Environmental Studies Solved 2024 Question Paper [Gauhati University FYUGP BA,BSc,BCom 1st Semester]

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Gauhati University FYUGP BCom 1st Semester 

Environmental Studies Solved Question Paper 2024

VAC0101002 (Environmental Studies)

Full Marks: 30

Time: 1½ hours

Choose the correct answer (1×5=5):

1. (a) Which of the following is a renewable resource?

   - (i) Fossil fuel

   - (ii) Solar energy

   - (iii) Coal

   - (iv) Natural gas

Answer: (ii) Solar energy

2. (b) Which of the following is not an example of a producer?

   - (i) Green plants

   - (ii) Algae

   - (iii) Bacteria

   - (iv) Fungi

Answer: (iv) Fungi

3. (c) In which year was the Wildlife Protection Act enacted in India?

   - (i) 1970

   - (ii) 1980

   - (iii) 1972

   - (iv) 1976

Answer:  (iii) 1972

4. (d) Which of the following is not an abiotic component of an ecosystem?

   - (i) Water

   - (ii) Gas

   - (iii) Light

   - (iv) Green plant

Answer: (iv) Green plant

5. (e) Which of the following is not a greenhouse gas?

   - (i) CO₂

   - (ii) CH₄

   - (iii) Water vapour

   - (iv) CO

Answer: (iv) CO

Answer any five of the following questions (2×5=10):

(a) What is a food chain?
Answer: A food chain is the linear sequence through which energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another in an ecosystem. It starts with producers (green plants) that make their own food through photosynthesis and continues through consumers (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores) and finally to decomposers. Each step in the chain is called a trophic level. For example, in a grassland: Grass → Deer → Tiger. The food chain shows how energy is transferred from one level to another but in a single, direct path.

(b) Mention two non-renewable resources.
Answer: Non-renewable resources are natural resources that cannot be replaced easily once they are exhausted, as they take millions of years to form. Two examples are:
i) Coal: A fossil fuel formed from decomposed plant matter used for power generation and industry.
ii) Petroleum: A liquid fossil fuel used to produce petrol, diesel, and other products.
These resources are limited in supply and their excessive use leads to depletion and environmental pollution.

(c) What is ecological succession?
Answer: Ecological succession is the gradual and natural process by which ecosystems change and develop over time. It involves the sequential replacement of one community of organisms by another until a stable or climax community is formed. For example, a bare rock surface may first be colonized by lichens and mosses (pioneer species), followed by grasses, shrubs, and finally trees. Succession helps in restoring balance and stability in ecosystems after disturbances like floods or fires.

(d) Name four primary air pollutants.
Answer: Primary air pollutants are directly emitted from natural or human activities and enter the atmosphere in harmful concentrations. Four primary air pollutants are:
i) Carbon monoxide (CO) – produced by incomplete combustion of fuel.
ii) Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) – released from burning coal and oil.
iii) Nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) – emitted from vehicles and industries.
iv) Particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀) – dust, smoke, and soot suspended in air.
These pollutants contribute to smog, acid rain, and respiratory diseases.

(e) Mention two measures for the control of noise pollution.
Answer: Noise pollution can be controlled through the following measures:
i) Use of sound barriers: Installing soundproof materials in industrial and residential areas reduces noise levels. Trees can also act as natural noise barriers.
ii) Regulation and control: Restricting the use of loudspeakers, horns, and construction work during night hours and enforcing strict laws help control noise levels in urban areas.

(f) What are decomposers?
Answer: Decomposers are microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi that break down dead plants, animals, and organic waste into simpler substances. They convert complex organic matter into nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon, which are returned to the soil and reused by plants. Decomposers play a vital role in nutrient cycling and maintaining the balance of ecosystems by preventing the accumulation of dead matter.

(g) Distinguish between natural and artificial ecosystems.
Answer:

Basis	Natural Ecosystem	Artificial Ecosystem
Origin	Formed naturally without human interference.	Created and maintained by humans.
Examples	Forests, ponds, oceans, deserts.	Crop fields, aquariums, zoos.
Energy source	Sunlight is the main energy source.	Energy may be supplied artificially (electric light, feed).
Balance	Self-sustaining and balanced.	Needs regular human management.

