Easy2Siksha Sample Papers
GNDU Most Repeated (Important) Questions
B.A. 3rd Semester
Environmental Studies (EVS)
Based on 4-Year GNDU Question Paper Trend (2021–2024)
Must-Prepare Questions (80–100% Probability)
SECTION–A (Basics of Environment & Resources)
1. Scope and multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Studies
Appeared in: 2021 (Q8), 2022 (Q1), 2023 (Q1)
Probability for 2025: (100%)
2. Food chains and food webs / Concept of food resources
Appeared in: 2021 (Q3, Q9), 2022 (Q3, Q9), 2024 (Q1)
Probability for 2025: (100%)
3. Biodiversity – Hotspots, threats, and conservation methods in India
Appeared in: 2021 (Q4, Q11), 2022 (Q4, Q11), 2024 (Q3)
Probability for 2025: (100%)
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2025 Smart Prediction Table
(Based on GNDU 2021–2024 Trend)
No.
Question Topic
Years
Appeared
Probability for 2025
1
Scope & Multidisciplinary Nature of EVS
2021–2023
(100%)
2
Food Chains, Food Webs, & Food
Resources
2021–2024
(100%)
2025 GUARANTEED QUESTIONS
(100% Appearance Trend – Must Prepare)
1. Scope & Multidisciplinary Nature of EVS
GNDU Most Repeated (Important) Answers
B.A. 3rd Semester
Environmental Studies (EVS)
Based on 4-Year GNDU Question Paper Trend (2021–2024)
Must-Prepare Questions (80–100% Probability)
SECTION–A (Basics of Environment & Resources)
Easy2Siksha Sample Papers
1. Scope and multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Studies
Appeared in: 2021 (Q8), 2022 (Q1), 2023 (Q1)
Probability for 2025: (100%)
Ans: The Story of Our Planet: Understanding the Scope and Multidisciplinary
Nature of Environmental Studies
Imagine you’re standing on a quiet hill at sunrise. The golden light touches the trees,
birds begin their morning songs, and a cool breeze brushes past your face. For a
moment, everything feels perfect — the air, the land, the water, and the life around you.
Now, pause and think: what connects all these things together?
That invisible thread that ties air, water, soil, plants, animals, and humans into one
system — that’s the environment.
But understanding the environment isn’t simple. It’s like trying to read a huge storybook
where every page is written by a different author — one by nature, one by humans,
another by science, and yet another by culture.
To truly understand this story, we need a special subject — Environmental Studies (EVS)
— which brings together knowledge from many fields. Let’s begin this beautiful journey
of understanding what EVS really means, its scope, and why it’s called multidisciplinary.
What is Environmental Studies?
In simple words, Environmental Studies is the study of the relationship between
humans and their environment — how we depend on it, use it, and sometimes misuse it.
It helps us understand how the Earth’s systems (like air, water, land, and living things)
work together, and how our actions affect them.
Think of EVS as a bridge between nature and humans. It helps us realize that the
environment is not just “out there” — it’s something we are a part of every second of
our lives. From the air we breathe to the food we eat and the water we drink —
everything connects us to the environment.
The Scope of Environmental Studies
The scope of Environmental Studies is very wide — almost as wide as the sky above us. It
covers everything related to the natural world and our interaction with it.
Let’s explore the main areas of its scope through simple, real-life examples and stories.
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1. Understanding Natural Resources
When you switch on a light, where does the electricity come from?
When you eat your lunch, where did that food grow?
When you drink water, who made sure it was clean?
Environmental Studies helps us answer such questions. It teaches us about natural
resources — air, water, soil, forests, minerals, and fossil fuels — and how we use and
conserve them.
EVS explains that the Earth’s resources are limited, not endless. If we overuse them, the
planet can’t recover easily. That’s why it teaches sustainable use — using resources
wisely so that future generations can also enjoy them.
2. Studying Ecosystems and Biodiversity
Have you ever seen how ants build colonies, or how bees pollinate flowers?
