Maharashtra Board Class 5 EVS Part 1 Chapter 4 Environmental Balance Solutions

Get the most accurate MSBSHSE Solutions for Class 5 Environmental Studies Chapter 4 Environmental Balance here. Updated for the 2026-27 academic session, these solutions are based on the latest MSBSHSE textbooks for Class 5 Environmental Studies. Our expert-created answers for Class 5 Environmental Studies are available for free download in PDF format.

Detailed Chapter 4 Environmental Balance MSBSHSE Solutions for Class 5 Environmental Studies

For Class 5 students, solving MSBSHSE textbook questions is the most effective way to build a strong conceptual foundation. Our Class 5 Environmental Studies solutions follow a detailed, step-by-step approach to ensure you understand the logic behind every answer. Practicing these Chapter 4 Environmental Balance solutions will improve your exam performance.

Class 5 Environmental Studies Chapter 4 Environmental Balance MSBSHSE Solutions PDF

5th Standard EVS 1 Lesson Number 4 Question Answer Environmental Balance Maharashtra Board

Std 5 EVS 1 Chapter 4 Question Answer

1. What's The Solution?

 

Question 1. We have to remove insects from the grains without using pesticides.
Answer: Some plants like neem or their extract repel insects. That is, insects run away from these substances. Hence, if we place dried leaves of neem, the grains will be freed from the insects as they will go away. Similarly, applying canola oil to the grains can also remove insects, as canola oil is an effective insect repellent.
In simple words: To get rid of insects from grains without chemicals, you can use natural repellents like dried neem leaves or canola oil, which make the insects leave.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When asked for natural solutions, remember to list specific plant-based remedies like neem or oils, and explain how they work to repel pests.

Use Your Brain Power

 

Question 1. Use your brain power. Make up a food chain: Frog, Kite, Worm, Snake, Grass
Answer: Grass โ†’ Worm โ†’ Frog โ†’ Snake โ†’ Kite. This sequence shows how energy is transferred from one organism to another.
In simple words: A food chain shows who eats whom, starting from plants and moving up to predators.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When creating a food chain, always start with a producer (like grass) and follow the flow of energy to consumers.

Answer The Following Questions

 

Question (a) What is a food chain? Give an example of it.
Answer: In nature, Plants are food for one small animal. This smaller animal is the food for a larger animal which in turn is a food for another larger animal. Thus we see that one living thing is connected to another living thing for their food, and each component or living thing is the food for the next one. Therefore we can say the components form a chain. Such a biological chain is called a food chain. For instance, a food chain illustrates how energy flows through an ecosystem. Example of a food chain.
Plants โ†’ Grasshopper โ†’ Frog โ†’ Snake โ†’ Kite
The plant is eaten by the grasshopper which is eaten by the frog. The frog is eaten by the snake which is eaten by the kite.
In simple words: A food chain describes how different living things get their food by eating other organisms, showing the path of energy.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Define a food chain clearly and provide a simple, sequential example to score full marks. Remember to start with a producer.

 

Question (b) How is the balance in the environment maintained?
Answer:
1. Plants use substances in the soil for their growth and when plants and animals die the micro-organisms decompose them and this added to the substances goes back to the soil once again. This natural recycling is crucial for soil fertility.
2. Similarly the water cycle maintains a continuous supply of water for all the living things.
3. Living things take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide while breathing. The
In simple words: The environment stays balanced through natural cycles like nutrient recycling in soil, the water cycle, and the exchange of gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When explaining environmental balance, focus on key natural cycles (nutrient, water, gas) and the role of decomposers and producers.

plants take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen while preparing their food. Thus oxygen gets added to the air.

There are several other such cycles which go on in nature due to interaction amongst living things. When such interactions and cycles go on uninterrupted continuously, they help in maintaining the food chain. Due to this, environmental balance is maintained.

4. What Substances In The Soil Are Useful For The Growth Of Plants?

 

Question 1. What substances in the soil are useful for the growth of plants?
Answer: The plants use substances like water, minerals and organic matter from the soil for their growth. These essential components are absorbed through the roots, supporting the plant's overall development. Note: Grasshopper does not feed on worms. It is not a flesh eating insect. It eats only various parts of plants like seeds & leaves. The first image shown in the textbook on page 20 is of an insect called cricket, which feeds on worms, and the bird feeds on this cricket.
Hence the correct food chain is
grass โ†’ worm โ†’ cricket (insect) โ†’ bird
In simple words: Plants get water, minerals, and organic material from the soil, which are all vital for them to grow big and strong.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Remember the key components plants need from soil: water, minerals, and organic matter. Mentioning all three ensures a complete answer.

5. True Or False?

 

Question 1. True or false?
1. Microorganisms form a part of the environment.
2. It is necessary to maintain biodiversity.
3. A grasshopper eats birds.
Answer: 1. True
In simple words: Microorganisms are tiny living things that are indeed a natural part of our environment.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: For true/false questions with multiple statements, carefully evaluate each statement individually before deciding its truth value.

Environmental Studies Part 1 Standard 5th Solutions Chapter 4 Environmental Balance Additional Important Questions And Answers

Fill In The Blanks With The Correct Answers From The Options Given Below:

 

Question 1. The variety we see in all living things that belong to a particular area is called of that place.
(a) biodiversity
(b) environment
(c) food chain
Answer: (a) biodiversity
In simple words: Biodiversity means all the different kinds of plants, animals, and other living things found in one specific area.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Remember that 'biodiversity' refers to the variety of life, which is a key concept in environmental studies.

 

Question 2. While studying biodiversity of a given place scientists make large number of in different conditions using special devices.
(a) observation
(b) specification
(c) direction
Answer: (a) observation
In simple words: Scientists carefully watch and record things (make observations) to understand the many different living things in an area.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: In scientific studies, 'observation' is the first step to gather information and understand a phenomenon.

 

Question 3. The science which studies interaction between living and non living things is known as
(a) environmental science
(b) food web
(c) water cycle
Answer: (a) environmental science
In simple words: Environmental science is the study of how living things and non-living things in nature interact with each other.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Understand that environmental science focuses on the relationships within ecosystems, including both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components.

 

Question 4. The soil, air, water, plants, animals and microorganisms are known as the .................... of the environment.
(a) dividents
(b) components
(c) substance
Answer: (b) components
In simple words: All these elements like soil, air, water, plants, animals, and tiny microorganisms are the basic parts that make up our environment.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Remember that the environment is made up of both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components, and these are the key terms to describe them.

 

Question 5. A .................... is formed by interlinking of several food chains.
(a) food store
(b) junk food
(c) food web
Answer: (c) food web
In simple words: A food web shows how many different food chains are connected in an ecosystem, illustrating the complex feeding relationships between various organisms.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Understand the difference between a food chain (a single path of energy flow) and a food web (multiple interconnected paths) for full marks.

 

Question 6. .................... make their own food using water and carbon dioxide in the presence of sunlight.
(a) Plants
(b) Animals
(c) Humans
Answer: (a) Plants
In simple words: Plants are unique because they can produce their own food through a process called photosynthesis, using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Always associate plants with photosynthesis and their ability to be producers in an ecosystem.

 

Question 7. .................... decompose the dead remains of plants and animals present in the soil.
(a) plants
(b) micro-organism
(c) animals
Answer: (b) micro-organism
In simple words: Tiny living things like bacteria and fungi, known as microorganisms, break down dead plants and animals, returning important nutrients back into the soil.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Recognize microorganisms as essential decomposers that play a vital role in nutrient cycling within an ecosystem.

 

Question 8. All the living organisms get a continuous supply of water in nature because of the

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When a question is incomplete, identify the missing information and note that a full answer cannot be provided without it.

 

Question 9. Plants give out .................... gas while preparing their food.
(a) carbon dioxide
(b) oxygen
(c) sulphur dioxide
Answer: (b) oxygen
In simple words: Plants release oxygen, which is essential for us to breathe, as a byproduct when they make their own food using sunlight.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Remember that photosynthesis involves plants taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, a key concept in biology.

