Environmental Science and Ecology

1. Population ecology studies the dynamics of populations, their size, density, distribution, and interactions with the environment.
2. A population is a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area at a specific time.
3. Population density refers to the number of individuals per unit area or volume.
4. Population distribution can be uniform, random, or clumped based on environmental factors and species behavior.
5. The age structure of a population indicates the

1. A habitat is the physical environment where an organism lives, while a niche is the functional role of an organism in its ecosystem.
2. The habitat is defined by abiotic factors like soil, water, temperature, and light.
3. A niche includes the organism's interactions with other species, such as competition, predation, and symbiosis.
4. The fundamental niche is the potential range of conditions an organism can occupy without competition.
5. The realized niche is the

1. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was established in 2005 under the Disaster Management Act.
2. It is the apex body for disaster management in India.
3. The primary aim of NDMA is to build a safer and disaster-resilient India.
4. NDMA is chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
5. It formulates policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management.
6. The NDMA emphasizes a proactive approach to disaster prevent

1. Disaster Management Cycle consists of four key phases: Preparedness, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery.
2. Preparedness involves planning and preparing communities to deal with disasters effectively.
3. Key activities during Preparedness include training, drills, and early warning systems.
4. The goal of Preparedness is to reduce the loss of life and property by ensuring readiness.

Natural Disasters

1. Earthquakes: Sudden shaking of the Earth's crust due to tectonic movements.
2. Floods: Overflow of water bodies, often caused by heavy rainfall, dam failures, or storm surges.
3. Tsunamis: Large ocean waves triggered by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
4. Cyclones: Intense storms with high-speed winds and heavy rainfall, often leading to coastal destruction.
5. Droughts: Prolonged periods of insufficient rainfall, causing water shortages and cr

Structural and Procedural Challenges

1. Lack of standardization: EIA processes vary significantly across regions, leading to inconsistencies.
2. Delayed implementation: Bureaucratic hurdles often cause significant delays in the EIA process.
3. Inadequate screening: Some projects bypass proper assessment due to lenient screening thresholds.
4. Insufficient scoping: Critical environmental and social impacts are sometimes overlooked.
5. Complex procedures: The technical nature of

Understanding the Role of EIA

1. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a vital tool for assessing the potential environmental impacts of proposed developmental projects.
2. It ensures that environmental considerations are integrated into planning and decision-making processes.
3. Provides a framework for sustainable development by balancing economic, social, and environmental objectives.

Benefits of EIA in Developmental Projects

1. Identifies and evaluates the environmental consequences

Definition of EIA

1. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic process to identify and evaluate the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project or development.
2. The aim of EIA is to ensure that environmental considerations are integrated into decision-making processes.
3. It assesses the impact on air, water, soil, biodiversity, and human health.
4. Introduced globally to ensure sustainable development.

Importance of EIA

1. Prevents environmental