Module-1 ENVS
Module-1 ENVS
ENVIRONMENT
The environment encompasses all living and non-living things that exist around us. It includes
the physical, chemical, and biological elements that interact in various ways to sustain life on
Earth.
Plants: Primary producers that convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.
Animals: Consumers that play various roles in food chains (herbivores, carnivores,
omnivores).
Microorganisms: Bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that decompose organic
matter and recycle nutrients.
Air: Composed of gases (mainly nitrogen and oxygen) essential for respiration and
photosynthesis.
Water: Vital for all living organisms; supports ecosystems and regulates climate.
Soil: Contains minerals and organic matter; supports plant life and nutrient cycling.
Climate: Temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation patterns that influence
ecosystems and habitats.
Support for Life: Provides essential resources (food, water, air) necessary for survival.
Ecosystem Services: The environment provides numerous services that benefit humans,
including:
Climate Regulation: The environment plays a critical role in regulating the Earth’s climate
through carbon storage and temperature control.
Economic Value: Natural resources are fundamental to economies, supporting industries such
as agriculture, forestry, and tourism.
Pollution: Contamination of air, water, and soil from industrial, agricultural, and domestic
sources, leading to health issues and ecosystem degradation.
Climate Change: Global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions leads to rising
temperatures, altered weather patterns, and extreme events (floods, droughts).
Deforestation: The clearing of forests for agriculture, urban development, and logging results
in habitat loss, biodiversity decline, and increased carbon emissions.
Biodiversity Loss: Habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change contribute to the
extinction of species, disrupting ecosystems.
Invasive Species: Non-native species can outcompete local flora and fauna, altering
ecosystems and reducing biodiversity.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
Protected Areas: Establishing national parks, reserves, and marine protected areas to conserve
biodiversity and ecosystems.
Legislation and Policy: Implementing environmental laws and international agreements (like
the Paris Agreement) to protect natural resources and ecosystems.
Education and Awareness: Raising public awareness about environmental issues and
encouraging sustainable practices at individual and community levels.
ECOSYSTEMS
An ecosystem is a complex network of living organisms (plants, animals, microbes) and their
physical environment (soil, water, air) interacting as a functional unit.
TYPES OF ECOSYSTEMS
STRUCTURE OF ECOSYSTEMS
FUNCTIONS OF ECOSYSTEMS
Energy Flow: The transfer of energy through the food chain, starting from producers and
moving to various levels of consumers.
Nutrient Cycling: The recycling of nutrients (like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus) through
biogeochemical cycles, maintaining ecosystem health.
Habitat Provision: Ecosystems provide habitat and shelter for a multitude of species,
contributing to biodiversity.
Climate Regulation: Ecosystems play a role in regulating local and global climates by
influencing temperature and precipitation patterns.
Water Regulation: Ecosystems, particularly wetlands and forests, help regulate water flow
and quality, supporting hydrological cycles.
IMPORTANCE OF ECOSYSTEMS
Biodiversity: Ecosystems support a wide variety of life forms, essential for resilience and
adaptability.
Scientific Research: Ecosystems are valuable for scientific study, offering insights into
biological processes and environmental interactions.
THREATS TO ECOSYSTEMS
Invasive Species: Non-native species can disrupt local ecosystems, outcompeting native
species.
CONSERVATION OF ECOSYSTEMS
Protected Areas: Establishing national parks, wildlife reserves, and marine protected areas to
safeguard ecosystems.
1. Forest Ecosystems
Structure:
Layers:
o Canopy: Uppermost layer, dense with tree crowns; high sunlight exposure.
o Understory: Middle layer with smaller trees and shrubs; lower light levels.
o Forest Floor: Ground layer; rich in decomposing organic matter.
Biodiversity: High diversity of species (flora and fauna) adapted to different layers.
Function:
2. Desert Ecosystems
Structure:
Function:
3. Wetland Ecosystems
Structure:
Function:
Biodiversity Hotspots: Provide critical habitats for a wide range of species, including
migratory birds and amphibians.
Flood Regulation: Act as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainfall and reducing flood
risks.
Water Filtration: Improve water quality by trapping pollutants and sediments.
4. River Ecosystems
Structure:
Function:
5. Oceanic Ecosystems
Structure:
Function:
6. LAKE ECOSYSTEMS
Structure:
Layers: Epilimnion (warm upper layer), hypolimnion (cold bottom layer), and
thermocline (transition zone).
