Quiz about Environmental Science Proficiency Study Guide

Question 1

Which of the following correctly matches the term with its example?

Accepted Answer

Nonpoint source pollution - runoff from agricultural fields; Point source pollution - discharge from a factory pipe; Thermal pollution - heated water from power plants; Groundwater pollution - leaky underground storage tanks.

Answer

Nonpoint source pollution - oil spill from a tanker; Point source pollution - acid rain; Thermal pollution - pesticides in rivers; Groundwater pollution - car exhaust.

Answer

Nonpoint source pollution - sewage from a pipe; Point source pollution - rainfall; Thermal pollution - fertilizer runoff; Groundwater pollution - wind erosion.

Answer

Nonpoint source pollution - factory discharge; Point source pollution - urban runoff; Thermal pollution - groundwater seepage; Groundwater pollution - sunlight exposure.

Question 2

The effects of water pollution on the environment and humans include:

Accepted Answer

Harm to aquatic life and human health issues

Answer

Improved water quality and ecosystem health

Answer

Increased agricultural productivity

Answer

No impact on the environment or humans

Question 3

The effects of air pollution on the environment and humans include:

Accepted Answer

Damage to ecosystems and respiratory problems

Answer

Improved air quality and health

Answer

Increased biodiversity and cleaner water

Answer

Enhanced crop yields and stronger immune systems

Question 4

Which of the following lists correctly identifies 3 diseases caused by water pollution and 3 diseases caused by air pollution?

Accepted Answer

Water: Cholera, Typhoid, Dysentery; Air: Asthma, Bronchitis, Lung cancer

Answer

Water: Asthma, Bronchitis, Lung cancer; Air: Cholera, Typhoid, Dysentery

Answer

Water: Malaria, Asthma, Tuberculosis; Air: Cholera, Typhoid, Dysentery

Answer

Water: Diabetes, Hypertension, Asthma; Air: Typhoid, Dysentery, Cholera

Question 5

Compare and contrast developing and developed countries regarding how they protect their environment.

Accepted Answer

Developed countries generally have stricter environmental regulations and more resources for enforcement than developing countries.

Answer

Developing countries have stricter environmental regulations than developed countries.

Answer

Both developing and developed countries have the same level of environmental protection.

Answer

Developed countries do not protect their environment at all.

Question 6

How can we conserve energy in our daily routines? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Accepted Answer

By using energy-efficient appliances; advantages include cost savings and environmental protection, disadvantages may include initial costs.

Answer

By wasting energy; advantages include convenience, disadvantages include higher bills and pollution.

Answer

By increasing energy consumption; advantages include more comfort, disadvantages include resource depletion.

Answer

By ignoring energy conservation; advantages include less effort, disadvantages include environmental harm.

Question 7

We do not run out of water because:

Accepted Answer

the water cycle recycles water on Earth

Answer

water is constantly created by plants

Answer

oceans never lose water

Answer

rainfall only happens in some places

Question 8

The water cycle consists of which of the following parts?

Accepted Answer

Evaporation, condensation, precipitation

Answer

Photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration

Answer

Melting, freezing, sublimation

Answer

Erosion, deposition, weathering

Question 9

Acid precipitation is caused by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere

Answer

Increase in oxygen levels in the air

Answer

Photosynthesis by plants

Answer

Evaporation of pure water

Question 10

What is acid mining drainage? What chemicals cause it?

Accepted Answer

Acid mining drainage is the outflow of acidic water from mines, caused by chemicals like sulfuric acid and heavy metals.

Answer

Acid mining drainage is the process of neutralizing acids in water, caused by chemicals like sodium hydroxide.

Answer

Acid mining drainage is the removal of acids from soil, caused by chemicals like calcium carbonate.

Answer

Acid mining drainage is the addition of acids to rivers, caused by chemicals like hydrochloric acid.

Question 11

Smog is caused by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Burning of fossil fuels and industrial emissions

Answer

Photosynthesis in plants

Answer

Rainfall and thunderstorms

Answer

Ocean currents

Question 12

Types of mining include:

Accepted Answer

Surface mining, underground mining, placer mining, and in-situ mining.

Answer

Only surface mining and underground mining.

Answer

Only placer mining and strip mining.

Answer

Only in-situ mining and open-pit mining.

Question 13

Reclamation is important because:

Accepted Answer

It restores land to a usable state after mining or other activities.

