EVS STUDY KIT- Dr.V.R.

MANOJ 2015
GE6351 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SYLLABUS REGULATION 2013
SYLLABUS
UNIT I ENVIRONMENT, ECOSYSTEMS AND BIODIVERSITY
Definition, scope and importance of Risk and hazards; Chemical hazards, Physical hazards,Biological hazards in
the environment concept of an ecosystem structure and function of an ecosystem producers, consumers
and decomposers-Oxygen cycle and Nitrogen cycle energy flow in the ecosystem ecological succession
processes Introduction, types, characteristic features, structure and function of the (a) forest ecosystem (b)
grassland ecosystem (c) desert ecosystem (d) aquatic ecosystems (ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, oceans,
estuaries) Introduction to biodiversity definition: genetic, species and ecosystem diversity biogeographical
classification of India value of biodiversity: consumptive use, productive use, social, ethical, aesthetic and
option values Biodiversity at global, national and local levels India as a mega-diversity nation hot-spots of
biodiversity threats to biodiversity: habitat loss, poaching of wildlife, man-wildlife conflicts endangered and
endemic species of India conservation of biodiversity: In-situ and ex-situ conservation of biodiversity. Field
study of common plants, insects, birds Field study of simple ecosystems pond, river, hill slopes, etc.
UNIT II ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Definition - causes, effects and control measures of: (a) Air pollution ( Atmospheric chemistry - Chemical
composition of the atmosphere; Chemical and photochemical reactions in the atmosphere - formation of smog,
PAN, acid rain, oxygen and ozone chemistry;- Mitigation procedures- Control of particulate and gaseous
emission, Control of SO2, NOX, CO and HC) (b) Water pollution : Physical and chemical properties of
terrestrial and marine water and their environmental significance; Water quality parameters physical, chemical
and biological; absorption of heavy metals - Water treatment processes. (c) Soil pollution - soil waste
management: causes, effects and control measures of municipal solid wastes (d) Marine pollution (e) Noise
pollution (f) Thermal pollution (g) Nuclear hazardsrole of an individual in prevention of pollution pollution
case studies Field study of local polluted site Urban / Rural / Industrial / Agricultural.
UNIT III NATURAL RESOURCES
Forest resources: Use and over-exploitation, deforestation, case studies- timber extraction, mining, dams and
their effects on forests and tribal people Water resources: Use and overutilization of surface and ground water,
dams-benefits and problems Mineral resources: Use and exploitation, environmental effects of extracting and
using mineral resources, case studies Food resources: World food problems, changes caused by agriculture
and overgrazing, effects of modern agriculture, fertilizer-pesticide problems, water logging, salinity, case studies
Energy resources: Growing energ needs, renewable and non renewable energy sources, use of alternate energy
sources. Energy Conversion processes Biogas production and uses, anaerobic digestion; case studies Land
resources: Land as a resource, land degradation, man induced landslides, soil erosion and desertification role
of an individual in conservation of natural resources Equitable use of resources for sustainable lifestyles.
Introduction to Environmental Biochemistry: Proteins Biochemical degradation of pollutants, Bioconversion of
pollutants. Field study of local area to document environmental assets river / forest / grassland / hill /
mountain.
UNIT IV SOCIAL ISSUES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
From unsustainable to sustainable development urban problems related to energy water conservation, rain
water harvesting, watershed management resettlement and rehabilitation of people; its problems and concerns,
case studies role of non-governmental organization environmental ethics: Issues and possible solutions 12
Principles of green chemistry - nuclear accidents and holocaust, case studies wasteland reclamation
consumerism and waste products environment production act Air act Water act Wildlife protection act
Forest conservation act The Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules; 1998 and amendmentsscheme of labeling of environmentally friendly products (Ecomark). enforcement machinery involved in
environmental legislation- central and state pollution control boards- disaster management: floods, earthquake,
cyclone
and
landslides.
Public
awareness.
UNIT V HUMAN POPULATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Population growth, variation among nations population explosion family welfare programme environment
and human health human rights value education HIV / AIDS women and child welfare Environmental
impact analysis (EIA)- -GIS-remote sensing-role of information technology in environment and human health
Case studies.

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EVS STUDY KIT- Dr.V.R.MANOJ 2015

