EVS ESSAY QUESTIONS

Q1- Define environmental studies and mention the scope and importance of
the Environmental studies.
Environmental studies is a multidisciplinary academic field which systematically studies
human interaction with environment. Environment is the sum total of all social, economic,
biological, physical, or chemical factors which constitute the surroundings of man, who is
both creator and moulder of his environment.
SCOPE AND IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES: The disciplines
included in environmental education are environmental sciences, environmental engineering,
and environmental management.
Environmental Management: It promotes due regard for physical, social, and economic
environment of the enterprise or projects. It encourages planned investment at the start of the
production chain rather than forced investment in cleaning up at the end.
Environment studies is all about learning the way we should live and how we can develop
sustainable strategies to protect the environment. In addition to studying the physical aspects
of the environment, it also emphasizes the need to conserve biodiversity and adopt a more
sustainable lifestyle and utilize resources in a responsible way.
Career opportunities in environmental studies are thriving with multiple options in the energy
industry, animal conservation and more. You can prepare yourself for a fulfilling career that
will include everything from conducting research, protecting the environment, crunching
statistics, analysing data, working in the field, interviewing people about disaster
management and drafting policies with lawmakers to conserve the planet.

Q2 - Describe the components of the Ecosystem.

An ecosystem is a chain of interaction between organisms and their environment. All the
ecosystems of the earth are connected to one another, e.g., river ecosystem is connected with
the ecosystem of ocean, and a small ecosystem of dead logs is a part of large ecosystem of a
forest. “An ecosystem is defined as a community of lifeforms in concurrence with non-living
components, interacting with each other.”
All ecosystems consist of the following basic components: Biotic components and Abiotic
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).
From nutrition point of view, the biotic components can be grouped into two basic
components: Autotrophic components, and Heterotrophic components. The autotrophic
components include all green plants which fix the radiant energy of sun and manufacture
food from inorganic substances. The heterotrophic components include non-green plants
and all animals which take food from autotrophs.

Abiotic components are the non-living component of an ecosystem. It includes air, water,
soil, minerals, sunlight, temperature, nutrients, wind, altitude, turbidity, etc.
Ecological relationships are manifested in physicochemical environment. Abiotic component
of ecosystem includes basic inorganic elements and compounds, such as soil, water, oxygen,
calcium carbonates, phosphates, and a variety of organic compounds
Abiotic components are mainly of two types:
Climatic Factors: Which include rain, temperature, light, wind, humidity etc.
Edaphic Factors: Which include soil, pH, topography minerals etc.

Q3 - Write the difference between biotic and abiotic components (table

form)
Biotic components refer to all living organisms within an ecosystem, encompassing plants,
animals, fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms. These components are dynamic and
responsive to environmental changes. They play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, energy
flow, and ecological processes such as predation, competition, mutualism, and
decomposition. Biotic components directly influence ecosystem structure and function by
interacting with each other and shaping the environment.

Abiotic components, on the other hand, are non-living factors in an ecosystem, including
physical and chemical elements such as sunlight, air, water, temperature, soil, minerals, and
nutrients. While abiotic components lack life processes, they provide the framework within
which biotic components operate. They determine the availability of resources such as water,
light, and nutrients and set physical conditions affecting the distribution, behaviour, and
survival of biotic components.

Biotic and abiotic components are interdependent in ecosystems. Biotic components often
depend on abiotic components for their survival, growth, and reproduction. For example,
plants require sunlight for photosynthesis, and animals need oxygen for respiration.
Conversely, abiotic components can be influenced by biotic components. For instance, the
presence of vegetation can affect soil composition and erosion rates. Abiotic factors can also
interact with each other, such as temperature affecting water evaporation rates.
Understanding the interactions between biotic and abiotic components is essential for
comprehending ecosystem dynamics and functioning.

Q4 - Explain the ecological pyramid of numbers.

An ecological pyramid is a graphical representation designed to show the biomass or bio
productivity at each trophic level in a given ecosystem.
A pyramid of numbers shows the number of individual organisms involved at each trophic
level in an ecosystem. This shows the number of organisms in each trophic level without any
consideration for their individual sizes or biomass. The pyramids are not necessarily upright.
In some ecosystems there can be more primary consumers than producers.
Upright Pyramid of Numbers
In upright pyramid of numbers, the number of individuals decreases from the lower level to
the higher level. This type of pyramid is usually found in the grassland ecosystem and the
pond ecosystem. The grass in a grassland ecosystem occupies the lowest trophic level
because of its abundance. Next comes the primary producers – the herbivores (for example –
grasshopper). The number of grasshoppers is quite less than that of grass. Then, there are the
primary carnivores, for example, the rat whose number is far less than the grasshoppers. The
next trophic level is the secondary consumers such as the snakes who feed on the rats. Then,
there are the top carnivores such as the hawks who eat snakes and whose number is less than
the snakes.
Inverted Pyramid of Numbers
Here, the number of individuals increase from the lower level to the higher trophic level. For
example, the tree ecosystem.

Q5 - Explain the ecological pyramid of biomass.

Biomass refers to the mass of living organisms, including plants, animals, and
microorganisms, A pyramid of biomass shows the relationship between biomass and trophic
level by quantifying the biomass present at each trophic level of an ecological community at
a particular time. Typical units are grams per square meter, or calories per square meter.
These pyramids are not necessarily upright. There can be lower amounts of biomass at the
bottom of the pyramid if the rate of primary production per unit biomass is high. The pyramid
of biomass may be "inverted".
This indicates the total mass of organisms at each trophic level. Usually, this type of pyramid
is largest at the bottom and gets smaller going up, but exceptions do exist. The biomass of
one trophic level is calculated by multiplying the number of individuals in the trophic level
by the average mass of one individual in a particular area.
Upright Pyramid of Biomass
Ecosystems found on land mostly have pyramids of biomass with large base of primary
producers with smaller trophic level perched on top, hence the upright pyramid of biomass.
The biomass of autotrophs or producers is at the maximum. The biomass of next trophic
level, i.e. primary consumers is less than the producers. Similarly, the other consumers such
as secondary and tertiary consumers are comparatively less than its lower level respectively.
The top of the pyramid has very less amount of biomass.
Inverted Pyramid of Biomass
On the other hand, a reverse pyramidal structure is found in most aquatic ecosystems. Here,
the pyramid of biomass may assume an inverted pattern. However, pyramid of numbers for
aquatic ecosystem is upright.
In a water body, the producers are tiny phytoplankton that grow and reproduce rapidly. In this
condition, the pyramid of biomass has a small base, with the producer biomass at the base
providing support to consumer biomass of large weight. Hence, it assumes an inverted shape.

Q6 - Explain the ecological pyramid of energy.

A pyramid of energy represents how much energy, initially from the sun, is retained or stored
in the form of new biomass at each trophic level in an ecosystem.
Typically, about 10% of the energy is transferred from one trophic level. The pyramid of
productivity looks at the total amount of energy present at each trophic level, as well as the
loss of energy between trophic levels. Since this type of representation considers the fact that
the majority of the energy present at one trophic level will not be available for the next one, it
is more accurate than the other two pyramids.
This idea is based on Lindeman’s Ten Percent Law, which states that only about 10% of the
energy in a trophic level will go towards creating biomass. In other words, only about 10% of
the energy will go into making tissue, such as stems, leaves, muscles, etc. in the next trophic
level.
The rest is used in respiration, hunting, and other activities, or is lost to the surroundings as
heat. While a productivity pyramid always takes an upright pyramid shape, number pyramids
are sometimes inverted, or do not take the shape of an actual pyramid at all.
To demonstrate, let us take an oak tree, which can feed millions of oak worms. If we consider
this ecosystem as our focus, then the producers’ level (one tree) will end up much smaller
than the primary consumers’ level (millions of insects). This is less likely to occur in biomass
pyramids, but is not impossible. The pyramids below show the different types of pyramids
and the shapes they can have in different ecosystems.

Q7 - Explain the three levels of biodiversity.

Biodiversity is a term used to describe the enormous variety of life on Earth including plants,
bacteria, animals, and humans.
1-Genetic diversity is the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a
species, it ranges widely from the number of species to differences within species and can be
attributed to the span of survival for a species. Each individual has specific characters, which
is due to the genetic makeup or code. The genes present in the organisms can form infinite
number of combinations it is the product of recombination of genetic material in the process
of inheritance. It changes with time and space
Example - We find that each human, who is representative of the same species, i.e. Homo
sapiens, is distinct from another or different breeds of dogs. Dogs are selectively bred to get
the desired traits
2-Species diversity is the number of different species that are represented in a
given community (a dataset).
It refers to the biodiversity at the most basic level and is the ‘variety and abundance of
different types of individuals of a species in a given area.’ It includes all the species on Earth,
ranging from plants such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, bryophytes, pteridophytes,
gymnosperms, angiosperms and all the species of animals including unicellular protozoans to
mammals.
Example - In a forest, there may have a large number of different species (high species
richness) but have only a few members of each species (low species evenness)
3-Community/ecosystem diversity
An ecosystem, therefore, is a collection of living components, like microbes, plants, animals,
fungi, etc. and non-living components, like climate, matter and energy that are connected by
energy flow.
It also includes variability within the same species and variability among the different
species of plants, animals, and microorganisms of an ecosystem. Thus, it pertains to the
richness of flora, fauna, and microorganisms with in an ecosystem or biotic community.
Ecosystem diversity deals with the variations in ecosystems within a geographical
location and its overall impact on human existence and the environment. Ecosystem diversity
addresses the combined characteristics of biotic properties (biodiversity)
and abiotic properties (geodiversity).

Q8 - Describe the threats to the biodiversity.

Climate change: Changes in climate throughout our planet's history have, of course, altered
life on Earth in the long run — ecosystems have come and gone and species routinely go
extinct. But rapid, manmade climate change speeds up the process, without affording
ecosystems and species the time to adapt.
Habitat loss/Deforestation: Deforestation is a direct cause of extinction and loss of
biodiversity. Tropical rainforests in particular, such as the Amazon, hold a high percentage of
the world's known species, yet the regions themselves are in decline due to humans. The
solutions to deforestation mostly lie in policy — companies and corporations can adopt best
practices and refuse to use timber and paper suppliers that contribute to deforestation.

Overexploitation: Overhunting, overfishing, and over-harvesting contribute greatly to the

loss of biodiversity, killing off numerous species over the past several hundred
years. Poaching and other forms of hunting for profit increase the risk of extinction; the
extinction of an apex predator — or, a predator at the top of a food chain — can result
in catastrophic consequences for ecosystems. Governments need to actively enforce rules
against such practices, and individuals can be more conscious of what they eat and purchase.

Pollution: From the burning of fossil fuels (releasing dangerous chemicals into the
atmosphere and, in some cases, depleting ozone levels) to dumping 19 billion pounds of
plastic into the ocean every year, pollution completely disrupts the Earth's ecosystems.

Urbanization: The city of London, for example, is becoming home to increasingly more
wildlife who have adapted to live in an urban environment. Fox populations are large, feeding
on rats, mice, and garbage. Plant life is not enough to support large populations of herbivores
and in this unnatural ecosystem are in a group of their own. Instead of having a group
of producers (plants) feeding primary consumers (herbivores) who feed secondary, tertiary
and quaternary consumers (omnivores and carnivores), it is often human food waste that
becomes the urban producer. Humans import their food from other agricultural ecosystems.

