Exam: FYUG Even Semester Exam, 2025 | Semester: 2nd Semester
Course No: EESVAC-151 (Environmental Studies)
Time: 3 Hours | Full Marks: 70 | Pass Marks: 28
(a) Who coined the term 'succession'?
The term 'succession' was first used by Adolphe Dureau de la Malle in 1825, though the modern ecological concept was later refined by Frederic Clements
(b) Define ecosystem.
An ecosystem is a structural and functional unit of the biosphere consisting of a community of living beings and the physical environment, both interacting and exchanging materials between them
(c) Give two examples of lentic ecosystem.
Lentic ecosystems refer to standing water bodies. Examples include Ponds and Lakes.
(d) Name the main source of energy in an ecosystem.
The Sun is the ultimate source of energy for all ecosystems
(e) Give an example of gaseous type of biogeochemical cycle.
The Nitrogen Cycle or Carbon Cycle
What is food web? Give example.
A food web is a network of several interconnected food chains in an ecosystem. In a forest, a plant might be eaten by a deer, a rabbit, or a grasshopper, and each of these might be eaten by multiple different predators like wolves or hawks, creating a web-like structure.
Differentiate between primary and secondary successions.
Primary succession occurs in areas where no life or soil existed before (e.g., bare rock)
What is ecological pyramid? Describe its types with examples.
An ecological pyramid is a graphic representation of the relationship between different organisms at various trophic levels
.Write short notes on: (i) Forest ecosystem, (ii) Pond ecosystem.
(i) Forest Ecosystem: A terrestrial ecosystem characterized by high tree density and distinct layers (canopy, understory, floor). It supports high biodiversity and regulates climate.
(ii) Pond Ecosystem: A freshwater lentic (standing water) ecosystem. It consists of producers (algae), consumers (fish, insects), and decomposers at the bottom mud.
(a) What causes land degradation?
Deforestation, overgrazing, excessive use of chemical fertilizers, and soil erosion
(b) What are the causes of deforestation?
Agricultural expansion, logging for timber, shifting cultivation, and building dams or roads
(c) Give one use of land resource.
Agriculture for food production
(d) Name two commercial uses of forest.
Timber for construction and raw materials for the paper and pulp industry
(e) Name two types of energy resources.
Renewable energy (Solar) and Non-renewable energy (Coal)
Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable resources with example.
Renewable resources are those that can be replenished naturally over time (e.g., Solar energy, Wind energy)
What is soil erosion?
Soil erosion is the process by which the top layer of soil is removed by natural physical forces like water and wind or through human activities like deforestation
Give a detailed account on the use of surface and groundwater.
Surface water (rivers, lakes) and groundwater (aquifers) are essential for life
. Surface water is primarily used for large-scale irrigation, industrial cooling, and hydroelectric power. Groundwater is a major source of drinking water in rural areas and is heavily used for agriculture via tubewells, though over-extraction is leading to falling water tables.Give a note on alternative sources of energy resources.
Alternative or non-conventional energy sources are sustainable and eco-friendly
. Key sources include:
(a) Define biodiversity.
The variety of all living organisms at the genetic, species, and ecosystem levels
(b) Name one Wildlife Sanctuary of Assam.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
(c) Write the full form of WWF.
World Wide Fund for Nature
(d) Name two endemic animal species of North-East India.
Hoolock Gibbon and Sangai (Dancing Deer)
(e) What is the full form of IUCN?
International Union for Conservation of Nature
Name two biodiversity hotspots found in the Indian subcontinent.
The Himalayas and the Western Ghats
What are the threats to biodiversity?
Habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching, invasive species, and climate change
Give a detailed account on human-wildlife conflict in India.
Human-wildlife conflict arises when animals damage crops, livestock, or human lives
. Major causes in India include habitat fragmentation and encroachment by humans into forest corridors (e.g., elephant-human conflict in Assam). Solutions include creating protected corridors, electric fencing, and community compensation programs.Write short notes on: (i) In Situ conservation, (ii) Ex Situ conservation.
(i) In Situ Conservation: Protecting species within their natural habitat, such as in National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
.
(a) What is noise pollution?
Unwanted and excessive sound that disrupts human health and environment
(b) Name one secondary air pollutant.
Ozone (O3) or Smog
(c) What is climate change?
Significant long-term shifts in global or regional climate patterns
(d) Give one source of soil pollution.
Excessive use of pesticides and industrial waste dumping
(e) Name two greenhouse gases.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Methane (CH4)
What is solid waste?
Any discarded material that is not liquid or gas, generated from domestic, industrial, or commercial activities
What are the effects of acid rain on environment?
Acid rain damages crops, corrodes historical monuments (e.g., Taj Mahal), and makes water bodies toxic for aquatic life
What is ozone layer depletion? Discuss its impacts on environment.
Ozone layer depletion is the thinning of the O3 layer in the stratosphere caused by CFCs
. Impacts: Increased UV radiation reaching Earth leads to skin cancer and cataracts in humans, and damages marine phytoplankton, disrupting the ocean food chain.Give a detailed account on the causes and effects of global warming.
Causes: Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial emissions increasing greenhouse gases
. Effects: Rising sea levels due to melting glaciers, frequent heatwaves, and extinction of sensitive species.
(a) Define deep ecology.
An environmental philosophy that believes all living things have inherent value, regardless of their utility to humans
(b) Who was the founder of the Bishnoi Movement?
Guru Jambheshwar (Jambhoji)
(c) Name the intensity of earthquake.
Measured using the Mercalli Scale (for intensity) or Richter Scale (for magnitude)
(d) Mention one right of animal.
Right to freedom from pain, injury, and disease
(e) Write two causes of flood.
Heavy rainfall and deforestation in catchment areas
What is ecofeminism?
A movement that sees a connection between the exploitation of nature and the oppression of women
Write two principles of environmental ethics.
1. Respect for nature. 2. Responsibility for the well-being of future generations.
Discuss the causes and effects of earthquake. Write the mitigation measures.
Causes: Tectonic plate movements and volcanic activity
. Effects: Loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, and tsunamis. Mitigation: Building earthquake-resistant structures and public awareness drills.Give a detailed note on the Chipko Movement.
The Chipko movement was a non-violent social and ecological movement by rural villagers in Uttarakhand in the 1970s
. Led by Sunderlal Bahuguna and others, villagers hugged trees to prevent them from being cut down by contractors, highlighting the community's role in forest protection.