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Basics of Environmental Science 938 Assignment 1

The document outlines an assignment for a course on Environmental Science, covering topics such as the Built and Natural Environments in Pakistan, the multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Science, and the Earth's physical environment. It discusses material cycles, specifically the carbon cycle, and examines ecological interactions like competition, commensalism, and parasitism. Additionally, it analyzes the role of greenhouse gases in climate change and the impacts of global warming on various regions, particularly developing countries.

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91 views

Basics of Environmental Science 938 Assignment 1

The document outlines an assignment for a course on Environmental Science, covering topics such as the Built and Natural Environments in Pakistan, the multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Science, and the Earth's physical environment. It discusses material cycles, specifically the carbon cycle, and examines ecological interactions like competition, commensalism, and parasitism. Additionally, it analyzes the role of greenhouse gases in climate change and the impacts of global warming on various regions, particularly developing countries.

Uploaded by

gondaladnan432
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD

(Department of Environmental Science)

Course: Basics of Environmental Science (9389)


Level: BS Semester: Autumn, 2024
ASSIGNMENT No. 1
(Units 1–4)

Q.1 (a) Describe two examples each of a Built Environment and a


Natural Environment from Pakistan, explaining all interactions.

The environment is broadly categorized into two types:


1.Built Environment – Man-made structures and systems.
2.Natural Environment – The naturally occurring physical world.

Built Environment in Pakistan


1. Lahore Metro Bus System
• This is an urban transportation project designed to reduce traffic
congestion.
• Interactions:
o It reduces air pollution by minimizing the number of cars on
roads.
o Energy consumption is optimized as more people travel
collectively.
o Infrastructure development affects natural landscapes by
replacing trees and green areas.
2. Tarbela Dam
• It is the largest dam in Pakistan, producing hydroelectricity and managing
water supply.
• Interactions:
o It regulates river water flow, preventing floods and improving
irrigation.
o Negative impact on biodiversity as aquatic life gets disrupted.
o Provides renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

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Natural Environment in Pakistan
1. Thar Desert
• A vast desert covering parts of Sindh and Punjab with extreme climate
conditions.
• Interactions:
o People depend on groundwater for survival.
o Natural vegetation supports camel grazing and desert wildlife.
o Desertification is increasing due to climate change.
2. Fairy Meadows
• A scenic natural site located near Nanga Parbat, Gilgit-Baltistan.
• Interactions:
o It supports tourism and local communities.
o The ecosystem is fragile, and excessive tourism can lead to
deforestation.
o It plays a role in climate regulation by preserving glaciers.

Q.1 (b) Describe Environmental Science as a multidisciplinary field and


relate it to as many disciplines as possible.
(10 Marks)
Environmental Science is a multidisciplinary field that integrates various
scientific and social disciplines to study the environment and solve related
problems. It is connected to multiple fields, including:

1.Biology: Studies ecosystems, species conservation, and biodiversity.


2.Chemistry: Analyzes pollutants, water quality, and chemical interactions in
nature.
3.Physics: Helps understand climate change, renewable energy, and
atmospheric processes.
4.Geology: Examines earth’s structure, natural disasters, and soil
composition.
5.Economics: Studies environmental policies, sustainability, and resource
management.
6.Political Science: Focuses on environmental laws, global treaties, and
governance.

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7.Sociology: Examines the impact of environmental issues on human
societies.
Environmental Science integrates these fields to provide a comprehensive
understanding of ecological balance and sustainability.

Q.2 Explain the Earth's physical environment along with its components.
The Earth's physical environment consists of four major components, known
as the Earth's spheres:
1.Atmosphere (Air System)
o The layer of gases surrounding Earth, composed of 78% nitrogen,
21% oxygen, and other gases.
o It controls weather patterns, air quality, and climate.
o The ozone layer protects against harmful UV radiation.
2.Lithosphere (Solid Earth)
o Includes mountains, valleys, rocks, and soil.
o Provides natural resources such as minerals, fossil fuels, and
fertile land.
o Supports plant growth and human settlements.
3.Hydrosphere (Water System)
o Covers oceans, rivers, lakes, and glaciers (about 71% of Earth's
surface).
o Controls weather cycles and supports marine biodiversity.
o Freshwater is essential for drinking, agriculture, and industrial
use.
4.Biosphere (Living Organisms)
o Consists of all living beings – plants, animals, and
microorganisms.
o Interacts with other spheres to maintain ecological balance.
o Humans depend on it for food, oxygen, and medicine.
All these components are interconnected and influence each other to maintain
Earth's equilibrium.

Q.3 What is a material cycle? Draw and explain the carbon cycle.

3
Material Cycle:
A material cycle refers to the natural recycling of elements such as carbon,
nitrogen, and water in ecosystems. These cycles ensure the continuous
movement of essential nutrients in the environment.
Carbon Cycle:
The carbon cycle is one of the most important material cycles. It involves the
exchange of carbon among the atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and
hydrosphere.
Stages of the Carbon Cycle:
1.Photosynthesis: Plants absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere and convert it
into organic matter.
2.Respiration: Animals and plants release CO₂ back into the atmosphere
through respiration.
3.Decomposition: When organisms die, decomposers (bacteria and fungi)
break down their remains, releasing carbon into the soil and air.
4.Combustion: Burning fossil fuels and forests releases stored carbon as
CO₂.
5.Ocean Absorption: Oceans absorb CO₂, where marine organisms use it for
shell formation.
Diagram of the Carbon Cycle:
(A proper diagram should be included in the assignment showing the flow of
carbon between plants, animals, soil, atmosphere, and oceans.)

Q.4 Describe and give examples of the following:

(A) Competition Between Living Organisms


Competition occurs when organisms struggle for the same resources such as
food, water, or space.
Examples:
1.Lions and Hyenas – Compete for prey in African grasslands.
2.Plants in a Dense Forest – Struggle for sunlight and nutrients.
(B) Commensalism and Parasitism
Commensalism (One Benefits, Other Unaffected)
• Example: Barnacles on Whales – Barnacles get transportation, while
whales remain unaffected.
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Parasitism (One Benefits, Other Harmed)
• Example: Mosquitoes and Humans – Mosquitoes feed on human blood,
causing harm.

Q.5 (a) Analyze the role of Greenhouse Gases in Global Warming and
Climate Change.
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O trap heat in Earth's
atmosphere, leading to global warming.
Effects of Greenhouse Gases:
• Rising temperatures cause polar ice melting.
• Increased natural disasters like hurricanes and droughts.
• Disruption of ecosystems, leading to loss of biodiversity.

Q.5 (b) Discuss the impacts of global warming and climate change on
different regions around the world, with a particular focus on
developing countries.
Global Impacts:
• Europe & North America: More heatwaves and wildfires.
• Asia & Africa: Water shortages and desertification.
• Oceania: Rising sea levels threaten island nations.
Impacts on Developing Countries:
• Pakistan & India: Frequent heatwaves and glacier melting.
• African Nations: Severe droughts leading to famine.
• Bangladesh: Flooding due to rising sea levels.
Developing nations suffer more due to limited resources and poor
infrastructure.

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