In-Depth Examguru Environmental Study Materials for Competitive Exams

Environment

Introduction - Understanding Environment

Meaning of Environment The literal meaning of environment is the 'surroundings of an object'. The root word 'environ' of environment is a French word meaning 'surround' or 'encircle'. Thus, anythin

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Earth’s Spheres & Structure - Environment

Earth’s Spheres and the Science Behind Them The Earth comprises three spheres— Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, and Atmosphere. These spheres are generally considered as land (soil), water, and air, respectively. The study of the lithosphere

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Science of Biosphere & Ecological Organisation

Ecology: Concepts & Facts Origin and Meaning of Ecology The term ecology is the combination of two Greek words, oikos (= 'house/habitat/dwelling place) and logos (= the study/science of). Thus, Ecology is the study/sci

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Biosphere: A Giant Ecosystem

What is Biosphere? Biosphere is a combination of two Greek words, 'Hos' (= life) and 'sphaira' (= sphere). Biosphere means the sphere where life exists. It is the sphere of action between an organism and its environme

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Branches of Ecology & Ecological Factors

The ecological studies are based on three main aspects— levels of organization, taxonomic affinities, & types of habitat. The Branches of Ecology 1. Based on the Levels of Organization There are two branches of ecology on the b

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Balance of Ecosystems

The Sun: Driving Force of Ecosystem The Sun is the primary sustainer of life on Earth. Energy from the sun flows through materials and living organisms and eventually goes back into space in the form of heat. Only a tiny part of the Sun's

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Food Chain in Ecosystem

Food Chain All organisms, including humans, need food that provides energy for growth, maintenance, and reproduction. Any food or element required by an organism to live, grow, or reproduce is called a nutrient. Depending on the a

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Biodiversity Study Guide

What is Biodiversity? Biodiversity is a combination of the Greek word Bios (=life) and the Latin word Diversitas (= variety). Biodiversity means the Variety of life in ecology. Biodiversity refers to the diversity (number &

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Uses of Biodiversity - Environment

Uses of Biodiversity Humans derive many direct and indirect benefits from the living world. The uses of biodiversity are briefly described below— 1. Source of Food and Improved Varieties Biodiversity is of use to modern agriculture

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Understanding Extinction of Species

Extinction of Species Extinction is a natural process. Species have disappeared, and new ones have evolved to take their place over the long geological history of the Earth. There are two major ways of the extinction process— 1. Na

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Biodiversity Conservation in India

We know that ecosystems are changing due to habitat loss & fragmentation, invasive species, overexploitation, co-extinctions, pollution, etc. Most people are beginning to recognise that diversity at all levels—gene pool, species, and bi

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India’s Sacred Forests & Biodiversity

Biosphere Reserves Biosphere Reserves are a special category of protected areas of land and/or coastal environment, wherein people are an integral component of the system. The concept of Biosphere Reserves was launched in 1975 as a pa

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Understanding – Man and Environment

Man and Environment (in the context of environmental Issues & their management) Early Human History In the early period of human history, human beings were just like any other animal, dependent on the environment. Food

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Greenhouse Gases - Environment

Atmosphere as a Protective Layer The atmosphere surrounding the Earth acts like a windowpane. The Earth's atmosphere is made up of major gases, namely nitrogen and oxygen, and minor constituents such as carbon dioxide and water vapour.

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Effects of Increasing Greenhouse Gases

The increasing abundance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has both positive and negative effects. Example of positive effect — 1. Carbon dioxide fertilisation effect on plants, etc. Examples of negative effects — 2. G

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Miscellaneous

Important Dates of World History

Important Dates I. ANCIENT WORLD  B.C.   776 First Olympiad in Greece. 753 Rome founded.

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Important Battles & Their Date (490 BC–1945)

Important Battles Name of the Battle Year Countries Involved Battle of Marathon 490 BC Athenians and Persians. King Darius of Persia was defeated

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India’s Environment Policies & Protection

Environment & Indian Constitution Constitutional Provisions The Constitution of India (42nd Amendment Act, 1976) explicitly incorporates environmental protection and improvement. Article 48A The state shall endeav

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