In this lesson, we explore the concept of why people worship nature, particularly birds, trees, and animals. The lesson begins by explaining that our ancestors worshipped nature to respect and protect the ecology and prevent human greed from destroying natural resources. Birds, their species, and their unique characteristics are also discussed in detail. Various types of birds are described, such as the smallest hummingbird and the largest Ostrich, highlighting their special abilities, such as swiftness, high-altitude flying, and some species that have lost the power of flight. The lesson also introduces Salim Ali, the renowned “Birdman of India,” who made significant contributions to ornithology. He observed birds in their natural habitats and saved important bird sanctuaries. Salim Ali’s legacy continues to inspire bird watchers and conservationists in India.
20 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Why did people worship birds, trees, and animals in ancient times?
- a) To avoid pollution
- b) To respect ecology and prevent human greed
- c) For religious reasons
- d) To maintain balance in nature
Answer: b) To respect ecology and prevent human greed
- What is the main reason given for worshipping nature in the lesson?
- a) To stay connected with the environment
- b) To follow tradition
- c) To prevent the destruction of natural wealth
- d) To gain spiritual benefits
Answer: c) To prevent the destruction of natural wealth
- Which bird is the smallest species of bird?
- a) Eagle
- b) Ostrich
- c) Humming Bird
- d) Kiwi
Answer: c) Humming Bird
- What is the largest bird in the world?
- a) Emu
- b) Eagle
- c) Ostrich
- d) Vulture
Answer: c) Ostrich
- Which bird is known for flying at high altitudes?
- a) Ostrich
- b) Vulture
- c) Humming Bird
- d) Kiwi
Answer: b) Vulture
- What do birds primarily feed on?
- a) Fruits and seeds
- b) Insects, food grains, and flesh
- c) Fish and small mammals
- d) Nectar and flowers
Answer: b) Insects, food grains, and flesh
- Which of the following birds have lost the power of flight?
- a) Eagle
- b) Emu, Ostrich, and Kiwi
- c) Hawk
- d) Humming Bird
Answer: b) Emu, Ostrich, and Kiwi
- What is a special feature of birds?
- a) They have teeth
- b) They lay eggs
- c) They have a poor sense of sight
- d) They cannot fly
Answer: b) They lay eggs
- Who is known as the ‘Birdman of India’?
- a) Dr. W.S. Millard
- b) Amiruddin Tyabji
- c) Salim Ali
- d) J. Paul Getty
Answer: c) Salim Ali
- How did Salim Ali become interested in studying birds?
- a) He attended a special class
- b) His uncle, a hunter and nature lover, guided him
- c) He watched birds from a distance
- d) He read books on birds
Answer: b) His uncle, a hunter and nature lover, guided him
- What did Salim Ali do after he shot a bird as a child?
- a) He studied the bird in a laboratory
- b) He contacted the Bombay Natural History Society
- c) He made the bird his pet
- d) He showed it to his uncle
Answer: b) He contacted the Bombay Natural History Society
- What did Dr. W.S. Millard identify the bird as?
- a) A hummingbird
- b) A yellow-throated sparrow
- c) An ostrich
- d) A vulture
Answer: b) A yellow-throated sparrow
- What was Salim Ali’s main interest in the study of birds?
- a) Observing their appearance in labs
- b) Studying their behaviour in natural habitats
- c) Collecting bird feathers
- d) Studying bird anatomy
Answer: b) Studying their behaviour in natural habitats
- Which of the following awards did Salim Ali receive?
- a) Bharat Ratna
- b) Padma Bhushan
- c) J. Paul Getty International Award
- d) Nobel Prize
Answer: c) J. Paul Getty International Award
- What is Salim Ali’s famous book?
- a) The Book of Indian Birds
- b) The World of Birds
- c) Birds of the World
- d) The Flying Birds of India
Answer: a) The Book of Indian Birds
- In which year did Salim Ali pass away?
- a) 1987
- b) 1997
- c) 1975
- d) 2000
Answer: a) 1987
- What did Salim Ali’s intervention save?
- a) The Silent Valley National Park and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
- b) The Sundarbans Mangrove Forest
- c) The Himalayan Range
- d) The Great Barrier Reef
Answer: a) The Silent Valley National Park and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
- Which bird is known for its swiftness?
- a) Ostrich
- b) Eagle
- c) Vulture
- d) Humming Bird
Answer: b) Eagle
- What are birds commonly referred to as?
- a) Flying mammals
- b) Winged bipeds
- c) Reptiles with feathers
- d) Land animals with wings
Answer: b) Winged bipeds
- What was Salim Ali’s primary method of studying birds?
- a) Using microscopes in labs
- b) Traveling to remote places to observe birds in their natural habitat
- c) Observing birds in cities
- d) Collecting birds for research
Answer: b) Traveling to remote places to observe birds in their natural habitat
B. Answer the following questions:
1. Why is Salim Ali called the ‘Birdman’ of India?
Ans. In India, the world of birds was exposed to us by the great Salim Ali’s contribution. Therefore, he is affectionately known as the ‘Birdman’ of India.
2. What role do feathers play in birds?
Ans. The feathers of the birds give us an idea about the life they lead.
3. Looking at the beak of a bird, is it possible to understand its life cycle? Explain.
Ans. Yes, looking at the beak of a bird we under- stand about their food that it is insect eating or grain or flesh.
4. What influenced Salim Ali to become an ornithologist?
Ans. When Salim Ali was a child, he shot a bird, which had a yellow streak running below its neck. His uncle could not identify the species and advised him to contact the Bombay Natural Society in Mumbai. Dr W.S. Millard, the honorary secretary of the society identified the bird as yellow-throated sparrow. He also showed him the society’s splendid collection of stuffed birds. This incident influenced him to become an ornithologist.