Unit 2 Flashcards

1
Q

What is the first and foremost important solution to prevent biodiversity loss?

A

Biodiversity Conservation

This involves implementing adequate conservation strategies to protect species at risk of extinction.

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2
Q

What must be monitored and controlled to address threats to biodiversity?

A

Problems and threats faced by biodiversity

This responsibility falls on both government and private agencies.

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3
Q

What is one way to control biodiversity depletion?

A

Prevent Introduction of Invasive Species

Ensuring that invasive species do not enter native habitats is crucial.

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4
Q

How can biodiversity loss be prevented or reduced?

A

Habitat Restoration

Restoring natural habitats is essential for maintaining biodiversity.

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5
Q

Who can be active participants in reforestation efforts?

A

People, communities, schools, governments, and organizations

These groups can engage in replanting and reforestation activities.

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6
Q

What role do sensitization and educative campaigns play in biodiversity conservation?

A

They create awareness about the causes, effects, and counteractions against deforestation

Initiating awareness is vital for community involvement.

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7
Q

What is necessary for stopping deforestation and preserving natural vegetation?

A

Rules, laws, and regulations

These measures are essential for enforcing forest preservation policies.

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8
Q

What are the main abiotic factors of the environment?

A

Physical factors, Edaphic factors, Chemical factors

Includes climatic factors like solar radiation, soil quality, and chemical composition of soil.

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9
Q

What is a species defined by?

A

Genetic similarity and the ability to interbreed producing fertile offspring

Each species consists of individuals with shared genetic traits.

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10
Q

What does the atmosphere do?

A

Sustains life, protects from outer space, absorbs cosmic rays and electromagnetic radiation

It is composed of nitrogen, oxygen, and other gases.

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11
Q

What comprises the hydrosphere?

A

All types of water resources like oceans, lakes, rivers, and glaciers

97% of Earth’s water is in oceans; only about 1% is fresh water.

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12
Q

What does the lithosphere include?

A

The solid part of Earth’s crust, including rocks, minerals, and soil

The mantle lies below the crust.

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13
Q

Define the biosphere.

A

The life-supporting environment of Earth where ecosystems exist and interact

It includes interactions among atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere.

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14
Q

What are some common environmental problems?

A

Growing population, poverty, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, pollution, global warming

These issues arise from urbanization, industrial growth, and waste disposal.

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15
Q

What is one solution to combat global warming?

A

Use of Renewable Energies

Moving away from fossil fuels to alternatives like solar and wind energy.

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16
Q

What is essential for reducing energy and water consumption?

A

Energy & Water Efficiency

Using efficient devices like LED bulbs can significantly lower consumption.

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17
Q

What promotes sustainable transportation?

A

Public transportation, carpooling, electric and hydrogen mobility

These methods help reduce CO2 emissions.

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18
Q

What is necessary for sustainable infrastructure?

A

Building low-energy buildings and renovating existing constructions

This reduces CO2 emissions from buildings.

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19
Q

What does sustainable agriculture prioritize?

A

Better use of natural resources, stopping deforestation, and making agriculture greener

Efficiency in agriculture is key to sustainability.

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20
Q

What are the 3 R’s in responsible consumption?

A

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

These principles are vital for effective waste management.

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21
Q

What can help reduce plastic waste?

A

Avoiding Single Use Plastics

Substituting disposable items with durable options is beneficial.

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22
Q

What is one way to reduce food waste?

A

Keeping track of food, planning meals, and proper storage

Approximately one-third of food produced for consumption is wasted.

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23
Q

What is defined as the sum total of all factors surrounding a living being?

A

Environment

Derived from the French word ‘environ’, it includes social, economic, and biological factors.

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24
Q

What is the scope of environmental science?

A

Health services, conservation of natural resources, pollution control, environmental management

It encompasses various fields such as chemistry, biology, and public health.

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25
Q

Who led the Bishnoi Movement and in what year did it occur?

A

Amrita Devi in 1730

The movement focused on the protection of forests in Khejarli village of Jodhpur.

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26
Q

What unique strategy was developed during the Bishnoi Movement for tree protection?

A

Hugging or embracing the trees

This strategy was spontaneous and aimed at protecting forests.

27
Q

What award was created in 2001 to recognize contributions to environmental conservation?

A

Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award

This award honors individuals who have made significant efforts in wildlife conservation.

28
Q

What is the primary focus of the Chipko Movement?

A

Embracing trees to resist their felling

Initiated by Chandi Prasad Bhatt in 1973, it highlighted environmental issues in the Alaknanda catchment area.

29
Q

What was the main demand of the protests against colonial forest policy in India during the early 20th century?

A

Benefits of forests, especially the right to fodder, should go to local people

These protests laid the groundwork for future environmental movements.

30
Q

What are the key objectives of the Forest Act 1927?

A

Objectives include:
* Setting up reserved and protected forests
* Protection of non-government forests
* Control of movement of forest produce
* Control of cattle grazing

This act consolidates laws related to forests in India.

31
Q

What does the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 aim to achieve?

