BEVAE-181 Solved Question Paper

Question 1. Give one example of a place where nature is present but clearly shaped by human activity.

Answer: A tea or rubber plantation is a good example. Originally the land might have been natural forest, but humans cleared it, levelled the soil and planted a single crop in neat rows. When you travel by train through Kerala or Assam and see endless green fields of tea, you are looking at nature that has been strongly modified by people, not untouched forest.

Question 2. Which of these is not the exact title of a UN Sustainable Development Goal: “No poverty”, “Zero hunger”, “Good health and well-being”, or “Social equity and equality”?

Answer: “Social equity and equality” is not the official title of any SDG. It is an important idea, but the actual SDG titles are things like “Reduced inequalities” and “Peace, justice and strong institutions”. In exams or reports, it’s better to use the official SDG names.

Question 3. Fungi and earthworms decompose dead material. Name a bird of prey that mainly hunts live animals and so is not considered a decomposer.

Answer: A hawk is a clear example. It hunts living animals like rats and small birds. It does not specialise in breaking down dead matter. Decomposers are mostly bacteria, fungi and small soil organisms that slowly convert dead plants and animals into simpler substances that enrich the soil.

Question 4. Between what approximate heights above and below sea level does life exist on Earth?

Answer: Life has been found from about 11 kilometres below sea level (deep ocean trenches) up to around 9 kilometres above sea level in the lower atmosphere. In daily life we use only a thin band of this zone, but actually the “living layer” of Earth is quite thick.

Question 5. In a simple food chain (grass → goat → tiger), what is the trophic level of the goat?

Answer: The goat is a herbivore and is called a primary consumer. It occupies the second trophic level (Trophic Level II). Plants are producers at Level I, and carnivores like the tiger come at higher levels.

Question 6. Roughly what fraction of all the water on Earth is fresh water?

Answer: Only about 3% of Earth’s water is fresh water. The remaining 97% is salt water in seas and oceans. This is why many cities and villages face water shortage even though “there is water everywhere” on the planet.

Question 7. In a food chain based on dead leaves and dead bodies, what does the chain begin with?

Answer: A detritus (or decomposer) food chain starts with dead and decaying organic matter, such as fallen leaves, crop residues, and dead animals. Earthworms, insects and microbes then feed on this material, just like what you see in a compost pit.

Question 8. Maple, beech and oak trees are typical of which forest biome?

Answer: They are characteristic of temperate deciduous forests. These forests have four clear seasons, and trees shed their leaves in autumn. The colourful “fall” scenes you see in many Western films usually show this type of forest.

Question 9. What do we call tiny organisms living right at the air–water surface of ponds or lakes?

Answer: They are called neuston. Some insects seem to “walk” on the water surface, and there are also microscopic organisms living in that thin surface film where air meets water.

Question 10. Give one example of a flowing-water (lotic) ecosystem.

Answer: A river is a typical flowing-water, or lotic, ecosystem. In contrast, lakes, ponds and reservoirs are still-water, or lentic, systems. You can feel the difference clearly when you compare a calm pond with a fast-moving mountain stream.

Question 11. What is the process called when ice changes directly into water vapour without becoming liquid first?

Answer: This process is called sublimation. For example, in very cold and dry conditions, snow or ice can slowly disappear without forming puddles of water.

Question 12. In which Himalayan state are traditional “kul” channels used to bring glacier water to villages?

Answer: Such traditional irrigation channels are used in Himachal Pradesh, especially in high-altitude regions. For generations, people have built narrow channels to carry meltwater from glaciers and streams to their fields.

Question 13. Rubber plantations in India grow best on which type of deeply weathered, reddish soil?

Answer: Rubber grows well on laterite soil. This soil is common in high-rainfall areas of southern India. If you visit hilly parts of Kerala, the reddish soil you see under rubber trees is usually laterite.

Question 14. Does over-irrigation usually increase productivity in the long run?

Answer: No. In the long run, over-irrigation often reduces productivity. Too much water can cause waterlogging and salt build-up in the soil, damaging crops. Farmers in some canal-irrigated areas report that their fields became “salty” and yields dropped after years of heavy watering.

Question 15. Mention one direct economic benefit that humans get from forests.

Answer: Forests provide raw materials for medicines. Many modern drugs are developed from forest plants. Traditional healers have long used herbs for fever, pain and wounds, and pharmaceutical companies study these plants to extract active chemicals.

Question 16. Which activity is usually not a major cause of large-scale deforestation: forest fires, heavy grazing, pest attacks, or carefully planned selective cutting?

Answer: Carefully planned selective cutting is not, by itself, a major cause of deforestation. When done scientifically, it removes only some trees (for example, old or diseased ones) and can be part of sustainable forest management. The real damage comes from clear-felling large areas without control.

