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Environmental Studies - Simultaneous conservation of many

1. Explain in detail methods for species.
conservation of Biodiversity. in short and - Natural evolution and environmental
simple easy to understand points. adaptation.
ANS: Methods for Conservation of
Biodiversity Examples of Wildlife Sanctuaries in India:
- Ghana Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan.
In-situ Conservation - Hazaribag, Bihar.
Conservation of flora and fauna in their - Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Haryana.
natural habitats. - Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat.
- Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary, Punjab.
Traditional Concepts in India: - Mundalmalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil
- Abhayaranya: Wildlife sanctuary. Nadu.
- Devraai: Sacred groves.
Examples of National Parks in India:
Types: - Ranthambore and Sariska, Rajasthan.
1. National Parks: - Kaziranga, Assam.
- Government-maintained small reserves. - Gir National Park, Gujarat.
- Strictly protected with no human - Bandipur, Karnataka.
activities. - Periyar, Kerala.
- Examples: Kanha National Park, - Kanha, Madhya Pradesh.
Bandipur National Park.
Ex-situ Conservation
2. Wildlife Sanctuaries: Preservation of biological diversity outside
- Lesser protection compared to national natural habitats.
parks.
- Limited human activities allowed (e.g., Types:
grazing, firewood collection). 1. Zoos:
- Examples: Radhanagari Bison - Captive breeding of endangered species.
Sanctuary, Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary.
2. Seed/Gene Banks:
3. Biosphere Reserves: - Preservation of genetic material for
- Large protected areas with allowed future use.
human activity.
- Industries and environmentally 3. Aquaria:
damaging projects prohibited. - Conservation of aquatic species.
- Examples: Nanda Devi, Sunderbans.
4. National Institutes/Laboratories:
4. Sacred Groves: - Research and conservation activities.
- Forest areas protected by local
communities due to religious beliefs. 5. Botanical Gardens:
- Examples: Hariyali (Uttarkhand), - Conservation of plant species.
Deodar grove (Himachal Pradesh).
6. Nurseries:
Advantages: - Cultivation and preservation of plants.
- Cost-effective and convenient.

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Advantages: - No industrial plant operation without

- Longer lifespan and increased breeding consent from State Pollution Control Board
opportunities for animals. (SPCB).
- Reintroduction of captive-bred species - SPCB has authority to inspect and seek
into the wild. information from industries.
- Use of genetic techniques for - Legal actions for emissions exceeding
preservation. standards.

Purpose: 3. The Water (Prevention and Control of

- Protect germplasm of endangered species. Pollution) Act, 1974
- Reintroduce species into suitable habitats. - Purpose: Prevent and control water
pollution; maintain water quality.
2.Explain the only silent features of - Key Provisions:
ACTs. - Establish Central and State Pollution
ANS: Silent Features of Environmental Control Boards.
Acts - Mandatory consent for discharge of
sewage/trade effluent into water bodies.
1. The Environment Protection Act, 1986 - SPCB can seek additional information
- Purpose: Implement decisions of UN and set specific conditions for consent.
Conferences on Human Environment, - Refusal of consent if standards are not
addressing hazards to humans, animals, met.
plants, and property.
- Scope: Umbrella legislation for central 4. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
coordination of various environmental - Purpose: Protect wildlife (animals, birds,
laws. plants) and their habitats.
- Key Provisions: - Key Provisions:
- Restrict industrial activities in specific - Schedules listing protected species and
areas with safeguards. their level of protection.
- Set safety protocols for hazardous - Absolute protection for species in
substances and prevent accidents. Schedule I and II (endangered species).
- Establish authorities with power to - Provisions for hunting licenses for
regulate and close operations. certain species (Schedule V).
- Require information from individuals - Cultivation and plant protection
and authorities. measures (Schedule VI).
- Amendments to Air and Water Acts to - Penalties for violations, including
enhance implementation powers. imprisonment.

2. The Air (Prevention and Control of 5. The Forest Conservation Act, 1980
Pollution) Act, 1981 - Purpose: Conserve forests and increase
- Purpose: Prevent, control, and reduce air forest cover to 33% of India's land area.
pollution; preserve air quality. - Key Provisions:
- Key Provisions: - Restrict use of forest land for non-forest
- Establish Central and State Boards for air purposes.
pollution control. - Prevent leasing of forest land to private
- Declare Air Pollution Control Areas entities and clear felling of natural forests.
where the Act applies.

