1. To acquire knowledge of the origin and
To develop a sense of responsibility and concern
which share this planet.
functioning of the natural system and its
correlation with the living world.
To develop an understanding that human beings,
plants and animals are part of a natural
phenomenon and are interdependent.
To appreciate influence of human activity on the
natural processes.
To develop awareness of the need and
responsibility to keep the natural system in a
condition that it sustains life.
To develop sensitivity in personal attitudes to
environmental issues.
To develop a keen civic sense.
To develop a sense of responsibility and concern
for welfare of the environment and all life forms
which share this planet.
To develop a sound basis for further study,
personal development and participation in local
and global environmental concerns.
Understand 'development' to intervene in the
relationships between society and the natural
environment.
To participate in local issues through carefully
monitored projects.
11. To create awareness about the role of local
communities in sustainable growth.
12. To develop an understanding of how local
environments, contribute to the global
environment.
There will be one written paper of two hours duration
carrying 100 marks and Internal Assessment of
100 marks.
The paper will have two Sections:
Section A (Compulsory) will contain short answer
questions covering the entire syllabus.
Section B will consist of questions, which will require
detailed answers. There will be a choice of questions
in this section.
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Our main environmental problems:
(i) Understanding ecosystems- threats and
conservation measures.
Major causes of ecosystem destruction. The
extent of forest cover left in India and the
world today. For instance, India is left with
about 4.6% protected forest cover. The rate of
destruction. Efforts being undertaken to save
the forests. Names of some organisations
which are involved and understanding of
conservation measures. Examples
of
successful cases.
THEORY
1. Introduction
Broad introduction to the current environmental
problems. Magnitude of these problems and
appreciation of the complexity of issues involved.
This is to be done through-
presenting facts and statistics.
inter-linking facts to generate a broad
perspective.
understanding frameworks and systems that
contribute to the problem under study.
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conservation measures.
successful cases.
(ii) Resource depletion.
Examples of
The consequences of major resources being
depleted. Use of local and international
examples. For example, petroleum products
are likely to last only a few more decades.
(iii) Waste generation.
Issues of waste generation and disposal. A few
prominent examples like dumping of nuclear
waste and other hazardous wastes in
developing countries by developed countries.
Basel Convention.
iv) Economic disparities.
The extent of poverty in India and in the world.
The nature of poverty in developed countries
and developing countries - in rural and urban
areas. Consequences and implications with
reference to the lifestyles and aspirations of
communities and society. Developmental
paradigms and the politics of poverty.
(v) Land use.
Changing patterns of land use. Modern
agriculture. Issues related to water.
2. Basic Ecology
To give a clear understanding of ecological
concepts. The learning will be enhanced if live
examples are used with as many outdoor classes
as possible.
(i) Biotic and abiotic components of an
ecosystem.
Classification. Understanding role.
(ii) Food chains, food web and trophic levels.
To understand the use of these tools as a
means of understanding ecosystems.
(iii) Ecological niche, habitat and microhabitat.
The criticality of the role of each species in an
scarystem The difference between habitat
(viii) Extinction of species.
Effects of extinction.
(ix) Introduced species.
The impact of introduced species on
indigenous species and ecosystems
competition, habitat destruction, diseases
etc., e.g. Acacia, Subabul, Lantana.
(x) Endemic species.
Inter-relationship with other organisms,
their evolution, the extreme adaptability to
local environments.
(xi) Keystone species.
Understanding that while all species have a
niche, some species play a more critical role
as they are keystone species, e.g. crocodile,
sharks, fungi.
(xii) Kinds of ecosystems.
Study a range of ecosystems, the life that they
support, their uniqueness, etc.
Suggested Activities/Visits:
·
Visit a surviving ecosystem and do a rapid
assessment.
Study natural communities of your
neighbourhood like bird, insect population etc.
(iv) Succession.
How forests regenerate. Kinds of succession
- primary and secondary.
(v) Ecotypes.
The influence of external factors like climate
and soil (micro habitat) on organisms.
(vi) Flow of energy through an ecosystem.
Sun as the primary source of energy. Linear
flow of energy versus cyclical flow of
nutrients.
(vii) Concept of species.
To understand the sovereignty of species.
The importance of critical minimum size of
species population.
3. Conservation of Ecosystems
(i) Conservation strategies:
•
Species approach including CITES.
Ecosystem approach including formation
of National parks, sanctuaries and
Biosphere reserves.
Wildlife management.
What is the extent of forest cover left in the
world? What are the threats faced by forests?
What are the different kinds of strategies that
are being used to conserve forests? The above
three are broad examples. Students should be
made aware of the scope and limitation of the
above approaches. Study an example of each kind.
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