Climate Quiz 7

Comparing data on atmospheric carbon dioxide and global temperatures, scientists have concluded that:

• There is a correlation between CO₂ and global temperature.

• There is no relationship between CO₂ and global temperature.

• CO₂ is the only factor that affects global climate.

• Increasing temperatures cause CO₂ concentrations to increase.

• CO₂ concentration and temperature are both determined by the amount of methane in the atmosphere.

Answer explanation

Scientists have found a correlation between CO2 levels and global temperatures, indicating that as CO2 concentrations rise, global temperatures tend to increase as well, supporting the correct choice.

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

What is the carbon cycle?

• An environmentally friendly type of bicycle.

• A circular carbon formation found in sedimentary rocks.

• Repeated layers of carbon dioxide gas found in ice cores.

• The movement of carbon atoms over time through different substances.

Answer explanation

The carbon cycle describes how carbon atoms move through various forms, including the atmosphere, oceans, and living organisms, highlighting the interconnectedness of Earth's systems.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

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The balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen has been upset by:

• burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

• increasing human population.

• large scale deforestation.

• excessive burning of fossil fuels.

• increasing human population and deforestation.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'burning fossil fuels and deforestation,' highlights the primary factors disrupting the balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen, as both activities significantly increase CO2 levels while reducing oxygen availability.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Which of the following activities will actually decrease atmospheric CO₂?

• Switching from coal to natural gas.

• Buying a hybrid car.

• Eating less meat.

• Walking or riding a bike to school instead of driving.

• Planting new forests.

Answer explanation

Planting new forests decreases atmospheric CO2 by absorbing carbon during photosynthesis. Other options may reduce emissions but do not directly lower CO2 levels in the atmosphere.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

Increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere result in:

• destruction of the atmosphere.

• destruction of the ozone layer.

• greater absorption of the ultraviolet radiation by the atmosphere.

• greater absorption of the infrared radiation by the atmosphere.

Answer explanation

Increased greenhouse gases trap more heat by absorbing infrared radiation, leading to a warming effect. This is a key aspect of the greenhouse effect, unlike the ozone layer, which is affected by different pollutants.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

The Greenhouse Effect:

• allows life to exist on planets that have carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

• is due to the light absorbing properties of some atmospheric gases.

• negatively impacts life on Earth.

• keeps the geosphere from absorbing and emitting thermal energy.

• All of the choices.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that the Greenhouse Effect is primarily caused by certain atmospheric gases that absorb light, trapping heat and allowing life to thrive on Earth. This is essential for maintaining a stable climate.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

Which of the following are carbon sources (i.e., they add carbon to the atmosphere)?

• deforestation and animal respiration

• burning fossil fuels and photosynthesis

• plant and animal metabolism

• changing ocean currents

Answer explanation

Deforestation releases stored carbon from trees, while animal respiration emits carbon dioxide as a byproduct of metabolism. Both processes contribute to increasing atmospheric carbon, making them valid carbon sources.

Which of the following are carbon sinks (i.e., they remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it in other spheres)?

• soda pop manufacturing

• making carbon based plastics

• reforestation and animal respiration

• oceans and plant respiration

• plant respiration and volcanoes

Answer explanation

Oceans and plant respiration are carbon sinks as they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In contrast, soda pop manufacturing and making plastics release carbon, while animal respiration and volcanoes do not effectively store carbon.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas?

• water vapor

• oxygen

• carbon dioxide

• methane

Answer explanation

Oxygen is not a greenhouse gas; it does not trap heat in the atmosphere. In contrast, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane are all greenhouse gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Which of the following will increase the amount of carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere?

• Cutting down trees.

• Building more oil refineries.

• Replacing your hybrid with an SUV.

• All of the choices.

• None of the choices.

Answer explanation

Cutting down trees reduces CO2 absorption, building oil refineries increases fossil fuel use, and replacing a hybrid with an SUV raises emissions. Therefore, all choices contribute to increased CO2 in the atmosphere.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-4