India's Environamental Heritage (Chatpter - 5) ~ Environamental Science
India's Environamental Heritage
SECTION A – MCQs
1. The close relationship between biological diversity and cultural diversity is called:
a) Agricultural diversity
b) Biocultural diversity
c) Genetic diversity
d) Ecosystem diversity
Answer: b) Biocultural diversity
2. India occupies about what percentage of the world's land area?
a) 2%
b) 4%
c) 8%
d) 10%
Answer: b) 2%
3. India supports nearly what percentage of the world's known plant and animal species?
a) 2%
b) 5%
c) 8%
d) 15%
Answer: c) 8%
4. Areas rich in plant and animal species, including many endemic species, are called:
a) Biosphere reserves
b) Biodiversity hotspots
c) Wildlife corridors
d) National parks
Answer: b) Biodiversity hotspots
5. Which of the following is a biodiversity hotspot of India?
a) Himalayas
b) Thar Desert only
c) Deccan Plateau only
d) Indo-Gangetic Plain
Answer: a) Himalayas
6. The Himalayan hotspot includes:
a) Only Rajasthan
b) Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh only
c) Himalayan regions with rich biodiversity
d) Only Kerala
Answer: c) Himalayan regions with rich biodiversity
7. The Western Ghats receive heavy rainfall and support:
a) Desert vegetation
b) Evergreen and deciduous forests
c) Tundra vegetation
d) Grasslands only
Answer: b) Evergreen and deciduous forests
8. Which biodiversity hotspot includes the north-eastern states of India?
a) Sundaland
b) Indo-Burma region
c) Western Ghats
d) Himalayan region
Answer: b) Indo-Burma region
9. The Sundaland hotspot in India includes:
a) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
b) Lakshadweep only
c) Rajasthan
d) Punjab
Answer: a) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
10. The national animal of India is:
a) Asian elephant
b) Bengal tiger
c) Asiatic lion
d) Snow leopard
Answer: b) Bengal tiger
11. The Bengal tiger plays an important role as a:
a) Herbivore
b) Decomposer
c) Apex predator
d) Pollinator
Answer: c) Apex predator
12. The Asian elephant contributes to forest regeneration mainly by:
a) Hunting animals
b) Dispersing seeds and modifying habitats
c) Removing forests
d) Polluting water
Answer: b) Dispersing seeds and modifying habitats
13. The one-horned rhinoceros is mainly found in:
a) Rajasthan
b) Assam and West Bengal
c) Gujarat
d) Kerala
Answer: b) Assam and West Bengal
14. The Asiatic lion is found only in:
a) Gir Forest region of Gujarat
b) Kaziranga
c) Sundarbans
d) Western Ghats
Answer: a) Gir Forest region of Gujarat
15. The snow leopard is adapted to:
a) Coastal regions
b) High-altitude regions
c) Tropical islands
d) Wetlands
Answer: b) High-altitude regions
16. The gharial is mainly found in:
a) Major rivers of northern India
b) Himalayan glaciers
c) Desert regions
d) Coastal forests
Answer: a) Major rivers of northern India
17. The Asian lion's population had grown to approximately how many in 2025?
a) 589
b) 718
c) 891
d) 1000
Answer: c) 891
18. Which festival is associated with tree planting?
a) Pongal
b) Van Mahotsav
c) Lohri
d) Onam
Answer: b) Van Mahotsav
19. Van Mahotsav is celebrated during the:
a) First week of July
b) First week of January
c) Last week of August
d) First week of December
Answer: a) First week of July
20. Van Mahotsav was started in 1950 by:
a) M. S. Swaminathan
b) Dr. K. M. Munshi
c) Mahatma Gandhi
d) Sardar Patel
Answer: b) Dr. K. M. Munshi
21. Which crop is particularly suitable for dryland areas?
a) Finger millet
b) Rice only
c) Sugarcane
d) Tea
Answer: a) Finger millet
22. Which of the following is an indigenous crop of India?
a) Millets
b) All of these
c) Pulses
d) Indigenous rice varieties
Answer: b) All of these
23. Which cattle breed is known for disease resistance and ability to survive in different climates?
a) Gir
b) Murrah
c) Indian Runner
d) Aseel
Answer: a) Gir
24. Murrah is a breed of:
a) Cow
b) Buffalo
c) Sheep
d) Goat
Answer: b) Buffalo
25. Kadaknath is a breed of:
a) Chicken
b) Duck
c) Buffalo
d) Goat
Answer: a) Chicken
26. Aseel is particularly known for:
a) Fighting qualities and meat
b) Milk production
c) Wool
d) Ploughing
Answer: a) Fighting qualities and meat
27. Indian Runner is a breed of:
a) Chicken
b) Duck
c) Cow
d) Sheep
Answer: b) Duck
28. Traditional agricultural practices include:
a) Mixed cropping
b) Crop rotation
c) Agroforestry
d) All of these
Answer: d) All of these
29. Crop rotation helps to:
a) Deplete soil nutrients
b) Maintain soil fertility
c) Increase chemical pollution
d) Reduce biodiversity
Answer: b) Maintain soil fertility
30. Agroforestry involves:
a) Growing trees and crops together
b) Removing all trees from farms
c) Only growing crops
d) Only growing forests
Answer: a) Growing trees and crops together
31. Which traditional water-management method stores rainwater?
a) Rainwater harvesting
b) Chemical fertilisation
c) Monoculture
d) Pesticide use
Answer: a) Rainwater harvesting
32. Ayurveda mainly uses:
a) Synthetic chemicals
b) Herbs, plant extracts and natural substances
c) Machines
d) Plastic products
Answer: b) Herbs, plant extracts and natural substances
33. Yoga promotes:
a) Only physical strength
b) Physical fitness, mental peace and emotional balance
c) Only meditation
d) Only healthy food
Answer: b) Physical fitness, mental peace and emotional balance
34. Ancient Indian town planning was influenced by:
a) Vastu Shastra
b) Modern engineering
c) Industrialisation
d) Modern farming
Answer: a) Vastu Shastra
35. Mohenjo-daro is an example of:
a) Grid-based town planning
b) Modern industrial planning
c) Mountain planning
d) Forest planning
Answer: a) Grid-based town planning
36. Which of the following is an important part of traditional Indian diets?
A. Processed foods
B. Millets and lentils
C. Fast food
D. Refined sugar
Answer: B. Millets and lentils
37. Fermented foods such as idli and dosa help improve:
A. Bone strength
B. Gut health
C. eyesight
D. Blood pressure
Answer: B. Gut health
38. Which practice helps reduce stress and improve focus?
A. Vermiculture
B. Crop rotation
C. Pranayama and meditation
D. Rainwater harvesting
Answer: C. Pranayama and meditation
39. Vermiculture uses ______ to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost.
A. Bacteria
B. Worms
C. Insects
D. Fish
Answer: B. Worms
40. Agroforestry integrates:
A. Animals and machines
B. Trees with crops
C. Rivers with forests
D. Houses with farms
Answer: B. Trees with crops
41. Which of the following is a traditional water-conservation method?
A. Tube wells only
B. Stepwells
C. Sprinklers
D. Water pumps
Answer: B. Stepwells
42. Which traditional method helps predict weather?
A. Chemical fertilisers
B. Natural signs such as cloud patterns and wind direction
C. Modern machines
D. Hybrid seeds
Answer: B. Natural signs such as cloud patterns and wind direction
43. Ayurveda uses:
A. Synthetic chemicals only
B. Herbs, plant extracts and natural substances
C. Artificial food products
D. Heavy machinery
Answer: B. Herbs, plant extracts and natural substances
44. The ancient Indian town-planning system mentioned in the chapter is:
A. Ayurveda
B. Vastu Shastra
C. Vermiculture
D. Agroforestry
Answer: B. Vastu Shastra
45. Which ancient cities used planned grid systems?
A. Delhi and Mumbai
B. Mohenjo-Daro and other ancient settlements
C. Kolkata and Chennai
D. Jaipur and Agra
Answer: B. Mohenjo-Daro and other ancient settlements
46. Which of the following is an example of an indigenous crop?
A. Millets
B. Plastic
C. Cotton fabric
D. Fertiliser
Answer: A. Millets
47. Indigenous livestock breeds are:
A. Imported from other countries
B. Adapted to local environments
C. Always dependent on machines
D. Artificially produced
Answer: B. Adapted to local environments
48. Which scheme provides crop insurance against natural risks?
A. PM KISAN
B. PM Fasal Bima Yojana
C. Rashtriya Gokul Mission
D. Make in India
Answer: B. PM Fasal Bima Yojana
49. PM KISAN provides:
A. Crop insurance
B. Direct financial support to farmers
C. Free machinery to industries
D. Free seeds to all farmers
