Sub Topic: Water Resources 6]Enlist the factors leading to shortage in supply of fresh water.[20-30]7]Mention some causes of water pollution.[30-40]8]Suggest five ways to conserve water. [30-40] Sub Topic: Natural Vegetation and Wildlife resources 9] Why are vultures heading towards extinction?[20-30]10] Differentiate between Wildlife sanctuary, biosphere reserve and National park.[50-60]11]Mention two steps each taken up by the Government to conserve our Natural vegetation and wildlife resources.

6] Factors leading to shortage in supply of fresh water include:

• Overpopulation: As the population increases, the demand for fresh water also increases.
• Climate Change: Changes in climate patterns can lead to droughts and decrease the supply of fresh water.
• Pollution: Contamination of water bodies reduces the amount of usable fresh water.
• Overuse: Excessive use of water in agriculture, industries, and households leads to depletion of fresh water resources.
• Infrastructure: Lack of proper infrastructure to store and distribute water can also lead to water shortage.

7] Some causes of water pollution include:

• Industrial Waste: Industries often dump their waste into water bodies, leading to pollution.
• Sewage and Wastewater: Untreated sewage and wastewater contain harmful bacteria and chemicals that pollute water.
• Oil Spills: Oil spills from ships and tankers cause severe water pollution.
• Agricultural Runoff: Pesticides and fertilizers used in agriculture can run off into water bodies, causing pollution.

8] Five ways to conserve water are:

• Use water-saving appliances.
• Fix leaks promptly.
• Use less water for gardening and lawn care.
• Reuse water whenever possible.
• Educate others about the importance of water conservation.

9] Vultures are heading towards extinction due to:

• Poisoning: Vultures are often poisoned by eating carcasses of animals that have been treated with drugs like diclofenac.
• Habitat Loss: Destruction of their natural habitats for human activities.
• Hunting: They are hunted for their body parts which are used in traditional medicine.

10] Wildlife sanctuary, biosphere reserve, and National park:

• Wildlife Sanctuary: It is a natural area where wildlife is protected and preserved. Human activities are restricted.
• Biosphere Reserve: It is a large area of protected land for conservation of wildlife, biodiversity and the traditional life of the tribals living in the area.
• National Park: It is a protected area, usually owned by the government, set aside for wildlife conservation, and where people can visit and enjoy the natural beauty.

11] Two steps taken up by the Government to conserve our Natural vegetation and wildlife resources are:

• Establishment of Protected Areas: The government has established wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and biosphere reserves to protect wildlife and their habitats.
• Legislation: Laws have been enacted to protect endangered species and to control hunting and poaching.