Environmental Studies
- New Delhi Wiley India Pvt. Ltd. India 2013,c2013
- 282
The purpose of the textbook is to use a balanced approach to the study of environment adopting operational definitions, broad and realistic classification and focused analyses and discussions that highlight the complexities, importance and scope of environmental studies to a wide array of undergraduate students. The contents are presented in seven chapters such that they cover the specific topics prescribed under the UPTU syllabus.
Contents
1. Introduction to Environmental Science Learning Objectives 1.1 Scope and Importance of Environment 1.2 The Gaia Hypothesis 1.3 Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Science 1.4 Need for Public Awareness on the Environment as a Composite Unit of the Earth 1.5 Unsustainable and Sustainable Utilization of Environment Key Terms Objective-type Questions Review Questions Answers
2. Ecosystems: Units that Sustain Life Learning Objectives 2.1 Concept of an Ecosystem 2.2 Structure and Classification of Ecosystems 2.3 Characteristics of an Ecosystem 2.4 Ecosystem Processes 2.5 Food Chain and Food Web 2.6 Nutrient Cycling 2.7 Characteristics of Different Ecosystems 2.8 Biomes 2.9 Need for a Balanced Ecosystem and Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems Key Terms Objective-type Questions Review Questions Answers
3. Biodiversity and its Conservation Learning Objectives 3.1 Biological and Taxonomic Hierarchies 3.2 Genes 3.3 Populations 3.4 Species 3.5 Communities 3.6 Value of Biodiversity 3.7 Biodiversity at Global and National Level 3.8 Biodiversity in India 3.9 Hotspots of Biodiversity 3.10 Threats to Biodiversity 3.11 Invasive Species 3.12 Endangered and Endemic Species 3.13 Conservation of Biodiversity 3.14 Protected Areas 3.15 Economic Valuation of Biodiversity Key Terms Objective-type Questions Review Questions Answers
4. Natural Resources Learning Objectives 4.1 Soil 4.2 Mineral Resources 4.3 Water 4.4 Air 4.5 Solar System 4.6 Forest Resources 4.7 Material Cycles 4.8 Energy Sources 4.9 Natural Resource Depletion Key Terms Objective-type Questions Review Questions Answers
5. Impact of Human Activity on Environment Learning Objectives 5.1 Population 5.2 Pressures of Population Growth 5.3 Disasters 5.4 Widening the Human Food Basket 5.5 Sustainable Agriculture 5.6 Urbanization 5.7 Impact of Urbanization 5.8 Waste Management 5.9 Economy 5.10 Human Rights, Environmental Ethics and Value Education Key Terms Objective-type Questions Review Questions Answers
6. Environmental Pollution and Human Health Learning Objectives 6.1 Air Pollution 6.2 Noise Pollution 6.3 Water Pollution 6.4 Land Pollution 6.5 Marine Pollution 6.6 Thermal Pollution 6.7 Nuclear Pollution 6.8 Concept of Bio-magnification 6.9 Greenhouse Effect, Global Warming and Climate Change 6.10 Impact of Environmental Degradation and Pollution on Human Health 6.11 Pollution Control Key Terms Objective-type Questions Review Questions Answers
7. Environmental Protections through Assessment and Education Learning Objectives 7.1 Early Warning Systems 7.2 Impact Assessment 7.3 National Legislation 7.4 International Conventions and Treaties 7.6 Role of Non-government Organizations in Environmental Protection 7.7 The Role of Individuals in Conservation of the Environment 7.8 Role of Environmental Education Key Terms Objective-type Questions Review Questions Answers