1.Define Environment. Explain scope & importance of Environmental studies.

Scope of Environmental Studies:

1. It studies natural resources like air, water, and soil.

2. It explains ecosystems and how living things depend on each other.

3. It teaches about biodiversity and how to protect plants and animals.

4. It talks about different types of pollution and how to control them.

5. It covers social issues, like environmental laws and movements.

6. It studies how human population affects the environment.

Importance of Environmental Studies:

1. It helps us understand the environment better.

2. It teaches how to protect natural resources.

3. It helps in controlling pollution.

4. It supports sustainable development (growth without harming nature).

5. It helps us become responsible citizens and care for the planet.

Q.2Importance of Environmental Awareness:

1. Protects Nature – Helps people understand how to save air, water, trees, and
animals.

2. Reduces Pollution – Makes people careful about using plastic, chemicals, and
waste.

3. Promotes Health – Clean environment means fewer diseases and better health.

4. Encourages Recycling – Teaches people to reuse and recycle things.

5. Supports Sustainable Living – Helps us use resources without harming the future.

6. Creates Responsible Citizens – Makes people care for nature and take action.

7. Helps in Disaster Prevention – Aware people can act fast during floods, fires, etc.
Q.3 Concept of sustainability
Main Ideas of Sustainability:

1. Save Resources – Use water, energy, and land carefully.

2. Protect the Environment – Avoid pollution and damage to nature.

3. Support Long-Term Growth – Develop in a way that lasts for years.

4. Balance Needs – Balance between people, profit, and the planet

q.4 Elaborate SDGs- 17.

What are SDGs?
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 global goals set by the
United Nations in 2015 to make the world better by 2030.
They focus on ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring peace and
prosperity for all.

List of 17 SDGs (in simple words):

1. No Poverty – End poverty everywhere.

2. Zero Hunger – End hunger and give food to all.

3. Good Health and Well-being – Ensure healthy lives for all.

4. Quality Education – Give everyone a chance to learn.

5. Gender Equality – Equal rights for men and women.

6. Clean Water and Sanitation – Safe drinking water and toilets for all.

7. Affordable and Clean Energy – Use clean and safe energy.

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth – Jobs and growth for all.

9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Build smart and strong

systems.
 10. Reduced Inequality – Treat everyone fairly.

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities – Make cities safe and green.

12. Responsible Consumption and Production – Use things wisely,

avoid waste.

13. Climate Action – Fight climate change.

14. Life Below Water – Protect oceans and sea life.

15. Life on Land – Save forests and animals.

16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – No violence, strong laws.

17. Partnerships for the Goals – Work together to achieve all goals.

Q5 Environmental ethics - concept with suitable example.

Concept of Environmental Ethics:

Environmental ethics means knowing what is right and wrong in how we treat the
environment.
It teaches us to respect nature, protect animals, and use natural resources wisely.

Key Idea:

Humans are not the owners of nature; we are a part of it and must care for it.

Suitable Example:

• Planting trees instead of cutting them shows good environmental ethics.

• Not throwing plastic in rivers is also an ethical action.

One-line Definition:

"Environmental ethics is about doing the right things to protect and care for nature."Want a
real-life case study or a quote to remember it better? Let me know!
Q.6Explain various types of Natural resources with examples
. Renewable Resources:
These can be used again and again.
They do not run out easily.

Examples:

• Sunlight

• Wind

• Water

• Forests

• Biomass (plants, crops)

2. Non-renewable Resources:

These cannot be replaced quickly once used.

They take millions of years to form.

Examples:

• Coal

• Petroleum (oil)

• Natural gas

• Minerals (like iron, gold)

3. Biotic Resources:

These come from living things.

Examples:

• Plants

• Animals

• Forests
 • Fish

4. Abiotic Resources:

These come from non-living things.

Examples:

• Water

• Air

• Sunlight

• Soil

• Minerals

5. Inexhaustible Resources:

They never run out, no matter how much we use.

Examples:

• Solar energy

• Wind energy

6. Exhaustible Resources:

They can run out if used too much.

Examples:

• Fossil fuels (coal, oil)

• Minerals

Trick to Remember:

R-N-B-A-I-E =
Renewable, Non-renewable, Biotic, Abiotic, Inexhaustible, Exhaustible
Q.8 Forest resources - Benefit, problem, conservation
1. Benefits of Forests:

• Gives oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide.

