ENVIRONMENT AND

ECOLOGY
(BAS 104)

UNIT 1
Introduction

जैसी दृष्टि वैसी सृष्टि (our assumption till now)

OR

जैसी सृष्टि वैसी दृष्टि (our

objective to understand)

Is co-existence, harmony and mutual fulfillment inherent in Nature?

Or
Is the design of nature/existence by way of opposition, struggle, survival
of the fittest…?

2
Harmony in Nature iz—fr esa O;oLFkk
 Quantity of units in each order
Physical >> Plant >> Animal >> Human
Quantity as per overall enrichment of the whole; and availability
of sustaining resources

 Dependence of each order is on all

previous orders

 Survival of Human Order is

dependent on all the three orders.

3
Harmony in Nature iz—fr esa O;oLFkk
All orders have definite conduct – except human order without right
understanding, so-
Resource Depletion – The resource is used at a rate which is faster than the rate at which it is produced in nature
lalk/ku vHkko & mRiknu esa iz;qDr laalk/ku dh xfr] mlds izÑfr esa iSnk gksus dh xfr ls T;knk gS

Pollution – The product is such that

1. It does not return to the cycle in nature or
2. It is produced at a rate that is faster than the rate at which it can return to the cycle in nature
iznw’k.k & mRiknu ,slk gS fd
1- mRikfnr oLrq pØ esa okil ugha vkrh ;k
2- mRiknu dh xfr izkÑfrd pØz esa okil tkus dh xfr ls T;knk gS

The solution is to ensure knowing

(understanding harmony in Nature)

4
Introduction

जैसी दृष्टि वैसी सृष्टि (our assumption till now)

OR

जैसी सृष्टि वैसी दृष्टि (our objective

to understand)

Is co-existence, harmony and mutual fulfillment inherent in Nature?

Or
Is the design of nature/existence by way of opposition, struggle, survival of the
fittest…?

We will explore the underlying design of Nature in this course…

Course Objectives:
1. Aims and objectives of environmental education emphasize the relationship between man and the environment and educate young people about the
importance of nature and the environment.
2. Environmental education aims to impart ecological knowledge and promote environmentally conscious behavior towards nature.
3. It encourages young minds to take responsibility for protecting the natural environment protection through information and knowledge and to develop
environmental awareness.
4. Incidentally, promoting awareness and a sense of respect for nature leads to a comprehensive understanding of the environment and a reasonable attitude
towards protecting it.
5. The focus of environmental education is Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude, Skills, Capacity Building and Participation
5
 UNIT 1
ENVIRONMENT
&
ECOSYSTEM

6
Environment

means
French word ENVIRONER encircle/surround

Environment as the sum total of

water, air and land, their
interrelationship among themselves
and with the human beings, other
living beings and property.

7
Activities of Environment

8
MULTIDISCIPLINARY NATURE

9
Objectives and Guiding Principles of Environmental Studies

According to UNESCO (1971), the objectives of environmental studies are-

(a) Creating the awareness about environmental problems among people.

(b) Imparting basic knowledge about the environment and its allied problems.

(c) Developing an attitude of concern for the environment.

(d) Motivating public to participate in environment protection and

environment improvement.

(e) Acquiring skills to help the concerned individuals in identifying and solving
environmental problems.

(f) Striving to attain harmony with Nature.

10
Types of Environment

1.Natural / Global Environment

without interference of human beings / widely
distributed
2.Anthropogenic / Manmade / Contained
Environment
modified by human activities according to their
need resulting in degradation / confined to a
particular area or location.

11
Components of Environment
The 4 components of the environment are-

(i) Atmosphere

blanket of gases surrounding the earth

(ii) Hydrosphere

composed of various water bodies on the earth. It includes the

oceans, lakes, rivers, etc.

(iii) Lithosphere

contains various types of soils and rocks on earth

(iv) Biosphere

composed of all living organisms and their interactions with the rest of the
environment, viz. atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere.

12
Components of Environment

The 4 components of the environment are mainly divided into

two categories-

•Biotic environment–It includes all living organisms such as

animals, birds, forests, insects, reptiles and microorganisms
like algae, bacteria, fungus, viruses, etc.

•Abiotic environment– It includes all non-living components

such as air, cloud, dust, land, mountains, rivers, temperature,
humidity, water, water vapour, sand, etc.

13
Atmosphere
Atmosphere is the protective thick gaseous
mantle, surrounding the earth which sustains
life on earth and saves it from unfriendly
environment of outer space.

Characteristic Features

1.Atmos meaning, an envelope of gases include nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide,
traces of carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, sulphur and hydrocarbon, and very little
amount of water vapour.

2.It is mobile, elastic, compressible and expandable as made up of gases.

3.The atmosphere protects the earth’s biosphere by absorbing a major portion of the
electromagnetic radiation and most of the cosmic rays. The atmosphere also absorbs
infra-red radiation and thereby maintains the temperature of the earth at life sustaining
levels.

14
Structure of the Atmosphere (Miller’s Profile)

15
Hydrosphere- WATER (HYDROLOGICAL) CYCLE

16
Lithosphere

17
Biosphere

18
Segments of Environment
PESTEL Analysis- Six segments of the general
environment-

(1)Political

(2)Economic

(3)Social

(4)Technological

(5)Environmental

(6)Legal
19
Scope of Environmental Studies

i) Conservation of natural resources

ii) Ecological aspects
iii) Pollution of the surrounding natural
resources
iv) Controlling the pollution
v) Social issues connected to it
vi) Impacts of human population/activities on
the environment

20
Importance of Environment

Atmosphere-
Contains Lifesaving gases- Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen.
Protects from unfriendly environment of outer space.
Hydrosphere-
Provides water for Domestic, Industrial and Agricultural uses
Lithosphere-
Helps in establishment of organisms.
Provides mechanical support to grow
Biosphere-
Our entire life support system is dependent on the well-being of all of
the species living on earth.
This association is visible in food chains, food web and ecological
pyramids which are following the rule of the nature- “Let others
Live and Live”.

21
Ecosystem

22
Components of Ecosystem

23
Types of Ecosystem

There are two main types of ecosystems-

1.Natural ecosystem – It is a naturally produced biological

environment found in nature.
It includes deserts, forests, grasslands, lakes, mountains,
ponds, rivers, oceans, etc.

1.Artificial ecosystem – It is an artificial environment that is

created and maintained by man.
It includes an aquarium, crop fields, gardens, parks, zoo,
etc.

24
Types

The Earth’s Giant Ecosystem

25
Forest Ecosystem
30% of area should be covered with forest. At present it is only 8-10%.
Abiotic Components-
Light conditions may vary due to complex stratification in plants.
Minerals are abundant.
Organic matter adds to the soil from debris and litter accumulation.
Biotic Components-
Producers- Much species diversity mainly trees or shrubs. Shorea
robusta, Tectona grandis, Thuja, Juniperous
Consumers-
Primary- Ants, Flies, Bugs, Spiders (on leaves): Elephant, Deer,
Squirrel (leaves, Fruits)
Secondary- Snakes, Birds, Lizards, Wolf
Tertiary- Lion, Tiger
Decomposer-
Fungi- Aspergillus, Ganoderma, Fusrium
Bacteria- Bacillus, Clostridium
Actinomycetes- Streptomyces

26
Lentic (Pond/Lake Ecosystem)
Abiotic Components- Chemicals especially in dissolved
state. Climate suitable.
Biotic Components-
Producers-
Phytoplanktons- Ulothrix, Spirogyra, Volvox,
Anabaena
Macrophytes- Hydrilla, Utricularis, Azolla,
Lemna.
Consumers-
Primary- Zooplanktons, Annelids, Molluscs.
Secondary- Insects, Fishes
Tertiary- Large Fishes
Decomposers- Fungi, Bacteria, Actinomycetes
27
Desert Ecosystem
17% of total land area is desert. Extremely low rainfall,
dry condition so vegetation is scarce.
Abiotic Components-
Temperature very high, low rainfall.
Nutrient recycling is poor due to scanty biota.
Biotic Components-
Producers- Grassy shrubs and few thorny trees.
Cactus, Lichen, Mosses.
Consumers- Insects, Reptiles, Birds, Camel.
Decomposer- very few Fungi, Bacteria.

28
Estuary Ecosystem-

Abiotic Components- Combination of fresh and marine

ecosystem (brackish water ecosystem). Most productive
ecosystem.
Biotic Components-
Producers- Sea grasses, Sea Weeds, Phytoplanktons,
Algae
Consumers- Oysters, Crabs, Fishes.
Decomposer- Fungi, Bacteria, Actinomycetes

29
Structure of Ecosystem

30
Food Chains
Three important types of food chains-
1.Grazing Food Chain-
Terrestrial
Grasses → Grasshopper → Frog → Snake →
Hawk
Aquatic
Phytoplanktons → Zooplanktons → Fish → Crane → Hawk
2. Detritus Food Chain-
Detritus → Microorganisms → Crabs and Shrimps → Small Fishes → Large Fishes

3. Parasitic Food Chain

Tree → Birds → Insects/Mites → Microorganisms

31
Food Web

A network of food chains which are interconnected at various trophic

levels, so as to form a number of feeding connections amongst different
organisms of a biotic community is called food web.

