Environmental Studies PYQs

The correct answer is Koel.

Concept:

• Birds build nests to lay their eggs and incubate their younger ones.
• Not all birds build nests eg. Koel lays its egg in the nest of a crow.
• Different birds build nests at different places, some on ground level, some high up on the tree.
• Different birds use different techniques and different materials to build their nests.

Key Points

• The crow builds its nest high up on a tree with all kinds of materials
• The koel lay their eggs in crow nests.
• This ensures that there's a higher chance of clutch formation. (The clutch is the number of eggs laid).
• The koel's eggs resemble those of the crow in pattern and colour, which helps them in nesting.
• Koel does not make a nest of its own.
• The female Koel Lays her eggs in other bird's nest who actually rear them thinking of their own.
• Koel is a brood parasite which means it lays eggs on other birds' nest.
• Usually, the eggs in each type resemble their host's eggs.
• The koel is known for its sweet voice, which makes koohu-koohu sound.

Explanation:

• Ecosystem: All organisms such as plants, animals, microorganisms and human beings as well as the physical surroundings interact with each other and maintain a balance in nature.

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

Feeding relation in natural surrounding:

• Food chain: A food chain shows the feeding relationship between different organisms in a particular environment and/or habitat. A food chain shows how energy is passed from the sun to producers, from producers to consumers, and from consumers to decomposes such as fungi. They also show how animals depend on other organisms for food.

• The systematic diagram to show this chain-

• In this chain, Grass ⟶ Grasshopper ⟶ Frog ⟶ Snake ⟶ Hawk.

According to the question, If all Deer will be killed.

Grass → Deer (×)→ Tiger

Then, Grass is increased as no deers are there to eat and the population of tigers will decrease because they did not get enough food.

So, Grass increases, and the population of tigers decreases.

The correct answer is Air Quality Index. 

Key Points

• Air quality indices have been created in different countries for the measurement of air quality.
• These indices measure the air quality in the country and indicate whether the amount of nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide in the air exceeds the criteria set by the World Health Organization or not.
• India uses the National Air Quality Index (AQI), Canada uses the Air Quality Health Index, Singapore uses the Pollutant Standards Index and Malaysia uses the Air Pollution Index.
• There are many cities including Beijing, Paris where 'pollution emergency' is declared.
• However, India also declared the same in November 2019.
• What is Air Quality Index?
• The National Air Quality Index (AQI) in India was launched on 17 September 2014 in New Delhi under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by Environment Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar.
• The air quality index is composed of 8 pollutants - PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb).
• The Air Quality Index measures the quality of air. It shows the amount and types of gases dissolved in the air. There are 6 categories of air that have been created in this air quality index.
• These categories are based on air quality.
• These categories are; good, satisfactory, moderate, poor, very poor, and severe.
• As the air quality deteriorates, so does the ranking of air from good to bad than very poor to severe.
• Air pollution means the amount of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), and Carbon Monoxide (CO) in the air exceeds the criteria set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
• In cities like Delhi, the main components of air pollution are the PM 2.5 and PM 10 particles that are present in the air. When the level of these particles rises in the air, they cause difficulty in breathing, irritation in the eyes, etc.
• According to the Berkeley, Earth science research group; breathing in air with a PM2.5 content of between 950 to 1,000 is like smoking 44 cigarettes a day.

The correct answer is the whale.

Key Points

• Mammals are a class within the phylum Chordata characterized by the following: 
• They are warm-blooded animals and give birth to live young (with the exception of monotremes).
• They possess mammary glands that enable them to nurse their young.
• Their skin features hair, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands.
• They have cervical vertebrae, a dicondylic skull, and 12 pairs of cranial nerves.
• Cows, platypuses, and dolphins fall into the mammal category.

Important Points Whale:

• The whale belongs to the class Mammalia.
• The whale is a mammal, not a fish; therefore, it is a warm-blooded animal.
• It is classified under the phylum Chordata.
• Whales give birth to live young (whereas fish reproduce via eggs) and nourish their offspring (known as calves) with milk produced by the mother's body.

Concept:

• Cooking and eating together in a Gurdwara is known as Langar.
• Langar is a religious tradition of Sikhism observed in Gurdwaras across India.

Explanation:

• Karah Prasad is a rich and delicious wheat flour halwa (sweet pudding) served in Gurdwaras.
• Karah Prasad is primarily made from four ingredients: wheat flour, ghee (clarified butter), sugar, and water.
• Ardas is a Sikh prayer offered to God.
• Karah Prasad is distributed after the Ardas.
• Some people serve food, while others serve water.
• Everyone eats together.
• After finishing the meal, everyone picks up their own plate and places it in a large drum.
• Those who served the food eat last.
• They clean the area and wash the dishes.
• Everyone contributes in some way.

Thus, Langar is a free community kitchen.

Concept:

• Groundwater is water found beneath the earth's surface in the spaces within the soil and in the cracks and crevices of the earth's crust.
• The presence of groundwater in the soil enables plants to extract the water they need.
• It also indicates healthy soil.
• Groundwater is a primary source of water for both drinking and irrigation in many parts of the country.

