🌿 Grade 9 Science · Biology

Samacheer Class 9 Science - Environmental Science

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Textbook Exercises
9 Sections
25 Questions

Complete Grade 9 Science questions and answers for Environmental Science. Click any question to expand the answer.

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📋 Sections in this chapter
I. Choose the Correct AnswerII. Match the FollowingIII. State Whether True or FalseIV. Give ReasonsV. Answer BrieflyVI. Answer in DetailVII. Intext ActivityActivity – 1VIII. Additional Concepts
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1I. Choose the Correct Answer4 questions

Q.1Factors of biosphere affecting survival and reproduction are called
✓ Answer
  • (a) Biological factors
  • (b) Abiotic factors
  • (c) Biotic factors
  • (d) Physical factors

Answer:
(c) Biotic factors


Q.2Conversion of ice directly into water vapour is
✓ Answer
  • (a) Evaporation
  • (b) Condensation
  • (c) Sublimation
  • (d) Infiltration

Answer:
(c) Sublimation


Q.3Atmospheric carbon dioxide enters plants through
✓ Answer
  • (a) Photosynthesis
  • (b) Assimilation
  • (c) Respiration
  • (d) Decomposition

Answer:
(a) Photosynthesis


Q.4Greenhouse effect mainly increases due to excess
✓ Answer
  • (a) Carbon monoxide
  • (b) Sulphur dioxide
  • (c) Nitrogen dioxide
  • (d) Carbon dioxide

Answer:
(d) Carbon dioxide



2II. Match the Following0 questions
MicroorganismRole
*Nitrosomonas*Nitrification
*Azotobacter*Nitrogen fixation
*Pseudomonas* speciesDenitrification
Putrefying bacteriaAmmonification


3III. State Whether True or False5 questions

If false, correct the statement.


Q.1Nitrogen is a greenhouse gas.
✓ Answer

Answer: False. Correct Statement: Nitrogen is not a greenhouse gas. The major greenhouse gases responsible for global warming and climate change are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor. While nitrogen comprises about 78 percent of the atmosphere, it does not trap heat like greenhouse gases do. Carbon dioxide and methane are the most important anthropogenic greenhouse gases contributing significantly to the greenhouse effect and climate change.

Q.2Poorly developed roots are adaptation of mesophytes.
✓ Answer

Answer: False. Correct Statement: Poorly developed roots are an adaptation of hydrophytes, not mesophytes. Hydrophytes are plants that live in aquatic or waterlogged environments where soil oxygen is limited. They have poorly developed root systems because they do not need extensive roots to absorb water, as water is abundantly available in their habitat. Mesophytes are plants adapted to moderate moisture conditions and typically have well-developed root systems to absorb water from soil. Xerophytes, adapted to dry conditions, have deep and extensive root systems to search for water in the soil.

Q.3Bats are the only flying mammals.
✓ Answer

True. Bats are indeed the only flying mammals. While many other animals can glide or move through the air, bats are the only mammals that possess true wings and the ability to sustain powered flight. Their wings are formed by a membrane of skin stretched between elongated finger bones and their body, which allows them to maneuver with great precision in the air. This unique adaptation makes bats exceptional among all mammalian species.

Q.4Earthworms use echoes for navigation.
✓ Answer

False. Earthworms do not use echoes for navigation. The correct statement is that bats use echolocation, which is a sophisticated biological sonar system. Bats emit ultrasonic sounds that are beyond the range of human hearing, and these sound waves bounce off objects in their environment. By listening to the returning echoes, bats can determine the location, size, shape, and texture of objects around them, allowing them to navigate and hunt effectively in complete darkness. Earthworms, being soil-dwelling organisms, rely on other sensory mechanisms such as sensitivity to vibrations and chemical cues for navigation and finding food.

Q.5Aestivation helps overcome cold conditions.
✓ Answer

False. Aestivation does not help organisms overcome cold conditions. The correct statement is that aestivation is a state of dormancy or reduced metabolic activity that helps organisms survive hot and dry conditions. During aestivation, animals enter a sleep-like state where their body processes slow down significantly, reducing their need for water and food. This adaptation is particularly important for organisms living in deserts and other arid environments where temperatures are extremely high and water is scarce. Hibernation, by contrast, is the dormancy state that helps organisms survive cold winter conditions.


4IV. Give Reasons3 questions

Q.1Xerophytes Have Deep Roots
✓ Answer

Xerophytes are plants that grow in dry habitats where water is scarce. These plants have evolved special adaptations to survive in arid and semi-arid environments. One of their most important adaptations is having deep roots that extend far into the soil to reach water sources that are located deep underground. These deep root systems allow xerophytes to absorb water from deeper soil layers where moisture is more readily available, even when the surface soil is completely dry. This adaptation enables xerophytes to maintain their water supply during prolonged periods of drought and extreme heat.

Q.2Streamlined Body and Setae in Earthworms
✓ Answer

Answer:

  • Streamlined body helps movement through soil.
  • Setae provide grip and anchorage in burrows.

Q.3Why All Farmers Cannot Construct Farm Ponds
✓ Answer

Answer:

  • Farm ponds require enough land and capital.
  • Small landholdings may not have space for ponds.
  • Some fields have unsuitable topography, porous soil or steep slopes.
  • Low rainfall or insufficient catchment area may not fill the pond.
  • Land ownership, legal or land-use issues may also prevent construction.


5V. Answer Briefly8 questions

Q.1Two Factors of Biosphere
✓ Answer

Answer:


(i) Biotic Factors

Living components:

  • plants
  • animals
  • microorganisms

(ii) Abiotic Factors

Non-living components:

  • air
  • water
  • sunlight
  • temperature
  • soil

Q.2Human Activities Affecting Nitrogen Cycle
✓ Answer

Answer:

Human activities that disturb the nitrogen cycle include:

  • Excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers and manure, causing nitrate runoff and eutrophication.
  • Industrial nitrogen fixation, which increases reactive nitrogen in ecosystems.
  • Burning fossil fuels, which releases nitrogen oxides and causes smog and acid rain.
  • Deforestation and land-use change, which alter nitrogen inputs and losses.
  • Discharge of nitrogen-rich wastewater into water bodies.

Q.3What is Adaptation?
✓ Answer

Adaptation is a special feature, characteristic, or trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce successfully in its habitat. Adaptations can be structural, such as the thick fur of polar bears or the long neck of giraffes, or they can be behavioral, such as migration patterns or hunting techniques. Adaptations develop over many generations through the process of natural selection, where organisms with beneficial traits are more likely to survive and pass those traits to their offspring. These features allow organisms to obtain food, escape predators, withstand environmental conditions, and interact effectively with other members of their species.

Q.4Challenges Faced by Hydrophytes
✓ Answer

Answer:

  • Excess water and submergence.
  • Low oxygen availability around roots and submerged parts.
  • Mechanical damage by water currents.
  • Need for buoyancy and support.
  • Changing water levels or salinity.

Q.5Importance of Water Conservation
✓ Answer

Answer:

  • Water is precious natural resource
  • Essential for all living organisms
  • Freshwater availability is limited

Q.6Ways to Save Water
✓ Answer

Answer:

  • Repair leaking taps
  • Use low-flow taps
  • Reuse water
  • Use recycled water for gardens

Q.7Uses of Recycled Water
✓ Answer

Answer:

  • Agriculture
  • Public parks
  • Construction
  • Cooling in industries
  • Toilet flushing

Q.8What is IUCN?
✓ Answer

IUCN stands for International Union for Conservation of Nature. It is a global organization dedicated to the conservation of nature and the sustainable use of natural resources. The vision of IUCN is to create a just world that values and conserves nature. IUCN works to protect biodiversity, promote sustainable development, and address environmental challenges through research, policy advocacy, and conservation projects. The organization brings together governments, non-governmental organizations, scientists, and local communities to develop and implement conservation strategies that benefit both nature and people.


6VI. Answer in Detail5 questions

Q.1Processes of Water Cycle
✓ Answer

# Water Cycle

Continuous movement of water between earth and atmosphere.


