Kerala Syllabus Class 9 Biology Chapter 5 Reproductive Health Notes Solutions

A thorough understanding of Kerala Syllabus 9th Standard Biology Textbook Solutions Chapter 5 Reproductive Health Notes Questions and Answers English Medium can improve academic performance.

SCERT Class 9 Biology Chapter 5 Notes Questions and Answers Reproductive Health

Std 9 Biology Chapter 5 Notes Pdf Kerala Syllabus English Medium Solutions Questions and Answers

Class 9 Biology Chapter 5 Let Us Assess Answers Reproductive Health

Question 1.
What is the duration of full-term pregnancy in humans?
a) 200 – 210 days
b) 210 – 220 days
c) 270-280 days
d) 2 8 0 – 2 9 0 days
Answer:
c) 270-280 days

Question 2.
Choose the one which is used to observe the growth of the foetus?
a) Ultrasound scan
b) Stethoscope
c) ECG
d) Thermometer
Answer:
a) Ultrasound scan

Question 3.
The fluid filled sac that surrounds and protects the foetus is ………..
a) Amnion
b) Placenta
c) Uterus
d) Ovary
Answer:
a) Amnion

Question 4.
Implantation means
a) Deposition of sperm in the vagina
b) Blastocyst attaches to the endometrium and grows
c) The fusion of sperm and the ovum
d) Surgical removal of the baby
Answer:
b) Blastocyst attaches to the endometrium and grows

Question 5.
The illustration given below shows a surgical procedure that men can adopt for contraception.

(a) Identify the contraceptive method in males.
(b) How is contraception possible through this surgery?
Answer:
(a) Vasectomy is the surgical contraceptive method in males
(b) Vasectomy is done by cutting and sealing the vas deferens in males. This prevents pregnancy by stopping sperm from leaving the body.

Question 6.
Which of the following organisms reproduce by external fertilisation?
a) Amphibians
b) Reptiles
c) Birds
d) Mammals
Answer:
a) Amphibians

Question 7.
“First breast milk, First defence”. These are the words in the poster released by the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Kerala. What is your response to the phrases in the poster?
Answer:
The phrase in the poster is true regarding the first breast milk. Colostrum is light yellow-coloured milk produced after giving birth. This is rich in antibodies that protect the baby from infection, diarrhoea, respiratory diseases, and allergies. Thus, the colostrum, the first breast milk, prepares the baby for its first defence.

Question 8.
What are the factors that reduce fertility in both men and women?
Answer:
Factors that reduce fertility in both men and women are:

• Exposure to toxins and pollution
• Smoking
• Drug abuse
• Alcohol consumption
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Inflammation of the reproductive organs

Question 9.
Describe the physical changes of the foetus during each trimester of pregnancy.
Answer:

First trimester	Second trimester	Third trimester
The heartbeat starts	Hair growth begins on the head and the body	Lungs attains complete growth
Formation of limbs, fingers and toes	The foetus starts moving	Body size increases
Sex organs and organ systems are formed	Eyelids open, eyelashes are formed	Gaining of body weight

Question 10.
What are the chief ways to avoid Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?
Answer:
Methods to avoid Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

• Practice safe sex: Use polyurethane condoms or other barrier methods each time having sex
• Get vaccinated: Some STIs, such as HPV and Hepatitis B, can be prevented with vaccines.
• Ensure genital hygiene.
• Avoid having sex with multiple partners

Extended Activities

Question 1.
Prepare a poster on adolescent health and food habits and display in the class.
Answer:

Question 2.
Prepare the list of vaccines to be administered to newborns with the help of imaging software and post them in the social media.
Answer:

Age	Vaccine
At birth	BCG, OPV (zero dose), Hepatitis B
6 Weeks	OPV-1, Pentavalent-1, IPV-1, RVV-1
10 W eeks	OPV-2, Pentavalent-2, RVV-2
14 Weeks	OPV-3, Pentavalent-3, IPV-2, RVV-3
9-12 W eeks	Measles & Rubella (MR)-l
16-24 W eeks	MR-2. Diphtheria, Pertussis & Tetanus (DPT)-Booster-l, OPV-Booster
5-6 years	DPT-Booster-2
10 years	Tetanus & adult diphtheria (Td)                                                                             ‘
16 years	Td

Question 3.
Prepare a manuscript on the importance of motherhood by including pictures and descriptions.
Answer:
Key Points for the Manuscript on the Importance of Motherhood

The Nurturing Instinct:

• Biological basis: Mothers are biologically equipped to nurture their offspring with instincts and physical attributes that facilitate caregiving.
• Emotional bond: The mother-child bond is one of the most profound emotional connections, forged through shared experiences, love, and empathy.

