DAV Class 6 Science Chapter 1 Question Answer – Our Environment

The DAV Class 6 Science Solutions and DAV Class 6 Science Chapter 1 Question Answer – Our Environment are essential study tools for DAV public school students in Class 6.

DAV Class 6 Science Ch 1 Question Answer – Our Environment

DAV Class 6 Science Ch 1 Solutions – Our Environment

Something To Know

A. Fill in the blanks.

Question 1.
Plastic is ______ as it cannot be broken down into simpler substances in nature.
Answer:
Non-biodegradable

Question 2.
We must say ‘NO’ to ______ and use ______ or ______
Answer:
Polythene bags, jute bags, cloth bags

Question 3.
The flowers of the ______ bloom with sunrise and close after sunset.
Answer:
Morning glory

Question 4.
______ and ______ are among animals found only in cold regions.
Answer:
Polar bear, penguin

Question 5.
______ and ______ processes help in balancing of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the atmosphere.
Answer:
Respiration, photosynthesis

B. Write True or False for the following statements.

1. Herbivores can prepare their own food.
2. Fungi and bacteria are organisms that can be easily seen by the human eye, by itself.
3. The sunflower faces the east in the morning.
4. Camels do not have sweat glands.
5. Soil is an important biotic component of our environment.
Answer:
1. Herbivores can prepare their own food. (False)
2. Fungi and bacteria are organisms that can be easily seen by the human eye, by itself. (False)
3. The sunflower faces the east in the morning. (True)
4. Camels do not have sweat glands. (True)
5. Soil is an important biotic component of our environment. (False)

C. Tick (✓) the correct option.

1. Biotic environment includes
(a) only the producers and the consumers
(b) only the consumers and decomposers
(c) only the decomposers and the producers
(d) producers, consumers as well as decomposers
Answer:
(d) All of the above

2. The group of organisms, which convert light for making food, are called
(a) autotrophs
(b) heterotrophs
(c) decomposers
(d) scavengers
Answer:
(a) Autotrophs

3. Decomposers include
(a) bacteria only
(b) fungi only
(c) bacteria as well as Fungi
(d) only the scavengers
Answer:
(c) Both

4. Which of the following is not biodegradable?
(a) vegetables
(b) fruits
(c) earthworm
(d) aluminium foil
Answer:
(d) Aluminium foil

5. Vermicomposting is done by
(a) fungus
(b) bacteria
(c) worms
(d) aquatic animals
Answer:
(c) worms

6. An animal, that is not affected much by the heat of the desert is
(a) fats
(b) camel
(c) cow
(d) lion
Answer:
(b) Camel

D. Answer the following questions in brief.

Question 1.
Why should we segregate different types of wastes?
Answer:
Some wastes are biodegradable, while some are not. Biodegradable waste can be used to make compost. Some of the non-biodegradable wastes can be sent for recycling. Thus, segregation of waste can help in proper management of waste and can also help in reducing the burden on the environment.

Question 2.
Write the meaning of the term ‘vermicomposting’.
Answer:
Vermicomposting is the process of preparing compost with the help of earthworms. Earthworms loosen and turn the soil. This helps the decomposers in decomposition of dead remains. Thus, earthworms hasten the rate of decomposition.

Question 3.
Which component of air gets ‘used-up’ during the process of photosynthesis?
Answer:
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is essential for the process of photosynthesis.

Question 4.
Suggest any five activities that can help to save the environment.
Answer:
Five activities which can be done to save environment are as follows:

1. Don’t use plastic bags.
2. Don’t throw garbage on the road or into the river.
3. Stop deforestation.
4. Plant more trees.
5. Minimize the use of vehicles to reduce air pollution.

Question 5.
How does nature maintain a balance, between the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere?
Answer:
During respiration, both plants and animals take in oxygen from the atmosphere and give out carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. When wood, coal and petrol are burnt, then carbon dioxide is x’eleased into the atmosphere. During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Thus, nature maintains a balance between the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

E. Answer the following questions.

1. Distinguish between:
(a) autotrophs and heterotrophs
Answer:

Autotrophs	Heterotrophs
They make their own food.	They cannot make their own food.
Chlorophyll is present in them.	Chlorophyll is absent in them.
Example: Green plants	Example: Animals

(b) decomposers and scavengers
Answer:

Decomposers	Scavengers
Decomposers are microorganisms.	Scavengers are large animals.
They change dead remains into simple substances.	They eat away dead remains, but don’t change them into simple substances.
Examples: fungi, bacteria	Examples: vulture, crow, jackal, etc.

Question 2.
State the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials. Give one example of each.
Answer:

Biodegradable materials	Non-biodegradable materials
They can be turned into simple substances by microorganisms.	They cannot be turned into simple substances by microorganisms.
They come from living beings.	They come from abiotic sources.
Example: fruit peel	Example: glass

Question 3.
How does decomposition of dead animals turn out to be useful?
Answer:
Decomposition of dead animals is useful in many ways. We know that decomposition is a process through which dead remains are converted into simple substances. These simple substances are returned to the abiotic environment. Thus, decomposition helps in maintaining a balance of minerals in the environment. Moreover, had there been no decomposition, the whole earth would have been full of dead bodies. This would have left no space for living beings.

Question 4.
Why is rain water harvesting a ‘ray of hope’ for overcoming the present ‘scarcity of water’ in cities?
Answer:
Water scarcity is a big problem in most of the cities. This has happened because of growing demand of water. Depletion of groundwater level has reduced the supply of water. Through rainwater harvesting, we can create a pool of surplus water which can be used from underground tank. This water can also help in recharging groundwater. Thus, it can be said that rain water harvesting is a ray of hope for today’s scarcity of water in cities.

Question 5.
Why do buffaloes cool themselves in water during summer?
Answer:
The skin of buffalo is black and black colour absorbs heat. This makes the skin of buffalo too hot during summer. Moreover, buffaloes do not have too many sweat glands which could help in keeping its skin cool. So, buffaloes cool themselves in water during summer.

Question 6.
Draw a diagram that shows the relationship between the biotic and abiotic components of the environment.
Answer:

Value Based Questions

Suchi’s mother did not approve of her idea of taking help from their neighbours for making models for her school exhibition. She told her that she should do her work herself with confidence and honesty. She then helped and guided Suchi to design very useful, interesting and attractive items from old newspapers. Suchi’s models were very much appreciated as they were in tune with the concepts of ‘reuse’ and ‘recycle’.

Question 1.
State the values conveyed by Suchi’s mother.
Answer:
Self help and respect for nature.

Question 2.
Give one example of ‘recycling’ of a material.
Answer:
My mother uses old clothes to make door mats and carpets.

Question 3.
Have a group discussion with your friends in which each one suggests one or more ideas, in tune with the idea of ‘recycling’ or ‘reuse’.
Answer:
Do it yourself.

Something To Do

Question 1.
Imagine a scenario

The government is planning to ban the use of plastic bags. For a debate over the same, a committee was formed. A meeting of the committee is being called. The members of the committee are:
• A government representative
• A head of shopkeeper’s association
• A plastic bag manufacturer
• A cloth bag manufacturer
• An environmentalist
Prepare, and present, a skit projecting the likely views of the members who attended the meeting.
Answer:
Government Representative: The government is committed to protect the environment. We will make every effort to stop the use of plastic bags. Head of Shopkeeper’s Association: We also need to participate in this great effort. We will educate our customers to bring jute bags.

Plastic Bag Manufacturer: I will lose my livelihood. Government should devise some mechanism to properly dispose plastic waste. What will happen to my family and my workers?

Cloth Bag Manufacturer: It will definitely help the environment. We will make more bags to help this cause.

An Environmentalist: Environment is more important than anyone’s livelihood. We should come forward to protect the environment at any cost.

