Exploring Environmental Science Terms

Define biodiversity and explain its importance in ecosystems.

• Biodiversity is unimportant for ecosystem health and can be ignored.

• Biodiversity is the same as genetic diversity within a single species.

• Biodiversity refers only to the number of species in a single habitat.

• Biodiversity is the variety of life in ecosystems, and it is important for ecosystem resilience, productivity, and stability.

What is the greenhouse effect and how does it contribute to climate change?

• The greenhouse effect cools the Earth by reflecting sunlight away.

• The greenhouse effect is caused solely by volcanic eruptions.

• The greenhouse effect has no impact on weather patterns.

• The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change by increasing global temperatures.

Describe the process of photosynthesis and its role in the carbon cycle.

• Photosynthesis produces carbon dioxide and nitrogen from glucose.

• Photosynthesis converts CO2 and water into glucose and oxygen, playing a key role in the carbon cycle.

• Photosynthesis occurs only at night and does not involve sunlight.

• Photosynthesis is the process of breaking down glucose into carbon dioxide and water.

Analyze the impact of deforestation on local and global ecosystems.

• It has no significant effect on climate or weather patterns.

• Deforestation only affects local economies, not ecosystems.

• Deforestation negatively impacts local ecosystems by causing habitat loss and biodiversity decline, and globally by contributing to climate change and altering weather patterns.

• Deforestation increases biodiversity and promotes habitat growth.

What are renewable energy sources? Provide examples and their benefits.

• Natural gas and its low cost

• Examples of renewable energy sources include solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectric energy, geothermal energy, and biomass. Benefits include reduced carbon emissions, sustainability, energy independence, and job creation in green technologies.

• Nuclear energy and its high waste production

• Fossil fuels and their abundance

Explain the concept of ecological footprint and its significance in sustainability.

• The ecological footprint measures only carbon emissions without considering other resources.

• The ecological footprint is significant in sustainability as it helps quantify human impact on the environment, guiding efforts to reduce resource consumption and promote sustainable practices.

• The ecological footprint is a measure of biodiversity loss in ecosystems.

• It is a tool used solely for economic analysis and has no relevance to environmental issues.

Discuss the role of wetlands in water purification and flood control.

• Wetlands only serve as recreational areas for fishing and boating.

• Wetlands have no impact on local wildlife populations.

• Wetlands contribute to water purification and flood control by filtering pollutants and absorbing excess rainwater.

• Wetlands are primarily used for agricultural purposes.

How does acid rain form, and what are its effects on the environment?

• Acid rain is caused by volcanic eruptions releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

• Acid rain is a result of natural weathering processes and only affects urban areas.

• Acid rain forms from the reaction of pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides with atmospheric moisture, leading to harmful environmental effects such as soil degradation, water body acidification, and damage to vegetation and infrastructure.

• Acid rain forms from the evaporation of ocean water and has no impact on land ecosystems.

Evaluate the effectiveness of recycling programs in reducing waste.

• Recycling programs have no impact on waste reduction.

• Recycling programs are only effective in urban areas.

• Recycling programs increase waste production.

• Recycling programs are effective in reducing waste.

What is the significance of the ozone layer, and how is it being depleted?

• The ozone layer is a source of oxygen for the atmosphere.

• The ozone layer has no impact on climate change.

• The ozone layer is being created by industrial emissions.

• The ozone layer protects life on Earth from harmful UV radiation and is being depleted by CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances.