Study any notural area in your surrounding and document flora and fauna of the area and write information on the species observed (any ten species). – Maharashtra State Board Class 11 Environmental Studies (EVS) project topic and guidance.
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Project 10 : Study any notural area in your surrounding and document flora and fauna of the area and write information on the species observed (any ten species). is an officially approved project topic in the Maharashtra State Board Class 11 Environmental Studies and Water Security curriculum. This comprehensive study equips students with practical field methodologies, ecological analysis, and empirical data required for securing an 'A' grade in school/junior college internal assessments.
Environmental Education and Water Security emphasizes sustainable development through scientific investigation. The practical documentation provided below covers the core findings, observations, and policy measures needed for comprehensive academic evaluation.
Aim of the Study: To explore and systematically document the biodiversity of a natural patch (hillock, sacred grove, botanical park, or riverbank scrub) by recording ten characteristic species of flora and fauna.
Early morning (6:30 AM to 9:30 AM) biodiversity line transect survey across a 1 km natural trail (e.g., Tekdi hill in Pune, Yeoor hills in Thane, or local village forest patch) using binoculars, field guides, and observation logs.
This scientific investigation conforms strictly to Maharashtra State Board practical guidelines, incorporating primary survey data, empirical observations, and practical field documentation.
The following empirical observation matrix demonstrates standard data collection parameters, field measurements, and recorded outcomes for this project study:
| No. | Common Name & Scientific Name | Taxonomic Class | Observed Habitat & Micro-Niche | Key Ecological Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Peepal (Ficus religiosa) | Flora (Moraceae) | Rocky hillside slope | Keystone species; releases oxygen, nourishes hundreds of frugivore birds. |
| 02 | Neem (Azadirachta indica) | Flora (Meliaceae) | Dry open scrub boundary | Natural bio-pesticide, antimicrobial properties, provides dense cooling shade. |
| 03 | Flame of the Forest / Palash (Butea monosperma) | Flora (Fabaceae) | Dry deciduous belt | Bright vermilion flowers host nectar-feeding birds; enriches soil nitrogen. |
| 04 | Adulsa / Malabar Nut (Adhatoda vasica) | Flora (Acanthaceae) | Understory shrub layer | Medicinal bronchodilator plant; larval food plant for butterflies. |
| 05 | Karvand / Bengal Currant (Carissa carandas) | Flora (Apocynaceae) | Thorny hill edge | Produces edible wild berries feeding birds and small mammals; thorny refuge. |
| 06 | Common Mormon (Papilio polytes) | Fauna (Insecta: Lepidoptera) | Hovering near Citrus trees | Essential floral pollinator; caterpillars display bird-dropping mimicry. |
| 07 | Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) | Fauna (Aves: Nectariniidae) | Flowering tree canopy | Crucial pollinator of tube-shaped wildflowers and forest trees. |
| 08 | Oriental Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor) | Fauna (Reptilia: Agamidae) | Sunlit rocky perches and hedges | Insectivore predator controlling garden and agricultural pest populations. |
| 09 | Indian Palm Squirrel (Funambulus palmarum) | Fauna (Mammalia: Rodentia) | Tree trunks & branches | Seed disperser across forest floor; secondary consumer in food chain. |
| 10 | Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) | Fauna (Aves: Strigidae) | Old tree trunk cavity | Nocturnal raptor preying upon rodents and large beetles, aiding rodent control. |
The field study and investigation of Project 10 focuses on the following key environmental observations and highlights:
A comprehensive analysis of Project 10 reveals crucial insights regarding biodiversity survey and local ecological resilience. By examining empirical data collected in the field, students understand the direct impact of human activity on ecosystems and learn practical conservation strategies applicable to Maharashtra's local environment.
Documenting local flora and fauna is the fundamental first step in conservation. We cannot protect what we do not know. Creating a species inventory connects students directly with nature, sharpens scientific observation skills, and establishes a baseline to monitor biodiversity loss.
To secure full marks (30/30) in your internal project evaluation, structure your handwritten project file in the following official order:
Flora refers to all plant life naturally occurring in a particular region, while fauna refers to all animal life in that region.
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A researcher walks along a predetermined straight or standardized path, observing and recording all species seen within a fixed distance on either side.
Female Common Mormons mimic unpalatable species like the Crimson Rose to deter bird predators from eating them.