NCERT Solutions Class 10 Science Chapter 13 Our Environment

NCERT Solutions for Science Chapter 13, "Our Environment," is an essential resource for Class 10 students aiming to understand key concepts in science. This chapter covers topics such as ecosystems, food chains, the ozone layer, and food webs. By studying the questions and answers from this chapter, students can enhance their grasp of these important concepts. 

The solutions are aligned with the latest CBSE NCERT syllabus, ensuring students are well-prepared for board exams. These NCERT solutions also offer in-depth analyses of topics like waste management and ecosystem components, enabling students to double-check their answers and solidify their knowledge. 

Well-organized study materials can enhance students' performance and help them achieve their highest grades. Students can more easily study by having free access to the NCERT Solutions PDF.

1.0Download Class 10 Science NCERT Solutions Chapter 13 Our Environment: Free PDF

As you know, NCERT solutions are helpful, so you must practice them as much as possible. However, the question arises of how you can access them. Don't worry; here, we are providing you with the free PDF of NCERT solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 13: Our Environment. 

2.0NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 13 Our Environment : Overview

Topics Covered Under Class 10 Science Chapter 13

The following are the topics that you will cover under the NCERT Solution Class 10 Science Chapter 10 textbooks and the subtropics that have been covered under Chapter 13. 

• 13.1 Eco-System: What Are Its Components?
• 13.2 How Do Our Activities Affect The Environment?

3.0Ecosystems and Their Components

• Ecosystem is the basic unit of ecology and the biotic and abiotic components present in it influence each other. 
• Both the components are essential for the sustenance of life. 
• Ecosystem term was given by Arthur Tansley Ecosystem is a self-sustained unit of living things (plants, animals and decomposers) and their nonliving environment (soil, air and water). 
• Biotic components : The biotic components include all kinds of living organisms with which the organism interacts (all animals, plants, microorganisms). 
• Abiotic components : The abiotic components are the physical factors such as climatic factors (e.g., Air, Water, Temperature, Humidity, Light, Wind, Precipitation etc.).

4.0Food Chains and Food Webs

5.0Energy Flow and its Unidirectional Nature

• The energy flow through an ecosystem is unidirectional, meaning it moves from producers to consumers and decomposers, never returning to the previous level. 
• Once autotrophs capture energy from sunlight, it is progressively passed on but diminishes at each trophic level. 

6.0Class 10 Science Chapter 13 Our Environment NCERT : Detailed Solutions

1. 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

Ans. (a), (c), (d)

2. Which of the following constitute a foodchain?

(a) Grass, wheat and mango

(b) Grass, goat and human

(c) Goat, cow and elephant

(d) Grass, fish and goat

Ans. (b) Grass, goat and human

3. Which of the following are environmentally friendly practices?

(a) Carrying cloth-bags to put purchases in while shopping

(b) Switching off unnecessary lights and fans

(c) Walking to school instead of getting your mother to drop you on her scooter

(d) All of the above

Ans. (d) All of the above

4. What will happen if we kill all the organisms in one trophic level?

Ans. If we kill all the organisms in one trophic level, then the transfer of energy as well as matter to the next higher level will stop. It will lead to over population at lower trophic level causing competition amongst the individuals. This would seriously disturb the food chain and can even cause a collapse of an ecosystem.

5. Will the impact of removing all the organisms in a trophic level be different for different trophic levels? Can the organisms of any trophic level be removed without causing any damage to the ecosystem?

Ans. Yes, the impact of removing all the organisms in a trophic level will be different for different trophic levels.

Consider the following food chain -

Plants ⟶ Deer ⟶ Lion.

If all the lions are removed, then the population of deer will increase to a larger extent and this may result in the following problems

(i) Due to over-grazing caused by deer soil erosion can take place and forest area will get affected.

(ii) Due to the large deer population, competition for food will start.

Similarly, if deer are removed then carnivores will get affected. Whereas removal of producers (plants) will affect both deer and lions.

This all suggests that all different organisms in a food chain are linked together and removal of any organism will have different effects but it will cause an ill effect on the stability of that ecosystem.

6. What is biological magnification? Will the levels of this magnification be different at different levels of the ecosystem?

Ans. The accumulation of harmful chemicals in the body of living organisms at different trophic levels in a food chain is called biological magnification. Yes, the concentration of these harmful chemicals will be different at different trophic levels. It will be maximum at the last trophic levels which is mostly of the top carnivores (quaternary consumers).

7. What are the problems caused by the non-biodegradable wastes that we generate?

(i) Non-biodegradable waste persists in the environment for a long time and causes greater harm to the various members of the ecosystem by causing biological magnification.

(ii) Non-biodegradable waste such as fertilizers, pesticides, weedicides, etc., changes the soil chemistry. This in turn affects the fertility of soil and subsequently reduces the crop yield.

8. If all the waste we generate is biodegradable, will this have no impact on the environment?

Ans. Biodegradable waste will be recycled easily by the decomposers such as bacteria and fungi. It will have only this bad impact on our environment that, many of the gases released during the decomposition process may result in global warming.

9. Why is damage to the ozone layer a cause for concern? What steps are being taken to limit this damage?

Ans. The ozone shields the surface of the earth from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. These radiations are highly damaging as they can cause cancer, damage to eyes and immune system in human beings. They also have harmful effects on animals and plants.

Due to these reasons, damage to the ozone layer is a major cause for concern. Steps which are taken to limit this damage:

(i) To decrease the use of synthetic chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which are used as refrigerants and in fire extinguishers.

(ii) In 1987, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) succeeded in reaching an agreement to freeze CFC production at 1986 levels.

7.0Benefits of Studying Class 10 Science Chapter 13 NCERT Solutions – Our Environment

Understanding Ecosystems and Their Components - Explains biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components of an ecosystem. Covers how organisms interact in food chains and food webs.

Learning About Food Chains and Energy Flow - Describes producers, consumers, and decomposers in an ecosystem. Explains the 10% Law, which shows how energy is transferred between trophic levels.

Awareness of Environmental Issues - Discusses problems like pollution, global warming, ozone depletion, and deforestation. Teaches about biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, promoting sustainable living.

Scoring Well in Exams- NCERT solutions provide clear and accurate answers, helping students perform well in CBSE board exams. Includes important diagrams and concepts, which are frequently asked in exams.

Promoting Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Practices - Encourages waste management, recycling, and reducing pollution. Helps students understand the need for conservation of natural resources.

Preparation for Higher Studies and Competitive Exams - Builds a strong foundation for environmental science, biology, and geography. Useful for NEET, NTSE, and other science-related exams.