UNIT - I Ecosystems : Definition, Scope and Importance of ecosystem. Classification, structure, and function of an ecosystem, Food chains, food webs, and ecological pyramids. Flow of energy, Biogeochemical cycles, Bioaccumulation, Biomagnification, ecosystem value, services and carrying capacity, Field visits. (Chapter - 1) UNIT - II Natural Resources : Classification of Resources : Living and Non-Living resources, water resources : use and over utilization of surface and ground water, floods and droughts, Dams : benefits and problems. Mineral resources : use and exploitation, environmental effects of extracting and using mineral resources, Land resources : Forest resources, Energy resources : growing energy needs, renewable and non renewable energy sources, use of alternate energy source, case studies. (Chapter - 2) UNIT - III Biodiversity and Biotic Resources : Introduction, Definition, genetic, species and ecosystem diversity. Value of biodiversity; consumptive use, productive use, social, ethical, aesthetic and optional values. India as a mega diversity nation, Hot spots of biodiversity. Field visit. Threats to biodiversity : habitat loss, poaching of wildlife, man-wildlife conflicts; conservation of biodiversity : In-Situ and Ex-situ conservation. National Biodiversity act. (Chapter - 3) UNIT - IV Environmental Pollution and Control Technologies : Environmental Pollution : UNIT - V Environmental Policy, Legislation & EIA :
