EXERCISE

Q1. What is meant by environment? Why is environment considered to be a system?

Answer: The term ‘environment’ broadly refers to the total sum of the surroundings of living beings. This includes all the natural components like land, water, and air, along with all living organisms, including humans, plants, and animals.

Environment is considered a system because all its components—the biotic  and abiotic  elements—are interconnected and constantly interact with each other. For example, living organisms depend on non-living elements like air, water, and soil for survival, and in turn, they influence these elements. This continuous interaction and interdependence create a complex, functional system called the ecosystem.

Q2. State with examples the relationship amongst lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere.

Answer: The four zones of the environment the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere are closely interconnected and depend on each other. Water shapes the land through rivers, oceans, and underground groundwater, while wind and volcanic activity affect rocks and soil. The water cycle connects water and air through evaporation, cloud formation, and rainfall, helping maintain the Earth’s climate. Living things rely on all three spheres—plants grow in soil, use water, and produce oxygen, while animals and humans depend on land, water, and air for survival. At the same time, their activities influence the land, water, and atmosphere, showing how all four spheres are linked in a balanced system.

Q3. Write in brief as to why the environments of all the regions of the world are not same.

Answer: The environments of all regions of the world are not the same because of a variety of factors that vary from place to place. These factors include:

1. Location: A region’s position relative to the equator determines the amount of solar energy it receives, influencing its temperature.
2. Physiography: Landforms like mountains, plateaus, and plains affect climate, soil, and vegetation. For example, mountains can block rain-bearing winds, creating rain-shadow deserts.
3. Altitude: As altitude increases, temperature decreases, leading to different environments at different heights.
4. Distance from water bodies: Coastal areas have a more moderate climate than places far inland, which experience more extreme temperatures.
5. Flora & Fauna: The types of plants and animals in a region are adapted to its specific environmental conditions, contributing to its unique character.

Q4. Define Environmental Geography.

Answer: Environmental Geography is a new and developing branch of geography that studies the nature of the global environment, the changes it undergoes over time and space, and attempts to find solutions to the various environmental problems faced today. It focuses on the relationship between humans, their activities, and the environment.

Q5. Discuss the importance of Environmental Geography as a branch of Geography.

Answer: Environmental Geography is an important branch of geography that studies and analyzes the complex environmental problems we face today, like deforestation, global warming, and pollution. It examines how the environment changes over space and time and seeks ways to solve these issues. Using modern tools like Remote Sensing and computers, it also focuses on sustainable development, aiming to balance environmental protection with social and economic growth.

Q6. Give an account on the objective and scope of Environmental Geography.

Answer: The main objective of Environmental Geography is to study the nature of the global environment, understand its spatio-temporal changes, and find probable solutions to environmental problems. It aims to highlight the relationship between man and his works and how they impact the environment.

The scope of Environmental Geography is vast and includes studying various aspects such as:

1. The causes and effects of environmental problems like deforestation, landslides, and pollution.
2. The environment-friendly use of mineral resources.
3. The concept of sustainable development.
4. The temporal development of environmental characteristics.
5. The relationship between population growth and the environment.
6. The management of natural disasters.
7. The study of society, its economy, and culture in relation to the environment.

Q7. What do you mean by elements of environment? Write down the meanings of biotic and abiotic elements.

Answer: The elements of environment refer to all the components that make up the environment. These elements can be categorized into two types: biotic and abiotic.

1. Biotic elements: These are all the living components of the environment, found within the biosphere. This includes everything from tiny microbes to large animals and all types of plants.
2. Abiotic elements: These are all the non-living components of the environment. They include the elements of the Lithosphere (rocks, soil), Hydrosphere (water), and Atmosphere (air, gases).

Q8. Complete the given list by making a division of biotic and abiotic from the following elements : sand, mineral, bacteria, phytoplankton, grass, rainfall, humidity, soil, water, forest, insects, virus, coal, mineral oil, mangrove solar evergy.

Answer:

Q9. What is meant by environmental problem?

Answer: An environmental problem is a challenge or a threat to the global environment and its inhabitants. These problems can be natural, like earthquakes and floods, or man-made, such as pollution and deforestation. They often disrupt the natural balance of the environment, making it unhealthy or unsuitable for living organisms.

Q10. Mention the causes which are responsible for the growing environmental problems in the world.

Answer: The growing environmental problems in the world are mainly man-made and are caused by:

1. Rapid population growth puts heavy pressure on natural resources.
2. Indiscriminate extraction of resources to meet growing needs harms the environment.
3. Extensive use of technology in production and transport increases consumption and waste.
4. Rapid urbanization and industrialization lead to deforestation, more resource use, and pollution.
5. The constant drive to exploit resources causes problems like global warming, pollution, and habitat loss.

Q11. What do you mean by the balance state of environment?

