Q1

A What is rspm in air pollution?

Ans RSPM stands for Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter. It refers to a category of fine
particulate matter (PM) that is suspended in the air and is capable of being inhaled into the respiratory
system.

B what are bharat stage BS-VI emission norms?

Ans Bharat Stage (BS) emission norms are a set of regulations implemented by the Indian
government to regulate the emission of pollutants from internal combustion engines, particularly those
used in vehicles. These norms are based on European emission standards and are progressively stricter
with each stage, aiming to improve air quality and reduce pollution.

C what is nitrogen fixation? Name the bacteria responsible for nitrogen fixation?

Ans Nitrogen fixation is a biological process in which atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is converted into a
form that can be utilized by plants and other organisms. Nitrogen gas (N2) makes up approximately
78% of the Earth's atmosphere, but it is in a form that is not directly accessible to most organisms.
Nitrogen fixation is crucial because it converts nitrogen gas into nitrogen compounds, such as
ammonia (NH3) or nitrates (NO3-), which can be utilized by plants to synthesize proteins, nucleic
acids, and other essential compounds.

D which ministry of India conducts EIA?

Ans In India, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is responsible for
conducting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes. The MoEFCC is the central ministry
that formulates and implements policies and regulations related to environmental protection,
conservation of forests, and addressing climate change issues in the country.

E what is ecotone in ecology? Give one example?

Ans In ecology, an ecotone refers to a transition zone or boundary where two distinct ecosystems or
habitats meet and interact. It is a region of spatial and ecological transition characterized by a blend of
characteristics from both adjacent ecosystems. Ecotones are often areas of high biodiversity and
ecological significance, as they provide unique niches and support a variety of species adapted to the
conditions of both ecosystems.

Q2 explain acid rain what are its causes and impacts in the environment?

Ans Acid rain refers to rainfall or any form of precipitation that has acidic properties, typically with a
pH level lower than the neutral value of 7. It is primarily caused by the emission of certain pollutants
into the atmosphere, which undergo chemical reactions and result in the formation of acidic
compounds.

The main causes of acid rain are as follows:

1. Emissions from Fossil Fuel Combustion: The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, by
power plants, industries, and vehicles releases sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into
the atmosphere. These gases can react with atmospheric moisture and form sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and
nitric acid (HNO3), respectively, which then fall back to the Earth's surface through precipitation.

2. Industrial Emissions: Industrial processes, including manufacturing, mining, and smelting, can
release sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides directly into the atmosphere, contributing to acid rain
formation.

3. Agricultural Practices: The use of certain fertilizers and manures in agricultural activities can
release ammonia (NH3) into the air, which can react with acidic compounds and contribute to the
formation of ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), a component of acid rain.

5. Human Health: While the direct impacts of acid rain on human health are relatively limited, the
pollutants associated with acid rain, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, can contribute to
respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and respiratory diseases when inhaled.

Q3 what is the objectives of wild life protection act 1972?

Ans The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 is a crucial legislation in India aimed at the protection,
conservation, and management of wildlife and their habitats. The primary objectives of the Wildlife
Protection Act, 1972 are as follows:

1. Protection of Wildlife: The Act aims to provide legal protection to wildlife species by prohibiting
hunting, poaching, capturing, or killing of specified species listed under the Act.

2. Conservation of Endangered Species: The Act identifies and lists endangered species, both flora
and fauna, and provides them with special protection.

3. Regulation of Wildlife Trade: The Act regulates the trade and commerce related to wildlife,
including animal parts, derivatives, trophies, and products.

4. Establishment of Protected Areas: The Act provides for the establishment of national parks,
wildlife sanctuaries, and other protected areas.

5. Management of Wildlife Habitats: The Act focuses on the conservation and management of
wildlife habitats, including forests, wetlands, and other critical ecosystems.

6. Promotion of Research and Education: The Act emphasizes the importance of scientific
research, monitoring, and documentation of wildlife and their habitats.

7. Collaboration and International Obligations: It enables the Indian government to fulfill its
international obligations and commitments related to wildlife conservation.

