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Questions and Answers
What is the primary component of the Earth's atmosphere?
Which of the following is NOT part of the hydrosphere?
What percentage of the Earth's water resources is available as fresh surface water?
What is the lithosphere primarily composed of?
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Which element of the environment includes plants and animals?
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How much of the Earth’s water supply is found in the oceans?
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What do cultural elements in the environment primarily consist of?
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What is included in the biosphere?
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What are the four segments that constitute the environment?
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Which of the following describes the function of the atmosphere?
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Which statement about abiotic and biotic components is correct?
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What does the study of environmental science encompass in relation to civil engineering?
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Identify a characteristic of the biosphere.
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What is meant by environmental pollutants?
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Why is the study of environmental science significant today?
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How does the environment contribute to human aesthetics?
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Which element is not categorized as a physical element of the environment?
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What is one of the main reasons for the significance of environmental studies?
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Which of the following is NOT one of the needs highlighted for developing countries?
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Which principle is considered the real base of ecology according to Misra's Report?
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What is one goal proposed for sustainable development?
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What issue has explosively increased, according to the importance of environmental studies?
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What is NOT one of the environmental issues being of international importance?
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Which of the following components is part of the lithosphere?
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Study Notes
Learning Outcomes
- Relate environmental science to civil engineering profession.
- Identify renewable and non-renewable resources.
- Distinguish abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) components of the environment.
- Explain diversity among biological organisms.
- Recognize different environmental pollutants and their sources.
Definition of Environment
- Boring defines environment as the total stimulation from conception to death.
- Douglas and Holland describe it as external forces affecting life and development of organisms.
- Environment encompasses everything surrounding us, fulfilling roles like recreation, natural resource provision, and waste management.
Scope of Environment
- The environment consists of four main segments:
- Atmosphere: Protective blanket of gases surrounding the Earth.
- Hydrosphere: All water resources including oceans, lakes, rivers, and groundwater.
- Lithosphere: Solid outer mantle, including minerals and soil.
- Biosphere: Habitat for living organisms and their interactions with other environmental elements.
Components of the Atmosphere
- Composed mainly of:
- 21% Oxygen
- 78% Nitrogen
- 1% includes Helium, Carbon Dioxide, Methane, and Hydrogen
- Functions include sustaining life, protecting from outer space conditions, and filtering harmful radiation.
Water Resources in Hydrosphere
- 97% of Earth's water is saline (oceans).
- Only about 1% of fresh water is accessible for human use (rivers, lakes).
- Approximately 2% of water is stored in polar ice caps and glaciers.
Elements of Environment
- Physical Elements: Landforms, water bodies, climate, soils, rocks, which shape human habitats.
- Biological Elements: Includes plants, animals, microorganisms, and humans forming the biosphere.
- Cultural Elements: Manmade aspects including economic, social, and political dimensions.
Importance of Environmental Studies
- Essential for understanding pollution impacts and promoting conservation.
- Addresses complex environmental challenges threatening human survival.
- Focuses on international environmental issues, development consequences, increased pollution, and the necessity of sustainable solutions.
Call for Alternative Development
- Development strategies must focus on environmentally sustainable paths, especially in developing nations.
- Goals should align with true sustainable development that benefits all citizens globally.
Key Principles of Ecology (Misra, 1991)
- Holism: Viewing ecosystems as unified wholes.
- Ecosystem: Interconnected biological communities and their physical environment.
- Succession: Natural progression and change within ecosystems over time.
- Conservation: Efforts to protect and sustain the environment and its resources.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the fundamental concepts of ecology and environmental science, particularly as they relate to the civil engineering profession. Students will explore renewable and non-renewable resources, identify abiotic and biotic components, understand biodiversity, and examine environmental pollutants and their sources.
