Class 3 Science Chapter 13 Question Answers - Our Environment

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What are the three components of the physical environment?
Ans: The three components of the physical environment are lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.

Q2: Why is the hydrosphere important for living beings?
Ans: The hydrosphere is important because it provides water, which is essential for life.

Q3: What is an ecosystem?
Ans: An ecosystem is a community of living organisms and their interaction with the environment in a specific area.

Q4: Give an example of a human-made component of the environment.
Ans: Roads are an example of a human-made component of the environment.

Q5: What is the role of the lithosphere in providing resources?
Ans: The lithosphere provides resources like minerals and landforms.

Q6: How does the atmosphere help living organisms?
Ans: The atmosphere provides life-supporting gases and helps control the Earth's temperature.

Q7: Explain the concept of an ecosystem in one sentence.
Ans: An ecosystem is a community of living organisms and their environment interacting together.

Q8: What is the socio-cultural environment?
Ans: The socio-cultural environment includes family, religion, customs, and beliefs of the people in an area.

Q9: Name one positive impact of human activities on the environment.
Ans: One positive impact is the development of renewable energy sources that reduce pollution.

Q10: What is the biggest challenge posed by climate change, primarily driven by human activities?
Ans: The biggest challenge is the threat it poses to global ecosystems and human livelihoods.

Long Answer Questions

Q11: Explain the significance of the physical environment and its components in sustaining life on Earth.
Ans: The physical environment, comprising lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere, provides essential resources like land, water, and air. These components support all forms of life, making them critical for the survival of living organisms. The lithosphere offers minerals and diverse landforms, while the hydrosphere supplies water for basic biological functions. The atmosphere provides life-sustaining gases and regulates temperature. Together, these components form a delicate balance that sustains life on our planet.

Q12: Provide examples of positive and negative impacts of human activities on the environment, and discuss their consequences.
Ans: Positive impacts include advancements in renewable energy technologies, which reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower pollution levels. However, negative impacts like deforestation and pollution lead to habitat loss, loss of biodiversity, and compromised air, water, and soil quality. These activities contribute to environmental degradation, affecting both the ecosystem and human well-being.

Q13: How can humans strike a balance between the natural and human environments? Explain with specific measures.
Ans: Achieving a balance requires sustainable practices. This includes afforestation and reforestation to counter deforestation, responsible waste management to prevent pollution, and promoting renewable energy sources. Education and awareness campaigns play a vital role in cultivating a sense of environmental responsibility. By conserving natural resources and minimizing environmental harm, we can protect our planet for future generations.

Q14: Describe an ecosystem with an example and discuss the interdependence of its elements.
Ans: An ecosystem, such as a forest, comprises a diverse range of organisms and their interactions with the environment. Trees provide habitat for animals, while soil microorganisms aid in nutrient cycling. Birds and insects contribute to pollination, and predators help control prey populations. The interdependence ensures the ecosystem's stability. If one element is disrupted, it can have cascading effects, illustrating the delicate balance within ecosystems.