EVS Solution

Question 1 (a): Define climatic factors.

Climatic factors are environmental conditions related to climate that influence
ecosystems, such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind, and sunlight. These factors
affect plant growth, animal survival, and overall biodiversity.

Question 1 (b): What do you mean by productivity in ecosystem?

Productivity in an ecosystem refers to the rate at which energy is produced by autotrophs
(like plants) through photosynthesis. It includes Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) and
Net Primary Productivity (NPP), indicating how much energy is available to the food
chain.

Question 1 (c): What is Hot spot biodiversity?

Hotspot biodiversity refers to areas that are rich in endemic species but are also under
threat from human activities. These regions have high biodiversity and are prioritized for
conservation due to the risk of habitat loss.

Question 1 (d): What do you understand by biomagnifications?

Biomagnification is the process by which the concentration of toxic substances (like
pesticides or heavy metals) increases at each trophic level in a food chain. It can harm top
predators and disrupt ecosystem balance.

Question 1 (e): Write a short note on mutualism and parasitism?

Mutualism is a relationship where both organisms benefit, e.g., bees and flowers.
Parasitism is where one organism (parasite) benefits at the expense of the other (host),
e.g., lice on humans.

Question 1 (f): Define Commensalism with example.

Commensalism is a relationship where one organism benefits, and the other is neither
harmed nor helped. Example: Barnacles growing on a whale benefit from movement
without affecting the whale.

Question 1 (g): What is ecological succession?

Ecological succession is the gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop
over time. It involves changes in species structure and ecosystem composition, eventually
leading to a stable climax community.

Question 1 (h): What is disaster management?

Disaster management involves planning, preparation, response, and recovery strategies
to minimize the impact of natural or man-made disasters. It includes risk assessment,
rescue operations, and rehabilitation.

Question 1 (i): Describe the forest act.

The Forest Act, such as the Indian Forest Act of 1927, is a legal framework to regulate the
use of forests and protect forest resources. It classifies forests, restricts deforestation,
and promotes conservation.

Question 1 (j): Give the difference between Ex-Situ and In-Situ conservation.

• Ex-Situ Conservation: Protecting species outside their natural habitat, e.g., zoos,
botanical gardens.
• In-Situ Conservation: Conserving species in their natural environment, e.g.,
national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Question 2 (a): Write a note on human rights.
Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that every individual is entitled to,
regardless of nationality, sex, ethnicity, religion, or language. They include civil and
political rights like the right to life, liberty, and freedom of expression, as well as social,
cultural, and economic rights such as the right to education, health care, and employment.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations in
1948, is a foundational document outlining these rights.
Key human rights include:

• Right to equality
• Freedom from discrimination
• Right to life and liberty
• Freedom of thought, expression, and religion
• Right to education and work
These rights ensure dignity, justice, and peace for individuals and promote societal
development.

Question 2 (b): State the causes of soil pollution.

Soil pollution refers to the contamination of soil due to the presence of harmful
substances.
Major causes include:

1. Industrial Waste: Discharge of heavy metals, chemicals, and toxins from factories.
2. Pesticides and Fertilizers: Excessive use in agriculture contaminates the soil.
3. Deforestation: Leads to erosion and loss of topsoil, exposing soil to pollutants.
4. Waste Disposal: Dumping of non-biodegradable solid waste like plastics.
5. Oil Spills and Mining: Contaminates soil with toxic substances.
Soil pollution reduces soil fertility, harms organisms, and enters the food chain,
affecting human and animal health.

Question 2 (c): Explain energy flow in ecosystem.

Energy flow in an ecosystem is the movement of energy through a food chain.

• Sun is the primary source.

• Producers (plants) convert solar energy into chemical energy via photosynthesis.
 • Primary consumers (herbivores) feed on producers.
• Secondary and tertiary consumers (carnivores) feed on other animals.
• Decomposers break down dead matter, returning nutrients to soil.
Energy flow is unidirectional and follows the 10% law, meaning only 10% of energy
is transferred to the next trophic level.
It maintains ecosystem balance and supports life processes.

Question 2 (d): Describe the types of biodiversity.

Biodiversity is the variety of life forms on Earth and is categorized into:

1. Genetic Diversity: Variation in genes within a species. Example: Different breeds of

dogs.
2. Species Diversity: Variety of species in a given area. Example: Forests with birds,
insects, and mammals.
3. Ecosystem Diversity: Variety of ecosystems like deserts, wetlands, forests, and
grasslands.
Biodiversity ensures ecosystem productivity, resilience to change, and provides
ecological services like pollination and nutrient cycling.

Question 2 (e): Give the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy
resources.
Renewable Energy:

• Resources that are naturally replenished.

• Examples: Solar, wind, hydro, biomass.
• Environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Non-Renewable Energy:

• Finite resources that take millions of years to form.

• Examples: Coal, petroleum, natural gas.
• Cause pollution and will eventually deplete.

Renewable energy helps reduce carbon footprint and combat climate change, while non-
renewables are major contributors to global warming.
Question 2 (f): Describe the scope of environmental studies.
Environmental studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the relationship between
humans and their environment.
Its scope includes:

1. Conservation of natural resources

2. Understanding environmental issues like pollution, climate change, and
biodiversity loss
3. Developing sustainable development strategies
4. Promoting environmental awareness and ethics
5. Policy formation and environmental law enforcement
It integrates science, economics, politics, and social sciences to solve
environmental problems and promote sustainable living.

SECTION C: (2 x 10 = 20 Marks)

Attempt any TWO questions

Question 3 (a): What is ecosystem? Discuss the pond ecosystem with the help of flow
chart.
An ecosystem is a natural unit consisting of living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic)
components interacting with each other.

• Biotic components: Plants, animals, microbes.

• Abiotic components: Water, air, temperature, sunlight.

Pond Ecosystem is a freshwater ecosystem that includes:

1. Producers: Algae, phytoplankton, aquatic plants.

2. Primary Consumers: Zooplankton, insects, small fish.
3. Secondary Consumers: Frogs, larger fish.
4. Tertiary Consumers: Birds like herons, large predators.
5. Decomposers: Bacteria and fungi that break down dead organisms.
Energy Flow Chart:
Sunlight → Producers → Primary Consumers → Secondary Consumers → Tertiary
Consumers → Decomposers

The pond ecosystem is self-sustaining and shows all ecological processes such as energy
flow, nutrient cycling, and ecological balance.

Question 3 (b): What do you mean by ecological pyramid? Give the types of ecological
pyramid with the help of diagrams.
An ecological pyramid is a graphical representation showing the distribution of energy,
biomass, or numbers among trophic levels in an ecosystem.
There are three types:

1. Pyramid of Number: Represents the number of organisms at each trophic level.

Example: Grassland → many grasses, fewer herbivores, fewer carnivores.
2. Pyramid of Biomass: Represents total biomass (mass of living material) at each
level. Usually upright in forest ecosystems.
3. Pyramid of Energy: Represents energy flow and is always upright due to the 10%
energy transfer rule.

Diagrams (Describe if diagrams cannot be drawn):

Each pyramid shows a wide base for producers and narrows towards the top, showing
energy or biomass loss.

Ecological pyramids help in understanding ecosystem structure, energy loss, and the
impact of environmental changes.

Question 3 (c): Describe the causes of air pollution and state the measures to control
air pollution.
Causes of Air Pollution:

1. Industrial Emissions: Release of smoke, dust, and harmful gases.

2. Vehicle Emissions: Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides from fuel combustion.
3. Burning of Fossil Fuels: Coal, oil, and gas burning releases SO₂ and CO₂.
4. Construction and Mining: Dust and particulate matter.
5. Household and Agricultural Activities: Use of pesticides, garbage burning.
Control Measures:

1. Use of public transport and carpooling.

2. Shifting to renewable energy sources.
3. Use of filters and scrubbers in industries.
4. Afforestation and urban greenery.
5. Strict enforcement of environmental laws.

Controlling air pollution is essential for public health, ecosystem stability, and combating
climate change.

Question 3 (d): How will you describe different types of natural resources?
Natural resources are substances found in nature used for human benefit. They are
classified as:

1. Renewable Resources: Replenish naturally, e.g., sunlight, wind, water, forests.

2. Non-renewable Resources: Limited and exhaustible, e.g., coal, petroleum,
minerals.
3. Biotic Resources: Obtained from living organisms, e.g., plants, animals.
4. Abiotic Resources: From non-living things, e.g., air, soil, water, metals.
5. Potential Resources: Exist in a region but not yet utilized, e.g., wind in deserts.
6. Actual Resources: Explored and in use, e.g., coal in Jharkhand.

Proper management of resources ensures sustainability and supports future generations.