MED001 -IGNOU PGDESD

UNDERSTANDING THE ENVIRONMENT

June 2021
Answer any five of the following :
1.(a)What are classic rocks ? Give one example.
(b) Explain El-Nino Phenomena in two sentences.
(c) Elaborate the statement, “Viruses are neither living nor non-living” in two
sentences.
(d) State two imminent threats to hydrological cycle in nature due to human
activities.
(e) Draw a simple diagram showing trophic levels in an ecosystem.
(f) List the three eras of geological time scale. Which one of these is most
primitive ?

1(a) What are classic rocks? Give one example.

 Definition: Classic (or clastic) rocks are sedimentary rocks formed by the
accumulation and compaction of fragments (clasts) of pre-existing rocks.
 Formation: These fragments are transported by agents like water, wind, or
ice, then deposited in layers, and compacted over time.
 Composition: They are primarily composed of silicates and can include
minerals like quartz, feldspar, and mica.
 Example: Sandstone is a common clastic rock, composed of sand-sized
mineral particles or rock fragments.
 Importance: These rocks often serve as reservoirs for groundwater, oil, and
natural gas.

1(b) Explain El Niño Phenomenon in two sentences.

 El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by the unusual warming of the

central and eastern Pacific Ocean near the equator.
 It disrupts global weather patterns, causing droughts, floods, and reduced
monsoon activity, particularly affecting regions like India, Australia, and the
Americas.
1(c) Elaborate the statement “Viruses are neither living nor non-living” in two
sentences.

 Viruses are considered non-living outside a host as they cannot reproduce,

grow, or carry out metabolism independently.
 However, once inside a host cell, they exhibit living characteristics by
replicating and evolving, placing them in a gray area between living and non-
living entities.

1(d) State two imminent threats to hydrological cycle in nature due to human
activities.

 Deforestation: Reduces transpiration and disrupts rainfall patterns, affecting

the natural water cycle.
 Industrial and Agricultural Pollution: Contaminates water bodies and alters
groundwater recharge, causing imbalance in evaporation, infiltration, and
precipitation processes.

1(e) Draw a simple diagram showing trophic levels in an ecosystem.

Tertiary Consumers (e.g., Hawk)
↑
Secondary Consumers (e.g., Snake)
↑
Primary Consumers (e.g., Rabbit)
↑
Producers (e.g., Grass)

 Note: Energy decreases as we move up the trophic levels due to the 10% rule
of energy transfer.

1(f) List the three eras of geological time scale. Which one of these is most
primitive?

 The three major eras of the geological time scale are:

1. Paleozoic Era
2. Mesozoic Era
3. Cenozoic Era
 The most primitive of these is the Paleozoic Era, which began over 540
million years ago and witnessed the emergence of early marine life,
invertebrates, and the first land plants.
 2. Attempt any two of the following : 5 each
(a) Make a list of characteristics of a population. Describe any one
characteristic in details.
(b) List the physical and chemical conditions of deep sea. Describe either the
swallowing mechanisms or bioluminescence used as adaptations by organisms
living in the deep sea.
(c) Write the measures which can be adopted at individual and community
levels for eco restoration of degraded land.
2(a) Characteristics of a Population

✅ List of Population Characteristics:

1. Population Size – Total number of individuals in a population.

2. Population Density – Number of individuals per unit area/volume.
3. Natality (Birth Rate) – Number of births per 1000 individuals per year.
4. Mortality (Death Rate) – Number of deaths per 1000 individuals per year.
5. Age Structure – Distribution of individuals among different age groups.
6. Sex Ratio – Number of males per 100 females in a population.
7. Population Dispersion – Spatial distribution of individuals (clumped, uniform,
random).
8. Population Growth Rate – Change in population size over time.
9. Migration – Movement of individuals in or out of a population.

✅ Detailed Description – Age Structure:

 Definition: Age structure refers to the proportion of individuals in different age

categories—pre-reproductive, reproductive, and post-reproductive.
 Importance: Determines growth trends. A larger pre-reproductive group
indicates potential for population growth.
 Population Pyramid: Often represented graphically; helps in planning
resources like education and healthcare.
 Example: In developing countries, a broad-based pyramid shows high birth
rates and a young population, whereas developed countries show uniform or
inverted pyramids due to low birth rates.

2(b) Conditions in the Deep Sea & Adaptations

✅ Physical and Chemical Conditions of the Deep Sea:

 1. High Pressure: Increases by 1 atm every 10 meters.
2. Low Temperature: Ranges from 0–4°C.
3. No Sunlight: Complete darkness beyond 1000 meters (aphotic zone).
4. Low Nutrient Availability: Limited food resources.
5. High Salinity: Relatively constant but can vary slightly.
6. Low Oxygen Levels: Especially in deeper stagnant zones.

