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SSC Environment Notes 2024–2025 — Ecology, Biodiversity, Pollution

Single-file workbook for SSC Environment / Ecology GK: ecosystems, biodiversity, pollution, climate deals, Indian parks & biospheres, organisations, days, acts — plus 12 verified CGL/CHSL/CPO 2024–2025 PYQs. Hide answers, flip cards, mark revised, repeat. Not UPSC essay depth.

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Chapter 0 · How to use

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Verified 2024–2025 PYQs are labelled with source. Themes from analyses are labelled as weightage themes — not invented paper claims.

Chapter 1 · पारिस्थितिकी

Ecology basics (पारिस्थितिकी की मूल बातें)

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Ecosystem Food chain 10% law Succession N & P cycles Paleoecology

Ecology (पारिस्थितिकी) studies organisms in relation to their environment. An ecosystem is a functional unit of nature where living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components interact and exchange energy and matter.

Ecosystem structure

Component	What to remember
Biotic	Producers (autotrophs), consumers (herbivores / carnivores / omnivores), decomposers (saprotrophs — bacteria, fungi).
Abiotic	Light, temperature, water, soil, air, minerals, pH.
Habitat	Place where an organism lives.
Niche	Role / functional position of a species in an ecosystem (how it gets food, interacts).
Biome	Large regional ecosystem type (desert, tundra, tropical rainforest) shaped by climate.
Ecotone	Transition zone between two ecosystems (e.g. estuary, mangrove edge). Often species-rich.
Edge effect	Greater variety / density of life at ecotones.
Paleoecology	Branch dealing with ancient environments and their relationship with ancient plants and animals. Verified CGL 18/09/2024

Niche ≠ habitat. Habitat = address; niche = profession. Favourite SSC distinction.

Food chain, food web, trophic levels

Term	SSC fact
Food chain	Linear transfer of energy: producers → primary consumers → secondary → tertiary → (decomposers).
Grazing food chain	Starts from living green plants (grass → deer → tiger).
Detritus food chain	Starts from dead organic matter (detritus → earthworm → …).
Food web	Interconnected food chains; more realistic; stability increases with complexity.
Trophic level	Position in the food chain based on feeding. Producers = TL1; herbivores = TL2.
Ecological efficiency	Best SSC definition: ratio between energy flows at different points in a food chain. Verified CGL 19/09/2024
10% law	Lindeman: roughly ~10% of energy transfers from one trophic level to the next; rest lost as heat / respiration.

Ecological pyramids & energy flow

Pyramid	Notes
Pyramid of numbers	Number of individuals at each trophic level. Usually upright; can be inverted (many parasites on one tree).
Pyramid of biomass	Living mass. Often upright on land; can be inverted in aquatic systems.
Pyramid of energy	Always upright — energy decreases at each higher level. Most reliable for exams.
Energy flow	Unidirectional. Sun → producers → consumers. Cannot be recycled like nutrients.

Ecological succession

Idea	Fact
Succession	Orderly change in community composition over time toward a relatively stable climax.
Primary succession	On bare rock / newly formed land with no soil (lava, sand dune). Starts with pioneers (lichens, mosses).
Secondary succession	On previously occupied area after disturbance (fire, flood, abandoned farm) where soil remains.
Pioneer community	First colonisers.
Climax community	Final stable community under given climate.
Sere / seral stages	Intermediate communities between pioneer and climax.
Hydrosere / xerosere	Succession in water / dry habitats.

Biogeochemical cycles (nutrient cycles)

Cycle	SSC hook
Biogeochemical cycle	Includes gaseous and sedimentary cycles. Verified CPO 27/06/2024
Carbon cycle	Photosynthesis + respiration + combustion. CO₂ is the key atmospheric form.
Nitrogen cycle	N₂ fixation (Rhizobium, Azotobacter, lightning), nitrification, assimilation, ammonification, denitrification.
Phosphorus cycle	No major atmospheric gaseous phase — sedimentary cycle. Rock weathering → soil → organisms → sediments.
Water (hydrologic) cycle	Evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, infiltration.
Oxygen cycle	Linked to photosynthesis and respiration.
Sulphur cycle	Both gaseous and sedimentary aspects; SO₂ from volcanoes / burning fossil fuels.

Phosphorus cycle has no significant atmospheric reservoir — classic MCQ trap vs C/N/O. Biogeochemical = gaseous + sedimentary.

Habitat vs niche?

Habitat = place; niche = functional role / ‘profession’.

Always-upright ecological pyramid?

Pyramid of energy.

Ecological efficiency (CGL 2024)?

Ratio between energy flows at different points in a food chain.

Paleoecology?

Ancient environments ↔ ancient plants/animals.

Food chain starting from dead matter?

Detritus food chain.

Transition zone between ecosystems?

Ecotone (edge effect often richer).

Succession on bare rock?

Primary succession (pioneers: lichens/mosses).

Cycle without major atmospheric phase?

Phosphorus cycle.

Biogeochemical cycle consists of?

Sedimentary and gaseous cycles.

Energy flow in ecosystem is?

Unidirectional (nutrients recycle).

Chapter 2 · जैव विविधता

Biodiversity (जैव विविधता)

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Hotspots IUCN Endemic Keystone Invasive

Biodiversity = variety of life at genetic, species and ecosystem levels. India is one of the world’s megadiverse countries.

Biodiversity hotspots (India-relevant)

Hotspot criteria (Myers / Conservation International): high endemic vascular plants + high habitat loss. India has portions of four hotspots commonly listed in SSC material:

Hotspot	Indian coverage (exam-level)
Western Ghats – Sri Lanka	Western Ghats of India + Sri Lanka region.
Indo-Burma	NE India (excluding Assam plains in some maps) + Myanmar etc.
Himalaya	Indian Himalayan region.
Sundaland	Nicobar Islands (part of Sundaland hotspot).

