Environmental Education Study Material With Question Bank

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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION - STUDY MATERIAL
Prepared by
B. A. Ali Baba, M.Sc. M.Phil. B.Ed. NET
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Module — I  Education and training are needed to save the biodiversity
Environment and Natural Resources 06 Hrs. and species extinction.
1. Multidisciplinary nature of environmental education; scope and  The urban area, coupled with industries, is major sources
importance. of pollution.
2. Man as an integral product and part of the Nature.  The number and area extinct under protected area should
3. A brief account of land, forest and water resources in India and be increased so that the wild life is protected at least in
their importance. these sites.
4. Biodiversity : Definition; importance of Biodiversity - ecological,  The study enables the people to understand the
consumptive, productive, social, ethical and moral, aesthetic, and complexities of the environment and need for the people to
option value. adapt appropriate activities and pursue sustainable
5. Levels of Biodiversity: genetic, species and ecosystem diversity. development, which are harmonious with the environment.
 The study motivates students to get involved in
*** community action, and to participate in various
Q.N.1. Define environmental education. Write the scope environmental and management projects.
and importance of the environmental education?  It is a high time to reorient educational systems and
curricula towards these needs.
Ans. Definition: Everything which surrounds us may be  Environmental studies take a multidisciplinary approach to
referred to as the environment and the study which is called the study of human interactions with the natural
Environmental studies. It covers different aspects of environment. It integrates different approaches of the
environment like its structure, functions, components humanities, social sciences, biological sciences and physical
including living and non-living constituents collectively. sciences and applies these approaches to investigate
environmental concerns.
Scope and Importance  Environmental study is a key instrument for bringing
about the changes in the knowledge, values, behaviours and
The scope of the Multidisciplinary Nature of lifestyles required to achieve sustainability and stability
Environmental Studies includes biological, cultural, social, within and among countries.
and physical elements.
Environment has a wide range of scope for 2. Explain multidisciplinary nature of the environmental
employment in the studies of agriculture, weed control; Education/study (EVS)
management of grasslands, forestry biological surveys,
fishery surveys, conservation of soil, wild life, surveys of Ans. Environment can be defined as one’s surroundings.
water bodies like rivers, lakes; ponds etc... Environmental studies deals with every issue that affects an
organism. Environment is not a single subject. It is an
Environmental problems are always interrelated. integration of several subjects that include both Science and
Often solution to one problem actually creates another Social Studies. It is essentially a multidisciplinary approach.
problem. The major environmental problems can be divided Its components include biology, geology, chemistry, physics,
into following categories: sociology, , anthropology, economics, statistics, computers
1. Over-population : It amplifies all other environmental 1. Biology: It is a field of science that focuses on the study of
problems. living creatures. EVS is connected to biology since it is
2. Pollution : It makes vital resources less useful and concerned with the natural environment of living creatures.
reduces the quality of life.
3. Depletion of resources: It makes things that are vital to 2. Geology: It is the study of physical structures and
human existence more expensive. substances found on Earth. EVS is concerned with the study
4. Global changes : They result from human activities and of the earth and environment.
may permanently alter the
Earth in unpredictable ways; 3. Chemistry: It is a field of science that examines chemicals
Thus the scope of environmental studies is extremely wide and the components that makeup matter. EVS necessitates
and covers some aspects of nearly every major discipline. knowledge of chemistry.
Importance of Environmental Education 4. Physics: It is a field of science that examines energy and
matter in space and time, as well as their interactions.
 World population is increasing at an alarming rate Physics is concerned with energy conservation, atmospheric
especially in developing countries. The natural resources in modelling, and many environmental concerns.
the earth are limited. The resources are over-exploited and
there is no foresight of leaving the resources to the future 5. Sociology: It is the study of social life, and social causes,
generations. and the social effects of human action. It also addresses the
 The unplanned exploitation of natural resources lead to connection between society and the environment.
pollution of all types and at all levels.
The pollution and degraded environment seriously affect 6. Anthropology: It is the study of human traits,
the health of all living things on earth , including man. communities and cultures, and the evolution of humans.
 The people should take a combined responsibility for the EVS is connected to anthropology since it studies humans
deteriorating environment and begin to take appropriate and their environments throughout place and time.
actions to space the earth.
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7. Economics: It is a field of study concerned with the Q.no 4 . Define Resources and give an account of land
production, consumption, and distribution of commodities resources and their importance
and services. Various effects of pollution, global warming
and climate change are linked to the economies of the Definition: The word resource means a source of supply.
countries. Hence economic understanding is necessary. The natural resources include water, air, soil, minerals, coal,
8. Statistics: It is the study of quantitative data collection, forests, crops and wildlife are examples.
analysis, interpretation, and presentation. It is necessary to
evaluate the environmental health in figures. These resources are of two types.
Computers are used to predict and calculate the
complicated predictions. (1) Renewable resources: These resources have the
capacity to reappear themselves by quick recycling with a
reasonable span of time. Eg: forests, wildlife.
(2) Non-renewable resources: Resources that exist in a fixed
quantity in earth‘s crust are called non–renewable
resources. These resources lack the ability of recycling and
replacement. Eg: minerals, fossil fuels etc..
LAND RESOURCES/ Give account of land resources and

their importance.
Land is the major part of the lithosphere. Land is
made up of soils / rocks and are considered as very
important resources of earth. Land plays a major role for
growth of crops, vegetation, forests etc.,
Soils are formed due to disintegration of rocks by

various physical processes like change in temperature,
pressure, blowing wind and flow of water. The top layer of
soil consists of mixtures of Humus (dead leaves & plants),
Q.No 3.Man is an integral product and part of the Nature- some of the living organisms and Inorganic components
justify the statement which supply nutrients to the soil.
Soil fertility depends on inorganic matter, organic
Ans. Environment represents the physical components of matter, water, air and a variety of micro-organisms viz.,
the earth, wherein man is an important factor affecting the bacteria, fungi, which help in the decomposition of organic
environment. matter and regeneration of nutrients.
Man, and environment relationship is as old as the Distribution of land resources
evolution of mankind. The utilization of land distribution in India as under:
Man’s ability to survive in a variety of ecosystem Agriculture land 43.60 %
and his unique ability to adapt to a great variety of external Pastures 14.60 %
conditions make man-environment relationship deeper Waste lands but cultivable 12.20 %
and more important. Forests 10.70 %
. Barren land 8.40 %
The man and environment relationship can be Urban land 5.30 %
studied under the following approaches. Unavailable information on lands 5.20 %
Total 100.00 %
1. Determinism − Friedrich Ratzel, the German geographer,
was responsible for the development of the concepts of
determinism. This approach is based on the concept of Types of Indian Soils
‘nature controls man’ or ‘earth made man’.
According to this approach, man is largely Different types of soils are identified by taking into account
influenced by nature. In fact, the determinism states that the geographical extent, physical
man is subordinate to natural environment. and chemical properties for the purpose of agriculture,
nutritional factors.
2. Possibilism − Lucien Febvre, the French historian,
founded the concept of Possibilism. (a) Alluvial soils: This is generally alkaline and best soil for
It states that the physical environment is passive and man agricuture. Alluvial soils are derived from debris brought by
is the active agent who has liberty to choose between the floods or rivers or by tidal waves. Eg: North Indian
wide ranges of environmental possibilities. Plains; Indo– Gangetic Plain; Ganga and Brahmaputra Plains
…
3. Ecological Approach − This approach describes man as
an integral part of nature or environment. (b) Black soils: Black soils are predominantly with clay and
This approach emphasizes restrained use of natural sandy loams. These soils are found in the regions of AP
resources. (Krishna and Tungabhadra basins) , Maharashtra ( Deccan
Traps ) and Madhya Pradesh.
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volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, heavy rains, fire etc or
(c) Red soils: The red colour is due to the presence of high human induced activities.
proportion of iron component and characterized by low The other causes of land degradation consists of
water retention capacity. Red soils are found in Andhra wind blow, salinity of water, water logging, soil acidity, loss
Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and parts of Bihar, Orissa and Western of flora and fauna. The following are the reasons of land
Ghats of Karnataka.. degradation
a. Land clearing and deforestation;
(d) Laterite soils: These soils are rich in hydroxides of b. Mining activity in forest areas;
Ferrous and aluminum. At low elevation areas, the laterite c. Urbanization
soils are suitable for paddy cultivation whereas at higher d. bringing more land under cultivation
elevations, they are suitable for coffee, tea, rubber etc., e. soil pollution
Western Ghats, Northern part of Eastern Ghats, North of f. loss of organic matter in the soils
Bangalore and West of Hyderabad are examples for laterite g. alkalinization of soils;
soils.
The methods that are followed for the prevention
(e) Mountain soils: These are stony. Mountain soils are of land degradation are called soil conservation methods.
formed due to dislodgement of rocks due to landslides and Some of the popular methods are as follows.
occur over altitudes between 2000 to 3000 mts. Eg: Aravallis
and East of Himalayas. Mountain soils are favour for growth (a) Contour farming: The land is prepared with alternate
of vegetation / forest . furrows (a long narrow cut in the ground ) and ridges at the
same level . The water is caught and held in furrows and
(f) Desert soils: These soils cover the parts of areas of stores which reduces run off and erosion.
Rajasthan and Kutch where the annual rainfall is less than (b) Mulching: Stems of maize, cotton, tobacco etc are used
50 cms per annum. as a mulch (decay of leaves) to reduce soil moisture,
evaporation.
(g) Saline soils: Presence of salt and water retention make (c) Crop rotation: Growing same crop year after year
the soils unsuitable for agriculture. Eg: Arid (no rain ) and depletes the nutrients and land becomes unproductive. This
Semi arid ( partly rain ) regions of northern plains and is overcome by changing the crops and cultivating legumes
Maharashtra. (plants like peas, beans) after a regular crop.
Soil erosion and causes for soil erosion (5 marks que.) Landslides and man induced land slides
The top layer of the earth is called as soil. Soil Land slides are the mass movement of rocks,
erosion occurs due to deforestation, overgrazing, debris and soil down a slope of land. Landslides are
industrialization; desertification etc. primarily associated with steep slopes. Surface run-off and
changes in drainage also cause for landslides. Landslides can
Deforestation: Mining, industrial, urban development etc also be initiated by rainfall; earthquakes; volcanic activity,
causes deforestation and leads to exposure of the land to changes in groundwater movement or any combination
wind and rains causing soil erosion. Cutting trees leads to these factors.
deforestation which in turn loss of organic matter in the
soils. Q.No5. Explain about the water resources and their use in
our daily life.
Overgrazing: When sufficient amount of grass is available
for the organisms usually the entire land /area may be Ans.. WATER RESOURCES
subjected to exhaust and the land is exposed without grass
and ultimately the land expose to wind/rain causing soil Water Cycle (4 Marks qn)
erosion.
The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic
Industrialization: Different processes carried out by cycle, is the continuous movement of water from the
industries and mining operations cause soil pollution which earth’s surface to the atmosphere and then back to the
leads to degradation of land. ground
Desertification: The process of conversion of productive The stages involved in a complete water cycle are:
lands to unproductive lands is called desertification. This
occurs due to loss of top layer of soil by erosion. Erosion of Stage I: Evaporation and Transpiration The sun’s energy
top layer results in loss of water holding capacity and finally heats up the lakes, rivers, oceans, swamps and other water
converted in to unproductive areas . bodies from which some water evaporates as vapour into
the air.
Land degradation & control of land degradation (5M arks)
Stage II: Condensation As the vapours rise high, the cooler
Land degradation can be defined as any change in temperatures make them cool down and turn back into
the land that alter its conditions or reduces its quality. Land liquid by a process called condensation to form the clouds.
degradation occurs due to both natural disasters like Stage III: Precipitation In the clouds the water vapour come
together and form tiny droplets. When enough droplets
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merge, it falls out of the clouds and on to the ground below. as deforestation, construction activities, and diversion of
This process is called precipitation (or rainfall) river channels cause floods. over-grazing also causes floods.
Stage IV: Runoff and Infiltration The precipitation either
runs off into oceans, rivers and ground surface or is c. Drought: The condition of dryness for prolonged period is
absorbed into the soil (infiltration). called drought due to drop of average rainfall. Drought
cause famine and starvation of human & animal population
Water is needed for daily use by organisms, for of region concerned. Drought is the most serious physical
irrigation, industrial electricity production and domestic use. hazard to agriculture. Shortage of water for even the basic
Hence, water is an important resource in all economic needs is the main problem in the drought areas.
activities ranging from agriculture to industry.
d.Conflicts over water: Water is an essential resource for
The distribution of water resources is not uniform sustaining life and environment. The available water
over the earth‘s surface. About 97% of it is salt water in the resources are under tremendous pressure due to increased
seas & oceans, 2.6% is trapped in polar ice caps & glaciers. demands.
Only 0.4% is available as fresh water for consumption
Fresh water occurs mainly in two forms as. 1. Conflicts over sharing of river water between
Ground water 2. Surface water neighboring countries or different states of a country have
now become quite common.
The conflicts over water are continuing phenomena and
leads to wars.
Q.No. 7. Explain about the forest resources and their

