#1
Which gas is primarily responsible for the greenhouse effect?
Carbon dioxide
ExplanationCarbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas, trapping heat in the atmosphere and contributing to global warming.
#2
What is the term for the loss of a species from a particular habitat or the entire planet?
Extinction
ExplanationExtinction refers to the permanent loss of a species from a particular habitat or from the entire planet, often due to human activities.
#3
Which of the following is a key component of electronic waste (e-waste) that poses environmental hazards?
Lead
ExplanationLead is a key component of electronic waste (e-waste) and poses significant environmental hazards, including soil and water contamination, as well as adverse health effects on humans and wildlife.
#4
What is the primary cause of soil erosion in agricultural areas?
Deforestation
ExplanationDeforestation, often to clear land for agriculture or grazing, exposes soil to erosion by wind and water, leading to the loss of fertile topsoil and degradation of land.
#5
Which of the following pollutants is a major contributor to acid rain?
Sulfur dioxide
ExplanationSulfur dioxide, primarily emitted from burning fossil fuels containing sulfur compounds, is a major contributor to acid rain, which can lead to environmental damage, including soil and water acidification, and harm to aquatic life and vegetation.
#6
What is the main source of water pollution caused by human activities?
Sewage disposal
ExplanationSewage disposal from human activities is the main source of water pollution, contaminating water bodies with pathogens and chemicals.
#7
Which of the following is a direct effect of deforestation on the environment?
Loss of habitat
ExplanationDeforestation leads to the loss of habitat for various species, disrupting ecosystems and contributing to biodiversity loss.
#8
Which of the following is a major contributor to air pollution in urban areas?
Vehicle emissions
ExplanationVehicle emissions, including pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, are a major contributor to air pollution in urban areas, leading to various health and environmental impacts.
#9
What is the primary cause of coral bleaching in marine ecosystems?
Global warming
ExplanationGlobal warming, primarily due to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, leads to coral bleaching by causing the expulsion of symbiotic algae from coral tissues, which disrupts the coral's ability to obtain nutrients and results in its whitening.
#10
What is the term for the process of converting waste materials into reusable materials?
Recycling
ExplanationRecycling is the process of converting waste materials into reusable materials to prevent them from ending up in landfills or incinerators, conserving resources and reducing environmental impacts.
#11
Which of the following is a non-renewable energy source?
Coal
ExplanationCoal is a non-renewable energy source formed from the remains of plants and animals buried millions of years ago. Its combustion releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants, contributing to air pollution and climate change.
#12
What is the term for the process by which pollutants are gradually removed from the environment?
Bioremediation
ExplanationBioremediation refers to the process of using living organisms to degrade or remove pollutants from the environment, restoring contaminated sites.
#13
Which international agreement aims to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of certain substances?
Montreal Protocol
ExplanationThe Montreal Protocol is an international agreement aimed at phasing out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), to protect the ozone layer.
#14
Which environmental issue is associated with the thinning of the ozone layer?
Ozone depletion
ExplanationThe thinning of the ozone layer, primarily caused by human-made chemicals like CFCs and halons, leads to ozone depletion, which can result in increased UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface, posing risks to human health and the environment.
#15
In ecology, what does the term 'biomagnification' refer to?
Increase in pollutant concentration in higher trophic levels
ExplanationBiomagnification refers to the process where certain pollutants or toxins accumulate and increase in concentration as they move up the food chain, posing risks to organisms at higher trophic levels.
#16
What is the primary cause of the formation of 'dead zones' in aquatic ecosystems?
Eutrophication
ExplanationEutrophication, often caused by excessive nutrient runoff from agricultural activities or sewage, leads to the overgrowth of algae, which depletes oxygen levels in water bodies, resulting in 'dead zones' where aquatic life cannot survive.
#17
Which international organization focuses on the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources?
CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity)
ExplanationThe Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international organization that focuses on the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources to ensure the well-being of present and future generations.