RBSE Solutions Class 11 Physical Geography Chapter 22 Concept of Ecosystem

RBSE Class 11 Physical Geography Chapter 22 Text Book Questions

RBSE Class 11 Physical Geography Chapter 22 Multiple Choice Questions

 

Question 1. Who first propounded the word bio-diversity?
(a) E.O. Wilson
(b) David Tillman
(c) Norman Meyers
(d) None of the options
Answer: (a) E.O. Wilson
In simple words: The term "bio-diversity" was first used by E.O. Wilson to describe the variety of life on Earth. He was a very important biologist who studied ants and ecosystems.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember key scientists associated with important ecological terms, as these are frequent MCQ topics.

 

Question 2. How many bio-diversity hot-spots have been identified in the world?
Answer: About 25 biodiversity hot-spots have been identified globally. These areas are very important for protecting many different kinds of plants and animals.
In simple words: Around the world, 25 special places have been found that are very rich in different types of life.

🎯 Exam Tip: Know the definition of a "biodiversity hotspot" – it refers to areas with high biodiversity that are also threatened by human activities.

 

Question 3. The number of national parks in India is:
(a) 103
(b) 72
(c) 89
(d) 96
Answer: (a) 103
In simple words: India has 103 national parks. These parks are special areas where wildlife and nature are protected.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be aware that the number of national parks can change over time. For exams, use the most current data provided or generally accepted figures.

 

Question 4. The propounder of the word 'ecosystem' is:
(a) A. G. Tansley
(b) Fassberg
(c) E.P. Odum
(d) Peter Hagate
Answer: (a) A. G. Tansley
In simple words: The scientist who first used the word 'ecosystem' was A. G. Tansley. This word helps us understand how living things and their surroundings work together.

🎯 Exam Tip: It's helpful to remember the names of the scientists who coined fundamental ecological terms like 'ecosystem' and 'biodiversity'.

 

Question 5. Which statement is true in relation to ecology?
(a) Study of environmental effects on ecological organisms.
(b) Ecology is the study of pollution of air, water and soil.
(c) Ecology is the study of human environment.
(d) The study of the inter-relationships of ecological organisms and the environment.
Answer: (d) The study of the inter-relationships of ecological organisms and the environment.
In simple words: Ecology is about how living things interact with each other and with their surroundings. It looks at how everything in nature is connected.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand that ecology is not just about the environment itself, but specifically about the interactions and relationships within it.

RBSE Class 11 Physical Geography Chapter 22 Very Short Answer Type Questions

 

Question 1. On what percentage of the entire earth is the lithosphere present?
Answer: The lithosphere covers approximately 29 percent of the entire Earth's surface. This part includes all the solid ground, like continents and islands.
In simple words: Around 29% of the Earth's total area is land, which is called the lithosphere.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember this key percentage for understanding Earth's basic composition – lithosphere (land), hydrosphere (water), and atmosphere (air).

 

Question 3. What percentage of plant diversity of the whole world is found in our country?
Answer: India is home to 8 percent of the world's total plant diversity. This shows how rich and varied plant life is in the country, due to its different climates and regions.
In simple words: 8 percent of all the different types of plants in the world are found in India.

🎯 Exam Tip: These statistics highlight India's importance in global biodiversity conservation efforts.

 

Question 4. Write the name of green matter found in plants.
Answer: The green matter found in plants is called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants make their own food using sunlight.
In simple words: The green stuff in plants is called chlorophyll.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand that chlorophyll is the pigment that gives plants their green color and is crucial for the process of photosynthesis.

 

Question 5. According to Odum, how much insolation per day per square meter is obtained from sunlight?
Answer: According to Odum, an average of 3000 kilocalories of insolation per day per square meter is obtained from sunlight. This energy powers many natural processes on Earth.
In simple words: Odum said that one square meter gets about 3000 kilocalories of sunlight every day.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on remembering the specific numerical value (3000 kilocalories) and the unit (per day per square meter) as described by Odum.

RBSE Class 11 Physical Geography Chapter 22 Short Answer Type Questions

 

Question 1. Define the term biosphere.
Answer: The biosphere is a global system that includes all living organisms on Earth, along with the parts of the lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere where life exists. It essentially forms a 'cover' around the Earth's surface where plant and animal life can thrive without special protection. According to Stroller, the biosphere is created by all living organisms and the environment they interact with.
In simple words: The biosphere is the part of Earth where life exists. It includes all living things and the parts of land, water, and air where they live and interact.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly distinguish between lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and how they combine to form the biosphere where life is possible.

 

Question 2. Write a comment on bio-diversity in India.
Answer: India is one of the countries with the highest biodiversity in the world, coming in second only to Brazil. Our country has a wide variety of plant and animal life due to its diverse geography and climate. India accounts for about 6.5 percent of the world's animal species and 8 percent of plant species. There are approximately 46,000 types of plants and 81,000 types of animals found here. This rich variety makes India a crucial region for global conservation.
In simple words: India has a lot of different kinds of plants and animals, ranking second globally after Brazil. This is because of its many types of land and weather.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing about biodiversity, mention specific percentages or numbers of species if available, and connect it to geographical and climatic factors.

 

Question 4. According to Tansley, write the definition of ecosystem.
Answer: According to A.G. Tansley, an ecosystem is "The system in which the biotic and abiotic factors of the environment are inter-connected." Tansley was the first to use the term 'ecosystem' to describe how living and non-living parts of an environment interact, drawing global attention to this concept. This definition highlights the interconnectedness of all elements within an environment.
In simple words: Tansley said an ecosystem is a system where living things (biotic) and non-living things (abiotic) in an environment are all connected and work together.

🎯 Exam Tip: When defining terms by specific scientists, make sure to quote or accurately paraphrase their definition and mention their name.

 

Question 5. Define energy flow.
Answer: Energy flow refers to the process where energy moves through an ecosystem, keeping its biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components active and dynamic. This flow is controlled by the ecology of the system, and it is essential for maintaining the natural balance within the environment. When energy moves from one living thing to another, some of it is always lost.
In simple words: Energy flow is how energy moves through an ecosystem, from one living part to another. This movement keeps the ecosystem alive and balanced.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize that energy flow is a unidirectional process and that energy is lost at each trophic level, following the second law of thermodynamics.

RBSE Class 11 Physical Geography Chapter 22 Essay Type Questions

 

Question 1. Write an article on the concept of ecosystem.
Answer: The concept of an ecosystem involves studying organisms within a geographical unit and how they interact with each other and their environment. A.G. Tansley, in 1935, defined an ecosystem as "The system in which the biotic and abiotic factors of the environment are inter-related." This means that all living (biotic) things like plants and animals, and non-living (abiotic) things like soil, water, and air, are connected and influence each other. Different scientists have also provided their own definitions to further explain this concept.
According to R.L. Lindeman (1942), an ecosystem is "The system that is produced by physical-chemical-biological processes in a particular time unit of any magnitude." This highlights that an ecosystem involves ongoing physical, chemical, and biological activities. Similarly, Peter Haggett (1975) viewed an ecosystem as an ecological system where "plants and organisms are linked to their environment through the nutritional chain," focusing on how energy and nutrients move through the system. Arthur N. Strahler (1976) described it as "a group of components that interact with groups of organisms. This activity involves investing in substances and energy, which create biological structures." This emphasizes the cycling of matter and energy. Park (1980) simply called it "the gross of all the natural organisms and elements within a certain area," pointing to the total living and non-living elements in a specific place. In essence, an ecosystem is a fundamental unit in ecology, varying in size from a small pond to the entire planet, and can be natural or man-made, showing the complex web of life and environment. The way different parts of nature work together creates a balanced system.
In simple words: An ecosystem is a place where all living things and non-living things are connected and work together. Many scientists have defined it, but the main idea is that everything in an environment is related and affects each other, like a big natural system.

🎯 Exam Tip: For essay questions on concepts, define the term clearly, mention key scientists and their contributions, and explain the various aspects or components of the concept in a structured manner.

 

Question 2. Write an article on energy flow in the ecosystem.
Answer: Energy flow in an ecosystem describes how energy moves through its living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) parts, keeping the system active and balanced. Energy is constantly needed to maintain this activity, making the ecosystem dynamic. Any significant change in this energy flow, whether due to human actions or natural causes, can lead to imbalances. The sun is the primary source of energy for Earth's ecosystems. However, only a tiny fraction of solar energy, about 0.02 percent, is converted into chemical energy by plants through photosynthesis. This small amount is crucial for making the ecosystem dynamic. Chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants, absorbs solar energy and converts it into organic particles using carbon-dioxide and water. This process is called photosynthesis. The energy then moves from plants (producers) to herbivores (primary consumers), then to carnivores (secondary consumers), and so on. At each step, a significant amount of energy is lost, meaning the energy available decreases at higher consumer levels. For example, Odum noted that out of an average of 3000 kilocalories of solar energy per square meter per day, only 1500 kilocalories are absorbed by plants, and just 1% (15 kilocalories) is converted into chemical energy. This energy further decreases to 1.5 kilocalories at the secondary level and 0.3 kilocalories at the tertiary level. While energy is lost in quantity at each transfer, its quality increases. Energy is neither created nor destroyed, but its form changes, maintaining the overall balance of energy within the ecosystem.
In simple words: Energy flow is how energy moves from the sun, through plants, and then to animals in an ecosystem. Plants use sunlight to make food. When animals eat plants, they get that energy. More energy is always lost at each step. This constant movement keeps the ecosystem working and balanced.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the concept using the food chain (producers, consumers), mention the sun as the ultimate source, and highlight the 10% law of energy transfer (though Odum's specific numbers are also good here).

 

Question 3. Explain the effect of industrialisation on eco-system in detail.
Answer: Industrialization has a significant adverse impact on ecosystems in several ways:
1. **Increased Environmental Pollution:** Factories and industries release many harmful substances, leading to a rapid increase in air, water, and soil pollution.
2. **Air and Water Pollution from Industrial Units:** Industrial units are major sources of pollution. They release poisonous gases into the atmosphere, causing air pollution. Chemical wastewater from these units contaminates rivers, groundwater, and the sea, affecting aquatic life and water quality for human use.
3. **Drinking Water Crisis:** Pollution of rivers and groundwater by industries makes it difficult to find clean drinking water in areas near industrial cities. The presence of chemically-polluted water in places like Pali city's tube-wells is a clear example.
4. **Ozone Layer Thinning and Acid Rain:** Toxic gases from industrial areas contribute to the thinning of the ozone layer, which protects Earth from harmful UV radiation. These gases also cause acid rain, damaging forests, lakes, and buildings.
5. **Reduced Land Fertility:** Solid waste generated by industrial units pollutes the soil, making it less fertile. This negatively impacts agricultural produce and overall productivity, leading to less food for people.
All these effects show how industrialization, while bringing economic growth, puts immense pressure on natural ecosystems, leading to long-term environmental degradation. This affects not just nature but also human health and well-being.
In simple words: Industrialization harms ecosystems by causing a lot of pollution in the air, water, and soil. Factories release bad gases and waste, which leads to dirty drinking water, damage to the ozone layer, acid rain, and less fertile land.

🎯 Exam Tip: Structure your answer with clear points for each effect. Provide brief examples or explanations for each impact, such as the example of Pali city for water pollution.

