GE3451 Environmental Sciences and Sustainability Previous Year Question Papers - Anna University

UNIT I: Environment and Biodiversity

Part A (2 Marks)

• Define Ecosystem and list its structural components.
• What is Ecological Succession?
• Define Biodiversity and its three levels (Genetic, Species, Ecosystem).
• What are Endemic Species? Give an example.
• Distinguish between Food Chain and Food Web.

Part B (13 Marks)

• Explain the structure and functional components of an Forest or Aquatic ecosystem.
• Describe the energy flow in an ecosystem using the 10% law and energy pyramids.
• Discuss the threats to biodiversity (Habitat loss, Poaching, Invasive species).
• Compare In-situ (National parks, Sanctuaries) and Ex-situ (Zoos, Seed banks) conservation methods.

UNIT II: Environmental Pollution

Part A (2 Marks)

• Define BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) and COD.
• What is the 3R concept in waste management?
• Define E-waste and mention its hazards.
• Name two Air Pollutants and their specific effects on human health.
• What is Noise Pollution? Give its unit of measurement.

Part B (13 Marks)

• Explain the causes, effects, and control measures of Air Pollution.
• Describe the various stages involved in Municipal Sewage Treatment (Primary, Secondary, Tertiary).
• Discuss the methods of Solid Waste Management (Landfilling, Incineration, Composting).
• Explain the Occupational Health and Safety (OHSAS) measures in an industrial environment.

UNIT III: Renewable Sources of Energy

Part A (2 Marks)

• What is Geothermal Energy?
• Define Bio-mass and list two examples.
• What are Hydrogen Fuel Cells?
• Define Energy Management.
• What is the significance of Tidal Energy?

Part B (13 Marks)

• Explain the principle, construction, and working of a Solar Cell (Photovoltaic).
• Discuss the production of electricity from Wind Energy and its pros/cons.
• Describe the process of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC).
• Explain the importance and techniques of Energy Conservation in daily life.

UNIT IV: Sustainability and Management

Part A (2 Marks)

• Define Sustainable Development.
• What is a Carbon Footprint?
• List any four Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
• What is Carbon Sequestration?
• Define Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Part B (13 Marks)

• Explain the three pillars of sustainability: Economic, Social, and Environmental.
• Discuss the causes and global impacts of Climate Change and Global Warming.
• Describe the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the UN.
• Explain the concept of Carbon Credits and how they help in pollution control.

UNIT V: Sustainability Practices

Part A (2 Marks)

• Define Circular Economy.
• What are Green Materials? Give examples.
• What is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?
• Define Zero Waste concept.
• What is the purpose of ISO 14001?

Part B (13 Marks)

• Explain the principles and features of Green Buildings (Sustainable Architecture).
• Discuss the importance and stages of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a product.
• Explain the transition from a Linear Economy to a Circular Economy.
• Discuss the role of Environmental Audit in achieving sustainability in industries.

Most Repeated / High-Weight Questions

Ecosystem structure and energy flow, biodiversity conservation, water and air pollution control measures, renewable energy sources, sustainable development goals, climate change impacts, life cycle assessment.