Answer: B. Direct financial support to farmers
50. Which scheme promotes livestock development and productivity?
A. National Livestock Mission
B. PM KISAN
C. Make in India
D. PM Fasal Bima Yojana
Answer: A. National Livestock Mission
51. Which mission helps conserve and improve indigenous cattle breeds?
A. National Livestock Mission
B. Rashtriya Gokul Mission
C. PM KISAN
D. Make in India
Answer: B. Rashtriya Gokul Mission
52. MSP stands for:
A. Minimum Support Price
B. Maximum Selling Price
C. Minimum Supply Programme
D. Modern Support Policy
Answer: A. Minimum Support Price
53. Traditional wisdom promotes an economy that works in harmony with:
A. Machines
B. Nature
C. Industries only
D. Urbanisation
Answer: B. Nature
SECTION B – FILL IN THE BLANKS
1. The close relationship between biological diversity and cultural diversity is called __________ diversity.
Answer: biocultural
2. Areas rich in plant and animal species are called biodiversity __________.
Answer: hotspots
3. India supports nearly __________% of the world's known plant and animal species.
Answer: 8
4. The __________ is the national animal of India.
Answer: Bengal tiger
5. The Bengal tiger acts as an __________ predator.
Answer: apex
6. The __________ hotspot includes the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Answer: Sundaland
7. The __________ region is a biodiversity hotspot covering north-eastern India.
Answer: Indo-Burma
8. The Asiatic lion is found in the __________ Forest region.
Answer: Gir
9. The snow leopard is adapted to the __________ regions of the Himalayas.
Answer: high-altitude
10. The gharial is mainly found in the major __________ of northern India.
Answer: rivers
11. The close connection between biodiversity and climate influences people's __________.
Answer: lifestyles
12. __________ is a tree-planting festival celebrated in India.
Answer: Van Mahotsav
13. Van Mahotsav was started in __________.
Answer: 1950
14. __________ crops are well suited to India's varied climatic conditions and often require less water.
Answer: Indigenous
15. __________ is a traditional agricultural practice in which different crops are grown together.
Answer: Mixed cropping
16. __________ ensures that soil is not depleted of nutrients.
Answer: Crop rotation
17. Trees and crops grown together are an example of __________.
Answer: agroforestry
18. __________ is an ancient Indian system of medicine.
Answer: Ayurveda
19. __________ promotes physical fitness, mental peace and emotional balance.
Answer: Yoga
20. Traditional water management includes rainwater harvesting, step wells and __________ dams.
Answer: check
21. Millets and ______ form a significant part of the Indian diet.
Answer: lentils
22. Fermented foods such as idli and dosa help improve ______ health.
Answer: gut
23. ______ and meditation help reduce stress and improve focus.
Answer: Pranayama
24. Vermiculture uses ______ to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost.
Answer: worms
25. ______ integrates trees with crops to conserve soil and provide additional income.
Answer: Agroforestry
26. Traditional water conservation methods include tanks, stepwells, ______ and rainwater harvesting.
Answer: johads
27. ______ is an ancient Indian system of medicine.
Answer: Ayurveda
28. ______ promotes physical fitness, mental peace and emotional balance.
Answer: Yoga
29. Ancient Indian town planning was influenced by ______ Shastra.
Answer: Vastu
30. The ______ system was used in ancient cities such as Mohenjo-Daro.
Answer: grid
31. ______ crops are adapted to local climate and soil conditions.
Answer: Indigenous
32. PM Fasal Bima Yojana provides crop ______ against natural risks.
Answer: insurance
33. ______ provides direct financial support to farmers.
Answer: PM KISAN
34. MSP stands for Minimum ______ Price.
Answer: Support
SECTION C – VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. What is biocultural diversity?
Answer: Biocultural diversity refers to the close relationship between biological diversity and cultural diversity.
