GSEB Class 10 English Supplementary Solutions Chapter 1 The Black Beauty of Velavadar

Read the passage and answer the questions.

(1) Blackbuck is the fastest of all the antelopes. It is found not only in India, but also in parts of Pakistan, Nepal and some other countries. In India it is found mainly in Maharashtra, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

In Gujarat, blackbucks are seen in Saurashtra. Its original habitat is open plains and not dense jungles. There is the famous Blackbuck National Park at Velavadar in Bhal region of Saurashtra.

Blackbuck National Park at Velavadar is situated in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat state, India. Established in 1976 in the Bhal region of Saurashtra, the park is located around 72 km from the district headquarter city of Bhavnagar.

Though the park is open throughout the year, the period between monsoon and winter normally, mid-June to March-end is a good period to see blackbucks. The best time to visit Velavadar National Park is December to March because many species of migratory birds which include three species of Harriers, Lesser Floricans, Eagles, Waders many other water birds arrive to spend winter. [Pages 1-2]

Questions:

Question 1. Which is the fastest of all antelopes ?
Answer: The blackbuck is the quickest of all antelopes.
In simple words: Among all antelopes, the blackbuck runs the fastest.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to superlatives like "fastest" when reading passages, as they often lead to direct questions.

Question 2. Where is the blackbuck found in India ?
Answer: In India, the blackbuck is found in Maharashtra, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
In simple words: Blackbucks live in many Indian states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

Exam Tip: When a question asks for locations, list all mentioned places from the passage to ensure a complete answer.

Question 3. Where is the Blackbuck National Park ?
Answer: The Blackbuck National Park is located at Velavadar in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. It's in the Bhal region of Saurashtra.
In simple words: The Blackbuck National Park is in Velavadar, Gujarat, near Bhavnagar.

Exam Tip: Remember specific names of places and their associated locations (district, state) for accurate answers.

Question 4. When was the Blackbuck National Park established ?
Answer: The Blackbuck National Park was set up in 1976.
In simple words: The park started in the year 1976.

Exam Tip: Dates are important facts; always include them if mentioned in the passage. Use specific years for historical events.

Question 5. Which is a good period to see the s blackbucks ?
Answer: The time between monsoon and winter, normally from mid-June to March-end, is a good period to see blackbucks.
In simple words: From mid-June until the end of March, between monsoon and winter, is a good time to spot blackbucks.

Exam Tip: When asked for "periods" or "times," provide the full range or duration specified in the text.

Question 6. Why is December to March the best time to visit the Blackbuck National Park?
Answer: December to March is the best time to visit the Blackbuck National Park because many kinds of migratory birds arrive there to spend the winter months.
In simple words: Many different kinds of birds fly to the park between December and March to stay for winter, making it the best time to visit.

Exam Tip: If a question asks "why," your answer should provide the reason or explanation directly from the passage.

Question 7. Name the migratory birds mentioned in the passage.
Answer: The migratory birds mentioned in the passage are Harriers, Lesser Floricans, Eagles, and Waders.
In simple words: Harriers, Lesser Floricans, Eagles, and Waders are the names of the birds that travel to the park.

Exam Tip: Always list all specific examples given in the text when asked to "name" items.

Question. The blackbuck is also known as Krishna Jinka in Telugu language. It has been declared the state animal of Andhra Pradesh. Other local names for the species include Kala Hiran, Sasin, Iralai Maan, Krishna Mriga in Kannada and Kalveet in Marathi. According to the Indian mythology, blackbuck or Krishna Jinka is considered as the vehicle of the God Moon. According to the Garuda Purana, Krishna Jinka brings prosperity in the areas where they live. [Page 2]

Questions:

Question 1. What is the blackbuck called in Telugu ?
Answer: The blackbuck is called Krishna Jinka in the Telugu language.
In simple words: In Telugu, people call the blackbuck "Krishna Jinka."

Exam Tip: Always specify the language when asked for names in different regional languages, if mentioned in the text.

Question 2. Write any three local names of the blackbuck.
Answer: Three local names for the blackbuck are Kala Hiran, Iralai Maan, and Sasin.
In simple words: Kala Hiran, Iralai Maan, and Sasin are some other names for the blackbuck.

