ENVIRONMENT SCIENCE (EVS)

NEP U.G. Common-Value Added Course | 2nd Semester

Complete Answer Guide — Exam Ready

Paper Environment Science VAC (2056)

Max. Marks 40
Time Allowed 2 Hours
Total Questions 9 (Attempt 5)
Compulsory Q.1 (10×1 = 10 marks)
PDF Pages 15–20 (Comprehensive)

Prepared for BCA 2nd Year | All Units Covered

QUESTION 1 — Short Answer Questions (10 × 1 = 10 Marks)
Note: Answer any TEN of the following. Each answer carries 1 mark.

i. What do you mean by environment?

Environment refers to all the external conditions and surroundings — both living (biotic) and non-living
(abiotic) — that influence an organism's life and development. It includes air, water, soil, climate, other
organisms, and human-made structures.

ii. Write any two reasons for the loss of biodiversity.

1. Habitat destruction due to deforestation, urbanisation, and agriculture expansion.

2. Overexploitation of species through hunting, poaching, and over-fishing.

iii. Write the main difference between renewable and non-renewable resources.
Renewable resources are naturally replenished within a human lifespan (e.g., solar energy, wind, water,
forests). Non-renewable resources take millions of years to form and get exhausted with use (e.g., coal,
petroleum, natural gas).

iv. Write the significance of ozone layer in the atmosphere.

The ozone layer (found in the stratosphere at 15–35 km altitude) absorbs 97–99% of the Sun's harmful
ultraviolet (UV-B and UV-C) radiation, protecting living organisms from skin cancer, eye damage, and
genetic mutations.

v. Write two causes of air pollution.

1. Burning of fossil fuels in industries and vehicles releasing CO, SO2, NOx.

2. Deforestation and burning of agricultural waste releasing CO2 and particulate matter.

vi. What do you mean by sustainable development?

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present generation without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (Brundtland Commission, 1987). It
balances economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection.

vii. What is Chipko movement?

The Chipko Movement (1973) was a non-violent grassroots environmental movement in Uttarakhand,
India. Led by Sunderlal Bahuguna and Gaura Devi, villagers (mainly women) hugged trees to prevent
contractors from cutting them, saving Himalayan forests.

viii. Mention two measures for controlling noise pollution.

1. Use of sound-absorbing materials (acoustic insulation) in buildings and machinery.

2. Planting trees and green belts along roadsides and industrial areas to act as sound barriers.

ix. What is Kyoto Protocol?

The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty (adopted 1997, enforced 2005) under the UNFCCC that
committed industrialised countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2% below 1990 levels during
2008–2012, addressing global climate change.

x. What is Acid rain?

Acid rain is precipitation (rain, snow, fog) with a pH below 5.6, formed when sulfur dioxide (SO2) and
nitrogen oxides (NOx) react with water vapour in the atmosphere to form sulfuric and nitric acids. It
damages ecosystems, buildings, and agriculture.

xi. What is meant by food chain?

A food chain is a linear sequence showing the transfer of energy and nutrients from one organism to
another through feeding relationships. It begins with producers (plants) → herbivores → carnivores →
decomposers. Example: Grass → Grasshopper → Frog → Snake → Eagle.

xii. Define Deforestation.

Deforestation is the permanent removal of trees and forest cover for agriculture, construction, logging, or
other purposes. It leads to loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, climate change, and disruption of the water
cycle.

xiii. What is meant by soil erosion?

Soil erosion is the wearing away and displacement of the topsoil layer by natural forces like wind and
water, or by human activities like deforestation and overgrazing. It results in loss of soil fertility and land
degradation.

xiv. Mention main objective of Convention on Biodiversity (CBD).

The three main objectives of CBD (Rio de Janeiro, 1992) are: (1) Conservation of biological diversity, (2)
Sustainable use of its components, and (3) Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic
resources.

xv. Name some greenhouse gases.

Major greenhouse gases include: Carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous oxide (N2O), Water
vapour (H2O), Ozone (O3), and Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
UNIT — I

Q2. Write notes on: (a) Hotspots of Biodiversity (b) Conservation of

Biodiversity [4.5+3]

(a) Hotspots of Biodiversity (4.5 Marks)

A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region that is both a significant reservoir of biodiversity AND is
threatened with destruction. The concept was introduced by Norman Myers in 1988.

Criteria to qualify as a Hotspot:

• Must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics (endemic = found nowhere else
on Earth).
• Must have lost at least 70% of its original habitat.

Key Hotspots in India:

Hotspot Location Key Features

Western Ghats SW India Tigers, Lion-tailed Macaque, over 5000 plant species

Eastern Himalayas NE India + Nepal Snow Leopard, Red Panda, diverse orchids

Indo-Burma NE India + SE Asia Irrawaddy Dolphin, freshwater turtles

Sundaland Andaman & Nicobar Coral reefs, unique marine biodiversity

Importance of Hotspots:
• They cover only 2.3% of Earth's land surface but hold over 50% of endemic plant species.
• Help prioritize conservation efforts and resources globally.
• Protect unique gene pools that may have future medicinal or agricultural value.

(b) Conservation of Biodiversity (3 Marks)

Conservation of biodiversity means the protection, preservation, and management of biodiversity to ensure
sustainable utilization of natural resources for present and future generations.

Two Main Types:

Type Definition Examples

In-situ Conservation Protecting species in their natural habitat

National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves (e.g., Jim

Ex-situ Conservation Protecting species outside their natural

Zoos,habitat
Botanical Gardens, Seed Banks, Gene Banks, Aquariums

Other Conservation Measures:

• Legislation: Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Forest Conservation Act 1980.
• International Treaties: CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
• Community participation: Sacred groves (Dev Van) protected by local communities.
• Sustainable use of biodiversity to reduce pressure on wild populations.
Q3. Discuss the concept, structure and function of an Ecosystem. [7.5
Marks]

Concept of Ecosystem:
An ecosystem is a functional unit of nature where living organisms (biotic components) interact with each
other and with their non-living environment (abiotic components) through energy flow and nutrient cycling.
Term coined by A.G. Tansley (1935).

Examples: Forest ecosystem, Pond ecosystem, Desert ecosystem, Marine ecosystem.

Structure of Ecosystem:
1. Abiotic Components (Non-Living):
• Physical factors: Temperature, humidity, wind, light intensity.
• Chemical factors: Soil nutrients, water, gases (CO2, O2, N2).
• Climatic factors: Rainfall, seasonal variations.

2. Biotic Components (Living):

Component Description Example

Producers (Autotrophs) Make food via photosynthesis Green plants, algae, phytoplankton

Primary Consumers Herbivores — eat producers Deer, rabbit, grasshopper, cow

Secondary Consumers Carnivores — eat herbivores Frog, small fish, snake

Tertiary Consumers Top carnivores Eagle, tiger, lion, shark

Decomposers Break down dead organic matter Bacteria, fungi, earthworms

Functions of Ecosystem:
■ Energy Flow:
Energy enters ecosystem through photosynthesis and flows linearly from producers → consumers. At
each trophic level, about 10% energy is transferred (10% Law by Lindemann).

■ Nutrient Cycling (Biogeochemical Cycles):

Elements like carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus cycle through biotic and abiotic components. Example:
Carbon Cycle — CO2 fixed by plants → animals → decomposers → CO2 released back.

■ Productivity:
Primary productivity = rate at which producers synthesize organic matter. GPP (Gross Primary
Productivity) – Respiration = NPP (Net Primary Productivity).

■ Ecological Succession:
The gradual and predictable change in species composition over time until a stable climax community is
formed.

■ Self-regulation (Homeostasis):
Ecosystems have self-regulating mechanisms through feedback loops that maintain ecological balance.
Q4. What is meant by land resources? Discuss causes of depletion and
conservation steps. [7.5 Marks]

Definition of Land Resources:

Land resources refer to the surface of the Earth and its inherent natural components — soil, minerals,
vegetation, and water — that support human activities including agriculture, forestry, settlement, and
industry. About 29% of Earth's surface is land, of which only 11% is arable.

Types of Land Resources:

• Agricultural land — used for crop cultivation.
• Forest land — supports biodiversity and environmental services.
• Wasteland — degraded, barren, or uncultivable land.
• Grazing land — pastures for livestock.
• Urban/Industrial land — cities, roads, factories.

Causes of Land Resource Depletion:

1. Deforestation
Large-scale clearing of forests for agriculture and development exposes soil to erosion.

2. Soil Erosion
Wind and water remove fertile topsoil due to overgrazing, deforestation, and poor farming.

3. Urbanisation
Rapid expansion of cities covers fertile agricultural land with concrete.

4. Mining and Quarrying

Open-cast mining destroys large areas of land and causes subsidence.

5. Agricultural Misuse
Overuse of chemical fertilisers and pesticides leads to soil degradation and desertification.

6. Overgrazing
Excess livestock removes vegetation cover, leading to desertification.

7. Waterlogging and Salinity

Excessive irrigation causes salts to accumulate, reducing soil fertility.

Steps for Conservation of Land Resources:

• Afforestation and Reforestation — planting trees to restore degraded land.
• Contour ploughing and terracing — reduces water runoff on slopes.
• Crop rotation and mixed farming — maintains soil health.
• Control of overgrazing — rotational grazing systems.
• Reclamation of wastelands — using biofertilisers and organic matter.
• Check dams and bunds — control soil erosion by water.
• Legislation: Forest Conservation Act 1980, Land Acquisition Act.
• Organic farming — reduces chemical degradation of soil.
Q5. Write notes on: (a) Pyramid of Number (b) Pyramid of Biomass (c)
Pyramid of Energy [2.5×3=7.5]

Ecological pyramids are graphical representations showing the relationship between different trophic
levels in terms of number, biomass, or energy. Introduced by Charles Elton (1927).

(a) Pyramid of Number

• Represents the number of individual organisms at each trophic level.
• Shape: Usually upright (base = producers, apex = top consumers).
• Example (Grassland): Grass (millions) → Grasshoppers (thousands) → Frogs (hundreds) → Snakes
(tens) → Hawk (1–2).
• Inverted Example: One large tree → many insects → few birds (producer has fewer numbers than
consumers).
• Spindle-shaped Example: Parasites — one host → many parasites → more hyperparasites.
• Limitation: Does not account for size of organisms; a single large tree counted same as one blade of
grass.

(b) Pyramid of Biomass

• Represents the total dry weight (biomass) of organisms at each trophic level.
• Measured in grams per square metre (g/m²) or kg/hectare.
• Upright Example (terrestrial): Producers have maximum biomass; decreases at each higher level.
• Inverted Example (aquatic/ocean): Phytoplankton (small biomass) support large zooplankton
biomass; producers are consumed faster than they accumulate.
• Advantage over pyramid of number: Accounts for size; gives better picture of energy stored.
• Limitation: Does not show rate of energy flow; only a snapshot of biomass at a moment.

(c) Pyramid of Energy

• Represents the flow of energy through trophic levels per unit area per unit time (kcal/m²/year).
• Always upright — energy always decreases at each successive trophic level.
• Based on 10% Law (Lindemann's Law): Only 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to
next; 90% is lost as heat (respiration, excretion).
• Example: 10,000 kcal (Producers) → 1,000 kcal (Primary Consumers) → 100 kcal (Secondary) → 10
kcal (Tertiary).
• Most accurate and realistic of all ecological pyramids.
• Limitation: Requires detailed laboratory measurements; difficult to calculate in field conditions.

Comparison Table: Ecological Pyramids

Feature Pyramid of Number Pyramid of Biomass Pyramid of Energy

Unit Number of individuals g/m² or kg/ha kcal/m²/year

Shape Upright / Inverted / Spindle Upright / Inverted Always Upright

Accuracy Least accurate Moderate Most accurate

Accounts for size No Yes Yes

UNIT — II

Q6. Write notes on: (a) Sustainable Development Goals (b) Environment
Protection Act [4.5+3]

(a) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [4.5 Marks]

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 global goals adopted by all 193 United Nations
member states on 25 September 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They
replaced the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The 17 SDGs at a Glance:

SDG No. Goal SDG No. Goal

1 No Poverty 10 Reduced Inequalities

2 Zero Hunger 11 Sustainable Cities

3 Good Health & Well-being 12 Responsible Consumption

4 Quality Education 13 Climate Action

5 Gender Equality 14 Life Below Water

6 Clean Water & Sanitation 15 Life on Land

7 Affordable & Clean Energy 16 Peace, Justice & Institutions

8 Decent Work & Economic Growth 17 Partnerships for the Goals

9 Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure

Key Features of SDGs:

• Universal — apply to all countries, developed and developing alike.
• Integrated — social, economic and environmental dimensions are interlinked.
• Inclusive — leave no one behind; focus on marginalised communities.
• Time-bound — to be achieved by 2030.
• India's Progress: India has aligned its national policies (like Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat) with
SDGs.

(b) Environment Protection Act, 1986 [3 Marks]

The Environment (Protection) Act (EPA) was enacted by the Indian Parliament on 23 May 1986, after the
Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984). It is umbrella legislation providing a framework for coordination of central and
state authorities.

Key Provisions:
• Empowers Central Government to take all necessary measures to protect and improve environment
quality.
• Prohibition on discharging environmental pollutants beyond prescribed standards.
• Power to close, prohibit, or regulate industries causing environmental pollution.
• National Environment Tribunal set up for speedy disposal of cases.
• Penalty: Imprisonment up to 5 years or fine up to Rs. 1 lakh, or both.
 • Covers air, water, soil, and noise pollution comprehensively.

Important Rules under EPA:

• Hazardous Waste (Management) Rules, 1989.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 1994.
• Biomedical Waste (Management) Rules, 1998.
• Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
Q7. Explain causes of industrial waste along with its effects and control
measures. [7.5 Marks]

Introduction:
Industrial waste refers to waste produced by manufacturing, industrial, and chemical processes. It includes
solid waste, liquid effluents, and gaseous emissions from factories, power plants, mines, and processing
units.

Types of Industrial Waste:

• Solid waste: Slag, ash, sludge, packaging materials.
• Liquid waste (Effluents): Chemicals, dyes, heavy metals dissolved in water.
• Gaseous waste: SO2, NOx, CO, HF from chimneys.
• Radioactive waste: From nuclear power plants.
• Hazardous waste: Toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive materials.

Causes of Industrial Waste Generation:

1. Rapid Industrialisation
Unplanned growth of industries without adequate waste treatment facilities.

2. Use of Toxic Raw Materials

Heavy metals like mercury, lead, cadmium used in electroplating, battery manufacturing.

3. Outdated Technology
Old factories use inefficient processes generating more waste per unit output.

4. Lack of Regulation
Weak enforcement of environmental laws allows industries to dump waste freely.

5. Thermal Pollution
Power plants discharge hot water into rivers, raising water temperature.

Effects of Industrial Waste:

Effect Description

Water Pollution Heavy metals and chemicals contaminate rivers; causes death of aquatic life; Minamata diseas

Air Pollution SO2 and NOx cause acid rain; particulate matter causes respiratory diseases

Soil Contamination Toxic waste leaches into soil; reduces soil fertility; damages crops

Human Health Cancer, neurological disorders, skin diseases, respiratory problems

Loss of Biodiversity Polluted habitats cannot support wildlife; species extinction

Climate Change Industrial GHG emissions accelerate global warming

Control Measures:
• Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP): Treat liquid industrial waste before discharge.
• Scrubbers and Electrostatic Precipitators: Remove particulates and gases from chimneys.
• 3R Principle: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle industrial materials.
• Green Technology: Use of cleaner production technologies and renewable energy.
• Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD): Industries recycle all wastewater — no discharge.
• Hazardous Waste Management Rules: Proper storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste.
• Regular Environmental Audits by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board).
• Industrial Zones: Locate industries away from residential and ecologically sensitive areas.
Q8. Define global warming and its impact on climate change. [7.5 Marks]

Definition of Global Warming:

Global warming is the long-term rise in the average surface temperature of the Earth due to the increased
concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, primarily caused by human activities. The
Earth has warmed by approximately 1.1°C since the pre-industrial period (1850–1900).

Greenhouse Effect — The Mechanism:

The greenhouse effect is a natural process where certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat from
the Sun. Solar radiation passes through the atmosphere, warms the Earth's surface; the Earth radiates
heat (infrared radiation) back, which is trapped by GHGs — similar to a greenhouse. Without this natural
effect, Earth's temperature would be -18°C (currently +15°C on average).

Greenhouse Gases and Their Sources:

Gas Source % Contribution

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fossil fuel burning, deforestation ~76%

Methane (CH4) Livestock, paddy fields, landfills ~16%

Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Fertilisers, industrial processes ~6%

CFCs, HFCs Refrigerants, aerosols ~2%

Impacts of Global Warming on Climate Change:

1. Rising Sea Levels
Melting of polar ice caps (Arctic, Antarctic) and glaciers causes sea levels to rise by 3.3 mm/year.
Threatens low-lying countries like Bangladesh, Maldives; coastal flooding.

2. Extreme Weather Events

Increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes, cyclones, floods, droughts, and heat waves due to more
energy in the atmosphere.

3. Melting Glaciers
Himalayan glaciers are retreating, threatening freshwater supply for rivers like Ganga, Brahmaputra.

4. Disruption of Agriculture
Changed rainfall patterns, increased droughts and floods affect crop productivity; food insecurity.

5. Loss of Biodiversity
Species unable to adapt to rapidly changing temperatures face extinction. Coral bleaching due to ocean
warming.

6. Ocean Acidification
CO2 dissolves in oceans forming carbonic acid, lowering pH; harms marine life especially shellfish and
corals.

7. Human Health Impacts

Spread of vector-borne diseases (malaria, dengue) to new areas; heat-related deaths increase.

8. Displacement of People
Climate refugees due to flooding, desertification, and loss of agricultural land.
Solutions / Mitigation:
• Transition to renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro) — reduce fossil fuel dependency.
• Energy efficiency improvements in buildings, transport, industry.
• Afforestation — trees absorb CO2.
• International Agreements: Kyoto Protocol (1997), Paris Agreement (2015) — limit warming to
1.5–2°C.
• Carbon taxation and cap-and-trade systems.
Q9. What is environmental movement? Discuss role of Bishnois of
Rajasthan in environment conservation. [7.5 Marks]

Environmental Movement — Introduction:

An environmental movement is a collective social and political movement that seeks to protect the natural
environment from damage caused by human activities. These movements raise awareness, advocate for
policy changes, and engage in direct action to conserve nature.

Key Environmental Movements in India:

Movement Year Location Key Person

Chipko Movement 1973 Uttarakhand Sunderlal Bahuguna, Gaura Devi

Appiko Movement 1983 Karnataka Panduranga Hegde

Narmada Bachao Andolan 1985 MP/Gujarat Medha Patkar

Silent Valley Movement 1973–83 Kerala Grassroots + activists

Bishnoi Movement 1730 Rajasthan Amrita Devi Bishnoi

Bishnois of Rajasthan — Role in Environment Conservation:

The Bishnoi community of Rajasthan is one of the world's earliest environmental conservationists, guided
by the 29 principles (Bishno = 29) laid down by Guru Jambheshwar (Jambhoji) in 1485 CE. These
principles emphasise living in harmony with nature.

Historical Background:
In 1730, in Khejarli village near Jodhpur, Maharaja Abhay Singh of Jodhpur sent soldiers to cut Khejri trees
(Prosopis cineraria) — the sacred tree of Bishnois — for timber to build a palace. Amrita Devi Bishnoi,
along with her three daughters and 363 other Bishnois, hugged the trees and sacrificed their lives rather
than let the trees be cut. This became the first recorded tree-protection movement in history.

29 Principles of Bishnois relevant to Environment:

• Prohibition on cutting of any green tree.
• Ban on killing any animal, particularly deer and peacocks.
• Prohibition on burning firewood that produces black smoke (causing air pollution).
• Provision for feeding animals and birds, especially in drought.
• Conservation of water resources and protection of water bodies.
• Using only dried wood for fuel — not green trees.

Conservation Efforts of Bishnoi Community Today:

• Blackbuck (Kala Hiran) and Chinkara deer live freely in Bishnoi villages — not hunted.
• The Bishnoi villages serve as de facto wildlife sanctuaries.
• They actively oppose and report poaching — e.g., they filed cases against Bollywood actor Salman
Khan for poaching blackbuck (1998 Jodhpur case).
• Khejri tree is protected and worshipped — the State tree of Rajasthan.
• Trees are never cut — even dead branches are used only for minimal fuel needs.
• Strong community enforcement — violators face social sanctions.

Significance and Legacy:

The Bishnoi movement inspired the Chipko Movement of 1973. The Khejarli Massacre is commemorated
every year at Khejarli village. Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award is given by the Government of
India for wildlife conservation. The Bishnoi community proves that religious and cultural values can be
powerful tools for environmental conservation.
BONUS: Additional Important Questions & Answers
These questions frequently appear in EVS exams and are important for preparation.

EQ1. What is the Water Cycle (Hydrological Cycle)?

• The water cycle is the continuous movement of water through the Earth's systems — evaporation,
condensation, precipitation, and runoff.
• Evaporation: Sun heats water in oceans/lakes → water vapour rises.
• Condensation: Water vapour cools and forms clouds.
• Precipitation: Water falls as rain/snow/hail.
• Infiltration: Water seeps into ground → groundwater.
• Surface Runoff: Water flows into rivers, lakes, oceans.
• Importance: Distributes freshwater globally; regulates climate; supports all life.

EQ2. What is the difference between Biodiversity and Endemism?

• Biodiversity: Total variety of life forms (genes, species, ecosystems) in a given area. India is 17th
mega-biodiversity country.
• Endemism: Species found exclusively in a specific geographic area and nowhere else. Example:
Lion-tailed macaque is endemic to Western Ghats.
• Endemic species are at greater extinction risk because their habitat is limited.

EQ3. Define Carbon Cycle and its importance.

• The carbon cycle describes the movement of carbon through the atmosphere, organisms, soil, and
oceans.
• Photosynthesis: Plants fix CO2 → organic carbon (glucose).
• Respiration: Organisms release CO2 back to atmosphere.
• Decomposition: Dead matter decomposed by microbes → CO2 released.
• Combustion: Burning of fossil fuels adds excess CO2.
• Importance: Regulates atmospheric CO2; drives photosynthesis; links to global warming.

EQ4. What is Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?

• EIA is a systematic process to evaluate the potential environmental consequences of a proposed
project before a decision is made.
• Introduced in India through EIA Notification 1994, updated in 2006 under EPA 1986.
• Steps: Screening → Scoping → Impact prediction → Mitigation → Public hearing → Review →
Monitoring.
• Purpose: Ensures development projects consider environmental implications; promotes sustainable
development.
• Mandatory for projects like dams, highways, airports, industries above a threshold size.
EQ5. What is Noise Pollution? Causes, Effects and Control.
• Noise pollution is unwanted or excessive sound that disrupts the environment. WHO defines harmful
noise as >65 dB sustained exposure.
• CAUSES: Traffic, industrial machinery, construction, loudspeakers, aircraft.
• EFFECTS: Hearing loss (>85 dB), hypertension, stress, sleep disturbance, decreased productivity;
wildlife communication disruption.
• CONTROL: Noise barriers and plantations; silencers on vehicles; industrial noise regulations (Noise
Pollution Rules 2000); prohibition of loudspeakers after 10 PM; electric vehicles.

EQ6. Write about Forest Ecosystem.

• A forest ecosystem includes all living organisms in a forest along with the abiotic environment.
• Types: Tropical rainforest (Amazon, Western Ghats), Temperate forest, Boreal/Taiga forest,
Mangrove forest.
• Structure: Emergent layer → Canopy → Understory → Shrub layer → Forest floor.
• Functions: Carbon sequestration, O2 production, water cycle regulation, habitat for 80% of terrestrial
biodiversity, soil conservation.
• India has 21.67% forest cover (State of Forest Report 2021); target is 33% under National Forest
Policy 1988.

EQ7. What is Rainwater Harvesting? Methods and Importance.

• Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater for future use, rather than allowing it to
run off.
• Methods: Rooftop harvesting (tanks), Percolation pits, Check dams, Farm ponds, Bawdis (stepwells
— traditional Rajasthan).
• Importance: Recharges groundwater, reduces flooding, provides water in drought-prone areas,
cost-effective.
• India: Mandatory in many states (Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka); ancient systems like 'Johad' in
Rajasthan.

EQ8. What is Wildlife Protection Act 1972?

• The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is a comprehensive law to protect wildlife in India.
• Key Features: Six schedules classifying animals by protection level (Schedule I = highest protection,
including tiger, elephant, rhino).
• Established National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Tiger Reserves.
• CITES implementation — controls international trade in endangered species.
• Penalty: For killing Schedule I species — up to 7 years imprisonment.
• Project Tiger (1973) and Project Elephant (1992) launched under this framework.
EQ9. What is meant by Ozone Depletion?
• Ozone depletion is the thinning of the ozone layer in the stratosphere due to chemical reactions with
man-made compounds.
• Main culprits: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from refrigerators/AC, Halons from fire extinguishers,
Nitrous oxide (N2O).
• Mechanism: CFC releases Cl radical → Cl + O3 → ClO + O2 (chain reaction destroying thousands of
ozone molecules).
• Ozone Hole: Over Antarctica (discovered 1985); also over Arctic in spring.
• Effects: Increased UV-B radiation → skin cancer, cataracts, immune suppression, crop damage,
marine ecosystem damage.
• Solution: Montreal Protocol (1987) — phased out CFCs; one of most successful environmental
treaties.

EQ10. What is Agenda 21?

• Agenda 21 is a non-binding resolution adopted by 178 governments at the UN Earth Summit (Rio de
Janeiro) in June 1992.
• It is a comprehensive blueprint for sustainable development at global, national, and local levels in the
21st century.
• Four main sections: Social and economic dimensions, Conservation and resource management,
Strengthening major groups, Means of implementation.
• Local Agenda 21: Encourages local governments to develop their own sustainability action plans.
• Preceded the SDGs (2015) and formed foundation of global environmental governance.
QUICK REVISION: Key Terms & Definitions
Term Definition

Ecosystem Functional unit where living organisms interact with non-living environment

Biodiversity Variety of life at genetic, species, and ecosystem level

Food Chain Linear transfer of energy from producers to consumers

Trophic Level Position of organism in food chain (Producer=1st, Herbivore=2nd, etc.)

10% Law Only 10% energy transfers between trophic levels (Lindemann, 1942)

Biosphere Reserve Protected areas for both conservation and sustainable use

Carbon Footprint Total GHG emissions caused by individual, organization or product

Acid Rain Precipitation with pH < 5.6 due to SO2 and NOx in atmosphere

Deforestation Permanent removal of forest cover for non-forest use

Eutrophication Excessive nutrient enrichment of water bodies → algal bloom → O2 depletion

Biomagnification Increase in concentration of toxins at higher trophic levels

Desertification Degradation of dryland areas due to climate change and human activities

IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature — publishes Red List

Ex-situ Conservation outside natural habitat (zoos, seed banks)

In-situ Conservation within natural habitat (national parks, sanctuaries)

Paris Agreement 2015 accord to limit global warming to 1.5-2°C above pre-industrial levels

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment — evaluation before project approval

SDGs 17 Sustainable Development Goals of UN 2030 Agenda

Ozone Layer Stratospheric layer (15-35 km) absorbing harmful UV radiation

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