QUESTION PAPERS
2008 ANNA UNIVERSITY
PART A (102=20 marks)
1. What are renewable and non-renewable energy resources? Give examples.
2. Mention the factors causing soil erosion?
3. What are autotrophic and heterotrophic components of an ecosystem? Give examples.
4. What is ecological succession? Mention their types.
5. Classify air pollutants with suitable examples.
6. What is meant by BOD and COD?
7. How does ozone layer depletion take place? Writeits consequences
8. What is meant by sustainable development?
9. Define population explosion.
10. Write the expansion for HIV and AIDS.
PART B (516=80 marks)
11. (a) Discuss briefly the ill-effects of deforestation.
(b) Explain the benefits and problem of constructing dams.
(c) Write short notes on the problem of fertilizersand pesticides on modern agriculture.
Or
12. (a) Write an explanatory note on any two non-conventional energy resources.
(b) Discuss the uses and effects of over-utilization of surface and ground water sources.
13. (a) Define ecological pyramid and write a shortnotes on their types.
(b) What is biodiversity? Discuss the genetic biodiversity and values of biodiversity.
Or
14. (a) Write short notes on energy flow in the ecosystem and food web.
(b) What do you understand by conservation of biodiversity? Explain the Insitu and Exsitu conservation along
with
their merits and limitations.
15. (a) Name and discuss the effects of water pollution. Suggest the various control and remedial measures to
curb
water pollution.
(b) Write brief notes on solid waste management.
Or
16. (a) Explain the effects of air pollution on human health, plants and animals.
(b) What is an earthquake? Enumerate its effects? Briefly explain the measures should be taken to mitigate this
disaster.
17. (a) What is rainwater harvesting? Name and discuss in brief the types of rainwater harvesting.
(b) Write note non salient features of environmental protection act.
Or
18. (a) Write brief note on global warming and acidrain.
(b) Discuss the issues involved in the enforcement of environmental legislation.
19. (a) Enumerate the effects population explosion.
(b) What is value education? Discuss the concept of values education with the help of suitable examples.
Or
20. (a) Discuss the problems, diagnosis and controland AIDS.
(b) Discuss in detail the role of IT in protecting environment.
2009 ANNA UNIVERSITY
PART A (10 2 = 20 Marks)
1. State the significance and scope of environmental education.
2. Define environmental impact statement.
3. What is food web?
4. India is a mega diversity nation Account.

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5. What is meant by thermal pollution?
6. State the role and responsibility of an individual in the prevention of pollution.
7. What is acid rain?
8. Define the concept of sustainable development.
9. Define population equation.
10. What are the effects of population explosion?
PART B (5 16 = 80 Marks)
11. (a) (i) Explain any two conflicts over water, confining to our nation. (8)
(ii) Discuss the impacts of handling the mineral resources for extraction and
subsequent utilization, on the environment. (8)
Or
(b) (i) Discuss in detail the causes and consequences of overexploitation of forest
resources. (8)
(ii) Give a brief account of renewable energy resources and their significance. (8)
12. (a) (i) Give an account of energy flow in ecosystem. (8)
(ii) Describe the biotic component of an ecosystem. (8)
Or
(b) (i) Discuss the importance of biodiversity. (8)
(ii) Write informative notes on Insitu conservation. (8)
13. (a) (i) What is noise? Describe briefly the effects of noise on human health. (8)
(ii) Suggest measures to control air pollution. (8)
Or
(b) Write short notes on :
(i) Land filling method for solid waste. (8)
(ii) Disaster management. (8)
14. (a) (i) Give a brief account of Global Warming. (8)
(ii) Bring out the various details of Wasteland Reclamation Practices.(8)
Or
(b) (i) Write a note on Waste shed management. (4)
(ii) Discuss briefly on Environment (protection) act 1986. (4)
(iii) Write briefly on Bhopal disaster and chernobyl disaster. (8)
15. (a) Describe briefly
(i) The factors that affect human population growth rate. (6)
(ii) Human rights. (5)
(iii) Value education. (5)
Or
(b) (i) Discuss the factors influencing family size. (8)
(ii) Write a note on the various methods of family planning. (4)
(iii) What is AIDS? How to prevent it? (4)
2010 ANNA UNIVERSITY
PART A (10 2 = 20 Marks)
1. What are the types of grasslands ecosystem?
2. Define Species diversity.
3. What do you understand by soil pollution?
4. What are the causes of noise pollution?
5. List the causes of deforestation.
6. List the advantages and disadvantages of the hydel power.
7. Define urbanization.
8. How can global warming be controlled?
9. What is population explosion?
10. What are HlV and AIDS?
PART B (5 16 = 80 Marks)
11. (a) (i) Discuss briefly the structural and functional components of an
eco system. (8)
(ii) Write down the ecological succession and ecological pyramids. (8)
(b) (i) Classify and explain the value of biodiversity. (8)

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EVS STUDY KIT- Dr.V.R.MANOJ 2015

(ii) Write about in-situ and ex-situ conservation of biodiversity. (8)
12. (a) (i) What do you know about Tsunami? Explain the formation of
tsunami. (8)
(ii) Explain the different stages municipal sewage treatment. (8)
Or
(b) (i) Explain clearly the stages of solid waste management. (8)
(ii) Explain the sources and effects of thermal pollution. (8)
13. (a) (i) Explain the following in detail
(1) Desertification (4)
(2) Land degradation. (4)
(ii) Explain the various Conventional energy resources. (8)
Or
(b) (i) Explain the following in detail
(1) Mineral Resources (4)
(2) Food Resources. (4)
(ii) Discuss in detail the over-exploitation of forests. (8)
14. (a) (i) Explain the powers and functions of state pollution control board. (8)
(ii) Explain the wild life protection act. (8)
Or
(b) (i) Explain the Ozone and Ozone layer depletion. (8)
(ii) Discuss the energy requirement in detail for sustaining urban life.
(8)
15. (a) (i) Write about the role of IT in environment and human health. (10)
(ii) Mention the causes of HIV transmission. (6)
Or
(b) (i) Discuss the necessity of formation of women self help group. (6)
(ii) Explain the need for value education. (6)
(iii) Write about child welfare. (4)
APRIL/MAY 2010 ANNA UNIVERSITY
PART A (10 2 = 20 Marks)
1. What are the three effects of deforestation?
2. Suggest three damages caused by the use of fertilizer.
3. Name various ecosystems.
4. Suggest three important features of forest ecosystem.
5. Suggest four important sources of air pollution.
6. Give two effects of noise pollution on human being.
7. What is acid rain? Explain.
8. Give two effects of global warming.
9. Give any two schemes of human health program initiated by Indian
Government on effects of population growth.
10. What are the advantages of family welfare program?
PART B (5 16 = 80 Marks)
11. (a) Explain the various renewable energy sources in the earth.
Or
(b) Discuss the following :
(i) Land Resources. (4)
(ii) Land degradation. (6)
(iii) Soil Erosion and desertification. (6)
12. (a) Explain the structure and function of Ecosystem with a neat sketch.
Or
(b) Explain the values of Biodiversity.
13. (a) Discuss the method of solid waste management by sanitary land filling
and thermal means.
Or
(b) Explain various disaster management measures during Cyclone, floods,
earthquake and landsides.
14. (a) What is global warming? Explain the measures to prevent it. Also
explain the effects of global warming.