A

Protection of wild animals, birds, and plants

It includes restrictions on hunting and the establishment of sanctuaries.

32
Q

What is the goal of social forestry?

A

To plant trees on unused and fallow land

This aims to reduce pressure on existing forests by providing fuelwood and fodder.

33
Q

Define agro-forestry.

A

Growing woody species in combination with herbaceous crops

This can occur simultaneously or in sequence, as seen in systems like taungya.

34
Q

What are the two main types of forestry practices integrated for forest conservation?

A

Protection or conservation forestry and production or commercial forestry

These practices aim to maintain ecological balance while fulfilling commercial demands.

35
Q

True or False: Tribals and forest dwellers are often blamed for deforestation.

A

True

This is due to misconceptions about their agricultural practices and dependence on forests.

36
Q

What are the main causes of deforestation in tropical regions?

A

Causes include:
* Expansion of agriculture
* Urbanization
* Industrialization
* Excessive timber and fuelwood use
* Cattle grazing

The tropical regions have lost more than 40% of their forest cover.

37
Q

What are some effects of deforestation?

A

Effects include:
* Increased soil erosion
* Decreased soil fertility
* Formation of deserts in drier areas
* Extinction of species
* Climate change

Deforestation threatens the survival of native people and ecosystems.

38
Q

What was the average deforestation rate in India between 2015 and 2020?

A

668,400 hectares

India ranked second in deforestation rates globally during this period.

39
Q

What is the principal aim of the National Forest Policy of 1988?

A

To regulate the use of forest land and ensure environmental stability

It emphasizes ecological balance over direct economic benefits.

40
Q

What event in 1972 marked a significant international focus on environmental issues?

A

United Nations Conference on Human Environment in Stockholm

This conference highlighted the growing environmental crisis globally.

41
Q

What was the outcome of the Chipko Movement in 1980?

A

Ban on commercial felling in Uttarakhand Himalayas for 15 years

This movement led to significant legislative and environmental changes.

42
Q

What is the Appiko Movement known for?

A

Protection of trees in Karnataka through embracing them

It was inspired by the Chipko Movement and successfully changed government policies.

43
Q

What ecological impact did the proposed Narmada River Valley Project have?

A

Displacement of 1.5 million people and submergence of large areas of forest and agricultural land

This project faced significant opposition from environmental activists.

44
Q

What did the Silent Valley Movement aim to prevent?

A

Construction of a hydroelectric dam threatening the rainforest

This area is known for its rich biodiversity and endangered species.

45
Q

What is the Silent Valley Movement?

A

A protest against a proposed hydroelectric dam in Silent Valley, Kerala, aimed at protecting the rainforest and endangered species

The movement led to the establishment of Silent Valley National Park in 1985.

46
Q

When did the Tehri Dam conflict begin and end?

A

1978 to 2006

The conflict arose due to the dam’s displacement of villages and environmental concerns.

47
Q

What is the height of the Tehri Dam?

A

260.5 meters

48
Q

What was the intended power generation capacity of the Tehri Dam?

A

2,400 MW

49
Q

How many villages were displaced by the Tehri Dam?

A

40 villages

50
Q

What is ‘Van Mahotsav’?

A

A week-long annual tree-planting festival celebrated in India during the first week of July

The name translates to ‘Forest Festival’.

51
Q

What is the total forest cover in India as of 2021?

A

80.9 million hectares

52
Q

What percentage of India’s total geographical area is covered by forest?

A

21.71 percent

53
Q

What is the optimum forest area recommended by the National Forest Policy (1988) for plains?

A

33 percent

54
Q

What is the per capita forest area available in India?

A

0.06 ha

55
Q

What are renewable resources?

A

Resources that can be replenished through rapid natural cycles, such as plants and animals

Examples include crops, forests, and water.

56
Q

What are non-renewable resources?

A

Resources that cannot be replenished through natural processes, such as fossil fuels and minerals

Once consumed, non-renewable resources are gone forever.

57
Q

List the principal natural resources that contribute significantly to human welfare.

A
  • Forests
  • Water
  • Minerals
  • Food
  • Energy
  • Land
58
Q

What are the three key functions of forests?

A
  • Productive functions
  • Protective functions
  • Regulative functions
59
Q

According to Odum (1971), how can natural resources be classified?

A

Based on their exhaustibility and renewability

This includes categories like inexhaustible and exhaustible resources.

60
Q

What is a natural resource?

A

Any component of the natural environment that can be utilized by man to promote welfare

Examples include land, soil, water, and forests.

61
Q

What is the definition of a natural resource according to Ramade (1984)?

A

A form of energy and/or matter essential for the functioning of organisms, populations, and ecosystems.

62
Q

What is the classification of resources based on their location, quantity, and quality?

A

Natural resources vary greatly in their location, quantity, and quality.

63
Q

What is the status of forest cover in terms of density in India?

A

Less than two-thirds are dense forests; the rest are open degraded forests.

64
Q

What is the significance of forests in terms of biodiversity?

A

Forests are storehouses of biodiversity and provide important environmental services.