NCERT Solutions Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 4 - Journey to the end of the Earth
Journey to the end of the Earth
Page No: 19
Page No: 19
Read and Find Out
How do geological phenomena help us to know about the history of
humankind?
Answer
The geological phenomenon of separating various continents and water
bodies from one compact landmass tells us about the age of existence of
human race on the earth. Six hundred and fifty million years ago, no
human race existed on the earth because the environment was not
favourable. After the time when the dinosaurs were wiped out, the
Mammals started existing and after the separation of landmass, the
human race started flourishing on the earth.
Page No: 20
1. What are the indications for the future of humankind?
Answer
The future of the humankind can get in danger if the emission of carbondioxide and other poisonous gases go on in the same manner. These
gases deplete the ozone layer and allow the ultra-violet rays of the sun
to enter the earth’s environment. This causes the rise in temperature of
the earth and giving rise to the phenomenon called global warming.
Increased temperature can melt the ice of the Antarctica, and cause
other environmental problems, thus jeopardizing the future of human
kind.
Page No: 23
Reading with Insight
1. ‘The world’s geological history is trapped in Antarctica.’ How is the
study of this region useful to us?
Answer
The study of this region of Antarctica gives us insight into the world’s
geological history. It gives an idea, how the earth was like, before it
drifted into continents and countries. It shows how slight changes in the
climate can change the shape of the region. It gives the explanation how
the climatic conditions of the earth were not favourable for life before
and how slowly rising temperature made earth a place to sustain life. All
secrets are embedded in the layers of ice in the form of half million year
old carbon records.
2. What are Geoff Green’s reasons for including high school students in
the Students on Ice expedition?
Answer
Geoff Green took the high school students to one end of the world, to
provide them the opportunity to develop the respect and understanding
for the earth. He wanted to make the future policy-makers to
experience how difficult it would have been for the earth to sustain life
by rising its temperature. He wanted them to understand that any
interference in nature can cause drastic mishappenings in the future
when the students see the ice shelves melting and collapsing, they can
estimate the kind of environmental troubles ahead in their future.
3. ‘Take care of the small things and the big things will take care of
themselves.’ What is the relevance of this statement in the context of
the Antarctic environment?
Answer
This statement has great relevance in the context of the Antarctic
environment. A small change in the environment can give rise to drastic
developments. Antarctica has a small biodiversity. The example of small
grass called phytoplankton can be studied in this context. These
microscopic grasses undergo the process of photosynthesis and serve as
food for number of marine birds and animals. The author says if there is
further depletion of the ozone layer, it will affect the phytoplanktons
and the carbon cycle on the globe. This whole process can jeopardize
the existence of all the marine birds and animals. So if we take care that
processes carried over by these small grasses are carried out properly,
the bigger animals and birds will fall into the place on their own.
4. Why is Antarctica the place to go to, to understand the earth’s
present, past and future?
Answer
Antarctica gives us an idea, how the earth would have been like millions
of years ago and how it got divided into various earth masses. The
melting and colliding ice masses also give us an insight into how our
future is going to be, if we continue with interference in the working of
the nature. Moreover, Antarctica holds into the depths of its ice halfmillion
year old carbon records, which are helpful in understanding the
past, present and future of the earth. Therefore, Antarctica is the place
which reveals our past, shows our present and visualizes our future.
