Biology and Chemistry Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of an atom?

The smallest unit of a compound

The smallest unit of an element that retains its characteristics (correct)

A charged particle with varying electrons

A molecule formed from bonded atoms

Which of the following statements about compounds is accurate?

Compounds can only form between atoms of the same element

Compounds do not contain ions

Compounds are formed when atoms from two or more types of elements bond (correct)

Compounds are always neutral in charge

Which process is referred to as reduction?

Bonding different elements

Gaining electrons (correct)

Losing electrons

Forming positive ions

Where would you typically find compounds that are classified as bases?

In bleach and soap Signup and view all the answers

What does the pH scale measure?

The strength of acid and base solutions Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is essential for sustainable forest management?

Leaving patches of living trees and snags for biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

What role do grazing animals play in grassland management?

They help spread seeds and fertilize the soil. Signup and view all the answers

How can agriculture enhance biodiversity on farms?

Through the use of hedgerows and diverse crop types. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of zoning ordinances in urban planning?

To determine the types of land use and development allowed. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the impact of modern livestock on grasslands?

They can cause damage if not managed through rotation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for temperature variations across Earth's surface?

Changes in radiation received at different latitudes Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the atmosphere contains the ozone layer?

Stratosphere Signup and view all the answers

What defines a high-pressure system in the atmosphere?

Cooling air that becomes denser and sinks Signup and view all the answers

What is the dry adiabatic lapse rate (DAR)?

The rate at which unsaturated air cools, approximately 10 degrees Celsius per 1000m Signup and view all the answers

How is relative humidity defined?

The amount of moisture in the air as a percentage of its maximum capacity at a specific temperature Signup and view all the answers

What happens to air temperature during an adiabatic process?

Temperature changes without heat transfer Signup and view all the answers

What type of front forms when a cold air mass replaces a warm air mass?

Cold front Signup and view all the answers

Which atmospheric layer is known to have the coldest temperatures?

Mesosphere Signup and view all the answers

What effect does humidity have on evaporation rates?

Low humidity increases evaporation rates Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consequence of the ecological island effect?

Increased vulnerability to disease Signup and view all the answers

Which act prohibits the trade in wildlife taken illegally in the United States?

Lacey Act Signup and view all the answers

What is one proposed solution to counteract the ecological island effect?

Establishment of wildlife corridors Signup and view all the answers

What issue complicates the enforcement of laws meant to protect biodiversity in protected areas?

Difficult terrain and conflicts Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant objective of the Convention on Biological Diversity established in 1992?

Expanding protected areas and restoring ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

Which act specifically protects marine mammals such as whales and dolphins?

Marine Mammal Protection Act Signup and view all the answers

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects how many types of birds?

More than 800 types Signup and view all the answers

What manner of human activity is commonly observed in many protected areas despite laws against it?

Poaching and illegal logging Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an open system?

The energy from the Sun on Earth Signup and view all the answers

In which type of system do matter cycles, such as the phosphorus cycle, typically occur?

Closed systems Signup and view all the answers

What role do diazotrophs play in environmental processes?

They convert N2 into usable forms of nitrogen. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes reinforcing feedback?

It enhances the direction of change in a stock. Signup and view all the answers

What feedback mechanism occurs when fishing restrictions are placed to support fish population growth?

Balancing feedback Signup and view all the answers

Why is nitrogen fixation important for terrestrial ecosystems?

It converts atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during balancing feedback when your body temperature rises?

Your body produces sweat to cool down. Signup and view all the answers

What must happen to phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon before they are available to animals in terrestrial systems?

They must cycle through plants first. Signup and view all the answers

What would be the immediate ecological effect of removing polar bears from their habitat?

Dramatic increase in seal populations Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the average time a water molecule spends in a reservoir?

Residence time Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of water from land to ocean comes from groundwater?

10% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about groundwater is false?

Porosity measures the proportion of material made up of solid matter. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of drainage divides?

To determine the direction of water flow into different basins Signup and view all the answers

In a lotic ecosystem, what role do insect larvae play in the food web?

They consume microbes and organic matter, contributing to the nutrient cycle. Signup and view all the answers

What does stream discharge measure?

