MED-001 Solved Assignment 2019

Course Code: MED-001
Assignment Code: MED-001/TMA/2019
Maximum Marks: 100

Note: * This assignment is based on the entire course.
* All questions are compulsory. Marks for the questions are shown within brackets
on the right hand side.
* Please answer in your own words; do not copy from the course material.

1 What are biogeochemical cycles? Explaining the general features describe the
Nitrogen or Phosphorous cycle using a neat diagram.
(10)
2 List the various biomes along with their main characteristics. What are the
factors that lead to their formation? What are the major threats to each of
them?
(10)
3 (i) In which units are the levels of the following expressed: Ambient
temperature, dissolved oxygen, noise, concentration of carbon dioxide.
(ii) What are the impacts of eutrophication and oil spills on the environment?
(5×2=10)
4 (i) Based on the principal of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – suggest a scheme
for achieving ‘zero garbage generation’ in a city.
(ii) Explain ‘natural global warming’ with the help of a proper diagram.
(iii) Describe the parameters to ensure that water is fit for consumption.
(iv) How is ozone generated in the atmosphere? Explain why O3 is a
protectant in the stratosphere and a pollutant in the trophosphere?
(2½×4=10)
5 What are the four basic characteristics common to any ecosystem? In the
context of a tropical forest ecosystem, explain each characteristic.
(10)
6 Explain the difference between the following giving an example of each:
(i) Chemical and physical weathering of rocks
(ii) Benthic and pelagic zone
(iii) Mutualism and Commensalism
(iv) Pyramid of biomass and Pyramid of energy
(v) Holozoic and saprophytic nutrition
(2×5=10)
7 (i) Differentiate between a food chain and a food web? Illustrate and describe
the different types of food chains with examples.
(ii) Describe the relationship between the complexity of a food web and
stability of an ecosystem.
(5×2=10)
8 (i) Explain Exponential growth. Discuss why is it important to limit our (10)
population?
(ii) Prepare an account on the structure of and the life in coral reefs
9 Explain land degradation? What are its major causes? Suggest two ways that
you think are effective in managing the problem.
(10)
10 Discuss any two of the following giving their causes, effects on human health
as well as the ecosystem:
(i) Deep Ecology
(ii) El-Nino Phenomena
(iii) Carrying capacity
(iv) Biomedical waste
(v) Radiation pollution