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Or
(b) Explain the effects of nuclear accidents with two case studies.
15. (a) Explain in detail various health schemes initiated by Indian
Government.
Or
(b) Explain the role of Information Technology on Environment protection
and Human Health Protection
APRIL/MAY 2011 ANNA UNIVERSITY
PART A (10 2 = 20 marks)
1. Define environment and ecosystems.
2. What is the major significance of biodiversity?
3. What are the general causes of air pollution?
4. Define recycling.
5. What is meant by green house effect?
6. Define the terms
(a) COD,
(b) BOD,
(c) toxicity
7. How to overcome global warming in India.
8. What are the air pollution and prevention control acts in India and
mention at least four?
9. Define population momentum.
10. What is environmental resistance?
PART B (5 16 = 80 marks)
11. (a) Explain the structure and functions of the following
(i) Forest eco systems
(ii) Grass land eco systems
(iii) Desert eco systems
(iv) Aquatic eco systems.
Or
(b) Discuss the biodiversity at global, national and local levels.
12. (a) Explain the control and prevention measures of municipal solid
wastes in your area.
Or
(b) Write about one of the industrial waste water treatment techniques,
with a neat schematic diagram.
13. (a) What are the natural resources availability in India and discuss any
two of them.
Or
(b) Discuss the world food problems in detail and how does it affects
other resources.
14. (a) Write short notes on
(i) Role of NGO
(ii) Acid rain
(iii) Ozone layer depletion
(iv) Water conservation
Or
(b) (i) Explain in brief about the Indian pollutionregulations.
(ii) Describe the functions of state board and central board
according to pollution Control.
15. (a) The worlds population in 10,000 years ago has been estimated at
about 5 million. What exponential rate of growth would have resulted
in the population in 1850, which is estimated to have been 1 billion?
Had that rate continued, what would be the population in the year
2010?
Or
(b) Discuss the role of information technology in environment and
human health.

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EVS STUDY KIT- Dr.V.R.MANOJ 2015

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 ANNA UNIVERSITY
PART A (10 2 = 20 marks)
1. Differentiate between food chain and food web.
2. Define Genetic diversity and species diversity.
3. Classify the sources of Air pollution.
4. What is marine pollution?
5. Define Food security.
6. What are the factors that contribute to land degradation?
7. What is sustainable development?
8. State the effects of Acid rain?
9. Define the term doubling time in connection with population growth.
10. Differentiate between HIV and AIDS.
PART B (5 16 = 80 marks)
11. (a) (i) Explain the role of producers, consumers and decomposers in
an
ecosystem. (8)
(ii) What are the major factors that are responsible for the loss of
biodiversity? Explain. (8)
Or
(b) Explain the characteristic features of
(i) Forest eco system. (8)
(ii) Aquatic ecosystem. (8)
12. (a) (i) Explain the activated sludge process with aflow diagram. (8)
(ii) What is BOD? Explain how BOD is determined for a
wastewater. (8)
Or
(b) (i) What is noise? How is noise pollution controlled? Suggest
suitable
steps. (8)
(ii) Discuss the role of an individual in pollution prevention. (8)
13. (a) (i) Explain the environmental effects of Deforestation. (8)
(ii) Discuss the benefits and problems of dams. (8)
Or
(b) (i) Enumerate the adverse effects of Modern Agriculture on soil
and water sources. (8)
(ii) What is renewable energy? Write a brief note on any two
renewable
energy sources. (8)
14. (a) (i) Discuss the ways to minimize radiation exposure in case of a
nuclear accident. (8)
(ii) Explain the salient features of the Environment (Protection) Act,
1986. (8)
Or
(b) (i) Discuss the chemistry of ozone depletion. (8)
(ii) What is rain water harvesting? How are the rain water
harvesting
methods classified? Briefly explain. (8)
15. (a) (i) Draw a typical population pyramid of developing country and
discuss. (8)
(ii) Explain the Environmental problems posed by population
explosion. (8)
Or
(b) (i) Explain the steps that are being taken in India to impart value
education. (8)
(ii) Discuss the role of Information Technology in the protection of
Environment and Human Health. (8)
NOV/DEC 2012 ANNA UNIVERSITY
PART A

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EVS STUDY KIT- Dr.V.R.MANOJ 2015