Each living being, no matter how small, has a role to play in maintaining the balance of
nature. Environmental Studies explores these ecosystems — forests, deserts, rivers,
oceans — and how plants, animals, and microorganisms depend on one another.
It also focuses on biodiversity, the variety of life forms on Earth. Every species, from
tigers in the jungle to bacteria in the soil, contributes to ecological balance. When one
species disappears, it can disturb the entire system.
3. Human Interaction with the Environment
Humans have become the most powerful force on Earth. We build cities, dams,
factories, and roads. But in doing so, we also change the face of the planet.
Environmental Studies helps us understand the impact of human activities — pollution,
deforestation, industrialization, and urbanization.
It also makes us aware that every decision — even small ones like using plastic bags or
wasting water — affects the environment. Through EVS, we learn how to make
environment-friendly choices in our daily lives.
4. Environmental Pollution and Its Control
Pollution is one of the biggest environmental problems today. It’s like adding poison to
the Earth’s veins.
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Environmental Studies explains different types of pollution — air, water, soil, and noise
— their causes, effects, and solutions.
For example:
• Air pollution from vehicles and industries can cause respiratory diseases.
• Water pollution affects aquatic life and human health.
• Noise pollution causes stress and hearing loss.
• Soil pollution damages crops and reduces fertility.
Through EVS, we learn how to control pollution — by using cleaner technologies, proper
waste management, tree planting, and reducing plastic use.
5. Environmental Laws and Policies
You might be surprised to know that there are laws just like traffic rules — but for
protecting nature!
EVS also includes learning about environmental laws and policies made by governments
to protect forests, wildlife, and natural resources.
Acts like the Wildlife Protection Act, Forest Conservation Act, and Environmental
Protection Act are all part of this learning.
By understanding these, students become aware citizens who know their rights and
responsibilities towards the environment.
6. Environmental Education and Awareness
Knowledge without action is useless.
Environmental Studies encourages us to spread awareness about environmental
problems and to take part in community programs — like cleanliness drives, plantation
campaigns, or eco-clubs in schools.
It inspires people to become environmental leaders — the ones who protect and heal
the planet rather than harm it.
7. Sustainable Development
Have you heard the phrase “development without destruction”?
That’s what sustainable development means.
It teaches us how to grow economically without damaging the environment.
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For instance, using solar and wind energy instead of coal, practicing organic farming
instead of using harmful pesticides, and building eco-friendly houses are all examples of
sustainable living.
Environmental Studies guides us toward a future where progress and nature walk hand
in hand.
The Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies
Now that we know the scope, let’s understand why Environmental Studies is called
multidisciplinary.
The word “multidisciplinary” means combining many subjects or fields to understand
one big idea.
The environment is complex — it includes air, water, land, living organisms, and humans.
No single subject can explain all these things. So, Environmental Studies borrows
knowledge from many disciplines — like science, economics, geography, sociology, and
more.
Let’s look at each discipline’s role in a story-like way.
1. Biology and Ecology – The Life Story
Biology helps us understand life itself.
It explains how plants grow, how animals survive, and how ecosystems function.
Ecology, a branch of biology, tells us how living beings interact with their environment.
Without biology, we could never understand biodiversity or the delicate balance of
nature.
2. Chemistry – The Story of Reactions
Chemistry explains what’s happening in our air and water at the molecular level.
It helps us study pollutants, analyze water quality, and understand how toxic chemicals
affect living organisms.
For example, when we say carbon dioxide causes global warming — that’s pure
environmental chemistry in action!
3. Physics – The Energy Connection
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Physics teaches us about energy — how it moves, transforms, and powers our world.
Solar panels, wind turbines, and hydropower plants all depend on physics.
It also helps in understanding sound pollution, radiation, and climate systems.
4. Geography – The Study of Earth’s Face
Geography helps us explore the physical features of the Earth — mountains, rivers,
forests, and deserts.
It also helps in mapping environmental changes, understanding weather patterns, and
studying land use and population distribution.
5. Economics – Balancing Growth and Nature
Economics plays a big role in EVS.
