GE23411 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES AND SUSTAINABILITY

CLASS : II Year All Branches

UNIT I ENVIRONMENT AND BIODIVERSITY

Definition, scope and importance of environment – need for public awareness. Eco-system and Energy
flow– ecological succession. Types of biodiversity: genetic, species and ecosystem diversity– values of
biodiversity, 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.

Environment: The sum of total of all living and non-living things around us influencing one
another is calledenvironment.
Environmental Science: The study of environment, its biotic and abiotic components and their
interrelationship is called environmental science.
Environmental Studies: The process of educating people for preserving quality environment
is defined asenvironmental studies.
SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES: Environmental engineering is the application of
engineeringprinciples to the protection and enhancement of quality of the environment for the
public health and welfare.
Scopes:
1. To get an awareness and sensitivity to the total environment and its problems.
2. To know the necessity of the conservation of natural resources.
3. To motivate active participation in environmental protection and improvement.
4. Developing skills to identify and solve environmental related problems.
5. Ability to evaluate environmental programmes in terms of ecology, economy, etc
IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES: All the industry is polluting one way or the
other and none of them is safe. There is no zero pollution industry. The air we breathe, the water
we drink, the food we consume and the land we live on are all contaminated by industrial
activities. Because of the lack of self discipline and not worrying about our future generation, we
are polluting our valuable resources. To solve the environmental related issues, the knowledge
of environmental studies is very important.
Importance:
1. Through environmental studies, “People will understanding the concept of need of
 development
without destruction of the environment”.
2. An environmental study has a direct relation to the quality of life we live.
3. Environmental studies relates to our surroundings which we observe daily but never think
seriously.
4. Environmental studies develop a concern and respect for the environment.

TYPES OF ENVIRONMENT

Environment is divided into two categories

a) Natural Environment
b) Man - made Environment
a) Natural Environment
 It is characterized by natural components.
 All biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components are
createdthrough a natural process.
 Example: Soil, Water, Air, trees etc.

b) Man-made Environment
 Man is the most powerful environmental agent.
 He modifies the environment using modern technologies,
according to his needs to a great extent. Hence this
environment iscreated by man.
 Example: House, Roads, Parks etc.
Need for public awareness

o Public awareness very essential to help understand pros and cons of environmental
problems.
o The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de
Janerio in 1992 and popularly known as Earth summit followed by the world
summit on sustainable Development in 2002, have highlighted key issues of global
environmental concern.
o Environmental pollution cannot be removed by laws alone.
o The proper implementation and especially public participation are important
aspects.
o Public participation is possible only when the public is aware about the
ecological andenvironmental issues.
o A drive by the government to ban the littering of polythene cannot be successful
untilthe public understands the environmental implications of the same.
 o The public has to be educated about the fact that if we are degrading our
environmentwe are actually harming ourselves.

Types of Public Participation:

 Watch dog
 Pressure group
 Advisory Council
 Enforcing the environmental laws

CONCEPT OF AN ECOSYSTEM:
Ecology: The study of interactions among the biotic and abiotic components in an ecosystem is
called ecology. Ecosystem: The group of organisms interacting among themselves and with
environment is known asecosystem. E.g. Forest ecosystem, marine ecosystem, etc.

STRUCTURE
The structure of an ecosystem explains the relationship between abiotic and biotic
component. Anecosystem has two major components, 1) Abiotic (Non-living) 2) Biotic (Living)

a) Abiotic components: Non-living components (physical and chemical) of an ecosystem

collectively form a community called abiotic component.
Physical Component: It includes climate, energy, raw materials and living space that the
biological community needs.
Chemical Component: It is the sources of essential nutrients such as protein, carbohydrate,
N, O, K.
b) Biotic components: Living members in an ecosystem collectively form a community is
called biotic component. Based on the role in the ecosystem the biotic component
classified into autotrophs and heterotrophs.
Autotrophic component: The members of autotrophic components are producers
which areautotrophs. They derive energy from sunlight and make organic compounds
from inorganic substances.
E.g. Green plants, algae etc.
Heterotrophic components: The members of heterotrophic components are consumers
 anddecomposer.
Macro consumer: Herbivores, Carnivores and Omnivores.
Micro consumer: Bacteria, Fungi etc.
CLASSIFICATION OF BIOTIC COMPONENT:
The members of biotic component of an ecosystem are grouped into three groups
based on how do they get food.

a) Producers: Those organisms producing their own food through photosynthesis are
called producers.
E.g. Plants, algae, etc
6CO2 + 12H2O + hγ ----- C6H12O6 + 6O2 + H2O
b) Consumers: Those organisms which can not prepare their food and depend directly
or indirectly onthe producer.
Primary consumer (Herbivores): They are directly depend on the plant for their food
(Planteaters).E.g. Deer, Cow etc.
Secondary consumer (Primary carnivores): They directly depend on the primary
consumers (Meateaters) E.g. Frog, cat, snake etc.
Tertiary consumer (Secondary carnivores): They directly depend on the secondary
consumers (Meateaters) E.g. Lion, Tiger etc.
Omnivores: Those organisms which derive their energy from both producers and
consumers are calledomnivores.E.g. Human being, crow, etc.
c) Decomposers: Those organisms break down complex compounds of dead organisms
are calleddecomposers. Ex. Bacteria and fungi.
FUNCTIONS OF AN ECOSYSTEM:
Primary Function: To synthesize the food (starch)
Secondary Function: To distribute the energy to all consumers or storage of energy by
consumer.
Tertiary Function: The decomposition of dead organism.
ENERGY FLOW: Sun is the ultimate source of energy, its radiations travel through the space in
the form of waves reaches the earth’s atmosphere. It absorbs 50 % of the radiations and allow
the remaining to reach the earth surface. Only 1 % of the sunlight is utilized for plant for
photosynthesis.
CO2 + 2 H2O CH2O + O2 + H2O
The producers are used by herbivores and herbivores are used by carnivores as their
food. In this wayenergy is transferred from one organism to another and so on. This process is
governed by law of thermodynamics,
I law of Thermodynamics:
“Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but it can be converted from one form to another”.
Solar energy -- Chemical Energy
II Law of Thermodynamics:
” Whenever energy is transformed, there is a loss of energy through heat”.
This occurs when energy is transferred between tropic levels. The loss of energy takes
place throughrespiration, running and hunting etc.
Respiration Equation: CH2O + O2 -- CO2 + H2O
From the above it is clear that, the biotic components and abiotic components are
linked togetherthrough energy flow and nutrient cycling as shown in the following Fig.

ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION:
The progressive replacement of one community by another till the development of stable
community ina particular area is called ecological succession.
Stages:
Pioneer community – The first group of organism, which establish their community in the area.
Seres or Seral stage – Various developmental stages of the community in the area.
Types :-
Primary succession – It involves the gradual establishment of biotic community in a lifeless ground.
Hydrarch – Establishment starts in a watery area.

Xerarch – Establishment starts in a dry area.

Secondary succession – Establishment of biotic communities in an area, where some type of
biotic communityis already present.
PROCESS OF ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION:
Nudation – It is the development of bare area without any life form.
Invasion – Establishment of one or more species on a bare area through migration
followed byestablishment.
Migration – migration of seeds is brought about by wind, water or birds.
Establishment - The seeds then germinate and grow on the land establishes the pioneer
communities.
Competition – Competition between the same or different species for space, water and
nutrients.
Reaction – The living organisms take water, nutrients to grow and modify the
environment is known asreaction.
Stabilization – It leads to stable community, which is in equilibrium with the environment.

