Shaurya Singhal − Profile

These forests are gradually depleting near coastal cities due to several reasons: 1. Urban expansion: As coastal cities grow, they encroach upon nearby mangrove forests, clearing them for development. 2. Aquaculture: Mangroves are often converted into shrimp farms and fish ponds to meet the growing demand for seafood. 3. Timber harvesting: Mangrove trees are cut down for wood, used in construction and as fuel. 4. Pollution: Industrial and urban waste from coastal cities contaminates mangrove ecosystems, leading to their degradation. 5. Tourism development: Beaches and resorts are often built by clearing mangrove areas, destroying their habitats. 6. Climate change: Rising sea levels and changing water salinity affect mangrove growth and survival. 7. Infrastructure projects: Port expansions, road construction, and other coastal developments often require mangrove removal. These factors, combined with the proximity to growing coastal populations, result in faster depletion of mangrove forests near urban areas compared to more remote locations.

b) By planting trees Planting trees is an effective method to prevent soil erosion in the upper course of a river. This is the correct answer because: 1. Tree roots help bind the soil: The extensive root systems of trees hold soil particles together, reducing the likelihood of erosion. 2. Canopy protection: Tree leaves and branches form a canopy that intercepts rainfall, reducing its impact on the soil and slowing water runoff. 3. Improved soil structure: Trees contribute organic matter to the soil, improving its structure and water-holding capacity, which reduces erosion. 4. Slope stabilization: In the upper course, where the terrain is often steeper, trees help stabilize slopes and prevent landslides. 5. Reduced surface runoff: Trees and associated vegetation slow down surface water flow, allowing more water to infiltrate the soil rather than causing erosion. By planting trees in the upper course of a river, we can significantly reduce soil erosion and protect the surrounding landscape.

a) To calculate the total annual rainfall, we need to sum up the rainfall values for all 12 months: 15.6 + 9.5 + 1.7 + 2.4 + 2.8 + 4.6 + 8.6 + 11.4 + 11.8 + 13.6 + 12.5 + 18.8 = 113.3 cm The total annual rainfall is 113.3 cm.

True. Andaman and Nicobar Islands receive rainfall even during November. Reasoning: 1. Tropical location: The islands are located in the tropical region of the Bay of Bengal, which experiences a prolonged monsoon season. 2. Northeast monsoon: November falls within the northeast monsoon period, which brings rainfall to parts of southeastern India and nearby areas. 3. Maritime climate: Being surrounded by water, the islands have a maritime climate that promotes consistent rainfall throughout the year. 4. Convectional rainfall: The warm waters around the islands cause convectional uplift, leading to frequent showers even outside the main monsoon season. 5. Cyclonic activity: November is part of the post-monsoon cyclone season in the Bay of Bengal, which can bring additional rainfall to the islands. These factors contribute to Andaman and Nicobar Islands receiving rainfall even during November, making the statement true.

a) A is true but R is false Reasoning: The assertion that trees in thorn forests remain short is correct. However, the reason given is incorrect. Trees in thorn forests remain short not due to lack of sunlight, but primarily because of the following factors: 1. Limited water availability: Thorn forests are typically found in arid or semi-arid regions with low rainfall, which restricts tree growth. 2. Adaptation to drought: Trees in these forests have evolved to conserve water by remaining small, reducing surface area for water loss. 3. Nutrient-poor soil: The soil in thorn forest regions is often lacking in nutrients, which limits tree growth. 4. High temperatures: The hot climate in these regions can also contribute to stunted growth as trees adapt to reduce water loss. Sunlight is usually abundant in thorn forest regions, so it is not a limiting factor for tree growth. Therefore, while the assertion is true, the reason provided is false.

(a) Heat capacity of a substance is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a given quantity of the substance by one degree Celsius (or one Kelvin). Its SI unit is Joule per Kelvin (J/K). (b) A factor that does not affect the heat capacity of a substance is its shape. The heat capacity depends on the mass and composition of the substance, but not on its physical form or shape.

While on his evening walks, Mead observed that the cottages and homes were dark and silent. The extract doesn't explicitly state this, but it can be inferred from the overall setting described. The mention of a "lone car" suggests that the streets and houses were otherwise empty and quiet, implying that the residents were likely inside their homes, possibly watching television or engaged in other indoor activities.

The night-time setting of Mead's city is described as quiet, dark, and largely deserted. The streets are empty except for Mead himself and occasionally a lone car. This setting highlights the lack of social interaction among citizens. The darkness of the homes and the absence of people outside suggest that the inhabitants are isolated within their houses, likely engaged with technology or indoor entertainment. This setting emphasizes a society where face-to-face interactions and outdoor activities have become rare, painting a picture of a community where people have become disconnected from each other and the outside world.

Leonard Mead most dearly loved to take long walks every evening. This can be inferred from the extract which describes him walking on a side street and circling back towards his home. The fact that he was out walking at night when a car's headlights illuminated him suggests this was a regular activity he enjoyed.

Antony assigns Lepidus the errand of collecting Caesar's will and looking for items that could be used to raise money for their cause. This errand is significant to Antony because it allows him to speak privately with Octavius about their plans for power, without Lepidus present. It demonstrates Antony's manipulative nature and his intent to sideline Lepidus from important decisions.