U NI T

ENVIRONMENT 3
In this Unit...
A crossword puzzle, to remind us how important the Environment is.
(A) "Rhinoceros : Do they have a future?" Find out by reading, using your vocabulary
skills, group discussion, and writing a report with recommendations to the World
Wildlife Federation.
(B) Teacher/ Student to read out the interview with Smitha Sahai and Manu
Srivastava about pollution given at page no 167. Perform a Role-play based on
the meeting, join a 'Save Mother Earth Campaign', write a formal letter to the
Editor sharing your concerns about the environmental concerns of the area you
live in and prepare a powerpoint presentation on an environmental issue.
(C) Do you know about Project Tiger? Reserarch on the same and write a paragraph
on the need to protect them. Also, read a poem. Write and enact a skit on the
freedom of animals.
INTRODUCTION
Complete this puzzle.

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Clues
1. an area of land where wild animals can live safely.
2. protecting animals and plants, making sure they do not become extinct.
3. trying to stay alive in a difficult situation. In the 1990s, we were worried
about the... of many animal species, such as the tiger.
4. ruining or destroying something deliberately.
5. the study of living things in relation to each other, and in relation to their
environment.
6. to bring back to life (e.g. forests)
7. a class of animals or plants that have the same characteristics and are able
to breed together.
8. cutting down all the trees in a forest.

A. THE INDIAN RHINOS

A.1. The Indian Rhinoceros: Where are they? Do they have a future?
We are very materialistic and are often lured into buying and using clothes and
articles made from animal skin and other body parts.
Here's a shopping list...

- wall hangings
- bags
- purses
- wallets
- ornamental buttons and clips
- shoes
- hunters' trophies (legs, heads)
- medicines

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The list seems endless, doesn't it? Are these things not shameful enough to set us
pondering deeply over the harm that we are inflicting on nature's creations?
1. Why is the list 'most shameful?
2. What is the name of the organisation that has been formed to protect and
conserve wild life?
3. Name at least ten other animals that are being exploited by man for commercial
purposes. Surf the net to get information and complete the following table.

Animal Part of the body used Product

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

A.2. Read this article about the great Indian Rhinoceros. [You will find the
information useful for your group discussion in A.5.]
The Indian Rhinoceros or the Great One-Horned Rhinoceros or the Asian
One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is a large mammal primarily
found in north-eastern India, Nepal and parts of Bhutan. It is confined to the
tall grasslands and forests in the foothills of the Himalayas.
The Indian Rhinoceros once ranged throughout the entire stretch of the
IndoGangetic Plain but excessive hunting reduced their natural habitat
drastically.
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Today, about 3,000 Indian Rhinos live in the wild, 1,800 of which are found in
Assam alone. In 2008, more than 400 Indian Rhinos were sighted in Nepal's
Chitwan National Park.
In size, it is equal to that of the White Rhino in Africa; together they are the
largest of all rhino species. The Great One-Horned Rhinoceros has a single horn;
this is present in both males and females, but not on the newborn young. In
most adults, the horn reaches a length of about 25 centimetres, but has been
recorded up to 57.2 centimetres in length. The nasal horn curves backwards
from the nose. The horn is naturally black.
This prehistoric-looking rhinoceros has thick, silver-brown skin which becomes
pinkish near the large skin folds that cover its body. The male develops thick
neckfolds. It has very little body hair aside from eyelashes, ear-fringes and tail-
brush.
These rhinos live in tall grasslands and riverine forests, but due to the loss of
habitat, they have been forced towards cultivated land. They are mostly solitary
creatures, with the exception of mothers and calves and breeding pairs, although
they sometimes congregate at bathing areas.
The Indian Rhinoceros makes a wide variety of vocalizations. At least ten distinct
vocalizations have been identified: snorting, honking, bleating, roaring, squeak
panting, moo-grunting, shrieking, groaning, rumbling and humphing. In addition
to noises, the rhino also uses olfactory communication.
In aggregation, Indian Rhinos are often friendly. They will often greet each
other by waiving or bobbing their heads, mounting flanks, nuzzling noses, or
licking. Rhinos will playfully spar, run around, and play with twigs in their
mouth. Adult males are the primary instigators of fights. Fight between dominant
males is the most common cause of rhino mortality. Indian rhinos have few
natural enemies, except for tigers. Tigers sometimes kill unguarded calves, but
adult rhinos are less vulnerable due to their size. Humans are the only other
threat, hunting the rhinoceros primarily for sport or for the use of its horn.
Indian Rhinos have been somewhat tamed and trained in circuses, but they
remain dangerous and unpredictable animals.