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- Central Government authority to advise - Hold competitions on environmental

on forest conservation matters. problems and non-conventional energy
- Penalties for non-compliance, including sources.
imprisonment for up to fifteen days.
- Accountability for government officials 4. Entertainment:
in violations. - Use folk songs, street plays, and
documentaries to educate and engage the
4. Define Public awareness and classify public.
the methods of public awareness.
5. Science Centers:
ANS: Public Awareness
- Establish centers in villages and remote
areas.
Definition:
- Disseminate information on
Public awareness refers to the
environmental problems, causes, and
understanding and knowledge that the
control measures effectively.
general public has about environmental
issues and the importance of protecting the
Importance:
environment.
- Ensures people understand the impact of
their actions on the environment.
Need for Public Awareness:
- Encourages active participation in
- Environmental Degradation: Unchecked
environmental protection efforts.
degradation can lead to extinction of life.
- Helps in creating a sustainable future by
- Industrialization & Population Growth:
involving the community in preservation
Rapid use of natural resources and
activities.
environmental harm.
- Collective Responsibility: Both
5. Types of Ecological Pyramids.
government and individuals must protect
the environment. ANS: Types of Ecological Pyramids

Methods for Public Awareness Ecological pyramids are graphical

representations showing the relationship
1. Environmental Education: between different trophic levels in an
- Incorporate environmental studies in ecosystem. Trophic levels represent the
school and college curricula. feeding positions in a food chain, such as
- Educate students on protection and primary producers, herbivores, and
sustainability of the environment. carnivores.

2. Mass Media:
- Use newspapers, magazines, radio, and
TV to spread information.
- Raise awareness about environmental
problems and solutions.

3. Seminars and Conferences:

- Organize meetings at various levels to
discuss environmental issues.

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1. Pyramid of Numbers 3. Pyramid of Productivity

- Definition: Graphic representation of the - Definition: Graphic representation of the
number of individuals per unit area at flow of energy through each trophic level
different trophic levels. over a specific period.
- Structure: - Structure:
- Large numbers of producers form the - Energy input from the sun can be
base. indicated as an extra layer at the base.
- Fewer herbivores and even fewer top - Depicts the rate of energy production and
carnivores occupy the higher levels. transfer at each level.
- Example: - Shows energy diminishing as it moves up
- In aquatic ecosystems and grasslands, through the trophic levels.
numerous autotrophs (plants) support fewer
herbivores, which in turn support even
fewer carnivores.

6.Energy Flow Models.

ANS:
Energy Flow Models
2. Pyramid of Biomass
- Definition: Graphic representation of the Energy flow models describe how energy
total biomass (mass of living matter) at each moves through an ecosystem from one
trophic level per unit area. trophic level to another.
- Structure:
- Producers with the largest biomass form Types of Flow Models
the base.
- Biomass decreases at higher trophic 1. Single Channel Model
levels. 2. Double Channel Model (Y-Shaped
- Calculation: Biomass = Mass of each Model)
individual × Number of individuals at each
trophic level. Single Channel Model
- Definition: Explains the unidirectional
flow of energy in an ecosystem.
- Key Points:
- Energy flows from autotrophs
(producers) to various trophic levels
without reverting back to the solar source.
- Each trophic level progressively loses
energy.
- If the primary source (the sun) is cut off,
the system would collapse.

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- Shorter food chains result in more organisms (consumers) by repeated eating

available energy at higher trophic levels. and being eaten.
- Key Points:
- Each organism in a food chain obtains
energy from the level below it.
- Trophic Levels:
- Producers: Green plants that create their
own food through photosynthesis.
- Primary Consumers: Herbivores that
eat plants.
Double Channel Model (Y-Shaped Model) - Secondary Consumers: Carnivores that
- Definition: Applicable to both terrestrial eat herbivores.
and aquatic ecosystems, representing two - Tertiary Consumers: Carnivores that eat
parallel channels of energy flow. other carnivores.
- Key Points: - Quaternary Consumers: Top predators
- Two Arms: at the highest trophic level.
- One arm represents the herbivore - Decomposers: Organisms that break
(grazing) food chain. down dead material, returning nutrients to
- The other arm represents the the soil.
decomposer (detritus) food chain.
- Primary producers are different for each
arm.
- Grazing and detritus food chains are not
completely isolated; they interact in time
and space.
- Separation:
- Grazing food chain deals with macro-
consumers (e.g., herbivores).
- Detritus food chain deals with micro-
consumers (e.g., decomposers). Types of Food Chain
- Indicates the complexity and 1. Grazing Food Chain:
interdependence of different food chains. - Begins with green plants.
- Primary consumers are herbivores.
- Common in most ecosystems.
- Example: Grass → Grasshopper → Frog
→ Snake → Hawk.