Natural ecosystems are stable and self-regulating, whereas artificial ecosystems depend on human care for survival and productivity.

(h) Write a brief note on the Kyoto Protocol.
Answer: The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty adopted in December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan, and came into force in 2005. Its main objective is to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases responsible for global warming. Under this protocol, developed countries agreed to legally binding targets for reducing emissions of gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O). It also introduced mechanisms like carbon trading and clean development to help countries meet their targets. The Kyoto Protocol was a significant step toward global cooperation in combating climate change and promoting sustainable environmental practices.

Answer any three of the following questions (5×3=15):

(a) Discuss the meaning and importance of environmental studies.
Answer: Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that deals with the study of the relationship between human beings and their natural environment. It includes the study of physical, chemical, biological, social, and cultural factors that affect the environment and human life. The main objective of environmental studies is to create awareness about environmental problems and promote sustainable solutions to protect and preserve nature. It integrates knowledge from various subjects like biology, geography, chemistry, economics, sociology, and political science to understand how human actions influence the environment and vice versa.

The importance of environmental studies can be explained as follows:

i) Awareness of environmental issues: Environmental studies educate individuals about major environmental issues such as global warming, deforestation, pollution, ozone layer depletion, and loss of biodiversity. Awareness helps people understand the seriousness of these problems and motivates them to take corrective actions.

ii) Sustainable development: It promotes the idea of development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Environmental education encourages rational use of natural resources to ensure long-term sustainability.

iii) Conservation of natural resources: Environmental studies emphasize the importance of conserving resources such as air, water, soil, forests, and minerals. It teaches the methods of conservation and management to avoid wastage and overexploitation of these resources.

iv) Improvement in human health and quality of life: A healthy environment directly affects human health and living conditions. Clean air, pure water, and fertile soil contribute to a better quality of life and reduce the chances of diseases caused by pollution.

v) Understanding ecological balance: It helps individuals understand the interdependence between living and non-living components of the environment. This knowledge promotes harmony and balance in ecosystems.

vi) Development of environmental ethics: Environmental studies cultivate moral values, attitudes, and behavior necessary for protecting the environment. It encourages people to respect nature and act responsibly in their daily lives.

vii) Policy formation and decision-making: Knowledge of environmental studies assists in formulating environmental policies, laws, and regulations that ensure sustainable management of resources. It also helps governments and organizations take informed decisions regarding industrialization, urbanization, and waste management.

viii) Global perspective: Environmental issues are global in nature, and environmental studies provide an international outlook to understand global challenges and cooperate in solving them.

In conclusion, environmental studies are crucial for developing awareness, responsibility, and practical knowledge among individuals and communities to ensure a healthy, sustainable, and balanced relationship between humans and the environment.

(b) Discuss the causes and effects of water pollution.
Answer:  Water pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies such as rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater with harmful substances that degrade water quality and make it unsafe for human use and aquatic life. It occurs when pollutants are directly or indirectly discharged into water bodies without adequate treatment. Water is one of the most vital natural resources, and its pollution leads to serious consequences for the environment and living organisms.

Causes of water pollution:

i) Industrial discharge: Industries such as chemical plants, textile mills, paper factories, and oil refineries release harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and toxic substances into nearby rivers and streams without treatment.

ii) Sewage and domestic waste: In many cities, untreated sewage and household wastes are dumped directly into water bodies, leading to the spread of bacteria and viruses that cause diseases.

iii) Agricultural runoff: The excessive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides in agriculture washes into nearby water bodies during rainfall, leading to nutrient enrichment and contamination.

iv) Oil spills: Leakage from oil tankers and offshore drilling pollutes oceans and affects marine organisms, birds, and coastal habitats.

v) Plastic and solid waste: Improper disposal of plastics, bottles, and other non-biodegradable wastes choke drainage systems, rivers, and lakes, reducing oxygen levels in water.

vi) Mining activities: Mining releases heavy metals and toxic minerals into nearby water sources, increasing their acidity and pollution levels.

vii) Thermal pollution: Discharge of hot water from thermal power plants raises the temperature of water bodies, reducing dissolved oxygen and harming aquatic life.