Four India-linked hotspots: Western Ghats–Sri Lanka, Indo-Burma, Himalaya, Sundaland (Nicobar). Exact boundary wording varies by source — learn the four names.

IUCN Red List categories

Category (abbrev.)	Meaning
EX — Extinct	No known living individuals.
EW — Extinct in the Wild	Survives only in captivity / cultivation.
CR — Critically Endangered	Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
EN — Endangered	Very high risk of extinction.
VU — Vulnerable	High risk of extinction.
NT — Near Threatened	Close to qualifying for a threatened category.
LC — Least Concern	Widespread / abundant; lower risk.
DD — Data Deficient	Inadequate information to assess.
NE — Not Evaluated	Not yet evaluated against criteria.

Threatened = typically CR + EN + VU together in exam language.

Species types (exam vocabulary)

Type	Definition
Endemic	Restricted to a particular geographic area (e.g. Lion-tailed macaque — Western Ghats).
Keystone	Disproportionate effect on ecosystem relative to abundance.
Indicator	Presence/absence signals environmental condition (lichens → air quality).
Umbrella	Protecting it protects many co-occurring species (large range animals).
Flagship	Charismatic species chosen to raise support (tiger, panda).
Invasive alien	Non-native species that spreads and harms ecosystems (e.g. Lantana, water hyacinth / Eichhornia).

Indian species — quick associations

Species / group	Association
Bengal tiger	National animal; Project Tiger; largest wild population in India.
Asiatic lion	Gir National Park, Gujarat — only wild population. (Gir appeared in GD 2024 analysis themes — not claimed here as exact PYQ wording.)
One-horned rhinoceros	Kaziranga (Assam) is the classic association.
Snow leopard	High Himalaya.
Gangetic dolphin	National aquatic animal; Ganga river system.
Olive Ridley turtle	Mass nesting (arribada) — Gahirmatha / Odisha coast famous.
Great Indian Bustard	Critically endangered grassland bird; Rajasthan association strong.
Hangul (Kashmir stag)	Dachigam NP, J&K.
Lion-tailed macaque	Endemic to Western Ghats.
Sangai (brow-antlered deer)	Keibul Lamjao NP, Manipur — floating phumdis.
Nicobar megapode / Nicobar pigeon / robber crab	Associated with Campbell Bay NP (Great Nicobar). Verified CGL 23/09/2024

How many India-linked biodiversity hotspots (usual SSC list)?

Four — WG–Sri Lanka, Indo-Burma, Himalaya, Sundaland.

IUCN CR means?

Critically Endangered — extremely high extinction risk.

Only wild Asiatic lions?

Gir NP, Gujarat.

National aquatic animal?

Gangetic river dolphin.

Lichens indicate?

Air quality (indicator species).

Campbell Bay NP fauna (CGL 2024)?

Megapode, crab-eating macaque, Nicobar pigeon, giant robber crab.

Chapter 3 · प्रदूषण

Pollution (प्रदूषण)

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BOD/COD Smog Acid rain Eutrophication GHGs Ozone/UV

Pollution = undesirable change in physical, chemical or biological characteristics of air, water, soil or noise that harms living organisms / resources.

Air pollution

Pollutant / idea	SSC fact
SPM / PM_2.5 / PM₁₀	Particulate matter; smaller particles penetrate deeper into lungs.
SO₂	From burning sulphur-containing fossil fuels; contributes to acid rain; respiratory irritation.
NO_x	Vehicle / industrial; smog and acid rain precursor.
CO	Incomplete combustion; binds haemoglobin → carboxyhaemoglobin (reduces O₂ carriage).
Ozone (ground-level)	Secondary pollutant; component of photochemical smog; harms lungs / crops.
Stratospheric ozone	Absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Verified CGL 11/09/2024
London smog (classic)	Sulphurous / classical smog — cool, humid; SO₂ + smoke.
Los Angeles / photochemical smog	NO_x + hydrocarbons + sunlight → ozone / PAN; warm, dry, sunny.
Acid rain	pH of rain significantly below normal (~5.6); mainly H₂SO₄ / HNO₃ from SO₂ / NO_x.
AQI (India)	National Air Quality Index categories used by CPCB (Good → Severe). Exact breakpoints — check latest CPCB if asked numerically.

Water pollution

Term	Fact
BOD	Biochemical Oxygen Demand — oxygen used by microbes to decompose organic matter. High BOD = more organic pollution.
COD	Chemical Oxygen Demand — oxygen equivalent of chemical oxidation of organics (usually ≥ BOD).
Eutrophication	Nutrient enrichment (N, P) → algal bloom → O₂ depletion → fish kills. Verified CHSL 01/07/2024 & CPO 28/06/2024
Biomagnification	Increase in concentration of persistent toxins (e.g. DDT, Hg) along the food chain.
Bioaccumulation	Build-up in an organism over time from the environment / food.
Minamata disease	Mercury poisoning (Japan) — classic biomagnification case study.
Itai-itai	Cadmium poisoning (Japan).
Thermal pollution	Heated water from power plants lowers dissolved O₂; stresses aquatic life.
Overpopulation pressure	Land and other renewable resources under pressure. Verified CGL 11/09/2024

Soil, noise, radioactive, light

Type	Key point
Soil pollution	Pesticides, heavy metals, industrial waste, plastics; reduces fertility.
Noise pollution	Unwanted sound; measured in decibels (dB). Impacts hearing, stress, sleep.
Radioactive pollution	From nuclear accidents / waste / mining; ionising radiation hazards.
Light pollution	Excess artificial light; affects wildlife navigation / astronomy.
Plastic pollution	Microplastics enter food chains; non-biodegradable.