2. What is a biodiversity hotspot?
Answer: A biodiversity hotspot is an area rich in plant and animal species, including many endemic species.
3. Name the four biodiversity hotspots of India mentioned in the chapter.
Answer: The Himalayas, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats and Sundaland.
4. Name India's national animal.
Answer: The Bengal tiger.
5. What is the role of the Bengal tiger in an ecosystem?
Answer: It acts as an apex predator and helps maintain ecological balance.
6. How do elephants help forests?
Answer: They help forest regeneration by dispersing seeds and modifying habitats.
7. Where is the Asiatic lion found?
Answer: It is found only in the Gir Forest region of Gujarat.
8. Where are the one-horned rhinoceros found?
Answer: It is mainly found in the floodplains of Assam and the Indo-Nepal Terai.
9. What is Van Mahotsav?
Answer: Van Mahotsav is a tree-planting festival celebrated in India during the first week of July.
10. Who started Van Mahotsav?
Answer: Dr. K. M. Munshi started Van Mahotsav in 1950.
11. Name two traditional agricultural practices.
Answer: Mixed cropping and crop rotation.
12. What is agroforestry?
Answer: Agroforestry is a farming system in which trees and crops are grown together.
13. What is Indian Knowledge Systems?
Answer: Indian Knowledge Systems are traditional knowledge and practices developed in India over thousands of years through close interaction with nature.
14. What is Ayurveda?
Answer: Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine based on herbs, plant extracts and natural substances.
15. Mention two benefits of yoga.
Answer: Yoga promotes physical fitness and mental peace.
16. What is the purpose of traditional water-management systems?
Answer: They conserve water, ensure a stable water supply and reduce dependence on groundwater.
17. What is traditional wisdom?
Answer: Traditional wisdom refers to knowledge and practices developed over generations through close interaction with nature.
18. What is food security?
Answer: Food security is the state of having reliable access to sufficient, affordable and nutritious food.
19. How do millets contribute to food security?
Answer: Millets require less water, are nutritious and can grow in difficult climatic conditions.
20. What are fermented foods? Give two examples.
Answer: Fermented foods are foods produced through fermentation by beneficial microorganisms. Idli and dosa are examples.
21. What is vermiculture?
Answer: Vermiculture is the use of worms to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost.
22. What is agroforestry?
Answer: Agroforestry is a farming system that integrates trees with crops.
23. What is Ayurveda?
Answer: Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that uses herbs, plant extracts and natural substances.
24. What is Yoga?
Answer: Yoga is a traditional practice that promotes physical fitness, mental peace and emotional balance.
25. What is MSP?
Answer: MSP stands for Minimum Support Price. It helps ensure fair prices for farmers' produce.
26. What are indigenous crops?
Answer: Indigenous crops are crops that are native to a region and adapted to its local climate and soil conditions.
SECTION D – SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. Why is biodiversity important for human life?
Answer:
Biodiversity provides food, clothing, shelter, medicines and other resources. It also supports ecosystems and helps maintain ecological balance. Human livelihoods and cultures are closely connected with biodiversity.
2. How are biodiversity and culture connected?
Answer:
Different communities develop their lifestyles, food habits, occupations, festivals and traditions according to their natural environment. Thus, biodiversity strongly influences culture, while cultural practices can also help conserve biodiversity.
3. Describe the importance of the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot.
Answer:
The Himalayan hotspot extends from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh. It contains alpine meadows, snow-covered mountains and rich biodiversity. It provides habitats for species such as the snow leopard, red panda and Himalayan tahr and is also the source of several major rivers.
4. Why are the Western Ghats important?
Answer:
The Western Ghats receive heavy rainfall and contain evergreen and deciduous forests. They support many plant and animal species, including amphibians, reptiles, birds and flowering plants.
5. What makes the Indo-Burma region important?
Answer:
The Indo-Burma hotspot includes the north-eastern states of India. It has forests, wetlands and rivers and supports a wide variety of birds, insects, freshwater fish and plant species.
6. What is special about the Sundaland hotspot?
Answer:
In India, the Sundaland hotspot includes the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It contains tropical rainforests and mangrove ecosystems and has many endemic marine and terrestrial species.
