Journey to the End of the Earth

Q1. What is the ‘Students on Ice’ programme? Why is it significant?

‘Students on Ice’ is an international programme that takes students to Antarctica, giving them firsthand experience of its pristine environment. It sensitizes them to climate change and teaches them the importance of preserving Earth’s delicate ecological balance, inspiring them to become responsible environmental citizens.

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Q2. Why is Antarctica considered the perfect place to understand Earth’s past, present, and future?

Antarctica is untouched by human interference, holds 90% of Earth’s ice, and its ice cores reveal 500,000 years of climate history. It helps scientists understand Earth’s geological past, study present global warming, and predict future climate changes, making it the perfect natural laboratory for research.

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Q3. Explain the significance of Gondwana Land in the context of this chapter.

Gondwana was a supercontinent that existed 650 million years ago, comprising India, Africa, South America, Australia, and Antarctica. Its break-up shaped today’s continents and ecosystems. Visiting Antarctica is like travelling back in time, helping scientists study evolution and life’s development on Earth.

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Q4. How has human activity in the last 12,000 years affected the planet?

In the last 12,000 years, humans have increased population, urbanised, and industrialised rapidly. This has caused deforestation, pollution, resource depletion, global warming, and ozone layer damage, disturbing Earth’s natural systems and threatening the ecological balance necessary for survival.

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Q5. What does Tishani Doshi experience and feel on reaching Antarctica?

Tishani is awestruck by Antarctica’s vast whiteness, silence, and scale. The absence of human habitation makes her realise the fragility of Earth and the smallness of human existence. The journey deeply impacts her, urging her to respect and protect the planet.

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Q6. How does Antarctica act as an early warning system for the world?

Melting glaciers and thinning ice sheets in Antarctica signal rising sea levels that can flood coastal regions worldwide. Changes in phytoplankton populations disturb the global food chain. These warning signs highlight the urgent need to control global warming and protect the environment.

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Q7. What is the central message of the chapter? How does it inspire young people?

The chapter teaches that Earth’s systems are interconnected and fragile. Tishani stresses that climate change must be addressed immediately. It inspires young people to become environmentally responsible, respect nature, and work towards preserving the planet for future generations.

MCQs

Q8.

Assertion (A): Gondwana Land’s break-up shaped today’s continents and ecosystems.

Reason (R): Its break-up led to the origin of life on Earth.

Options:

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

B. Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.

C. A is true but R is false.

D. A is false but R is true.

Answer: C – A is true but R is false.

(Life existed before the break-up; the break-up only changed the distribution of life forms.)

Q9. Why does Tishani Doshi compare visiting Antarctica to travelling back in time?

A) Because Antarctica is always frozen and lifeless

B) Because its ice cores reveal climate history and show Earth before human interference

C) Because it has dinosaurs fossils preserved in ice

D) Because it has no modern technology

Answer: B

Q10. Why does the author say that students are the right participants for this programme?

A) They are physically stronger and can tolerate the cold better

B) They will inherit the planet and can influence future decisions

C) They are more interested in travelling to new places

D) They have free time to go on long trips

Answer: B