(i) Evaporation

Water changes from liquid to vapour.

Occurs from:

  • oceans
  • lakes
  • rivers

(ii) Sublimation

Ice directly changes into vapour.

Examples:

  • polar ice caps
  • mountain glaciers

(iii) Transpiration

Plants release water vapour through stomata.


(iv) Condensation

Water vapour cools and forms clouds.


(v) Precipitation

Water falls as:

  • rain
  • snow
  • hail

(vi) Runoff

Rainwater flows into rivers and oceans.


(vii) Infiltration

Water enters soil.


(viii) Percolation

Water moves through porous rocks underground.


Q.2Carbon Cycle
✓ Answer

# Steps in Carbon Cycle

  • Atmospheric (CO_2) is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis.
  • Carbon passes to animals through food chains.
  • Plants and animals release (CO_2) by respiration.
  • Decomposers return carbon to soil and atmosphere.
  • Some organic matter is stored for long periods as fossil fuels and sedimentary carbonates such as limestone.
  • Combustion of fossil fuels and biomass releases (CO_2) back to the atmosphere.
  • Oceans absorb and release (CO_2) and help form carbonate sediments.

# Simple Flow Chart

$$Atmospheric\ CO_2 \rightarrow Plants \rightarrow Animals \rightarrow Respiration/Decomposition \rightarrow CO_2$$
$$CO_2 \leftrightarrow Oceans \rightarrow Carbonates$$

Q.3Adaptations of Xerophytes
✓ Answer

Answer:

  • Deep root system
  • Thick waxy cuticle
  • Leaves reduced to spines
  • Water-storing tissues
  • Short life cycle during rainy season

Examples:

  • Opuntia
  • Aloe vera
  • Acacia

Q.4Adaptations of Bats
✓ Answer

Answer:

  • Live in caves
  • Nocturnal habit
  • Use echolocation
  • Undergo hibernation
  • Wings adapted for flight

Q.5Water Recycling
✓ Answer

# Definition

Reuse of treated wastewater for beneficial purposes.


Wastewater Treatment Stages


# (i) Primary Treatment

Removal of large solid particles.


# (ii) Secondary Treatment

Microorganisms decompose organic wastes.


# (iii) Tertiary Treatment

Chemical disinfection and purification.


Uses of Recycled Water

  • irrigation
  • industries
  • parks
  • construction


7VII. Intext Activity0 questions


8Activity – 10 questions

Demonstration of Water Cycle


Aim

To understand water recycling and water cycle.


Materials

  • Large transparent bowl
  • Plastic wrap
  • Rubber band
  • Small container
  • Stone

Procedure

  • Place small bowl inside large bowl.
  • Add water into large bowl.
  • Cover with plastic wrap.
  • Keep stone on top.
  • Place under sunlight.

Observation

  • Water droplets form on plastic wrap → condensation
  • Water level decreases → evaporation
  • Droplets fall into bowl → precipitation

Conclusion

Processes demonstrated:

  • evaporation
  • condensation
  • precipitation


9VIII. Additional Concepts0 questions

# Greenhouse Effect

Trapping of heat by greenhouse gases.


Major Greenhouse Gases

  • Carbon dioxide
  • Methane
  • Nitrous oxide

# Global Warming

Increase in earth’s average temperature due to greenhouse effect.


# Nitrogen Cycle

Movement of nitrogen through atmosphere, soil and organisms.


Important Processes

  • Nitrogen fixation
  • Nitrification
  • Assimilation
  • Ammonification
  • Denitrification

# Types of Plants Based on Habitat

Plant TypeHabitat
HydrophytesAquatic
XerophytesDesert
MesophytesModerate conditions

# Important Summary


Biotic Factors

Living components of ecosystem.


Abiotic Factors

Non-living environmental factors.


Water Cycle

Movement of water between atmosphere and earth.


Carbon Cycle

Movement of carbon through environment.


Adaptation

Feature helping survival in habitat.


Xerophytes

Plants adapted to dry habitats.


Hydrophytes

Plants adapted to aquatic habitats.


Echolocation

Navigation using reflected sound waves.
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