RBSE Class 11 Physical Geography Chapter 22 Other Important Questions

RBSE Class 11 Physical Geography Chapter 22 Multiple Choice Questions

 

Question 1. The word 'ecology' has originated from which language?
(a) from French language
(b) from Greek language
(c) from German language
(d) from Hindi language
Answer: (b) from Greek language
In simple words: The word 'ecology' comes from the Greek language.

🎯 Exam Tip: Many scientific terms have Greek or Latin roots. Knowing the origin can sometimes help understand the meaning.

 

Question 2. Whose idea was that “earth is not a material substance"?
(a) Odum's
(b) Humboldt's
(c) Ritter's
(d) Tansley's
Answer: (b) Humboldt's
In simple words: It was Humboldt's idea that Earth is more than just a material object.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify key philosophical or conceptual statements attributed to famous scientists in the field of geography or ecology.

 

Question 3. Those organisms who are dependent on other creatures for their survival, are called:
(a) Holozoics
(b) Saprophytes
(c) Parasites
(d) Consumers
Answer: (c) Parasites
In simple words: Organisms that live on or in other creatures and depend on them for food are called parasites.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be careful to distinguish between consumers (which eat other organisms) and parasites (which live off a host, often harming it, without immediately killing it). Both are dependent, but the nature of dependence differs.

 

Question 5. Which of the following is an abiotic component?
(a) Cow
(b) Lion
(c) Fish
(d) Rain
Answer: (d) Rain
In simple words: Rain is a non-living part of the environment, making it an abiotic component.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly understand the difference between biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components of an ecosystem. Abiotic factors include sunlight, water, soil, temperature, and minerals.

 

Question 6. According to Forest Report 2015, what is the total geographical area of forests in India?
(a) 19.02%
(b) 20.15%
(c) 22.02%
(d) 24%
Answer: (c) 22.02%
In simple words: In 2015, about 22.02% of India's land was covered by forests, as per the Forest Report.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always pay attention to the specific year mentioned in such questions, as these figures change over time. Using outdated data will lead to incorrect answers.

 

Question 7. Water Cess Act was implemented:
(a) In 1971
(b) In 1981
(c) In 1977
(d) In 1986
Answer: (c) In 1977
In simple words: The Water Cess Act, which is about charging for water use, was put into practice in the year 1977.

🎯 Exam Tip: For acts and policies, remember the exact year of implementation. These are often tested in objective questions.

 

Question 8. Which of the following is not a Key-stone species:
(a) Elephant
Answer: (a) Elephant
In simple words: Among the choices, the elephant is not typically considered a keystone species.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the definition of a keystone species: a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its natural environment relative to its abundance.

Matching Type Questions

 

Question A. Match column A with column B:

Answer:
1. (d)
2. (c)
3. (a)
4. (b)
In simple words: Algae make their own food, goats eat plants, cats eat meat, and fungi break down dead things.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the roles of different organisms in an ecosystem: producers (autotrophs), herbivores, carnivores, and decomposers.

 

Question B. Match column A with column B:

Answer:
1. (b)
2. (c)
3. (d)
4. (a)
In simple words: Grass is a producer, a grasshopper eats grass (primary consumer), a frog eats grasshoppers (secondary consumer), and a snake eats frogs (tertiary consumer).

🎯 Exam Tip: Be able to categorize organisms into different trophic levels based on their feeding habits in a food chain.

RBSE Class 11 Physical Geography Chapter 22 Very Short Answer Type Questions

 

Question 1. Who used the word ecology for the first time and for whom?
Answer: The word ecology was first used by Ernst Haeckel in 1866, not Haikal (1989), for studying the regions of vegetation. This term helps to describe the relationship between living organisms and their environment.
In simple words: The word 'ecology' was first used by Ernst Haeckel to study how plants and other living things relate to their surroundings.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the correct name and year for the origin of key scientific terms to avoid common misconceptions.

 

Question 2. How has the word ecology originated?
Answer: The word 'ecology' comes from two Greek words: 'Oikos' meaning habitation or home, and 'Logos' meaning studies. So, ecology literally means the study of homes or habitats, focusing on how living things interact within their environment. It helps us understand where organisms live and how they survive there.
In simple words: The word 'ecology' comes from Greek words 'Oikos' (home) and 'Logos' (study), meaning the study of how living things live in their homes or environment.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the Greek roots of ecological terms can help you understand their fundamental meaning and recall their definitions more easily.

 

Question 3. What did Ritter write about ecology?
Answer: Ritter explained that there is coordination in the regional distribution of different elements on Earth's surface. He stated that these elements are interconnected, which gives a unique character to each specific area. This means that all parts of a region work together to make it special.
In simple words: Ritter wrote that everything in a region, like land, water, and plants, is connected and works together to make that place unique.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing contributions of geographers like Ritter, focus on their key ideas about interconnectedness and regional specificity.

 

Question 4. What is meant by ecosystem?
Answer: An ecosystem is defined as a system formed by a timely and sequential study of living organisms within a geographic unit and their inter-relationships. It includes all the living and non-living parts of an environment that interact with each other to form a stable whole. This interaction involves the flow of energy and the cycling of materials. For example, a forest, a pond, or even a small garden can be considered an ecosystem.
In simple words: An ecosystem is a system where living things in a certain area are connected and interact with each other and their non-living environment.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that an ecosystem always involves both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components interacting together.

 

Question 5. How has Odum defined ecosystem?
Answer: Odum described the ecosystem as any unit that includes all organisms in a given area interacting with the physical environment, so that a flow of energy leads to clearly defined trophic structure, biotic diversity, and material cycles within the system. This definition emphasizes that ecosystems have clear structures and processes.
In simple words: Odum said an ecosystem is a unit where all living things in an area interact with their physical environment, leading to energy flow and nutrient cycles.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight Odum's focus on energy flow, trophic structure, and material cycles as key elements of his ecosystem definition.

 

Question 6. On the basis of the source of energy, ecosystem is divided into how many parts?
Answer: Based on their source of energy, ecosystems are mainly divided into two types:
1. Natural ecosystem
2. Man-made or Artificial ecosystem
This classification helps us understand whether the energy driving the system comes from natural processes or human intervention. For example, a forest is a natural ecosystem, while a farm field is a man-made ecosystem.
In simple words: Ecosystems are divided into two main types based on where their energy comes from: natural and man-made ecosystems.

🎯 Exam Tip: Give an example for each type of ecosystem (e.g., forest for natural, aquarium for artificial) to strengthen your answer.

 

Question 7. What is meant by Natural Ecosystem?
Answer: A natural ecosystem is one that develops and functions entirely under natural conditions, without significant human interference. These ecosystems rely on natural processes for their energy, growth, and balance. Examples include forests, oceans, deserts, and grasslands. The types of plants and animals found there are determined by natural factors like climate and geography.
In simple words: A natural ecosystem is one that grows and works all on its own, without people changing it much.

🎯 Exam Tip: Contrast natural ecosystems with artificial ones to highlight their key characteristic: development under natural, not human, conditions.

 

Question 8. Which is the largest and permanent ecosystem?
Answer: The marine ecosystem is considered the largest and most permanent ecosystem on Earth. It covers the vast oceans and seas, which hold a massive amount of biodiversity and have existed for billions of years, remaining relatively stable over geological time scales. This ecosystem plays a crucial role in regulating global climate.
In simple words: The ocean ecosystem is the biggest and longest-lasting ecosystem on Earth.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that the marine ecosystem's vastness and long history contribute to its designation as the largest and most permanent.

 

Question 9. What is a man-made ecosystem? Or What is artificial ecosystem?
Answer: A man-made or artificial ecosystem is a system that has been created, managed, and evolved by humans. These ecosystems are designed and maintained for specific human purposes and often require human intervention to function. Examples include agricultural fields, gardens, zoos, and aquariums. Unlike natural ecosystems, they depend on human input for their structure and energy sources.
In simple words: A man-made ecosystem is a system created and managed by people, like farms or gardens.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide clear examples of man-made ecosystems to illustrate your definition, showing how they differ from natural ones.

 

Question 10. What forms the structure of the ecosystem?
Answer: The structure of an ecosystem is formed by the interactions between its biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components of the environment. This includes the types of organisms present, their numbers, how they are organized, and how they interact with physical factors like climate, soil, and water. This complex interplay creates the unique characteristics of each ecosystem.
In simple words: The way an ecosystem is built depends on how living things and non-living things in that environment interact with each other.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked about ecosystem structure, always mention the interaction between biotic and abiotic components as the core idea.

 

Question 11. What is meant by biotic components?
Answer: Biotic components refer to all the living organisms within an ecosystem. These include plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. All these organisms are interconnected through various interactions, such as feeding relationships (food chains), competition, and symbiosis. These living parts play active roles in the flow of energy and cycling of nutrients within the ecosystem. Plants, for instance, produce food, while animals consume it.
In simple words: Biotic components are all the living things in an ecosystem, like plants and animals, that interact with each other.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that biotic components are living, and their interactions are crucial for the ecosystem's functioning and balance.

 

Question 13. What is meant by hetero-trophic components?
Answer: Hetero-trophic components are organisms in an ecosystem that cannot produce their own food. Instead, they obtain their food by consuming the organic matter produced by auto-trophic primary producers or by eating other organisms. These are often referred to as consumers. Animals, fungi, and most bacteria are examples of heterotrophs, and they form different levels in the food chain.
In simple words: Hetero-trophic components are living things that cannot make their own food. They eat other organisms or plants to get energy.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly differentiate heterotrophs from autotrophs (producers) by their method of obtaining food, highlighting that heterotrophs are always consumers.

 

Question 14. Heterotrophic components are divided into how many parts?
Answer: Heterotrophic components are mainly divided into three parts based on their feeding mechanisms:
1. Saprophytic
2. Parasitic
3. Holozoic components
Each of these categories represents a distinct way in which organisms obtain nutrients from their environment. For example, saprophytes absorb nutrients from dead matter, while holozoic organisms ingest food.
In simple words: Heterotrophs are divided into three main types: saprophytic, parasitic, and holozoic, depending on how they eat.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be ready to briefly describe each of these three types of heterotrophic components in an exam if asked.

 

Question 15. What are saprophytic components?
Answer: Saprophytic components are organisms, primarily fungi and bacteria, that obtain their nutrients by breaking down dead organic compounds from plants and animals in liquid form. They secrete digestive enzymes onto dead matter, and then absorb the dissolved nutrients. These organisms are crucial decomposers in an ecosystem, returning essential nutrients to the soil. Without saprophytes, dead organic material would accumulate indefinitely.
In simple words: Saprophytic components are living things, like fungi, that eat dead plants and animals by absorbing their dissolved nutrients.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the role of saprophytes as decomposers and their importance in nutrient cycling within an ecosystem.

 

Question 16. On the basis of functioning, into how many parts are biotic components divided?
Answer: On the basis of their functioning, biotic components in an ecosystem are divided into three main parts:
1. Producers (Autotrophs)
2. Consumers (Heterotrophs)
3. Decomposers
This functional division highlights the different roles living organisms play in the flow of energy and cycling of matter within an ecosystem. Producers make food, consumers eat it, and decomposers break down waste.
In simple words: Living parts of an ecosystem are divided into three groups based on what they do: producers, consumers, and decomposers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember these three functional categories as the foundational roles for all living organisms in any ecosystem.

