Options
(B) DDT
Quick Oral Answer
DDT is non-biodegradable because decomposer enzymes cannot break it down; it persists and undergoes biological magnification up the food chain.
Analysis & Explanation
As the chapter states, substances that are broken down by biological processes are called biodegradable, while substances that are not broken down by biological (enzymatic) action are non-biodegradable — they persist in the environment for a long time and may harm members of the ecosystem.
- (A) Paper — made of cellulose (plant fibre); readily broken down by decomposers (bacteria/fungi). Biodegradable.
- (B) DDT — a synthetic pesticide/chemical. It is not acted upon by the enzymes of decomposers, so it persists in soil and water, enters the food chain, and undergoes biological magnification, accumulating in increasing concentration at successive trophic levels. This makes it the correct answer — a non-biodegradable pollutant.
- (C) Wood — a natural plant material (cellulose/lignin) that decomposers can break down over time. Biodegradable.
- (D) Vegetable peel — kitchen/organic waste, rapidly decomposed by microorganisms. Biodegradable.
Common Mistakes
- 1Confusing 'slow to decompose' (like wood) with 'non-biodegradable' — wood does eventually degrade biologically, unlike DDT.
- 2Not linking DDT to biological magnification, which is the key reason it is highlighted as harmful in this chapter.
Interesting Facts
DDT was banned or restricted in many countries precisely because its non-biodegradable nature caused it to biomagnify up food chains, reaching dangerously high concentrations in top carnivores, including humans, as described under biological magnification in this chapter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2026?
This question carries 1 mark in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2026 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "Our Environment" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Non-biodegradable pollutants" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
Has this question appeared in other CBSE Science papers?
Yes, a similar question appeared in the 2026 CBSE Class 10 Science paper.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2026 paper?
This is a MCQ question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2026 paper.