AECC on Environment Studies
Note: Attempt all questions. The marks for each question are indicated against it.
PART-A
1. Why ecological significance of forest is more important in present day context? Explain.
Forests are crucial ecosystems that provide numerous ecological, economic, and social benefits. In the present day context, the ecological significance of forests has become more important than ever before due to various reasons.
Firstly, forests are vital for mitigating climate change. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is one of the main greenhouse gases responsible for global warming. Forests act as carbon sinks, storing the carbon they absorb from the atmosphere in their biomass, soil, and roots. Therefore, preserving and restoring forests is critical in reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Secondly, forests support biodiversity, providing habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. They are home to many endangered and threatened species, and protecting forests helps to maintain healthy and diverse ecosystems. Forests also support ecological processes such as nutrient cycling, soil formation, and water regulation.
Thirdly, forests provide essential ecosystem services such as water regulation, erosion control, and air quality improvement. Forests help to regulate the water cycle, reducing the risk of floods and droughts. They also help to control soil erosion and maintain soil fertility. Furthermore, forests play a crucial role in improving air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen.
In summary, the ecological significance of forests in the present day context is of utmost importance due to their critical role in mitigating climate change, supporting biodiversity, and providing essential ecosystem services. It is therefore essential that we work towards conserving and restoring forests to ensure their long-term sustainability and the many benefits they provide.
2. Answer the following questions in about 125 words each.
a) Explain the characteristics of Western Ghats for inclusion as Biodiversity hotspots.
The Western Ghats is a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India, covering an area of approximately 160,000 square kilometers. It is recognized as one of the world's eight "hottest hotspots" of biodiversity, and it is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Western Ghats possess several characteristics that make it a hotspot of biodiversity, including:
High species diversity: The Western Ghats region is home to an estimated 7,400 plant species, of which approximately 5,000 are endemic (i.e., found nowhere else in the world). It is also home to a large number of mammal, bird, amphibian, reptile, and fish species.
Endemic species: The Western Ghats is one of the world's most important regions for the conservation of endemic species. Many species found in this region are not found anywhere else in the world.
Habitat diversity: The Western Ghats includes a variety of habitat types, ranging from tropical rainforests and grasslands to high-altitude sholas and montane forests. This diverse range of habitats provides niches for a wide variety of species.
Threatened species: The Western Ghats region is home to several threatened and endangered species, including the Indian elephant, Bengal tiger, lion-tailed macaque, and the great Indian hornbill.
Cultural and social importance: The Western Ghats region is home to numerous indigenous communities, who have lived in harmony with the natural environment for generations. These communities possess valuable traditional knowledge and practices that are critical for the conservation and sustainable use of the region's biodiversity.
b) Why hydropower is regarded as the best source of energy? Explain it in detail.
Hydropower is often regarded as the best source of energy due to several factors. One of the most significant benefits of hydropower is that it is a renewable and clean source of energy. Unlike fossil fuels, hydropower does not produce harmful greenhouse gases or other pollutants that contribute to climate change and air pollution. Additionally, hydropower is more reliable than other renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, as it can be produced on demand, regardless of weather conditions.
Hydropower also offers several economic and social benefits. Hydropower plants require relatively low maintenance costs, and the cost of generating electricity is generally lower than that of other renewable sources of energy. Hydropower plants can also provide job opportunities and income for local communities, particularly in rural areas where other job opportunities are limited.
Furthermore, hydropower is a flexible source of energy that can be used in both large-scale power generation and small-scale applications, such as irrigation and rural electrification. Hydropower plants can also provide benefits such as flood control and water storage.
c) The importance of Biomass has been increasing day by day in our surroundings among renewable resources. Explain it with suitable examples.
c) Biomass refers to any organic matter that can be used as a source of energy. Biomass is considered a renewable energy source because it can be replenished within a relatively short period of time. Biomass can be converted into various forms of energy, including electricity, heat, and biofuels. The importance of biomass as a renewable resource is increasing day by day due to several reasons.
One of the primary advantages of biomass is that it can be produced from a variety of sources, including wood, agricultural waste, and even municipal waste. Biomass can be used in a variety of applications, including power generation, heating, and transportation. Additionally, the use of biomass can reduce the dependence on fossil fuels, which are non-renewable and contribute to climate change.
