2016-EVS

Q1.Give brief account of renewable and non-renewable energy resources in examples.

Ans: Renewable and non-renewable energy resources are crucial for meeting the world's energy
demands. Here's a brief account of each along with examples:
Renewable Energy Resources:
These resources are naturally replenished and have a virtually limitless supply.
Examples:
Solar Energy: Energy from the sun, harnessed using photovoltaic cells or solar thermal systems.
Wind Energy: Energy derived from the movement of air, captured by wind turbines.
Hydropower: Energy generated from the flow of water, typically from rivers or dams, through
turbines.
Biomass: Energy obtained from organic materials such as wood, agricultural residues, and waste,
through processes like combustion or fermentation.
Geothermal Energy: Energy from the Earth's internal heat, harnessed using geothermal power plants
or heat pumps.

Non-Renewable Energy Resources:

These resources are finite and take millions of years to form.
Examples:
Fossil Fuels: Fuels derived from ancient organic matter, including coal, petroleum (crude oil), and
natural gas. These are burned to produce energy for electricity generation, transportation, and
heating.
Nuclear Energy: Energy released from nuclear reactions in power plants fueled by uranium or
plutonium. This energy is harnessed to produce electricity.

While non-renewable resources have been the primary source of energy for much of human history,
they pose environmental challenges such as air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and habitat
destruction. In contrast, renewable resources offer cleaner and sustainable alternatives to meet our
energy needs while reducing our carbon footprint and mitigating climate change. Efforts to
transition towards greater utilization of renewable energy are essential for ensuring a sustainable
and resilient energy future.

Q2.Discuss the scope of environmental studies.

Ans: The scope of environmental studies encompasses various interdisciplinary fields focused on
understanding and addressing environmental challenges. This includes:
i.Environmental Science: Scientific study of the natural world and environmental processes.
ii.Environmental Policy and Governance: Examination of policies, laws, and regulations related to
environmental protection.
iii.Environmental Economics: Analysis of economic aspects of environmental issues and policies.
iv.Environmental Engineering: Application of engineering principles to address environmental
challenges.
v.Environmental Health: Investigation of links between environmental factors and human health.
vi.Conservation Biology and Biodiversity: Conservation and management of biological diversity
and ecosystems.
vii.Sustainable Development: Pursuit of development that balances environmental, social, and
economic needs.
Together, these fields work towards promoting sustainability, mitigating environmental impacts,
and fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and the natural world.
Q3. Explain the process of ecological succession
Ans: Ecological succession is the process of gradual change in species composition and ecosystem
structure over time. There are two main types:
Primary Succession: Begins on bare substrates like rock or sand. Pioneer species like lichens and
mosses colonize and break down the substrate, paving the way for grasses, shrubs, and eventually
trees.
Secondary Succession: Occurs on previously inhabited or disturbed areas. Pioneer species quickly
establish, followed by a diverse array of plants and animals. Recovery is faster than in primary
succession.
Both types of succession result in the development of stable and diverse ecosystems, with species
composition influenced by factors like climate, soil conditions, and disturbance history.

Q4. Discuss in brief in-situ and ex-situ conservation of biodiversity.

Ans:
In-situ Conservation:
Protects and manages biodiversity in its natural habitat.
Examples include national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and sustainable land-use practices.
Preserves ecosystem integrity and genetic diversity.
Ex-situ Conservation:
Preserves biodiversity outside its natural habitat.
Examples include captive breeding programs, seed banks, and botanical gardens.
Provides a safety net for endangered species and supports research and education.

Both in-situ and ex-situ conservation are essential for safeguarding biodiversity and complement
each other in conservation efforts.

Q5. What do you understand by population explosion? Discuss in terms of Indian scenario.
Ans: Population explosion refers to a rapid and exponential growth in the size of a population,
resulting in a significant increase in numbers over a relatively short period. This phenomenon
occurs when the birth rate consistently exceeds the death rate, leading to a high rate of natural
increase.