Pollutants → diseases / effects (quick map)

Pollutant / agent	Associated effect
CO	Asphyxiation risk via Hb binding.
SO₂ / smoke	Respiratory disease; classical smog.
Asbestos	Asbestosis / lung disease (occupational).
Arsenic (water)	Skin lesions, cancers (groundwater — parts of India).
Fluoride (excess)	Fluorosis (bones / teeth).
Nitrate (water)	Methemoglobinemia / blue-baby syndrome (infants).
DDT	Biomagnification; eggshell thinning in birds (classic ecology story).
Mercury	Minamata; neurological damage.
Cadmium	Itai-itai; kidney / bone effects.

Greenhouse gases (GHGs)

Gas	Notes for SSC
Water vapour (H₂O)	Most abundant natural GHG; not usually the policy ‘control’ gas.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂)	Largest anthropogenic forcing share; fossil fuels + deforestation. Reference gas for GWP = 1.
Methane (CH₄)	Rice fields, livestock, wetlands, leaks; higher GWP than CO₂ over 100 years (exact GWP — check latest IPCC if asked).
Nitrous oxide (N₂O)	Fertilisers, combustion; potent GHG.
Ozone (tropospheric)	GHG + pollutant; stratospheric O₃ is protective.
CFCs / HFCs / PFCs / SF₆	Industrial; very high GWP; CFCs also ozone-depleting (Montreal).

BOD ↑ → dissolved oxygen stress. Eutrophication ↔ nutrient (N/P) overload. Ozone layer ↔ UV absorption.

BOD measures?

Oxygen demand of microbes decomposing organic matter in water.

Ozone layer absorbs?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Eutrophication (CHSL/CPO 2024)?

Too much N/P → excessive plant/algae growth in aquatic systems.

Classical London smog key gas?

SO₂ (+ smoke), cool humid conditions.

Photochemical smog needs?

NO_x + hydrocarbons + sunlight → O₃/PAN.

Minamata linked to?

Mercury poisoning / biomagnification.

CO toxicity mechanism?

Forms carboxyhaemoglobin — reduces O₂ transport.

Overpopulation mostly causes?

Land and other renewable resources under pressure.

Chapter 4 · जलवायु एवं वैश्विक मुद्दे

Climate & global issues

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Montreal Kyoto Paris UNFCCC IPCC ENSO Ramsar

Greenhouse effect & ozone

Concept	Fact
Greenhouse effect	GHGs trap outgoing long-wave radiation → warms Earth’s surface. Natural effect is essential for life; enhanced effect from extra GHGs drives warming.
Global warming	Long-term rise in Earth’s average temperature mainly from anthropogenic GHGs.
Ozone layer	Stratospheric O₃ absorbs harmful UV-B / ultraviolet radiation.
Ozone hole	Seasonal severe thinning over Antarctica; linked to ODSs (esp. CFCs).
CFCs	Chlorofluorocarbons — refrigerants/aerosols historically; release Cl that catalyses O₃ destruction.
ODS	Ozone-depleting substances (CFCs, halons, etc.).

Mnemonic: Montreal → ozone (protect the sky). Kyoto → carbon / emission targets (older climate treaty). Paris → NDCs (national pledges). Hindi: मॉन्ट्रियल = ओज़ोन; क्योटो = उत्सर्जन लक्ष्य।

Conventions & protocols (exam table)

Instrument	Year / focus (SSC-level)
Ramsar Convention	1971 — wetlands of international importance; India joined 1982.
CITES	1973 — trade in endangered species.
UNFCCC	1992 (Rio) — framework convention on climate change; secretariat often associated with Bonn (Germany).
CBD	1992 Rio — Convention on Biological Diversity.
Kyoto Protocol	1997 (adopted) — binding emission targets for listed developed countries (Annex I); entered into force 2005.
Montreal Protocol	1987 — phase-out of ODS to protect ozone layer. Widely called a successful environmental treaty.
Kigali Amendment	2016 amendment to Montreal — phase-down of HFCs (climate-potent coolants).
Paris Agreement	2015 — limit warming well below 2°C (pursue 1.5°C); nationally determined contributions (NDCs).
IPCC	1988 — scientific assessments of climate change (not a treaty).
Basel Convention	1989 — control of transboundary hazardous wastes.
Stockholm Convention	2001 — Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
UNCCD	1994 — combat desertification.

El Niño & La Niña (brief)

Phenomenon	What SSC expects
El Niño	Unusual warming of eastern equatorial Pacific; can disrupt Indian monsoon (often weaker / uneven — don’t overclaim certainty).
La Niña	Unusual cooling of the same region; often associated with different monsoon / rainfall patterns vs El Niño.
ENSO	El Niño–Southern Oscillation — coupled ocean–atmosphere system.

Montreal Protocol year / aim?

1987 — phase out ozone-depleting substances.

Paris Agreement year?

2015 — NDCs; well below 2°C / pursue 1.5°C.

Kyoto vs Paris in one line?

Kyoto: binding targets for listed developed parties; Paris: NDCs for parties broadly.

IPCC founded?

1988 — climate science assessments.

Ozone layer absorbs?

Ultraviolet radiation.

Ramsar year?

1971 — wetlands.

CFCs harm ozone by?

Releasing chlorine that catalyses O₃ breakdown.

Chapter 5 · संरक्षण

Conservation (संरक्षण)

Mark as revised

In-situ Ex-situ NP / WLS / BR Project Tiger Ramsar

In-situ vs ex-situ

Approach	Examples
In-situ (on-site)	National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves, community reserves, sacred groves — conserve in natural habitat.
Ex-situ (off-site)	Zoos, botanical gardens, seed banks, gene banks, captive breeding, aquarium.

Protected area types (India)

Category	SSC distinction
National Park (NP)	Highest protection among common categories; no grazing / private rights generally; notified under Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS)	Protection of wildlife; some rights may be permitted (regulated).
Biosphere Reserve (BR)	Large landscape: core + buffer + transition; biodiversity + sustainable use; UNESCO MAB linkage for many.
Tiger Reserve	Core + buffer under Project Tiger / NTCA framework (as notified). Count changes — check latest MoEFCC/NTCA.
Elephant Reserve	Landscape approach under Project Elephant.
Ramsar site	Wetland of international importance under Ramsar Convention.
Community / Conservation reserve	Categories under WPA amendments for community participation.

