B.Pharmacy 2nd Semester Environmental Science Unit – 2 notes available in pdf form carewell pharma
Unit-II
Ecosystems
Concept of an ecosystem.
Structure and function of an ecosystem.
Introduction, types, characteristic features, structure and function of
the ecosystems: Forest ecosystem; Grassland ecosystem; Desert
ecosystem; Aquatic ecosystems (ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, oceans,
estuaries)
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🌍 Unit 2: Natural Resources
This unit deals with the different types of natural resources, their importance, uses, and conservation.
🔹 1. Introduction to Natural Resources
Natural resources are materials or substances that occur in nature and are used for economic gain and survival (like water, air, soil, minerals, forests, etc.).
They are broadly classified into:
a) Renewable Resources
- Can be replenished naturally.
- Examples: sunlight, wind, water, forests.
b) Non-renewable Resources
- Limited in quantity and take millions of years to form.
- Examples: coal, petroleum, natural gas, minerals.
🔹 2. Forest Resources
🌳 Importance:
- Provide timber, fuelwood, fodder, fruits.
- Maintain ecological balance.
- Prevent soil erosion.
🚨 Problems:
- Deforestation.
- Overgrazing.
- Mining.
✅ Conservation:
- Reforestation.
- Social forestry.
- Controlled logging.
🔹 3. Water Resources
💧 Uses:
- Drinking, agriculture, industry, domestic use.
🚱 Problems:
- Water scarcity.
- Pollution.
- Over-extraction of groundwater.
✅ Conservation:
- Rainwater harvesting.
- Watershed management.
- Recycling and reuse.
🔹 4. Mineral Resources
🪨 Uses:
- Used in industries (iron, copper, bauxite, etc.).
🚨 Problems:
- Overexploitation.
- Environmental degradation from mining.
✅ Conservation:
- Use of substitutes.
- Recycling.
- Efficient mining techniques.
🔹 5. Food Resources
🍚 Sources:
- Agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry.
🚨 Issues:
- Overpopulation.
- Use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
- Soil degradation.
✅ Solutions:
- Organic farming.
- Sustainable agriculture.
- Integrated pest management.
🔹 6. Energy Resources
🔌 Types:
- Conventional: coal, petroleum, natural gas.
- Non-conventional: solar, wind, tidal, geothermal.
🚨 Problems:
- Pollution from fossil fuels.
- Depletion of reserves.
✅ Conservation:
- Use of renewable energy.
- Energy-efficient technologies.
- Public awareness.
🔹 7. Land Resources
🌾 Importance:
- Agriculture, settlement, industries.
🚨 Problems:
- Soil erosion.
- Land degradation.
- Urbanization.
✅ Conservation:
- Afforestation.
- Land-use planning.
- Soil conservation.