SCIENCE (EVS) – DETAILED NOTES
(Prepared to cover approximately 20 academic / handwritten pages)
1. INTRODUCTION TO EVS (ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES)
Environmental Studies (EVS) is an interdisciplinary subject that deals with the study of the environment
and the relationship between living organisms and their surroundings. It integrates concepts from
science, social science, geography, biology, chemistry, and economics.
Objectives of EVS
• To understand natural and human-made environments
• To create awareness about environmental problems
• To promote sustainable development
• To develop responsible citizenship
2. ENVIRONMENT
2.1 Meaning of Environment
The environment includes all living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components that surround us.
2.2 Components of Environment
• Biotic Components: Plants, animals, microorganisms
• Abiotic Components: Air, water, soil, sunlight, temperature
3. ECOSYSTEM
An ecosystem is a functional unit of nature where living organisms interact with each other and with the
physical environment.
3.1 Types of Ecosystems
• Natural Ecosystem: Forest, grassland, desert, aquatic
• Artificial Ecosystem: Aquarium, crop field, garden
3.2 Components of Ecosystem
• Producers (Green plants)
• Consumers (Herbivores, carnivores, omnivores)
• Decomposers (Bacteria and fungi)
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4. FOOD CHAIN AND FOOD WEB
Food Chain
A linear sequence showing transfer of energy from one organism to another.
Example: Grass → Deer → Lion
Food Web
A network of interconnected food chains.
5. ENERGY FLOW IN AN ECOSYSTEM
• Energy flows in one direction only
• Only 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next (10% Law)
6. NATURAL RESOURCES
6.1 Renewable Resources
Resources that can be replenished naturally.
Examples: - Solar energy - Wind energy - Water
6.2 Non-Renewable Resources
Resources that are limited in supply.
Examples: - Coal - Petroleum - Natural gas
7. FOREST RESOURCES
Importance of Forests
• Maintain ecological balance
• Prevent soil erosion
• Provide habitat to wildlife
• Regulate climate
Deforestation
Cutting of trees on a large scale.
Effects: - Global warming - Loss of biodiversity - Floods and droughts
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8. WATER RESOURCES
Sources of Water
• Rivers
• Lakes
• Groundwater
Water Conservation
• Rainwater harvesting
• Efficient irrigation methods
• Avoiding water pollution
9. MINERAL AND ENERGY RESOURCES
Mineral Resources
• Metallic: Iron, copper, aluminium
• Non-metallic: Limestone, mica
Energy Resources
• Conventional: Coal, petroleum
• Non-conventional: Solar, wind, biogas
10. BIODIVERSITY
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth.
Levels of Biodiversity
• Genetic diversity
• Species diversity
• Ecosystem diversity
Importance of Biodiversity
• Ecological stability
• Economic value
• Cultural importance
11. CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY
In-situ Conservation
• National parks
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• Wildlife sanctuaries
Ex-situ Conservation
• Zoos
• Botanical gardens
• Seed banks
12. POLLUTION
Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances into the environment.
Types of Pollution
• Air pollution
• Water pollution
• Soil pollution
• Noise pollution
13. AIR POLLUTION
Causes
• Vehicular emissions
• Industrial smoke
• Burning of fossil fuels
Effects
• Respiratory diseases
• Global warming
• Acid rain
14. WATER POLLUTION
Causes
• Industrial waste
• Sewage discharge
• Agricultural runoff
Effects
• Water-borne diseases
• Death of aquatic life
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15. SOIL AND NOISE POLLUTION
Soil Pollution
Caused by excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Noise Pollution
Caused by loud sounds from traffic, machines, and loudspeakers.
16. GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Global Warming
Increase in Earth’s average temperature due to greenhouse gases.
Ozone Layer Depletion
Caused by CFCs.
Climate Change
Long-term changes in weather patterns.
17. HUMAN POPULATION AND ENVIRONMENT
Population Growth
Rapid increase in human population puts pressure on natural resources.
Effects
• Resource depletion
• Pollution
• Unemployment
18. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations.
Principles
• Conservation of resources
• Use of renewable energy
• Environmental protection
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19. ROLE OF INDIVIDUAL IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
• Save water and electricity
• Plant trees
• Avoid plastic
20. ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND AWARENESS
Major Environmental Laws in India
• Environment Protection Act, 1986
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
• Water Act, 1974
Importance of Awareness
• Public participation
• Responsible behaviour
SUMMARY AND EXAM REVISION POINTS
• Understand basic EVS concepts clearly
• Learn definitions and diagrams
• Practice short and long answer questions
END OF SCIENCE (EVS) NOTES