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NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 12 Biology Chapter 16 covers important environmental problems such as pollution, global warming, deforestation, and how they impact ecological balance. The solutions provide in-depth information regarding these subjects in various question patterns, including multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short answers, and long answers. It breaks down complex ideas into simple steps, allowing students to understand the concept properly and gain confidence to score very well in exams.
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Environmental Issues is a necessary chapter for students who aim to achieve high marks in board exams as well as competitive exams. Through step-by-step explanations and answers, the students can increase their understanding of environmental science, as well as improve their ability to think. This chapter not only focuses on the theoretical concept but also on the practical situations to address issues such as waste management and pollution control. The NCERT Exemplar Solutions is especially good for last-minute revision because it presents a safe and accurate reference of the complete chapter.
Solving various types of questions such as MCQs, short, and long answers makes it easier for students to learn the topic and perform well in exams.
Question:1
Non-biodegradable pollutants are created by:
a. nature
b. excessive use of resources
c. humans
d. natural disasters
Answer:
The answer is option (c), humansQuestion:2
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the diameter of particles that are responsible for causing great harm to human health is:
a. 2.5-micrometre
b. 5.0-micrometer
c. 10.0-micrometer
d. 7.5 micrometre
Answer:
The answer is option (a), 2.50 micrometersQuestion:3
The material generally used for soundproofing of rooms like a recordingstudio and auditorium is:
a. cotton
b. coir
c. wood
d. Styrofoam
Answer:
The answer is option (d) StyrofoamQuestion:4
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is:
a. propane
b. methane
c. ethane
d. butane
Answer:
The answer is option (b), methaneQuestion:5
World’s most problematic aquatic weed is:
a. Azolla
b. Wolffia
c. Eichhornia
d. Trapa
Answer:
The answer is option (c) EichhorniaQuestion:6
Which of the following exhibits biomagnification?
a. SO2
b. Mercury
c. DDT
d. Both b & c
Answer:
The answer is option (d) Both (b) & (c)Question:7
The expanded form of DDT is:
a. dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane
b. dichloro diethyl trichloroethane
c. dichloro dipyridyl trichloroethane
d. dichloro diphenyl tetrachloroacetate
Answer:
The answer is option (a) dichloro diphenyl trichloroethaneQuestion:8
Which of the following material takes the longest time for biodegradation?
a. Cotton
b. Paper
c. Bone
d. Jute
Answer:
The answer is option (c) BoneQuestion:9
Choose the incorrect statement.
a. The Montreal protocol is associated with the control of emission of ozone-depleting substances
b. Methane and carbon dioxide are greenhouse gases
c. Dobson units are used to measure the oxygen content of air
d. Use of incinerators is crucial to disposal of hospital wastes
Answer:
The answer is option (c) Dobson units are used to measure oxygen contentQuestion:10
Among the following which one causes maximum indoor chemicalpollution?
a. burning coal
b. burning cooking gas
c. burning mosquito coil
d. room spray
Answer:
The answer is option (a) burning coalQuestion:11
The green scum seen in the freshwater bodies is:
a. blue-green algae
b. red algae
c. green algae
d. both (a) and (c)
Answer:
The answer is option (d) both (a) and (c)Question:12
The loudness of a sound that a person can withstand without discomfortis about
a. 150 dB.
b. 215 dB.
c. 30 dB.
d. 80 dB
Answer:
The answer is option (d) 80 dB.Question:13
The major source of noise pollution worldwide is due to:
a. office equipment
b. transport system
c. sugar, textile and paper industries
d. oil refineries and thermal power plants
Answer:
The answer is option (b) transport systemQuestion:14
Match the following and choose the correct option
Column I | Column II |
A. Environment Protection Act | i. 1974 |
B. Air Prevention & Control of Pollution Act | ii. 1987 |
C. Water Act | iii. 1986 |
D. Amendment of Air Act to include noise as an air pollutant | iv. 1981 |
Answer:
The answer is option (a) (i)-(C), (ii)-(D), (iii)-(A), (iv)-(B)Question:15
Catalytic converters are fitted into automobiles to reduce the emission ofharmful gases. Catalytic converters change unburnt hydrocarbons into:
a. carbon dioxide and water
b. carbon monoxide
c. methane
d. carbon dioxide and methane
Answer:
The answer is option (a) carbon dioxide and waterQuestion:16
Why is it necessary to remove sulphur from petroleum products?
a. To reduce the emission of sulphur dioxide in exhaust fumes
b. To increase the efficiency of automobiles engines
c. To use sulphur removed from petroleum for commercial purposes
d. To increase the life span of engine silencers
Answer:
The answer is option (a) To reduce the emission of sulphur dioxide in exhaust fumesQuestion:17
Which one of the following impurities is easiest to remove from wastewater?
a. Bacteria
b. Colloids
c. Dissolved solids
d. Suspended solids
Answer:
The answer is option (d) Suspended solidsQuestion:18
Which one of the following diseases is not caused due to contamination of water?
a. Hepatitis-B
b. Jaundice
c. Cholera
d. Typhoid
Answer:
The answer is option (a) Hepatitis-BQuestion:19
Nuisance growth of aquatic plants and bloom-forming algae in natural waters are generally due to high concentrations of:
a. carbon
b. sulphur
c. calcium
d. phosphorus
Answer:
The answer is option (d) phosphorusQuestion:20
Algal blooms impart a distinct colour to water due to:
a. their pigments
b. excretion of coloured substances
c. formation of coloured chemicals in water facilitated by physiological degradation of algae.
d. absorption of light by an algal cell wall.
Answer:
The answer is option (a) their pigmentsQuestion:21
Match the items in column I and column II and choose the correct option:
Column I | Column II |
A. UV | i. Biomagnification |
B. Biodegradable Organic matter | ii. Eutrophication |
C. DDT | iii. Snow blindness |
D. Phosphates | iv. BOD |
Answer:
The answer is option (c) A (iii), B (iv), C (i), D (ii)Question:22
In the textbook, you came across ''Three Mile Island and Chernobyl disasters associated with accidental leakage of radioactive wastes''. In India we had Bhopal gas tragedy. It is associated with which of the following?
a. CO2
b. Methyl Isocyanate
c. CFC
d. Methyl Cyanate
Answer:
The answer is option (b) Methyl Iso-CyanateThe detailed answers to the very short answer questions are given below:
Question:1
Answer:
The lead in the petrol deactivates the catalysts and causes the emission of unburnt hydrocarbons into the atmosphere, resulting in air pollution.Question:2
Answer:
The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act came into force in the year 1981 and was amended in 1987 to include noise as an air pollutant.Question:3
Name the city in our country where the entire public road transport runs on CNG.
Answer:
By the end of the year 2002, in New Delhi, the entire transport runs on CNG.Question:4
Answer:
Presence of suspended impurities; like sand and clay causes siltation in water tanks since the water supply is drawn to overhead tanks from sources like river, deep bore well etc.Question:5
What is cultural eutrophication?
Answer:
Cultural eutrophication is a form of water pollution. When eutrophication is accelerated due to human activities; it is called cultural eutrophication. For example, the addition of excessive fertilizers into lakes or effluents from industries results in cultural eutrophication.Question:6
List any two adverse effects of particulate matter on human health.
Answer:
Following are the two adverse effects of particular matter on human health:Question:7
What is the raw material for polyblend?
Answer:
Polyblends are the natural man-made fibres which are made by a mixture of 2 or more polymers. The raw material for polyblend is polythene.
Question:8
Answer:
Addition of polyblend to bitumen while laying the roads enhances water repellant property of bitumen. Thus, it increases road life by a factor of three.Question:9
Mention any two examples of plants used as windbreakers in the agricultural fields.
Answer:
Hedge, Jamun, Imli, Neem, Babul, Eucalyptus are some of the plants that can be used as windbreakers in the agricultural fields.Question:10
Name an industry which can cause both air and thermal pollution and as well as eutrophication.
Answer:
Fertilizer industry can cause both air and thermal pollution as well as eutrophication.Question:11
Answer:
Excessive growth of free-floating algae on water bodies due to their nutrient enrichment is called an algae bloom.Question:12
What do you understand by biomagnification?
Answer:
When a particular substance is passed on through various trophic levels; its concentration of the toxic substances increases at every step. This phenomenon is called biomagnification.Question:13
What are the three major kinds of impurities in domestic wastewater?
Answer:
Following are the three major kinds of impurities in domestic wastewater.Question:14
Answer:
Restoring a previously existing forest is called reforestation. The intervention of human beings can help in the process.Question:15
What is the best solution for the treatment of electronic wastes?
Answer:
Recycling is an environmentally friendly manner is the best solution for the treatment of electronic wastes. They can recycle 95-98% by weight.The detailed answers to the short answer questions are given below:
Question:1
Answer:
Yes, It is true that carpets and curtains/drapes placed on the floor or wall surfaces can reduce the noise level. These objects are made of fibres and fibres act as sound absorber by reducing the noise level.Question 2:
What is hybrid vehicle technology? Explain its advantages with a suitable example?
Answer:2
Hybrid vehicle technology involves allowing the vehicle to run on a dual-mode like the use of the gasoline-run engine and battery-powered engine in the same vehicle.Question:3
Answer:
It is true that if the dissolved oxygen level drops to zero, the water will become septic. When this happens, many aquatic animals die because they do not get any dissolved oxygen to breathe. When sewage is discharged into a water body, microorganisms feed on organic impurities. In this process, they consume most of the oxygen present in water. This reduces the level of dissolved oxygen to negligible level.Question:4
Answer:
Carbon dioxide is one of the most common and potent greenhouse gas. It is produced by the burning of fossil fuels and other organic materials. Harmful effects of the increase in greenhouse gases include the melting of glaciers, respiratory problems in human beings, excessive temperature, etc. The excess level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere results in global warming.Question:5
Answer:
Trees and shrubs are effective in reducing the noise level. Planting trees and shrubs near the boundary walls of buildings help in reducing noise level and act as dust catchers and air purifiers apart from adding aesthetic value to the surrounding. Such a decorated line of trees along the boundary or along the roadside is also called a sound barrier.Question:6
Answer:
It is an established fact that conservation efforts in the biodiversity-rich area always give better results. Hills have better biodiversity than plains because of less degree of human intervention. In addition, large forest cover for hills helps in reducing the chances of landslides and soil erosion. This is the reason the National Forest Commission of India has recommended a relatively larger forest cover for hills than for plains.Question:7
How can slash and burn agriculture become environment friendly?
Answer:
Slash and burn agriculture, also known as jhum cultivation, has been in use since ancient times by tribal people all over the world. Earlier, proper recovery time was allowed for forests to recover when a particular patch of land was left fallow. But due to increased population, this recovery period is often ignored. To make the slash and burn agriculture environment friendly, we need to give adequate recovery time and encourage the use of ashes obtained from burning the plants as fertilizers.Question:8
Answer:
Joint Forest Management Concept was introduced by the Government of India with the objective of involving and motivating the local community in forest management. In the past, it was observed that when the local people were excluded from forest management; they felt alienated. This was because they were robbed of their traditional rights on forests. This resulted in a clash of interests between the government and the local people, and the conservation efforts did not bear results. Involvement of local community produced better results in terms of conservation in a sustainable manner. Generation of employment was an added benefit from the program.Question:9
What do you understand by snow-blindness?
Answer:
Snow-blindness is also known as photokeratitis. It happens because of exposure of eyes to UV radiation and thus inflamed cornea. Burning sensation, pain, temporary loss of vision and increased tears are common symptoms of snow-blindness.Question:10
How has DDT caused a decline in the bird population?
Answer:
DDT is an organic compound and is a potent pesticide. The predator birds are at higher risk of having an extremely high level of DDT in their body. DDT is resistant to metabolism by living beings and hence tends to accumulate. The presence of DDT in a bird’s body leads to thinning of eggshells and their premature breaking. This explains the declining population of birds because of DDT.Question:11
Observe the figure A and B are given below and answer the following questions
i. The power generation by the above two methods is non-polluting True/False.
ii. List any two applications of solar energy
iii. What is a photovoltaic cell?
Answer:
(i) Yes, it is True that both the methods are non- polluting and environment friendly.The detailed answers to the long answer questions are given below:
Question:1
Answer:
Electronic waste is the residue of the electronic applications after usage. E-waste contains various metals, like copper, iron, nickel, gold, silver, etc. and plastic. Sources of E-waste: Computers, printers, scanners, webcam, mobile phones, music players, e-reader, etc.Take Aakash iACST and get instant scholarship on coaching programs.
Question:2
Answer:
Organic farming is a method of farming that relies on various methods and inputs so that no synthetic input is used in the process. Green manure or bio-fertilizers are used instead of synthetic fertilizers. Bio-fertilizers include bacteria, fungi, and cyanobacteria. Pesticides and weedicides from natural sources are used, and those from synthetic sources are not used.Question:3
Answer:
Waterlogging and soil salinity are some of the problems that have come in the wake of the green revolution.Question:4
Answer:
A tree that can be used for multiple purposes like fruits, shade, timber, medicine, flowers, etc. is called a multipurpose tree. Two multipurpose trees are as follow:Question:5
Answer:
Characteristic of a modern landfill site are as follows:Question:6
How does an electrostatic precipitator work?
Answer:
An electrostatic precipitator is a device which is used to extract the suspended dust particles from the gas.Question:7
Observe figure and answer the following questions. i. What ecological term is used to describe the DDT accumulation at different trophic levels?
i. What ecological term is used to describe the DDT accumulation at different trophic levels?
Answer:
(i) Biomagnification is the ecological term used to describe DDT accumulation at different trophic levels.NCERT Exemplar Class 12 Solutions Subject Wise:
Also, Read NCERT Solution subject-wise
This chapter includes some of the important topics, which are listed below:
Also, check NCERT Books and NCERT Syllabus here
Environmental Issues is an important chapter that helps students understand how human activities impact nature and what measures can be taken to reduce this damage. Given below are the key question that will increase the preparation effectively.
Question: The thickness of ozone in a column of air in the atmosphere is measured in terms of:
A. Dobson units
B. Decibels
C. Decameter
D. Kilobase
Answer: The correct answer is option (1), Dobson units.
Explanation:
Dobson units are a standard measure used to quantify the concentration of ozone in the Earth's atmosphere. One Dobson unit represents a layer of ozone that would be 0.01 millimeters thick if compressed to standard temperature and pressure (STP).
Must Read NCERT Notes subject-wise
Students can start practicing from the chapter-wise links given below:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The best way to prepare notes from any chapter is to read it carefully and note down the key points in your own words. Including diagrams or creating visual patterns can also help improve understanding and retention.
Deforestation leads to habitat loss, endangering wildlife and reducing biodiversity. It disrupts the balance of ecosystems, affecting soil fertility, increasing carbon dioxide levels, and contributing to climate change. The loss of trees also reduces oxygen production and disturbs the water cycle, leading to droughts and desertification. Overall, deforestation accelerates environmental degradation and threatens global ecological stability.
Air quality standards help reduce pollution by setting legal limits on harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. They regulate industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and waste burning to minimize air contamination. Monitoring and enforcing these standards ensure cleaner air, reducing health risks like respiratory diseases. Overall, they play a crucial role in protecting both the environment and public health.
Global warming disrupts biodiversity and ecosystems by causing habitat loss, shifting climate patterns, and increasing extreme weather events. Rising temperatures lead to species migration, coral bleaching, and the extinction of vulnerable species. It disturbs food chains, reduces biodiversity, and affects ecosystem stability. If unchecked, these changes can lead to irreversible ecological damage.
Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, causing a warming effect referred to as the greenhouse effect. This results in global temperatures rising, altered weather patterns, glacier melting, and ecosystem disruptions. Greenhouse gas levels are increased by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, exacerbating climate change. It is imperative that emissions be reduced and sustainable practices embraced to combat it.
Successful waste management and recycling measures involve minimizing waste at the source, separating biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials, and encouraging composting and recycling schemes. The use of environment-friendly packaging, reusing material, and waste-to-energy technologies reduces landfill waste. Government policies and public awareness are also vital to successful waste management.
Solid wastes are responsible for environmental problems as they contaminate land, water, and air. Mismanagement results in soil pollution, waterlogging of water bodies, and the emission of greenhouse gases from landfills. Non-biodegradable wastes such as plastic are detrimental to wildlife and oceanic ecosystems. Proper waste management through recycling and composting is necessary to mitigate its effects.
Eutrophication is the excessive accumulation of nutrients, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus, in water bodies, leading to excessive algal growth.
Impact: It depletes oxygen levels, causing the death of aquatic organisms, disrupts ecosystems, and leads to the formation of dead zones, making water unfit for life.
Causes: Water pollution is mainly caused by industrial waste, sewage discharge, agricultural runoff (pesticides and fertilizers), and plastic waste.
Effects: It leads to contaminated drinking water, marine life destruction, ecosystem imbalance, and the spread of waterborne diseases.
Every chapter is important for the exams. Only their weightage differs giving them more or less importance compared to each other.
On Question asked by student community
Hello
Yes, if you’re not satisfied with your marks even after the improvement exam, many education boards allow you to reappear as a private candidate next year to improve your scores. This means you can register independently, study at your own pace, and take the exams without attending regular classes. It’s a good option to improve your results and open up more opportunities for higher studies or careers. Just make sure to check the specific rules and deadlines of your education board so you don’t miss the registration window. Keep your focus, and you will do better next time.
Hello Aspirant,
Yes, in the case that you appeared for the 2025 improvement exam and your roll number is different from what was on the previous year’s marksheet, the board will usually release a new migration certificate. This is because the migration certificate will reflect the most recent exam details, roll number and passing year. You can apply to get it from your board using the process prescribed by them either online or through your school/college.
Yes, if you miss the 1st CBSE exam due to valid reasons, then you can appear for the 2nd CBSE compartment exam.
From the academic year 2026, the board will conduct the CBSE 10th exam twice a year, while the CBSE 12th exam will be held once, as per usual. For class 10th, the second phase exam will act as the supplementary exam. Check out information on w hen the CBSE first exam 2026 will be conducted and changes in 2026 CBSE Board exam by clicking on the link .
If you want to change your stream to humanities after getting a compartment in one subject in the CBSE 12th Board Exam , you actually have limited options to qualify for your board exams. You can prepare effectively and appear in the compartment examination for mathematics again. If you do not wish to continue with the current stream, you can take readmission in the Humanities stream and start from Class 11th again, and continue studying for two more years to qualify for the 12th examination.
The GUJCET Merit List is prepared based on the Class 12th marks and GUJCET marks received by the students. CBSE students who are not from the Gujarat board can definitely compete with GSEB students, as their eligibility is decided based on the combined marks scored by them in GUJCET and the 12th board. The weightage of the GUJCET score is 40% and the weightage of the class 12 scores is 60%.
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