Another advantage of biomass is that it can provide economic benefits to local communities. The production of biomass can create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in rural areas. Additionally, the use of biomass can reduce waste disposal costs and provide revenue streams from the sale of biomass products.
d) How does air pollution affect the atmospheric processes?
Air pollution can affect atmospheric processes in a variety of ways. One of the most significant impacts is on the Earth's climate. Air pollution can alter the amount of solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface, leading to changes in temperature and precipitation patterns. Air pollution can also impact the formation of clouds and alter the chemical composition of the atmosphere, leading to the formation of ozone and other greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
Air pollution can also impact the Earth's water cycle. Polluted air can reduce the amount of water that evaporates from the Earth's surface, leading to drought conditions in some areas. Additionally, air pollution can impact the quality of precipitation, leading to acid rain and other harmful effects on the environment. Air pollution can also have negative impacts on human health, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and other health issues.
e) What is Disposal of waste? Why segregation of waste is needed?
Disposal of waste refers to the final stage in the waste management process, where waste materials are collected and processed in a way that minimizes their impact on the environment and public health. The main objective of waste disposal is to ensure that waste is safely and effectively managed, while also minimizing its impact on the environment.
Segregation of waste is an important step in waste management, which involves separating different types of waste materials at the source of generation. This is done to ensure that each type of waste is properly managed and disposed of in an appropriate manner. Segregation of waste helps to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills or incinerators, and promotes the recycling and recovery of valuable materials from waste. Additionally, segregation of waste can help to reduce the environmental impacts of waste disposal, such as greenhouse gas emissions and soil and water contamination.
3. Explain the human-environment relationship by taking examples of biotic and abiotic components?
The relationship between humans and the environment is complex and multifaceted. It involves both biotic and abiotic components, which are interconnected and interdependent. Biotic components refer to living organisms, such as plants and animals, while abiotic components refer to non-living elements, such as air, water, and soil. Humans interact with both biotic and abiotic components in a variety of ways.
For example, humans rely on plants and animals for food, medicine, and other resources, which means that they have a direct impact on these biotic components. Additionally, humans modify and transform ecosystems to meet their needs, which can have both positive and negative impacts on the biotic components.
On the other hand, humans also interact with abiotic components in various ways. For example, they modify the quality and quantity of water resources, and alter the composition of the air by releasing pollutants. These changes can have both immediate and long-term effects on the environment and human health.
In order to achieve sustainable development, it is important to maintain a balance between the needs of humans and the integrity of the environment. This requires a holistic approach that takes into account the complex interactions between biotic and abiotic components.
4. “As humans civilisation progressed, man started altering the environment in the pursuit of creating an economic, social and cultural environment of his own choice. This slowly resulted in the depletion of natural resources and degradation of environment.” Explain it in context of national legislations of water acts?
As human civilization has progressed, the exploitation of natural resources has increased dramatically to meet the growing demand of the population. This has led to the depletion of natural resources and degradation of the environment. The Water Act is a national legislation that seeks to address this issue by promoting the sustainable use of water resources and preventing their pollution.
The Water Act provides a framework for the conservation, management, and development of water resources in India. The Act aims to regulate the use of water resources and prevent their over-exploitation, while also promoting their sustainable development. This includes the establishment of water conservation zones and the regulation of the discharge of pollutants into water bodies.
The Act empowers the government to take measures to prevent the pollution of groundwater and surface water, and to promote the reuse and recycling of water resources. Additionally, the Act provides for the establishment of regulatory bodies to monitor and enforce the provisions of the Act.
Overall, the Water Act is an important national legislation that seeks to balance the economic, social, and cultural needs of humans with the need to protect the environment. It provides a framework for the sustainable use and management of water resources, which is essential for the long-term well-being of both humans and the environment.
5. “Biosphere reserves are internationally recognised areas established to promote and demonstrate a balanced relationship between Humans and the Biosphere.” Elaborate this statement in the context of conservation of nature?
Biosphere reserves are designated areas where the conservation of biodiversity is balanced with the sustainable use of natural resources. The concept of biosphere reserves aims to promote a harmonious relationship between humans and the environment, ensuring the long-term protection of natural resources while also allowing for their sustainable use.
The purpose of biosphere reserves is to provide an opportunity for research, education, and training, as well as a place for conservation of biological diversity, monitoring of environmental changes, and demonstration of sustainable development. Biosphere reserves act as a bridge between conservation and development, allowing for the protection of natural resources while also allowing for their sustainable use.
Biosphere reserves are recognized internationally, and their management is guided by the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme of UNESCO. They are designed to promote the integration of human activity with natural ecosystems, through the development of partnerships between stakeholders, including governments, local communities, and conservation organizations.
Overall, biosphere reserves are an important tool in the conservation of nature, providing a means of balancing the needs of humans and the environment, and demonstrating the benefits of sustainable development. They serve as a model for conservation and development, promoting a balanced relationship between humans and the biosphere.
PART-B
6. Explain the following terms in about 60 words each:
(a) Seed Bank: A seed bank is a facility that stores seeds to preserve their genetic diversity and to protect plant species from extinction. These seeds are kept in controlled conditions to maintain their viability, so that they can be used in the future for reforestation, agricultural purposes, and conservation.
(b) Incineration: Incineration is a waste treatment process that involves the combustion of organic substances in the presence of oxygen, producing ash and gases. This process is used to convert waste into ash and gases, reducing its volume and weight. Incineration can be a useful method of waste management for certain types of waste, but it can also release harmful pollutants into the air.
(c) Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD): Biological Oxygen Demand is a measure of the amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to decompose organic matter in water. It is used as an indicator of the amount of organic pollution in water bodies, and a high BOD value indicates poor water quality.
(d) Public Health: Public health is the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through organized efforts of society. Public health involves a range of activities, including disease surveillance, health promotion, disease prevention, and health policy development. The goal of public health is to improve the health of populations and to ensure equitable access to health care services.
7. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each.
(a) What is lentic and lotic ecosystem? Explain these two with suitable examples.
(a) Lentic and lotic ecosystems are two types of aquatic ecosystems. Lentic ecosystems are standing water bodies, such as lakes and ponds, while lotic ecosystems are flowing water bodies, such as rivers and streams. In lentic ecosystems, water movement is slow or non-existent, allowing for the accumulation of sediments and the growth of rooted plants. In lotic ecosystems, water movement is fast, providing oxygen and nutrients to the water and facilitating the growth of aquatic plants and animals. Examples of lentic ecosystems include freshwater lakes, ponds, and marshes, while examples of lotic ecosystems include rivers, streams, and waterfalls.
(b) What is ecological succession? Explain the types of succession with suitable diagrams.
(b) Ecological succession is the process of gradual change in the composition and structure of a community of organisms over time. There are two types of succession: primary and secondary. Primary succession occurs in an area where there is no pre-existing community of organisms, such as on newly formed land. Secondary succession occurs in an area where a pre-existing community of organisms has been disturbed, such as by a fire or a flood.
In primary succession, the first organisms to colonize the area are typically pioneer species, such as lichens and mosses, which can tolerate harsh environmental conditions. Over time, the pioneer species create a more favorable environment for other species to colonize, such as grasses, shrubs, and eventually trees. The final stage of primary succession is a climax community, which is a stable and self-sustaining ecosystem.
In secondary succession, the process is similar to primary succession, but there is already a pre-existing community of organisms in the area. The first species to colonize the disturbed area are typically fast-growing and opportunistic, such as grasses and weeds. Over time, the community becomes more complex and diverse, eventually reaching a climax community.
(c) Explain the biocentrism and ecocentrism in context of human’s attitude towards nature?
(c) Biocentrism is an ethical perspective that considers all living things to have intrinsic value and a right to exist, independent of their usefulness to humans. Ecocentrism is an ethical perspective that considers the entire ecosystem, including non-living components, to have intrinsic value and a right to exist. Both perspectives reject the anthropocentric view that humans are the only beings with value and rights.
Biocentrism emphasizes the importance of protecting individual species and their habitats, while ecocentrism emphasizes the importance of protecting the entire ecosystem, including non-living components such as soil, water, and air. Both perspectives advocate for sustainable use of natural resources and the conservation of biodiversity.
(d) Define natural calamities and its types with suitable examples.