The Shaping of Lives:

• Early development: A mother’s love and care are essential for a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development.
• Role modelling: Mothers serve as powerful role models, influencing their children’s values, beliefs, and behaviours.
• Resilience: The challenges of motherhood can strengthen a woman’s resilience, character, and determination.

The Impact on Families and Communities:

• Family dynamics: The presence of a mother in a family can significantly impact its dynamics, creating a harmonious and nurturing environment.
• Community well-being: Strong maternal figures contribute to the overall well-being of a community, influencing education, healthcare, and social cohesion.

The Challenges and Rewards:

• Balancing act: Motherhood often involves balancing the demands of work, family, and personal life, requiring effective time management and prioritisation skills.
• Unconditional love: The unconditional love that mothers offer their children is one of the greatest rewards of motherhood, transcending boundaries and challenges.

Additional Considerations:

• Cultural perspectives: Explore different cultural perspectives on motherhood to understand its global significance.
• Challenges faced by specific groups: Discuss the unique challenges faced by single mothers, working mothers, or mothers in disadvantaged circumstances.
• Supporting mothers: Highlight the importance of supporting mothers and promoting maternal well-being through policies, programs, and community initiatives.

Reproductive Health Class 9 Notes Questions and Answers Kerala Syllabus

Question 1.
What can be the reasons for the decrease in the maternal and infant mortality rate in Kerala?
Answer:

• High literacy rate of women
• Best Maternal and Child Health Care Centers
• High quality public health projects
• Early intervention and preventive measures

Question 2.
What all can be done to ensure gender justice? Based on the hints given below discuss and summarise the ideas and prepare a note.

• Equal opportunities in leadership, decision making and positions
• Opportunity to travel anywhere at any time with freedom and security
• Equal right to education for boys and girls
• Equal wages for equal work
• Shared responsibilities for men and women in family care and household chores

Answer:
Gender justice aim to eliminate discrimination and promote equal rights for all genders.

• It promote policies that encourage women’s participation in leadership roles across all sectors, including politics, business, and community organisations.
• Implement mentorship programs and training initiatives to empower women and equip them with the skills necessary for leadership positions.
• Create safe environments that allow individuals, regardless of gender, to travel freely without fear of harassment or violence.
• Ensure that both boys and girls have equal access to quality education, addressing barriers such as poverty, cultural norms, and discrimination.
• Ensure that individuals receive fair compensation regardless of gender.
• Encourage shares responsibilities between men and women, which supports work-life balance.

Question 3.
What are the main changes and their causes of adolescence? List them.
Answer:

• Rapid physical growth occurs due to hormonal changes
• Development of Secondary Sexual Characteristics including breast development in girls, facial hair and voice deepening in boys, and the beginning of menstruation in girls.
• Increase in emotional changes leading to mood changes.

Question 4.
Based on the indicators, analyse the given illustration and formulate inferences.

Indicators:

• The change in uterus during the menstrual cycle
• Menstrual hygiene

Answer:
Menstrual cycle is a monthly process occurring in women’s body. It prepares body for pregnancy. During menstruation, the lining of the uterus (endometrium) sheds, and blood, tissue, and fluid flow out of the vagina. The menstrual cycle is divided into four phases: Menstrual phase, Follicular phase, Ovulation, and Luteal phase.

Menstrual phase is the stage when you have your period.
During follicular phase, the pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the ovaries to produce follicles. Each follicle contains an egg.

During Ovulation, the mature egg is released from the ovary. It travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus. After ovulation, the follicle that released the egg turns into a corpus luteum. The corpus luteum produces progesterone, which helps to thicken the lining of the uterus in preparation for a possible pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilised, the corpus luteum breaks down, progesterone levels drop, and the lining of the uterus sheds, starting the menstrual cycle again.

Hygiene is important during menstruation.
It involves:

• Choose suitable menstrual products
• Change pads every 4-8 hours
• Wash hands before and after changing menstrual products.
• Dispose used products in a hygienic way
• Shower regularly
• Stay hydrated

Question 5.
Isn’t the zygote a single cell? How does it become a multicellular baby?
Answer:
The zygote undergoes repeated cell division and forms morula. Morula transforms into a structure filled with fluid and cells called Blastocyst. The blastocyst attaches to a lining of uterus called endometrium and grows there. This process is called Implantation. Further, the cells begin to differentiate and form specific organs and systems, eventually developing into a multicellular baby.

Question 6.
Only one of the sperms that reaches the ovum fuses with it. Why? Find it out.
Answer:
Only one sperm fertilises an ovum to ensure the correct number of chromosomes in the offspring. If multiple sperms fertilize an ovum, it may lead to abnormal number of chromosomes.

