Environmental Studies PYQs

The correct answer is Kerala

Key Points

• The observation mentioned in the statement is about the lifestyle of people in rural areas of a state.
• The statement mentions that people in rural areas grow eatables such as tapioca and coconut in their courtyards and enjoy eating food prepared using these eatables.
• Kerala is a state known for its agriculture and coconut cultivation.
• Kerala is a state located on the southwestern coast of India known for its natural beauty, backwaters, and coconut trees.

Additional Information

• Assam is a state in northeastern India known for its tea cultivation, silk production, and wildlife.
• Telangana is a state in southern India known for its spicy cuisine, pearl cultivation, and historic monuments.
• Odisha is a state in eastern India known for its tribal culture, handicrafts, and ancient temples.

The correct answer is A, B, and E.

Key Points

• Jhoom farming is also known as slash-and-burn agriculture.
• It is a traditional method of farming practiced in the hilly regions of Northeast India.
• The land is cleared by cutting and burning the vegetation, and the ash is used as a natural fertilizer.
• This method of farming is sustainable if done in moderation, but overuse can lead to deforestation and soil degradation.
• Statement (a) is correct as leaving the land fallow for a few years allows the soil to regenerate and regain its fertility.
• Statement (b) is correct as cutting and burning the vegetation is a common practice in Jhoom farming to clear the land.
• Statement (c) is incorrect as Traditional Jhoom farming does not usually involve ploughing the land deeply before sowing seeds. The seeds are typically sown in the ashes left after burning the vegetation, without the need for ploughing.
• Statement (d) is incorrect as Jhoom farming relies on natural fertilizers like ash and compost, and pesticides are not used.
• Statement (e) is correct as Jhoom farming involves growing multiple crops on the same land to maximize its productivity.

The correct answer is Pepper.

Key Points

• The riddle is describing black pepper, which is small and round like a pearl and has a sharp and spicy taste.
• Pepper can be ground finely or coarsely, which changes its appearance to black.
• Pepper is often added as a special seasoning to both salty and sweet dishes.
• It is a commonly used spice in many cuisines around the world and is derived from the berries of the Piper nigrum plant.

Additional Information

• Cardamom is a spice with a warm, sweet flavor that is often used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine.
• Mustard is a condiment made from the seeds of the mustard plant and has a sharp, tangy flavor.
• Clove, is a spice with a strong, sweet, and slightly bitter taste that is often used in baking and cooking.

The correct answer is Silkworm.

Key Points

• Silkworm can find their mate from a distance of several kilometers through pheromones.
• Pheromones are chemical substances produced by organisms to communicate with each other, especially for mating purposes.
• Eagles have a keen sense of vision and can spot their prey from a great distance, but they do not rely on smell to find their mates.
• Mosquitoes use their sense of smell to detect carbon dioxide and body odor of their potential hosts, but not for finding their mates.
• Butterflies also use pheromones to attract their mates, but they may not be able to detect them from several kilometers away, unlike silkworms. Additional Info: - Silkworms are the larvae of silk moths and are used for silk production in many countries. - Eagles are birds of prey found in many parts of the world and are known for their sharp vision and hunting skills. - Mosquitoes are small flying insects that feed on the blood of animals, including humans, and are known to transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika. - Butterflies are colorful insects with wings and are known for their beauty and role in pollination of flowers.

The correct answer is Srinagar.

Key Points

• Srinagar is located in the northern region of India and is known for its traditional Kashmiri Kahwa tea which is made with saffron, cardamom, and almonds.
• Shillong is a city located in the northeast region of India and is known for its tea plantations, but the locals do not have a specific preference for Kahwa tea.
• Mysore is a city located in the southern region of India and is known for its filter coffee, not Kahwa tea.
• Hyderabad is a city located in the central region of India and is known for its Irani chai and biryani, not Kahwa tea.

The correct answer is Assam.

