Contents
Introduction:
Welcome to our online tutorial classes, where learning meets innovation! In this segment, we embark on an exciting journey into the realm of matter with our meticulously crafted CBSE Class 10 Science Chapter 13 notes on “Our Environment”. Through these notes, we aim to ignite your curiosity, deepen your understanding, and empower you with knowledge that transcends the boundaries of the classroom.
In CBSE Class 10 Science Chapter 13, “Our Environment”, we delve into the intricate relationship between humans and their surroundings. Key topics include the depletion of the ozone layer due to synthetic chemicals, waste management challenges, and the impact of lifestyle changes on the environment. Responsible choices are crucial for a sustainable future
NCERT Class 10 Science book:
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CBSE Class 10 Science Chapter 13 ‘Our Environment’ Overview
Chapter 13 of CBSE Class 10 Science, “Our Environment,” examines the interactions within ecosystems, emphasizing energy flow through food chains and webs. It highlights human impacts on the environment, focusing on ozone layer depletion due to CFCs and waste management challenges posed by non-biodegradable materials. The chapter details how UV radiation forms and depletes ozone and the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers. It also encourages practical investigations into waste decomposition and the effectiveness of recycling. Overall, the chapter stresses the importance of sustainable practices to mitigate environmental issues.
With our expertly curated notes, you’ll be well-equipped to ace your CBSE Class 10 Science exams and embark on a lifelong journey of discovery and learning.
CBSE Class 10 Science Chapter 13 ‘Our Environment’ Notes
Introduction to Environment:
- The term “environment” is commonly used in various contexts.
- Elders emphasize that the environment has changed over time.
- Global summits address environmental issues.
- This chapter explores interactions between environmental components and human impact.
Ecosystem Components:
- All living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms, humans) interact with each other and their physical surroundings.
- An ecosystem includes both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.
- Biotic components: Living organisms. (Plants, Animals, Microorganisms, Humans)
- Abiotic components: Physical factors (temperature, rainfall, wind, soil, minerals).
- Example: A garden is an ecosystem with plants, animals, and abiotic factors.
- Natural ecosystems (forests, ponds, lakes) vs. human-made (artificial) ecosystems (gardens, crop-fields).
Activity 13.1: Designing an Aquarium:
- Considerations for creating an aquarium:
- Free space for swimming (large jar).
- Water, oxygen, and food for fish.
- Adding aquatic plants and animals creates a self-sustaining system.
- Aquariums exemplify human-made ecosystems.
- Regular cleaning is necessary to maintain balance.
Organisms in Ecosystems:
- Organisms can be grouped as producers, consumers, and decomposers.
- Producers: Make organic compounds (sugar, starch) via photosynthesis (e.g., green plants, certain bacteria).
- Consumers: Depend on producers for sustenance.
- Herbivores (plant-eaters), carnivores (meat-eaters), omnivores (both), and parasites.
- Decomposers: Microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) break down dead remains and waste products.
- Convert complex organic substances into simple inorganic substances.
- Essential for soil replenishment.
Activity 13.2: Aquatic Organisms and Dependencies:
- Avoid adding predatory aquatic animals to the aquarium.
- Group discussions on dependencies:
- Producers provide food for consumers.
- Consumers rely on producers directly or indirectly.
- Decomposers recycle nutrients.
- Create a food chain (who eats whom) in aquatic ecosystems.
- No single group is of primary importance; all play vital roles.
Food Chains and Webs:
- A food chain represents a series of organisms feeding on each other.
- Each step or level in the food chain is called a trophic level.
(a) in forest, (b) in
grassland and (c) in a
pond
Trophic levels:
- Producers (Autotrophs): First trophic level; capture solar energy and convert it into chemical energy (e.g., green plants).
- Primary Consumers (Herbivores): Second trophic level; feed on producers.
- Secondary Consumers (Small Carnivores): Third trophic level; feed on herbivores.
- Tertiary Consumers (Larger Carnivores): Fourth trophic level; feed on other consumers.
- Energy flow: Producers → Consumers → Decomposers.
Energy Flow and Efficiency:
- Autotrophs capture only about 1% of sunlight energy for food.
- When primary consumers eat plants, energy is lost as heat, digestion, and work.
- Approximately 10% of consumed food becomes available for the next trophic level.
- Due to energy loss, food chains usually have only three or four steps.
- Most energy is available at lower trophic levels (producers).
Food Webs:
many food chains
- Food chains can be interconnected into a food web.
- Organisms are often eaten by multiple other species.
- Food webs show branching relationships among species.
- Energy flow remains unidirectional and diminishes at each trophic level.