It studies how people use natural resources for production and consumption.
Environmental economics teaches us how to reduce waste, value ecosystem services,
and promote green industries.
6. Political Science – Governance of Nature
Environmental protection also depends on laws, rules, and political will.
Political science helps us understand how governments make policies for pollution
control, forest conservation, and climate change agreements (like the Paris Climate
Accord).
7. Sociology – Humans and Society
Sociology helps us study human behavior and social practices that affect the
environment.
It explains how culture, beliefs, and lifestyle choices influence the way we treat nature.
For example, some communities worship rivers and trees — this cultural respect helps in
conserving nature.
8. Ethics and Philosophy – The Moral Dimension
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Finally, Environmental Studies also touches the soul.
It teaches ethics — our moral responsibility toward all living beings.
It asks us questions like: Do we have the right to destroy forests for comfort? Should we
care for animals as we care for ourselves?
It reminds us that we are not owners of the Earth, but caretakers.
Why Environmental Studies Matters
Environmental Studies is not just a subject to pass exams — it’s a way of thinking, a
guide to living in harmony with nature.
It turns ordinary citizens into environmentally conscious individuals who understand that
small actions — saving electricity, planting trees, avoiding plastic — can create big
changes.
EVS builds a bridge between science and society, between awareness and action, and
between today and tomorrow.
Conclusion
To sum it up beautifully:
Environmental Studies is the art of understanding the story of our planet.
Its scope spreads across everything that affects life — from soil microbes to global
climate systems.
And its multidisciplinary nature shows that protecting the Earth requires the wisdom of
all subjects working together.
Just like every instrument in an orchestra contributes to a beautiful melody, every field
— science, economics, politics, ethics — plays its part in protecting the environment.
When these notes come together, the result is harmony — the music of a sustainable
and peaceful planet.
So, the next time you see a sunrise, hear the birds sing, or feel the wind on your face —
remember, you’re not just a spectator. You’re a part of this grand story. And
Environmental Studies gives you the power to make that story a happy one for
generations to come.
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2. Food chains and food webs / Concept of food resources
Appeared in: 2021 (Q3, Q9), 2022 (Q3, Q9), 2024 (Q1)
Probability for 2025: (100%)
Ans: Food Chains, Food Webs, and the Concept of Food Resources: The Story of
Life’s Hidden Links
If you were to walk into a forest at dawn, you might hear the chirping of birds, the rustle
of leaves, and the distant roar of a predator. At first glance, it seems like a collection of
separate lives—each animal, plant, or insect busy with its own survival. But look closer,
and you’ll see an invisible thread connecting them all. The grass feeds the deer, the deer
feeds the tiger, and when the tiger dies, decomposers return its body to the soil,
nourishing the grass again.
This invisible thread is what we call the food chain and, when many such chains
interconnect, the food web. Together, they explain how energy flows through nature
and how life depends on food resources.
The Concept of Food Resources
Before diving into chains and webs, let’s understand the foundation: food resources.
• Every living organism needs energy to survive—plants to grow, animals to move,
humans to think and work.
• This energy comes from food. But food itself is not created out of nothing—it is
part of a cycle.
• The sun is the ultimate source of energy. Plants capture sunlight through
photosynthesis, turning it into food. This food becomes the resource that
sustains all other life.
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So, when we talk about food resources, we are really talking about the flow of energy
from one organism to another.
The Food Chain: A Straight Line of Energy
Definition
A food chain is a linear sequence showing how energy passes from one organism to
another.
Example: A Simple Grassland Chain
1. Grass (Producer) – captures sunlight and makes food.
2. Grasshopper (Primary Consumer) – eats the grass.
3. Frog (Secondary Consumer) – eats the grasshopper.
4. Snake (Tertiary Consumer) – eats the frog.
5. Eagle (Top Predator) – eats the snake.
At each step, energy is transferred, but some is lost as heat. That’s why food chains are
usually short—energy diminishes as you move upward.
Types of Food Chains
1. Grazing Food Chain
o Starts with green plants.
o Example: Grass → Cow → Human.
