SYED AMMAL ENGINEERING COLLEGE DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

GE3451 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY

UNIT - I
ENVIRONMENT AND BIODIVERSITY
1. Define ecosystem. Give an account of structure and functions of ecosystem.

ECOSYSTEM
 An ecosystem can be defined as a group of organisms interacting among themselves
and with their environment.

STRUCTURE (OR) COMPONENTS OF AN ECOSYSTEM

An ecosystem has two major components.
1) Abiotic (non-living) components.
2) Biotic (living) components.

Abiotic (non-living) components

The non-living components of an ecosystem is called abiotic components.
Examples : Climate, soil, water, air, energy, nutrients etc.,
Abiotic components are mainly of two factors. They are :
1) Physical components
 Examples –air, water, soil, sunlight, etc.,
2) Chemical components - These are the sources of essential nutrients.
Examples :
a) Organic substances –Protein, lipids, carbohydrates, etc.,
b) Inorganic substances –All micro (Al, Co, Zn, Cu) and macro elements ( C, H, O, P, N, K).

Biotic (living) components

The living organism of an ecosystem is called biotic components.
Biotic components are classified into 3 main groups based on their feeding habit.
(i) Producers
(ii) Consumers
(iii) Decomposers
Producers ( Autotrophs)
 Synthesize their own food through photosynthesis.
Examples : All green plants, trees etc.
Photo synthesis
hˠ
6CO2 + 6 H2O -------→ C6H12O6 + 6O2
Chlorophyll

Consumers (Heterotrophs)
 Depends on producers for their food.

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Types of consumers
Consumers are three types. They are,
a) Primary consumers (herbivores)
Depends on plants for their food.
Examples : insects, rat, goat, horse, cow , etc.,
b) Secondary consumers (primary carnivores)
Depends on primary consumers (herbivores) for their food.
Examples : frog, cat, snakes, etc.,
c) Tertiary consumers (secondary carnivores)
Depends on secondary consumers (primary carnivores) for their food.
Examples : tiger, lion, etc.,
Decomposers
 Feed on dead organisms and decompose them into simpler compounds.
 During this process inorganic nutrients are released which are then used by the producers
along with other organic nutrients for preparing their own food.
 Examples: Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi.

FUNCTION OF AN ECOSYSTEM
The function of an ecosystem is to allow flow of energy and cycling of nutrients
Functions of an ecosystem are of 3 types:
1) Primary function of all ecosystem is manufacture of food (photosynthesis).
2) Secondary function is distributing energy in the form of food to all consumers.
3) Tertiary function includes decomposing the dead items and initiates the process of “cycling”.

2. Briefly explain the energy flow through ecosystem.

ENERGY FLOW IN THE ECOSYSTEM

 Energy is the most essential requirement for all living organisms.
 Solar energy is the only source to our planet earth.
 Of the solar radiations reached the earth’s surface, some of which is absorbed by
producers (plants) to produce organic matter through photosynthesis.
 The plants are used by the herbivores and the herbivores are used by the carnivores as
their food.
 Thus the energy enters the ecosystem through photosynthesis and passes through the
different tropic levels (feeding levels).
 The conversion of solar energy is governed by the law of thermodynamics.

First Law of Thermodynamics

Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but it can be converted from one form to another.
That is, solar energy is converted into chemical energy through photosynthesis by plants.

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Photo synthesis
hˠ
6CO2 + 6 H2O -------→ C6H12O6 + 6O2
Chlorophyll

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Whenever energy is transformed, there is a loss of energy through the release of heat.
 This occurs when energy is transferred between tropic levels.
 The loss of energy takes place through respiration, running, hunting, etc.,
 Respiration equation
CH2O + O2 -----------> CO2 + H2O
Carbohydrate oxygen carbondioxide water

3. Write short notes on ecological succession.

Ecological Succession

The progressive replacement of one community by another till the development of stable
community in a particular area is called ecological succession.
Types of ecological succession:

Primary succession → involves gradual establishment of biotic communities on a lifeless ground.

Secondary succession → Involves establishment of biotic communities in an area, where biotic

community already present there.

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PROCESS OF ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION

 Nudation: development of bare area without any life form.
 Invasion: establishment of one or more species on a bare area through migration followed by
establishment .
a) Migration: migration of seeds brought about by wind, water or birds.
b) Establishment: the seeds then germinate & grow on the land & establishes their pioneer
communities.
 Competition: as the number of individual species grow there will be competition between them
for space, water & nutrients
 Reaction: living organisms take water, nutrients & grow & modify the environment is known as
reaction. This becomes unsuitable for some & favour for some species-leads to seral communities
 Stabilizations: it leads to stable community, which is in equilibrium with the environment.

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4. What is biodiversity? Discuss the values and significance of biodiversity.

BIODIVERSITY
Definition: The variety and variability among all groups of living organisms and the
ecosystem in which they occur.

Significance (or) importance of biodiversity

 It provides food, fuel, medicine and industrial products to the human beings.
 Provides fresh air, clean water and productive land.
 Loss of biodiversity leads to poor economy for any nation.

VALUES OF BIODIVERSITY
Few parameters are used to assess the values of biodiversity. They are,
(I) Direct use values and
(II) Indirect use value.

(I) Direct use values of Biodiversity

There are two types
1) Consumptive use values
2) Productive use values
1. Consumptive use values
The biodiversity products are harvested and consumed directly.
Ex : food, drug, fuel etc.
Drugs:
 Many plants are used in primary health care.
 70% of modern medicines are derived from plant and plant extracts.

Ex : Penicillin – fungus is the source – used as Antibiotic

Quinine – Chincona bark is the source – used in Malaria treatment.
Morphine – Poppy bark – used as Analgesic.
Fuels:
Fire woods are directly consumed by villagers.
Food:
A large number of wild plants and wild animals are consumed by human beings as food.

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2. Productive use:
 Biodiversity products have commercial value.
 These products are marketed and sold.
 These are derived from animals and plants.
Animal products:
 Silk from silk worm
 Wool from sheep
Plant Products:
 Wood for paper and Plywood
 Cotton for textile industry

(II) Indirect use values of biodiversity

1) Social value
 It refers to the manner in which the bio-resources are used in the society.
 These are associated with the social life, religion and spiritual aspects of the people.
Ex : Holy plants : Tulsi, Lotus, Neem trees
Holy animals : Cow, snake, bull, peacock.
2) Ethical value
It means that a species may or may not be used but its existence in nature gives us
pleasure.
Ex : Holy river: River Ganga.
Holy tree: Tulsi, Vengai, etc.
3) Aesthetic value
The beautiful nature of plants and animals insists us to protect the biodiversity.
Ex : eco-tourism, colour of butterfly, flowers etc.
4) Optional value
The optional value of biodiversity suggests that any species may be proved to be a
valuable species after someday.
Ex : searching species of causing the diseases of cancers and AIDS.

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5. Explain the various threats to biodiversity.

(OR) Explain the major factors that are responsible for loss of biodiversity.

THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY
Any disturbance in a natural ecosystem tends to reduce its biodiversity.
Various threats to biodiversity are:
1. Habitat loss 2. Poaching of wildlife 3. Man – wild animal conflicts.
1. Habitat loss
Loss of population of interbreeding organism is caused by habitat loss.

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Factors influencing Habitat Loss:

Deforestation:
 Forest & grasslands are cleared for agricultural lands or developmental
projects.
 Many species disintegrate due to loss of natural habitat.

Destruction of wetlands:
 Wetlands are destroyed due to pollution, draining etc.

Developmental activities:
 Construction of dams in forest area and discharge of industrial effluents kill birds
& aquatic organisms.

Habitat fragmentation:
 Habitat is divided into small & scattered
 So, many animal & birds are vanishing.

Raw materials:
 For the production of hybrid seeds, wild plants are used as raw materials.

Production of Drugs:
 Pharmaceutical companies collect wild plants for drugs production.
 So, number of medicinal plants is on the verge of extinction.

Illegal Trade:
 Trade on wild life reduces bio-diversity.

2. Poaching of Wildlife :
Killing / Hunting of animals is called poaching.

Types:
Subsistence Poaching- killing animals for surviving.
Commercial Poaching- hunting animals for selling

Factors influencing Poaching:

Human Population: increase in population increases pressure on forest resources.

Commercial activities: Smuggling of wild life products for high profit.

Wildlife products: some wildlife product has high profit. So poachers smuggle it to other
countries.
Examples:
 Male gorilla for its body parts
 Blue morpho butterfly – making attractive trays
 Elephant feet – for making Ash trays
 Elephant – for ivory
 Bengal tiger – soled for $1,00,000 in foreign market
 Tribal people hunt for their own survival.

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Remedy measures
 Illegal hunting and trade of animals should be stopped immediately.
 Not purchase purse or bag or items made of crocodile skin or python skin.
 Biodiversity laws should be strengthened.

3. Man-Wildlife conflicts:
Man and wild animal conflicts arise, when wild life starts causing immense damage and
danger to the man.
Examples:
Sambalpur – orissa:
195 humans were killed by elephants.
In retaliation- 98 elephants were killed, 30 injured by villagers.
Kote – Chamrajanagar –Mysore:
Several elephants were killed because of the massive damage done by the elephants to
farmers Sugarcane & cotton crops.
Royal Chitwan National Park – Kathmandu
Man-eating tiger killed 16 Nepalese, 4 years child
Sanjay Gandhi National Park – Mumbai
Leopards killed– 14 persons.
Powai – Mumbai
Very recently two men were killed by leopards.

Factors Influencing man-animal conflicts:

 Shrinking of forest compels wildlife to move outside the forest
 Villagers put electric wiring around crops field. This result, Animals suffer pain and attack
humans
 Female wildlife attack human if she feels that her new born cubs are in danger.
 Forest department don’t cultivate foods for wild animals.
 Cash compensate paid by Government for the damage caused by the wild animals is not
enough.
 Garbage near human settlement attracts wild animals.
Remedy measures
 Compensation schemes must be started.
 Agricultural activities should be avoided near the forest area.
 Basic facilities for animals should be arranged within the forest.
 Avoid the developmental activities in the forest area.

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6. What do you mean by conservation of biodiversity? State and explain the basic
approaches to wildlife conservation.
(OR) Write short notes on in-situ and ex-situ conservation of biodiversity.

CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY
 Definition : The management of biodiversity of the biosphere so that maximum benefits are
derived by the present generation and substantial potential is preserved for the future
generation.

Types of conservation of Biodiversity:

 In-situ conservation (within habitat)
 Ex-situ conservation (outside habitat)
IN-SITU CONSERVATION:
 Involves protection of fauna & flora within its natural habitat.
 At present 7 biospheres, 80 National parks and 497 wildlife sanctuaries are available in
India.
 These are used for in-situ conservation.

1. Biosphere Reserves:
 Covers area of more than 5000 sq. km.
 Protect species for long time

Ex : Nanda devi U.P

Nilgiri Kerala, TN, Karnataka
Manas Assam etc.
Role of Biosphere reserves:
 Protects endangered species
 Site of recreation & tourism
 Useful for education & research purpose
 Gives long term survival.
Restriction:
 No tourism & explosives are permitted.
2. National Park:
 Covers area of about 100 to 500 sq.kms
 Conserves wildlife & environment
Examples :
Gir National Park Gujarat
Periyar Kerala
Sariska Rajasthan

Role of National Park:

 For tourism without affecting environment
 Protect, propagate & develop wild life.
Restrictions
 Grazing of domestic animals inside the national park is prohibited.
 All private rights and forestry activities are prohibited within the national park.
3. Wildlife Sanctuaries:
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 Conserve animals & Birds only.

Examples :
Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary Tamil Nadu
Vedanthangal Bird sanctuary Tamil Nadu
Sultanpur Bird sanctuary Haryana
Wild Ass sanctuary Gurajat

Role of wildlife Sanctuaries:

 Protects animals only
 Harvesting of timber
 Collection of forest products.
Restriction : Killing, shooting of wildlife is prohibited.

Merits of In-situ conservation:

 Very cheap & convenient method
 Species adjust to floods, drought, forest fires etc.
Demerits
 Large area is needed.
 Maintenance is not proper due to pollution and lack of staff.

EX-SITU CONSERVATION:
Involves protection of fauna & flora outside the natural habitats.
Role of Ex-situ conservation:
 Maintenance of endangered plant & animal species under controlled conditions
 Preserves more important species.
Methods of Ex-situ conservation:
1. NBPGR
National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources → uses cryo technique
Cryo Technique: Preservation of seeds, vegetables, fruits, crops, etc by using liquid
nitrogen at -196º C.
2.NBAGR :
National Burea of Animal Genetic Resources → preserves semen of bovine animals
3.NFPRCR:
National Facility for Plants Tissue Culture Repository → preserves crops or trees by tissue
culture
Merits
 Survival / life span of species increase by special care.
 Species are assured for food, water, shelter etc.
 Endangered species are preserved.

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Demerits:
o Expensive method.
o Freedom of wildlife is lost.
o Animal cannot survive in natural environment.
o It can be adopted only for few selected species.

7. India in mega diversity nation – Account.

BIODIVERSITY AT NATIONAL LEVEL (or) INDIA AS A MEGA-DIVERSITY NATION

 India has rich biological diversity of flora and fauna.
 India is second largest nation containing 5% of world’s biodiversity and 2% of the earth
surface.

Rank of India in biodiversity

India has
 10th rank among the plant rich countries of the world.
 11th rank among the endemic species of higher vertebrates.
 6th rank among the centres of biodiversity.
 10th rank in diversity of mammals.

Mega – diversity
 There are nearly 170 countries in the world and 12 of them contain 70% of our plant’s
biodiversity
 India is one of the 12 mega diversity countries in the world
 India has 47,000 plants species and 89,500 animal species which is 7% and 6.5% of global
flora and fauna respectively
 The loss of biodiversity or endemim is about 33%.
Salient features of Indian biodiversity
 A number of rare species such as the royal Bengal Tiger, Indian elephant, Asian lion of Gir,
White tiger of Rewa etc. are exclusively found in the India.
 India has 50,000 known species of insects, including 13,000 butterflies and moths.
 18% of Indian plants are endemic and 50% of lizards are endemic.
 Number of species of leopards, antelopes, bears and birds are found in India.
 India has a rich endemic flora and fauna. Nearly 33% of the flowering plants, 53% of fresh
water fishes, 60% amphibians, 36% reptiles and 10% of mammalian are endemic species in
India.
 Several species of mangrove plants and sea grasses are also found in our country.
 India has 40 breeds of sheep, 22 breeds of goats and 8 breeds of buffalos.
 India consists of more than 80 National parks and 497 Sanctuaries and 7 Biosphere
reserves.
 Example:
Biosphere Reserve Nation
Nilgiri Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka
Nanda devi Uttar Pradesh
Gulf of mannar Tamil Nadu etc.

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8. What do you understand by hot spots of biodiversity? Name and briefly describe two
hot spots of biodiversity that extend in India.

HOT SPOT OF BIODIVERSITY

i. The hot spots are the geographic areas which possess high endemic species.
ii. An area is designated as a hot spot when it contains at least 0.5%
of plant species as endemic.
iii. There are 25 such hot spots of biodiversity on a global level, out of which
two are present in India.
iv. These are: Indo- Burma (earlier The Eastern Himalayas), The
western Ghats & Sri Lanka.
v. These hot spots covering less than 2% of the world’s land area are
found to have about 50% of the terrestrial biodiversity.
Criteria for determining hot-spots
vi.
The richness of the endemic species is the primary criterion for recognizing hot
spots.
vii. It contain significant percentage of specialized species (0.5% of the global total).
viii. The site is under threat.
ix. It should contain important gene pools of plants of potentially useful plants.
Reason for rich biodiversity in the tropics
 The tropics have a more stable climate.
 Warm temperatures and high humidity in the tropical area provide favorable conditions.
E.g. Eastern Himalayas Hotspot

 Geographically these are comprises Nepal, Bhutan and Indo-Burma region.

 Nearly 35,000 plant species are found in Himalayas, of which 30% are endemic
species
 The Eastern Himalayas are also rich in wild plants of economic value.
Examples : Rice, banana, citrus ginger chilli, jute and sugarcane.
The taxol yielding plant is also sparsely distributed in the region.
 63% mammals are from Eastern Himalayas and
 60% of the Indian birds are from North East.
 Huge wealth of fungi, insects, mammals, birds have been found in this region.

Western Ghats
 The area comprises Maharastra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and kerela.
 Nearly 1500 endemic species are found.
 62% amphibians and 50% lizards are endemic in Western Ghats.
 Only 6.8% of the original forests are existing today while rest has been deforested or
degraded.
 Some common plants : Ternstroemia japonics, hypericum etc.
 Some common animals : Blue bird, lizard, hawk etc.

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2 Mark Questions

1. Define environment.
 The sum of total of all living and non-living things around us influencing one
another.

2. Define environmental science.

 The study of the environment, its biotic (biological) and abiotic (non-biological)
components and their interrelationship.

3. Define environmental engineering.

 The application of engineering principles to the protection and enhancement of quality
of the environment and to the enhancement and protection of public health and welfare.

4. What are the scopes of environmental science?

 Studying the interrelationship between the components of environment.
 Carrying out impact analysis and Environmental Audit
 Preventing pollution from existing and new industries
 Stopping the use of biological and nuclear weapons
 Managing unpredictable disasters etc.

5. Define ecosystem.
 An ecosystem can be defined as a group of organisms interacting among
themselves and with their environment.

6. What is an abiotic component? Give example.

 The non-living components of an ecosystem are called abiotic components.
 Examples: Climate, soil, water, air, energy, nutrients etc.

7. What is ecological succession?

 The progressive replacement of one community by another till the development of
stable community in a particular area is called ecological succession.

8. Define biodiversity.
 The variety and variability among all groups of living organisms and the
ecosystem in which they occur.

9. What is hot spot of biodiversity?

 The hot spots are the geographic areas which possess high endemic species.
 An area is designated as a hot spot when it contains at least 0.5% of plant species
as endemic.

10. What is endangered species?

 A species is said to be endangered when its number has been reduced to a critical level.
SYED AMMAL ENGINEERING COLLEGE DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

11. What is endemic species?

 The species, which are found only in a particular region, are known as endemic
species.
12. What is extinct species?
 Species no longer found in the world is called extinct species.

13. Define ecosystem (or community) diversity. Give examples.

 Diversity at the ecological or habitat level is called ecosystem diversity.
 Ex : River ecosystem. It includes fish aquatic insects, mussels and variety of plants
etc.
14. What do you understand by species biodiversity? Give one example.
o Diversity between different species is called species biodiversity.

o Ex: plant species → apple, mango, grapes etc.

animal species → lion, tiger, elephant etc.
15. Define genetic biodiversity. Give example.
 Diversity within the species is called genetic diversity.
 Ex : teak wood varieties → Indian teak, Burma teak, malasian teak etc.