Question 7.
Prepare a flowchart including the various steps from fertilisation to implantation.
Answer:

Question 8.
How does the foetus get nutrients and how is waste removed from its body?
Answer:
The foetus receives nutrients and eliminates waste through the placenta and umblical cord.

Question 9.
What are the changes that occur in the body during pregnancy?
Answer:

• Gains body weight
• The thickness of the inner lining of the uterus increases.
• Menstruation stops temporarily.
• Changes in skin
• Fatigue and tiredness

Question 10.
What all things have to be taken care of, to ensure the physical and mental health during pregnancy?
Answer:

• A healthy diet
• Regular checkups
• Moderate exercises
• Enough rest
• Stray hydrated
• Avoid harmful substances like alcohol, tobacco, etc.
• Ensure emotional well-being
• Attend prenatal classes

Question 11.
Discuss with adults, the food items to be included in the diet of a pregnant woman, and those to be regulated. Complete the table.

Food items to be included	Food items to be regulated

Answer:

Food items to be included	Food items to be regulated
Dairy Products Legumes Whole Grains Fruits and Vegetables Lean Protein	Caffeine Raw or undercooked fish Unpasteurized Dairy Products Processed Meats Alcohol

Question 12.
Organise a seminar in the class based on the topic ‘The challenges posed by alcohol, drugs and smoking’.
Sub topics

• Reproductive health
• Other health issues
• Social and economic issues.

Answer:
Seminar: The Challenges Posed by Alcohol, Drugs, and Smoking

Introduction:
Substance abuse, including alcohol, drugs, and smoking, poses significant challenges to individuals, families, and societies. These substances have far-reaching consequences not only on physical health but also on mental well-being, relationships, and economic stability. For young people, understanding these risks is crucial to making informed choices. This seminar aims to shed light on the challenges posed by alcohol, drugs, and smoking by exploring their impact on reproductive health, overall health, and broader social and economic issues.

Reproductive Health:
In women, alcohol consumption, smoking, and drug use can cause fertility problems, leading to complications in conception. These substances also have a negative impact during pregnancy, resulting in miscarriages, preterm births, or fetal alcohol syndrome, a condition that severely impairs a child’s development.

In men, drugs and smoking are known to decrease sperm quality and lead to erectile dysfunction. Moreover, substance abuse often leads to high-risk behaviours, increasing the likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Therefore, substance use not only affects the individual’s reproductive capabilities but also poses long-term health risks for future generations.

Other Health Issues:
Alcohol is a leading cause of liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, and contributes to heart disease and strokes. Chronic alcohol use also damages the brain, leading to mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and even alcohol-induced dementia. Drug abuse, particularly with narcotics, can cause permanent brain damage, addiction, and overdose, which can be fatal. Smoking is responsible for a wide range of diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and heart disease.

Social and Economic Issues:
Substance abuse often leads to strained relationships, broken families, and social isolation, with many addicts experiencing stigma and shame. It can increase criminal behavior, contributing to violence, domestic abuse, and illegal activities. The economic impact of substance abuse is staggering, with productivity loss due to absenteeism or poor performance at work, leading to unemployment. Additionally, health care systems bear a significant financial burden due to the treatment of substance-related illnesses, rehabilitation programs, and public health initiatives aimed at prevention.

Conclusion:
The challenges posed by alcohol, drugs, and smoking extend far beyond the individual, affecting families, communities, and entire economies. Understanding the profound impact these substances have on reproductive health, general health, and socio-economic well-being is crucial for making better lifestyle choices.

Question 13.
You have understood the importance of care and nutrition during pregnancy and parturition. How should the nutrition and care of a newborn baby be?
Answer:
Proper nutrition and care are essential for the healthy growth and development of a newborn. Breastfeeding, hygiene, safe sleep, regular health check-ups, vaccinations, and emotional bonding are key aspects. Equally important is the postnatal care of the mother to ensure her well-being during this critical period.

Question 14.
What are the main vaccines given to newborns? What is the time schedule for vaccination? Visit the nearest health centre, check the National Immunisation Schedule and complete the table. Prepare a chart and display it in the class.
Find out the disease that is prevented by each vaccine.