 

Question 17. What does the term decomposition mean?
Answer: Decomposition is the process by which micro-organisms (like bacteria) and fungi break down organic matter, including dead plants and animals, into simpler substances. This process releases nutrients back into the environment, making them available for producers. It is a vital part of nutrient cycling and ensures that organic waste does not accumulate indefinitely, hence a very important biological process.
In simple words: Decomposition is when tiny living things, like bacteria and fungi, break down dead plants and animals into simpler parts.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain decomposition as a crucial ecological process for nutrient recycling, performed mainly by decomposers such as bacteria and fungi.

 

Question 19. What is meant by food chain?
Answer: A food chain describes the systematic series or sequence of organisms in an ecosystem through which food energy and nutrients are transferred. It starts with producers (plants) and moves through various levels of consumers. This sequential transfer of energy from one organism to another is essential for the survival of all life forms. Each link in the chain represents who eats whom.
In simple words: A food chain shows how food energy moves from one living thing to another in an ecosystem.

🎯 Exam Tip: Illustrate with a simple example like "grass → rabbit → fox" to clearly explain the concept of a food chain.

 

Question 20. What is meant by nutritional level?
Answer: A nutritional level, also known as a trophic level, refers to each level or link in a food chain. Organisms at the same nutritional level obtain energy from similar sources. For example, producers (plants) form the first trophic level, herbivores (plant-eaters) form the second, and carnivores (meat-eaters) form higher levels. Understanding these levels helps in mapping the flow of energy through an ecosystem.
In simple words: A nutritional level is each step or link in a food chain, showing how organisms get their food.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be able to identify the different trophic levels (e.g., producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, tertiary consumers).

 

Question 21. What is meant by ecological pyramid?
Answer: An ecological pyramid is a graphical representation that illustrates the relationship between different trophic levels in an ecosystem. It typically shows the amount of biomass, energy flow, or number of organisms at each level, with producers forming the base and successive trophic levels (herbivores, carnivores) forming the higher tiers. This pyramid structure helps visualize the decrease in energy and biomass at higher levels. For instance, there are always more plants than herbivores.
In simple words: An ecological pyramid is a picture that shows how much energy or how many living things are at each level of a food chain, usually with more at the bottom and less at the top.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention the three main types of ecological pyramids: pyramid of numbers, pyramid of biomass, and pyramid of energy, noting that the pyramid of energy is always upright.

 

Question 22. Which human activities are responsible for climate change?
Answer: Human activities such as deforestation (cutting down forests), industrialization (setting up factories), and the invention and use of nuclear power are considered key contributors to climate change. These activities release greenhouse gases, alter land use patterns, and can have far-reaching impacts on global weather systems. For instance, burning fossil fuels in industries releases carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas.
In simple words: Cutting down forests, building many factories, and using nuclear power are big human activities that cause climate change.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the most impactful human activities, especially those that increase greenhouse gas emissions, when discussing climate change causes.

RBSE Class 11 Physical Geography Chapter 22 Short Answer Type Questions (SA-I)

 

Question 1. How did the concept of ecology emerge?
Answer: While the term 'ecology' itself emerged in the 19th century, the underlying concept of the interaction between humans and the environment is very old. Historically, early human societies lived in harmony with nature, understanding its laws. However, in the modern era, humans developed a desire to conquer nature for material pleasures, often sacrificing these age-old natural laws. This led to a distortion in the inter-relationship of organisms with their environment, which in turn sparked the formal emergence of the concept of ecology as a field of study to understand and address these imbalances. Scientists began to recognize the complex web of life and the environment.
In simple words: The idea of ecology came up because people started to harm nature as they sought comfort. This made scientists realize they needed to study how living things and their surroundings are connected.

🎯 Exam Tip: When tracing the emergence of a concept, cover both its historical roots (ancient wisdom) and its modern formalization (scientific study) due to changing human-nature relationships.

 

Question 2. Explain the ecological system.
Answer: The ecological system, or ecosystem, is a complex network that results from the interactions between living organisms and their environment. This system naturally develops according to natural rules. Studying ecology involves uncovering the secrets of this system, which is so intricate that new discoveries are constantly being made as researchers delve deeper. While scientific advancements have given humans the ability to use natural resources freely, this unchecked exploitation often leads to negative consequences like environmental degradation. The ecosystem is continuously adapting to these changes, demonstrating its dynamic nature. Understanding how all parts interact helps us see the full picture.
In simple words: An ecological system is where living things and their environment interact naturally. It's a complex system that scientists are always studying to understand better. Human actions can harm it, leading to environmental problems.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the dynamic and interconnected nature of the ecological system, and briefly touch upon how human activities can impact its balance.

 

Question 3. Describe the main features of an ecosystem.
Answer: An ecosystem possesses several key characteristics:
1. An ecosystem is the basic unit of ecological studies. It's the fundamental building block for understanding how nature works.
2. The size and extent of an ecosystem can vary greatly. It can be as small as a puddle or as vast as an ocean, adapting to different scales.
3. Ecosystems can be either natural or man-made. Natural ones exist without human intervention (like forests), while man-made ones are created or significantly altered by humans (like farms).
4. An ecosystem can be spread across the entire globe (e.g., the global ecosystem) or be limited to a small area, such as a cage built in a zoo or a single lake. This shows its flexible spatial definition.
These features collectively highlight the diverse and dynamic nature of ecosystems, making them a central concept in environmental science.
In simple words: An ecosystem is the basic unit for studying nature. It can be small or big, natural or made by people. It means living things and their environment interacting in a specific area.

🎯 Exam Tip: List the features clearly using bullet points or numbered lists. Provide a brief explanation for each point to demonstrate understanding.

