Balbharti Maharashtra State Board 12th Biology Textbook Solutions

Chapter 15 Biodiversity, Conservation and Environmental Issues Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

1. Multiple choice questions

Question 1.
Observe the graph and select correct option.

(a) Line A represents, S = CA²
(b) Line B represents, log C = log A + Z log S
(c) Line A represents, S = CA^Z
(d) Line B represents, log S = log Z + C log A
Answer:
(c) Line A represents, S = CA^Z



Question 2.
Select odd one out on the basis of Ex situ conservation.
(a) Zoological park
(b) Tissue culture
(c) Sacred groves
(d) Cryopreservation
Answer:
(a) Zoological park

Question 3.
Which of the following factors will favour species diversity?
(a) Invasive species
(b) Glaciation
(c) Forest canopy
(d) Co-extinction
Answer:
(a) Invasive species

Question 4.
The term “terror of Bengal’ is used for
(a) algal bloom
(b) water hyacinth
(c) increased BOD
(d) eutrophication
Answer:
(b) water hyacinth

Question 5.
CFC are air polluting agents which are produced by
(a) Diesel trucks
(b) Jet planes
(c) Rice fields
(d) Industries
Answer:
(b) Jet planes

2. Very short answer type questions.

Question 1.
Give two examples of biodegradable materials released from sugar industry.
Answer:

Question 2.
Name any two modern techniques of protection of endangered species.
OR
Two modern methods of ex-situ conservation of species
Answer:

Question 3.
Where was ozone hole discovered?
Answer:
Ozone hole was discovered in Antarctica.

Question 4.
Give one example of natural pollutant.
Answer:
Volcanic ash is a natural pollutant.



Question 5.
What do you understand by EW category of living being?
Answer:
A species which becomes extinct in the wild (EW) is called EW category, their members are seen only in captivity or as a naturalized population outside its historic range due to massive habitat loss.

3. Short answer type questions.

Question 1.
Dandiya raas is not allowed after 10.00 pm. Why?
Answer:
Dandiya rass involves blaring loudspeakers which cause noise pollution. It is undesired loud sound which could be hazardous for ears and general health. In India, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981, Amendment 1987, includes noise as an air pollutant. As per law noise after 10 pm is not allowed as many people may be resting. Therefore, Dandiya Raas is not allowed after 10 pm.

Question 2.
Tropical regions exhibit species richness as compared to polar regions. Justify.
Answer:

Question 3.
How does genetic diversity affect sustenance of a species?
Answer:

Question 4.
Greenhouse effect is boon or bane? Give your opinion.
Answer:
(1) The natural greenhouse effect is good, it is a boon but human enhanced greenhouse effect is a bane.

(2) In the absence of an atmosphere, Earth’s surface temperature would be about -18 °C, or 0 °F, which is too cold for sustaining life.

(3) Earth is habitable because of the natural greenhouse effect. Heating of Earth’s atmosphere due to the presence of greenhouse gases such as water vapour, carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and oxides of nitrogen (NO₂).

(4) Greenhouse gases have just the right molecular structure to absorb infrared radiation that the Earth emits. It re-emits most of that infrared energy in all directions, warming the atmosphere to its comfortable average temperature of 15 °C (60 °F). So, the greenhouse effect was a boon in olden days before industrialization and invention of automobiles.

(5) However, due to human impact, the proportion of greenhouse gases has increased tremendously causing global warming. Thus, now greenhouse effect has become a bane.



Question 5.
State the effects of CO in human body.
OR
How does CO cause giddiness and exhaustion?
Answer:
Effects of Carbon monoxide:

Question 6.
Name two types of particulate pollutants found in air. Add a note on ill effects of the same on human health.
OR
Describe any 2 particulate and gaseous pollutants.
Answer:
I. Types of gaseous pollutants include CO₂, CO, SO₂, NO, NO₂, etc.
(1) Carbon dioxide : It is a greenhouse gas. It is produced in excess due to human activities such as burning of fossil fuels. It is also rising due to increasing deforestation. The natural cycle of Carbon dioxide is disturbed due to human interference. Otherwise, the process of photosynthesis can balance CO₂ : O₂ ratio of the air. Aeroplane traffic such as a jet plane also emits lots of CO₂.

(2) Carbon monoxide (CO) : CO is produced due to incomplete combustion of fuels. It is a toxic gas. Vehicular exhausts produce lot of CO.

II. Types of particulate pollutants are mist, dust, fume and smoke particles, smog, pesticides, heavy metals and radioactive elements, etc.
(1) Dust are fine particles which enter the respiratory passage and can cause damage to delicate tissues in the lungs. Various processes such as construction work, demolition of buildings and traffic can cause dust pollution. There are natural causes of release of dust too, through wind or volcanic eruption.

(2) Smoke and smog are worst type of particulate air pollutants which can cause many respiratory problems like emphysema or asthma.

4. Long answer type questions.

Question 1.
Montreal Protocol is an essential step. Why is it so?
Answer:



Question 2.
Name any 2 personalities who have contributed to control deforestation in our country. Elaborate on importance of their work.
Answer:
Two personalities who have contributed to control deforestation in our country are:
Saalumara Thimmakka from Karnataka and Moirangthem Loiya from Manipur.
1. Saalumara Thimmakka :

2. Moirangthem Loiya :

Question 3.
How BS emission standards changed over time? Why is it essential?
Answer:

Question 4.
During large public gatherings like Pandharpur vari, mobile toilets are deployed by the government. Explain how this organic waste is disposed.
Answer:

Question 5.
How Indian culture and traditions helped in bio-diversity conservation? Give importance of conservation in terms of utilitarian reasons.
Answer:
In Indian culture and traditions in different religions, biodiversity is protected and conserved. Few examples of worship of animals and plants can be given here.



Conservation in terms of utilitarian reasons:
The conservation of biodiversity can be done in utilitarian way or for ethical reasons. Utilitarian reasons are further classified into narrowly utilitarian and broadly utilitarian reasons:

I. Narrowly utilitarian reasons:

II. Broadly utilitarian reasons:

III. Taking all these aspects in consideration, conservation of biodiversity becomes essential. Therefore, to protect and conserve our rich biodiversity on the planet, we have to remember all the utilitarian reasons.