Natural calamities are sudden and severe natural events that can cause significant damage and loss of life. There are several types of natural calamities, including earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, wildfires, and volcanic eruptions. Examples of natural calamities include the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2010 Haiti earthquake, and the 2019 Australian wildfires. These events can have devastating impacts on communities and ecosystems, causing loss of life, displacement, and destruction of infrastructure and natural resources. Preparedness and response measures, including early warning systems and disaster relief efforts, are important in mitigating the impact of natural calamities.
8. Explain the causes of ozone depletion? How do ultraviolet rays affects human health, animals, plants, micro-organisms, water and air quality.
Ozone depletion is mainly caused by human-made chemicals known as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and other ozone-depleting substances (ODSs). These chemicals are used in refrigeration and air conditioning, aerosols, solvents, and foam blowing agents. When these chemicals are released into the atmosphere, they rise to the stratosphere and break down, releasing chlorine and bromine atoms that destroy ozone molecules.
The depletion of the ozone layer can have harmful effects on living organisms. Ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are normally absorbed by the ozone layer, can reach the earth's surface and cause skin cancer, cataracts, and other health problems in humans. UV radiation can also harm animals, plants, and microorganisms. For example, excessive exposure to UV rays can damage the DNA of phytoplankton, which form the basis of the ocean food chain. This can lead to a decrease in the number of fish and other aquatic species, which can ultimately affect the food supply for humans.
In addition, UV radiation can also affect air and water quality. It can cause photochemical smog, which is a type of air pollution that can harm human health and damage crops. UV radiation can also affect the quality of water by altering the chemistry of lakes and rivers, making them more acidic and less hospitable to aquatic life.
Overall, the depletion of the ozone layer has significant impacts on human health, as well as on the health of animals, plants, microorganisms, water and air quality. Therefore, it is crucial to take measures to reduce the production and release of ozone-depleting chemicals, and to protect the ozone layer.
9. “Education for environmental awareness is essential for the younger generation as well as for the older generation.” Explain the statement with suitable examples.
Education for environmental awareness is essential for both younger and older generations as it provides the necessary knowledge and skills to understand and address environmental issues. It is important to educate younger generations about the environment as they are the future decision-makers who will face and tackle environmental challenges. Older generations also need to be educated as they may not have been exposed to the same level of environmental education as younger generations.
Environmental education can take many forms, including formal education in schools and universities, non-formal education through workshops and events, and informal education through media and other forms of communication. The goal of environmental education is to foster a sense of responsibility and concern for the environment, as well as to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills to take action to protect it.
For example, educational programs aimed at young children can help them understand the importance of environmental conservation, such as recycling and reducing waste. In higher education, environmental science and sustainability courses can provide students with the knowledge and skills to address environmental issues in their future careers.
Similarly, educating the older generation can help them understand the current state of the environment and provide them with the tools to take action, such as through sustainable lifestyle changes and supporting environmental policies.
Overall, education for environmental awareness is essential for all generations as it provides the necessary knowledge and skills to understand and address environmental issues, which are critical for the sustainability of our planet.
10. “Water Harvesting is one of the effective measures to combat drought.” Explain this statement with suitable arguments.
Water harvesting is an effective measure to combat drought as it involves the collection and storage of rainwater to meet the water demands of communities, agriculture, and industries during times of water scarcity. It is a sustainable solution to the water crisis, as it utilizes the natural process of rainfall to supplement water supply.
Water harvesting can take many forms, including rooftop rainwater harvesting, surface runoff harvesting, and groundwater recharge. In areas facing water scarcity and drought, water harvesting can help to supplement the existing water supply and ensure the availability of water for agriculture and other uses.
Furthermore, water harvesting can also help to mitigate the impacts of climate change, as climate change is expected to result in more frequent and severe droughts in many regions. By collecting and storing rainwater, communities can reduce their reliance on groundwater and surface water sources, which may become depleted during droughts.
Additionally, water harvesting can help to reduce the demand for water from unsustainable sources, such as rivers and lakes, and can also help to conserve soil moisture, which can benefit agriculture and ecosystems.
In conclusion, water harvesting is an effective measure to combat drought, as it can supplement the existing water supply, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and reduce the demand for water from unsustainable sources. It is a sustainable solution to the water crisis, and its adoption can help to ensure the availability of water for communities, agriculture, and industries during times of water scarcity.
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