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Questions and Answers
According to the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986, what constitutes the 'environment'?
According to the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986, what constitutes the 'environment'?
- Only the abiotic factors essential for survival.
- The sum of water, air, and land and the inter-relationships that exist among them and with human beings, other living organisms, and materials. (correct)
- Only the physical surroundings impacting human life.
- The social, cultural, and physical conditions that surround, affect, and influence the survival of living organisms.
Which statement best describes environmental science?
Which statement best describes environmental science?
- The application of engineering principles to improve environmental quality.
- The study of the environment, its biotic and abiotic components, and their relationships. (correct)
- The process of educating people about preserving environmental quality.
- A field focused solely on the solution of environmental problems using physics and biology.
How does environmental engineering primarily contribute to environmental protection?
How does environmental engineering primarily contribute to environmental protection?
- By focusing on the ecological aspects of the environment and the interdependencies of living organisms.
- Through studying the effects of environmental hazards on different ecosystems.
- Through educating the public on the importance of preserving the environment.
- By applying engineering principles to enhance environmental quality and protect public health. (correct)
What is the main goal of environmental studies or environmental education?
What is the main goal of environmental studies or environmental education?
Which of the following is NOT a stated purpose within the scope of Environmental Science?
Which of the following is NOT a stated purpose within the scope of Environmental Science?
Why is understanding the 'interdependent connection of nature and people' important?
Why is understanding the 'interdependent connection of nature and people' important?
What distinguishes the biosphere from the other three 'spheres' of the Earth system (atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere)?
What distinguishes the biosphere from the other three 'spheres' of the Earth system (atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere)?
Which of the following best describes the role of the hydrosphere?
Which of the following best describes the role of the hydrosphere?
Why is the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere significant?
Why is the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere significant?
How does the lithosphere contribute to supporting life on Earth?
How does the lithosphere contribute to supporting life on Earth?
In an ecosystem, what distinguishes biotic components from abiotic components?
In an ecosystem, what distinguishes biotic components from abiotic components?
What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?
What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?
How do chemoautotrophs differ from photoautotrophs in obtaining energy?
How do chemoautotrophs differ from photoautotrophs in obtaining energy?
How would a reduction in autotrophs impact an ecosystem?
How would a reduction in autotrophs impact an ecosystem?
What is a key distinction between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems?
What is a key distinction between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems?
Why is rainfall a critical abiotic factor in grassland ecosystems?
Why is rainfall a critical abiotic factor in grassland ecosystems?
What role do fungi and bacteria play in a grassland ecosystem?
What role do fungi and bacteria play in a grassland ecosystem?
How do desert plants adapt to survive in arid conditions?
How do desert plants adapt to survive in arid conditions?
What distinguishes lentic ecosystems from lotic ecosystems?
What distinguishes lentic ecosystems from lotic ecosystems?
Why are estuaries considered economically important?
Why are estuaries considered economically important?
Flashcards
Environment Definition (1986 Act)
Environment Definition (1986 Act)
The sum of water, air, and land and the inter-relationships that exist among them and with human beings, other living organisms and materials.
Environmental Science
Environmental Science
The study of the environment, including its biotic & abiotic components and their relationships.
Environmental Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Applying engineering principles to protect and enhance environmental quality and public health.
Environmental Studies/Education
Environmental Studies/Education
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Earth's life support systems
Earth's life support systems
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Atmosphere defined
Atmosphere defined
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Hydrosphere defined
Hydrosphere defined
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Lithosphere defined
Lithosphere defined
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Biosphere defined
Biosphere defined
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Ecosystem defined
Ecosystem defined
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Biotic Components
Biotic Components
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Abiotic Components
Abiotic Components
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Autotrophs
Autotrophs
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Heterotrophs
Heterotrophs
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Decomposers
Decomposers
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Terrestrial Ecosystems
Terrestrial Ecosystems
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Aquatic Ecosystems
Aquatic Ecosystems
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Lotic Ecosystems
Lotic Ecosystems
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Lentic Ecosystems
Lentic Ecosystems
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Marine Ecosystem
Marine Ecosystem
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Study Notes
Environment Definition
- The term "environment" comes from the French word "Environner," meaning to encircle or surround
- The Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 defines the environment as the sum of water, air, and land, along with the inter-relationships among them, human beings, other living organisms, and materials
- In simpler terms, the environment encompasses all social, cultural, and physical conditions that surround, affect, and influence the survival, growth, and development of living organisms
Understanding Environmental Terminologies
- Environmental science studies the environment, specifically its biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components, and their relationships
- Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field integrating physics, biology, and geography to study the environment and solve environmental problems
- Environmental engineering applies engineering principles to protect and enhance environmental quality, public health, and welfare
- Environmental studies, or education, is the process of educating people to preserve environmental quality
Scope and Importance of Environmental Science
- Environmental science helps individuals to be aware of and sensitive to the environment and its problems, motivates active participation in environmental protection and improvement, develops skills to identify and solve problems and helps understand the need to protect natural resources
- The field evaluates environmental programs considering social, economic, ecological, and aesthetic factors, promotes cooperation in solving environmental problems locally, nationally, and internationally, and gives a clear picture of the current potential of resources and environmental status
- Environmental studies provides insight into the interdependent connection between nature and humans and relates directly to the quality of life, helps individuals understand development without environmental destruction, gives knowledge of different environments and hazards, and educates on protecting the environment.
