Environment Notes for UPSC – Ecology and Environment UPSC Notes PDF
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 14th, 2023
Environment Notes for UPSC would help the candidates in the preparation of the environment segment in both Prelims and Mains. Questions from the Environment have been frequently asked in UPSC and other competitive exams. Hence it becomes vital for the candidates to catch hold of Environment UPSC Notes. Additionally, the Environment and Ecology UPSC notes can help candidates prepare for the essay section of the Mains paper.
In this article, we have provided all the topics covered in the environment section of the Prelims and Mains syllabus. Covering the UPSC environment notes would help candidates to build both basic and advanced foundations in this particular portion. Additionally, we have provided an Environment and ecology notes PDF, which would be immensely helpful during the quick revision.
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Environment Notes for UPSC
Below, we have provided the topic-wise UPSC environment and ecology notes PDF for the preparation of both the Prelims and Mains examinations.
Environment Notes for UPSC Prelims
The focus area of the Environment in the UPSC Prelims exam includes – General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Climate change, Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, etc. Preparing for less concrete topics like these can be challenging for the aspirants. In that case, the Environment Notes for UPSC can be helpful by providing the required information to the candidates for preparing for the UPSC Environment section in the Prelims exam.
When analyzing the UPSC Prelims Question Paper, one would understand that most of the questions on environment and ecology are related to trending topics. That’s why apart from relying on Environment and ecology UPSC notes candidates should stay updated with the new government policies, trending topics on climate change, etc. In addition, candidates can also take the help of NCERT Books for UPSC to build a solid foundation in Environment and ecology.
- Strategy to Prepare Environment and Ecology for UPSC Prelims
- Environment Syllabus for UPSC
- UPSC Environment Books
Questions from Environment Notes in UPSC Prelims
Q1: Which of the following is a greenhouse gas? – (a) Nitrogen, (b) Oxygen, (c) Carbon dioxide, (d) Hydrogen
Answer: c) Carbon dioxide
Q2: Which international agreement aims to combat climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius? – (a) Kyoto Protocol, (b) Montreal Protocol, (c) Paris Agreement. (d) Basel Convention
Answer: c) Paris Agreement
Q3: The term “biodiversity hotspot” refers to:
- Areas with a high concentration of endemic species and facing significant threats
- Regions with the highest number of migratory bird species
- Places with the highest overall species richness
- Areas experiencing rapid urbanization and habitat destruction
Answer: a) Areas with a high concentration of endemic species and facing significant threats
Q4: The phenomenon known as “El Niño” is characterized by:
- Above-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean
- Below-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean
- Intense rainfall in coastal regions of South Asia
- Strengthening of the Atlantic hurricane season
Answer: a) Above-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean
Q5: Which of the following is an example of a renewable source of energy? – (a) Coal, (b) Natural gas, (c) Solar power, (d) Nuclear power
Answer: c) Solar power
Q6: The concept of “E-waste” refers to:
- Waste generated from electronic devices like computers and mobile phones
- Waste produced in the manufacturing of automobiles
- Agricultural waste resulting from the use of pesticides
- Waste materials generated in the construction industry
Answer: a) Waste generated from electronic devices like computers and mobile phones
Q7: The term “bioaccumulation” refers to the:
- Gradual buildup of toxins in the tissues of organisms over time
- Process of converting organic waste into compost
- Transportation of nutrients within plant tissues
- Decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms
Answer: a) Gradual buildup of toxins in the tissues of organisms over time
Q8: The Ramsar Convention is related to the conservation and sustainable use of – (a) Coral reefs, (b) Forests, (c) Wetlands, (d) Mountains
Answer: c) Wetlands
Environment and Ecology Notes for UPSC Mains
The Environment section of UPSC Mains Syllabus includes a basic understanding of the Environment and Ecology, Ecosystem and Its Dynamic, Biogeochemical Cycles, Types of Ecosystems, Biosphere, Biodiversity, Pollution, Climate Change, etc. UPSC Mains is subjective in nature, and that’s why candidates have to be prepared with some advanced level UPSC Books, and they have to be ready with Environment Notes for UPSC for revision purposes.
How to Prepare Environment UPSC Notes?
Candidates may have the required information, but presenting the information in a clear and concise manner can be a challenging task, especially in UPSC Mains. That’s why candidates need to make the best use of the Environment Notes for UPSC.
- Candidates need to make a habit of listing current affairs along with the static parts of the Environment and ecology UPSC notes.
- Candidates must go through the UPSC Previous Year Question Papers to see the nature of the question.
- The emphasis on the basic concepts and static part is still there, but the dynamic part is also getting more weightage.
Handwritten Environment Notes for UPSC
Apart from relying on the sources, candidates can also make their own hand-written Environment Notes for UPSC by following these tips.
- For Prelims, candidates can refer to NCERT books while making notes. NCERT textbooks are written in simple language that would help in building a solid foundation.
- After completing the NCERT, candidates can jump to some advanced-level books for making notes. For UPSC Mains, candidates must have in-depth knowledge of the Environment and ecology.
- Candidates also need to use current affairs as a part of their note-making. Aspirants can find a lot of articles related to the environment section. They should make short points of these editorials or articles for effective note-making.
- Candidates can also make flowcharts as it would be easier to remember things. Additionally, it will save time and provide a better form of representation.