STRUCTURE AND COMPONENTS OF FOREST ECOSYSTEM:

Forest is a natural ecosystem consisting of dense growth of trees and wildlife.
Types of forest:
Tropical rain forest: Found near the equator. It is characterized by high temperature, humidity and rainfall.
Plants – Teak, Sandal. Animals – Lion, Tiger, Monkey.
Tropical Deciduous forest: Found little away from the equator. It is characterized by warm climate, rain is
only during monsoon. Plants – Maple, Oak tree. Animals – Deer, Fox, Rabit.
Tropical scrub forest: It is characterized by the dry climate for a long time. Plant –Shrubs.
Animals – Deer, fox.
Temperate rain forest: It is found in areas with adequate rainfall. Plant – Pine, Red wood.
Animals – Squirrels, Cats, Bears.
Temperate deciduous forest: Found in areas with moderate temperature. Plants – Oak, Hickory. Animals –
Deer, Fox, Bear.
Abiotic components: These are Non living components physical components (inorganic and organic substance)
collectively form its community is called Abiotic components. E.g. Soil, sunlight, temperature, water, etc
Biotic components: Living members in an ecosystem collectively form its community is called
biotic components. E.g . Plants, trees, animals etc
Producers: Producers synthesis their food themselves through photosynthesis.

6CO2 + 12H2O + hv Chloroph

 yll
C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6H2O
Consumer: Consumers are organisms, which cannot prepare their own food and depend directly or indirectly
on the producers. There are three types of consumers:
1) Primary consumers or Herbivores
Primary consumer also called herbivores; they directly depend on the plants for their
food. So they are called plant eaters. E.g Insects, rats, deer and cow etc

2) Secondary consumers or Primary Carnivores

Secondary consumer are primary carnivores, they feed on primary consumers. They
directly depend on the herbivores for their food. E.g. Frog, Cat, Snakes etc.
3) Tertiary consumers or Secondary Carnivores

Tertiary consumers are secondary carnivores, they feed on secondary consumers. They

directly depend on the primary carnivores for their food. E.g. Tiger, Lion etc

Decomposers: Decomposers are those organisms which feed on dead organism, plant and animals decompose

them into simpler compounds. During decomposition nutrients are released.

E.g. Bacterias and Fungi etc

Type of Grassland Ecosystem

Tropical Grassland (Savanna type): They are found near the borders of tropical rain forest. It is characterized

by High temperature and moderate rainfall. Plants – Tall grasses with scattered shrubs, Animals – Zebras,

Giraffes etc.

Temperate Grassland: Found in the centre of continents on flat slopped hills. It is characterized by very cold

winters and hot summers. E.g, Zebras and rhinoceros graze etc.

Polar Grassland: They are found in Arctic polar region. It is characterized by severe cold and strong wind. E.g,

Arctic wolf, arctic fox etc.

Types of Desert Ecosystem:

Tropical Desert: They are found in Africa and India. It is characterized by only few species. Wind blown and

sand dunes are very common.E.g, Kangaroo rat

Temperate Deserts: They are found in South California. It is characterized by hot summer and very cool

winter time.E.g, Americal jackal, sand fox etc. E.g, Snow leopard, Big horn sheep etc.

Cold Deserts: They are found in China. It is characterized by cold winters and warm summers.

FOR OTHER ECO SYSTEMS

 ABIOTIC COMPONENT
BIOTIC COMPONENTS

ECO SYSTEM
S.NO.

DECOMPOSER
SECONDARY
PRODUCERS

CONSUMER

CONSUMER

CONSUMER
TERTIARY
PRIMARY
TERRESTIAL ECOSYSTEMS
SNAKE,
GRASS NUTRIENTS GRASSES, FORBS, EAGLES, BACTERIAS
1 COW, SHEEP BIRDS,
LAND , C, N,P, H SHRUBS HAWKS , FUNGI
LIZARD

TEMP.,
MICE,
RAINFALL, GRASSES, FEW BACTERIAS
2 DESERT REPTILES, LIZARD SNAKES
WATER, TREES, SHRUBS , FUNGI
SQUIRRELS
SUNLIGHT

AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM

LARGE
TEMP., VERY SMALL
SMALL FLOATING SMALL FISH, BACTERIAS
3 POND RAINFALL, FISHES,
PLANTS, ALGAE, FISHES GAME , FUNGI
WATER PROTOZOA
FISH

