decomposed by the microorganisms into simpler substances which can be
used by the producers as raw materials. But the following are the effects of too many biodegradable
wastes:

A)As the decomposition of biodegradable wastes is slow, they produce an awful smell, and when inhaled
by humans, it can be harmful.

B)The dumping areas can be a place where harmful organisms may start to breed, which can be harmful
to humans as well as plants and animals.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q11. Why is damage to the ozone layer a cause for concern?
What steps are being taken to limit this damage?

Answer:The ozone layer is a protective cover for the earth. It prevents harmful UV rays from entering
the earth as these rays are harmful and can result in skin cancer. But, air pollutants like
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the main reason for the depletion of the ozone layer. Too much of UV
rays are harmful to plants as they affect photosynthesis and destroy planktons and decomposers. These
are the reasons why the damage to the ozone layer is a cause of concern.

As a step to limit this, many developing and developed countries have signed and are obeying the
directions of UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) to freeze or limit the production and
usage of CFCs.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Ques:why kulhads are not being used in trains now?

Ans:Manufacturing kulhads on large scale would result in the depletion of fertile top soil making the
land inadequate for the cultivation.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Food chain: Sequence of organisms through which energy is
transferred in the form of food by the process of one organism consuming other.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Ques:What is an ecosystem?Give eg of natural and man made.

Ans:All organisms such as plants,animals,microorganisms, humans and physical surroundings interact

with each other and maintain a balance in nature.

All the interacting organisms together with the non living constituents of the environment form an
ecosystem.

A)natural:pond,forest

B)artificial:aquarium,crop field

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Two problems caused by non biodegradable wastes we generate
in our daily life:

A)wastes like plastic,can if falls on drains causes clogging.

B)polythene when gets buried in soil increases soil temperature making the soil unfit for agriculture.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Enzymes are specific in their action. Human body does not
contain the enzyme which can break coal to get energy.

Hence, we do not get any energy if we try to eat coal. [0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Our
Environment

Chapter-15 Biology

Q1. What are the trophic levels? Give an example of a food chain and state the different trophic levels in
it.
Answer:In the food chain, the transfer of food or energy takes place at various levels, and these levels
are known as trophic levels.

Example:

Grass → Goat →Man

In the above food chain,grass represents the first trophic level.

The goat represents the second trophic level.

Man represents the third trophic level.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q2. What is the role of decomposers in the ecosystem?

Answer:The following are the roles of decomposers in the ecosystem:

A)They act as a cleansing agent of the environment by decomposing dead plants and animals.

B)They help in recycling nutrients.

C)They provide space for new beings in the biosphere by decomposing the dead.

D)They help in putting back the various elements into water, soil and air for the reuse of producers like
crop plants.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q1. Why are some substances biodegradable and some non-
biodegradable?

Answer: The microorganisms are decomposers can break down only natural products like paper, wood,
etc., but they cannot break down human-made products like plastics. Based on this, some substances
are biodegradable and some are non-biodegradable.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q4.Give any two ways in which non-biodegradable substances
would affect the environment.

Answer:The following are the ways in which non-biodegradable substances would affect the
environment:

A)They cause air, soil and water pollution.

B)They may cause bio-magnification in the food chain resulting in the end of humans.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q5. What is ozone, and how does it affect the ecosystem?

Answer:Ozone is a molecule formed by the three atoms of oxygen.The main function of the ozone layer
is to provide protection to the earth’s surface from the harmful UV rays of the sun. These rays are
harmful to living organisms and may result in skin cancer.
[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q6. How can you help in reducing the problem of waste disposal?
Give any two methods.

Answer:

A)3 Rs: By following the 3 Rs, one can reduce the problem of waste disposal. The 3 Rs are reduce, recycle
and reuse. Reducing the usage of private vehicles and opting for public transport can reduce air
pollution. Recycling and reusing plastics is also a way to reduce waste disposal.

B)Preparation of compost: All biodegradable wastes, like kitchen waste, can be dumped in the compost.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q7. What will happen if we kill all the organisms at one trophic
level?

Answer:If we kill all the organisms in one trophic level, the food supply to the next level will stop,
resulting in an imbalance of the ecosystem. As a result, animals in the higher levels will die, making the
growth of animals in the lower trophic level increase in an enormous way. All of this will affect the
overall balance in the ecosystem.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q8. What is biological magnification? Will the levels of this
magnification be different at different levels of the ecosystem?

Answer:Biological magnification can be defined as the progressive increase in the concentration of non-
biodegradable wastes in the food chain. As there is an increase in the magnification at the successive
trophic levels of the ecosystems, all the other levels do get affected, and the concentration may vary
when compared to the first level.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q9. What are the problems caused by the non-biodegradable
wastes that we generate?

Answer:The following are the problems caused by non-biodegradable wastes:

A)These substances cannot be decomposed by microorganisms.

B)As the quantity increases, dumping becomes a problem.

C)Non-biodegradable wastes, like heavy metals, may enter the food chain at the upper trophic levels.

D)They may escape to the groundwater, which causes soil infertility and disturbance in the pH of the
soil.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q10. If all the waste we generate is biodegradable, will this have
no impact on the environment?

Answer:
Biodegradable wastes are decomposed by the microorganisms into simpler substances which can be
used by the producers as raw materials. But the following are the effects of too many biodegradable
wastes:

A)As the decomposition of biodegradable wastes is slow, they produce an awful smell, and when inhaled
by humans, it can be harmful.

B)The dumping areas can be a place where harmful organisms may start to breed, which can be harmful
to humans as well as plants and animals.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Q11. Why is damage to the ozone layer a cause for concern?
What steps are being taken to limit this damage?

Answer:The ozone layer is a protective cover for the earth. It prevents harmful UV rays from entering
the earth as these rays are harmful and can result in skin cancer. But, air pollutants like
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the main reason for the depletion of the ozone layer. Too much of UV
rays are harmful to plants as they affect photosynthesis and destroy planktons and decomposers. These
are the reasons why the damage to the ozone layer is a cause of concern.

As a step to limit this, many developing and developed countries have signed and are obeying the
directions of UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) to freeze or limit the production and
usage of CFCs.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Ques:why kulhads are not being used in trains now?

Ans:Manufacturing kulhads on large scale would result in the depletion of fertile top soil making the
land inadequate for the cultivation.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Food chain: Sequence of organisms through which energy is
transferred in the form of food by the process of one organism consuming other.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Ques:What is an ecosystem?Give eg of natural and man made.

Ans:All organisms such as plants,animals,microorganisms, humans and physical surroundings interact

with each other and maintain a balance in nature.

All the interacting organisms together with the non living constituents of the environment form an
ecosystem.

A)natural:pond,forest

B)artificial:aquarium,crop field

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Two problems caused by non biodegradable wastes we generate
in our daily life:

A)wastes like plastic,can if falls on drains causes clogging.

B)polythene when gets buried in soil increases soil temperature making the soil unfit for agriculture.

[0:59 am, 05/12/2023] Reena Edward: Enzymes are specific in their action. Human body does not
contain the enzyme which can break coal to get energy.

Hence, we do not get any energy if we try to eat coal.