Q9 - Explain about in-situ conservation of biodiversity.

“Biodiversity conservation refers to the protection, upliftment, and management of
biodiversity in order to derive sustainable benefits for present and future generations.”
Biodiversity conservation has three main objectives:
 To preserve the diversity of species.
 Sustainable utilization of species and ecosystem.
 To maintain life-supporting systems and essential ecological processes.
In situ conservation means the conservation of ecosystems and natural habitats and the
maintenance and recovery of viable populations of species in their natural surroundings and,
in the case of domesticates or cultivated species, in the surroundings where they have
developed their distinctive properties.
In-situ conservation of biodiversity is the conservation of species within their natural habitat.
In this method, the natural ecosystem is maintained and protected. In-situ conservation aims
to enable biodiversity to maintain itself within the context of the ecosystem in which it is
found. In-situ management approaches can either be targeted at populations of selected
species (species-centred) or whole ecosystems (ecosystem-based).
Traditionally, protected areas have been seen as the cornerstone of in-situ conservation.
Conservation approaches that are more adaptable to individual situations and applicable
beyond protected areas, are being increasingly applied.
Advantages of in-situ conservation:
 It is a cost-effective and a convenient method of conserving biodiversity.
 A large number of living organisms can be conserved simultaneously.
Certain protected areas where in-situ conservation takes place include national parks, wildlife
sanctuaries and biosphere reserves.
National Parks
 These are small reserves maintained by the government. Its boundaries are well
demarcated and human activities such as grazing, forestry, habitat and cultivation are
prohibited.
Sacred groves of India are forest fragments of varying sizes, which are communally
protected, and which usually have a significant religious connotation for the protecting
community.

Q10 - Explain about ex-situ conservation of biodiversity.

Conserving biodiversity outside the areas where they naturally occur is known as ex situ
conservation. Here, animals and plants are reared or cultivated in areas like zoological or
botanical parks.
Reintroduction of an animal or plant into the habitat from where it has become extinct is
another form of ex situ conservation.
For example, the Gangetic gharial has been reintroduced in the rivers of Uttar
Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan where it had become extinct.
Ex-situ conservation is the preservation of components of biological diversity outside their
natural habitats. This involves conservation of genetic resources, as well as wild and
cultivated or species, and draws on a diverse body of techniques and facilities.
Methods of conservations to protect the endangered species

Cryopreservation: This is the newest application of technology for preservation of biotic

parts. This type of conservation is done at very low temperature (-196°C) in liquid nitrogen.
The metabolic activities of the organisms are suspended under low temperature, which are
later used for research purposes
Cryobank: In this technique, a seed or embryo is preserved at very low temperatures. It is
usually preserved in liquid nitrogen at -196 °C. This is helpful for the conservation of species
facing extinction. Cryobanks are utilized for the cryoconservation of animal genetic resources
Seed banks: These are cold storages where seeds are kept under controlled temperature and
humidity for storage and this is easiest way to store the germ plasma of plants at low
temperature. Seeds preserved under controlled conditions (minus temperature) remain viable
for long durations of time. Navdanya is a leading NGO advocating for biodiversity
conservation through a large network of seed keepers and organic producers.
Genetic variability also is preserved by gene bank under normal growing conditions. These
are cold storages where germ plam are kept under controlled temperature and humidity for
storage; this is an important way of preserving the genetic resources.

Q11 - Give an account on IUCN.

International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN) is an international organization (NGO) working in the field of nature
conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
It is involved in data gathering and analysis, research, field projects, advocacy, lobbying and
education. The organization is best known for compiling and publishing the IUCN Red
List, which assesses the conservation status of species worldwide. Its headquarters are
in Gland, Switzerland.
OBJECTIVES OF IUCN
The primary goal of the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems (RLE) is to support conservation in
resource use and management decisions by identifying ecosystems most at risk of
biodiversity loss.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature works to achieve the following
goals:

 To provide scientific data on the status of species and subspecies at a global level.
 To plan a layout for the conservation of biodiversity.
MISSION IUCN:
IUCN is the World's oldest and largest global environmental organisation. India contains
132 species of plants and animals in India listed as critically endangered.
The IUCN system uses a set of quantitative criteria to assess the extinction risk of a
given species. In general, these criteria consider:
 The rate of population decline.
 The geographic range.
 Whether the species already possesses a small population size.
 Whether the species is very small or lives in a restricted area.

Q12 - Write about any two hotspots of biodiversity.

A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region with significant levels of biodiversity that
is threatened by human habitation. Coined by Norman Myers, the term “Biodiversity
hotspots” can be defined as the regions which are known for their high species richness
and endemism.
Two Biodiversity Hotspots are -
The Himalayas
Considered the highest in the world, the Himalayas (overall) comprises North-East India,
Bhutan, Central and Eastern parts of Nepal. Some of the highest peaks of the world including
Mount Everest and K2. Some of the major rivers in the world originate from the Himalayas.
The Himalayas comprise of more than 100 mountains beyond 7200 meters.
One such endangered species found here is the relict dragonfly whose only other species is
found in Japan. Himalayan Newt is also present in this region.
Coming to the fauna, there are 10,000 species of plants in the Himalayas a third of which are
endemic and cannot be located anywhere else in the world. Some of the threatened ones
include Cheer pheasant, Western Tragopan, Himalayan quail, Himalayan vulture,
White-bellied heron and the like. Namadapha flying squirrel is, however, a mammal
which is almost on the verge of extinction and therefore needs immediate attention.
Indo – Burma Region
This hotspot is also known for the endemic freshwater turtle species, most of which are
threatened with extinction, due to over-harvesting and extensive habitat loss. There are also
1,300 different bird species, including the threatened White-eared Night-heron, the Grey-
crowned Crocias, and the Orange-necked Partridge.
This region consists of numerous countries including North-Eastern India It is spread over a
distance of 2 million square kilometres.
Although this region is quite rich in its biodiversity, it has been worsening over the past few
decades. Six species of mammals have been discovered in this region recently including
large-antlered muntjac, Annamite Muntjac, gray-shanked douc, leaf deer, saola and Annamite
striped rabbit. The reason for depletion of diversity in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot
region is mainly agricultural activities, commercial plantations; fisheries have led to a
decrease in mangrove cover. Due to this, only 5% of the original habitat is remaining.

