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Env. Sc-TMA-Answers

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why ecological significance of forest is more important in present day

context ? explain in 275 words


In the present-day context, the ecological significance of forests has become
increasingly important due to various environmental challenges facing the planet.
Forests play a critical role in maintaining the health of ecosystems and mitigating the
impacts of climate change, making their preservation and sustainable management
crucial for the well-being of both humans and the planet.

Firstly, forests are vital for biodiversity conservation. They serve as habitats for
countless plant and animal species, many of which are endemic and endangered.
Forest ecosystems support complex food webs and provide essential ecosystem
services such as pollination, seed dispersal, and nutrient cycling, which are essential
for maintaining ecological balance and supporting life on Earth.

Secondly, forests play a crucial role in climate regulation. They act as carbon sinks,
sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helping to mitigate climate
change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Deforestation and forest degradation
contribute significantly to global carbon emissions, exacerbating climate change and
its associated impacts such as rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and
sea-level rise.

Moreover, forests are essential for water resource management. They help regulate
water cycles by influencing precipitation patterns, reducing soil erosion, and
maintaining water quality. Forests act as natural watersheds, providing freshwater to
millions of people around the world for drinking, agriculture, and other purposes.
Deforestation can disrupt hydrological cycles, leading to water scarcity, soil
degradation, and increased vulnerability to droughts and floods.

Furthermore, forests have cultural, social, and economic significance for indigenous
communities and local populations. They provide livelihoods and sustenance for
millions of people worldwide, offering sources of food, medicine, fuel, and materials
for shelter and crafts. Forests also hold cultural and spiritual value for many
communities, serving as sites of traditional knowledge, ceremonies, and cultural
heritage.

In conclusion, the ecological significance of forests in the present-day context cannot


be overstated. Their preservation and sustainable management are essential for
biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, water resource management, and the
well-being of human societies. Protecting and restoring forests is imperative for
addressing pressing environmental challenges and building a sustainable future for
generations to come.

explain the characteristics of western ghats for inclusion as biodiversity


hotspots in 130words
The Western Ghats, a mountain range along the western coast of India, exhibits
several characteristics that make it a biodiversity hotspot. It boasts high levels of
species diversity and endemism, with numerous plant and animal species found
nowhere else on Earth. The region's diverse habitats, including tropical
rainforests, moist deciduous forests, and montane grasslands, support a wide
range of ecosystems and species. The Western Ghats also serve as a crucial
freshwater source, with numerous rivers, streams, and waterfalls providing
habitat for aquatic species and supplying water to millions of people.
Additionally, the area faces significant threats from habitat loss, fragmentation,
and degradation due to human activities such as deforestation, agriculture, and
urbanization, underscoring the urgency of conservation efforts to protect its
unique biodiversity.

why hydropower is regarded as the best source of energy ? explain in


detail in 130 words
Hydropower is often regarded as one of the best sources of energy due to
several reasons. Firstly, it is renewable and environmentally friendly,
producing electricity by harnessing the power of flowing water, which is
continuously replenished by the hydrological cycle. Unlike fossil fuels,
hydropower does not produce greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants,
contributing to mitigating climate change and reducing environmental
pollution.

Secondly, hydropower is reliable and cost-effective, providing a steady


and predictable source of electricity generation. It offers flexibility in
responding to fluctuations in demand, making it suitable for base-load and
peak-load power generation. Additionally, hydropower projects can have
long lifespans with relatively low operational and maintenance costs,
making them economically viable over the long term.

Furthermore, hydropower provides multiple benefits beyond electricity


generation, including flood control, irrigation, water supply, and
recreational opportunities, enhancing the overall socio-economic
development of regions where hydropower projects are implemented.

the importance of biomass has been increasing day by day in our


surroundings among renewable resources explain it with suitable examples
in 130words

The importance of biomass as a renewable resource has been increasing


due to its versatility, sustainability, and potential to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions. Biomass refers to organic materials such as agricultural
residues, wood waste, and municipal solid waste that can be converted
into energy through processes like combustion, gasification, and
anaerobic digestion.

One example of the increasing importance of biomass is the use of


biofuels as an alternative to fossil fuels in transportation. Biofuels, such as
ethanol and biodiesel, are derived from biomass feedstocks like corn,
sugarcane, and soybeans, offering lower carbon emissions and reduced
dependency on finite fossil fuel reserves.

Additionally, biomass energy can be used for heat and power generation
in residential, commercial, and industrial applications, replacing fossil
fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Biomass also plays a
crucial role in waste management by diverting organic waste from landfills
and converting it into valuable energy resources, contributing to
sustainable waste management practices and mitigating environmental
pollution. Overall, biomass offers a renewable and environmentally
friendly energy solution that can help address climate change, enhance
energy security, and promote sustainable development.

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