Subject: GE - Environmental Science

Topic : Introduction to Environmental Science

Reporter : ROLIT JOAN CURIAS-FEROL

INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Environmental Science is the interdisciplinary study of the environment, focusing on understanding the
interactions between humans, natural systems, and the Earth. It integrates knowledge from fields such as biology, chemistry,
physics, geography, and social sciences to explore how both natural and human-made processes shape the planet. By
analyzing ecosystems, studying environmental problems, and developing sustainable solutions, Environmental Science aims
to address critical global challenges such as pollution, climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss.
- Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881) coined the term 'environment' in the Lowlands of Scotland in 1828.
- The term ecology was coined by the zoologist Ernest Haeckel in 1866. Haeckel used this term to describe a species
relationship with its environment.
- Arthur George Tansley coined the term Ecosystem in 1935.

Key Aspects of Environmental Science

1. Ecosystems and Biodiversity
o Ecosystems are complex networks of living organisms (plants, animals, microbes) interacting with their physical
environment (soil, water, air). Environmental Science explores how ecosystems function and maintain balance, as
well as how they are impacted by human activities like deforestation, land development, and pollution.
o Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth. It includes genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem
diversity. Environmental scientists study the importance of biodiversity in sustaining ecosystem services (e.g.,
pollination, nutrient cycling) and examine the threats posed by habitat destruction, invasive species, and climate
change.
2. Pollution
o Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the environment. It disrupts natural processes
and poses serious risks to human health, wildlife, and ecosystems.
 Air Pollution: Caused by the emission of pollutants like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate
matter from vehicles, industries, and power plants.
 Water Pollution: Includes contamination of water bodies by chemicals, plastics, and pathogens, affecting
drinking water quality and aquatic life.
 Soil Pollution: Caused by chemicals like pesticides, heavy metals, and waste dumping, which degrade soil
quality and affect agriculture.
o Environmental Science identifies the sources, effects, and potential solutions to mitigate pollution, such as cleaner
technologies and waste management practices.
3. Climate Change
o Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns on Earth. The main
cause of climate change is the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4)
into the atmosphere from activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
o The effects of climate change include rising global temperatures, melting polar ice caps, more extreme weather
events (heatwaves, storms, floods), and rising sea levels. Environmental scientists study the science behind these
changes and work on strategies to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to new environmental conditions.
4. Natural Resources and Sustainable Management
o Natural Resources include materials and services provided by the Earth, such as water, minerals, forests, and fossil
fuels. However, many of these resources are finite, and overconsumption leads to depletion.
o Sustainability focuses on using resources in a way that meets present needs without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs. Environmental scientists promote practices like sustainable agriculture,
renewable energy use (solar, wind, hydroelectric), and responsible resource extraction to ensure that resources are
used efficiently and equitably.
5. Environmental Health
o Environmental Health focuses on how environmental factors influence human health. Polluted air, contaminated
water, and hazardous chemicals can cause a variety of diseases, from respiratory problems to cancers.
o It also addresses the impact of environmental degradation on vulnerable populations, such as communities living
near industrial sites or in regions experiencing deforestation or droughts.
6. Environmental Policy and Law
o Environmental policies and laws regulate human activities to protect the environment. They are developed at local,
national, and international levels.
o Laws like the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and Endangered Species Act aim to reduce pollution, conserve
biodiversity, and ensure that natural resources are managed sustainably.
o International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement on climate change, work toward global cooperation to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming.
7. Human Impact and Solutions

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 o Human activities such as urbanization, agriculture, industrialization, and deforestation significantly impact the
environment by altering land, water, and atmospheric conditions. Environmental scientists study these impacts and
propose solutions to reduce harm, such as conservation efforts, green technologies, and eco-friendly practices.
o Renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal) and green technologies (electric vehicles, energy-efficient buildings)
offer sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, helping mitigate environmental damage.

Why Environmental Science Matters

The Earth's ecosystems are interconnected, and human actions can disrupt the delicate balance of nature. Environmental Science
helps us understand these connections and the consequences of human activities. As the global population continues to grow and
industrial development increases, understanding how to reduce environmental degradation and promote sustainability is essential to
safeguarding the planet for future generations.
In practical terms, Environmental Science plays a vital role in addressing urgent issues such as:
 Climate Change: Understanding and mitigating the impacts of global warming.
 Pollution: Reducing harmful emissions and cleaning up polluted ecosystems.
 Conservation: Protecting biodiversity and preserving ecosystems that provide essential services.
 Sustainability: Developing methods to produce food, energy, and goods without depleting natural resources.

The environmental goals of Environmental Science are focused on understanding, preserving, and improving the environment to
ensure its health and sustainability for both current and future generations. These goals guide research, policy-making, and practical
actions aimed at reducing environmental degradation and promoting more sustainable practices.

1. Conservation of Biodiversity
 Goal: To protect the variety of life on Earth, including species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity.
 Why it matters: Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem services such as pollination, clean water, and carbon sequestration.
The loss of biodiversity disrupts ecosystems and affects the stability and resilience of nature.
 Actions: Establishing protected areas, preserving habitats, protecting endangered species, and restoring ecosystems that
have been degraded.
2. Mitigation of Climate Change
 Goal: To reduce the impact of human activities on global climate systems by limiting greenhouse gas emissions and
promoting climate resilience.
 Why it matters: Climate change is one of the most significant environmental challenges, leading to extreme weather events,
sea-level rise, and ecosystem disruptions.
 Actions: Reducing fossil fuel consumption, promoting renewable energy, increasing energy efficiency, reforestation, and
advocating for international climate agreements like the Paris Agreement.
3. Pollution Prevention and Control
 Goal: To reduce pollution in all forms—air, water, soil, and noise—and prevent future environmental contamination.
 Why it matters: Pollution harms human health, wildlife, and ecosystems, leading to issues such as respiratory diseases,
waterborne diseases, and ecosystem collapse.
 Actions: Developing cleaner technologies, reducing waste generation, enforcing environmental regulations, improving waste
disposal and recycling systems, and promoting eco-friendly practices.
4. Sustainable Resource Management
 Goal: To ensure that natural resources such as water, energy, minerals, and forests are used in a sustainable manner that
meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
 Why it matters: Over-exploitation of resources leads to resource depletion, environmental degradation, and conflicts over
scarce resources.
 Actions: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices, encouraging renewable energy sources, reducing resource waste, and
implementing policies for sustainable mining and water use.
5. Reduction of Environmental Footprint
 Goal: To minimize the ecological footprint of human activities, including the consumption of resources and the generation of
waste and emissions.
 Why it matters: Excessive consumption and waste production contribute to environmental degradation and climate change,
putting pressure on ecosystems.
 Actions: Encouraging resource efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable transportation, reducing carbon footprints, and
promoting the circular economy (recycling, reusing, and reducing).
6. Restoration of Ecosystems
 Goal: To rehabilitate and restore ecosystems that have been damaged or degraded by human activity (e.g., deforestation,
urbanization, mining).
 Why it matters: Healthy ecosystems are vital for maintaining biodiversity, supporting food chains, regulating climate, and
providing clean air and water.
 Actions: Reforestation, wetland restoration, soil conservation, reintroducing native species, and promoting sustainable land
use practices.
7. Environmental Education and Awareness
 Goal: To increase public understanding of environmental issues and encourage individuals and communities to make
environmentally responsible decisions.
 Why it matters: Education fosters a sense of responsibility and empowers people to take action on environmental issues,
from reducing waste to supporting sustainable policies.
 Actions: Developing environmental curricula, public awareness campaigns, community-based environmental projects, and
promoting eco-friendly behaviors.
8. Advocacy for Environmental Policy and Law

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  Goal: To influence and develop policies, laws, and regulations that protect the environment, promote sustainability, and
address environmental issues at local, national, and international levels.
 Why it matters: Effective policies and laws are essential for enforcing environmental protection, regulating pollution,
conserving resources, and promoting sustainable development.
 Actions: Lobbying for stronger environmental regulations, participating in international environmental agreements, and
advocating for the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations.
9. Promotion of Sustainable Development
 Goal: To promote development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs.
 Why it matters: Sustainable development integrates economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity, ensuring
that progress does not come at the expense of the environment or vulnerable populations.
 Actions: Supporting green technologies, fostering economic systems that prioritize environmental and social well-being, and
creating policies that balance development with environmental stewardship.
10. Enhanced Environmental Justice
 Goal: To ensure that all people, regardless of race, income, or geography, have equal access to a healthy environment and
are protected from environmental harm.
 Why it matters: Environmental degradation often disproportionately affects marginalized communities, leading to health
disparities and social inequalities.
 Actions: Addressing environmental racism, advocating for fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, and
ensuring equitable access to environmental resources.

SUB- TOPIC: 1

ECOSYSTEM INTRODUCTION

Ecology – Derived from a Greek word, ―OIKOS‖ meaning ―house‖ or place to live.
- Study of the environment.
- It is the study of the relationship of the organism or groups of organism to their environment, or the science of
the interrelationship between the physical and biological components of the environment.
- is a biological community where the living and non-living components interact with each other as
their physical environment. It is the functional unit of nature and varies greatly in size.
- Ernst Heinrich Haeckel in1866, a German Biologist

TYPES OF ECOSYSTEM
1. Natural ecosystem a) Aquatic Ecosystem. Eg- Running water, standing water, Marine ecosystem b) Terrestrial Ecosystem. Eg-
Grassland, forest, desert ecosystem.
2. Artificial ecosystem - Man made ecosystem – operated and maintained by man himself Eg : Cropland, Gardens. STRUCTURE (or)

COMPONENTS OF AN ECOSYSTEM
The structure of an ecosystem explains the relationship between the abiotic (non –living) and the biotic (living) components. An
ecosystem has two major components. • Biotic (living) components. • Abiotic (non living) components.

1. Biotic Components (Living Components):

These include all the living organisms within an ecosystem, from the smallest microorganisms to the largest animals.
 Producers (Autotrophs): Organisms that produce their own food, primarily through photosynthesis. Plants, algae, and some
bacteria are examples. They form the base of the food chain.
 Consumers (Heterotrophs): Organisms that depend on other organisms for food. They are classified into different types
based on their feeding habits:
o Primary Consumers: Herbivores that feed on producers (e.g., deer eating plants).
o Secondary Consumers: Carnivores or omnivores that feed on primary consumers (e.g., wolves eating deer).
o Tertiary Consumers: Top predators that feed on secondary consumers (e.g., eagles feeding on wolves).
 Decomposers (Detritivores): Organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and some insects that break down dead organic matter and
recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem. They play a critical role in nutrient cycling.

A niche is the specific role and position of an organism within its environment. It refers to how an organism interacts with the biotic
(living) and abiotic (non-living) components of its ecosystem. The niche includes the organism’s habitat, its feeding habits, the
resources it uses, its behavior, and its interactions with other organisms. Essentially, the niche defines the organism's "job" or "role" in
the ecosystem, helping to reduce competition by allowing species to coexist by occupying different ecological roles.
(1) Producers (autotrophs) are the foundation of the ecosystem, capturing energy from the sun or chemical processes to produce
food for themselves and other organisms.
(2) Consumers (heterotrophs) occupy different trophic levels and obtain energy by eating producers and other consumers.
(3) Microorganisms perform essential roles as decomposers, nitrogen fixers, and symbionts, recycling nutrients and maintaining
ecosystem balance.