The volume of water passing a given point per second Signup and view all the answers

Which formula represents the flood recurrence interval (RI)?

RI = (N + 1)/M Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a drainage basin?

To collect and channel surface runoff into larger bodies of water Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Systems and Global Change

Matter is considered a closed system, and energy is an open system in Earth's systems.
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria are known as diazotrophs.
Nitrogen cycle components:
- N2 in the air
- Nitrogen fixation
- Ammonification
- Nitrification
- Denitrification
Populations of insects are interdependent on other members of the population.
Living organisms are formed from hierarchically combined cells.
Surface tension is the attraction of water molecules to each other.
Photosynthesis is used by plants and uses water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sunlight to produce sugar and oxygen.
Cellular respiration and methanogens are methods of carbon moving to the atmosphere from the biosphere.

Open and Closed Systems

Classify systems as open or closed systems in relation to matter.
- Circulatory system: Closed
- Bowl of hot soup: Closed
- Glaciers: Closed
- Earth: Closed

Earth Systems and Cycles

A buildup of plants and algae is a result of eutrophication (excessive nutrient levels such as nitrogen and phosphorus).
Open systems consider energy on Earth as a system and observe that energy on this planet comes from the Sun.
A home's plumbing system is an example of observing the water cycle on Earth if considered as a system.
Biogeochemical cycles, rock cycle, and water cycle are all observable systems.

Feedback

Microphones pick up sound from amplifiers, and it reinforces the sound through amplifiers.
A growing population of flour beetles produces more eggs, which causes the population to grow further.
Low oxygen levels can decrease the capacity of individuals to work.
When temperature rises, the body produces sweat to cool down.
When a room gets too hot, the thermostat responds by turning down its temperature setting.
A loop in a system that responds to changes in stocks is called feedback.

Cycles

In terrestrial systems, phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon must cycle through plants.
Humans have significantly altered the phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon cycles.

Environmental Systems

Environmental systems are collections of components interacting with each other.
Components include: atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere.

Air Quality and Pollution

Air quality refers to the amount of gasses and small particles in the atmosphere.
Air pollution refers to gasses or particles present in high concentrations.
Indoor air pollution comes from combustion products, construction materials, radon, biological contaminants, and pesticides.
Reducing fertilizer pollution involves applying fertilizer only when crops can absorb it and minimizing field tilling.

Natural Sources and Pollution

Natural sources produce more pollutants than human-made sources, but concentrations are low.
Natural systems and species have adapted to natural air ingredients (such as natural sources).
Wind can transport dust from one place to another.
Volcanic eruptions can release particles, attracting moisture and causing rain, thunder, and lightning.

Atmospheric Composition

Humans' major combustion emissions result in CO, PM, and NOx in the atmosphere.
CO is a colorless and odorless gas in car exhaust; high levels can cause health problems.
Particulate matter (PM) is matter less than 10 micrometers; small particles are the most dangerous.

Atmospheric Circulation

Atmospheric pressure is the measure of the pressure exerted by Earth's atmosphere.
Relative humidity is the maximum amount of water the air can hold at a specific temperature.
Warm air is less dense than cold air; high-pressure systems are associated with clear, dry conditions
Low-pressure systems are associated with clouds and increased precipitation.
Air masses are large volumes of air typically several kilometers thick.
High-pressure systems, containing cooling air, are denser and sink.
Low-pressure systems, containing warming air, are lighter and rise.

Human Impact

Humans are major contributors to air pollution, with cars emitting CO, PM, and NOx.
Atmospheric circulation patterns affect the extent of pollution impacts.
Human activities alter Earth's systems, impacting species and habitats, which then causes biodiversity loss.

Trade-offs and Incentives

Trade-offs occur when benefits from one choice are weighed against the costs of another option.
Public agencies and businesses may use communication strategies to raise cost-benefit awareness, and these can change people's decisions.

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Description

Test your knowledge on fundamental concepts of atoms, compounds, and their properties, as well as essential strategies in sustainable agriculture and urban planning. This quiz covers topics ranging from the pH scale to the ecological roles of grazing animals. Perfect for students interested in biology and environmental science.