Environmental Studies PYQs

Johad- They are small earthen check dams that capture and conserve rainwater, improving percolation and groundwater recharge. 

Key Points

• Johads are community-based rainwater harvesting structures.
• They are designed to collect and store rainwater during the monsoon season, providing a local and sustainable water source for the community.
• They are part of traditional water management practices in some regions of India.
• A Johad itself does not pump groundwater rather, it relies on the natural process of rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.

Thus, option 3 is the correct answer.

Key PointsTo calculate the mass of an object, the formula:

Mass=Density×Volume

In this case, the density is given as 12g/ml and the volume as 3ml.

Mass=12g/ml×3ml=36g

So, the correct answer is 36 g.

The correct option is '(A) is true but (R) is false'.

Key Points

• Assertion A: We can cook food easily at sea level as compared to higher altitudes.
• This statement is true.
• Atmospheric Pressure: At sea level, the atmospheric pressure is higher, which means water boils at a higher temperature.
• Cooking Efficiency: Since water boils at a higher temperature, food cooks faster and more efficiently.
• Reason R: At high altitudes, boiling point of water increases.
• This statement is false.
• Boiling Point Decrease: At higher altitudes, atmospheric pressure is lower, which means water boils at a lower temperature, not a higher one.
• Cooking Challenges: Because the boiling point of water is lower, it takes longer to cook food properly at high altitudes.
• Evaluation of the Relationship Between A and R:
• The assertion is true: Cooking is generally easier at sea level because water boils at a higher temperature, leading to more efficient cooking.
• The reason is false: The boiling point of water does not increase at higher altitudes; it decreases due to lower atmospheric pressure.
• Since the reason provided is incorrect, it does not explain the assertion properly.

Additional Information

• Boiling Point and Pressure: The boiling point of a liquid is the temperature at which its vapor pressure equals the external pressure. Lower external pressure at high altitudes means water boils at a lower temperature.
• High Altitude Cooking: Since water boils at a lower temperature, it cannot get as hot as it can at sea level, making cooking inefficient. Special cooking methods or extended cooking times are often necessary.
• Practical Implications: This is an important consideration for activities such as mountaineering or living in high-elevation areas where cooking can be challenging due to these changes in boiling point.

The behavior described, where the male bird constructs multiple nests and the female makes a choice about where to lay her eggs, is of the Weaver bird.

 Key Points

• Weaver birds are known for their intricate nest-building skills.
• Male weaver birds build multiple nests to attract a female. The female then inspects the nests and makes a decision on which one she finds most suitable for laying eggs. This behavior is a part of their mating ritual.
• Weaver bird nests are often elaborate and woven, constructed with a variety of materials such as grass, twigs, and leaves. The complexity and quality of the nest can influence the female's choice of a mate.
• The intricate nest-building behavior is a way for the male weaver bird to demonstrate its fitness as a mate and provider.

Thus, Weaver bird is the correct answer.

Key Points

• Assertion: The theme 'Family and Friends' is a major theme in EVS, and 'Plants and Animals' are presented as a subtheme of 'Family and Friends.: This assertion suggests that within the broader theme of 'Family and Friends' in Environmental Studies (EVS), the specific subtheme of 'Plants and Animals' is incorporated. The idea here is likely to emphasize the interconnectedness and relationships between humans and other living organisms.
• Reason: The interdependence of human beings and other forms of life is highlighted through themes. The reason supports the thematic approach in EVS. Highlighting the interdependence of human beings and other forms of life aligns with the holistic understanding of ecosystems and their components.

Therefore, option 3) Both the assertion and reason are correct and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion is the correct answer.

Key Points 

• Questioning: Students will likely need to formulate clear and relevant questions to gather information about the number of family members and the amount of water used in each family. Questions might include inquiries about daily routines, water usage habits, and the number of people in the household.
• Inferring: After collecting survey data, students will need to make inferences based on the information gathered. For example, they may infer trends or patterns in water usage based on the size of the family, daily activities, or specific habits.
• Expression: Communication skills come into play when students share their findings with others. They might need to express their observations, draw conclusions, and present the data clearly and understandably. This can involve both written and verbal communication, fostering effective expression of ideas.

Thus, questioning, inferring, expression is the most appropriate set of skills and processes developed through the activity of conducting a survey on family members and water usage.

Haryana is surrounded by the states of Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points

• To the northwest, Himachal Pradesh forms a part of Haryana's border, while Rajasthan lies to the southwest. Uttar Pradesh shares its eastern boundary with Haryana.
• These neighboring states contribute to the diverse geographic and cultural landscape of Haryana, as it experiences influences from the Himalayan region, the Thar Desert, and the Gangetic plains.
• The proximity to these states also plays a role in the economic and cultural exchanges that shape Haryana's identity.

Thus, option 3 is the correct answer.

The Correct Answer is: (a) and (d)

Key Points

• Honey bees live in beehives. Every beehive has one queen Bee that lays eggs. This statement is true. Honey bees do live in beehives, and each hive has one queen bee whose primary role is to lay eggs.
• The worker bees fly around Litchi flowers in search of nectar for honey. This statement is true. Worker bees do fly around various flowers, including litchi flowers, to collect nectar, which they turn into honey for the hive.

​Thus, (a) and (d) is the correct answer.

Analytical questions require students to break down a problem or situation into parts and examine how these parts relate to one another

 Key Points

• In this case, students are prompted to analyze the reasons behind the comfort provided by woolen clothes during winter.
• The question goes beyond factual knowledge (knowing that we feel comfortable in woolen clothes) and encourages students to think critically about the underlying reasons or factors contributing to that comfort.
• Analytical questions often involve higher-order thinking skills as students need to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information to provide a thoughtful response.

Hint

• Hypothetical question: This involves imagining an unreal or “what if” situation (e.g., What would happen if there were no winters?). The given question is based on real experience, so it is not hypothetical.
• Factual question: A factual question asks for a direct fact or definition (e.g., What is wool?). Here, students must explain why, not recall a fact.
• Convergent question: A convergent question usually leads to one short, fixed answer (often recall-based). Although the concept is known, the question expects reasoning and explanation, not a single-word response.

Therefore, the question about feeling comfortable in woolen clothes during winter is best classified as an analytical question.

Key Points

• Statement (A) is referring to the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world's oldest urban cultures. Around 4700 years ago, during the Bronze Age, cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa thrived along the banks of the Indus River and its tributaries in what is now modern-day Pakistan and northwest India.
• Statement (B) is false. Cities along the banks of the Ganga and its tributaries have a much longer history, dating back thousands of years. The statement mentions 1500 years ago, but civilizations and urban settlements along the Ganga have a history that goes back much further.

Thus, (A) is true but (B) is false.

The integrated approach in Environmental Studies (EVS) involves combining various subjects and disciplines to create a comprehensive understanding of environmental concepts.

• This approach encourages students to make connections between different areas of knowledge, such as science, and social studies, to develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues.

Key Points Integrating Environmental Studies (EVS) at the primary level is beneficial because:

• (a) EVS draws issues from subjects like Science, Social Science, and Environmental Education: An integrated approach allows students to explore connections between different subjects, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the issues.
• (b) It helps in developing holistic understanding: By integrating various subjects, students gain a well-rounded perspective, helping them understand how different aspects of their learning are interconnected.

Hint

• (c) It helps to reduce the burden of students and teachers and (d) It is convenient to teach integrated EVS are practical considerations but are not as central to the educational rationale for an integrated approach. The primary reasons focus more on the benefits to student learning and understanding.

Hence, the correct answer is (a) and (b).

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment. It can occur in various settings, such as workplaces, schools, or public spaces, and may involve a power imbalance where the harasser holds authority over the victim. 

Key Points

• Workshops about 'Good Touch' and 'Bad Touch' are specifically designed to help children understand appropriate and inappropriate physical contact, which is crucial for their safety and awareness.
• This approach educates students about boundaries and helps them recognize and respond to potentially harmful situations, which is essential in preventing sexual harassment and abuse.

Hint

• Teach them about POCSO Act, 2012: While the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act is important, the legal content might be too complex for younger students. It's more effective to focus on direct, age-appropriate education about personal safety.
• Teach them to avoid strangers: This can be part of a broader safety strategy but does not specifically address the nuances of personal boundaries and inappropriate touch.
• Hold self-defence workshops for girl students: Self-defense is valuable, but teaching about 'Good Touch' and 'Bad Touch' directly addresses prevention and awareness, which can be more immediately relevant to young children.

Hence, the correct answer is 'hold workshops about 'Good Touch' and 'Bad Touch'.

Assessment in Environmental Studies (EVS) is the process of evaluating students' understanding, skills, and attitudes related to environmental concepts and issues.

• This can involve various methods such as quizzes, projects, observations, discussions, and practical activities that measure students' knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

Key Points

• Drawing inference involves analyzing data to make conclusions or understand why certain outcomes occurred.
• By asking students to explain the variation in germination rates based on the data chart, Roshni is assessing their ability to interpret the data and make reasoned conclusions about the reasons behind the observed differences.

Hint

• Experiment refers to conducting tests or trials, which is not directly what Roshni is assessing.
• Prediction involves forecasting future outcomes based on current data, which is not the focus of this task.
• Investigation is a broader term that encompasses various activities including experiments and data analysis, but in this context, the specific skill being assessed is drawing inferences from the data presented.

Hence, the teacher wants to assess the skill of drawing inference.

Note: The board has considered both option 2 & 3 as correct answer.

The correct answer is 'North west; North east'

Key Points

• Geographical Positioning with respect to Telangana:
• Telangana: A state located in the southern part of India.
• Gujarat: Situated to the northwest of Telangana. It is on the western coast of India, bordering the Arabian Sea.
• Bihar: Located to the northeast of Telangana. It is in the eastern part of India, bordering Nepal to the north.

Process skills in Environmental Studies (EVS) are the cognitive and practical skills that students use to investigate, understand, and analyze environmental phenomena.

Key PointsTo assess process skills in Environmental Studies (EVS), suitable tools include:

• (b) Project work: Projects allow students to demonstrate their process skills by researching, analyzing, and presenting their findings.
• (c) Drawing diagrams: This helps assess students' ability to visualize and understand processes or concepts.
• (d) Picture reading: This evaluates students' skills in interpreting and analyzing visual information, which is a crucial process skill.

Hint

• (a) Teachers diary is more of a record-keeping tool for teachers rather than a direct assessment tool for students' process skills.

Therefore, the most appropriate tools for assessing process skills are (b), (c) and (d).

The correct answer is '3.05 km'

Key Points

• Understanding the scale:
• The scale given is 1 cm = 155 meters.
• This means that for every centimeter on the map, the actual ground distance is 155 meters.
• Calculating the actual distance:
• The measured distance between the two cities on the map is 19.7 cm.
• To find the actual distance, multiply the map distance by the scale: 19.7 cm × 155 meters/cm.
• This gives 3053.5 meters.
• Convert meters to kilometers by dividing by 1000: 3053.5 meters ÷ 1000 = 3.0535 km.
• Rounding to two decimal places, the distance is approximately 3.05 km.

The correct answer is 'The pressure in blood vessels exceeds outside pressure.'

Key Points

• Nose bleeding at higher altitudes:
• At higher altitudes, the atmospheric pressure decreases significantly.
• As a result, the pressure inside the blood vessels becomes relatively higher compared to the outside atmospheric pressure.
• This pressure difference can cause the delicate blood vessels in the nose to rupture, leading to nosebleeds.
• The lower humidity and drier air at higher altitudes can also contribute to the drying of nasal membranes, making them more susceptible to bleeding.

The correct answer is 'Wool, Plastic, Wood'

Key Points

• Poor Conductors of Heat:
• Poor conductors of heat, also known as insulators, are materials that do not allow heat to pass through them easily.
• They are used in various applications to prevent heat loss or gain, thus maintaining temperature control.
• Examples of poor conductors of heat include materials like wool, plastic, and wood.
• These materials are used in clothing, building insulation, and everyday items like handles of cooking utensils to prevent burns.

Assessment in Environmental Studies (EVS) is the process of evaluating students' understanding, skills, and attitudes related to environmental concepts and issues. 

Key Points Rita's task of recording how seeds germinate into saplings from day 1 to day 10 involves several key skills:

• (b) Predict how germinating seeds would look like: Students need to anticipate and imagine how the seeds will change over time.
• (c) Observe and record: Students must closely observe the changes in the seeds and accurately document their observations day by day.
• (d) Infer from the given activity: Based on their observations, students will draw conclusions about the germination process and understand the stages of growth.

Hint

• (a) Draw and represent is not explicitly required by the task; the focus is more on observing, recording, and making predictions and inferences.

Hence, the correct answer is (b), (c) and (d).

The correct answer is 'Endemic'

Key Points

• Endemic Species:
• Endemic species are those that are found in a particular geographical area and nowhere else in the world.
• Species 'X' growing in large numbers but only in the 'Y' part of India fits this definition perfectly.
• Endemism can be due to various factors such as unique environmental conditions, isolation, or evolutionary history.
• Conservation of endemic species is crucial as their restricted distribution makes them more vulnerable to extinction.

Additional Information

• Abundant:
• This term refers to species that exist in large numbers but does not necessarily imply any geographical restriction.
• Species that are abundant are widespread and not limited to a specific region.
• Exotic:
• Exotic species are those that are introduced to a region where they do not naturally occur.
• They are often brought by human activities and can sometimes become invasive, disrupting local ecosystems.
• Endangered:
• Endangered species are those at high risk of extinction in the near future.
• These species have declining populations and require urgent conservation efforts.