7. Food Chain and Food Web

ANS:
Food Chain
- Definition: The transfer of food energy
from plants (producers) through a series of

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2. Detritus Food Chain: - Links: Connect nodes, showing who eats

- Based on dead organic matter and waste. whom (prey to predator).
- Less dependent on direct solar energy. - Basal Species: Occupy the lowest trophic
- Shorter than grazing food chain. level (producers).
- Example: Dead leaves → Earthworms - Top Predators: Occupy the highest
→ Birds. trophic level.
- Nutrient movement is cyclic, while
energy flow is unidirectional and non-
cyclic.

Examples of Food Webs

- Grassland Food Web:
- Plants (grass) → Herbivores (rabbits) →
Primary Carnivores (foxes) → Secondary
Carnivores (eagles).
- Plants (grass) → Herbivores
(grasshoppers) → Primary Carnivores
Significance of Food Chain (frogs) → Secondary Carnivores (snakes).
- Helps understand feeding relationships - Forest Food Web:
and interactions within ecosystems. - Trees → Herbivores (deer) → Primary
- Explains the mechanism of energy flow Carnivores (wolves).
and matter circulation. - Dead leaves → Decomposers (fungi) →
- Highlights the movement of toxic Detritivores (worms) → Small Carnivores
substances and biological magnification. (birds).

Food Web
- Definition: A network of interconnected
food chains at various trophic levels, ACID RAIN:
forming a complex system of feeding
connections among organisms in a biotic - Definition: Acid rain refers to rain that has
community. been made acidic by certain pollutants in
the air.

Key Points:

1. Causes:
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) and Nitrogen
Oxides (NOₓ): Emitted from burning fossil
fuels (like coal, oil, and gas) and from
vehicles.
- These gases react with water vapor,
oxygen, and other chemicals in the
- Key Points: atmosphere to form sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄)
- More complex than a food chain, and nitric acid (HNO₃).
showing multiple feeding relationships.
- Nodes: Represent individual species or 2. Effects on Environment:
groups of related species.
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- Water Bodies: Lowers the pH of lakes - International Agreements: Participate

and rivers, harming aquatic life. in global agreements to reduce air pollution
- Soil: Acidifies the soil, affecting plant (e.g., the Gothenburg Protocol).
growth by leaching away essential - Public Awareness:
nutrients. - Education: Raise awareness about the
- Forests: Damages leaves, bark, and sources and effects of acid rain through
roots, making trees more susceptible to educational campaigns.
disease, extreme weather, and pests. - Community Actions: Encourage
- Buildings: Corrodes metal structures communities to reduce energy consumption
and deteriorates stone buildings and and use cleaner alternatives.
monuments. - Technological Innovations:
- Research and Development: Invest in
3. Health Effects: research to develop new technologies for
- Respiratory Issues: Can cause or worsen cleaner production and emission reduction.
respiratory diseases such as asthma, - Alternative Fuels: Promote the use of
bronchitis, and other lung conditions due to alternative fuels such as natural gas,
inhalation of fine particles. biofuels, and hydrogen.
- Eye Irritation: Fine acidic particles can
cause eye irritation.
GLOBAL WARMING:
- Skin Problems: Prolonged exposure to
acid rain can lead to skin irritation. 1. Definition:
- Cardiovascular Issues: Increased risk of - Global warming refers to the long-term
heart disease due to inhalation of sulfur rise in Earth's average surface temperature
dioxide and nitrogen oxides. primarily due to human activities,
- Indirect Effects: Contaminated water especially the emission of greenhouse
and crops can lead to ingestion of harmful gases.
substances, affecting overall health.
2. Greenhouse Gases:
4. Prevention: - Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Produced by
- Reduce Emissions: burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas)
- Clean Energy: Transition to renewable and deforestation.
energy sources such as wind, solar, and - Methane (CH₄): Emitted from
hydroelectric power. agriculture (livestock digestion, rice
- Fuel Efficiency: Improve fuel paddies), landfills, and natural gas
efficiency in vehicles and industrial production.
processes. - Nitrous Oxide (N₂O): Released from
- Pollution Control: Install scrubbers and agricultural activities (fertilizers) and
catalytic converters in industrial plants and industrial processes.
vehicles to reduce SO₂ and NOₓ emissions. - Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): Synthetic
- Regulations: compounds used in refrigeration and
- Environmental Laws: Enforce stricter aerosols, now largely regulated due to their
environmental laws and standards to limit ozone-depleting properties.
emissions from power plants, factories, and
vehicles. 3. Sources of Emissions:
- Fossil Fuels: Power plants,
transportation, industry.