Exam Tip: When asked for "any three," choose three distinct names from the provided list.

Question 3. Which state has declared the blackbuck as its state animal ?
Answer: Andhra Pradesh has declared the blackbuck as its state animal.
In simple words: Andhra Pradesh made the blackbuck its state animal.

Exam Tip: Specific states and their official symbols are often important details to remember from a passage.

Question 4. What does the Indian mythology say about the blackbuck ?
Answer: According to Indian mythology, the blackbuck or Krishna Jinka is considered to be the vehicle of the God Moon.
In simple words: Indian stories say the blackbuck is the Moon God's ride.

Exam Tip: When discussing mythology or beliefs, state the source (e.g., "Indian mythology") clearly.

Question 5. What does the Garuda Purana say about the blackbuck?
Answer: According to the Garuda Purana, Krishna Jinka brings prosperity to the areas where these animals reside.
In simple words: The Garuda Purana states that the Krishna Jinka brings good fortune to places it lives.

Exam Tip: Distinguish between general mythology and specific texts like the Garuda Purana, as questions might target specific sources.

Question 6. What is the blackbuck called in Marathi ?
Answer: The blackbuck is called Kalveet in Marathi.
In simple words: In the Marathi language, the blackbuck is known as Kalveet.

Exam Tip: Be careful to match each local name with its correct language.

Question 7. What is the blackbuck called in Kannada ?
Answer: The blackbuck is called Krishna Mriga in Kannada.
In simple words: The blackbuck is named Krishna Mriga in Kannada.

Exam Tip: Ensure precise naming and language attribution as specified in the text.

Question. The blackbuck is famous for its spiral horns. The distinctive horns of the blackbuck are ringed with 1 to 4 spiral turns. They can be as long as 28 inches. In the male, the upper body is black and the belly and eye rings are white. The light-brown female is usually hornless. Blackbucks usually roam on the plains in herds of 15 to 20 animals with one male leader.

Question. On the open plain, the blackbuck is one of the fastest animals and can outrun most predators over long distances. It can run 80 mph when necessary. Cheetah is said to be a threat for the blackbuck. Other wild animals such as wolves and wild dogs also prey upon the blackbucks. [Pages 2-3]

Questions:

Question 1. What is the blackbuck famous for ?
Answer: The blackbuck is well-known for its spiral horns.
In simple words: People recognize the blackbuck because of its twisted horns.

Exam Tip: When asked "what is it famous for," identify the most prominent characteristic mentioned in the text.

Question 2. What is distinctive about the blackbuck's - horns ?
Answer: The blackbuck's horns are distinctive because they are ringed with 1 to 4 spiral turns and can reach lengths of up to 28 inches.
In simple words: Blackbuck horns are special because they have 1 to 4 spiral twists and can grow very long, up to 28 inches.

Exam Tip: Provide specific details when describing distinctive features, including measurements if available.

Question 3. Describe the male blackbuck.
Answer: The male blackbuck has a black upper body, with a white belly and white rings around its eyes.
In simple words: Male blackbucks have black fur on top, a white stomach, and white circles around their eyes.

Exam Tip: For descriptions, note down key visual characteristics like color, markings, and body parts.

Question 4. Describe the female blackbuck.
Answer: The female blackbuck is usually light-brown in color and typically does not have horns.
In simple words: Female blackbucks are usually light brown and do not have horns.

Exam Tip: Note distinguishing features between male and female animals when descriptions are provided.

Question 5. Blackbucks usually roam
Answer: Blackbucks usually roam on the plains in herds of 15 to 20 animals, led by a single male.
In simple words: Blackbucks often move across flat lands in groups of 15 to 20, with one male in charge.

Exam Tip: Focus on details about their habitat and social structure when asked about their movement patterns.

Question 6. Why is the blackbuck one of the fastest animals on the open plain?
Answer: The blackbuck is one of the fastest animals on the open plain because it can outrun most predators over long distances and achieve a maximum speed of 80 mph.
In simple words: It's very fast on open land because it can run away from most enemies for a long time, reaching speeds up to 80 mph.

