Earth Day 2024: Planet vs. Plastics

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Questions and Answers

What significant environmental legislation was signed in the US in 1973?

Marine Protection Act

Clean Air Act

Ocean Conservation Act

Endangered Species Act (correct)

Which global treaty addresses climate change and was established in 2015?

Kyoto Protocol

Montreal Protocol

Paris Agreement (correct)

Biodiversity Convention

What percentage reduction in plastic production does Earth Day Network aim for by 2040?

60 percent (correct)

50 percent

40 percent

70 percent

Which of the following is NOT one of the four ways proposed by EDN to reduce plastic pollution?

Urge governments to tax plastic producers Signup and view all the answers

What is the theme for Earth Day 2024?

Planet vs. Plastics Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about fast fashion is accurate according to the content?

It is a leading factor in single-use plastic waste. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of materials does EDN advocate corporations invest in?

Natural or recycled fabrics Signup and view all the answers

What health risks are linked to plastic pollution according to Kathleen Rogers?

Microplastics linked to various health issues Signup and view all the answers

What change is implemented for the climbing events at the Paris Games compared to the Tokyo Games?

Speed climbing will be an independent event. Signup and view all the answers

How long did Rakus spend chewing on the medicinal plant before treating his wound?

13 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about Rakus' treatment of his wound?

It is the first known case of active wound treatment using a medicinal plant. Signup and view all the answers

What behavior did Rakus exhibit that suggested he was aware of the healing process?

He returned to eat more of the healing plant. Signup and view all the answers

What were the primary threats to the Sumatran orangutan population?

Agricultural development and hunting. Signup and view all the answers

How did researchers initially discover Rakus’ injury?

Upon noticing a wound during routine observation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary habitat of the Sumatran orangutan?

Rainforests in the northern tip of Sumatra. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Rakus' wound by July 19, 2022?

The wound was completely healed, leaving only a scar. Signup and view all the answers

What notable achievement did Brauer accomplish?

She completed the Global Solo Challenge. Signup and view all the answers

Which significant geographical locations did Brauer navigate around during her journey?

Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin, and Cape Horn. Signup and view all the answers

What method did Brauer's team use to provide guidance during her journey?

Satellite navigation. Signup and view all the answers

What challenges did Brauer face during her journey?

Injuries and dehydration. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of her experiences does Brauer hope will inspire other young girls?

The concept of breaking gender barriers. Signup and view all the answers

What were the researchers studying in the Tai National Park?

Chimpanzee territories and their military-like strategies. Signup and view all the answers

What behavior do chimpanzees exhibit that resembles human strategic thinking?

Employing military tactics to evaluate risks. Signup and view all the answers

Which two conditions influenced the chimpanzees' decisions to patrol their territory?

Number of rivals and perceived risk of conflict. Signup and view all the answers

What significant artifact did Judith Hernstadt discover related to the Revolutionary War?

An eyewitness sketch of the Continental Army. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key feature of the sketch that caught the curator's attention?

One soldier wearing a typical Continental Army shirt. Signup and view all the answers

What was the duration of the study on chimpanzee behavior carried out by Dr. Sylvain Lemoine's team?

2 years. Signup and view all the answers

How did the scientists verify the historical significance of the sketch?

By identifying clothing from the Continental Army. Signup and view all the answers

What personal transition did Brauer undergo as she pursued sailing as a career?

She moved from a different profession to professional sailing. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of DNA do humans and chimpanzees share?

98.8% Signup and view all the answers

What causes a nova explosion in a binary star system?

Material accumulation on the surface of a white dwarf Signup and view all the answers

How often does T Coronae Borealis experience nova outbursts?

Once every 80 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected visibility duration for the upcoming T Coronae Borealis nova explosion?

For several days to just over a week Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant factor in reducing casualties during the recent earthquake in Taiwan?

The seismic monitoring systems Signup and view all the answers

Which celestial event can be observed without special equipment?

Nova outburst Signup and view all the answers

What is T Coronae Borealis's distance from Earth?

3,000 light-years Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect contributed to the low fatality rate of the recent earthquake in Taiwan compared to historical earthquakes?

Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness measures Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of the recent earthquake in Taiwan?

Tectonic plate movement Signup and view all the answers

What major achievement did Cole Brauer accomplish recently?

Sailed around the world without stopping Signup and view all the answers

How long did Cole Brauer take to complete her sailing challenge?

130 days Signup and view all the answers

What structural aspect contributed to the safety of buildings during the earthquake in Taiwan?

Strict building codes Signup and view all the answers

Where does 90 percent of the world's earthquakes occur?

Along the Ring of Fire Signup and view all the answers

What immediate action is often taken in response to an earthquake in Taiwan?

Conducting emergency drills Signup and view all the answers

What was the magnitude of the earthquake that struck Taiwan on April 3, 2024?

7.4 Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason researchers believe cicadas emerge every 13 or 17 years?

To take advantage of a prime number strategy against predators. Signup and view all the answers

In which state are the two cicada broods expected to overlap?

Illinois Signup and view all the answers

What significant damage can cicadas cause to young trees?

Their egg-laying incisions can wilt branches. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the breaking competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics?

It includes both men and women competitors judged on style. Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique aspect of the surfing competition at the 2024 Olympics?

It takes place over a four-day period within a ten-day window. Signup and view all the answers

What is the required duration of each run for skateboarders in the park competition?

45 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest point athletes must climb in lead climbing during the Paris Olympic Games?

15 meters Signup and view all the answers

What will be the maximum number of new sports included in the Olympic program, according to the recent rule change?

Six Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the bouldering event in sport climbing?

Climbers ascend without ropes on shorter walls. Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism do cicadas have to signal their emergence from underground?

It is a genetic instinct known only to the cicadas. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the distinct features of street skateboarding at the Olympics?

A special urban street setup for competitors. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic describes male cicadas during mating season?

They produce a high-pitched drone reaching 90 decibels. Signup and view all the answers

Why might young fruit or nursery trees be at risk during the cicada season?

Their branches can be damaged from cicadas laying eggs. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary objective of Skic's research on the sketch?

To identify the artist behind the sketch Signup and view all the answers

What significant historical event is linked to the sketch discovered by Skic?

The March of the North Carolina Brigade Signup and view all the answers

How do female crab spiders typically adapt to their environment?

By camouflaging themselves to blend in with flowers Signup and view all the answers

What makes the discovery of cooperation mimicry between crab spiders significant?

It represents the first evidence of mimicry cooperation in any species Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated length of the newly discovered ichthyosaur species?

80 feet (24 m) Signup and view all the answers

Who were recognized as co-authors of the study describing the ichthyosaur discovery?

Ruby and Justin Reynolds Signup and view all the answers

What role did female followers of the Continental Army typically play?

Providing medical care and household tasks Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes the male crab spider observed by Wu and Gao?

It has a dark coloration Signup and view all the answers

What did Skic use to find a match for the sketch's event?

Old newspaper archives Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial reaction of Dr. Lomax to the email from Justin and Ruby regarding the fossils?

Encouraged by their amateur discovery Signup and view all the answers

What does the name Ichthyotitan severnensis translate to?

Giant fish lizard of the Severn Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary benefit of the female crab spider's camouflage behavior?

To protect against predators Signup and view all the answers

What sparked the investigation into the significance of the wartime sketch?

The identification of the paper and ink Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the ichthyosaur fossils was surprising to Dr. Lomax?

Fossils are often misidentified as rocks Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated completeness of the reconstructed lower jaw of the ichthyosaur?

80 percent Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Earth Day 2024 Theme

Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22nd, highlights the urgent need to protect the planet.
The global movement began in 1970 with Gaylord Nelson mobilizing over 20 million people.
Earth Day Network (EDN) now has over 50,000 partners in 190+ countries.
EDN has played a role in landmark environmental laws like the Clean Water Act (1972), Endangered Species Act (1973), and the 2015 Paris Agreement.
The 2024 theme is "Planet vs. Plastics," focusing on the 380 million tons of plastic produced annually, 50% of which is single-use.
EDN advocates for a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040.

