BEVAE 181 Solved Assignment 2023-24

This BEVAE 181 solved assignment (Environmental Studies) will help you in completing your assignments quickly. This will not only help you in completing your assignments, but also in performing well in your examination as some questions in the exams comes from your assignments.

1. Why ecological significance of forest is more important in present day context? Explain. 

Ans.  Forests are extremely important ecologically in today's world for a variety of reasons. For starters, forests are critical for biodiversity protection because they provide habitat for an enormous number of plants, animal, and microorganismal species. They act as gene banks for rare and endemic species, helping to strengthen ecosystem resilience and adapt to environmental changes. Second, trees contribute significantly to climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps to regulate global climate patterns. Furthermore, forests provide a variety of ecosystem services, including soil stabilization, water purification, and flood control, all of which are critical to human well-being and livelihoods.

Furthermore, woods benefit indigenous cultures and local people by supplying food, medicine, and cultural resources. In the face of rising deforestation, habitat loss, and climate change, recognizing and protecting forests' ecological importance is critical for perpetuating biodiversity, reducing climate change, and guaranteeing the well-being of both ecosystems and human communities.

2. Answer the following questions in about 125 words each. 

 a) Explain the characteristics of Western Ghats for inclusion as Biodiversity hotspots. 

Ans.  The Western Ghats have distinct features that make them biodiversity hotspots. Their great biodiversity is due to different environments such as tropical rainforests, montane forests, and grasslands that support a vast range of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic. 

The region's unique topography and diverse climatic circumstances add to its biodiversity, promoting speciation and evolutionary processes. Furthermore, the Western Ghats serve as an important water catchment area, with numerous rivers, streams, and waterfalls flowing from its slopes. These traits make the Western Ghats biologically diverse and ecologically significant, justifying their designation as biodiversity hotspots.

b) Why hydropower is regarded as the best source of energy? Explain it in detail.

Ans. Hydropower is regarded as an excellent source of energy due to various benefits. For starters, hydropower is renewable, relying on the constant flow of water in rivers and streams that is supplied by rainfall and snowmelt. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and contribute to climate change, hydropower creates electricity while producing no greenhouse gases, making it environmentally neutral. 

In addition, hydropower provides baseload power, which means it can supply steady electrical demand, as opposed to solar or wind power, which are intermittent. Furthermore, hydropower plants frequently provide secondary benefits such as flood control, irrigation, and water supply, so contributing to socioeconomic growth. Overall, hydropower is recognized as one of the finest energy sources due to its renewable nature, low environmental impact, and flexibility in fulfilling energy demands.

 

c) The importance of Biomass has been increasing day by day in our surroundings among renewable resources. Explain it with suitable examples. 

Ans. Biomass is becoming more popular as a renewable resource due to its adaptability and potential to lessen reliance on fossil fuels. Biomass is defined as organic elements generated from plants, animals, and microbes that can be turned into energy by a variety of processes including combustion, fermentation, and anaerobic digestion. Biomass includes agricultural wastes, wood refuse, food scraps, and animal dung. 

Biomass can be converted into biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel for transportation, biogas for heating and electricity generation, and solid biofuels for cooking and heating. The relevance of biomass is growing due to its abundance, carbon neutrality, and potential to provide energy security, especially in rural and distant places. Furthermore, biomass plays an important role in waste management by diverting organic waste from landfills and lowering methane levels. Overall, biomass is an important renewable resource with several environmental, social, and economic benefits.

d) How does air pollution affect the atmospheric processes? 

Ans. Air pollution can alter atmospheric processes in a variety of ways. To begin, pollutants discharged into the atmosphere, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, can change the chemical composition of the air, resulting in the creation of secondary pollutants like ozone and smog. These pollutants can disrupt atmospheric stability, temperature patterns, and meteorological conditions, resulting in phenomena like temperature inversions and atmospheric haze. 

Furthermore, air pollution can influence cloud formation and precipitation patterns, affecting both regional and global climate systems. Furthermore, contaminants can deposit on surfaces such as soil and water bodies, causing soil and water pollution, which has an impact on ecosystem health and biogeochemical cycles. Overall, air pollution can alter atmospheric processes, resulting in environmental degradation and negative consequences on human health.

e) What is Disposal of waste? Why segregation of waste is needed?

Ans. Waste disposal is the management and disposal of waste materials produced by human activities. Waste segregation is crucial for separating distinct types of waste materials at the source, such as organic, recyclable, and hazardous trash. Segregation improves waste management operations by permitting recycling, composting, and proper disposal.

 It reduces the amount of waste transferred to landfills or incinerators, saves resources, and reduces environmental damage. Furthermore, waste segregation allows for the recovery of valuable materials for reuse and recycling, promoting a circular economy and minimizing the demand on natural resources. Overall, trash segregation is essential for promoting sustainable waste management practices, reducing environmental consequences, and transitioning to a more resource-efficient and ecologically friendly society.

