Environment and People - Unit 1
45 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What are some important issues that environmental study deals with?

Safe and clean drinking water, hygienic living conditions, clean and fresh air, fertility of land, healthy food, and development

Which resources are characterized as renewable?

  • Forest (correct)
  • Coal
  • Wind (correct)
  • Oil

    • Non-renewable resources are sustainable and replenish quickly.

    False

    Conservation of energy can be practiced by switching off lights, fans, and appliances when not in use, and using solar heater for __________.

    <p>cooking</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following conservation practices with the type of natural resource conservation:

    <p>Grow trees near the house = Conservation of energy Check for water leaks and repair them = Conservation of water Use minimum water for domestic purposes = Conservation of water Plant more trees = Conservation of forest</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of World Environment Day observed on 5th June?

    <p>To raise awareness about environmental conservation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Human beings are the only living beings that interact with the environment.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Define environment according to the Environmental Protection Act (1986).

    <p>Environment is the total of water, air, and land, their interrelationship among themselves and with human beings, other living beings, and property.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Overpopulation has become a global __________ due to various factors like decreased death rates and increased birth rates.

    <p>epidemic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the human activities with their environmental impacts:

    <p>Deforestation = Decreasing rainfall, loss of topsoil, global temperature modification Industrialization = Pollutant release, health hazards, climate change Pollution = Fossil fuel combustion, greenhouse gases, water and soil pollution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a food web?

    <p>A network of interconnected food chains within an ecosystem.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a primary producer?

    <p>Phytoplankton</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The flow of energy in a food chain is bidirectional.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a forest ecosystem, ________ break down dead plants and animals, returning nutrients to the soil.

    <p>decomposers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following ecosystem components with their descriptions:

    <p>Producers = Synthesize their own food through photosynthesis Primary Consumers = Feed directly on producers Secondary Consumers = Feed on primary consumers Decomposers = Break down dead organisms and return nutrients to the soil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the importance of recycling water?

    <p>For washing of clothes, gardening and conserving water for future use.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is energy conservation important?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can we protect soil health?

    <p>By using organic manure/compost, avoiding soil erosion, and using sprinkler irrigation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main cause of unsustainable growth?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an ecosystem?

    <p>A structural and functional unit of ecology where living organisms interact with each other and the surrounding environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main components of an ecosystem?

    <p>Biotic and abiotic components</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

    <p>To break down dead and decaying organic matter and recycle nutrients.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the flow of energy from one trophic level to another?

    <p>Energy flow</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the importance of ecological pyramids?

    <p>To represent the number, energy, and biomass of successive trophic levels in an ecosystem.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is formed when land and water meet?

    <p>Coastal ecosystems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The bottom of the coastal environment is dominated by __________ and algae.

    <p>plants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the fauna of coastal ecosystems composed of?

    <p>Insects, snails, fish, crabs, shrimp, lobsters, and other animals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Coastal ecosystems are one of the major aquatic ecosystems.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of the earth's surface does the freshwater ecosystem cover?

    <p>Less than 1%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are wetlands and swamps?

    <p>Marshy areas that are often covered in water and harbor a variety of flora and fauna</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are lentic ecosystems?

    <p>Standing water bodies like ponds and lakes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are lotic ecosystems?

    <p>Rapid flowing water moving in one direction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the functions of aquatic ecosystems?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'lentic' refer to?

    <p>Standing waters such as lakes and ponds, or swamps and marshes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'lotic' refer to?

    <p>Running water (fluvial or fluviatile) habitats such as rivers and streams</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant feature of desert ecosystems?

    <p>Low rainfall or precipitation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is aridity in the context of desert ecosystems?

    <p>Deficiency of dry moisture</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Deserts typically have high humidity levels during the daytime.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Deserts experience extreme ___ temperatures during night and day.

    <p>hot or cold</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the desert ecosystem types with their descriptions:

    <p>Hot &amp; Dry = Comprises dry and hot climatic conditions with low rainfall annually Semi-Arid = Stable ground, hard rocks, and lesser dunes with moderate temperatures Coastal = Found in coastal lines affected by ocean currents, with hospitable climates Cold = Abundant winter rainfall, chilling winters, snowfall, and moderately moist climate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following animals are typically found in tundra ecosystems?

    <p>Wolves and foxes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name a common type of vegetation found in tundra ecosystems.

    <p>Mosses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The tundra ecosystem is characterized by long hot summers.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In tundra ecosystems, the soil is frozen throughout the year and melts during the ____ season.

    <p>summer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary source of nutrients found in tundra ecosystems?