Effects of water pollution:

i) Health hazards: Polluted water causes serious diseases like cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, and dysentery when consumed by humans or animals.

ii) Loss of aquatic life: Toxic chemicals and reduced oxygen levels kill fish and other aquatic organisms, disturbing the entire aquatic ecosystem.

iii) Eutrophication: Excess nutrients, especially nitrates and phosphates from fertilizers, lead to overgrowth of algae (algal bloom). When these algae die and decay, they consume oxygen, making the water unfit for aquatic life.

iv) Disruption of food chain: Pollutants like mercury and lead accumulate in aquatic organisms and pass through the food chain, eventually affecting human health.

v) Contamination of drinking water: Polluted rivers and groundwater sources become unsafe for human consumption, causing scarcity of potable water.

vi) Economic loss: Water pollution affects agriculture, fishing, tourism, and industries that depend on clean water, leading to significant economic damage.

vii) Destruction of biodiversity: It results in the loss of biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems, threatening the survival of many plant and animal species.

Thus, water pollution is a global environmental challenge that requires strict regulation, public awareness, and adoption of proper waste management and treatment practices to protect our valuable water resources.

(c) Describe the flow of energy in an ecosystem.
Answer: The flow of energy in an ecosystem refers to the transfer of energy from one organism to another through the food chain and food web. Energy enters the ecosystem primarily through sunlight and flows in one direction—from producers to consumers and finally to decomposers. This flow of energy maintains the structure and functioning of the ecosystem.

Process of energy flow:

i) Solar energy: The Sun is the ultimate source of energy for all ecosystems. Plants (producers) capture solar energy through the process of photosynthesis and convert it into chemical energy in the form of glucose. Only about 1–2% of the total solar energy is actually absorbed by plants.

ii) Producers (Autotrophs): Producers such as green plants and algae form the first trophic level. They synthesize food from sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water. The chemical energy stored in plant tissues becomes the primary source of energy for other organisms in the ecosystem.

iii) Primary consumers (Herbivores): Animals that feed directly on plants, such as deer, rabbits, and cows, form the second trophic level. They obtain energy by consuming plant material.

iv) Secondary consumers (Carnivores): These are animals that eat herbivores, such as frogs, snakes, and foxes. They form the third trophic level.

v) Tertiary consumers (Top carnivores): Animals like lions, eagles, and tigers occupy the fourth trophic level and feed on other carnivores.

vi) Decomposers: Bacteria and fungi break down dead organisms and waste materials into simpler substances. This decomposition process releases nutrients back into the soil, which are again used by producers, thus maintaining the nutrient cycle.

Characteristics of energy flow:

i) Unidirectional flow: Energy flows in one direction—from the Sun to producers and then to various levels of consumers. It never flows backward.

ii) Decreasing energy at each trophic level: According to the 10% law proposed by Lindeman, only about 10% of the energy at one trophic level is transferred to the next level; the remaining 90% is lost as heat during metabolic processes.

iii) Energy pyramid: The flow of energy can be represented in the form of an energy pyramid, where energy decreases progressively from producers to top consumers.

iv) Essential for ecosystem balance: Energy flow maintains the biological and ecological balance of nature. It supports various life processes like growth, reproduction, and movement in organisms.

In conclusion, the flow of energy is a vital ecological process that connects all living organisms in an ecosystem. It ensures the transfer of energy from one trophic level to another and maintains the functioning and stability of the ecosystem.

(d) Describe the causes of global warming and its impact on the environment.
Answer: Global warming refers to the gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere due to the excessive accumulation of greenhouse gases. It is a major environmental problem that results from human activities like industrialization, deforestation, and the burning of fossil fuels. The greenhouse gases trap the Sun’s heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to a rise in temperature and changes in climate patterns.

Causes of global warming:

i) Burning of fossil fuels: The combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas for energy and transportation releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

ii) Deforestation: Trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. Cutting down forests for agriculture or urbanization reduces this absorption, increasing CO₂ levels in the air.

iii) Industrial emissions: Industries emit carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and other pollutants, which trap heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect.

iv) Agricultural activities: Excessive use of fertilizers and rearing of livestock produce methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), both of which are potent greenhouse gases.

v) Waste management: Improper disposal of solid waste and decomposition of organic matter in landfills release methane gas.

vi) Population growth and urbanization: Increased population leads to higher demand for energy, transport, and deforestation, contributing to higher greenhouse gas emissions.

