Environmental Research and Challenges Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What significant challenge did Brauer face during her sailing journey?

She encountered a shark attack.

She suffered an injury due to 30-foot waves. (correct)

She lost communication with her team.

Her boat capsized near the equator.

How did researchers study the behavior of western chimpanzee groups in Tai National Park?

Using GPS trackers for about 8 to 12 hours daily. (correct)

By using drones to follow their movements.

Conducting experiments with food rewards.

By observing them from a distance during daytime.

What was revealed to researchers by the artwork collected by Judith Hernstadt?

It was a famous artwork by a renowned artist.

It depicted a fictional scene from a novel.

It was a modern interpretation of historical events.

It contained historical significance related to the Revolutionary War. (correct)

What action do chimpanzees take when assessing the risk of conflict with a rival group?

They use elevation to listen for sounds from rivals. Signup and view all the answers

What was Brauer's primary goal in sharing her sailing journey on social media?

To inspire other girls to pursue professional sailing. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the sketch featuring the North Carolina Brigade?

It highlighted the role of women in the Continental Army. Signup and view all the answers

What unusual behavior did the male crab spider exhibit according to the researchers Wu and Gao?

Cooperating with the female to create camouflage. Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated length of the new ichthyosaur species discovered by Justin and Ruby?

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

What specific role did the curator mention about the sketch of the North Carolina Brigade?

It was one of two artworks to feature women supporting the army. Signup and view all the answers

What method did Dr. Lomax and his team suggest for identifying fossil bones found by Justin and Ruby?

Through email communication with experts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of the Earth Day Network regarding plastic production by 2040?

A 60 percent reduction in plastic production. Signup and view all the answers

Which significant environmental law was passed first in relation to the Earth Day movement?

Clean Water Act of 1972 Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the health risks associated with plastic pollution mentioned in the content?

Cancer in humans Signup and view all the answers

What action does Earth Day Network suggest to tackle fast fashion?

Urge governments to implement policies to end fast fashion. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a suggestion for individuals to reduce plastic use?

Purchasing single-use plastic utensils. Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon is expected to occur in T Coronae Borealis before September 2024?

A nova eruption Signup and view all the answers

What has contributed to the decrease in fatalities during the recent earthquake in Taiwan compared to the 1999 earthquake?

Advanced public notification systems Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about novae is accurate?

A nova occurs in a binary star system with a red giant and a white dwarf. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the location known as the 'Ring of Fire'?

It is home to the majority of volcanoes and earthquakes worldwide. Signup and view all the answers

What achievement did Cole Brauer accomplish on March 7, 2024?

She became the first woman to sail around the world nonstop. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason cicadas emerge every 13 or 17 years according to researchers?

To avoid predators that have shorter lifespans Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sports will debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics?

Breaking Signup and view all the answers

What type of damage can cicadas cause to young trees?

They can create slits that lead to food supply severing Signup and view all the answers

How will athletes be assessed in the street skateboarding competition?

By their ability to perform tricks and overall style Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique feature of the Speed Climbing event in the Paris 2024 Olympics?

Climbers must reach a height of 49 feet within a time limit Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that contributes to the emergence of 'zombie' fires during the spring?

Underground smoldering fueled by organic matter Signup and view all the answers

Which area experienced the worst wildfire season on record in 2023?

British Columbia and Alberta Signup and view all the answers

What design feature of the X-59 aircraft is intended to reduce noise during supersonic flights?

Long, pointed nose Signup and view all the answers

What significant change was made to the scoring of speed climbing events for the Paris Games?

Speed climbing will be treated as a separate event with its own medal. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of the recent winter seasons contributed to the persistence of zombie fires in Canada?

Mild winter temperatures and low snowfall levels Signup and view all the answers

What unique behavior did the Sumatran orangutan, Rakus, display regarding wound treatment?

He used a medicinal plant known for its healing properties. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements correctly describes the occurrence of tornadoes in the United States?