✅ Adaptation – Bioluminescence:

 Definition: Ability of organisms to produce light through chemical reactions

using luciferin and luciferase.
 Purpose & Function:
o Attract Prey: Anglerfish uses a glowing lure.
o Camouflage: Counterillumination hides them from predators below.
o Mating Signals: Flash patterns help species identification and mating.
o Defense Mechanism: Sudden flashes startle or distract predators.
 Examples:
o Deep-sea squids emit light to confuse predators.
o Hatchetfish use ventral light to blend with surface light.
 Significance: A critical adaptation in an environment with no sunlight and
extreme survival challenges.

2(c) Eco-Restoration Measures at Individual & Community Levels

✅ At Individual Level:

1. Afforestation & Gardening:

o Plant native trees and maintain green spaces at homes or schools.
2. Soil Conservation:
o Avoid overuse of fertilizers and practice composting.
3. Water Management:
o Harvest rainwater and reduce water wastage.
4. Awareness and Education:
o Learn and teach about sustainable practices.
5. Waste Management:
o Reduce, reuse, and recycle household waste to reduce land burden.

✅ At Community Level:

1. Community Forest Management:

o Engage locals in protecting and managing nearby forests.
 2. Watershed Development:
o Build check dams and recharge wells to restore water tables.
3. Rehabilitation of Mining Areas:
o Fill degraded pits, replant native vegetation.
4. Agroforestry:
o Integrate trees with crops to restore soil and boost biodiversity.
5. Government & NGO Collaboration:
o Support local eco-restoration programs through funding and manpower.
6. Sustainable Livelihoods:
o Promote eco-tourism and organic farming to restore and sustain land.

✅ Conclusion:

Eco-restoration is a shared responsibility. Individual action combined with

community efforts leads to long-term environmental health and sustainable land
use.

3. (a) Prepare a note on the impact of industrialized societies on environment

at local, regional and global levels. 5
(b) What is pollution ? Describe major sources of air pollution.
3(a) Impact of Industrialized Societies on the Environment (Local, Regional, Global
Levels)

Industrialization has significantly enhanced economic development, but it has also led
to adverse environmental impacts at multiple scales.

✅ 1. Local Level Impacts:

 Air and Water Pollution: Factories release pollutants (e.g., sulfur dioxide,
nitrogen oxides, heavy metals) into local environments.
 Health Hazards: Residents near industries suffer from respiratory issues,
cancers, and waterborne diseases.
 Land Degradation: Waste dumping and soil contamination reduce agricultural
productivity.
 Noise Pollution: Machinery and transport systems disturb local habitats and
communities.

✅ 2. Regional Level Impacts:

  Acid Rain: Emissions of sulfur and nitrogen compounds lead to acid rain,
damaging forests, crops, and water bodies across regions.
 River Pollution: Effluents from upstream industrial regions affect downstream
ecosystems and agriculture.
 Loss of Biodiversity: Habitat fragmentation due to mining, roads, and
construction reduces regional biodiversity.
 Urban Heat Islands: Industrial zones contribute to rising regional
temperatures, altering microclimates.

✅ 3. Global Level Impacts:

 Climate Change: Greenhouse gases (CO₂, CH₄) from industries contribute to

global warming and sea-level rise.
 Ozone Depletion: Industrial chemicals like CFCs have thinned the ozone
layer, increasing UV radiation.
 Marine Pollution: Plastic and chemical discharge from industries reach
oceans, affecting marine biodiversity.
 Global Biodiversity Loss: Overexploitation of natural resources affects
ecosystems globally.

✅ Conclusion:

While industrialization has brought progress, sustainable industrial practices and

pollution control measures are essential to reduce its environmental footprint at all
levels.

3(b) What is Pollution? Major Sources of Air Pollution

✅ Definition of Pollution:

 Pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances or energy into the

environment, resulting in adverse effects on living organisms and natural
systems.
 Air pollution specifically is the contamination of the atmosphere by harmful
gases, particulates, or biological molecules.

✅ Major Sources of Air Pollution:

1. Industrial Emissions:
 o Factories release pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides,
carbon monoxide, and particulate matter.
o Power plants and manufacturing industries are major contributors.
2. Vehicular Emissions:
o Burning of fossil fuels in cars and trucks emits carbon monoxide,
hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides.
o Urban areas with dense traffic are highly affected.
3. Burning of Fossil Fuels:
o Coal and oil used for electricity, heating, and transport emit greenhouse
gases and pollutants.
4. Agricultural Activities:
o Use of fertilizers and pesticides releases ammonia and volatile organic
compounds (VOCs).
o Burning crop residues also contributes to air pollution.
5. Domestic Sources:
o Burning wood, dung, or kerosene for cooking and heating releases
smoke and carbon particles.
o Common in rural and underdeveloped areas.
6. Waste Burning:
o Open burning of garbage releases dioxins, furans, and toxic gases.
7. Natural Sources (minor but significant):
o Volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and dust storms can temporarily worsen
air quality.

✅ Conclusion:

Air pollution is a global health concern. Controlling emissions at source, promoting

clean energy, and enforcing environmental regulations are crucial for a sustainable
future.

5. How are different types of Estuaries formed ? Highlight the important

biotic characteristics of Estuaries.

5. How Are Different Types of Estuaries Formed?

Estuaries are partially enclosed coastal water bodies where freshwater from rivers
meets and mixes with saltwater from the sea. Based on formation processes,
estuaries are classified into four main types:

1. Coastal Plain Estuaries (Drowned River Valleys)

 Formation: Created when sea levels rise and flood river valleys.
 Example: Chesapeake Bay, USA.
  Characteristics: Shallow, with slow freshwater inflow and strong tidal
influence.

2. Tectonic Estuaries

 Formation: Result from tectonic activity, such as faulting or land subsidence.

 Example: San Francisco Bay, USA.
 Characteristics: Formed by land sinking below sea level, later filled with
seawater and river water.

3. Bar-Built Estuaries

 Formation: Develop when sandbars or barrier islands build up parallel to

the coast, enclosing a body of water.
 Example: Pamlico Sound, USA.
 Characteristics: Often shallow, with limited mixing due to restricted ocean
water inflow.

4. Fjord-Type Estuaries

 Formation: Created by glacial activity; glaciers carve deep valleys that fill
with seawater.
 Example: Fjords of Norway.
 Characteristics: Deep with steep sides, poor mixing at depth due to sills at the
mouth.

Important Biotic Characteristics of Estuaries

 High Biodiversity: Estuaries support a wide range of organisms including

mollusks, crustaceans, fish, birds, and marine mammals.
 Nursery Grounds: Many marine species (e.g., shrimps, salmon) use estuaries
as breeding and nursery areas.
 High Productivity: Nutrient input from both land and sea makes estuaries
among the most productive ecosystems.
 Tolerant Species: Organisms here are adapted to salinity fluctuations,
including euryhaline species like oysters and crabs.
 Vegetation: Dominated by mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses that
stabilize sediment and support food webs.

OR
Distinguish between the following pairs of terms :
(a) Bioaccumulation and bio magnification each
 (b) Biological and industrial nitrogen fixation
(c) Gross primary productivity and net primary productivity
(d) Ecosystem resistance and ecosystem resilience.

(a) Bioaccumulation vs Biomagnification

✅ Bioaccumulation:

 Refers to the gradual buildup of substances (like pesticides or heavy

metals) in an organism over time.
 Occurs when an organism absorbs a toxic substance faster than it can
excrete it.
 Takes place within a single organism.
 Most common in aquatic organisms (e.g., fish absorbing mercury).
 Depends on the organism's lifespan, metabolism, and exposure level.

✅ Biomagnification:

 Describes the increase in concentration of a toxic substance as it moves up

the food chain.
 Predators at higher trophic levels accumulate more toxins from their prey.
 Affects entire food chains, not just individual organisms.
 Example: DDT or mercury levels being highest in top predators like eagles or
tuna.
 More dangerous than bioaccumulation due to its cascading effect on ecosystem
health and human food safety.

(b) Biological vs Industrial Nitrogen Fixation

✅ Biological Nitrogen Fixation:

 Process by which nitrogen-fixing bacteria (e.g., Rhizobium) convert

atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃).
 Occurs naturally in the root nodules of leguminous plants.
 Eco-friendly and essential for maintaining soil fertility.
 Requires enzyme nitrogenase and operates under anaerobic conditions.

✅ Industrial Nitrogen Fixation:

 Achieved through the Haber-Bosch process by combining atmospheric

nitrogen with hydrogen to produce ammonia.
 Carried out under high temperature and pressure using catalysts.
 Mainly used to manufacture synthetic fertilizers.
  Though effective, it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and
eutrophication if overused.

(c) Gross Primary Productivity vs Net Primary Productivity

✅ Gross Primary Productivity (GPP):

 Total amount of energy captured by autotrophs (plants) through

photosynthesis.
 Represents the entire photosynthetic production before any losses.
 Not all of this energy is available to consumers.

✅ Net Primary Productivity (NPP):

 NPP = GPP - Respiration by plants.

 Represents the actual energy stored in plants available to herbivores.
 Indicates the productive capacity of ecosystems.
 Used in ecological modeling and for assessing carbon sequestration.

(d) Ecosystem Resistance vs Ecosystem Resilience

✅ Ecosystem Resistance:

 Ability of an ecosystem to remain unchanged when subjected to disturbances

(e.g., drought, fire).
 High resistance means minimal change in structure or function.
 Example: A desert resists change due to its stable but harsh conditions.

✅ Ecosystem Resilience:

 Ability of an ecosystem to recover after a disturbance.

 High resilience allows systems to bounce back quickly to their original state.
 Example: A rainforest regrowing after a storm or fire.
 Key to maintaining long-term ecosystem stability.