Environmental Science Overview
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Questions and Answers

What primarily causes economic water scarcity?

  • Insufficient human capacity and investment (correct)
  • High population density
  • Overconsumption of water resources
  • Lack of rainfall
  • By 2025, how many people are expected to live in regions with absolute water scarcity?

  • 2.5 billion
  • 1.8 billion (correct)
  • 1.2 billion
  • 700 million
  • Which solution is NOT mentioned as a way to address water scarcity?

  • Constructing large-scale desalination plants (correct)
  • Retaining water on land
  • Implementing rainwater harvesting
  • Reducing industrial water use
  • What is one of the main advantages of underground water storage?

    <p>It does not evaporate easily.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which region has the largest number of water-stressed countries?

    <p>Sub-Saharan Africa</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a method of urban rainwater harvesting?

    <p>Surface runoff harvesting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of practices can help in reducing agricultural water demand?

    <p>Implementing water-efficient agricultural techniques</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What conservational effort was launched in 2010 to address water issues?

    <p>National Water Mission</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does intergenerational equity emphasize?

    <p>Sharing the Earth among generations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which principle deals with the distribution of resources within the same generation?

    <p>Intra-generational equity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does carrying capacity in a region typically refer to?

    <p>The ability of the environment to sustain a species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two parts of carrying capacity defined in the content?

    <p>Supporting capacity and assimilative capacity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of the 3R’s approach?

    <p>To minimize environmental impacts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does supportive capacity assess?

    <p>The availability of resources and their regeneration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When does pollution occur in relation to assimilative capacity?

    <p>When the assimilative capacity is exceeded</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Promoting environmental education is important for which aspect of sustainable development?

    <p>Fostering awareness and responsible resource use</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are heterotrophs primarily dependent on for their nutrition?

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

    Which group includes bacteria and fungi that decompose organic matter?

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

    Which aspect of Environmental Studies focuses on the balance of ecosystems?

    <p>Ecosystem Structure &amp; Function</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the primary goals of Sustainable Development?

    <p>Meet current needs without compromising future generations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered a biotic component?

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

    What role does Environmental Engineering play in society?

    <p>It applies science and engineering to improve environmental quality</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is NOT related to the scope of Environmental Studies?

    <p>Software development</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a benefit of Environmental Studies?

    <p>It assists in achieving sustainable development</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Central Ministry for Drinking Water and Sanitation aim to achieve with the Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Ground Water in India?

    <p>Construct about 111 lakh installations for artificial recharge and rainwater harvesting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a function of soil?

    <p>Construction material</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of making rainwater harvesting mandatory in various states in India?

    <p>To mitigate water shortages and enhance groundwater recharge</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which horizons make up the soil profile?

    <p>O, A, E, B, C</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The significant role of soil in nutrient cycles primarily relates to which aspect?

    <p>Providing nutrients for plant growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which layer of the soil profile is known as saprolite?

    <p>C horizon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of renewable policies related to rainwater harvesting in India?

    <p>Mandating rainwater harvesting in high-density areas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process describes the weathering of mineral materials into soil?

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

    What is the primary characteristic of agricultural practices that help prevent soil erosion?

    <p>Implementing conservational till farming</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of erosion is often caused primarily by human activities?

    <p>Accelerated erosion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant biotic factor contributing to soil erosion?

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

    What method can be used to stabilize soil and reduce erosion caused by water flow?

    <p>Constructing check dams</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which practice involves growing crops in alternating strips to minimize erosion?

    <p>Strip cropping</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary goal of World Soil Day?

    <p>To advocate for sustainable soil management</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is known as an effective way to combat wind-induced soil erosion?

    <p>Wind breaks or shelterbelts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following agricultural practices involves planting vegetation to reduce soil erosion on slopes?

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

    Study Notes

    Consumers and Decomposers

    • Heterotrophs are organisms that obtain food from producers.
    • Categories of consumers:
      • Primary consumers (herbivores)
      • Secondary consumers (carnivores that eat herbivores)
      • Tertiary consumers (top predators)
    • Decomposers, like bacteria and fungi, recycle dead organic matter into simpler substances.

    Abiotic Components

    • Refers to all non-living elements in an environment.

    Environmental Science

    • An interdisciplinary field that merges physical and biological sciences to tackle environmental issues.

    Environmental Engineering

    • Applies science and engineering principles to enhance environmental quality and promote healthy living conditions.

    Environmental Studies

    • A broad interdisciplinary examination of human-environment interactions, incorporating arts, commerce, climatology, and geography.

    Importance of Environmental Studies

    • Aids in understanding and addressing environmental challenges.
    • Maintains ecological balance and fosters sustainable development.
    • Educates on environmental duties and integrates economy with environmental policy.
    • Promotes biodiversity protection and sustainable agricultural practices.

    Scope of Environmental Studies

    • Encompasses various elements, including:
      • Ecosystem structure and function
      • Ecology and biodiversity
      • Natural resource conservation
      • Environmental pollution control
      • Social development and environmental journalism

    Sustainable Development

    • Development that fulfills present needs without jeopardizing future generations’ ability to meet theirs.
    • Key principles include inter-generational and intra-generational equity.

    Carrying Capacity

    • Defined as the maximum number of individuals of a species that an ecosystem can support.
    • Divided into:
      • Supporting capacity: Resource availability and regeneration.
      • Assimilative capacity: Environment's ability to manage waste without harm.

    Water Scarcity

    • Impacts around 700 million people in 43 countries.
    • By 2025, 1.8 billion people may experience absolute water scarcity.
    • Climate change could exacerbate water stress, potentially affecting 2/3 of the global population by 2030.

    Solutions to Water Crisis

    • Implement demand reduction strategies and water-efficient agricultural practices.
    • Promote recycling and reuse in industries.
    • Utilize rainwater harvesting methods.
    • Monitor and improve water policies, like the National Water Mission.

    Water Harvesting

    • Techniques for collecting and storing rainwater include digging pits, constructing dams, and rooftop collection systems.
    • Underground storage has numerous advantages, such as reduced evaporation and less pollution.

    Soil Resources

    • Land resources are essential for meeting human needs, with pedology as the scientific study of land.
    • Soil consists of layers (horizons) that contain minerals, organic matter, air, and water.

    Soil Functions

    • Important roles include nutrient cycling, agricultural support, water storage, and pollutant degradation.

    Soil Erosion

    • Defined as the removal of topsoil due to climatic and biotic factors, leading to reduced soil quality.
    • Types include geologic erosion and anthropogenic erosion, with causes ranging from deforestation to poor agricultural practices.

    Methods of Soil Erosion Control

    • Techniques include conservation till farming, contour farming, terracing, strip cropping, agroforestry, and afforestation.

    International Soil Conservation

    • World Soil Day is celebrated annually on December 5 to raise awareness of healthy soil and promote sustainable soil management practices.

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    Description

    This quiz covers key concepts in Environmental Science, including the roles of consumers and decomposers, abiotic components, and the importance of environmental studies. Explore how these elements intertwine to enhance our understanding of ecological balance and environmental quality.

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