Hydrosphere Unit Test Reveiw

Front

What is the impact of increased ocean acidity on marine animal populations?

Back

Increased ocean acidity negatively affects plankton, which serves as the base of the ocean food chain. As plankton availability decreases, marine animal populations will also decrease.

Front

Which agency enforces the Clean Water Act?

Back

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces the Clean Water Act.

Front

Why can't all of Earth's freshwater be used for drinking water?

Back

Most of Earth's freshwater is frozen, making it unavailable for human consumption.

Front

What type of pollution is hog farming associated with?

Back

Hog farming is associated with nonpoint source pollution, which is harder to control.

Front

What are widespread pollution problems known as?

Back

Widespread pollution problems are known as non-point source pollution.

Front

Define plankton and its role in the ocean ecosystem.

Back

Plankton are microscopic organisms that float in ocean waters and serve as the primary food source for many marine animals, forming the base of the ocean food chain.

Front

What is point source pollution?

Back

Point source pollution refers to contaminants that enter a waterway from a single, identifiable source, such as a pipe or a ditch.

Front

What is nonpoint source pollution?

Back

Nonpoint source pollution comes from multiple, diffuse sources and is often caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground.

Front

Explain the significance of the Clean Water Act.

Back

The Clean Water Act is a key piece of environmental legislation in the United States aimed at regulating the discharge of pollutants into the waters and ensuring water quality.

Front

What is the main reason for the difficulty in controlling nonpoint source pollution?

Back

Nonpoint source pollution is difficult to control because it does not originate from a single source, making it hard to identify and regulate.