Answer

It increases pollution in the environment.

Answer

It destroys natural habitats permanently.

Answer

It prevents the growth of plants.

Question 14

Deforestation is the removal of trees and forests. Where does it occur the most and why?

Accepted Answer

In tropical regions due to agriculture and logging

Answer

In polar regions due to mining

Answer

In deserts due to urbanization

Answer

In mountains due to tourism

Question 15

Selective cutting is important because:

Accepted Answer

It allows for the removal of only certain trees, preserving the overall health of the forest.

Answer

It removes all trees in an area at once.

Answer

It involves burning the forest to clear land.

Answer

It prevents any trees from being cut at all.

Question 16

Reforestation is:

Accepted Answer

the process of planting trees to restore a forest

Answer

the removal of trees from a forest

Answer

the study of forest animals

Answer

the prevention of forest fires

Question 17

What is the difference between rural and urban areas? Why should rural areas be preserved?

Accepted Answer

Rural areas are less populated and have more open spaces, while urban areas are densely populated and developed. Rural areas should be preserved for their natural resources and cultural heritage.

Answer

Rural areas are more developed than urban areas, and should be preserved for industrial growth.

Answer

Urban areas have more agriculture than rural areas, and rural areas should be preserved for urban expansion.

Answer

There is no difference between rural and urban areas, and preservation is not necessary.

Question 18

CFC's are:

Accepted Answer

Chlorofluorocarbons, which contribute to ozone depletion by releasing chlorine atoms that destroy ozone molecules.

Answer

Compounds that help in the formation of ozone in the atmosphere.

Answer

Natural gases that protect the ozone layer from UV radiation.

Answer

Organic substances that have no effect on the ozone layer.

Question 19

Global warming is:

Accepted Answer

An increase in Earth's average temperature due to greenhouse gases

Answer

A decrease in Earth's temperature

Answer

A type of renewable energy

Answer

A method of water purification

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the advantages and disadvantages of using fossil fuels as energy?

Accepted Answer

They are abundant and provide reliable energy, but cause pollution and are non-renewable.

Answer

They are renewable and environmentally friendly.

Answer

They are expensive and difficult to transport.

Answer

They do not produce any greenhouse gases.

Question 21

Surface mining causes which type of pollution?

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Answer

Air pollution

Answer

Water pollution

Answer

Noise pollution

Question 22

What are hybrid cars and why are they beneficial for the environment?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid cars use both an electric motor and a gasoline engine, reducing emissions and fuel consumption.

Answer

Hybrid cars are vehicles that run only on gasoline, increasing emissions.

Answer

Hybrid cars are vehicles that use solar power exclusively.

Answer

Hybrid cars are vehicles that do not require any fuel.

Question 23

Recycling is important because:

Accepted Answer

It helps reduce waste and conserve resources.

Answer

It increases pollution.

Answer

It wastes energy.

Answer

It harms the environment.

Question 24

Which of the following is an example of a renewable energy source along with one of its advantages?

Accepted Answer

Solar energy - It is non-polluting.

Answer

Coal energy - It is abundant.

Answer

Natural gas - It is easy to transport.

Answer

Nuclear energy - It produces a lot of waste.

Question 25

What are landfills? What are their advantages and disadvantages to them? Is there anything released from landfills? If so, what is it?

Accepted Answer

Landfills are sites for waste disposal; they have the advantage of managing waste but can cause pollution and release gases like methane.

Answer

Landfills are places where crops are grown; they help increase food production and do not release any gases.

Answer

Landfills are water reservoirs; they store water and improve water quality.

Answer

Landfills are factories; they manufacture goods and do not have any disadvantages.

Question 26

Composting is:

Accepted Answer

A method of recycling organic waste into nutrient-rich soil.

Answer

A process of burning waste materials.

Answer

A way to dispose of plastics.

Answer

A technique for purifying water.

Question 27

What pollutants come from waste disposal? How are they disposed of/handled?

Accepted Answer

Pollutants from waste disposal include plastics, chemicals, and heavy metals. They are disposed of through landfilling, incineration, and recycling.

Answer

Pollutants from waste disposal include only organic matter. They are disposed of by burning in open air.

Answer

Waste disposal does not produce any pollutants. It is always environmentally safe.

Answer

Pollutants from waste disposal are only gases. They are handled by releasing them into the atmosphere.