Question 2.
The waste segregation methods, adopted by two neighnbours, Ramesh and Suresh are shown here in the form of the pie charts. Study the pie charts carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Question 1.
Name the two items of waste, disposed off by Ramesh, that needs to be separated from one another.
Answer:
Kitchen and plastic waste

Question 2.
Identify the biodegradable materials disposed off by Suresh.
Answer:
Paper waste, kitchen waste

Question 3.
Of the two, who, according to you, is more eco-friendly and why?
Answer:
Suresh has properly segregated the waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable. Hence, he appears to be more eco-friendly than Ramesh.

Question 3.
Solve the following crossword puzzle with the help of given clues.

Across
(a) Do not make their own food.
(b) Non-living components,
(c) Meat-eaters.
(d) Vulture is a
(e) Compost prepared by worms.

Down
(f) Plant eaters.
(g) Morning glory.
(h) A desert animal.
(i) Decomposable material.
(j) Helps in recycling of minerals.
Answer:

DAV Class 6 Science Chapter 1 Solutions – Our Environment

I. Fill in the blanks.

Question 1.
The surroundings of a living being is called its ______
Answer:
Environment

Question 2.
Plants and animals compose the ______ environment.
Answer:
biotic

Question 3.
Soil, water and air compose the ______ environment.
Answer:
Abiotic

Question 4.
Green plants prepare their food by a process called ______
Answer:
Photosynthesis

Question 5.
The colour of leaves is green because of the pigment ______
Answer:
Chlorophyll

Question 6.
Apart from carbophydrate, ______ is also formed at the end of photosynthesis.
Answer:
Oxygen

Question 7.
______ and ______ are the raw materials for photosynthesis.
Answer:
Carbon dioxide, water

Question 8.
Fungi and bacteria play the role of ______ in the environment.
Answer:
Decomposer

Question 9.
Cow is an example of ______ consumer.
Answer:
Primary

Question 10.
Lion is an example of ______ consumer.
Answer:
Secondary

Question 11.
Fruit and vegetable peels are ______ wastes.
Answer:
Biodegradable

Question 12.
Plastic bag is an example of ______ waste.
Answer:
Non-biodegradable

Question 13.
______ animals are active during night.
Answer:
Nocturnal

Question 14.
______ animals are active during day.
Answer:
Diurnal

Question 15.
Aluminium can be ______ many times
Answer:
Recycled

II. Tick (✓) the correct option.

1. Which of these is an example of producer?
(a) Deer
(b) Lion
(c) Fungus
(d) Grass
Ans.
(d) Grass

2. Which of these is an example of primary consumer?
(a) Deer
(b) Lion
(c) Eagle
(d) Frog
Ans.
(a) Deer

3. Which is the ultimate source of energy for us?
(a) Petrol
(b) Electricity
(c) Green plants
(d) Sun
Ans.
(d) Sun

4. Which of these would always be at the top of food chain?
(a) Deer
(b) Lion
(c) Monkey
(d) Bacteria
Ans.
(b) Lion

5. Which of these would always be at the bottom of food chain?
(a) Deer
(b) Tiger
(c) Grass
(d) Grasshopper
Ans.
(c) Grass

6. What is the colour of the bin which is meant for biodegradable waste?
(a) Red
(b) Green
(c) Blue
(d) Yellow
Ans.
(b) Green

7. What is the colour of the bin which is meant for recyclable waste?
(a) Red
(b) Green
(c) Blue
(d) Yellow
Ans.
(c) Blue

8. Which of these is not environment friendly?
(a) Paper bag
(b) Deer
(c) Cloth bag
(d) Polythene bag
Ans.
(d) Polythene bag

III. Answer the following questions.

Question 1.
What do you understand by environment? What are the main types of environment? Explain in brief.
Answer:
The surrounding of a living being is called its environment.
The main types of the environment are as follows:

• Biotic Environment: The living beings in an environment are the components of biotic environment.
• Abiotic Environment: The non-living things make the abiotic environment. For example: air, water, soil, light, temperature, etc.

Question 2.
What do you understand by producers in an environment? Explain.
Answer:
Green plants are called producers because they prepare their own food. The process by which green plants prepare their food is called photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, green plant takes energy from sunlight, carbon dioxide from air and water from soil. Then the plant uses them in the presence of chlorophyll to make food. Glucose is the food which a green plant makes and oxygen gas is also formed during this process.

Question 3.
Explain rainwater harvesting.
Answer:
Rainwater harvesting is a method in which rainwater is collected and stored for later use. This is useful for places which get scanty rainfall and often have to suffer from shortage of water. Rainwater from rooftop can be collected in an underground tank. This water can be treated so that it can be safely used. Rainwater harvesting can also be used for recharging the groundwater.

Question 4.
Explain decomposers.
Answer:
When animals and plants die, their dead remains are broken into simple substances. This process is called decomposition. Fungi and bacteria carry out decomposition and hence are known as decomposers. Decomposition is necessary for returning the raw materials to the environment.

Question 5.
How is air essential to living beings?
Answer:
Air is essential for all living beings. All living beings need oxygen for respiration. Without air, we cannot survive for more than a few seconds. Oxygen and many other gases, which are present in air, are important for our survival.

Question 6.
What is food chain? What happens in a food chain?
Answer:
Plants and animals interact with each other for food. This relationship can be shown by a flow chart which is called food chain. Food chain shows the transfer of energy from plants to other living beings. This is also known as energy chain.

Question 7.
What do you understand by mineral cycle?
Answer:
The bodies of all living beings are made up of many minerals. These minerals are obtained from the abiotic environment. When a living being dies, these minerals are returned to the environment through decomposition. Thus, a continuous cycle is formed between the abiotic environment and biotic environment. This cycle is called mineral cycle.

Question 8.
How are green plants important to the environment?
Answer:
Green plants are very important to the environment. Green plants prepare their own food and this food is utilised by all other living beings. Thus, green plants are necessary for survival of all other living beings. Green plants take carbon dioxide and release oxygen, during photosynthesis. We know that oxygen is essential for respiration by living beings. By maintaining the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the environment, green plants help in survival of all living beings.

Question 9.
Find out the names of Government Organisations and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) which help in managing the environment. Also mention how they help, e.g. Central Government has banned smoking in public places (schools, colleges, railway stations, trains, etc.)
Answer:
Government Organizations:

• Railways manage disposal of human excreta and garbage and thus help in managing the environment.
• The Department of Forest looks after animals and plants in forests and helps in saving the environment.

Non-Government Organizations:

• Sulabh International builds and manages public toilets. It also makes biogas from human excreta.
• PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) works to increase awareness about cruelty against animals and helps in improving the life of animals.

Question 10.
Few state governments have banned use of plastic bags. Do you think it is a good step to save environment? Give your opinion.
Answer:
Plastic bags are non-biodegradable and non-recyclable. Hence, they pose a big threat to the environment. As per scientists, it may take thousands of years for plastic bags to degrade.

• Plastic bags have become very popular in recent times and empty plastic bags can be seen strown all over the places.
• Plastic bags often choke the sewers which results in overflowing drains.
• Plastic bags are sometimes swallowed by stray animals. Such animals die because of choking.

In the context of above observations, I think it is a good step to ban plastic bags.

IV. Projects

Question 1.
Visit a nearby park or a garden. Make a list of biotic and abiotic components present in the park.

Question 2.
In this lesson, you have read about food chain. This can also be represented in the form of food pyramid. Make a food pyramid; showing the environment in a forest.

Question 3.
Visit a pond near your school or home. List the organisms you can identify and make possible food chain.
Answer:
Some organisms which can be identified in a pond are: fish, crab, frog, duck, crane, etc.
A food chain in a pond:
Aquatic plants → Small fish → Big fish → Crane

Question 4.
Visit a zoo with your parents or teachers. Make a list of animals kept there and classify them into herbivores and carnivox’es.
Answer:

• Herbivores in a zoo: Deer, giraffe, monkey, rabbit, elephant, zebra, etc.
• Carnivores in a zoo: Tiger, lion, leopard, wildcat, jackal, etc.