• Provides wood, fruits, herbs, and fuel.

• Controls soil erosion and protects against floods.

• Homes for wildlife and many species.

• Maintains climate balance and water cycle.

• Gives jobs to many people (tribals, workers).

2. Problems Related to Forests:

• Deforestation (cutting trees) for farming and buildings.

• Illegal logging and wood smuggling.

• Forest fires and overgrazing by animals.

• Loss of biodiversity (plants and animals).

• Climate change due to forest destruction.

3. Conservation of Forests:

• Plant more trees (afforestation and reforestation).

• Control deforestation with strict laws.

• Use forest products wisely (no overuse).

• Create protected areas like wildlife sanctuaries.

• Raise awareness through campaigns and education

Q. Biodiversity - Importance (values) (Benefits

Biodiversity

Biodiversity means the variety of all living things – plants, animals, and microorganisms –
in a region.

Importance / Values / Benefits of Biodiversity:

1. Ecological Value:

• Maintains balance in nature (food chain, climate, water cycle).

• Supports ecosystem services like pollination, clean air, and water.

2. Economic Value:

• Gives useful products – food, medicine, wood, rubber, etc.

• Supports farming, fishing, and tourism industries.

3. Medicinal Value:

• Many medicines are made from plants and animals.

• Biodiversity helps in new drug discovery.

4. Aesthetic Value:

• Nature’s beauty gives peace and joy (parks, gardens, wildlife).

• Promotes tourism and recreation.

5. Cultural and Spiritual Value:

• Many plants and animals are part of culture and religion.

• Forests, rivers, and animals are worshipped in many traditions.

6. Scientific Value:

• Helps scientists study life, evolution, and climate change.

• Important for research and education.

Q. Biodiversity threats
Threats to Biodiversity:

1. Deforestation – Cutting down forests destroys animal and plant habitats.

2. Pollution – Air, water, and soil pollution harm living organisms.

3. Climate Change – Rising temperatures and changing weather affect species'

survival.

4. Overexploitation – Too much hunting, fishing, or using resources harms species.

5. Habitat Loss – Cities, roads, and farms replace natural homes of animals.

6. Invasive Species – Foreign species kill or harm local plants and animals.

7. Illegal Wildlife Trade – Selling animals and plants for money causes extinction.

8. Population Growth – More people means more land, water, and food use, which
harms nature.

One-line Trick to Remember:

D-P-C-O-H-I-W-P
(Deforestation, Pollution, Climate, Overuse, Habitat loss, Invasive, Wildlife trade,
Population)

Q. Biodivesity – Conservation
Biodiversity Conservation:
It means protecting and saving all kinds of living organisms
(plants, animals, and microorganisms) and their natural
habitats.
Types of Conservation:

1. In-situ Conservation (On-site):

Protecting species in their natural places.
Examples:
• National Parks (e.g., Jim Corbett)
• Wildlife Sanctuaries
• Biosphere Reserves
• Sacred Groves

2. Ex-situ Conservation (Off-site):

Protecting species outside their natural places.

Examples:

• Zoos

• Botanical Gardens

• Seed Banks
• Gene Banks

Why is it Important?

• To protect endangered species

• To maintain balance in nature

• For future use of medicines, food, and science

 • To preserve ecosystem services

Q.Explain the benefits & important of major ecosystems - Forest,

Grassland, Desert, Aquatic.
1. Forest Ecosystem:

• Gives oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide.

• Provides wood, fruits, and medicines.

• Protects soil from erosion.

• Home to many animals and plants.

• Helps in rainfall and climate regulation.

2. Grassland Ecosystem:

• Provides food and shelter for herbivores like deer and rabbits.

• Good for grazing animals and livestock.

• Prevents soil erosion and maintains soil fertility.

• Supports many birds and insects.

3. Desert Ecosystem:

• Supports specially adapted plants and animals that survive with less water.

• Provides minerals and fossil fuels under the ground.

• Important for studying adaptations and climate change.

• Acts as a natural barrier to the spread of certain species.

4. Aquatic Ecosystem (Freshwater & Marine):

• Provides water for drinking, farming, and industries.

• Source of fish and other seafood.

• Supports marine plants and animals that balance oxygen and carbon.
 • Helps in climate regulation and weather patterns.

• Protects coastal areas from storms and floods (mangroves, coral reefs)

Q. What is 'ecotone! Explain with example

What is Ecotone?
An ecotone is a transition area where two different ecosystems
meet and mix. It has features of both ecosystems and sometimes
new plants and animals that live only in that area.

Example of Ecotone:
• The area between a forest and a grassland.
• The mangrove forest where land meets the sea.
• The edge of a lake or river where water meets land.
• Easy Extra Points to Expand Your Answers:
• Definition or Meaning: Start by defining the key word clearly.
• Importance or Use: Always add why the topic is important for
humans or nature.
• Examples: Give 1 or 2 simple examples to support your
answer.
• Current Situation: Mention something about how this topic
relates to today’s world or future.
• Human Role: Add a line about what humans do to help or
harm the environment here.
• Solutions or Conservation: Suggest simple ways to protect or
improve the topic.
• Benefits: Add what good things come from the topic or
process.
• Impact on Life: Mention how it affects animals, plants, or
people.
• Global or Local Importance: Say why it matters locally and
worldwide.
• Short Conclusion: End with a line that sums up why the topic
is important.

• Example: For “Environmental Awareness” you can say:

• Environmental awareness means knowing about nature and its
problems.
• It is very important because it helps protect plants and
animals.
• For example, people stop using plastic bags after awareness.
• Nowadays, many campaigns teach us to save water and
energy.
• Humans can help by planting trees and avoiding pollution.
• This keeps our Earth healthy and safe for future generations.
•
Q.Give the defination, causes, effects and control measures for
air pollution.
Air Pollution

Definition:

Air pollution is the presence of harmful gases, dust, smoke, or chemicals in

the air that make it dirty and dangerous to breathe.

Causes of Air Pollution:

1. Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and petrol in factories and vehicles.

2. Smoke from industries and power plants.

3. Burning of garbage and crop waste.

4. Vehicle exhaust releasing harmful gases.

5. Dust from construction sites and roads.

6. Use of chemicals like pesticides in farming.

Effects of Air Pollution:

1. Causes breathing problems like asthma and lung diseases.

2. Leads to acid rain which harms plants, animals, and buildings.

3. Harms the ozone layer, increasing UV radiation.

4. Causes global warming and climate change.

5. Reduces visibility and causes accidents.

6. Harms wildlife and damages crops.

Control Measures for Air Pollution:

1. Use clean energy like solar and wind instead of coal.

2. Use public transport, carpooling, or electric vehicles to reduce smoke.

3. Plant more trees to absorb carbon dioxide.

4. Use filters and scrubbers in factories to reduce smoke.

5. Avoid burning garbage and crop waste.

6. Promote awareness about air pollution and its effects.

Q. Elaborate on water resources

Water Resources

Definition:

Water resources are all the sources of water that we use for drinking, farming,
industries, and other purposes.

Types of Water Resources:

1. Surface Water:
Water found on the surface of the earth like rivers, lakes, ponds, and
reservoirs.
Example: River Ganga, Lake Victoria.

2. Groundwater:
Water stored underground in soil and rocks, used through wells and
tubes.
Example: Water from tube wells.
 3. Rainwater:
Water that falls from the sky as rain and can be collected and stored.

4. Ocean Water:
Largest water resource but salty; used for fishing, transportation, and
some desalination plants.

Importance of Water Resources:

• Essential for drinking and daily life.

• Needed for agriculture to grow food.

• Used in industries to make products.

• Supports plants, animals, and aquatic life.

• Helps in hydroelectric power generation.

• Maintains natural ecosystems.

Problems with Water Resources:

• Pollution from industries, sewage, and chemicals.

• Overuse leads to shortage and falling groundwater levels.

• Unequal distribution; some areas have too much water, others too little.

• Climate change causes droughts and floods.

• Water wastage due to poor management.

Conservation of Water Resources:

• Use rainwater harvesting to collect and save rainwater.

• Practice water recycling and reuse.

 • Fix leaks and use water carefully.

• Avoid polluting rivers and lakes.

• Promote afforestation to maintain water cycle.

• Use drip irrigation in farming to save water.

Q. Define water pollution. Give causes/sources, effects &

Control measures on water pollution.
Water Pollution

Definition:

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies (rivers, lakes, oceans, groundwater)
by harmful substances that make water dirty and unsafe.

Causes/Sources of Water Pollution:

1. Industrial waste dumped into rivers and lakes.

2. Sewage and domestic waste entering water bodies.

3. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides from farms washing into water.

