Class 5 Science - Our Environment - Question Answers

Q1: What is the environment, and why is it important for living things?
Ans: The environment is where living things grow, develop, and survive. It includes everything around us, like plants, animals, soil, water, and air. It's important because it gives us what we need to live and supports our survival.

Q2: What are the two main types of waste, and can you give examples of each?
Ans: There are two types of waste: biodegradable and non-biodegradable. Biodegradable waste includes things like vegetable peels, paper bits, dry leaves, and eggshells. Non-biodegradable waste includes items like plastic bottles, old cell phones, batteries, and polythene bags.

Q3: Why is it important to manage waste properly, especially non-biodegradable waste?
Ans: Proper waste management is important because it keeps our surroundings clean and protects the environment. Non-biodegradable waste can harm the environment if not managed well.

Q4: Name three ways to manage non-biodegradable waste.
Ans: Three ways to manage non-biodegradable waste are:

• Reducing waste by using less and avoiding disposable items like plastic bags.
• Reusing items for different purposes instead of throwing them away.
• Recycling materials like paper, glass, plastics, and metals to make new products.

Q5: How is biodegradable waste managed through composting?
Ans: Biodegradable waste like vegetable peels, paper, and eggshells is turned into compost in deep pits called compost pits. Bacteria and fungi break down this waste into compost.

Q6: What is vermicomposting, and how does it work?
Ans: Vermicomposting uses red earthworms to break down biodegradable waste into a soil-like material called vermicompost. The worms help decompose the organic matter.

Q7: How is biogas produced, and what is its main constituent?
Ans: Biogas is produced in a biogas plant by decomposing cow and buffalo dung along with agricultural remains. The main constituent of biogas is methane, which can be used as a fuel.

Q8: What is pollution, and can you name four types of pollution mentioned in the text?
Ans: Pollution is harmful changes in the environment caused by human activities. Four types of pollution mentioned are:

• Air Pollution
• Water Pollution
• Land Pollution
• Noise Pollution

Q9: What is the greenhouse effect, and how does it relate to global warming?
Ans: The greenhouse effect is like a glass house that traps heat. Greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide and methane, trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere. This trapped heat causes global warming, leading to rising temperatures.

Q10: What are some effects of global warming, and what measures can we take to address it?
Ans: Effects of global warming include melting polar ice caps, rising sea levels, and changes in climate. To address it, we can:

• Reduce the use of fossil fuels like coal and petroleum.
• Use electricity wisely.
• Use public transport or carpool.
• Reduce, reuse, and recycle waste.
• Plant more trees.
• Switch to clean energy sources like solar and wind energy.