    <p>Phosphorus and nitrogen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Environment and People

    • The relationship between humans and the environment was established in early periods, with human beings living in the kingdom of nature and interacting with it constantly.
    • The influence of nature is seen in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the flow of energy and information.
    • Any change in the environment can result in devastating effects and pose a threat to the human race.
    • World Environment Day is observed on June 5th every year to emphasize the importance of a green environment and promote worldwide awareness.

    Definition of Environment

    • The term "environment" has been derived from the French word "Environia," which means "to surround."
    • Environment refers to both abiotic (physical or non-living) and biotic (living) environments.
    • The environment can be defined as the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.
    • Environmental Protection Act (1986) defined "Environment" as the total of water, air, and land, their interrelationship among themselves and with human beings, other living beings, and property.

    Human and Environment

    • Human beings form an integral part of the environment and have the greatest environmental footprint, either positively or negatively.
    • Human overpopulation has been disturbing the environment by restructuring and managing various ecosystems for hundreds of years.
    • Modifying the environment to fit the requirements of society leads to the extermination and reduction of many species, changing the ecosystem structure and function.

    Impact of Human Activities on the Environment

    • Overpopulation, industrialization, genetic modification, deforestation, and pollution are some of the human activities responsible for the degradation of the environment.
    • These activities lead to decreased water quality, increased pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and depletion of natural resources.

    Objectives of Environmental Awareness

    • Improving the quality of the environment.
    • Creating awareness among people about environmental problems and conservation.
    • Creating an atmosphere where people feel fit enough to participate in the decision-making process of environmental development programs.

    Importance of Environmental Science

    • The environment belongs to all living beings and is important for all.
    • Environmental study deals with the analysis of the processes in water, air, land, soil, and organisms that lead to pollution or degradation of the environment.
    • It helps establish standards for safe, clean, and healthy natural ecosystems.

    Scope of Environmental Studies

    • The study creates awareness among people about various renewable and non-renewable resources in the region.
    • It provides knowledge about ecological systems and cause-and-effect relationships.
    • It enables one to understand the causes and consequences of natural and man-induced disasters and pollution.

    Resources and Environment

    • A resource is a physical material that humans need and value, such as land, air, and water.
    • Resources are characterized as renewable or non-renewable.
    • Natural resources are naturally occurring materials that are useful to humans or could be useful under conceivable technological, economic, or social circumstances.

    Types of Resources

    • Renewable resources: resources that are available in infinite quantity and can be used repeatedly, such as forests, wind, and water.
    • Non-renewable resources: resources that are limited in abundance due to their non-renewable nature and whose availability may run out in the future, such as fossil fuels and minerals.

    Difference between Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources

    • Renewable resources are sustainable, low-cost, and environment-friendly, while non-renewable resources are exhaustible, high-cost, and less environment-friendly.
    • Renewable resources replenish quickly, while non-renewable resources replenish slowly or do not replenish naturally at all.### Role of an Individual in Conservation of Natural Resources
    • Importance of natural resources: forests, water, soil, food, minerals, and energy resources play a crucial role in the economy and development of a nation.
    • Individual's role in conservation:
      • Water conservation: minimize evaporation losses, improve water efficiency, check for water leaks, and recycle water.
      • Energy conservation: turn off appliances when not in use, harvest energy from natural resources, use solar cookers, and design houses with sunspaces.
      • Soil conservation: use organic manure, avoid soil erosion, and design landscapes to bind soil.
      • Forest conservation: use non-timber products, plant more trees, and control grassing.
      • Food conservation: cook required amounts, avoid food waste, and store food grains properly.

    Unsustainable Development

    • Definition: degradation of the environment due to over-utilization of natural resources.
    • Comparison of lifestyles in developed and developing countries:
      • Developed countries: 22% of the world's population, 88% of natural resources, 85% of global income, and high pollution levels.
      • Developing countries: 78% of the world's population, 12% of natural resources, 15% of global income, and moderate industrial growth.
    • Causes of unsustainability: overpopulation in poor countries and overconsumption of resources by rich countries.
    • Solution: equitable distribution of resources and income to achieve sustainable development.

    Concept of an Ecosystem

    • Definition: a structural and functional unit of ecology where living organisms interact with each other and the surrounding environment.
    • Structure of an ecosystem:
      • Biotic components: living organisms, including producers, consumers, and decomposers.
      • Abiotic components: non-living components, including air, water, soil, minerals, sunlight, temperature, and nutrients.
    • Functions of an ecosystem:
      • Regulates ecological processes, supports life systems, and maintains stability.
      • Cycles nutrients between biotic and abiotic components.
      • Maintains a balance among trophic levels.
      • Cycles minerals through the biosphere.
      • Synthesizes organic components through energy exchange.

    Types of Ecosystems

    • Terrestrial ecosystems: land-based ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, tundras, and deserts.
    • Aquatic ecosystems: water-based ecosystems, including freshwater and marine ecosystems.