importance.
FOREST RESOURCES
Forest is important renewable resources. Forest

vary in composition and diversity and can contribute
substantially to the economic development of any country .
It is estimated that about 30% of world area is
covered by forest whereas 26% by pastures. Among all
continents, Africa has largest forested area (33%) followed
by Latin America (25%), whereas in North America forest
cover is only 11%. Asia and former USSR has 14% area under
forest. India’s Forest Cover accounts for 20.6% of the total
geographical area of the country as of 2005.
Uses of water: I. Significance of forests
1. Domestic use: Water used in the houses for the purposes Forest can provide prosperity of human being and
of drinking, bathing, washing clothes, cooking, sanitary & to the nations. Important uses of forest can be classified as
other needs. The recommended value according to Indian under
standard specification for domestic use is 135 liters/day
2. Industrial use: Water is required for various industries 2. Commercial values
such as cement, mining, textile, leather industries. Forests are main source of many commercial
3. Public use: This includes water used for public utility products such as wood, timber, pulpwood etc. About 1.5
purpose such as watering parks, flushing streets; jails etc. billion people depend upon fuel wood as an energy source.
4. Fire use: Water is used in case of accidents and to Timber obtained from the forest can used to make plywood,
prevent the fire issues. board, doors and windows, furniture, and agriculture
5. Irrigation: To grow crops this is the main sources for food. implements and sports goods. Timber is also a raw material
6. Other uses: Hydroelectric power generation requires for preparation of paper.
water. Forest can provide food , fibre, edible oils and
drugs. Forest lands are also used for agriculture and grazing.
Q.No 6. Describe about the Over-Exploitation of Water
3. Life and economy of tribal
a. Over use of groundwater lowers the water table. Forest provide food, medicine and other products
Excessive use of ground water for drinking, irrigation and needed for tribal people and play a vital role in the life and
domestic purposes has resulted in rapid depletion of ground economy of tribes living in the forest.
water in various regions leading to lowering of water table
& drying of wells. 4. Ecological uses
Forests are habitat to all wild animals, plants and
b. Floods: A Large area of land with water for several days in support millions of species. They help in reducing global
continuation is called flood. Floods are caused by both warming caused by green house gases and produces oxygen
natural as well as human factors. The human activities such upon photosynthesis.
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Forest can act as pollution purifier by absorbing toxic gases. Forest Mining (5 Marks)
Forest not only helps in soil conservation but also helps to Mining and other associated activities remove vegetation
regulate the hydrological cycle. along with underlying soil
5. Aesthetic values Deforestation has been reported in Mussorie and Dehradun

All over the world people appreciate the beauty valley due to indiscriminating mining.
and tranquillity of the forest because forests have a greatest Mining leads to drying up perennial sources of water
aesthetic value. Forest provides opportunity for recreation sources like spring and streams.
and ecosystem research.
Mining of radioactive minerals in Kerala, Tamilnadu and
Q.No. 8. Define deforestation. Explain causes and effects Karnataka are posing similar threats of deforestation.
of deforestation. The rich forests of Western Ghats are also facing the same
Ans. Over exploitation of forests threat due to mining projects for excavation of copper,
Forests contribute substantially to the national chromites, bauxite
economy. With increasing population increased demand of
fuel wood, expansion of area under urban development and Case studies
industries has led to over exploitation of forest A. Jhum/Podu cultivation (5 Marks) Jhum Agriculture or
At present international level we are losing forest shifting agriculture has destroyed large number of hectare
at the rate of 1.7 crore hectares annually. Overexploitation of forest tracts in North-Eastern states and Orissa. Jhum
also occurs due to overgrazing and conversion of forest to agriculture is subsidence agriculture in which tract of forest
pastures for domestic use. land is cleared by cutting trees and it is used for cultivation.
After few years, when productivity of the land decreases,
I. Deforestation cultivators abandon the land and clear next tract. As a result
Deforestation means cutting down the trees to of this practise, combined with increasing population there
alarge extent. Natural forests are being destroyed for is rapid deforestation as more and more cultivators clear
various reasons. forest to cultivate land.
The main causes of Deforestation are
1. Agricultural activities:The forest lands are B. Chipko movement (5 Marks) The Chipko movement or
converted into agricultural lands to meed the Chipko Andolan is a social-ecological movement that
demands of food requirements to the over growing practised the Gandhian methods of satyagraha and non-
population. violent resistance, through the act of hugging trees to
2. Mining: Oil and mining of coal require vast protect them from being felled. Sunderlal Bahuguna, a
conversion of forest lands. Construction of roads noted environmentalist, is credited to spread this
for the transport of mined products destroy movement.
forests. The modern Chipko movement started in the early
3. Forest fires: Forest fires either natural or man 1970s in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand,with
made destroy the forest lands growing awareness towards rapid deforestation. Their
4. Urbanization: the growing demand for the housing actions inspired hundreds of such actions throughout the
sites make the forests shrinking. region. By the 1980s the movement had spread throughout
5. Firewood: over harvesting for domestic use for India , which put a stop to the open felling of trees in
commercial purposes of the fire wood. regions as far reaching as Vindhyas and the Western Ghats.
6. Climate change: the climate change due to global
warming destroy the forests.
7. Projects: Hydroelectric projects or Dams inundate Q.no 9. . Define the BIODIVERSITY. Explain the value of
large tracts of forests and they are lost under biodiversity.
reservoirs.
8. Raw material for industries: forest provide raw Ans. Definition: Biodiversity is the amount of variety of life
material for industries like the packing material for on Earth. It is the number of different species of plants,
apples and tea are derived from forests. animals, and microorganisms. Our biodiversity is very
Effects of Deforestation: important to the well-being of our planet. This diversity can
1. Greehouse effect: The loss of forests cause green be classified into 3 types namely Genetic diversity, species
house gases accumulate in the environment which diversity and Ecosystem diversity
inturn cause greenhouse effect. It results in global
warming. I. Biogeographic classification of India
2. Soil erosion: The deforestation results in soil Our country can be conveniently divided into ten
erosion and desertification major regions, based on the biodiversity, and climatic
3. Biodiversity loses: The loss of trees lead to loss of patterns there.
animal species living in that area. India’s Biogeographic Zones
4. Floods: Deforestation cause floods because the 1. Trans Himalayas 5.6% area
trees will stop the flow of the water and act as 2. Himalayas 6.4%
absorbers. 3. Desert 5.6%
5. Global warming: The deforestation increases to 4. Semi arid 16.6%
global warming. 5. Western Ghats 4.0 %
6. Deccan Peninsula 42.0 %
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7. Gangetic plain 10.8 % 3. Social Value:
8. Coasts 2.5% These are the values associated with the social life,
9. North East 5.2% customs, religion and psycho-spiritual aspects of the people.
10. Islands 0.3% Many
of the
II. Significance/Importance of Biodiversity/Value of plants
Biodiversity (5 Marks) are
The value of biodiversity in terms of its commercial utility,

ecological services, social and aesthetic value is enormous.
We get benefits from other organisms in innumerable ways.
Sometimes we realize and appreciate the value of the
organism only after it is lost from this earth.
Biodiversity value may be classified as follows:
1. Consumptive use Value:

These are direct use values where the biodiversity
products can be harvested and consumed directly e.g. fuel,
food, drugs, fibre etc.
(a) Food: A large number of wild plants are consumed by

human beings as food. About 80,000 edible plant species
considered holy and sacred in our country like Tulsi (holy
have been reported from the wild. About 90% of present-
basil), Peepal, Mango, Lotus, Bael etc. The leaves, fruits or
day food crops have been domesticated from wild tropical
flowers of these plants are used in worship.
plants.
Many animals like cow, snake, bull, peacock, owl
(b) Drugs and medicines: About 75% of the world’s
etc. also have significant place in our psycho-spiritual arena
population depends upon plants or plant extracts for
and thus hold special importance. Thus, biodiversity has
medicines. The wonder drug Penicillin used as an antibiotic
distinct social value, attached with different societies.
is derived from a fungus called Penicillium. Likewise, we get
Tetracycline from a bacterium. Quinine, the cure for malaria
4. Ethical Value:
is obtained from the bark of Cinchona tree, while Digitalin is
It is also sometimes known as existence value. It
obtained from foxglove (Digitalis) which is an effective cure
involves ethical issues like “all life must be preserved”. It is
for heart ailments.
based on the concept of “Live and Let Live”. If we want our
human race to survive, then we must protect all
Recently Vinblastine and Vincristine, two
biodiversity, because biodiversity is valuable.
anticancer drugs, have been obtained from Periwinkle
(Catharanthus) plant, which possesses anticancer alkaloids.
5. Aesthetic Value:
A large number of marine animals are supposed to possess
People from far and wide spend a lot of time and
anti-cancer properties which are yet to be explored
money to visit wilderness area where they can enjoy the
systematically.
aesthetic value of biodiversity and this type of tourism is
now known as eco-tourism.
(c) Fuel: Our forests have been used since ages for fuel
wood. The fossil fuels like coal, petroleum and natural gas
Eco-tourism is estimated to generate 12 billion
are also products of fossilized biodiversity. Firewood
dollars of revenue annually that roughly gives the aesthetic
collected by individuals is not normally marketed, but are
value of biodiversity.
directly consumed by tribes and local villagers, hence falls
under consumptive value.
6. Option Values:
These values include the potentials of biodiversity
2. Productive use Values:
that are presently unknown and need to be explored. There
These are the commercially usable values where
is a possibility that we may have some potential cure of
the product is marketed and sold. It may include number of
AIDS or cancer existing within the depths of marine
wild gene resources that can be traded for use by scientists
ecosystem, or a tropical rainforest.
for introducing desirable traits in the crops and
domesticated animals.
7. Ecosystem Service Value:
It refers to the services provided by ecosystems like
These may include the animal products like tusks of
prevention of soil erosion, prevention of floods,
elephants, musk from musk deer, silk from silkworm, wool
maintenance of soil fertility, cycling of nutrients, fixation of
from sheep, fir of many animals, lac from lac insects etc, all
nitrogen, cycling of water, their role as carbon sinks,
of which are traded in the market. Many industries are
pollutant absorption and reduction of the threat of global
dependent upon forests like - the paper industry, plywood
warming etc.
industry, railway sleeper industry, silk industry, textile
industry, ivory-works, leather industry, pearl industry etc.
III. India as a mega diversity Nation:
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Ecosystem Diversity
India contains a great wealth of biodiversity in the It is the diversity of ecosystems, natural
forests, wet lands and marine areas. hence it is one of the communities, and habitats. In other words, ecosystem
world‘s MEGADIVERSITY NATION. It is estimated that over diversity refers to the variety of ways that species live in an
75000 species of animals and over 45000 species of plants environment. Tropical or temperate forests, grasslands, hot
are found in India. and cold deserts, wetlands, rivers, mountains, and coral
Indias rich and diverse wildlife is preserved in 120+ reefs are instances of ecosystem diversity.
National parks, 18 Biosphere reserves and 500+ wildlife
sancturies situated across the country.
As per the updated list according to IUCN 2000 11. Write a note on BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS.
guidelines, one-third of the Indian wild life is danger as per
the conservation biology point of view. Ans. Biodiversity hotspots” is defined as the regions which
are known for their high species richness and endemism
IV. Conservation of Biodiversity: (species found in a single defined geographic location) To
In order to maintain and conserve biodiversity, the Ministry qualify as a hotspot the following two criteria must be
of Environment and Forests, Govt of India has already taken fulfilled.
several steps to manage wildlife, the A. The region should have at least 1500 species of
objectives of which are: vascular plants
B. It must contain 30% of its original habitat of
1. Maintenance of a number of species in protected areas those species
such as National Parks, Sanctuaries. There are major three biodiversity hotspots in India:
2. To improve the biosphere reserves
3. Implement strict restrictions of export of rare plants and  The Himalayas
animals  Indo-Burma Region
4. Educate the public on these through the Govt agencies  The Western Ghats
and NGO‘s. Conservation of biodiversity can be carried out The Himalayas
in two ways, as shown: The Himalayas (overall) comprises North-East India,
Bhutan, Central and Eastern parts of Nepal. This region
holds a record of having 163 endangered species which
10. Qno. Write a short notes on the Levels of Biodiversity includes the Wild Asian Water Buffalo, One-horned Rhino;
namely genetic, species and ecosystem diversity or What and as many as 10,000 plant species, of which 3160 are
are the different types of biodiversities ? endemic.
Indo – Burma Region
Ans. Biodiversity, or Biological Diversity, is the sum of all the The Indo-Burma Region is stretched over a distance
different species of plants, animals, fungi and microbial of 2,373,000 km². In the last 12 years, 6 large mammal
organisms that live on Earth, including the various species have been discovered in this region: the Large-
ecosystems in which they live on. Biodiversity also includes antlered Muntjac, the Annamite Muntjac, the Grey-shanked
the genetic information that these organisms contain. Douc, the Annamite Striped Rabbit, the Leaf Deer, and the
Saola.
Genetic diversity:
It is the variation in genes that exists within a
species. Genetic diversity corresponds to the variety of
genes contained in plants, animals, fungi, and micro-
organisms. For example, poodles, German shepherds and
golden retrievers are all dogs, but they all are different in
look, color, and abilities.
Species Diversity
Species diversity refers to the variety of different
species of plants, animals, fungi, and organisms that are
present in a region. It is estimated that there are above 30
million species on the earth. Species diversity is a part of
diversity. Even within a small pond, we can notice a great
variety of species.
The Western Ghats

The Western Ghats are present along the western
edge of peninsular India and covers most of the deciduous
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forests and rain forests. As per UNESCO, it is home to at
least 325 globally threatened flora, fauna, bird, amphibian, 1. Increasing the extraction of resources from the
reptile and fish species environment- Like fossil fuels (oil, gas, and coal), minerals,
trees, water, and wildlife, especially in the oceans. The
process in turn releases pollutants and waste that reduce
Module - 2: air and water quality, and harm the health of humans and
Environmental degradation and impacts 10Hrs other species.
1. Human population growth and its impacts on environment; land
use change, land degradation, soil erosion and desertification. 2. Increasing the burning of fossil fuels for energy to
2. Use and over-exploitation of surface and ground water, generate electricity, and to power transportation (for
construction of dams, floods, conflicts over water (within India).
3. Deforestation: Causes and effects due to expansion of agriculture, example, cars and planes) and industrial processes. It results
firewood, mining, forest fires and building of new habitats. in Air , Soil , Water pollutions and Ozone layer Depletion.
4. Non-renewable energy resources, their utilization and influences.
5. A brief account of air, water, soil & noise pollutions; Biological, 3. Increase in freshwater use for drinking, agriculture,
industrial and solid wastes in urban areas. Human health and recreation, and industrial processes. Freshwater is
economic risks.
6. Greenhouse effect - global warming; ocean acidification, ozone extracted from lakes, rivers, the ground, and man-made
layer depletion, acid rains and impacts on human communities and reservoirs.
agriculture.
7. Threats to biodiversity: Natural calamities, habitat destruction and 4. Increasing fishing and hunting, which reduces species
fragmentation, over exploitation, hunting and poaching, populations of the exploited species. Fishing and hunting
introduction of exotic species, pollution, predator and pest control.
can also indirectly increase numbers of species that are not
fished or hunted if more resources become available for the
Q.no 1. Discuss about Human Population growth and its species that remain in the ecosystem.
impacts on environment
5. Increasing the transport of invasive species, Increased
Answer: The world population is growing by more than 90 transport bring the invasive species into environment which
million per year, of whichn 93% is in developing countries. outcompete native species. For example, many invasive
This will essentially prevent their further economic plant species thrive along strips of land next to roads and
‘development’. Several environmental ill-effects were linked highways.
with the increasing population of the developing world. It is
estimated that the world population will reach over 8 billion 6. The transmission of diseases. Humans living in densely
by 2025, 9 billion by 2040 and 11 billion by 2100. populated areas can rapidly spread diseases within and
Population growth is the increase in the number among populations.
of humans on Earth. For most of human history our
population size was relatively stable. But with innovation 7. Increasing ecological impacts As populations increase,
and industrialization, energy, food, water, and medical care more land is used for agricultural activities to grow crops
became more available and reliable – the global human and support livestock.
population rapidly increased and affected the environment Over population results in land degradation, soil erosion and
in different ways. desertification.
a. Land degradation can be defined as any change

in the land that alter its conditions or reduces its quality.
Manmade activities like - Land clearing and deforestation;
Mining activity in forest areas; urban conversion of forest
lands; bringing more land under cultivation; soil pollution ;
loss of organic matter in the soils; alkalinization of soils;
salinity of water etc leads to land degradation.
b. Soil Erosion: The top layer of the earth is called

as soil. Soil erosion occurs due to deforestation,
overgrazing, industrialization; desertification etc.
c. Desertification: The process of conversion of

