Ecology and Environmental Biology

1. Environmental Biology
   1. Definition and Scope
      1. Understanding the relationship between living organisms and their environment
      2. Study of natural systems and human influence on these systems
      3. Integration of ecology, biology, and environmental science
   2. Human Impact on the Environment
      1. Pollution
         1. Air Pollution
            1. Causes: industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust
            2. Effects: respiratory health issues, acid rain
            3. Mitigation methods: emission control, cleaner fuels
         2. Water Pollution
            1. Sources: industrial discharge, agricultural runoff
            2. Impacts: aquatic life threats, drinking water contamination
            3. Pollution control measures: wastewater treatment, pollution prevention
         3. Soil Pollution
            1. Contributors: agrochemicals, hazardous waste
            2. Consequences: reduced soil fertility, food chain contamination
            3. Remediation techniques: bioremediation, soil amendments
         4. Noise Pollution
            1. Sources: urban development, transportation
            2. Effects: human health, wildlife disruption
            3. Control strategies: noise barriers, zoning regulations
         5. Light Pollution
            1. Causes: urban lighting, advertisements
            2. Impacts: nocturnal wildlife disturbance, energy waste
            3. Reduction techniques: use of shields, light curfews
      2. Habitat Destruction
         1. Urbanization effects
         2. Agricultural expansion
         3. Deforestation impacts
         4. Infrastructure development
      3. Overexploitation
         1. Overfishing impacts
         2. Hunting and poaching threats
         3. Mineral and fossil fuel extraction
   3. Environmental Issues
      1. Climate Change
         1. Greenhouse gas effects
         2. Global temperature rise
         3. Impact on weather patterns and ecosystems
      2. Biodiversity Loss
         1. Causes and consequences
         2. Impact on ecosystem services and stability
      3. Deforestation
         1. Reasons for clearing forests
         2. Effects on climate and species
         3. Reforestation efforts
      4. Desertification
         1. Process and causes
         2. Impacts on agriculture and livelihoods
         3. Prevention and management strategies
      5. Ocean Acidification
         1. Causes: increased CO2 levels
         2. Effects on marine ecosystems and species
         3. Interventions and research
      6. Ozone Layer Depletion
         1. Causes: use of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances
         2. Effects on ultraviolet radiation exposure
         3. Recovery efforts and international agreements
   4. Conservation Biology
      1. Principles of Conservation
         1. Importance of genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity
         2. Ethical and economic reasons for conservation
      2. Conservation Strategies
         1. Protected Areas
            1. National parks and nature reserves
            2. Benefits and challenges
         2. Wildlife Corridors
            1. Importance for species migration and genetic diversity
            2. Design and implementation
         3. Restoration Ecology
            1. Rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems
            2. Techniques and case studies
         4. Ex Situ Conservation
            1. Zoos, botanical gardens, seed banks
            2. Importance and limitations
      3. Sustainable Practices
         1. Renewable Energy
            1. Types: solar, wind, hydroelectric
            2. Impact on reducing fossil fuel usage
         2. Sustainable Agriculture
            1. Organic farming and permaculture
            2. Conservation tillage and crop rotation
         3. Green Technology
            1. Development of eco-friendly technologies
            2. Role in reducing environmental impact
      4. Policy and Legislation
         1. Environmental Laws and Treaties
            1. Major international environmental agreements
            2. National policies and enforcement
         2. Role of NGOs and International Bodies
            1. Advocacy and education roles
            2. Collaboration with governments and stakeholders