MP Board · Class 8 · English Grammar · Unseen PassageRead the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: "Trees are of vital importance to human life and the environment. They act as the lungs of our planet by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which is essential for all living beings to breathe. Furthermore, trees help in maintaining ecological balance by preventing soil erosion, holding rainwater, and regulating temperature. Roots of trees bind the soil particles tightly, preventing the topsoil from being washed away by heavy rains or floods. In addition to environmental benefits, trees provide us with fruits, timber, medicines, and shade. Deforestation, caused by human greed, has led to severe issues like climate change and global warming. Therefore, protecting existing trees and planting new ones is a vital responsibility every individual must fulfill." Questions: How do trees act as the lungs of Earth? Explain. Describe the role of trees in preventing soil erosion and regulating climate. Find words from the passage which mean: (i) Crucial / Essential (ii) Destruction of forests Suggest a suitable title for the passage and write its central moral message.

Comprehensive Answers based on the Passage:

1. How Trees Act as Lungs of the Earth:\nTrees are described as the lungs of our planet because they perform a vital gas-exchange process necessary for sustaining life. During photosynthesis, trees take in harmful carbon dioxide from the atmosphere—which is produced by animal respiration, human activities, and industrial pollution—and convert it into clean, fresh oxygen. This oxygen is continuously released back into the air, enabling humans and animals to breathe and survive.

2. Role in Soil Erosion and Climate Regulation:

• Preventing Soil Erosion: The extensive root systems of trees penetrate deep into the ground and bind the soil particles together firmly. This structure prevents the fertile topsoil from being washed away during heavy rains, flash floods, or strong winds.
• Regulating Climate: Trees absorb solar radiation and release water vapor into the air through transpiration, which keeps the surrounding atmosphere cool and promotes timely rainfall. They store carbon, thereby directly mitigating global warming.

3. Vocabulary / Word Meanings:

• (i) Crucial / Essential: Vital (Meaning: Extremely important or necessary for life).
• (ii) Destruction of forests: Deforestation (Meaning: The action of clearing a wide area of trees).

4. Suitable Title and Central Moral Message:

• Suitable Title: "Trees: The Green Lifeline of Earth" or "Importance of Tree Conservation".
• Central Message: The passage teaches us that trees are indispensable for life on Earth. Human beings must stop indiscriminate deforestation and actively engage in planting more trees (afforestation) to safeguard ecological stability for future generations.