Earth Science Quiz: Geological Processes and Ecosystems

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Questions and Answers

Which layer of the Earth is primarily composed of molten rock?

Lithosphere

Core

Mantle (correct)

Crust

What type of rock is formed when magma cools and solidifies beneath the Earth's surface?

Intrusive Igneous (correct)

Sedimentary

Metamorphic

Extrusive Igneous

Which term describes the process where one tectonic plate slides beneath another?

Convection

Divergence

Transformation

Subduction (correct)

In which type of plate boundary do new oceanic crust typically form?

Divergent Boundary Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is formed primarily by the accumulation of lava at oceanic boundaries?

Ridge Signup and view all the answers

Which type of weathering involves a change in the chemical structure of minerals?

Chemical Weathering Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for large ocean waves triggered by underwater seismic activity?

Tsunami Signup and view all the answers

Which geological term refers to the downhill movement of soil and rock under the influence of gravity?

Mass Wasting Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the social movement aimed at protecting the natural world?

Environmentalism Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes abiotic factors from biotic factors in an ecosystem?

Abiotic factors are non-living components, while biotic factors are living components. Signup and view all the answers

Which worldview values the well-being of all living organisms?

Biocentric Signup and view all the answers

What does 'ecological footprint' measure?

Human demand on Earth's ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of resource replenishes naturally over short periods?

Renewable Resource Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of conservation in environmental science?

Managing natural resources for sustainability. Signup and view all the answers

During which major historical transition did societies shift from nomadic lifestyles to settled farming?

Agricultural Revolution Signup and view all the answers

In scientific experiments, what is referred to as the dependent variable?

A variable that is measured for the outcome. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a controlled experiment?

Includes both a control group and one or more experimental groups. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes experimental bias?

Influence of researchers’ expectations on the experiment's outcome. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about peer review is accurate?

It critiques scientific work by other experts to ensure validity. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a natural experiment from a laboratory experiment?

Natural experiments observe phenomena without manipulation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the independent variable in an experiment testing plant growth?

The type of fertilizer applied to the plants. Signup and view all the answers

How does skepticism contribute to the scientific method?

It promotes questioning and critical evaluation of scientific claims. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates abiotic factors in an ecosystem?

Sunlight and water in a marine environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of environmental science?

To understand interactions and solve environmental problems using data. Signup and view all the answers

Which convection cell is responsible for the formation of trade winds and tropical rainforests?

Hadley Cell Signup and view all the answers

What atmospheric layer is primarily associated with weather phenomena?

Troposphere Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the westerlies?

Winds blowing from west to east between 30° and 60° latitude Signup and view all the answers

What is a rain shadow effect attributed to?

Warm air rising and losing moisture on the leeward side of a mountain Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the composition of Earth's atmosphere?

78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the Second Law of Thermodynamics?

Energy can be transformed, but total energy remains constant. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

Photosynthesis produces oxygen while respiration consumes it. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an accurate characteristic of organic compounds?

They consist mainly of carbohydrates and proteins. Signup and view all the answers

Which process utilizes hydrogen sulfide as an energy source?

Chemosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the atmosphere is primarily associated with weather phenomena?

Troposphere Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of bioremediation?

To utilize microorganisms to clean up environmental pollutants. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason temperature increases with altitude in the stratosphere?

Absorption of UV radiation by ozone Signup and view all the answers

What does specific heat refer to in a substance?

The amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one gram by one degree Celsius. Signup and view all the answers

What geological events are primarily associated with transform boundaries?

Earthquakes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding energy is true?

Chemical energy is transformed during combustion reactions. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best aligns with the Law of Conservation of Matter?

Matter cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed. Signup and view all the answers

Which scale is used to measure the energy released by an earthquake?

Richter Scale Signup and view all the answers

How does human activity contribute to mass wasting events?

By altering vegetation cover and land stability Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is true about the mesosphere?

It is where meteors burn up Signup and view all the answers

What defines the term 'climate'?

The average weather patterns over a long period Signup and view all the answers

Which process is primarily responsible for the dissolution of limestone in the presence of acid rain?