 

Question 10. Plants take in .................... gas from the air while preparing food.
(a) carbon dioxide
(b) oxygen
(c) mitrogen
Answer: (a) carbon dioxide
In simple words: Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air to use it as a main ingredient for making their food through photosynthesis.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Understand the basic inputs and outputs of photosynthesis: carbon dioxide and water go in, glucose and oxygen come out.

 

Question 11. When cycles go on uninterrupted in nature, .................... balance is maintained in nature.
(a) environmental
(b) botanical
(c) geographical
Answer: (a) environmental
In simple words: When natural processes like water cycles or nutrient cycles continue smoothly, they help keep the environment stable and healthy.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Focus on the concept of ecological balance and how natural cycles contribute to it. "Environmental" is the broadest and most fitting term here.

 

Question 12. Living and non-living things are .................... on each other.
Answer: Living and non-living things are **interdependent** on each other. This interaction is crucial for the functioning of ecosystems.
In simple words: Living things need non-living things like air and water, and non-living things are affected by living things, showing they rely on each other.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When answering fill-in-the-blank questions about ecological relationships, terms like 'interdependent' or 'dependent' are often key. Think about how different parts of an ecosystem rely on each other.

 

Question 12. Living things in an ecosystem are often:
(a) independent
(b) interdependent
(c) dependent
Answer: (c) dependent
In simple words: In an ecosystem, living things often rely on each other for survival, meaning they are dependent on one another for food, shelter, or other needs.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Remember that in nature, organisms rarely live completely alone; they are connected through various relationships, often showing dependence on others.

 

Question 13. One living thing can be a part of a number of food ....................................
(a) web
(b) chains
(c) link
Answer: (b) chains
In simple words: A single animal or plant can be involved in many different food chains, showing how interconnected life is.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Understand the difference between a food chain (a single path of energy transfer) and a food web (many interconnected food chains). The blank here refers to multiple individual chains.

 

Question 14. Every living thing gets its food from the ....................................
(a) environment
(b) nature
(c) kitchen
Answer: (a) environment
In simple words: All living organisms obtain their necessary nutrients and energy directly or indirectly from their surroundings, which is their environment.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When thinking about where food comes from, consider the immediate surroundings and resources available to an organism, which is its environment.

 

Question 15. Many animals in the environment eat only
(a) animals
(b) plants
(c) grass
Answer: (b) plants
In simple words: Many animals are herbivores, meaning their diet consists solely of plants, which are the primary producers in most ecosystems.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Classify animals based on their diet: herbivores (eat plants), carnivores (eat animals), and omnivores (eat both). This question refers to herbivores.

 

Question 16. Animals eat other animals that live on ....................................
(a) plants
(b) animals
(c) humans
Answer: (a) plants
In simple words: In a food chain, carnivores eat herbivores, and herbivores are animals that primarily feed on plants.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Think about the flow of energy in a food chain: plants are producers, herbivores eat plants, and carnivores eat herbivores. This helps determine what the prey animals live on.

 

Question 17. __________ are the main support of every food chain.
(a) Animals
(b) Plants
(c) Humans
Answer: (b) Plants
In simple words: Plants are called producers because they make their own food using sunlight, forming the base of all food chains.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Remember that plants are the primary producers in almost all ecosystems, making them crucial for the survival of other organisms.

 

Question 18. Due to the __________ every living thing gets the food it needs and therefore continues to live.
(a) food chain
(b) water cycle
(c) oxygen
Answer: (a) food chain
In simple words: The food chain shows how energy and nutrients move from one living thing to another, ensuring all organisms get the food they need to survive.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Understand the concept of a food chain as the flow of energy from producers to consumers, which is fundamental to life.

 

Question 19. __________ living in the soil helps the process of decomposition.
(a) Worms
(b) Microorganisms
(c) Insects
Answer: (b) Microorganisms
In simple words: Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi break down dead plants and animals, returning nutrients to the soil for new life to grow.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Decomposition is a vital process for nutrient cycling, and microorganisms are the key players in breaking down organic matter.