1. What is Bidiversity?
2. What is an ecosystem?
3. What exactly are fossil fuels and why are they non-renewable?
4. What are reasons of water logging and their effect?
5. What are common hazardous chemicals?
6. What is noise pollution?
7. What are environmental ethics?
8. What are green house gases?
9. What are the objectives of the wild life protection act of 1972?
10. What are dioxins?
PART B
11.(a). (i) What are the pros and cons of nuclear power?
(ii) How are communities involved in forest conservation in India?
OR
(b) (i) What are the impact of urbanization and industrialization on land?
(ii) What is the importance of land as a natural resource?
12. (a) (i) What are food chains and food webs? (6)
(ii) What are the cycles in eco systems (5)
(iii) Describe carbon cycle (5)
OR
(b)(i) What will be the impact of biodiversity loss? (6)
(ii) How biodiversity is conserved? (10)
13. (a)(i) What is meant by solid waste and why does it require management? (8)
(ii) How are waste managed? (8)
OR
(b) (i) What is meant by solid waste and why does it require management? (8)
(ii) Is there a general policy on disaster management in India? (6)
(iii) How can the effects of earthquakes be mitigated? (5)
14. (a)(i) What powers does the environment(protection) act of 1986 give to the Central government?
(ii) How are the environmental laws being enforced?(8)
(b)(i) What is Ozone layer depletion? (8)
(ii) What are the internaltional initiatives against the depletion of the Ozone layer?(8)
15.(a)(i) What has been the growth pattern of India's population?(8)
(ii) What is the connection between the environment and human health?(8)
OR
(b)(i) What is community based water conservation?(8)
(ii) What is the recent experience in India with rural water harvesting?(8)
NOV/DEC 2013 ANNA UNIVERSITY
PART A
1
What is an ecosystem?
2
Differentiate between food chain and food web?
3
Define the term Noise pollution?
4
What is a cyclone?
5
Mention the major environmental impacts of Mining?
6
What are the changes caused by overgrazing?
7
What is Environmental Ethics?
8
List the objectives of Forest Conservation Act?
9
What do you mean by Doubling time?
10
What is Value Education?
PART B
11(a.i)
Explain the role of producers, consumers and decomposers in an ecosystem?

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

8
11(a.ii)

What is the importance of protecting the Biodiversity of Earth?

8
OR

11(b.i)

Explain the various components and functions of forest ecosystem?

8

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EVS STUDY KIT- Dr.V.R.MANOJ 2015

11(b.ii)

Identify and explain the major threats to the biodiversity of India?

8

12(a.i)

Explain the major water pollutants and their effects?

12(a.ii)

List and Explain the methods of waste management in the order of preference?

12(b.i)

OR
Discuss the source ,effects and control measures of thermal pollution?

12(b.ii)
13(a.i)

What is earth quake?Write its effects?What measures should be taken to mitigate the
disaster?
Discuss the effects of timber extraction on forests and tribal people?

8
8

13(a.ii)

8
8
8

13(b.i)

What is land degradation?Mention the factors responsible for land degradation?

OR
Explain the benefits and problems of dams?

13(b.ii)
14(a.i)

Discuss the role of individual in the conservation of natural resources?

What are the major urban problems related to energy?

8
8

14(a.ii)

14(b.ii)

Briefly discuss the salient features of the Environment(Protection) Act,1986?

OR
What is a watershed?Critically discuss the objectives and practices of water shed
management?
Write short notes on Nuclear accidents and holocaust?

15(a.i)

Explain the term Population Explosion ?Enumerate its effects?

15(a.ii)

Discuss the role of Information Technology in the protection of Environment and Human
health?
OR
Describe the various schemes launched for women and child welfare in India?
What are the modes of transmission of HIV?And how can it be prevented?

14(b.i)

15(b.i)
15(b.ii)

NOV/DEC 2013 ANNA UNIVERSITY

PART A
1
Define decomposer and give their significance?
2
Differentiate between insitu and exsitu conservation of biodiversity?
3
Define BODs?
4
What is photochemical smog?
5
Defie eutrophication?
6
Differentiate between renewable and non renewable resources?
7
What is rain water harvesting?
8
Define sustainable development?
9
Define population explosion?
10
What is value education?Give its significance?
PART B
11(a)
Describe the structure and function of the forest and grassland ecosystem?
OR
11(b.i)
11(b.ii)

Give the various hot spots of biodiversity?

Explain the various threats to biodiversity along with the means to conserve them?

12(a)

Explain the causes , effects and control measures of water pollution?

OR
Explain about any one nuclear holocaust?

12(b.i)

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8
8

8
8

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
16
8
8
16
8

EVS STUDY KIT- Dr.V.R.MANOJ 2015

12(b.ii)

Give in detail the various strategies to control the municipal solid waste generation?

