Agni College of Technology

Thalambur, Chennai 600 130

Department of Electronics and Communication Engg.
Anna University Solved QB 5 Units
Sub Name: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Sem: IV
Sub Code : GE8291 Year II
UNIT -1ENVIRONMENT, ECOSYSTEM AND BIODIVERSITY
PART – A Question & Answer
1. What do you understand by ‘species biodiversity’? Give one example. (Apr/May
2017)

Species biodiversity: It is the diversity between different species. The sum of varieties
of all the living organisms at the specieslevel.
Example: Plant species: Apple, mango, grapes, wheat, rice, etc.
2. Define ecosystem diversity. (Nov/Dec2016)
Ecosystem diversity: It is the diversity at the ecological or habitat level. A large region
with different ecosystems can be considered as ecosystem diversity.

Example: River ecosystem – includes fish, aquatic insects and variety of plants that have
adapted.
3.
Mention two primary and secondary consumers in grassland ecosystem.
(May/June 2016)

Grasslandecosystem:
Primary consumer (herbivores) – Cow, deer, sheep, etc.
Secondary consumer (carnivores) – Snakes, birds, jackals, etc.

4.
Define biodiversity. (Nov/Dec 2015, Apr/May2015)
Biodiversity: Defined as the variety and variability among all groups of living organisms and
the ecosystem in which they occur.
5. What is food chain? (Nov/Dec 2015, Apr/May2015)
Food chain: The sequence of eating and being eaten in ecosystem.
6. What is an abiotic environment? (Nov/Dec2014)
Abiotic environment: Non-living component of the environment. Example: Air, water, etc.

7.
What are called endangered species? (Nov/Dec2014)
Endangered species: A species is said to be endangered, when its number has been
reduced to a critical level. Unless it is protected and conserved, it is in immediate danger
of extinction.

Example: African elephant, Giant Panda, Blue whale, Siberian Tiger, etc.
8. Define genetic diversity and species diversity.(TNV AU Dec 2008, Dec2009)
 Genetic diversity is the diversity within species.
Species diversity is the diversity between different species. The sum of varieties of all the
living organisms at the species level is known as species diversity.
9. What are the major threats of biodiversity?(A.U Dec 2014)
The major threats to biodiversity are: (a) Habitat loss, (b) Poaching and (c) Man wildlife
conflicts.
10. What are called endangered species?(A.U Dec 2006, 2014)
A species is said to be endangered, when its number has been reduced to a critical level. Unless
it is protected and conserved, it is in immediate danger of extinction.
11. Enumerate the human activities which destroy the biodiversity.(A.U June 2006)
(a) Farmers prefer hybrid seeds, as a result many plant species become extinct.
(b) For production of drugs the pharmaceutical companies collect wild plants, s several
medicinal plants now become extinct.
12. Differentiate between insitu and exsitu conservation of biodiversity.(A.U Dec 2012)
S.No Insitu conservation Exsitu conservation
1. It involves protection of fauna and It involves protection of fauna and
flora within its natural habitat where flora outside the natural habitats.
the species normally occurs.
2. Cheap and convenient method. Expensive method.
13. List out the effect of habitat loss on biodiversity.(A.U Dec 2013)
The loss of populations of interbreeding organisms is caused by habitat loss. Te threatens a
wide range of animals and plants. Some of the factors responsible for habitat loss are
deforestation, destruction of wetlands, illegal trade, developmental activities, etc.
14. What are the major causes of man wildlife conflicts?(A.U Dec 2013)
(a) Encroachment into forest areas.
(b) Injured animals have a tendency to attack humans.
15. “India is a mega diversity nation”- Account.(A.U Dec 2008, Dec 2009)
India is one among the 12 mega diversity countries in the world. It has 89,450 animal species
accounting for 7.31% of the global faunal species and 47,000 plant species which accounts for
10.8% of the world floral species. The loss of biodiversity is about 33%.
16. What are the two important hot spots in India?(Coim A.U Dec 2009)
(a) Eastern Himalayas
(b) Western Ghats

17. Differentiate between food chain and food web

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 FOOD CHAIN FOOD WEB
1. It is the process of eating and being 1. It is the interlocking of various food
eaten in an ecosystem. chain.
2. If one species gets affected or becomes 2. If one species gets affected, it does not
extinct then the species in the subsequent affect the other tropic levels seriously as
tropic levels are also affected. there are number of options for food at
each tropic level.
18. What is an ecosystem?
A group of organisms interacting among them and with environment is known as ecosystem.
Thus, an ecosystem is a community of different species interacting with one another and with
their non-living environment exchanging energy and matter.
19. 1.Define decomposer and give their significance.
They feed on dead plants and animals and decompose them into simpler compounds.
Significance:
During decomposition inorganic nutrients are released. These are again utilized by plants with
other organic substances for the synthesis of food.
Examples: bacteria, fungi.
20. What are the types of grasslands ecosystem?
The types of grasslands ecosystem are Tropical Grassland, Temperate grassland, Polar
grassland.
21. State the significance and scope of environmental education.
SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES:
1. To get awareness and sensitivity to the total environment and its related problems.
2. To motivate the active participation in environmental protection and improvement.
IMPORTANCE (OR) SIGNIFICANCE OF ENVIRONEMNTAL STUDIES:
1. By environmental studies, people will understand the concept of “need of development
without destruction of environment”.
2. People can gain knowledge of different types of environment and the effects of different
environmental hazards
22. What is food web?
The interlocking pattern of various food chains in an ecosystem is called food web.
Different types of organisms are connected at different tropic levels so that there are number of
opportunities of eating and being eaten at any tropic level.

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23. What are the characteristics of desert ecosystem?
1. The desert air is dry and climate is hot.
2. Annual rainfall is less than 25cm.
3. The soil is poor in nutrients and organic matter.
4. Vegetation is poor.
24. Define the terms producers & consumers?
Producers: They synthesize their food themselves through photosynthesis
Consumers: They cannot prepare their own food and depend directly or indirectly on
producers.
25. What are autotrophic and heterotrophic components of an ecosystem? Give examples.
(i) Autotrophic: These members are PRODUCERS (self-nourishing). They get energy
from sunlight and synthesize food. Eg, plants, algae, bacteria.
(ii) Heterotrophic: These members are CONSUMERS (depend on others for food). They
consume autotrophs.
(a) Macro consumers: herbivores, carnivores and omnivores.
(b) Micro consumers/ Saprotrophs: decomposers(bacteria, fungi
PART – B Question
1. Explain the role of producers, consumers and decomposers in an ecosystem. (or) Discuss
briefly the structural and functional components of an ecosystem. (N/D 2019)
2. Explain the various components and functions of forest ecosystem. (N/D 2019)
3. Describe the structure and function of the forest and grassland ecosystem (Or) Explain various
components and functions of forest ecosystem(A/M 2019)
4. Explain the characteristic features of (i) Forest ecosystem. (ii) Aquatic ecosystem. (A/M 2019)
5. Name and discuss the values that can be assigned to biodiversity. (A.U June 2013)
6. Give an account of energy flow in an ecosystem. (A/M 2019)
7. Explain the role of biodiversity a global, national and local levels. (A.U May 2007)
8. Discuss the threats faced by Indian biodiversity. (A.U June 2013)

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 9. How is biodiversity conserved? Explain. (TCY A.U Dec 2008)
10. What do you understand by hot spots of biodiversity? Name and briefly describe two hot-
spots of biodiversity that extend in India. (TNV A.U Dec 2008, TCY A.U Dec 2009)
PART – C Question
1. Mention a case study on(NOV / DEC 2016)
i)Man and wildlife conflict
ii)Productive use of biodiversity
2. Compare the physical and chemical characteristics of marine water with terrestrial water.
(APRIL/MAY 2018)

UNIT-II-Environmental Pollution.
PART – A Question & Answer
1. Define the term noise pollution.
Noise pollution is defined as, “the unwanted, unpleasant or disagreeable sound that
causes discomfort for all living being”. The sound intensity is measured in decibel (dB).
2. Define BOD5.
The amount of oxygen required in milligrams for 5 days to metabolise organic waste present in
1Litre of water at 20OC.
3. What is photochemical smog?
The brown is smoke like appearance that frequently forms on clear, sunny days over large
cities with significant amount of automobile traffic. It is mainly due to chemical reactions
among nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbon by sunlight.
4. What is the need for amplitude control in oscillators?(N/D 2019)
The amplitude of electronic oscillators tends to increase until clipping or other gain limitation is
reached. The circuit is designed so that a larger filament resistance reduces loop gain, which in turn
will reduce the output amplitude.
5. Classify the sources of Air pollution.
S.No. Pollutants Sources
1. Carbon monoxide (CO) Cigarette smoking, incomplete burning of fossil
fuels. About 77% comes from motor vehicle
exhaust
2. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) Fossil fuel burning in motor vehicles
(49%) and power industrial plants (49%).
3. Sulphur dioxide (SO2) Coal burning in power plants (88%) and
industrial processes (10%).
6. What is marine pollution
Marine pollution is defined as “the discharge of waste substances into the sea resulting in
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 harm to living resources, hazards to human health, hindrance to fishery and impairment of quality
for use of sea water.”
7. What do you understand by soil pollution?
“The contamination of soil by human and natural activities which may cause harmful effects on
living beings”
8. What are the causes of noise pollution?
It has been found that environmental noise is doubling every 10 years.
Generally noise is described as, Industrial noise, Transport noise and Neighborhood noise.
9.
Define hazardous Wastes?
Wastes like toxic chemicals radioactive or Biological substances which contribute to an increase in
mortality or in serious irreversible illness to human health and environment are called hazardous
wastes.
10. What is mean by non-point pollution?
Large land areas that pollute water by runoff, subsurface flow is called non-pollution. They cannot
be trace to any single site of discharge.
11. Write any two causes of soil pollution.
Industrial wastes, urban wastes, agricultural practices, radioactive pollutants and Biological agents.
12. What is mean by COD?
COD is the amount of oxygen required for chemical oxidation of organic matter using some
oxidizing agent like potassium dichromate and potassium per magnate.
13. Define Solid waste.
Any garbage, refuse, sludge from waste treatment plant, and other discarded material including
solid, liquid , semi solid from commercial, mining, and agricultural operations are called as Solid
wastes.
14. Mention the sources of the solid wastes.
1.Domestic wastes-cloths, waste papers
2. Commercial wastes-bottle, cans, polythene bags.
3. Construction wastes-wood, concrete.
4.Biomedical wastes- infectious wastes
5. Industrial wastes-nuclear and thermal power plants.
15. Give any four methods to control noise pollution
1. Source control.
2. Transmission path intervention.
3. Receptor control.

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 4. Oiling.
16. What is Acid rain or what is acid precipitation.
The presence of excessive acids in rain water is known as acid rain.
17. Give example for primary and secondary air pollutants
Primary pollutants are those emitted directly in the atmosphere in harmful form.
Eg. NO,CO,SO2
Secondary pollutants are those which are drive from primary pollutants.
Eg.NO3,SO3 CO2
18. What are point source of water pollution
Point sources are discharged pollutants at specific locations through pipes, ditches into bodies of
surface water.
19. Give the sources of radioactive pollutions.
1. Nuclear reactor.
2. Researchcentres.
3. Hospitals.
4. Nuclear explosion.
20.
Mention the effects of nuclear wastes in humans. (Apr/May
2017) Effects of nuclear waste inhumans:
1. A dose of 100 rems (roentgen equivalent in man) will cause radiation sickness,
such as loss of white blood cells, nausea, vomiting, andheadache.
2. Adoseof300remmaycausetemporaryhairlose,nervecellsanddigestivetractwillbedamaged.
3. As the dose rises white blood cells are lost, the human's immune system becomes
weakened - their ability to fight off infections is considerablyreduced.
21. Give any two reasons for marine pollution. (Apr/May 2017) (or)
List the sources of marine pollution. (Nov/Dec2014)
Reasons or causes for marine pollution:
1.Waste Disposal: Disposal of domestic sewage, run off from agricultural areas
and untreated industrialwaste.
2.Oil pollution: Shore based industries and transport activities, oil discharges
from ship, off- shore drilling and natural submarineseepage.
22. Mentionthemeasurestocontrolthermalpollutioncausedbyindustries.(Nov/Dec2016)
Methods adapted to control high temperature caused by thermal discharges from industries:
1.Coolingtowers
2.Coolingponds
3.Sprayponds
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 4.Artificiallakes
23.
What are the causes of thermal pollution? (May/June
2016)

Causes (or sources) of thermalpollution:

1.Nuclear powerplants
2.Industrialeffluents
3.Domesticsewage
4.Hydro-electricpower
24.
What are the causes of thermal pollution? (May/June
2016)

Causes (or sources) of thermalpollution:

1.Nuclear powerplants
2.Industrialeffluents
3.Domesticsewage
4.Hydro-electricpower
25 State the role and responsibility of an individual in the prevention of pollution.
1.Plant more trees
2. Use CFC Free Refrigerators
3.Use natural gas
4.Reduce deforestation
PART – B Question
1. Write a detailed note on photochemical reactions taking place in the
atmosphere. (Apr/May 2017, May/June 2016, Nov/Dec 2014)

2. What is a particulate matter? How is it controlled by using equipment? (Apr/May

2017)(or)
Explainthevariousmethodsofcontrollingairpollution.(Nov/Dec2015,May/June2016)
.
3. Write a flow sheet and explain the steps involved in solid waste management(Nov 2011, May
10) (May 2011) (Nov 2010) (Dec 09, Dec 08)
4. Mention any four air pollutants with their sources and emission control measures.(May
2012)(May 2011)
5. What is marine pollution? What are the causes and effects of marine pollution? (May/June
2016, Nov/Dec 2016, Nov/Dec 2015)
6. Explain the sources, effects and control measures of noise pollution. (Apr/May
2017, Nov/Dec2014)
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7. Write a note on: (1) Nuclear hazard (2) Thermal pollution (Nov/Dec 2015)(OR) Write
briefly about the hazards caused by the nuclear wastes. (Apr/May2015)
8. Discuss about the causes, impacts and control measures of ozone depletion in the
atmosphere. (Nov/Dec2016)
9. How are water pollutants classified? Give examples of each type. (May/June 2016)
Explain the causes, effects and control measures of water pollution. (Nov/Dec2015)
10. Write informative notes on water treatment processes. (Nov/Dec2014)
11. Discuss the role of an individual in pollution prevention.(May 2012, Nov 2011) Nov 2011,
Dec 09, May 09, May 06) May 2011, Nov 2010)
12. Explain the sources effects and control measures of Soil pollution.(Nov 2011) (Nov 2010)
(May 07)
PART – C Question
1. Explain the various unit operations and pertaining to wastewater treatment with the help of a
neat sketch. (N/D 2019)
2. Give a case study of any anthropogenic (Man-made) pollution disaster known to you and
discuss the effects of these on the environment in which they happened.(April / May 2018)
3. Describe in detail about any one pollution related case study. (Nov/Dec 2016)

Unit -3NATURAL RESOURCES

PART – A Question & Answer
1. What are renewable resources? Give examples.
These resources are capable of being regenerated by ecological processes within a reasonable
time period. They have the potential to renew themselves.
EXAMPLES
Soil, water, air, wildlife, natural vegetation.
2. Mention some important causes of over exploitation.
Over exploitations of forest wealth in developing countries occurs in the following ways
(a) Increasing agricultural production.
(b) Increasing industrial activities.
(c) Increase in demand of wood resources.
3. What are the preventive measures of deforestation?
1. Steps should be taken by the government to discourage the migration of people into the
islands from mainland.
2. To counter the depletion of forest areas, tree plantation programs have been started.
3. Education and awareness programmes must be conducted.
4. Strict implementation of law of Forest Conservation Act.
4. What are the consequences of timber extraction?

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 1. Large scale timber extraction causes deforestation.
2. Timber extraction leads to soil erosion, loss of fertility, landslides and loss of biodiversity.
3. Timber extraction also leads to loss of tribal culture and extinction of tribal people.
4. Timber extraction reduces thickness of the forest.
5. State the environmental effects of extracting and using mineral resources. (A. U. June -
2005)
(i) Devegetation and defacing of landscape.
(ii) Ground water contamination.
(iii) Surface water pollution.
(iv) Air pollution.
(v) Subsidence of land.
6. Define sustainable forestry? (A.U. Dec - 2005)
Sustainable forestry is the optimum use of forest resources, which meet the needs of the
present without generations to meet their compromising the ability of future own needs.
7. What are the effects of dams on tribal?
1. Due to continuous removal of minerals, forest covers, the trenches are formed on the
ground, leading to water logged area, which in turn contaminates the ground water.
2. During mining operations, the vibrations are developed, which leads to earthquake.
3. When materials are disturbed in significant quantities during mining process, large
quantities of sediments are transported by water erosion.
8. Define overgrazing (or) Explain overgrazing. (A. U.Dec.2006)
Overgrazing is a process of, “eating away the forest vegetation without giving it a chance to
regenerate “.
9. What are renewable and non-renewable energy resources? Give examples
(TCY AUDec 2008)
Renewable energy resources are natural resources which can be regenerated continuously and
are inexhaustible. They can be used again and again in an endless manner.
EXAMPLES:
Renewable energy resources: wood, solar energy, wind energy
Non-renewable energy resources: coal, petroleum
10. State the problems caused by the construction of Dam. (A.U. Jan - 2006)
(a) Displacement of tribal people.
(b) Loss of non-forest land.
(c) Loss of forests, flora and fauna.
(d) Landslips, sedimentation and siltation occurs.

