Q1>1.Define Environment.

Ans. Environment can be defined as a sum total of all the living and non-living elements
and their effects that influence human life

2. What is an aquifer.

Ans. An aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock, rock fractures

or unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, or silt). Groundwater can be extracted using
a water well.

3. Define Ecology & Ecosystem

Ans. Ecology is the study of natural systems, and an ecosystem is a natural system
where abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) components interact with one another.

4. What is red data book.

Ans. The Red Data Book is a public document that records and tracks endangered and
rare species of plants, animals, and fungi.

5. What is the full form of NBPGR

Ans. NBPGR stands for National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources.

6.Define eutrophil?

Ans. A eutrophil is an organism, particularly a plant or algae, that thrives in

environments rich in nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus. These organisms
are commonly found in eutrophic water bodies, which have high nutrient levels due to
runoff from agricultural, industrial, or urban areas.

Q2> 1. What are renewable & Non-renewable resources? Give example.

Ans. Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replenished over time and
are sustainable. Some examples of renewable resources include:solar energy, wind
energy, Haydroelectic energy

Nonrenewable resources are natural substances that are not replenished with the
speed at which it is consumed. As such, a nonrenewable resource is a finite resource.
Examples of nonrenewable resources include fossil fuels, oil, natural gas, and coal.

2. What is the space of environmental studies?

Ans. The scope of environmental studies is very wide and it deals with many areas like i)
Conservation of natural resources, ii) ecological aspects, iii) pollution of the
surrounding natural resources, iv) controlling the pollution, v) social issues connected
to it, and vi) impacts of human population on the environment.

Q3> 1. Discuss the models of energy flow in an ecosystem.

Ans.

The model of energy flow in an ecosystem describes how energy moves from the sun to
producers (plants) and then through consumers (herbivores, carnivores) and
decomposers. Energy flows in one direction, starting with solar energy captured by
producers through photosynthesis. Consumers obtain energy by eating other
organisms, and decomposers recycle nutrients from dead matter.

Energy transfer between trophic levels is inefficient, with only about 10% passed to the
next level, while the rest is lost as heat. This is visualized in a pyramid of energy, where
energy decreases as it moves up the trophic levels. The system depends on a
continuous energy supply from the sun.

2. what are the major threats to Biodiversity.

Ans. -The major threats to biodiversity include:1. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation –
Caused by deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture.2. Climate Change – Alters
ecosystems and species’ survival.3. Pollution – Contaminates air, water, and soil,
harming organisms.4. Overexploitation – Excessive hunting, fishing, and harvesting of
species.5. Invasive Species – Non-native species disrupt ecosystems and compete with
native species.6. Disease – Spread of pathogens affecting wildlife and ecosystems.
These threats reduce species populations, disrupt ecosystems, and can lead to
extinctions.

Q4> 1. What is mean by Insitu & Exsitu conservation of Biodiversity? Give example.

Ans. In situ conservation and ex situ conservation are strategies to protect biodiversity:1
In Situ Conservation: Protecting species in their natural habitats. It maintains the
ecosystem where the species belong and allows them to continue their ecological
roles.Examples: National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves (e.g., Kaziranga
National Park in India).

2 Ex Situ Conservation: Protecting species outside their natural habitats, often in

controlled environments, to safeguard them from threats.Examples: Zoos, botanical
gardens, seed banks (e.g., Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway).

Both methods are essential for preserving biodiversity and ensuring species survival.

2.what are Hotspots of Biodiversity.

Ans. Biodiversity hotspots are regions rich in unique (endemic) species but highly
threatened by habitat loss. To qualify, a region must have at least 1,500 endemic plant
species and lost 70% of its original habitat.

Examples:

Amazon Rainforest
Western Ghats (India)

Indo-Burma Region

Himalayas

These areas are global conservation priorities.

Q5>a. Scope of Environmental Study.

Ans. Environmental studies connects principles from the physical sciences,

commerce/economics, the humanities, and social sciences to address complex
contemporary environmental issues.

b. soil erosion.

Ans. Soil erosion is the detachment and movement of soil particles from the point of
origination through the action of water or wind.

c. Ecological succession

Ans. Ecological succession is the process by which the species and habitat in an area
change over time.

d. Food chain & food web.

Ans. The main difference between a food chain and a food web is that a food chain
shows the linear flow of energy from one organism to another, while a food web shows
how food chains interact in an ecosystem.

e. Trophic level.

Ans. The trophic level of an organism is the position it occupies in a food web. Within a
food web, a food chain is a succession of organisms that eat other organisms and may,
in turn, be eaten themselves.

f. Deforestation.

Ans. Deforestation refers to the decrease in forest areas across the world that are lost
for other uses such as agricultural croplands, urbanization, or mining activities. Greatly
accelerated by human activities since 1960, deforestation has been negatively affecting
natural ecosystems, biodiversity, and the climate