Environmental Awareness and Earth Science Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What significant environmental laws were influenced by the Earth Day movement?

The Clean Water Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (correct)

The Endangered Species Act of 1970 and the Kyoto Protocol of 1997

The Clean Air Act of 1970 and the Clean Water Act of 1980

The Paris Agreement of 2015 and the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976

What is the theme for Earth Day 2024?

Fast Fashion and the Environment

Planet vs. Plastics (correct)

Sustainable Materials Revolution

Plastic Pollution Awareness

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

50 percent

30 percent

60 percent (correct)

40 percent

Which of the following strategies is NOT mentioned as a way to reduce plastic production?

Encouraging cotton use in textiles Signup and view all the answers

What health risks are associated with plastic pollution according to Kathleen Rogers?

Cancer in humans and deaths in marine wildlife Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a nova explosion?

It involves material accumulation on a white dwarf from a red giant. Signup and view all the answers

Why has the fatality rate in the recent Taiwan earthquake been lower than in previous earthquakes?

Taiwan has improved earthquake preparedness and strict building codes. Signup and view all the answers

How often does T Coronae Borealis experience nova outbursts?

Approximately once every 80 years Signup and view all the answers

What makes the upcoming T Coronae Borealis nova explosion significant?

It will be visible to the unaided eye for several days. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the world's earthquakes occur along the 'Ring of Fire'?

90 percent Signup and view all the answers

What was Brauer's original career aspiration before she chose professional sailing?

Doctor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following challenges did Brauer face during her journey?

30-foot waves throwing her across the boat Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a significant obstacle that chimpanzees face when defending their territory?

Assessing risk of conflict with rivals Signup and view all the answers

What discovery did Matthew Skic make regarding the Revolutionary War drawing?

A soldier wore a Continental Army shirt Signup and view all the answers

What unique behavior did the chimpanzees demonstrate regarding their patrolling methods?

They utilized elevation to listen for sounds from threats. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of cicadas emerging every 13 or 17 years rather than in even-numbered years?

It prevents predators from establishing a stable hunting pattern based on their lifecycle. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor differentiates the two cicada broods observed in 2021?

The number of years they take to mature and emerge. Signup and view all the answers

What type of damage can cicadas cause to young trees?

They can cause wilting by severing the food supply when laying eggs. Signup and view all the answers

How are judges expected to evaluate breaking (breakdancing) competitors during the Paris 2024 Olympics?

Through the incorporation of mandatory moves and overall style. Signup and view all the answers

In the sport of skateboarding at the Paris Olympics, how are athletes' performances judged in the park discipline?

By evaluating their height, speed, and agility during their runs. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the sketch related to the North Carolina Brigade of continental troops?

It represents the first known wartime drawing highlighting the female followers of the Continental Army. Signup and view all the answers

Which adaptation is noted as rare among male crab spiders according to the observations made by Wu and Gao?

Exhibiting cooperative mimicry with females. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Justin Reynolds and Ruby's fossil discovery?

They helped classify a new species, Ichthyotitan severnensis, and were co-authors on a published study. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the female followers of the Continental Army play, as highlighted in the sketch?

They provided essential support services such as cooking and medical care. Signup and view all the answers

How did Dr. Dean Lomax respond to Justin Reynolds' fossil discovery email?

He invited them to assist his team in excavating more fossils. Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the resurgence of zombie fires after the snow melts?

Warming temperatures and organic matter that ignites. Signup and view all the answers

Why are zombie fires challenging for firefighters to detect?

They often occur in remote regions with frozen ground. Signup and view all the answers

What change was made to the scoring for climbing events at the Paris Games?

Bouldering and lead climbing scores will be combined, while speed climbing will be separate. Signup and view all the answers

What natural phenomenon has led to an increase in zombie fires in Canada?

Prolonged drought conditions. Signup and view all the answers

In which regions outside of Canada have zombie fires been reported?

Northern Europe and Siberia. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant action taken by the orangutan Rakus after treating his wound?

He sought out the leaves to reapply after the first treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What factor primarily sustains zombie fires underground?

Availability of highly flammable organic matter. Signup and view all the answers

What was determined to be a primary reason for the critically endangered status of Sumatran orangutans?

The destruction of their rainforest habitat for agriculture. Signup and view all the answers

What innovative feature of the X-59 allows it to reduce noise during supersonic flight?

A long, pointed nose designed to break up shock waves. Signup and view all the answers

How many tornadoes were reported in the United States during April 2024?

Over 300 tornadoes. Signup and view all the answers

What action did Rakus take to protect his wound from flies?

He covered it with leaves. Signup and view all the answers

What will NASA do before allowing the X-59 to fly over populated areas?

Collect community feedback on the sound it produces. Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon is primarily responsible for tornado formation?