Flagship projects

Project	Facts
Project Tiger	Launched 1973. Aim: tiger conservation. NTCA is the key body (statutory under WPA amendment). Exact reserve count changes — say “as notified / check latest MoEFCC–NTCA” (research note: ~58 as of early 2025 notifications).
Project Elephant	Launched 1992. Elephant conservation + corridors / human–elephant conflict mitigation.
Crocodile Project	Often cited from mid-1970s for crocodilian conservation.
Project Snow Leopard	High-altitude conservation initiative (2009 often cited in GK books).
National Mission for Green India	Afforestation / forest-based livelihoods under climate missions (link to NAPCC).

Project Tiger 1973; Project Elephant 1992. NP stricter than Sanctuary in exam comparisons.

Chapter 6 · भारतीय पर्यावरण

Indian environment

Mark as revised

Western Ghats Sundarbans NPs 18 BRs Ramsar Evergreen

Forests, mangroves, coral, wetlands, mountains

Topic	SSC fact
Forest types (broad)	Tropical evergreen, deciduous, thorn, montane, mangrove, alpine — based on climate / rainfall.
Tropical evergreen	Ebony and mahogany characteristic trees. Verified CGL 11/09/2024
Western Ghats	Biodiversity hotspot; older than Himalaya; heavy monsoon influence; endemism high.
Himalaya	Young fold mountains; altitudinal zonation of vegetation; hotspot.
Sundarbans	Largest mangrove system (shared India–Bangladesh); tiger habitat; West Bengal (Indian part).
Mangroves	Salt-tolerant coastal forests; protect against storms; major: Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika, Pichavaram, Andaman.
Coral reefs (India)	Gulf of Mannar, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar; Gulf of Kachchh also noted.
Wetlands / Ramsar	India has the highest number of Ramsar sites in South Asia (verified 2025 statement set). Count rises — check latest MoEFCC.
ISFR	India State of Forest Report (FSI) — periodic forest/tree cover data. Use latest report if a % is asked.

National Parks ↔ states (20+ well-known)

National Park	State / UT
Jim Corbett	Uttarakhand (first NP of India; historically Hailey NP)
Rajaji	Uttarakhand
Valley of Flowers	Uttarakhand
Kaziranga	Assam
Manas	Assam
Sundarbans	West Bengal
Gir	Gujarat
Ranthambore	Rajasthan
Keoladeo (Bharatpur)	Rajasthan
Sariska	Rajasthan
Kanha	Madhya Pradesh
Bandhavgarh	Madhya Pradesh
Pench	Madhya Pradesh (also Maharashtra side landscapes)
Satpura	Madhya Pradesh
Periyar	Kerala
Silent Valley	Kerala
Mudumalai	Tamil Nadu (not Kerala — CHSL 2024 trap)
Bandipur	Karnataka
Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi)	Karnataka
Tadoba-Andhari region	Maharashtra
Sanjay Gandhi (Borivali)	Maharashtra
Namdapha	Arunachal Pradesh
Hemis	Ladakh
Dachigam	Jammu & Kashmir
Keibul Lamjao	Manipur — floating NP; Sangai; Ramsar-linked
Gulf of Mannar Marine NP	Tamil Nadu
Desert National Park	Rajasthan
Campbell Bay	Andaman & Nicobar (Great Nicobar) — Megapode, robber crab etc.
Indira Gandhi (Annamalai)	Tamil Nadu

Madhya Pradesh is often cited as having the maximum national parks among states (CHSL 09/07/2024 statement I). Mudumalai = Tamil Nadu, not Kerala.

Biosphere Reserves (commonly listed 18 for exams)

India is commonly said to have 18 biosphere reserves in SSC/Lucent-style lists. UNESCO MAB recognition applies to a subset (research note: ~13 in WNBR after Cold Desert addition in 2025 — if asked “how many UNESCO-listed”, check latest UNESCO / MoEFCC).

Biosphere Reserve	State(s) / UT
Nilgiri	Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka (India’s first BR, 1986)
Nanda Devi	Uttarakhand
Nokrek	Meghalaya
Great Nicobar	Andaman & Nicobar
Gulf of Mannar	Tamil Nadu
Manas	Assam
Sundarban	West Bengal
Simlipal	Odisha
Dibru-Saikhowa	Assam
Dihang-Dibang (Dehang-Debang)	Arunachal Pradesh
Pachmarhi	Madhya Pradesh
Khangchendzonga	Sikkim
Agasthyamalai	Kerala, Tamil Nadu
Achanakmar-Amarkantak	Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
Great Rann of Kutch	Gujarat
Cold Desert	Himachal Pradesh
Seshachalam Hills	Andhra Pradesh
Panna	Madhya Pradesh

Ramsar highlights (India)

Site (examples)	State / note
Chilika Lake	Odisha — lagoon; classic Ramsar + migratory birds.
Keoladeo National Park	Rajasthan — bird sanctuary / Ramsar.
Loktak / Keibul Lamjao	Manipur — floating NP; Sangai; Ramsar-linked. Verified CGL 21/09/2025 theme
Sarsai Nawar Wetland	Uttar Pradesh — large Sarus crane population. Verified CGL 14/09/2025
Wular Lake	J&K — large freshwater lake.
Nalsarovar	Gujarat — bird sanctuary / Ramsar.
Harike	Punjab — wetland / Ramsar.
India’s Ramsar count	Has increased rapidly in recent years — do not memorise a stale number; check latest MoEFCC/Ramsar if a count is asked.

Asiatic lion NP?

Gir, Gujarat.

One-horned rhino classic NP?

Kaziranga, Assam.

Floating national park?

Keibul Lamjao, Manipur.

First National Park of India?