32
ECOLOGICAL PYRAMIDS

Pyramid of Pyramid of Pyramid of

Number Biomass Energy
Ecosystems
↓
Grassland Upright▲ Upright▲
Always
Upright
Forest Rhomboidal Upright▲
(Partially ▲
Inverted,
Partially
Upright)
Pond Upright▲ Inverted▼

Parasitic Inverted▼ Upright▲

33
Balanced or Ideal Ecosystem

Ecosystem which ensures survival of man with a reasonably

good quality of life supporting sustainable development. It
satisfies following conditions-
The population of the any species is limited to the available food resource
potential.
The species diversity is adequate for the efficient recycling of materials in
the ecosystem.
The pollution loads do not exceed the self-purification capacity of the
system.
The energy consumption system is minimized and dependent on renewable
sources of energy.
The system is capable of continuing indefinitely without heading up towards
the dead end.
The system dynamics proceeds towards new evolutionary trends without
losing stability.

34
Effects of Human Activities on Environment
Effects of Human Activities such as Food, Shelter, Housing, Agriculture, Industry, Mining,
Transportation, Economic and Social security

35
Effects of Human Activities on Environment

Industrialization Effects
Over – exploitation of Natural Resources.
Energy Problems.
Environmental Pollution.
Adverse effect on Human Health.
Stress on Transportation.
Improper disposal of Solid Waste due to lack of land surface area.
Generation of solid-waste increases.

36
Effects of Human Activities on Environment
Transportation Effects
Emission: Vehicle emissions cause air pollution. Pollutants are CO, Nox, benzyne, and
particulate contained in burnt hydrozoans. Diesel engines emit Nox, smoke, and
particulates
Expansion: Construction of new roads, flyovers, and railway tracts, is required
transport allows urban expansion which consumes valuable agricultural land and natural
habitat.
Noise pollution: Arbitrations and noise affect people, who live near busy roads,
highway, airports, etc. Affects our eardrums and leads to deafness.
By Products: Heavy metals and petroleum products from vehicles contaminate land
and water, harbors, and estuaries areas.
Marine oil spills: Marine oil spills can devastate marine and coastal environments.
Excessive oil leakage leads to the death of aquatic plants & animals due to suffocation
and non-availability of oxygen.
Urban transportation & their wastes disposed of into the oceans & seas, harms
biodiversity & environment.
Impact on security: International travel and trade allow organisms or diseases to enter
a country or region.
Automobiles emit toxic gases, smoke& dust which have ill effects on human health.

37
Effects of Human Activities on Environment
Impacts of mineral extraction / Mining
Pollution of surface and groundwater sources due to the release
of harmful trace elements such as cobalt, copper, lead etc.
Soil is degraded and the land has been destroyed in a known as
derelict or mine spell.
Loss of biodiversity and changes of extinction of wildlife.
Pollution of air due to emission of mine dust, harmful gasses, and
transport vehicles.
Accidental hazards during the operations.
Stress on local services including water supplies and solid waste
management.
Causing a wide variety of diseases due to toxic water.
Rehabilitation problems for those who have lost their habitats.

38
Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)

39
EIA Process

40
Advantages and Limitations of EIA
BENEFITS SHORTCOMINGS

Provides systematic method for impact Can be time consuming (take week for small and
assessment and environment planning and design years for large projects).
of a proposal.

Estimate cost/benefit balance of alternate Can be expensive (cost of EIA may range from
actions. thousands – million Rs).

Facilitates public participation and increases its In actual very little public participation has been
acceptance by the public. noticed.

Top level decision making. Too focused on scientific analysis.

Provides a balance between development and Post monitoring and compliance is seldom carried
environment concern. out.

Coordination, integration, negotiation and Unavailability of reliable data.

feedback is effective.

41
Sustainable Development
This most widely accepted definition of Sustainable Development was given by
the Brundtland Commission in its report Our Common Future (1987).

Sustainable development can be defined as an approach to the economic

development of a country without compromising with the quality of the
environment for future generations.

Core Elements of Sustainable Development

•Three core elements of sustainable
development are economic growth, social
inclusion and environmental protection. It is
crucial to harmonize them.
•Sustainable economic growth, achieving
sustainable livelihood, living in harmony with
nature and appropriate technology are
important for sustainable development.

42
Need for Sustainable Development

43
India’s approach towards Sustainable Development
• NITI Aayog has released the second edition of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
India Index (SDG Index 2.0).
• The index documents the progress made by India’s States and UTs towards achieving the
2030 SDG targets.
• 2020 will be the 5th anniversary of the adoption of SDGs by the United Nations (UN).
• Certain issues that pose a threat to the sustainable development of India are-
Environmental Economic Social issues
issues issues Corruption
Biodiversity loss Low income per Illiteracy
Himalayan capita
urbanisation Poverty
Dependency of Women’s safety
Lack of waste
huge population
management Sanitisation
Resource Heavy
Lack of
depletion population
education
Air quality issues Unemployment
Healthcare
Environment Slew
issues
degradation improvement
Hamper in the Lack of
ecosystem 44
Achieving Sustainable Development

45
46