They occur year-round but peak from March to July. Signup and view all the answers

What role does organic matter play in sustaining zombie fires?

It acts as fuel for long-lasting underground burning Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome for Rakus’ wound after he applied the medicinal plant treatment?

The wound healed completely within a month. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors contributed to the decline in population of Sumatran orangutans?

Increased hunting pressures and habitat destruction. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary healthcare innovations introduced by Dr. Catherine Wu's research?

Personalized vaccines targeting individual cancer characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Dogen City aims to support sustainable living?

Implementing new farming technologies using seawater Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature does the Sphere entertainment venue include for enhancing audience experience?

Advanced sound integration allowing audiences to feel vibrations Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of the Schoonship neighborhood in the Netherlands?

It offers limited living space with only 46 homes across 30 water plots Signup and view all the answers

What type of audience interactions are featured in 'The Sphere Experience'?

Interactive sessions led by humanoid robots Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of electoral votes a candidate needs to secure the presidency?

270 Signup and view all the answers

How are the electoral votes distributed among states in the U.S.?

States with larger populations receive more electoral votes based on their number of House members. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the winner-takes-all system in U.S. presidential elections?

Winning a state by a small margin allows a candidate to receive all of its electoral votes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements explains a common argument against the Electoral College?

It can allow a candidate to win the presidency without winning the nationwide popular vote. Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to California having the most electoral votes among U.S. states?

The state's significant population resulting in more House members. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of the Electoral College described in the context provided?

It encourages presidential candidates to focus on populous states only. Signup and view all the answers

What triggered the continuous seismic activity observed for nine days in East Greenland?

A landslide and a tsunami in a narrow fjord. Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon resulted from the energy concentration in the Dickson Fjord after the landslide?

A standing wave known as a seiche. Signup and view all the answers

How did scientists relate the September 2023 landslide to climate change?

The glacier supporting the mountain melted due to higher temperatures. Signup and view all the answers

What was the nature of Banksy's artwork series in London in August 2024?

A series celebrating local wildlife through animal sketches. Signup and view all the answers

What significant change did the London Zoo make related to Banksy's final mural?

They installed a barrier to preserve the mural permanently. Signup and view all the answers

What does the discovery of the sword at the ancient fort suggest about its defense capabilities?

The fort likely had an on-site weapons production area. Signup and view all the answers

Which significant feature of Ramses II's reign is highlighted in the context of the discovery at the ancient fort?

He was known for his architectural contributions. Signup and view all the answers

What type of personal item found at the ancient fort provides insights into the soldiers' daily lives?

An applicator for kohl eyeliner. Signup and view all the answers

What major action did President Joe Biden take in response to Hurricane Helene?

He deployed 1,000 soldiers to support recovery efforts. Signup and view all the answers

What discovery about earthworms was revealed by the research team from Colorado State University?

They boost crop yields and help protect plants from microplastics. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of the giant redwoods helps them to be resilient against wildfires?

Thick bark that protects against fire damage Signup and view all the answers

What was revealed by radiocarbon dating regarding the stored energy in the redwoods?

It can be up to 100 years old Signup and view all the answers

What mythological figure is associated with the superstition of Friday the 13th according to one theory?

Loki, the trickster god Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon occurred to 90 percent of the redwoods after the CZU Lightning Complex Fire?

They showed signs of regeneration Signup and view all the answers

What psychological condition describes the fear of the number 13?

Triskaidekaphobia Signup and view all the answers

How does the Mammoth plant operate to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels?

Using fans to pull air through filters Signup and view all the answers

What economic impact does Friday the 13th typically have in the United States?

$900 million in losses due to avoidance Signup and view all the answers

What adaptation allows redwoods to regrow leaves after being charred?

Presence of bud tissue for leaf regrowth Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary aim of the Vesuvius Challenge?

