NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Footprints without Feet
Chapter 6 The Making of a Scientist
Updated For 2024-2025
Exams
READ AND FIND OUT
Q1. How did a
book become a turning point in Richard Ebright’s life?
Answer:
A book titled The Travels of Monarch X became a turning point in Richard
Ebright’s life. It introduced him to the fascinating world of science,
specifically butterfly migrations. The book inspired him to participate in
butterfly migration studies, which ultimately ignited his passion for
scientific research and led him to achieve great success in science.
Q2. How did his
mother help him?
Answer:
Richard Ebright’s mother played a crucial role in nurturing his interest in
science. She encouraged his curiosity by taking him on trips, buying him
scientific equipment like microscopes and telescopes, and supporting his
hobbies. She also spent time with him, engaging in activities that fostered his
learning, and constantly motivated him to pursue knowledge.
READ AND FIND OUT
Q3. What lesson
does Ebright learn when he does not win anything at a science fair?
Answer:
When Richard Ebright did not win anything at the science fair, he learned that
simply making a neat display was not enough to win. He realized that winning
projects involved real experiments and original research. This experience
motivated him to work harder and conduct meaningful scientific experiments for
future fairs.
Q4. What
experiments and projects does he then undertake?
Answer:
After losing at the science fair, Ebright conducted several experiments. In
eighth grade, he tried to find the cause of a viral disease that killed monarch
caterpillars. Later, he worked on a project to test whether viceroy butterflies
copied monarchs to avoid being eaten by birds. In high school, he studied the
purpose of the gold spots on a monarch pupa, discovering that they produced a
hormone necessary for the butterfly’s development. These experiments earned him
recognition in science fairs and paved the way for his future discoveries.
Q5. What are
the qualities that go into the making of a scientist?
Answer:
The qualities that go into the making of a scientist include curiosity, a keen
interest in learning, the ability to observe, think critically, and conduct
experiments. A scientist must also have perseverance, dedication, and a desire
to discover new things. Richard Ebright possessed all these qualities, along
with the drive to win for the right reasons, which helped him excel in science.
THINK ABOUT IT
Q1. How can one
become a scientist, an economist, a historian? Does it simply involve reading
many books on the subject? Does it involve observing, thinking, and doing
experiments?
Answer:
Becoming a scientist, economist, or historian involves much more than just
reading books. It requires a deep curiosity about the subject, the ability to
observe and analyze information, and in the case of scientists, conducting
experiments to test hypotheses. Practical experience, critical thinking, and
continuous learning are essential in mastering any field. Books provide
foundational knowledge, but real understanding comes from applying what one has
learned through experimentation or research.
THINK ABOUT IT
Q2. You must
have read about cells and DNA in your science books. Discuss Richard Ebright’s
work in the light of what you have studied. If you get an opportunity to work
like Richard Ebright on projects and experiments, which field would you like to
work on and why?
Answer:
Richard Ebright’s work on monarch butterflies and his discovery of the role of
the gold spots on the pupa led him to a deeper understanding of cellular
biology, particularly DNA. His research helped him form a theory about how
cells read the DNA blueprint, which plays a crucial role in heredity and cell
functions. In school, we learn that DNA is the molecule responsible for
carrying genetic information, and Ebright’s work explored how DNA guides
cellular processes, helping advance our knowledge of life sciences.
If given an
opportunity, I would like to work in the field of genetic engineering because
it has the potential to revolutionize medicine, agriculture, and environmental
conservation. By understanding and manipulating DNA, scientists can develop
cures for genetic disorders, improve crop yields, and even help address climate
change.
TALK ABOUT IT
Q1. Children
everywhere wonder about the world around them. The questions they ask are the
beginning of scientific inquiry. Given below are some questions that children
in India have asked Professor Yash Pal and Dr. Rahul Pal as reported in their
book, Discovered Questions (NCERT, 2006).
(i) What is
DNA fingerprinting? What are its uses?
Answer:
DNA fingerprinting is a technique used to identify individuals based on their
unique genetic makeup. It involves analyzing specific regions of DNA that vary
greatly between people. This method is commonly used in forensic science to
identify suspects in criminal cases, determine biological relationships, and
verify identities.
(ii) How do
honeybees identify their own honeycombs?
Answer:
Honeybees identify their own honeycombs using their keen sense of smell. Each
colony has a unique scent, which helps the bees recognize their hive. They also
use visual landmarks and the sun’s position to navigate back to their combs
after foraging.
(iii) Why
does rain fall in drops?
Answer:
Rain falls in drops due to surface tension. When water condenses in the
atmosphere, it forms tiny droplets. As these droplets collide and merge, they
grow larger. The force of gravity then pulls them down, and surface tension
causes the water to form spherical drops as they fall.