ENGLISH CORE
CLASS XII
Journey to the End of the Earth
Q. 1 Antarctica is a doorway to the past. Explain.
Ans. Antarctica is considered a doorway to the past because its ice sheets
preserve historical records in the form of ice cores, which contain air bubbles
and chemical traces, providing valuable information about Earth's climate and
atmosphere from hundreds of thousands of years ago.
Q. 2 Why is Antarctica the place to go to, to understand the earth’s present,
past, and future?
Ans. Antarctica is the ideal destination to comprehend the Earth's present, past,
and future due to its unique characteristics. The continent's pristine and isolated
environment preserves records of past climate and geological events in ice cores
and rock formations. By studying Antarctica, scientists can unravel the Earth's
climate history, understand present changes, and predict future trends.
Additionally, the region's extreme conditions provide insights into how
ecosystems adapt and respond to environmental shifts, offering valuable
knowledge for addressing global challenges such as climate change.
Q.3 Antarctica is unlike any other place on Earth. Justify the statement.
Ans. Antarctica is truly unlike any other place on Earth due to several distinct
characteristics.
Firstly, it is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent, with average
temperatures far below freezing and extremely low precipitation.
Secondly, it is the most isolated and remote continent, with vast expanses
of uninhabited land and no permanent human population.
Lastly, Antarctica boasts unique wildlife, including penguins, seals, and
seabirds, which have adapted to survive in this extreme environment.
These exceptional features make Antarctica a truly unparalleled and remarkable
place on our planet.
Q. 4What are Geoff Green’s reasons for including high school students in the
Students on Ice expedition?
Ans. Geoff Green includes high school students in the Students on Ice
expedition for several reasons. Firstly, he believes in the power of early
exposure and education to shape young minds and create informed global
citizens. By providing students with first-hand experiences in the polar regions,
they gain a deeper understanding of environmental issues and the urgency of
taking action. Secondly, Geoff Green recognizes that young people are the
future leaders and decision-makers who will inherit the Earth. By involving
them in the expedition, he aims to empower and inspire them to become
advocates for environmental stewardship, driving positive change in their
communities and beyond.
Q.5 Students on Ice is a programme that prepares global citizens. Discuss.
Ans. Students on Ice is a program that prepares global citizens by providing
educational expeditions to the Polar Regions. It offers students the opportunity
to learn about the environment, climate change, and cultural understanding
through first-hand experiences in these unique and fragile ecosystems. The
program aims to inspire and empower young individuals to become informed
and engaged global citizens, fostering a sense of responsibility towards the
planet.
Q6 ‘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?
Ans. The statement "Take care of the small things and the big things will take
care of themselves" holds relevance in the context of the Antarctic environment,
especially when considering the example of phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are
microscopic plants that form the foundation of the Antarctic food chain. They
play a crucial role in the ecosystem by converting sunlight and nutrients into
energy, ultimately supporting the entire marine food web.
By taking care of the small things, such as preserving water quality and
reducing pollution, we can ensure the well-being of phytoplankton populations.
This, in turn, maintains the delicate balance of the Antarctic ecosystem, as
phytoplankton serve as a vital food source for krill, which are then consumed by
higher trophic levels such as penguins, seals, and whales.
Neglecting the small things, such as disregarding pollution or environmental
degradation, can disrupt the intricate web of life in Antarctica. Therefore, by
recognizing the importance of these microscopic organisms and prioritizing
their protection, we contribute to the overall health and sustainability of the
Antarctic environment
