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COURSE TITLE FUNDAMENTALS OF ENVIRONMENTAL

SCIENCE AND ECOLOGY

COURSE CODE MEV-011

ASSIGNMENT CODE MEV-011/TMA/2021-22

MSCEVS
1ST -SEM
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Q: - 1. Give Definition, principles and scope of Environmental Science?

INTRODUCTION
The science of Environment studies is a multi-disciplinary science because it
comprises various branches of studies like chemistry, physics, medical science,
life science, agriculture, public health, sanitary engineering etc. It is the science of
physical phenomena in the environment. It studies of the sources, reactions,
transport, effect and fate of physical a biological species in the air, water and soil
and the effect of from human activity upon these.
CONCEPT
Environmental means physical and biological surroundings of an organism. The
environment of an organism includes living and non-living factors. In other words,
environment is the collection of all conditions, influences and objects that affect
the development of living beings.
Definitions of environment :
Some important definitions of environment are as under:
1. Boring: ‘A person’s environment consists of the sum total of the stimulation
which he receives from his conception until his death.’
2. Douglas and Holland: ‘The term environment is used to describe, in the
aggregate, all the external forces, influences and conditions, which affect the life,
nature, behaviour and the growth, development and maturity of living
organisms.’
Principles of Environment
1) Nature knows best. Humans must understand nature and follow its rules to
ensure a continuous and steady supply of resources; one must not go against
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natural processes. If any disruption is caused in the cycle of nature, this can
bring imbalance to our ecosystem.
2) All forms of life are important Each organism plays a fundamental role in
nature. It is easy to appreciate beautiful organisms like butterflies, especially if
one knows their important role in pollination. The giant ones like elephants,
whales, and alligators are the ones we respect mixed with fear or wonder and
their products. But when it comes to unlovely, squirmy, and troublesome
creatures, this principle is unusually overlooked.
3) Everything is connected to everything else In an ecosystem, all biotic and
abiotic components interact to ensure that the system is sustained. Any intrusion
from outside may cause an imbalance and collapse of the system.
4) Everything changes The environment is continuously changing. Organisms
also develop through time. However, these natural changes have affected these
changes with our current technology now cause problematic events for us.
Humans should rethink their relationship with the environment. Because our
belief that it is beneficial to the environment often turns out to be catastrophic. 5)
Everything must go somewhere Everything ends up elsewhere. It doesn’t just
disappear. For example, if you throw a piece of candy wrapper away, it
disappears but does not cease to exist. It ends up elsewhere. Gases released in
the atmosphere may spread, but they will end up a component of the atmosphere
and be brought down by rains. Any particular type of waste should always be a
concern to us. It may be a pollutant or a resource, depending on certain factors.
Be a responsible person and throw your trash in a proper place.
6) Ours is a finite earth Earth’s resources can be classified as either
renewable or non-renewable. Renewable resources are those that can be quickly
replenished by natural cycles (e.g., water, air, plants, animals), while non-
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renewable resources are those that cannot be replenished through natural cycles.
Although renewable resources can be replenished, it is important to understand
that these are renewable only if they are not overused and not destroyed by
factors such as pollution.
7) Nature is beautiful, and we are stewards of God’s creation! Among all
creatures, humans are the only ones made in God’s image and have been given
the right to have dominion over all His creations. Being the most intelligent and
gifted with reason, humans can manipulate and create changes in nature for
their own advantage. Yet, creation exists not to be ravaged or abused but to be
taken care of. Humans cannot exist without nature. They are co-natural with the
environment they live in. If the environment they live in is destroyed, it will go
Homo Sapiens.
Scope of the environment
The environment consists of four segments as under:

SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Atmospher Hydrospher Lithospher Biosphere

e e e

1. Atmosphere:
The atmosphere implies the protective blanket of gases, surrounding the
earth:
(a) It sustains life on the earth.
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(b) It saves it from the hostile environment of outer space.

(c) It absorbs most of the cosmic rays from outer space and a major portion of the
electromagnetic radiation from the sun.
2. Hydrosphere:
The Hydrosphere comprises all types of water resources oceans, seas, lakes,
rivers, streams, reserviour, polar icecaps, glaciers, and ground water.
(i) Nature 97% of the earth’s water supply is in the oceans,
(ii) About 2% of the water resources is locked in the polar icecaps and glaciers.
(iii)Only about 1% is available as fresh surface water-rivers, lakes streams, and
ground water fit to be used for human consumption and other uses.
3. Lithosphere:
Lithosphere is the outer mantle of the solid earth. It consists of minerals occurring
in the earth’s crusts and the soil e.g. minerals, organic matter, air and water.
4. Biosphere:
Biosphere indicates the realm of living organisms and their interactions with
environment, viz atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere.
CONCLUSION
Environmental Science deals with the study of processes in soil, water, air and
organisms which lead to pollution or environmental damages and the scientific
basis for the establishment of a standard which can be considered acceptably
clean, safe and healthy for human beings and natural ecosystems. 
REFERENCES
1. Armstrong, S.J. and R.G. Botzler. 2003. Environmental Ethics: Divergence and
Convergence. McGraw-Hill, Columbus, OH
2. Hargrove, E.C. 1989. Foundations of Environmental Ethics. Prentice-Hall, Englewood
Cliffs, NJ.
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Q 2. Describe various environmental issues at global, regional and local

levels.
INTRODUCTION
This question deals with environmental issues at local, regional, and global levels
and rising environmental problems like global warming, climate change, ozone
depletion, and acid rain. The students would be able to learn about major
environmental issues as well as pollution problems.
CONCEPT
Global environmental issues are the environmental problems that affect the whole
world, and the co-operation and participation of all countries are required to
overcome these issues. For example, Global warming, climate change, ozone
depletion, and biodiversity conservation are such kind of global environmental
issues.
National Issues are the problems of a country that have to be addressed by the
nation itself. Here some national environmental issues are discussed about India.
1. Land use pattern and degradation of soil: Agriculture is the major economy of
India and provides a push to the GDP growth rate. However, due to soil
degradation, the agricultural share in GDP is declining in the country. The main
reasons behind soil degradation are extensive agriculture and excessive use of
fertilizers and pesticides in the agricultural fields.
2. Water crisis: It is predicted that about 3.5 billion people will face the problem of
water crisis by the year 2025. This problem is more pronounced in India because
of unsustainable water management systems (World Bank, 2005).
3. Air pollution: In India, the problem of air pollution persists in urban as well as
rural areas. Nitrogen Oxide (NOx), Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), Carbon
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Monoxide (CO), Sulphur Dioxide (S02 ), Carbon Dioxide (C02 ) are the major
pollutants observed.
4. Waste disposal: An increasing population and urbanization lead to the
production of a huge amount of municipal and hazardous waste. The
management of waste is a big task in front of the Indian government. There are
many types of waste, such as physical (paper, rags, plastic, glasses, metals,
etc.), chemical waste, and other biological substances.
Local environmental Issues include those problems which affect a particular
local area. According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (2004), the
local environmental problems common in India are: · Deforestation · Pollution ·
Desertification · Degradation of common property · Resources like pastures,
village ponds, and tanks, wetlands, etc. · Freshwater and marine ecosystems
CONCLUSION
This question has discussed major global environmental issues such as climate
change, global warming, ozone depletion, and regional and local issues like
pollution, forest degradation, and water scarcity. This knowledge helps us
understand various causes and impacts of different environmental problems and
their solutions and contribute to environmental conservation.
REFERENCES
1. Evans, A.W. (1997). “Environmental Stress and Health,” in Handbook of Health
Psychology, ed. A. Baum, T. Revenson, and J.E. Singer (Mahwah, N.J.: Erlbaum, 1997).
2. Jeffery S. and van der Putten W.H. (2011). Soil-borne diseases of humans. European
Commission Joint Research Centre, Italy.

Q 3. Define ecology and describe various environmental factors with

suitable examples.
INTRODUCTION
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Ecology is the study of organisms, the environment and how the

organisms interact with each other and their environment. It is studied at
various levels, such as organism, population, community, biosphere and
ecosystem.
CONCEPT
According to Misra (1991), there are four basic concepts in ecology. These are
explained briefly:
1. Holism: This term was coined by J.C. Smuts in 1926 in the book ‘Holism and
Evolution’. W. Ophuls (1974) suggested that Holism is the base of Ecology. The
various units of ecology from lower to higher levels are as follows: individual,
population, community, ecosystem, biome, biosphere. Holism suggests that each
unit is built as a whole by interactions of lowerlevel wholes into higher level
wholes.
2. Ecosystem: This term was coined by A.G. Tansley (1935). Ecosystem forms
the structural and functional unit of nature where both biotic and abiotic
components interact and work in a complex.
3. Succession: It is a long-term process where an ecosystem is converted into a
higher biomass rich and trophically diverse stable ecosystem. This occurs due to
change in environment which influences development of organisms and in turn,
organisms also affect the environment by their activities. Due to this dynamism in
both environment and organisms, process of succession starts and keeps going
on till a stable community is developed. The final stabilized stage is known as
climax.
4. Conservation: It is the necessity for living in a sustainable manner. Various
factors of ecosystem interact with each other and regulate themselves in order to
keep the ecosystem healthy for long. Due to degrading environment, pollution,
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climate change and some other problems, conservation strategies are required for
their effective solution and maintenance of a healthy planet.
The environmental factors are categorized into four factors:
A) Climatic factors Light, temperature, rainfall, humidity, atmospheric gases are
climatic factors.
B) Topographic factors Height of mountains, direction of mountains, slope are few
topographic factors.
C) Edaphic factors Soil temperature, aeration, flora and fauna, soil reactions, soil
organic matter are few edaphic factors.
D) Biotic factors All living species including plant, animal and microbes are
considered as Biotic factors.
CONCLUSION
In short, Ecology is the study of the relationships between living organisms,
including humans, and their physical environment; it seeks to understand the
vital connections between plants and animals and the world around them.
Ecology also provides information about the benefits of ecosystems and how we
can use Earth’s resources in ways that leave the environment healthy for future
generations.
REFERENCES
1. Sharma, P.D., 2015-16. Ecology and Environment.12th edition. Rastogi Publications,
Meerut.
2. Singh, J.S., Singh, S.P. and Gupta, S.R., 2019, Ecology, Environmental Science and
Conservation. 1st edition. S. Chand and Company Ltd. New Delhi.

Q 4. Write short notes on any two of the followings

a. Ecological Succession
Ans: - Ecological succession was first studied by King, 1685. The term
succession was, however, coined by Hult, 1885.
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According to clements, it is defined as “ the natural process by which

the same locality becomes successively colonised by different groups or
communities of plants.”
Odum defines it in terms of the following three parameters:
1) It is an orderly process of community development that involves changes in
species structure and community processes with time; it is reasonably
directional and, therefore predictable.
2) It results from modification of the physical environment by the community, that
is succession is community controlled even though the physical environment
determines the pattern, the rate of exchange and often sets limits as to how far
development can go.
3) It culminates in a stabilized ecosystem in which maximum biomass and
symbiotic function between organisms are maintained per unit available
energy flow.
The first community which is inhabiting the area will be referred as 'pioneer
community' and the last and stable community formed in the area will be referred
as 'climax community'. The intermediate communities are called 'transitional or
seral communities'.
Causes of ecological succession:
It is undoubtedly a universal phenomenon and there are definite reasons for its
occurrence.
A. Initiation: it is initiated due to the following factors:
1. Physiographic factors: they produce primary barren areas. The factors
responsible for it are erosion, deposition, submergence and emergence.
2. Cilmatic factors: they produce secondary barren areas. The factor comprise
wind, water,snow, hail, fire, drought etc.
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3. Biotic factors: they also produce seconadry barren areas through the
animals, human beings and micro-organisms.
B. Continuation: once started, the succession continues through its normal
course of stages comprising migration, ecesis, aggregation, competition,
coaction and reaction.
C. Stabilization: when the climate is best suited for a community it stabilizes.
Q: - d. Carrying Capacity
Ans: - Carrying capacity is the saturation level in the density of a population,
beyond which no substantial increase occurs in size and is represented by letter
K. The relationship of the number of individuals per unit time in a population and
its carrying capacity is shown by the following equation.
No population can grow exponentially for long. Gause found that his
Paramecium populations eventually stopped growing after reaching a certain
level. So, the level beyond which no major increase can occur represents the
saturation level or carrying capacity which is represented by letter K. It is the
number of individuals of a particular species that a particular environment can
support indefinitely.
Q 5. Explain the structure and function of Ecosystem with suitable
examples.
INTRODUCTION
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 interactions between organisms and their
environment. The term “Ecosystem” was first coined by A.G.Tansley, an English
botanist, in 1935.
CONCEPT
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The word “Ecosystem” has a Greek origin that is oikos, meaning "home," and
systema, or "system." The term ecosystem was coined by Sir Arthur Tansley in
1935. According to Fitzpatric, a group of organisms interacting among them and
with environment is known as Ecosystem. Ecosystem is essentially a technical
term for 'nature'.
Structure/ Components of an ecosystem
An ecosystem has two basic components:
Abiotic components
These are the non-living components that affect the distribution, number,
metabolism and behavior of organisms in an ecosystem. These include:
a. Inorganic substances like carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and water.
b. Dead organic matter containing proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, humid
substances, etc.
c. Atmospheric factors like temperature, moisture, sunlight.
d. Edaphic factors such as soil texture and topography.
Biotic components
They include all living beings present in an ecosystem producers, consumers and
decomposers. The components are connected through food, its contained energy
and a web of interrelationships.
(A) Producers:
They arc autotrophs that manufacture organic compounds from inorganic raw
materials with the help of solar energy. Producers are also called transducers as
they convert solar radiations into chemical energy. Besides food, producers give
out oxygen and take in carbon dioxide.
(B) Consumers:
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They are heterotrophs, mostly animals which feed on other organisms.

Consumers are also called phagotrophes as they ingest food. The consumer's are
of four types, namely:
(a) Primary Consumers (Herbivores)
1. These are the animals, which feed on plants or the producers. They are called
herbivores. Examples: Rabbit, dear, goat, cattle, grasshopper etc.
(b) Secondary Consumers or Primary Carnivores
2. The animals, which feed on the herbivores, are called the primary carnivores.
Examples: Cats, dogs, fox, snakes etc.
(c) Tertiary Consumers or Secondary Carnivores
1. These are the large carnivores which feed on the secondary consumers.
Examples: Wolves.
(d) Quaternary Consumers or Omnivores
2. These are the largest carnivores, which feed on the tertiary consumers and are
not eaten up by any other animal.
Examples: Lions and tigers.
(C) Decomposers:
They are saprotrophs which decompose the organic remains by secreting
extracellular digestive enzymes. Due to degradation of organic remains,
decomposers are also called reducers. They are also known as mineralisers as
they release minerals trapped in organic remains. Detrivores are decomposers, as
well as scavengers. Scavangers are consumers of dead bodies, e.g. Vulture,
Carrion Beetle. Parasites are consumers that feed on small part of a living being.
Functions Of Ecosystem
A highly diverse ecosystem is a sign of a healthy system. Since all the living
world relies on the natural environment, especially us, it is in our best interests
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and the interests of our future generations to conserve biodiversity and our
resources. The benefits and services provided by ecosystem include:
1) Generation of soils.
2) Maintenance of soil quality.
3) Maintenance of air quality.
4) Maintenance of water quality.
5) Pest control.
6) Detoxification and decomposition of wastes.
7) Pollination.
8) Crop production.
9) Climate stabilization.
10) Prevention and mitigation of natural disasters.
11) Provision of food security.
12) Provision of health care medicines.
13) Income generation.
CONCLUSION
In short, The ecosystem is the community of living organisms in conjunction with
non-living components of their environment, interacting as a system.
REFERENCES
1. Sharma PD. 2007. Ecology and Environment. Tenth revised edition. Rastogi Publications,
Meerut.
2. Odum EP. 1971. Fundamentals of Ecology. 3rd edition. W.B. Saunders company,
Philadelphia.

Q: - 7. Write short notes on any two of the followings

a. Environmental management standards
Ans: -Environmental management standards: The International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) defines an environmental management system as “part of
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the management system used to manage environmental aspects, fulfill

compliance obligations, and address risks and opportunities.
Life Cycle Assessment: Life cycle assessment or LCA (also known as life
cycle analysis) is a methodology for assessing environmental impacts associated
with all the stages of the life cycle of a commercial product, process, or service.
For instance, in the case of a manufactured product, environmental impacts are
assessed from raw material extraction and processing (cradle), through the
product’s manufacture, distribution and use, to the recycling or final disposal of
the materials composing it (grave).
Q b. Foundations and Scope of Environmental Economics
Ans: - Environmental Economics approaches waste disposal problems from an
economic perspective and aims to understand the optimal pollution level. It
includes the study of appropriate policy instruments for influencing the behaviour
of consumers and producers in the market such that the production of waste (or
pollution) as an outcome is efficient. As far as environmental economics
foundations are concerned, it is commonly believed that it has its roots in the
neoclassical welfare theory, externalities, and public goods theory. On the other
hand, its scope is primarily determined by the way interactions of the natural
environment and economy are perceived given the neoclassical framework.
Understanding the optimal (or efficient) level of pollution is based on the
criterion of Pareto optimality (or Pareto efficiency). As long as we can increase the
welfare of at least one individual in the society without reducing the welfare of
others, it is referred to as Pareto improvement. On the other hand, the Pareto
optimality is realized once the allocation of resources achieved is such that it is
impossible to further make someone better-off without making someone worse-
off. Given the first and second fundamental welfare theorems, the neoclassical
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theory of welfare emphasizes that ‘all welfare maxima are competitive equilibria
and that all competitive equilibria are welfare maxima for some welfare function.’
Environmental economists approach the issue of environmental problems as
being the case of market failures. The basic premise is that the entity generating
waste/ pollution such as coal-fired thermal power plant releasing air pollutants,
steel-mill discharging effluents in the river-stream, a music-lover playing loud
music in his flat, room-mate smoking cigarette in a shared hostel-room, etc. would
be acting in their best interests and may remain oblivious to the fact their actions
have serious implications for others (referred to as negative externality).3 In the
absence of any market for pollution, it is expected that polluters/entities
generating negative (production/consumption) externality does not face the
accurate cost of their actions. Hence, a divergence between the private cost and
social cost leads to an inefficient allocation of resources.

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