Assure Prelims Sample Notes

Revise Environment in 30 Minutes from 14 Page Notes

Basics
Ecology

Associated terms

 Ecotone: Junction of 2 or more eco-systems

 Niche: Biological, physical and chemical factors that particular species need to survive- unique to species
with no 2 niche being equal
o If you want to conserve a species – conserve its niche

Pyramids

 Number and weight pyramid: Can be inverted

o Bio mass pyramid measures in g/m2
 Energy pyramid: Always upright
 Bio accumulation: Transfer of pollutant from environment to 1st organism in food chain
 Bio magnification: Subsequent magnification of pollutant across food chain levels

Biotic interactions

Interaction Species 1 Species 2 Example

Mutualism + + Butterfly sucking nectar and pollinating
Commensalism + 0 Cowdung for beetles
Amensalism - 0 Tall trees shade shrubs
Competition - - Fighting for one prey
Predation + - One animal eating another
Parasitism + - Gaining benefits without giving
Different cycles

Ecological successions

 Primary vs secondary
o Primary: Start from scratch- colonized by lichens first  Soil  Plants – Very slow
o Secondary: Recolonization of areas destroyed by flood, etc.  Soil already rich  faster re-
colonization
 Autogenic vs Allogenic
o Autogenic: Succession brought by living organisms
o Allogenic: Succession by outside forces
 Autotrophic vs Heterotrophic
o Autotrophic: Initially green plants are in much larger quantity
o Heterotrophic: Initially heterotrophs are in much larger quantity

Aquatic ecosystem

 Eutrophication process
1. Excessive nutrients flushed into lakes
2. Overgrowth of Algae  Algae bloom  Cover top layer
3. Sunlight cannot penetrate  Plants die  Oxygen production ↓
4. Bacteria decompose dead plants by using oxygen  oxygen in water further ↓
5. DO ↓  Fishes die  Ecosystem collapse
o Harmful Algal Bloom: Similar to eutrophication but algae are usually beneficial  if overgrowth,
only then harmful  causes ‘Red Tide’
 Differences between Lake and Wetland

Parameter Lake Wetland

Water level change Constant Relatively more
Thermal stratification No Yes
Dominant producer Phyto planktons Macrophytes
Food chain Grazing Detritus
Productivity Low High
Biodiversity Low High
Flood control/ GW recharge/ Waster treatment Low High

 Estuary: Semi enclosed coastal body of water with streams flowing into it- it has direct access to oceans
o Most productive region
 Coral reefs: Living animal in symbiotic relationship with Zooxanthellae (microscopic algae)
o Algae does photosynthesis and provides corals with nutrients and carbon (for shell) while corals
provide habitat to algae
o Corals are actually white but look colourful due to presence of algae in their tissues
 Biodiversity
Bio- diversity basics
Measuring bio-diversity

 Species richness: Number of species found in a community

o Alpha diversity: Diversity within particular area like ecosystem expressed in number of species
o Beta diversity: Comparison between 2 areas as measured as change in amount of species
o Gamma: Overall density for different ecosystems within a region
 Species evenness: Low evenness = few species dominate the ecosystem

Bio diversity in India

 2 realms: Himalayan region (Palearctic Realm) + Rest of Subcontinent (Malayan Realm)

 5 biomes: Tropical humid + Tropical Dry (Deciduous) + Warm deserts + Coniferous forest + Alpine
meadows
 10 bio geographic zones + 25 Bio-geographic provinces

Plant diversity
Basics

 Epiphytes: Plants that grown on other plants but DO NOT derive food from them- just use host plant as
support/shelter
 Die back: Plants starts dying from tip of leaves  Roots alive for years. Eg: Red sanders, Silk cotton tree

Parts of plants

Types of roots

 Buttresses: Outgrowth formed above ground  Connect base of stem to roots. Eg: Silk cotton tree
 Prop roots: Aerial roots. Eg: Banyan treeMic
  Stilt roots: Tree is lifted up above the grounds. Eg: Rhizphora
 Pneumatophore: Vertical projections above ground from roots for enhanced oxygen absorption. Eg:
Mangroves
 Haustorial: Parasitic roots- steal nutrients and water from other neighbouring roots. Eg: Dodder
 Storage roots: Storage of food and water. Eg: Carrot and beets

Marine diversity
 Planktons: Group of organisms which float in water- includes both Microscopic plants (Phytoplankton)
and Animals (Protozoans/zooplanktons)
 Phytoplanktons
o Microscopic plant organism which ca thrive in both fresh and salty waters
 Produce more than 60% of total oxygen produced from plants – Total biomass much
greater than plants on land
o Factors affecting distribution: Light, Nutrients (also need small amt of iron), Temperature,
Grazing by Zooplanktons, Latitude
 Latitude: Higher density at polar vs tropics as later has more UV-B radiation which is
damaging
o Importance: Primary food producer, carbon formation when trapped in sea beds, carbon sink
 Zooplanktons: Determine the quantum of fish in water body
 Sea-grass: Flowering plants in shallow coastal waters with sandy/muddy bottoms
o Found in TN and LDW islands
o Higher availability of fish in sea-grass areas due to high food and shelter
 Sea-weeds: Microscopic algae = no differentiated body parts (like plants)
o Location: Attached to rocks, corals, in intertidal and shallow sub tidal zones
o Functions: Food for marine organisms, Habitat for fish breeding, Source of sediments
 Humans: Goitre treatment, food, agar agar production, biodegradation can yield
methane
 Protected Area Networks
Wildlife Sanctuary and National Parks
 Wildlife Sanctuary: Usually for conservation of some species- certain activities like grazing might be
allowed in WS
 National Parks: No particular species- stricter control on human activities
 Notification: Both CG and SG empowered to notify WS and NP under WPA, 1972
o No alteration of boundaries permitted except on recommendation on NBWL
 Species richness: Number of species found in a community

Conservation and Community Reserves

 Conservation Reserves: Usually area adjacent to NP/WS where in communities protect the flora and
fauna
o SG through discussion with local communities declare area as conservation reserves
o Reserve is managed through Conservation Reserve Management Committee
 Community Reserves: SG can declare community/private land as community reserves provided
communities have agreed to protect flora and fauna along with their customs/traditions
o Reserve is managed through Community Reserve Management Committee
o Aim is to improve socio economic condition of people along with wildlife conservation

Coastal Protected Areas

 Definition: Area of inter-tidal or sub-tidal terrain along with water, flora, fauna
 Covers 3 categories
o I: NP/WS having entire areas in intertidal or subtidal or mangroves, coral reefs. Etc.
o II: Islands- marine ecosystem (major) + terrestrial ecosystem (minor)
o III A: Sandy beaches beyond inter tidal line and occasionally interacting with sea water
o III B: Ever green or semi-ever green forest of islands

Man and Biosphere Reserves

 Introduction
o Inter-governmental programme to improve relationships between people and environment
o International Co-ordination Council (ICC) of UNESCO admits BR into WNBR on request of country
 Biosphere Reserves: Parts of natural and cultural landscapes covering different ecosystems
o Conservation of landscapes, ecosystem and genetic variations
o Promote economic development which is culturally, socially and ecologically sustainable
o Support for research, monitoring and information exchange
o Criteria for BR:
 Primary: Must contain effectively protected and minimally disturbed core area
 Secondary: Rarity, diversity, tradition
o Recommended by Indian National Man and Biosphere Committee (CG)
 Parts of BR
o Core: Absolutely undisturbed
 o Buffer: Restoration, value addition demonstrations sites, limited recreation, tourism, fishing,
Research and education allowed
o Transition: Settlements, crop lands, intensive recreation
 Difference between BR and other PAs
o Conservation of overall biodiversity vs particular species
o Includes landscapes, habitats, land races
o More stakeholders like local people
o Research and monitoring is an integral part

Biodiversity Hotspots
 Def: Remarkable universe of flora and fauna struggling to
survive in rapidly shrinking eco system
 Qualification
o Species Endemism: Must contain atleast 1,500
species of vascular plants as endemics
o Degree of threat: Has to have lost 70% of habitat
 Indo-burma starts south of Bramhaputra
 Bio-Diversity Cold Spots: Relatively low biological diversity
but also experiencing high rate of loss of habitat
o Can be important from pov of some unique species

Misc
 Sacred Groves: Single tree or group of trees dedicated to local deities and protected by local communities
o Present mostly in Western Ghat regions (KL-KN)
 Conservation efforts
All schemes CSoS

Project Tiger (1973)

 Aim: Conserving tigers along with rights of tribal people
 Notified: By State Govt in consultation with NTCA  Governed completely by Project Tiger rules
 National Tiger Conservation Authority: Statutory authority
o Approve tiger conservation plans prepared by SG
o Evaluate and Disallow unsustainable land use like mining in tiger reserves
o Provide critical support including scientific, IT and legal support for better implementation of tiger
conservation plan
 Tiger reserves: Area demarcated for protection of tiger and its prey
o Core: Kept in-violative without affecting rights of tribal people- notified by SG
o Buffer: Co existence of wildlife and human activity with few developmental activities
 Limits of buffer area determined by consulting Gram Sabha
 No alteration in boundary except on recommendation by NTCA and approval by NBWL
 All India Tiger Estimation: MP > KN > UK
o CG and MZ saw decline in population

Asiatic Lion Conservation Project (2018-21)

 Introduction
o Size: Asiatic lion size (CR) < African Lion (E)
o CSoS: Development of Wildlife Habitat

Project Elephant (1992)

 Aim: Ensure free ranging population of elephants and ensure their long term survival
o Protect elephants along with their habitats and corridors
o Address man- animal conflict
o Increase welfare of domesticated elephants
 Implementation: Financial + Technical assistance
 Monitoring Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKES)
o Mandated by CITES- started in 2003
o Provide information to elephant ranges states for enforcement of laws to ensure effective long
term management of elephant population
 Measures levels and trends in illegal hunting
 Haathi Mere Saathi
o Campaign by MoEFCC + WTI to increase awareness among people, develop friendship
o Elephant = India’s National Heritage Animal
o Campaign mascot- Gaju; Slogan: Take Gajah to Prajah

Project Vulture (1992)

 Aim: To revive over 99% dwindled population of vultures between 1990-2005
 Old aims: Replaced Diclofenac (NSAID) with Meloxicam
 Vulture Safety Zones (VSZ)
 o Targeted awareness activities around 150 kms of vulture colonies to avoid diclofenac
o Ensure safe source of food
o Opportunity for eco-tourism
o SBV + WBV: Jim Corbett- Dudhwa – Katarniaghat forest in UP and Dibrugarh in Assam
o LBV + WBV: Chattisgarh
 Vulture Restaurant
o Any animal dies  Local people inform to Forest Dept.  Forest dept collects dead body, checks
for Diclofenac  Provides the carcass to vulture + rewards informer and animal owner
o Gadchiroli, Nashik, Thane
 Other measures
o Breeding centres: Pinjore (HY), Guwahati (AS), Buxa (WB)
o Vulture Captive Care Facility: Panchkula

Indian Rhino Vision (2020)

 Aim: Increase total Rhino population in Assam from 2000 to 3000 by year 2020 and ensure distribution
over at least 7 PAs
 Implementation: Rhinos from Kaziranga, Pobitora  Manas, Dibru Saikhowa, Laokhowa WLS
o Partners: Assam Forest Dept + Bodo Autonomous Council + WWF

Project Snow Leopard (2009)

 Aim: Safeguard unique natural habitat and the animal using local participation
 SECURE Himalayas
o Conserve snow leopards by protecting their habitats and improve Himalayan ecology
o States: J&K, HP, UK, SK (no AP)

Project Hangul (1992)

 Aim: To increase population of Hangul- Kashmir Stag- a sub species of Red Deer
 Found in Dachigam NP
 Threats: Over grazing, poaching
 Climate Change & Organisations
Climate Change
Green House Gases Emissions

Gas Source- Natural Source- Human GWP Lifetime

Carbon dioxide Volcanos Fossil fuel 1 100
Methane Wetlands (anaerobic Agriculture + Livestock > 21 12
decomposition) Industry (crude oil) >
Waste disposal
Nitrous oxide Bacteria breaking down Agriculture (N-fertilizers), 310 120
nitrogen in soil transportation, fertilizer
industry
HFCs Aluminium production and 140-12,000 300
semi conductor manu
PFCs Aluminium production and 6,500- 800-50,000
semi conductor manu 9,200
SF6s Electrical transmission 24,000 3,200
equipment

 GWP calculation: Quantity of gas emitted + Duration of stay in atmosphere + Impact on temperature

Ocean acidification

 Process: Excess CO2 dissolved in ocean  H2CO3 formed  dissociates into H+ and CO32-  pH ↓
 Reasons: Acid rains, excess CO2 in atmosphere, Eutrophication (blooms collapse and sink to bed 
bacteria decompose by using oxygen  Oxygen ↓, H-ions ↑)
 Effects
o Rising of lysocline (Carbonate Compensation Depth): lower cold water are under saturated while
upper layers are super saturated with carbonate ions  line where significant dissolution of
carbonate begins
 As lysocline rises up, organisms with calcium carbonate shells get dissolved
o Lower availability of carbonate ions: As pH ↑, carbonate ions ↓, shell forming of organisms ↓
o More upwelling: Shoring of cold deep ocean water (rich in nutrients and CO2)  as lysocline ↑,
more upwelling events  damage to surface organisms

Ozone depletion

 Introduction: Ozone in troposphere is bad (forms smog) while in stratosphere is good

 Causes: CFCs, Nitrogen Oxides, Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs)
 Role of PSCs
o Typically found in polar regions  provide substrate for Chlorine (released from CFC) reactions 
speeding the depletion
o Antarctic depletion: Very cold region  more PSCs (even below 20 km)  more depletion
 Other factors: Longevity of polar vortex = more depletion
o Arctic depletion: PSCs
 Measuring ozone depletion: Dobson Spectrophotometer
o 1 Dobson unit = thickness of ozone column at STP
  Effects: UV-B radiation ↑, skin cancer, cornea damage, photo dissociation of gases in atmosphere
(H2O2), etc.

Mitigation

 Carbon Capture and Sequestration: Capturing CO2 and storing it permanently underground
o Ocean sequestration: Carbon injected into oceans
o Geologic: Pore spaces in geologic formation. Different types of trapping are:
 Hydrodynamic: gas trapped under low permeability cap rock (like natural gas)
 Solubility: CO2 dissolved in water or oil
 Mineral carbonation: CO2 reacts with minerals and forms stable compounds
o Terrestrial: Stored in soil and vegetation
 Green carbon: Removed by photosynthesis and stored in plants
 Blue carbon: coastal, aquatic and marine carbon sinks
o Coastal plants absorb CO2 and deposit it in sediment below them
o Efficiency of coastal ecosystem >> Terrestrial

UNFCCC
Introduction

 UNCED (Rio Summit, 1992) adopted 1st multi lateral legal instrument on climate change- UNFCCC
 All multi lateral negotiation on climate change- both adaptation and mitigation- held based on UNFCCC’s
principles
 All the COPs held are under UNFCCC

Kyoto Protocol, 1997 (COP 3)

 Introduction
o Ratified in 2005 due to complex negotiations
o Only binds developed countries based on principle of common but differentiated responsibility
 Mechanisms under KP
o Joint Implementation (both developed- Annex B countries): One developed country earns ERUs
(Emission Reduction Units) by implementing emission removal project in another country
o Clean Development Mechanism: Annex B country implements emission reduction project in
developing country and earns saleable CERs (Certified Emission Reduction)
o Emission trading/ Cap and Trade: Countries can trade units (1 tonne of CO2)
o Offset Trading: Earn carbon credit in investing in such project which will reduce equivalent CO2

Paris Agreement, 2015 (COP 21)

 Goals
o Limiting temperature rise to 2C with aim of 1.5C
o Peaking emissions globally by 2nd half of century
Other Mechanisms of UNFCCC

 REDD/REDD+
o REDD: Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation- providing incentives to
developing countries to save their forests
 o REDD+: Positives incentives for demonstrating conservation, sustainable use and enhancement of
forest
 Financial value= carbon stored and enhances in biomass and soil of standing forest

Financial Mechanisms

Global Environmental Facility

 Intro: Established in Rio Summit by World Bank in consultation with UNDP and UNEP
 Financial mechanism for CBD, UNFCCC, UNCCD, Stockholm Convention (POPs) and Minamata
 Funds available to developing countries

Global Climate Fund

 Based on 2009 commitment by developed countries to give developing countries $100bn every year to
cut the carbon emissions and adapt to climate change

Adaptation Fund

 Established in 2001 for adaptation projects in countries of Kyoto protocol that are particularly vulnerable
to climate change
 Financed by proceeds of CDM

Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF)

 Under UNFCCC to finance projects in all developing countries for adaptation, technology transfer, etc.

