NCERT MCQ Solutions for Class 8 Science Curiosity Chapter 12 How Nature Works in Harmony

Elephants move into farms and villages when vegetation is scarce and waterholes dry up due to deforestation and changing rainfall. Loss of forest cover makes their survival in the wild difficult, leading to conflict with humans in nearby areas.

Wildlife corridors are specific areas marked to allow animals like elephants to move safely between different forests. This reduces human-animal conflict and maintains ecological balance by preserving natural travel routes that are essential for species survival.

A habitat is the specific environment where an organism lives. It includes both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components.
It could even be a tree bark or pond depending on the species.

Biotic components refer to the living organisms in a habitat such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.
These interact with the abiotic components like air, soil, and water to form a functioning ecosystem.

A population consists of all organisms of the same species living in a specific area at a given time.
For example, all the same kind of fish in a pond are considered one population according to the chapter.

A community includes different populations of organisms coexisting in the same habitat.
These organisms depend on each other for survival and interact closely to maintain ecological balance.

An ecosystem is formed by the interaction of biotic components (living things) and abiotic components (non-living elements like soil, air, water).
These interactions are essential for the survival of life in that area.

Abiotic components are non-living factors in an ecosystem. Water is crucial for sustaining all life and helps regulate temperature, provide nutrients and maintain the habitat.

Decomposers like fungi and bacteria feed on dead matter, breaking it down into simpler substances.
This returns nutrients to the soil, aiding plant growth. Decomposers are essential for recycling matter in nature.

Mushrooms are fungi and act as decomposers. They grow on dead organic matter and help convert it into nutrients.
This nutrient recycling supports plant life and overall ecosystem health, making decomposers crucial for maintaining balance.

Using synthetic pesticides reduces populations of natural predators like beetles. Without these predators, pest populations rise, affecting crops and the environment. Hence, overuse of chemicals disrupts natural pest control systems.

Repeated cultivation of the same crop, known as monoculture, depletes soil nutrients. It leads to reduced soil fertility and an increase in pests. Sustainable and diverse farming to preserve soil health.

Monoculture is the agricultural practice of growing only one type of crop on the same land over time.
It reduces biodiversity and makes crops vulnerable to pests and diseases. 

Vrikshayurveda is an ancient Indian text that promotes soil nourishment through organic practices like using compost and fermented liquids. It is refers to it as part of India’s scientific heritage supporting sustainable agriculture.

Protected areas like national parks, sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves are designated to conserve animals, plants, and their ecosystems. Famous examples and stresses their importance in preserving biodiversity for future generations.

Kaziranga National Park in Assam as a protected area known for conserving the one-horned rhinoceros. It is part of India’s effort to protect endangered species in their natural habitats and preserve biodiversity through national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

According to the food chain in the chapter, frogs and snakes feed on other animals like insects and rodents. They are consumers that play the role of carnivores in ecosystems, helping control populations and maintain ecological balance.

Producers like green plants and algae use sunlight to make food through photosynthesis.
They form the base of all food chains by providing energy to herbivores and subsequently to higher-level consumers.

Sunlight is a non-living or abiotic component. It provides energy for photosynthesis in plants and influences temperature and climate.
Sunlight along with water, air, and soil as vital abiotic components in ecosystems.

Biodiversity includes all the variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms. Each species has a role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Loss of biodiversity can disrupt food chains and reduce nature’s ability to cope with changes.

When habitats are destroyed due to human actions like deforestation or construction, animals and plants lose their homes and food sources.
This can lead to population decline and even extinction of some species. 

Grass is a green plant that uses sunlight, carbon dioxide and water to make its own food.
Such organisms as producers because they start the food chain and support all other organisms directly or indirectly.

Vultures are scavengers that feed on carcasses. This prevents the spread of disease and helps recycle nutrients back into the environment.
The nature’s cleaners because of their essential role in ecosystem hygiene and balance.

A food chain shows the transfer of energy from one organism to another in a linear path.
Where producers are eaten by herbivores, which in turn are eaten by carnivores, showing the direct relationships among living beings.

When forest corridors are maintained, animals can migrate between habitats safely. This reduces their need to enter human settlements for food or water, preventing conflicts and preserving both animal and human lives.

Decomposers like bacteria and fungi complete the food chain by breaking down dead organisms.
This releases nutrients back into the soil, which plants reuse. The chapter explains this as a closed-loop system ensuring continuity and balance in nature.

A pond ecosystem includes producers, consumers, and decomposers. The presence of different organisms interacting with each other and their environment demonstrates balance.
Such systems as examples of natural harmony and biodiversity.

Organic compost enriches the soil with nutrients, improves texture and increases fertility.
Discusses its use in traditional farming as a natural way to enhance productivity without harming the environment, in contrast to chemical fertilizers.

Excessive pesticide use harms beneficial insects, poisons animals and enters the human food chain.
Reducing chemical use helps preserve biodiversity and makes agriculture more sustainable and safer for all forms of life.

The central theme is that nature operates in balance, with all organisms playing roles that support each other.
Humans benefit from and impact this system. Understanding, respecting and protecting ecosystems for long-term survival of all species including humans.