Question 28

Biomass is defined as which of the following? Why would it be used as an energy source and how?

Accepted Answer

A renewable organic material used as an energy source by burning or converting it into biofuels.

Answer

A type of fossil fuel extracted from underground mines.

Answer

A synthetic chemical used in batteries.

Answer

A mineral resource used in construction.

Question 29

What happened in the 1930s that caused new soil conservation to be created/improved?

Accepted Answer

The Dust Bowl occurred, leading to severe soil erosion and loss of farmland.

Answer

A major earthquake destroyed farmland.

Answer

A new type of fertilizer was invented.

Answer

The Industrial Revolution began.

Question 30

Define the following term: a. Surface water-

Accepted Answer

Surface water is water that collects on the surface of the ground, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Answer

Surface water is water found only underground in aquifers and wells.

Answer

Surface water refers to water vapor present in the atmosphere.

Answer

Surface water is water that is chemically treated and stored in tanks.

Question 31

Define: Aquifer - ____________

Accepted Answer

A body of permeable rock that can contain or transmit groundwater.

Answer

A type of volcanic rock found in mountains.

Answer

A layer of soil that prevents water movement.

Answer

A reservoir built by humans for water storage.

Question 32

Define: Reservoir - ____________

Accepted Answer

A large natural or artificial lake used as a source of water supply.

Answer

A small stream that flows into a river.

Answer

A type of underground cave system.

Answer

A device used to measure rainfall.

Question 33

Define: Watershed - ____________

Accepted Answer

An area of land that separates waters flowing to different rivers, basins, or seas.

Answer

A body of water surrounded by land on all sides.

Answer

A narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas.

Answer

A region with extremely low rainfall.

Question 34

Define: Nonpoint source pollution - ____________

Accepted Answer

Pollution that comes from many diffuse sources rather than from a single, identifiable source.

Answer

Pollution that is only found in industrial waste sites.

Answer

Pollution that is always caused by oil spills in oceans.

Answer

Pollution that comes exclusively from sewage treatment plants.

Question 35

Define: Kyoto protocol - ____________

Accepted Answer

An international treaty that commits state parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Answer

A trade agreement between Asian countries.

Answer

A protocol for internet data transfer.

Answer

A treaty to promote global tourism.

Question 36

Define: CITIES - ____________

Accepted Answer

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, an international agreement to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

Answer

Convention on International Transport of Exotic Species, a treaty for the safe movement of animals across borders.

Answer

Council for International Trade and Environmental Safety, an organization regulating global trade in plants.

Answer

Charter of International Trade for Endangered Species, a document outlining trade rules for rare animals.

Question 37

Define: National Park services - ____________

Accepted Answer

A U.S. federal agency that manages all national parks, many national monuments, and other conservation and historical properties.

Answer

A private organization that funds wildlife research.

Answer

A state agency responsible for city parks.

Answer

A non-profit group that organizes hiking tours.

Question 38

Define: Montreal Protocol - ____________

Accepted Answer

An international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances responsible for ozone depletion.

Answer

A trade agreement between North American countries to reduce tariffs.

Answer

A global initiative to promote renewable energy sources.

Answer

A United Nations program to combat desertification.

Question 39

Define: Reclamation - ____________

Accepted Answer

The process of restoring land that has been mined or otherwise disturbed to a usable state.

Answer

The process of extracting minerals from the earth.

Answer

The process of planting new trees in a forest.

Answer

The process of building roads in rural areas.

Question 40

Define: Renewable - ____________

Accepted Answer

A resource that can be used repeatedly and replaced naturally, such as solar or wind energy.

Answer

A resource that is only available in limited quantities and cannot be replaced.

Answer

A type of energy that is always harmful to the environment.

Answer

A resource that is created artificially in laboratories.

Question 41

Define: Nonrenewable - ____________

Accepted Answer

A resource that cannot be readily replaced by natural means on a level equal to its consumption, such as fossil fuels.

Answer

A resource that is always available and never runs out, like sunlight.

Answer

A resource that can be replaced quickly by natural processes, such as trees.

Answer

A resource that is created artificially in laboratories.

Question 42

Define: Alternative - ____________

Accepted Answer

Refers to energy sources or technologies that are alternatives to conventional fossil fuels, often renewable and less polluting.

Answer

A type of fossil fuel that is extracted from deep underground mines.