Question 17. In which Indian state did Joint Forest Management (JFM) first become a famous success story?

Answer: A well-known early success of JFM comes from West Bengal, especially the Arabari forest area. Villagers and the forest department worked together to protect sal forests, and local people received benefits like fuelwood, fodder and a share of timber income.

Question 18. Which group is more numerous on Earth: large animals, plants, or tiny organisms like insects and microbes?

Answer: Insects and microorganisms are far more numerous than large animals or even visible plants. A handful of healthy soil may contain millions of bacteria and many insect eggs and larvae. The few ants or mosquitoes we notice are just a small part of this hidden world.

Question 19. Name a high, cold desert region of India that belongs to the Trans-Himalayan zone.

Answer: Ladakh is a classic Trans-Himalayan region. It has thin air, very low rainfall, bare mountains and a short growing season. People depend on hardy animals like yaks and carefully managed water sources.

Question 20. Which biogeographic zone covers the largest area in India?

Answer: The Deccan Peninsula zone covers the largest area, around two-fifths of India’s land. It includes big parts of central and southern India, with dry deciduous forests, scrublands and black-cotton soils.

Question 21. Give an example of an indirect use value of biodiversity.

Answer: Aesthetic value is an indirect use. We enjoy the beauty and peace of green spaces, bird songs and flowing rivers, even if we don’t directly harvest anything. Many students feel relaxed after walking under big trees or sitting near a lake, even during exam stress.

Question 22. Which of these is usually treated as a major conventional energy source in India: solar home systems or atomic (nuclear) energy?

Answer: Atomic (nuclear) energy is considered a major conventional, centralised energy source, similar to coal and large hydropower. Solar home systems are important, but they are usually grouped under newer or non-conventional sources in older classifications.

Question 23. Name a coastal site in Kerala where an early wave-energy pilot project was set up.

Answer: A pilot wave-energy plant was installed at Vizhinjam, near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. It was an experimental project to see if energy from ocean waves could be used to generate electricity.

Question 24. Which source still provides the largest share of commercial energy in India?

Answer: Coal provides the largest share of commercial energy in India. It is widely used in thermal power plants, industries and railways. However, it also contributes heavily to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 25. Name an important warm ocean current in the Atlantic that strongly affects the climate of western Europe.

Answer: The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current that flows from the Gulf of Mexico towards western Europe. Because of it, countries like the UK have milder winters than other places at similar latitudes.

Question 26. Name a famous coastal lagoon wetland located in Odisha.

Answer: Chilka Lake in Odisha is a well-known coastal lagoon wetland. It supports fisheries, tourism and large numbers of migratory birds, and provides income to many local families.

Question 27. What do we call water pollution that comes from many scattered sources rather than a single pipe or factory?

Answer: This is called non-point source pollution. For example, fertiliser and pesticide runoff from thousands of farms during the rainy season can collectively pollute rivers and lakes, even though there is no single visible outlet.

Question 28. Which gas formed in photochemical smog can damage plant leaves and irritate human lungs?

Answer: Ozone (at ground level) is a key gas in photochemical smog. It can damage plant tissues and cause breathing problems, coughing and eye irritation in humans. It is different from the “good ozone” high in the atmosphere that protects us from UV rays.

Question 29. Give one physical change in water that can act as a pollutant.

Answer: Excessive heat (thermal pollution) is a physical pollutant. When warm water is discharged from power plants into rivers or lakes, it can reduce dissolved oxygen and stress or kill fish and other aquatic life.

Question 30. Name one common health symptom that can indicate exposure to toxic chemicals or polluted air/water.

Answer: Headache is a common early symptom. Others can include nausea, dizziness, burning eyes or throat irritation. For example, people often get a headache after spending time in heavy traffic or in a room with strong chemical smells and poor ventilation.

Question 31. Which waste-treatment method relies mainly on physical or chemical steps rather than biological breakdown?

Answer: Incineration is mainly a physical/chemical method. Waste is burned at high temperatures to reduce volume and destroy pathogens. It is often used for medical or hazardous waste, but must be carefully controlled to avoid harmful air emissions.

Question 32. Give an example of organic waste commonly produced at home.

Answer: Vegetable and fruit peels are common organic waste. Many people now compost such kitchen waste in a bucket or pit, turning it into useful manure for plants instead of sending it to landfill.

Question 33. Mention one clear benefit of recycling in daily life.

Answer: Recycling reduces the amount of waste going to landfills and saves natural resources. For example, recycling paper means fewer trees need to be cut, and recycling metals reduces the need for mining. In hostels where plastic bottles are collected separately, mixed garbage heaps become noticeably smaller.

Question 34. Give an example of an environmental problem that is mainly local or regional, not global.

Answer: Solid waste management in a city is mainly a local issue. How well the municipality handles garbage directly affects the cleanliness, smell and health conditions of that city, even though it may not directly change global climate patterns.

Question 35. Coal, petroleum and natural gas are fossil fuels. Name an energy source that is not a fossil fuel.

Answer: Biogas is not a fossil fuel. It is produced from fresh organic materials like animal dung and kitchen waste. Many rural households use small biogas plants for cooking and get good manure as a by-product.

Question 36. Which activity can be relatively less harmful to biodiversity if managed responsibly: habitat destruction, introduction of invasive species, over-hunting, or carefully planned eco-tourism?

Answer: Carefully planned eco-tourism can be relatively less harmful, and can even support conservation if visitor numbers are controlled and local people share the benefits. However, unregulated mass tourism can still damage fragile areas.

Question 37. Early pesticides included natural substances like nicotine. Name a later synthetic pesticide that is not a first-generation (traditional) pesticide.

Answer: DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane) is a synthetic pesticide, not a traditional, plant-based one. It was once widely used but later became controversial because it persists in the environment and builds up in food chains.

Question 38. Environmental equity is usually discussed as inter-generational, intra-generational, or geographical. Give an example of a term that does not belong to this framework.

Answer: A term like “cosmetic equity” has no meaning in environmental studies. Environmental equity is about fair access to resources and fair sharing of environmental costs and benefits among different people and generations.

Question 39. Roughly how large was the world’s human population around 8000 years ago, when agriculture was just developing strongly?

Answer: It was only in the range of a few million people, not billions. If you compare that with today’s global population (over 8 billion), you can see how dramatically human numbers have grown.

Question 40. According to the World Health Organization, health is more than just the absence of disease. Which three dimensions are included in this definition?

Answer: Health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. For example, a student might be free from physical illness but still feel mentally stressed and socially isolated, which means they are not truly “healthy”.

Question 41. Landslides, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are geological hazards. Name a major hazard that is not geological in origin.

Answer: Epidemics (large disease outbreaks) are biological hazards, not geological. The COVID-19 pandemic is a clear recent example of a biological hazard with huge global impacts.

Question 42. In which year did the major Indian Ocean tsunami occur that affected India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and other countries?

Answer: The major Indian Ocean tsunami struck on 26 December 2004. It caused massive loss of life and property along many coastlines, including parts of Tamil Nadu and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Question 43. During which stage of disaster management are people usually moved away from a danger zone?

Answer: People are usually moved during the evacuation and response phase. For example, before a severe cyclone, authorities often evacuate coastal communities to safer shelters, which has saved thousands of lives in recent years.

Question 44. Which attitude clearly does not fit responsible views of nature: seeing humans as masters, as stewards, as a part of nature, or seeing nature only as a backdrop for selfies?

Answer: Treating nature only as a backdrop for selfies and having no concern for its value or health does not fit any serious ethical view. Responsible attitudes see humans either as caretakers, managers or interconnected parts of nature, not as casual users without responsibility.

Question 45. Why are Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) important for environmental management in villages?

Answer: PRIs give local people a formal role in decisions about resources like ponds, grazing land, local forests and waste disposal. For example, in many watershed projects, the Gram Panchayat helps decide where to build small check dams and how to share water fairly.

Question 46. Name a village area in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand that became famous in the Chipko movement.

Answer: Reni village in Chamoli district became famous in the Chipko movement. Villagers, especially women, hugged trees to stop them from being cut by contractors, sending a powerful message about forest protection.

Question 47. Give one practical example of how ordinary people can help in managing local disasters or environmental problems.

Answer: In many flood-prone villages, local youth groups form emergency teams. They warn neighbours, shift important belongings to higher places, help elderly people reach shelters and run community kitchens. These actions show that ordinary citizens can play a big role, not just government agencies.

Question 48. How do population growth and rising consumption together increase pressure on the environment?

Answer: When there are more people and each person uses more energy, food, water, land and products, total demand on natural resources rises sharply. For example, even if population is stable, a big jump in car ownership in a city quickly increases air pollution, fuel use and road congestion.

Question 49. What is meant by “inter-generational equity” in environmental studies?

Answer: Inter-generational equity means fairness between present and future generations. It suggests that we should use resources in such a way that our children and grandchildren also have a fair chance to meet their needs. Over-extracting groundwater today, leaving dry wells tomorrow, would violate this principle.

Question 50. Mention one simple lifestyle behaviour that shows respect for nature.

Answer: Carrying a reusable water bottle and cloth bag instead of buying disposable plastic bottles and bags is a simple but powerful behaviour. Students who follow this habit usually notice that the amount of plastic waste in their dustbin reduces a lot, which means less pressure on landfills and the environment.