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
PART A
1. What is an Abiotic Environment?
2. What are called endangered species?
3. Mention the effects of Ozone on plants.
4. List the sources of Marine Pollution
5. What are renewable resources?
6. Define the term landslide.
7. What is rain water harvesting?
8. What are the objectives of water act?
9. Define the term Nuclear energy
10. What are the sources of HIV infection?
PART B
11.(a)(i) Define ecosystem. Give an account of structure and functions of grassland ecosystem.(8)
(ii) What is biodiversity? Discuss the values and significance of biodiversity.(8)
OR
(b)(i) With a neat sketch discuss the Nitrogen cycle(8)
(ii) What do you mean by conservation of biodiversity? State and explain the basic approaches to wild life
conservation(8)
12.(a)(i) Describe the various chemical and photochemical reactions in the atmosphere(8)
(ii) Explain the sources, effects and control measures of noise pollution (8)
OR
(b)(i) Write informative notes on water treatment processes(8)
(ii) Describe the role of individual in the prevention of pollution (8)
13. (a)(i) Describe the causes and effects of deforestation (8)
(ii) What is land degradation? Discuss the factors responsible for land degradation(8)
OR
(b)(i) What are the changes caused by agriculture and overgrazing?(8)
(ii) Discuss the production of Biogas. Mention its uses.(8)
14.(a)(i) What are the objectives of water conservation? How is it carried out?
(ii) What is an earthquake? Enumerate its effects. What measures should be taken to mitigate this disaster?(8)
OR
(b)(i) Discuss the resettlement and rehablitation of people, its problems and concerns(8)
(ii) Briefly discuss the salient feautures of wildlife protection act (8)
15. (a)(i) Discuss the variation of population among nations(8)
(ii) Write the methods and strategies of imparting value education(8)
OR
(b)(i) Write explanatory notes on women and child welfare(8)
(ii) Explain the role of information technology in environment and human health(8)
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
PART A
1. List out the biotic and abiotic component of an ecosystem
2. What are the major threats to biodiversity?
3. Define hazardous waste.
4. Differentiate between sound and noise

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EVS STUDY KIT- Dr.V.R.MANOJ 2015

5. Write the preventive measures of deforestation.
6. What do you mean by environmental impact?
7. Define greenhouse effect.
8. How does ozone layer depletion take place?
9. What is meant by population explosion?
10. What are the objectives of value education?
PART B
11.(a) What is an eco system? Describe the structure and function of an ecosystem(16)
OR
(b) What do you mean by hot spots of biodiversity that extend in India(16)
12.(a) Discuss the significance of any six parameters of drinking water qualit standards(16)
OR
(b) Write short notes on causes and effects of
(i) Air Pollution(5)
(ii) Water Pollution(6)
(iii)Marine Pollution(5)
13.(a) Write briefly on the hydrological cycle with neat sketch(16)
OR
(b) Explain in detail about the problems of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on modern agriculture(16)
14.(a) Write short notes on following act
(i) Water prevention and control of pollution act 1974(8)
(ii) Forest conservation act 1980 (8)
OR
(b) What is rain water harvesting? Explain their types with suitable sketches(16)
15.(a)Briefly describe the various schemes launched for women and child welfare in India(16)
OR
(b) Explain the role of information technology in environmental and human health(16)

SOLVED TWO MARK QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

UNIT I Environment, Ecosystems and Biodiversity
1. Define Environment?
The sum of total of all living and non living things around influencing one another is
known as environment.
2. Explain biosphere.
The part of lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere at which living organisms interact with
each other.
3. Environmental awareness is of the hour comment.

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a. To create awareness among people about environmental issues.
b. To minimize the utilization of natural resources.
c. Need of alternate energy resources.
d. Implementation of environmental protection act.
4.What is ecology?
Ecology (from the Greek word oikos house or place to live and logos study of)
is the study of how organisms interact with one another and with their non living
environment.
5.Define ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a community of different species interacting with one another and
with their non living environment of matter and energy
6.What are the two components of an ecosystem?
1. Abiotic nonliving chemical and physical component such as water, air,
nutrients in the soil or water and solar energy.
2. Biotic consist of living and dead plants, animals and micro organisms.
7.What are producers (autotrophs)?
Producers (autotrophs) make their own food from the compounds that are obtained
from their environment. Most producers capture sunlight to make carbohydrate by
photosynthesis.
6CO2 + 6 H2O+ solar energy C6H12O6 + 6O2
8.What is the role of decomposer?
Decomposers are specialized consumers that recycle organic matter in ecosystem.
They do this by breaking down dead organic material to get nutrients and releasing the resulting
simpler inorganic compounds into soil and water, where they can be taken up as nutrient by
producers.
9.Define food chain & food web?
The sequence of eating and being eaten in an ecosystem is known as food chain. It
determines how energy and nutrients move from one organism to another through an ecosystem.
Food web is a net work of food chain where different types of organisms are
connected at different tropic level, so that there are a number of options of eating and being eaten
at each tropic level tropic level.
10.What is ecological pyramid?
A graphical representation of trophic structure and function of an ecosystem starting
with producers at the base and successive trophic levels forming the apex is known as ecological
pyramid.
11.Define biodiversity?
Biodiversity means the variability among living organisms from all sources including
interracial, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystem and the ecological complexes of
which they are part, this includes diversity within spices, between species and ecosystem.
12.What are hot spots of biodiversity?
Hot spots are areas that are extremely rich in species, have high endemism, and are
under constant threat. Among 25 hot spots, 2 are found in India extending into neighboring
countries
n Ghats/ Srilanka and
- Burma region (covering eastern Himalayas)
13.What is red data book?
The red data book is the name given to the book dealing with threatened animals or
plants of any region.