Answer

A process of increasing the efficiency of gasoline engines.

Answer

A method of storing nuclear waste safely.

Question 43

Define: Biodegradable - ____________

Accepted Answer

Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms and thereby avoiding pollution.

Answer

Unable to be broken down by natural processes and remains in the environment for a long time.

Answer

A material that is made entirely from synthetic chemicals and does not interact with living organisms.

Answer

A substance that is always toxic to plants and animals.

Question 44

Define: Solid Sewage Waste - ____________

Accepted Answer

Solid material that is removed from sewage during treatment.

Answer

Liquid that is added to sewage during treatment.

Answer

Gaseous emissions from sewage plants.

Answer

Water that is filtered from sewage.

Question 45

Define: Asbestos - ____________

Accepted Answer

A group of minerals made of microscopic fibers that are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals and used in building materials, but hazardous to health when inhaled.

Answer

A type of plastic commonly used in food packaging and containers.

Answer

A naturally occurring metal used in electrical wiring and plumbing.

Answer

A synthetic fiber used in clothing and textiles.

Question 46

Define: Carbon monoxide - ____________

Accepted Answer

A colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas produced by burning carbon-based fuels.

Answer

A green, sweet-smelling gas used in balloons.

Answer

A heavy, metallic liquid found in thermometers.

Answer

A solid, black mineral used in pencils.

Question 47

Define: Smog - ____________

Accepted Answer

A type of air pollution that is a mixture of smoke and fog, often produced by industrial and vehicular emissions.

Answer

A type of water pollution caused by plastic waste.

Answer

A natural phenomenon where fog forms over rivers.

Answer

A type of soil erosion caused by heavy rainfall.

Question 48

Define: VOCS - ____________

Accepted Answer

Volatile Organic Compounds, organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at room temperature and contribute to air pollution.

Answer

Very Old Carbon Substances, ancient materials found in fossils.

Answer

Variable Oxygen Compounds, chemicals that change oxygen content rapidly.

Answer

Vaporized Oil Components, substances found in petroleum products.

Question 49

NOAA stands for?

Accepted Answer

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Answer

Natural Organic Association for Americans

Answer

Nocturnal Octopus Animal Association

Answer

Never Organize Animals Alone

Question 50

The NOAA protects coastal and marine places.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 51

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Accepted Answer

Monitors international atmosphere, climate, and oceans

Answer

Controls the international trade of endangered species

Answer

Management of national parks

Answer

enforces the clean air act

Question 52

Environmental Protection Agency

Accepted Answer

Enforces the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act

Answer

Addresses the issue of ozone depletion

Answer

Monitors international atmosphere, climate, and oceans

Answer

Management of national parks

Question 53

Which of these would not represent a government incentive? Government incentives are tools used by governments to encourage specific behaviors or economic activities by offering benefits, often in the form of tax breaks, subsidies, or other financial assistance.

Accepted Answer

the elimination of the energy star program-

The Energy Star program is a joint initiative by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) that promotes energy efficiency in products and practices. Its goal is to help consumers, businesses, and industry save money and reduce environmental impact through the use of energy-efficient products and buildings.

Answer

a tax on actions that have a social cost

Answer

a reward for actions that benefit society

Answer

all of the above

Question 54

What is formed when water mixes with sulfur dioxide and undergoes a chemical reaction?

Accepted Answer

acid rain

Answer

nitric acid

Answer

photochemical smog

Answer

thermal inversion

Question 55

What are the pollutants known to cause acid rain?

Accepted Answer

nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide (sulfur compounds)

Answer

Low pH and Acid

Answer

Lemon Juice and Battery Acid

Answer

Particulate Matter and Carbon Dioxide

Question 56

What are the main goals of the Kyoto Protocol?

Accepted Answer

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat global warming

Answer

To increase global temperatures through greenhouse gas emissions

Answer

To promote the use of fossil fuels worldwide

Answer

To eliminate the use of renewable energy

Question 57

Two diseases that can be caused directly by pollution are

Accepted Answer

Lead poisoning and lung cancer

Answer

Colds and flu

Answer

Cholera and river blindness

Answer

Covid and measles

Question 58

Which of the following environmental changes is most likely to lead to the spread of parasites such as hookworm?

Accepted Answer

Contaminated soil

Answer

Overuse of antibiotics

Answer

Resistance to antibiotics

Answer

Overuse of pesticides

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