Ways to Reduce Plastic Production

Raise public awareness about the health risks of plastic pollution (e.g., cancer, marine wildlife deaths).
Persuade countries to phase out single-use plastics by 2030.
Urge governments to implement policies to end fast fashion.
Encourage corporations to invest in sustainable plastic alternatives.

Earth Day Actions

Individuals can reduce plastic consumption by using reusable cutlery, containers, water bottles, and bags.
Clothing manufacturers can use natural or recycled fabrics.
Restaurants can offer compostable containers.

Nova Outburst 2024

A nova outburst in T Coronae Borealis (T CrB) is anticipated before September 2024.
This binary star system (red giant and white dwarf) will be visible to the naked eye.
T CrB's outbursts occur roughly every 80 years, with the last one in 1946.
Material from the red giant accumulating on the white dwarf leads to explosions.

Taiwan Earthquake

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan's east coast on April 3, 2024.
This was the most powerful quake in 25 years.
The epicenter was 11 miles south of Hualien.
The quake resulted in at least 13 deaths, over a thousand injuries, and landslides.
The fatalities were significantly lower than in the 1999 7.7 quake, suggesting improved earthquake preparedness measures from stricter building codes to early-warning systems and annual drills.

"Ring of Fire" and Earthquakes

The "Ring of Fire" (a 24,854 mile horseshoe-shaped area) is prone to earthquakes (90%) and volcanic eruptions (75%).
Taiwan's location along the Ring of Fire contributes to its seismic activity.

Cole Brauer's World Solo Sail

Cole Brauer, a 29-year-old American woman, completed the 30,000-mile (48,280 km) Global Solo Challenge in 130 days.
She was the only woman and youngest participant.
She sailed solo around the world.
The journey included navigating challenging capes (Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn).

Chimpanzee Military Tactics

Chimpanzees use human-like tactics in evaluating risk and expanding territories.
Studying chimpanzee groups in Tai National Park revealed that they patrol borders, use higher ground, and listen for rivals to calculate conflicts.
They strategically use elevation to assess risk. This is unusual primate behavior beyond human observation.

Revolutionary War Sketch Discovery

A Revolutionary War sketch, depicting North Carolina troops in a horse-drawn carriage with women and a baby, was discovered.
The sketch, by Pierre Eugene du Simitiere, illustrates a rarely shown facet of the Continental Army.
The sketch shows North Carolina troops marching through Philadelphia in 1777 and shows women's wartime contributions.

Mimicry in Crab Spiders

Scientists observed male and female crab spiders cooperating to mimic a flower.
Female spiders commonly camouflage themselves to blend with their surroundings.
This is the first documented case of cooperative mimicry, with both sexes actively aiding each other for survival.

New Ichthyosaur Species

Amateur paleontologists unearthed fossils, leading to the discovery of a new giant ichthyosaur species aptly named Ichthyotitan severnensis.
The estimated size is 80 feet (24 m) long.
The discovery highlights the vital role that citizen science can play in paleontology.

Periodical Cicadas

Trillions of periodical cicadas are emerging simultaneously in 16 US states.
This rare event happened last in 1803 and won't happen again until 2245.
Cicadas return to Earth every 13 or 17 years as they rely on longer predatory cycles.
Cicadas are primarily harmless but pose a nuisance with their loud noise and damage to young vegetation during their egg-laying phase, where they can stunt or kill young trees and vegetation.

2024 Summer Olympics

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will feature four new sports: breaking, surfing, skateboarding, and sport climbing.
Each competition has distinct characteristics, such as the precise moves required in breaking.

Sumatran Orangutan Wound Treatment

A Sumatran orangutan (Rakus) was observed treating a wound with a medicinal plant (liana).
This is the first documented case of a wild animal using a medicinal plant to treat a wound.
It underscores the intelligence and adaptability of Sumatran orangutans, showing a sophisticated approach to healing.

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Description

This quiz explores the theme of Earth Day 2024, which focuses on the battle against plastic pollution. Learn about the history of Earth Day, important environmental laws, and effective strategies to reduce plastic production. Join the movement and discover how you can make a positive impact on our planet.