In the Indian scenario, population explosion has been a significant concern due to several factors:

High Birth Rate: India has historically experienced high fertility rates, with large family sizes being
culturally and socially acceptable in many regions. Despite declining fertility rates in recent
decades, the absolute number of births remains high due to the large population base.
Declining Death Rate: Advances in healthcare, sanitation, and disease control have led to a
significant decline in mortality rates in India. Improved access to medical facilities, vaccinations,
and better nutrition has contributed to increased life expectancy, resulting in a growing population.
Urbanization and Migration: Rapid urbanization and rural-to-urban migration have contributed to
population growth in Indian cities. Urban areas often attract migrants seeking better economic
opportunities and living standards, putting pressure on infrastructure, resources, and services.
Social and Cultural Factors: Traditional norms and cultural practices, such as early marriage and
preference for male children, have influenced fertility patterns in India. While efforts to address
these issues through education and awareness campaigns have made progress, they continue to
impact population growth.
Challenges of Population Growth: Population explosion poses various challenges for India,
including strain on resources such as food, water, energy, and land, pressure on infrastructure and
services, environmental degradation, unemployment, poverty, and social inequality.
To address the issue of population explosion, India has implemented various policies and programs
aimed at promoting family planning, reproductive health, and women's empowerment. Initiatives
such as the National Population Policy, the Family Planning Program, and the Beti Bachao Beti
Padhao (Save Daughters, Educate Daughters) campaign have focused on raising awareness,
providing access to contraceptives and reproductive healthcare, and promoting gender equality.

While India has made progress in controlling population growth, achieving sustainable population
dynamics remains a complex challenge requiring continued efforts in education, healthcare, and
socio-economic development.

Q6.Explain the following.

a) Bioaccumulation : is the process by which substances, typically toxins or pollutants,
accumulate in living organisms at higher concentrations than those found in their
surrounding environment. This accumulation occurs over time as organisms ingest, absorb,
or otherwise take in these substances from food, water, air, or direct contact with
contaminated surfaces.
b) Green revolution : refers to a series of technological advancements and agricultural practices
implemented in the mid-20th century, primarily during the 1960s and 1970s, with the goal of
increasing agricultural productivity and food production. The term was first coined by
William Gaud in 1968 to describe the transformation of agriculture through the adoption of
high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of crops, modern irrigation techniques, and improved
agricultural practices.
c) Joint forest management (JFM) : is a collaborative approach to forest management that
involves the active participation of local communities, forest departments, and other
stakeholders in the sustainable management and conservation of forest resources. The
concept of JFM emerged as a response to the recognition that top-down, government-led
approaches to forest management often failed to address the needs and interests of local
communities while also leading to environmental degradation and conflicts over resource
use.
d) Energy flow : refers to the transfer of energy from one organism to another within an
ecosystem, as well as the movement of energy through different trophic levels in a food
chain or food web. It is a fundamental process that drives ecological interactions and sustains
life within ecosystems.

Q7.Write in short about.

a) EcoMark, also known as Eco-label or Eco-Logo, is a certification mark issued by the Bureau
of Indian Standards (BIS) to products in India that meet certain environmental standards. It
aims to promote environmentally friendly products and encourage sustainable consumption
practices among consumers.
b) Endangered species are plant or animal species that are at risk of extinction in the near future
if conservation efforts are not undertaken to protect and restore their populations. These
species face various threats to their survival, including habitat loss, poaching, climate
change, pollution, and invasive species.
c) The Pyramid of Energy is a graphical representation of the flow of energy through the
trophic levels of an ecosystem. It illustrates the decrease in available energy as it moves from
one trophic level to the next within a food chain or food web. The pyramid typically takes the
shape of a triangle or pyramid, with each successive level representing a decrease in energy
content.
 d) A nuclear holocaust refers to a catastrophic scenario in which a large-scale nuclear war or
nuclear weapons detonation results in widespread destruction, loss of life, and long-term
environmental and societal impacts. It is often associated with the use of nuclear weapons,
either through intentional military conflict or accidental launch.

Q8. Discuss in Brief.

a) Resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R) problems occur when communities are displaced
due to development, disasters, or conflict. Key issues include loss of livelihoods, access
to basic services, cultural disruption, land rights, psychosocial impacts, inadequate
compensation, and environmental degradation. Addressing R&R problems requires
comprehensive planning, consultation, and measures to mitigate negative impacts and
promote sustainable development.
b) Hotspots of biodiversity: Biodiversity hotspots are regions characterized by exceptionally
high levels of biodiversity and a significant number of endemic species, meaning species
found nowhere else in the world. These hotspots are considered priorities for conservation
due to their rich biological diversity and the threat of habitat loss and degradation.
c) The Chipko Movement was a nonviolent environmental movement that originated in the
Himalayan region of India in the 1970s. The term "Chipko" means "to hug" or "to cling"
in Hindi, which symbolizes the protesters' action of embracing trees to prevent them from
being cut down. The movement emerged as a response to deforestation and commercial
logging activities that were threatening the livelihoods of local communities and the
ecological balance of the region.
d) A food chain : is a linear sequence of organisms in an ecosystem, where each organism
serves as a source of food for the next organism in the chain. It represents the flow of
energy and nutrients through trophic levels within an ecosystem.

Q9.I. What do you understand by primary and secondary pollutants

Ans:Primary pollutants are substances emitted directly into the environment from identifiable
sources, such as industrial facilities, vehicles, and natural processes. These pollutants are released
into the air, water, or soil and include gases, particulate matter, and other harmful substances.
Examples of primary pollutants include sulfur dioxide (SO2) from burning fossil fuels, carbon
monoxide (CO) from vehicle exhaust, and lead from industrial processes.
Secondary pollutants, on the other hand, are not emitted directly into the environment but are
formed through chemical reactions involving primary pollutants and other atmospheric compounds.
These reactions typically occur in the presence of sunlight and other atmospheric factors. Examples
of secondary pollutants include ground-level ozone (O3), which forms from the reaction of nitrogen
oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight, and sulfuric acid
(H2SO4), which forms from the oxidation of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the atmosphere.
Both primary and secondary pollutants contribute to air pollution and can have adverse effects on
human health, ecosystems, and the environment. Understanding the sources and impacts of these
pollutants is crucial for developing effective strategies to reduce pollution and protect public health
and the environment.
II. How acid rain is formed in atmosphere? Write equation for its formation.
Ans:Acid rain is formed when sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) react with water
vapor, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid
(HNO3). These acids then combine with water droplets in the atmosphere, forming acidic
precipitation that falls to the ground as rain, snow, fog, or hail.
The equations for the formation of sulfuric acid and nitric acid in the atmosphere are as follows:
Formation of sulfuric acid:
SO2(g) + O2(g) + H2O(l) → H2SO4(aq)
Formation of nitric acid:
NO(g) + O2(g) + H2O(l) → HNO3(aq)
These reactions occur primarily through photochemical and catalytic processes in the presence of
sunlight and other atmospheric compounds. Sulfur dioxide is released into the atmosphere mainly
from the combustion of fossil fuels, industrial processes, and volcanic eruptions, while nitrogen
oxides are produced from vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and agricultural practices.

III. Discuss the health impacts of air pollution.

Ans: Air pollution has significant health impacts, including:
1.Respiratory Problems: It worsens asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions.
2.Cardiovascular Issues: Long-term exposure increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
3.Increased Mortality: High levels of pollution lead to more deaths, especially among vulnerable
groups.
4.Cancer Risk: Certain pollutants are linked to lung cancer and other cancers.
5.Neurological Effects: It may harm cognitive function and increase the risk of neurodegenerative
diseases.
6.Reproductive Health: Pollution can affect fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and newborn health.

Overall, air pollution poses a serious threat to public health and requires effective measures to
reduce emissions and protect human well-being.