4 Most SAQ’s of Our Environment Chapter in Class 10th Biology (TS/AP)

4 Marks

SAQ-1 : Suggest any three programmes on avoiding pesticides and preventing soil pollution.

Introduction

Reducing pesticide usage and preventing soil pollution are essential for healthy and sustainable agricultural practices. Here are three effective strategies to achieve these goals.

Crop Rotation: Diversifying Crop Cultivation

1. Prevents Soil Degradation:
   Rotating different crops in the same area helps replenish soil nutrients naturally.
2. Controls Pests and Weeds:
   Crop rotation disrupts pest and disease life cycles, reducing their numbers without chemical pesticides.

Biological Pest Control: Utilizing Natural Predators

1. Natural Pest Control Agents:
   Employing natural predators and parasites can control pest populations.
2. Examples include using ladybirds and lacewings against aphids, and parasitic wasps to target specific pests.

Developing Pest-Resistant Varieties: Biotechnological Solutions

Genetically Modified Crops:
Advances in genetics and biotechnology have led to the creation of crops resistant to specific pests, like Bt cotton and Bt brinjal, reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides.

Summary

In conclusion, implementing strategies like crop rotation, biological pest control, and developing pest-resistant crops can effectively reduce pesticide use and prevent soil pollution. These approaches support sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

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SAQ-2 : Why is the pyramid of biomass inverted in an aquatic ecosystem?

Introduction

The pyramid of biomass illustrates the total mass of organisms at each trophic level in an ecosystem. While typically upright, this pyramid often appears inverted in aquatic ecosystems.

Reasons for Inversion in Aquatic Ecosystems

1. Negligible Biomass of Producers:
   In aquatic settings, producers like phytoplankton have a smaller biomass compared to primary consumers such as zooplankton, small fishes, and prawns.
2. Biomass of Primary Consumers:
   Primary consumers, including crustaceans and prawns, have a larger biomass than producers, contributing to the pyramid’s inverted structure.
3. Biomass of Secondary Consumers:
   Secondary consumers like smaller fish exhibit a greater biomass than primary consumers.
4. Tertiary Consumer Biomass:
   The top level, comprising tertiary consumers like larger fish or marine mammals, possesses the highest biomass in this inverted pyramid.

Summary

In conclusion, an aquatic ecosystem’s biomass pyramid is inverted due to the lower biomass of producers and higher biomass of consumers. This unique structure highlights the rapid reproduction and turnover of phytoplankton, resulting in a smaller producer biomass at the base compared to higher trophic levels.

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SAQ-3 : Prepare slogans to promote awareness in your classmates about ecofriendly activities.

Introduction

Promoting eco-friendly activities is crucial for sustainable living. In schools, raising awareness among students can be effectively achieved through catchy and inspiring slogans.

Slogans for Promoting Eco-Friendly Activities

1. The Importance of Green Surroundings:
   “Keep surrounding clean and green.” This slogan emphasizes the need for cleanliness and the cultivation of greenery for a healthier environment.
2. Unity in Environmental Conservation:
   “Welcome to the green gang.” It fosters unity in environmental efforts, showing everyone’s role in solving environmental issues.
3. Valuing Nature:
   “Let’s value nature.” This slogan highlights the importance of respecting and preserving our natural surroundings.
4. The Need for Greenery:
   “Preserve greenery for the green planet.” This underscores the role of trees and green spaces in maintaining Earth’s health.
5. Caring for Nature:
   “Let’s care for nature.” It motivates active participation in protecting and nurturing the environment.
6. Green Solutions to Pollution:
   “Clean and green environment is the solution to pollution.” It reinforces the idea that a clean, green environment combats pollution.

Summary

Using slogans to promote eco-friendly awareness can profoundly impact students’ attitudes. These slogans foster respect for the environment, encouraging actions that contribute to our planet’s wellbeing. As students approach exams, they can embrace these ideals, recognizing their role in environmental stewardship extends beyond school to the global community.

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SAQ-4 : Mention any four effective methods of controlling pests, which are less harmful on environment based on biological principles. (OR) Explain in brief about the alternate methods to be followed to prevent the harmful effects of over usage of pesticides.

Introduction

Effective pest control is essential in agriculture, but traditional pesticide use can harm the environment. Environmentally friendly, biologically-based methods offer a sustainable alternative.

Four Effective, Environmentally Friendly Pest Control Methods

1. Crop Rotation:
   Rotating crops in a field reduces pest and disease occurrence, enhances soil health, and decreases reliance on chemical pesticides.
2. Studying Life Histories of Pests:
   Understanding the life cycle of pests enables precise timing of planting and harvesting to mitigate crop damage and reduce pesticide use.
3. Biological Control:
   Utilizing natural enemies like predators, parasites, or pathogens controls pest populations without harmful chemicals, maintaining ecosystem balance.
4. Sterility Technique:
   Releasing sterile adult insects, produced through irradiation techniques, into the wild reduces pest populations by preventing reproduction.

Summary

These alternative pest control methods, grounded in biological principles, offer an eco-friendly way to sustain crop yields. They help minimize dependence on chemical pesticides, supporting biodiversity and mitigating pesticide overuse. For students preparing for exams, understanding these methods enriches their knowledge of sustainable agriculture.