Environment - Contamination - Microplastics Quiz

What was Janice Brahney’s main motivation for her research in the High Uintas Wilderness?

• She wanted to find ancient artifacts.

• She was exploring new hiking trails.

• She was looking for signs of wildlife.

• She wanted to understand how air particles affect water ecosystems.

What surprising discovery did Janice Brahney make during her research?

• The presence of rare minerals in the soil.

• The discovery of new plant species.

• The existence of ancient fossils.

• The presence of microplastics in a remote wilderness.

What made Janice’s research challenging?

• She lacked proper equipment.

• She faced tough terrain and had limited funding.

• She was frequently attacked by wildlife.

• She had difficulty understanding the data.

What are primary microplastics?

• Large plastic particles found in the ocean.

• Microplastics created when larger plastics break down.

• Plastic pieces left behind after fishing activities.

• Tiny plastic particles designed for commercial use, like in cosmetics and textiles.

What are secondary microplastics?

• Microplastics that form naturally in the environment.

• Plastic pieces used to create fishing nets.

• Microplastics that come from factory production.

• Tiny plastic particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items.

How did Janice’s discovery change environmental science?

• It revealed that pollution was less harmful than expected.

• It showed that microplastics only affected oceans.

• It proved that plastic pollution was not a serious problem.

• It revealed that microplastics could travel through the air and affect remote areas.

Why are microplastics harmful to marine life?

• They attract predators to feeding grounds.

• They produce harmful gases when eaten.

• They turn into large plastic objects when digested.

• They can be ingested by marine animals and bind with harmful chemicals.

What is a major source of secondary microplastics in the environment?

• Fishing nets.

• Reusable plastic bottles.

• Microbeads from cosmetics.

• Single-use plastics like straws and plastic bags.

What effect do microplastics have on human health?

• They provide essential nutrients.

• They improve digestion.

• They boost the immune system.

• Scientists are still unsure of the health impact.

What is one proposed solution to reduce microplastics in the environment?

• Encourage more plastic production.

• Ban the use of all plastic products.

• Allow plastic waste to decompose naturally.

• Create regulations to reduce microplastics and single-use plastics.