Exam Tip: When explaining "why," provide both the capability (outrunning predators) and the evidence (speed) from the passage.

Question 7. Which animal is a threat to the blackbuck ?
Answer: The cheetah is considered a threat to the blackbuck.
In simple words: The cheetah is an animal that can harm blackbucks.

Exam Tip: Identify specific predators mentioned in the text when asked about threats.

Question 8. Which wild animals prey upon the blackbuck ?
Answer: Wild animals like wolves and wild dogs also prey upon the blackbucks.
In simple words: Wolves and wild dogs also hunt blackbucks.

Exam Tip: List all predators mentioned, not just the primary one, to provide a complete answer.

Question. (4) The blackbuck is a herbivore. It lives on grass, plants, flowers and fruits. The maximum life span recorded is about 16 years. The blackbuck is hunted for its flesh and its skin. Although the Indian law strictly prohibits the hunting of these endangered animals, there are still occasional incidents of poaching.

Question. The natural habitat of the blackbuck is taken away by human beings for domesticated cattle or building houses. Like most wild animals, the blackbuck is in principle protected in India by the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. [Page 3]

Questions:

Question 1. Why is the blackbuck called a herbivore ?
Answer: The blackbuck is called a herbivore because it eats only grass, plants, flowers, and fruits.
In simple words: It's called a herbivore because its diet consists only of plants and fruits.

Exam Tip: Define terms like "herbivore" by listing the specific types of food the animal consumes.

Question 2. How long does the blackbuck live ?
Answer: The blackbuck typically lives for about 16 years.
In simple words: A blackbuck usually lives for around 16 years.

Exam Tip: Provide numerical facts like lifespan accurately as given in the passage.

Question 3. Which act protects the blackbuck ?
Answer: The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 protects the blackbuck.
In simple words: The 1972 Wildlife Protection Act helps keep blackbucks safe.

Exam Tip: Legal acts and their years of enactment are significant details, so remember them.

Question 4. Why is the blackbuck hunted ?
Answer: The blackbuck is hunted for its flesh and its skin.
In simple words: People hunt blackbucks to get their meat and hide.

Exam Tip: When asked "why" for hunting, state the specific reasons or products sought.

Question 5. The Indian law strictly prohibits
Answer: Indian law strictly prohibits the hunting of blackbucks, as they are endangered animals.
In simple words: Indian law makes it illegal to hunt blackbucks because they are at risk of disappearing.

Exam Tip: Explain the purpose or subject of a prohibition when the question is incomplete, drawing from the context.

Question 6. For what have we taken away the natural habitat of the blackbuck?
Answer: We have taken away the natural habitat of the blackbuck for domesticated cattle or for building houses.
In simple words: We remove blackbucks' homes to make space for farm animals or to build houses.

Exam Tip: Identify the human activities that impact animal habitats as described in the passage.

Select the word having the nearest meaning.

Question 1. habitat
(a) habit
(b) area
(c) home
(d) zoo
Answer: (c) home
In simple words: A habitat is the natural place where an animal or plant lives, much like its home.

Exam Tip: When choosing synonyms, select the word that best captures the essence of the original word in context, often a simpler term.

Question 2. dense
(a) thick
(b) deep
(c) thin
(d) fat
Answer: (a) thick
In simple words: "Dense" means crowded or packed closely together, like a thick forest.

Exam Tip: Consider the primary meaning of the word in a general context rather than specific nuances.

Question 3. region
(a) location
(b) place
(c) local
(d) area
Answer: (d) area
In simple words: A "region" refers to a large area or division of land.

Exam Tip: Look for the most general and appropriate synonym; "area" is a broad term that fits "region."

Question 4. connect
(a) track
(b) ring
(c) join
(d) call
Answer: (c) join
In simple words: To "connect" means to bring two or more things together, or to join them.

Exam Tip: When selecting synonyms for verbs, pick the option that describes the action most accurately.

Question 5. daily
(a) every day
(b) regularly
(c) always
(d) often
Answer: (a) every day
In simple words: "Daily" describes something that happens or is done each day.

