Basics of Ecology & Environment
1.1 Fundamental Concepts
Understanding basic ecological principles, ecological hierarchy (species → population → community → ecosystem → biosphere) and interactions.
1.2 Ecosystems
Types of ecosystems: terrestrial (forests, grasslands, deserts), aquatic (freshwater, marine), and man-made ecosystems.
Food chains, food webs, trophic levels, ecological pyramids, and flow of energy (10% law).
1.3 Biogeochemical Cycles
Key cycles: Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulphur & Water cycles.
Human-induced alterations: deforestation, pollution, emissions, eutrophication.
1.4 Population Ecology
Characteristics of populations—size, density, natality, mortality, age distribution.
Species interactions: predation, mutualism, commensalism, competition, parasitism.
Biodiversity & Conservation
2.1 Types & Threats
Genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity; importance for ecological stability.
Threats: habitat fragmentation, poaching, climate change, invasive species.
2.2 Red List & Hotspots
IUCN categories: Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered.
Biodiversity hotspots (e.g., Western Ghats, Himalayas).
2.3 Conservation Methods
In-situ: National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves, Tiger Reserves.
Ex-situ: Zoos, Botanical Gardens, Seed Banks, Cryopreservation.
2.4 Indian Projects & Initiatives
Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Project Snow Leopard, Project Crocodile.
2.5 Coastal & Marine Ecosystems
Coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, wetlands, estuaries—significance & threats.
Climate Change & Global Environmental Issues
3.1 Causes & Impacts
Greenhouse gases, global warming, climate change, ozone depletion, acid rain.
Impact on agriculture, water resources, sea levels, human health.
3.2 Mitigation & Adaptation
Renewable energy, afforestation, carbon sequestration, green infrastructure.
3.3 International Agreements
UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, IPCC Assessment Reports.
3.4 Sectoral Impact
Effect on biodiversity, food security, weather patterns, and hydrological cycles.
Environmental Pollution & Degradation
4.1 Types of Pollution
Air, water, soil, noise, radioactive, marine, plastic & e-waste pollution.
4.2 Environmental Issues
Acid rain, smog, eutrophication, biomagnification, urban heat islands.
4.3 Waste Management
Solid Waste Management Rules, Plastic Waste Management Rules, E-Waste Rules.
4.4 Environmental Degradation
Deforestation, desertification, land degradation, soil erosion.
Environmental Governance, Laws & Policies
5.1 Major Environmental Acts
Wildlife Protection Act (1972), Forest Conservation Act (1980), Environment Protection Act (1986), Air Act (1981), Water Act (1974).
National Green Tribunal (NGT) – powers & functions.
5.2 National Programs
National Forest Policy, National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), Swachh Bharat Mission.
5.3 Environmental Impact Assessment
Significance, process, public hearings, Environmental Clearance (EC).
5.4 Key Organizations
MoEFCC, CPCB, SPCBs, UNEP, WWF, IPCC.
Miscellaneous Environmental Issues
6.1 Sustainable Development & SDGs
Principles of sustainability, Agenda 2030, 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
6.2 Current Affairs Integration
Latest environmental reports (SO2, Emission Gap Report, State of Forest Report).
New species discoveries, climate summits, COP outcomes, conservation efforts.