Biodiversity and Ecological Resources
CEC and Govt. Degree College, Eidgah, Srinagar via Swayam
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Overview
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The course “Biodiversity and Ecological resources” would serve a 04 credit Core Course in B.Sc. Environmental Science, under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) of UGC. The course would also be useful as one of the compulsory subject for all students of the undergraduate streams, e.g. arts, science, commerce and other biomedical sciences. The environmental studies course gives an overview towards understanding of basic environment and ecological services. The conservation and management of natural resources besides use and over exploitation is also detailed in the course. The decline in Earth's biological diversity has far more deep implications than other environmental dilemmas, sometimes more commonly acknowledged that will be documented her. The ex- situ and in-situ approaches for protection of earth’s biodiversity are the main conservative tools for protection of earth’s biodiversity and will be established in the course. The enormous variety of natural resources on this planet provides everything for survival of all forms of life including man. Forests and wildlife are essential for ecological balance of an area. The energy is critical directly or indirectly in the entire process of evolution growth and survival of all forms of life. Energy security is therefore important for economic growth and alleviation of poverty and unemployment. The programme will give us detailed information about the concept and strategies of sustainable development for the management of all biological resources including the ecological footprint and carbon sequestration for sustainable development.
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Concept of an ecosystem
Structure and function of an ecosystem
Definition: Genetic, Species and Ecosystem diversity
Producers, Consumers and decomposers
WEEK 2
Energy Flow in the ecosystem
Food Chains, Food webs
Ecological Pyramids
Ecological Succession
WEEK 3
Endangered and endemic species of India
Concept of exotic species
Forest ecosystem
Desert Ecosystem
WEEK 4
Grasses & Grasslands – I
Grasses & Grasslands – II
Grasses & Grasslands -III
Aquatic ecosystems (ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, oceans, estuaries)
WEEK 5
Value of biodiversity: Consumptive use, productive use, social, ethical and aesthetic and option values
Threats to biodiversity: Habitat loss, poaching of wildlife, man-life conflicts
Hotspots of biodiversity – I
Hotspots of biodiversity – II
WEEK 6
In-situ Conservation of biodiversity
Ex-situ Conservation of biodiversity
Biogeographical classification of India
India as a mega diversity nation
WEEK 7
Biodiversity at Global, national and local level
Land Resources
Forest Resources: Use and over exploitation, deforestation
Mineral Resources: Use and exploitation, environmental effects. Cases
WEEK 8
Use and over-utilization of surface and ground water
Floods, drought, conflicts over water resources
Food Resources: World food problems, changes caused by agriculture and overgrazing, effects of modern agriculture, fertilizer-pesticide problems, water logging, salinity, case studies
Sources of Energy
WEEK 9
Energy Resources: Non-Renewable energy sources and use of alternative energy sources
Urban problems related to energy
Growing energy needs, Energy crisis and Renewable energy sources
Concept of water harvesting and water shed management
WEEK 10
Concept of Ecological footprint
Carbon sequestration
Biological diversity act (2002)
National Green Tribunal Act (2010)
WEEK 11
Monitoring and management of biodiversity
Management of mineral resources
Management of fresh water resources
Management of forest resources
WEEK 12
Microbial diversity in soil
Functions of microorganisms in environment
Microorganisms and Human health
Management of microbial resources
Taught by
Dr. Javid A. Parray