Key Points

• The state being described in the statement is Assam, as it is known for its heavy rainfall and the use of bamboo in construction.
• The fact that the houses are elevated on strong bamboo pillars is a common practice in Assam due to the frequent flooding in the region.
• The use of ladders to enter the houses and removing them at night is also a safety measure against wild animals like tigers and elephants.
• The use of wood for the interiors and sloping roofs is also typical of traditional Assamese architecture.

Additional Information

• Mizoram also uses bamboo in construction but their houses are not typically elevated on pillars and do not require ladders to enter.
• Himachal Pradesh is known for its traditional wooden architecture, but its houses are not typically elevated on bamboo pillars.
• Jharkhand is known for its tribal culture and traditional hut-like structures made of mud and thatched roofs.

The correct answer is 21 kilometeres.

Key Points

• Scale is a ratio that shows the relationship between a distance on a map and the corresponding actual distance on the ground.
• In this case, the scale is 1 cm = 990 meters, meaning that for every 1 centimeter on the map, the actual distance is 990 meters.
• To find the actual distance between two places on the map, we need to multiply the measured distance by the scale factor.
• The scale factor in this case is 990 meters/1 cm = 99000 meters/1 inch.
• The measured distance between the two places on the map is 21.2 cm. To find the actual distance, we need to multiply 21.2 cm by the scale factor of 99000 meters/1 inch.
• 21.2 cm * 99000 meters/1 inch = 2,095,200 meters.
• Converting meters to kilometers, we get 2,095,200 meters / 1000 = 2095.2 kilometers.
• Rounding off to the nearest kilometer, the actual distance between the two places is 2095 kilometers, which is closest to option 2 (21 kilometers).

The correct answer is Eagle and Vulture.

Key Points

• Eagle:
• Eagles are large birds of prey which are members of the bird order Accipitriformes.
• More than 60 species of eagles are in the world, predominantly found in Eurasia and Africa.
• Eagles are notable for their size, powerful build, and heavy, hooked bill.
• They have strong muscular legs, powerful talons, and large, hooked beaks which enable them to rip flesh from their prey.
• Eagles' eyes are extremely powerful and can spot prey from a very long distance.
• The species of eagles include the bald eagle, golden eagle, and sea eagles.
• Some species of eagles are considered endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and pesticides.
• Vulture:
• Vultures are scavenging birds of prey.
• Their ecological role involves cleaning up the environment by feeding primarily on dead animal carcasses (carrion), which they locate using their keen eyesight or sense of smell.
• Vultures have a bare head, which is usually bald or sparsely feathered, which might help to keep them clean when they're digging into their food.
• There are about 23 species of vultures worldwide, divided into Old World vultures found in Africa, Asia, and Europe, and New World vultures found in the Americas.
• Unfortunately, many vulture species are threatened or endangered due to various human-related impacts such as poisoning, collision with power lines, and habitat loss.
• Eagles and vultures have excellent sight and can see things distinctly four times as far as humans can.
• This ability is due to their large eyes and high concentration of photoreceptor cells in their retinas.

Additional Information

• Crows and kites also have good eyesight, but not as strong as eagles and vultures.
• Sunbirds are known for their colorful plumage and ability to hover in mid-air, but their eyesight is not particularly exceptional.

The correct answer is Jharkhand.

Key Points

• 'Torang':-
• It is used for jungle in the local language of the state.
• 'Torang' is a word from the Ho language, which is spoken by the Ho tribe in Jharkhand.
• Jharkhand:-
• It is a state in eastern India, which was formed in the year 2000 after being separated from Bihar.
• The state is known for its rich mineral resources, forests, and tribal culture.

Additional Information

• Mizoram:-
• It is a state in northeastern India, known for its lush green hills, forests, and diverse tribal culture.
• The state has a high literacy rate and is one of the most peaceful states in the country.
• Arunachal Pradesh:-
• It is another state in northeastern India, which is known for its scenic beauty, diverse culture, and rich biodiversity.
• The state has a large forest cover and is home to several indigenous tribes. -
• Chhattisgarh:-
• It is a state in central India, which is known for its mineral resources, forests, and tribal population.
• The state was formed in the year 2000 after being separated from Madhya Pradesh.