Reasons for population growth- productive lands to unproductive lands is called
a. Spread of public health programmes in developing desertification. This occurs due to loss of top layer of soil by
countries erosion. Erosion of top layer results in loss of water holding
b. Rise in food production after World War capacity and finally converted in to unproductive areas. The
c. Predominating religious or superstitious nature land degradation and oil erosion cause desertification. (5
d. Importance of male child marks Question)
e. Poverty makes people to think that a male child helps the
family Q.No 2. Write an essay on the Use and over-exploitation of
surface and ground water, construction of dams, floods,
Environmental effects of over population: conflicts over water or describe over exploitation of water
resources.
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Water is the most abundant, inexhaustible 1. During Second World War many water dams
renewable resource. It covers 70% of the globe in the form were bombed.
of oceans, rivers, lakes, etc. Of this 70%, only 3% is available 2. Central dams over YALU River were attacked
as freshwater. From this 3%, roughly 2% is frozen in polar during Korean War.
icecaps and only a fraction of the remaining 1% is used as 3. Water supply systems in North Vietnam were
drinking water (potable). 90% of the water is utilized for bombed by US in1960‘s during Vietnam War.
agricultural purposes in India. 4. The construction of Farakka Barrage across
Ganga has become a dispute between India and
1. Over Exploitation of surface and ground water Bangladesh.
5. The Cauvery water dispute is between the states of
The rapid increase in population and industrial Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Tamil Nadu is occupying the
growth led to severe demand on water resources. After downstream region of the river wants to use of upstream water
using all available surface water resources to the maximum, whereas the upstream state Karnataka refused to do so.
human beings began using groundwater to meet their 6. The Sutlej –Yamuna link is the dispute between
needs. Punjab & Haryana.
1. The increased extraction of groundwater far in The following statuses have disputes:
excess of the natural recharge led to decreased
groundwater level. Rivers Disputing states
2. Building construction activities seal permeable 1. Yamuna Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan,
soil zone and reduce the area for percolation of rainwater Himachal Pradesh, Uttar
thereby increasing surface runoff. This causes lowering of Pradesh.
groundwater table. 2. Narmada Maharashtra, Gujarat,
3. If groundwater withdrawal rate is higher than Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh
recharge rate, sediments in aquifers get compacted 3. Krishna Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra,
resulting in sinking of overlaying land surface. This is called Tamil Nadu, Karnataka.
land subsidence which leads to structural damage in 4. Godavari Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra,
buildings. Orissa, Madhya Pradesh,
4. Over-utilization of groundwater in arid and semi- Telangana
arid regions for agriculture disturbs equilibrium of reservoir 5.Cauvery Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
in the region which causes drying up of aquifers. (ground
water) 3. Construction of Dams benefits & problems:(4 Marks)
5. Over utilization of groundwater in coastal areas
leads to rapid intrusion of salt water from the sea thereby The construction of dams has their own benefits &
rendering it unusable for drinking and agriculture. drawbacks. Excess amount of water flowing in rivers which
6. Over-utilization of groundwater lads to decrease otherwise Join Sea can be stored as reservoirs by
in water level thereby causing earthquake, landslides and constructing the dams across the rivers.
famine.
7. Over-utilization of groundwater leads to drying- The dam‘s like Bhakra-Nangal, Heerakud,
up of dug wells and bore wells. Nagarjuna sagar; srisailam etc generate electricity, to supply
8. Due to excess use of groundwater near drinking water. Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru called these dams
agricultural fields, agricultural water that contains nitrogen as ―THE TEMPLES OF MODERN INDIA
as a fertilizer percolate rapidly and pollutes the groundwater
thereby rendering the water unfit for potable use by infants. Dams Uses:
1. More land can be brought under irrigation.
9. Overutilization of surface-water can cause 2. Hydro-Electric power can be generated.
•Decrease in flow of water in rivers 3. Water can be supplied to towns & cities.
•Drying of ponds and lakes specially during Dams Disadvantages:
summers 1. Dams Cause change in a climate of region at micro level.
•Reduction in wetlands and green lands Displacement of human population.
•Migration of public due to scarcity of water. 2. Loss of vegetation & soil erosion.
3. Generation of seismic activities due to heavy pressure of
2. Conflicts over water: :(4 Marks) water.
4. Blasting operations during construction of dams cause
Water is an essential resource for sustaining life landslides.
and environment. The available water resources are under 5. cause Sedimentation & silting of reservoirs.
tremendous pressure due to increased demands.
Q. No 3 Write an essay on Deforestation: Causes and
Conflicts over sharing of river water between effects due to expansion of agriculture, firewood, mining,
neighbouring countries or different states of a country have forest fires and building of new habitats.
now become quite common.
The conflicts over water are continuing Deforestation, in simple terms, means the felling
phenomena and leads to wars. Some examples of such and clearing of forest cover or tree plantations to
conflicts in past & at present are listed below:
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accommodate agricultural, industrial or urban use. It Deforestation adversely and directly affects and
involves the permanent end of forest cover to make that damages the environment and living beings .Major causes
land available for residential, commercial or industrial of deforestation are
purposes.
The long-term effects of deforestation are • Soil erosion and loss of soil fertility
irreversible For ecological balance 33% area should be • Decrease of rain fall due to affect of hydrological cycle
under forest cover but our nation has only 20.6% forest • Expansion of deserts
cover. • Climate change and depletion of water table
• Loss of biodiversity ,flora and fauna
Causes of deforestation • Environmental changes and disturbance in forest
Forest area in some developed area has expanded. However ecosystems
in developing countries area under forest is showing
declining trend particularly in tropical region. Main causes Q.No 4 Write a short notes on Renewable/Non
of deforestation are Conventional and Non-renewable/Conventional energy
resources, their utilization and influences.
a) Shifting cultivation or podu cultivation
This practise is prevalent in tribal areas where forest lands Energy is the important input for the development
are cleared to grow subsistence crops. It is estimated that of any country. Man gets energy from various sources.
principle cause of deforestation in tropics. In India, shifting Natural sources like wind, sun, tides etc. are called as Non
cultivation is prevalent in northeast and to limited extent in Conventional or Renewable energy resources. They are
M.P, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh and is contributing pollution free.
significantly to deforestation. Those energy sources that are in limited quantity
b) Need for fuel wood like coal, petroleum etc are called conventional energy
Increased population has lead to increasing demand for fuel sources or non-renewable energy sources. These cause
wood which is also acting as an important deforestation pollution upon burning.
agent, particularly in dry forest.
Renewable Energy resouces:
d) Expansion for agribusiness a. Solar Energy: This energy is ultimate source of
With the addition of cash crops such as oil palm, rubber, energy received from sun. Solar panels capture this
fruits and ornamental plants, there is stress to expand the energy and convert to electrical energy which can
area for agribusiness products which results in be used for various purposes.
deforestation. b. Wind energy: The high speed winds have kinetic
energy in them due to their motion. The wind
e) Development projects and growing need for food energy can be harnessed by making of windmilla.
The growing demand for electricity, irrigation, construction, The blads catch the wind energy and rotate the
mining, etc. has lead to destruction of forest. Increased generator which inturn produce electrical energy.
population needs more food which has compelled for c. Tital energy: Ocean tides produce enormous
increasing area under agriculture crops compelling for amounts of energy. It can be harnessed by
deforestation. constructing tidal barrage which spin the electric
turbines.
f) Raw materials for industrial use d. Geo thermal Energy: The energy harnessed from
Forest provides raw material for industry and it has exerted hot rocks present inside the earth is called
tremendous pressure on forest. Increasing demand for geothermal energy.
plywood for backing has exerted pressure on cutting of
other species such as fir to be used as backing material for A non-renewable resource is a resource that does not
apple in J&K and tea in northeast states. renew itself. These consist of the mineral based
hydrocarbon fuels like coal, oil and natural gas. These are
g. Urbanization: The construction of roads is undertaken; called ‘fossil fuels’ because they are formed after plant life is
here again, trees are chopped to build roads. fossilized. At the present rate of extraction Oil and gas
Overpopulation too directly affects forest covers, as with resources are likely to be used up within the next 50 years.
the expansion of cities, more land is needed to establish
housing and settlements. Therefore forest land is reclaimed. Difference between renewable and non renewable energy
resources
h. Desertification of Land: Desertification of forest land due
to industrial wastes or land abuse leads to It occurs due to
land abuse there by making it unfit for the growth of trees. Renewable Energy non renewable energy
i. Forest Fires: Another valid example would be forest 1 The sun, wind, ocean Non-renewable sources
blazes; hundreds of trees are lost each year due to forest energy are available in the will expire some day
fires in various portions of the world. Some forest fires are abundant quantity and
made by smugglers to collect coal which is a good source of free to use
income 2 Renewable sources have Non-renewable sources
low carbon emissions, release toxic gases when
Major effects of deforestation therefore they are burnt and cause global
considered as warming
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Environmental friendly I. AIR POLLUTION/Discuss about Air Pollution? (10 marks)
3 Renewable sources can Since these sources are
cost less than consuming going to expire soon, 1. Introduction
the local electrical supply. prices of these sources Air pollution can be defined as presence of foreign
are soaring day by day. matter either gaseous or particulate or combination of both
in the air which is detrimental to the health and welfare of
Environmental Impact of Non Renewable energy resources human beings.
The Non renewable energy resources are coal, oil, Pollutants that are emitted from identifiable
gas, peat, lignite, etc. sources in the form of particulate matter or gaseous form.
1. Extraction of fuel by mining, drilling, quarrying leads to These are called primary pollutants Ex : Dust storms and
significant impacts habitat modification and destruction, volcanic eruptions and through human activities like
pollution etc. emission from vehicles, industries etc.
2. Waste material from mining, drilling and excavation, and There are five primary pollutants that contribute to 90% of
gas leaks from pipelines can pollute surrounding waters, air global air pollution. These are carbon oxides (CO & CO2), N
and land. oxides, sulphur oxides, volatile organic compounds and
suspended particulate matter.
3. Purification or modification of raw products for use as The pollutants that are produced in the
fuels in the refinaries may lead to secondary sources of atmosphere, when certain chemical reactions take place
pollution. among the primary pollutants and with others in the
4. Transportation of fuels through oil tankers are at risk atmosphere are called secondary air pollutants. Eg:
from accidents and may Sulphuric acid nitric acid, carbonic acid which cause acid
lead to oil spills at sea. rains.
5. Combustion of fuels to produce energy leads to air 2. Causes of Air pollution:

pollution (carbon, nitrogen and sulphur oxides) and in some Air pollution may originate from one or more
cases, the production of solid wastes (in the form of ash). variety of sources.
The natural pollution include sources such as
Q.No. 5. What is Pollution give a brief account of air, oceanic aerosol, volcanic emissions, biogenic sources, wind
water, soil and noise pollutions blown terrestrial dust and lightening.
The artificial pollution generates from human
Def: Pollution is derived from Latin word ‘polluere’ which activities and includes sources such as fuel burning, refuge
means ‘to contaminate’. Pollution is the effect of
undesirable changes in our surroundings that have harmful
effects on plants, animals and human beings.
Environmental pollution is defined as an

undesirable change in the physical, chemical and biological
characteristics of any component of the environment
(water, soil, air) that can cause harmful effect on various
forms of life and property.
Pollution can be primary (effects immediately on
release to the environment) or secondary (product of
interaction after release with moisture, sunlight, other
pollutants etc.) pollution may be local, regional, trans
boundary or global.
The agent which cause pollution is called pollutant. burning, transportation, construction of buildings, chemical
Pollutants can be classified as: factories, and, vehicles.
1. Degradable or non persistent pollutants: These The third category includes solvent usage and
can be rapidly broken by natural processes. Eg. Domestic sources include spray painting and solvent extraction.
sewage, vegetable wastes etc.
2. Slowly degradable or persistent pollutants: Automobiles are the first rate of polluters. Industries occupy
These remain in the environment for many years in an second position
unchanged condition and take decades or longer to
degrade. Eg: DDT 3. Major Air pollutants:
3. Non degradable pollutants: These cannot be a. Carbon Dioxide: CO2: Carbon dioxide is one of the major
degraded by natural processes. Eg: Toxic elements like lead gases which contribute towards air pollution. It is mainly
or mercury and nuclear wastes. produced during the combustion of fossil fuels from
factories, vehicles and house hold etc. Carbon dioxide
There are different kinds of pollutions like air, causes global warming, Reduced productivity in marine
water, soil, marine, thermal and noise pollution based on environments.
the area of its effect. b. Sulphor Dioxide: SO2 : It is produced by the burning of coal
in powerhouses and automobiles. It causes chelosisi and
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necrosis in plants, irritation to eyes, asthma, bronchitis in have proper equipments in place. This includes devices for
humans. removal of pollutants form fuel gases through recovery
c. Carbon Monoxide CO: It is produced as a result of systems. The use of dry and wet collectors, filters, catalytic
incomplete combustion of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum. converters, precipitators etc.
It is more dangerous than CO2 . It is poisonous gas. It cases
giddiness, headache, affects heart. Preventive methods include - Using unleaded
Oxides of Nitrogen:, Nitric oxide NO, Nitrouz oxide N2O and petrol for vehicles is another way of control.
nitrogen dioxide NO2 are produced by natural processes or The substitution of raw materials that cause more
from thermal power stations, due to burning of coal. They pollution with those that cause less pollution.
cause eye irritation, skin cancer. Building higher smoke –stacks facilitate the
Smog: Smog is mixture of smoke and dust. Smog may cause discharge of pollutants as far away from the ground as
necrosis in plant leaves. possible.
Aerosols: The suspended fine particles in the air are known Industries should be carefully located so as to
as aerosols. The Chlorofluorocarbons are example. They minimize the effect of pollution after considering
cause ozone depletion. topography and wind directions.
4. Effects of Air Pollution: Ambient air quality standards in India by the central
pollution control board
i. Effects on human health: Particulates cause carcinogenic Area SPM SO2 CO NOX
effects, accumulate in lungs and interfere with ability of Category µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3 µg/m3
lungs to exchange gases. Prolonged exposure causes lung Industrial &
cancer and asthma. 500 120 5000 120
mixed use
Exposure to air containing even 0.001% of CO for Residential
several hours can cause collapse, coma and even death. 200 80 2000 80
and rural
SO2 irritates the respiratory tissues. NO2 can Sensitive 100 3 1000 30
irritate lungs, aggravate asthma.
ii. Effects on plants: Gaseous pollutants enter the leaf pores Prevention and control of Air Pollution
and damage the leaves of crop plants, interfere with
photosynthesis and plants growth and reduces nutrient 1. At domestic level burning of wood and dugng cakes may
uptake and causes the leaves to turn yellow, brown or drop be replaced with biogas
off altogether. 2. Automobile pollution can be reduced by
a) Pooling of transport or use of public transport
iii. On materials: Air pollutants break down the exterior b) Use of unleaded petrol and CNG
paint on cars and houses and historical monuments like taj c) Regular servicing of engines.
mahal. d) Switching of at red lights in traffic
3. The following measure can reduce industrial pollution
iv. Effect on stratosphere: The upper stratosphere consists a) Installation of tall chimneys.
of considerable amounts of ozone, which works as an b) Installation of devices that do not allow pollutants
effective screen for UV light. This region is called ozone to be released into environment like filters,
layer, which extends up to 60km above the surface of the precipitators, scrubbers etc.
earth. Presence of certain pollutants can cause the break
down of ozone.
2. WATER POLLUTION Discuss about Water Pollution? (10
Depletion of ozone effects human health, food productivity marks)
and climate as given below. (4 marks Qn) 1. Introduction
a. Effects on human health: - Sun burn, cataract, aging When the quality or composition of water changes
of skin and skin cancer are caused by increased UV directly or indirectly as a result of man’s activities such that
radiation. It weakens the immune system. it becomes unfit for any useful purpose is said to be
b. Effect on Food Production: UV radiation affects the polluted.
ability of plants to capture light energy during the
process of photosynthesis. This reduces the Plant Two types of pollutions:
production. Point source of pollution: This source of pollution
c. Effects on climate: Contribute to global warming, a can be readily identified because it has a definite source and
phenomenon which is caused due to the increase in place, where it enters the water. Eg: Municipal industrial
concentration of certain gases like CO2, NO2 discharges pipes.
methane and chloroflorocarbons (CFCs). Non point source of pollution: when a source of
pollution cannot be readily identified such as agricultural
4. Air Pollution Control measures: Two approaches run off, acid rain etc, it is called as non point source of
pollution.
1. Effective control
2. Preventive technique 2. Causes of water pollution:
Effective means of controlling air pollution is to A. surface water
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6. Variety of organic chemicals / oil gasoline, plastics
a. Disease causing agents parasitic worms, bacteria, viruses, detergents) are harmful to aquatic life and human life
protozoa that enter water from domestic sewage and
untreated human and animal wastes. 7. Radioisotopes cause birth defects, cancer and genetic
b. Oxygen depleting wastes: These are organic wastes that damage. Hot water cause thermal pollution
can be decomposed by aerobic bacteria. The amount of
oxygen required to break down a certain amount of organic 8. Hot water because of thermal pollution not only decrease
matter is called BOD. It is an indicator of level of pollution. the solubility of O2
c. Inorganic plant nutrients: There are water soluble
nitrates and phosphates 9. Accidental oil spills cause environmental damage.
d. Excess pesticides: For control of pest pesticides are used 10. Minamata disease in Japan is caused due to mercury
in discriminately. These fall on ground and leach with rain poisoning of water.
water to canals and rivers.
e. Water soluble organic chemicals: These are acids, salts 11. Fluorine contamination in drinking water causes
and compounds of toxic metals such as mercury & lead. Fluorosis, NO3 contamination causes Blue baby disease
f. Variety of organic chemicals: includes oil, gasoline, (Methaemoglobinaceae)
plastics, pesticides, detergents & many other chemicals.
g. The sediments of suspended matter: Occur when soil is 12. Arsenic poisioning is the major effect mostly in West
eroded. Bengal. Arsenicosis or arsenic toxicity develops after 2-5
h. Water soluble radio active isotopes: Enter the water years exposure to arsenic contaminated drinking water.
courses along with rain water.
i. Hot water released by power plants & industries that use 4. Control measures of Water pollution:
large volume of water to cool the plant results in a rise in
temp of local water bodies. 1. To prevent water borne diseases, drinking water
j. Acid drainage into rivers. should be boiled and cooled and then used.
2. Disinfection of drinking water should be done by
B. Ground water pollution:
A greater threat to human life comes from ground water