To decode ancient texts from scrolls Signup and view all the answers

Which significant word was first decoded by Luke Farritor from the Herculaneum scrolls?

Porphyras Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum percentage of characters that need to be decoded to win the top prize in the Vesuvius Challenge?

85% Signup and view all the answers

What notable achievement in women's soccer is Alex Morgan recognized for?

Scoring the winning goal in the 2012 Olympics Signup and view all the answers

In which year did Alex Morgan announce her retirement from professional soccer?

2024 Signup and view all the answers

Which ancient pharaoh is linked to the recently discovered bronze sword in Egypt?

Ramses II Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Alex Morgan Foundation established in 2023?

To advocate for equal pay and opportunities for girls and women Signup and view all the answers

During her career, how many goals and assists combined does Alex Morgan have?

176 Signup and view all the answers

What significance is attributed to the scrolls decoded by Farritor and Nader?

They are dialogues of philosophical views written by Philodemus. Signup and view all the answers

What notable accomplishment did the winning team achieve in the Vesuvius Challenge?

Reading additional partial columns of text Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected carbon capture capacity of Climeworks' upcoming DAC plant in Louisiana by 2030?

1 million tons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the significance of the Mammoth DAC plant?

It can absorb 39,000 tons of carbon annually. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Polaris Dawn mission conducted by SpaceX?

To carry out the first-ever civilian spacewalk. Signup and view all the answers

What innovative method did Brent Seales develop to study the ancient scrolls found in Herculaneum?

X-ray technology for scanning without opening the scrolls. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of the new SpaceX spacesuits differentiates them from traditional ones?

They lack traditional life support systems. Signup and view all the answers

What criticism do opponents of DAC technology raise regarding its impact on fossil fuel reliance?

It distracts from efforts to reduce fossil fuel use. Signup and view all the answers

How did the scrolls preserved in Herculaneum maintain their integrity despite being charred?

The lack of oxygen protected their interior. Signup and view all the answers

As of 2024, what significant milestone has SpaceX achieved with the Polaris Dawn mission?

First human spaceflight above 870 miles. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the research on ancient scrolls poses a challenge to deciphering their contents?

The blend of carbon-based ink with charred papyrus complicates reading. Signup and view all the answers

What unique contribution does Climeworks make in the context of carbon emissions reduction?

It implements direct air capture technology. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Earth Day 2024: Planet vs. Plastics

Celebrated annually on April 22nd, focusing on environmental protection.
Global movement began in 1970 with Gaylord Nelson mobilizing 20 million people.
Earth Day Network (EDN) has over 50,000 partners in 190+ countries.
Key environmental laws resulting from EDN's efforts include the Clean Water Act (1972), Endangered Species Act (1973), and the Paris Agreement (2015).
2024 theme is "Planet vs. Plastics," highlighting the annual production of 380 million tons of plastic, 50% for single-use purposes.
EDN demands a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040.
Four ways to achieve this goal include raising public awareness of plastic health risks (cancer, marine wildlife deaths), phasing out single-use plastics by 2030, implementing policies to end fast fashion, and corporate investment in sustainable substitutes.

Nova Outburst in 2024

NASA predicts a nova outburst visible to the naked eye sometime before September 2024.
Novae occur in binary star systems: a red giant and a white dwarf.
Material shed by the red giant accumulates on the white dwarf, eventually exploding in a burst of energy.
The upcoming T Coronae Borealis nova, located 3,000 light-years away, has a periodic outburst roughly every 80 years.
The last outburst occurred in 1946.
The explosion is due to the red giant's shedding of material, accumulating on the white dwarf, causing an eruption.

Taiwan Earthquake 2024

7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan's east coast on April 3, 2024, causing 13 fatalities and over 1,000 injuries.
Strongest quake to hit the island in 25 years.
Preemptive measures, including sensors and drills, significantly reduced casualties compared to the 1999 7.7 earthquake (2,400 deaths).
Strict building codes, aiding resident escape, were another factor.
Taiwan's advanced earthquake preparedness is attributed to strict building codes, a robust seismological network, and public education.
Earthquakes are frequent in Taiwan due to its location on the Ring of Fire, where 90% of the world's earthquakes occur.