Chemical weathering Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Environmental Science Key Terms and Definitions

Environment: The sum of all biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors affecting an organism or ecological system.
Biotic Factor: Any living component of an ecosystem (e.g., plants, animals, bacteria).
Abiotic Factor: Any non-living component of an ecosystem (e.g., sunlight, temperature, water).
Environmental Science: The interdisciplinary study of how humans interact with the environment.
Environmentalism: A social movement aimed at protecting the natural world.
Culture: Collective beliefs, values, and practices influencing human behavior and interaction with the environment.
Stewardship: Responsible management and care for the environment.
Anthropocentric: A worldview that values humans as the central element of existence.
Biocentric: A worldview that values all living organisms.
Ecocentric: A worldview that values entire ecosystems, including living and non-living components.
Utilitarian: Emphasizes practical and economic benefits of resources.
Preservation: Protecting the environment from human interference.
Conservation: Managing natural resources for long-term sustainability.
Environmental Ethics: The moral principles guiding human interaction with the environment.
Renewable Resource: A naturally replenished resource (e.g., sunlight, wind).
Nonrenewable Resource: A resource that forms slowly and is finite (e.g., fossil fuels, minerals).
Nomadic Lifestyle: A lifestyle of frequent movement in search of resources.
Agricultural Revolution: The shift from nomadic to settled farming.
Industrial Revolution: A period of industrialization with increased energy use and resource demand.
Consumption: The use of goods and resources.
Ecological Footprint: A measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems.
Independent Variable: The manipulated variable in an experiment.
Dependent Variable: The measured variable in an experiment.
Qualitative Data: Non-numerical data describing qualities.
Quantitative Data: Numerical data describing quantities or measurements.
Manipulative Experiment: An experiment where the researcher actively changes the independent variable.
Controlled Experiment: An experiment with a control group and experimental group(s) to isolate variable effects.
Control: A baseline in an experiment used for comparison.
Natural Experiment: Observation of natural events without manipulation by researchers.
Laboratory Experiment: Experiments conducted in a controlled indoor environment.
Field Experiment: Experiments conducted in natural settings.
Blind Experiment: Participants unaware of group assignment to prevent bias.
Double-Blind Experiment: Both researchers and participants unaware of group assignments.
Experimental Bias: When researchers' expectations influence results.
Correlation: A relationship between two variables, but not necessarily causation.
Model: A simplified representation of a system or phenomenon.
Peer Review: Evaluation of scientific work by other experts.
Skepticism: Questioning and critically evaluating scientific claims.
Environmental Justice: Fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens.

Key Concepts and Explanations

Biotic and Abiotic Factors: Examples in a forest: biotic – trees, deer, fungi; abiotic – sunlight, soil, water.
Goals of Environmental Science vs. Environmentalism: Environmental science uses data to understand and solve problems, while environmentalism advocates for environmental protection based on ethics instead of solely data.
Interdisciplinary Nature of Environmental Science: Combines various scientific fields to address environmental issues.
Requirements for Life: Basic needs for life include energy, nutrients, water, and suitable temperature ranges.
Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: Example of 1989 oil spill in Alaska and bioremediation techniques used in cleanup.
Scientific Method: Steps from observation to hypothesis testing, experimentation, data analysis, and conclusions.
Variables in Experiments: Independent variable – manipulated; dependent variable – measured; control group – not manipulated.
Control and Experiment Types: Important for controlled experiments is a control group (no manipulation), to ensure that changes result solely from manipulating the independent variable.
Culture and Worldview: Different cultural values affect how humans relate to the environment.
Preservation vs. Conservation: Preservation seeks to leave ecosystems untouched, while conservation aims for sustainable use of resources.
Tragedy of the Commons: Hardin's analogy showing how shared resources can be depleted.
Easter Island case study: Example of resource overuse leading to societal collapse.
Key Concepts and Explanations: Examples of the principles.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Earth science concepts including geological processes, tectonic activities, and ecological factors. This quiz covers key terms and definitions related to the Earth's layers, rock formation, and environmental movements. Challenge yourself with questions on both physical geography and ecological awareness.