Environment and Environmental Problems

Earthworms are commonly referred to as the 'friend of farmers' because they improve soil fertility by aerating the soil and decomposing organic matter.

Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship where one organism, the parasite, derives benefit at the expense of the other host organism, which is adversely affected. Other options describe different ecological relationships like commensalism, mutualism, or neutralism.

Xerophytes are plants adapted to survive in environments with little liquid water, such as deserts.

Industrial waste is a primary source of water pollution, containing heavy metals, chemicals, and other toxic substances.

Environment refers to the sum total of all living and non-living elements and their effects that influence human life and the surroundings.

Rhizobium bacteria live in the root nodules of leguminous plants and convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form the plant can use.

A carnivore is an animal that feeds primarily on the flesh of other animals. Among the choices, the lion is the only carnivore.

Biogas is primarily composed of methane (typically 50-75%) and carbon dioxide.

The Earth's atmosphere is composed primarily of nitrogen (about 78%) and oxygen (about 21%).

The oceans cover the vast majority of the Earth's surface and contain the highest diversity and biomass of organisms, particularly in terms of marine life.

Carbon monoxide (CO) binds to hemoglobin in the blood much more strongly than oxygen, preventing the blood from carrying oxygen effectively.

Many desert animals are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night to avoid the extreme heat of the day, which helps them conserve water and energy.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is widely used as a cleaner-burning alternative fuel for vehicles compared to traditional gasoline or diesel.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are synthetic compounds that release chlorine atoms when exposed to UV radiation in the stratosphere, which then catalyze the destruction of ozone molecules. Other gases listed are greenhouse gases or pollutants, but they do not directly deplete the ozone layer.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a natural component of the atmosphere and is essential for photosynthesis. While it is a greenhouse gas, it is generally not classified as a pollutant in the same sense as toxic particulates like smoke, dust, or sulfur dioxide.

Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. Indiscriminate cutting of trees reduces this absorption capacity, leading to an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Polythene is a synthetic polymer that is non-biodegradable, meaning it cannot be broken down by biological processes. Leather, jute, and paper-based tapes are organic materials that decompose over time.

The environment is a complex system consisting of both abiotic factors (air, water, land) and biotic factors (plants, animals, and microorganisms). Option D is the most comprehensive definition provided.

LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to wood, petrol, or kerosene. It produces fewer particulate emissions and pollutants when combusted.

Air pollution introduces irritants and particulates into the respiratory system. Asthma is a chronic condition that is frequently triggered or exacerbated by poor air quality.

Historically and in terms of total cumulative emissions, the USA has been one of the largest contributors to global air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. While this is a complex geopolitical question, it is a standard textbook answer.

World Environment Day is an annual event established by the United Nations to encourage awareness and action for the protection of the environment, celebrated globally on June 5th.

Kaziranga National Park is located in the state of Assam, India, and is famous for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) are the primary greenhouse gases responsible for trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to the greenhouse effect.

Bacteria and fungi are the primary decomposers in an ecosystem. They break down complex organic matter from dead plants and animals into simpler substances, recycling nutrients back into the soil.

The word 'smog' is a portmanteau of 'smoke' and 'fog'. It is a type of intense air pollution that occurs when smoke particles mix with water vapor in the air.

Extinction is the end of an organism or of a group of organisms (taxon), normally a species. An extinct species is one that no longer has any living individuals on Earth.

The Chipko movement was a non-violent social and ecological movement by rural villagers, particularly women, in India to protect trees from being felled by hugging them.

Lotus, hydrilla, and hyacinth are all hydrophytes, which are plants that have adapted to live in aquatic environments.

Ammonification is the process by which decomposers (bacteria and fungi) break down organic nitrogenous compounds (like proteins and amino acids) from dead organisms into ammonia.