- Energy Flow Characteristics:
- Unidirectional Flow:
- Energy captured by autotrophs does not return to solar input.
- Energy transferred to herbivores does not revert to autotrophs.
- Energy diminishes progressively at each trophic level due to losses.
- Diminishing Energy:
- Available energy decreases at each successive trophic level.
- Unidirectional Flow:
Biological Magnification:
- Harmful chemicals (e.g., pesticides) enter ecosystems through soil or water.
- These chemicals accumulate progressively in the food chain.
- Humans, as top-level consumers, accumulate the highest concentration.
- This phenomenon is called biological magnification.
- Pesticide residues in food (grains, vegetables, fruits, meat) persist and cannot always be removed.
How Do Our Activities Affect The Environment?
Ozone Layer and Depletion:
- Ozone (O₃) shields the Earth’s surface from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- UV radiation can cause skin cancer in humans.
- Ozone is formed by UV radiation acting on oxygen (O₂) molecules.
- Ozone at the higher levels of the atmosphere is a product of UV radiation acting on oxygen (O2) molecule. The higher energy UV radiations split apart some moleculer oxygen (O2) into free oxygen (O) atoms. These atoms then combine with the molecular oxygen to form ozone:
- Synthetic chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have led to ozone depletion.
- Depletion of Ozone:
- Sharp decline since the 1980s linked to synthetic chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
- CFCs used in refrigerants and fire extinguishers.
- 1987: UNEP agreement to freeze CFC production at 1986 levels.
- Mandatory global shift to CFC-free refrigerators.
Managing Garbage:
Daily Waste Generation:
- Various types of waste: kitchen waste, waste paper, empty bottles, old clothes, broken footwear, etc.
- After disposal, waste undergoes different processes.
Activity 13.5:
- Collect and bury waste materials to observe decomposition over time.
- Identify materials that remain unchanged and those that change form.
- Determine which materials decompose the fastest.
Enzyme Specificity:
- Specific enzymes break down specific substances.
- Human-made materials like plastics are not broken down by natural enzymes.
- Plastics persist due to resistance to biological processes but can be affected by physical processes like heat and pressure.
Biodegradable vs. Non-Biodegradable:
- Biodegradable Substances: Broken down by biological processes.
- Non-Biodegradable Substances: Persist in the environment, can be inert or harmful.
Activity 13.6:
- Research biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances.
- Investigate the longevity of non-biodegradable substances in the environment.
- Explore biodegradable plastics and their environmental impact.
Waste Management Challenges:
- Urban areas often have heaps of garbage.
- Tourist spots littered with waste.
- Need for effective waste management systems.
Activity 13.7:
- Investigate local waste collection and treatment systems.
- Assess mechanisms for separating biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes.
- Calculate daily waste generation at home and in the classroom.
- Propose waste management solutions.
Sewage and Industrial Waste:
- Importance of proper sewage treatment to prevent water pollution.
- Need for industries to manage waste to avoid soil and water pollution.
Activity 13.8:
- Research local sewage treatment practices.
- Investigate industrial waste treatment and its impact on the environment.
Lifestyle Impact on Waste Generation:
- Improved lifestyles result in more waste generation.
- Disposable items and non-biodegradable packaging increase waste.
- Consider environmental impact of waste management practices.
Disposable Cups in Trains:
- Transition from reusable plastic glasses to disposable cups.
- Environmental concerns with plastic cups led to alternatives like clay kulhads and paper cups.
- Advantages of paper cups over plastic cups in terms of environmental impact.
Activity 13.9:
- Research hazardous materials in electronic waste and their environmental impact.
- Investigate plastic recycling processes and their environmental effects.
Hazardous Waste:
- Electronic waste and other materials contain hazardous components.
- Improper disposal of these materials can harm the environment.
- Analyze the waste you produce at home and school – how much is biodegradable vs non-biodegradable?
- Research proper waste disposal methods for your community.
- Investigate how sewage and industrial waste are treated in your area.
Recycling:
- Recycling can reduce waste and conserve resources.
- Research the environmental impact of different recycling processes.
Engage and Excel
Our CBSE Class 10 Science Chapter 13 ‘Our Environment’ notes offer a dynamic and interactive learning experience. Dive into engaging visuals, and interactive quizzes that bring the chapter to life. With our user-friendly interface and comprehensive content, learning becomes not just effective but also enjoyable.
Join us on this captivating journey as we unravel the mysteries of matter in our surroundings. With our expertly curated notes, you’ll be well-equipped to ace your CBSE Class 10 Science exams and embark on a lifelong journey of discovery and learning.
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Accessing All Chapters of CBSE Class 10 Science:
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