Warm tropical air meeting cold polar air. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical number of tornadoes that occur in the United States annually?

About 1,200. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the area known as Tornado Alley is accurate?

It includes states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Ohio. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Earth Day 2024 Theme and Actions

Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, promotes environmental protection.
The global movement began in 1970 with Gaylord Nelson mobilizing 20 million people.
Earthday.org (EDN) now has over 50,000 partners in 190+ countries, shaping landmark environmental laws.
The 2024 theme is "Planet vs. Plastics," highlighting the 380 million tons of plastic produced annually, 50% for single-use.
EDN demands a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040.
Four strategies outline a reduction: raise awareness on health risks (linked to cancer, marine life deaths), phase out single-use plastics by 2030, combat fast fashion, and encourage sustainable materials.

2024 Nova Outburst

A nova eruption is a surge in a star's brightness.
This event occurs in binary star systems of a red giant and a white dwarf.
The red giant sheds material onto the white dwarf, heating it until an explosion.
The T Coronae Borealis nova, located 3,000 light-years away, is predicted to erupt sometime before September 2024 and be viewable with the naked eye for several days.

Taiwan Earthquake of April 3, 2024

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan's east coast on April 3, 2024, killing 13 and injuring over a thousand.
It was the most powerful earthquake in 25 years, felt as far as Hong Kong and Shanghai.
The earthquake triggered landslides and building damage.
Preemptive measures like earthquake sensors and drills, combined with strict building codes, drastically reduced the casualty toll.

Cole Brauer's Solo Circumnavigation

Cole Brauer completed the 30,000-mile Global Solo Challenge in 130 days in March 2024, becoming the first American woman to achieve this feat.
The journey, beginning in Spain, took Brauer around Africa, Australia, and South America before returning to Spain.
Despite facing difficulties like severe weather and injuries, Brauer's solo voyage demonstrated resilience and skill.

Chimpanzee Military Tactics

Research suggests chimpanzees use human-like military tactics to defend and expand territories.
Observed in Tai National Park, chimpanzee groups strategically patrol their borders.
The groups seek out higher ground for observation, evaluating risk, and taking over territory when possible.
Scientists identify this as a complex cognitive ability.

Revolutionary Era Sketch Discovery

A 15"x5" Revolutionary War-era eyewitness sketch, depicting North Carolina Continental Troops and female companions passing through Philadelphia in 1777, was discovered in a private collection in August 2023.
Its inscription helped the curator match to a historical account of North Carolina troops passing through Philadelphia in 1777.
The artist was identified as Pierre Eugene du Simitiere, a Swiss artist known for his Revolutionary War sketches.
The sketch is significant for its depiction of women, often overlooked in historical records, supporting soldiers.

Crab Spider Cooperation

Scientists observed male and female crab spiders in a Chinese rainforest cooperating to create camouflage.
The male spider mimics the flower's stamens, and the female petals, deceptive to predators.
This behavior constitutes the first evidence of cooperative mimicry.

Massive Ichthyosaur Fossil Discovery

A father-daughter team found fossilized remains of a new giant ichthyosaur species on Blue Anchor Beach in spring 2020.
The ichthyosaur, estimated to be 80 feet long.
The species, named Ichthyotitan severnensis, was researched, reconstructed, and announced in April 2024.

North American Cicada Emergence

Millions of periodical cicadas are emerging in 16 US states.
This rare synchronous emergence of Brood XIX (13-year cycle) and Brood XIII (17-year cycle) has not been recorded in 221 years.
These harmless insects emerge to reproduce and die soon after.
While beneficial to some ecosystems, their swarming can be a nuisance, and their egg-laying can damage young plants.

Paris 2024 Summer Olympics New Sports

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris feature innovative additions breaking, surfing, skateboarding, and sport climbing.
Breaking (breakdancing) debuts in the Olympics, judged on style and technique.
Surfing, previously debuted in Tokyo 2020, returns in Tahiti.
Skateboarding (park and street disciplines) returns, each judged on performance.
Sport climbing (bouldering, speed, and lead climbing), using a different scoring system from Tokyo 2020, emphasizes skill.

Sumatran Orangutan's Medical Treatment

A Sumatran orangutan, Rakus, was observed treating a cheek wound using a liana plant.
The innovative medical plant application demonstrates remarkable self-treatment, with complete wound healing.

2024 Tornado Outbreak

An above-average number of tornadoes across the US spanned from April to May, 2024, particularly concentrated in Tornado Alley.
April 25–28 experienced a multitude of severe tornado outbreaks leaving substantial destruction.
Powerful tornadoes struck various locations with a heavy toll on people and infrastructure, causing substantial damage including in Marietta, Oklahoma and Minden, Iowa.