Exam Tip: Be mindful of options that are similar but not exact, and choose the most precise match.

Question 6. frequency
(a) frequently
(b) occupancy
(c) regularity
(d) irregularity
Answer: (c) regularity
In simple words: "Frequency" refers to how often something occurs, which relates to its regularity.

Exam Tip: Understand that "frequency" is a noun describing rate, and "regularity" is a noun describing consistency of occurrence.

Question 7. declare
(a) present
(b) announce
(c) secret
(d) tell
Answer: (b) announce
In simple words: To "declare" means to make something known publicly or formally, like an announcement.

Exam Tip: Consider the formality and public nature implied by "declare" when choosing a synonym.

Question 8. Consider
(a) think
(b) refuse
(c) accept
(d) read
Answer: (a) think
In simple words: To "consider" something means to think carefully about it or take it into account.

Exam Tip: Focus on the cognitive process involved; "think" is the closest basic action.

Question 9. threat
(a) signal
(b) warning
(c) shouting
(d) Danger
Answer: (d) Danger
In simple words: A "threat" is something that could cause harm or danger.

Exam Tip: Identify the core consequence of a threat, which is danger.

Question 10. prohibit
(a) confiscate
(b) hunt
(c) ban
(d) allow
Answer: (c) ban
In simple words: To "prohibit" means to officially forbid something, or to ban it.

Exam Tip: "Ban" is a direct and strong synonym for prohibiting something.

Question 11. incident
(a) instance
(b) happening
(c) example
(d) Sample
Answer: (b) happening
In simple words: An "incident" refers to an event or occurrence, something that happens.

Exam Tip: Look for the simplest and most general term describing an event.

The Black Beauty of Velavadar Summary in Gujarati

બધાં હરણોમાં કાળિયાર સૌથી વધુ ઝડપી છે. મુખ્યત્વે તે ભારતમાં જોવા મળે છે, પણ પાકિસ્તાન, નેપાળ અને બીજા કેટલાક દેશોમાં પણ જોવા મળે છે. ભારતમાં તે ખાસ કરીને મહારાષ્ટ્ર, ઓરિસ્સા, પંજાબ, રાજસ્થાન, હરિયાણા, ગુજરાત, આંધ્ર પ્રદેશ, તમિલનાડુ અને કર્ણાટકમાં જોવા મળે છે. ગુજરાતમાં કાળિયાર સૌરાષ્ટ્રમાં જોવા મળે છે. તેનું મૂળ (કુદરતી) રહેઠાણ ગાઢ જંગલો નહિ પણ ખુલ્લા મેદાન છે. સૌરાષ્ટ્રના ભાલ પ્રદેશના વેળાવદરમાં કાળિયારનો પ્રખ્યાત રાષ્ટ્રીય ઉદ્યાન છે.

વેળાવદરના કાળિયાર રાષ્ટ્રીય ઉદ્યાન વિશે આપણે થોડી માહિતી મેળવીએ. ભારતના ગુજરાત રાજ્યના ભાવનગર જિલ્લામાં વેળાવદરમાં કાળિયાર રાષ્ટ્રીય ઉદ્યાન આવેલો છે. સૌરાષ્ટ્રના ભાલ પ્રદેશમાં 1976માં સ્થપાયેલો, આ ઉદ્યાન જિલ્લાના મુખ્ય મથક ભાવનગરથી આશરે 12 કિલોમીટર દૂર આવેલો છે.

