Nature’s Treasures
Fill in the Blanks:
- Oxygen makes up approximately ___% of the air we breathe.
- Answer: 21%
- The energy we get from the Sun is called ________.
- Answer: Solar energy
- ________ is the process of collecting rainwater for future use.
- Answer: Rainwater harvesting
- ________ are fossil fuels formed over millions of years from the remains of plants and animals.
- Answer: Petroleum, natural gas, and coal
- Resources that can be replenished naturally over time are called ________ resources.
- Answer: Renewable
- The movement of air is called ________.
- Answer: Wind
- ________ is a non-renewable resource that is widely used for fuel in vehicles.
- Answer: Petrol
- The stepwell or ‘Bawadi’ in Rajasthan is an ancient method of ________.
- Answer: Water harvesting
- A large number of windmills grouped together is called a ________.
- Answer: Windmill farm
- ________ helps hold the soil in place and prevents soil erosion.
- Answer: Plant roots
True/False:
- Water covers two-thirds of the Earth’s surface, but most of it is freshwater.
- Answer: False (Most of it is saltwater, found in oceans and seas)
- The Sun is the main source of energy on Earth.
- Answer: True
- Coal and natural gas are renewable resources.
- Answer: False (They are non-renewable)
- Wind energy can be used to generate electricity.
- Answer: True
- Forests do not help in preventing soil erosion.
- Answer: False (Forests help in preventing soil erosion)
- Human activities like burning fossil fuels contribute to air pollution.
- Answer: True
- Rainwater harvesting is a new concept that was introduced in the 20th century.
- Answer: False (It is an age-old practice)
- Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity.
- Answer: True
- We can survive without water for a few days, but not without oxygen for more than a few minutes.
- Answer: True
- Air is composed of only oxygen and nitrogen.
- Answer: False (Air contains other gases like argon and carbon dioxide in small quantities)
Question / Answers
1. What is the composition of air?
Answer: Air is a mixture of gases. It is composed of approximately 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% argon, carbon dioxide, and other gases.
2. Why is oxygen important for living beings?
Answer: Oxygen is essential for survival because it helps in performing various body functions. Most living organisms, including humans, need oxygen to produce energy from food.
3. What are the different uses of water in daily life?
Answer: Water is used for drinking, cooking, bathing, cleaning, washing clothes, watering plants, and more. It is also crucial for growing crops and industrial processes.
4. Why is it important to conserve water, and what are some ways to reduce its wastage?
Answer: Water is a limited and precious resource. Conserving it ensures there is enough for everyone and for the future. Some ways to reduce water wastage include fixing leaks, turning off taps when not in use, using water-efficient appliances, and practicing rainwater harvesting.
5. How is wind energy utilized?
Answer: Wind energy is used to rotate windmills, which can power flour mills, pull water from wells, or generate electricity. Wind farms with large numbers of windmills capture wind energy for producing electricity.
6. What are fossil fuels and how are they formed?
Answer: Fossil fuels, such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas, are formed from the remains of microorganisms and plants buried deep inside the Earth over millions of years. These fuels are used for transportation, electricity generation, and cooking.
7. What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources?
Answer: Renewable resources are those that get replenished naturally over time, such as air, water, and sunlight. Non-renewable resources, like coal, petroleum, and minerals, exist in limited quantities and do not regenerate quickly.
8. What role do forests play in nature?
Answer: Forests provide food and shelter for wildlife, prevent soil erosion, and enrich the soil with nutrients through the decay of leaves. Forests also help maintain biodiversity and support the ecological balance.
9. Why is it difficult to regrow forests?
Answer: It takes many years for forests to regenerate. Large-scale deforestation due to human activities makes it difficult for forests to grow back naturally within a short period.
10. How can we reduce the use of fossil fuels in daily life?
Answer: We can reduce fossil fuel usage by walking or cycling to nearby places, using public transport, opting for electric vehicles, and conserving energy at home by using energy-efficient appliances.
Leave a Reply