Answer: Ecological balance, or the balance of the environment, is a state of equilibrium on Earth. It is maintained through the proper absorption and radiation of solar energy, a fixed proportion of gases in the atmosphere, and continuous interaction between living  and non-living components. When this balance is disturbed, it can lead to environmental problems such as global warming.

Q12. “Deforestation is the cause of many problems and the result of many developmental processes” – analyse the statement with arguments.

Answer: This statement is accurate because deforestation is both a consequence of human development and a cause of further environmental problems.

Deforestation as a result of developmental processes:

1. Demand for resources like wood, paper, and fuel led to large-scale deforestation.
2. Increasing population requires more land for settlements and farming, causing forest clearance.
3. Expansion of towns, cities, and transport networks often reduces forest cover.

Deforestation as a cause of many problems: 

1. Deforestation releases carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming.
2. It destroys habitats, causing a loss of biodiversity.
3. Without tree roots, soil erosion increases, leading to landslides in hilly areas.
4. In arid regions, deforestation can cause desertification, expanding deserts.

Q13. What is global warming? Discuss its main causes.

Answer: Global warming is the gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans. This is primarily caused by an imbalance in the heat retention system, mainly due to an increase in greenhouse gases.

The main causes of global warming are:

1. Increase in greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and CFCs traps heat in the atmosphere, raising temperatures.
2. Burning fossil fuels in industries, vehicles, and power plants increases carbon dioxide levels.
3. Deforestation reduces the number of trees that absorb carbon dioxide, adding to global warming.
4. Volcanic eruptions release greenhouse gases naturally, contributing to temperature rise.

Q14. Give an account of the problems that may occur as a result of global warming.

Answer: Global warming can lead to a multitude of problems, including:

1. Increased temperatures cause glaciers and ice caps to melt, raising sea levels.
2. Rising sea levels can submerge low-lying areas, islands, and deltas, displacing people and destroying habitats.
3. Changes in climate can reduce agricultural production, leading to food shortages.
4. Global warming can alter plant distribution, causing loss of some species and converting forests into grasslands.
5. It can increase the frequency and intensity of natural disasters like floods, droughts, and heatwaves.

Q15. Write briefly about the duties of the general people in controlling increased global warming.

Answer: The general public can play a crucial role in controlling global warming by:

1. Reduce energy use by switching off unused appliances and using energy-efficient devices.
2. Plant trees and support afforestation programs to protect forests.
3. Use public transport, cycle, or walk instead of private vehicles to lower fossil fuel use.
4. Recycle and reuse products to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
5. Adopt eco-friendly practices in daily life, supporting sustainable agriculture and industries.

Q16. What do you mean by air pollution? What are the causes of air-pollution?

Answer: Air pollution is the phenomenon where the pure air in the atmosphere gets mixed with foreign matters, losing its natural properties and becoming impure and unhealthy.

The causes of air pollution can be natural or man-made. Natural causes include volcanic eruptions, which release smoke, ash, and gases like sulfur dioxide, as well as forest fires. Man-made causes are more significant and include industrial activities that release pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide; vehicles that burn fossil fuels; rapid urbanization, which increases energy use and waste; deforestation, which reduces the number of trees that absorb carbon dioxide; and the use of atomic energy, which can release radioactive substances into the air.

Q17. Write the names of some Green House gases.

Answer: The main greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and water vapour. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

Q18. What kinds of problems may be created by air-pollution?

Answer: Air pollution can create several problems, including:

1. It causes health problems like respiratory and skin diseases in humans and other living organisms.
2. It damages plants and animals, sometimes causing large-scale destruction.
3. It leads to acid rain when pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide mix with moisture, harming crops, forests, aquatic life, and buildings.
4. It contributes to global warming due to the increase in greenhouse gases.

Q19. How is water polluted? How can it harm?

Answer: Water is polluted when foreign ingredients mix with fresh water, making it unfit for consumption.

Water pollution can occur in several ways:

1. It occurs when industrial waste, agricultural runoff, domestic sewage, oil spills, and acid rain contaminate water bodies.
2. It spreads water-borne diseases like cholera and typhoid in humans.
3. It harms aquatic life by poisoning fish and other organisms.
4. It reduces soil fertility when polluted water is used for irrigation, affecting agricultural productivity.

The harmful effects of water pollution include:

1. It spreads water-borne diseases like cholera and typhoid in humans.
2. It harms aquatic life by poisoning fish and other animals.
3. It reduces soil productivity when polluted water is used for irrigation, affecting agricultural output.

Q20. What kinds of steps may be taken by the people for the solution of environmental problems?

Answer: People can take the following steps to help solve environmental problems:

1. It promotes public awareness by educating others about the importance of protecting the environment.
2. It encourages reducing, reusing, and recycling to minimize waste and conserve resources.
3. It involves planting more trees and supporting afforestation to combat deforestation and global warming.
4. It helps conserve energy and water by using them wisely in daily life.
5. It supports the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly products.