Zoological Survey of India History and Collections

Environmental Studies Course

• The duration of the compulsory core module course in Environmental Studies for undergraduate students is not specified.
• The syllabus is divided into 8 units for Environmental Studies.

Unit 8: Focus

• Unit 8 of the syllabus focuses on field experiences, which are considered essential in environmental studies.

Importance of Field Experiences

• Field experiences are essential because they allow students to observe and interact with their surroundings, leading to a better understanding of the environment.

Role of the Teacher

• The teacher plays a crucial role in facilitating field studies, guiding students to explore and learn from their surroundings.

Utilizing Course Material

• Universities and colleges should utilize the course material provided by UGC to create a comprehensive and engaging course structure.

Components of Field

• Some components of the field mentioned in the text include natural landscapes, wilderness ecosystems, and rural agricultural systems.

Our Surroundings

• Most of our surroundings are described as natural landscapes, which are the source of various resources for surrounding villages.

Dependence on Natural Resources

• Surrounding villages depend on natural landscapes for resources such as water, food, and fuel.

Link to Daily Lives

• Our daily lives are linked to our surroundings, and our daily activities have a direct impact on the environment.

Traditional Societies

• In most traditions, the environment is referred to as "Mother Nature" or "Mother Earth", highlighting the importance of respecting nature.

Importance of Respecting Nature

• Respecting nature is vital for traditional societies because it ensures the long-term survival of their communities and the environment.

Growth of Industrial Complexes

• The growth of industrial complexes has led to the rapid exploitation of natural resources, resulting in environmental degradation.

Urbanization

• Growth of urban areas has increased the disparity between what the land can produce and what people consume, leading to resource depletion.

Urban Centers

• Urban centers rely on natural resources such as water, food, and energy for their existence.

Rural Agricultural Systems

• Rural agricultural systems are dependent on natural resources such as soil, water, and sunlight.

Impact of Resource Movement

• The movement of natural resources from wilderness ecosystems to urban areas has resulted in the depletion of natural resources and the loss of biodiversity.

Effect on Wilderness Dwellers

• The shift of resources from rural areas to urban centers has led to the marginalization of wilderness dwellers and the loss of their traditional livelihoods.

Conservation Policy

• The early policies on wilderness conservation and wildlife management in the US in the 1920s were designed by Aldo Leopold.

Rachel Carson's Book

• Rachel Carson's book "Silent Spring" (1962) led to a change in government policy and public awareness regarding the effects of pesticides on the environment.

Book on Biological Diversity

• Edward O. Wilson wrote the book "Diversity of Life" (1993), highlighting the importance of biological diversity.

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)

• The ZSI currently operates from 16 regional centers.
• The ZSI's collection has approximately 80,000 specimens.
• The collections of the Asiatic Society of Bengal were transferred to the ZSI between 1916 and 1947.

Medicinal Plants

• Medicinal plants are traditionally used for health remedies and are an essential component of natural landscapes.

Market Use of Forest Products

• Forest products are used for various commercial purposes, including timber, fuel, and minor forest produce.

Minor Forest Produce

• Examples of minor forest produce include fruits, nuts, and spices.

Timber Extraction

• Major timber extraction in India is responsible for deforestation and habitat destruction.

Causes of Forest Loss

• A serious cause of loss of forests in India and worldwide is the rapid exploitation of natural resources for urbanization and industrialization.

India's Forest Wealth

• India's residual forest wealth has dwindled sharply in recent years due to rapid deforestation and habitat destruction.