Environmental Studies PYQs

The correct answer is Root, Kerala.

Key Points

• The edible part of the tapioca plant is its starchy root, which is processed to make tapioca flour, pearls, and other food products.
• Tapioca is grown extensively in Kerala. It is a secondary staple food crop in the state and is known locally as kappa or cheeni.

The correct answer is iron, spinach, and dates.

Key Points

• A deficiency of iron causes anaemia.
• Spinach and dates are rich sources of iron.
• Spinach is a green leafy vegetable that is high in iron as well as other vitamins and minerals.
• Dates are a dried fruit that is also a good source of iron and fiber.

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Additional Information

• Calcium, milk, and eggs are not directly related to the deficiency of iron and anaemia.
• Milk and eggs are good sources of protein and calcium, while spinach and dates are also rich in other vitamins and minerals.

The correct answer is Narmada, Krishna, and Godavari.

Key Points

• Route from New Delhi to Thiruvananthapuram:
• The train journey from New Delhi to Thiruvananthapuram typically follows the route through the following states:
• Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala.
• Rivers crossed:
• Narmada River: It originates in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward into the Gulf of Cambay. The train crosses the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh.
• Krishna River: It originates in Maharashtra and flows eastward into the Bay of Bengal. The train crosses the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh or Telangana.
• Godavari River: It originates in Maharashtra and flows eastward into the Bay of Bengal. The train crosses the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh.

The correct answer is Koel.

Key Points

• Koel is a brood parasite bird that lays its eggs in the nests of other birds, including crows.
• Crows are known for making their nests on trees using pieces of wood, and they are territorial birds that defend their nests aggressively.
• Indian Robin, also known as Copsychus fulicatus, is a small passerine bird that builds its nests on bushes or trees using grass and other materials. It does not lay its eggs in the nests of other birds.
• The Weaver Bird, also known as Ploceidae, is a family of small passerine birds known for their intricate and complex nests made of grass, leaves, and other materials. They are not brood parasites, and they do not lay their eggs in the nests of other birds.
• Sparrows, also known as Passer domesticus, are small birds that build their nests in various locations, including trees, bushes, and buildings. They are not brood parasites, and do not lay their eggs in the nests of other birds.

The correct option is Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points

• Kannauj is known as the "perfume city of India" and is famous for producing high-quality perfumes and fragrances.
• Rosewater and kewra water are popularly produced in Kannauj and are used in a variety of products, including perfumes, cosmetics, and food items.
• Madhubani in Bihar is known for its traditional art form.
• Worli, in Maharashtra, is a locality in Mumbai.
• Solan, in Himachal Pradesh is known for its horticulture and agriculture.

The correct answer is that both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

 Key Points

• The density of salt water is greater than the density of fresh water, which is why objects float more easily in salt water.
• Boiling an egg does not change its mass, but it does change the air pressure inside the egg, which can affect its buoyancy.

The correct answer is A and B.

Key Points

• Boring pumps:-
• Boring Pumps near wells can cause the water table to drop, leading to the well drying up.
• Boring pumps are used to extract groundwater for various purposes, such as irrigation and drinking water supply.
• However, if too many pumps are installed in a particular area, it can lead to a drop in the water table and cause wells to dry up. (Hence A is correct)
• Concretised soil:-
• It refers to a soil that has been compacted and covered with impermeable materials such as concrete or asphalt.
• This can prevent rainwater from seeping into the ground and recharging the water table, which can lead to wells drying up. (Hence B is correct)
• Concretised soil can prevent rainwater from seeping into the ground and replenishing the water table, leading to the well drying up.

Additional Information 

• Contaminated water:-
• It can make wells unusable, but it may not necessarily cause them to dry up completely.
• Some contaminants can be treated or filtered out, depending on the level and type of contamination.
• Contaminated water can make the well unusable, but it may not necessarily cause the well to dry up completely.

Other factors that can contribute to wells drying up include over-extraction of groundwater, climate change, and drought.

The correct answer is that kerosene cuts off oxygen supply to mosquitoes

Key Points

• Kerosene:-
• Kerosene is used as a mosquito repellent by cutting off their oxygen supply.
• Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, as they lay their eggs in it.
• The larvae then hatch and grow in the water. By putting kerosene in stagnant water, the oxygen supply to the larvae is cut off, and they die before they can become adult mosquitoes.

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Additional Information

• Other common methods to prevent mosquito breeding in the rainy season include keeping the surroundings clean and dry, covering water storage containers, and using mosquito nets and repellents.
• It is important to note that kerosene should be used with caution, as it is flammable and can be harmful if ingested or inhaled.
• It should also be used in small quantities and spread evenly on the surface of the water to avoid harming other aquatic life.