 

Question 20. Living things use __________ from the air for breathing.
(a) oxygen
(b) nitrogen
(c) carbon
Answer: (a) oxygen
In simple words: All living things, including humans and animals, need oxygen from the air to breathe and release energy from their food.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Recall that oxygen is essential for respiration in most living organisms, a fundamental biological process.

 

Question 21. Plants use ............ from the air for making their food.
(a) oxygen
(b) carbon dioxide
(c) nitrogen
Answer: (b) carbon dioxide
In simple words: Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air to perform photosynthesis, which is how they make their own food.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Remember that plants use carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and release oxygen, which is crucial for life on Earth.

 

Question 2. Find the odd man out and state its reasons:
1. Snake, Cow, Grains, Mouses
2. Sparrow, Grass, Elephant, Worm
3. Water, Soil, Microorganisms, Sun
Answer: 1. Cow - (Snake, Mouse, Grains form a food chain.) 2. Elephant - (Sparrow, worm, grass form a food chain.) 3. Microorganism (water, soil, air are non-living components of the environment.) Understanding these relationships helps us see how different parts of an ecosystem are connected.
In simple words: For each group, identify the item that doesn't fit the pattern, usually because it's not part of the same food chain or category as the others.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When finding the odd one out, always clearly state the odd item and provide a concise reason explaining the common characteristic of the other items.

 

Question 3. State whether the following statements are true or false:
1. Plants give out oxygen while breathing.
2. If forests are destroyed environmental balance is disturbed.
3. Tigers, Lions and Leopards harm the environment.
4. When substances present in nature are used up by the living organisms they are returned back to the soil after decomposition of their dead bodies.
5. In a given environment we always see only one type of food chain.
6. A mouse can be a link of two different food chains.
7. Pollution of air, water and soil can disturb the environmental balance.
Answer:
In simple words: For each statement, decide if it is factually correct or incorrect based on your knowledge of environmental science.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: For true/false questions, read each statement carefully and consider all aspects before deciding. Even a small detail can make a statement false.

 

Question 4. Give one word for the following processes:
(i) Process of give and take between living things and non living things.
(ii) Process of breaking down of dead bodies into simpler substances so that the plants can use it.
Answer:
(i) Interaction
(ii) Decomposition
In simple words: These terms describe how living and non-living things connect and how nature recycles dead matter.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When asked for one-word answers, ensure your response is precise and directly addresses the definition provided. Understanding key ecological terms is crucial.

 

Question 5. Use your brain power. Make up a food chain:
(i) Deer, Plants, Tiger, Microorganisms
(ii) Sea lion, Algae, Small fish, Big fish
(iii) Owl, Nuts, Squirrel, Fox
(iv) Algae, Dragon fly, Mosquito larvae, Chameleon
(v) Grass, Fox, Bird, Snail
(vi) Grasshopper, Cow, Turkey bird, Grass, Humans
(vii) Elephant Calf, Lion, Plants, Deer
(viii) Snakes, Caterpillars, Chicken, Eagles
(ix) Flowers of plant, Falcon (Bird), Lizard, Honeybee
Answer:
(i) Plants → Deer → Tiger → Microorganisms
(ii) Algae → Small fish → Large fish → Sea lion → Shark
(iii) Nuts → Squirrel → Owl → Fox
(iv) Algae → Mosquito larvae → Dragonfly → Chameleon
(v) Grass → Snail → Bird → Fox
In simple words: A food chain shows how energy moves from one living thing to another by eating. It starts with producers and moves through different consumers.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When constructing food chains, always start with a producer (like plants or algae) and follow the flow of energy to consumers, ending with decomposers if applicable. Ensure the arrows point in the direction of energy flow.

7. Grass โ†’ Grasshopper โ†’ Turkey Bird โ†’ Human
Cow-

8. Plants โ†’ Elephant Calf โ†’ Lion
Deer-

9. Caterpillars โ†’ Chicken โ†’ Snake โ†’ Eagle

10. Flowers of plants โ†’ Honeybee โ†’ Spider โ†’ Lizard โ†’ Falcon (Bird)

Answer The Following In One Or Two Sentences:

 

Question 1. Which living organism is the main support of every food chain?
Answer: The plants which prepare their own food are the main support of every food chain. Plants are also known as producers because they create their own energy.
In simple words: Plants are the base of every food chain because they make their own food using sunlight.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Remember that producers, like plants, are always at the beginning of any food chain.

 

Question 2. What is the food of the plants?
Answer: Plants prepare their own food using carbon dioxide from air and water from the soil in presence of sunlight. This process is called photosynthesis.
In simple words: Plants make their food using carbon dioxide from the air, water from the soil, and energy from sunlight.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When describing plant food, always mention carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight as key ingredients for photosynthesis.

 

Question 3. What is an environment?
Answer: The surroundings and the conditions in those surroundings which affect the life of the organisms there, are together known as their environment. It includes both living and non-living things.
In simple words: An environment is everything around living things, including the conditions that affect them.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Define environment by including both "surroundings" and "conditions" that influence organisms.

 

Question 4. What are the components of the environment?
Answer: Sunlight, air, water, soil, plants and animals etc. are the components of the environment. These components interact constantly to maintain balance.
In simple words: The environment is made up of things like sunlight, air, water, soil, plants, and animals.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: List a variety of both living (plants, animals) and non-living (sunlight, air, water, soil) components to show a complete understanding.

 

Question 5. What is a food web?
Answer: One living thing can be a part of a number of food chains. That gives rise to a food web in nature. This interconnectedness shows how different organisms rely on each other for survival.
In simple words: A food web is like many food chains linked together, showing how different animals eat different things and are connected in nature.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When defining a food web, emphasize the concept of interconnected food chains and how a single organism can be part of multiple chains.

 

Question 6. Name the following (Give any two examples):
1. Animals which eat only plants.
2. Animals which eat animals that live on plants.
3. Birds which eat insects.
4. Birds which eat fruits or seeds of plants.
5. Birds which eat small animals or small birds.
6. Birds and animals which eat dead animals.
Answer:
1. Goat, Cow, Elephant, Rhinoceros
2. Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah
3. Robin, Peacock, Chicken (Hen), Woodpecker
4. Sparrow, Pigeon, Parrot, Toucans, Canary
5. Kite, Eagle, Falcon, Hawk, Owl
6. Vulture, Hyena, Crow, Raccoons
In simple words: This question asks you to list examples for different types of eaters in the animal kingdom, from plant-eaters to those that eat other animals or even dead animals.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: For questions asking for examples, always provide at least the number requested (here, two) but listing more, if known, can show broader understanding. Ensure your examples fit the category perfectly.

Give Reasons:

 

Question 1. Plants are the main support of every food chain.
Answer: Many animals in the environment eat only plants. Some animals eat smaller animals that live on plants. Plants make their own food using water from soil and carbon dioxide from air in the presence of sunlight. They are the only living organisms which do not depend for their food on other animals. All other animals directly or indirectly depend on plants for food. This fundamental role makes them the base of all ecosystems.
In simple words: Plants are the base of all food chains because they make their own food using sunlight, and all other animals either eat plants directly or eat animals that eat plants.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When explaining why plants are crucial, highlight their ability to produce their own food (photosynthesis) and how this makes them the primary producers, supporting all other life forms in a food chain.

 

Question 2. It is important to maintain the environmental balance for existence of living things.
Answer: When various cycles present in nature go on uninterrupted, environmental balance is maintained in nature. This helps in maintaining the food chains in the environment. If environmental balance is not maintained the food chains get affected and some animals may die due to shortage of food. If this continues, it will destroy nature and all the living things. Therefore, to maintain the food chains and existence of living things environmental balance should be maintained, ensuring the survival of all species.
In simple words: Environmental balance keeps nature's cycles running smoothly, which protects food chains. Without this balance, animals might starve, leading to widespread destruction of life.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When discussing environmental balance, always mention the interconnectedness of living things and the importance of food chains for survival.

State How The Following Non-Living Things Found In Nature Are Useful To Living Things:

 

Question 1. Hollow of a tree:
Answer: Many animals like squirrels, birds etc. take shelter in the hollow of the tree. Insects also are known to be found in this hollow, making it a vital microhabitat for various creatures.
In simple words: Tree hollows provide a safe home and shelter for many small animals and insects, protecting them from weather and predators.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When asked about the utility of natural features, think about how they provide shelter, food, or resources for different types of organisms.