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In the nineteenth and early twentieth century, the Indian Rhinoceros was hunted
relentlessly. Reports from the middle of the nineteenth century claim that some
military officers in Assam individually shot more than 200 rhinos. In the early
1900s, officials became concerned about the rhinos’ plummeting numbers. By
1908 in Kaziranga, one of the Rhinos’ main ranges, the population had fallen to
around 12 individuals. In 1910, rhino hunting in India became prohibited. Some
cultures in East Asia believe that the rhino hair has healing and potency powers
and therefore, is used for traditional Chinese medicine and other Oriental
medicines.

The Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV 2020), launched in 2005 was an ambitious
effort to obtain a wild population of at least 3,000 great one-horned rhinos spread
over seven protected areas in Assam by the year 2020. Various organisations
like the International Rhino Foundation, Assam’s Forest Department, World
Wild Life Fund-India, and others collaborated towards IRV 2020.
The Indian and Nepalese Governments have taken major steps towards Indian
Rhinoceros conservation with the help of the World Wild Life Fund (WWF).
The Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park in Assam, Pobitora
Reserve Forest in Assam (having the highest Indian rhino density in the World),

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Orang National Park of Assam, Laokhowa Reserve Forest of Assam (having a
very small population) and Royal Chitwan National Park in Nepal are homes to
this endangered animal. The Indian Rhino is the only large species in Asia to
be down-listed from endangered to vulnerable, in the IUCN Red list in 2008.
A.3. In Units 1 and 2 you learnt and practised the skill of deducing the
meanings of new words by using other words in the given context. Now
use that skill to deduce the meanings of words in the article you have
read. Here is an example.
(a) They are solitary creatures with the exception of the mothers and calves and
breeding pairs, although they sometimes congregate at bathing places.

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Deduce the meaning of the following words from the passage you have
just read, using other words in the context to help you. Copy and
complete the following:

Word Words/ clues What I think What the Were you()

that helped the word dictionary (tick mark)
me means says or (x)

confined

ranged

overlapping

bobbing

olfactory

aggregation

plummeting

mortality

vulnerable

poached

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A.4. Imagine that you are conducting a research on the conservation of a
few animal species in India. You have been asked by the Wildlife Trust
of India to prepare a report on the future of the YAK that lives in the
Ladakh region of the Himalayan Mountains. In groups of four, discuss
the issue and make notes for your report. Refer to the article in A.2 and
the information in the box given here.

DOMESTIC YAK WILD YAK

* herd animals 2-2.2 m tall * length:3-3.4m
* habitat: treeless uplands
* killed for food
* used in sports * insulated from cold by
dense, close matted under
hair, shaggy outer hair
* kept for milk, fur, fibre, * hunted for similar reasons
meat, drawing ploughs etc as the domestic ones

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Within your group, discuss :
* What is the problem? How has it arisen?
* What is the best way to preserve these species?
* Why do we need to preserve these species?
* What values need to be inculcated in the hearts of human beings? Why?
* What actions would you recommend to the World Wildlife Federation?
* How is global warming affecting these species?

A.5. During your discussions in groups, and in your individual written report,
you will find the following language useful:

GROUP DISCUSSION WRITTEN REPORT

When recommending When recommending

I propose I propose
suggest that... suggest
recommend recommend that.....
urge

What about? I strongly recommend that......

Why don't we .....

We could consider..... I urge the commission to.....

think about ......

It is recommended that......
proposed

My recommendation is that..
proposal

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When giving reasons When giving reasons
.......as......... .......as.........
......because...... ......because......
.....since........ .....since........

My reason is that..... My reason is that................

