(a) Define renewable resources: Resources that can be replenished naturally over short periods of time, such as solar, wind, and water energy
.(b) What is hydroelectric power? Electricity generated by harnessing the energy of moving or falling water, typically through dams or river flow
.(c) Define fossil fuels: Hydrocarbon-based fuels formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals buried over millions of years, such as coal, oil, and natural gas
.(d) Mention types of mineral resources: Metallic minerals (e.g., Iron, Gold) and Non-metallic minerals (e.g., Limestone, Mica, Gypsum)
.(e) What is non-timber forest product? Any biological material other than timber/wood extracted from forests for human use, such as medicinal plants, honey, resin, and fruits
.Write a note on shifting cultivation:
Shifting cultivation, also known as "Slash and Burn" or "Jhum" in Northeast India, involves clearing a patch of forest land by cutting and burning trees
. Crops are grown for a few years until the soil fertility declines, after which the cultivators move to a new patch, allowing the old one to lie fallow and regenerate.Functions of Joint Forest Management (JFM):
JFM aims to protect and manage forests through a partnership between local communities and the forest department
. Its primary functions include protecting forest lands from illegal encroachment, promoting sustainable harvesting of non-timber forest products, and facilitating community-based afforestation programs.Distribution of important minerals in India:
India possesses a diverse range of mineral resources distributed across specific geological belts
:Forest Resources in India, Uses, and Management:
Definition: A forest is a large area dominated by trees and diverse vegetation supporting a complex ecosystem
.Resources in India: India has diverse forests ranging from Tropical Evergreen in the Western Ghats to Mangroves in the Sundarbans and Alpine forests in the Himalayas
.Uses: Forests provide timber, medicinal herbs, fuel wood, and act as carbon sinks for climate regulation
.Management: Includes reforestation, strict laws against poaching/illegal logging, and community participation through JFM
.(a) Define biodiversity: The variety and variability of life on Earth, including diversity at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels
.(b) Values of biodiversity: Refers to the economic, ecological, aesthetic, and ethical benefits humans derive from biological diversity
.(c) Biodiversity hotspots in India: There are 4 major hotspots: The Himalayas, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats, and Sundaland (including Nicobar Islands)
.(d) What is in-situ conservation? Conserving species in their natural habitats, such as in National Parks or Wildlife Sanctuaries
.(e) What is gene bank? A facility where genetic material (seeds, pollen, or tissue) is stored at low temperatures to preserve genetic diversity
.Threats to Biodiversity and Importance of Conservation:
Threats:
Importance: Conservation ensures food security, medicine availability, climate stability, and maintains the ecological balance necessary for human survival
.Short Notes:
(i) Zoological Park: An ex-situ conservation site where animals are kept in enclosures for public display, education, and breeding of endangered species
.(ii) Sacred Groves in N-E India: Community-protected forest patches often associated with local deities
. In Northeast India (e.g., Meghalaya), these groves are vital for preserving rare species and traditional ecological knowledge.Noise Pollution: Causes and Effects:
Definition: Unwanted or harmful sound that disrupts the environment and health
.Causes: Traffic (air, road, rail), industrial machinery, construction activities, and loud social events
.Effects: Hearing loss, hypertension, sleep disturbance, and increased stress levels in humans and animals
.Air Pollution: Causes and Control Measures:
Definition: Presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere that affect human health and the environment
.Causes: Burning of fossil fuels, industrial emissions, forest fires, and vehicular exhaust
.Control Measures: Using scrubbers/filters in industries, switching to electric vehicles (EVs), planting more trees, and enforcing emission standards
.Ozone Layer: Depletion and Effects:
Definition: A layer in the stratosphere containing high concentrations of O3 that protects Earth from harmful UV radiation
.Causes of Depletion: Use of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and other ozone-depleting substances used in refrigeration and aerosols
.Effects: Increased skin cancer, cataracts, damage to immune systems, and harmful impacts on marine phytoplankton
.Short Notes:
(i) Minamata Disaster: A severe mercury poisoning outbreak in Japan (1950s) caused by industrial wastewater discharge into Minamata Bay, leading to neurological damage
.(ii) Fukushima Nuclear Accident: A 2011 nuclear disaster in Japan triggered by a massive tsunami, resulting in radioactive leakage and widespread evacuation
.Impact of Industry on Environment:
Industries contribute to environmental degradation through air and water pollution, heavy metal contamination, and excessive resource consumption
. Industrial runoff often destroys aquatic life, while smoke emissions contribute to acid rain and global warming.Impact of Modern Agriculture on Environment:
Modern agriculture uses high-yield variety seeds, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides
. While increasing food production, it leads to soil degradation, water pollution (eutrophication), loss of traditional crop varieties, and groundwater depletion.