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14.Define the terms, endangered, vulnerable, rare, threatened, and endemic?
Endangered: Taxa in danger of extinction and where survival is unlikely if the casual factors
continues to operate.
Vulnerable: Taxa believed likely to move into the endangered category in the future, if
the casual factors continue operating.
Rare: Taxa with small world population but that are not at presently endangered or
vulnerable, but are at risk.
Threatened: It is a general term to denote that are fall into any of the above category
(endangered vulnerable & rare).
Endemic: Taxa which are native or restricted to a particular region.
UNIT II ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
1. What is pollution and pollutant?
Pollution is any addition to air, water, soil or food that threatens the health, survival
or activities of humans or other living organisms.
The toxic substances which adversely change the environment are known as pollutant.
2. Mention the harmful effects of pollutants.
1.Disruption of life support systems for humans and other species.
2.Damage to wild life, human health, property.
3.Nuisance such as noise and unpleasant smell, taste and sight.
3. Define air pollution?
Air pollution is the presence of one or more chemicals in the atmosphere in
sufficient quantities and duration to cause harm to us, other forms of life and materials or
to alter climate.
4. What is photochemical smog?
It is a mixture of more than 100 primary and secondary pollutants formed under the
influence of sunlight.
5. What are the four most dangerous indoor air pollutants?
The four most dangerous air pollutants are
1. cigarette smoke
2. formaldehyde
3. radioactive radon
4. Small fine and ultra fine particles.
6. Define water pollution?
Water pollution is any, chemical, biological or physical change in water quality that
has a harmful effect on living organisms or makes water unsuitable for desired uses.
7. What is soil pollution?
Degradation of soil and land due to industrial, agricultural and by other human
activities is called soil or land pollution.
8. What is marine pollution?
Dumping of waste and oil spillage in the oceans cause threat to marine ecosystem is
called marine pollution.
9. What is thermal pollution?
Thermal pollution is the addition of excess of undesirable heat to water that makes it
harmful to aquatic life and cause significant changes of normal activities of aquatic
communities.
10. What is noise? How it is measured?
The unpleasant and unwanted sound is called noise. It is expressed in hertz (Hz) and is
equal to the number of cycles per second. The loudness is measured in decibel scale (db).

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11. Define degradable and non biodegradable wastes?
If the pollutants are rapidly decomposed, they are said to be biodegradable pollutants.Eg.
Sewage sludge.
If the pollutants dont degrade or degrade slowly they are said to be non bio degradable
wastes. Eg. Mercury, plastics.
12. Define pollution.
The unfavorable alteration of our surroundings is called pollution.
13. What are point sources of water pollution?
Point sources are discharged pollutants at specific location through pipes ,
ditches,sewers into bodies of surface water.
14. Define noise pollution.
The unwanted ,unpleasant or disagreeable sound that causes discomfort
for all living beings.
15. Define thermal pollution.
Thermal pollution is defined as the addition of excess of undesirable heat
to water that makes it harmful to man,animal or aquatic life.
16.Name some important natural sources for nuclear hazards.
1.The important natural source is space, which emit cosmic rays.
2.Soil,rocks,air,water,food,radioactive radan 222.
17.Define hazardous wastes
Wastes like chemicals,radioactive or biological substances which
contribute to an increase in mortality are called hazardous wastes.
18.What are the types of solid wastes?
1.Municipal wastes.
2.Industrial wastes.
3.Hazardous wastes.
19.When a sound causes noise pollution?
Noise beyond 120Db causes noise pollution.
20.Write any major water pollutants.
1.Pesticides and biocides.
2.Thermal pollution.
UNIT 3 NATURAL RESOURCES
5. Define deforestation?
Deforestation refers to the removal of plants in the forest.
6. List the Causes of deforestation?
1. Slash and Burn farming.
2. Commercial agriculture.
3. Cattle ranching and livestock grazing.
4. Mining and petroleum exploration.
5. Infrastructure development.
6. Fuel wood collection.
7. Tree Plantations.
7. Define Surface water?
Precipitation that does not soak into the ground or return to the atmosphere by
evaporation or transpiration is called surface water. It forms streams, lakes, wetlands, and

