1. He was a very young squirrel, and his friends and relatives probably thought him foolish and headstrong for trusting a human. What does this statement reveal about human beings?
Answer: This statement reveals a sad but important truth about the relationship between humans and animals. It suggests that from the perspective of the natural world, human beings are often seen as untrustworthy and dangerous.
The fact that the squirrel’s own family would consider trust in a human to be “foolish” implies a long history of negative interactions. Animals likely learn through experience that humans can be unpredictable—sometimes they may be kind, but often they are a source of harm, destruction, or fear. This line highlights that we have not always been good stewards of nature, and many creatures have learned to view us with caution and keep their distance to survive.
2. The banyan tree proved to be a storehouse of wisdom for the young narrator. What did he learn about the following?
| Objects/Animals | Features | Learning |
| a. the banyan tree | i. age | It was older than his house and his grandfather, teaching him about history and longevity. |
| ii. size | It was massive, with branches that had hung to the ground and taken root, forming a maze-like structure he could hide in. | |
| iii. supporting varied life | It was a complete ecosystem, providing a home for birds, insects, and animals like the squirrel and mongoose, showing how one life form can support many others. | |
| b. squirrel | i. physical appearance | It was a young creature with a beautiful striped back and a bushy tail. |
| ii. food | Its diet consisted of natural items like roots, figs, and the narrator’s offered biscuits. | |
| iii. temperament | It was initially timid but capable of trust, leading to a playful and friendly relationship with the narrator. | |
| c. mongoose | i. physical appearance | It was a sleek, quick-moving animal with a fierce face and a deadly attacking style. |
| ii. friends and foes | Its natural enemy was the snake (cobra), and it had no particular friendship with other animals, living a solitary life. | |
| iii. skill | It was a skilled and courageous fighter, specially adapted to hunt and kill venomous snakes. | |
| d. Cobra | i. physical appearance | It was a large, majestic, and fearsome snake, capable of expanding its hood and hissing. |
| ii. friends and foes | It had no friends, and its main enemy was the mongoose. | |
| iii. skill | It was a swift and venomous predator, using its deadly bite and hypnotic movements to hunt. |
3. Real-Life Connect: The narrator talks of his happy childhood spent with nature. Can you say the same about yourself? Do you think that the future generations will also be able to enjoy the plant and animal life around them in the years to come? Why or why not?
Answer: Like the narrator, I also have fond memories of climbing trees and exploring gardens, which gave me a great sense of freedom and wonder. However, with increasing urbanization and the lure of digital screens, such deep, unstructured connections with nature are becoming less common for many children today.
Whether future generations will enjoy the same richness of plant and animal life is a pressing question. I believe they will be able to, but only if we make conscious efforts today. The opportunity is not guaranteed.
The reason for concern is clear: habitat loss due to expanding cities, pollution of air and water, and the overarching threat of climate change are putting immense pressure on ecosystems. If this continues unchecked, many species could disappear, and wild spaces could become scarce.
However, there is hope. The growing global emphasis on conservation, from national parks to local reforestation projects, and the rise of sustainable technologies are positive steps. If we actively choose to protect natural habitats, reduce our environmental footprint, and educate our children about the importance of nature, we can ensure that future generations will also experience the joy and wisdom that comes from a world teeming with life. The choice is ours.
3. Real-Life Connect: The narrator talks of his happy childhood spent with nature. Can you say the same about yourself? Do you think that the future generations will also be able to enjoy the plant and animal life around them in the years to come? Why or why not?
Answer: Like the narrator, I also have fond memories of climbing trees and exploring gardens, which gave me a great sense of freedom and wonder. However, with increasing urbanization and the lure of digital screens, such deep, unstructured connections with nature are becoming less common for many children today.
Whether future generations will enjoy the same richness of plant and animal life is a pressing question. I believe they will be able to, but only if we make conscious efforts today. The opportunity is not guaranteed.
The reason for concern is clear: habitat loss due to expanding cities, pollution of air and water, and the overarching threat of climate change are putting immense pressure on ecosystems. If this continues unchecked, many species could disappear, and wild spaces could become scarce.
However, there is hope. The growing global emphasis on conservation, from national parks to local reforestation projects, and the rise of sustainable technologies are positive steps. If we actively choose to protect natural habitats, reduce our environmental footprint, and educate our children about the importance of nature, we can ensure that future generations will also experience the joy and wisdom that comes from a world teeming with life. The choice is ours.