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Questions and Answers
What is the origin of the word 'environment'?
What is the origin of the word 'environment'?
French word 'Environ'
Which of the following is one of the natural resources mentioned that are being over-exploited?
Which of the following is one of the natural resources mentioned that are being over-exploited?
What is the scientific study of the distribution and interactions between organisms and their natural environment called?
What is the scientific study of the distribution and interactions between organisms and their natural environment called?
Ecology
Environmental Studies only deals with issues affecting plants.
Environmental Studies only deals with issues affecting plants.
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Which of the following is NOT an example of an ecosystem?
Which of the following is NOT an example of an ecosystem?
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_____ involves studying ecosystems.
_____ involves studying ecosystems.
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What type of ecosystem is created artificially by humans?
What type of ecosystem is created artificially by humans?
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Who defined an ecosystem as a natural unit consisting of all plants, animals, and microorganisms in an area functioning together?
Who defined an ecosystem as a natural unit consisting of all plants, animals, and microorganisms in an area functioning together?
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Which of the following is classified as a tertiary consumer?
Which of the following is classified as a tertiary consumer?
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Tropical rain forests receive less than 2000 mm of rainfall annually.
Tropical rain forests receive less than 2000 mm of rainfall annually.
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What type of soil is commonly found in temperate forests?
What type of soil is commonly found in temperate forests?
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Deserts occur in regions where the annual rainfall is between _______ and _______ mm.
Deserts occur in regions where the annual rainfall is between _______ and _______ mm.
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Match the following forests with their respective characteristics:
Match the following forests with their respective characteristics:
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What is the primary source of energy in the universe?
What is the primary source of energy in the universe?
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Phytoplankton are located at the top of the pyramid of energy.
Phytoplankton are located at the top of the pyramid of energy.
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The energy content in ecosystems is generally expressed as _____ per square meter per year.
The energy content in ecosystems is generally expressed as _____ per square meter per year.
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What do herbivores obtain their energy from?
What do herbivores obtain their energy from?
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Match the following trophic levels with their corresponding energy content (KJ/m²/year):
Match the following trophic levels with their corresponding energy content (KJ/m²/year):
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Study Notes
Introduction to Environmental Studies
- Environment is derived from the French word "Environ," meaning to encircle or surround.
- Environmental Studies addresses issues affecting organisms and includes elements like physiography, topography, climate, and natural resources.
- Over-exploitation of natural resources such as soil, land, and water has led to pollution and environmental degradation.
- Major environmental crises include soil erosion, landslides, and various forms of pollution (soil, air, water, noise).
Definition and Importance of Environment
- Environment encompasses all surroundings of a living organism, essential for development and growth.
- The importance of environment involves:
- Daily interactions between humans and their surroundings.
- Interfaces with various scientific branches.
- Protection of wildlife and biodiversity.
- Managing ecological balance through biodiversity.
- Addressing population growth, its explosion, and impacts on resources, including water conservation and watershed management.
Introduction to Ecology
- Ecology combines the Greek words "Oikes" (house/place) and "logos" (study/discussion).
- It studies distribution and interactions among organisms and their environment.
- The environment comprises:
- Biotic components: living organisms.
- Abiotic components: non-living things such as wind, temperature, rainfall, humidity, light, soil, and chemical substances.
Ecosystems
- An ecosystem is defined as a natural unit of plants, animals, and microorganisms in an area, functioning together with non-living things.
- Varieties of ecosystems include pond, forest, desert, marine, and urban.
- Size of ecosystems can range from a few square kilometers to hundreds; they can be temporary (freshwater pools) or permanent (forests, oceans).
Scope and Concept of Ecosystem
- Ecology is crucial in:
- Agriculture (crop rotation, weed control).
- Managing grasslands and forestry.
- Conducting biological and fishery surveys.
- Conservation efforts for soil and wildlife.