The correct answer is Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

 Key Point

• Indian States / Union Territories with the coast on the Bay of Bengal:
• West Bengal.
• Odisha.
• Andhra Pradesh.
• Tamil Nadu.
• Puducherry
• Andaman and Nicobar Islands
• Indian States / Union Territories with the coast on the Arabian Sea:
• Gujarat
• Maharashtra
• Goa
• Daman and Diu
• Karnataka
• Kerela
• Lakshwadeep
• Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Important Points

• Puducherry:- Puducherry is the only Union territory that shares its coast with both the Arabian Sea & Bay of Bengal. The Union Territory of Puducherry (which was formerly known as Pondicherry) comprises the former French establishments of  Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam, which lie scattered in South India. Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam were combined to become Pondicherry. The three parts of Pondicherry namely Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam are located in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh respectively.

The correct answer is desert region.

Key Points

• The use of mud as plaster and thorny bushes as roofing material suggests that the village is located in an arid or semi-arid region where other construction materials may be scarce.
• Thick walls are also common in desert regions to keep the interiors cool during the day and retain warmth at night.
• The use of thorny bushes as roofing material is also a common practice in desert regions as they provide insulation against the harsh sun and heat.
• The village may also have traditional architecture that is adapted to the local climate and environment.

Additional Information

• Snowy regions would require houses with better insulation and heating systems to keep the interiors warm, and roofs that can withstand heavy snowfall.
• High rainfall regions would require houses with sloping roofs and good drainage systems to prevent waterlogging and leaks.
• Forest regions in the plains would have different types of construction materials and may not require thick walls or thorny bush roofs.

The correct answer is Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not correct explanation of (A).

Key Points

• (A) Sweet Potato is a root.
• This statement is true.
• Sweet potatoes are underground stems.
• They are considered modified roots and are classified as root vegetables.
• (R) It stores food.
• This statement is also true.
• Sweet potatoes have evolved to store food reserves in the form of starch.
• This stored food allows the plant to survive through harsh conditions like winter.
• Relationship between (A) and (R):
• While both statements are true, (R) is not a correct explanation of (A).
• There are other functions of roots besides storing food, such as anchoring the plant to the ground, absorbing water and nutrients from the soil, and transporting these nutrients to the rest of the plant.

Therefore, (R) only partially explains why sweet potatoes are considered roots. There are additional factors that contribute to their classification.

The correct answer is Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is correct explanation of (A).

Key Points

• Assertion (A): In Jhoom farming, weeds are cut and burnt instead of pulling out.
• This statement is true.
• Jhoom farming, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, involves clearing a patch of forest by burning the vegetation.
• This includes weeds, which are typically cut and burnt along with the other vegetation.
• Reason (R): Ash mixes with soil which increases soil fertility.
• This statement is also true.
• The ash produced from burning the vegetation contains minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which can improve soil fertility.
• Additionally, the ash helps to neutralize soil acidity and improve soil structure.
• Relationship between (A) and (R):
• The burning of weeds in Jhoom farming does indeed contribute to increased soil fertility by adding minerals and improving soil structure.
• Therefore, (R) correctly explains (A).

Conclusion: The correct answer is 1) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is correct explanation of (A).

Additional Information 

• Jhoom farming:-
• It is a traditional farming practice followed in North-Eastern India, where a patch of forest is cleared and burnt to provide land for cultivation.
• Jhoom farming is also known as shifting cultivation or slash-and-burn agriculture.
• This farming practice involves clearing a patch of forest, burning the vegetation, and using the ash as a natural fertilizer.

Other types of Farming:-

• Subsistence Farming: This type of farming is primarily meant for local consumption. The farmers and their families consume most of the crops harvested.
• Organic Farming: This modern method of farming uses organically made fertilizers and pesticides to ensure that the crops are not laden with chemicals that could potentially harm the consumer in the long term.
• Industrial Farming: Also known as commercial farming, this is a method of farming where crops are grown and animals are reared for commercial sale. It involves using advanced methods and technology for large-scale production.
• Mixed Farming: In this type of farming, crops and animals are grown and reared on the same land. The crops are used to feed the animals and the animals, in turn, help in the fertility of the land.
• Pastoral Farming: This involves the rearing of animals on pastures. Pastoral farming can be either intensive, where animals are kept and fed in restricted areas, or extensive, where the animals are allowed to grain

The correct answer is (A) is true but (R) is false.

Key Point

• (A) Earthworm is referred to as a farmer's best friend.
• This statement is true.
• Earthworms are considered beneficial for agriculture because they play several crucial roles in soil health and plant growth:
• Aerating the soil: Earthworms burrow through the soil, creating tunnels that allow air, water, and roots to penetrate deeper.
• Improving Drainage: These tunnels also improve drainage and prevent waterlogging, which can harm plants.
• Enriching the soil: Earthworms feed on organic matter and their castings are rich in nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which improve soil fertility.
• Promoting microbial activity: Their activities stimulate the growth of beneficial soil microbes, further contributing to soil health.
• (R) Earthworms destroy the weeds.
• This statement is false.
• While earthworms can indirectly affect weed growth by improving soil conditions that favor desirable plants, they do not actively seek out and destroy weeds.
• They feed on organic matter, which includes decaying plant material, not living plants like weeds.

Therefore, (A) is true but (R) is false.

The correct answer is Vegetable peels, Filtered tea leaves, Paper.

Key Points

• Compost pit:-
• It is a way of decomposing organic waste materials to convert them into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner.
• It can be established in your backyard by digging a hole or pit in which you place layers of organic waste.
• The primary components that go into the compost pit include yard waste like leaves, grass clippings, weeds, and branches, and kitchen waste like vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells.
• Vegetable peels and Filtered tea leaves are rich in nitrogen and carbon respectively, which are essential elements for composting. Paper can also be added as it helps to maintain the moisture level in the compost pit.

Assessing students in Environmental Studies (EVS) involves a comprehensive approach to understand their learning and development.

 Key Points

• Write qualitative statements about students: Providing qualitative descriptions of students' performance and progress helps to capture a holistic understanding of their abilities, strengths, challenges, and areas of improvement.
• Make a record of information with a focus on the learning potential of students: Assessment should go beyond simply recording scores or achievements. It should also consider students' potential for growth, their ability to apply knowledge, and their capacity for further development.
• Compare previous records of students: Comparing previous records helps track students' progress over time and identify trends or changes in their performance. This can inform instructional strategies and interventions to support their learning journey.

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

A school field trip in Environmental Studies teaching serves as an important and experiential learning opportunity for students. The primary goal of a field trip is to engage students in real-world learning experiences that connect classroom concepts to the outside world.

 Key PointsAwakens students' interest to learn and get new learning information captures this key feature of a school field trip in EVS teaching.

Field trips can:

• Provide hands-on experiences that enhance students' understanding of the subject matter.
• Stimulate curiosity and inquiry as students explore new environments and phenomena.
• Allow students to observe and interact with natural and cultural elements in their surroundings.
• Offer opportunities for students to gather information, make observations, and collect data.
• Foster a deeper connection between theoretical concepts learned in the classroom and practical applications in the real world.

Thus, it is concluded that option 1 is the correct answer.

Key Points

• One of the important features of the theme-based approach in the EVS curriculum is that it helps in assessing the knowledge of children holistically.
• The themes used in the curriculum are designed to cover a wide range of concepts related to the environment, society, nature, and other relevant topics.
• This allows for a comprehensive assessment of students' understanding, skills, attitudes, and values related to different aspects of their surroundings.
• The theme-based approach facilitates assessments that are more authentic and reflective of real-life scenarios. It enables teachers to evaluate students' abilities to explore complex topics, consider multiple perspectives, and draw conclusions based on their experiences and learning.

Thus, it is concluded that option 3 is the correct answer.

The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2005 for Environmental Studies (EVS) emphasizes a holistic and learner-centered approach to teaching and learning.

 Key Points

• The framework advocates for a thematic approach that is rooted in students' experiences and contexts, encourages hands-on activities, and focuses on understanding concepts rather than rote memorization of technical terms.
• The goal is to foster a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the environment and its interconnections.
• NCF 2005 promotes active and experiential learning through hands-on activities, exploration of themes that resonate with students' lives, and making connections between classroom learning and real-world situations.
• The focus is on promoting critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, and a sense of curiosity and exploration.

Thus, it is concluded that In the context of EVS teaching, NCF 2005 does not propose knowing technical terms.

In the teaching-learning of Environmental Studies (EVS), poems and stories are effective because they can serve multiple purposes.

Key Points

• Nurture curiosity in children: Poems and stories often capture children's imagination and curiosity by presenting intriguing situations, characters, and scenarios. This curiosity can lead to questions and discussions that drive deeper exploration of the topics presented.
• Nurture aesthetic sense in children: Poems and stories are artistic forms of expression that engage children's emotions and senses. They can evoke feelings, create imagery, and enhance children's appreciation for language and literature.
• Provide a contextual learning environment: Poems and stories are often set in specific contexts, which can include natural environments, cultural settings, or real-life situations. This contextualization helps children relate to the content and make connections between the fictional or poetic world and their own experiences.

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