NCERT Exemplar Solution for Class 10 Science Chapter-15 Our Environment
The chapter Our Environment helps students understand the delicate balance that exists between living organisms and their surroundings. It explains how ecosystems function, how food chains maintain ecological stability, and why environmental conservation is necessary for the survival of life on Earth. This chapter also creates awareness about pollution, waste management, and the harmful effects of human activities on nature. The NCERT Exemplar Solution for Class 10 Science provides detailed explanations and concept-based questions that help students build a strong understanding of environmental science. By solving problems from the NCERT Exemplar Solution, learners can improve their analytical thinking and develop a deeper understanding of ecological relationships. These NCERT solutions for class 10 also help students prepare effectively for board examinations by focusing on reasoning-based and application-oriented questions related to environmental conservation and sustainability.
Find the Exercises PDF of NCERT Exemplar Solution for Class 10 Science Chapter-15 Our Environment
Ecosystem and Food Chains
An ecosystem is a natural unit where living organisms interact with each other and with their physical surroundings. The chapter explains that an ecosystem consists of biotic components such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, along with abiotic components like air, water, sunlight, and soil.
Plants are called producers because they prepare food through photosynthesis. Animals that depend directly or indirectly on plants are known as consumers. Decomposers such as bacteria and fungi break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients back into the environment. This continuous recycling process helps maintain ecological balance. The concept of food chains is one of the most important topics in this chapter. A food chain shows how energy passes from one organism to another. For example, grass is eaten by a deer, and the deer may be eaten by a tiger. Each step in the food chain is called a trophic level.
Students also learn that only a small amount of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next. Most energy is lost in the form of heat during biological processes. This explains why food chains are usually short and why top-level consumers are fewer in number.
Food webs are another important concept discussed in the chapter. A food web consists of interconnected food chains that provide stability to ecosystems. If one organism disappears, other organisms can still survive through alternative food sources. This balance is essential for maintaining biodiversity and ecological health.
Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable Substances
The chapter highlights the growing environmental challenges caused by waste materials. Substances that can be broken down naturally by microorganisms are called biodegradable substances. Examples include vegetable peels, paper, cotton, and leaves. These materials decompose naturally and do not remain in the environment for long periods.
Non-biodegradable substances, on the other hand, cannot be decomposed easily by natural processes. Plastic, glass, synthetic chemicals, and certain metals remain in the environment for many years. Their accumulation leads to land, water, and soil pollution. Students learn about the harmful effects of excessive plastic usage and improper waste disposal. Non-biodegradable waste enters food chains and affects living organisms. Toxic chemicals may accumulate in the bodies of organisms through a process called biological magnification. This phenomenon becomes especially dangerous for top consumers, including humans.
The chapter also explains the importance of the 3Rs — Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Reducing unnecessary consumption, reusing materials whenever possible, and recycling waste products help minimize environmental damage. These practices encourage sustainable living and conservation of resources. The NCERT Exemplar questions based on waste management and pollution help students understand real-world environmental problems. Through logical explanations and practical examples, students learn the importance of responsible environmental behavior.
Environmental Problems and Conservation
Human activities such as deforestation, industrialization, and overuse of natural resources have disturbed ecological balance. The chapter emphasizes the importance of conserving forests, wildlife, and natural habitats to maintain environmental stability.
Deforestation reduces biodiversity and affects the oxygen-carbon dioxide balance in the atmosphere. It also leads to soil erosion and climate change. The chapter encourages awareness about afforestation and sustainable use of natural resources. Pollution is another major concern discussed in this chapter. Air pollution caused by vehicles and factories affects human health and contributes to global warming. Water pollution harms aquatic organisms and reduces the availability of clean drinking water. The chapter explains that protecting the environment requires collective effort. Governments, industries, schools, and individuals all have important roles in reducing pollution and conserving nature. Simple actions such as planting trees, avoiding plastic waste, and saving water can make a significant difference.
The NCERT Exemplar Solution helps students understand these environmental issues through conceptual questions and application-based exercises. These solutions strengthen scientific thinking and encourage students to become environmentally responsible citizens.
This chapter not only builds academic understanding but also develops awareness about the importance of preserving nature for future generations.