Environmental Science and Ecology

Introduction

1. Natural resources are materials and components provided by nature that are essential for human survival and development.
2. They are categorized into renewable and non-renewable resources based on their availability and rate of replenishment.
3. Understanding these resources is crucial for sustainable development and conservation.

Renewable Resources

1. Renewable resources are naturally replenished on a regular basis.
2. Examples include

Introduction

1. Conservation initiatives are aimed at protecting endangered species and maintaining ecological balance.
2. Project Tiger and Project Elephant are flagship programs initiated by the Indian government to conserve these iconic species.
3. These projects involve habitat protection, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and promoting sustainable coexistence.

Project Tiger

1. Launched in 1973 by the Government of India to protect the dwindling tiger population.
2. Aims to

Introduction

1. Ex-situ conservation refers to the conservation of species outside their natural habitats.
2. It is a complementary approach to in-situ conservation, focusing on protecting endangered species in controlled environments.
3. Key methods include zoos, seed banks, and botanical gardens.

Zoos

1. Zoos serve as centers for the conservation and captive breeding of endangered species.
2. They help protect species from threats like

Introduction

1. In-situ conservation involves protecting species in their natural habitats to ensure their survival and reproduction.
2. It aims to maintain the natural processes and interactions within ecosystems, preserving genetic diversity.
3. Key methods of in-situ conservation include the establishment of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.

National Parks

1. National parks are protected areas established to conserve w

Introduction

1. Biodiversity is under constant threat from various human-induced activities and natural changes.
2. Key threats include poaching, the spread of invasive species, and the impact of climate change.
3. These threats disrupt ecosystems, reduce species diversity, and destabilize ecological balance.

Poaching

1. Poaching refers to the illegal hunting, capturing, or killing of wildlife, often for commercial purposes.
2. It targets species for their

Introduction to Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

1. Habitat loss refers to the destruction or degradation of natural habitats, making them unsuitable for species survival.
2. Habitat fragmentation is the division of large, continuous habitats into smaller, isolated patches, disrupting ecosystems.
3. These are major drivers of biodiversity decline globally, affecting species survival and ecosystem functioning.

Causes of Habitat Loss

1. Deforestation for agriculture, logging, and urban

Introduction to Biodiversity

1. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, encompassing all species, genetic variations, and ecosystems.
2. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by supporting ecosystem stability and resilience.
3. Biodiversity ensures the functioning and productivity of ecosystems.

Role of Biodiversity in Ecological Processes

1. Primary producers, such as plants and algae, convert solar energy into food, formi

Introduction to Biodiversity Hotspots

1. A biodiversity hotspot is a region with a high level of species richness and endemism that is under significant threat from human activities.
2. The concept of biodiversity hotspots was introduced by Norman Myers in 1988.
3. For a region to qualify as a biodiversity hotspot, it must have at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics and must have lost at least 70% of its original habitat.
4. Globally, there are 36 biodiversity hotspots

Introduction to Biodiversity

1. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, encompassing all living organisms and ecosystems.
2. It is crucial for the functioning of ecosystems and the survival of life.
3. The three main levels of biodiversity are genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

Genetic Diversity

1. Genetic diversity refers to the variation of genes within a species.
2. It encompasses differences in DNA among indivi

Wetlands

1. Wetlands are ecosystems where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and the associated plant and animal life.
2. They include areas like marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens.
3. Freshwater wetlands are found inland, while coastal wetlands are influenced by tides and include salt marshes.
4. Wetlands are rich in biodiversity, providing habitat for numerous species of plants and animals.
5. They play a cr