Indian Civil Services Hub: Ecology and Environment - Index Page

Ecology and Environment - Index Page

🍃 Ecology and Environment – UPSC Mains Index

Foundations of Ecology and Environment

Concept and scope of Ecology
Difference between Ecology and Environment
Historical development of Ecological thought
Laws of Ecology (Barry Commoner’s principles)
Components of Environment
Structure and types of Ecosystem
Significance of studying Ecosystems

Principles and Organization of Ecology

Levels of Ecological Organization
Concept of Habitat and Ecological Niche
Adaptation in organisms – morphological, physiological, behavioral
Speciation and Extinction
Ecotone and Edge Effect
Ecological Succession: Stages and Examples
Pioneer and Climax Communities

Biological Diversity – Concept and Distribution

Definition and types of Biodiversity
Levels of Biodiversity in India
India’s Biogeographic Classification
Major Biogeographic Zones of India
Biodiversity Situation and Richness in India
Measuring Biodiversity: Indices and Methods
Importance and Economic Value of Biodiversity

Threats and Conservation of Biodiversity

Major threats to Biodiversity
Biodiversity Hotspots and Criteria
Biodiversity Hotspots in India
Carbon Sequestration and Climate Linkages
In-situ and Ex-situ Conservation
National Biodiversity Conservation Efforts
International Initiatives and Agreements

Structure and Functioning of Ecosystems

Concept and Structure of Ecosystem
Biotic and Abiotic Components
Species Interactions – Predation, Parasitism, Mutualism
Functions of Ecosystem
Energy Flow Models – Single-channel & Y-shaped
Food Chains and Food Webs
Ecological Pyramids and Homeostasis

Types and Classification of Ecosystems

Classification of Ecosystems – Natural & Artificial
Terrestrial Ecosystems Overview
Forest Ecosystems of India
Grassland and Desert Ecosystems
Major Global Biomes
Aquatic Ecosystems – Freshwater & Marine
Mangroves, Estuaries, Coral Reefs – India’s Status

Wetlands and Coastal Ecosystems

Concept and Importance of Wetlands
Classification of Wetlands in India
Status and Conservation of Indian Wetlands
Mangrove Ecosystems – Structure and Services
Estuaries and Delta Ecosystems
Coral Reef Ecosystems – Threats and Conservation
Ramsar Sites and India’s Wetland Protection Efforts

Environmental Pollution – Concepts and Types

Definition of Pollution and Pollutants
Classification and Sources of Pollutants
Air Pollution – Causes, Impacts, and Control
Indoor Air Pollution – Health Implications
Water Pollution and Wastewater Treatment
Noise and Thermal Pollution
Soil Pollution and Radiation Hazards

Environmental Degradation and Management

Concept of Environmental Degradation
Bioremediation Techniques
Polluter Pays Principle and Precautionary Approach
Waste Management Rules in India
Industrial and Urban Pollution Challenges
Role of Technology in Pollution Control
Case Studies – Ganga Rejuvenation, Namami Gange

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Concept and Objectives of EIA
Components and Stages of EIA
Rapid and Comprehensive EIA
Legal and Institutional Framework
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
Draft EIA Notification 2020 – Key Provisions
Case Studies and Best Practices

Climate Change – Science and Evidence

Definition and Drivers of Climate Change
Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming
Acid Rain and Ozone Depletion
Urban Heat Islands and Marine Heat Waves
Sea Level Rise and Extreme Events
Impacts on India – Agriculture, Health, Coasts
India’s Initiatives and Global Climate Policies

Environmental Legislations in India

Indian Forest Act (1927) & Forest Conservation Act (1980)
Wildlife Protection Act (1972)
Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act (1974)
Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act (1981)
Environment (Protection) Act (1986)
Biological Diversity Act (2002)
National Green Tribunal Act (2010)

International Conventions on Environment

UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED, 1992)
UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
CITES and Ramsar Convention
Basel, Stockholm, Rotterdam & Minamata Conventions
Convention on the Ozone Layer Protection (Montreal Protocol)
Role of India in International Environmental Diplomacy

Institutions and Organisations for Environmental Protection

MoEFCC and its Divisions
Central Pollution Control Board & State Boards
ZSI, BSI, WII, FSI, NTCA, NBA
National Green Tribunal & Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
NGOs – BNHS, CSE, TERI, Delhi Greens
International Institutions – UNEP, IPCC, WWF, IUCN, GEF
Emerging Global Networks – Arctic Council, TRAFFIC

Sustainable Development and Environmental Movements in India

Concept and Objectives of Sustainable Development
2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
India’s Efforts towards the SDGs
Sustainable Infrastructure and Practices
Major Environmental Issues – Deforestation, Desertification, Waste
Environmental Movements – Bishnoi, Chipko, Appiko, Silent Valley, NBA
People’s Movements in Environmental Governance

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