which is used for drinking and irrigation being polluted.
Causes of ground water pollution:

a. Urban runoff of untreated or poorly treated waste water
storage and garbage
b. Industrial waste storage located above or near aquifer
c. Agricultural practices such as application of large
amounts of fertilizers andpesticides, animal feeding using chemicals like bleaching powder.
operations etc in rural sector 3. Pesticides and insecticides should be prevented
d. Leaks from underground storage tanks containing from use near drinking water sources.
gasoline and other hazardous substances 4. Drainage system should be maintained properly
e. Toxins leaked from land fills 5. Sewage water should not be allowed to be mixed
f. Poorly designed and inadequately maintained septic tanks with drinking water.
g. Mining contaminates ground water 6. Water treatment method is to be used to conserve
water.
3. Effects of Water pollution: A. Eutrophication (5 marks Question)
1. Large amount of human waste in water increase the Eutrophication is the process in which a water body
number of bacteria such as Escherichia coli and becomes overly enriched with nutrients, leading to plentiful
streptococcus sps which cause gastro intestinal diseases. growth of simple plant life. The excessive growth (or bloom)
Water borne diseases diarrhea, typhoid etc. of algae and plankton in a water body are indicators of this
process. Eutrophication is considered to be a serious
2. If more organic matter is added to water the O2 is used environmental concern since it often results in the
up. This causes fish and other forms of O2 dependent deterioration of water quality and the depletion of dissolved
aquatic life dies. oxygen in water bodies. Eutrophic waters can eventually
become “dead zones” that are incapable of supporting life
3. Eutrophication due to inorganic pollutants.
Control of Eutrophication:
4. Excess pesticides cause Biomagnification. Waste water like sewage must be properly treated before
discharging it into water bodies.
5. High levels of organic chemicals (acids, salts& toxic Algal blooms after death before further decomposition
metals) can make the water unfit to drink, harm fish and should be removed from water.
other aquatic life, reduce crop yields
B. Biomagnification (5 marks Question)
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Biomagnification can be defined as the rise or 2. Causes of Soil Pollution

increase in the contaminated substances caused by the a. Erosion: Soil erosion can be defined as the movement of
intoxicating environment. The contaminants might be heavy surface litter and topsoil from one place to another. It is a
metals such as mercury, arsenic, and pesticides such as natural process often caused by wind and flowing water,
polychlorinated biphenyls and DDT. accelerated by human activities such as farming,
These substances are taken up by the organisms through construction, overgrazing by livestock, deforestation.
the food they consume. When the organisms in the higher
food chain feed on the organisms in the lower food chain b. Soil contaminants are spilled onto the surface though
containing these toxins, these toxins get accumulated in the many different activities like spilling of pollutants
higher organisms. contaminate soil. For example the fuel when spilled spoils
the soil.
It also known as bioamplification or biological
magnification, is the increase in concentration of a c. Excess use of fertilizers and pesticides: Pollutant could
substance, such as the pesticide DDT, that occurs in a food infiltrate through the
chain. In simple terms, it refers to “the accumulation of unsaturated soil, same way has ground water. Agricultural
elements and compounds of harmful substances in the practices including the use of agriculture chemicals is
tissues of living organisms.” primary sources of pollution on or near the ground surface.
Example: This concentration of DDT moves up the food e. Excess use of irrigation water cause surface runoff.
chain from one tropic level to another. For instance, if a
seagull consumes one such fish, it will accumulate more 3. Effects of Soil Pollution
DDT. According to studies, there was a 1000 times increase a) Food shortage: The foremost effect of loosing top soil is
in the concentration of DDT in phytoplankton as compared causing water pollution and reduced food production
to the concentration in water, 13 times higher in leading to food shortage
zooplankton as compared to phytoplankton, around 40
times higher in different fishes as compared to zooplankton b) Desertification: Continuous exposure of eroded soil to
and 25 times higher in fish-eating birds compared to fishes. sun for longer periods may transform the land into sandy
DDT affects the calcium metabolism of birds and results in and rocky in nature. These are symptoms of desertification
the thinning of eggshells. rendering the soil unsuitable for cultivation.
3.SOIL POLLUTION (Discuss about the Soil pollution (10 c) Decrease in the extent of agricultural land
marks)
d) Top soil which is washed away also contributes water
1. Introduction: pollution by clogging of lakes, and increasing turbidity of
Soil is a natural resource for which there is no water, ultimately leading to loss of aquatic life.
substitute. Soil can not be manufactured with a tank of e) Excess use of irrigation leads to waterlogging and soil
chemicals. salinisation.
Soil is formed from the parent material by physical f) Fertilizer run off leads to the eutrophication of
and chemical weathering of rocks. Climate and time are also waterways.
important in the development of soils. Extremely dry or cold
climates develop soils very slowly while humid and warm 4. Soil Pollution Control measures
climates develop them more rapidly. a) Proper soil conservation measures to minimize the loss of
Soil is a thin covering over the land consisting of a top soil
mixture of minerals, organic material, living organisms, air b) using bio pesticides and integrated environment friendly
and water that together support the growth of plant life. agriculture to reduce pesticides or fertilizers.
The organic portion, which is derived from the c) Appropriate water management practices in agriculture
decayed remains of plants and animals, is concentrated in d) Planting trees as a part of afforestation/ shelter
the dark uppermost “top soil”. belts/wind breakers
The inorganic portion, which is made up of rock fragments, f) Cleaning up of polluted soil Soil pollution information
is formed over thousands of years by physical and chemical needed to clean up materials added to soil One of the
weathering of bedrock. techniques for cleaning polluted soils is bioremediation
Bioremediation can be defined as any process that uses

microorganisms, fungi, green plants or their enzymes to
return the natural environment altered by contaminants to
its original condition. Bioremediation may be employed to
attack specific soil contaminants, such as degradation of
chlorinated hydrocarbons by bacteria or Oil spills by oil-
degrading microbes.
4.NOISE POLLUTION(Discuss about Noise pollution)
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Introduction from which there is no recovery.
Noise may not seem as harmful as the pollution of • Below a sound level of 80 dB. hearing loss does not occur
air or water, but it is a pollution that affects human health at all. However temporary effects are noticed at sound
and can contribute to a general deterioration of levels between 80 and 130 dB.
environmental quality. Noise is defined as ‘unwanted or • people exposed to more than 105 dB will experience
offensive sound that unreasonably intrude into our daily permanent hearing loss.
activities’. • A sound level of 150 dB or more can physically rupture the
human eardrum and >180dB can kill a person.
Sound is measured in a unit called the decibel (dB).
The permitted noise level is 125 decibels as per the 4. Noise control techniques:
Environment Protection Rules 1999. 1.Make sure that all openings are acoustically sealed.
2. In industries, different types of absorptive material can be
1. Sources: used to control interior noise.
There are numerous sources but may be broadly classified 3. Establishing lower speed limits for highways that pass
into two classes such as indoor and outdoor. through residential areas
1) Outdoor - Industries/factories, vehicular movements such 4. through construction of temporary/permanent barriers
as car, motor, truck, train, motor cycle, aircrafts, trains, 5. Planting of trees around houses can also act as effective
Construction work, defence playing of loudspeakers during noise barriers.
various festivals, crackers etc. 6. Highly absorptive interior finish material for walls, ceilings
The invention of supersonic air crafts has added more noise and floors can decrease indoor noise levels significantly.
for the persons who live near aerodromes. 7. Increasing distance from the noise source and the
2) Indoor - Loudly played radio or music systems, and other recipient offers a passive means of control.
electronic gadgets etc. 8.Use of earplugs and earmuffs.
9. Ban on loud speakers from 10pm to 6pm.
2. Effects of Noise Pollution
Q. Write an essay on Biological, industrial and solid wastes
• Emotional or psychological effects - irritability, anxiety and in urban areas.
stress. Lack of
concentration and mental fatigue are significant health Solid waste can be classified into different types depending
effects of noise. on their source:
a) Household waste is generally classified as municipal
• It has been observed that the performance of school waste,
children is poor in b) Industrial waste as hazardous waste, and
comprehension tasks when schools are situated in busy c) Biomedical waste or hospital waste
areas of a city and suffer from noise pollution - disturbance.
Municipal solid waste
• Interferes with normal auditory communication, it may
increase the rate of accidents especially in industries. Municipal solid waste consists of household waste,
• The effects can range in severity from being extremely construction and demolition debris, sanitation residue, and
annoying to being extremely painful and hazardous waste from streets. This garbage is generated mainly from
. residential and commercial complexes.
Household Garbage: the four broad categories

