Environmental Science Quiz

Carbon Cycle:Question: What are the main points of the carbon cycle? How is decomposition important in the carbon cycle?

• A) The carbon cycle involves only human activities

• B) Carbon primarily moves through the atmosphere

• C) Decomposition releases carbon from dead organisms and waste back into the soil and atmosphere

• D) Decomposition has no role in the carbon cycle

Cellular Respiration:Question: What is the formula for cellular respiration? How is it related to photosynthesis? Do plants respirate?

• A) Formula: C6H12O6 + O2 → CO2 + H2O; It is the reverse process of photosynthesis

• B) Formula: CO2 + H2O → C6H12O6 + O2; It releases energy stored in glucose

• C) Plants do not undergo cellular respiration

• D) Formula: H2O + CO2 → C6H12O6 + O2; It is a different process from photosynthesis

Water Cycle:Question: What are the main points of the water cycle? What force allows it to continually flow?

• A) The water cycle involves only liquid water

• B) Main processes: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff

• C) Gravity is the force that allows the water cycle to continually flow

• D) The water cycle has no impact on climate

Nitrogen Cycle:Question: What are the main points of the Nitrogen cycle? Why is it important? The atmosphere is mainly nitrogen. Why don’t we just breathe in Nitrogen from the atmosphere? What are algal blooms?

• A) Main processes: nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification

• B) Importance: Nitrogen is essential for the structure of proteins and DNA

• C) The atmosphere is mainly composed of nitrogen, but it is in a form that is not directly usable by most organisms

• D) Algal blooms are caused by a shortage of nitrogen in aquatic ecosystems

Invasive Species:Question: Why are invasive species bad for an ecosystem?

• A) Invasive species contribute positively to biodiversity

• B) Invasive species do not affect native species

• C) Invasive species outcompete native species, disrupt ecosystems, and can lead to declines in biodiversity

• D) Invasive species have no impact on the environment

Types of Biodiversity:Question: What are the types of biodiversity?

• A) Genetic biodiversity, species biodiversity, and ecosystem biodiversity

• B) Only species biodiversity is relevant

• C) Ecosystem biodiversity and genetic biodiversity are not interconnected

• D) Biodiversity is a single, uniform concept

Simpson's Index:Question: What is Simpson's index used for? What does a large value of it mean?

• A) Simpson's index measures genetic diversity

• B) A large value of Simpson's index indicates higher biodiversity

• C) It is not related to ecological studies

• D) Simpson's index measures atmospheric conditions

Palm Oil Harvest Effect on the Biodiversity of the Rainforest:Question: How does palm oil harvesting impact the biodiversity of the rainforest?

• A) Palm oil harvesting has no impact on biodiversity

• B) It enhances biodiversity by creating new habitats

• C) Palm oil harvesting often leads to habitat destruction, reducing biodiversity

• D) It contributes positively to the rainforest ecosystem

Extinction Events (Natural vs Human Caused):Question: Compare natural and human-caused extinction events. How do they differ?

• A) Both natural and human-caused extinction events result from human activities

• B) Natural extinction events are caused by climate change, while human-caused events are due to geological processes

• C) Natural extinction events occur over short periods, while human-caused events unfold gradually

• D) Human-caused extinction events are often linked to habitat destruction and pollution

Extinction Effect on Food Chains:Question: How does the extinction of a species impact a food chain?

• A) It strengthens the food chain by reducing competition

• B) It disrupts the food chain by eliminating a trophic level

• C) Extinction has no effect on the structure and dynamics of the food chain

• D) It enhances biodiversity within the food chain