1. Why are some substances biodegradable and some non-biodegradable? Answer Substances are classified as biodegradable and non-biodegradable because some substances can be decomposed by microorganisms and some cannot. Substances that are broken down into simple soluble forms are called biodegradable substances and the substances that are not decomposed by microorganisms into harmless substances are called non biodegradable substances.Q2. Give any two ways in which biodegradable substances would affect the environment. Ans. (i) If biodegradable substances are not degraded properly on right time , They will be accumulated and will act as pollutant. (ii) They are used in composting which forms humus that enhances soil fertility. wSaral Oar tinieoaaicna Q3. Give any two ways in which non-biodegradable substances would affect the environment. Ans. (i) Non-biodegradable substances contaminate soil and water resources as they cannot be decomposed. (ii) They may be radioactively active which have hazardous effects to human beings.hewn 13. A. (Producer) (Primary consumer) (Secondary consumer) ‘What are trophic levels? Give an example of a food chain and state the different trophic levels in it. Each step or level of the food chain forms a trophic level. Example for food chain- Grass ——» Grasshopper ——» Frog — +> Snake (Tertiary consumer) ‘Trophic level-I Trophic level - II Trophic level - 11 Trophic level - IV 4. (Or) Whaat is the rote of decomposers in the ecosystem? i) Decomposers are the essential components of any ecosystem. ii) They recycle nutrients in dead organisms and their wastes. iii) They reduce the pile up of wastes and make nutrients available to the plants to grow. iv) They help in natural replenishment of the soil.Q.1. What is ozone and how does it affect any ecosystem? Ans :- Ozone is a molecule formed by three atoms of oxygen. Ozone is a deadly poison. However, at the higher levels of the atmosphere, ozone performs an essential function. It shields the sunface of the earth from ultraviolet radiation from the sun. This radiation is highly damaging to organisms, for example, it is known to cause skin cancer in human beings. Q.2. How can you help in reducing the problem of waste disposal? Give any two methods. Ans :- (i) Minimizing the use of non-biodegradable wastes. (ii) Production of compost, bio gas from biodegradable wastes.Ee tatehiss Q.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 :- (Cc) fruit-peels, cake and lime-juice. Q.2. Which of the following constitute a food-chain? (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. Q.3. Which of the following are environment-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.Q.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 transfer of food to the next trophic level will stop due to which the organisms of next trophic level will starve and die or migrate to other areas. The killing of all the organisms in one trophic level will also lead to the overpopulation of organisms in the previous trophic level. These effects will cause an imbalance in the ecosystem.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? i) Yes, the impact of removing all the organisms is different for different trophic levels because all the organisms in an ecosystem are interdependent. ii) No, the organisms of any trophic level cannot be removed without causing damage to the ecosystem.Q6. 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 ina 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). Q7. What are the problems caused by the non-biodegradable wastes that we generate ? ‘Ans. (i) Non-biodegradable waste persist in the environment for a long time and cause 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 inturn affects the fertility of soil and subsequently reduces the crop yield. Q8. 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 decomposition process may result in global warming.Why is damage to the ozone layer a cause for concern? What steps are being taken to limit this damage? i) Damage to the ozone layer is a cause for concem because it absorbs ultraviolet radiation and saves us from it. ii) Ultraviolet radi ion causes harmful effects on organisms. iii) It also causes skin cancer, cataract and damage to the immune system in humans. Steps to be taken to limit the damage to ozone layer: i) Reduce the use of Chlorofluorocarbons in refrigerators, air conditioners, etc. ii) Avoid using CFCs in aerosols and sprays. iii) Use ozone friendly sprays in perfumes, insect - repellents, etc.