2. Abiotic Components (Non-Living Components):

These are the physical and chemical factors that influence the living organisms in an ecosystem. They include:
 Sunlight: Provides energy for photosynthesis and influences temperature and climate.
 Water: Essential for all living organisms, affecting hydration, temperature regulation, and nutrient transport.

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  Temperature: Affects the rate of biochemical reactions and influences the types of organisms that can survive in an
ecosystem.
 Soil: Provides nutrients, water, and a habitat for many organisms. Soil composition and quality can vary, affecting plant growth
and other life forms.
 Air (Atmosphere): Supplies gases like oxygen for respiration and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. It also affects weather
patterns and climate.
 Nutrients: Essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that support the growth and maintenance of
organisms.
These biotic and abiotic components work together in a dynamic relationship to maintain the balance of the ecosystem, with energy
and nutrients cycling through the system.

SUB- TOPIC: 2

HABITAT
A habitat is the physical environment in which a particular species lives. It provides the necessary resources—such as food, water,
shelter, and mates—for an organism to survive and reproduce. Habitats can be very specific, such as the type of tree in a forest where
a bird builds its nest, or more general, like a grassy meadow that supports many species of plants and animals.
Major Types of Habitat:
There are several major types of habitats, each providing different conditions for species. Some of the key ones include:
1. Forest Habitat:
 Found in areas with dense tree cover, forests are home to a variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms. There are
different types of forests, such as tropical rainforests, temperate forests, and boreal forests (taiga).
 Example Species: Tigers, monkeys, birds, and various insects.
2. Grassland Habitat:
 Grasslands are dominated by grasses and have few trees. They are typically found in regions with moderate rainfall
and are home to many herbivores and predators.
 Example Species: Bison, zebras, lions, and various species of grasses.
3. Desert Habitat:
 Deserts are dry areas with very low rainfall. They have extreme temperature variations between day and night and
support specially adapted plants and animals.
 Example Species: Cacti, camels, scorpions, and lizards.
4. Aquatic Habitat:
 Aquatic habitats include both marine and freshwater environments, such as oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
These habitats provide water as the primary resource for life.
 Marine Habitat: Found in the ocean, home to marine life.
 Freshwater Habitat: Found in rivers, lakes, and ponds, home to fish, amphibians, and aquatic plants.
 Example Species: Fish, coral, whales (marine); frogs, otters, and ducks (freshwater).
5. Tundra Habitat:
 The tundra is a cold, treeless biome with low-growing vegetation, found in the Arctic or at high altitudes. It is
characterized by permafrost (frozen ground) and extreme cold.
 Example Species: Arctic foxes, polar bears, and mosses.
6. Wetland Habitat:
 Wetlands include marshes, swamps, and bogs, where the land is saturated with water for most of the year. They
support a variety of plant and animal species that thrive in moist conditions.
 Example Species: Alligators, frogs, water lilies, and cattails.

SUB- TOPIC: 3

TYPES OF SPECIES RELATIONSHIPS IN ECOSYSTEM

In ecosystems, different species interact with each other in various ways. These relationships can be classified into several
categories based on how the interactions affect the species involved. These relationships play a critical role in maintaining the balance
and stability of ecosystems.

1. Predation:
 Definition: Predation is an interaction where one organism (the predator) hunts, kills, and consumes another
organism (the prey).
 Impact on Species: The predator benefits by gaining food, while the prey is harmed because it is killed.
 Example: A lion hunting and eating a zebra. The lion benefits by gaining nutrition, while the zebra is harmed as it is
killed.
 Competition:
 Definition: Competition occurs when two or more species compete for the same resources, such as food, space, or
mates, that are in limited supply.
 Impact on Species: Both species are negatively affected because they have to share the resources, which may lead
to reduced survival or reproduction rates.
 Example: Lions and hyenas competing for the same prey, or trees competing for sunlight, water, and nutrients in a
forest.
 Mutualism:
 Definition: Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit from the interaction.
 Impact on Species: Both species gain advantages, such as access to resources or protection.

