Programme B.Sc. Zoology
Type of Course Minor
Semester I
Module 1. Ecosystem (12hrs)
Unit 1: Introduction, Ecosystem & Energetics.(02 hrs) Fundamentals of Environmental
Sciences. Scope of Environmental Science. Ecology as an inter-disciplinary science, Sub
division of Ecology- Autoecology, Synecology, Scope of Ecology.
Unit 2: Ecosystem-Concept, Structure and functions:(08 hrs) Structures - Biotic and
Abiotic components. Functions - Energy flow in ecosystems & law of thermodynamics,
energy flow models ,energy transfer & transformations.
Productivity of ecosystem- primary (GPP, NPP, NCP), secondary productivity, standing crop,
material removed and production rate. Ecological efficiencies. Trophic structures and
ecological pyramids.Trophic levels, food chains and food webs.
Unit 3: Biogeochemical cycles(02hrs) - Concept and Basic types. Gaseous cycle -carbon &
nitrogen cycles, Sedimentary cycle- phosphorus cycle. Decomposition and transformation.