Impact of global warming on the environment:

i) Climate change: Global warming causes unpredictable weather patterns, including more frequent droughts, floods, and storms.

ii) Melting of glaciers and polar ice caps: Rising temperatures cause ice to melt, leading to an increase in sea levels and submergence of low-lying areas.

iii) Loss of biodiversity: Many plant and animal species cannot adapt to changing climates, leading to extinction and loss of biodiversity.

iv) Desertification: Increased temperature and irregular rainfall dry up fertile land, turning it into desert.

v) Impact on agriculture: Changes in temperature and rainfall affect crop yields, soil fertility, and food security.

vi) Health hazards: Global warming increases the spread of diseases such as malaria and dengue due to changes in temperature and humidity.

vii) Ocean acidification: Higher CO₂ concentration dissolves in oceans, increasing acidity and affecting marine life, especially coral reefs.

Thus, global warming is one of the greatest threats to life on Earth, demanding urgent global cooperation, reforestation, renewable energy use, and sustainable lifestyle practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

(e) Write a short note on the Forest Conservation Act.
Answer: The Forest Conservation Act, 1980 is a major legislation enacted by the Government of India to prevent deforestation and ensure the protection and proper utilization of forest land. The main objective of the Act is to conserve forests by regulating the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes such as agriculture, industry, and construction.

Main provisions of the Forest Conservation Act:

i) Restriction on forest land use: No forest land can be used for non-forest purposes without the prior approval of the Central Government.

ii) Approval for diversion: If forest land is required for development projects, approval must be obtained from the central authority before clearing or using the land.

iii) Penalty for violation: Any person or organization using forest land without permission is subject to penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

iv) Protection of wildlife habitat: The Act ensures that forest lands, which serve as habitats for wildlife, are protected from exploitation and destruction.

v) Reforestation and compensatory afforestation: If forest land is diverted, an equal area of non-forest land must be afforested as compensation to maintain ecological balance.

vi) State and central cooperation: Both state and central governments are required to work together to monitor and implement forest conservation measures.

Significance of the Act: The Forest Conservation Act plays a vital role in preserving ecological balance, maintaining biodiversity, and combating problems like soil erosion, floods, and climate change. It has helped reduce large-scale deforestation and promoted the sustainable management of forest resources in India.

(f) Discuss food web with suitable examples.
Answer: A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains that exist within an ecosystem. It shows how different plants and animals are linked through various feeding relationships. Unlike a single food chain that follows a straight path, a food web demonstrates the interdependence of multiple organisms for food and energy, making the ecosystem more stable and resilient.

Explanation: In a food web, energy flows from producers (plants) to various levels of consumers (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores) and finally to decomposers. When one species is removed or its population changes, it affects many others connected through the web, showing the interlinked nature of life in an ecosystem.

Example 1: Grassland ecosystem In a grassland, green plants (producers) are eaten by herbivores such as rabbits and deer. Rabbits may be eaten by snakes, and snakes may be eaten by eagles. At the same time, deer may also be prey for lions or tigers. This interconnection of multiple food chains forms a food web.

Example 2: Pond ecosystem In a pond, phytoplankton (producers) are eaten by zooplankton, which are consumed by small fish. Small fish are eaten by bigger fish, which are preyed upon by birds such as kingfishers. When these organisms die, decomposers like bacteria break them down, recycling nutrients back into the system.

Importance of food web:

i) Maintains ecological balance: Food webs regulate population levels of different organisms and maintain the balance of ecosystems.

ii) Stability of ecosystem: If one species is removed, others can fill its role, ensuring ecosystem stability.

iii) Energy distribution: It ensures efficient distribution of energy among different trophic levels.

iv) Biodiversity conservation: It highlights the importance of all species and their contribution to ecosystem functioning.

In conclusion, a food web represents the natural interconnection among all living organisms in an ecosystem. It reflects how energy and nutrients circulate in nature, ensuring the survival and stability of life on Earth.

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