Answer:

National Immunisation Schedule
At Birth	BCG, OPV (zero dose). Hepatitis B
6 Weeks	OPV-1, Pentavalent-1, IPV-1. RVV-1
10 Weeks	OPV-2, Pentavalent-2, RVV-2
14 Weeks	OPV-3, Pentavalent-3, IPV-2, RVV-3
9-12 Weeks	MR-1
16-24 Weeks	MR-2, DPT-Booster-1, OPV-Booster
5-6 years	DPT-Booster-2
10 years	Td
16 years	Td

 

Vaccine	Disease
Bacillus Calmcttc-Guerin (BCG)	Tuberculosis (TB)
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)	Polio
Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV)	Rotavirus (diarrhoea and vomiting in young children and babies)
Hepatitis B vaccine	Hepatitis B
Pentavalent	Diphtheria, Tetanus. Pertussis (whooping cough), Hepatitis B. and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)
MR vaccine	Measles & Rubella Infections
DPT Vaccine	Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertassis (whooping cough)
Td Vaccine	Tetanus & adult diphtheria

Question 15.
What are the benefits of mother who breastfeeds?
Answer:
Health Benefits of the mother due to breastfeeding:

• Lowers the Risk of Certain Diseases like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and even heart disease later in life.
• Breastfeeding creates a close connection between the mother and the baby, helping them bond better.
• Breastfeeding releases hormones that help the mother feel relaxed and calm, which can reduce stress and anxiety.
• Breastfeeding can delay the return of the mother’s menstrual cycle, which can act as a natural form of birth control, though it’s not completely reliable.

Question 16.
How about conducting a study on creating awareness among the public in your area about antenatal and postnatal care and the intervention of health workers? Prepare a report after interviewing health workers and the public by including the given topics.

• Antenatal care
• Diet, Treatment
• Intervention of health workers
• Home birth
• Vaccines

Answer:
Some sample interview questions for health workers and the public are given below
For Health Workers:

• What are the most important aspects of antenatal care?
• How do you assist mothers during pregnancy and childbirth?
• What challenges do you face in providing care, especially in rural areas?

For the Public:

• How often do you visit health workers during pregnancy?
• What kind of advice have you received about diet and vaccinations?
• Do you prefer home births or hospital births, and why?

Sample of the report after conducting the interview:
Health workers emphasized the importance of regular antenatal check-ups to monitor the health of both the mother and the baby. They highlighted the need for early detection of complications, such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and anaemia. These visits are also important for educating mothers on nutrition, exercise, and general well-being. They provide medical support and guidance during pregnancy.

They offer regular monitoring, educate about healthy practices, and intervene in cases of complications. Midwives and community health workers also provide emotional support and are often the first point of contact in rural areas. Health workers recommend a balanced diet rich in proteins, iron, calcium, and folic acid. They also prescribe supplements when necessary to ensure that the mother and baby receive adequate nutrition.

Some members of the public were aware of antenatal care and its importance, but others, especially in rural areas, lacked knowledge or access to regular check-ups. Many rely on traditional methods and only visit a healthcare facility if there is a problem. Many women in urban areas are more aware of the importance of a nutritious diet during pregnancy, but in rural areas, women may not have access to the necessary foods or supplements. Some rely on traditional remedies and diets that may lack the needed nutrients.

Question 17.
Analysing the statements given below, discuss your opinions and form inferences.
Frequent pregnancy may affect the health of the mother and children.
Increase in population creates adverse effects in the environment and in the utilisation of resources.
In some countries where the birth rate is lesser, extra time and financial assistance for child care are given.
Answer:
Population growth and decline are global issues with wide-ranging implications for health, society, and the environment. While high birth rates strain resources and increase environmental damage, low birth rates threaten economic growth and social stability. Both challenges require comprehensive strategies, including access to contraception, education on family planning, and supportive policies for parents. Promoting reproductive health and creating policies that support families can lead to healthier populations and more sustainable development paths for nations across the globe.

Question 18.
Interview a doctor to clear your doubts about sexually transmitted diseases. Collect more information and prepare and display a poster on the pathogens causing the above diseases, their transmission and prevention.
Answer:
Some sample interview questions to ask Doctor about STIs:

• What are the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) you encounter in your practice?
• Can you explain the different pathogens responsible for these STDs (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.)?
• How are these diseases typically transmitted?
• What are the most effective methods of prevention against STDs?
• What are some common misconceptions about STDs that patients often have?
• How important is early detection and treatment in managing STDs?
• Could you explain the role of vaccines, like the HPV vaccine, in preventing certain STDs?
• What are the long-term health effects of untreated STDs?

Information gathered through interview:

Disease	Causative organism	Pathogen
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)	Virus	Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Chlamydiosis	Bacteria	Chlamydia trachomatis
Syphilis	Bacteria	Treponema pallidum
Gonorrhea	Bacteria	Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Genital Herpes	Virus	Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
Genital warts	Virus	Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
Hepatitis B	Virus	Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
Trichomoniasis	Protozoan parasite	Trichomonas vagina!is
Candidiasis	Fungi	Candida albicans

Transmission of STIs:

• Unprotected sexual contact (vaginal, anal, oral)
• Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth (e.g., HIV, syphilis)
• Shared needles (e.g., HIV)

Prevention of STIs:

• Condom use during sexual intercourse
• Vaccination (HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines)
• Regular screenings and early detection
• Avoid sharing needles