4. Oil spills from ships and factories.

5. Plastic and solid waste thrown into water.

6. Radioactive substances and mining waste.

7. Urban runoff carrying pollutants from streets.

Effects of Water Pollution:

1. Causes waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid.

2. Harms aquatic life and kills fish and plants.

3. Makes water unsafe for drinking and farming.

4. Destroys natural habitats of many species.

 5. Pollutes groundwater, affecting wells and boreholes.

6. Causes bad smell and unpleasant water.

Control Measures for Water Pollution:

1. Treat sewage and industrial waste before releasing it into water.

2. Use organic farming to reduce chemical runoff.

3. Avoid throwing garbage and plastics into water bodies.

4. Control oil spills by strict laws and quick cleaning.

5. Promote rainwater harvesting to reduce groundwater pollution.

6. Increase public awareness about water conservation and cleanliness.

7. Set up waste treatment plants in cities and industries.

Q. what are minetals resources? Give benefits, problems &

conservation of mineral resources
What are Mineral Resources?

Mineral resources are natural substances found in the Earth that are used to make metals,
fuels, and many useful materials.
Examples: Iron, coal, gold, copper, bauxite, limestone, petroleum.

Benefits of Mineral Resources:

1. Used to make tools, machines, and buildings.

2. Important for economic development and industry.

3. Provides fuel like coal and petroleum for energy.

4. Creates jobs in mining and manufacturing.

5. Used in transport, medicine, electronics, and agriculture.

Problems Related to Mineral Resources:

 1. Non-renewable – once used, they can't be replaced.

2. Over-mining leads to quick exhaustion.

3. Mining causes land degradation and deforestation.

4. Pollution of air, water, and soil due to mining.

5. Health problems for workers due to dust and chemicals.

6. Can cause conflicts over ownership and land rights.

Conservation of Mineral Resources:

1. Use minerals wisely – avoid wastage.

2. Promote recycling of metals and materials.

3. Use alternative energy sources (solar, wind) to reduce fuel use.

4. Adopt eco-friendly mining techniques.

5. Plant trees and restore land after mining.

6. Spread awareness about the limited nature of minerals.

Q. Define sustainable agriculture.

Meaning:

Sustainable agriculture means farming that uses natural resources carefully, protects
the environment, and keeps soil, water, and air healthy.

Main Goals:

1. Protect the environment (no pollution, no land damage).

2. Use natural resources wisely (save water, good soil care).

3. Support farmers' income and community health.

4. Grow healthy food for current and future generations.

Practices in Sustainable Agriculture:

 1. Crop rotation – changing crops every season to keep soil healthy.

2. Organic farming – using natural manure instead of chemicals.

3. Drip irrigation – saving water by giving plants water slowly.

4. Using biopesticides – using natural ways to kill pests.

5. Agroforestry – growing trees and crops together.

6. Natural composting – using kitchen and plant waste to make fertilizer.

Benefits of Sustainable Agriculture:

1. Healthy food with fewer chemicals.

2. Cleaner environment and less pollution.

3. Better soil and water health.

4. Saves energy and money in the long run.

5. Long-term food security – helps feed people now and in future.

6. Supports biodiversity – protects different plants and animals.

Q. Give impartance &. problem associated with

soil resources.

Soil Resources

Importance of Soil Resources:

1. Supports plant growth – provides nutrients to crops and trees.

2. Needed for agriculture and food production.

3. Helps in filtering water and storing groundwater.

4. Home for many organisms like earthworms, insects, and bacteria.

5. Supports forests, grasslands, and natural ecosystems.

6. Important for construction – buildings, roads, and infrastructure.

Problems Associated with Soil Resources:

1. Soil erosion – topsoil is removed by wind or water.

2. Loss of fertility due to overuse of chemical fertilizers.

3. Waterlogging and salinity caused by poor irrigation.

4. Pollution from pesticides, plastic, and industrial waste.

5. Deforestation leads to less protection for soil.

6. Urbanization – land is covered by buildings and roads, reducing soil use.

Q. What is Eutrophication of water body?

Definition:

Eutrophication is the process where a water body becomes overly rich in

nutrients, especially nitrates and phosphates, which causes excessive growth
of algae.

How it Happens:

• Fertilizers from farms or sewage enter rivers and lakes.

• These add too many nutrients to the water.

• Algae grow very fast (called algal bloom).

• Algae block sunlight and reduce oxygen in water.

• Fish and other aquatic life die due to lack of oxygen.

Effects of Eutrophication:

1. Kills fish and aquatic animals.

2. Bad smell and dirty water.

 3. Reduces oxygen levels in water.

4. Harms biodiversity in water bodies.

5. Makes water unfit for drinking and use.

Q. Explain Global warming

Global Warming

Definition:
Global warming means the gradual increase in Earth’s average temperature due to the rise
of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) in
the atmosphere.

Causes of Global Warming:

1. Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, petrol) for energy and transport.

2. Deforestation – fewer trees to absorb CO₂.

3. Industrial pollution – factories release gases.

4. Agricultural activities – release methane.

5. Waste dumping – releases harmful gases.

Effects of Global Warming:

1. Melting of glaciers and polar ice caps.

2. Sea level rise – floods in coastal areas.

3. Extreme weather – more heatwaves, droughts, storms.

4. Loss of biodiversity – animals lose habitats.

5. Crop failure and food shortage.

6. Human health problems like heat strokes and spread of diseases.

Control Measures:

1. Plant more trees to absorb CO₂.

2. Use clean energy like solar, wind, and hydro.

3. Reduce, reuse, recycle to limit waste.

4. Use public transport to reduce vehicle emissions.

5. Save electricity and water.

6. Spread awareness and follow eco-friendly habits.

Q. Explain acid rain
Acid Rain

Definition:

Acid rain is rain that contains harmful acids, formed when sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and
nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) mix with water in the air.

How It Happens:

1. Factories, vehicles, and power plants release SO₂ and NOₓ gases.

2. These gases rise and mix with cloud water.

3. They form sulphuric acid and nitric acid.

4. This acidic water falls as acid rain.

Effects of Acid Rain:

1. Damages plants by burning their leaves.

2. Makes soil and water acidic – harms crops and fish.

3. Erodes buildings and monuments, especially those made of marble.

4. Harms human health – causes breathing problems.

 5. Reduces forest growth and affects biodiversity.

Control Measures:

1. Use clean energy like solar and wind.

2. Control industrial emissions using scrubbers.

3. Use unleaded petrol and low-sulphur fuels.

4. Plant more trees – they absorb harmful gases.

5. Create awareness and follow environment-friendly practices.

Q. Ozone layer Depletion

Ozone Layer Depletion

Definition:

Ozone layer depletion means the thinning of the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere due
to harmful human-made gases like CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons).

What is the Ozone Layer?

• A layer of gas in the stratosphere (above the atmosphere).

• It protects us from harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays of the Sun.

Causes of Ozone Depletion:

1. CFCs used in refrigerators, air conditioners, and spray cans.

2. Halons used in fire extinguishers.

3. Carbon tetrachloride and methyl bromide used in industries.

4. These chemicals rise up and break ozone molecules in sunlight.

Effects of Ozone Depletion:

 1. More UV rays reach Earth.

2. Causes skin cancer, cataracts, and weak immune system.

3. Affects crops and plant growth.

4. Harms marine life, especially plankton.

5. Leads to climate change problems.

Control Measures:

1. Ban and reduce use of CFCs and other ozone-depleting chemicals.

2. Use eco-friendly products and green refrigerants.

3. Follow the Montreal Protocol – an international agreement to protect the ozone

layer.

4. Raise awareness about the importance of the ozone layer.

Q. Explain role of MPCB & CPCB. in Environmental Protection

CPCB – Central Pollution Control Board

Role of CPCB:

1. It is a national-level board under the Ministry of Environment, Forest &

Climate Change.

2. Monitors air and water quality all over India.

3. Sets pollution control standards for industries.

4. Gives advice to State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).

5. Plans and promotes clean environment programs.

6. Takes steps to control and prevent pollution in rivers and cities.

7. Coordinates with international environmental programs.

MPCB – Maharashtra Pollution Control Board

Role of MPCB:

1. It is a state-level board working under CPCB.

2. Monitors pollution in Maharashtra (air, water, soil, noise).

3. Gives permissions to industries (green, orange, red categories).

4. Ensures industries follow environmental laws.

5. Conducts surprise inspections and takes action if rules are broken.

6. Promotes awareness campaigns and eco-friendly practices.

7. Supports waste management, sewage treatment, and recycling in the
state.