Q13 - Write about the threats faced by biodiversity. (Same answer as question 8)
Q14 - Give an account on solar energy.
Solar energy is derived by capturing radiant energy from sunlight and converting it into
heat, electricity, or hot water. Photovoltaic (PV) systems can convert direct sunlight into
electricity through the use of solar cells. Sunlight is one of our planet’s most abundant and
freely available energy resources. The amount of solar energy that reaches the earth’s
surface in one hour is more than the planet’s total energy requirements for a whole year.
In addition to its large-scale grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) initiative, India is
developing off-grid solar power for local energy needs. Solar products have increasingly
helped to meet rural needs; by the end of 2015 just under one million solar lanterns were sold
in the country, reducing the need for kerosene. That year, 118,700 solar home lighting
systems were installed and 46,655 solar street lighting installations were provided under a
national program; just over 1.4 million solar cookers were distributed in India.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA), proposed by India as a founder member, is
headquartered in India. India has also put forward the concept of "One Sun One World one
Grid" and "World Solar Bank" to harness abundant solar power on global scale. The ISA
will focus on promoting and developing solar energy and solar products for countries lying
wholly or partially between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
Telangana ranks second when it comes to solar energy generation capacity in India. The state
is trailing behind Karnataka with a solar power generation capacity of 3400 MW and plans to
achieve a capacity of 5000 MW by 2022.

Q15 - Give an account on wind energy.

Wind energy is a form of solar energy. Anything that moves has kinetic energy, and
scientists and engineers are using the wind’s kinetic energy to generate electricity. Wind
energy, or wind power, is created using a wind turbine, a device that channels the power of
the wind to generate electricity.
Wind power is a popular sustainable, renewable source of power that has a much
smaller impact on the environment compared to burning fossil fuels. Wind farms consist of
many individual wind turbines, which are connected to the electric power
transmission network.
The Jaisalmer Wind Park is India's second largest and globally the fourth-largest
operational onshore wind farm. This project is located in Jaisalmer
district, Rajasthan, Western India. Wind is used to produce electricity using the kinetic
energy created by air in motion. This is transformed into electrical energy using wind
turbines or wind energy conversion systems.
Wind first hits a turbine’s blades, causing them to rotate and turn the turbine connected to
them. That changes the kinetic energy to rotational energy, by moving a shaft which is
connected to a generator, and thereby producing electrical energy through
electromagnetism. The amount of power that can be harvested from wind depends on the
size of the turbine and the length of its blades. The output is proportional to the dimensions of
the rotor and to the cube of the wind speed.

Q16 - Explain about the method of floating gas holder type biogas plant
(Biomass is the source of renewable energy- Explain).
Biomass is organic material that comes from plants and animals, and includes crops, waste
wood, and trees. These are called biomass feedstocks. When biomass is burned, the chemical
energy is released as heat and can generate electricity with a steam turbine. This is the
conversion of solid fuel made from plant materials into electricity.
Although fundamentally, biomass involves burning organic materials to produce electricity,
and nowadays this is a much cleaner, more energy-efficient process. By converting
agricultural, industrial, and domestic waste into solid, liquid and gas fuel, biomass generates
power at a much lower economic and environmental cost. Biomass energy is energy
generated or produced by living or once-living organisms, The most common biomass
materials used for energy are plants, such as corn and soy, above.
Biomass sources for energy include:
• Wood and wood processing wastes—firewood, wood pellets, and wood chips, lumber and
furniture mill sawdust and waste, and black liquor from pulp and paper mills
• Agricultural crops and waste materials—corn, soybeans, sugar cane, switchgrass, woody
plants, and algae, and crop and food processing residues
• Biogenic materials in municipal solid waste—paper, cotton, and wool products, and food,
yard, and wood wastes
• Animal manure and human sewage

Q17 - What are the advantages and limitations of renewable energy

resources?
Advantages of solar energy are:
 Clean: It is considered to the cleanest form of energy as there is no emission of carbon
dioxide like in case of fossil fuels which is one of the causes of global warming.
 Renewable: There is an ample amount of energy available on earth as long as the sun
exists. Solar energy is that sunlight is functionally endless.
Disadvantages of solar energy:
 The production is low during winters and on cloudy days.
 Although solar energy will save you money in the long run, it tends to be a significant
upfront cost and is an unrealistic expense for most households.
Advantages of Wind Power
 Wind enables industry growth and competitiveness. New wind projects account
for annual investments of over $10 billion in the U.S. economy. The United States has
a vast domestic resource and a highly-skilled workforce, and can compete globally in
the clean energy economy.
 It is a clean fuel source. Wind energy does not pollute the air like power plants that
rely on combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas, which emit particulate
matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulphur dioxide—causing human health problems and
economic damages
Disadvantages of Wind Park or Wind Farms
 Onshore wind is an intermittent source of energy, as turbines cannot generate
electricity on demand, but only when the wind is blowing, and at sufficient strength.
Wind energy must be transported via transition lines, leading to higher costs.
 When wind strength is insufficient for turbines to operate, the fossil-fuel-based power
supply is needed as a backup, which can temporarily increase greenhouse gas
emissions.

