Class 05 EVS - Water: The Essence of Life

Exercises

Question 1: Match the Following

Match the items in the first column with their correct description in the second column.

• (i) Ocean water — (c) Not fit for drinking
• (ii) Snow — (a) Solid form of water
• (iii) Steam — (b) Vapour form of water
• (iv) Rainwater — (d) Freshwater

Question 2

Why do you think most of the water on Earth cannot be used for drinking or farming? Answer: Most of the water on Earth is found in oceans and is salty. Saltwater is not suitable for drinking or for most types of farming as it can dehydrate living beings and damage crops.

Question 3

Large number of living beings live near water bodies. Why? Answer: Water is essential for the survival of all living beings. Animals and humans need it for drinking, and plants need it for growth. Additionally, water bodies provide a habitat for many species and a source of food, such as fish.

Question 4

What would happen if it did not rain in your region for two years? Answer: A lack of rain for two years would lead to a severe drought. Water sources like rivers and ponds would dry up, groundwater levels would drop significantly, crops would fail leading to food shortages, and many plants and animals might die.

Question 5

What do you think happens to rainwater in a forest compared to a city? Answer: In a forest, the soil is open and covered with trees, allowing rainwater to easily seep into the ground and recharge groundwater. In a city, many surfaces are covered with concrete or bitumen (roads and buildings), which are impermeable. This causes rainwater to flow into drains instead of soaking into the ground, leading to poor groundwater recharge and potential flooding.

Question 6

Can you design a house or school that conserves water wisely? What would it include? Answer: A water-wise design would include:

1. Rainwater Harvesting: Systems to collect rain from the roof and store it in tanks.
2. Soak Pits: Areas that allow excess water to seep into the ground to recharge groundwater.
3. Low-flow Taps: Taps and showers that use less water.
4. Greywater Recycling: Systems to reuse water from sinks for watering plants.
5. Native Planting: Growing local plants that require less water.

Question 7

Identify the different freshwater sources. Answer: Common freshwater sources include:

1. Rivers
2. Lakes
3. Ponds
4. Glaciers (Ice and Snow)
5. Groundwater (accessed via Wells and Handpumps)