Long Island Woman's Solo Circumnavigation

Cole Brauer (29, Long Island, NY), completed the Global Solo Challenge, first American woman to sail solo around the world without stopping in 130 days.
Faced 30-foot waves and dehydration.
Route included Africa's Cape of Good Hope, Australia's Cape Leeuwin, and South America's Cape Horn (challenging as Mount Everest).

Chimpanzee Military Tactics

Chimpanzees employ human-like military tactics to evaluate risk and expand territories.
Observations on two western chimpanzee groups in West Africa's Tai National Park (2013–2016), with GPS trackers, recorded for 8–12 hours daily.
Patrolled territory edges, seeking higher ground for observation.
Tactics reveal complex cognitive abilities.

Revolutionary War Sketch Discovery

Revolutionary War sketch (1777), depicting two women and a baby in a horse-drawn carriage with Continental Army soldiers, discovered in a private collection after 40 years.
Sketch details the North Carolina Brigade's passage through Philadelphia in 1777.
Highlights women's vital role in supporting the Continental Army.
Artist identified as Pierre Eugene du Simitiere.

Crab Spider Cooperation

Crab spiders, male and female, cooperate to camouflage and resemble a single flower to catch prey.
First example of cooperation mimicry in any species.
Female crab spiders commonly camouflage themselves to blend with flowers.

New Ichthyosaur Species

New, massive ichthyosaur species (Ichthyotitan severnensis) discovered by a father-daughter team on Blue Anchor Beach, England.
Fossil found in spring 2020; complete lower jaw reconstructed in 2022.
Estimated at 80 feet long, among the largest marine animals.

Periodical Cicada Emergence

Trillions of noisy cicadas emerging in 16 US states, with two broods (13-year and 17-year) overlapping.
Unusual event, last occurred in 1803.
Cicadas emerge every 13 or 17 years (prime numbers) to reproduce.
Avoidance of predictable prey periods is a key feature of their life cycle.
Harmless to humans, might damage young trees.

Paris 2024 Olympics New Sports

Paris 2024 Summer Olympics will include breaking, surfing, skateboarding, and sport climbing.
Breaking makes major debut with two events for men and women.
Surfing returns from Tokyo 2020 (Tahiti).
Skateboarding includes park and street disciplines.
Sport climbing features bouldering, speed climbing, and lead climbing (bouldering and lead combined for overall medal).

Sumatran Orangutan Healing

Sumatran orangutan, Rakus, observed using a liana plant to treat a cheek wound.
First known example of a wild animal actively using a medicinal plant for wound treatment.
Sophisticated cognitive abilities shown.

Tornado Outbreak 2024

Above-average tornado outbreak in April and May 2024, with over 300 tornadoes reported.
One death and numerous structures damaged by an EF-4 tornado in Marietta, OK, significant damage in Minden, IA.
Tornado Alley (Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, etc.) is highly susceptible to tornadoes.
Tornadoes form when cold, dry air meets warm, moist air, causing rotation and creating a low-pressure area.

Zombie Fires in Canada

Canada experienced record-breaking wildfires in 2023, with over 6,500 blazes.
"Zombie" fires (holdover fires) reappeared when snow began to melt.
Emergence linked to vegetation, lack of snowfall, and potentially lightning.
Difficult to detect and pose a challenge to firefighters.

NASA's X-59 Aircraft

NASA's X-59 aircraft, designed for quiet supersonic flight, aims to revolutionize air travel.
Design reduces shock waves (sonic booms).
Testing to be done in California and over select cities to gather community feedback.

Floating City Project (N-Ark)

Japan's N-Ark project aims to build a self-sufficient floating city, Dogen City, to combat rising sea levels.
Dogen City will be 1 mile in diameter and house 10,000 inhabitants.
Includes food production, healthcare, and space tourism facilities.

Personalized Cancer Vaccines

Dr. Catherine Wu and her team are developing custom cancer vaccines tailored to each person's unique cancer characteristics.
Approach utilizes the body's immune system to recognize and kill cancer cells.
Initial trial results demonstrated effectiveness of personalized vaccines.

Sphere Entertainment Venue

The Sphere in Las Vegas is a new entertainment venue designed for dynamic performances.
366 ft. tall structure integrates advanced technology into the performance.
Features a massive wrap-around LED screen, advanced audio system, and seating for 17,500.
Hosts "The Sphere Experience," interactive programs with humanoid robots.

Cheese Rolling Competition

Thousands gather at Cooper's Hill, England, yearly for the Cheese Rolling competition.
Event involves running down a steep hill to catch a rolling cheese wheel.
Four downhill races (men's and women's) and three uphill races (kids and adults) comprise the competition.

First Female President of Mexico

Claudia Sheinbaum became the first female president of Mexico in 2024.
First Jewish leader in the primarily Catholic nation.
Climate scientist, focused on transitioning to clean energy.
Aims to tackle country's violence through increased security.

Chang'e 6 Lunar Probe

China's Chang'e 6 lunar probe returned soil samples from the Moon's far side, a historic first.
Planted a flag on the Moon's surface.
Samples will be used for research on the Moon's evolution.
Future lunar exploration plans include water and resource extraction.

2024 US Gymnastics Team Success

American gymnastics teams won a substantial number of medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
US men's team won a bronze medal.
Team captain Brody Malone overcame prior injuries for the success.

18th-Century Bottles Found at Mount Vernon

Archaeologists unearthed 35 glass bottles containing preserved cherries and berries from George Washington's Mount Vernon home.
Likely stored during the Revolutionary War era.
Provides insights into culinary practices of that time.

Elephant Naming

Elephants show evidence of assigning names to each other.
First non-human species to exhibit this capability.
Researchers observed specific calls directed at specific elephants, using machine learning tools to analyze audio.

Herculaneum Beach Restoration

Herculaneum beach, buried by Mount Vesuvius's 79 AD eruption, has been restored.
Provides a glimpse into ancient daily life/interactions (79 AD).
Visitors can see original 79 AD beach environment.

Florida Carpenter Ant Surgery

A new study reveals that Florida carpenter ants perform life-saving surgeries on injured nestmates.
Injured ants treated for different injuries (muscle tissue).
Ants receiving amputations or cleaning have significantly better survival than those not treated.

Large Diamond Discovery in Botswana

2,492-carat diamond discovered in Botswana in 2024, the second-largest ever found.

Boeing Starliner Spacecraft Return

NASA's Starliner spacecraft returned to Earth uncrewed due to helium leaks and thruster failures.
Crew will return aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.

Banksy Animal Art Series

Banksy unveiled a series of animal artworks in London (August 5-13, 2024).
Artworks placed at various locations throughout London.

Redwood Tree Recovery

Big Basin Redwood State Park, scorched by the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, began to sprout green needles quickly (2020).
Remarkable resilience due to thick bark and energy storage.
Full recovery will take years; 90% of charred trees showing regrowth.

Friday the 13th Superstition

Friday the 13th considered an unlucky day by many worldwide.
Reasons include superstitions about the number 13 and historical events coinciding with the date.
Many businesses attempt to offset negative economic impact with discounts and promotions.

Climeworks' Mammoth DAC Plant

Climeworks' Mammoth DAC plant, the world's largest, turned on in May 2024.
Direct air capture (DAC) plant captures CO2 emissions for reduced atmospheric carbon.
Uses geothermal energy, no carbon emissions.
Critics argue DAC plants are expensive.