In view of the fact that............

A.6. As a Conservationist, write a report to the World Wildlife Federation,

based on A.5. Remember 'CODER’

FORMAL REPORT
From: (your name), Conservationist.
To: The Chairman
WWF
(Date)
(Suitable Heading)
(Suitable introduction) e.g. You recently asked me to submit a report on my
study of YAK - in particular, their future. The following are my findings and
recommendations.
1. The current problem.
2. Reasons why this problem has arisen.
3. Effects of the problem
4. Recommendation
5. Conclusion (Suitable ending, including other ideas for increasing YAK
population)
Your name
(Conservationist)

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B. SAVE MOTHER EARTH
B.1. Listen carefully to 'Meet the Personality of the Month Programme' read
out by the teacher/ student from page no 167 and fill in the details as
you listen.
ENVIRONMENTALIST: Mr Manu Srivastava
Causes of pollution

1. Atmosphere 2. Water
a. _______________________ a. _______________________
_______________________ _______________________
b. _______________________
_______________________

3. Effects of pollution
a. _______________________
_______________________
b. _______________________
_______________________

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Human Rights activist- Ms.Shraddha Shankar
Reasons for working in the factory

a. ___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

Effects Steps which can be taken

a. _______________________ a. _______________________
_______________________ _______________________
b. _______________________ b. _______________________
_______________________ _______________________
c. _______________________ c. _______________________
_______________________ _______________________

B.2. The residents of

Kanpur decide to
approach the
Chairman of the
M u n i c i p a l
Corporation with
the problem of
pollution in their
city. In groups of six,
play the role of the
following: (Cue
cards may be given
by the teacher)

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* A farmer
* An environmentalist
* Chairman of the Municipal Corporation
* President of 'Save the Ganga Project'
* A Human Rights activist
B.3. After the role play, the Chairman will put forward the final decision
with reasons.
B.4. As a resident of Kanpur, write a formal letter to the Editor of a
prominent newspaper highlighting the problem discussed in B2. State
the consequences and also suggest ways to reduce this problem.
FORMAL LETTER
A-43 Civil lines
Kanpur

14 January 20XX

The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi

Subject:

Sir/Madam

(Body of the letter)

Yours truly
Signature
(Name)

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B.5. India's Major concerns
Read the following paragraph. Then work in pairs and list the different
ways in which you can contribute to save Mother Earth. As an individual
you can make a major contribution towards reducing India's over all
emission level.

How to save the Environment at Home

There are plenty of small steps that people can take at home to help save the
environment. While the eco-footprint of each step is small, thousands of people
doing the same thing can make a difference. By making some small changes to
the way that you do things at home, you are gradually making a difference,
even as an individual. You will reduce costs and improve your health at the
same time, so helping to save the environment isn't an entirely altruistic exercise
after all!

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SAVE MOTHER EARTH CAMPAIGN

(a) Turn off the computer when not in use.

(b) ____________________________________________________________________

(c) ____________________________________________________________________

(d) ____________________________________________________________________

(e) ____________________________________________________________________

(f) ____________________________________________________________________

(g) ____________________________________________________________________

(h) ____________________________________________________________________

(i) ____________________________________________________________________

(j) ____________________________________________________________________

B.6. Read the following article on Global Warming and complete the flow
chart given below.
Global Warming is caused by the accumulation of greenhouse gases - CO2, and
methane in the atmosphere, resulting in the rise of Earth's over all surface
temperature. India, a low latitude country, would face much of the misery due
to climatic changes. Rainfall pattern is expected to undergo a major change in
areas like Kerala, MP and the North-East.
Himalayan glaciers are melting. This could prove catastrophic for those living
downstream in the plains.
Due to global warming, heat is trapped in the atmosphere causing the ice to
melt. Rising sea levels would inundate many of the coastal cities. Extreme
weather conditions such as heavy rainfall is expected to occur soon resulting in
loss of life and property.

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B.7. Carbon Footprint

Project Work
A carbon footprint is a representation of the effect
human activities have on the climate in terms of the
total amount of greenhouse gases produced
(measured in units of carbon dioxide). So, it is a
measure of the impact we make individually on the
earth; by the choices we make regarding our lifestyle.
Many activities generate carbon emissions, which
contribute towards accelerating global warming and
climate change.

