WHAT ARE THE REASON BEHIND THE DEPLETION OF OZONE LAYER?

• The earth's atmosphere is composed of several layers. The ozone layer is concentrated in stratosphere layer. Ozone is a molecule that contains the three oxygen atoms. The ozone layer in the stratosphere absorbs a portion of the radiation from the sun. Most importantly the main function of the ozone layer is that it absorbs the harmful ultraviolet rays coming from the sun and protects the human being and other living organisms from its harmful effects.
• The basic causes of ozone layer depletion are given below:

1. Emission of toxic gases by automobile and industries. The toxic gases and pollutants emitted from different sources which are described below.

• Industries --- 30% SPM, 15% SO2, 4% NOx, 7% CO.
• Coal combustion --- 30% SPM, 80% SO2, 48% NOx, 20% CO.
• Solid waste --- 20% SPM, 0% SO2, 0% NOx, 7% CO.
• Transportation --- 7% SPM, 20% SO2, 7% NOx, 66% CO.

Where,   SPM = Suspended particulate matters

               SO2  = Sulphur dioxide

               NOx  = Nitrogen dioxide

               CO  = Carbon monoxide

• Human activities threaten the ozone layer by main two principals.

A. The use of a class of chemical compounds called chlorofluorocarbons.

B. Jet travel through the stratosphere.

2. Chlorofluorocarbon is used in airplanes and aircrafts. CFCs are group of synthetic chemicals developed in 1930. More than 3/4 of the world's production comes from united states. Prior to CFCs ammonia and sulphur dioxide were used as the refrigerants. Supersonic jet and jumbo jets flying in the troposhere exhaust smokes that floats like thin air clouds. The CFCs is such clouds react with sunlight to from smog. This raises the temperature of the atmosphere and make ozone layer thin.

3. Deforestation which means cutting trees, plants causes the depletion of ozone layer. Cutting forest lead to reduction in the supply of O2. Availability of oxygen is very important for maintaining ozone level.

HOW SEASON CHANGE?

• A season is a division of the year, Identify by changes in weather, ecology and hours of daylight. Seasons result from the yearly orbit of the earth around the sun and tilt of the earth's rotational axis.
• The earth's axis of rotation is tilted. The earth resolved around the sun, making a complete revolution in one year.
• During the summer days, The northern hemisphere of earth gets direct sunlight from the sun. The sun's rays hit surface of the earth more directly causing warmer temperature.
• During the winter, The earth is on the other side of the sun and the northern hemisphere gets less direct sunlight causing cooler temperature.
• For this reasons, The seasons in southern hemisphere are reversed. Another interesting fact is that the earth is actually far away from sun during summer than winter.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DEFORESTATION AND AFFORESTATION?

DEFORESTATION :

1. It refers to the cutting of trees for the self-benefit of human being.
2. It is extremely harmful for entire environment.
3. It is a highly undesirable and converts a greenery in to desert.
4. It leads to increase in carbon dioxide which further increases the green house effect and global warming.

AFFORESTATION :

1. It refers to the planting of trees to refine the quality of atmosphere.
2. It is very essential for living organisms to survive easily.
3. It is highly desirable and converts the desert land into greenery.
4. It leads to enhance the quantity of oxygen which further regulates the ecological balance.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY CLIMATE CHANGE AND WHAT IS CONSEQUENCES OF IT?

• Climate change means change of global temperature, variation in season timing of areas etc. Climate change refers to seasonal change over a long period with respect to growing accumulation of green house gases in atmosphere.

• Consequences of climate change are given below

1. Increase in the average temperature to 2°c by 2030 and 4°c by 2090.
2. Change in weather pattern.
3. Increased flood and drought occurrence.
4. Deletion of species increases. Ex. coral.
5. More Eco-imbalance disturbance.
6. Increased pest and disease occurrence.
7. Decreased in land availability.
8. Decreased in crop productivity.
9. Lands covert in desserts.
10. Increased the level of oceans.

WHAT IS ATMOSPHERE?

• The air envelope that surrounds the earth is called the atmosphere. There are four major elements such as land, water, air and living organisms of environment. Among these four elements, the atmosphere is the most dynamic because it frequently changes period of few hours. The atmosphere is held on the earth by the force of gravity.
• The atmosphere is important to made life on earth, which is described below.

