(SEM IV) THEORY EXAMINATION 2017-18 ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY – B.Tech (Semester IV), RAS-402

This is a 3-hour, 70-mark theory examination designed to assess a student’s understanding of environmental science fundamentals, ecosystems, biodiversity, pollution, natural disasters, environmental laws, renewable energy, waste management, and sustainability.

The paper is divided into three sections—short fundamentals (A), descriptive understanding (B), and analytical/applied environmental concepts (C).
 

SECTION A — Short Conceptual Questions (2 × 7 = 14 Marks)

This section includes 7 short questions checking basic environmental terms, definitions, and concepts.

Topics include:

Biotic vs Abiotic components                 Definition of pollutant + examples

Biomagnification                                     Food chain (with example) 

Floods & major causes                            Urban sprawl

Ecology & ecosystem

These questions test foundational terminologies and environmental basics.
 

SECTION B — Descriptive Questions (7 × 3 = 21 Marks)

Students must attempt any 3 of the given 5 questions.

Topics include:

(a) Concept of environment & its components

(b) Ecological pyramids (number, biomass, energy) with examples

(c) Global warming — causes, effects, and control measures

(d) Water pollution — causes, effects & control

(e) Biodiversity — genetic, species & ecosystem diversity + importance

These questions check explanations, classification, environmental reasoning, and ecosystem understanding.
 

SECTION C — Long, Analytical & Applied Environmental Questions (7 marks each)

Each numbered question (3 to 7) has two alternative parts (a or b).
These require detailed answers, diagrams, cycles, and in-depth explanation.

Q3 – Solid Waste / Ecosystem & Carbon Cycle

(a) Solid waste & disposal methods + sustainable development
OR
(b) Ecology & ecosystem roles of producers, consumers, decomposers + carbon cycle

Q4 – Waterborne Diseases / Energy Flow & Public Awareness

(a) Water-borne diseases (types, causes, effects) + Environmental Protection Act, 1986
OR
(b) Energy flow in ecosystems + need for public environmental awareness

Q5 – Hydrogen Fuel / Solar Cell & Water Act

(a) Hydrogen as fuel of the future + role of NGOs in environmental conservation
OR
(b) Solar cell: working & diagram + Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act

Q6 – Biomass Energy / Population Explosion

(a) Biomass energy & biogas production methods in India
OR
(b) Population explosion: causes & effects (Indian context)

Q7 – Noise Pollution / EIA Process

(a) Noise pollution: sources & effects + nuclear energy (short note)
OR
(b) Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) flow-chart process + fluoride problem in drinking water

These questions test deep environmental understanding, application of laws, cycles, pollution control, renewable energy, and sustainability concepts.
 

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE EXAM

This question paper evaluates whether the student can:

Understand environmental structure, biotic & abiotic systems

Analyze ecological relationships & food chains

Explain global warming, biodiversity, and pollution types

Describe water/soil/air/noise pollution and control measures

Understand natural disasters like floods

Explain environmental acts, NGOs, and public awareness

Analyze renewable energy sources (solar, biomass, hydrogen)

Understand population explosion & environmental impact assessment (EIA)

Describe waste management & sustainable development principles

It tests both theoretical concepts and practical/real-world environmental issues, essential for environmental awareness and engineering.