Ecology and Environmental Science Lesson 1

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary component of the Earth's atmosphere?

Oxygen

Carbon Dioxide

Methane

Nitrogen (correct)

Which of the following is NOT part of the hydrosphere?

Soil (correct)

Streams

Rivers

Glaciers

What percentage of the Earth's water resources is available as fresh surface water?

1% (correct)

97%

78%

What is the lithosphere primarily composed of?

Minerals and soil Signup and view all the answers

Which element of the environment includes plants and animals?

Biological elements Signup and view all the answers

How much of the Earth’s water supply is found in the oceans?

97% Signup and view all the answers

What do cultural elements in the environment primarily consist of?

Economic and social features Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the biosphere?

Interactions between living organisms Signup and view all the answers

What are the four segments that constitute the environment?

Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Lithosphere, Biosphere Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the function of the atmosphere?

It sustains life and protects from harmful cosmic rays. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about abiotic and biotic components is correct?

Abiotic components are non-living factors that affect ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

What does the study of environmental science encompass in relation to civil engineering?

Relating environmental factors to engineering design and practice. Signup and view all the answers

Identify a characteristic of the biosphere.

It sustains complex communities of living organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by environmental pollutants?

They are harmful substances originating from various sources. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the study of environmental science significant today?

It helps in understanding sustainable practices and resource management. Signup and view all the answers

How does the environment contribute to human aesthetics?

Through natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

Which element is not categorized as a physical element of the environment?

Biosphere Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main reasons for the significance of environmental studies?

Understanding of complex environmental issues Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the needs highlighted for developing countries?

Need for technological superiority Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is considered the real base of ecology according to Misra's Report?

Holism Signup and view all the answers

What is one goal proposed for sustainable development?

Environmentally sound and sustainable development Signup and view all the answers

What issue has explosively increased, according to the importance of environmental studies?

Pollution Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT one of the environmental issues being of international importance?

Population density Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is part of the lithosphere?

Mountains Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Outcomes

Relate environmental science to civil engineering profession.
Identify renewable and non-renewable resources.
Distinguish abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) components of the environment.
Explain diversity among biological organisms.
Recognize different environmental pollutants and their sources.

Definition of Environment

Boring defines environment as the total stimulation from conception to death.
Douglas and Holland describe it as external forces affecting life and development of organisms.
Environment encompasses everything surrounding us, fulfilling roles like recreation, natural resource provision, and waste management.

Scope of Environment

The environment consists of four main segments:
- Atmosphere: Protective blanket of gases surrounding the Earth.
- Hydrosphere: All water resources including oceans, lakes, rivers, and groundwater.
- Lithosphere: Solid outer mantle, including minerals and soil.
- Biosphere: Habitat for living organisms and their interactions with other environmental elements.

Components of the Atmosphere

Composed mainly of:
- 21% Oxygen
- 78% Nitrogen
- 1% includes Helium, Carbon Dioxide, Methane, and Hydrogen
Functions include sustaining life, protecting from outer space conditions, and filtering harmful radiation.

Water Resources in Hydrosphere

97% of Earth's water is saline (oceans).
Only about 1% of fresh water is accessible for human use (rivers, lakes).
Approximately 2% of water is stored in polar ice caps and glaciers.

Elements of Environment

Physical Elements: Landforms, water bodies, climate, soils, rocks, which shape human habitats.
Biological Elements: Includes plants, animals, microorganisms, and humans forming the biosphere.
Cultural Elements: Manmade aspects including economic, social, and political dimensions.

Importance of Environmental Studies

Essential for understanding pollution impacts and promoting conservation.
Addresses complex environmental challenges threatening human survival.
Focuses on international environmental issues, development consequences, increased pollution, and the necessity of sustainable solutions.

Call for Alternative Development

Development strategies must focus on environmentally sustainable paths, especially in developing nations.
Goals should align with true sustainable development that benefits all citizens globally.

Key Principles of Ecology (Misra, 1991)

Holism: Viewing ecosystems as unified wholes.
Ecosystem: Interconnected biological communities and their physical environment.
Succession: Natural progression and change within ecosystems over time.
Conservation: Efforts to protect and sustain the environment and its resources.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz focuses on the fundamental concepts of ecology and environmental science, particularly as they relate to the civil engineering profession. Students will explore renewable and non-renewable resources, identify abiotic and biotic components, understand biodiversity, and examine environmental pollutants and their sources.