Class 12 English - ODISHA

Supplementary: Journey to the End of the Earth

Supplementary chapter Journey to the End of the Earth by Tishani Doshi chronicles her expedition to Antarctica aboard the Russian research vessel Akademik Shokalskiy. For Class 12 Odisha BSE students, this chapter is crucial as it emphasizes environmental awareness, climate change, and the future of planet Earth. The narrative bridges geological history with current ecological crises, helping students understand how Antarctica holds the key to Earth's past, present, and future. Board exams frequently feature questions testing comprehension of Antarctica's pristine environment, the significance of phytoplankton, and the impact of human activities on global warming.

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Key Concepts

Supercontinent Gondwana

A massive landmass that existed 650 million years ago, uniting India and Antarctica before breaking apart into modern continents.

Significance of Antarctica

Antarctica remains uncorrupted by human presence, holding half-million-year-old carbon records trapped in its ice sheets, making it vital for studying climate change.

Phytoplankton

Microscopic grasses of the Southern Ocean that nourish and sustain the entire Southern Ocean's food chain through photosynthesis.

Students on Ice Programme

An educational initiative by Canadian Geoff Green that takes high school students to the ends of the earth to foster respect and understanding for our planet.

Human Impact on Environment

The chapter highlights how rapid human population growth and unchecked burning of fossil fuels are creating a blanket of carbon dioxide, threatening global ecosystems.

Important Formulas

Gondwana: The ancient supercontinent existing 650 million years ago
Akademik Shokalskiy: The Russian research vessel used for the expedition
Geoff Green: Founder of the Students on Ice programme
Phytoplankton: Microscopic marine algae crucial for oceanic food chains

Board Exam Info

This supplementary chapter typically carries around 4 to 8 marks in the Odisha BSE Class 12 English board examination. Common question types include long-answer questions on environmental themes, short-answer questions about the significance of Antarctica, and reference-to-context questions based on the author's expedition experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Antarctica the place to go to understand the earth's present, past, and future?

Antarctica holds half-million-year-old carbon records trapped in its ice sheets and preserves geological clues of the supercontinent Gondwana, allowing us to see where the earth came from and where it is heading due to climate change.

What is the objective of the 'Students on Ice' programme?

The programme aims to take high school students to the ends of the world to provide them inspiring educational opportunities and foster a deep understanding and respect for our planet.

What are phytoplankton and why are they important?

Phytoplankton are microscopic grasses of the sea that use sun energy to assimilate carbon and synthesize compounds, serving as the base of the Southern Ocean's food chain.

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