1.
Ecosystems and Biodiversity
Ecosystem: A community of living organisms interacting with each other and their
physical environment (air, water, soil).
Biodiversity: The variety of life forms in an ecosystem, including different species,
genes, and ecosystems. High biodiversity is essential for ecosystem stability and
resilience.
Levels of Organization:
1. Individual: A single organism.
2. Population: A group of the same species living in a specific area.
3. Community: All the populations of different species in an area.
4. Ecosystem: A community of organisms interacting with the abiotic (non-living)
environment.
5. Biome: A large geographic biotic community, like a forest, desert, or grassland.
Types of Biodiversity:
1. Genetic Diversity: Variability in genes within a species.
2. Species Diversity: The variety of species in an area.
3. Ecosystem Diversity: The range of different habitats and ecological processes in a
region.
2. Human Impact on the Environment
Pollution: Contamination of air, water, or land that causes harm to living organisms and
the environment.
o Air Pollution: Release of harmful substances into the air, such as carbon
monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. Major causes include vehicle
emissions, industrial activity, and deforestation.
o Water Pollution: Contamination of water bodies (rivers, lakes, oceans) with
harmful chemicals, waste, and pathogens. Major sources include industrial waste,
agricultural runoff (pesticides, fertilizers), and sewage.
o Land Pollution: Accumulation of solid waste, including plastics, chemicals, and
hazardous materials, that damage soil and habitats.
Climate Change:
o Global Warming: The rise in Earth’s average temperature due to increased
greenhouse gases (CO₂, methane, etc.) in the atmosphere, mainly from human
activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
o Effects of Climate Change: Rising sea levels, melting ice caps, extreme weather
events (heatwaves, storms), shifts in ecosystems, and loss of biodiversity.
Deforestation: The clearing of forests for agriculture, urban development, and logging,
leading to loss of habitat, reduced oxygen production, and increased CO₂ levels.
3. Sustainable Development and Conservation
Sustainable Development: Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
o Focuses on balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social
equity.
Principles of Sustainability:
Environmental Protection: Ensuring that ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural
resources are preserved and not over-exploited.
Social Equity: Ensuring that all people, especially marginalized groups, have access to
resources, education, and opportunities.
Economic Growth: Promoting development and industry that do not degrade the
environment but instead support a sustainable economy.
Conservation:
Wildlife Conservation: Protecting species and habitats from extinction due to human
activity. This can involve creating protected areas, wildlife corridors, and anti-poaching
laws.
Marine Conservation: Protecting oceans and marine species from overfishing, pollution,
and habitat destruction.
Renewable Energy:
Using energy from natural resources that are replenished naturally, such as solar, wind,
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