MODULE-1

CODE-BCS508
Ecosystem – Structure
The structure of an ecosystem refers to the physical organization and components that make
up the ecosystem. It is essentially “what the ecosystem is made of” and how those
components are arranged.
It can be understood in two main aspects:
1. Biotic Components (Living parts)
These include all living organisms in the ecosystem, organized into trophic levels based on
their role in the food chain:
 Producers (Autotrophs) – Plants, algae, and some bacteria that produce food using
sunlight (photosynthesis) or chemicals (chemosynthesis).
 Consumers (Heterotrophs) – Organisms that depend on others for food:
o Primary consumers (herbivores – e.g., deer, rabbits)
o Secondary consumers (carnivores – e.g., frogs, birds)
o Tertiary consumers (top carnivores – e.g., tiger, eagle)
 Decomposers (Detritivores) – Fungi, bacteria, and scavengers that break down dead
material and recycle nutrients.
2. Abiotic Components (Non-living parts)
These are the physical and chemical factors that influence living organisms:
 Physical factors – sunlight, temperature, wind, soil texture, topography
 Chemical factors – water quality, oxygen content, minerals, pH, nutrients
3. Structural Features
 Species composition – types and abundance of species present
 Stratification – vertical layers of vegetation (e.g., canopy, understory, forest floor) in
terrestrial ecosystems or layers in aquatic systems
 Trophic structure – feeding relationships and energy flow between organisms

Ecosystems can be classified in several ways, but the most common classification is based on
their origin and environmental setting.
1. Natural Ecosystems
These develop naturally without human interference.
a. Terrestrial Ecosystems (land-based)
 Forest ecosystem – tropical rainforests, temperate forests, boreal forests
 Grassland ecosystem – savannas, temperate grasslands, prairies
 Desert ecosystem – hot deserts (Sahara), cold deserts (Gobi)
 Tundra ecosystem – polar tundra, alpine tundra
b. Aquatic Ecosystems (water-based)
 Freshwater ecosystems – rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands
 Marine ecosystems – oceans, seas, coral reefs, estuaries
2. Artificial Ecosystems
Created or heavily modified by humans for specific purposes.
Examples:
 Croplands (agroecosystems)
  Urban ecosystems (cities, gardens, parks)
 Reservoirs and artificial lakes
 Aquaculture farms
3. Based on Climatic Zone
 Tropical
 Temperate
 Polar
4. Based on Energy Source
 Autotrophic ecosystems – primary production by plants/algae (e.g., forests,
grasslands)
 Heterotrophic ecosystems – depend mainly on organic input from outside (e.g., deep
sea, caves)

1. Forest Ecosystems
Definition:
Large areas dominated by trees and other woody vegetation, supporting a rich biodiversity.
Types:
 Tropical Rainforests – Found near the equator (e.g., Amazon, Congo), high rainfall
(>2000 mm/year), high biodiversity.
 Temperate Forests – Moderate climate, deciduous and coniferous trees.
 Boreal Forests (Taiga) – Cold climates, dominated by conifers like spruce, fir, and
pine.
Key Features:
 Climate: Varies by type; tropical are warm & wet, boreal are cold & dry.
 Flora: Dense tree canopy, shrubs, climbers, epiphytes.
 Fauna: Tigers, elephants, gorillas (tropical); deer, bears, wolves (temperate); lynx,
moose (boreal).
 Ecological Role:
o Carbon sink – absorbs CO₂ and regulates global climate.
o Soil protection and prevention of erosion.
o Maintains water cycle and microclimate.

2. Desert Ecosystems
Definition:
Areas with extremely low rainfall (<250 mm/year), high evaporation, and sparse vegetation.
Types:
 Hot Deserts: Sahara, Thar, Sonoran – very high daytime temperatures, sandy or
rocky terrain.
 Cold Deserts: Gobi, Ladakh – cold winters, low precipitation as snow.
Key Features:
 Climate: Extreme temperature variation (day/night), arid conditions.
 Flora: Xerophytes – cactus, date palm, acacia.
 Fauna: Adapted to conserve water – camels, snakes, desert foxes, lizards.
 Adaptations: Plants with thick cuticles, deep roots; animals with nocturnal habits.
 Ecological Role:
o Supports specialized biodiversity.
o Mineral-rich soils.
 o Important for cultural and nomadic livelihoods.

3. Wetland Ecosystems
Definition:
Transitional zones between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is at or near
the surface, or land is covered by shallow water.
Types:
 Marshes – dominated by herbaceous plants.
 Swamps – dominated by woody plants.
 Bogs – acidic wetlands with mosses.
 Fens – alkaline wetlands fed by groundwater.
Key Features:
 Climate: Found in all climatic zones.
 Flora: Reeds, sedges, mangroves (in coastal wetlands).
 Fauna: Amphibians, waterfowl, insects, fish.
 Ecological Role:
o Natural water filters – trap sediments and pollutants.
o Flood control – absorb excess water.
o Habitat for migratory birds and aquatic life.
o Carbon storage in peatlands.

4. Riverine Ecosystems
Definition:
Ecosystems associated with flowing freshwater bodies such as rivers and streams.
Zonation:
 Upper course (headwaters): Fast-flowing, high oxygen, cold water.
 Middle course: Slower flow, increased nutrients, diverse habitats.
 Lower course (mouth): Slow flow, high sediment load, estuarine mixing with sea.
Key Features:
 Flora: Algae, phytoplankton, riparian vegetation (willows, reeds).
 Fauna: Fish (trout, catfish), freshwater crabs, otters, aquatic insects.
 Ecological Role:
o Transport of nutrients and sediments.
o Freshwater supply for humans, agriculture, and industry.
o Supports fisheries and agriculture.
o Maintains connectivity between ecosystems (mountains → plains → oceans).

5. Oceanic Ecosystems
Definition:
Largest aquatic ecosystems, covering ~71% of Earth’s surface, with saline water.
Zones:
 Epipelagic (0–200 m): Sunlit zone, photosynthesis occurs, plankton abundant.
 Mesopelagic (200–1000 m): Twilight zone, low light, deep-water fishes.
 Bathypelagic (>1000 m): Dark, high pressure, bioluminescent organisms.
 Benthic: Ocean floor communities.
 Intertidal & Coastal: Coral reefs, mangroves, estuaries.
Key Features:
  Flora: Phytoplankton, seaweeds, kelp forests.
 Fauna: Fish, whales, dolphins, sea turtles, invertebrates, corals.
 Ecological Role:
o Major producer of global oxygen via phytoplankton.

Sustainability – 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the United Nations in 2015
as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
They aim to address global challenges like poverty, inequality, climate change,
environmental degradation, peace, and justice.
1. No Poverty
Targets:
 Eradicate extreme poverty (<$1.90/day)
 Reduce by half the proportion of people in poverty in all its dimensions
 Ensure equal rights to economic resources, access to basic services, and ownership
Possible Actions:
 Strengthen social protection systems
 Promote inclusive economic growth
 Improve access to education and vocational training
 Provide microfinance and skill development programs
2. Zero Hunger
Targets:
 End hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food year-round
 Double agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers
 Ensure sustainable food production systems and resilient agricultural practices
Possible Actions:
 Support local farmers with modern techniques
 Reduce food waste at production and consumption stages
 Promote climate-resilient crops
 Encourage community gardens and local markets
3. Good Health and Well-being
Targets:
 Reduce maternal mortality to <70 per 100,000 live births
 End preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5
 Strengthen prevention and treatment of communicable and non-communicable
diseases
Possible Actions:
 Improve healthcare infrastructure and access
 Promote vaccination programs
 Raise awareness about healthy lifestyles
 Strengthen mental health services
4. Quality Education
Targets:
 Ensure free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education for all
 Eliminate gender disparities in education
  Promote lifelong learning opportunities
Possible Actions:
 Improve teacher training and resources
 Provide scholarships for underprivileged students
 Expand digital learning tools
 Encourage vocational and skill-based training
5. Gender Equality
Targets:
 End discrimination, violence, and harmful practices against women and girls
 Ensure equal participation in leadership
 Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health rights
Possible Actions:
 Promote women’s empowerment programs
 Enforce laws protecting women’s rights
 Encourage female participation in STEM fields
 Support awareness campaigns against gender-based violence
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
Targets:
 Achieve universal access to safe and affordable drinking water
 Improve water quality by reducing pollution
 Increase water-use efficiency and integrated water resource management
Possible Actions:
 Develop rainwater harvesting systems
 Promote water conservation education
 Improve sewage treatment infrastructure
 Prevent industrial discharge into water bodies
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
Targets:
 Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services
 Increase share of renewable energy in global energy mix
 Improve energy efficiency
Possible Actions:
 Promote solar, wind, and bioenergy
 Provide subsidies for renewable energy adoption
 Implement energy-saving technologies in industries
 Encourage households to use energy-efficient appliances
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
Targets:
 Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth
 Achieve higher productivity through diversification and innovation
 Protect labor rights and promote safe working environments
Possible Actions:
 Support entrepreneurship and start-ups
 Provide skill development training
 Strengthen labor laws and enforcement
 Encourage green jobs in renewable energy and recycling
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Targets:
 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable infrastructure
 Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization
 Increase research and innovation spending
Possible Actions:
 Encourage public-private partnerships for infrastructure projects
 Invest in clean and advanced manufacturing technologies
 Support R&D centers and technology hubs
 Develop rural and remote connectivity
10. Reduced Inequalities
Targets:
 Empower and promote social, economic, and political inclusion of all
 Ensure equal opportunity and reduce discriminatory laws and policies
Possible Actions:
 Reform policies to ensure equal access to resources
 Promote inclusive decision-making processes
 Support marginalized communities with targeted programs
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
Targets:
 Ensure access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing
 Provide sustainable transport systems
 Protect cultural and natural heritage
 Reduce urban environmental impact
Possible Actions:
 Promote green building designs
 Expand public transport networks
 Create urban green spaces
 Implement waste segregation and recycling programs
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
Targets:
 Achieve sustainable management of natural resources
 Reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse
 Encourage sustainable business practices
Possible Actions:
 Promote eco-labels and green products
 Implement extended producer responsibility (EPR)
 Educate consumers on sustainable choices
13. Climate Action
Targets:
 Strengthen resilience to climate-related hazards
 Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning
 Improve education and awareness
Possible Actions:
 Support renewable energy projects
  Promote tree planting and reforestation
 Reduce carbon emissions in transportation and industries
 Implement early-warning systems for disasters
14. Life Below Water
Targets:
 Prevent and reduce marine pollution
 Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems
 Prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies
Possible Actions:
 Reduce plastic use and improve waste management
 Promote sustainable fishing practices
 Protect marine biodiversity through reserves
15. Life on Land
Targets:
 Combat desertification, restore degraded land
 Halt biodiversity loss
 End poaching and trafficking of protected species
Possible Actions:
 Promote afforestation and reforestation
 Support community-based conservation projects
 Strengthen laws against illegal wildlife trade
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Targets:
 Reduce violence and related deaths
 End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and torture
 Promote rule of law and equal access to justice
Possible Actions:
 Strengthen judicial systems
 Promote transparency and anti-corruption measures
 Support community conflict resolution programs
17. Partnerships for the Goals
Targets:
 Strengthen global partnerships for sustainable development
 Enhance technology, trade, and capacity-building in developing countries
Possible Actions:
 Promote North-South and South-South cooperation
 Facilitate technology transfer
 Encourage multi-stakeholder collaborations
Here are some probable MCQs with answers for Module 1: Environmental Studies and
E-Waste Management (VTU BCS508 / 18CIV59)—drawing from VTU-relevant study
resources:

Ecosystems & Sustainability (Module 1: Environmental Studies)

Based on VTU-style MCQs from sources like Scribd and Studocu:
 1. The term ‘Environment’ has been derived from the French word which means
"to encircle" or "surround":
Answer: a) Environ (Scribd)
2. Which conceptual sphere of the environment has the least storage capacity for
matter?
Answer: c) Hydrosphere (Scribd)
3. Which components of the environment are effective transporters of matter?
Answer: a) Atmosphere and Hydrosphere (Scribd)
4. Biosphere is:
Answer: b) The thin shell of organic matter... comprising all living things (Scribd)
5. Atmosphere consists of 79% Nitrogen and 21% Oxygen by:
Answer: a) Volume (Scribd)
6. Which of the following is a biotic component of an ecosystem?
Answer: a) Fungi (Scribd)
7. In an ecosystem, the flow of energy is:
Answer: c) Unidirectional (Scribd)
8. Which pyramid is always upright?
Answer: a) Energy pyramid (Scribd)

Additional General Ecosystem MCQs (Common VTU-style concepts)

9. Organisms that directly feed on producers are called:
Answer: a) Herbivores (Studocu)
10. The sequence of eating and being eaten in an ecosystem is called:
Answer: a) Food Chain (Studocu)
11. Which of the following is a producer in an ecosystem?
Answer: a) Plants and some bacteria capable of producing their own food (Studocu)
12. Abiotic components include:
Answer: d) All of the above (soil, temperature, water) (Studocu)
13. Sustainable development means:
Answer: a) Meeting present needs without compromising future generations’ ability
(Studocu)
14. ‘Earth Day’ is held every year on:
Answer: c) April 22nd (Studocu)
E-Waste Management (relevant to later modules, but useful here if included)
15. What is the full form of E-waste?
Answer: a) Electronic Waste (Scribd)
16. Which of the following is a major component of e-waste?
Answer: d) All the above (plastics, metals, glass) (Scribd)
17. Which country generates the largest amount of e-waste annually?
(Data may vary, but often asked)
Answer: c) United States (Scribd)
18. Approximately how much e-waste was generated globally in 2022?
Answer: c) 60 million metric tons (Scribd)
19. Which international treaty regulates transboundary movement of hazardous e-
waste?
Answer: b) Basel Convention (Scribd)
20. Which of the following is a common hazardous metal found in e-waste?
Answer: d) All the above (Lead, Mercury, Cadmium) (Scribd)
 21. What toxic gas is often released when burning e-waste improperly?
Answer: c) Dioxins and Furans (Scribd)
22. What is the principle of e-waste management?
Answer: a) Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (Scribd)
23. The “Extended Producer Responsibility” (EPR) principle makes which
stakeholder responsible for e-waste?
Answer: b) Manufacturers (Scribd)

Summary Table
No. Question Topic Answer
1 Origin of “Environment” Environ
2 Sphere with least matter storage Hydrosphere
3 Transporters of matter Atmosphere & Hydrosphere
4 Definition of Biosphere Organic thin shell
5 Composition of Atmosphere (by volume) 79% N₂, 21% O₂
6 Biotic component Fungi
7 Energy flow in ecosystem Unidirectional
8 Upright pyramid Energy pyramid
9 Consumers of producers Herbivores
10 Sequence of feeding Food Chain
11 Producer in ecosystem Plants & certain bacteria
12 Abiotic components All (soil, water, temperature)
13 Sustainable development definition Intergenerational equity
14 Earth Day date April 22
15 Full form of E-waste Electronic Waste
16 Components of E-waste Plastics, Metals, Glass
17 Country generating most e-waste United States
18 Global e-waste in 2022 (~) 60 million metric tons
19 Treaty for e-waste movement Basel Convention
20 Hazardous metals in e-waste Lead, Mercury, Cadmium
21 Toxic gas from e-waste burning Dioxins and Furans
22 E-waste management principle Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
23 EPR makes whom responsible? Manufacturers

Part A: Ecosystem – Structure & Types

1. Which of the following is a biotic component of an ecosystem?
a) Sunlight
b) Soil
c) Fungi
d) Water
Answer: c) Fungi
2. Abiotic components of an ecosystem include:
a) Plants and animals
b) Soil, water, and temperature
c) Microorganisms
 d) All living organisms
Answer: b) Soil, water, and temperature
3. In an ecosystem, the flow of energy is:
a) Bidirectional
b) Cyclic
c) Unidirectional
d) Random
Answer: c) Unidirectional
4. Which pyramid is always upright in an ecosystem?
a) Biomass pyramid
b) Energy pyramid
c) Pyramid of numbers
d) Pyramid of productivity
Answer: b) Energy pyramid
5. Which of the following is an example of a terrestrial ecosystem?
a) Pond
b) Ocean
c) Forest
d) Estuary
Answer: c) Forest
6. Aquatic ecosystems are classified into:
a) Forest and desert
b) Marine and freshwater
c) Grassland and tundra
d) None of the above
Answer: b) Marine and freshwater
7. Which of the following is a primary producer in an ecosystem?
a) Herbivore
b) Carnivore
c) Plants
d) Fungi
Answer: c) Plants

Part B: Sustainability – 17 SDGs, Targets, and Actions

8. Which of the following SDGs focuses on ending poverty in all its forms?
a) SDG 1
b) SDG 2
c) SDG 3
d) SDG 4
Answer: a) SDG 1
9. SDG 6 aims to:
a) Reduce inequalities
b) Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation
c) Promote affordable and clean energy
d) Promote sustainable cities
Answer: b) Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation
10. Which SDG promotes gender equality and empowerment of women and girls?
a) SDG 4
b) SDG 5
c) SDG 7
 d) SDG 10
Answer: b) SDG 5
11. The SDG that encourages sustainable consumption and production patterns is:
a) SDG 11
b) SDG 12
c) SDG 13
d) SDG 14
Answer: b) SDG 12
12. Which of the following actions supports SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)?
a) Promoting solar and wind energy
b) Planting trees
c) Reducing inequality
d) Protecting marine biodiversity
Answer: a) Promoting solar and wind energy
13. SDG 13 – Climate Action – aims to:
a) Eradicate hunger
b) Combat climate change and its impacts
c) Promote economic growth
d) Provide quality education
Answer: b) Combat climate change and its impacts
14. Which SDG focuses on life below water and marine ecosystem protection?
a) SDG 14
b) SDG 15
c) SDG 16
d) SDG 17
Answer: a) SDG 14
15. Sustainable Development Goal 17 focuses on:
a) Peace, justice, and strong institutions
b) Partnerships for the goals
c) Responsible consumption
d) Quality education
Answer: b) Partnerships for the goals
16. Actions to achieve SDG 15 (Life on Land) include:
a) Afforestation and protecting wildlife
b) Promoting solar energy
c) Reducing water pollution
d) Ensuring gender equality
Answer: a) Afforestation and protecting wildlife
17. Which SDG ensures universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy
services?
a) SDG 6
b) SDG 7
c) SDG 9
d) SDG 11
Answer: b) SDG 7
18. Which of the following is a common action to achieve SDG 12 (Responsible
Consumption and Production)?
a) Reduce, reuse, and recycle
b) Build highways
c) Expand coal-based power plants
 d) Increase fertilizer usage
Answer: a) Reduce, reuse, and recycle
19. SDG 4 – Quality Education – can be promoted by:
a) Scholarships and digital learning
b) Promoting urbanization
c) Reducing forest cover
d) Mining activities
Answer: a) Scholarships and digital learning
20. SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being – includes:
a) Reducing maternal and child mortality
b) Promoting gender equality
c) Providing clean water
d) Reducing inequality
Answer: a) Reducing maternal and child mortality