Pollution and Conservation of Environment - 2 Class 5 Worksheet SST

Q1: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).

(i) What is the primary cause of air pollution?
(a) Natural disasters
(b) Industrial activities
(c) Plant growth
(d) Ocean currents
Ans: (b)
Human activities like burning fuels in factories and vehicles contribute significantly to air pollution.

(ii) Which of the following is a source of noise pollution?
(a) Rainfall
(b) Silent library
(c) Birds chirping
(d) Loudspeakers at a concert
Ans: (d)
Loudspeakers at events like concerts can generate excessive and unwanted sounds, contributing to noise pollution.

(iii) Light pollution is caused by:
(a) Decreased industrial activities
(b) Efficient lighting systems
(c) Over-illumination and artificial light sources
(d) Complete darkness during the night
Ans: (c)
Light pollution is primarily caused by excessive and misdirected artificial lighting, leading to over-illumination.

(iv) Water pollution can be caused by:
(a) Regular cleaning of household items
(b) Releasing industrial waste into water bodies
(c) Planting trees near water sources
(d) Collecting rainwater in barrels
Ans: (b)
Industrial waste, when released into water bodies, can contaminate water sources and contribute to water pollution.

(v) What is the effect of soil pollution on the soil?
(a) Increases fertility
(b) Makes it more productive
(c) Renders it infertile
(d) Encourages plant growth
Ans: (c)
Soil pollution, caused by dumping waste and the use of harmful chemicals, can make the soil infertile and unsuitable for plant growth.

Q2: Fill in the Blanks.

(i) Pollution refers to the contamination of the environment, leading to instability, disorder, and harm to physical systems or living organisms. It involves the undesirable mixing of _______________, air, water, land, or soil.
(ii) Air pollution is primarily caused by human activities such as the burning of fuels in factories and vehicles, incineration of garbage, and release of smoke and harmful gases into the atmosphere. Natural phenomena like _______________, forest fires, and volcanic eruptions also contribute.
(iii) Water pollution can be caused by natural factors like storms leading to the dissolution of mud and soil, as well as human activities like releasing industrial and household waste into water sources. Everyday activities such as washing clothes in rivers can also contribute to water pollution.
(iv) Land or soil pollution occurs when solid waste, including plastic bags and metal containers, is dumped into the soil. This practice renders the soil infertile due to the continuous use of _______________ and the dumping of waste.
(v) Noise pollution refers to excessive and unwanted sounds in the atmosphere. Sounds louder than _______________ decibels can be harmful to the ears. Noise pollution can be caused by sources like cars, airplanes, loudspeakers, and machines in factories.
Ans:
(i) air
(ii) sandstorms
(iii) pesticides and fertilizers
(iv) noise pollution
(v) 90

Q3: True or False.

(i) Natural factors play no role in air pollution.
(ii) Noise pollution can lead to hearing loss and sleep disturbances.
(iii) Water pollution has no impact on plants and animals living in water bodies.
(iv) Light pollution has adverse effects on the behavior of animals and astronomical observations.
(v) Pollution primarily poses a threat to human health but not to the environment.
Ans:
(i) False: Natural factors like sandstorms and volcanic eruptions can contribute to air pollution.
(ii) True: Prolonged exposure to noise pollution can lead to hearing loss and disturbances in sleep patterns.
(iii) False: Water pollution can have harmful effects on both aquatic plants and animals.
(iv) True: Light pollution can disrupt the behavior of nocturnal animals and hinder astronomical observations.
(v) False: Pollution affects both human health and the environment, posing a threat to both.

Q4: Match the Following.

Match the types of pollution with their definitions.

Ans:

Q5: Short Answer Questions.

(i) Explain two human activities that contribute to water pollution.
Ans: Human activities contributing to water pollution include the release of industrial waste and household sewage into water bodies. These activities introduce harmful chemicals and contaminants into the water, making it unsafe for consumption and detrimental to aquatic life.

(ii) How does air pollution affect both human health and the environment?
Ans: Air pollution affects human health by causing respiratory problems, lung damage, and diseases such as asthma. It also affects the environment by harming plants and animals. For example, pollutants in the air can lead to reduced plant growth and disrupted ecosystems.

(iii) Describe two adverse effects of noise pollution on living beings.
Ans: Adverse effects of noise pollution include hearing loss, stress, irritation, headaches, and sleep disturbances. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels can damage the delicate structures in the ears and lead to permanent hearing impairment.

(iv) Why is light pollution harmful to astronomical observations?
Ans: Light pollution is harmful to astronomical observations because it brightens the night sky and obscures the view of stars and celestial objects. This makes it difficult for astronomers to observe and study space phenomena effectively. Moreover, artificial light can interfere with sensitive astronomical instruments, reducing their accuracy.

(v) How can individuals help in reducing soil pollution in their local areas?
Ans: Individuals can help in reducing soil pollution by practicing responsible waste disposal, recycling materials, and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals in gardening. Composting organic waste and using natural fertilizers can also enrich the soil without causing pollution. Planting trees and vegetation can help prevent soil erosion and maintain soil health.