Contents

Page
About the authors I-5
Preface I-7
UGC - Syllabus I-9
1
Introduction to Environmental Studies
u
General Background 1
u Multi-disciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies 2
u Environmental Study : Need of the Hour 4
u Need of public awareness about the Environment 6
Review Questions 6
Objective type Questions 7

2
Ecosystems
u Introduction 12
u Structure and function of Ecosystem 12
u Energy Circuit or Cycle 15
u Food Chains 15
u Food Webs 16

I-13
I-14 Contents
Page

u
Ecological Pyramids (Trophic levels) 17
u Ecological Succession 20
u Energy Flow in an Ecosystem 21
u Different Types of Ecosystems 28
Case Studies 38
Review Questions 44
Objective type Questions 44

3
Natural Resources : Renewable and
Non-Renewable Resources
u Introduction 49
u
Natural Resources 49
u
Land Resources 50
u Forest Resources 54
u Water Resources 57
u Energy Resources 61
u Growing energy Needs 77
Case Studies 80
Review Questions 83
Objective type Questions 84

4
Biodiversity and Conservation
u Introduction 89
u Biodiversity
Levels 89
u India as Mega Diversity Nation 95
u Threats to Biodiversity 100
u Biological Invasions 103
u Conservation of Biodiversity 103
u Ecosystem and Biodiversity Services 111
Case Studies 114
Review Questions 116
Objective type Questions 116
 Contents I-15
Page

5
Environmental Pollution
u Introduction 120
u Types of Environmental Pollution 121
u Air Pollution 122
u Water Pollution 130
u Soil Pollution 137
u Noise Pollution 139
u Nuclear Hazards 146
u Solid Waste Management 148
u Hazardous Wastes 155
Pollution Case Studies 158
Review Questions 162
Objective type Questions 163

6
Environmental Policies and Practices
u
Sustainable Development 168
u Sustainability 171
u Sustainable Development and Environment 174
u Climate Change 176
u Environmental Laws 179
u Nature Reserves 187
u Tribal Populations and rights 189
u What is Human Wildlife Conflict? 192
Review Questions 195
Objective type Questions 196

7
Human communities and the Environment
u Human Population Growth 201
u Resettlement and Rehabilitation of Project Affected Persons 204
u Disasters 208
u Disaster Management 212
I-16 Contents

Page

u Environmental movements 216

u Environmental Ethics 224
u Role of World Religions and Cultures in Environmental
Protection 225
u Environmental Communication and Public Awareness 230
Case Study 231
Review Questions 231
Objective type Questions 232