Jim Corbett (Hailey NP historically), Uttarakhand.

Ebony & mahogany forest type?

Tropical evergreen forests.

Mudumalai is in?

Tamil Nadu (not Kerala).

Campbell Bay NP is in?

Andaman & Nicobar (Great Nicobar).

Sarsai Nawar known for?

Large Sarus crane population (Ramsar, UP).

Nilgiri Biosphere spans?

TN + Kerala + Karnataka.

Chapter 7 · संगठन

Organizations (पर्यावरण संगठन)

Mark as revised

UNEP IUCN MoEFCC CPCB NGT NBA SACON

Learn full form + one purpose + one SSC hook (HQ / year when well-established).

Body	Full form / facts
UNEP	United Nations Environment Programme — 1972; HQ Nairobi, Kenya. Coordinates UN environmental activities.
UNFCCC	UN Framework Convention on Climate Change — 1992; climate regime; secretariat in Bonn.
IPCC	Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change — 1988; scientific assessment reports.
IUCN	International Union for Conservation of Nature — Red List; HQ Gland, Switzerland (well-cited).
WWF	World Wide Fund for Nature (World Wildlife Fund in US) — conservation NGO; panda logo.
UNESCO	UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization — World Heritage, MAB (biospheres). HQ Paris.
FAO	Food and Agriculture Organization — HQ Rome; food security / forests / fisheries angles.
MoEFCC	Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (India) — nodal central ministry.
CPCB	Central Pollution Control Board — statutory under Water Act / Air Act framework; national pollution control.
SPCB	State Pollution Control Board — state-level counterpart.
NBA	National Biodiversity Authority — Biological Diversity Act 2002; HQ Chennai (standard GK).
NGT	National Green Tribunal — 2010 Act; environmental cases; speedy disposal; HQ New Delhi (principal bench).
NTCA	National Tiger Conservation Authority — tiger reserves / Project Tiger stewardship.
FSI	Forest Survey of India — ISFR forest cover assessments; Dehradun association.
SACON	Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History — Tamil Nadu (Coimbatore). Verified CHSL 09/07/2024
ZSI / BSI	Zoological / Botanical Survey of India — faunal / floral survey.

UNEP → Nairobi. NGT → 2010. NBA → Chennai. SACON → Tamil Nadu. CPCB ↔ SPCB pair is a favourite.

Chapter 8 · महत्वपूर्ण दिवस

Important environment days

Mark as revised

5 June 16 Sept 2 Feb 22 April 22 May

Day	Date (usual)
World Wetlands Day	2 February (Ramsar anniversary)
World Wildlife Day	3 March
World Forest Day / Int. Day of Forests	21 March
World Water Day	22 March
Earth Hour	Last Saturday of March (WWF event — evening lights out)
Earth Day	22 April
International Biodiversity Day	22 May
World Environment Day	5 June (UNEP; Sweden hosted first 1972 conference link)
World Day to Combat Desertification	17 June
World Ozone Day	16 September (Montreal Protocol anniversary)
World Habitat Day	First Monday of October
International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction	13 October
National Pollution Control Day (India)	2 December (Bhopal gas tragedy remembrance)
National Energy Conservation Day (India)	14 December

Ozone Day 16 Sept ↔ Montreal 1987. Environment Day 5 June. Wetlands 2 Feb.

Chapter 9 · अधिनियम

Acts & laws

Mark as revised

WPA 1972 EPA 1986 Air 1981 Water 1974 NGT 2010

Act	Year · objective · SSC fact
Wildlife (Protection) Act	1972 — protect wild animals/birds/plants; schedules; enables NPs/sanctuaries; later amendments (including 2022) — if asked latest schedule details, check amended text.
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act	1974 — water pollution control; boards.
Forest (Conservation) Act	1980 — restrict dereservation / non-forest use of forest land without Central approval.
Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act	1981 — air pollution control; CPCB/SPCBs powers.
Environment (Protection) Act	1986 — umbrella Act after Bhopal; wide powers to Central Govt for environment protection.
Biological Diversity Act	2002 — CBD implementation; NBA / SBBs / BMCs; access & benefit sharing.
National Green Tribunal Act	2010 — establish NGT for environmental disputes.
Indian Forest Act	1927 — colonial-era forest law (still relevant historically; not the same as FCA 1980).

Stack to remember: Water 1974 → Forest Cons. 1980 → Air 1981 → EPA 1986 → Biodiversity 2002 → NGT 2010. WPA 1972 sits early.

Chapter 10 · SSC 2024–2025

Environment topics asked in SSC 2024–2025

Mark as revised

12 verified Paleoecology Eutrophication Ramsar Themes

12 verified items loaded from research JSON. Every row below is tied to a named 2024/2025 paper or Official Paper attribution. Do not invent extra exam/year claims.

Verified SSC Environment / Ecology PYQs (2024–2025)

