Environmental Studies PYQs

Concept:

Direction is divided into 8 sections, 4 cardinal directions, and 4 ordinal directions.

• The four cardinal directions are the directions north, east, south, and west, commonly denoted by their initials N, E, S, and W.
• East and west are perpendiculars (at right angles) to north and south.
• East is in the clockwise direction of rotation from north and west is directly opposite east.
• The ordinal directions are northeast (NE), southeast (SE), southwest (SW), and northwest (NW).
• NE, SE, SW, and NW lie in between the cardinal directions north and east, south and east, south and west, and north and west respectively.

Explanation:

Thus, with respect to the location of the capital of India the directions of Lucknow (Capital of Uttar Pradesh) and Jaipur (Capital of Rajasthan) respectively are South East and South West.

The Correct Answer is: B and D 

Key Points

Feathers:

• The feathers of birds have different colours, shapes, and sizes.
• Feathers help birds to fly by providing lift and maneuverability.
• Feathers also serve multiple functions, including:
• Keeping birds warm by providing insulation and trapping air close to the body.
• Helping birds maintain their body temperature in colder environments.
• Assisting in flight control and stability.
• Facilitating courtship displays and communication through vibrant colours and patterns.
• Providing camouflage to blend in with their surroundings and avoid predators.
• Aiding in balance and coordination during various activities, including walking, perching, and climbing.
• Protecting the skin and underlying body structures from external elements and potential injuries.
• Supporting buoyancy for water-dwelling birds by repelling water and enabling swimming.
• Providing a lightweight and efficient surface for flying while minimizing energy expenditure.
• Among these functions, the feathers of birds play a crucial role in keeping them waterproof and warm, allowing them to adapt to their environments and engage in various activities necessary for survival.

​Thus,

A. eat different types of food: Incorrect

B. keep them warm: Correct

C. walk in different ways: Incorrect

D. keep them waterproof: Correct

Key Points 

• Bachendri Pal  is an Indian mountaineer.
• Bachendri Pal was born to a Bhotiya family on 24^th May 1954 in Nakuri village, in the Uttarkashi district in the North Indian state of Uttarakhand.
• In 1984, she became the first Indian woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
• She was awarded the third-highest civilian award Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 2019.

Thus, Bachendri Pal is the first woman who reached the peak of Mount Everest and pitched the national flag and took photographs of the event. 

Additional Information 

• Mount Everest is Earth's highest mountain peak above sea level, located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas.
• The China–Nepal border runs across its summit point.
• Its elevation of 8,848.86 m was most recently established in 2020 by the Nepali and Chinese authorities.

The correct answer is A, C and D.

Key Points

Manipur:

• The name Manipur is derived from the words "mani" meaning jewel and "pur" meaning land and is specifically referred to as the 'Land of Jewels.'
• Manipuri dance is the traditional dance of Manipur.
• Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, is famous for its unique floating islands called phumdis, formed by vegetation and soil matted over the water.
• Manipur is known for its rich bamboo resources and it is one of the largest producers of Bamboo products.

The correct answer is to support oneself and others. 

Key Points

Work:

• Work is something we do primarily to support ourselves and others.
• It is a means of earning a living and fulfilling basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing.
• Through work, individuals can generate income and provide financial support for themselves, their families, and their dependents.
• Work allows individuals to meet their basic needs and contribute to the overall well-being of their community and society.
• While work can bring a sense of accomplishment, personal growth, and fulfillment, its primary purpose is to ensure economic stability and provide for the needs and welfare of oneself and others.
• It helps to sustain individuals and their families, create opportunities for advancement, and contribute to the overall functioning of society.

The Correct Answer is: C and D 

Key Points

About Elephant and its herd:

• The elephant is the largest existing mammal on the Earth
• The herd follows matriarchy, i.e. the oldest female elephant becomes the head of the herd.
• There are 10 to 12 female elephants and young ones in a herd.
• It mainly consists of females and baby elephants.
• There is no male elephant in the herd, they leave when they turn 14 or 15.
• The herd sometimes is joined by the (bull) elephants depending on the climate and terrain.
• 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.
• Family is what forms the basis of the formation of elephants but it can consist of more than one family.

Thus, 

A. Their herd always has two or more old male elephants in it: Incorrect

B. Their herd has all male elephants and baby elephants living with female elephants: Incorrect

C. Male elephants live in the herd till they are 14-15 years old: Correct

D. Their herd has only female and baby elephants: Correct

Concept:

• Maps are drawn to reduced scales.
• Scale =  actual distance on the ground/distance shown on the map.

Given:

• Scale 1 cm = 110 meters
• The distance between Fateh Darwaza and Patancheru Darwaza = 15.2 cm.

Explanation:

• 1 cm on map = 110 meters on the ground.
• The actual distance between cities = 15.2 × 110 meters = 1672 m = 1.672 km

Thus, the actual distance between Fateh Darwaza and Patancheru Darwaza is 1.672 km.

The correct answer is Mizo, Lusei, Kuki.

Key PointsMain Languages Spoken in Mizoram: 

1. Mizo:

• Official language of Mizoram.
• Widely spoken by the Mizo ethnic group.
• Belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family.
• Written using the Roman script.

2. Lusei:

• Also known as Lai.
• Spoken by the Lusei ethnic group.
• Tibeto-Burman language.
• Shares similarities with Mizo.
• Written using the Roman script.

3. Kuki:

• Term encompassing various Tibeto-Burman languages.
• Spoken by different ethnic communities in Mizoram (Hmar, Paite, Thadou, etc.).
• Each community has its own distinct language within the Kuki group.
• Unique characteristics within Kuki languages.
• Written using the Roman script.

The correct answer is they take years to form.

Key Points 

Non-renewable resources:

• Non-renewable resources are those which have limited stock.
• Once the stocks are exhausted it may take thousands of years to be renewed or replenished.
• Since this period is much more than human life spans, such resources are considered non-renewable.
• Coal, petroleum oil, and natural gas are some examples of non-renewable resources.
• They are found deep inside the earth and are made by natural processes over many centuries.

Additional Information 

Renewable resources:

• Renewable resources are those which get renewed or replenished quickly.
• Some of these are unlimited and are not affected by human activities, such as solar and wind energy.
• Yet careless use of certain renewable resources like water, soil, and forest can affect their stock.

Concept:

Mountaineering is a much demanding adventurous activity. It is sought after by people who are willing to undergo extensive physical training and have strong will power.

The climate at higher elevations is not the same as at sea level, and hence the mountaineers face the following difficulty:

• Lack of oxygen
• Low atmospheric pressure
• Very low freezing/sub-freezing temperatures
• Very high chilly winds

Other than climatic factors, the topography adds another difficulty to the climbers as

• At the high mountain, the slopes are steep and walking becomes difficult
• Snow on the mountain makes it slippery
• Avalanches, landslides are common in the mountains

Explanation:

Thus, mountaineer should undergo extensive training and keep the following equipment with them before starting the expedition

1. Oxygen cylinder(for low oxygen levels)
2. Windcheaters, water-resistant glasses, specialised boots etc
3. Trekking poles(to climb the cliffs)
4. Compass And Maps(to show the direction)
5. Ice axe
6. Harness and crevasse(for walking on snowy peaks)
7. First aid kit

∴ Hence, mountaineers carry oxygen cylinders with them because they need them for breathing as less oxygen is available at high altitudes.

Concept:

Costal area of India:

• The coast of India stretches for 7,516.6 kilometres.
• It connects the mainland and islands to the Bay of Bengal in the east, the Indian Ocean in the south, and the Arabian Sea in the west.
• There are 9 states and 4 union territories present in the coastal region of India.

States with coastline

• Gujarat
• Maharashtra
• Goa
• Karnataka
• Kerala
• Tamil Nadu
• Andhra Pradesh
• Odisha
• West Bengal

Union territory

• Daman & Diu
• Puducherry
• Lakshadweep Islands
• Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Explanation:

Coast with the Arabian Sea:

• Gujarat
• Maharashtra
• Daman and Diu
• Goa
• Karnataka
• Kerela
• Tamil Nadu
• Dadra and Nagar Haveli
• Lakshwadeep

Thus, Goa, Maharashtra, Kerala states have a coast with the Arabian Sea.

Additional Information

Coast states of the Bay of Bengal Sea:

• West Bengal
• Odisha
• Andhra Pradesh
• Tamil Nadu

Concept:

• Madhubani painting is a traditional art form named after the district Madhubani, Bihar
• Madhubani or Mithila is a small and ancient district of North bihar.
• It is said to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita, according to Hindu mythology, and is mentioned in Ramayana.
• It is characterized by drawings consisting of very fine lines filled with colours

Explanation:

• These paintings were traditionally done on walls of houses
• But for commercial reasons are now done on papers
• They use tools such as feathers, twigs, pen nibs or even fingers.
• For commercial purpose, cotton wrapped around bamboo forms the paintbrush
• The colours used are naturally extracted

• The themes & designs widely painted are of Hindu deities such as Krishna, Rama, Sita, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Sun and Moon, Tulasi plant, court scenes, wedding scenes, social happenings etc.
• Floral, animal and bird motifs, geometrical designs are used to fill up all the gaps

Additional Information 

• Madhubani painting was recognised commercially in the 1960s providing independence to women.
• Geographical Indicator tag is given by the government of India to provide protection to  ethnic and traditional knowledge of various regions
• Bihar has 13 Geographical indicators of which Madhubani painting is one.
• Some famous Madhubani artists are Sita Devi, Jagdamba Devi

Thus,

A. Lake in Rajasthan: Incorrect

B. Shawl from Bihar: Incorrect

C. Woven saree from Andhra Pradesh: Incorrect

D. Form of folk art Paintings from Bihar: Correct

E. Place in Bihar: Correct

The teaching objectives typically revolve around the study of the environment, its components, and its interactions with human beings.

Key Points The objectives included in this event are:

• Development of higher-level critical thinking: Shobhit's question demonstrates his curiosity and ability to think critically about the situation presented in the picture. He is questioning gender-based segregation and challenging the traditional gender roles depicted.
• Development of an understanding based on observation and picturization: Shobhit's question shows that he is engaging with the picture and using his powers of observation to analyze the content. He is making connections between the visual representation and the activities depicted, questioning the reasons behind the gender-based divisions.
• Development of cognitive ability for generating curiosity about a social event: Shobhit's questions stem from his curiosity about gender roles and social expectations. He's actively trying to understand the reasons behind the portrayal in the picture, highlighting his developing cognitive ability to explore social issues.

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

For young learners in class II, it is important to make the learning experience engaging, relatable, and practical.

 Key PointsUsing food habits, clothes worn, and relevant local literature can help create a connection between the concept of seasons and their daily lives.

• Food habits: Explaining how different seasons affect the availability of certain fruits, vegetables, or dishes can help children understand the changes that occur in nature. For example, discussing how mangoes are available during summers or how hot soups are preferred during winters.
• Clothes worn: Showing and discussing the types of clothes people wear in different seasons can help children understand the need for different clothing to adapt to weather conditions. For instance, explaining how people wear light and breathable clothes in summer but wear warm and cozy clothes in winter.
• Relevant local literature: Introducing local stories, poems, or songs related to seasons can make the learning experience more enjoyable and culturally relevant. It helps children connect with their surroundings and enhances their understanding of seasons through storytelling or creative expressions.

Hence, it is concluded that the best pedagogic strategy for introducing the theme of 'Seasons' to learners of class II would be to use food habits, clothes worn, and relevant local literature to develop an interest in seasons.

Assessment refers to the process of gathering information and evidence about students' knowledge, skills, and abilities to evaluate their learning progress and achievements.

Key Points

• It is a part of the teaching-learning process, that is continuous: Assessment is an integral part of the teaching-learning process and occurs continuously throughout the learning process. It helps in monitoring students' progress, identifying areas of improvement, and adjusting instructional strategies accordingly.
• It acquaints about the achievement level of students and what they don't know: Assessment provides information about students' achievement levels, their understanding of concepts, and areas where they may be lacking knowledge or skills. It helps in identifying gaps in learning and informs instructional planning.
• It diagnoses the hindrances in learning and helps in their removal: Assessment helps in identifying obstacles or difficulties that students may be facing in their learning process. It allows teachers to diagnose these hindrances and provide appropriate support or interventions to help students overcome them.

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

Visits to local historical monuments followed by discussion provide a hands-on and experiential learning approach, which is highly effective for engaging students and fostering a deeper understanding of historical monuments.

Key Points

• By visiting local historical monuments, students can directly observe and experience the physical structures, architecture, and historical significance of these sites.
• Being physically present at historical monuments allows students to see the intricate details, designs, and artifacts up close.
• Following the visit, engaging in discussions about the historical monuments allows students to share their observations, ask questions, and deepen their understanding through peer interaction.

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

In the given scenario, the most appropriate action for the teacher to take would be to give them a magnifying lens and ask to them observe the number of legs in an ant.

Key Points

• Give them a magnifying lens and ask them to observe the number of legs in an ant: This is the most engaging and educational approach.
• It encourages students to use their senses, make observations, and draw their own conclusions.
• It also promotes active learning and scientific inquiry.

Thus, it is concluded that Option 4 is the correct answer.