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According to CBSE Syllabus 2025-26, this chapter is renumbered as Chapter 13.
The NCERT Notes Chapter 13 Our Environment focuses on the importance of understanding the natural world around us and the importance of maintaining it. This chapter introduces students to the environment, which consists of biotic (living) components, such as plants and animals, and abiotic (non-living) components, like air, water, and soil, including the key concepts such as the food chain and food web, which explains the flow of energy through different organisms in an ecosystem. All these topics are covered in NCERT Class 10 Science notes in a easy and effective manner along with all labelled diagrams provided by our subject experts.
The chapter also introduces the ozone layer and its vital role in protecting life on Earth from ultraviolet radiation. However, human activities have led to the depletion of the ozone layer, resulting in serious environmental consequences. Class 10 Science chapter 13 notes also cover all the important concepts, like this which are useful in various competitive exams. Our environment NCERT Notes Class 10 Science helps you revise these major concepts given in the NCERT Book in no time during CBSE exam preparation. Questions from this chapter have been frequently asked in various exams.
Also Read:
To help in your study, the notes given below outline the most important points, with clear explanations and examples to help you grasp the subject matter and concept more effectively.
Provided below are some of the key points to know the differences between the two different type of substances and their impact on the environment.
Primary consumers- Animals that feed on plants are called primary consumers. Example - cow, buffalo, goat etc.
Secondary consumers- Animals that eat the primary consumers are said to be secondary consumers. Example - Sparrow, crow, etc.
Tertiary consumers- Animals that feed on other carnivores are known as tertiary consumers. Wolf eating upon fox is an example of tertiary consumer.
Some key points of the food chain and food web are explained below, along with clear diagrams.
Ozone is a highly reactive molecule containing three oxygen atoms(O3).
UV rays break up molecular oxygen (O2) into free oxygen (O) atoms, which mix with the molecular oxygen (O2) to generate ozone (O3).
O2 →O + O
O+O2 →O3
NCERT Solutions Subject Wise
The following topics cover the essential concepts related to this chapter. These are important for the exam as well as for understanding ecological balance and environmental protection.
Ecosystem and Its Components
Biotic and Abiotic Factors
Food Chain and Food Web
Ozone layer and its depletion
Also, read Subject-Wise NCERT Exemplar Solutions
Our Environment chapter helps you understand the balance of the ecosystems and the roles of biotic and abiotic components. It also covers the food chain, food web, and the importance of the ozone layer. Revise all key concepts with these important questions to increase your understanding of the chapter.
Question 1: UNEP stands for
A. Union Nations Environment Programme
B. United Nations Environment Position
C. United Nations Environment Programme
D. United Nations Emission Programme
Answer:
UNEP stands United Nations Environment Programme who succeeded in forging an agreement to freeze CFC production in the year 1987. Hence, the correct option is (c).
Question 2: Why is plastic called non-biodegradable?
Answer:
Plastic cannot be broken down into smaller particles by the action of bacteria, and hence it is called non-biodegradable.
Question 3: What is the sum total of plants, animals, and micro-organisms interacting with the non-living environment called?
Answer:
The environment is referred to as the sum total of all plants, animals and micro-organisms present along with all non-living factors.
Question 4: What is the major cause of the sharp drop of ozone in the atmosphere?
Answer:
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the synthetic chemical used in refrigerators, air-conditioners or fire extinguishers has been observed as a major cause for the sharp drop of ozone in the atmosphere.
Question 5: In the given food chain, if the amount of energy at the first trophic level is 4000 kJ, what will be the energy available at the fourth trophic level?
Answer:
According to 10% law,
first trophic level --> second trophic level --> Third trophic level --> fourth trophic level
4000KJ --> 400KJ --> 40kJ -> 4KJ
So, 4KJ of energy is found at fourth trophic level.
NCERT Books and Syllabus
This is an interesting chapter as it allows students to explore and understand the functioning of the Earth and the Environment. To solve the questions from this chapter effectively, they can start by understanding the topic that how the ecosystem functions, including the importance of both biotic and abiotic components, along with the examples of each. Focus on the food chains and food webs that occur in our environment, and the specific function of each organism. They are advised to make a flow chart of both for quick revision and better retention. Prepare short notes on the importance of the ozone layer and what human activities are responsible for its depletion, as it helps you to understand the activities that need to be stopped. Go through the NCERT and Exemplar thoroughly and solve as many questions as you can to grasp the concepts easily.
Given below are the chapter-wise links of class 10 notes:
Producers
Producers are all organisms that can prepare their own food through photosynthesis using the sun's radiant energy received by the chlorophyll in the leaves.
Consumers
Consumers are organisms that consume the food produced, either directly or indirectly.
Based on their manner of feeding, consumers can be classed as primary, secondary, or tertiary.
Primary consumers include all herbivores and some parasites.
Rabbits, for example, consume grass.
Secondary consumers include many tiny carnivores and parasites.
A snake that eats rabbits is an example.
Tertiary consumers include larger carnivores and omnivores.
An owl, for example, eats snakes.
Biodegradable substances
Our waste materials are discharged into the environment as a result of our daily activities.
Biodegradable compounds are those that can be broken down by biological processes.
Plant and animal organic materials, for example
Non-biodegradable substances
Non-biodegradable compounds are those that are not broken down by bacteria or saprophytes.
Plastics are a good example.
Decomposers
Decomposers are creatures that break down the dead remnants and waste products of other organisms.
Decomposers in the soil break down complex organic chemicals into simple inorganic substances that plants can utilise.
No, the NCERT notes for Class 10 Science chapter 13 do not include all of the important derivations. This NCERT note provides a summary of the chapter's main concepts and equations and can be used to review the chapter.
From the notes for Class 10 Science chapter 13, students should expect 4 to 6 mark
Admit Card Date:06 May,2025 - 20 May,2025
Admit Card Date:06 May,2025 - 20 May,2025
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