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Unit 2: Natural Resources

The document outlines the key topics in 8 units of an environmental science course. The units cover natural resources (renewable and non-renewable), ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, environmental pollution, social and environmental issues, human population and environment, and a field work component. Some of the main topics discussed are forest and water resources, environmental impacts of resource use, the structure and functioning of ecosystems, threats to biodiversity, types of pollution and solid waste management.

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ABDUL SAHIL
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162 views5 pages

Unit 2: Natural Resources

The document outlines the key topics in 8 units of an environmental science course. The units cover natural resources (renewable and non-renewable), ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, environmental pollution, social and environmental issues, human population and environment, and a field work component. Some of the main topics discussed are forest and water resources, environmental impacts of resource use, the structure and functioning of ecosystems, threats to biodiversity, types of pollution and solid waste management.

Uploaded by

ABDUL SAHIL
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Unit 2 : Natural Resources :

Renewable and non-renewable resources :


Natural resources and associated problems.

a) Forest resources : Use and over-exploitation, deforestation, case studies.


Timber extraction, mining, dams and their effects on forest and tribal people.

b) Water resources : Use and over-utilization of surface and ground water,


floods, drought, conflicts over water, dams-benefits and problems.

c) Mineral resources : Use and exploitation, environmental effects of extracting


and using mineral resources, case studies.

d) Food resources : World food problems, changes caused by agriculture and


overgrazing, effects of modern agriculture, fertilizer-pesticide problems, water
logging, salinity, case studies.

e) Energy resources : Growing energy needs, renewable and non renewable


energy sources, use of alternate energy sources. Case studies.

f) Land resources : Land as a resource, land degradation, man induced


landslides, soil erosion and desertification.
• Role of an individual in conservation of natural resources.

• Equitable use of resoureces for sustainable lifestyles.

(8 lectures)

Unit 3 : Ecosystems

• Concept of an ecosystem.

III
• Structure and function of an ecosystem.

• Producers, consumers and decomposers.

• Energy flow in the ecosystem.

• Ecological succession.

• Food chains, food webs and ecological pyramids.

• Introduction, types, characteristic features, structure and function of the

following ecosystem :-

a. Forest ecosystem

b. Grassland ecosystem

c. Desert ecosystem

d. Aquatic ecosystems (ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, oceans, estuaries)

(6 lectures)

Unit 4 : Biodiversity and its conservation

• Introduction – Definition : genetic, species and ecosystem diversity.

• Biogeographical classification of India

• Value of biodiversity : consumptive use, productive use, social, ethical, aesthetic


and option values

• Biodiversity at global, National and local levels.

• Inida as a mega-diversity nation

IV
• Hot-sports of biodiversity.

• Threats to biodiversity : habitat loss, poaching of wildlife, man-wildlife conflicts.

• Endangered and endemic species of India

• Conservation of biodiversity : In-situ and Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity.

(8 lectures)

Unit 5 : Environmental Pollution

Definition

• Cause, effects and control measures of :-

a. Air pollution

b. Water pollution

c. Soil pollution

d. Marine pollution

e. Noise pollution

f. Thermal pollution

g. Nuclear hazards

• Solid waste Management : Causes, effects and control measures of urban and
industrial wastes.

• Role of an individual in prevention of pollution.

• Pollution case studies.

• Diaster management : floods, earthquake, cyclone and landslides.


(8 lectures)

V
Unit 6 : Social Issues and the Environment

• From Unsustainable to Sustainable development

• Urban problems related to energy

• Water conservation, rain water harvesting, watershed management

• Resettlement and rahabilitation of people; its problems and concerns. Case


Studies

• Environmental ethics : Issues and possible solutions.

• Climate change, global warming, acid rain, ozone layer depletion, nuclear
accidents and holocaust. Case Studies.

• Wasteland reclamation.

• Consumerism and waste products.

• Environment Protection Act.

• Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.

• Water (Prevention and control of Pollution) Act

• Wildlife Protection Act

• Forest Conservation Act

• Issues involved in enforcement of environmental legislation.

• Public awareness.
(7 lectures)

Unit 7 : Human Population and the Environment

• Population growth, variation among nations.

• Population explosion – Family Welfare Programme.

VI
• Environment and human health.

• Human Rights.

• Value Education.

• HIV/AIDS.

• Women and Child Welfare.

• Role of Information Technology in Environment and human health.

• Case Studies.
(6 lectures)

Unit 8 : Field work

• Visit to a local area to document environmental assets-


river/forest/grassland/hill/mountain

• Visit to a local polluted site-Urban/Rural/Industrial/Agricultural

• Study of common plants, insects, birds.

• Study of simple ecosystems-pond, river, hill slopes, etc. (Field work Equal to 5
lecture hours)

VII

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