Environmental Science Quiz

What is a stakeholder in environmental decision-making?

• An individual, group or organisation involved in decision-making related to an environmental case study, project or issue

• A type of tree found in forests

• A scientific measurement used to assess biodiversity

• A method for measuring past climate changes

What is the definition of sustainability?

• Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

• The process of converting waste materials into reusable materials

• The practice of conserving natural resources for future generations

• The ability of an ecosystem to maintain its biotic and abiotic organization and function

What is the user pays principle?

• Calls upon the user of a service or resource to pay directly for the amount they use, rather than the cost being shared by all the users or a community equally

• A guideline that is triggered when the risk of harm to the environment due to a proposed action is high but the scientific evidence is uncertain

• The set of principles, standards and/or qualities that a stakeholder holds in high regard and that determines the way the stakeholder chooses actions and evaluates events

• Maintenance of the abundance of different species living within a particular region

What is Earth systems thinking?

• Consideration of the connections and interactions between Earth's four systems - atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere

• A circular economy based on the principles of keeping products and materials in use

• The scientific, technical and experiential knowledge held by a stakeholder

• The set of principles, standards and/or qualities that a stakeholder holds in high regard

What is the importance of genetic diversity within a species or population experiencing environmental change?

• It allows for adaptation and resilience to changing environmental conditions

• It provides aesthetic values and recreational benefits

• It controls climate and disease

• It maintains the abundance of different species living within a particular region

What are provisioning services provided by ecosystems?

• Potable water, food, fuel, fibre, and pharmaceuticals

• Control of climate and disease, pollination, and water purification

• Cycling of nutrients, soil formation, and photosynthesis

• Aesthetic values, recreational benefits, and sense of place

What is the Precautionary principle?

• A guideline that is triggered when the risk of harm to the environment due to a proposed action is high but the scientific evidence is uncertain

• Calls upon the user of a service or resource to pay directly for the amount they use, rather than the cost being shared by all the users or a community equally

• Maintenance of the abundance of different species living within a particular region

• Use of smaller amounts of physical resources to produce the same product or service while minimizing environmental impact

What is the definition of biodiversity?

• The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem

• The scientific, technical and experiential knowledge held by a stakeholder

• The set of principles, standards and/or qualities that a stakeholder holds in high regard

• Maintenance of the abundance of different species living within a particular region

What are the threats to biodiversity?

• Creation and isolation of small populations through habitat loss and over-exploitation, loss of pollinators, dispersal agents, host species or symbionts, climate change, and introduced species

• Maintenance of the abundance of different species living within a particular region

• Use of smaller amounts of physical resources to produce the same product or service while minimizing environmental impact

• Calls upon the user of a service or resource to pay directly for the amount they use, rather than the cost being shared by all the users or a community equally

What are the strategies for maintaining and growing populations to protect biodiversity?

• Protected areas, retaining remnant vegetation, wildlife corridors or zones, translocation of animals, captive breeding and reintroduction programs

• Potable water, food, fuel, fibre, and pharmaceuticals

• Control of climate and disease, pollination, and water purification

• Cycling of nutrients, soil formation, and photosynthesis