Q18 - Write about the steps you make in your daily life to conserve the water.
1. Shorter Showers: Showers can account for a significant portion of household water usage.
By reducing shower time by just a few minutes, individuals can conserve gallons of water
each day. One way to achieve this is by setting a timer or using a water-efficient showerhead,
which can help maintain comfort while reducing water flow.
2. Fix Leaks Promptly: Even minor leaks in faucets, toilets, or pipes can result in the wastage
of hundreds of gallons of water per month. Regularly inspecting plumbing fixtures and
promptly repairing any leaks can prevent unnecessary water loss, ultimately saving water and
reducing water bills.
3. Install Water-Saving Fixtures: Upgrading to water-saving fixtures such as low-flow
showerheads, faucets aerators, and dual-flush toilets can significantly reduce water
consumption without sacrificing performance. These fixtures are designed to maintain water
pressure while using less water, making them an effective way to conserve water in the long
term.
4. Full Loads Only: Running washing machines and dishwashers only when they have a full
load can maximize water efficiency. Washing smaller loads wastes water and energy.
Waiting until there is enough laundry or dishes to fill the machine ensures that each cycle
uses water more efficiently, leading to overall water savings.
5. Capture Rainwater: Installing a rain barrel or rainwater harvesting system allows you to
collect rainwater from your roof, which can then be used for watering plants, gardens, or even
for non-potable household tasks like cleaning. By utilizing rainwater, you reduce reliance on
treated municipal water for outdoor activities, thereby conserving valuable freshwater
resources. Rainwater harvesting also helps mitigate stormwater runoff, which can alleviate
pressure on drainage systems and reduce the risk of flooding in urban areas.

Q19 - Describe the types of rainwater harvesting system.

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is the collection and storage of rain, rather than allowing
it to run off. Rainwater is collected from a roof-like surface and redirected to a tank,
cistern, deep pit (well, shaft, or borehole), aquifer, or a reservoir with percolation.
Surface Runoff Harvesting
Surface runoff harvesting is the most suitable method in urban clusters.
Here, streams of surface runoff rainwater are redirected and stored for future use in specially-
built reservoirs, either on the surface or underground.
This provides a steady supply of clean, potable water, and also water for normal domestic
uses.
Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting
Rooftop rainwater harvesting is the most popular of all harvesting options in urban areas.
The system can be installed in an individual home environment, schools, colleges, and other
institutional buildings that have more available roof space.
The underlying concept of rooftop rainwater harvesting is pretty simple and easily doable.
A container needs to be constructed or placed beneath the roof level, which will store the
rainwater intercepted and redirected towards it through pipes made out of wood, bamboo, or
PVC. Though this is the basic concept, industrial-grade rooftop rainwater harvesting in big
complexes is somewhat more complex.
Recharge Pits
Another common rainwater harvesting process is constructing recharge pits to hold the
rainwater. Recharge pits can be of any size and shape, depending on the intensity of rainfall
in a particular area. It is important to fill these recharge pits with coarse sand, boulders, and
gravels, which act as natural filters that keep away dirt and impurities usually carried by the
first flow of rainwater.

Q20 - Describe the rooftop rainwater harvesting system.

Rooftop rainwater harvesting is the most popular of all harvesting options in urban areas.
The system can be installed in an individual home environment, schools, colleges, and other
institutional buildings that have more available roof space.
The underlying concept of rooftop rainwater harvesting is pretty simple and easily doable.
A container needs to be constructed or placed beneath the roof level, which will store the
rainwater intercepted and redirected towards it through pipes made out of wood, bamboo, or
PVC.
Though this is the basic concept, industrial-grade rooftop rainwater harvesting in big
complexes is somewhat more complex.
Q21 - Describe about air pollution and its effects on the environment.
DEFINITION: Air pollution is the presence of substances in the atmosphere that are
harmful to the health of humans and other living beings, or cause damage to the climate or to
materials.
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 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.
Q22 - Write about the causes of air pollution and its effects on animals,
human beings. and environment.
Causes -
Air pollution is probably one of the most serious environmental problems confronting our
civilization today. Most often, it is caused by human activities such as mining, construction,
transportation, industrial work, agriculture, smelting, etc.

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.
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.

Effect on Animals
Air pollution also increases risk of acute cardiovascular events and development of coronary
artery disease in animals. ... Particulate matter in the air has been linked to cardiac arrest
in animals, and veterinarians sometimes attribute those deaths to the effects of air pollution.
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. Over 1 million seabirds
and 100,000 sea mammals are killed by pollution every year.
Effects on Humans
Short-term effects, which are temporary, include illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
They also include discomfort such as irritation to the nose, throat, eyes, or skin. Air pollution
can also cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Long-term effects of air pollution can last for years or for an entire lifetime. They can even
lead to a person's death. Long-term health effects from air pollution include heart
disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases such as emphysema. Air pollution can also
cause long-term damage to people's nerves, brain, and other organs.
Effects on The Environment
Like people, animals, and plants, entire ecosystems can suffer effects from air
pollution. Haze, like smog, is a visible type of air pollution that obscures shapes and colours.
Hazy air pollution can even muffle sounds.

Air pollution particles eventually fall back to Earth. Air pollution can directly contaminate
the surface of bodies of water and soil. This can kill crops or reduce their yield. It can kill
young trees and other plants.

Q23 - Write about the causes and control measures of air pollution (Discover
the ways to reduce air pollution in your city).
Use of Clean Energy Resources: The use of solar, wind and geothermal energies reduce air
pollution at a larger level.
Other air pollution control measures include: By minimizing and reducing the use of fire and
fire products. Since industrial emissions are one of the major causes of air pollution, the
pollutants can be controlled or treated at the source itself to reduce its effects.
Particulate Control: Mechanical collectors (dust cyclones, multi-cyclones)- Cyclonic
separation is a method of removing particulates from an air, gas or water stream, without the
use of filters, through vortex separation. Rotational effects and gravity are used to separate
mixtures of solids and fluids.
A high-speed rotating (air) flow is established within a cylindrical or conical container called
a cyclone. Air flows in a spiral pattern, beginning at the top (wide end) of the cyclone and
ending at the bottom (narrow) end before exiting the cyclone in a straight stream through the
centre of the cyclone and out the top.

Electrostatic Precipitators: An electrostatic precipitator (ESP), or electrostatic air cleaner is

a particulate collection device that removes particles from a flowing gas (such as air) using
the force of an induced electrostatic charge. Electrostatic precipitators are highly efficient
filtration devices that minimally impede the flow of gases through the device, and can easily
remove fine particulate matter such as dust and smoke from the air stream.

Q24 - Discuss the effects of water Pollution on human beings and water
biodiversity.

Water pollution is defined as “the addition of some substances (organic, inorganic,

biological or radiological) or factor (heat), which degrade the quality of water so that it
either becomes health hazard or unfit for use.”
Diseases: Not just the aquatic life, even when the humans end up drinking polluted water,
they make themselves vulnerable to various life-threatening illnesses like hepatitis, cholera,
typhoid, and many other water-borne diseases.
Ruination of the ecosystem: Our ecosystem is extremely fragile. Even a simple change can
lead the ecosystem to react and impact the environment. If the water system is unchecked in a
particular locality, then the whole ecosystem of that particular area may collapse.
Destruction of aquatic flora and fauna
There are countless species of plants and animals which depend upon water for their survival,
making them the most susceptible to water pollution. Meanwhile, other forms of pollution
can destroy the carefully balanced ecosystems and habitats of water-dwelling organisms,
wiping out entire species altogether. Solid wastes that we throw in the river or lakes or in the
sea can have a harmful impact on the aquatic animals.

Food chain disruption

Microscopic pollution of a body of water as big as the Pacific Ocean might seem negligible,
but tiny microplastics, chemicals, heavy metals and other contaminants can be ingested by
microorganisms and interfere with their inner organs. These are then consumed by larger
animals and so pollution gradually works its way up the food chain. At some point, it is
feasible for the contaminants to wipe out a link altogether, or else reach the very top of the
pyramid by compromising human health.
Q25 - Write about the causes and control measures of water pollution
(Discover the ways to reduce water pollution in your city)
The causes of water pollution vary and may be both natural and anthropogenic. However,
the most common causes of water pollution are the anthropogenic ones, including:

Agriculture runoff - carrying fertilizers, pesticides/insecticides/herbicides and other

pollutants into water bodies such as lakes, rivers, ponds). The usual effect of this type of
pollution consists of algae growing in affected water bodies. This is a sign of increased
nitrates and phosphates in water that could be harmful to human health.
Storm water runoff – carrying various oils, petroleum products, and other contaminants
from urban and rural areas (ditches). These usually forms sheens on the water surface.
Leaking sewer lines –Discharges of chlorinated solvents from dry-cleaners to sewer lines are
also a recognized source of water pollution with these persistent and harmful solvents.
CONTROL MEASURES
Legislation: There are many different anti-pollution laws and agreements in operation in the
United States, Europe, and worldwide
Regulation: Sometimes pollution seems unavoidable from papermaking to oil refining, many
industrial processes create pollution as a byproduct. By slowly reducing the levels of
permitted discharges, year by year and decade by decade, we can gradually bring pollution
under control.
Effective enforcement: Laws and regulations are worth nothing unless we' prepared to
Enforce them—and punish offenders with fines or jail sentences. This is part of an idea
known as the polluter pays principle, which means people who produce pollution should have
to pay the costs they inflict on society.
Public awareness: The more people know about the causes and effects of pollution, the more
likely they are going to be to avoid adding to the problem. Community action to tackle
pollution, such as voluntary clean-up of rivers and beaches is very important.

Q26 - Write about the plastic waste management (Discover the ways to reduce
plastic usage in your daily life).
Plastic pollution is caused by the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment. It can
be categorized in primary plastics, such as cigarette butts and bottle caps, or secondary
plastics, resulting from the degradation of the primary ones.
Methods of Plastic Waste Management
Reduce: First step in reducing plastic waste is to minimize single use plastics by supporting
a tax on plastic bags, restraint on manufacturing of plastics, and using alternatives of plastic
or biodegradable plastic.
Reuse: Reusing plastics can reduce the demand for new plastics; hence it can act as the
natural restrain on plastic manufacturing.
Recycle: Plastic recycling is the process of recovering waste or scrap plastic and
reprocessing it into useful products. It offers several benefits like:
Economic benefits due to value addition, Generates employment, Reduces depletion of
fossil fuel reserves, Reduces landfill problems, Recycling of plastics requires less energy.
Recovery: It is the process of converting non-recyclable plastics into a range of useful
forms of energy and chemicals for industry. Since plastics contain mainly carbon and
hydrogen, with similar energy content to conventional fuels such as diesel, they can be used
as a potential source of fuel.
Raising awareness amongst the public of the harm caused by plastic pollution through
education and outreach programs to modify behaviour.
A movement against plastic waste would have to prioritise the reduction of single-use
plastic such as multi-layer packaging, bread bags, food wrap, and protective packaging.
Q27 - Enumerate various methods of Solid waste management (describe the
ways to manage the waste in your city)
Solid waste refers to the range of garbage materials arising from animal and human activities
that are discarded as unwanted and useless. Solid waste is generated from industrial,
residential, and commercial activities in a given area.
Methods of Solid Waste Management
Open dumping: An open dumping is defined as a land disposal site at which solid wastes are
disposed of in a manner that does not protect the environment, are susceptible
to open burning, and are exposed to the elements, vectors, and scavengers. ...
Open Burning: Solid waste open burning is not the perfect method in the present scenario.
Open burning refers to burning garbage in barrels, open pits, outdoor furnaces, woodstoves,
or fireplaces. Open burning of garbage is much more harmful to your health and the
environment than you may think.
Manure pits: This is storage for manure, called the 'manure pit'. Farmers know the amount
of manure their animals produce, and build the size of their manure storages accordingly. The
size of the manure storage is built according to the number of animals that live in the yard.
This allows the farmer to store the manure until the time is right to spread it on the land.
Landfill: Landfills are sites designated for dumping rubbish, garbage, or other sorts of solid
wastes. Historically, they are the most common means of disposing solid waste which is
either buried or left to pile in heaps. The three main problems with landfill are toxins,
leachate and greenhouse gases.

Q28 - Describe the causes and effects of ozone depletion.

“The ozone layer is a region in the earth’s stratosphere that contains high concentrations
of ozone and protects the earth from the harmful ultraviolet radiations of the sun.”
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.
Causes: The main cause of ozone depletion and the ozone hole is manufactured chemicals,
specially manufactured halocarbon refrigerants, solvents, propellants, and foam- blowing
agents (chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), HCFCs, halons). Since the early 1970's, scientists
observed reduction in stratospheric ozone, and it was found more prominent in Polar
Regions. ODS substances have a lifetime of about 100 years.
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 a weakened immune system. Studies demonstrate that an increase in UV-B rays causes a
higher risk of skin cancer, plays a major role in malignant melanoma development, sunburns,
quick ageing, eye cataracts, blindness, and weekend immune system.
Effects on plants: Exposing plants to that much UV can quickly kill them. UV-B rays
negatively affect plants, crops. It may lead to minimal plant growth, smaller leaf size,
flowering and photosynthesis in plants, lower quality crops for humans. And decline in plant
productivity would in turn affect soil erosion and the carbon cycle. Strong ultraviolet rays
may lead to minimal growth, flowering, and photosynthesis in plants.
Effects on Animals: Direct exposure to ultraviolet radiations leads to skin and eye cancer in
animals. It prevents the development of protection immunity to a variety of infections in
mice and rats. Many studies in experimental animals have demonstrated that UV exposure
can cause both acute and delayed effects such as cataract, photokeratitis, damage to the
Q29 - Write an account on silent valley movement (Silent valley movement is
the victory of Science and Education- Explain).
It was started in 1973 by an NGO led by school teachers and the Kerala Sastra Sahithya
Parishad (KSSP). They strongly oppose the project and urge the government to abandon it.
Conservationists argue that:
The entire lower valley will be submerged by the dam, destroying its biodiversity.
The 10 percent loss projected by the government will actually be far worse.
The workforce brought in for the construction of the project will reside in the area for several
years and the destruction they cause – illegal wood felling, cattle grazing, poaching,
encroaching – will destroy the Valley.
October 1976: National Committee on Environment Planning and Coordination
(NCEPC) sets up a task force, to study the ecological problems that could be precipitated by
the project.

Silent Valley National Park is a national park in Kerala, India. Silent Valley is home to the
largest population of Lion tailed macaques, an endangered of primate.
The General Assembly of the IUCN urges the Government to conserve the undisturbed
forest area.
Many eminent people, including conservationists and corporate and political leaders, write to
the Central Government requesting that no sanction be given to the project.
January 1980: The High Court of Kerala lifted the ban on clear cutting, but then the Prime
Minister of India requested the Government of Kerala to stop further works in the project
area until all aspects were fully discussed. In December, the Government of Kerala declared
the Silent Valley area, excluding the hydroelectric project area, as a national park.
Meanwhile, a small group of campaigners meet the Kerala Governor and request her to issue
a stay order against continuing work on the project until the Committee set up by the Centre
gives its report. She agrees, and work is halted once again. On the streets, the awareness
campaigns continue.
June 1983: the Centre re-examines the issue through a commission chaired by Prof. M.G.K.
Menon. November 1983: the Silent Valley Hydroelectric Project is called off.
1985: Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi formally inaugurates Silent Valley National Park.

Q30 – Describe Bishnoi movement (Explain the role of the Bishnois of

Rajasthan in environmental conservation).

Bishnoism is said to have started in 1485AD by Saint Guru Jambheshwar in the Thar Desert
of Rajasthan, India.

Long before the world came to know about the environmental crises, Bishnois have been
cognizant of man’s relationship with nature and the importance to maintain its delicate
balance.

It is remarkable that these issues were thought about, half a century ago by Bishnoi
visionaries. No other religious order has given this level of importance to environment
value, protection and care.
Not many people know that the concept of Tree Huggers and Tree-Hugging, have roots in
the Bishnoi history. The famous ‘Chipko Movement’ was inspired by a true story of a brave
lady called Amrita Devi Bishnoi who refused to let the kingsmen cut the trees.
Q31 – Explain the steps of disaster management (Explain the role of an
individual in disaster management).
Disaster Management
Disaster Management can be defined as the organization and management of resources and
responsibilities for dealing with all humanitarian aspects of emergencies, in
particular preparedness, response and recovery in order to lessen the impact of disasters.
Disaster management is how we deal with the human, material, economic or environmental
impacts of said disaster, it is the process of how we “prepare for, respond to and learn
from the effects of major failures”.

Response Plan: The Plan has listed 18 broad activities to serve as a ready reckoner guide.

1. Search and Rescue of People and Animals

2. Evacuation of People and Animals
3. Medical Care
4. Housing and Temporary Shelters
5. Power
6. Food & Essential Supplies
7. Communication
8. Transportation
9. Rehabilitation and Ensuring Safety of Livestock and other Animals, Veterinary Care
10. Early Warning, Maps, Satellite inputs, Information Dissemination
11. Fuel
12. Data Collection and Management
13. Disposal of Animal Carcasses
14. Drinking-Water/ Dewatering Pumps/ Sanitation Facilities/ Public Health
15. Relief Logistics and Supply Chain Management
16. Fodder for livestock in scarcity-hit areas
17. Media Relations
18. Relief Employment

Q32 – Give an account on cyclone disaster management.

Cyclone Disaster Management encompasses mitigation and preparedness measures for

cyclones. India has a long history with cyclones. The location of India in the north Indian
Ocean makes it vulnerable to the tropical cyclone. In 2019-20, India witnessed multiple
cyclones including Amphan, Nisarga, Nivar, etc.

The importance of cyclone disaster management in India to mitigate personal and economic
losses.

Recover and build

After ‘All Clear’ is issued for back movement by ‘State’ give attention to the following:

 Whether ‘roads’ for reaching home is recommended by authorities

 Whether power lines are safe
 Whether transport arrangement is approved by authorities
 Pure drinking water is available
 Sewage lines are working
 Any epidemic spread in the area

Emergency Kit
 Battery operated torch
  First Aid Kits
 Knifes
 Important papers (Ration card, Voter ID card, Aadhar card etc)
 Emergency food (dry items) and water (packed and sealed)
 Candles and matches in a waterproof container

Q33 – Give an account on earthquake disaster management.

An earthquake is the shaking of the surface of Earth due to the sudden release of energy in
the Earth’s crust, as a result, seismic waves (also known as S waves)are created. The seismic
activities in an area determine the type and intensity of the earthquake.
Earthquakes are caused due to sudden tectonic movements in the earth’s crust. When the
tectonic plates slide over one another, there is a cause of orogeny which results in
earthquakes and volcanoes.
What to Do During an Earthquake

 DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of
furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there is no a table or desk near
you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the
building.
 Protect yourself by staying under the lintel of an inner door, in the corner of a room,
under a table or even under a bed.
 Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall,
(such as lighting fixtures or furniture).
What to Do After an Earthquake

 Keep calm, switch on the radio/TV and obey any instructions you hear on it.
 Keep away from beaches and low banks of rivers. Huge waves may sweep in.
 Be prepared to expect aftershocks.
 Turn off the water, gas and electricity.
Q34 – Give an account on flood disaster management. (Same as question 31)
Q35 – Write about the role of Information technology in environmental
protection.
Information Technology, it has a significant hand in improving the status in the fields of
environmental education and human health as compared to that of the other particular areas
such as business, economics, and culture or politics.
Collection of inter-related data on various subjects, can be retrieved when required, user
friendly and convenient to store large amount of data and analyze the data gathered, US EPA
Office of Pesticide Programs has three environmental databases that it uses to assess hazards
to the environment; to wildlife, aquatic life and plants, Ecotoxicity Database is one of them,
UNEP maintains several data sets as national, sub regional, regional and global statistics or as
geospatial data sets (maps), covering themes like Freshwater, Population, Forests, Climate,
Disasters, Health and GDP.

In India, Ministry of Environment & Forests, GOI compiles a database on various biotic
communities, it also maintains wildlife database, conservation database and forest cover
database.
Environmental Information System (ENVIS) : According to the ministry of environment
and forests, the government of India has developed an information system known as
ecological information system or ENVIS. It has its headquarters based in Delhi with 25
different centres all over the country.

ENVIS centres work for generating a network of databases in areas like pollution control,
clean technologies, remote sensing, coastal ecology, biodiversity, Western Ghats and eastern
environmental management, media related to environment, renewable energy, desertification,
mangroves, wildlife, Himalayan ecology, mining, etc
ENVIS established back in 1982, and since then, its main aim is to provide environmental
information to all the decision makers, engineers, scientists, and policy planners that reside in
all over the country. The centres of ENVIS implement the work hours in generating a new
network for databases in areas such as clean technologies, pollution control, biodiversity,
wildlife, environmental management, remote sensing, and renewable energy.

Q36 – Write about the role of Information technology in people health.

WHO describes Health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not
merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Innovations leading to converging of IT & Life
Sciences creating vast qualities of data. HIT (Health Information Technology) provides the
umbrella framework to describe the comprehensive management of health information across
computerized systems. Helps in exchange between consumers, providers, government,
quality entities and insurers.

Databases: Again, Databases come to the rescue. Data regarding birth, death rates,
immunization programs can be maintained more accurately than before in health centres due
to computers. Information and statistics about diseases like malaria, fluorosis, AIDS, etc.
DNA databases and genetic information about population, medical records, fingerprints, etc
can be stored and accessed.

Biological Databases: NCBI- National Centre for Biotechnology Information. Contains

several databases which store genome data, protein data, nucleotide, genotypes, etc The
National Centre for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing
access to biomedical and genomic information. PDB- Protein Data Bank, Several other
databases including PCR databases, Metabolic and signal pathways, RNA, Proteomics,
Protein Interaction databases, etc.

Telemedicine: Use of telecommunication and information technologies in order to provide

clinical care at a distance, Helps eliminate distance barriers, Saves lives in critical care and
emergency situations. • Benefit remote regions with specialists living far away, Also
eliminates the possibility of transmission in case of infectious diseases. E.g. In MRSA cases