ઉદ્યાન આખુંય વર્ષ ખુલ્લો રહેતો હોવા છતાં ચોમાસું અને શિયાળાના સમય દરમિયાન, સામાન્ય રીતે મધ્ય જૂનથી માર્ચના અંત સુધીના સમય દરમિયાન) કાળિયારોને નિહાળવાનો સરસ સમય છે. વેળાવદરના રાષ્ટ્રીય ઉદ્યાનની મુલાકાત લેવાનો શ્રેષ્ઠ સમય ડિસેમ્બરથી માર્ચ સુધીનો છે, કારણ કે ઘણી જાતનાં પ્રવાસી પક્ષીઓ જેવા કે હેરિઅર્સની ત્રણ જાતો, લેસરફ્લોરિકન, ગરુડ અને સારસ અને બીજાં ઘણાં જળચર પક્ષીઓ શિયાળો ગાળવા આવે છે. ભાવનગર હવાઈ મથક દૈનિક ઉડાણથી મુંબઈ અને અમદાવાદનાં આંતરરાષ્ટ્રીય હવાઈ મથકો સાથે જોડાયેલું છે. ઉદ્યાનથી 50 કિલોમીટર દૂર આવેલું ઢસા શહેર સૌથી નજીકનું રેલવે સ્ટેશન છે. ઐતિહાસિક વલભીપુર શહેર (અહીંથી) આશરે 30 કિલોમીટર દૂર છે.

તેલુગુ ભાષામાં કાળિયાર કૃષ્ણ જન્ડા તરીકે જાણીતું છે. તેને આંધ્ર પ્રદેશના રાજ્ય પ્રાણી તરીકે જાહેર કરવામાં આવ્યું છે. કાલા હિરન, સાસિન, ઇરાલાઇ માન, કન્નડ ભાષામાં કૃષ્ણમૃગ અને મરાઠીમાં કાળવીત એ આ જાતિનાં સ્થાનિક નામો છે. ભારતીય પૌરાણિક કથા અનુસાર કાળિયાર અથવા કૃષ્ણ જિન્કાને ચંદ્રનું વાહન માનવામાં આવે છે. ગરુડ પુરાણ અનુસાર કૃષ્ણ જિન્કા જ્યાં રહેતાં હોય તે વિસ્તારમાં સમૃદ્ધિ લાવે છે.

કાળિયારે તેના ચક્રાકાર શિંગડાં માટે જાણીતું છે. કાળિયારનાં આ વિશિષ્ટ શિંગડાં 1થી 4 ચક્રોવાળાં હોય છે. તે (શિંગડાં) 28 ઇંચ જેટલાં લાંબાં હોઈ શકે. નર(કાળિયાર)માં શરીરનો ઉપરનો ભાગ કાળો હોય છે અને પેટ અને આંખ ફરતાં વર્તુળ સફેદ હોય છે. ઝાંખો ભૂખરા રંગની માદા બહુધા શિંગડાં વગરની હોય છે. કાળિયારો સામાન્ય રીતે એક નર-નેતા સાથે 15થી 20 પ્રાણીઓના સમૂહમાં મેદાનોમાં ફર્યા કરે છે.

ખુલ્લા મેદાનમાં કાળિયાર ઝડપી પ્રાણીઓમાંનું એક છે અને મોટા ભાગના શિકારી પ્રાણીઓ કરતાં લાંબા અંતર સુધી ઘણી ઝડપથી દોડી શકે છે. જરૂર પડે ત્યારે તે કલાકના 80 માઈલની ઝડપે દોડી શકે છે. ચિત્તો કાળિયાર માટે જોખમી હોવાનું કહેવાય છે. બીજાં જંગલી પ્રાણીઓ જેવાં કે વરુઓ અને જંગલી કૂતરા પણ કાળિયારને મારી ખાય છે. કાળિયાર ઘાસાહારી છે. તે વાસ, છોડવાઓ, ફૂલો અને ફળો પર જીવે છે. (કાળિયારનું) અધિકતમ આયુષ્ય આશરે 18 વર્ષ જેટલું નોંધાયું છે.

કાળિયારનો તેનાં માંસ અને ચામડાં માટે શિકાર કરવામાં આવે છે. આ લુપ્ત થતાં પ્રાણીઓના શિકાર પર ભારતીય કાયદા પ્રમાણે કડક પ્રતિબંધ હોવા છતાં પ્રસંગોપાત્ત ગેરકાયદેસર શિકાર થવાના પ્રસંગો હજુય બને છે. કાળિયારનાં કુદરતી રહેઠાણો માણસો પાલતુ પ્રાણીઓ માટે કે મકાનો બાંધવા માટે પડાવી લે છે.

મોટા ભાગનાં જંગલી પ્રાણીઓની જેમ કાળિયારને 1972ના વન્યજીવન રક્ષણના કાયદા અનુસાર સૈદ્ધાંતિક રક્ષણ આપવામાં આવેલું છે.

આપણે વન્યપ્રાણીઓને શા માટે ન મારવાં જોઈએ?મિત્રો, કાળિયારને તમે ભારતની ટપાલટિકિટ પર જોયું હશે, પણ હવે કોઈક દિવસ વેળાવદર કાળિયાર રાષ્ટ્રીય ઉદ્યાનની મુલાકાત લઈ કાળિયારો, બીજાં પ્રાણીઓ અને પક્ષીઓને કુદરતી વાતાવરણમાં નિહાળવાની મજા લેજો. ગતિ સાથે સૌંદર્ય એ હંમેશાં આનંદદાયી છે.

Word Meanings

blackbuck (બ્લૅકબક) કાળિયાર

antelope (ઍન્ટિલોપ) હરણ

original (ઓરિજિનલ) મૂળ

habitat (હૅબિટટ) પ્રાણીનું કુદરતી રહેઠાણ

plain (પ્લેન) સપાટ ભૂમિ, મેદાન

dense (ડેન્સ) ગાઢ

region (રીજન) પ્રદેશ

to establish (ઇસ્ટબ્લિશ) સ્થાપના કરવી

district headquarter (ડિસ્ટ્રિક્ટ હેડક્વૉર્ટર) જિલ્લાનું મુખ્ય મથક

species (સ્પીશીઝ) પ્રાણીઓની જાત

migratory (માઈગ્રેટરિ) પ્રવાસી, સ્થળાંતર કરનારા

to connect (કનેક્ટ) જોડવું

international (ઈન્ટરનૅશ્નલ) આંતરરાષ્ટ્રીય

daily (ડેઇ) રોજ(ની)

flight (ફ્લાઈટ) ઉડાણ

frequency (ફ્રિક્વન્સિ) સંખ્યા, આવર્તન

historical (હિસ્ટૉરિકલ) ઐતિહાસિક

to declare (ડીકલેર) જાહેર કરવું

local (લોકલ) સ્થાનિક

mythology (મિથૉલિજ) પુરાણો

to consider (કન્સિડર) માનવું, ગણતરીમાં લેવું

prosperity (પ્રસ્પેરિટિ) સમૃદ્ધિ

spiral (સ્પાઈરલ) ચક્રાકાર

distinctive (ડિસ્ટિન્ક્ટિવ) આગવું, વિશિષ્ટ

male (મેલ) નર

belly (બેલિ) પેટ

female (ફીમેલ) માદા

herd (હર્ડ) સમૂહ, પ્રાણીઓનું ટોળું

to outrun (આઉટરન) –નાં કરતાં વધારે ઝડપથી દોડવું, વટાવી જવું

predator (પ્રેડટર) શિકારી પ્રાણી

distance (ડિસ્ટન્સ) અંતર

threat (થ્રેટ) જોખમ

to prey upon (પ્રે અપૉન) -નો શિકાર કરવો

herbivore (હર્બિવોર) ઘાસાહારી, તૃણાહારી, ઘાસ પર નભનાર, વનસ્પત્યાહારી

maximum (મૅક્સિમમ) અધિકતમ

life span (લાઈફ સ્પૅન) આયુષ્ય

flesh (ફ્લેશ) માંસ

law (લૉ) કાયદો

strictly (સ્ટ્રિક્ટલિ) કડકાઈથી

to prohibit (પ્રહિબિટ) પ્રતિબંધ મૂકવો

endangered (ઇન્ડેન્જર્ડ) જોખમમાં રહેલું, લુપ્ત થતું

occasional (અકેઝનલ) પ્રાસંગિક

incident (ઇન્સિડેન્ટ) પ્રસંગ

poaching (પોચિંગ) ગેરકાયદેસર શિકાર

domesticated (ડમેસ્ટિકેટિડ) પાળેલ

to protect (પ્રટેક્ટ) રક્ષણ કરવું