- This field develops concern and respect for the environment
Earth's Life Support Systems
- The Earth itself is an integrated system divided into four subsystems: the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, all of which are interconnected
- Life is sustained by solar energy flowing through the biosphere, nutrient cycling within it, and gravity
- There are 4 main spheres of the environment:
- Atmosphere: the air surrounding Earth
- Hydrosphere: the bodies of water on Earth- oceans, rivers, lakes, and ponds
- Lithosphere: the soil and rocks on Earth's surface
- Biosphere: This contains all living organisms, their interactions in the environment and all that is capable of supporting life.
Atmosphere
- The atmosphere refers to the blanket of air up to 1500 km surrounding the Earth
Layers of the Atmosphere:
- The layers are based on the distribution of temperature with height, including the:
- Troposphere
- Stratosphere
- Mesosphere
- Thermosphere
- Exosphere
Importance of the Atmosphere:
- Oxygen is essential for living organisms
- Carbon dioxide is essential for plants
- Dust particles aid precipitation
- Water vapor affects plants and living beings
- Ozone protects life from harmful UV rays
Hydrosphere
- The hydrosphere is the discontinuous layer of water at or near the Earth's surface, this includes liquid, frozen surface water and groundwater
- Its existence depends on the water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle
Importance of the Hydrosphere:
- Essential for human needs
- Part of living cells
- Habitat for organisms
- Regulates temperature
- Supports atmosphere
Lithosphere
- The lithosphere is the solid rock covering the planet, including the crust and the upper part of the mantle
- Tectonic plates are the major contributor to the significance of the lithosphere
Biosphere
- The biosphere is the zone where the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere interact
- This sphere supports life due to the presence of land, water, and air
Ecosystem Definition
- A.G. Tansley coined "Ecosystem" in 1935, combining "Eco" (environment) and "system" (complex coordinated unit)
- An ecosystem is a natural unit of biotic (living) and non-living components interacting to exchange materials and form a stable system
Ecosystem Structure and Composition
- An ecosystem is the basic functional unit of organisms and is the sum of:
- Biotic components: living organisms, including producers, consumers, and decomposers
- Abiotic components: non-living factors like climate (light, temperature, precipitation, wind, humidity), edaphic factors (soil pH, moisture, nutrients), and topographic factors (aspect, altitude)
Ecosystems: Fundamental Characteristics
- The structure includes living (biotic) and nonliving (abiotic) elements
- In processing, it consists of energy flow and cycling of matter/chemicals
- Change through dynamics and succession
Ecosystem Components:
- The ecosystem is made up of biotic and abiotic components
- Abiotic components include climatic, edaphic, and topographic factors that constitute light, temperature, precipitation, wind, humidity, soil pH, soil moisture, soil nutrients, aspect, and altitude
- Biotic components include producers (green plants, algae), consumers (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores), and decomposers (bacteria, fungi)
Biotic Structure
- Producers (autotrophs): Green plants synthesize their own food
- Autotrophs: Organisms that use sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose, which includes photoautotrophs (photosynthesis) and chemoautotrophs (chemical energy)
- Consumers (heterotrophs): Organisms that obtain organic food by feeding on others
- Decomposers: Organisms deriving nutrition by breaking down complex organic molecules into simpler compounds like earthworms and ants
Ecosystem Functions
- Regulates biological energy flow rates
- Regulates nutrient flow rates by controlling production and consumption of minerals and materials
- Aids in biological regulation like nitrogen fixation
Types of Ecosystems
- A natural ecosystem functions as a unit with animals and plants and depends on solar energy
- There are two main categories of ecosystems: terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
- Terrestrial ecosystems are found on land, such as forests, grasslands, deserts, and tundra
- Aquatic ecosystems contain plant and animal communities in water bodies, and are sub-classified into freshwater and marine ecosystems
- All ecosystems are either land-based (terrestrial) or water-based (aquatic)
Forest Ecosystem
- In the Indian continent, forests can be classified as coniferous and broadleaved forests
- Forest types depend on abiotic factors like soil, sunlight, and soil nature in a particular region
- Forest classification may be attempted depending on the tree species present like evergreen, deciduous, xerophytic and mangroves species
Forest Ecosystem Structure and Components:
- Biotic Components: The living components in a forest ecosystem consist of:
- Producers: Various trees, shrubs, and ground vegetation, classified by climate into tropical, subtropical, temperate, and alpine forests
- Consumers:
- Primary: Herbivores, e.g., ants, flies, spiders, dogs, beetles, elephants, deer, mongooses
- Secondary: Snakes, birds, foxes
- Tertiary: Owl, peacock, lion, tiger
- Decomposers: Fungi and bacteria decompose dead organisms and reuse essential nutrients