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- Deforestation: Reduces carbon - Carbon Sequestration:

sequestration, increasing CO₂ levels. - Afforestation and reforestation.
- Agriculture: Methane from livestock, - Carbon capture and storage
nitrous oxide from fertilizers. technologies.
- Industry: Chemical reactions in - Policy Measures:
manufacturing processes release various - International agreements like the Paris
gases. Agreement aim to limit global temperature
rise.
4. Mechanism: - National policies on emissions
- Greenhouse gases trap heat in the reductions and renewable energy
Earth’s atmosphere by absorbing infrared incentives.
radiation from the Earth’s surface and re- - Adaptation Strategies:
emitting it in all directions, warming the - Building resilient infrastructure.
planet. - Developing drought-resistant crops.
- Implementing water management
5. Effects: systems.
- Climate Change: Increased frequency
and intensity of extreme weather events
SMOG:
(hurricanes, droughts, heatwaves).
- Sea Level Rise: Melting polar ice caps 1. Definition:
and glaciers, thermal expansion of - Smog is a type of air pollution
seawater. characterized by a mixture of smoke and
- Ocean Acidification: Increased CO₂ fog, creating a thick haze in the atmosphere.
absorption by oceans, affecting marine life.
- Biodiversity Loss: Altered habitats, 2. Types of Smog:
species migration, and extinction. - Photochemical Smog: Formed by
- Health Risks: Heat-related illnesses, chemical reactions between sunlight and
spread of vector-borne diseases (e.g., pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and
malaria). volatile organic compounds (VOCs), often
seen in urban areas.
6. Consequences: - Industrial Smog: Caused by burning
- Economic Impact: Damage to coal and industrial emissions, containing
infrastructure, increased costs for disaster sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and particulate matter.
response, agricultural losses.
- Social Impact: Displacement of 3. Causes:
communities, food and water shortages, - Emissions from vehicles (cars, trucks).
increased conflict over resources. - Industrial activities (factories, power
- Environmental Impact: Ecosystem plants).
disruption, loss of biodiversity. - Burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil).
- Natural sources (wildfires, volcanic
7. Mitigation Strategies: eruptions).
- Reducing Emissions:
- Transitioning to renewable energy 4. Components:
sources (solar, wind, hydro). - Primary Pollutants: Directly emitted
- Enhancing energy efficiency in from sources (NOx, SO₂, carbon monoxide
buildings, transportation, and industry. (CO)).

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- Secondary Pollutants: Formed by - Habitat Loss: Destruction of natural

reactions in the atmosphere (ozone (O₃), habitats due to deforestation, urbanization,
particulate matter (PM)). and agriculture.
- Pollution: Contamination of air, water,
5. Effects on Health: and soil affecting health and reproduction.
- Respiratory problems (asthma, - Overhunting and Poaching: Illegal
bronchitis). hunting for fur, tusks, or other body parts.
- Eye irritation. - Climate Change: Altered weather
- Cardiovascular diseases. patterns affecting habitat suitability.
- Reduced lung function, especially in - Invasive Species: Non-native species
children and the elderly. that outcompete or prey on native species.

6. Environmental Impact: 4. Examples in India:

- Reduced visibility. - Indian Tiger
- Damage to vegetation (leaf injury, - Ganges Dolphin
reduced photosynthesis). - Gharial
- Acid rain formation. - Indian Bustard
- Indian Rhinoceros
7. Prevention and Control: - Lion Tailed Macaque
- Reducing vehicle emissions (using - Nilgiri Tahr
public transport, carpooling). - Sangai Deer
- Implementing industrial regulations - Wild Water Buffalo
(emission standards, scrubbers). - Red Panda
- Promoting clean energy (solar, wind). - Acacia planifrons
- Monitoring air quality and issuing health - Thuthi
advisories. - Musli
- Malabar lily
- Jeemikanda
- Spider wort
ENDANGERED & ENDEMIC
- Milkwort
SPECIES:
Endemic Species: Detailed Explanation
1. Definition:
- Endangered species are organisms that
1. Definition:
are at a high risk of extinction in the near
- Endemic species are organisms that are
future due to a significant decline in their
native to and found only within a specific
population or loss of habitat.
geographical area, such as a particular
island, region, or country. They are not
2. Characteristics:
naturally found anywhere else in the world.
- Small population size
- Limited geographical range
2. Characteristics:
- Declining population trends
- Limited to a specific location
- Dependency on specific habitats or food
- Often highly adapted to local
sources
environmental conditions
- Vulnerable to environmental changes
3. Causes of Endangerment:
and human activities

