Nature’s TreasuresClass 6 Science NCERT Solutions
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Q1Let us enhance our learning
Fig. 11.9 shows items related to natural resources. Match them with their jumbled up names. Make another table and write the names of these resources. Classify these resources as renewable or non-renewable.
Solution
The items in Fig. 11.9 and their classifications are as follows:
| Jumbled Name | Resource Name | Classification |
|---|---|---|
nuS | Sun | Renewable |
ndiW | Wind | Renewable |
tsroeF | Forest | Renewable |
retaW | Water | Renewable |
loaC | Coal | Non-renewable |
cksoR | Rocks | Non-renewable |
Explanation:
- Sun: Provides energy (heat and light) which is continuously available and replenished naturally.
- Wind: Moving air is wind. Air is a renewable resource as it is part of the atmosphere and continuously renewed.
- Forest: Forests can regenerate over time, making them a renewable resource, provided they are used responsibly.
- Water: Water is continuously renewed through the water cycle, making it a renewable resource.
- Coal: Coal is a fossil fuel, formed over millions of years, and is available in limited quantities. Once used, it cannot be replenished within a reasonable period, making it non-renewable.
- Rocks: Rocks and minerals take thousands to millions of years to form and are found in limited quantities. Therefore, they are non-renewable resources.
Q2Let us enhance our learning
State whether the following statements are True [T] or False [F]. If False, correct them.
(i)
Nature has all the resources to meet human needs. [ ]
(ii)
Machines are a resource found in nature. [ ]
(iii)
Natural gas is a non-renewable resource. [ ]
(iv)
Air is a renewable resource.
Solution
(i)
Nature has all the resources to meet human needs. [T]
(ii)
Machines are a resource found in nature. [F]
Correction: Machines are human-made resources, not found in nature. Natural resources are provided by nature.
(iii)
Natural gas is a non-renewable resource. [T]
(iv)
Air is a renewable resource. [T]
Q3Let us enhance our learning
Fill in the blanks using the most appropriate option-
(i)
A fuel that is commonly used in two wheelers like scooters or bikes is
(a)
Kerosene
(b)
Petrol
(c)
Diesel
(d)
LPG
(ii)
An example of a renewable resource is
(a)
Coal
(b)
Water
(c)
Natural gas
(d)
Petrol
Solution
(i)
A fuel that is commonly used in two wheelers like scooters or bikes is (b) Petrol.
(ii)
An example of a renewable resource is (b) Water.
Q4Let us enhance our learning
Classify the following as renewable or non-renewable resources-coal, natural gas, forests and minerals.
Solution
- Coal: Non-renewable resource
- Natural gas: Non-renewable resource
- Forests: Renewable resource
- Minerals: Non-renewable resource
Q5Let us enhance our learning
Why do we say that petroleum is a non-renewable resource?
Solution
Petroleum is classified as a non-renewable resource because it is a fossil fuel formed from the remains of microorganisms and plants buried deep inside the Earth over millions of years. It is found in limited quantities and once used, it gets exhausted. It cannot be produced or replenished through natural processes within a reasonable period of time, unlike renewable resources.
Q6Let us enhance our learning
It is difficult to regrow forests. Justify this statement.
Solution
It is difficult to regrow forests because it takes many years for new trees to grow and for a lost forest to be restored. Forests are complex ecosystems with a variety of interdependent plants and animals. While new plants can be planted, establishing a mature, diverse forest that provides the same ecological benefits as an old-growth forest takes a very long time, often decades or even centuries. Therefore, once a large forest area is cut down, its restoration is a slow and challenging process.
Q7Let us enhance our learning
Make a list of five daily activities in which you use natural resources. Suggest ways by which you can reduce their use.
Solution
Here is a list of five daily activities using natural resources and ways to reduce their use:
- Activity: Drinking water Natural Resource: Water Ways to Reduce Use: Drink only as much water as needed; do not leave taps running while fetching water; use a glass instead of a running tap for drinking.
- Activity: Bathing Natural Resource: Water Ways to Reduce Use: Take shorter showers; use a bucket and mug instead of a shower; turn off the tap while soaping.
- Activity: Commuting to school/work Natural Resource: Fossil fuels (petrol/diesel) Ways to Reduce Use: Walk or cycle to nearby places; use public transport; opt for carpooling.
