Avinash College of Commerce-Kukatpally

AECC 1 Environmental Science

Long Answer Questions:
1. What is Ecosystem? Explain the Structure of Ecosystem.
The ecosystem is the structural and functional unit of ecology where the
living organisms interact with each other and the surrounding environment.
In other words, an ecosystem is a chain of interaction between organisms
and their environment. The term “Ecosystem” was first coined by
A.G.Tansley, an English botanist, in 1935.
Types of Ecosystem
An ecosystem can be as small as an oasis in a desert, or as big as an ocean,
spanning thousands of miles. There are two types of ecosystem:
Terrestrial Ecosystem
Aquatic Ecosystem
Terrestrial Ecosystems
Terrestrial ecosystems are exclusively land-based ecosystems. There are
different types of terrestrial ecosystems distributed around various
geological zones. They are as follows:
• Forest Ecosystems
• Grassland Ecosystems
• Tundra Ecosystems
• Desert Ecosystem
Forest Ecosystem
A forest ecosystem consists of several plants, animals and microorganisms
that live in coordination with the abiotic factors of the environment. Forests
help in maintaining the temperature of the earth and are the major carbon
sink.
Grassland Ecosystem
In a grassland ecosystem, the vegetation is dominated by grasses and herbs.
Temperate grasslands, savanna grasslands are some of the examples of
grassland ecosystems.
Tundra Ecosystem
Tundra ecosystems are devoid of trees and are found in cold climates or
where rainfall is scarce. These are covered with snow for most of the year.
The ecosystem in the Arctic or mountain tops is tundra type.
Desert Ecosystem

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Deserts are found throughout the world. These are regions with very little
rainfall. The days are hot and the nights are cold.
Aquatic Ecosystem
Aquatic ecosystems are ecosystems present in a body of water. These can be
further divided into two types, namely:
• Freshwater Ecosystem
• Marine Ecosystem
Freshwater Ecosystem
The freshwater ecosystem is an aquatic ecosystem that includes lakes,
ponds, rivers, streams and wetlands. These have no salt content in contrast
with the marine ecosystem.
Marine Ecosystem
The marine ecosystem includes seas and oceans. These have a more
substantial salt content and greater biodiversity in comparison to the
freshwater ecosystem.
Structure of the Ecosystem
The structure of an ecosystem is characterised by the organisation of both
biotic and abiotic components. This includes the distribution of energy in
our environment. It also includes the climatic conditions prevailing in that
particular environment.
The structure of an ecosystem can be split into two main components,
namely:
• Biotic Components
• Abiotic Components
The biotic and abiotic components are interrelated in an ecosystem. It is an
open system where the energy and components can flow throughout the
boundaries.

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Biotic Components
Biotic components refer to all life in an ecosystem. Based on nutrition,
biotic components can be categorised into autotrophs, heterotrophs and
saprotrophs (or decomposers).
• Producers include all autotrophs such as plants. They are called
autotrophs as they can produce food through the process of
photosynthesis. Consequently, all other organisms higher up on the
food chain rely on producers for food.
• Consumers or heterotrophs are organisms that depend on other
organisms for food. Consumers are further classified into primary
consumers, secondary consumers and tertiary consumers.
• Primary consumers are always herbivores that they rely on producers
for food.
• Secondary consumers depend on primary consumers for energy. They
can either be a carnivore or an omnivore.
• Tertiary consumers (third level) are organisms that depend on
secondary consumers for food. Tertiary consumers can also be an
omnivore.
• Quaternary consumers (apex)are present in some food chains. These
organisms prey on tertiary consumers for energy. Furthermore, they
are usually at the top of a food chain as they have no natural
predators.
• Decomposers include saprophytes such as fungi and bacteria. They
directly thrive on the dead and decaying organic matter. Decomposers
are essential for the ecosystem as they help in recycling nutrients to
be reused by plants.
Abiotic Components
Abiotic components are the non-living component of an ecosystem. It
includes air, water, soil, minerals, sunlight, temperature, nutrients, wind,
altitude, turbidity, etc.
2. What is Biodiversity? Types of Biodiversity and its importance.
Biodiversity describes the richness and variety of life on earth. It is the most
complex and important feature of our planet. Without biodiversity, life would
not sustain.
The term biodiversity was coined in 1985. It is important in natural as well
as artificial ecosystems. It deals with nature’s variety, the biosphere. It refers
to variabilities among plants, animals and microorganism species.
Biodiversity includes the number of different organisms and their relative
frequencies in an ecosystem. It also reflects the organization of organisms at
different levels.
Biodiversity holds ecological and economic significance. It provides us with
nourishment, housing, fuel, clothing and several other resources. It also

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extracts monetary benefits through tourism. Therefore, it is very important
to have a good knowledge of biodiversity for a sustainable livelihood.
Types of Biodiversity
There are the following three different types of biodiversity:
• Genetic Biodiversity
• Species Biodiversity
• Ecological Biodiversity
Species diversity :
Species diversity refers to the variety of different types of species found in a
particular area. It is the biodiversity at the most basic level. It includes all
the species ranging from plants to different microorganisms.
No two individuals of the same species are exactly similar. For example,
humans show a lot of diversity among themselves.
Genetic diversity:
It refers to the variations among the genetic resources of the organisms.
Every individual of a particular species differs from each other in their
genetic constitution. That is why every human looks different from each
other. Similarly, there are different varieties in the same species of rice,
wheat, maize, barley, etc.
Ecological diversity
An ecosystem is a collection of living and non-living organisms and their
interaction with each other. Ecological biodiversity refers to the variations in
the plant and animal species living together and connected by food chains
and food webs.
It is the diversity observed among the different ecosystems in a region.
Diversity in different ecosystems like deserts, rainforests, mangroves, etc.,
include ecological diversity.
Importance Of Biodiversity:
Biodiversity and its maintenance are very important for sustaining life on
earth. A few of the reasons explaining the importance of biodiversity are:
Ecological Stability
Every species has a specific role in an ecosystem. They capture and store
energy and also produce and decompose organic matter. The ecosystem
supports the services without which humans cannot survive. A diverse
ecosystem is more productive and can withstand environmental stress.
Economic Importance
• Biodiversity is a reservoir of resources for the manufacture of food,
cosmetic products and pharmaceuticals.

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 • Crops livestock, fishery, and forests are a rich source of food.
• Wild plants such as Cinchona and Foxglove plant are used for
medicinal purposes.
• Wood, fibres, perfumes, lubricants, rubber, resins, poison and cork
are all derived from different plant species.
• The national parks and sanctuaries are a source of tourism. They are
a source of beauty and joy for many people.
Ethical Importance
All the species have a right to exist. Humans should not cause their
voluntary extinction. Biodiversity preserves different cultures and spiritual
heritage. Therefore, it is very important to conserve biodiversity.
Biodiversity in India
India is one of the most diverse nations in the world. It ranks ninth in terms
of plant species richness. Two of the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots are
found in India. It is the origin of important crop species such as pigeon pea,
eggplant, cucumber, cotton and sesame. India is also a centre of various
domesticated species such as millets, cereals, legumes, vegetables,
medicinal and aromatic crops, etc.
India is equally diverse in its faunal wealth. There are about 91000 animal
species found here.
However, diversity is depleting at a drastic rate and various programmes on
biodiversity conservation are being launched to conserve nature.
3. Causes, Effects & Control measures of Air Pollution
Air Pollution:
Air pollution refers to any physical, chemical or biological change in the air.
It is the contamination of air by harmful gases, dust and smoke which
affects plants, animals and humans drastically.
There is a certain percentage of gases present in the atmosphere. An
increase or decrease in the composition of these gases is harmful to survival.
This imbalance in the gaseous composition has resulted in an increase in
earth’s temperature, which is known as global warming.
Types of Air Pollutants
There are two types of air pollutants:
Primary Pollutants
The pollutants that directly cause air pollution are known as primary
pollutants. Sulphur-dioxide emitted from factories is a primary pollutant.
Secondary Pollutants

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The pollutants formed by the intermingling and reaction of primary
pollutants are known as secondary pollutants. Smog, formed by the
intermingling of smoke and fog, is a secondary pollutant.
Causes of Air Pollution
Following are the important causes of air pollution:
Burning of Fossil Fuels
The combustion of fossil fuels emits a large amount of sulphur dioxide.
Carbon monoxide released by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels also
results in air pollution.
Automobiles
The gases emitted from vehicles such as jeeps, trucks, cars, buses, etc.
pollute the environment. These are the major sources of greenhouse gases
and also result in diseases among individuals.
Agricultural Activities
Ammonia is one of the most hazardous gases emitted during agricultural
activities. The insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers emit harmful chemicals
in the atmosphere and contaminate it.
Factories and Industries
Factories and industries are the main source of carbon monoxide, organic
compounds, hydrocarbons and chemicals. These are released into the air,
degrading its quality.
Mining Activities
In the mining process, the minerals below the earth are extracted using
large pieces of equipment. The dust and chemicals released during the
process not only pollute the air, but also deteriorate the health of the
workers and people living in the nearby areas.
Domestic Sources
The household cleaning products and paints contain toxic chemicals that
are released in the air. The smell from the newly painted walls is the smell of
the chemicals present in the paints. It not only pollutes the air but also
affects breathing.
Effects of Air Pollution
The hazardous effects of air pollution on the environment include:
Diseases
Air pollution has resulted in several respiratory disorders and heart diseases
among humans. The cases of lung cancer have increased in the last few
decades. Children living near polluted areas are more prone to pneumonia

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and asthma. Many people die every year due to the direct or indirect effects
of air pollution.
Global Warming
Due to the emission of greenhouse gases, there is an imbalance in the
gaseous composition of the air. This has led to an increase in the
temperature of the earth. This increase in earth’s temperature is known as
global warming. This has resulted in the melting of glaciers and an increase
in sea levels. Many areas are submerged underwater.
Acid Rain
The burning of fossil fuels releases harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides
and sulphur oxides in the air. The water droplets combine with these
pollutants, become acidic and fall as acid rain which damages human,
animal and plant life.
Ozone Layer Depletion
The release of chlorofluorocarbons, halons, and hydro chlorofluorocarbons
in the atmosphere is the major cause of depletion of the ozone layer. The
depleting ozone layer does not prevent the harmful ultraviolet rays coming
from the sun and causes skin diseases and eye problems among individuals.
Effect on Animals
The air pollutants suspend on the water bodies and affect the aquatic life.
Pollution also compels the animals to leave their habitat and shift to a new
place. This renders them stray and has also led to the extinction of a large
number of animal species.
Air Pollution Control
Following are the measures one should adopt, to control air pollution:
Avoid Using Vehicles
People should avoid using vehicles for shorter distances. Rather, they
should prefer public modes of transport to travel from one place to another.
This not only prevents pollution, but also conserves energy.
Energy Conservation
A large number of fossil fuels are burnt to generate electricity. Therefore, do
not forget to switch off the electrical appliances when not in use. Thus, you
can save the environment at the individual level. Use of energy-efficient
devices such CFLs also controls pollution to a greater level.
4. Explain Causes, Effects & Control Ozone layer depletion.
Ozone layer depletion is the thinning of the ozone layer present in the upper
atmosphere. This happens when the chlorine and bromine atoms in the
atmosphere come in contact with ozone and destroy the ozone molecules.

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One chlorine can destroy 100,000 molecules of ozone. It is destroyed more
quickly than it is created.
Some compounds release chlorine and bromine on exposure to high
ultraviolet light, which then contributes to the ozone layer depletion. Such
compounds are known as Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS).
The ozone-depleting substances that contain chlorine include
chlorofluorocarbon, carbon tetrachloride, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, and
methyl chloroform. Whereas, the ozone-depleting substances that contain
bromine are halons, methyl bromide, and hydro bromofluorocarbons.
Chlorofluorocarbons are the most abundant ozone-depleting substance. It is
only when the chlorine atom reacts with some other molecule, it does not
react with ozone.
Montreal Protocol was proposed in 1987 to stop the use, production and
import of ozone-depleting substances and minimise their concentration in
the atmosphere to protect the ozone layer of the earth.
Causes of Ozone Layer Depletion
The ozone layer depletion is a major concern and is associated with a
number of factors. The main causes responsible for the depletion of the
ozone layer are listed below:
Chlorofluorocarbons
Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs are the main cause of ozone layer depletion.
These are released by solvents, spray aerosols, refrigerators, air-
conditioners, etc.
The molecules of chlorofluorocarbons in the stratosphere are broken down
by the ultraviolet radiations and release chlorine atoms. These atoms react
with ozone and destroy it.
Unregulated Rocket Launches
Researchers say that the unregulated launching of rockets result in much
more depletion of ozone layer than the CFCs do. If not controlled, this might
result in a huge loss of the ozone layer by the year 2050.
Nitrogenous Compounds
The nitrogenous compounds such as NO2, NO, N2O are highly responsible
for the depletion of the ozone layer.
Natural Causes
The ozone layer has been found to be depleted by certain natural processes
such as Sun-spots and stratospheric winds. But it does not cause more
than 1-2% of the ozone layer depletion.

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The volcanic eruptions are also responsible for the depletion of the ozone
layer.
Effects Of Ozone Layer Depletion
The depletion of the ozone layer has harmful effects on the environment. Let
us see the major effects of ozone layer depletion on man and environment.
Effects on Human Health
The humans will be directly exposed to the harmful ultraviolet radiations of
the sun due to the depletion of the ozone layer. This might result in serious
health issues among humans, such as skin diseases, cancer, sunburns,
cataract, quick ageing and weak immune system.
Effects on Animals
Direct exposure to ultraviolet radiations leads to skin and eye cancer in
animals.
Effects on the Environment
Strong ultraviolet rays may lead to minimal growth, flowering and
photosynthesis in plants. The forests also have to bear the harmful effects of
the ultraviolet rays.
Effects on Marine Life
Planktons are greatly affected by the exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays.
These are higher in the aquatic food chain. If the planktons are destroyed,
the organisms present in the food chain are also affected.
Solutions to Ozone Layer Depletion
The depletion of the ozone layer is a serious issue and various programmes
have been launched by the government of various countries to prevent it.
However, steps should be taken at the individual level as well to prevent the
depletion of the ozone layer.
Following are some points that would help in preventing this problem at a
global level:
Avoid Using ODS
Reduce the use of ozone depleting substances. E.g. avoid the use of CFCs in
refrigerators and air conditioners, replacing the halon based fire
extinguishers, etc.
Minimise the Use of Vehicles
The vehicles emit a large amount of greenhouse gases that lead to global
warming as well as ozone depletion. Therefore, the use of vehicles should be
minimised as much as possible.
Use Eco-friendly Cleaning Products

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Most of the cleaning products have chlorine and bromine releasing
chemicals that find a way into the atmosphere and affect the ozone layer.
These should be substituted with natural products to protect the
environment.
Use of Nitrous Oxide should be Prohibited
The government should take actions and prohibit the use of harmful nitrous
oxide that is adversely affecting the ozone layer. People should be made
aware of the harmful effects of nitrous oxide and the products emitting the
gas so that its use is minimised at the individual level as well.
5. Explain Disaster Management in India
Disaster:
A disaster is defined as a disruption on a massive scale, either natural or
man-made, occurring in short or long periods. Disasters can lead to human,
material, economic or environmental hardships, which can be beyond the
bearable capacity of the affected society. As per statistics, India as a whole is
vulnerable to 30 different types of disasters that will affect the economic,
social, and human development potential to such an extent that it will have
long-term effects on productivity and macro-economic performance.
Disasters can be classified into the following categories:
• Water and Climate Disaster: Flood, hail storms, cloudburst, cyclones,
heat waves, cold waves, droughts, hurricanes. (Read about Cyclone
Disaster Management separately at the linked article.)
• Geological Disaster: Landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions,
tornadoes
• Biological Disaster: Viral epidemics, pest attacks, cattle epidemic, and
locust plagues
• Industrial Disaster: Chemical and industrial accidents, mine shaft
fires, oil spills,
• Nuclear Disasters: Nuclear core meltdowns, radiation poisoning
• Man-made disasters: Urban and forest fires, oil spill, the collapse of
huge building structures
Disaster Management:
The Disaster Management Act of 2005 defines Disaster Management as an
integrated process of planning, organizing, coordinating and implementing
measures which are necessary for-
• Prevention of threat of any disaster
• Reduction of risk of any disaster or its consequences
• Readiness to deal with any disaster
• Promptness in dealing with a disaster
• Assessing the severity of the effects of any disaster
• Rescue and relief
• Rehabilitation and Reconstruction
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Agencies involved in Disaster Management
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):- The National Disaster
Management Authority, or the NDMA, is an apex body for disaster
management, headed by the Prime Minister of India. It is responsible for the
supervision, direction, and control of the National Disaster Response Force
(NDRF).
National Executive Committee (NEC):- The NEC is composed of high
profile ministerial members from the government of India that include the
Union Home Secretary as Chairperson, and the Secretaries to the
Government of India (GoI)like Ministries/Departments of Agriculture, Atomic
Energy, Defence, Drinking Water Supply, Environment and Forests, etc. The
NEC prepares the National Plan for Disaster Management as per the
National Policy on Disaster Management.
State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA):- The Chief Minister of the
respective state is the head of the SDMA.The State Government has a State
Executive Committee (SEC) which assists the State Disaster Management
Authority (SDMA) on Disaster Management.
District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA):- The DDMA is headed
by the District Collector, Deputy Commissioner or District Magistrate
depending on the situation, with the elected representatives of the local
authority as the Co-Chairperson. The DDMA ensures that the guidelines
framed by the NDMA and the SDMA are followed by all the departments of
the State Government at the District level and the local authorities in the
District.
Local Authorities:- Local authorities would include Panchayati Raj
Institutions (PRI), Municipalities, District and Cantonment 11 Institutional
and Legal Arrangements Boards, and Town Planning Authorities which
control and manage civic services.
Biological Disasters
Definition: The devastating effects caused by an enormous spread of a
certain kind of living organism that may spread disease, viruses, or an
infestation of plant, animal, or insect life on an epidemic or pandemic level.
Epidemic Level – Indicates a disaster that affects many people in a given
area or community.
Pandemic Level – Indicates a disaster that affects a much larger region,
sometimes an entire continent or even the whole planet. For example, the
recent Covid 19 or Swine Flu pandemic.

Short Answer Questions:

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1.Functions of Ecosystem
The functions of the ecosystem are as follows:
• It regulates the essential ecological processes, supports life systems
and renders stability.
• It is also responsible for the cycling of nutrients between biotic and
abiotic components.
• It maintains a balance among the various trophic levels in the
ecosystem.
• It cycles the minerals through the biosphere.
• The abiotic components help in the synthesis of organic components
that involves the exchange of energy.

2.What are renewable and non-renewable resources?

Renewable Resources
The resources which cannot be exhausted even after continuous utilization
are termed as renewable resources. Examples of renewable resources are
the sun, wind, and tidal energy.
Non-Renewable Resources
The resources which cannot be immediately replaced once they are depleted
are called Non-renewable resources. Examples of Non-renewable resources
include fossil fuels, such as coal, petroleum and natural gas and rare
minerals typically found in meteorites.
3.What is In-situ Conservation and Ex-situ Conservation
In-Situ: It is the methods of conserving all the living species, especially the
wild and endangered species in their natural habitats and environment. In-
situ conservation of Biodiversity includes biosphere reserves, national parks,
wildlife sanctuaries, etc.
Ex-Situ: It is the methods of conserving all the living species in the artful
habitats that reflect their natural living habitats. Ex-situ Conservation of
Biodiversity comprises of aquariums, botanical gardens, Cryopreservation,
DNA banks, zoos, etc.
4.Water Act
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted in 1974 to
provide for the prevention and control of water pollution, and for the
maintaining or restoring of wholesomeness of water in the country.
The Act was amended in 1988. The Water (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Cess Act was enacted in 1977, to provide for the levy and

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collection of a cess on water consumed by persons operating and carrying
on certain types of industrial activities.
This cess is collected with a view to augment the resources of the Central
Board and the State Boards for the prevention and control of water pollution
constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
The Act was last amended in 2003.
5. What is the role of information technology in the environment and
human health?
IT facilitates health care providers to collect, store, retrieve and transfer
information electronically. Information technology presents numerous
opportunities for improving and transforming healthcare which includes;
reducing human errors, improving clinical outcomes, facilitating care
coordination, improving practice efficiencies, and tracking data over time.
Similarly Information technology helps in storing huge amounts of data
captured while studying weather and climate, it helps researchers in
analysing the data and to carry out research in the field of environment.
6.What is Global Warming?
Global warming is the phenomenon of a gradual increase in the temperature
near the earth’s surface. This phenomenon has been observed over the past
one or two centuries. This change has disturbed the climatic pattern of the
earth. However, the concept of global warming is quite controversial but the
scientists have provided relevant data in support of the fact that the
temperature of the earth is rising constantly.
There are several causes of global warming, which have a negative effect on
humans, plants and animals. These causes may be natural or might be the
outcome of human activities.

♥♥♥ALL THE BEST ♥♥♥

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