Natural Resource (SAQs)

Biology | 10. Natural Resource – SAQs:
Welcome to SAQs in Chapter 10: Natural Resource. This page contains the most Important FAQs for Short Answer Questions in this Chapter. Each answer is provided in simple English, with a Telugu explanation, and formatted according to the exam style. This will support your preparation and help you secure top marks in your exams.

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SAQ-1 : What do we need to conserve the fossil fuel?

Introduction

Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are vital for our daily life activities. Yet, they are nonrenewable, meaning that they don’t replenish quickly enough to meet our consumption rate. Moreover, their usage has serious environmental and health consequences. For these reasons, conserving fossil fuels is critical.

Nonrenewable Nature of Fossil Fuels

1. Non-renewable Nature of Fossil Fuels:
   Fossil fuels are energy resources that cannot be reused once consumed.
2. Formation and Consumption Rate:
   They take thousands of years to form, but we use them far more quickly than they can naturally replenish.
3. Importance in Modern Life:
   Fossil fuels are critical for many aspects of modern life, such as transportation and electricity generation.
4. Need for Conservation:
   Given their importance and their slow rate of formation, conserving fossil fuels is essential.

Contribution to Pollution and Global Warming

Burning fossil fuels releases pollutants, including carbon dioxide, into the environment. These emissions are a significant contributor to air pollution and global warming, a process where the Earth’s average temperature increases, leading to drastic changes in climate.

Acid Rain

Burning coal, one type of fossil fuel, releases sulphur dioxide, a gas that plays a major role in the formation of acid rain. Acid rain is harmful because it damages structures, harms aquatic life, and negatively affects plant growth.

Health Implications

The combustion of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) releases pollutants harmful to human health. Exposure to these pollutants can lead to respiratory diseases, among other health problems.

Summary

In summary, fossil fuels, while essential for modern life, are limited resources with serious environmental and health impacts. Hence, we need to prioritize their conservation. This can be achieved through energy efficiency, adopting renewable energy sources, and reducing our overall consumption. The path to a sustainable future lies in our actions today.

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SAQ-2 : Why is it important to recharge the groundwater sources?

Introduction

Groundwater is a critical resource that supports agriculture, households, and industries. Its importance cannot be understated. However, it is often used without consideration for the need to recharge or replenish it. If we continue to use groundwater without recharging it, several negative impacts can occur.

Importance of Groundwater

Groundwater is a primary source of water for irrigation, domestic uses, and numerous industries. It is an indispensable part of our daily lives.

Overuse and Scarcity

When we use groundwater indiscriminately without recharging it, it can lead to scarcity. This means there is less water available for our use. This scarcity can impact agricultural productivity and can affect industries that depend on water.

Increase in Fluoride Levels

Over-extraction of groundwater without recharging can lead to an increase in fluoride levels. High levels of fluoride in water can cause various health problems, such as dental and skeletal fluorosis.

Risk of Saline Water Intrusion

As groundwater levels decrease, saline water can infiltrate interior areas of land and water. This saline water is not suitable for drinking or agriculture, posing further challenges to water supply.

Deep Drilling

When groundwater levels become low, farmers have to drill deeper bore wells to access water. This is more expensive and can exacerbate the depletion of groundwater resources.

Summary

In conclusion, it is essential to recharge groundwater sources to maintain a steady supply for agricultural, domestic, and industrial uses, prevent health risks, avoid saline water intrusion, and reduce the costs associated with deep drilling. The importance of groundwater management cannot be understated, and efforts should be made at all levels to ensure its sustainability.

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SAQ-3 : Why is scarcity of water exists inspite of having good monsoon?

Introduction

Despite receiving abundant rainfall during the monsoon season, many regions still face water scarcity. This paradox can be explained by a combination of factors, primarily related to the misuse and mismanagement of water resources.

Diversion of Water for High-Water Consuming Crops

One of the main reasons for water scarcity is the extensive use of water for irrigation, particularly for crops that require large amounts of water. This diversion of water towards such crops means that other areas or uses may not receive the necessary amount of water, leading to scarcity.

Pollution from Industries and Urban Waste

1. Water Use in Industrial Processes:
   Industrial processes often use substantial amounts of water, and the resultant waste is frequently discharged back into water sources without sufficient treatment.
2. Impact on Water Usability:
   This pollution makes the water unfit for other uses, effectively reducing the amount of usable water.
3. Urban Waste Disposal and Water Pollution:
   Similarly, improper disposal of urban waste can lead to the pollution of water sources, further contributing to water scarcity.

Summary

In conclusion, even with a good monsoon, water scarcity can still occur due to the inefficient and harmful practices of water use and disposal. Addressing water scarcity therefore requires not just adequate rainfall, but also the sustainable management of water resources and the reduction of pollution.

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SAQ-4 : Write two suggestions to create awareness on ground water conservation.

Introduction

Conserving groundwater is a critical task to ensure future sustainability and security of our water supplies. To promote groundwater conservation, raising awareness is essential. Here are some suggestions for creating awareness:

1. Promote Rainwater Harvesting:
   Encourage households to dig pits for water harvesting. This will not only conserve groundwater by reducing dependence on it but will also help in replenishing the groundwater levels.
2. Advocate for Restrictions on Borewells:
   Raise awareness about the dangers of excessive borewell digging. Overuse of borewells can lead to the depletion of groundwater. Suggesting alternatives or restrictions can prevent this.
3. Encourage Reduction in Household Chemical Use:
   Excessive use of household chemicals can lead to the contamination of groundwater when these chemicals seep into the soil. Create awareness about the harmful effects of these chemicals and encourage the use of natural or eco-friendly alternatives.
4. Promote Wise Water Use:
   Encourage the responsible use of water in daily activities. Simple steps such as turning off the tap when not in use, fixing leaks, and using efficient appliances can greatly reduce water consumption.

Summary

Raising awareness about groundwater conservation is a vital step in ensuring sustainable use of our water resources. By promoting practices such as rainwater harvesting, reducing the use of harmful chemicals, and using water wisely, we can all contribute to the conservation of our precious groundwater.

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SAQ-5 : What is the importance of 4R’s in achieving the goal of “Swach Bharat”?

Introduction

The concept of 4R’s — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover — is a comprehensive approach towards managing waste effectively and is highly significant in achieving the goal of “Swach Bharat” (Clean India). Each of these aspects contributes to waste reduction and environmental preservation.

1. Reduce:
   The first and perhaps most important R is “Reduce“. It encourages us to lessen the amount of waste we produce by being mindful of our consumption habits. This can be achieved by choosing products with less packaging, buying only what we need, and avoiding disposable items.
2. Reuse:
   The second R, “Reuse“, asks us to find new ways to use things that would otherwise be thrown away. It might be as simple as using a glass jar to store leftovers, or as complex as refurbishing an old piece of furniture. Reusing helps to decrease the volume of waste being sent to our landfills.
3. Recycle:
   “Recycle“, the third R, involves processing used materials into new products to prevent waste of potentially useful materials. This reduces the consumption of new raw materials and helps lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to waste disposal methods like incineration.
4. Recover:
   The last R, “Recover“, involves the conversion of waste into materials of value. For instance, organic waste can be composted and used to improve soil health, or waste can be incinerated to generate electricity.

Summary

In the pursuit of achieving a cleaner India through the “Swach Bharat” initiative, the 4R’s play a crucial role. By reducing, reusing, recycling, and recovering waste, we can decrease the amount of waste that ends up in our landfills, reduce pollution, conserve our natural resources, and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.