- Abiotic Components: The nonliving components consist of: soil, air, sunlight, inorganic/organic components, and decaying organic matter
Grassland Ecosystem
- Grasslands are areas dominated by grasses on Earth's surface
- They occur in tropical and temperate regions with insufficient rainfall to support tree growth, but enough to sustain grass cover during the monsoon
- Grasslands exist in areas with hot/dry and warm/rainy seasons
Names of Grasslands:
- Known by different names across the world
- Prairies of North America
- Steppes of Eurasia
- Savannas of Africa
- Pampas of South America
- Savanna of India
- Downs of Australia
- Tropical grasslands are known as savannas which occur in eastern Africa, South America, Australia, and India
Grassland Ecosystem: Structures and Components
- Biotic component:
- Producers: Grasses, herbs, and shrubs
- Consumers:
- Primary: Herbivores like grazing mammals and insects
- Secondary: Carnivores that feed on herbivores
- Tertiary: Carnivores that feed on secondary consumers
- Decomposers: Bacteria, molds, and fungi which return minerals to the soil
- Abiotic components: Available nutrients in the soil with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur supplied by CO2, water, nitrates, phosphates, and sulfates
Grassland Ecosystem: Flora and Fauna
- Grasses dominate, with drought-resistant thorny trees in tropical grasslands
- Animals grazing on grasslands include badgers, foxes, zebras, and antelopes
- Supports rodents, reptiles, and insects
Grassland Ecosystem: Functions
- Energy flow via food chain
- Nutrient cycling (biogeochemical cycles)
- Ecological succession and development
- Homeostasis (cybernetic or feedback control mechanisms)
- Fertility of soil and regulate ecosystem productivity
- Reduction of mineral leaching due to low rainfall
Grassland Ecosystem: Economic Importance
- Grazing areas for rural communities
- Support farmers, shepherds and domestic animals
- Source of fodder which is collected and stored for cattle consumption
- Grass used for thatching houses and farm sheds
- Thorny bushes and branches used for fuelwood
- Overgrazing degrades grasslands
- Insects pollinate crops
- Predators include insectivores, like small mammals, reptiles, birds of prey, and amphibians
Grassland Classification:
- The world is divided into 2 zones:
- Temperate (mid latitudinal zones and the interior part of the continents) zones
- Tropical ( on either side of the equator and extend to the tropics)
Grasslands in India
- Grazing grounds and pastures in dry regions and Alpine Himalayas
- Perennial grasses dominant
- High altitude Himalayan pastures
- Tall elephant grass in Terai belt
- Semi-arid grasslands in Western/Central India, Deccan Plateau
- Diverse herbivores and mammals
- Threatened one-horned rhinoceros in Northeast India
Desert Ecosystems
- Found in low rainfall regions (250-500 mm/year) with high evaporation, occupies around 30% of land with organic-poor, mineral-rich soil
- Desert soils lacks organic matter but are rich in minerals. Desert plants have adapted to dry surroundings with minimized leaves
Desert Ecosystem, Structure and Components
- Biotic producers: Xerophytic plants
- consumers
- primary: Birds, camel, mouse.
- secondary: Lizards, snakes, birds.
- tertiary: Jungle cats, jackals, panthers
- Decomposers: Some fungi and bacteria
Desert Ecosystem: Functions
- Deserts facilitate the accumulation of these minerals, building potassium, gypsum, and borates
Aquatic Ecosystems
- Water-based habitats provide livelihood and life functions for organisms
- Aquatic ecosystems create the foundation for aquatic organisms
- Its features facilitate the transfer of water and significant chemical reactions
- The most prevalent organisms present are:
- Nekton
- Plankton
- Benthos
- Freshwater aquatic ecosystems- lakes, oceans, ponds, rivers, swamps, coral reefs, wetlands
- Marine habitats, oceans, intertidal zones, reefs, and the seabed
Types of Aquatic Ecosystems
- Freshwater ecosystems covering 1% of Earth: lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, marshes, swamps, bogs, and ephemeral pools
- Sub divided into: lentic, lotic, wetlands and swamps
Lentic and Lotic Ecosystems
- Lentic areas consist of still water surfaces: lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and bogs
- Lotic areas consist of waterways: rivers and streams
- Insect/Fish species: Beetles, eels, trout, stone flies, and minnows
- Aquatic animals present: Beavers, otters, algae, frogs, salamanders
Marine Ecosystems
- Majority of the earth is covered in a marine ecosystem
- The earth consits of 5 oceans due to marine ecosystems Oceans, seas, intertidal zones, reefs, seabeds, estuaries, vents hydrothermal, pools rocks
Ocean Ecosystems
- The Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, and Arctic Oceans are the primary marine areas
- Sharks, whales, shellfish, seaguls all call the oceans home
Estuaries Ecosystems
- The estuaries connect fresh with salt water zones
- They are more saline, yet dilute to the ocean and seas, with economic importance for plant nutrients
Coral Reefs
- Corals or marine vertebrates support underwater structures
- An example is the hermatypes and hard reefs with function
- Calcium carbonate
- Environmental needs- clear water access, sunlight, and the largest existing area sits at 1500 meters over
- These reef ecosystems are key to the environment and species present
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