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3. Impact:
3. Importance: - On Humans:
- Biodiversity: Contribute to the unique - Loss of crops and property.
biodiversity of their region. - Livestock killings.
- Ecological Role: Often play a crucial - Injuries and fatalities caused by
role in their local ecosystems. wildlife attacks.
- Conservation: Endemic species often - On Wildlife:
require special conservation efforts due to - Retaliatory killings (poisoning,
their restricted ranges. shooting).
- Stress and displacement from natural
4. Examples in India: habitats.
- Asiatic Lion (Gir Forest)
- Sangai Deer (Loktak Lake) 4. Statistics in India:
- Lion Tailed Macaque (Western Ghats) - Protected Areas: 661 protected areas
- Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiri Hills) covering around 4.8% of India's
- Pygmy Hog (Assam) geographical area.
- Purple Frog (Western Ghats) - 100 National Parks
- Milkwort (Gujarat) - 514 Wildlife Sanctuaries
- Assam Catkin Yew (Arunachal Pradesh) - 43 Conservation Reserves
- Moa Skeleton (Karnataka) - 4 Community Reserves
- Umbrella Tree (Tamil Nadu) - Wildlife Conflicts: Wild elephants cause
more human deaths than tigers, leopards, or
Man-Wildlife Conflict: lions.

1. Definition: 5. Examples of Conflict:

- Man-wildlife conflict refers to the - Damage to agricultural crops.
negative interactions between humans and - Property destruction.
wild animals, often resulting in harm to - Human and livestock fatalities.
both.
6. Mitigation Measures:
2. Causes: - Community Engagement: Educating
- Space: Competition for land as human farmers and local communities on
settlements expand. coexistence strategies.
- Food: Animals searching for food in - Physical Barriers: Building fences,
agricultural areas. trenches, and using deterrents to keep
- Shelter: Loss of natural habitats forcing animals away from human areas.
animals into human areas. - Compensation Programs: Providing
- Human Population Growth: Increasing financial compensation to farmers for crop
human population leads to encroachment and livestock losses.
on wildlife habitats. - Habitat Restoration: Improving the
- Deforestation: Reduction in forest areas quality and size of wildlife habitats.
reduces the natural habitat for wildlife. - Policy and Regulation: Enforcing laws
- Development Activities: Infrastructure to protect both wildlife and human interests.
projects like roads, dams, and urbanization
disrupt animal habitats.

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HOT SPOTS OF BIO-DIVERSITY: - Use quieter appliances and machinery at

home.
1. Definition:
- Biodiversity hotspots are regions with a 2. Behavioral Changes:
high concentration of diverse plant and - Keep the volume of televisions, radios,
animal species that are also under and music systems low.
significant threat from human activities. - Use headphones at a moderate volume
instead of speakers.
2. Criteria: - Respect quiet hours, especially at night.
- High levels of biodiversity.
- Significant threat of habitat destruction. 3. Soundproofing:
- Originally defined by areas having lost - Install soundproof windows and doors.
at least 70% of their original habitat. - Use carpets and curtains to reduce noise
inside homes.
3. Global Context:
- There are 25 recognized biodiversity 4. Green Practices:
hotspots around the world. - Plant trees and shrubs around homes to
- The original 18 hotspots covered 11.8% act as noise barriers.
of the Earth's land surface. - Encourage green spaces in the
community.
4. Purpose:
- Focus conservation efforts on areas with 5. Community Involvement:
the most urgent need. - Participate in community awareness
- Protect species at risk due to habitat loss programs on noise pollution.
and other threats. - Advocate for the enforcement of noise
regulations in your locality.
5. Species Considered: - Report excessive noise from industries,
- Initially, only plant species. construction sites, and public events to
- Later expanded to include birds, authorities.
mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
6. Personal Habits:
6. Examples in India: - Avoid using loudspeakers and fireworks.
- Western Ghats/Sahyadri: A region rich - Choose quiet modes of transportation,
in endemic species and high biodiversity. like bicycles or electric vehicles, when
- North Eastern Himalayas: A region with possible.
diverse flora and fauna, many of which are
not found anywhere else. 7. Respecting Sensitive Areas:
- Be mindful of noise levels near schools,
Role of Individuals in Noise Pollution hospitals, and residential areas.
Prevention: - Follow local guidelines for noise control
in public places.
1. Reduce Noise at Source: 8. Education and Advocacy:
- Avoid unnecessary honking. - Educate family and friends about the
- Maintain vehicles to minimize engine harmful effects of noise pollution.
noise. - Support policies and initiatives aimed at
reducing noise pollution.

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