    Forest Ecosystems

    • Definition: an ecosystem of forests and resources, with soil, animals, insects, microorganisms, and birds as interacting units.
    • Characteristics:
      • Abiotic components: inorganic and organic components, temperature, rainfall, and light.
      • Biotic components: producers, consumers, and decomposers.
    • Types of forest ecosystems:
      • Tropical evergreen rainforest
      • Tropical deciduous rainforest
      • Temperate evergreen forest
      • Temperate deciduous forest
      • Taiga/Boreal forest### Characteristics of Living Organisms
    • Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen constitute about 95% of the mass of living organisms.
    • 15 to 20 other elements are also needed in relatively small amounts.

    Energy Flow in Ecosystems

    • Energy flow is the process of eating and being eaten in a food chain, where nutrients are passed from one step to the next.
    • The pyramid of energy represents the total quantity of energy at each trophic level of a food chain.
    • Energy flow is always unidirectional.

    Forest Ecosystem

    • Characteristics:
      • Warm temperatures and sufficient rainfall
      • Formation of numerous ponds, lakes, etc.
      • Maintenance of climate and rainfall
      • Support of many wild animals and protection of biodiversity
      • Rich soil with organic matter and nutrients
    • Functions:
      • Goods obtained from forests (e.g. food products, timber, fuel)
      • Ecological functions (e.g. climate, carbon storage, nutrient cycling, rainfall)
      • Cultural and social benefits (e.g. recreation, spiritual significance)

    Grassland Ecosystem

    • Dominated by grasses and other herbaceous plants
    • Found in both tropical and temperate regions with limited rainfall (15-75 cm per year)
    • Also known as transitional landscapes
    • Components:
      • Abiotic (non-living) components (e.g. carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus)
      • Biotic (living) components:
        • Producers (e.g. grasses, herbs, shrubs)
        • Consumers (e.g. herbivores, carnivores, omnivores)
        • Decomposers (e.g. microorganisms, fungi, bacteria)
    • Functions:
      • Productivity (e.g. food production, soil conservation, wildlife habitat)
      • Food chain and nutrient cycling

    Desert Ecosystem

    • Characteristics:
      • Low rainfall (less than 25 cm per year)
      • Aridity
      • High wind velocity
      • Extreme temperatures
      • Low humidity
      • Low population density
      • Scarcity of water
      • Biodiversity
      • Soil quality (e.g. rocky, dry, sandy, thin)
    • Types:
      • Hot and dry
      • Semi-arid
      • Coastal
      • Cold
    • Functions:
      • Habitat for unique species
      • Carbon sink
      • Natural resource extraction (e.g. oil, gas, minerals)
      • Salt production
      • Archaeological significance
      • Tourism

    Tundra Ecosystem

    • Characteristics:
      • Treeless
      • Covered with snow for most of the year
      • Cold climate
      • Limited rainfall
      • Frozen soil
      • Short growing season
    • Features:
      • Low temperatures
      • High humidity
      • Limited vegetation
      • Presence of phosphorus and nitrogen
    • Animals:
      • Herbivores (e.g. reindeer, muskox)
      • Carnivores (e.g. wolf, fox)
      • Omnivores (e.g. marmots, mountain goats)
    • Plants:
      • Herbs
      • Mosses
      • Lichens
      • Sedges
      • Rushes
      • Birches
      • Crustose
      • Cotton grass
      • Dwarf heath
      • Heath shrubs
      • Dwarf willows
      • Dryland sedges
      • Sphagnum moss

    Aquatic Ecosystem

    • Characteristics:
      • Water-based environment
      • Interaction between living organisms and physical and chemical features
      • Unique physicochemical properties
    • Features:
      • Sediments (equivalent to soil in terrestrial ecosystems)
      • Physicochemical properties (e.g. temperature, pH, salinity)
      • Biological diversity
      • Productivity
    • Types:
      • Freshwater
      • Marine
    • Examples:
      • Lakes
      • Oceans
      • Ponds
      • Rivers
      • Swamps
      • Coral reefs
      • Wetlands

    Studying That Suits You

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

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Unit 1 Environment - Introduction PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers the relationship between humans and the environment, how humans interact with nature, and the effects of environmental changes on human life.

    More Like This

    البيئة والانسان: التأثيرات المتبادلة
    18 questions

    البيئة والانسان: التأثيرات المتبادلة

    AltruisticCelebration6168 avatar
    AltruisticCelebration6168
    People & the Earth's Ecosystem
    11 questions

    People & the Earth's Ecosystem

    SolidProse1694 avatar
    SolidProse1694
    Introduction to Climate Change
    16 questions

    Introduction to Climate Change

    ReputableComprehension437 avatar
    ReputableComprehension437
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser