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Bachelor of computer applications (Bangalore University)
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EVS – ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
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EVS Question Paper Pattern
TOTAL MARKS: 30
I) Answer any 5 questions carries 2marks each
II) Answer any 2 questions carries 5 marks each
III) Answer any One question carries 10 marks
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II SEMESTER: BA, B.COM, BSC, BCA, DS, IOT
NEP- AEC: COMPULSORY PAPER
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
CHAPTER 1- INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
❖ INTRODUCTION
1. The term Environment is derived from a French word ‘Environia’ which means
Surround.
2. Environment means surroundings in which the organisms live.
3. It is considered as a composite term and conditions in which organisms live and thus
contains air, water, food, sunlight which are the basic needs of all the living beings and
plants life to carry and function.
4. It is defined as “The sum of all social, economical, biological, physical, and chemical
factors which constitutes the surroundings of man.
5. The Environment for any living organisms has never been constant or static it is always
been changing sometimes slowly and sometimes rapid or drastically. These changes in
environment may benefit or harm the man or other organisms living in it.
6. Many Species on earth couldn’t cope up with the changing Environment as a result of
which some have vanished and some are brink of vanishing.
7. Due the Development in Science and Technology has given rise to the Industrialisation,
Urbanisation, and population explosion. These developments are the causes of the
destruction of the environment.
8. The Industrial Revolution and the tremendous growth in the human population has put
an great pressure on the exploitation of the natural resources which in turn has resulted
in the deforestation, land degradation and environmental pollution.
9. Environment is the sum total of all biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors that
surround and potentially influence an organism.
10. Environmental studies are a multi-disciplinary academic field which systematically
studies human interaction with environment and aims to solve complex environmental
problems.
DEFINITION:
a) According to The Universal Encyclopaedia has defined Environment: “The Sum
total of all conditions, agencies and influences which affect the development, growth,
life and death of an organism, species or race.”
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TYPES OF ENVIROMENT
▪ Natural Environment ▪ Man-made Environment
Characterized by the natural Which has been modified by human
components or which is existed activities using modern technologies
without interference of man according to man’s needs.
SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES:
Environmental studies or environmental science is a vast subject. It is also a multi.
disciplinary subject, drawing upon many subjects like geology, ecology, geography,
chemistry physics, sociology, history, economics, political science, commerce,
management sciences etc. So, naturally, the scope of environmental studies or
environmental science is very wide.
Environmental studies or environmental science covers a number of aspects. The various
aspects covered or studied in environmental studies are:
1. Environmental studies is the study of the functions of the various components of
environment, i.e., abiotic components and biotic components.
2. Environmental studies is also a study of how all the components of nature or
environment and living organisms including man adapt and interact. In other words, it is
a study of the inter-action of the biotic components of environment, viz., plants, animals,
microorganisms, etc. among themselves and also with the abiotic components; viz., soil'
water, air, etc.
3. Environmental studies is concerned with the analysis of the processes In water, air,
land and organisms which. lead to environmental pollution or environmental
degradation. and also deals with Prevention and control of pollution.
4. Environmental studies deals with the scientific basis for establishing standards,
which are accepted as safe, clean and healthy for man, animals, birds, plants,
aquatic life, etc.
5. Environmental studies is a study of vital issues concerning humanity, clean drinking
water, fresh air, hygienic living conditions, fertile soils, ecological balance,
environmentally substantiable development, Conservation of nature and natural
resources.
6. Environmental studies deals not only with environmental problems, which are of local
importance but also with global environmental issues, such as greenhouse effect and
global warming, acid rain, depletion of ozone layer, depletion of forests, loss of wildlife,
energy crisis, etc. which affect mankind as a whole and Social issues in relation to
development and environment, Stabilization of human population and the environment.
7. Environmental studies also covers the study of environmental law, environmental
development and Conservation of ecosystem and biodiversity.
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❖ IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES:
1. Environmental studies are helpful to understand the various factors of environment.
2. It guides us to know how our development and day-today activities affects
environment and how we are affected by the changes in the environment.
3. It guides us to create pollution free environment by adopting different methods of
preventing and controlling pollution
4. It guides us to utilize our natural resources such as water, forest, minerals etc. in an
efficient manner i.e., with maximum utility and minimum wastage by adopting
conservation and recycling strategies.
5. 3 R’s associated with environment. (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle)
6. Environmental studies is helpful to understand the different food chains and food webs
and the ecological balance.
7. It guides industries to operate in an eco-friendly manner by adopting clean and efficient
technology and installing pollution control systems.
8. It guides us to solve complex global environmental problems such as climate change,
ozone layer depletion, desertification et. By using different interdisciplinary tools and
approaches.
❖ FACTORS/COMPONENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES:
1. Atmosphere: (Virtual Ocean of Air): It is the mixture of various gases, water vapor and
subatomic particles that entirely covers the earth extending outward several thousand
kilometres.
2. Hydrosphere: (the surface of earth filled with any form of water): All water bodies
on the earth surface are included in hydrosphere which includes, oceans, rivers, lakes,
glaciers.
3. Lithosphere: (the uppermost part of the earth crust): The outer shell of the earth
composed of crust and the rigid outer most mantle which includes, soil and its particles,
rock, metal
4. Biosphere: (the place on earth where life exists): The reign of the earth where life
exist.
❖ CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABILITY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:
▪ SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:
1. Sustainable Development is the organizing principle for meeting human development
goals while the same time sustaining the ability of natural systems to provide the natural
resources and ecosystem services upon which the economy and society depend.
2. It is a state of society where living conditions and resource use continue to meet human
needs without undermining the integrity and stability of the natural system.
3. Sustainable development can be classified as development that meet the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of future generations.
According to Brundtland Commission 1987, sustainable development is a process of
developing (land, cities, business, communities, etc.) that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs".
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4. From the above definition, it is clear that sustainable development refers to economic
growth and the expansion of the economy in the long run without using up natural
capital for current growth at the cost of long-term growth or future growth. In
short, sustainable development means the proper use of natural resources for the benefits
of the human which in turn, improves the
• Guidelines for Achieving Sustainable Development:
i. There should be change in methods of production and consumption to suit the
sustainability of the environment.
ii. There should also be a change in people's attitudes and value system.
iii. Sustainable development requires that the development should last for generations, for.
which the present generation must be mindful of the future generations, while fulfilling
its own needs.
iv. Everyone should be involved in attaining sustainable development. It requires the
industrial firms to manufacture more, efficient and innovative goods, utilising resources
and offering better values.
v. It requires the Government to set higher environmental standards in its energy
consumption and conservation policies.
vi. There should be substantial reduction in population growth rates.
vii. There should be provision for housing, health care and education for the poor.
viii. There should be education and empowerment of women, particularly in rural areas.
ix. There should be afforestation in cities and rural areas.
x. There should be proper treatment of urban wastes and industrial effluents.
xi. There should be efficient use of resources avoiding wasteful and excessive utilisation.
xii. There should be people's participation in Conservation and improvement of
environmental quality.
❖ THREE PILLARS OF SUSTAINABILITY:
In sustainability we must balance Economic, Social and environmental factors in equal
harmony.
a) Environmental Sustainability: Environmental sustainability means that we are living
with the means of natural resources and to live in true environmental sustainability we
ensure that we are consuming our natural resources such as materials, energy fuels, land
and water so on.. some resources are more abundant than others and therefore we need
to consider material scarcity the damage to the environment from extraction of these
materials.
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b) Economic Sustainability: It requires that the business or country used its resources
efficiently and responsibility so that it can operate in an sustainable manner to produce
and operational profit, without any operational profit a business cannot sustain its
activities.
c) Social Sustainability: It is the ability of the society or any social system to persistently
achieve a good social well-being and achieving social sustainability ensures that social
well being of a country, an organization or a community can be maintained in the long
term.
UNIT 2 – ECOSYSTEM
❖ ECOSYSTEM: The term ecosystem is derived from two words ‘Eco’ refers to
environment and system refers to an interacting and interdependent complex. Hence
it is known as A system of organisms interacting with their environment.
The interaction, inter-relationships and interdependence between the living
community (plants, animals, organisms etc.) in relation to each other and thenon-
living community (soil, air, water) is referred to as an eco-system.
Ecosystem contain biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors which arelinked
together through nutrient cycles and energy flow.
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms in conjunction with thenon-
living components of their environment as a system.
The term ecosystem was first proposed by A.G Tansley in 1935.
❖ DEFINITIONS:
a) According to Monkhouse and Small: “Ecosystem is an organic community of
plants and animals viewed within its physical environment or habitat.”
b) According to AG. Tansley: “The system resulting from the integration of all the
living and non-living factors of the environment.”
❖ STRUCTRE/COMONENTS OF ECOSYSTEM:
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• TYPES OF FOOD CHAIN:
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❖ TYPES OF ECOSYSTEM:
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UNIT 3 – NATURAL RESOURCES
1. Natural resources are resources which occur in nature in their original untouched form.
2. Natural resources are resources that exist without the actions of human beings.
3. Natural resources include sunlight atmosphere, water, animal/ wildlife, minerals etc.
4. Any part of natural environment land, water, air, minerals, forests, wildlife etc.. which can be utilised
by man to satisfy his wants and to promote his well being can be regarded as a natural resources.
❖ RENEWABLE and NON-RENEWABLE RESOURCES:
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❖ TYPES OF RESOURCES:
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UNIT 4: BIO-DIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
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Importance of Biodiversity:
• Humans are dependent on biodiversity for their sustenance, health, well-being and
enjoyment of life.
• It has many medicinal uses. (drugs and medicines)
• It has great Aesthetic and cultural benefits, as it provides a good deal of fun and recreation.
• Ecosystem services, it is essential to keep natural cycles going and make the ecosystem self-
sustaining unit.
• It is unpredictable that which species may become useful in future.
Threat to biodiversity:
• Human activities and destruction of habitats: human activities are causing a loss of biological
diversity among animals and plants.
• Habitat fragmentation: wide areas are now often divided up into pieces by fields, towns,
roads, powerlines etc.
• Disturbance and pollution: deforestation, air pollution, soil pollution, over population etc.
• Hunting and over exploitation: man started hunting wild animals for food and pleasure.
Exploitation of biodiversity products for medicines, perfumes, cosmetic etc.
• Poaching: killing of prohibited wild animals for illegal trading of wildlife products is
called poaching.
Conservation of Biodiversity:
• Biodiversity conservation refers to the protection, upliftment and management of
biodiversity in order to derive sustainable benefits for present and future generations.
• Biodiversity conservation is the protection and management of biodiversity to obtain
resources for sustainable development.
• Biodiversity conservation has 3 main objectives; to preserve the diversity of species,
sustainable utilization of species and ecosystem, and to maintain life-supporting systems
and essential ecological processes.
Biodiversity and its conservation methods:
• It can be conserved in the following ways:
- In-situ Conservation: it is the conservation of species within their natural habitat. Certain
protected areas where in-situ conservation takes place include national parks, wildlife
sanctuaries and biosphere reserves.
- Ex-situ Conservation: it involves the breeding and maintenance of endangered species in
artificial ecosystems such as zoos, nurseries, botanical gardens, seed banks etc.
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Unit -5 Environmental pollution
• Environmental pollution refers to the introduction of substances or energy that causes
adverse changes in the environment and living entities.
• Pollution also means the presence of harmful pollutants in an environment that makes this
environment unhealthy to live in.
Classification of Pollution
Air Pollution:
It refers to the release of harmful contaminants (chemicals, toxic gases, biological molecules
etc.) into the earth’s atmosphere.
Causes of air pollution are:
- Burning fossil fuels
- Mining operations
- Exhaust gases from industries and factories
Impact of air pollution are:
- Increased risk of respiratory illness and cardiovascular problems
- Increase of skin diseases and cancer
- Global warming: a gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth’s atmosphere
generally attributed to the green house effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide,
CFCs and other pollutants.
- Acid rain, depletion of ozone layer and hazards to wildlife
Water Pollution:
It is said to occur when toxic pollutants and particulate matter are introduced into water
bodies such as lakes, river and seas. These contaminants are generally introduced by human
activities like improper sewage treatment and oil spills.
Causes of water pollution:
- Dumping solid wastes in water bodies
- Disposing untreated industrial swage into water bodies
- Human and animal wastes
- Agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilizers
Impact of water pollution:
- Disruption of the ecosystem
- Threats to marine life
- Increases toxic chemicals in water bodies
- Eutrophication: is the process in which a water body becomes overly enriched with
nutrients, leading to plentiful growth of simple plant life. Or the excessive growth of algae
and plankton in a water body.
Noise Pollution:
The excessive amount of noise in the surrounding that disrupts the natural balance. Usually, it
is man-made, though certain natural calamities like volcanoes can contribute to noise
pollution.
Causes of noise pollution:
- Industry oriented noises such as heavy machines, mills, factories etc.
- Transportation noises from vehicles, airplanes etc.
- Construction noises, noise from social events and household noise
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Impact of noise pollution:
- Hearing loss, sleeping disorders
- Hypertension
- Communication problem
Soil Pollution:
It is also called soil contamination, refers to the degradation of land due to the presence of
chemicals.
Causes of soil pollution:
- Improper industrial wastage disposal and industrial accidents
- Acid rain which is caused by air pollution
- Mining activities
- Intensive farming and agrochemicals like fertilizers and pesticides
Impact of soil pollution:
- Loss of nutrients, which renders the soil unfit for agriculture
- impacts on flora and fauna
- degrades vegetation due to the increase of salinity of the soil
- toxic dust can cause respiratory problems
Role of Individual in Prevention of Pollution
• always use eco-friendly products such as degradable paper bags instead of polythene bags
and earthen cups instead of thermocol/ polystyrene cups.
• Wherever possible promote reuse and recycle policy and reduce the production of wastes.
• Cut down in the use of CFCs by using CFC free refrigerators to protect ozone layer.
• Reduce dependency on fossil fuels by adopting renewable sources of energy.
• Do not put harmful chemicals like pesticides, paints etc.
• Practice organic farming by adopting the use of organic manures, biofertilizers instead of
inorganic chemicals.
• Afforestation and protecting the environment.
• Adopt family planning measure to check the population growth.
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UNIT 6 – ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND PRACTICES (ENVIRONMENTAL ACTS)
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT
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UNIT- 7
DISTASTER MANGAEMENT
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ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENTS
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