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 (e) Stagnation and water logging around reservoirs retards plant growth.
(f) Breeding of vectors and spread of vector-borne diseases.
(g) Reservoir induced seismicity (RIS) causes earthquakes.
(e) Navigation and aquaculture activities can be developed in the dam area.
11. What is desertification? Give two reasons for it (TNV AU Dec 2008)(A.U. Dec 2006)
It is a progressive destruction or degradation of arid or semi- arid lands to desert.
REASONS: 1. Deforestation 2. Overgrazing 3. Mining & quarrying

12. What is water logging? (A. U. Dec. 2006)

Water logging is the land where water stand for most of the year.
PROBLEMS IN WATER LOGGING:
During water-logged conditions, pore-voids in the soil get filled with water and the soil-air
gets depleted. In such a condition the roots of the plants do not get adequate air for
respiration. So, mechanical strength of the soil decreases and crop yield falls.
13. What do you mean by environmental impact? (A.U. Dec - 2006)
Environmental impact is nothing but the effect on the natural environment caused by
various human actions. It includes two types
(i) Indirect effects
EXAMPLE: pollution.
(ii) Direct effects
EXAMPLE: Cutting down trees.
14. Explain soil leaching. (A.U. Dec – 2006)
The process in which materials in or on the soil gradually dissolve and are carried by water
sweeping through the soil.
EFFECT OF SOIL LEACHING:
1. It removes valuable nutrients from the soil.
2. It may carry buried wastes into ground water and contaminates it.
15. Write any two functions of forests. (A.U. June -2006)
1. Forests perform very important functions both humans and to nature.
2. They are habitats to millions of plants, wildlife.
3. They recycle rainwater and remove pollutants from air.
4. They control water quality and quantity.

16. What are the causes of deforestation

1. Developmental projects. 2. Mining operations. 3. Raw-materials for industries. 4. Fuel

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 requirements. 5. Shifting cultivation. 6. Forest fires.
17. What are the advantages in conjugative use of water? (A.U. Dec - 2006)
(i) Control of water logging.
(ii) Use of saline water, especially for cooling purpose.
(iii) Control of salt intrusion in coastal aquifers.
(iv) Controlled withdrawal of water from ground water aquifer.
18. Compare merits and problems of dams.
(i) Dams are built to control flood and store flood water.
(ii) Sometimes dams are used for diverting part or all of the water from river into a channel.
(iii) Dams are used mainly for drinking and agricultural purposes.
(iv) Dams are built for generating electricity.
PROBLEMS OF DAMS:
(i) Displacement of tribal people.
(ii) Loss of non-forest land.
(iii) Loss of forests, flora and fauna.
(iv)Water logging and salinity due to over irrigation.
(v)Reduced water flow and silt deposition in rivers.
(vi)Salt water intrusion at river mouth.
19. What is meant by soil erosion? (A. U. June 2007)
Soil erosion is the process of removal of superficial layer of the soil from one place to
another. Soil erosion also removes the soil components and surface liter.
20. Enumerate the desired qualities of an ideal pesticide. (A. U. Dec. 2007)
1. An ideal pesticide must kill only the target species.
2. It must be a biodegradable.
3. It should not produce new pests.
4. It should not produce any toxic pesticide vapour.
5. Excessive synthetic pesticide should not be used.
21. Write any two adverse effects caused by overgrazing.
(TNV AU Dec 2008)(AU May 2008)
(i) Land degradation.
(ii) Soil erosion.
(iii) Loss of useful species.

22. Mention the various causes of desertification. (Chen A. U. Dec 2008)

1. Deforestation 2. Overgrazing, 3. Water management 4. Mining and quarrying

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 5. Climate change 6. Pollution.
23. Mention the factors causing soil erosion. (TCY A.U Dec 2008)
1. Water 2. Wind 3. Biotic agents 4. Landslides 5. Construction
24. Differentiate renewable and non-renewable sources of energy. (TNV.A U. Dec 2008)
S.NO. RENEWABLE ENERGY NON-RENEWABLE ENEGY
1. It is regenerated continuously cannot be regenerated
2. In exhaustible Exhausted
3. It can be used again and again cannot be used again
4. It is pollution free It pollutes the atmosphere
5. Available in limited amount in Available in unlimited amount in
nature nature
6. It is developed in a long period It is developed in a short period
PART – B Question

1. What is deforestation? Write the effects of deforestation. (May 2012, May 08, May 07, Dec
06) (OR) Explain the environmental impact of deforestation. (Nov 2011) (OR) Explain the
major causes and consequences of deforestation. (Dec 09, Dec 07, Dec 05) (OR) Discuss the
ill effects of deforestation. (Dec 05)
2. Write briefly the environmental issues caused by mineral resources. (May 2012)
3. Explain the role of alternate energy sources in pollution control with case studies. (May
2012) (OR) Explain how the alternate energy sources play an important role in environmental
impact?(May 07)
4. Explain the basic types of soil erosion and agents responsible for soil erosion. What are the
conservation practices employed to prevent soil erosion. (Nov 2011)(May 2011) (May 09,
Dec 05)
5. What is renewable energy? Write a brief note on any two renewable energy resources. (Nov
2011, May 10)
6. 1.Discuss in detail on: (i) Land resources (ii) Land degradation (iii) Soil erosion and
desertification (Nov 2011, May 10)
7. Explain the evil effects of mining operations on the environment. (Nov 2011) (May 2011)
8. Discuss the important reasons for land degradation. How to prevent land degradation?
Explain. (Nov 2011) (May 2011) (Nov 2010) (Dec 08) (May 08)
9. How is wind energy harnessed? What are the advantages and limitations of wind energy?
(Nov 2011) (May 09)

10. Discuss the benefits and problems of dams. (Nov 2011, May 2011)(or)
Discuss the effects of dams on forest and tribal people. (May 08) (May 09)

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 PART – C Question
1. Describe any three renewable resources which Chennai is abundant with and can harness for
its energy needs.(NOV/DEC 2019)
2. Explain how will you calculate rainwater harvesting potential for your house. (APRIL/MAY
2018)

UNIT -4SOCIAL ISSUES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

PART – A Question & Answer
1. What is meant by sustainable development? (A.U. Dec. 2007, Dec. 2005)(TNV AU Dec
2008)
Sustainable development is defined as, “meeting the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
2. What are the important aspects of sustainable development?
(i)Inter - generational equity:
It states that we should hand over a safe, healthy and resourceful environment to our future
generations.
(ii) Intra - generational equity:
It states that the technological development of rich countries should support the economic
growth of the poor countries and help in narrowing the wealth gap and lead to
sustainability.
3. Define Urbanization.
It is defined as the process of movement of human population from rural areas to urban areas
in search of better economic interest with better education, communication,health,civic
facilities and other day to day needs.
4. Explain the need for water conservation.
1. Though the resources of water are more, the quality and reliability are not high due to
changes in environmental factors.
2. Better lifestyles require more fresh water.
3. As the population increases, the requirement of water is also more.
4. Due to deforestation, the annual rainfall is also decreasing.
5. Over exploitation of ground water, leads to drought.
6. Agricultural and industrial activities require more fresh water.
5. What are the advantages of rain water harvesting? (A. U. Dec. 2007)
1. Reduction in the use of current for pumping water.
1. Mitigating the effects of droughts and achieving drought proofing.
2. Increasing the availability of water from well.

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 3. Rise in ground water levels.
4. Minimizing the soil erosion and flood hazards.
5. Upgrading the social and environmental status.
6. Future generation is assured of water.
6. Explain the factors affecting watershed.
1. The watersheds are found to be degraded due to uncontrolled, unplanned and unscientific
land use activities.
2. Overgrazing, deforestation, mining, construction activities also affect and degrade various
watersheds.
3. Droughty climates also affect the watershed.
7. Define the term environmental ethics.
“Environmental ethics refers to the issues, principles and guidelines relating to human
interactions with their environment”.
8. What is consumerism?
It refers to the consumption of resources by the people. It is the constant purchasing of new
goods and services, with little attention to their true need, durability, product origin or the
environmental consequences of manufacture and disposal.
9. Define the term waste land reclamation.
It can be defined as the conversion of waste land into land suitable for the use of habitation or
cultivation.
10. Define hazardous waste.
It is defined as any substances or preparation which, by reason, of its chemical or
physiochemical properties or handling, is liable to cause harm to human beings, other living
creatures,plants,microorganisms, properties or the environment.
11. What is disaster management?
It can be defined as the organization and management of resources and responsibilities for
dealing with all humanitarian aspects of emergencies, in particular preparedness, response and
recovery in order to lessen the impact of disaster.
12. How do you define resettlement and rehabilitation?
Resettlement is defined as the process of simple relocation or displacement of human
population without considering their individual, community or societal needs.
Rehabilitation is defined as the process of replacing the lost economic assets, rebuilding the
community systems that have been weakened by displacement, attending to the psychological
trauma of forced separation from livelihood.
13. What is “E” waste? (Nov 2011)

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 Electronic equipment’s like computers , printers , mobile phones, Xerox machines,
calculators, etc.,
14. What is the air pollution and prevention control acts in India and mention at least four?
(May 2011)
1. Water Act
2. Air Act
3. Forest Act
4. Environment Act
15. List the departments dealing the environmental related issues at state and central
government. (May 2011)
1.State pollution control board
2.Central board
16. Define urbanization. (Nov 2010)
“ Movement of human from rural areas to urban areas”
17. List the objectives of watershed management. (Dec 09)
1. To minimizing the risks of floods, droughts and landslides.
2. To protect soil from the erosion by runoff.
18. What are the objectives of Wild Life Protection Act, 1972? (Dec 08)
1. To maintain essential ecological processes and life supporting systems.
2. To preserve biodiversity
19. What are the advantages of rain water harvesting? (May 08)
1. Reduction in the use of current for pumping water
2. Increasing the availability of water from well.

PART – B Question
1. Explain various prevention and control of pollution Act used in Air, water and nuclear waste
disposal. (16) (May 2012)
2. What do you mean by sustainable development? Explain the measures to attain sustainability.
(Nov 2011) (OR) Explain briefly about the steps taken in India for sustainable development
3. Discuss the salient features of: (i) Wild life (protection) Act, 1972(Nov 2010) (ii) Forest
(conservation) Act, 1986.(Nov 2011, Nov 2010, May 08)
4. Discuss the objectives and various measures of wasteland reclamation and development.(Nov
2011)
5. Explain the watershed management and its advantages.(Nov 2011) (OR) What is watershed
management? What are the components of integrated watershed management?(May 08, Nov
2010)

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6. What is the need forrain water harvesting? What are the ways of achieving it?
(Nov 2011, Nov 2010, Dec 08)
7. Explain the salient features of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.(Nov 2011, Nov 2010,
May 10, May09, Dec 08, Dec 09, Dec06)
8. Discuss the reasons for the urban problems related to energy(NOV/DEC 2019)
9. Explain Nuclear holocaust and accidents with case study.(Nov 2010)
(May 10) (Dec 09, Dec 06)
10. Write about resettlement and rehabilitation of people.(May 10) (Dec 07)
PART – C Question
1. Write briefly about the hazards caused by the nuclear wastes. (Nov 2011)

2. Write note on various environmental Acts implemented in India(Nov 2006)

UNIT -5 HUMAN POPULATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT

PART – A Question & Answer

1. What is value education? Give its significance.
Definition: A process of wide learning and activities ranging from training in physical health,
mental hygiene, etiquette and manners, appropriate, social behavior and etc.
Significance:
i) It creates attitudes, improves the internal growth and sustainable lifestyle of
human being.
ii) Increases national awareness, cultural heritage, constitutional rights,
integration, community development and environment.
iii) Increases the knowledge of interaction between living and non-living
organisms with environment.
2. What are the major precautions to avoid AIDS?
i) Prevention of blood borne HIV transmission
ii) Avoid indiscriminate intercourse and encourage the use of condoms and also
avoid the sharing razors, needles and syringes.
iii) AIDS awareness programs should be encouraged.
iv) Counseling services should be provided.
3. Define population explosion. Write its consequences.
Definition:The enormous increase in population, due to low death rate (mortality) and high
birth rate (natality), is termed as population explosion. The human population is not
increasing at a uniform rate in all parts of the world.
Consequences/Effects:
i) Infant mortality is one of the most tragic indicators of poverty