The correct answer is North-West.

Key Points 

The student starts from point X and goes through points A, B, and C and finally reaches point Y.

From the provided information, the student's journey can be represented as follows:

X (Start) ↓ 60 m

A → 60 m

B ↓ 50 m

C → 60 m

Y (School)

This describes a path that forms a rectangle with the sides being 60m by 50m.

⇒ Placement of the points suggests that point X is 60 meters north of point A, which is directly above point B.

⇒ Point B is to the east of point A and is directly to the right of point C.

⇒ Then point C is to the south of point B and directly below point Y.

⇒  Lastly, point Y is to the east of point C and is the endpoint.

⇒ In this journey from X to Y, the student adds 60 meters to the south, 60 meters to the east, 50 meters to the south, 60 meters to the east.

⇒ This totals to 120 meters to the south and 120 meters to the east from his initial position X.

⇒ This means that the student's house (X) would be to the Northwest of the school (Y).

The correct answer is 62 km/h.

Key Points

From 20:30 on November 22^nd to 20:30 on November 23^rd = 24 hours

⇒From 20:30 on November 23^rd to 03:00 on November 24^th = 6.5 hours

⇒ Adding those together you get 24 hours + 6.5 hours = 30.5 hours (in decimal hours).

⇒The formula to calculate average speed is distance/time. If we plug in our given values of:

⇒ Distance = 1877 kilometers

⇒ Time = 30.5 hours ⇒1877 km / 30.5 hours = 61.54 ≈ 62  km/h

So, the average speed of the train is approximately 62 km/h.

The correct answer is Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.

Key Points

• Gujarat shares its border with Madhya Pradesh in the west, Rajasthan in the northwest, and Maharashtra in the south.
• These three states are located at a distance from Madhya Pradesh.
• Gujarat:-
• It is located on India's western coastline, is known for its diverse culture and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Its largest city, Ahmedabad, is famous for its textiles and is a significant industrial hub.
• Gujarat is home to the world's largest white desert, the Rann of Kutch, and Gir National Park, the only place where Asiatic Lions are found.
• The state celebrates many vibrant festivals, including Navratri and Uttarayan (kite festival). Gujarati is the primary language spoken in the state.
• Rajasthan:-
• In Northwestern India, it is known for its rich history and colorful culture.
• The state is home to an array of architectural wonders, including numerous forts (such as those in Jaipur and Jodhpur), palaces (like City Palace and Lake Palace), and the distinctive "havelis" of Jaisalmer.
• Jaipur, the capital city, is a part of the Golden Triangle Tourist Circuit along with Delhi and Agra.
• Rajasthan is famous for its distinct music, dance forms, traditional art, and cuisine. The primary language spoken is Rajasthani.
• Maharashtra:-
• It is a state in the western peninsula region of India.
• The state has a rich history, diverse culture, and myriad tourist attractions, including the Ajanta and Ellora caves, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• The state's capital, Mumbai, is the financial hub of India and the pivotal base of the Indian film industry, Bollywood.
• Maharashtra is known for its significant contribution to the Indian economy. It is a mix of cosmopolitan cities and traditional rural areas. The primary language spoken is Marathi. The cuisine of
• Maharashtra is varied and rich, including popular dishes like Vada Pav, Puran Poli, and Misal Pav.