 

Question 2. Rocks:
Answer: Small rocks present in the soil help the roots of the plant to breathe and grow as they allow air and water to pass through the soil. Soil which helps plant to grow is formed by breaking down of these rocks. Many insects also take shelter under large rocks e.g. Scorpions live below the rocks. These rocks are essential for both plant growth and providing habitats.
In simple words: Rocks in the soil help plants breathe and grow, and also form new soil. Big rocks provide shelter for insects like scorpions.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When asked about the importance of natural elements, always mention their dual role โ€“ for example, how rocks help both plants and animals.

 

Question 3. Sun:
Answer: The Sun is the source of energy. It provides sunlight. Plants cannot grow without sunlight. Hence no life would exist without the Sun. The Sun's energy is fundamental for photosynthesis, which is the base of most food chains.
In simple words: The Sun gives energy and light, which plants need to grow. Without the Sun, no life would be possible on Earth.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Emphasize the Sun's role as the ultimate source of energy for all life on Earth, especially linking it to plant growth and photosynthesis.

 

Question 4. Mountains:
Answer: Large forests are found on mountains. Rivers also originate in mountains. Hence, mountains are homes for many living things. They are homes for many birds, monkeys, wild animals etc. Mountains are vital ecosystems supporting diverse flora and fauna.
In simple words: Mountains have big forests and are where rivers start. They are home to many animals like birds, monkeys, and wild animals.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When describing geographical features, highlight their ecological importance, such as providing habitats and being sources of water.

Answer The Following Questions

 

Question 1. What do you mean by a link in a food chain? If one of the links in a chain is lost from the chain, can the food chain last? Explain.
Answer: In a food chain, one animal is the food for the next animal. Each one of the living things forming a food chain is called the link of the food chain. If one link of the food chain is lost it will affect the next link. It means if one animal is lost, the next animal for which it is the food will also get affected, as it will cause shortage of food. This interconnectedness highlights the delicate balance of ecosystems. This will lead to starvation and death of the animals in the next link. For Example: If deer disappear from the forest, the lions and tigers will starve for food and they will die. Thus we see that the food chain will not last if one link in the food chain is lost.
In simple words: A link in a food chain is each living thing that eats or is eaten by another. If one link is removed, the animals that depend on it for food will starve and die, breaking the entire food chain.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When explaining food chains, always define "link" and use a clear example to illustrate what happens when a link is broken, emphasizing the concept of interdependence.

 

Question 2. Who eats birds?
Answer: Birds are eaten by various animals depending on their size. Small birds like sparrow, robins, canary etc. are eaten by snakes. Pythons can eat large birds like herons, stork, etc. by coiling around them and crushing them. Dogs, cats also eat birds like chicken, hens etc. Some large birds eat the young ones of birds or smaller birds. This demonstrates the complex food web present in nature. For example: kite, eagle, owls, falcons eat small birds or young ones of other birds. Foxes, racoons, coyotes are wild animals which eat small birds and other birds like owls. Lastly human beings also eat birds like, chicken, turkey, duck as food. Birds like eagles, kite and vultures are not eaten by any animals. Microorganisms decompose them after they die.
In simple words: Many different animals, from snakes to foxes and even humans, eat birds, depending on the bird's size and the predator. Only very large birds of prey are generally not eaten by other animals, but are decomposed by microorganisms.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When asked about food chains or predators, provide specific examples of animals and their prey to show a comprehensive understanding.

 

Question 3. Explain how the balance in the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide present in the air is maintained in nature.
Answer: The animals take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide while breathing. However plants take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen while preparing food. Due to this process the balance in the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide present in the air is maintained. This continuous exchange is vital for sustaining life on Earth.
In simple words: Animals breathe in oxygen and release carbon dioxide, while plants do the opposite, taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. This constant cycle keeps the air balanced for all living things.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Clearly state the roles of both animals (respiration) and plants (photosynthesis) in maintaining the balance of these gases.

 

Question 4. Describe the water cycle present in nature.
Answer: Our earth is covered with water bodies. The heat of the sun evaporates the water from the water bodies like sea, lake, ponds stveanes of rivers and also the water which has percolated beneath the soil. This evaporated water vapour is light, so it moves up into the higher and cooler atmosphere to form fine drops of water which float. This continuous movement of water is essential for all ecosystems. These smaller drops form clouds. They later join together to form big and heavy drops; which fall down as rain. The rain water goes back to the water bodies, thus the
In simple words: The sun's heat turns water into vapor, which rises and forms clouds. These clouds then release water as rain, which flows back into water bodies, completing the cycle.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: Remember the key stages of the water cycle: evaporation, condensation (cloud formation), precipitation (rain), and collection (water bodies).

 

Question (A) Find the different food chains of whichthe worm and the mouse form a link:
Answer: There are two food chains as shown below :
(1) Grass โ†’ Worm โ†’ Cricket
berries
leaves
โ†’ Mouse
Eagle
Snake
(2) Grass- โ†’ Worm โ†’ Cricket
leaves
Frog
berries
โ†’ Mouse
Snake
In simple words: The food chains show how energy flows from grass to worms, then to crickets, and further to eagles, or from berries/leaves to mice and then to snakes.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When identifying food chains, always trace the path of energy flow from producers to consumers, ensuring each organism is a link in the chain.

 

Question (B) Find the different food chains where the fox and lion form a link.
Answer:
In simple words: To find these chains, look for what the fox eats and what eats the fox, and similarly for the lion.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: For food web questions, carefully follow the arrows to identify all possible paths that include the specified animals, listing each complete chain.

 

Question 1. Draw a diagram showing the water cycle occurring in Nature:
Answer: To show the water cycle, you would draw a diagram with the following key components:

  • Vapour of water rises up
  • Clouds are formed
  • Rainfall, Snowfall and melting of snow
  • Water flows back to
  • Rivers, Lakes, Ponds, Wells, Sea
The water cycle is a continuous process where water evaporates, forms clouds, precipitates, and returns to bodies of water.
In simple words: The water cycle shows how water moves from the earth to the sky and back again, through evaporation, cloud formation, and rain or snow.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When asked to draw a diagram, clearly label all parts and use arrows to show the direction of flow or process. Make sure the diagram illustrates the continuous nature of the cycle.

 

Question 2. Draw a diagram showing the oxygen cycle:
Answer: To show the oxygen cycle, you would draw a diagram illustrating how oxygen moves through the atmosphere, land, and living organisms. Key elements to include are plants releasing oxygen during photosynthesis, animals and humans taking in oxygen for respiration and releasing carbon dioxide, and the exchange of gases between the atmosphere and oceans. This cycle is vital for sustaining life on Earth.
In simple words: The oxygen cycle explains how oxygen is produced by plants and used by animals and humans, constantly moving between living things and the air.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: For the oxygen cycle diagram, ensure you show the roles of both plants (photosynthesis) and animals (respiration) in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Use clear arrows to indicate the flow.

 

Question. Explain the Oxygen-Carbon Dioxide Cycle.
Answer: The diagram illustrates the cycle of oxygen and carbon dioxide in nature, involving plants and animals. Key components and processes are:

  • Oxygen present in air
  • Animals: Taken in while breathing
  • Animals: Given out While breathing
  • Carbondioxide present in air
  • Plants: Taken in while preparing food
  • Plants: Given out while preparing food

In simple words: This diagram shows how plants use carbon dioxide and release oxygen, while animals use oxygen and release carbon dioxide, creating a continuous cycle in the air.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When describing natural cycles, clearly identify the key components (e.g., oxygen, carbon dioxide, plants, animals) and the processes involved (e.g., breathing, photosynthesis).

What's The Solution?

