Environmental Studies Exam 2024

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What is loss of biodiversity?

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Loss of biodiversity refers to the decline in the variety of life forms in a given ecosystem. An example is overfishing, which reduces fish populations and disrupts marine ecosystems.

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What is a nonrenewable resource?

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A nonrenewable resource is a natural resource that cannot be replenished at the same rate it is consumed. An example is coal, which takes millions of years to form.

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What is a dependent variable in an experiment?

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The dependent variable is the factor that is measured or observed in an experiment. It is affected by changes in the independent variable.

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What are the four spheres of Earth?

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The four spheres of Earth are the atmosphere (air), hydrosphere (water), lithosphere (land), and biosphere (living things). They are all interconnected and affect each other.

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What is a variable in an experiment?

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A variable is any factor that can change in an experiment. The factor of interest that is manipulated is called the independent variable, while the one that is measured is the dependent variable.

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What is overfishing?

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Overfishing is the practice of catching fish at a rate faster than they can reproduce, leading to a decline in fish populations and loss of biodiversity.

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What is the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources?

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Renewable resources can be replenished naturally over time (e.g., trees, sunlight), while nonrenewable resources exist in finite amounts and cannot be replaced (e.g., coal, oil).

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What is an ecosystem?

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An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment, including both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.

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What is pollution?

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Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment, which can cause adverse effects on ecosystems and human health.

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What is the greenhouse effect?

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The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, keeping the planet warm enough to support life.