The correct answer is Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

Key Points

• Kerala:-
• It is often referred to as 'God's Own Country,' is located on the southwestern coast of India.
• It's known for its scenic beauty, plentiful coconut groves, backwaters, and rich spices.
• Kerala is home to diverse flora and fauna, with several wildlife reserves and national parks, such as Periyar and Silent Valley.
• The language spoken primarily is Malayalam. It's notable for its high literacy rate and health standards compared to other Indian states.
• The state is a major tourist destination with a robust tradition of arts and culture, including Kathakali and Mohiniyattam dances.
• Karnataka:-
• It is located on the Western coast as well.
• It is known for its significant contribution to Indian culture, history, and technology.
• Its capital, Bangalore, or Bengaluru, renowned as the 'Silicon Valley of India,' is a center of IT and startups.
• The state has magnificent Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebid, the world heritage site of Hampi, Mysuru Palace, and coastal regions like Mangalore.
• Kannada is the primary language spoken. Karnataka is also known for classical music (Carnatic) and diverse cuisang.
• Maharashtra:-
• It is a state in the western peninsular region of India, known for being an economic powerhouse and the home of Bollywood.
• It has several bustling cities like Mumbai, the financial hub of India and the nation's largest city.
• Pune, another significant city in Maharashtra, is a cultural and educational center.
• Maharashtra has a rich history, diverse culture, and various tourist attractions, including the Ajanta and Ellora caves, the beaches of Goa, and hill stations like Mahabaleshwar.
• The primary language spoken is Marathi. The cuisine of Maharashtra is varied and rich, including dishes like Vada Pav, Puran Poli, and Misal Pav.

Additional Information

• Arabian Sea:-
• It is a significant water body located in the western part of the Indian Ocean.
• It is bounded on the northwest by the Arabian Peninsula (hence the name), on the west by Africa (Somalia), and on the east by the Indian subcontinent.
• With a total surface area of approximately 3,862,000 square kilometers, the Arabian Sea is the world's third-largest oceanic division.
• The Arabian Sea is fairly deep, with an average depth of 2,734 meters.
• The deepest point, called the Wheatley Deep, is about 4,652 meters deep.

The correct answer is Nagaland and Ladakh,

Key Points

• Nagaland:-
• Nagaland is a state situated in Northeast India. It shares its border with the Indian states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur. It also has an international border with Myanmar to the east.
• The capital city of Nagaland is Kohima, and the largest city is Dimapur.
• The official language is English, which is widely spoken and used for conducting administrative, political, and judicial work. There are also over a dozen tribal languages spoken across the state.
• The state is famous for its festivals. Hornbill Festival, one of the most celebrated, showcases the rich cultural heritage of the tribes.
• Ladakh:-
• Location: Ladakh is a region administered by India as a union territory. It is located in the northernmost part of the Indian subcontinent in the larger region of Kashmir, between the Kunlun mountain range in the north and the main Great Himalayas to the south.
• The capital city of Ladakh is Leh. Another major town in the region is Kargil.
• Ladakh is popular for its Buddhist monasteries or gompas, which are a symbol of the region's rich Buddhist heritage.

Some of the famous monasteries include Hemis, Thiksey, Diskit, and Alchi Monastery.

Additional Information

• Lakshadweep is a Union Territory located off the coast of Kerala in the Arabian Sea, while Puducherry is also a Union Territory located on the southeastern coast of India.
• Chandigarh is a Union Territory and the capital of two states, Punjab and Haryana, located in the northern part of India. Delhi is a National Capital Territory and the capital of India.
• Manipur and Meghalaya are both States in the northeast of India, with Manipur located to the east of Nagaland and Meghalaya located to the south of Assam. Additional information:

In the context of Rama's reference to attention, memory, problem-solving, and planning, she was focusing on cognitive processes.

Key Points

• Cognition refers to the mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and understanding through thinking, perceiving, remembering, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• Peer pressure: Peer pressure refers to the influence that peers or friends may have on an individual's behavior or decisions. It is not related to the mental processes of attention, memory, problem-solving, or planning.
• Social skills: Social skills refer to the ability to interact effectively with others, including communication, empathy, and cooperation. While social skills are important for interacting with peers, they are not directly related to cognitive processes like attention, memory, problem-solving, or planning.
• Collaborative skills: Collaborative skills involve working together with others to achieve a common goal or complete a task. While collaboration may require some cognitive processes, it is not a specific focus on the mental processes of attention, memory, problem-solving, or planning as described in the question.

Thus, it is concluded that  Rama's focus on attention, memory, problem-solving, and planning suggests that she was discussing cognitive processes involved in learning and understanding.

When the EVS teacher instructs children to group fallen leaves based on various characteristics such as shape, size, texture, etc., the primary objective is to develop their observation and classification skills.