LARGE
TEMP., INSECTS,
PHYTOPLANKTON ZOOPLANKTON FISH, BACTERIAS
4 LAKE LIGHT, O2, SMALL
S S GAME , FUNGI
CO2 FISHES
FISH

TEMP., WATER BIRDS,

AQUAQTIC MAMMAL BACTERIAS
5 RIVER LIGHT,pH, INSECTS, MAMMAL
GRASSES S , FUNGI
NUTRIENTS SNAILS, FISHES S

NaCl,
TEMP., FISHES, COD, BACTERIAS
6 MARINE MARINE PALNTS MACKEREL
LIGHT, Ca, MOLLUSCS HADDOCK , FUNGI
K

TEMP., Na,
ESTUARIN SEAWEEDS, CRABS, SMALL LARGE BACTERIAS
7 K SALTS, SEA BIRDS
E MARSH GRASSES FISHES FISH , FUNGI
pH,

9
 BIO-DIVERSITY
Definition:
“The variety and variability among all group of organisms and the ecosystem in which
they occur iscalled biodiversity”
Types of Biodiversity are as follows,
Genetic diversity:

Genetic diversity is the diversity within the species. i.e variation of genes within the
species. This iscalled genetic diversity.
All rice species belong to the common species oryza sativa. But it has thousands of rice
varieties whichshows variation at the genetic level. E.g. IR8, Basmathi, Ponni, Teak wood –
Indian teak, burma teak etc.
Species diversity: Species diversity is the diversity between different species. E.g. Plant
species – apple,Mango, Grape. Animal species - Lion, Tiger etc.
Ecosystem diversity: The diversity at the ecological or habitat level is called ecosystem
diversity. E.g. Riverecosystem, forest ecosystem
VALUES OF BIODIVERSITY
As we get lot of benefits from
100 other organism in number of ways. Sometime we

realize the realvalue of the organism

80 only after it is lost in the earth.
60 East
The value of Biodiversity can be mainly classified into West
40
North
1. Direct Value 2. Indirect
20 Value
0
Consumptive and Productive
1st values are3rd
Qtr 2nd Qtr Direct
Qtr 4thValues
Qtr others are Indirect Values.
 Consumptive values
 Productive use values
 Social values
 Ethical values
 Aesthetic values
 Optional values
1. Consumptive values: The biodiversity products are harvested and consumed directly.
Example: Food,drugs and Fuel etc.
10
 As food : Large number of wild plants consumed by human as food (Greens).
Some of the wildanimals are also consumed as food by Tribal people (Spider, Wild
herbivores etc.)
As drugs: 70% of the modern medicines are derived from many plants. 20000 plants
may be identifiedas a medicinal plants which are used in Siddha, Ayurvedha and Unani.
E.g. Quinine ( Malaria), Morphine (Pain killer) and Reserphine (Hyper tension) are
derived fromvaluable plants.
As Fuel: Firewood is directly used by the villages for cooking. Natural gas, petroleum
and coal are alsoextracted from earth.
2. Productive use: The biodiversity products are obtained commercial values. The
products are marketed and sold. They are derived from plants and animals.
E.g. Silk – silk worm, Wool – Sheep, Honey – Honey bee, etc
3. Social value: It refers to the manner in which the bio resources are used to the society.
Many plants andanimals are considered as holy plants, holy animals in our country.
E.g. Holy plants - Tulsi, Neem, Lotus etc. Holy animals - Cow, Snake and Peacock etc.
4. Ethical value: All life must be preserved. The biodiversity is considered to have a great
value on religious and cultural basis. E.g. The river Ganges – Holy river, Neem, Tulsi are
worshiped byTamilians.
5. Aesthetic value: The beautiful nature of plant and animal insist us to protect
biodiversity. This can be achieved by eco- tourism. Eco-tourism - People from far
palces, spend lot of money and time to vistthe beautiful area and enjoyed the aesthetic
value. E.g: Pleasant music of birds, colours of butterfly,Rose flower, Peacock, elephant,
etc.
6. Optional value: It includes the potentials of biodiversity that presently unknown
and need to beexplored.
THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY:
Any disturbance in a natural ecosystem tends to reduce its biodiversity. The waste
generated due toincrease of human population and industrialization spoils the environment.
It leads to more diversity in biological species.
It is mainly due to,
A) Habitat loss
B) Poaching of wildlife
C) Man-Wildlife Conflicts

11
 HABITAT LOSS:
Definition: The loss of population of interbreeding organism is caused by habitat loss. It
threatens wide rangeof plants and animals.
Factors influencing Habitat loss:
Deforestation: Forest and grasslands have been cleared for agricultural land and some
developmental projects.Destruction of wetlands: The wetlands are destroyed due to
draining, filling and population, which causes huge diversity.
Raw Materials: For the production of hybrid seeds, the wild plants are used as raw materials.
Production of Drugs: Many pharma industries use the plants as raw materials for drug.
Developmental activities: Construction of dams near the forest, discharge of effluents
kills the birds andmany aquatic organism.

POACHING OF WILDLIFE:
Definition: Poaching means killing of animals or commercial hunting.
Subsistence Poaching: Killing animals to provide enough food for their survival is
called subsistencepoaching.
Commercial poaching: Hunting and killing of animals to sell their products is called
commercial poaching. E.g., Elephants killed for ivory; Star turtles: medical values; Male gorilla:
Hunted for its body parts and hands.Factors influencing Poaching:
 Increasing in human population increases the need of forest resources which
degrades the wildlifehabitats.
 Increasing of illegal trade, smuggling of wildlife body parts leads to increase the poaching.
Remedial measures:
 Illegal hunting and trade should be stopped immediately.
 Leather coat, purse, bag purchasing should be avoided.
 Biodiversity laws to be strengthened.
MAN - WILDLIFE CONFLICTS:
Man – Wildlife conflicts arise, when wild life stats causing immense damage and danger to
the man. Under such conditions it is very difficult for the forest department to compromise the
affected villagers and to gain the support for wildlife conservation.
E.g.
 Sambalpur at Orissa – 195 people were killed by elephants and villages are killed 98
elephants.
 Border of kote - Chamarajanagar, Mysore several elephants were killed by human,
because of massivedamage of farmer’s cotton and sugar cane crops.
12
 Factors influencing Man-Wildlife conflicts:
 Human encroachment of forest areas.
 Injured animal’s attack.
 Forest department stops the practice for cultivating sugarcane paddy, coconut trees near
the forest.
 Often villagers put electric wiring.
Remedial measures:
 Compensation scheme to be started for affected villagers.
 Croping pattern should be changed near the forest areas.
 Food, water to be made available in forest zones.
 The development and constructional activities around forest area should be stopped.
ENDANGERED SPECIES:
The species is said to be endangered, when its number has been reduced to a critical
level. Unless it isprotected and conserved, it is in immediate danger of extinction.

In India, 450 plants, 150 birds, 100 mammals, 25 reptiles, 3 fishes and 50 insects
are found asendangered species. E.g. Tiger, Black Rhinoceros, Giant Panda,
Himalayan black bear, etc. Many medicinal plants are also found as the endangered
species in indiasuch as Serpintina which has many medicinal values.
RED DATA BOOK: It contains the list of endangered species of plants and animals. It gives the
warningsignal for those species which are endangered and if not protected them become
extinct in near future.
Factors affecting endangered species:
Pollution – Human dispose the wastes to the nature. The land, river, air gets polluted severely.
The pollutantenters into the food through food chain leads finally to the death.
Over exploitation – Over extraction of resources and poaching of animals also leads to extinct
of wild animals.Endangered species of India: India presently contains about 15000 species of
plants and 80000 species of animals. Example: Cheetah, lion-tailed monkey, squirrels, deer etc.
Remedial measures:
 Convention on International trade in endangered species 1975 helps to protect
endangered wild species. This treaty is now signed by 160 countries and it list out 900
species that cannot be commercially tradedbecause they are danger in extinction.
 It also restricts international trade of 2900 other species, because they are endangered.
ENDEMIC SPECIES
The species which are found only in a particular region are known as endemic species.
13
 47,000 species, 7000 plants are endemic in India. Nearly 62% of the species
are available in Himalayasand Western Ghats.
1. Fauna : Animals present in a particular region or period. The Western Ghats are

particularly rich inamphibians and reptiles. 62 % of amphibians and 50 % of reptiles are endemic
in Western Ghats.
2. Flora : Plants present in particular region or period. Nearly 200 Pteridophyta and 4750

angiospems areendemic. In general in Land 878 species, Fresh water 89 species are
endemic.
Factors affecting endemic species:
1) Habitat Loss 2) Fragmentation 3) Pollution
CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY
Importance of biodiversity in ecology:
 Enriching soil, maintaining water and climate cycle
 Conservation of waste materials into nutrients
 Providing food, medicine and other essential materials
 Rich biodiversity is an indicator of the health of a particular habitat and its potential to
sustain life.

In-Situ Conservation of Biodiversity: In-Situ conservation involves conservation of species

within its naturalhabitat – places where the species normally occurs. In this method biodiversity
conserved where it currently exists.
Methods:
1) Biosphere Reserve: In India, 18 biosphere reserves are available. The nature or
biosphere reserve coverslarge area more than 5000 sq. km, where human activities and tourism

14
 is permitted.
The aim of biosphere Reserve:
a) To give long term survival of evolving ecosystem
b) To conserve maximum number of species and communities
c) To protect endangered species
d) To serve as sites of recreation and tourism
e) Nandadevi - U.P, Manas - Assam, Nilgiri - TN etc.
2) National parks: In India 120 National parks are available. They are small reserves covering
an area about 100 sq. km to 500 sq. km and protecting the species and their habitats. The
boundaries of national parks are welldefined. But tourism is permitted under certain
conditions.

Name of National State Wildlife

Park
Kaziranga Assam One horned Rhino
Gir National Park Gujarat Indian Lion
Periyar Kerala Tiger and Elephant
Mudumalai Tamil Nadu Elephant, Tiger
1. Wild life Sanctuaries:
A wild life sanctuary is an area, which is reserved for the conservation of animals only. At
present, there are 515 wildlife sanctuaries in our country. It provide good ecosystem for
animals. Killing, hunting, shooting andcapturing of animals are prohibited.
Name of Sanctuary State Major Wildlife
Ghana Bird Sanctuary Bihar Tiger and Leopard
Sultanpur Bird Haryana Migratory Bird
Sanctuary
Vedanthangal Tamil Nadu Water Birds
2. Gene Sanctuary:
A gene sanctuary is an area for the conservation of plants only.
 One gene sanctuary for citrus (Lemon Family)
 Gene sanctuary for pitcher plant ( an insect eating palnt)
3. Other projects:
 Project Tiger,
 Gir Lion Project
 Project Elephant
Advantages:

15
 1) It is very cheap and convenient method 2) Species adjusted to the natural
disasters.
Disadvantages:
1) Large surface area is required 2) Improper maintenance due to shortage of staff.

Ex-Situ conservation of Biodiversity: It involves the protection of fauna and flora

outside the naturalhabitat. The Maintenance of endangered plant and animal species under
controlled conditions.
Methods:
1) National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR):
It is located in New Delhi, It uses cryo preservation technique to preserve agricultural
and horticulturalcrops. It involves the preservation of seeds, crop by using liquid nitrogen at
a temperature less than -196o C. Variety of rice, radish, tomato, onion, chilli etc. is preserved
for several years.
2) National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR):
It is located in Karnal, Haryana. It preserves the semen of domesticated bovine animals. (Cow
related)
3) National Facility for Plant Tissue Culture Repository (NFPTCR): It develops the
facility for conservation of varieties of crop plants or trees by tissue culture. This facility
has been created within the NBPGR.
Advantages:
 It the best of method of conservation of endangered species.
 It conserves the population of endangered species.
Disadvantages:
 It is very expensive.
 As the wildlife population is more, it is very difficult to conserve.
HOT SPOTS OF BIODIVERSITY
Endemic species: The species which are confined to a particular locality only are called
endemic species. Hotspots: The area / region which possess endemic species is called hot spot.

Conditions for Hot spots:

 The site should already be threatened
 It should include a diverse range of habitats
 It should have a significant number of specialist species
Reason for rich biodiversity in Tropics:
The tropics have a more stable climate. Warm temperatures and high humidity inthe

16
 trophical areasprovide favorable conditions.
Among plants, rate of out-crossing appear to be higher
in tropics.Biodiversity Hotspots in India
Eastern Himalayas, Western Ghats

Eastern Himalayas:
Geographically these areas comprises Nepal, Bhutan and neighboring states of Northern
India. Thereare 35,000 plant species int he Himalayas, of which 30% are endemic.
E.g. Rice, Bananam Citrus, Ginger etc. 63% of mammals is from Eastern Himalayas, 60% of
the Indian birdsare from North East.
Features of Himalayan Regions
1. Eastern Himalayas shows an ultra varied topography, which has species diversity and
endemism.
2. In Sikkim, in semi-isolated area of 7298 km of 4250 plant species, 2550 (60 %) are
endemic.
3. In India's sector, there are 5800 plant species of which 2000 (36 %) are endemic.
4. In Nepal, there are 7000 plant species of which 500 (8 %) are endemic.
5. In Bhutan, there are 5000 plant species of which 750 (15 %) are endemic.
Western ghats:
The area comprises Maharastra, Karnataka and Tamilnadu, nearly 1500 endemic
plant species arefound from western ghats, 62% of amphibians and 50% lizards are
endemic.
It is reported that only 6.8% of the original forests are existing today while the rest has
been deforestedor degraded.
Some common plants – ternstroemia, Japonica etc.
Some common animals – Blue bird, Lizard and Hawk etc.
In India, Eastern Himalaya and Western Ghats are considered as hot spot. In world 12
hot spots contain34,400 endemic plant species in all tropical forest.
BIOGEOGRAPHICAL CLASSIFICATION OF INDIA
There are three ecological sub-regions.

17
Himalayan mountain system: There are altitudinal as well as East – West variations in this
region. Altitude affects wildlife distribution. East – west variations occur due to decrease in the
monsoon rainfall towards the west. The western side receives low rainfall and eastern sides
falls heavy rain. The species of animals and plantsin Himalaya are entirely differ.
Himalayan foot hills: It covers eastern frontiers of Kashmir to assam with evergreen forest
and big mammals.Western Himalayas: It includes higher altitudes area with coniferous pine
forest, wild ass, wild goats, etc Easter Himalayas: It includes Sikkim and extension with
coniferous forest, red panda, etc
Peninsular India sub-region: This covers the area around Deccan Plateau
Peninsular India extension upto Ganga river. It is full of tropical moist deciduous forest.
Also elephant,wild boar, deer, etc live there.
Thar Desert: It has unique plants and animals. It includes thony trees and rodent mammal.
Trophical rain forest: This is the region of heavy rainfall covering North-Eastern India and
Western ghats. Itis full of grass with ever green forest. It includes Nilgiris, Anamalai, and palani
hills.
Andaman & Nicobar islands: It is full of tropical forest and mangroves on coastal area.
The spcies ofmammals, reptiles and marine animals occur in this area.
Mangrove swamps of sunderban: It covers 70 % of mangrove forest. The fish, spotted deer,
sunderbans tiger,etc found in this area.

QUESTION BANK
Part – B (Frequently/Previously asked semester questions)
1) Explain the structure, function and energy flow of an ecosystem.
2) Explain the features and functions of
a) Forest ecosystem b) Grassland ecosystem c) Aquatic ecosystem d) Desert ecosystem

18
3) Explain Ecological succession
4) Discuss the Threat faced by Indian biodiversity.
5) Discuss in detail: Conservation of biodiversity.
6) Explain the bio-geographical classification of India.
7) Explain India is a mega diversity nation.
8) Write a note on endangered and endemic species
9) What do you understand by the hot spots of biodiversity that extend in India.
Part – A (Frequently/Previously asked semester questions)
1. Define the term “Biodiversity”.
The variety and variability among all group of organisms and the ecosystem
in which theyoccur is called biodiversity.
2. State the significance and scope of environmental education.
 To get an awareness and sensitivity to the total environment and its allied
problems.
 Acquiring basic understanding of total environment problems and the
responsible presence ofhumanity in it.
 To motivate active participation in environmental protection and improvement.
3. What are the characteristics of the Desert ecosystem?
 The land which receives annual rainfall below 25 cm, contain a large waste land
and poor watersource is called desert.
 Biotic components: Shrubs, bushes, few trees, camel, samphar deer, red foxes,
jungle cats,wolf, ant eaters, reptiles, insect, etc
 Abiotic components: solar energy, air, nutrients from soil, etc.
4. Define environmental science.
The study of basic components of our surroundings and their interaction is
calledenvironmental science.
5. Enumerate the human activities which destroy the biodiversity.
a) Unplanned urbanization b) Industrialization c) Dam construction d)
Deforestation
6. Define the terms producers and consumers.
Producers (Autotrophs): Those organisms producing their own food through
photosynthesis arecalled producers. Ex. Plants, algae, etc
Consumers (Heterotrophs): Those organisms feeding on other organisms are
called consumers.
Ex. Deer, Cow, Jackel, Wolf, Lion, etc.
7. What is meant by genetic diversity?
Within a species there are number of varieties which are slightly different from
one another dueto their genetic code. This is called genetic diversity.
8. Distinguish between primary and secondary consumer.

19
 Primary consumers: Plant eating animals are called herbivores. Ex. Deer, Cow,
etc. Secondary consumers: Meat eating animals are called carnivores. Ex. Jackel,
Wolf, Lion, etc.
9. Explain ecological succession.
The sequential changes of community over a period of time in the same area are
calledecological succession.
10. Write any four functions of forests.
It brings rainfall b) It prevent flood c) It provides food and shelter for animals
d) It providevaluable products.
11. Enumerate the structural and functional elements of ecosystem (OR) Give flow
chart of energyflow in an ecosystem.

12. What are the classifications of biotic components of ecosystems?

Producers (Autotrophs): Those organisms producing their own food through
photosynthesis are calledproducers. Ex. Plants, algae, etc
Consumers (Heterotrophs): Those organisms feeding on other organisms are called
consumers. Ex.Deer, Cow, Jackel, Wolf, Lion, Human being, crow, etc.
13. Decomposers (Reducers): Those organisms break down complex compounds of
dead organisms arecalled decomposers. Ex. Bacteria and fungi.
14. What is food chain and food web?
The sequence of eaters and being eaten is called food chain.

“In an ecosystem, various food chains are inter connected with each other to form a net
work is calledfood web”

15. What is ecosystem?

20
 The system in which group of biotic and abiotic components are inter-related
one another is called ecosystem. Ex. Forest ecosystem, marine ecosystem, etc.
16. Explain threatened and endangered species.
 Those species which are vulnerable to endangerment in the near future are called
threatened species. Ex. African grey parrot, American paddlefish, hippopotamus
etc.
 The species is said to be endangered, when its number has been reduced to a
critical level. Unless it is protected, it is in immediate danger of extinction.
Example: Tiger, Black Rhinoceros, Giant Panda etc.
17. Define ecological succession and mention its types.
The progressive replacement of one community by another by another till the
development of a stable community in a particular area is called ecological succession.
The types are primary succession and secondary succession.
18. What are the two important bio-diversity hot spots in India?
i. Eastern Himalayas 2) The Western Ghat
19. Name any two extinct species of India.
Tiger, Black Rhinoceros, Giant Panda, Himalayan black bear, Egyptian land tortoise,
etc.
20. Write the role of decomposers in ecosystem.
Those organisms break down complex compounds of dead organisms are called
decomposers.
Ex. Bacteria and fungi.
21. Give the causes for endangerment of species.
A) Habitat loss due to deforestation
B) Poaching of wildlife for their valuable properties
C) Man-Wildlife Conflicts like urbanization and industrialization
22. What is red data book?
RED data book contains the list of endangered species of plants and animals. It
gives the warning signal for those species which are endangered and if not protected
they become extinct in future.
23. What is Hazard? Give its types.
Hazard is any substance that can hurt you or make you ill. It is expressed in
degree. The degree of hazard is the function of risk, exposure, vulnerability and
response.
Hazard = (risk x exposure x vulnerability x response)
Types – Physical hazard, Chemical hazard and Biological hazard.
21