7. How does agriculture depend on climate and biodiversity?
Answer:
Climate, rainfall, soil and availability of water determine which crops can be grown in a region. Biodiversity provides different crop varieties and livestock breeds adapted to local conditions.
8. Why are indigenous crops important?
Answer:
Indigenous crops are adapted to local climatic conditions, often require less water and fewer chemical inputs, and can help ensure food security and conserve agricultural biodiversity.
9. Why are indigenous livestock breeds important?
Answer:
Indigenous livestock breeds are adapted to local environments and are often disease-resistant and capable of surviving different climatic conditions. They support farmers' livelihoods and agricultural sustainability.
10. How do traditional agricultural practices conserve the environment?
Answer:
Practices such as mixed cropping, crop rotation and agroforestry maintain soil fertility, reduce erosion, conserve water and support biodiversity.
11. What is the importance of traditional water-management systems?
Answer:
Traditional systems such as rainwater harvesting, step wells and check dams collect and store rainwater. They reduce dependence on groundwater and help maintain water availability during dry periods.
12. How do traditional practices contribute to food security?
Answer:
Traditional farming systems grow a variety of crops, including cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruits and spices. This provides a diverse and reliable food supply and improves nutritional security.
13. How do traditional food practices promote good health?
Answer: Traditional food practices use local and seasonal ingredients that provide essential nutrients. Millets and lentils provide protein, fibre and vitamins. Fermented foods such as idli, dosa and kanji improve gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria.
14. How does agroforestry help farmers and the environment?
Answer: Agroforestry integrates trees with crops. It helps conserve soil, prevent erosion, improve soil fertility and provide additional sources of income through products such as timber and fruit.
15. How do traditional practices help conserve water?
Answer: Traditional systems such as tanks, stepwells, johads and rainwater harvesting collect and store water. They reduce dependence on groundwater and help ensure water availability during dry periods.
16. How did traditional knowledge help people predict weather?
Answer: Farmers observed natural signs such as cloud patterns, wind direction and animal behaviour to predict weather and plan agricultural activities.
17. How does traditional agriculture support food security?
Answer: Traditional agriculture grows a wide variety of crops, including cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruits and spices. This provides a diverse and reliable food supply and reduces dependence on a single crop.
18. How do traditional agricultural practices conserve the environment?
Answer: Practices such as mixed cropping, crop rotation and agroforestry conserve soil, prevent erosion, maintain soil fertility and protect biodiversity.
19. How does traditional wisdom contribute to a sustainable economy?
Answer: It promotes careful use of natural resources, low-cost and low-energy techniques and the use of local materials. It reduces environmental damage and dependence on external inputs while supporting local employment and rural economies.
SECTION F – LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. Explain the importance of biodiversity hotspots of India.
Answer:
India contains several biodiversity-rich regions. The major biodiversity hotspots associated with India are the Himalayas, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats and Sundaland.
Himalayas: Rich in alpine meadows, forests and high-altitude species.
Indo-Burma: Includes north-eastern India and supports forests, wetlands and many species.
Western Ghats: Known for heavy rainfall, forests and rich plant and animal diversity.
Sundaland: Includes the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and contains tropical forests and mangrove ecosystems.
These hotspots are important because they contain many endemic species and help maintain ecological balance.
2. Explain the relationship between climate, biodiversity and culture.
Answer:
Climate and biodiversity influence how people live in different regions. Rainfall, temperature, soil and natural resources determine the crops people grow, animals they rear, occupations they follow, houses they build and clothes they wear.
For example, people in cold Himalayan regions use warm woollen clothing and build houses suited to cold conditions. In areas with heavy rainfall, houses and agricultural practices are adapted to wet conditions.
Festivals such as Pongal, Baisakhi, Onam and Lohri are also connected with agricultural cycles and natural seasons. Thus, climate, biodiversity and culture are closely interconnected.
3. Explain the importance of indigenous crops and livestock in India.
Answer:
Indigenous crops and livestock are adapted to India's diverse climatic conditions.
Indigenous crops such as millets, pulses, traditional rice varieties and oilseeds often require less water and fewer chemical inputs. They are nutritious and contribute to food security.
Indigenous livestock breeds such as Gir cattle, Murrah buffaloes, Aseel chickens and Indian Runner ducks are adapted to local conditions. They provide milk, meat and eggs and support rural livelihoods.
Therefore, conserving indigenous crops and livestock helps maintain agricultural biodiversity, food security and sustainable farming.
4. Describe the role of traditional agricultural practices in environmental conservation.
Answer:
Traditional agricultural practices are based on knowledge developed through long interaction with nature.
Important practices include:
Mixed cropping – helps prevent soil erosion and reduces crop-failure risks.
Crop rotation – prevents depletion of soil nutrients.
Agroforestry – improves soil fertility and provides habitats for birds and animals.
Organic farming – reduces dependence on synthetic chemicals.
Traditional water management – conserves water and reduces groundwater dependence.
These practices support soil health, water conservation, biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
5. Explain the role of traditional agricultural practices in food and nutrition security.
Answer:
Traditional agricultural systems grow a wide variety of crops such as cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruits and spices. This diversity provides a balanced and reliable food supply.
For example, combinations of cereals and legumes provide carbohydrates and proteins. Traditional crops such as millets are nutritious and can grow in dry areas.
Therefore, traditional agriculture reduces dependence on a single crop, supports nutritional security and makes farming more resilient.
6. What are Indian Knowledge Systems? Explain their importance.
Answer:
Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) refer to traditional knowledge and practices developed in India over thousands of years through close interaction with nature.
They include knowledge related to:
Health and medicine
Agriculture
Water management
Town planning
Climate and environment
Traditional crops
Sustainable resource use
IKS remains valuable because it promotes sustainable use of natural resources and provides solutions suited to local environmental conditions.
7. Explain Ayurveda and Yoga as parts of Indian Knowledge Systems.
Answer:
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that uses herbs, plant extracts and natural substances. It emphasises healthy lifestyles, balanced diets and prevention of diseases.
Yoga promotes physical fitness, mental peace and emotional balance through physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation.
Both are important parts of India's traditional knowledge and continue to be practised in India and worldwide.
8. Describe ancient Indian town planning.
Answer:
Ancient Indian town planning, particularly through Vastu Shastra, aimed to create harmony between human settlements and nature.
Important features included:
Grid-based town planning
Efficient movement and water management
Step wells and reservoirs for water conservation
Use of local materials
Eco-friendly designs
Incorporation of natural elements into urban planning
Mohenjo-daro is an important example of planned urban development.
9. Explain the importance of indigenous crops and livestock in sustainable agriculture.
Answer:
Indigenous crops and livestock are well adapted to local environmental conditions. They generally require fewer external inputs and help farmers cope with climatic variations. Indigenous crops such as millets, pulses and traditional rice varieties support food security and agricultural biodiversity. Indigenous livestock breeds provide milk, meat and other products while supporting rural livelihoods. Their conservation reduces dependence on external resources and promotes long-term sustainability.
10. Explain the role of traditional agricultural practices in ecological conservation.
Answer:
Traditional agricultural practices help maintain soil health, conserve water and protect biodiversity. Mixed cropping prevents soil erosion, while crop rotation prevents depletion of soil nutrients. Agroforestry improves soil fertility and provides habitats for birds, insects and animals. Traditional practices also reduce the use of synthetic chemicals and encourage organic methods. Thus, they help maintain ecological balance.
11. Explain how Indian Knowledge Systems contribute to sustainable living.
Answer:
Indian Knowledge Systems developed through centuries of interaction with nature. They include traditional practices related to agriculture, health, water management, town planning and environmental conservation. Ayurveda uses natural substances for health, while Yoga promotes physical and mental well-being. Traditional water systems conserve water, and Vastu Shastra promoted planned settlements and efficient water management. These practices demonstrate sustainable ways of using natural resources.
12. Explain the relationship between traditional wisdom and the sustainable economy.
Answer:
Traditional wisdom encourages the careful and efficient use of natural resources. It promotes low-cost, low-energy techniques and the use of locally available materials. Traditional agricultural and water-management practices reduce environmental damage and dependence on external inputs. They also create employment and support rural economies. Therefore, traditional wisdom can contribute to a sustainable economy.
SECTION G – APPLICATION-BASED / THINKING QUESTIONS
1. A farmer lives in a dry region where water is scarce. Which crops would you recommend and why?
Answer:
I would recommend indigenous drought-resistant crops such as millets. They require less water, can tolerate dry conditions and are well adapted to local climates.
2. A farmer grows the same crop repeatedly on the same field. What problem may occur and what should the farmer do?
Answer:
Repeated cultivation of the same crop may deplete specific soil nutrients and increase pest problems. The farmer should practise crop rotation and diversify crops.
3. A village is facing groundwater depletion. Which traditional practices could help?
Answer:
The village could adopt rainwater harvesting, step wells and check dams to collect and store rainwater and reduce dependence on groundwater.
4. Why should farmers conserve indigenous seeds even when modern varieties give higher yields?
Answer:
Indigenous seeds are adapted to local conditions, may require fewer inputs and can provide genetic diversity. Conserving them protects agricultural biodiversity and improves resilience to climate changes.
5. A community stops growing traditional crops and depends on one modern crop. What could be the possible consequence?
Answer:
Crop diversity may decline, increasing the risk of crop failure due to pests, diseases or changing climate. Traditional varieties may also disappear.
6. Why can traditional knowledge be useful in modern sustainable development?
Answer:
Traditional knowledge is based on long-term observation of nature. It often promotes conservation of soil, water and biodiversity and uses locally available resources sustainably.
7. A farmer lives in a dry region where water is scarce. He wants to grow crops using fewer resources. Which crops would you recommend and why?
Answer:
I would recommend drought-resistant millets such as jowar and bajra because they require less water and can tolerate dry conditions.
8. A village is facing declining soil fertility because farmers grow the same crop repeatedly. Suggest two traditional practices that can solve the problem.
Answer:
The farmers can adopt crop rotation and mixed cropping. Crop rotation prevents depletion of particular nutrients, while mixed cropping improves soil cover and reduces erosion.
9. A farmer wants to reduce chemical fertiliser use and improve soil fertility. Which traditional practice could he adopt?
Answer:
He could adopt vermiculture, composting and agroforestry. Vermiculture converts organic waste into nutrient-rich compost.
10. A village receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon but faces water shortages later. Which traditional water-management practices could help?
Answer:
The village could use rainwater harvesting, tanks, stepwells, johads and check dams to collect and store rainwater.
11. A farmer wants to protect his crops while also conserving biodiversity. What farming methods would you suggest?
Answer:
I would suggest mixed cropping, crop rotation and agroforestry because these practices support biodiversity, conserve soil and reduce dependence on chemicals.
12. Why should India conserve traditional crops even when modern high-yielding varieties produce more grain?
Answer:
Traditional crops are often better adapted to local climatic and soil conditions, require fewer resources and contribute to agricultural biodiversity. They can also help farmers cope with drought and climate change. Therefore, conserving them is important for long-term food security.
13. “Traditional knowledge is not merely a part of the past; it can help solve modern environmental problems.” Explain.
Answer:
Traditional knowledge provides sustainable methods of farming, water conservation, healthcare and resource management. Practices such as rainwater harvesting, crop rotation, agroforestry and vermiculture reduce environmental damage and conserve natural resources. Hence, traditional knowledge remains useful for addressing modern environmental challenges.
14. Why is crop diversity important for food security?
Answer:
Crop diversity reduces dependence on a single crop. If one crop fails because of drought, pests or disease, other crops can still provide food. Different crops also provide different nutrients, improving dietary diversity.
SECTION H – CASE-BASED QUESTIONS
Case Study 1:
Traditional Farming
A farmer grows several crops together, uses compost and rotates crops every season. He also collects rainwater in a traditional tank.
Questions:
1. Which traditional agricultural practice involves growing several crops together?
Answer: Mixed cropping.
2. How does crop rotation help the soil?
Answer: It prevents depletion of soil nutrients and helps maintain soil fertility.
3. What is the benefit of compost?
Answer: Compost adds organic matter and improves soil health.
4. How does rainwater harvesting help the farmer?
Answer: It conserves water and reduces dependence on groundwater.
Case Study 2:
Indigenous Crops
A farmer in a dry region decides to grow millets instead of a water-intensive crop.
Questions:
1. Why are millets suitable for dry areas?
Answer: They require less water and can tolerate dry conditions.