 Key Points

• This activity encourages students to closely observe the leaves and notice the differences and similarities between them.
• By categorizing the leaves based on specific attributes, children engage in a process of classification, which is an essential cognitive skill.
• Observation skills involve using the senses to gather information from the environment, while classification skills involve sorting objects or data into groups based on shared characteristics.
• Both these skills are crucial in the study of environmental science and the broader scientific inquiry process.

Thus, it is concluded that the purpose of the teacher is to enhance observation and classification skills.

To make students aware of the environment and develop a perspective for the environment, the EVS teacher can implement multiple strategies that involve a holistic approach to environmental education.

Key Points

• Teacher will tell about limited availability of biological and physical resources for making objects of daily life: This approach helps students understand the importance of sustainable resource use and conservation. By learning about the limited availability of resources, students can develop a perspective on the need for responsible consumption and ecological balance.
• Teacher will tell about the effect of human behavior on flora and fauna around them: This approach raises awareness about human impacts on the environment, such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. Understanding the consequences of human behavior on flora and fauna helps students recognize their role in environmental conservation.
• Teacher will show national and international documentary films: Documentary films can be a powerful medium to show real-world environmental issues, success stories, and conservation efforts. Visual presentations can stimulate students' interest, empathy, and understanding of environmental challenges faced globally.
• Teacher will tell the importance of deforestation for industries: This option is not appropriate because it focuses on the importance of deforestation, which is contrary to environmental conservation. Instead, teachers should emphasize the adverse effects of deforestation and promote sustainable practices to protect forests and their ecological significance.

Thus, options A, B, and C are suitable approaches that the EVS teacher can employ to make students aware of the environment, foster a perspective for the environment, and promote environmentally responsible attitudes and behaviors.

Activity-based learning is an educational approach that emphasizes active participation and engagement of students in the learning process through various hands-on activities, experiments, projects, and practical experiences.

 Key PointsFollowing are the steps involved in practicing activity-based learning:- 

• Planning: This step involves designing and organizing the activity-based learning experience. The teacher outlines the objectives, learning outcomes, resources needed, and the procedure for conducting the activity.
• Conducting the activity: In this step, the teacher implements the planned activity in the classroom. Students actively participate and engage in the hands-on learning experience.
• Reflecting on the process: After the activity, students and teachers take time to reflect on the learning process. They discuss their observations, experiences, and insights gained from the activity.
• Revising: Based on the reflections and feedback received during the reflection phase, the teacher may decide to make revisions to the activity or the teaching approach. This step aims to improve the activity and enhance the learning experience for future implementations.

Thus, it is concluded that C-A-D-B is the correct answer.

EVS is an interdisciplinary subject that integrates knowledge from various fields, including Science, Social Science, and Environmental Education. It emphasizes a holistic approach to understanding the environment, society, and their interrelationships.

Key Points

• Drawing insights from the concepts of Science, Social Science, and Environmental Education: This situation reflects the integrated nature of EVS. It involves using knowledge and concepts from multiple disciplines to gain a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues and their broader implications.
• Inviting an environmentalist in the classroom for a speech: While inviting an environmentalist can be an enriching experience and provide valuable insights, it does not necessarily represent the integrated nature of EVS on its own. It may focus on specific aspects related to environmental expertise but not necessarily draw from multiple disciplines.
• Inviting separate teachers for Science and Social Science for a speech: This situation indicates separate presentations by teachers from different subject areas (Science and Social Science). While it may offer diverse perspectives, it does not inherently indicate an integrated approach to EVS.
• Preparing different lesson plans for Science and Social Science: Creating separate lesson plans for different subjects (Science and Social Science) does not inherently represent an integrated approach to EVS. An integrated EVS curriculum aims to combine relevant topics and concepts from multiple disciplines in a cohesive manner.

Thus, Drawing insights from the concepts of Science, Social Science, and Environmental Education - represents the integrated nature of EVS, as it involves incorporating knowledge from different disciplines to foster a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues.