Q3. Explain Energy Flow in the Ecosystem.

Energy flow in an ecosystem refers to the transfer of energy from one trophic level to another. It begins with the sun, which is the primary source of energy. Green plants (producers) use
sunlight to make food through photosynthesis. This energy then flows through various levels in the food chain:

Producers (Autotrophs) – Use solar energy to make food (e.g., plants).

Primary Consumers (Herbivores) – Eat producers (e.g., deer, rabbits).

Secondary Consumers (Carnivores) – Eat herbivores (e.g., lions).

Tertiary Consumers – Eat other carnivores (e.g., eagles).

Decomposers (Bacteria & Fungi) – Break down dead organisms and return nutrients to the soil.

Energy flow is unidirectional and decreases at each trophic level due to the 10% law—only 10% of energy is passed to the next level, and the rest is lost as heat.

Q4. Write a note on the topic “Biodiversity and its Conservation.”

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms found on Earth, including different species of plants, animals, microorganisms, and ecosystems. It is important for ecological balance, food
security, medicine, and ecosystem services.

Importance of Biodiversity:

Maintains ecological balance.

Supports food chains and food webs.

Provides raw materials and medicines.

Helps in climate regulation and pollination.

Threats to Biodiversity:

Deforestation

Pollution

Climate change

Overexploitation of resources

Habitat destruction

Conservation of Biodiversity:

In-situ conservation – Protecting species in their natural habitat (e.g., national parks, wildlife sanctuaries).

Ex-situ conservation – Protecting species outside their natural habitat (e.g., zoos, botanical gardens, seed banks).

Afforestation and reforestation

Enforcing laws and awareness campaigns to protect endangered species.

Conserving biodiversity is essential for sustaining life and ensuring a healthy planet for future generations.

Q7. Explain Water Conservation by taking an example of “Bhoj Wetland Project, Bhopal”.

Bhoj Wetland Project is a major example of water conservation and wetland restoration in India, located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. It consists of two lakes: Upper Lake and Lower
Lake, collectively known as Bhoj Wetland.

Key points:

Objective: The project aimed to restore the ecological health of the lakes, improve water quality, and conserve biodiversity.

Problems Faced: Pollution due to sewage, solid waste, encroachments, and excessive algae growth.

Steps Taken for Water Conservation:

Construction of sewage treatment plants.

Development of green belts and buffer zones.

Public awareness campaigns and community participation.

Prevention of solid waste dumping and illegal encroachments.

Desilting and cleaning of lakebeds.

Outcome:
Improved water quality, increased biodiversity, and restored lake ecosystem. It became a model for urban wetland conservation and sustainable water management.

Q8. Write short notes on any two of the following:

Global warming refers to the gradual increase in Earth’s average temperature due to excessive emission of greenhouse gases like CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O. These gases trap heat in the
atmosphere, leading to:

Melting of glaciers and rising sea levels.

Changes in weather patterns.

Increased frequency of natural disasters like floods and droughts.

Threat to biodiversity and human health.

(b) Acid Rain / अम्लीय वर्षा

Acid rain is caused by the release of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere. These gases react with water vapor to form sulfuric and nitric acids, which fall
as acid rain.

Effects:

Damages buildings, monuments, and soil.

Harms aquatic life and vegetation.

Reduces soil fertility.

(c) Ozone Layer Depletion / ओज़ोन परत क्षरण

The ozone layer protects Earth from harmful UV radiation. Certain chemicals, especially CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons), cause depletion of this layer.

Consequences:

Increase in skin cancer and cataracts.

Damage to crops and marine life.

Disturbance in climate balance.

Measures to Control:

Ban on CFCs (e.g., Montreal Protocol).

Use of ozone-friendly products.

Q9. Write a note on human rights. Why are environmental issues considered human rights issues?

Human Rights are the basic rights and freedoms to which every person is entitled, such as the right to life, health, clean air, clean water, and shelter.

Why Environmental Issues are Human Rights Issues: A clean and healthy environment is essential for the right to life and health.

Pollution, deforestation, and climate change directly affect human survival and dignity. Vulnerable communities suffer more due to environmental degradation.

International bodies like the UN recognize access to a healthy environment as a human right.Thus, protecting the environment is crucial to safeguarding human rights.

Q10. Explain the importance of "Information Technology" in the environment.

Information Technology (IT) plays a crucial role in environmental protection and sustainability.

Importance:

Environmental Monitoring – Satellites and sensors collect data on pollution, deforestation, and climate.

Data Management – Efficient storage and analysis of environmental data.

Awareness and Education – Spreading environmental awareness through apps, websites, and media.

Disaster Management – Early warning systems for floods, earthquakes, and storms.

Research and Innovation – IT helps in modeling climate change and developing solutions.

In short, IT supports better decision-making, public participation, and policy formulation for environmental protection.

Q1. Explain the role of an individual in the conservation of natural resources.

Use water, electricity, and fuel wisely.

Avoid plastic and promote recycling.

Plant trees and protect wildlife.

Support eco-friendly practices (e.g. carpooling, using public transport).

Spread awareness about sustainability.

Q2. What are water resources? Write in detail on the use and overutilization of surface and groundwater.
Water Resources are natural sources of water: rivers, lakes, glaciers (surface) and aquifers (groundwater).
Uses: drinking, agriculture, industries, sanitation, power generation.
Overutilization Effects:

Depletion of groundwater table.

Drying of rivers and lakes.

Water scarcity and conflict.

Degraded soil quality.

Q3. Define genetic, species, and ecosystem biodiversity. Write about biodiversity at global, national, and local levels.

Genetic Biodiversity: Variation in genes within species (e.g., different rice varieties).

Species Biodiversity: Variety of species in a region (e.g., tigers, peacocks).

Ecosystem Biodiversity: Diversity of ecosystems (e.g., forests, wetlands, deserts).

Levels:

Global: Amazon rainforest, coral reefs.

National (India): Western Ghats, Himalayas, Sundarbans.

Local: Local forests, ponds, and gardens.

Q4. Write short notes on:

a) Biogeographical classification of India:

Himalayas, Western Ghats, Deccan Plateau, Gangetic Plain, Islands, Coastal region, etc.
Each has unique flora and fauna.

b) Threats to Biodiversity:

Deforestation, habitat loss

Pollution

Climate change

Invasive species

Overexploitation of resources

Q5. Define the causes, effects, and control measures of water pollution.

Causes:

Industrial waste

Sewage discharge

Agricultural runoff

Plastic waste

Effects:

Water-borne diseases

Death of aquatic life

Disruption of ecosystems

Contaminated drinking water

Control Measures:

Treat wastewater

Ban dumping of plastic

Q6. What do you understand about natural disasters? Describe the causes and effects of landslides and floods.

Natural Disasters: Sudden natural events causing damage to life and property.
Landslides Causes: Deforestation, heavy rain, earthquakes
Effects: Property damage, road blockage, loss of life

Flood Causes: Excess rainfall, dam failure, poor drainage

Q7. Discuss briefly the salient features of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.

Enacted in 1981 by the Government of India.

Provides authority to CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) and SPCBs.

Aims to prevent, control, and reduce air pollution.

Industries need permission to operate in pollution control zones.

Provides for monitoring air quality and penalizing violators.

Q9. Human Population and Environment

The relationship between human population and the environment is deeply interconnected.

1. Growth of Population:

Rapid population growth increases demand for natural resources.

Overpopulation leads to overuse of land, water, and energy.

2. Environmental Degradation:

More people means more pollution (air, water, land).

Deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and climate change are results of human pressure.

3. Resource Scarcity:

Increased consumption causes depletion of natural resources like fossil fuels, fresh water, and arable land.

4. Urbanization:

High population leads to urban crowding, slums, waste accumulation, and traffic congestion.

5. Solutions:

Population control measures (education, family planning)

Sustainable development

Awareness programs about eco-friendly habits

Q10. Environment and Human Health

The environment directly affects human health in many ways.

1. Air Pollution:

Causes respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer.

Common sources: vehicle emissions, industries, dust, burning of biomass.

2. Water Pollution:

Leads to diseases like cholera, dysentery, and typhoid.

Drinking contaminated water can be fatal.

3. Soil Contamination:

Use of pesticides and industrial waste affects food safety and health.

4. Climate Change:

Increases heat-related illnesses, vector-borne diseases (like malaria and dengue).

Extreme weather impacts mental and physical health.

Can lead to hearing loss, stress, and sleep disorders.

6. Preventive Measures:

Promote clean energy and reduce pollution.

Safe sanitation and clean drinking water.

Awareness about environmental hygiene.

Q5. Causes, Consequences, and Remedies of Water Pollution

Causes of Water Pollution:

Industrial Waste – Factories discharge harmful chemicals into rivers and lakes.

Sewage and Waste Water – Untreated household sewage pollutes water bodies.

Agricultural Runoff – Pesticides and fertilizers enter water bodies.

Oil Spills – Leakage from oil tankers affects marine life.

Plastic Waste – Non-biodegradable plastic pollutes oceans and rivers.

Consequences of Water Pollution:

Health Hazards – Causes diseases like cholera, typhoid, dysentery.

Death of Aquatic Life – Lack of oxygen kills fish and other organisms.

Disruption of Ecosystem – Affects food chains and biodiversity.

Scarcity of Drinking Water – Reduces availability of clean water.

Economic Impact – Affects fisheries, tourism, and water treatment costs.

Remedies and Control Measures:

Sewage Treatment – Treat waste water before discharging.

Industrial Regulation – Enforce laws on waste disposal.

Use of Organic Farming – Reduce chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Public Awareness – Campaigns to reduce dumping of garbage into rivers.

Afforestation and Wetland Conservation – Maintain natural filtration systems.

Q6. Causes, Effects and Control Measures of Urban and Industrial Wastes

Causes:

Urbanization – Increase in population leads to more household waste.

Industrialization – Factories produce solid, liquid, and toxic wastes.

Lack of Waste Management Systems – Improper collection and disposal.

Plastic and E-waste – Non-degradable wastes accumulating in cities.

Effects:

Pollution – Air, water, and soil pollution due to toxic waste.

Health Problems – Respiratory issues, infections, and skin diseases.

Loss of Aesthetic Value – Dirty streets, garbage piles.

Clogged Drainage – Leads to urban flooding and water stagnation.

Control Measures:

Proper Waste Segregation – Separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.

Recycling and Reuse – Promote recycling industries.

Strict Regulations – Enforce environmental laws on industries.

Public Participation – Involve community in clean-up drives.

Green Technologies – Encourage cleaner production methods.