#	Question	Answer	Source host
1	What kind of radiation is absorbed by the ozone layer? Options: 1. Green radiation 2. Infrared radiation 3. Visible radiation 4. Ultraviolet radiation SSC CGL Tier-I · 2024-09-11 Atmosphere / Ozone · Shift 1 (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM)	Ultraviolet radiation	www.pyqonline.com
2	Which of the following options is mostly caused by overpopulation? Options: 1. Land and other renewable resources are under pressure 2. Adequate natural resource storage 3. Reduction in the scarcity of water 4. Increase in the area covered by forests SSC CGL Tier-I · 2024-09-11 Population / resource pressure · Shift 1 (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM)	Land and other renewable resources are under pressure	www.pyqonline.com
3	Ebony and Mahogany trees are found in which type of forests? Options: 1. Mangrove forests 2. Tropical deciduous forests 3. Tropical evergreen forests 4. Montane forests SSC CGL Tier-I · 2024-09-11 Forest types · Shift 1 (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM)	Tropical evergreen forests	www.pyqonline.com
4	Which branch of ecology deals with the characteristics of ancient environment and their relationship with ancient plants and animals? Options: 1. Demecology 2. Mycology 3. Ichthyology 4. Paleoecology SSC CGL Tier-I · 2024-09-18 Branches of ecology · Shift 2 (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM)	Paleoecology	sscportal.in
5	Which of the following is the best definition of ecological efficiency? Options: 1. The ratio between the mass and the energy flow at different trophic levels in a food chain 2. The ratio between energy flows at different points in a food chain 3. The amount of energy stored at different trophic levels in a food chain 4. The amount of energy utilised at different trophic levels in a food chain SSC CGL Tier-I · 2024-09-19 Ecosystem / ecological efficiency · Shift 2 (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM)	The ratio between energy flows at different points in a food chain	cdn-images.prepp.in
6	Which national park in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is home to species like Megapode, crab-eating Macaque, Nicobar Pigeon, and Giant Robber Crab? Options: 1. Campbell Bay National Park 2. Raimona National Park 3. Mouling National Park 4. Papikonda National Park SSC CGL Tier-I · 2024-09-23 National parks / biodiversity · Shift 1 (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM)	Campbell Bay National Park	cdn-images.prepp.in
7	Which of the following statements is/are correct? I. Maximum national parks in India are located in Madhya Pradesh. II. Mudumalai National Park is located in Kerala. III. Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History is located in Tamil Nadu. Options: 1. Only I 2. Only III 3. Both I and III 4. Both I and II SSC CHSL Tier-I · 2024-07-09 National parks / institutions · Shift 2 (11:45 AM - 12:45 PM)	Both I and III (Mudumalai is in Tamil Nadu, not Kerala)	www.adda247.com
8	Which of the following statements about eutrophication is correct? Options: 1. Too little nitrogen → reduced plant/algae growth 2. Beneficial for environment restoration 3. Too much nitrogen enriches water → excessive plant/algae growth 4. Too much carbon → excessive bacteria and reduced plant growth SSC CHSL Tier-I · 2024-07-01 Eutrophication / water pollution · Shift 2	It happens when too much nitrogen enriches the water, causing excessive growth of plants and algae	testbook.com
9	Eutrophication can be defined as: Options: 1. gradual increase of P/N nutrients in a grassland ecosystem 2. gradual decrease of P/N nutrients in an aging aquatic ecosystem such as a lake 3. gradual increase of P/N nutrients in desert areas 4. gradual increase of P/N nutrients in an aging aquatic ecosystem such as a lake SSC CPO Paper-I · 2024-06-28 Eutrophication · Shift 1	the gradual increase in the concentration of phosphorus, nitrogen, and other plant nutrients in an aging aquatic ecosystem such as a lake	testbook.com
10	Which cycle consists of sedimentary and gaseous cycles? Options: 1. Biogeochemical cycle 2. Biogeogaseous cycle 3. Biochemical cycle 4. Biogeo cycle SSC CPO Paper-I · 2024-06-27 Biogeochemical cycles · Shift 1	Biogeochemical cycle	testbook.com
11	Consider the following statements regarding India's Ramsar Sites: 1. India has the highest number of Ramsar sites in South Asia. 2. Keibul Lamjao is the only floating National Park in the world and is also a Ramsar site. 3. All Ramsar sites in India are located in coastal regions. Options: 1. Only 1 and 2 2. Only 2 and 3 3. Only 1 and 3 4. All 1, 2 and 3 SSC CGL Tier-I · 2025-09-21 Ramsar / wetlands · Shift 1	Only 1 and 2 are correct	testbook.com
12	Which newly designated Ramsar Site is recognized for hosting the largest population of Sarus Cranes in India? Options: 1. Sarsai Nawar Wetland, UP 2. Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan 3. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat 4. Harike Wetland, Punjab SSC CGL Tier-I · 2025-09-14 Ramsar / birds · Shift 1	Sarsai Nawar Wetland, UP	testbook.com

Concept	Recall line
Paleoecology	Ancient environments + ancient biota.
Ecological efficiency	Energy-flow ratio along food-chain points.
Eutrophication	N/P nutrient enrichment of aquatic systems → algal blooms.
Biogeochemical cycle	Gaseous + sedimentary cycles.
Ozone / UV	Stratospheric ozone absorbs ultraviolet radiation.
Tropical evergreen	Ebony, mahogany characteristic trees.
Campbell Bay NP	Great Nicobar — megapode, Nicobar pigeon, robber crab, crab-eating macaque.
Mudumalai	Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris), not Kerala.
SACON	Tamil Nadu (Coimbatore).
Sarsai Nawar	UP Ramsar — large Sarus crane population.
Keibul Lamjao	Floating NP; Ramsar-linked; Sangai.
Project Tiger year	1973.
Drought Prone Area Programme (env-linked development)	Often linked to drought-prone area development in planning context (6th FYP era). Environment/development overlap — not pure ecology. Mentioned alongside 18/09/2024 paper themes; confirm exact stem from PDF if claiming as PYQ.
Montreal Protocol	1987 — ozone / ODS.
NGT year	2010.
EPA year	1986 (post-Bhopal umbrella).

Theme weightage (analyses — not fake Qs)

From verified 2024–25 papers + coaching analyses (cite as themes, not per-paper invented counts). CHSL GA often ~2–3 Environment items of 25; treat “18–22 Q” coaching claims cautiously vs CGL Tier-I GA size.

🔥 Biodiversity / species / parks (Campbell Bay, Mudumalai/MP, Gir as analysis theme)
⭐ Pollution & health / eutrophication / ozone–UV
📌 Conventions & wetlands (Ramsar, Keibul Lamjao, Sarsai Nawar)
🟢 Ecosystem functions (ecological efficiency, biogeochemical cycles, paleoecology)
Forest types & population–resource pressure
Climate / renewables / acts as related GK clusters

Memory-based only (not claimed as official PYQ text): Gir National Park appeared in SSC GD 21 Feb 2024 exam-analysis topic lists (Prepp). Also see Economy and Biology for overlapping GK.