Biodiversity: Includes various fish species, amphibians, aquatic plants, and
microorganisms.
Function:
Water Supply: Important freshwater resource for drinking, irrigation, and industry.
Recreation: Support activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming.
Nutrient Cycling: Complex interactions among species and decomposition processes
maintain ecosystem health.
The SDGs were adopted in 2015 by the United Nations as part of the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development, built on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which
focused primarily on poverty alleviation.
Targets: Each SDG has specific, measurable targets (169 total) aimed at guiding progress
toward achieving the goals.
CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
Training and Education: Building skills and knowledge necessary for the effective
implementation of SDGs.
MCQs of Module – 1.
Forest Ecosystems
Desert Ecosystems
o D) Frequent thunderstorms
Answer: B
8. Which animal is well-adapted to desert conditions?
o A) Bear
o B) Camel
o C) Penguin
o D) Frog
Answer: B
9. What phenomenon is commonly associated with desertification?
o A) Increased vegetation
o B) Soil erosion
o C) Flooding
o D) Increased biodiversity
Answer: B
10. Which desert is the largest in the world?
o A) Sahara
o B) Gobi
o C) Mojave
o D) Kalahari
Answer: A
Wetland Ecosystems
River Ecosystems
Oceanic Ecosystems
o D) Pelagic zone
Answer: C
23. What is the primary producer in ocean ecosystems?
o A) Fish
o B) Plankton
o C) Seaweed
o D) Coral
Answer: B
24. Ocean acidification is primarily caused by:
o A) Oil spills
o B) Increased CO2 levels
o C) Plastic pollution
o D) Overfishing
Answer: B
25. Which ocean is the largest?
o A) Atlantic
o B) Indian
o C) Arctic
o D) Pacific
Answer: D
Lake Ecosystems
o C) Phytoplankton
o D) Bacteria
Answer: C
Sustainability: 17 SDGs
o C) Goal 7
o D) Goal 11
Answer: A
38. Which goal focuses on promoting gender equality?
o A) Goal 5
o B) Goal 10
o C) Goal 1
o D) Goal 16
Answer: A
39. What is the focus of Goal 13?
o A) Quality education
o B) Climate action
o C) Clean energy
o D) Sustainable cities
Answer: B
40. Which SDG addresses sustainable economic growth?
o A) Goal 8
o B) Goal 9
o C) Goal 10
o D) Goal 12
Answer: A
Capacity Development
o D) Natural gas
Answer: C
53. Which SDG focuses on responsible consumption and production?
o A) Goal 10
o B) Goal 12
o C) Goal 14
o D) Goal 15
Answer: B
54. What is the significance of the Paris Agreement?
o A) It addresses poverty
o B) It aims to combat climate change
o C) It focuses on gender equality
o D) It promotes global health
Answer: B
55. What role do pollinators play in ecosystems?
o A) Habitat destruction
o B) Food production
o C) Water filtration
o D) Soil erosion
Answer: B
o C) Oceans
o D) Wetlands
Answer: C
61. Which goal aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being?
o A) Goal 2
o B) Goal 3
o C) Goal 5
o D) Goal 9
Answer: B
62. Which SDG addresses climate action?
o A) Goal 11
o B) Goal 13
o C) Goal 14
o D) Goal 15
Answer: B
63. Which of the following is a target of Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)?
o A) Increase access to renewable energy
o B) Promote fossil fuel use
o C) Reduce energy consumption
o D) None of the above
Answer: A
64. Which goal focuses on sustainable cities and communities?
o A) Goal 10
o B) Goal 11
o C) Goal 12
o D) Goal 15
Answer: B
65. What is the focus of Goal 14 (Life Below Water)?
o A) Protecting terrestrial ecosystems
o B) Sustainable management of ocean resources
o C) Promoting tourism
o D) None of the above
Answer: B
66. What is the main target of Goal 15 (Life on Land)?
o A) Conserve marine life
o B) Combat desertification
o C) Ensure sustainable agriculture
o D) Reduce plastic waste
Answer: B
67. Which SDG is related to responsible consumption and production?
o A) Goal 12
o B) Goal 15
o C) Goal 16
o D) Goal 17
Answer: A
68. What is a significant aspect of Goal 16?
o A) Economic growth