2. How do indigenous crops support food security?
Answer: They provide nutritious food and are adapted to local climatic conditions.
3. Why can indigenous crops help sustainable farming?
Answer: They generally require fewer external inputs and help conserve agricultural biodiversity.
Case Study 3:
Biodiversity Conservation
A village protects a sacred forest area where many native plants, birds and animals are found. The villagers also follow traditional rules against cutting trees.
Questions:
1. How does the sacred forest help biodiversity?
Answer: It protects natural habitats and provides shelter for native plants and animals.
2. How does traditional knowledge support conservation?
Answer: Traditional beliefs and practices encourage communities to protect natural resources.
3. What type of biodiversity is being protected?
Answer: Plant and animal biodiversity, including local species.
Case Study-4
A village has been experiencing water shortages and declining soil fertility. Farmers mainly grow one crop and use large amounts of chemical fertilisers. The village decides to introduce traditional agricultural practices.
Questions:
1. Name two practices that can improve soil fertility.
Answer: Crop rotation and agroforestry.
2. Name two methods that can conserve water.
Answer: Rainwater harvesting and tanks/stepwells.
3. Why should farmers diversify their crops?
Answer: Crop diversity improves food security, reduces dependence on one crop and supports biodiversity.
4. How can vermiculture help the village?
Answer: It converts organic waste into nutrient-rich compost and reduces the need for chemical fertilisers.
5. What overall benefit can traditional practices provide to the village?
Answer: They can improve soil and water conservation, protect biodiversity, reduce external inputs and promote sustainable livelihoods.
SECTION I – IMPORTANT "GIVE REASONS" QUESTIONS
1. Give reason: Indigenous crops are important for sustainable agriculture.
Answer: They are adapted to local conditions and often require less water and fewer chemical inputs.
2. Give reason: Crop rotation is beneficial for soil.
Answer: It prevents the continuous depletion of particular nutrients from the soil.
3. Give reason: Agroforestry supports biodiversity.
Answer: Trees and crops provide habitats and food for birds, insects and other organisms.
4. Give reason: Traditional water-management systems are important in dry regions.
Answer: They collect and store rainwater and ensure water availability during dry periods.
5. Give reason: Biodiversity and culture are closely connected.
Answer: People's food, occupations, traditions, festivals and lifestyles are influenced by their natural environment.
6. Give reason: Traditional agricultural practices can reduce environmental damage.
Answer: They generally rely on natural resources, organic inputs and methods that conserve soil, water and biodiversity.
7. Traditional agricultural practices are important for food security.
Answer: They promote crop diversity and provide a reliable supply of nutritious food. They also reduce dependence on a single crop.
8. Millets are considered important for sustainable agriculture.
Answer: They require less water, can grow in poor soils and are suited to varied climatic conditions.
9. Agroforestry is beneficial to the environment.
Answer: Trees help conserve soil, prevent erosion, improve soil fertility and provide habitats for various organisms.
10. Traditional water-management systems are important in dry regions.
Answer: They collect and store water and reduce dependence on groundwater, ensuring water availability during dry periods.
11. Traditional wisdom can support a sustainable economy.
Answer: It encourages efficient use of local resources, low-cost techniques and environmentally friendly practices while supporting rural livelihoods.
SECTION J – "NAME THE FOLLOWING"
1. The national animal of India.
Answer: Bengal tiger
2. The animal found only in the Gir Forest region.
Answer: Asiatic lion
3. A high-altitude Himalayan animal.
Answer: Snow leopard
4. A river-dwelling predator found in northern India.
Answer: Gharial
5. A traditional drought-resistant crop.
Answer: Millet
6. A traditional practice of growing different crops together.
Answer: Mixed cropping
7. A practice involving successive cultivation of different crops.
Answer: Crop rotation
8. A farming system combining trees and crops.
Answer: Agroforestry
9. An ancient Indian medical system.
Answer: Ayurveda
10. An ancient practice involving postures, breathing and meditation.
Answer: Yoga
11. A traditional water-storage structure.
Answer: Step well
12. An Indian tree-planting festival.
Answer: Van Mahotsav
13. A famous ancient city planned using a grid system.
Answer: Mohenjo-daro
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