MG SCHOOL SCIENCE
CLASS 10 – SCIENCE
ADVANCED UNIT TEST – VERSION 4
OUR ENVIRONMENT
Maximum Marks: 25 Time: 50 Minutes Competency-Based AssessmentGeneral Instructions
- All questions are compulsory.
- Choose the correct answer for each MCQ.
- Write answers in clear scientific language.
- Show all steps in numerical calculations.
- Draw neat diagrams wherever necessary.
SECTION A – Multiple Choice Questions 5 × 1 = 5
1. A farmer sprays a persistent pesticide on crops. The pesticide enters a food chain. Which organism is likely to accumulate the highest concentration?
2. If producers contain 50,000 J of energy, approximately how much energy reaches the secondary consumer?
3. Which of the following would most directly reduce the availability of nutrients for reuse in an ecosystem?
4. Which gas is formed when ultraviolet radiation acts on oxygen molecules in the upper atmosphere?
5. Which practice best follows the principle of sustainable waste management?
SECTION B – One Mark Questions 4 × 1 = 4
6. What are abiotic components of an ecosystem? Give one example.
7. What is the first trophic level in a grazing food chain?
8. Name the process by which green plants prepare food using sunlight.
9. Mention one harmful effect of excessive ultraviolet radiation on human health.
SECTION C – Two Marks Questions 3 × 2 = 6
10. Explain why decomposers are called the natural recyclers of an ecosystem.
11. Why can non-biodegradable substances remain in the environment for a long time? Explain one consequence.
12. State two differences between the flow of energy and the cycling of nutrients in an ecosystem.
SECTION D – Three Marks Questions 2 × 3 = 6
13. Study the following food chain:
(a) Identify the secondary consumer. (1)
(b) Identify the top consumer. (1)
(c) If the grass contains 60,000 J of energy, calculate the approximate energy available to the lizard. (1)
14. Explain the formation, importance and depletion of the ozone layer in the stratosphere.
SECTION E – Four Marks Question 1 × 4 = 4
15. Case Study – Ecosystem and Pollution
(a) Identify the producers in the lake ecosystem. (1)
(b) Name the phenomenon responsible for the increasing chemical concentration. (1)
(c) Which group is likely to face the greatest chemical concentration: insect larvae, small fish or large fish? (1)
(d) Suggest one practical measure to prevent this pollution. (1)
COMPLETE KEY ANSWERS – OUR ENVIRONMENT
SECTION A – MCQ Answers
- (d) Eagles feeding at the top trophic level.
- (b) 500 J.
- (b) Removal or destruction of decomposers.
- (a) Ozone.
- (c) Segregating waste and reusing or recycling suitable materials.
SECTION B – One Mark Answers
- Abiotic components are the non-living physical and chemical factors of an ecosystem, such as air, water, soil or sunlight.
- Producers, such as green plants.
- Photosynthesis.
- Excessive UV radiation can cause skin cancer or eye damage such as cataracts.
SECTION C – Two Marks Answers
- Decomposers such as bacteria and fungi break down dead plants, animals and organic wastes. They release simpler substances and return nutrients to the environment, where producers can reuse them.
- Many non-biodegradable substances are not easily broken down by microorganisms. They can accumulate in soil and water, harm organisms and may enter food chains.
- Energy flow: It is unidirectional and energy is progressively dissipated as heat. Nutrient cycling: Nutrients are reused and circulate between organisms and the physical environment.
SECTION D – Three Marks Answers
-
(a) Secondary consumer: Lizard.
(b) Top consumer: Hawk.
(c) Energy calculation:
Grass = 60,000 J
Grasshopper = 6,000 J
Lizard = 600 J
Answer: 600 J. -
Formation: Ultraviolet radiation acts on oxygen molecules (O₂), splitting some into oxygen atoms. These atoms combine with O₂ to form ozone (O₃).
Importance: The ozone layer absorbs much of the harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.
Depletion: CFCs and certain other ozone-depleting substances release reactive chlorine or bromine compounds in the stratosphere, which destroy ozone.
SECTION E – Four Marks Answer
-
(a) Algae (including microscopic phytoplankton). (1 mark)
(b) Biological magnification. (1 mark)
(c) Large fish. (1 mark)
(d) Treat industrial wastewater before discharge and monitor effluent quality. (1 mark)
TEACHER'S MARKING SCHEME
| Section | Evaluation | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| A | Each correct MCQ | 5 |
| B | Correct facts and definitions | 4 |
| C | Two relevant scientific points | 6 |
| D | Correct explanation and calculation | 6 |
| E | Four correct case-study answers | 4 |
| TOTAL | 25 | |
Important revision points:
- Abiotic and biotic components together form an ecosystem.
- Producers occupy the first trophic level in a grazing food chain.
- Only about 10% of energy is transferred to the next trophic level.
- Decomposers help recycle nutrients.
- Persistent non-biodegradable chemicals may undergo biological magnification.
- The ozone layer protects life by absorbing much of the Sun's harmful UV radiation.
Assessment note: MCQs are automatically scored out of 5. The remaining 20 marks require teacher evaluation.