Class 12 English Vistas Chapter 3 – Journey to the end of Earth (Tishani Doshi) Long question answers

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 English

Vistas

Chapter 3 – Journey to the end of Earth

(Tishani Doshi)

Long question answers

 

Q1 How did the author defend the use of the heading “journey to the end of the earth”?

Ans Tishani Doshi, the author, convincingly validates the title "Journey to the End of the World." The entire group brimmed with excitement during their expedition to Antarctica, discovering firsthand the extremities of the world's coldest, driest, and windiest continent. Their expedition proved highly successful as experiencing Antarctica's vastness, significance, and pivotal role in upholding ecological balance is truly graspable only through physical presence there.

In an extensive exploration of this isolated landmass, the author unearthed Antarctica's pristine, untouched state, contemplating humanity's origins and potential future trajectories. The author posited that without addressing the rapidly accelerating global warming, the unstoppable thawing of ice, especially glaciers, could occur, underscoring the critical importance of preserving Antarctica, housing 90% of the world's ice. There's a concern that, in the foreseeable future, Antarctica might trigger cataclysmic consequences, potentially endangering human life on Earth, ultimately leading to the world's end.

Q2 Describe the journey to Antarctica by the Vessel Akademik Shokalskiy.

Ans The inaugural expedition comprises 52 individuals led by the intrepid and knowledgeable Canadian, Geoff Green. To instill in teenagers the pressing importance of exploring Antarctica, Green initiated the Students on Ice mission aboard the Akademik Shokalskiy, a Russian vessel bound for the planet's most frigid, driest, and windiest continent.

Traversing nine time zones, navigating through six checkpoints, crossing three bodies of water, and encountering at least as many distinct ecosystems, the journey embarked from Madras, situated 19.09 degrees North of the equator. They spent over 100 hours in transit via vehicle, aircraft, and ship before reaching Antarctica's expansive white terrain and uninterrupted blue skyline, evoking feelings of wonder and determination amidst the vastness and isolation.

Q3 ‘Take care of small things and big ones will take care of themselves.’ What is the relevance of this statement in the context of Antarctica?

Ans The significance of the small things stands on its own merit. When these minor elements unite, their influence extends to larger scales. In the Southern Ocean, phytoplankton function as its grass, harnessing light energy through photosynthesis to generate the chemical sustenance supporting food and oxygen for all marine life. Despite being minute single-celled plants, phytoplankton play an indispensable role in nourishing and maintaining the entire Southern Ocean's food web, sustaining animals and birds. Thus, the existence of life hinges upon these minuscule organisms.

However, the activities of these plants and indeed the entire Earth's ecology face potential impacts from global warming. These plants utilize solar energy to absorb carbon and produce vital organic compounds. The escalating depletion of the Ozone layer stands as a looming threat to this natural system. Halting this depletion is imperative to uphold our ecological equilibrium and safeguard all living beings from the brink of extinction.

Therefore, by acknowledging the importance of these small elements, we inherently care for the larger components. It's crucial to be vigilant and tend to these minor aspects to naturally preserve the broader ecological balance and ensure the survival of all life forms.

Q4 A lot can happen in a million years, but what a difference a day makes. Explain.

Ans The author embarked on a journey to Antarctica, renowned as the planet's coldest, driest, and windiest continent, accompanied by a group of 52 individuals. The stark, uninhabited landscape, devoid of trees, signs, or structures, evoked a sense of exhilaration. Antarctica's study holds the potential to unveil the secrets of evolution and extinction, given that Earth's history traces back to this region.

It's imperative to acknowledge that preserving nature is paramount to preventing the extinction of humanity. Antarctica, housing 90% of the world's ice and harboring enigmatic secrets beneath its surface, stands as an ideal focal point for such preservation efforts. The author spent a fortnight with a group of teenagers under the guidance of Canadian leader Geoff Green. Reflecting on the urgency of action, the author remarked on the vast possibilities within a million years but emphasized the immense impact a single day can make.

 

Q5 Geoff Green, a Canadian explorer and educator, started to include high school students on the expedition Students on Ice. Explain why?

Ans Since its inception, Geoff Green has led prominent figures, affluent retirees, and inquisitive individuals to Antarctica, yet their collective dissatisfaction and obliviousness to humanity's challenges have been palpable. Authorities have failed to grasp the environmental concerns, showing little response or concern. The futility of Geoff's efforts and the considerable time squandered were apparent.

However, the project evolved to offer an educational opportunity for newcomers to delve into our world and ecology. Geoff shifted focus towards engaging students, willing participants, and eager learners. These youths exhibit a readiness to absorb information, comprehend it, and take immediate action.

Recognizing the imminent threat of global warming, these young individuals stand poised to become future policymakers, responsible for addressing and resolving environmental issues. Consequently, the expedition or movement has begun yielding positive outcomes, fostering heightened awareness among people about the perils of global warming.

Q6 The world’s geological history is trapped in Antarctica. How is the study of this region useful to us? (CBSE 2008)

Ans Antarctica's comprehension can be simultaneously bewildering and enlightening. Some 350 million years ago, a supercontinent named "Gondwana" predominated, with its epicenter approximately in the vicinity of present-day Antarctica. During this epoch, the environment boasted significantly higher temperatures and supported a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The Gondwana supercontinent thrived for a staggering 500 million years.

During that era, the fragmentation of this landmass into separate continents significantly shaped the trajectory of the modern world. A study of this region offers a clear lens through which to trace our origins, contemplate potential future paths, and comprehend the processes of species evolution and extinction.

Q7 Based on the chapter, elucidate any three consequences that global warming will have on Antarctica.
Ans The pressure on land intensifies due to a rapid and ongoing surge in the human population while natural resources steadily diminish. The burning of fossil fuels and deforestation contribute to a global temperature rise, leading to alarming consequences such as global warming, ozone layer depletion, and glacier retreat. These perilous developments pose a significant threat to human survival, as well as the well-being of birds and marine life.

Moreover, the anticipated rise in sea and ocean levels due to these factors could submerge numerous low-lying regions. Experts warn of the potential impact on phytoplankton activity from future thinning of the ozone layer, affecting the lives of birds and marine creatures in the affected areas. The repercussions of Antarctica warming due to global warming could trigger catastrophic events elsewhere.

Q8 Identify Tishani Doshi’s writing style in Journey to the End of the Earth and state two aspects that characterise it using examples from the text.

Ans In her writing, she meticulously incorporates precise factual details, meticulously noting specifics such as the vessel's name, the duration of her journey to Antarctica, the count of time zones, checkpoints, along with geological and historical facts that form the foundation of her narrative. Her writing is structured into three distinct sections, each marked by a heading for clear delineation. She skillfully employs descriptive language, crafting vivid word-paintings that bring scenes to life. Through visual imagery, she draws comparisons, likening the ice-covered expanse of Antarctica to an unending canvas of "stark whiteness," effectively imprinting a mental picture of the location.

Furthermore, she employs similes adeptly, likening the experience of visiting Antarctica to "walking into a giant ping-pong ball," infusing her narrative with lively, relatable descriptions that enhance the reader's immersion in the experience.