Chapter 11 · सर्वाधिक पूछे गए

Most repeated topics

Mark as revised

🔥 ⭐ 📌 🟢

Topic	One-line
🔥 Project Tiger year	1973
🔥 Project Elephant year	1992
🔥 Montreal Protocol	1987 — ozone layer / ODS phase-out
🔥 Kyoto Protocol	1997 — emission targets (older climate)
🔥 Paris Agreement	2015 — NDCs
🔥 Ramsar Convention	1971 — wetlands; India joined 1982
🔥 Wildlife Protection Act	1972
🔥 Environment Protection Act	1986
🔥 NGT Act	2010
⭐ BOD	High BOD = organic pollution stress on DO
⭐ Eutrophication	N/P nutrients → blooms → O₂ crash
⭐ Biomagnification	Toxins concentrate up the food chain
⭐ Ecological efficiency	Ratio of energy flows at different points in a food chain
⭐ 10% law	Lindeman energy transfer
⭐ Pyramid of energy	Always upright
⭐ Biogeochemical cycle	Gaseous + sedimentary
📌 UNEP HQ	Nairobi
📌 IUCN	Red List categories
📌 Asiatic lion	Gir, Gujarat
📌 One-horn rhino	Kaziranga, Assam
📌 Gangetic dolphin	National aquatic animal
📌 First NP	Jim Corbett / Hailey NP
📌 Campbell Bay	Great Nicobar — megapode, robber crab…
📌 Mudumalai	Tamil Nadu
📌 Sarsai Nawar	UP — Sarus cranes / Ramsar
📌 Keibul Lamjao	Floating NP, Manipur
🟢 Niche vs habitat	Role vs place
🟢 Ecotone	Transition zone
🟢 Phosphorus cycle	No major atmospheric phase
🟢 CFC → ozone	Chlorine catalysis
🟢 Classical vs photochemical smog	SO₂/cool vs NO_x+sun
🟢 Ozone absorbs	Ultraviolet radiation
🟢 Ebony / mahogany	Tropical evergreen forests
🟢 In-situ vs ex-situ	NP/WLS vs zoo/seed bank
🟢 Biosphere reserves (exam count)	18 commonly listed
🟢 World Environment Day	5 June
🟢 World Ozone Day	16 September
🟢 Paleoecology	Ancient environment + ancient biota

Labels: 🔥 must-know years · ⭐ process definitions · 📌 place/species · 🟢 conceptual traps.

Chapter 12 · वन-लाइनर

One-liner revision

Mark as revised

80+ Last night Rapid fire

104 rapid-fire lines for last-night revision. Hide mentally; tick revised when done.

Ecology studies organisms and their environment.
Ecosystem = biotic + abiotic interacting system.
Producers are autotrophs (mainly green plants / phytoplankton).
Decomposers recycle nutrients (bacteria, fungi).
Habitat is the address; niche is the profession.
Ecotone is a transition zone; edge effect often raises diversity.
Food web = interconnected food chains.
Grazing food chain starts from live plants.
Detritus food chain starts from dead organic matter.
Energy flow is unidirectional; nutrients cycle.
Ecological efficiency = ratio between energy flows at different points in a food chain.
Lindeman’s 10% law ≈ energy transfer between trophic levels.
Pyramid of energy is always upright.
Primary succession begins on bare substrate without soil.
Secondary succession follows disturbance with soil present.
Climax community is the relatively stable end stage.
Biogeochemical cycles include gaseous and sedimentary cycles.
Phosphorus cycle lacks a major atmospheric gaseous phase.
Nitrogen fixation converts N₂ to usable forms (e.g. Rhizobium).
Paleoecology studies ancient environments and ancient biota.
India is a megadiverse country.
Four India-linked hotspots are commonly listed for exams.
Western Ghats are a biodiversity hotspot.
IUCN CR = Critically Endangered.
Threatened usually means CR + EN + VU.
Endemic species are restricted to a region.
Keystone species have outsized ecosystem effects.
Lichens are air-quality indicator organisms.
Water hyacinth is an invasive aquatic weed.
Asiatic lions survive wild only in Gir, Gujarat.
Kaziranga is famous for the one-horned rhinoceros.
Gangetic dolphin is India’s national aquatic animal.
Olive Ridley mass nesting is famous on Odisha coasts.
Great Indian Bustard is a critically endangered grassland bird.
Sangai is associated with Keibul Lamjao, Manipur.
Hangul is associated with Dachigam.
Campbell Bay NP (Great Nicobar) has megapode, Nicobar pigeon, robber crab.
Mudumalai National Park is in Tamil Nadu, not Kerala.
Ebony and mahogany trees are found in tropical evergreen forests.
SPM / PM harm the respiratory system.
CO binds haemoglobin forming carboxyhaemoglobin.
Classical smog is sulphurous (London-type).
Photochemical smog needs sunlight + NO_x + hydrocarbons.
Acid rain is linked to SO₂ and NO_x.
Stratospheric ozone absorbs ultraviolet radiation.
BOD measures biodegradable organic load via oxygen use.
COD is chemical oxygen demand (usually ≥ BOD).
Eutrophication is nutrient over-enrichment of water bodies (esp. N, P).
Biomagnification increases toxin concentration up the food chain.
Minamata disease ↔ mercury; Itai-itai ↔ cadmium.
Thermal pollution reduces dissolved oxygen in water.
Overpopulation puts land and other renewable resources under pressure.
CO₂ is the main anthropogenic GHG by volume share of forcing discussions.
Methane has higher GWP than CO₂ over standard horizons.
CFCs deplete ozone via chlorine chemistry.
Montreal Protocol (1987) phases out ODS.
Kigali Amendment targets HFC phase-down.
UNFCCC was opened at Rio 1992.
Kyoto Protocol adopted 1997 (force 2005).
Paris Agreement adopted 2015 with NDCs.
IPCC was established in 1988.
Ramsar Convention (1971) is about wetlands.
India joined Ramsar in 1982.
CITES regulates international trade in endangered species.
CBD (1992) is the biodiversity convention.
El Niño = unusual eastern Pacific warming.
La Niña = unusual eastern Pacific cooling.
In-situ conservation protects species in natural habitats.
Ex-situ includes zoos, seed banks, botanical gardens.
National Parks generally have stricter protection than sanctuaries.
Biosphere reserves have core, buffer and transition zones.
Project Tiger launched in 1973.
Project Elephant launched in 1992.
Jim Corbett is India’s first national park (historically Hailey NP).
Sundarbans = mangrove + tiger landscape (WB / Bangladesh).
Western Ghats are older than the Himalaya.
India commonly lists 18 biosphere reserves in exam books.
Nilgiri BR (1986) spans Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.
Chilika is a famous Ramsar lagoon in Odisha.
Keibul Lamjao is the floating national park on Loktak, Manipur.
Sarsai Nawar (UP) hosts a large Sarus crane population.
India has the highest number of Ramsar sites in South Asia (2025 verified statement set).
UNEP headquarters is in Nairobi.
IUCN publishes the Red List.
MoEFCC is India’s nodal environment ministry.
CPCB is the Central Pollution Control Board.
NBA (Biodiversity Act) is headquartered in Chennai.
SACON is in Tamil Nadu.
NGT was established under the 2010 Act.
Wildlife Protection Act was enacted in 1972.
Water Act 1974; Air Act 1981; Forest Conservation Act 1980.
Environment Protection Act 1986 is an umbrella law post-Bhopal.
Biological Diversity Act 2002 implements CBD domestically.
World Environment Day is on 5 June.
World Ozone Day is on 16 September.
World Wetlands Day is on 2 February.
Earth Day is on 22 April.
International Biodiversity Day is on 22 May.
National Pollution Control Day (India) is 2 December.
ISFR is published by the Forest Survey of India.
Sacred groves are traditional in-situ community conservation examples.
Coral reefs in India include Gulf of Mannar and Lakshadweep.
Mangroves buffer coasts against storms and erosion.
Madhya Pradesh is often cited for the maximum number of national parks among states.