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  Example: Bees and flowers. Bees collect nectar from flowers for food, while pollinating the flowers, allowing them to
reproduce.
 Commensalism:
 Definition: Commensalism is a relationship where one species benefits from the interaction, and the other species is
neither helped nor harmed.
 Impact on Species: One species benefits, but the other is unaffected.
 Example: Cattle egrets and cows. Cattle egrets follow cows to catch insects stirred up by the cows as they graze.
The egrets benefit by having easy access to food, while the cows are unaffected.
 Parasitism:
 Definition: Parasitism is a relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the other
organism (the host), often harming it in the process.
 Impact on Species: The parasite benefits by feeding off or living on the host, while the host is harmed, often
experiencing reduced health or fitness.
 Example: A tick feeding on the blood of a deer. The tick benefits by getting nourishment, while the deer may suffer
from blood loss or disease transmission.
 Amensalism:
 Definition: Amensalism is a relationship where one species is harmed while the other is unaffected.
 Impact on Species: One species is harmed, but the other is unaffected.
 Example: A large tree shading smaller plants beneath it, preventing them from receiving sunlight, thus stunting their
growth, while the tree remains unaffected.
 Neutralism:
 Definition: Neutralism is a relationship in which neither species is affected by the other. It is a neutral interaction,
where the species do not influence each other in any significant way.
 Impact on Species: Neither species benefits nor is harmed.
 Example: Birds and plants in an ecosystem where they do not directly interact (e.g., birds might not feed on the
plants or interact with them in any meaningful way).

Consumers in an ecosystem are organisms that cannot produce their own food and must obtain energy by eating other organisms.
They are classified based on their position in the food chain and what they consume.
The 2 kinds of consumers : (1) Micro-consumer (2) Macro-consumer
Consumer Types:
 Primary Consumers (Herbivores): Eat plants or producers.
 Secondary Consumers: Eat primary consumers (herbivores); can be carnivores or omnivores.
 Tertiary Consumers: Top predators that eat secondary consumers.
 Decomposers: Break down dead material, recycling nutrients.
 Scavengers: Feed on dead bodies of animals.

SUB- TOPIC: 4

POPULATION IN THE ECOSYSTEM

The population in an ecosystem refers to a group of individuals of the same species living and interacting in a specific area.
The size, density, distribution, and age structure of a population can vary, and these factors are influenced by birth rates, death rates,
immigration, and emigration. Populations can grow exponentially or in a more regulated manner depending on available resources and
environmental limitations, often reaching a carrying capacity. Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals of a
particular species that an environment can sustainably support over time, based on available resources like food, water, shelter, and
space. It represents a balance between the population size and the environmental factors that limit that size. Additionally, populations
interact with other species through various ecological relationships, which contribute to the dynamics of the ecosystem as a whole.

Characteristics of a Population
1. Size:
 Refers to the total number of individuals in a population.
 Influenced by birth rates, death rates, immigration, and emigration.
2. Density:
 The number of individuals per unit area or volume.
 Helps determine how crowded or sparse a population is in its habitat.
3. Distribution:
 The pattern of spacing of individuals within a given area.
 Can be:
o Random: Irregular placement.
o Uniform: Evenly spaced, often due to territorial behavior.
o Clumped: Grouped together, often around resources.
4. Age Structure:
 The distribution of individuals across different age groups.
 Affects population growth potential; populations with many young individuals typically grow faster.
5. Sex Ratio:
 The proportion of males to females in a population.
 Influences reproduction rates and the long-term sustainability of the population.
6. Gene Pool:
 The total genetic diversity within a population.

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  A large gene pool enhances adaptability to environmental changes, while a small pool may lead to inbreeding.

Factors Affecting Population Size:

1. Birth Rate: The number of individuals born in a population over a specific period of time.
2. Death Rate: The number of individuals that die in a population over a specific period.
3. Immigration: The movement of individuals into a population from another area.
4. Emigration: The movement of individuals out of a population to another area.