2. Detritus Food Chain
o Starts with dead organic matter.
o Example: Fallen leaves → Earthworms → Birds.
Importance of Food Chains
• They show how energy flows in one direction.
• They explain why predators depend on prey.
• They highlight the role of producers (plants) as the base of all life.
The Food Web: A Network of Life
Definition
A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains. Unlike the straight line
of a food chain, a food web shows the real picture—organisms often eat more than one
type of food.
Example: A Pond Food Web
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• Producers: Algae, aquatic plants.
• Primary Consumers: Small fish, insects, snails.
• Secondary Consumers: Frogs, larger fish.
• Tertiary Consumers: Birds, snakes.
• Decomposers: Bacteria, fungi.
Here, a frog may eat insects, but it may also be eaten by a snake or a bird. This
interconnection makes the system more stable.
Why Food Webs Are More Realistic
• In nature, animals rarely depend on just one food source.
• If one species disappears, others can adapt by shifting diets.
• Food webs show the balance of ecosystems—how everything is linked.
Flow of Energy and Trophic Levels
In both food chains and food webs, organisms are grouped into trophic levels:
1. Producers (Autotrophs) – Plants, algae.
2. Primary Consumers (Herbivores) – Deer, rabbits, grasshoppers.
3. Secondary Consumers (Carnivores) – Frogs, foxes.
4. Tertiary Consumers (Top Carnivores) – Lions, eagles.
5. Decomposers – Fungi, bacteria, earthworms.
At each level, energy decreases. That’s why ecosystems need a large base of producers
to support fewer predators at the top.
Concept of Food Resources in Human Context
Humans are part of these chains and webs too. Our food resources come from:
• Plants: cereals, fruits, vegetables.
• Animals: meat, milk, eggs.
• Aquatic life: fish, seaweed.
But unlike other species, humans exploit resources on a massive scale. This creates
challenges:
• Overfishing disrupts marine food webs.
• Deforestation destroys habitats and food chains.
• Pollution poisons producers and consumers alike.
Thus, understanding food chains and webs is not just academic—it’s essential for
sustainable living.
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Examples from Different Ecosystems
1. Forest Ecosystem
• Grass → Deer → Tiger.
• Fallen leaves → Termites → Birds.
2. Marine Ecosystem
• Phytoplankton → Zooplankton → Small Fish → Tuna → Shark.
3. Desert Ecosystem
• Cactus → Rat → Snake → Hawk.
Each ecosystem has its own unique chains and webs, but the principle remains the
same: energy flows from producers to consumers to decomposers.
A Story to Imagine
Picture a single grain of wheat in a farmer’s field.
• The wheat grows tall, capturing sunlight.
• A sparrow pecks at the grain.
• A hawk swoops down and catches the sparrow.
• When the hawk dies, its body decomposes, enriching the soil.
• From that soil, another wheat plant grows.
This cycle is the poetry of nature—life feeding life, energy flowing endlessly.
Why Food Chains and Webs Matter
1. Balance of Nature
o If one species disappears, the whole chain can collapse.
o Example: If bees vanish, plants won’t be pollinated, affecting herbivores
and carnivores alike.
2. Biodiversity
o Rich food webs mean stable ecosystems.
o Monocultures (single-crop farming) are fragile and easily disrupted.
3. Human Survival
o Our food security depends on healthy ecosystems.
o Protecting forests, oceans, and soils ensures future food resources.
Conclusion: The Web That Holds Us All
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Food chains and food webs are not just biology terms—they are the story of life itself.
They show us that no creature lives in isolation. The grass in the field, the lion in the
jungle, the fish in the sea, and the human at the dining table are all part of one grand
cycle.
The concept of food resources reminds us that energy is precious, borrowed from the
sun and passed from one life to another. To waste food, to destroy ecosystems, is to
break the very chain that sustains us.
So, the next time you eat a meal, pause for a moment. Behind that plate lies a vast web
of connections—soil, sun, plants, animals, and people—all woven together in the eternal
dance of life.
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