3. Explain the human-environment relationship by taking examples of biotic and abiotic components? 

Ans.   The human-environment relationship is complex and multifaceted, with interactions encompassing both biotic and abiotic components. Plants, animals, and microorganisms interact with their surroundings through activities such as photosynthesis, predation, and decomposition, which influence ecosystem dynamics and functions. Abiotic components, such as air, water, soil, and climate, create the physical and chemical conditions required for life, impacting the distribution and quantity of living organisms. 

Agriculture, urbanization, pollution, and resource exploitation are examples of human-environmental interactions that can have both beneficial and bad consequences for ecosystems and human societies. Understanding these linkages is critical for sustainable development and environmental protection, because human actions have a significant impact on the health and integrity of natural systems.

4. “As humans civilisation progressed, man started altering the environment in the pursuit of creating an economic, social and cultural environment of his own choice. This slowly resulted in the depletion of natural resources and degradation of environment.” Explain it in context of national legislations of water acts? 

Ans. Human civilization has influenced the environment for economic, social, and cultural reasons, resulting in the loss of natural resources and environmental damage. This is reflected in national legislation such as water acts, which aim to govern the use, management, and conservation of water resources. The overexploitation of water resources for agriculture, industry, and urban development has resulted in water scarcity, pollution, and ecological deterioration. 

National water legislation seeks to address these concerns by encouraging sustainable water management methods, safeguarding water quality, and providing equal access to water resources. Water acts aim to combine human demands with environmental conservation by incorporating ecological principles, socioeconomic factors, and stakeholder engagement, supporting the sustainable use and stewardship of water resources for the present and future generations.

5. “Biosphere reserves are internationally recognized areas established to promote and demonstrate a balanced relationship between Humans and the Biosphere.” Elaborate this statement in the context of conservation of nature? 

Ans. Ecosystem reserves are designated regions that have received international recognition for their efforts to promote and illustrate a harmonious relationship between humanity and the ecosystem. These reserves function as living laboratories for research, teaching, and sustainable development, combining conservation with socioeconomic development.

Biosphere reserves are intended to conserve biodiversity, safeguard ecosystems, and encourage sustainable land and resource management methods. They also promote community involvement, cultural preservation, and environmental education, allowing local stakeholders to contribute to conservation efforts and sustainable livelihoods. Biosphere reserves contribute to global attempts to reconcile human demands with environmental conservation, encouraging peaceful coexistence between humans and the biosphere.

1. Explain the following terms in about 60 words each: 

 (a) Seed Bank 

Ans. A seed bank is a specialist facility that preserves and stores seeds from a diverse range of plant species. It acts as a reservoir for genetic variation, assuring the preservation of rich plant genetic resources for future use in agriculture, research, and conservation. 

Seed banks collect, catalog, and store seeds under regulated settings to ensure their viability and endurance over long periods of time, perhaps decades or even centuries. These repositories are critical for preserving plant biodiversity, preventing crop loss, and supporting breeding efforts to create new crop types that are resistant to environmental pressures and changing climate conditions.

(b) Incineration  

Ans. Incineration is a waste management technique that involves the controlled combustion of solid, liquid, or gaseous wastes at high temperatures. During the incineration process, organic materials are oxidized and transformed into ash, gases, and heat, reducing trash volume and weight while sterilizing any potentially harmful components. 

Medical waste, hazardous chemicals, and municipal solid trash are typically disposed of through incineration in modern waste-to-energy facilities. While incineration may successfully decrease waste volume and generate energy through the combustion process, it also emits air pollutants and ash residues that must be properly managed, and emissions controlled to reduce environmental impact.

(c) Biological Oxygen Demand

Ans. Biological oxygen demand (BOD) is a measure of how much dissolved oxygen microorganisms require during the breakdown of organic materials in water bodies. It serves as an indicator of organic pollution levels in aquatic ecosystems by reflecting the oxygen requirement of microbial populations that metabolize organic contaminants in the water. 

High BOD values indicate elevated levels of organic pollution, which can reduce oxygen levels in water bodies, causing hypoxia (low oxygen conditions) and harming aquatic life. Monitoring BOD levels is critical for monitoring water quality, determining the efficacy of wastewater treatment operations, and minimizing pollution's effects on aquatic ecosystems and public health.

(d) Public Health 

Ans. Public health refers to the efforts and initiatives that promote and safeguard people's health and well-being. It takes a multidisciplinary approach to addressing health determinants such as social, economic, environmental, and behavioral variables. Public health practitioners strive to prevent diseases, encourage healthy behaviors, and foster supportive settings in which individuals and communities can thrive. 

Disease surveillance, health education, immunization programs, environmental health monitoring, and healthcare access are all important aspects of public health. By concentrating on preventative and population-level interventions, public health helps to improve overall health outcomes, reduce health inequities, and improve the quality of life for all members of society.

2. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each. 

 a) What is lentic and lotic ecosystem? Explain these two with suitable examples.

Ans. Standing bodies of water like lakes, ponds, and wetlands are referred to as lentic habitats. These ecosystems are distinguished by generally still or slow-moving water, which permits the buildup of organic materials and the establishment of separate habitats. Fish, amphibians, insects, and aquatic plants all thrive in lentic habitats. Examples include Lake Baikal in Russia and the Florida Everglades in the United States.