 

Question 1. Mosquitoes cause malaria. To prevent malaria mosquitoes need to be stopped from growing.
Answer: Mosquitoes larvae grow in water. Hence to prevent them from growing we should not allow water to accumulate. We should keep our surroundings dry. Also fishes like guppies, gold fish and killifish eat up the mosquito larvae. Hence sometimes these fish are grown in ponds to prevent mosquitoes, offering a natural way to control their population.
In simple words: To stop mosquitoes that cause malaria, we must prevent water from collecting, keep areas dry, and sometimes use fish that eat mosquito larvae in ponds.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When asked about preventing diseases, always mention both environmental control (like removing breeding grounds) and biological control methods if applicable.

 

Question 2. The soil is to be made fertile without adding chemical fertilizers.
Answer: Organic manure is added to the soil. Organic manure is prepared by mixing remains of plants, vegetables, fruits etc. with soil and is allowed to decompose by microorganisms. Microorganisms convert the above substances to organic manure which helps plants to grow, enriching the soil naturally and sustainably.
In simple words: To make soil fertile without chemicals, add organic manure made from decomposed plant and food waste, which microorganisms turn into plant food.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When discussing soil fertility, remember to highlight the role of organic matter and microorganisms as a natural alternative to chemical fertilizers.

Can You Tell?

 

Question 1. What is the deer's food?
Answer: The deer feeds on various kinds of plants and grass. They eat leaves, twigs and stems of the plant, which provides them with essential nutrients.
In simple words: Deer eat different parts of plants and grass to get their food.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: When asked about an animal's diet, list specific food items and mention the type of food source (e.g., plants, other animals).

 

Question 2. What is food for the tiger?
Answer: The tiger feeds on plant eating animals like deer, cows, zebra, giraffe, goats, buffaloes, rhinoceros, calf etc. These animals form a crucial part of the tiger's diet.
In simple words: Tigers eat other animals that primarily eat plants, such as deer and buffaloes.

๐ŸŽฏ Exam Tip: For questions about predators, identify the prey animals and specify their dietary habits (e.g., plant-eating) to show understanding of the food chain.

Glossary:

1. interaction โ€“ a particular way in which matter affects one another
2. component โ€“ part of a larger whole
3. residues โ€“ a small amount that remains behind.
4. uninterrupted โ€“ without break.
5. organic โ€“ derived from living matter
6. presence โ€“ being present.
7. hollow โ€“ having a hole or empty space inside.

Class 5 Environmental Studies Questions And Answers:

MSBSHSE Solutions Class 5 Environmental Studies Chapter 4 Environmental Balance

Students can now access the MSBSHSE Solutions for Chapter 4 Environmental Balance prepared by teachers on our website. These solutions cover all questions in exercise in your Class 5 Environmental Studies textbook. Each answer is updated based on the current academic session as per the latest MSBSHSE syllabus.

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Our expert teachers have provided step-by-step explanations for all the difficult questions in the Class 5 Environmental Studies chapter. Along with the final answers, we have also explained the concept behind it to help you build stronger understanding of each topic. This will be really helpful for Class 5 students who want to understand both theoretical and practical questions. By studying these MSBSHSE Questions and Answers your basic concepts will improve a lot.

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Using our Environmental Studies solutions regularly students will be able to improve their logical thinking and problem-solving speed. These Class 5 solutions are a guide for self-study and homework assistance. Along with the chapter-wise solutions, you should also refer to our Revision Notes and Sample Papers for Chapter 4 Environmental Balance to get a complete preparation experience.

FAQs

Where can I find the latest Maharashtra Board Class 5 EVS Part 1 Chapter 4 Environmental Balance Solutions for the 2026-27 session?

The complete and updated Maharashtra Board Class 5 EVS Part 1 Chapter 4 Environmental Balance Solutions is available for free on StudiesToday.com. These solutions for Class 5 Environmental Studies are as per latest MSBSHSE curriculum.

Are the Environmental Studies MSBSHSE solutions for Class 5 updated for the new 50% competency-based exam pattern?

Yes, our experts have revised the Maharashtra Board Class 5 EVS Part 1 Chapter 4 Environmental Balance Solutions as per 2026 exam pattern. All textbook exercises have been solved and have added explanation about how the Environmental Studies concepts are applied in case-study and assertion-reasoning questions.

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