Our environment is everything around us: the air we breathe, the water we drink, the land we live on, and all the plants and animals we see. In "Chapter 15: Our Environment," we learn how different parts of nature are connected and why it's important to protect them.
What is Environment?
The environment includes all living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) things around us. Plants, animals, humans, air, water, soil, and sunlight all make up the environment. It is essential for the survival of life on Earth.
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Ecosystem and Its Components
An ecosystem is a community of living beings interacting with each other and their non-living environment. Examples include forests, ponds, deserts, and oceans.
Biotic Components: Living parts like plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi.
Abiotic Components: Non-living parts like sunlight, air, water, soil, and temperature.
Food Chains and Food Webs
Food Chain: It shows how energy flows from one organism to another. Example: Grass → Deer → Tiger.
Producers: Green plants that make their own food through photosynthesis.
Consumers: Animals that eat plants or other animals.
Decomposers: Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi that break down dead plants and animals.
A food web is a network of interconnected food chains showing how organisms are linked.
Flow of Energy in the Ecosystem
Energy flows in a one-way direction: from the sun to producers to consumers to decomposers. Only 10% of the energy is passed on from one level to the next; the rest is lost as heat. This is called the 10% law.
Biological Magnification
When harmful chemicals like pesticides enter the food chain, they accumulate in larger amounts at each step. Top-level predators like eagles and humans are most affected. This process is called biological magnification.
Waste Management
Human activities produce waste. Managing waste properly is important to keep the environment clean.
Biodegradable Waste: Waste that can be broken down by natural processes (e.g., food waste, paper).
Non-Biodegradable Waste: Waste that cannot be broken down easily (e.g., plastic, metals).
Ozone Layer and Its Depletion
The ozone layer in the Earth's atmosphere protects us from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. Chemicals like CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are damaging the ozone layer, leading to a dangerous phenomenon called ozone depletion.
Steps to Protect Our Environment
Reduce, reuse, and recycle materials.
Use eco-friendly products.
Save energy and water.
Plant more trees.
Avoid using plastic bags.
Importance of Sustainable Development
Sustainable development means using resources wisely so that they are available for future generations. It focuses on meeting present needs without harming the environment.
Top 10 FAQs about Our Environment
Q1. What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a community of living and non-living things interacting with each other.
Q2. What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?
A food chain shows a single path of energy flow, while a food web shows many interconnected food chains.
Q3. What is the 10% law?
It states that only 10% of energy is transferred from one level to the next in a food chain.
Q4. Why is the ozone layer important?
The ozone layer protects life on Earth by blocking harmful UV rays from the sun.
Q5. What are biodegradable wastes?
They are wastes that can be broken down by natural processes, like food scraps and paper.
Q6. What are non-biodegradable wastes?
These wastes do not decompose easily and cause pollution, like plastic and glass.
Q7. What is biological magnification?
It is the increase of harmful chemical concentrations as they move up the food chain.
Q8. How can we protect the environment?
By reducing waste, recycling, saving resources, planting trees, and avoiding plastics.
Q9. What causes ozone depletion?
The release of CFCs and other harmful chemicals into the atmosphere damages the ozone layer.
Q10. What does sustainable development mean?
It means using resources responsibly to meet our needs without harming future generations.