1. Organic waste: kitchen waste, vegetables, flowers, leaves,
fruits.
2. Toxic waste: old medicines, paints, chemicals, bulbs, ,
fertilizer and pesticide containers, batteries etc.
3. Recyclable: paper, glass, metals, plastics.
4. Soiled: hospital waste such as cloth soiled with blood and
other body fluids.
3. Effects of Noise Pollution on Physical Health:
• Physical damage to the ear and the temporary hearing 2. Hazardous waste
loss often called a temporary threshold shift (TTS). Industrial and hospital waste is considered
• Permanent loss, usually called Noise Induced Permanent hazardous as they may contain toxic substances. Hazardous
Threshold Shift (NIPTS) represents a loss of hearing ability wastes could be highly toxic to humans, animals, and plants;
are corrosive, highly inflammable, or explosive; and react
when exposed to certain things e.g. gases. Household
waste that can be categorized as hazardous waste include
old batteries, shoe polish, paint tins, old medicines, and
medicine bottles.
3. Hospital waste
Hospital waste is generated during the diagnosis,
treatment, or immunization of human beings or animals . It
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may include wastes like sharps, soiled waste, disposables, CFCs has led to ozone layer depletion making way for the
anatomical waste, cultures, discarded medicines, chemical ultraviolet rays, thereby increasing the temperature of the
wastes, etc. These are in the form of disposable syringes, earth
swabs, bandages, body fluids, human excreta, etc. This .
waste is highly infectious and can be a serious threat to Industrial Development: With the advent of
human health if not managed in a scientific and discriminate industrialization, the temperature of the earth has been
manner. increasing rapidly. The harmful emissions from the factories
add to the increasing temperature of the earth.
Agriculture: Various farming activities produce carbon
Que. Write an essay on Global Warming dioxide and methane gas. These add to the greenhouse
gases
Ans. Global warming is one such severe environmental
problem of the post industrial era. The process of heating B. Natural Causes of Global Warming:
up of the globe is called global warming. Once the solar Gaseous emissions from Volcanoes, Water vapour from
radiation arrives on to the earth the earth surface heats up water bodies, gaes released from forest blazes increase the
and begins to emit terrestrial radiation back into the atmospheric temperature
atmosphere. Some of the atmospheric gases obstruct or
trap the outgoing terrestrial radiation (heat) and keeps the 2. Effects of Global Warming
globe warmer.
Following are the major effects of global warming:
Rise in Temperature: Global warming has led to an

incredible increase in earth’s temperature. Since 1880, the
earth’s temperature has increased by ~1 degrees.
This has resulted in an increase in the melting of glaciers,

which have led to an increase in the sea level. This could
have devastating effects on coastal regions.
Threats to the Ecosystem: Global warming has affected the

coral reefs that can lead to a loss of plant and animal lives.
Increase in global temperatures has made the fragility of
coral reefs even worse.
Climate Change: Global warming has led to a change in

climatic conditions. There are droughts at some places and
floods at some.
Spread of Diseases: Global warming leads to a change in

1. Causes of global warming the patterns of heat and humidity. This has led to the
Carbon dioxide (CO2), chloroflurocarbons (CFCs), movement of mosquitoes that carry and spread diseases.
Methane (CH4 ) and Nitrous oxides (N2O) are main High Mortality Rates: Due to an increase in floods,
greenhouse gases that cause global warming. An increase in tsunamis and other natural calamities, the average death
the concentration of these green house gases leads to toll usually increases. Also, such events can bring about the
trapping of radiations resulting in the increase in earth’s spread of diseases that can hamper human life.
temperature. Loss of Natural Habitat: A global shift in the climate leads
A. Man-made Causes of Global Warming to the loss of habitats of several plants and animals. This is a
major impact of global warming on biodiversity.
Deforestation: Plants are the main source of oxygen. They
take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen thereby 3. Control measures of Global Warming
maintaining environmental balance. Forests are being The following measures should be taken to control global
depleted for many domestic and commercial purposes. This warming.
has led to an environmental imbalance, thereby giving rise
to global warming. Cut-down : reduce the use of CFCs and fossil fuels to
reduce the greenhouse gases.
Use of Vehicles: Vehicles burn fossil fuels which emit a Recycle more: If we could recycle half of the waste
large amount of carbon dioxide and other toxins into the produced at home, we can save up to 2000 pounds of CO2
atmosphere resulting in a temperature increase. every year.
Drive less: Air pollution is one of the major factors that lead
Chlorofluorocarbon: With the excessive use of air to an increase in greenhouse gases. Use of cars and make
conditioners and refrigerators, humans have been adding use of public transportation is advised.
CFCs into the environment which affects the atmospheric Plant trees: Deforestation plays an important role in global
ozone layer. The ozone layer protects the earth surface warming and climatic changes. Planting trees is helpful as
from the harmful ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun. The
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they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and Carbon monoxide: It can trap heat more stronger than
regulate the climate. carbon dioxide.
Switching to renewable energy: One of the most effective
ways to prevent global warming is to start using renewable 3. Causes of Greenhouse Effect
energy sources such as solar, geothermal, wind and The major causes of the greenhouse effect are:
biomass, and stop using fossil fuels
Use energy-efficient devices: By investing in energy- Burning of Fossil Fuels: Burning of fossil fuels releases
efficient devices such as bulbs, LED lights or solar-powered carbon dioxide. With the increase in population, the
shower system, you can reduce the energy consumption utilization of fossil fuels has increased. This has led to an
and help in the production of clean energy. increase in the release of greenhouse gases in the
Turn off electronic devices: Ensure turning off your atmosphere.
electronic devices such as television, computer, stereo, Deforestation: Plants and trees take in carbon dioxide and
music player when not in use. This can help in saving fuel. release oxygen. Due to the cutting of trees, there is a
considerable increase in the greenhouse gases which
Save water: Make sure to turn off taps while brushing, go increases the earth’s temperature.
for shorter showers and do not waster water by cleaning Farming: Nitrous oxide used in fertilizers is one of the
your cars or bikes. contributors to the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere.
Industrial Waste and Landfills: The industries and factories
By following these easy tips, all of us can play a produce harmful gases which are released in the
significant role in reducing carbon dioxide emission and atmosphere. Landfills also release carbon dioxide and
preventing global warming, thus, preserving the planet for methane that adds to the greenhouse gases.
future generations.
4. Effects of Greenhouse Effect
Que. What is Greenhouse effect? The main effects of increased greenhouse gases are:
Definition Global Warming:

“Greenhouse effect is the process by which radiations from It is the phenomenon of a gradual increase in the average
the sun are absorbed by the greenhouse gases and not temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere. The main cause for
reflected back into space. This insulates the surface of the this environmental issue is the increased volumes of
earth and prevents it from freezing.” greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane
Depletion of Ozone Layer: Ozone Layer protects the earth
1. Concept of Greenhouse Effect from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. It is found in the
During the day the sun heats up the earth’s atmosphere. At upper regions of the stratosphere. The depletion of the
night, when the earth cools down the heat is radiated back ozone layer results in the entry of the harmful UV rays to
into the atmosphere. During this process, the heat is the earth’s surface that might lead to skin cancer and can
absorbed by the greenhouse gases in the earth’s also change the climate drastically. The greenhouse gases
atmosphere. This is what makes the surface of the earth like CFCs CO2, methane damage the ozone layer. (Ozone
warmer, that makes the survival of living beings on earth depletion 5 marks question)
possible.
Smog and Air Pollution: Smog is formed by the
However, due to the increased levels of greenhouse gases, combination of smoke and fog. It will reduce the vision and
the temperature of the earth has increased considerably. cause accidents. In Delhi every year traffic jams occur due
This has led to several drastic effects. to this.
2. Greenhouse Gases Acid Rains: (5 Marks question) The greenhouse gases mix
“Greenhouse gases are the gases that absorb the infrared with the rainwater and fall as acid rain. This leads to the
radiations and create a greenhouse effect. acidification of water bodies. Sulphor dioxide (SO2) and
1. Carbon Dioxide 2. Water vapour 3. Methane 4. Nitrous Nitrogen oxide (NOx) mixes with the water and form
Oxide 5. Chlorofluorocarbons 6. Carbon monoxide sulphuric and nitric acids. This forms acid rains.
Effects : The acidity of the rainwater cause decay of the
Carbon dioxide: It is most important greenhouse gas. It buildings, paints, like Tajmahal, other sculptures. They will
contributes to more than 60% of the warming of the globe. alco turn the water bodies like rivers lakes into acidic
Water Vapour: Water vapour is the gaseous phase of water. environment. The acid rains damage the soil and makes it
It is produced by the evaporation of the water. barren. (5 Marks question)
Methane (CH4): It is produced anaerobically through
bacterial activity. Rice fields, digestive tracts of animals. Increasing the greenhouse effect gives rise to a
Since 1960’s atmospheric methane increased by 1% runaway greenhouse effect which would increase the
annually. A cow releases 73 thousand litres methane per temperature of the earth to such an extent that no life will
year. exist in the near future.
Nitrous oxide (N2O) This gas is produced naturally through
bacterial in soils. Usage of fossil fuels also produce this gas.
CFC’s (Chlorofluorocarbons) These are man made, long lived Q.No Write an essay on threats to
chemicals. These are used as coolants in fridges and ACs. It biodiversity?
is more powerful heat trapper than CO2
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Biodiversity is the amount of variety of life on Cyclone: The severe spinning storms that occur near the
Earth. It is the number of different species of plants, oceans is called cyclone.
animals, and microorganisms. Tsunami: Tsunami’s are giant waves initiated by sudden
change in the tectonic plates of the ocean bottom. They
Threats to species diversity cause heavy damage.
The world is facing an accelerated rate of extinction of Volcanic eruption: Volanic eruptions produce lava and
species largely due to human activities. The four major smoke which destroy everything.
causes of loss of diversity are known as “The Evil Quartet”. Floods: Unsual flow of water onto land is called flood. It
cause heavy destruction
1. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Due to pollution, Draughts: It means condition of dryness for a prolonged
urbanisation and various other human activities, habitat loss period. They fail the crops and cause famines.
and fragmentation is a major cause of loss in species Land slides: They are the mass movement of rocks down the
diversity and driving plants and animals extinct. hill during rainy season.
E.g. Amazon rainforest (lungs of the planet), which is a
house to millions of species are being cut and cleared for
various purposes Module - 3
Conservation of Environment 10 Hrs
Tropical rainforest, which once covered 14 per cent
of landmass, is no more than 6 percent now 1. Concept of sustainability and sustainable development with judicious use
of land, water and forest resources; afforestation.
When large habitats are broken up into small 2. Control measures for various types of pollution; use of renewable and
fragments due to anthropogenic activities, mammals and alternate sources of energy.
birds necessitating large territories and certain animals with 3. Solid waste management: Control measures of urban and industrial
migratory habits are severely affected, leading to population waste.
regressions. 4. Conservation of biodiversity: In-situ and ex-situ conservation of
biodiversity.
2. Over Exploitation: Over-exploitation of natural resources 5. Environment Laws: Environment Protection Act; Act; Wildlife Protection
leads to the extinction of many species. E.g. Steller’s sea Act; Forest Conservation Act.
cow, the passenger pigeon etc. 6. International agreements: Montreal and Kyoto protocols; Environmental
Currently, several marine fish populations around the world movements: Bishnois of Rajasthan, Chipko, Silent valley.
are over-harvested making them endangered.
Qn.1 Discuss concept of Sustainability and Sustainable
3. Alien species invasions: When alien species are development with judicious use of land, water and forest
introduced deliberately or unintentionally, some of them resources; afforestation.
become invasive, leading to the extinction of indigenous
species. 1. What is Sustainable Development?
Sustainable development can be defined as an
E.g. Extinction of cichlid fish in Lake Victoria due to the approach to the economic development of a country
introduction of the Nile perch. without compromising with the quality of the environment
Illegal introduction of the African catfish is a threat to for future generations. In the name of economic
indigenous catfishes in rivers development, the price of environmental damage is paid in
the form of land degradation, soil erosion, air and water
4. Co-extinctions: When a species becomes extinct, the pollution, deforestation, etc. This damage may surpass the
species that are associated with it also becomes extinct. E.g. advantages of having more quality output of goods and
When a host fish goes extinct, the parasite also goes extinct services.
Mutualism like a plant-pollinator, where extinction of one
species leads to the extinction of other species too 2. Sustainable Development Goals
 To promote the kind of development that
5. Pollution: Water, soil, air pollution further accelerates the minimises environmental problems.
destruction of biodiversity Climate Change associated with  To meet the needs of the existing generation
global warming raises greenhouse gas levels that might without compromising with the quality of the
affect biodiversity. environment for future generations.
 Also check: Important Questions for Environment
Que. Write abrief note on Natural and Sustainable Development
Calamities/disasters (4 Marks question)
3. Need for Sustainable Development
Natural disasters are extreme disruption to the normal From the last two or three decades, we have seen
functioning of human living. It may be caused by that for the sake of economic growth, the health of the
environment has taken a toll. As a result, there has been an
Earth quakes: It is sudden violent shaking of earth. impact on the environment such as decline in air quality and
Earthquake of 9.2 magnitude on the Richter’s Scale in 2004 climate change due to greenhouse gases.
in Indonesia is the second largest earthquake ever
recorded. 4. Objectives of Sustainable Development
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A. Economic Growth: For creating an economy that In-situ conservation is being done by declaring area as
is sustainable and growing in the right direction. protected area.
B. Protecting the Environment: This objective In India following types of natural habitats are being
focuses on contribution by humans towards protecting and maintained:
enhancing the natural environment, by minimising pollution 1. National parks
and waste, also working towards reducing the global carbon 2. Wildlife sanctuaries
footprint. 3. Biosphere reserves
C. Social Inclusion: This objective focuses on INDIA has over 600 protected areas, which includes over 90
providing the facility of housing for future generations and national parks, over 500 animal
assisting in creating healthy, strong and vibrant global sanctuaries and 15 biosphere reserves.
communities.
1. National Parks:
5. Importance of Sustainable Development A national park is an area which is strictly reserved for the
Following are the importance of sustainable development: betterment of the wildlife and where
activities like forestry, grazing on cultivation are not
A. Using the available resources judiciously and working permitted. In these parks, even private ownership
towards maintaining the ecological balance. rights are not allowed.
T heir boundaries are well marked and
B.To prevent degradation of the environment and laying circumscribed. They are usually small reserves spreading in
emphasis on protecting the environment. an area of 100 Sq. km. to 500 sq. km. In national parks, the
C.. To prevent overexploitation of resources. emphasis is on the preservation of a single plant or animal
species
6. How to Achieve Sustainable Development Examples of some national parks
Sustainable development can be achieved if we follow the .
following points: 1. Corbett National Park Uttarakhand 1921
1318.5
 It can be achieved by restricting human activities. 2. Dudhwa National Park Uttar Pradesh 1977
 The rate of consumption should minimalistic 490.29
 All types of pollution should be minimised. 3. Gir National Park Gujarat 1965 258.71
 It can be achieved by sensible use of natural 4. Kanha National Park Madhya Pradesh 1955
resources. 940
 Strategies for Sustainable Development are to 5. Kanger Ghati National Park (Kanger Valley)
encourage- Wind energy, Solar energy, Crop Chhattisgarh 1982 200
rotation, Green space, Sustainable forestry Etc.
 Afforestation: Afforestation is the planting of trees 2. Wildlife Sanctuaries:
in a previously barren environment. Afforestation A sanctuary is a protected area which is reserved
has a beneficial effect on the environment. for the conservation of only animals and human activities
Afforestation can ensure balance and survival to all like harvesting of timber, collecting minor forest products
life on earth. and private ownership rights are allowed as long as they do
not interfere with well-being of animals.
Q.No. 2. Explain various types of Conservation methods of Example
biodiversity. (Or) In-situ and ex-situ conservation of 1. Hazaribag Wildlife Sanctuary Jharkhand
biodiversity. 2. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary TamilNadu
Ans. Conservation is the protection, preservation, 3. Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary Tamil Nadu
management, or restoration of wildlife and natural 4. Corangi Wild life sanctuary Andhra Pradesh.
resources such as forests and water. There is an urgent
need, not only to manage and conserve the biotic wealth, 3. Biosphere Reserves:
but also restore the degraded ecosystems. It is a special category of protected areas where
Types of Conservation: human population also forms a part of the system. They are
large protected area of usually more than 5000 sq.km.
Conservation can broadly be divided into two types:
List of some major Biosphere Reserves of India:
1. In-situ conservation
2. Ex-situ conservation 1. Nanda Devi Biosphere reserve Uttarakhand
2. Manas Biosphere reserv Assam
I. In-situ Conservation: 3. Seshachalam biosphere reserve Andhra pradesh
In-situ conservation is on site conservation or the Advantages of in-situ conservation:

conservation of genetic resources in natural populations of
plant or animal species. It is the process of protecting an 1. The flora and fauna live in natural habitats without
endangered plant or animal species in its natural habitat, human interference.
either by protecting or cleaning up the habitat itself, or by 2. The life cycles of the organisms and their evolution
defending the species from predators. progresses in a natural way.
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3. In-situ conservation provides the required green cover The oldest zoo, the Schonbrumm zoo which exists today
and its associated benefits to our environment. also, was established in VIENNA in 1759.
4. It is less expensive and easy to manage. In India, the 1st zoo came into existence at
5. The interests of the indigenous people are also protected. BARRACKPORE in 1800. In world there are about 800 zoos.
Such zoos have about 3000 species of vertebrates. Some
II. Ex-Situ Conservation: zoos have undertaken captive breeding programmes.
Ex-situ conservation is the preservation of
components of biological diversity outside their natural Advantages of ex-situ preservation:
habitats. Such strategies include establishment of botanical
gardens, zoos, conservation strands and gene, pollen seed, 1. It is useful for declining population of species.
seedling, tissue culture and DNA banks. 2. Endangered animals on the verge of extinction are
successfully bred.
i. Seed gene bank: 3. Threatened species are breeded in captivity and then
These are cold storages where seeds are kept released in the natural habitats.
under controlled temperature and humidity for storage and 4. Ex-situ centres offer the possibilities of observing wild
this is easiest way to store the germ plasma of plants at low animals, which is otherwise not possible.
temperature. Seeds preserved under controlled conditions 5. It is extremely useful for conducting research and
(minus temperature) remain viable for long durations of scientific work on different species.
time.
ii. Gene bank:
These are cold storages where germ plasm is kept
under controlled temperature and humidity for storage; this
is an important way of preserving the genetic resources. 3. Explain the Environmental Protection act 1986.
Ans: The Act came into force on Nov.19, 1986, the
iii. Cryopreservation: birth anniversary of our late Prime Minister India Gandhi,
This is the newest application of technology for who was a pioneer of environmental protection issues in
preservation of biotic parts. This type of conservation is our country.
done at very low temperature (196°C) in liquid nitrogen. The
metabolic activities of the organisms are suspended under (i) Environment includes water, air and land and human
low temperature, which are later used for research beings, all other living organisms.
purposes.
(ii) Environmental Pollution means the presence of any
iv. Tissue culture bank: solid, liquid or gaseous substance present in such
Long term culture of excised roots and shoots are concentration, as may be, or tend to be, injurious to
maintained. Meristem culture is very popular in plant environment.
propagation as it’s a virus and disease free method of
multiplication. (iii) Hazardous Substance means any substance or
preparation which by its physic-chemical properties or
v. Long term captive breeding: handling is liable to cause harm to human beings, living
The method involves capture, maintenance and organisms, property or environment.
captive breeding on long term basis of individuals of the
endangered species which have lost their habitat The Act has given powers to the central
permanently or certain highly unfavorable conditions are government to take measures to protect and improve
present in their habitat. environment while the state governments coordinate the
actions. The most important functions of central govt.
vi. Botanical gardens: Under this Act include setting up of;
A botanical garden is a place where flowers, fruits
and vegetables are grown. The botanical gardens provide (a) The standards of quality of air, water or various areas
beauty and calm environment. Most of them have started and purposes.
keeping exotic plants for educational and research (b) The maximum permissible limits of concentration of
purposes. various environmental pollutants (including noise) for
different areas.
vii. Animal Translocation: (c) The procedures and safeguards for the handling of
Release of animals in a new locality which come hazardous substances.
from anywhere else. (d) The prohibition and restrictions on the handling of
Translocation is carried in following cases: hazardous substances in different areas.
1. When a species on which an animal is dependent becomes rare. (e) The prohibition and restriction on the location of
2. When a species is endemic or restricted to a particular area. industries and to carry on process and operations in
3. Due to habit destruction and unfavorable environment different areas.
conditions. (f) The procedures and safeguards for the prevention of
accidents which may cause environmental pollution and
viii. Zoological Gardens: providing for remedial measures for such accidents.
In zoos wild animals are maintained in captivity and
conservation of wild animals (rare, endangered species).
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The power of entry and inspection, power to take 2. Modify working plans into environmentally sound action
sample etc. Under this Act lies with the central Government plans based on scientific research.
or any officer empowered by it. 3. Protection of standing Forests.
Under the Environmental (Protection) rules, 1986 4. Creation of new stock.
the state Pollution Control Boards have to follow the 5. Building up of information base. Features:
guidelines provided under Schedule vi, some of which are as
follows: The salient features of the Act are :
1. No forest land or any part thereof should be used for
(a) They have to advise the industries for treating the waste non-forest purposes.
water and gases with the best available technology to 2. The term "non forest purposes" was extended to
achieve the prescribed standards. agriculture cultivation purposes. No State Government is
empowered to issue orders allotting forest land for other
(b) The industries have to be encouraged for recycling and purposes by way of lease without prior approval of the
reusing the wastes. Central Government.
3. Aquatint yourself with the laws, detailed rules and orders
(c) They have to encourage the industries for recovery of
issued by the government.
biogas, energy and reusable materials.
4. Create awareness about the existence & value of national
(d) While permitting the discharge of effluents and parts & sanctuaries.
emissions into the environment, the state Boards have to 5. Help to create public pressure to change rules, laws &
take into account the assimilative capacity of the receiving procedures when necessary.
water body. 6. Do not litter in a forest area.
7. Participate in preservation of greenery, by planting
(e) The central and state Boards have to emphasize on the
watering & caring for plants.
implementation of clean technologies by the industries in
order to increase fuel efficiency and reduce the generation Q. 4. Write a short note on a Wild life Act. Wild Life
of environmental pollutants. Protection Act 1972.
Under the Environment (Protection) rules, 1986 The Wild life protection act 1972 was made to
and amendment was made in 1994 for environmental protection of wild animals, birds and plants and for matters
Impact Assessment (EIA) of various developments projects. connected therewith of the country.
There are 29 types of projects listed under Schedule I of the The rapid decline of India's wild animals and birds,
rule which require clearance from the Central Govt. before one of the richest and most varied in the world, has been a
establishing. cause of grave concern. Some wild animals and birds have
already become extinct in this country and others are in the
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has also danger of being so.
made provision for environmental audit as a means of
The Wild Birds and Animals Protection Act, 1912
checking whether or not a company is complying with the
has become completely outmoded. Hence The wild life
environmental laws and regulations.
protection Act was promulgated with the following features.
Thus, ample provisions have been made in our
country through law for improving the quality of our 1. (a) The Act called the wild life protection Act
environment. extends to the entire country of India and the union
territory is promulgated in 1972 September
Que. What are the salient features of Forest (b) Under this Act "animal" includes the
Conservation 1980? amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles; their offspring
and the materials, articles or objects made from the animals
Ans: As the human population is increasing day by day, are to be protected.
more and more land areas are being converted into The important points to be noted by everyone are
residential areas. Urbanization of villages is taking place at a
2. All the animals are protected as per the Act.
great speed. This is resulting in the indiscriminate felling of
trees and clearing of forests is taking place at giant place. To 3. No animal should be poached or killed or hunted.
avoid the evil effects of the deforestation, Government 4. It is a crime or possess articles prepared from the body or
India bas promulgated the forest conservation Act in 1980. parts of the body of any of these protected animals.
The same act is amended in 1988. 5. Keeping the live animals in captivity is a crime which is
punishable. If any animal is found accidentally, to be
It embodies the firm commitment of the entering into residential areas the fact should be reported
Government of India to balance the conservation of forests and the animal is stored to its natural habitat.
with the sustainable development
6. Provide penalties for contravention of the Act.
Objectives :
7. Lay down the procedure for declaring areas as
1. Forest dwellers must have access to subsidized sources of Sanctuaries, National Parks, etc.
fuel, fodder, building material etc so that they do not cut 8. Regulate possession, acquisition or transfer of, or trade in
trees. wild animals, animal articles and trophies etc.
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Que. Discuss on the Air Pollution (prevention and implementation of the Montreal Protocol we can expect
control of pollution) Act 1981, near complete recovery of the ozone layer by the middle of
the 21st century.
Ans. This Act was enacted by the Parliament under Article
253 of the Constitution to implement the decision taken at Q. 8. Write a short note on Kyoto protocol.
the United Nations Conference on the human environment
held at Stockholm in June 1972, in which India participated Ans. The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement that
The Air (prevention and control of pollution) Act, 1981 aimed to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and the
meant to one face of environmental pollution, Its main es presence of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere.
are the following: The Kyoto Protocol was adopted on 11 December 1997. it
entered into force on 16 February 2005.
(a) To provide for the prevention, control and of air
pollution The essential tenet of the Kyoto Protocol was that
industrialized nations needed to lessen the amount of their
(b) To provide for the establishment of Central and State
CO2 emissions. The Protocol was adopted in Kyoto, Japan in
Boards with view to implement the aforesaid purpose
1997, 'when greenhouse gases were rapidly threatening our
To provide for conferring on such Boards the powers and climate, life on the earth, and the planet, itself.
assigning to such Boards functions relating
Today, the Kyoto Protocol lives on in other forms
and its issues are still being discussed. The Kyoto Protocol is
Que. Write short mote on water pollution (Prevention
significant because it introduces, for the first time, legally
and control of Pollution) Act 1974 binding greenhouse gas emission commitments for the
developed countries
Ans: This specialized legislative measure is meant to tackle
one facet of environmental pollution. Its main objectives The commitments agreed to should, according to
are: the Protocol, lead to an overall global reduction of at least
five per cent in 1990 levels of greenhouse gases by 2008-
2012.
(a) To provide for the prevention and control of water
pollution and maintaining or restoring of wholesomeness of The most important greenhouse gas is carbon
water, dioxide (CO2), and its biggest source by far is the burning of
fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) for energy.
(b) To establish Central and State Boards for the prevention
and control of water pollution Six billion tons of carbon is released as carbon
dioxide every year from this source.
(c) To provide for conferring on and assigned to such Boards
powers and functions relating thereto and for matters Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons hydro chloro
connected therewith fluorocarbons (HCFCs) and are chemical gases
The three industrial global warming gases
Q.N.7.Write a short note on Montreal protocol. controlled under the Kyoto Protocol are hydrofluorocarbons
(HFCs), per fluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride
Ans. The Montreal Protocol on Substances that (SF6).
Deplete the Ozone Layer (the Montreal Protocol) is an
international agreement signed on 16th September 1987. It Q. 9. Write a short note on Bishnois of Rajasthan.
was designed to stop the production and import of ozone
depleting substances and reduce their concentration in the The Bishnois, a Vaishnavite sect, living in western
atmosphere to help protect the earth's ozone layer, Rajasthan on the fringe of the Thar Desert, have for
The Montreal Protocol sits under the Vienna centuries, been conserving the flora and fauna to the extent
Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (the of sacrificing their lives to protect the environment.
Vienna Convention). The Vienna Convention was adopted in For these nature-loving people, protection of the
Its objectives are to promote cooperation on the environment, wildlife, and plants is a part and parcel of their
adverse effects of human activities on the ozone layer. The sacred traditions. The basic philosophy of this religion is that
Montreal Protocol is widely considered as the most all living things have a right to survive and share all
successful environment protection agreement. It sets out a resources.
mandatory timetable for the phase out of ozone depleting In the fifteenth century, Jambhoji, a resident of a
substances. village near Jodhpur, had a vision that the cause of the
The Montreal Protocol has proven to be innovative drought that had hit the area and hardship that followed
and successful, and is the first treaty to achieve universal was caused by people's interference with nature.
ratification by all countries in the world. Thereafter, he became a sanyasi or a holy man came to be
Full implementation of the Montreal Protocol is known as Swami Jambeshwar Maharaj. This was the
expected to result in avoidance of more than 280 million beginning of the Bishnoi sect.
cases of skin cancer, approximately 1.6 million skin cancer He laid down 29 tenets for his followers which
deaths, and more than 45 million cases of cataracts in the Included a ban on killing animals, a ban to the felling of
United States alone by the end of the century, with even trees - especially the Khejri which grows extensively in these
greater benefits worldwide. The Montreal Protocol's areas, and using material other
Scientific Assessment Panel estimates that with
Prepared by
24
than wood for cremations. Nature protection was giver or
foremost importance in these tenets. Since then, the sect 10 Explain about the forest resources and their importance.
has religiously followed these tenets. 11. Discuss about Human Population growth and its impacts on
There are many stories about how the Bishnois environment
have beaten up hunters and poachers for intruding in their or
12. Write an essay on Air Pollution
area. The sacrifice made by Amrita Devi and over 350 others 13. Write an essay on Water Pollution
is a heart-rending example of their devotion. The Maharaja or
of Jodhpur wanted to build a new palace and required wood 14. Discuss concept of Sustainability and Sustainable development
for it. To procure this his men went to the area around the with judicious use of land, water and forest resources;
village of Jalnadi to fell the trees. When Amrita Devi saw this afforestation
she rushed out to prevent the men and hugged the first QUESTION BANK
tree, but the axe fell on her and she died on the spot. MODULE I
Before dying she uttered the now famous couplet I.ESSAY QUESTIONS
1.Define environmental education .write the scope and
of the Bishnois, 'A chopped head is cheaper than a felled importance of the environmental education
tree'. People from 83 surrounding villages rushed to prevent 2.Explain multi disciplinary nature of the environmental education
the men from felling the trees and by the end of the day 3.Man is an integral product and part of the nature –justify the
more than 350 had lost their lives. statement 4.Define resources and give an account of land
resources and importance 5.Explain about the water resources
When the king heard about this, he was filled with and their use in our daily life 6.Describe about the over
remorse and came to the village to personally apologize to –exploitation of water 7.Define deforestation .Explain
the people. He promised them that they would never again causes and effects of deforestation 8.Define the
be asked to provide timber to the ruler, no khejri tree would biodiversity, Explain the value of biodiversity 9.write a note on
biodiversity hotspots
ever be cut, and hunting would be banned near the 'Bishnoi SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
villages. The village of Jalnadi thus came to be called Khejari. 1. Scope and importance of environmental education
Thus Beshnoi sect is a good example of sacred 2.Biodiversity definition and importance 3. Soil erosion
and causes for for soil erosion 4. Land degradation and
tradition that protects the environment. They still follow it control of degradation 5. write a short note on Water cycle
to the core by preventing felling or poaching in thier areas. 6. Deforestation 7. write short note on chipko movement
8. Jhum or podu cultivation 9.Forest mining
Q.No10 Silent Valley Movement. 10.What are the different types of biodiversities
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) proposed
MODULE II
a Hydro Electric dam across the Kunthipuza River that runs ESSAY QUESTION
through silent valley. In February 1973 the planning 1.Discuss about human population growth and its impacts on
commission approved the project at a cost of about Rs. 25 environment 2.Write an essay on the use and over –
Cores. Many feared that the project would submerge 8.3 sq exploitation of surface and ground water 3.Write about
km of untouched moist evergreen forest. renewable and non –renewable energy resources ,their utilization
and influences 4.what is pollution give a brief account of air
Several NGOs strongly opposed the project and ,water ,soil and noise pollutions 5.Define deforestation
urged the government to abandon it. In January 1981, .Explain causes and effects of deforestation 6.write an essay
bowing to un-releventing public pressure, Indhira Gandhi on biological,industrial and solid waste in urban areas 7.write
declared that silent valley will be protected. In June 1983 an essay on global warmimg 8. what is green house
the centre reexamined the issue through a commission effect 9 .write an essay on threats to biodiversity
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
chaired by Prof. M.G.K. Menon. 10.Population growth and its impact on environment
In November 1983 in silent valley Hydro Electric 11.Conflicts over water 12.Construction of dams benefits
project was called off. In 1985 Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and problems 13.Depletion of ozone layer 14. Eutrofication
formally inaugurated, the silent valley national park. 15. Biomagnification 16. soil pollution 17.water
pollution 18. Air pollution 19. Noise
pollution 20. biological waste 21 .Industrial
Model Paper and solid wastes in urban area 22. Global warming
Environmental Education 23. Natural calamities or disasters
Time 2 hrs Max: 50 MODULE III
Section A (4x5=20 marks) ESSAY QUESTIONS
1. Discuss concept of sustainability and sustainable development
Answer any four question. Each question carries 5 marks with judicious use of land ,water,forest resources. 2.write
an essay on in-situ and ex-situ conservation of biodervisity
1. Explain about the water resources and their use in daily life 4. Expalin the environmental protection act 1986 5.What
2. Describe about green house effect are the salient features of forest conservation 1980
3. Write briefly about the soil pollution SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
4. Chipko Movement and Silent valley movements. 6.Ex-situ conservation 7.Forest conservation 1980.
5. Define deforestation and explain causes of deforestation 8 . Wild life protection act 1972 9 .Write a short note on
6. Describe Wild life protection Act montreal protocol 10. Write a short note on Kyoto
7. What is insitu conservation of biodiversity protocol 11. Write a short note on bishinois of rajasthan
8. What are Biological, industrial and solid waste in urban areas. 12. Write a short note on sailent valley movement
Section B (3x10=20 marks)
Answer any three questions. Each question carries 10 marks