1. It provides protection against harmful rays of sun.
2. It saves earth from cosmic rays.
3. The atmosphere acts like a blanket or glass house of earth. It receives the radiation of sun but does not allow all the radiations to go outside from the atmosphere to keep earth warm for survival of organisms.
4. The atmosphere reduces the extremes of temperature between the day and the nights.

Composition of atmosphere :

• The atmosphere is a mixture of many type of gases. It consists about 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen, 3% argon and 0.98% carbon dioxide, Hydrogen and other gases. The lower layer of the atmosphere contains water vapour. This layer added from the oceans, rivers, lakes and other water bodies present at earth.
• The atmosphere contains different layers which are given below.

1. Troposhere

2. Stratosphere

3. Mesosphere

4. Thermosphere

5. Exosphere

1. Troposhere :

The lowest layer of the structure of atmosphere is called troposhere. The upper limit of the troposhere is called tropopause. We are the part of this layer where we can live and survive. It contains most of our weather like clouds, rain, snow etc. The troposhere layer is more dense and extended up to 18 kms from surface of the earth. In this layer, the temperature of air decreases with height at an average rate of 1 degree C for 165 meters.

2. Stratosphere :

The layer above the tropopause limit is known as stratosphere. The thickness of stratosphere is about 40 to 50 kms. In this layer the temperature remains constant and then decreases with the height. This layer is free from clouds. The condition in this layer are ideal for flying of jets aircrafts and airplanes because it is very stable atmosphere layer. An ozone is also present in this layer which is absorb the harmful ultraviolet rays comes from the sun.

3. Mesosphere :

The layer above the stratosphere is known as mesosphere. It is a 30 KM thick layer. Here the temperature again decreases with height. It is the coldest place on earth and has an average temperature around -85 C. Just below the mesopause. 

4. Thermosphere :

This is the fourth layer and the second highest layer of earth's atmosphere. It extends from the mesopause and thickness of this layer is about 600 kms. Its lower part is called ionosphere. It contains irons. These particle reflects radio wave to the earth's surface and enable wireless communication.

5. Exosphere :

This is the fifth layer and the uppermost layer which is mostly covered by hydrogen and carbon dioxide. It extends from the thermosphere and thickness of these layer is about 600 kms.

RELATION BETWEEN LIFE AND BIOSPHERE CYCLE.

• We live in a biological ecosystem that shows a constant flow of organisms activities. There are exchange of nutrients which are basically a transfer of energy to one organism to other.
• Nutrients ultimately are chemical compounds and there are natural circulating system in the environment where living matter also be lived. Nutrients are never lost from an ecosystem. Recycling of these nutrients are at very large scale by living or non living matters. This recycling of nutrients through different components in ecosystem is called the bio-geochemical cycle.
• Here, the chemical elements are always recycled whereas heat is produce and extract. Energy flows but the matter is always recycled. To get a better idea of this, see the movement of water, which is a chemical compound. It moves between different living and non-living forms in various places in the biosphere.

WHAT IS BIOMAGNIFICATION OR BIOAMPLIFICATION?

BIOMAGNIFICATION / BIOAMPLIFICATION

Biomagnification is the increasing concentration of substance, such as a chemical toxins in the tissues of tolerate organisms at successively higher levels in a food chain. It is also called bio-accumulation.

Causes of bio-magnification :

1.  Agricultural products - (Pesticides, fertilizers).
2. Organic contaminants.
3. Plastic pollution.
4. Toxic gases and air pollution.
5. Mining activities in ocean.

Effects of bio-magnification :

1.  Human health will be decrease.
2.  Life of aquatic animal will be disturb.
3.  Food chain will be disrupt.
4.  Life of birds will be uneven.

WHAT IS ECOLOGICAL PYRAMID?

ECOLOGICAL PYRAMID

• Ecological pyramid is the diagrammatic representation of data of each trophic level in an ecosystem.
• Ecological pyramid has three types which are given below:

1.  Pyramid of number
2.  Pyramid of biomass
3.  Pyramid of energy flow

1. Pyramid of number :

If we place one by one producer, Primary consumer, Secondary consumer and territory on the basis f their number in pyramid. So it is called pyramid of numbers.

2.Pyramid of biomass :

If we place one by one organisms on the basis of their biomass in the pyramid for a particular area is called pyramid of biomass.

3. Pyramid of energy flow :

If we consider energy utilize by every trophic level in an ecosystem in a unit area and arrange them in a pyramid from basis of energy utilization is called pyramid of energy flow.

WHAT IS FOOD WEB?

FOOD WEB

• Food web can be defined as a network of food chains which are interconnected at various tropic level, So as to form a number of feeding connections among different organisms of a biotic community. It is also known as consumer resource system.

• Different types of food webs.

1. Soil food web.

2. Aquatic food web.

3. Food web in forest.

4. Food web in grassland.

• Schematic representation of food web in grassland is given below.

• Food webs are constructed to describe species interactions (direct relationships).
• The fundamental purpose of food webs is to describe the  feeding relationship among species in a community. Food webs can be constructed to describe the species interactions. All species in the food webs can be distinguished into basal species (autotrophs, such as grass), intermediate species (herbivores and intermediate level carnivores, such as mouse and snake) or top predators (high level carnivores such as Hawk).

WHAT IS FOOD CHAIN?

FOOD CHAIN :

• Autotrophs (green plants) convert solar energy into chemical energy and stored in food material at the time of photosynthesis process. The autotrophs produces the food so they are called producers. The transfer of food from producer to other organisms, made in linear flow. This chain is known as food chain.

• Major characteristics of food chain :

1. All plants (producer) lie at the base (Origin) of each food chain.
2. Each layer of food chain is called the trophic level (Nutrient level).
3. Usually as food chain continuous the size increases and number decreases.
4. The flow energy through the food chain is unidirectional but that of nutrients are cyclic in nature.
5. Existence of single food chain in an ecosystem is not possible. Numbers of food chains are connected together to form a complex web like a structure called the food web.

Classification of food chain :

1. Predator food chain

2. Parasitic food chain

3. Saprophytic food chain

1. Predator food chain :

This type of food chain is starts from producers and ends to higher level consumers called predators. In every trophic level size of organisms increases while their numbers decreases.

Following is the example of this kind of food chain.

    Plant  (Producer)

             |

Grasshopper (Primary consumer)

             |

Toad (Secondary consumer)

             |

        Snake

             |

         Hawk and so on.

2. Parasitic Food chain :

This type of food chain starts from higher level host and ends to parasite animals. In this chain size of organisms decreases and number of them are increases as well as.

Following is the example of this kind of food chain.

Man -------------- Warm ------------ Protozoa

3. Saprophytic food chain :

This type of food chain starts from the dead organisms and ends to bacteria (Decomposer).

Following is an example of this kind of food chain.

Dead plants / Animals -------- Fungi ------- Bacteria

TYPES OF ECOSYSTEM

TYPES OF ECOSYSTEM ARE GIVEN BELOW :


1. Forest ecosystem
2. Grassland ecosystem
3. Dessert ecosystem
4. Tundra ecosystem
5. Marine ecosystem
6. Fresh water ecosystem

1. Forest ecosystem :

• Forest occupies nearly 40% of the total land. The forests can be of several types depending upon the climate of the region that is tropical rain forest, deciduous forest, temperature evergreen forest etc. 

Abiotic components of forest ecosystem :

• The abiotic components are both organic and inorganic compounds. Inorganic components are water, carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, calcium, amino acids, protein, carbohydrates and fat etc. Organic components are light, temperature, humidity, rain fall etc.

Biotic components of forest ecosystem :

• Producers : Producers are mainly tree, shrub, herbs and grasses. The trees are different types depending upon the climate.
• Consumers : Consumers are majorly dependents on producers. They are classified in following types :

1. Primary consumers : They are herbivore animals like deer, goat, camel, bison, elephant etc. They consume trees, grass, leaves, fruits etc.
2. Secondary consumers : They are Carnivore animals like snakes, hawks, lizards etc.
3. Tertiary consumers : They are top carnivore animals like lion, tiger, fox etc. They are also called predators.

• Decomposer : This ecosystem, a wide variety of micro organisms including different species of fungi are decomposer.

2. Fresh water ecosystem :

• On the basis of water depth and types of plants and animals, there are three different zones in pond.

1. Littoral zone :This zone is a shallow water region which is occupied by rooted plants.
2. Limnetic Zone : This zone ranges from the shallow to the depth of effective light penetration and associated organisms are green and blue green algae.
3. Profundal zone : This zone is the deep water parts where no effective lights penetrates. In this zone, Whole environment is in dark.

• Abiotic components of marine ecosystem are water, light, dissolved O2, CO2, etc.
• Biotic components of marine ecosystem are fish, whales, sharks, dolphins, plants, jellyfish, plankton, coral etc.
• Consumers : 

1. Primary consumers : Small fishes and snails.
2. Secondary consumers : Frog, fishes and snakes.
3. Decomposers : Fungi, bacteria etc.

LIST OF ENVIRONMENTAL DATES

LIST OF ENVIRONMENTAL DATES

World consumer right day                                 - 15 March

World forest day                                                - 21 March

World water day                                                - 22 March

World resource day                                           - 23 March

Solar Appreciation Day                         - 2nd Friday of march

World atmosphere day                                      - 10 April

Earth day                                                           - 22 April

Endangered Species Day                       - 3rd Friday of May

World migratory bird day                                   - 8 May

World biodiversity day                                       - 22 May

World environment day                                     - 5 June

World ocean day                                               - 8 June

Van mahotasav saptah                                      - 1-7 July

World population day                                         - 11 July

World nature conservation day                          - 28 July

Wildlife week                                                - 2 to 8 Octomber

World nature day                                               - 3 Octomber

World birds day                                                - 12 November

World wildlife day                                              - 6 Octomber

World energy conservation day                        - 14 November

Bhopal tragedy day                                           - 2 December

World health day                                               - 7 April

World heritage day                                            - 18 April

Anti-tobbaco day                                                - 31 May

International day for the preservation             - 16 September

of ozone layer

World soil day                                                  - 5 December

International mountain day                              - 11 December

WHAT IS ECOLOGICAL BALANCE AND ECOLOGICAL IMBALANCE.

Ecological Balance : 

• Ecological balance is a term used to describe the equilibrium between living organisms such as human being, plants and animals as well as their environment. Human being plays a key role to maintain ecological balance because they have the highest thinking capacity as compared to other living organisms.

Importance of ecological balance :

• Ecological balance is very important because it ensures survival, existence and stability of the environment. Some points are given below to aware from the importance of ecological balance.

1. Its balance ensures the stability of the organisms and environment.
2. It creates a conducive environment for organisms multiplication and thriving.
3. It enhances a stable environment that is free from ecological imbalances such as flood, hunger caused by drought, windstorm that may wipe out everything and over hunting of the predators.

Ecological imbalance :

• Ecological imbalance is a term used when a natural or human caused disturbance disrupt a natural balanced of an ecosystem.
• Examples of natural disturbances are volcanic eruption, flood, earthquake etc.
• Examples of human caused disturbances are deforestation, mining, air pollution, soil pollution, noise pollution, water pollution and chemical pollution etc.

Causes of Eco-imbalance :

1. Deforestation and desertification.
2. Industrial Effluents mix up in water.
3. Burning of agriculture waste.
4. Rapidly used of automobiles and more transportation.
5. Emission of CO2 in atmosphere through coal combustion.
6. Emission of dust from rocks due to explosion and mining.
7. Population and gulf war.

Steps to prevent Ecological imbalance :

• Some important strategies, Plans and programmes for reducing the ecological imbalance in the ecosystem are given below.

1. Stop deforestation and grow trees.
2. Adopt appropriate management of industrial effluents.
3. Control pollution spreading through various factors.
4. Efficient use of natural resources.
5. Replace transportation techniques.

BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES

• Bio geochemical cycles refer to the flow of such chemical elements and compounds between organisms and physical environment. Chemicals taken in by organisms are passed through the food chain and come back to the soil, air and water through mechanisms such as respiration, excretion and decomposition.
• Such cyclic exchange of material between the living organisms and their non-living environment is called bio geochemical cycle.
• The bio geochemical cycles can be divided into two types, the gaseous bio geochemical cycle and sedimentary bio geochemical cycle.

1. Gaseous bio geochemical cycle: In the gaseous cycle, the main source of nutrients are atmosphere and water bodies evaporation. It consists various cycles like carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, oxygen cycle etc. The gaseous cycle is more rapidly circulated than the sedimentary cycle due to large atmospheric reservoir.
2. Sedimentary cycle : In this cycle, the main source of nutrients are soil and rocks of the earth crust. It consists various cycles like sulphur cycle, calcium cycle, iron cycle etc. 

• Following are some important bio geochemical gaseous cycles :

1. Carbon cycle
2. Nitrogen cycle
3. Water cycle
4. Oxygen cycle
5. phosphorus cycle
6. Sulphur cycle

1. Carbon cycle :

• It will be divided in two components which are given below:

1. Terrestrial carbon cycle
2. Aquatic carbon cycle.

1. Terrestrial carbon cycle:

• The terrestrial carbon cycle is concerned with the movement of carbon on land.
• All living things are consume carbon which is present in an organic matter.
• We can see a pictorial description of a carbon cycle above.
• We largely used fossil fuels in various area for different purposes. This combustion of fossil fuels highly spread CO2 in our atmosphere. This CO2 consumes by the plants through the respiration activity. They uses CO2 to produce energy or food. So they are the producers and animal who take the energy from plants by consume it are known as consumers. Consumers releases CO2  in atmosphere by respiration activity. So it make a carbon cycle among them.
• After the death of consumers and producers their decay body is decomposed by the bacterias and they are release CO2 in atmosphere. Some part of their decay body is converted into fuel also.
• This is called terrestrial carbon cycle.

2. Aquatic carbon cycle:

• The aquatic carbon cycle is concerned with the movement of carbon in marine system.

2. Nitrogen cycle :

• The chief reservoir in atmosphere is nitrogen .It is present in atmosphere of 78%. This is also present in the bodies of living organisms and in soil. However free nitrogen can not be directly utilized by the organisms.
• Above figure shows the detail of nitrogen cycle operating in the ecosystem.The nitrogen cycle accomplish in four steps which are given below:

       1. Nitrogen fixation

       2. Ammonification

       3. Nitrification

       4. De-nitrification

• Lightning and some nitrogen fixing bacteria trapped the atmospheric nitrogen and oxidized to nitrate. This step is known as the nitrogen fixation.
• The nitrate is formed and taken up by the animals and plants. After the death of both animals and plants, Thier bodies would decay and their waste would decompose by the bacteria and convert it into ammonia. This process is known as ammonification.
• These ammonium salts are converted into nitrite. This process is known as nitrification.
• After the nitrification, Nitrite returns to the nitrate. This process is known as de-nitrification.
• In this way, the whole cycle becomes completed. This cycle is known as the nitrogen cycle.

3. Water cycle :

• The water cycle is also known as hydrological cycle.
• It refers to the continuous circulation of water within the Earth’s hydrosphere. Water moves into and from the various reservoirs on, over, and under the surface of the Earth, and in the process transforms into its various phases of solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (vapor), with the total mass of water remaining fairly constant. 
• The physical processes of evaporation, condensation, sublimation, precipitation, transpiration, and runoff are responsible for sustaining the water cycle. 
• Heat energy is also exchanged during the cycle, with this store and release of heat affecting climates worldwide. 
• The water cycle is highly crucial to maintaining life on Earth, as it replenishes the world’s freshwater resources and moderates extremes in climate.

4. Oxygen cycle :

• Oxygen cycle, along with the carbon cycle and nitrogen cycle plays an important role in the existence of organis on the earth. 
• The oxygen cycle is a biological process which helps in maintaining the oxygen level by moving through three main spheres of the earth which are:

1. Atmosphere
2. Lithosphere
3. Biosphere.

• This bio geochemical cycle explains the movement of oxygen gas within the atmosphere, the ecosystem, biosphere and the lithosphere. The oxygen cycle is interconnected with the carbon cycle.
  The atmosphere is the layer of gases presents above the earth’s surface. The sum of all Earth’s ecosystem makes a biosphere. Lithosphere, which is the solid outer section along with the Earth’s crust and it is the largest reservoir of oxygen.

  Stages of the Oxygen Cycle

  The steps involved in the oxygen cycle are:

  Stage-1: All green plants during the process of photosynthesis, release oxygen back into the atmosphere as a by-product.

  Stage-2: All aerobic organisms use free oxygen for respiration.

  Stage-3: Animals exhale Carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere which is again used by the plants during photosynthesis. Now oxygen is balanced within the atmosphere.

5. Phosphorus cycle :

• Above figure shows the complete phosphorus cycle operating in the ecosystem.
• Many rocks contains phosphorus usually in the form of phosphate which is released in atmosphere by various weathering process. This phosphate are consume by the plants, who are called producers. 
• After that some animals consume plants for energy. This food chain transfers phosphate among living organisms.
• When these animals and plants are died their decay body and waste are decompose by bacteria which are known as decomposer and eventually phosphorus are back in form of phosphate salt to the land. This cycle is called phosphorous cycle.
• Phosphorous is essential for the growth of animals, bones and teeth.

6. Sulphur cycle : 

• Above figure shows the complete cycle of sulphur cycle in ecosystem.
• Plants and animals are depended on continuous supply of sulphur and its compound for synthesis of some amino acids and protine.
• In the sulphur cycle, The sulphur comes into contact with air and converted into sulphate. The sulphate is taken up by plants and microorganisms. Which is in organic form. Then animals consume the plants and food chains transfers sulphur in  living organisms.
• When this organisms died, their body will be decompose by bacteria. This decomposing of their decay bodies release sulphur in atmosphere and rest part of their body are mixed up in soil.
• This cycle is known as sulphur cycle.

ENERGY FLOW IN ECOSYSTEM

• Energy moves life. The cycle of energy is based on the flow of energy through different trophic levels in an ecosystem.
• Our ecosystem is maintained by the cycling energy and nutrients obtained from different external sources.
• At first trophic level, Primary producers use solar energy to produce organic material through photosynthesis.

• The herbivores at the second trophic level use the plants as food which gives them energy. A large part of energy is used up for their body functioning.
• The carnivores at the third trophic level feed on the herbivores and getting energy for their substance and growth. If the large predetors are present, They represent still higher trophic level as they feed on carnivores and get energy from them.
• Thus different plants and animal species are linked to each other through food chains.
• Decomposers which include bacteria, fungi, molds, worms and insects break down waste and dead organisms and return the nutrients to the soil, which is then taken up by the producers. Energy is not recycled during decomposition, but it is released.

CLASSIFICATION OF ABIOTIC AND BIOTIC COMPONENTS.

• The abiotic components are classified as below :

1. Inorganic substance [C, N, CO2, H2O]
2. Organic substance [Carbohydrate, Protein etc.]
3. Climate conditions [Temperature, Wind, Light, Rainfall, Humidity]
4. Nutrients [Based on land's fertility]

• The biotic components are classified as below :

1. Producers : Producers are autotrophic organism generally green plants, grass, trees, herbs etc who manufacture foods with the help of abiotic components.

2. Consumers : Consumers are relatively big heterotrophic organism, largely animals which consume foods manufacture by the producers.

3. Decomposers : Decomposers are usually microscopic organisms like bacteria and fungi, which break down and decompose the complex substance of dead organisms, absorb the decomposed products and release the inorganic nutrients for the reuse by the producers.

WHAT IS ECOSYSTEM? TYPES OF ECOSYSTEM.

ECOSYSTEM

Ecosystem is a basic functional unit in ecology. It includes all the living organisms and all their inter-relationship in a particular unit of space and physical environment.

There are two types of ecosystem :

1. Natural ecosystem

2. Artificial ecosystem

1. Natural ecosystem :A natural ecosystem is the result of interactions between organisms and the environment. For example, an ocean is classified as a marine ecosystem, which consists of algae, consumers and decomposers. A cycle occurs in this type of ecosystem that begins with algae converting energy via photosynthesis. After consumers feed on the algae, energy is transferred between the organisms. Once consumers die in this system, decomposers turn them into organic matter. This process occurs naturally over a period of time.

It has two components namely, (i) Terrestrial ecosystem and (ii) Acquantic ecosystem

(i) Terrestrial ecosystem :

• It is a land based ecosystem.
• It includes Forest ecosystem, Grassland ecosystem, Desert ecosystem and Tundra ecosystem.
• This ecosystem can be found anywhere apart from heavily saturated places.
• This ecosystem can be shown upon small area of earth. So it is small in compare to acquantic ecosystem.
• The availability of lights in this ecosystem is vast.

(ii)  Acquantic ecosystem :

• It is a water based ecosystem.
• It includes Marie ecosystem and Fresh water ecosystem. Again Fresh water ecosystem includes Lotic (Running water) ecosystem and Lentic (standing water) ecosystem.
• This ecosystem can be found in a body of water.
• This ecosystem can be shown upon large area of each. So it is large compare to terrestrial ecosystem.
• The availability of light is little.

2. Artificial ecosystem :

An artificial ecosystem is not self-sustaining, and the ecosystem would perish without human assistance. For example, a farm is an artificial ecosystem that consists of plants and species outside their natural habitat. Without humans, this ecosystem could not sustain itself. The plants and animals need the help of humans to eat and survive. Another major difference between a natural ecosystem and artificial ecosystems is diversity. Natural ecosystems contain more natural factors and organisms. The relationships between organisms, each other and the environment in this ecosystem are more complex than that of artificial ecosystems.

OBJECTIVES AND IMPORTANCE OF ECOLOGY.

Objectives of ecology :

1. The local and geographical distribution and abundance of organism in it.
2. Temporal changes in the occurrence, abundance and activities of organisms.
3. The inter-relationship between organisms in population and community.
4. The structural adaptations and functional adjustments of organisms to their physical environment.
5. The behaviour of organisms under natural conditions.
6. The evolutionary development of all these inter-relations.
7. The biological productivity of nature and its relation with man kind.
8. The conservation of natural resources and management of pollution and waste.

Importance of ecology :

• The study of ecology is important because through it people understand the impact of their actions on the environment.
• Here are some reasons given below.

1.  It helps in environment conservation.
2. It ensures proper resource allocation.
3. It enhances the energy conservation.
4. It promotes eco-friendliness.
5. It aids in disease and pest control.
6. It helps to protect biodiversity.
7. To sustain species on land, air and marine.
8. It maintains eco-balance.

TERMS RELATED WITH THE ECOLOGY.

In recent time, ecology can be subdivided into followings :

1. Paleoecology
It is the study of environment conditions and life of the past ages.

2. Habitat ecology
It is the study of animals and plants in different habitats. According to habitat, it can be further divided into marine ecology, terrestrial ecology, forest ecology and dessert ecology.

3. Human ecology
It deals with the effects of human activities on the environment.

4. Evolutionary ecology
It deals with evolutionary problems like speciation and segregation.

5. Gynaecology
Relationship of environment with genetic variability are considered in gynaecology.

6. Pedology
It deals with the study of soil and refers to its nature like acidity, alkalinity, mineral contents and soil types.

7. System ecology
When he structure and function of an ecosystem is analyzed using applied mathematics, statics or computer, It is called system ecology.

8. Ethology
It is a study of the animal behaviour under natural conditions.

9. Ecosystem dynamics
It deals with the ecological study of the process of soil formation, energy flow, productivity etc.

WHAT IS ECOLOGY?

ECOLOGY

• Ecology is a science of interactions among organisms and their environment. The study include interactions of organism that involves biotic (means living) and abiotic (means nonliving) components of their environment.
• An interaction among organisms may be by individual, by population, by communities.
• Ecology can be divided into two categories :

1. Auto ecology
2. Synecology

• Auto ecology : It is a study of individuals organism or individual species. It is also known as population ecology.
• Synecology is the study of group of organisms of different species in a form of community.

Auto ecology	Synecology
It is also called as a population ecology.	It is also called as a community ecology.
The study is at the level of individual or an entire species.	It is a study of the highest level of biological organization which includes many species interacting with each other and also environment.
It is comparatively simple, experimental and inductive.	It is philosophical, complex and deductive.