NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 13 Our Environment

Science is not only about learning facts but also about understanding the world around us. In Class 10, Chapter 13 of Science – Our Environment – helps students understand how living beings, non-living things, and human activities interact with each other. The NCERT Solutions for this chapter are specially designed to guide students through the our environment class 10 questions and answers in a clear and simple way. These solutions make it easier to learn important concepts and prepare well for exams.

The chapter Our Environment explains topics like ecosystems, food chains, food webs, energy flow, biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances, and the importance of waste management. By practicing the class 10 science chapter our environment question answer, students get to know how human activities affect nature and why it is important to protect our surroundings. This chapter also makes us realize the value of sustainable development and how small steps like reducing plastic use can make a big difference.

The class 10 science chapter 13 question answer sets are very helpful because they simplify tough concepts into easy-to-understand explanations. These solutions are written in a step-by-step format so that students can practice both short and long questions effectively. With the help of class 10 science chapter 13 our environment question answer, learners can revise quickly and build confidence for exams.

Another advantage of going through the class 10th our environment question answer is that they help students develop writing skills. The answers are written in simple words, yet they are complete and accurate, which matches the exam requirements. Practicing the class 10 science ch 13 our environment question answer also improves understanding of how different components of the environment are connected.

The class 10 science our environment question answer collections focus not only on textbook exercises but also on extra questions that may appear in exams. They cover all important points such as how decomposers work, how ozone protects us, and why managing waste is necessary. These topics are explained in an easy style to ensure every student, even average learners, can grasp them.

Do Check: NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 5 Life Processes

Class 10 science ch 13 question answer and solutions for Our Environment serve as a complete guide. They explain the subject in detail, prepare students for exams, and also encourage awareness about protecting nature. By studying these solutions, students can strengthen their knowledge, score good marks, and at the same time, learn valuable lessons about caring for the environment.

Our Environment Class 10 Questions and Answers

Q1. Which of the following groups contain only biodegradable items?

a) Grass, flowers and leather
b) Grass, wood and plastic
c) Fruit peels, cake and lime juice
d) Cake, wood and grass

Answer:
The correct options are:

a) Grass, flowers and leather

c) Fruit peels, cake and lime juice

d) Cake, wood and grass

All these contain biodegradable materials that can be broken down naturally by microorganisms.

Q2. Which of the following forms a food chain?

a) Grass, wheat and mango
b) Grass, goat and human
c) Goat, cow and elephant
d) Grass, fish and goat

Answer:
The correct option is b) Grass, goat and human.

Here, grass is eaten by goat, and goat is eaten by human beings. This forms a simple food chain.

Q3. Which of the following are environment-friendly practices?

a) Using cloth bags for shopping
b) Switching off fans and lights when not in use
c) Walking to school instead of using vehicles
d) All of the above

Answer:
The correct option is d) All of the above.

All these practices save energy, reduce pollution, and help protect the environment.

Q4. What will happen if all the organisms in one trophic level are killed?

Answer:
A trophic level is each step in a food chain. If all the organisms in one trophic level are destroyed, the following will happen:

• The organisms of the next level will have no food and may also die.
• The level below it will grow uncontrollably as their natural predators are gone.
• This will disturb the balance of the whole ecosystem.

Do Check: NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 6 Control and Coordination

Q5. Will the effect of removing one trophic level be the same for all levels? Can we remove any level without harming the ecosystem?

Answer:

• No, the effect of removing one trophic level will be different depending on which level is removed.
• But in every case, it will damage the ecosystem because all levels are interlinked.
• No trophic level can be removed safely without causing harm.

Q6. What is biological magnification? Will it be the same in all trophic levels?

Answer:

• Biological magnification (or biomagnification) means the gradual increase of harmful chemicals or toxic substances in organisms as we move up the food chain.
• It is not the same in all trophic levels. The highest level (top consumers) shows the maximum concentration of these harmful chemicals.

Q7. What problems are caused by non-biodegradable waste?

Answer:
Non-biodegradable waste like plastic, metals, and pesticides cause:

• Pollution of soil, air, and water.
• Accumulation in the bodies of living beings (biomagnification).
• Harm to animals, plants, and humans.

Q8. If all the waste produced were biodegradable, would it still affect the environment?

Answer:

• If all waste is biodegradable, it will have less impact on the environment.
• Decomposers will break it down naturally.
• But, if generated in very large amounts, it may still cause bad odor, gas release, and temporary pollution until decomposition is complete.

Q9. Why is damage to the ozone layer dangerous? What steps are being taken to reduce it?

Answer:

• The ozone layer protects us by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.
• If it is damaged, UV rays can cause skin cancer, cataracts, weakened immunity, and harm to plants and animals.

Steps to reduce damage:

• Avoid using chemicals like CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) in refrigerators, air-conditioners, and sprays.
• Use ozone-friendly products instead of harmful ones.
• Promote awareness about protecting the ozone layer.

Q10. Why are some substances biodegradable and others non-biodegradable?

Answer:

• Substances that can be broken down into harmless products by microorganisms are biodegradable (e.g., paper, food waste, cow dung).
• Substances that cannot be broken down by natural processes are non-biodegradable (e.g., plastics, metals, DDT).

Do Check: NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 7 How do Organisms Reproduce

Q11. Give two effects of biodegradable substances on the environment.

Answer:

• They can cause foul smell during decomposition.
• They release gases like carbon dioxide, which may contribute to pollution.
• On the positive side, they form humus that improves soil fertility.

Q12. Give two effects of non-biodegradable substances on the environment.

Answer:

• They cause long-term pollution of soil, water, and air.
• They accumulate in the bodies of organisms and enter the food chain, harming both animals and humans.

Q13. What is the role of decomposers in the ecosystem?

Answer:
Decomposers (like bacteria and fungi):

• Break down dead plants, animals, and waste.
• Recycle nutrients back into the soil for plants.
• Prevent waste from piling up.
• Help in maintaining balance in the ecosystem.

Q14. What is ozone? How does it help in the ecosystem?

Answer:

• Ozone (O₃) is a molecule made of three oxygen atoms.
• At ground level, ozone is harmful, but in the upper atmosphere, it protects life by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
• Without it, life on Earth would be exposed to harmful rays.

Also Check: NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science

Q15. How can we reduce the problem of waste disposal? Mention two ways.

Answer:
We can reduce waste disposal problems by:

• Avoiding plastics and polythene; use cloth or jute bags instead.
• Segregating waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable before disposal.
• Recycling and reusing materials like plastic, glass, and metals.
• Converting biodegradable waste into compost or manure.