9. Define Biodiversity and explain value of biodiversity
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION - STUDY MATERIAL

LAND RESOURCES/ Give account of land resources and

Soils are formed due to disintegration of rocks by

Q.No. 7. Explain about the forest resources and their

Forest is important renewable resources. Forest

5. Aesthetic values Deforestation has been reported in Mussorie and Dehradun

The value of biodiversity in terms of its commercial utility,

Biodiversity value may be classified as follows:

1. Consumptive use Value:

(a) Food: A large number of wild plants are consumed by

The Western Ghats

a. Land degradation can be defined as any change

b. Soil Erosion: The top layer of the earth is called

c. Desertification: The process of conversion of

5. Combustion of fuels to produce energy leads to air 2. Causes of Air pollution:

Environmental pollution is defined as an

B. Ground water pollution:

A greater threat to human life comes from ground water

Causes of ground water pollution:

Biomagnification can be defined as the rise or 2. Causes of Soil Pollution

Bioremediation can be defined as any process that uses

4.NOISE POLLUTION(Discuss about Noise pollution)

Household Garbage: the four broad categories

Rise in Temperature: Global warming has led to an

This has resulted in an increase in the melting of glaciers,

Threats to the Ecosystem: Global warming has affected the

Climate Change: Global warming has led to a change in

Spread of Diseases: Global warming leads to a change in

Definition Global Warming:

In-situ conservation is on site conservation or the Advantages of in-situ conservation:

Answer any three questions. Each question carries 10 marks

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