Lotic ecosystems, on the other hand, are defined by flowing water bodies like rivers, streams, and creeks. These ecosystems are dynamic and constantly shifting, with water flowing downstream from higher to lower elevations. Lotic habitats host a diverse range of aquatic creatures adapted to fast-flowing water conditions, such as fish, crustaceans, and aquatic plants.

b) What is ecological succession? Explain the types of succession with suitable diagrams.

 

Ans. Ecological succession is the gradual and predictable change in species composition and community organization within a given environment. It happens in response to disturbances or changes in environmental conditions, resulting in the replacement of one community with another until a stable climax community is established.

There are two primary types of ecological succession:

1. Primary succession occurs in environments with no past community, such as bare rock, volcanic ash, or sand dunes. Pioneer species, such as lichens and mosses, occupy the barren substrate and initiate soil formation. Over time, as soil accumulates and conditions improve, additional plant species emerge and gradually replace pioneer species. Eventually, a diverse and stable peak community forms.

2. Secondary succession occurs when an established community is disrupted or destroyed, such as by a forest fire, flood, or human disturbance. Secondary succession occurs when soil is already available, allowing plant species to colonize more quickly than primary succession. The technique entails gradually restoring plant and animal populations to their pre-disturbance state.


c) Explain the biocentrism and ecocentrism in context of human’s attitude towards nature? 

Ans.  Biocentrism and ecocentrism represent opposing viewpoints on human attitudes toward nature.

Biocentrism is the belief that individual organisms or living creatures have intrinsic value and should be treated morally. It believes that all living organisms have inherent value and deserve ethical attention and rights, regardless of their service to humans. Biocentrism emphasizes the significance of safeguarding individual organisms and species from injury and exploitation, instilling a strong empathy and reverence for all forms of life.

Ecocentrism, on the other hand, broadens moral consideration beyond individual individuals to include entire ecosystems and the biosphere as a whole. It acknowledges the interconnection and interdependence of all living things and ecological processes and sees nature as a complex web of interactions. Ecocentrism emphasizes ecosystems' intrinsic importance and the necessity to preserve their integrity and resilience for the benefit of all living organisms, including humans. It fosters long-term and harmonious interactions between humans and the natural world, founded on ecological stewardship and respect for ecological constraints.

d) Define natural calamities and its types with suitable examples. 

Ans. Natural disasters are unexpected and catastrophic events generated by natural forces that result in extensive destruction, loss of life, and interruption of human activity. These events are often unanticipated and can have serious consequences for the environment, infrastructure, and socioeconomic systems.

There are various sorts of natural disasters, including:

1. Earthquakes are sudden releases of energy along geological faults, causing ground shaking, displacement, and structural damage. As an example, consider the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

2. Hurricanes are powerful tropical storms characterized by high winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges that cause widespread flooding and infrastructural damage. Hurricane Katrina, for example, struck the United States in 2005.

3. Flooding is the overflow of water onto dry ground caused by severe rainfall, snowmelt, or dam failure. Floods can cause erosion, property destruction, and relocation of people. Example: 2011 floods in Thailand.

4. Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that spread quickly across vegetation, fueled by dry weather, high temperatures, and wind. Wildfires can harm ecosystems, destroy houses, and endanger health due to smoke inhalation. For example, consider the 2019-2020 bushfires in Australia.

5. Tsunamis are large ocean waves caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides, resulting in coastal flooding and disaster. Tsunamis can cause considerable damage to coastal populations and infrastructure. As an example, consider the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

3. Explain the causes of ozone depletion? How do ultraviolet rays affects human health, animals, plants, micro-organisms, water and air quality. 

Ans.  Ozone depletion is primarily caused by the introduction of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) into the atmosphere, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons, which degrade ozone molecules in the stratosphere. 

The sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation penetrate the Earth's atmosphere, bringing health dangers to people including skin cancer, cataracts, and immunological suppression. UV radiation can also injure animals, plants, microbes, water bodies, and air quality, resulting in ecological disturbance, genetic damage, and decreased biodiversity.

4. “Education for environmental awareness is essential for the younger generation as well as for the older generation.” Explain the statement with suitable examples. 

Ans. Environmental education raises awareness, information, and attitudes about environmental challenges and sustainability, allowing people to make educated decisions and take responsible action. It fosters a sense of stewardship and environmental responsibility by encouraging conservation practices and sustainable lifestyles.

 Environmental education serves both younger and older generations by instilling environmental literacy, critical thinking skills, and civic participation, allowing them to confront environmental issues and advocate for positive action.

5. “Water Harvesting is one of the effective measures to combat drought.” Explain this statement with suitable arguments. 

Ans. Water harvesting is the collecting, storage, and use of rainwater and runoff for a variety of applications, including irrigation, drinking water supply, and groundwater replenishment. It aids in drought mitigation by increasing water availability during dry spells, lowering dependency on surface and groundwater resources. 

Water collection also helps to conserve water, retain soil moisture, and build ecosystem resilience, all of which contribute to sustainable water management and climate change adaptation. Water harvesting, which captures and stores rainfall, improves water security, agricultural production, and community resilience in water-stressed countries.

Conclusion

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