 

Question 4. What is the difference between Biotic and Abiotic components?
Answer: The main differences between Biotic and Abiotic components are:

The interaction between these two types of components drives the functioning of the entire ecosystem. For instance, plants (biotic) depend on sunlight and water (abiotic) to grow.
In simple words: Biotic components are all the living parts of an ecosystem, like plants and animals. Abiotic components are the non-living parts, such as sunlight, water, and soil. Biotic parts interact with each other and with abiotic parts.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use a clear table format to present differences. Provide specific examples for both biotic and abiotic components to reinforce understanding.

 

Question 5. Consumers are divided into how many parts?
Answer: Consumers are categorized into three main types based on what they eat:
1. Primary Consumers (Herbivores): These animals eat only plants or plant products. Examples include rabbits, deer, goats, cows, and insects. They are at the bottom of the food chain for animals.
2. Secondary Consumers (Carnivores): These animals eat other animals, specifically herbivores. They hunt and feed on the flesh of plant-eating animals. Frogs, cats, foxes, dogs, and lions are some examples.
3. Tertiary Consumers (Omnivores): These animals eat both plants and other animals (herbivores and carnivores). Humans, eagles, hawks, vultures, fish, and some lions fit into this category. They are at the top of the food chain.
In simple words: Consumers are split into three groups: plant-eaters (herbivores), meat-eaters (carnivores), and those that eat both plants and meat (omnivores). Each group gets its food in a different way.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the basic definitions and examples for each consumer type. A simple way to classify them is by their diet: plants only, meat only, or both.

 

Question 6. Why does the quantity of energy at each consumer level continue to decrease?
Answer: When plants store chemical energy, it is then transferred to herbivores when they eat the plants. However, energy is lost during this transfer. After that, when carnivorous organisms eat the herbivorous organisms, more energy is lost. This pattern of energy loss continues as energy moves from one feeding level to the next. Because of this, the amount of energy available at each higher consumer level continuously decreases. A lot of energy is lost as heat during metabolic processes at each step.
In simple words: Energy decreases at each step up the food chain because some energy is always lost as heat when one animal eats another. Not all the energy from the food gets passed on.

🎯 Exam Tip: Energy transfer in an ecosystem is never 100% efficient. About 90% of energy is lost at each trophic level, with only 10% moving to the next level.

 

Question. Explain the contribution of wild life in natural balance.
Answer: Wildlife plays a vital role in keeping nature balanced. It helps maintain the ecological balance. If this balance is disturbed, it directly impacts humans. For instance, if meat-eating wildlife (carnivores) are removed, the plant-eating animals (herbivores) would grow too much in number. They would then eat all the plants and trees in the forest, causing entire forest areas to disappear. This would lead to less rainfall, insufficient crop production, and financial hardship for humans. Therefore, it is clear that wildlife is crucial for balancing nature. Every species, no matter how small, contributes to the overall health of the ecosystem.
In simple words: Wildlife helps keep nature balanced, like making sure there aren't too many plant-eaters or too many plants. If wildlife disappears, it can cause big problems like less rain and food for people.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing ecological balance, provide a clear example, such as the predator-prey relationship, to illustrate how one change can have a domino effect on the entire ecosystem.

RBSE Class 11 Physical Geography Chapter 22 Short Answer Type Questions (SA-II)

 

Question 1. Explain the types of ecosystem.
Answer: Ecosystems are categorized in several ways. The classification can be understood through the following breakdown and descriptions:
Ecosystems can be broadly categorized as:

• Natural Ecosystems
  • On the basis of Development:
    • Mature Ecosystem
    • Immature Ecosystem
    • Mixed Ecosystem
    • Inactive Ecosystem
• Man-made Ecosystems
  • Agricultural Ecosystem
  • Non-agricultural Ecosystem
• Other general classifications:
  • Land Ecosystem
  • Aquatic Ecosystem

On the basis of their energy source, ecosystems are of two main types:
1. Natural Ecosystem: These ecosystems develop naturally without human intervention. They can be of two kinds:

• Terrestrial: Includes forests, grasslands, deserts, and mountain regions.
• Aquatic: Includes ponds, rivers, lakes, and oceans. The marine ecosystem (oceans) is the largest and most stable natural ecosystem.

2. Man-made or Artificial Ecosystem: These are ecosystems created and developed by humans. Examples include agricultural fields, parks, kitchen gardens, zoos, and aquariums. Humans manage and influence these ecosystems heavily.
3. On the basis of Housing/Environment:

• Terrestrial Ecosystem
• Aquatic Ecosystem

4. On the basis of Usage/Development Stage:

• Mature Ecosystem: Stable and well-developed, with a balanced flow of energy and matter.
• Immature Ecosystem: Still developing, with energy flow and species diversity changing.
• Mixed Ecosystem: Combines features of both natural and man-made systems, or different natural types.
• Inactive Ecosystem: Limited activity or suppressed functions, often due to external factors.

Each type plays a specific role and interacts differently with its environment and the organisms within it.
In simple words: Ecosystems are split into natural ones (like forests and oceans) and man-made ones (like farms and gardens). They can also be classified by where they are (land or water), how developed they are (young or old), and what their main purpose is.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining types of ecosystems, it's helpful to categorize them based on clear criteria (e.g., origin, habitat, development stage) and provide specific examples for each category.

 

Question 2. Explain the heterotrophs.
Answer: Heterotrophs are organisms that cannot make their own food. Instead, they get their food by eating primary producers or other organisms. Since heterotrophs rely on the food made by autotrophs (producers), they are also called consumers. Depending on how they get their food, heterotrophs are mainly divided into three types:
1. Saprophytic: These components get organic compounds from dead plants and animals in liquid form to survive. They are crucial for nutrient recycling.
2. Parasitic: These components depend on other living organisms (hosts) for their food and survival, often harming the host in the process.
3. Holozoic: These components consume food through their mouth, meaning they ingest solid or liquid food particles. Most major animals, including humans, belong to this category. They break down food internally.
In simple words: Heterotrophs are living things that cannot make their own food; they must eat other plants or animals. There are three kinds: saprophytes (eat dead stuff), parasites (live off other living things), and holozoic (eat food through their mouths, like humans).

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly differentiate heterotrophs from autotrophs by focusing on their food source. Remember that consumers are a type of heterotroph, and be ready to give examples for each sub-type.

 

Question 3. Explain the adverse effects of agricultural activity on the ecosystem.
Answer: To solve problems caused by a fast-growing population, humans have expanded farmland, used chemical fertilizers, new types of seeds, and farming tools. These activities have several bad effects on the ecosystem. For instance, humans have cleared forests and grasslands, and even reclaimed land from the ocean, to create more agricultural land. This has directly harmed wildlife, pastures, and the ocean's ecosystem. Also, the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides for more food production has made the land unsuitable for farming and polluted groundwater. Constant irrigation using groundwater has led to lower water levels, causing drinking water shortages in many areas, including Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Sustainable agricultural practices are essential to mitigate these impacts.
In simple words: Farming activities like clearing land, using chemicals, and too much irrigation hurt the ecosystem. They destroy natural habitats, pollute water, and cause water shortages.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on explaining how land use changes, chemical inputs, and water usage in agriculture negatively impact different parts of the ecosystem, such as soil, water, and biodiversity.

 

Question 4. What adverse effects does deforestation have on the ecology?
Answer: Uncontrolled cutting down of forests for farming, city growth, and other economic activities clearly harms the ecosystem's climate, soil, wildlife, and birds. When forests are cut down, the climate becomes warmer, rainfall decreases, soil erosion increases, and wildlife is destroyed. Today, many parts of the world, including India, have seen many wildlife species become extinct or on the verge of extinction due to uncontrolled forest harvesting. This has made the forest ecosystem unbalanced, because natural plant life is the main support system of the forest ecosystem. Forests are vital carbon sinks, and their loss contributes to climate change.
In simple words: Cutting down too many trees harms the environment. It makes the climate hotter, reduces rain, causes soil to wash away, and destroys animal homes. This unbalances the whole forest system.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing deforestation, mention its broad impacts on climate, soil, and biodiversity, emphasizing how it disrupts the natural balance of an ecosystem.

 

Question 5. Explain the role of the key-stone species in the balance of nature.
Answer: Keystone species are those animals or plants that have a much larger impact on their ecosystem than their numbers would suggest. They are vital for the health and stability of a specific region's ecosystem. These species help maintain the ecosystem's health, and without them, the ecosystem would change drastically, possibly even collapsing. Thus, keystone species play a very important role in the ecosystem. They are often predators that help control the populations of other species. For example, if there are no predators, the number of prey animals would increase too much, leading to the destruction of the ecosystem. Keystone species like elephants and frogs help keep the ecosystem balanced by influencing the numbers of other species in their community. Their presence helps regulate the ecosystem's structure and function.
In simple words: Keystone species are like very important players in an ecosystem. They keep other animal populations in check and make sure the whole system stays healthy. If they disappear, the entire ecosystem can fall apart.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define keystone species by their disproportionate impact. Emphasize their role in controlling populations and maintaining stability, providing examples like predators or ecosystem engineers.

RBSE Class 11 Physical Geography Chapter 22 Essay Type Questions

 

Question 1. Explain the structure of the ecosystem.
Answer: The ecosystem is a concept that involves studying organisms in a specific geographic area and how they interact with each other and their environment. As A.G. Tansley defined in 1935, an ecosystem is a system where living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) parts of the environment are connected. R.L. Lindeman (1942) described it as a system formed by physical, chemical, and biological processes over a certain period and area.
The structure of an ecosystem can be understood by looking at its main components: Biotic Elements and Abiotic Elements. These are often visualized as a diagram:

• Biotic Elements
  • On the basis of Nutrition
    • Primary producers
    • Saprophyte
    • Parasite
    • Holozoic
  • On the basis of Activity
    • Producers
    • Consumers
      • Herbivores (or Primary Consumers)
      • Carnivores (or Secondary Consumers)
      • Omnivores (or Tertiary Consumers)
    • Decomposers
• Abiotic Elements
  • Climatic Elements
  • Organic Substances
  • Inorganic Substances

A brief description of these components is as follows:
**Biotic Components:** These include all living organisms within an ecosystem. They are connected through different interactions and can be classified based on how they get food and their function:
1. Classification of Biotic Components on the basis of nutritional potential:
(i) Auto-trophic components: Also known as primary producers, these organisms (like plants) create their own food using solar energy through photosynthesis and absorb nutrients from the soil. They provide food for herbivores.
(ii) Heterotrophic components: These are living parts that get food from primary producers. Since they use food made by autotrophs, they are called consumers. They are divided into three types based on how they consume food:
(A) Saprophyte: These organisms get organic compounds from dead plants and animals in liquid form.
(C) Holozoic: These organisms eat food through their mouths. Most large animals, including humans, fall into this category.
2. On the basis of functionality:
(i) Producers: These species, mainly plants, make their own food using sunlight (photosynthesis) and soil nutrients. They are known as primary producers. Animals and humans that rely on these producers are called consumers, not secondary producers.
(ii) Consumers: These are heterotrophs that eat food made by autotrophs (producers). They come in three types:
(a) Herbivores or primary consumers: These organisms eat plants or plant products. Examples include mollusks in water, rabbits, deer, goats, cows, and insects.
(b) Carnivores or secondary consumers: These organisms kill and eat herbivores. Examples include frogs, cats, foxes, dogs, and lions.
(c) Omnivores or Tertiary Consumers: These creatures eat both plants and other animals (herbivores and carnivores). Humans, hawks, vultures, fish, and some lions are examples. They are also called high-class consumers.
(iii) Decomposers: These mainly consist of microorganisms and fungi. They break down dead plants and animals, making organic substances available again for primary producers. Decomposers are vital for recycling nutrients.
These components work together to maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
**Abiotic Components:** These are the non-living parts of the ecosystem:
2. Organic substances: These include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and other liquid substances. They are essential for building the bodies of organisms.
3. Inorganic materials: These include elements like oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen, sulfur, calcium, minerals, and salts. These non-living elements are crucial for the cycle of matter in the ecosystem and help organisms stay strong.
In simple words: An ecosystem has living parts (like plants and animals) and non-living parts (like climate, water, and soil). Living parts are grouped by how they get food: producers make their own, consumers eat others, and decomposers break down dead things. Non-living parts are important for supporting life. All these parts work together in a cycle to keep the ecosystem healthy.

🎯 Exam Tip: For an essay on ecosystem structure, clearly define biotic and abiotic components, then detail their sub-types and roles. Using a hierarchical list or diagram helps illustrate the complex interactions effectively.

 

Question 2. Explain the adverse impact of humans on the ecosystem. Or How is mankind affecting the ecosystem adversely?
Answer: Human activities have had a much more negative impact on the ecosystem than positive ones, leading to many environmental problems today. If these issues are not addressed soon, human life on Earth could be at risk. The negative effects of human activity on the ecosystem can be explained as follows:
1. Adverse effects of agricultural activity: To feed a growing population, humans have expanded farmland by clearing forests and grasslands, and even reclaiming land from oceans. This has directly harmed wildlife, pastures, and oceanic ecosystems. The excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has made land infertile and polluted groundwater. Continuous irrigation has lowered groundwater levels, causing drinking water shortages in areas like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
2. Adverse effects of deforestation: Uncontrolled cutting of forests for city growth, farming, and other economic reasons clearly harms the ecosystem's climate, soil, wildlife, and birds. Deforestation leads to warmer climates, less rainfall, increased soil erosion, and the destruction of animal habitats. Many wildlife species, including in India, are now extinct or endangered because forests, which are key to the ecosystem, have been destroyed.
3. Adverse effects of mining operations: Industrial and technological growth has increased mining, causing many environmental problems. Mining involves digging up large areas of land, creating huge pits, and destroying natural vegetation and wildlife. Millions of square kilometers of land become unusable. Underground explosions for mining increase dust in the atmosphere, directly harming people's health and creating imbalances in local ecosystems.
4. Adverse effects of industrialization: Industrialization increases environmental pollution. Industrial units pollute water and air, releasing toxic gases into the atmosphere. Chemical waste and sewage from factories pollute rivers and groundwater. These toxic gases also cause ozone layer depletion and acid rain in industrial areas.
5. Adverse effects of climate change: Climate change is happening because of human activities like deforestation, industrialization, and the development of nuclear power. Irregular rainfall, rising temperatures, ozone depletion, and other issues show these climate changes.
6. Adverse effect of natural disasters: Human activities have also increased natural calamities like floods, droughts, famines, and landslides. Building large dams on rivers has contributed to earthquakes, such as the Koyna dam earthquake in Maharashtra. In the 1980s, natural disasters caused an average of 2 billion dollars in property loss globally, which rose to 12 billion dollars in the 1990s. On December 26, 2004, over 200,000 people died in tsunami waves, and sea levels rose along the Andaman Nicobar Coast. These events clearly show how natural disasters lead to ecosystem imbalance.
Human beings are considered as important factors responsible for the change of climate:
1. Deforestation: Humans exploit forests excessively for their benefit, leading to irregular rainfall and increased temperatures.
2. Industrialisation: Toxic gases from factories pollute the air and deplete the ozone layer. The ozone layer protects Earth from harmful UV and infrared rays. The increase in toxic gases has led to a rise in skin and respiratory diseases worldwide.
3. The invention of nuclear power: The development of nuclear bombs, one of humanity's most destructive inventions, affects the climate through underground or oceanic explosions. The Pokhran blast, for instance, caused unusual rainfall in Barmer. All scientific development, when done without considering its environmental impact, directly or indirectly harms the ecological system.
A climate change meeting in Buenos Aires (December 6-17, 2004) failed to reach an agreement on weather changes, their causes, and solutions. This was largely due to developed countries like the US, Russia, and Italy, and oil-rich nations like Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar, refusing to cut carbon emissions due to economic concerns. Today, global weather patterns are unusual; there are no fixed seasons for rain or snow, and temperatures are unpredictable. The main cause of this unusual weather is rising global temperature. The Inter-governmental Manual on Climate Change warns that unchecked global warming will lead to more storms and floods, higher temperatures, and increased deaths from heatwaves. To reduce this, greenhouse gas emissions must be cut by 50-70% from 1990 levels.
In simple words: Humans harm the ecosystem in many ways. Farming activities like clearing land and using chemicals pollute. Cutting down forests changes the climate, erodes soil, and kills animals. Mining destroys land and pollutes air. Factories cause air and water pollution, and nuclear power impacts the climate. All these actions lead to imbalanced ecosystems and worse natural disasters. Climate change, caused by deforestation, industries, and nuclear use, is a big problem that needs to be solved by reducing pollution.

🎯 Exam Tip: For comprehensive answers on human impact, categorize the effects (e.g., agriculture, deforestation, industrialization, climate change). Provide specific actions and their ecological consequences, and include relevant data or examples if available.