2023 Canadian Wildfires and "Zombie" Fires

Canada experienced the worst wildfire season on record.
"Zombie" fires (also known as holdovers and overwintering fires), remain active underground.
The ground thawing, from lingering melted snow, rekindled these fires, creating substantial challenges for firefighting efforts.
The fires’ prevalence is linked to the low precipitation and warmer winter temperatures

NASA's X-59 Supersonic Aircraft

NASA's X-59 aircraft is designed for quiet supersonic flight without sonic booms.
Its innovative design—with a pointed nose and an upper engine placement—aims to address sonic boom complaints prevalent with supersonic aircraft.
Testing is planned for California, with planned routes over US cities for public feedback.

Dogen City—Floating Maritime Metropolis

A floating city called Dogen City is being designed to combat climate change and rising sea levels.
The circular-shaped, two-tiered city, estimated to have 10,000 residential population capacity, aims to be self-sufficient in food production, healthcare, and other needs as a climate solution.

Personalized Cancer Vaccines

Dr. Catherine Wu's research developed personalized cancer vaccines targeting individual genetic mutations using the patient's immune system.
This research successfully treated six patients with advanced melanoma, an aggressive skin cancer.
Awarded the Sjöberg prize for her pioneering work on personalized vaccines.

Sphere Entertainment Venue

Sphere, a Las Vegas entertainment venue, is designed to incorporate advanced technologies, including wrap-around LED screens and an advanced audio system, offering cutting-edge options and experiences.
The inaugural residency by U2 showcased the digital capabilities within.
The "Sphere Experience" is an interactive two-hour program.

Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling

Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling, an annual tradition in Gloucestershire, England, involves participants chasing a rolling wheel of cheese.
The event has endured despite initial concerns about injuries; continued popularity.
Several races including downhill for men, women and adults, and uphill for kids were held on May 27, 2024.

Claudia Sheinbaum—First Female President of Mexico

Claudia Sheinbaum became the first female president of Mexico in June 2024, and first Jewish leader of this mostly Catholic nation.
She plans to combat violence by increasing police presence and security cameras, and pledged to reduce reliance on fossil fuels by 50%.

Chang'e 6 Lunar Probe

China's Chang'e 6 lunar probe successfully returned soil samples from the Moon's far side, in June 2024, achieving the first such retrieval from this unexplored part of the Moon.
The program included planting a flag at the lunar landing site and retrieving samples that were then transferred back to Earth.

Paris 2024 Olympics - US Gymnastics Medal Haul

US men's gymnastics team earned a bronze medal at the Olympics in July 2024, reversing a disappointing qualifying run and 16-year medal drought.
The team secured the bronze medal in the team event and another bronze medal in the individual pommel horse event through exceptional performances by some of the gymnasts.

Mount Vernon Bottle Discovery

Excavations at George Washington's Mount Vernon home unearthed 35 18th-century glass bottles containing remarkably preserved cherries and berries.
The discovery allowed researchers insight into the culinary practices of that era, and perhaps even a glimpse into the roles of enslaved individuals in their homes and at the table.

Elephant's Naming Ability

A new study found elephants may assign individual "names" to each other, using different vocalizations.
They exhibit complex communication via rumbles in different contexts .
Scientists identified the patterns with machine learning in a 30-year study.

Herculaneum Beach Restoration

Herculaneum, a Roman town engulfed in 79 AD volcanic eruption, finally had its main beach restored in June 2024.
Authorities restored the beach to replicate the ancient environment as closely as possible, allowing audiences access to the Roman beach environment. The project also included the discovery of a series of skeletons and artifacts.

Florida Carpenter Ant "Surgeries"

Researchers discovered that Florida carpenter ants perform life-saving "surgeries" on wounded nestmates, showing extraordinary social behavior.
Ants with femur wounds undergo amputations while tibia wounds receive simple cleaning which demonstrates an intelligent triage response based on injury severity that helps the colony survive.

Lucara Diamond Discovery

Lucara Diamond announced the discovery of a 2,492-carat diamond in Botswana in August 2024.
The discovery is the second largest diamond ever found.
The diamond is expected to be cut into numerous smaller sparkling gems.

NASA's Starliner Spacecraft

NASA's Starliner spacecraft returned to Earth without a crew in early September 2024 due to unforeseen helium leaks and thruster failures.
Crew members Wilmore and Williams will continue the space mission at the International Space Station (ISS) until February 2025.
The crew will transition to full-time ISS crew members, undertaking spacewalks and scientific experiments.

Banksy's London Artwork Series

British street artist Banksy unveiled a series of animal artworks in London from August 5–13, 2024.

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Description

Test your knowledge on significant environmental laws influenced by the Earth Day movement and explore fascinating facts about nova explosions and earthquake statistics. This quiz covers a range of topics from ecological protection milestones to astronomical phenomena.