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Total carbon footprint/emission quantification would include energy emissions
from human activities - such as, from heat, light, power and refrigeration and
all transport related emissions from cars, freight and distribution.
By measuring the carbon footprint through such tools as carbon calculators, we
can get a better sense of what the individual impact is and which parts of our
lifestyle deserve strict regulation.
In groups, choose and research on any one aspect of our carbon
footprints and how we can modify our lifestyle. Each group will then
make a project on the various aspects.
Read the following excerpts from newspapers on various environmental
issues.
Ban the Bag
The Indus Valley Civilisation left beautifully
crafted pottery that speaks volumes of the
advances its people made. After 3,000 years, if
the ruins we leave behind are excavated, chances
are only plastic bags would be dug up. It may
sound like an exaggeration, but these bags are
not biodegradable. Apart from causing emissions,
when these are manufactured, noxious fumes are
released while these are being burnt or disposed
of. So, be kind to Mother Earth, the next time
you go shopping for groceries, remember to carry a cloth bag with you.
What India Should Do
India has released the National Action Plan on Climate Change. Is it adequate?
Is there more that the country can do? Here are some ways we can make a
difference.

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(a) SOLAR MISSION

* To promote the use of solar energy
through solar photovoltaic and
thermal systems for power
generation.
* To integrate other renewable energy
technologies like biomass and wind.

(b) ENERGY EFFICIENCY

* To mitigate GHG through sector-
specific and cross-cutting technology
and fuel switch options.
* To use more LNG and biomass fuels
besides seeking tech transfer.

(c) SUSTAINABLE HABITAT

* To promote energy efficiency in the
residential and commercial sectors
through LPG use.
* To manage municipal solid waste and
urban public transport in a better way.

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(d) WATER MISSION

* To promote efficient water use, augment the supply in
critical areas and ensure effective management of water
resources.
* To have better management of surface and groundwater,
and conserve wetlands.

(e) SUSTAINING HIMALAYAS

* To enhance monitoring and conservation of the
Himalayan ecosystems, empower local
communities for management of ecological
resources and promote sustainable tourism

(f) GREEN INDIA

* To reduce fragmentation of forests, enhance
public and private investments for plantation,
upscale joint forestry management and promote
conservation of biodiversity. Need to afforest
degraded lands.

(g) SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE:

To focus on four crucial areas - dry land
agriculture, risk management, access to
information and promoting the use of
biotechnology.
To develop drought-and-pest resistant
varieties.

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B.8. In groups, work on one of the topics mentioned in B.7.(a)-(g). Research
your topic by collecting relevant articles from print and electronic
media (like the National Geographic). Make a power point presentation
of 10-12 minutes. You can also use film clippings to enrich your
presentation.

C. SAVE THE TIGER

C.1. What is your opinion about 'Animals behind bars'? Share your views
with the class.

C.2. Read through the poem and quickly make a note of any thoughts that
come to you while you are reading it.

Dispute

A man and a tiger once had a dispute,

Which was reckoned greater, the man or the brute.

The tiger discoursed on his side at some length,

And greatly enlarged on his courage and strength,

Said the man, 'Don't be prating; look yonder, I pray,

At that sculpture of marble: now what will you say?

The tiger is vanquished; but as for the man,

He is striding upon him: deny if you can.'

'But pray,' said the tiger, 'Who sculptured that stone?

'One of us,' said the man. 'I must candidly own.'

'But when we are sculptors,' the other replied,

'You will then on the man see the tiger astride.'