Chapter 13 · FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Mark as revised

Habitat Montreal Tiger BOD NGT Ozone

What is the difference between habitat and niche?

Habitat is the place where an organism lives; niche is its functional role (feeding, interactions) in the ecosystem.

Why is the pyramid of energy always upright?

Because energy is lost as heat at each trophic transfer (roughly following the 10% law), so higher levels always have less energy.

What does the Montreal Protocol deal with?

Phasing out ozone-depleting substances (like CFCs) to protect the stratospheric ozone layer (adopted 1987).

Project Tiger started in which year?

1973.

What is BOD in pollution studies?

Biochemical Oxygen Demand — the oxygen required by microorganisms to decompose organic matter in water; higher BOD indicates more organic pollution.

How many biosphere reserves does India have in common SSC lists?

Eighteen biosphere reserves are commonly listed in exam materials; confirm UNESCO-listed subset separately if asked.

Where are Asiatic lions found in the wild in India?

Gir National Park / Gir landscape in Gujarat.

What is eutrophication?

Nutrient enrichment of a water body (especially nitrogen and phosphorus) leading to algal blooms, oxygen depletion and aquatic life stress.

NGT was established under which Act / year?

National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.

Paleoecology asked in SSC CGL 2024 refers to what?

The branch dealing with ancient environments and ancient plants/animals (verified 18/09/2024 item).

What radiation does the ozone layer absorb?

Ultraviolet radiation (verified CGL 11/09/2024).

What is ecological efficiency as asked in CGL 2024?

The ratio between energy flows at different points in a food chain (verified 19/09/2024).

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SSC Environment Notes 2024–2025 — Ecology, Biodiversity, Pollution

How to use this workbook

1. Hide answers

2. Flip cards

3. Mark revised

Ecology basics (पारिस्थितिकी की मूल बातें)

Ecosystem structure

Food chain, food web, trophic levels

Ecological pyramids & energy flow

Ecological succession

Biogeochemical cycles (nutrient cycles)

Biodiversity (जैव विविधता)

Biodiversity hotspots (India-relevant)

IUCN Red List categories

Species types (exam vocabulary)

Indian species — quick associations

Pollution (प्रदूषण)

Air pollution

Water pollution

Soil, noise, radioactive, light

Pollutants → diseases / effects (quick map)

Greenhouse gases (GHGs)

Climate & global issues

Greenhouse effect & ozone

Conventions & protocols (exam table)

El Niño & La Niña (brief)

Conservation (संरक्षण)

In-situ vs ex-situ

Protected area types (India)

Flagship projects

Indian environment

Forests, mangroves, coral, wetlands, mountains

National Parks ↔ states (20+ well-known)

Biosphere Reserves (commonly listed 18 for exams)

Ramsar highlights (India)

Organizations (पर्यावरण संगठन)

Important environment days

Acts & laws

Environment topics asked in SSC 2024–2025

Verified SSC Environment / Ecology PYQs (2024–2025)

Important related concepts (not claimed as exact PYQ wording)

Theme weightage (analyses — not fake Qs)

Most repeated topics

One-liner revision

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between habitat and niche?

Why is the pyramid of energy always upright?

What does the Montreal Protocol deal with?

Project Tiger started in which year?

What is BOD in pollution studies?

How many biosphere reserves does India have in common SSC lists?

Where are Asiatic lions found in the wild in India?

What is eutrophication?

NGT was established under which Act / year?

Paleoecology asked in SSC CGL 2024 refers to what?

What radiation does the ozone layer absorb?

What is ecological efficiency as asked in CGL 2024?