Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Which components are essential in understanding the structure and function of an ecosystem?

What type of resource is characterized as non-renewable?

Which of the following is NOT a factor influencing biodiversity loss?

What is meant by 'in situ' biodiversity conservation?

Which of the following best describes the concept of demographic transition?

What is NOT considered a renewable energy resource?

Which term describes the estimated maximum number of individuals an environment can sustainably support?

What role do environmental ethics play in human ecology?

Course Objectives

The course focuses on understanding ecosystem structure, function, and the impact of human activities.
It covers topics like energy resources, biodiversity, and factors affecting population growth.
Aims to develop skills in building sustainable ecosystem models and applying environmental ethics.

Unit 1: Ecosystem Concept

Discusses the structure and function of ecosystems, including food chains, food webs, energy flow, and nutrient cycling.
Provides examples of both natural and human-created ecosystems.
Introduces the concept of biotic communities.

Unit 2: Resources

Examines the different types of resources (renewable, non-renewable, perpetual).
Covers energy sources like fossil fuels, hydro, nuclear, geothermal, wind, tidal, and solar.
Includes an analysis of their advantages and disadvantages.

Unit 3: Biodiversity

Defines biodiversity and its different types.
Analyzes global biodiversity distribution, with a focus on mega-biodiversity countries and biodiversity hotspots.
Discusses factors impacting biodiversity loss, conservation methods (in situ and ex situ), and the role of the IUCN Red Data Book.

Unit 4: Human Ecology

Explores factors affecting human populations, such as death rates, net population change, migration, fertility rates, and age structure.
Examines population control methods (biological and socio-cultural).
Covers economic development, demographic transition, environmental ethics, and sustainable earth society.

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of ecosystems, including their structure and function, resources, and biodiversity. Participants will learn about energy flow, nutrient cycling, and the impacts of human activities. Test your knowledge on sustainable practices and environmental ethics.