CBSE Class 7 Social Science: Environment NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 7 PDF

This chapter provides a foundational understanding of the 'Environment' for CBSE Class 7 Social Science students. It delves into the definition and components of an ecosystem, distinguishing between the natural environment created by nature and the human-made environment constructed by humans. The solutions explain the major components of the environment, including natural elements like land, water, and air, as well as biotic elements such as plants and animals, and abiotic elements like landforms. Key concepts like the lithosphere, the solid outer layer of the Earth, and the biosphere, the zone supporting life, are clearly defined. The exercises also prompt students to identify examples of natural and human-made environments. These solutions are designed to clarify complex concepts, provide accurate answers to textbook questions, and aid students in their exam preparation by reinforcing their understanding of environmental science.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 7
SubjectSocial Science Our Environment
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 1

Chapter summary

Chapter 1 of CBSE Class 7 Social Science, 'Environment,' focuses on understanding the fundamental aspects of our surroundings. The NCERT Solutions cover definitions of ecosystems, natural and human-made environments, and their constituent components. It elaborates on the lithosphere and biosphere, providing clear explanations and examples for each concept. The solutions aim to help students grasp the interrelationships within the environment and identify different environmental elements.

Learning outcomes

  • Define and explain the concept of an ecosystem.
  • Differentiate between natural and human-made environments.
  • Identify the major components of the environment (natural, human, human-made).
  • Describe the lithosphere and its characteristics.
  • Explain the concept of the biosphere and its role in supporting life.
  • Provide examples of natural and human-made environments.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Environment
  • Ecosystem
  • Natural Environment
  • Human-made Environment
  • Components of Environment
  • Natural Components
  • Human Components
  • Human-made Components
  • Lithosphere
  • Biotic Environment
  • Biosphere
  • Natural Ecosystem

Important topics

  • Ecosystem definition and components
  • Difference between natural and human-made environments
  • Major components of the environment
  • Lithosphere
  • Biosphere

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Questions and Solutions

1. (A) What is an ecosystem?

What is an ecosystem?
Solution: An ecosystem is formed by the interaction and interdependence of living organisms, such as plants, animals, and human beings, with their immediate physical surroundings or environment. This interaction creates a dynamic system where all components are connected.

1. (B) What do you mean by natural environment?

What do you mean by natural environment?
Solution: The natural environment refers to all the elements and surroundings that have been created by nature itself, without any human intervention. It includes the physical aspects like land, water, and air, as well as living organisms such as plants and animals.

1. (C) Which are the major components of the environment?

Which are the major components of the environment?
Solution: The environment is comprised of three major components:
  1. Natural components: These are elements created by nature, including land (lithosphere), water (hydrosphere), air (atmosphere), and living organisms (biotic components like plants and animals).
  2. Human components: This component consists of human beings themselves and their interactions within the environment.
  3. Human-made components: These are all the structures and facilities created by humans, such as buildings, roads, bridges, parks, and industries.

1. (D) Give four examples of human made environment.

Give four examples of human made environment.
Solution: The human-made environment includes everything constructed or modified by humans. Four examples are:
  1. Parks
  2. Buildings
  3. Roads
  4. Industries

1. (E) What is lithosphere?

What is lithosphere?
Solution: The lithosphere, also known as the domain of land, is the solid, outermost layer or crust of the Earth. It is composed of rocks and minerals and is covered by a thin layer of soil. The surface of the lithosphere is not uniform; it features various landforms such as mountains, plateaus, plains, and valleys.

1. (F) Which are the two major components of biotic environment?

Which are the two major components of biotic environment?
Solution: The biotic environment encompasses all living things within an ecosystem. The two primary components of the biotic environment are:
  1. Plants
  2. Animals

1. (G) What is biosphere?

What is biosphere?
Solution: The biosphere is a narrow, life-supporting zone on Earth where the lithosphere (land), hydrosphere (water), and atmosphere (air) interact. It is often referred to as the living world and includes both the plant kingdom and the animal kingdom.

2. (A) Tick the correct Answer. Which is not a natural ecosystem?

Tick the correct Answer. Which is not a natural ecosystem?

Desert

Aquarium

Forest

Solution: The correct answer is Aquarium.

Explanation: A desert and a forest are natural ecosystems, meaning they are formed and function without significant human intervention. An aquarium, however, is an artificial environment created and maintained by humans, making it a human-made ecosystem.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the components of the natural environment with the components of the ecosystem.
  • Not clearly distinguishing between biotic and abiotic components.
  • Failing to provide specific examples for human-made environments.
  • Misunderstanding the definition of the biosphere.

Revision tips

  • Draw diagrams to illustrate ecosystems, showing interactions between biotic and abiotic factors.
  • Create flashcards for key terms like 'ecosystem,' 'lithosphere,' and 'biosphere.'
  • Practice identifying examples of natural and human-made environments in your daily surroundings.
  • Review the definitions of biotic and abiotic components to ensure clarity.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is the interaction or interdependence of living organisms with their surroundings called?

Q2. Which of the following is a component of the natural environment?

Q3. The outermost solid layer of the Earth, made up of rocks and minerals, is known as:

Q4. Which zone of the Earth supports life by the interaction of land, water, and air?

Q5. Which of these is an example of a human-made environment?

Frequently asked questions

What is an ecosystem according to the NCERT solutions for Class 7 Social Science?

An ecosystem is defined as the interaction and interdependence of plant, animal, and human beings with their immediate environment or surroundings.

What are the main types of environments discussed in Chapter 1?

Chapter 1 discusses the natural environment (created by nature) and the human-made environment (created by humans).

What are the major components of the environment?

The major components are natural (plants, air, land, water), human (human beings), and human-made (buildings, parks, roads).

Can you explain what the lithosphere is?

The lithosphere is the solid crust or the outermost hard layer of the Earth, composed of rocks and minerals, and includes landforms like mountains and plains.

What is the biosphere?

The biosphere is a narrow zone on Earth where land, water, and air interact to support life, encompassing both the plant and animal kingdoms.

How do these NCERT solutions help with exam preparation?

These solutions provide clear, concise answers to textbook questions, reinforcing understanding of key environmental concepts and definitions, which is crucial for exam revision.

Important links

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