B.Sc. Fy Envi.Science Home Assignment-I Hjpm Hnagar

The environment is controlled by both matter and energy. Matter refers to the physical substances that make up the environment, such as air, water, and soil. These substances interact with each other and with living organisms, shaping the environment. Energy, on the other hand, drives the processes and interactions within the environment. It is responsible for the movement of matter, the flow of nutrients, and the functioning of ecosystems. Both matter and energy play crucial roles in controlling and influencing the environment.

Earth is considered both an open system and a closed system. It is an open system because it exchanges energy and matter with its surroundings, such as receiving energy from the sun and releasing heat into space. It is also a closed system because it does not exchange matter with its surroundings, meaning that the total amount of matter on Earth remains constant. Therefore, Earth can be classified as both an open system and a closed system.

Ozone is found in the stratosphere. The stratosphere is the second layer of the Earth's atmosphere, located above the troposphere. It extends from about 10 to 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface. The ozone layer, which contains a high concentration of ozone molecules, is found within the stratosphere. Ozone plays a crucial role in absorbing and filtering out harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun, making it an essential component for protecting life on Earth.

Charles Darwin is known as the father of evolution because he proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection. His book "On the Origin of Species" published in 1859 presented compelling evidence for the idea that species evolve over time through a process of gradual change and adaptation. Darwin's theory revolutionized the field of biology and provided a scientific explanation for the diversity of life on Earth. His work laid the foundation for modern evolutionary biology and his ideas continue to be widely accepted and studied today.

There are three zones of Earth: the core, the mantle, and the crust. The core is the innermost zone, consisting of a solid inner core and a liquid outer core. The mantle is the middle zone, composed of hot, semi-solid rock. The crust is the outermost zone, which is relatively thin and made up of solid rock. These three zones have different compositions and physical properties, contributing to the overall structure of the Earth.

Nitrogen fixing organisms play a crucial role in converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be used by plants. The given answer of 70% suggests that nitrogen fixing organisms are responsible for fixing 70% of the total nitrogen in the environment. This indicates their significant contribution in the nitrogen cycle and highlights their importance in maintaining the availability of nitrogen for living organisms.

The age of the Earth is estimated to be around 4.6 billion years, which is equivalent to 4600 million years. This estimate is based on various scientific methods, including radiometric dating of rocks and minerals. These techniques allow scientists to determine the age of the Earth by measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes. By analyzing the composition of rocks from different parts of the Earth, scientists have been able to establish this approximate age for our planet.

Pedology is the study of soil. It involves examining the formation, classification, and characteristics of soils, as well as their distribution and how they interact with the environment. Pedologists study soil properties such as texture, structure, fertility, and composition to understand its role in supporting plant growth, water filtration, and nutrient cycling. By studying soil, pedologists can also assess its suitability for agriculture, forestry, and construction purposes. Therefore, the correct answer is soil.

The correct answer is 5 June. World Environment Day is celebrated on this day to raise awareness and promote actions to protect our environment. It is a global initiative by the United Nations to encourage individuals, communities, and governments to take positive steps towards environmental sustainability. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of conserving and preserving our natural resources and encourages people to make changes in their daily lives to reduce their environmental impact.

Edaphic factors refer to the characteristics of the soil that affect the growth and development of plants. These factors include soil composition, pH, nutrient availability, moisture content, and texture. Therefore, the correct answer is soil, as edaphic factors are directly related to the soil and its properties.

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The hydrological cycle is a biological cycle directly driven by sunlight. Sunlight provides the energy needed for evaporation of water from oceans, lakes, and rivers. This water vapor then condenses to form clouds, and when these clouds become saturated, precipitation occurs in the form of rain, snow, or hail. This precipitation is essential for the growth and survival of plants and animals, as it replenishes freshwater sources and provides the necessary moisture for photosynthesis and other biological processes. Therefore, the hydrological cycle is directly dependent on sunlight for its functioning.

A hygrometer is an instrument used for measuring atmospheric humidity. It is specifically designed to measure the amount of moisture or water vapor present in the air. This is done by either measuring the changes in electrical resistance or by using a dry and wet bulb thermometer to calculate the relative humidity. A photometer is used to measure the intensity of light, a barometer is used to measure atmospheric pressure, and a tintometer is used to measure the color intensity of a solution. Therefore, the correct instrument for measuring atmospheric humidity is a hygrometer.

Sulphur is the correct answer because it undergoes a sedimentary cycle with a small gaseous component. Sulphur is found in various forms such as sulfates and sulfides, which can be released into the atmosphere as hydrogen sulfide gas. However, the majority of sulphur is deposited and stored in sedimentary rocks through processes like weathering, erosion, and deposition. This sedimentary cycle involves the gradual accumulation and release of sulphur over time. In contrast, phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon cycles have significant gaseous components and are not predominantly sedimentary.

Soil formation occurs through a process called weathering, which involves the breakdown of rocks and minerals into smaller particles. This can happen through physical, chemical, and biological processes. Pedogenesis, on the other hand, refers to the development of soil characteristics such as color, texture, and composition over time. Therefore, both weathering and pedogenesis are involved in the formation of soil.

The atmosphere is made up of five layers. These layers are the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. Each layer has its own unique characteristics and plays a crucial role in the Earth's climate and weather patterns. The five-layer structure of the atmosphere helps to protect and sustain life on Earth by regulating temperature, providing oxygen, and shielding the planet from harmful solar radiation.

The ozone layer is present in the atmosphere between 10 to 20 km. This layer is located in the stratosphere, which is the second layer of the Earth's atmosphere. The ozone layer plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It acts as a shield, preventing excessive UV rays from reaching the Earth's surface.

The correct answer is 30 to 40 km. The Earth's crust is the outermost layer of the Earth and it varies in thickness depending on the location. On average, the thickness of the Earth's crust is around 30 to 40 km. This layer is composed of solid rocks and is relatively thin compared to the other layers of the Earth, such as the mantle and the core. It is also the layer where we find the continents and the ocean basins.

The major constituent of soil is inorganic matter. Inorganic matter refers to the non-living components of soil, such as minerals, rocks, and sand. These materials provide the physical structure and texture of the soil, as well as essential nutrients for plant growth. Inorganic matter also influences the soil's ability to retain water and air, which are vital for supporting plant and microbial life in the soil. Organic matter, soil air, and soil water are also important components of soil, but they are not the major constituents.

There are three types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of molten material, sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediments, and metamorphic rocks are formed from the transformation of existing rocks through heat and pressure.