Explanation:

• Rainwater and water from sources like rivers and ponds seep through the soil, filling the empty spaces and deep cracks beneath the ground.
• The process of water seeping into the ground is called infiltration.
• This process replenishes groundwater.
• In many places, groundwater is stored between layers of hard rock below the water table; this formation is known as an aquifer.
• Water from an aquifer can usually be extracted using tube wells or hand pumps.

Thus, groundwater accumulated between layers of hard rock below the water table is known as an aquifer.

The Correct Answer is: A and B only

Key Points

• The following are the key points related to the elephant:
• The elephant is the largest existing mammal on the Earth
• The oldest female elephant becomes the head of the herd.
• There are 10 to 12 female elephants and young ones in a herd.
• There is no male elephant in the herd, they leave when they turn 14 or 15.
• An adult elephant can eat up to 100kgs (1 quintal) of leaves and twigs in one day.
• A three-month-old elephant weighs about 200 kgs (2 quintals).
• Elephants do not rest much and sleep for only 2-3 hours per day.
• Elephants are usually found in tropical habitats.
• Elephants love to play with mud and water. The mud keeps their skin cool.
• Their big ears also work like fans. The elephants flap these to keep themselves cool.

​Thus,

A. The weight of three month-old baby elephant is about 2 quintals: Correct 

B. Elephants do not rest very much. They sleep only for two to four hours: Correct 

C. An adult elephant can eat more than two quintals of leaves and twigs in 24 hours: Incorrect 

D. An elephant herd comprises members of two-three families and the oldest male is the leader of the herd: Incorrect

The correct answer is Owl.

Explanation:

• Most of the birds have their eyes on either side of the head.
• Their eyes can focus on two different things at a time.
• When they look straight ahead, both their eyes focus on the same object.
• In most birds, eyes are fixed and cannot move.
• So birds have to turn their heads to see around.
• Owl is an exception and has eyes in front of its head.

​

∴ Owl has eyes in front of its head.

The Correct answer is:  Nutrients 

Key Points

• Carnivorous plants obtain the essential nutrients from the heterotrophs.
• These plants trap insects and obtain the nutrients which they do not get from the soil.
• They are not called heterotrophs or consumers, because they only derive nutrients from insects.
• These plants get energy from the process of photosynthesis.
• Hence they are both producers and carnivorous.

Important Points

Thus, these plants derive nutrients from insects.

Key Points 

World Water Day:

• World Water Day is celebrated on 22^nd March.
• World Water Day, held on 22 March every year since 1993, focuses on the importance of freshwater.
• The theme of 2023 World Water Day is “Accelerating Change”.
• International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern and to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems.

Thus, world water day is celebrated on 22 March.

Additional Information 

The Right to Education Act (RTE) of the Parliament of India was enacted on 4 August 2009 and came into force on 1 April 2010. This Act is also known as the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education, because under its provisions, "every child between 6 to 14 years of age has the fundamental right to elementary education with specified minimum standards in schools."

Important provisions of the RTE are as follows:

• The right of children to free and compulsory education until completion of elementary education in a neighbourhood school.
• It provides for admission of a non-enrolled child into an age-appropriate class.
• It specifies the duties and responsibilities of appropriate governments, local authorities, and parents in providing free and compulsory education.
• It lays down norms and standards related to Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR), buildings and infrastructure, school working days, and teacher working hours.
• According to the RTE Act, a teacher shall spend at least 45 hours per week in teaching, including preparation hours, and shall be prohibited from private tuition practice.
• It provides for the appointment of properly trained teachers, i.e., teachers possessing the required entry and academic qualifications.
• The Act prohibits corporal punishment and mental harassment.
• It provides for curriculum development in accordance with the values enshrined in the Constitution, ensuring the all-round development of the child.

Thus, the RTE Act, 2009 provides the right to free and compulsory education to every child between 6 and 14 years of age.

Concept:

While growing a crop, the steps followed are:

Explanation:

Onion cultivation:

• The right amount of seeds are dropped at a regular distance.
• It should be done carefully so as not to drop too many seeds in one place.
• After 20 days of sowing the seeds, they begin to sprout.
• Weeds start to appear along with the onion plants.
• Weeds need to be removed so that they do not take up all the water and fertilisers.
• If there are too many weeds, then the onion plants will not be healthy.
• The plants grow tall.
• The leaves start turning yellow and drying up.
• This means that the onions are ready to be taken out.
• The onions are now taken out.
• It is important that this should be done at the right time.
• If late, the onions will rot in the ground itself and all the hard work will be wasted.
• The dried leaves from the top of the onions are cut.
• The sacks are filled with onions and taken in a truck to sell in the big market.

Thus, the correct way of doing it -

A. Digging to loosen the soil

E. Sowing of seeds

B. Weeding

D. Plucking the onion out

C. Cutting the dried leaves from the of onion

The correct answer is that the eyes are fixed and cannot move.

Key Points

• Birds often move their neck because the eyes of most birds remain fixed and cannot move.
• The eyes of most birds are located on the sides of their head.
• Birds can focus their eyes on two different objects at the same time.
• When they look straight ahead, both eyes focus on the same object.
• In most birds, the eyes are fixed and cannot move.
• Therefore, birds have to turn their heads in order to see.

Figure: Different neck movements of birds

Additional Information

• The eyes of an owl are located at the front of its head.
• Eagles, hawks, and vultures can see objects from a distance of eight meters that humans can see only from a distance of two meters.

The correct answer is Mawsynram.

• India is a vast country in geographical terms, with various regions experiences very different climatic conditions.
• This is also reflected in the distribution of rainfall in India.

Some regions experience very high rainfall and others receive very scanty rainfall.

• The difference between the recorded highest and lowest rainfall in India is approximately 1178 cm.

Important Points 

The highest rainfall in India and the world is recorded at Mawsynram village of Meghalaya.

• It is also known as the land of clouds.
• Mawsynram is a village located in the East Khasi Hills in the district of Meghalaya state in northeastern India, which is 65 kilometres from Shillong.
• The average annual rainfall is 467 inches (11,861mm).
• The main majority of rains is during the monsoon season.
• Basically, due to the high altitude, it rarely gets truly hot in Mawsynram.
• 14,234 mm is the recorded rainfall in the year 2010.
• According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Mawsynram received 26,000 millimetres (1,000 in) of rainfall in 1985.

Additional Information 

• The second rainiest place is Cherrapunji, which is also located in Meghalaya.
• Here the average annual rainfall is around 11,430 mm (450 in) per year.

Key Points

• When Ayesha asks her question and the other students laugh, it is an opportunity for Kalyani to foster curiosity and critical thinking among her students.
• By encouraging them to find out the answer to Ayesha's question, Kalyani promotes independent research and problem-solving skills.
• Rather than directly providing the answer, Kalyani can guide the students in exploring the topic further.
• She can suggest resources, such as books or websites, where students can find information about the Earth's rotation, time zones, and the concept of night as they move in a particular direction.
• This approach empowers students to take ownership of their learning and fosters a classroom environment that values curiosity, inquiry, and collaboration. It also allows for further exploration and discussion of the topic in the next class.

Therefore, the most appropriate response for Kalyani is to encourage the students to find out the answer to Ayesha's question.

It is important to address the underlying issue of gender stereotypes and unfair division of household responsibilities.

Key Points

• By explaining to Nida that household chores should not be solely her responsibility based on her gender, you can help her understand the importance of equal participation and shared responsibilities within the family.
• Encourage Nida to have an open conversation with her family about redistributing household tasks among all family members, including her brother. This will promote a more equitable and balanced approach to managing household responsibilities.
• By fostering awareness of gender equality and challenging traditional stereotypes, you can support Nida in finding a solution that allows her to come to school on time without compromising her household duties.

Therefore, the most suitable response is to tell Nida that looking after the household and home chores are the responsibility of all family members.

Teaching aids are tools or resources used by teachers to enhance the teaching and learning process. They can be visual, auditory, or tactile materials that help explain concepts, engage students, and make the learning experience more interactive and effective.

Key Points Teaching aids in an EVS (Environmental Studies) classroom should have the following characteristics:

• Easily available and from the surroundings: Teaching aids should be easily accessible and readily available within the learners' surroundings. They can include natural objects, models, charts, maps, photographs, or other materials that represent elements of the environment. Using local and familiar resources helps create a connection between the learners and their immediate surroundings.
• Always based on using one of the senses of learners: Teaching aids should engage learners' senses to enhance their understanding and learning experience. Different senses like sight, hearing, touch, and smell can be utilized through visual aids, audio recordings, tactile materials, or interactive activities. This multisensory approach promotes active learning and deeper engagement with the subject matter.

Thus, it is concluded that A and C is the correct answer.

In primary classes, the focus of EVS is to instill a sense of wonder, curiosity, and joy in children toward their environment. The primary goal is to encourage children to explore and engage with the world around them.

Key Points

• The joy of exploring promotes active learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• It allows children to make connections between their daily lives and the environment, promoting a deeper understanding of ecological concepts and fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature.
• While concept formation, habit formation, and acquiring information are important components of EVS, they are best achieved when children are motivated, engaged, and joyful in their exploration of the environment.

Therefore, the most important component of Environmental Studies in primary classes is the joy of exploring.

Key Points

• An activity is a physical, social, and mental act. This statement highlights that activities involve physical engagement, social interaction, and mental stimulation. They provide opportunities for students to actively participate, collaborate with others, and engage their minds in the learning process.
• Activity is the process to learn from experience and helps in learning. This statement emphasizes the importance of activities as a means of experiential learning. Through hands-on experiences and active engagement, students can gain a deeper understanding of concepts, develop critical thinking skills, and apply their knowledge in practical situations.

Thus, it is concluded that A and D only is the correct answer.

Hint

• Statement B is incorrect because the suitability of an activity does not depend solely on the grade level. Activities can be designed and adapted for different age groups and learning objectives.
• Statement C is incorrect because activities, when well-planned and integrated into the curriculum, can enhance the learning process and contribute to the completion of the syllabus within the allocated time.