Anonymous

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C.3. Answer the following questions by ticking the correct options:
1. What was the cause of dispute between the tiger and the man?
a. to establish who was superior.
b. to prove beasts were inferior.
c. to justify that beasts should be caged.
d. to prove that man was more intelligent.
2. What did the man do to prove his point?
a. he caged the tiger.
b. he carved a statue of a man riding a tiger.
c. he put the tiger in a cage.
d. he enslaved the tiger.
3. What was the tiger's counter-argument?
a. he said that he was the king of the jungle.
b. he claimed he ruled the world.
c. he said the situation would be reversed if he was the sculptor.
d. he threatened to devour the man in a moment
4. Select the option that conveys the central idea of the poem.
(i) The planet is dominated by humans.
(ii) The planet is commanded by wild animals.
(iii) The planet belongs to all its inhabitants.
(iv) The planet can be saved with peace & coexistence
(v) The planet needs humans as caretakers.
A. (i), (ii), (iii)
B. (ii), (iii), (iv)
C. (iii), (iv), (v)
D. (i), (iv), (v)

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C.4. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow by selecting
the right option.
Said the man, ‘Don’t be prating; look yonder, I pray,
At the sculpture of marble: now what will you say?
The tiger is vanquished; but as for the man,
He is striding upon him: deny if you can.’
‘But pray,’ said the tiger, ‘Who sculptured that stone?
‘One of us,’ said the man, ‘I must candidly own.’
‘But when we are sculptors,; the other replied,
‘You will then on the man see the tiger astride.’
1. Choose the option that displays emotion that the poet is expressing with regards
to the tiger.
A. agony, anger, excitement.
B. agony, frustration, hurt.
C. anger, hurt, frustration.
D. anger, hurt, anxiety.
2. Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below:
Statement 1: It is the man who brags about his false strength.
Statement 2: The tiger is dignified and modest in his reply.
A. Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.
B Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
C. Statement 1 & 2 are true but Statement 2 cannot be inferred from the extract.
D. Statement 1 & 2 are true and statement 2 can be inferred from the extract.
3. Pick the option that best describes the mood of the poem.
A. Gloomy B. Reflective
C. Ominous D. Hopeful

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C.5. Answer briefly.
1. Why do you think Man wants to assert his superiority?
2. How would you resolve the dispute between Man and the Brute?

C.6. In pairs discuss the qualities and characteristics of tiger and man.
Complete the web charts.

C.7. Working in groups of four, write a dialogue between

* A tiger behind bars and a man
* A man in a cage and a tiger.

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C.8. Listen to the extract on Tigers read by the teacher/ student from page
no 169, and as you listen, complete the summary given below by filling
the blanks.

1. The next generation is not likely to see the tiger because of

..............................................

2. .......................... laws against poachers must be enforced.

3. The responsibility of protection of the tiger lies with the ..........................

4. One of the reasons for Tigers becoming extinct is ..........................

5. Destroying nature means .................................................. .

6. ............................., ............................. and .................................. are different

types of tigers.

7. .......................... ... is a wild life conservation project.

8. Tigers are found in the evergreen and monsoon forests of the

..........................

9. Though tigers are mostly nocturnal, ............... species may also be active
during the day.

10. The body length of the tiger is ............................... cm.

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Interesting facts
• A tiger has been reported to cover upto 10 meters in a horizontal leap.
• Most tigers have more than 100 stripes, and no two tigers have identical stripes.
• The roar of a tiger can be heard from more than a mile away.
• Tigers are largely muscular and rely on stealth and power rather than on speed
to bring down a prey.
C.9. Tiger in Trouble
Since some tiger parts are used in traditional medicine, the tiger is in danger.
Apart from its head being used as a trophy to decorate walls, tigers are also
hunted for the following.
Head: As a trophy on the wall.
Brain: To cure laziness and pimples.
Teeth: For rabies, asthma and sores.
Blood: For strengthening the constitution and will power.
Fat: For vomiting, dog bites, bleeding haemorrhoids and scalp ailments in
children.
Skin: To treat mental illness and to make fur coats.
Whiskers: For toothache.
C.10. Read the two headlines and research the story behind the change. Share
your findings with others in class.

MASSIVE POACHING NEARLY TIGER POPULATION HAS A HIGH

WIPES OUT THE ENTIRE TIGER CHANCE OF DOUBLING BY THE
END OF 2022
POPULATION AT ONE OF THE
TIGER RESERVES IN INDIA

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UNIT-4
UNIT-4
THE CLSS IX VIDEO/RADIO SHOW

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