- Activity: Cooking food Natural Resource: Natural gas (LPG) or wood (forests) Ways to Reduce Use: Use efficient cooking methods; cover pots while cooking; use solar cookers where feasible.
- Activity: Reading/Studying Natural Resource: Trees (for paper in books/notebooks) Ways to Reduce Use: Use both sides of paper; recycle old books and notebooks; use digital resources when possible.
Q8Let us enhance our learning
List four activities that are possible due to the presence of air.
Solution
Four activities that are possible due to the presence of air are:
- Breathing: All living beings, including humans, need oxygen from the air for survival.
- Windmills operation: Moving air (wind) rotates the wings of windmills to generate electricity or pump water.
- Drying clothes: Air helps in the evaporation of water, leading to the drying of clothes.
- Fluttering of objects: Moving air causes leaves to rustle, clothes on a line to sway, and pages of an open book to flutter.
Q9Let us enhance our learning
How can you contribute towards enhancing the green cover of your locality? Make a list of actions to be taken.
Solution
To enhance the green cover of my locality, I can take the following actions:
- Planting Trees: Actively participate in tree plantation drives in my neighborhood, school, or local parks. This includes planting saplings of native species.
- Nurturing Plants: Care for newly planted trees and existing green cover by watering them regularly, protecting them from damage, and ensuring they receive proper nutrients.
- Promoting Awareness: Educate friends, family, and community members about the importance of trees and forests for clean air, biodiversity, and soil conservation.
- Celebrating Van Mahotsav: Organize or participate in events like Van Mahotsav, a week-long forest festival dedicated to planting trees and raising environmental awareness.
- Preventing Deforestation: Advocate against the unnecessary cutting of trees and support efforts to protect existing green spaces in the locality.
Q10Let us enhance our learning
In the given illustration, we see that food is being cooked.
(i)
What type of energy is being used for cooking?
(ii)
Name one benefit and one drawback of using this type of energy for cooking.
Solution
(i)
The illustration shows food being cooked in a solar cooker, which uses solar energy (energy from the Sun) for cooking.
(ii)
Benefit: Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy. It does not produce smoke or pollution, contributing to cleaner air and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Drawback: Solar cooking is dependent on sunlight, so it cannot be used at night or on cloudy/rainy days. The cooking process can also be slower compared to conventional methods.
Q11Let us enhance our learning
Cutting down trees on a large scale impacts the quality of the soil. Why do you think it is so?
Solution
Cutting down trees on a large scale impacts the quality of the soil primarily because tree roots play a vital role in holding the soil together. When trees are removed, the soil becomes loose and is easily washed away by rain or blown away by wind, leading to soil erosion. Furthermore, fallen leaves from trees decay and enrich the soil with essential nutrients. Without trees, this natural process of nutrient replenishment stops, making the soil less fertile and poorer in quality for supporting new plant growth.
Q12Let us enhance our learning
Explain two ways in which human activities pollute the air. Propose one action which can help in reducing air pollution.
Solution
Two ways in which human activities pollute the air are:
- Burning of fossil fuels: Vehicles and industries burn fossil fuels (like petrol, diesel, and coal) which release smoke and harmful gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, causing air pollution.
- Waste from homes and industries: Industrial emissions and burning of household waste also release pollutants into the air.
One action to help reduce air pollution: Using public transport or walking/cycling for nearby places instead of private vehicles can significantly reduce the burning of fossil fuels and, consequently, air pollution.
Q13Let us enhance our learning
A family uses solar panels to generate electricity, a gas stove to cook food and a windmill for pumping water from a well. What would happen if there were no sunlight for a week?
Solution
If there were no sunlight for a week:
- Electricity generation: The solar panels would not be able to capture the Sun's energy, so the family would not be able to generate electricity. They would have to depend on artificial lighting or other backup power sources.
- Cooking food: The gas stove would still function normally as it uses natural gas (LPG), which is not directly dependent on sunlight.
- Pumping water: The windmill would still function as it uses wind energy, which is not directly dependent on sunlight. However, if the windmill relies on electricity generated by solar panels, then it would stop working. Assuming it is a standalone wind-powered pump, it would continue to operate as long as there is wind.
Q14Let us enhance our learning
Fill up the blanks using the following terms(fossil fuels, forest, air, petroleum, coal, water and nonrenewable resource) (Image of diagram with blanks: Top blank '_________ is a natural resource.' Under 'Renewable Resources': three blanks. Under 'Non-renewable Resources': four blanks.)