Q4 what is bod and do? What does excess of bod in any water body indicate about
water?

Ans BOD stands for Biological Oxygen Demand, while DO stands for Dissolved Oxygen. These two
parameters are related to the oxygen content in water and are commonly used to assess water quality.

1. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD): BOD measures the amount of dissolved oxygen required by
microorganisms to break down organic matter present in water.

2. Dissolved Oxygen (DO): DO measures the amount of oxygen dissolved in water.

The relationship between BOD and DO is inverse. When organic pollutants are present in water,
microorganisms consume oxygen to decompose these pollutants, resulting in a decrease in dissolved
oxygen levels. Therefore, high BOD values generally correspond to low DO values.

Q5 what is ozone depletion? What are its causes and impacts?

Ans Ozone depletion refers to the gradual thinning or reduction of the ozone layer in the Earth's
stratosphere. The ozone layer is a region containing high concentrations of ozone (O3) molecules that
serve as a protective shield against the harmful ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation from the Sun. Ozone
depletion occurs when certain human-made substances, known as ozone-depleting substances (ODS),
are released into the atmosphere, leading to the destruction of ozone molecules.

The primary causes of ozone depletion are as follows:

1. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Halons: CFCs and halons are synthetic chemical compounds
commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, foam-blowing agents, and fire extinguishers.

2. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs): HCFCs are transitional substances that were developed as

replacements for CFCs due to their lower ozone-depleting potential.

3. Methyl Chloroform and Carbon Tetrachloride: These industrial chemicals were previously used
as solvents, cleaners, and industrial agents.

Q6 what is biogeochemical cycle? Explain carbon cycle in details.

Ans A biogeochemical cycle is a natural process that involves the cycling and exchange of essential
elements and compounds between living organisms, the atmosphere, bodies of water, and the Earth's
crust. These cycles play a vital role in maintaining the balance of nutrients and elements necessary for
life on Earth. The carbon cycle is one of the most important biogeochemical cycles.

The key processes involved in the carbon cycle are as follows:

1. Carbon Fixation: Carbon enters the biological cycle through a process called carbon fixation.

2. Respiration: Respiration occurs in all living organisms and is a key process in the carbon cycle.

3. Decomposition: When living organisms die, their organic matter is broken down by decomposers
such as fungi and bacteria.

4. Combustion: Combustion, primarily through the burning of fossil fuels and biomass, releases
carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

5. Geological Processes: Over long periods, carbon can be stored in the geosphere through geological
processes.

6. Carbon Sequestration: Carbon sequestration refers to the long-term storage of carbon in natural
sinks, such as forests, oceans, and soil.

Q7define air pollution? What are the important air pollution and their health impacts?

Ans Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the air that can pose risks to human
health, the environment, and the overall quality of the air we breathe. These pollutants can be in the
form of gases, particles, or biological agents. Air pollution can occur both outdoors (ambient air
pollution) and indoors (indoor air pollution).

Important air pollutants and their health impacts include:

1. Particulate Matter (PM): Particulate matter consists of tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in
the air.

2. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): NO2 is a gas primarily released from burning fossil fuels, particularly in
vehicles and power plants.

3. Ozone (O3): Ground-level ozone is formed by the reaction of sunlight with pollutants like nitrogen
oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

4. Carbon Monoxide (CO): CO is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the incomplete combustion
of fossil fuels.

5. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): SO2 is mainly emitted from burning fossil fuels, particularly coal and oil.

6. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs are emitted by various sources, including solvents,
paints, cleaning products, and industrial processes.

Q8 define Ecology. What are the levels of organization in ecology? Explain in detail.

Ans Ecology is the scientific study of the relationships between organisms and their environment. It
focuses on understanding the distribution and abundance of organisms, the interactions among them,
and the flow of energy and nutrients through ecosystems. Ecology encompasses the study of various
levels of organization, each providing insight into different aspects of ecological systems. The levels
of organization in ecology, from smallest to largest, are as follows:

1. Organism: The organism level of organization focuses on studying individual organisms and their
adaptations to their environment.

2. Population: A population is a group of individuals of the same species living in the same
geographic area.

3. Community: A community consists of all the populations of different species coexisting in a

particular area.

4. Ecosystem: An ecosystem comprises all the living organisms (biotic components) and their
physical environment (abiotic components) within a defined area.

5. Landscape: A landscape represents a larger-scale area consisting of multiple interconnected

ecosystems.

6. Biome: A biome refers to a broad geographic region characterized by similar climatic conditions,
vegetation types, and ecological characteristics.

7. Biosphere: The biosphere encompasses the sum total of all Earth's ecosystems, where living
organisms exist.
Q9 what is the structure and functions of an ecosystem? Explain with an example.

Ans An ecosystem is a complex network of interactions between living organisms (biotic

components) and their physical environment (abiotic components) within a defined area. The structure
and functions of an ecosystem can be described as follows:

1. Structure of an Ecosystem:

a. Biotic Components: The biotic components of an ecosystem include plants, animals,

microorganisms, and other living organisms.

b. Abiotic Components: The abiotic components of an ecosystem comprise non-living factors,

including temperature, sunlight, water availability, soil composition, air quality, and nutrient levels.

2. Functions of an Ecosystem:

a. Energy Flow: Ecosystems function as energy transfer systems, with energy flowing through
various trophic levels.

b. Nutrient Cycling: Ecosystems are responsible for the cycling and recycling of nutrients.

c. Decomposition: Decomposers, such as bacteria, fungi, and detritivores, play a crucial role in
breaking down dead organic matter and returning nutrients to the environment.

d. Ecosystem Services: Ecosystems provide a wide range of services that are essential for human
well-being.

Example: A Forest Ecosystem

In a forest ecosystem, the structure includes the various biotic components, such as trees, shrubs,
herbaceous plants, insects, birds, mammals, and microorganisms. The abiotic components encompass
sunlight, temperature, precipitation, soil composition, air quality, and nutrient availability. The
interactions between these components create a functional ecosystem.

The forest ecosystem functions as follows:

 Trees, as producers, use photosynthesis to convert sunlight into chemical energy, capturing
carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
 Herbivores, such as deer, feed on plants, obtaining energy and nutrients.
 Carnivores, such as foxes, prey on herbivores, transferring energy up the food chain.
 Decomposers, including bacteria and fungi, break down fallen leaves, dead animals, and
waste materials, releasing nutrients back into the soil.
 Nutrient cycling occurs as plants take up nutrients from the soil, herbivores consume plants,
and decomposers recycle nutrients.

Q10 define climate change. What are the main causes and impacts of climate change?
Give two examples of global organization working for climate change.

Ans Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature patterns, precipitation, wind
patterns, and other aspects of the Earth's climate system. It is primarily driven by human activities,
particularly the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere, which leads to changes in
the Earth's energy balance and a warming of the planet. Climate change has both direct and indirect
impacts on various aspects of the environment, ecosystems, and human societies.

Main Causes of Climate Change:

1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy
production, transportation, and industrial processes releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2),
methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) into the atmosphere.

2. Deforestation: The clearing of forests for agriculture, logging, and urbanization reduces the Earth's
capacity to absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis.

Impacts of Climate Change:

1. Rising Temperatures: Global warming leads to increased average temperatures, heatwaves, and
changing weather patterns.

2. Sea-Level Rise: As the planet warms, glaciers and ice caps melt, and the thermal expansion of
seawater occurs, causing sea levels to rise.

3. Changes in Precipitation Patterns: Climate change affects rainfall patterns, leading to increased
frequency and intensity of droughts and floods in various regions.

4. Impacts on Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Climate change alters ecosystems and disrupts the
timing of seasonal events, such as flowering, migration, and hibernation, impacting species' survival
and interactions.

Examples of Global Organizations Working for Climate Change:

1. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): The UNFCCC is an

international treaty formed to address climate change.

2. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): The IPCC is a scientific body established
by the United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization.