(SEM III) THEORY EXAMINATION 2017-18 Environment & Ecology

This document contains the complete B.Tech (Semester III) Theory Examination 2017–18 question paper for the subject Environment & Ecology (RAS-302). The paper is spread across two printed pages, carries 70 marks, and evaluates a student’s conceptual knowledge and understanding of environmental science, ecological systems, pollution, natural resources, and sustainability.

Section A – Short Conceptual Questions (14 Marks)

Section A presents seven brief questions, each designed to test foundational environmental concepts. Students must define or explain topics such as:

Environment, fluorosis, and soil erosion

Major natural sources of water

Pollutants and their classifications

Concept of a food web

Identification of ecological pyramids that cannot be inverted

This section checks basic awareness of environmental terms and ecological relationships.

Section B – Descriptive Environmental Questions (21 Marks)

Students are required to attempt any three questions, which involve explanation, comparison, and detailed understanding:

Water-related diseases, including water-borne and water-induced diseases

Meaning and causes of deforestation

Ecosystem structure, components, and energy flow

Overview of non-conventional energy resources, with detailed discussion on solar energy

The greenhouse effect, greenhouse gases, and their link to global warming

This section evaluates deeper environmental knowledge and analytical thinking.

Section C – Long, Analytical Questions (35 Marks)

Section C contains five groups, each requiring students to attempt one part. Questions require elaboration, impact analysis, and understanding of environmental applications:

1. Pollution & Its Control

Definition, causes, effects, and remedies of air pollution

Causes, effects, and control of water pollution

2. Environmental Laws & Sustainable Development

Why the Environmental Protection Act (1986) is known as an Umbrella Act

Meaning, elements, and goal of sustainable development

3. Environmental Protection Tools

Contribution of NGOs towards environmental conservation

Concept and segments of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

4. Biogeochemical Cycles & Human Influence

Detailed explanation of the carbon cycle and nitrogen cycle

Environmental impacts of transportation and agriculture

5. Future Energy & Education

Electromagnetic radiation and hydrogen as alternative fuel for the future

Importance of environmental education and women’s education in India

These questions measure a student's ability to connect concepts with real-world environmental challenges.

 Summary

This examination paper thoroughly tests knowledge of:

Environmental fundamentals

Ecosystems & energy flow

Pollution types and solutions

Global warming & greenhouse gases

Environmental laws & sustainable development

Biogeochemical cycles

Environmental education & social awareness

It is a complete academic resource for students studying Environment & Ecology under engineering programs.