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artificial reservoirs.
8. What is Groundwater?
The subsurface area where all available soil and rock spaces are filled by
water is called the zone of saturation, and the water in these pores is called ground water.
9. What is Rock?
Rock is any material that makes up a large natural,continuous part of the
earths crust. Some kinds of rock, such as limestone (calcium carbonate, or CaCO3) and
quartzite(silicon dioxide or SiO2), contain only one mineral,but most rocks consist of two
or more minerals.
10. Give the classification of Mineral Resources?
Energy resources (coal,oil,natural gas, uranium, and geothermal energy;
metallic mineral resources (iron,copper,and aluminium) and nonmetallic minerals
resources(salt,gypsum,and clay, sand, phosphates, water, and soil).
11. Classify food production?
There are two types of food production
1. Industrialized Agriculture Subsistence Agriculture
2. Traditional Agriculture
Intensive Agriculture
12. Define Traditional Agriculture?
Traditional Agriculture can be classified as Traditional Subsistence agriculture
and Traditional Intensive agriculture. Traditional Subsistence agriculture produces
enough crops or live stock for a farm familys survival and in good years, a surplus to sell
or put aside for hard times. In Traditional Intensive agriculture farmers increase their
inputs of human and draft labour, fertilizer, and water to get a higher yield per area of
cultivated land to produce enough food.
13. List some of the food resources available in the world?
Major food sources available in the world to cater the humans hunger are 12
types of seeds and grains, 3 root crops, 20 common fruits and vegetables, 6 mammals, 2
domestic fowl, few fishes and other forms of marinelife,etc.
14. Classify energy resources?
Available conventional energy sources can be divided into two categories
1) Renewable Energy Sources
2) Non Renewable Energy Sources
15. Draw the flow chart of petroleum fractionation process?
Fuel gas, Propane Gasoline Kerosene Furnace Diesel Lubricants Asphalt
Butane liquefied gas oil Heated crude oil
16. Write the advantages and disadvantages of petroleum as a energy resources?
As a source of energy petroleum has many advantages
1) It is relatively cheap to extract and transport
2) It requires little processing to produce desiredproducts and
3) It has relatively high net and useful energy yield.
However it has certain disadvantages also,
1) Produces Environmental pollution
2) Oil spills, in ocean cause water pollution and is expensive to clean up.
17. Write short notes on petroleum gas?
It is the mixture of three hydrocarbons butane, propane and ethane. The main
constituent of petroleum gas is butane. The above gases are in gaseous state in ordinary
pressure but they can be liquefied under high pressure. So it is called as LPG. (Liquefied
petroleum Gas).

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A domestic cylinder contains 14 kg of LPG. A strongsmelling substance
called ethyl mercaptian is added to LPG gas cylinder to help in the detection of gas
leakage.
18. What is fission neutrons?
The fission process is accompanied not only by the release of energy also it
releases neutrons called as fission neutrons.
19. Name the several types of nuclear reactors?
1. Light water Reactor(LWR)
2. Heavy water Reactor(HWR)
3. Gas Cooled Reactor(GCR)
4. Boiling Water Reactor(BWR)
5. Pressurised Water Reactor(PWR)
6. Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor(LMFBR)
20. List some of the renewable energy sources?
1. Solar energy
2. Wind energy
3. Hydro energy
4. Geo-thermal energy
5. Ocean thermal energy
6. Biogas
21. Write short notes on Tidal energy?
Tides, the alternate rise and fall of sea water possess lot of energy. The
identified tidal power potential in India is around9000 MW. Currently France, Russia,
china and Canada are effectively utilizing the tidal energy to produce 2 to 3% of their
energy demand.
22. Narrate the advantages and disadvantages of theHydel power?
Hydel power has the following advantages.
1. Clean Source of energy
2. Provides irrigation facilities
3. Provides drinking water to the people living around
It also has some environmental and socio-economic problems like submerged forests and
agricultural land, loss of biodiversity, water logging and silting etc.
23. Define Soil Erosion?
Soil erosion is the movement of soil components, especially surface litter and top
soil, from one place to another. The two main movers are flowing water and wind.
24. Write short notes on Desertification?
It is a problem where by the productive potential of arid or semiarid land falls by
10% or more and is caused mostly by human activities.
Desertification is classified into three categories
1. Moderate - Having 10 to 25% drop in productivity
2. Severe - Having 25 to 50% drop in Productivity
3. Very Severe- Having 50% or more, creating huge gullies and sand dunes.
25. List some ways to protect soil?
1. When the buildings are constructed, all the trees shall be saved.
2. Setting a composite bin and it shall be used for producing mulch and soil
conditioner for yard and garden planets.
3. Organic methods can be used for growing vegetables.
4. Strictly enforcing laws and policies that minimizes soil erosion, salt buildup
and
water logging.
26. What is equitable use of resources?

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The Equitable use of resources is a concept that deals with the rational use of
resources so that a harmony between mans resource requirement and its availability can
be established.

UNIT 4 SOCIAL ISSUES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

1. What is tsunami?
Sometimes the earthquake occurs deep under the sea in oceanic trenches. The stronger
of them generate powerful seismic sea waves called tsunami. Tsunami is a Japanese word
which in English means Harbour waves.
Tsu means harbour.
Nami means waves.
2. What is land slide?
If the rock movement happens through the certain definite plane, then it is said to be land
slide.
3.Define disaster.
It is an event in which a society undergoes severe danger and causesloss
of its members and physical properties.
4.Define floods.
Whenever the magnitude of water flow exceeds the carrying capacity of
the channel within its banks the excess of water overflows on the
surroundings causes floods
5.Explain cyclone management
1.Satellite images are used by meterological departments for forecasting
the weather conditions which reveal the strength and intensity of the
storm
2.Radar system is used to detect the cyclone and its being used for
cyclone warning
3.For observing the exact location of cyclone every half an hour
satellite pictures are analysed
6. How does earthquake occurs
The earths crust has several tectonic plates of solid rock. These plates
move slowly along their boundaries. When friction prevents these
plates from slipping stress develops and results in sudden fractures
along the fault lines within the plates. This causesearthquakes and
the violent vibrations in the earth
7.Define the term Tsunami
A tsunami is a large wave that are generated in a water body when
the sea floor is deformed by seismic activity. This activity displaces the
overlying water in the ocean
8. Define Sustainable Development ?
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of
future generation to meet their own needs .
9. What are the important aspects of sustainable development ?
[ I ] Inter generational Equity
Handover a safe healthy and resourceful environment to our feature
generation .
[ii] Intra generational Equity

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Technological development of rich countries to support the
economical growth of poor countries and help in narrowing wealth
gap and lead to sustainable .
10. Explain the need for water conservation ?
[ I ] Due to deforestation the annual rainfall is decreased .
[ ii ] Over exploitation of ground water leads to drought .
11. Explain the factor affecting water shed ?
[ I ] Over grazing , Mining , Deforestation ,Construction activities
[ ii ] Droughty climates
12. Define Environmental Ethics ?
Environmental Ethics refers to principle , issues andguidelines
relating to human interaction with their environments .
13. What are the important causes of climate change ?
[ I ] Presence of green houses gases in the atmosphereincreases the
global temperature .
[ ii ] Depletion of Ozone layer
14. What is Green House Effect ?
The progressive warming up of the earth surface due to blanketing
effect of manmade Co2 in the atmosphere .
15. Give examples of Green House Gases ?
Co2 , CH4 , N2o ,CFCs .
16. What are the causes of global warming?
Increase input of Green House Gases into the atmosphereby human
activities .
17 . What are the effects of global warming?
Sea level increases , Negative effect on crop production and forest
growth .
18 . What are the causes of ozone layer depletion ?
[ I ] Chlorofluorocarbon , Hydro Chlorofluorocarbon ,
Bromoflurocarbon .
19 . What are the causes of ozone layer depletion ?
[I ] UV rays destroys the melanin pigment in humanskin .
[ ii] Increases the average temperature of the earth.
20 .What is Acid Rain ?
The presence of SO 2 & NO2 gases in the atmosphere decreases the
pH of the water during the rain fall . This precipitation is called Acid
Rain .
21 . How CFCs are accumulated in atmosphere ?
Aerosol propellants , refrigerants ,Cleaning solvents
22 . Explain the term Global Warming ?
The increase input of CO2 and other green house gases into the
atmosphere from human activities will enhance the average global
temperature of the atmosphere . this enhanced green house effect is
called global warming .
23 .What are the advantage of Rain water harvesting ?

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[ I ] Mitigating the effects of droughts
[ ii ] Rise in ground water level
[ iii ] Minimizing soil erosion and flood hazards
24 . What is meant by green houses gases ?
They are gases present in the atmosphere which absorb heat but will
not radiate , cause increase in atmospheric temperature .
25 . Mention the causes of Acid rain ?
The gases SO2& NO2
in the atmosphere react with water to form acid
.
SO2 + H2O H2SO4
NO2 + H2O HNO3
26 . What are the effects of acid rain ?
They corrodes houses , monuments , Statues & fences . Deposition of
acid partiles corrodes the metals .
27 . How does ozone layer depletion takes place ?
It occus dues to the following reaction ,
Cl +03 ClO +O2
ClO + O Cl + O2
UNIT 5 : HUMAN POPULATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT
1 .Define Birth Rate ?
It is the number of live birth per 1000 people in a population in a
given year .
2 . Define Death Rate ?
It is the number of deaths per 1000 people in a population in a given
year .
3. Define Immigration ?
It denotes the arrivals of individuals from neighboringpopulation .
4. Define Emigration ?
It denotes the dispersal of individuals from the original population to
new areas .
5 . Define population density ?
Number of individuals of the population per unit area .
6 . Define Population ?
Group of individuals belonging to same species which live in a given
are at a given time .
7 . What is Population explosion ?
Enormous increase in population due to low death and highbirth rate.
8 . What are causes of Population explosion ?
Mordern medicinal facilities , Increase of Life expectancy .
9 . Define Infant mortality rate ?
It is the percentange of infant died out of those born in one year .
10 . Define total fertility rate ?
It is the average number of children delivered by a woman in her life

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time .
11. What are the problems of population growth ?
Environmental pollution , Unemployment problem and increasing
demand for food .
12 . What are the various methods of Family planning?
Traditional methods , Mordern methods and Temporary methods .
13 . What are Human rights ?
They are the fundamental rights which are posses by all human beings
irrespective of the caste ,sex and language .
14 . what are the different methods of imparting value education ?
Telling , Modeling , Playing , Problem solving ,Studying .
15 .What are the different types of Values ?
Universal values , Cultural values , Individual values & spiritual values .
16 . What is meant by HIV & AIDS ?
HIV means Human Immunodeficiency Viruses .
AIDS means Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome causedby HIV
viruses .
17 . What are the factors which do not influence transmission of
HIV?
Tears ,Food , Cough , Handshake , Cloths & Utensils .
18 .What are the various modes of trassmision of HIV ?
Unsafe Sexual intercourse , Contaminated syringes andneedles ,
Contaminated blood transfusion & From infected mother to baby .
19 . Mention the ill effects of Aids ?
Loss of Body weight , Fever & Diarrhea & More death rate .
20 . What are the major precaution to avoid AIDS ?
Safe sex , Using of Condoms , Public Education - AIDS awareness
programmers , Monitoring of infected mothers , Monitoringof blood
before transfusion .
IMPORTANT DIAGRAMS

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BAGHOUSE FILTER

CYCLONE SEPARATOR

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ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR

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WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND WATER TREATMENT

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TRICKLING FILTER

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