Interaction within Ecosystems
- Life interactions occur at multiple levels, from bacteria in soil interacting with moisture and air to fish in rivers interacting with water and other species.
- Biotic and abiotic components are interconnected, making their separation impractical; both influence each other for sustaining life.
Types of Ecosystems
- Ecosystems can be classified as:
- Natural ecosystems, which occur spontaneously in nature.
- Artificial ecosystems, created or maintained by human intervention.
Pyramid of Energy
- Represents energy trapped per unit time and area across trophic levels in a food chain, with producers at the base and top carnivores at the apex.
- Energy values typically expressed in KJ/m²/year.
- Energy values of different trophic levels:
- Phytoplankton (producers): 31,080 KJ/m²/year
- Zooplankton: 7,980 KJ/m²/year
- Small Fish: 840 KJ/m²/year - 126 KJ/m²/year (predation on zooplankton)
- Large Fish: 126 KJ/m²/year
Energy Flow and Transformation
- Energy transfer in ecosystems involves movement from the sun to producers and through various consumers.
- The primary energy source is solar energy, varying by location due to latitude, slope, and atmospheric conditions.
- Photosynthesis initiates energy transformation, converting carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates, storing energy in ATP.
- Herbivores consume plants, while carnivores feed on herbivores. Decomposers, like bacteria and fungi, break down dead organic matter.
Tropical Rainforests
- Located in hot, humid regions near the equator with annual rainfall of 2,000 – 4,500 mm.
- Found in South and Central America, Western and Central Africa, Southeast Asia, and certain islands.
- Characterized by diverse tall trees and a dense canopy; soils are thin, acidic, and nutrient-poor.
- Brazilian research indicates forests can return up to 75% of moisture back to the atmosphere.
Temperate and Coniferous Forests
- Temperate forests experience cold winters and warm summers, with annual rainfall of 750 – 2,000 mm.
- Located in Western and Central Europe, Eastern Asia, and Eastern America; rich soil supports diverse flora and fauna.
- Common species include oaks, maples, and various mammals and birds.
- Coniferous forests, rich in conifer species like spruce and pine, have long, cold winters and acidic, humus-rich soil.
Status of Forests in India
- India’s forest cover is estimated at 676,000 sq km, including open forests (259,000 sq km), dense forests (417,000 sq km), and mangroves (4,490 sq km).
- Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover in India, followed by Arunachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
Desert Ecosystem
- Deserts receive 250 to 500 mm of rainfall annually and have high evaporation rates, occupying 30% of the Earth's land area.
Biodiversity Value
- Consumptive Value: Vital for global food supply from plants and animals; medicinal reliance on plant extracts is significant, as seen with Penicillin and Tetracycline.
- Productive Value: Commercially usable organisms provide marketable products like silk, musk, and various plant-derived goods.
- Social Value: Biodiversity holds cultural and spiritual significance, with many plants considered sacred and used in rituals.
Conservation of Biodiversity
- The Ministry of Environment and Forests, India, aims to manage wildlife through protected areas and public education.
- Two main conservation strategies:
- In-situ Conservation: Protecting species in their natural habitats, including national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. India has over 600 protected areas.
- Ex-situ Conservation: Preserving biological diversity outside natural habitats using methods like botanical gardens and gene banks.
Advantages of In-situ Conservation
- Organisms thrive in natural habitats without human interference.
- Promotes natural evolution and life cycles.
- Provides benefits to the environment and is cost-effective.
Ex-situ Conservation Techniques
- Involves preservation outside natural habitats, utilizing methods such as
- Botanical gardens for cultivation.
- Gene banks for storing genetic material under controlled conditions.
- Cryopreservation at extremely low temperatures to suspend metabolic activities for later research.
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Description
This quiz explores key concepts in Environmental Studies, emphasizing the definition, importance, and various crises impacting our environment. Learn about the interplay between humans and nature, along with the significance of preserving biodiversity and managing resources. Test your knowledge on environmental issues including pollution and natural resource depletion.
