CBSE Class 10 Science — Our Environment | Important Concept-Based Questions & Exam Tips
🌿 Introduction
The environment around us sustains life on Earth. From the air we breathe to the food we consume, every aspect of our survival depends on the delicate balance of the environment. The CBSE Class 10 Science chapter “Our Environment” focuses on ecosystems, waste management, and human impacts on the environment — all crucial to understanding how our actions shape the world we live in.
In this comprehensive blog, brought to you by BACE IIT JEE, we will break down the core concepts of the chapter in a student-friendly way, provide important concept-based questions, and help you prepare effectively for your CBSE exams.
🎯 Learning Objectives
- Understand the structure and components of an ecosystem.
- Learn about food chains, food webs, and trophic levels.
- Explore biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.
- Understand human impact and strategies for waste management.
🌎 What is an Ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a system formed by the interaction of living organisms (biotic components) with their non-living (abiotic) surroundings like air, water, and soil. Examples include forests, ponds, deserts, and oceans.
📘 Key Terms
- Biotic Components: All living things like plants, animals, and microorganisms.
- Abiotic Components: Non-living things like air, water, temperature, and sunlight.
- Producers: Green plants that make their own food through photosynthesis.
- Consumers: Animals that depend on plants or other animals for food.
- Decomposers: Fungi and bacteria that break down dead organic matter.
🔗 Food Chains and Food Webs
A food chain represents a single pathway through which energy and nutrients flow in an ecosystem. For example:
Grass → Grasshopper → Frog → Snake → Eagle
A food web is a network of interconnected food chains that depict how organisms are interrelated in terms of energy flow.
🧠 Concept-Based Question 1
Q. What will happen if all the decomposers are removed from the ecosystem?
Without decomposers, dead organisms would not break down, leading to accumulation of waste. Nutrient recycling would stop, ultimately collapsing the ecosystem.
⚡ Energy Flow in the Ecosystem
Energy enters the ecosystem through sunlight, which is captured by plants during photosynthesis. This energy flows from one trophic level to another through food chains.
🌞 Ten Percent Law
According to the 10% Law (proposed by Lindeman), only 10% of the energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next. The rest is lost as heat.
For example:
Grass (1000 J) → Grasshopper (100 J) → Frog (10 J) → Snake (1 J)
♻️ Waste Management and Environmental Impact
Human activities have greatly affected the balance of the environment. Improper waste disposal, pollution, and deforestation have caused serious ecological concerns. Waste is broadly classified into two types:
🔍 Types of Waste
- Biodegradable Waste: Can be decomposed by natural processes (e.g., food waste, paper, cloth).
- Non-Biodegradable Waste: Cannot be decomposed easily (e.g., plastics, metals, glass).
🚮 Methods of Waste Disposal
- Landfilling: Burying waste under the ground.
- Recycling: Converting waste into reusable materials.
- Composting: Converting organic waste into manure.
- Incineration: Burning waste at high temperatures.
💡 Concept-Based Question 2
Q. Why should we segregate waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable categories?
Segregation helps in effective recycling, prevents pollution, and ensures biodegradable waste can be composted easily, reducing environmental damage.
🌱 Ozone Layer and Its Depletion
The ozone layer protects life on Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the Sun. However, chemicals like CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) used in refrigerators and aerosols damage this protective layer.
💬 Concept-Based Question 3
Q. How can we contribute to the protection of the ozone layer?
We can reduce the use of CFCs, opt for eco-friendly products, and spread awareness about ozone-friendly practices.
🌍 Sustainable Development
Sustainable development means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It ensures economic growth along with environmental protection.
- Use renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy.
- Plant more trees and conserve forests.
- Follow the three R’s — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
- Avoid wastage of water and electricity.
🧭 Concept-Based Question 4
Q. What is the role of individuals in maintaining environmental balance?
By practicing waste segregation, avoiding plastic, saving energy, and planting trees, individuals can contribute significantly to maintaining the ecological balance.
🌿 Ecosystem Stability and Biodiversity
The stability of an ecosystem depends on its biodiversity — the variety of organisms living in it. Higher biodiversity ensures resilience and stability against environmental changes.
🌸 Concept-Based Question 5
Q. Why is biodiversity important for ecosystem health?
Biodiversity helps maintain balance by ensuring food chains remain stable and energy flow continues without interruption.
💬 Summary of Key Takeaways
- Every ecosystem has both biotic and abiotic components that interact continuously.
- Energy transfer follows the 10% law through food chains and food webs.
- Waste segregation and recycling are essential for sustainable living.
- Protecting the ozone layer and reducing pollution are global responsibilities.
- Sustainable practices and biodiversity conservation are the need of the hour.
🌟 Did You Know?
One mature tree absorbs approximately 48 pounds of carbon dioxide every year — an essential step in combating global warming.
🏫 Why Choose BACE IIT JEE for Academic Excellence?
At BACE IIT JEE, we believe in nurturing young minds to think critically, scientifically, and responsibly. Our faculty combines years of teaching experience with innovative pedagogy, ensuring conceptual clarity and exam success.
- Structured CBSE Class 10 Foundation Programs
- Comprehensive Notes, Concept Maps & Practice Sheets
- Individual Academic Counselling
- Interactive Environment & Regular Assessments
Remember: Environmental awareness starts in the classroom — and at BACE, we make learning meaningful for a better tomorrow.
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