1. What is environmental science? Discuss its scope.

(10pts)
Environmental science is a multidisciplinary academic area that combines physical, biological,
and information sciences to research and solve environmental problems. Environmental science
developed during the Enlightenment from the sciences of natural history and medicine. It now
provides a comprehensive, quantitative, and multidisciplinary approach to the study of
environmental systems. The environment is not a unified field of study. It is a synthesis of
numerous disciplines, including science and social science. To comprehend the many facets of
our environment, it is necessary to have a working knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics,
geography, resource management, economics, and population issues. Thus, environmental
studies has a very broad reach and touches on practically every major topic.

2. Differentiate the following: (5pts each)

a. point source and non-point source pollution
Nonpoint Source Pollution is carried to local streams and bays by storm water systems or other
surface water flows. A continuous discharge from a wastewater plant or industrial facility, on the
other hand, is called a “point source” of water pollution.

b. primary and secondary source air pollution

The direct emissions from an air pollution source constitute a primary source. A secondary
source, on the other hand, originates from the chemical reaction of precursors emitted by air
pollution sources, resulting in the creation of a pollutant in the atmosphere.

c. global warming and climate change

The term “global warming” refers to an increase in global temperatures caused mostly by rising
greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Climate change is defined as an increase in the
variability of climate variables through time, such as precipitation, temperature, and wind
patterns.

d. immigration and emigration

Immigration is when an animal develops a home in a habitat because it has resources that it can
use or because the habitat is suitable for them. Emigration occurs when an animal leaves its
home because its habitat has become unsuitable for them and they need to find a new home.