Class 12 English Previous Year: Short Questions With Answers - Journey To The End Of The Earth

Q1: How do geographical phenomena help us to know about the history of mankind?
Ans: By watching geographical phenomena we can imagine how small changes could have caused a big change over centuries. They help us to understand where we came from and where we might be heading.

Q2: What are the indications for the future of mankind?
Ans:

• Global warming can bring about drastic climatic changes.  There is real threat to the future of humankind.
• A fast and steady rise in human population in proportion to the limited natural resources is exerting pressure on land. 
• Forests are being cut and fossil fuels are being burnt and these factors are increasing the global temperature.
• Melting of glaciers, depletion of ozone layer and global warming are endangering man’s existence on earth. This is bound to adversely affect marine life, birds and mankind.

Global WarmingQ3: Why is Antarctica the place to go to understand the earth’s past, present and future?
Ans:

• Antarctica is the only place on earth that has not supported human population. 
• So, it remains almost as pure as it used to be millions of years ago. 
• There we can observe how a little change can affect the environment. 
• Besides, half-a-millionyear- old carbon records lie trapped in its layers of ice. So, if we want to study the earth’s past, present and future, Antarctica is the right place.
  Antarctica

Q4: How did Tishani Doshi feel on reaching the Antarctica?
Ans:

• Tishani's first emotion on reaching Antarctica was that of relief. He felt relieved to have set foot on the Antarctic continent after over 100 hours.
• Tishani was filled with wonder at Antarctica’s immense white expanse, uninterrupted blue horizon and isolation.
•  He wondered how Antarctica and India could have been the part of the same landscape Gondwana. 

Q5: What was Gondwana like? How did it change?
Ans: Gondwana was a super continent about 650 million years ago. The climate was warm and there were many species of flora and fauna. There were no human beings. About a million years ago, it disintegrated into separate countries.

Q6: Why is Antarctica and its understanding important for the survival of the world?

 Ans: 

• Antarctica and its understanding is important for the survival of the world because it helps us to know that the southern supercontinent of Gondwana existed and centered around the present-day Antarctica. 
• Human beings had not come on the global scene but a huge variety of flora and fauna was present in the supercontinent. It was after 500 million years that the landmass was forced to separate into countries that exist today. 
• Additionally, Antarctica plays a significant role in regulating the Earth's climate and ocean systems. Its vast ice sheets and glaciers contain about 70% of the planet's freshwater, which has a direct impact on global sea levels.
•  As the Earth's temperature continues to rise due to climate change, the melting of these ice sheets can lead to catastrophic consequences such as flooding of coastal cities and displacement of millions of people.

Q7: What was the objective of the ‘Students on Ice Programme’?
Ans:
Students on Ice Programme

The 'Students on Ice' program aimed to expose high school students to the world's extremes, offering inspiring educational opportunities and fostering respect for our planet. The goal was to provide a transformative experience for students at an age when they are receptive to learning and taking action. Geoff Green believes these students, as future policymakers, will help save the planet from environmental threats and global warming's harmful effects.