In general mitigation funds administered by WB while adaptation funds administered by GEF

IPCC

Introduction

 Established by UNEP and WMO in 1988 to provide Govt of the world with a view on what is happening to
world’s climate

Functions

 Scientific body: Reviews, assesses most recent scientific, technical and socio economic information
produced worldwide on climate change
 Assessment reports: Scientific, technical and socio economic information relevant for understanding
impact, mitigation and adaptation of human induced climate change
o AR6 published recently
 National Green House Gas Inventory Programme (NGGIP): Provide methods for estimating national
inventories of GHG emissions and removal from atmosphere

Other initiatives

The Economics of Ecosystem and Biodiversity (TEEB)

 Introduction
o Launched by Germany and EU in 2007- draw attention to global economic benefits of biodiversity
 Functions
o Analyse policy cost of action and inaction
o Highlight policy opportunities for national and international policy makers
 India: Launched TEEB-India Initiative (TII) to highlight economic consequence of biodiversity decline
Green Economy

 Introduction: Sustainable development and inclusive economic growth including poverty eradication
o Growth in income driven by public and private investments + Reduce emissions and carbon +
Reduce loss of biodiversity

Ecological Footprint

 Ecological footprint: Number of earth’s required in terms of land and oceans to satisfy demands by
humans
 Carbon footprint: Number of earth’s required in terms of land and ocean to assimilate the carbon
emitted
 Published by Global Footprint Network

India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change

Introduction: Consists of 8 missions

1. Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM)

a. Establish India as global solar leader- 100 GW by 2022 (40 rooftop + 60 Grid)
2. National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE)
a. PAT
b. Market Transformation for Energy Efficiency
c. Energy Efficiency Financing Platform
d. Framework for Energy Efficient Development
3. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat (NMSH)
a. Energy efficient building, urban planning and solid waste management
b. Resilience to disasters, advance warning systems
4. National Water Mission (NWM)
a. Water resource management (at basin level), minimization of wastage and equitable distribution
5. National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE)
a. Develop national capacity to assess health status of Himalayan ecosystem and enable policy
bodies in policy formulations
6. National Mission for Green India (NMGI)
a. Increased forest/tree cover of 5 million ha + improved quality of forest on another 5 million ha
b. Tree cover in urban/peri urban areas, social and agro forestry, restoration of wetlands
7. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
a. Strategic plans at agro-climatic zone level
b. Improve productivity through use of bio-tech, improved crop varieties and efficient irrigation
c. Promote laboratory to land approach
8. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge on Climate Change (NMSKCC)
a. Formation of knowledge networks among existing knowledge institutions – promote R&D in
climate science
b. Develop national capacity for modelling of regional impact of climate change
 Environmental Issues and Health
Health issues
Disease Cause Syndrome
Minamata Mercury Numbness in muscles, vision and speech damage
Yokkaichi asthama Sulfur oxide Chronic Bronchitis, asthama, etc.
Itai Itai Cadmium Softening of bones, kidney failure
Blue Baby Nitrate contamination Decreased oxygen carrying capacity of Haemoglobin
Pneumoconiosis Coal dust Black lung disease- coal deposits in lungs
Asbestosis Asbestos
Silicosis Silica- sand blasting site Deposit of silica in lungs
Emphysema Air pollution, smoking Breaking down of lungs tissue
Sick Building Syndrome Poor indoor quality

Due to substances

 Lead: Gastro (Liver and kidney damage) + Neuromuscular + CNS + Mental retardation + Fertility issues
 Fluorine: Dental fluorosis + Joint Stiffness + Humped Backs + Knock Knee syndrome
 DDT: Depress sex hormones + Fish deaths

Species
 Flagship: Chosen to represent environmental cause- chosen for attract ability, distinctiveness,
vulnerability
o India tiger, African elephant, Leatherback sea turtle
 Keystone species: Addition or absence leads to major change in numbers of atleast one another species
o All top predators: Tiger, crocodiles, etc.
 Indicator species: Presence indicates presence of set of other species- defines trait of environment
o Lichens for air quality, some fish species for specific type of water, etc.
 Foundation species: Dominant primary producer in the ecosystem
 Charismatic megafauna: Large animal species and widespread popular appeal which environmental can
use to conserve other animals as well
o Giant panda, Bengal Tiger, Blue Whale
 Umbrella Species: Wide ranging species whose requirement covers that of many other species and
protection of umbrella = protection of others