Ecology and Waste Management Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which characteristic is unique to freshwater ecosystems compared to other ecosystems?

Low salt concentration in water (correct)

Consistent temperature year-round

Presence of saltwater

Dominance of desert flora

What is a significant feature of a tropical rain forest?

A habitat with dry conditions

Seasonal shedding of leaves

A hot and wet climate year-round (correct)

Cold temperatures throughout the year

What does the term 'deciduous' refer to in terms of trees?

Trees that lose their leaves in autumn and winter (correct)

Trees that have thick bark for protection

Trees that retain their leaves year-round

Trees that grow in deserts

Which statement best describes the impact of plant extinction on an ecosystem?

The ecosystem would likely collapse and lose biodiversity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a deciduous forest?

Presence of coniferous trees Signup and view all the answers

What types of organisms are classified as metabolic wastes in biology?

Unwanted substances or toxins expelled by living organisms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is typical of a desert ecosystem?

Hot and dry climate Signup and view all the answers

Which primary feature distinguishes freshwater ecosystems like rivers and lakes?

Presence of flowing water Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is classified as a solid waste?

Chemical sludge Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of hazardous wastes?

Substances that have properties such as ignitability and toxicity Signup and view all the answers

Which type of waste includes household garbage and construction debris?

Municipal solid waste Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes non-biodegradable waste from biodegradable waste?

Non-biodegradable waste cannot be broken down and decomposed. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a liquid waste?

Waste water from ponds Signup and view all the answers

What is a common property of hazardous wastes?

They may have corrosive properties. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of waste is generated during medical treatment activities?

Bio-medical waste Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a characteristic of solid waste?

Is always safe for disposal Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of air pollution?

Release of harmful substances by human activities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a source of air pollution?

Household waste Signup and view all the answers

What type of pollutants are classified as primary pollutants?

Pollutants emitted directly from their sources Signup and view all the answers

Which gas is considered a secondary pollutant?

Ozone (O3) Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential CO2 savings from preventing one tonne of food waste?

4.2 tonnes Signup and view all the answers

Which component of air is essential for human survival?

Oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'thermal pollution' refer to?

Increase in temperature in aquatic environments Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is NOT recommended for reducing waste?

Increase paper use without guidelines Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the suggested methods to promote reuse within an organization?

Reuse office furniture and supplies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following gases contributes to air pollution in the form of particulate matter?

Smoke Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a natural source of air pollution?

Volcanic eruptions Signup and view all the answers

Which items are recommended for donation to local organizations?

Old books and old clothes Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential component of employee education regarding recycling?

Training employees on recycling practices Signup and view all the answers

What is one suggested action for residents to promote waste management?

Construction of backyard compost pits Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of an ecologically sound waste management system?

Increased landfill usage Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an office recycling procedures packet?

To provide instructions for recycling programs Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary source of marine pollution?

Sewage sludge Signup and view all the answers

Which law enforcement measure could help control marine pollution?

Strict regulations on drilling in ecologically sensitive areas Signup and view all the answers

What effect does oil have on aquatic birds?

It disrupts their insulating capacity Signup and view all the answers

How often is the water quality monitored in surface waters across the network established by CPCB?

Monthly or quarterly Signup and view all the answers

Which parameter is NOT included in the analysis of water samples at monitoring stations?

Nutrient levels Signup and view all the answers

What type of pollution is caused by the excess heat from industries and power plants?

Thermal pollution Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of thermal pollution on aquatic life?

Decreased dissolved oxygen and potential fish mortality Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the Ganga Action Plan is correct?

It addresses river water pollution through monitoring and treatment. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Freshwater Ecosystems

Rivers and lakes share similar characteristics and species due to their interconnectedness and freshwater nature.

Forest Ecosystems

Tropical Rainforests: Hot and wet year-round, home to animals like jaguars and monkeys.
Temperate Deciduous Forests: Experience changing seasons; trees adapt by shedding leaves in winter.

Ecosystems Overview

Deserts: Hot and dry.
Rainforests: Consistently rainy with abundant trees and plants.
Deciduous Forests: Sufficient rainfall for tree growth; trees lose leaves in autumn.
Freshwater Ecosystems: Composed of rivers, ponds, lakes, and streams; low salt content.

Waste Management

Waste Definition: Unwanted or useless materials; includes solid, liquid, and gaseous forms. Excludes materials recycled or reused at the source.
Types of Waste: Solid (plastics, paper, etc.), liquid (washings, chemicals, wastewater), and hazardous (ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic). Non-hazardous waste also poses disposal challenges.
Waste Classification: Biodegradable (paper, wood, etc.) vs. non-biodegradable (plastics, metals, etc.); hazardous vs. non-hazardous; municipal solid waste, biomedical waste, and industrial waste.
Waste Reduction Strategies: Reduce material use in product design; redesign packaging; use reusable containers; implement bulk purchasing; employee education programs focusing on waste reduction, reuse, donation/exchange, and improved recycling practices. Community-based initiatives including composting, recycling centers, and street cleaning programs. Preventing food waste has significant CO2 reduction potential.

Pollution

Pollution Definition: Harmful substances contaminating the environment, causing undesirable changes in physical, chemical, or biological characteristics.
Types of Pollution: Air, water (including marine), thermal, soil, and noise pollution; nuclear pollution is also a significant concern.

Air Pollution

Atmosphere: Earth's life-supporting blanket, supplying oxygen and containing nitrogen, oxygen, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and inert gases. Human activities can introduce harmful substances.
Air Pollution Definition: Presence of substances (including excess normal constituents) at concentrations causing undesirable effects on humans and the environment. Includes gases (NOx, SOx, CO, VOCs), particulate matter (dust, smoke, etc.), and radioactive materials.
Air Pollution Sources: Natural (volcanic eruptions, forest fires, etc.) and anthropogenic (thermal power plants, vehicles, industrial units).

Air Pollutant Classification

Primary Pollutants: Directly emitted from sources (CO, NO2, SO2).
Secondary Pollutants: Formed by interactions of primary pollutants.

Marine Pollution

Causes: Sewage, industrial effluents, detergents, solid waste, and plastics.
Sources: Rivers, catchment areas (human settlements), oil drilling, and shipping.
Effects: Fish mortality, disrupted bird insulation leading to drowning.
Control Measures: Preventing effluent discharge; effluent treatment before discharge; strict enforcement of laws regarding drilling in environmentally sensitive areas and waste dumping; limiting coastal development; establishment of Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZs).

Global Environmental Monitoring

A nationwide water quality monitoring network exists in India, encompassing various water bodies and parameters.

Thermal Pollution

Definition: Waste heat in water causing undesirable environmental changes.
Causes: Heat-producing industries and power plants (waste heat from fossil fuel use).
Effects: Reduced oxygen penetration and dissolved oxygen; harm to aquatic life.

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Description

Test your knowledge on various ecosystems including freshwater, forest, and desert habitats, as well as important concepts in waste management. Explore characteristics, species, and types of waste to see how they impact the environment. Perfect for students studying ecology and environmental science.