Ecology And Environment | Unit 7 | English

Reading 1

How do Animals spend the Winter

A. Find the words from the text that have the following meanings.

a. a shop that sells food and other things used in homes ⇒ grocery

b. related to the regions around the North Pole ⇒ Arctic

c. an underground passage ⇒ tunnel

d. to find the right way to deal with a difficult situation ⇒ navigate

e. a person who works on a ship as a member of the crew ⇒ sailor

f. to change behaviour in order to deal more successfully with a new situation ⇒ adapt

g. a very small green or yellow plant that spreads over wet surfaces, rocks, trees, etc. ⇒ moss

h. to gather closely together, usually because of cold or fear ⇒ huddle

B. Read the paragraphs A-E and match them to the suitable titles.

A – Migration to New Places

B – Adaptation to New Weather

C – Living in Underground Holes

D – Going into a Deep Sleep

E – Other Ways to Survive

C. Write True or False against the following statements.

a. Animals wear thick coats to protect themselves from the cold. ⇒ False

b. Flying in flocks helps birds protect themselves from the cold. ⇒ False

c. Birds do not travel far to avoid the cold. ⇒ False

d. Some animals collect extra food for winter. ⇒ True

e. Snow fleas hibernate in winter. ⇒ False

f. Cold water makes it difficult for some animals to breathe. ⇒ False

D. Answer the following questions.

a. Why do birds migrate in groups?

⇒ Birds migrate in groups because the trip can be dangerous.

b. What controls the migration cycle of birds?

⇒ Changes in the amount of daylight and the weather control the migration cycle of birds.

c. How do birds find the same place for migration each year?

⇒ Birds find the same place for migration each year by using the Sun, Moon and stars for direction.

d. Why do you think squirrels and mice huddle close together in winter?

⇒ I think squirrels and mice huddle close together in winter to try to stay warm.

e. How do animals maintain energy during hibernation?

⇒ Animals maintain energy during hibernation by eating extra food and storing it as body fat.

f. How do frogs, turtles and fish change their habitats to survive in winter?

⇒ In winter, frogs, turtles and fish hide under rocks, logs or fallen leaves. They may even bury themselves in the mud.

Grammar I

Conditional Type 1

A. Use the correct form of the verbs from the brackets to complete the sentences.

If you call me, I ……… (come).

⇒ will come

If you ……… (not leave), I’ll call the police.

⇒ do not leave

Somebody ……… (notice) if you make a mistake.

⇒ will notice

If I see her, I ……… (tell) her to call you.

⇒ will tell

She ……… (be) very angry if you don’t apologise.

⇒ will be

They will be happy if we ……… (invite) them to the party.

⇒ invite

Will they pay any more if I ……… (work) harder?

⇒ work

If you don’t lock your bicycle, someone ……… (steal) it.

⇒ will steal

I ……… (lend) you some money if you promise not to waste it.

⇒ will lend

Unless you use your English, it ……… (not improve).

⇒ will not improve

You must study hard if you ……… (want) to join college.

⇒ want

Writing

Write paragraphs on the following topics in about 100 words.

Deforestation

Deforestation is the widespread clearing or removal of forests, primarily caused by human activities. This destructive process has significant environmental consequences. When forests are cut down or burned, the intricate ecosystems they support are disrupted, leading to a loss of biodiversity. Deforestation also contributes to climate change, as trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. Furthermore, the destruction of forests leads to soil erosion, reduced water quality, and disrupted water cycles. The impacts of deforestation are far-reaching, affecting not only the local environment but also global ecological balance and the livelihoods of indigenous communities who depend on forests for their sustenance. Efforts to combat deforestation include promoting sustainable forestry practices, reforestation initiatives, and raising awareness about the importance of preserving our forests for future generations.

Endangered Animals

Endangered animals are species that face the threat of extinction in the near future. This critical situation is mainly a result of human activities, such as habitat destruction, poaching, pollution, and climate change. The loss of natural habitats due to deforestation, urbanization, and industrial development poses a significant risk to many animal species. Additionally, illegal hunting and trade of animal products further contribute to the decline of endangered animals. Pollution from chemicals, pesticides, and waste disposal also poses a threat to their survival. Climate change impacts their habitats, disrupting ecosystems and altering their natural behaviors and life cycles. Efforts to protect endangered animals involve establishing protected areas, implementing conservation programs, raising public awareness, and enforcing strict laws against illegal hunting and trading. International collaborations and initiatives play a crucial role in conserving these species and ensuring their survival for future generations. It is vital that we recognize the importance of biodiversity and take proactive measures to protect and preserve endangered animals and their habitats.

Reading 2

The Resistant Moths

A. Use the correct words from the box below to complete the following sentences.

a. As responsible citizens, it is our duty to combat all social evils.

b. The whole town is suffering from the new plague of rats.

c. The minister’s opinion has created avalanche of controversy.

d. He got a nasty cut above his eye in the accident.

e. Some animals do not have a natural predator.

f. Mosquitoes seem to have become resistant to the toughest insecticides.

g. He is in despair due to all the failures in business.

B. The following words also refer to different styles of eating. Use a dictionary to find their meanings.

a. munch – to eat something steadily and noisily

b. nibble – to take small bites of something, especially food

c. gobble – to eat something very fast

d. gnaw – to keep chewing something hard

e. swallow – to make food, drink, etc. go down your throat into your stomach

C. Write whether the following sentences are True or False.

a. The first use of pesticides caused further problems to the farmers. ⇒ True

b. The shopkeepers made the farmers buy many pesticides. ⇒ False

c. Mahendra Yadav admits that the farmers used chemicals carelessly. ⇒ True

d. The pesticides not only killed the pests but also increased the fertility of the land. ⇒ False

e. Mahendra Yadav expects that the moths will go away one day. ⇒ True

D. Answer the following questions.

a. Why do you think Mahendra Yadav says “These insects will eat us alive”?

⇒ I think Mahendra Yadav says “These insects will eat us alive” because his fields have been swamped by a strange new plague of moths.

b. What did the farmers hope when they bought the pesticides for the first time?

⇒ The farmers hoped pesticides would kill the insects in their field and soon make them rich when they bought the pesticides for the first time.

c. What was the ‘nasty surprise’ for the farmers?

⇒ The ‘nasty surprise’ for the farmers was that despite the mixture of powerful chemicals on the potatoes, a few moths survived.

d. Find different words in the text that refer to the pesticide and the moth.

pesticide – poisons

moth- pests

e. Do you think that Mahendra Yadav has made a wise decision at the end? Why?

Yes, I think that Mahendra Yadav has made a wise decision at the end because he is letting some of his land lie fallow and changing the irrigation system in the hope that the moths will go away.

E. Why is the use of pesticides harmful to both people and the environment? What could be a good alternative to pesticides?

Pesticides have become deeply embedded within our agricultural system, playing a crucial role. Despite their intended purpose of eradicating specific pests, a significant portion of these chemicals inevitably veers off course, affecting unintended targets. Excessive pesticide usage poses a threat to non-target species as well. Through runoff and pesticide drift, these substances find their way into far-flung aquatic habitats, grazing lands, human settlements, and untouched regions, resulting in adverse consequences for both people and the environment. Embracing integrated pest management and sustainable agricultural practices like polyculture offer more viable alternatives to the excessive reliance on pesticides.

Grammar II

A. Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verbs given in the brackets.

a. If we hurry, we will get there in time. (get)

b. I won’t go to the doctor unless the pain increases (increase)

c. If you spit in a public place, you will get. into trouble. (get)

d. We will go for a picnic tomorrow if the weather stays nice. (go)

e. Everyone will believe you if you tell them the truth. (believe)

f. If he doesn’t wake up, he won’t get to work on time. (not wake)

g. If the baby is a boy, I’ll call him Nitesh. (be)

h. You can cause an accident if you drive so carelessly. (drive)

i. Unless she calls the ambulance immediately, her father may die. (call)

j. If you try harder, you will succeed in your exams. (succeed)

B. Complete the following sentences with suitable endings.

If you are hungry, ………………………….. .

get some food from the restaurant

If he runs fast, ……………………………….. .

he may catch the bus

They will win the match if ………………………………. .

they play well

If you phone him, ………………………………. .

he will help you

If Mira fails the exam, ………………………….. .

her father will scold her

Manashi will be promoted to grade ten if ………………………… .

he passes the exam

Writing – II

Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper highlighting the importance of natural resources in Nepal, and ways of preserving them.

Pokhara

26th June 2023

The Editor

The Rising Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal

Dear Editor,

I am writing to highlight the utmost importance of Nepal’s natural resources and to advocate for their preservation for the betterment of our society and the environment. Nepal is blessed with abundant natural resources, ranging from pristine forests and diverse wildlife to majestic mountains and powerful rivers. These resources not only contribute to our economic growth but also play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the well-being of present and future generations.

First and foremost, Nepal’s rich forests are vital for our survival. They provide us with clean air, help mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, and serve as habitats for countless species of plants and animals. Forests also play a significant role in soil conservation, preventing erosion, and maintaining water quality. It is imperative that we prioritize sustainable forestry practices, such as afforestation and reforestation initiatives, to counter deforestation and ensure the long-term health of our forests.

Furthermore, Nepal’s towering mountains, including the iconic Himalayas, are not only a source of immense natural beauty but also attract millions of tourists from around the world. These mountains support diverse ecosystems, harbor rare and endangered species, and provide critical freshwater resources through their glaciers and rivers. Preserving these delicate ecosystems and adopting responsible tourism practices are essential for the conservation of our mountains and the communities that depend on them.

Additionally, Nepal’s rivers are the lifeblood of our nation, providing water for agriculture, hydropower generation, and sustaining aquatic life. It is crucial that we prioritize the responsible management of our water resources, ensuring equitable access and promoting efficient and sustainable use. Implementing comprehensive water resource management plans, emphasizing conservation measures, and adopting modern irrigation techniques will help us safeguard this invaluable resource.

To effectively preserve our natural resources, we must also address the issue of pollution. Air and water pollution pose significant threats to our ecosystems, public health, and the overall well-being of our citizens. Implementing and enforcing strict environmental regulations, promoting clean energy alternatives, and raising public awareness about the importance of responsible waste management are vital steps towards combating pollution and protecting our natural resources.

Education and awareness play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. We must prioritize environmental education in our schools and communities to instil a sense of responsibility and respect for nature among our citizens. By promoting sustainable practices and engaging in eco-friendly initiatives, we can collectively contribute to the preservation of our natural resources.

In conclusion, Nepal’s natural resources are invaluable assets that need to be protected and managed sustainably. By preserving our forests, mountains, and rivers, and addressing pollution, we can ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Let us join hands and work towards the conservation and responsible use of our natural resources, embracing our role as custodians of this beautiful land we call home.

Yours faithfully,

Sanju Nepal