Environmental Science Chapter 1 Quiz

Oliver is curious about how human activities affect the world around us. He decides to study a subject that focuses on understanding the impact people have on the environment. What subject is Oliver studying?

• Ecology

• Environmental Science

• Chemistry

• Biology

Answer explanation

Oliver is studying Environmental Science, which specifically focuses on understanding the impact of human activities on the environment, making it the most relevant choice compared to Ecology, Chemistry, or Biology.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

Arjun is learning about different types of energy resources in his science class. His teacher asks him to identify which of the following is a nonrenewable resource. Which one should Arjun choose?

• Solar energy

• Wind energy

• Fossil fuels

• Freshwater

Answer explanation

Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are nonrenewable resources because they take millions of years to form and cannot be replenished within a human timescale, unlike solar and wind energy, which are renewable.

Arjun notices that the forest near his village is losing its greenery and wildlife. What is the primary cause of this environmental degradation?

• Conservation of resources

• Sustainable development

• Overuse of natural resources

• Natural disasters

Answer explanation

The primary cause of environmental degradation in the forest is the overuse of natural resources. This leads to loss of greenery and wildlife, as excessive extraction and consumption deplete the ecosystem's ability to regenerate.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Kai is studying different types of pollution for his science project. He observes fertilizer runoff from farms, emissions from car exhaust, an oil spill from a tanker, and plastic debris in the ocean. Which of the following is an example of a point-source pollutant?

• Fertilizer runoff from farms

• Emissions from car exhaust

• Oil spill from a tanker

• Plastic debris in the ocean

Answer explanation

An oil spill from a tanker is a point-source pollutant because it originates from a single, identifiable source. In contrast, fertilizer runoff, car emissions, and plastic debris are examples of non-point source pollution.

Mia is studying a rainforest and notices that it has a wide variety of genes, species, ecosystems, and ecological processes. Which term best describes what Mia is observing?

• Biomass

• Biodiversity

• Biosphere

• Biology

Answer explanation

Mia is observing a wide variety of genes, species, ecosystems, and ecological processes, which collectively represent the concept of biodiversity. This term encompasses the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Scarlett is discussing with her friends how humans should interact with the environment. She argues that humans are separate from and in charge of nature. Which worldview does Scarlett hold?

• Earth-centered worldview

• Life-centered worldview

• Human-centered worldview

• Stewardship worldview

Answer explanation

Scarlett's belief that humans are separate from and in charge of nature reflects a human-centered worldview, which prioritizes human needs and interests over the environment, unlike Earth-centered or life-centered perspectives.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Luna is working on a project to understand how human activities affect the environment. She comes across the IPAT model. What is the IPAT model used for?

• To measure the intensity of pollution in an area

• To calculate the rate of renewable resource usage

• To determine the environmental impact of human activities

• To assess the effectiveness of environmental laws

Answer explanation

The IPAT model is used to determine the environmental impact of human activities by considering factors like population, affluence, and technology. Thus, the correct choice is to determine the environmental impact of human activities.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Emma is learning about the benefits that nature provides to people. Which of the following is not considered an ecosystem service?

• Pollination of crops

• Water purification

• Recreational activities

• Industrial manufacturing

Answer explanation

Industrial manufacturing is not an ecosystem service, as it involves human-made processes rather than natural benefits. In contrast, pollination, water purification, and recreational activities are all services provided by ecosystems.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Nora is studying how much land and water are needed to support her town's resource use and waste disposal. What is the term for the total land and water area required to sustain the resource use and waste disposal of a population?

• Carbon footprint

• Biocapacity

• Ecological footprint

• Resource capacity

Answer explanation

The term 'ecological footprint' refers to the total land and water area needed to support a population's resource use and waste disposal. It measures the environmental impact of human activities.

Nora is learning about different types of resources in her science class. She wants to know which of the following best defines a renewable resource. Which option should she choose?

• A resource that exists in fixed quantities.

• A resource that can be replenished by natural processes within a human timescale.

• A resource that never runs out and lasts indefinitely.

• A resource that comes from the remains of prehistoric plants or animals.

Answer explanation

A renewable resource is defined as one that can be replenished by natural processes within a human timescale, making the second option the correct choice. The other options describe non-renewable resources or specific types.