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 ii) Population explosion leads to environmental degradation
iii) Population explosion causes over exploitation of natural resources.
iv) Scarcity of basic amenities like water supply and sanitation, education, health,
etc., and thus increases low living standard of people.
4. What are the objectives of family welfare program?
i) Slowing down the population explosion by reducing the fertility.
ii) Pressure on the environment, due to over exploitation of natural resources, is reduced.
5. List out the advantages of family welfare programs.
i) Increase of population beyond limit can be controlled.
ii) Over exploitation of natural resources and thus pressure on environment can also be
reduced.
iii) Stabilization in developing countries is possible only by family welfare programs.
6. What are the issues pertaining to population explosion (Or Reasons Or causes of
population explosion).
i) Invention of modern medical facilities reduces the death rate (mortality) and increases
the birth rate (natality), which leads to population explosion.
ii) Increase of life expectancy is another important reason for population explosion.
iii) Illiteracy is one of the reasons for the population explosion.
7. Write the reason for child labor.
i) Poverty: Poverty is the main reason to force these children to work in unhealthy
conditions.
ii) Want of money: Parents require money for their family, so they are in a position to send
their children for work.
8. What do you mean by doubling time? Or Define doubling time in terms of population
growth.
Definition: It is the time required to for a population to double its size at a constant annual
rate. It is calculated as follows
Td (doubling time) = 70/r
Where, r= annual growth rate
If a nation has 2% annual growth, its population will double in next 35 years.
9. What are the objectives of environmental impact assessment (EIA)
i) To identify the main issues and problem of the parties.
ii) To identify who is the party.
iii) To identify what are the problems of the parties.
iv) To identify why the problems are arise.

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10. State the role of IT in environment.
Information technology means collection, processing storage and dissemination of
information. A large number of softwares have been developed to study about agriculture,
Water resources, land cover and forestry by using Remote sensing and Geographical
information system etc. Thus IT plays a vital role in the field of environmental education.
11. Define population equilibrium.
A state of balance between birth rate (natality) and death rate (mortality) in a population is
known as population equilibrium.
12. Write a short note on Human Rights. (Nov 2010)
Human rights are the fundamental rights which are possessed by all human beings irrespective
of their caste, nationality, sex and language.
13. Give any two schemes of human health program initiated by Indian Government on
effect of population growth.
i)Family planning program
ii) Family welfare program
iii)Women welfare program
iv) Value education
14. What is meant by NIMBY syndrome? (Dec 08)
NIMBY means Not Yet Back Yard,Which describes the opposition of residents to the nearby
location of something they consider undesirable, even if they clearly benefit for many.
15. List out few family welfare programmes in India. (May 06)
1. In 1952, India started the family welfare programme
2. In 1978, Indian government legally raised the minimum age of marriage for men from 18
to 21 years and for women 15 to 18 years.
16. What are the effects of HIV/AIDS on environment? (Nov 2011, Dec 08)
1.Large number of death occurs
2. Due to large number of death s, there is loss of labour and level of production
decreases.
17. Differentiate HIV and AIDS. (Nov 2011, May 08, Dec 07)
HIV AIDS
Human immune deficiency virus Acquired immune deficiency
syndrome
It is a virus It is a disease
18. Define immigration and emigration.
Immigration: It denotes the arrival of individuals from neighboring population.

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 Emigration: It denotes the dispersal of individuals from the original population to new areas.

PART – B Question
1. Explain the role of information technology in environmental field with suitable case study.
(May 2012)
2. Write short notes on: Population growth and explosion.(May 2012) (or) Draw a typical
population pyramid of developing country and discuss. (Nov 2011)
3. Discuss the role of Information Technology in Environment and Human health
protection.(Nov 2011, May 2011, Nov 2010, May 10, Apr 10, Dec 09, May 09,Dec08, Nov
08, May 08, May 07, Dec 07, May 06, May 05)
4. Discuss the role of Information Technology in Environment and Human healthprotection.
(Nov 2011, May 2011, Nov 2010, May 10, Apr 10, Dec 09, May 09,Dec08, Nov 08, May 08,
May 07, Dec 07, May 06, May 05) (Nov 2010, May 08, Dec 07)
5. Explain the steps that are being taken in India to impart value education.(Nov 2011) (OR)
Explain the need for value education.(Nov 2010) (Dec 09) (May 05)
6. Write about child welfare. (Nov 2010) (Dec 09)
7. List various women welfare programmes of India. (Nov 2010)
8. Describe the activities of the family welfare programme.(May 09)
9. Discuss population growth and environmental issues.(Dec08) (OR) Bring out the relationship
between population growth and the environment.(May 08)
10. Describe briefly: (i) The factors that affect human population growth rate (ii) Human rights
(iii) Value education (Nov/Dec 08)
PART – C Question
1. What are the objectives of value education? How can the same be achieved? (Nov / Dec 2016)
2. Explain the role of IT in human health and in Environmental protection. (Nov / Dec 2018)

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