Solution
Filling the blanks in the diagram (Fig. 11.10) using the provided terms:
-
Top blank:
Airis a natural resource. -
Under Renewable Resources:
ForestWater- (No other renewable term from the list)
-
Under Non-renewable Resources:
CoalPetroleumFossil fuelsnonrenewable resource
Note: There are 8 blanks in the diagram and 7 terms provided. The above solution uses all 7 terms and fills 7 out of 8 blanks, with one blank under 'Renewable Resources' remaining unfilled due to the limited terms provided.
Q15Let us enhance our learning
There is an increasing demand of trees to meet the requirements of industries and for housing. Therefore, trees are being felled. Is it justified? Discuss and prepare a brief report.
Solution
Felling trees to meet the increasing demands of industries and housing is not justified in the long term, due to several critical environmental and ecological consequences.
Brief Report on Deforestation Justification:
The increasing demand for wood, paper, and land for housing and industries has led to extensive deforestation. While these activities provide immediate economic benefits and meet human needs, the large-scale felling of trees is environmentally unsustainable and has severe repercussions.
Reasons why it is not justified:
- Environmental Degradation: Forests are vital for maintaining ecological balance. They absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and release oxygen. Deforestation contributes to climate change by increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
- Loss of Biodiversity: Forests are natural homes for countless species of plants, animals, and insects. Cutting down trees destroys their habitats, leading to a loss of biodiversity and, in many cases, species extinction.
- Soil Erosion: Tree roots hold soil firmly. Without trees, soil becomes loose and is easily eroded by wind and rain, leading to land degradation and reduced agricultural productivity.
- Water Cycle Disruption: Forests play a crucial role in the water cycle, influencing rainfall patterns and preventing floods. Deforestation can lead to altered weather patterns, droughts, and increased flood risks.
- Long Regeneration Time: While trees can be replanted, it takes many years for a new forest to grow and regain the ecological complexity and benefits of an old-growth forest. The rate of felling often far exceeds the rate of regeneration.
To address industrial and housing needs, sustainable practices such as responsible forest management, recycling wood and paper products, using alternative building materials, and promoting afforestation (planting new trees) are necessary. Balancing human needs with environmental preservation is crucial for a healthy planet.
Q16Let us enhance our learning
Propose a plan to use less water in your school. What steps would you take to make this plan happen and how would it help the environment?
Solution
Plan to Use Less Water in School: "Water Wise Campus"
Steps to Make the Plan Happen:
- Awareness Campaign: Launch a campaign with posters, presentations in assemblies, and classroom discussions about water scarcity and conservation. Involve students in creating slogans and artwork.
- Regular Leak Checks and Repairs: Designate a team (e.g., eco-club members and maintenance staff) to regularly inspect all taps, pipes, and toilets for leaks and ensure prompt repairs. Fixing leakages can save a significant amount of water.
- Install Water-Saving Fixtures: Replace old, inefficient taps and flush systems with low-flow or sensor-based fixtures in washrooms and drinking areas. These fixtures reduce water usage per operation.
- Rainwater Harvesting System: Install a simple rainwater harvesting system on the school rooftop to collect and store rainwater. This collected water can be used for gardening, cleaning, or flushing toilets.
- Efficient Gardening Practices: Implement drip irrigation or use watering cans for school gardens instead of hosepipes. Water plants early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.
- Behavioral Changes: Encourage students and staff to turn off taps while washing hands or brushing teeth, and to report any water wastage immediately.
- Water Recycling for Non-Potable Uses: Explore options for collecting greywater (e.g., from handwashing stations) for use in gardens or flushing, after basic filtration.
How it Would Help the Environment:
This plan would significantly help the environment by:
- Conserving Freshwater: Reducing the amount of freshwater drawn from municipal supplies or groundwater sources, which are often limited and over-exploited.
- Reducing Energy Consumption: Less water usage means less energy is required for pumping, treating, and heating water, thereby reducing the school's carbon footprint.
- Minimizing Water Pollution: Efficient water use often reduces the amount of wastewater generated, thus lessening the burden on treatment plants and preventing pollution of natural water bodies.
- Promoting Sustainability: Instilling a culture of water conservation among students and staff, making them responsible citizens who understand the value of natural resources and sustainable living. This awareness can extend beyond the school, influencing practices at home and in the wider community.