SpaceX Polaris Dawn Mission

SpaceX's Polaris Dawn (first of three Polaris missions) successfully completed, with civilian astronauts.
Broke higher-than-ever altitude records, first civilian spacewalk.
Data valuable for future missions (lunar, deep space).

Herculaneum Scrolls

Thousands of papyrus scrolls, unearthed in a Herculaneum mansion's library, are being decoded through advanced AI programs.
Scrolls provide valuable insight into ancient life and philosophy.
Global competition accelerates decoding process.

Alex Morgan's Retirement

Alex Morgan, prominent American soccer player, retired from professional soccer in 2024.
Won back-to-back FIFA Women's World Cup titles.
Played pivotal role in the US Women's National Team (USWNT), inspiring a generation.

Bronze Sword of Ramses II

Egyptian archaeologists discovered a bronze sword inscribed with Ramses II's insignia in a 3,000-year-old fort in Egypt.
Belonged to a prominent military official.

Hurricane Helene 2024

Hurricane Helene made landfall as a dangerous Category 4 storm in Florida (September 26, 2024). - Most powerful hurricane to hit the region since record-keeping began (1851).
Widespread damage, including significant flooding, resulted in many deaths.
Weakened to a tropical storm soon after landfall.
Brought torrential rains, generating numerous tornadoes.
Strong winds and floodwaters washed away roads, destroyed countless buildings/homes/vehicles.
Millions lost power/cell service.
170 storm-related deaths confirmed (October 2, 2024) (potentially higher).

Earthworm Impact on Plant Growth Studies

Recent studies highlight earthworms' impact on plant growth and resilience to microplastics.
Earthworms contribute significantly to global food production.
Earthworms create channels, aerating soil, aiding water drainage and nutrient availability.
Studies provide a broader perspective on soil health and interaction with sustainable methods.

Spider Manipulating Firefly Signals

Crafty orb-weaver spider species (Araneus ventricosus) manipulates male firefly mating signals to increase prey capture.
Spiders modify firefly light signals to attract more fireflies.
Observed in China, Japan, and Korea.
Female fireflies emit single flashes, males use two flashes.
Spiders wrap fireflies in light silk for better visibility of flashes.
Male fireflies kept alive longer than other prey, only emitting single flashes, mimicking females, near spiders.
Spiders likely use venom to alter normal flashing behavior by interfering with oxygen supply.

US Presidential Election 2024

US Presidential election scheduled for November 5, 2024.
Two candidates: Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
Winning Electoral College (270 votes), not just popular vote, is essential to secure presidency.
Electoral College comprises electors.
Each state has electoral votes based on senators and House representatives.
Larger states have more electors. Smaller states have a minimum of three.
Winner-takes-all system in most states.
President's term begins January 20 of the following year.
This year, President Trump faced legal challenges associated with his role as president.

Greenland Landslide and Tsunami (2023)

A large landslide and tsunami in East Greenland (Dickson Fjord) caused a worldwide seismic event that lasted for nine days (September 16, 2023).
The landslide dumped millions of cubic yards of material into the fjord.
This triggered a significant 650-foot tsunami, but the prolonged shaking was attributed to a seiche (standing wave) in the narrow fjord.
Scientists linked the landslide to rising Greenland temperatures and glacier melt.

Banksy's London Animal Art Series

Banksy created a series of animal artworks in London between August 5 and 13, 2024.
Appearing gradually, the artwork portrayed different animals in various locations.
Included a mountain goat, elephants, monkeys, a wolf, pelicans, and a rhino.
The final piece appeared on the shutters of the London Zoo, featuring a gorilla freeing a sea lion and birds.
Zoo officials preserved the artwork by replacing the shutter with a photo.

Big Basin Redwood Recovery

Big Basin Redwood State Park, heavily damaged during the CZU Lightning Complex Fire (August 2020) exhibited rapid green needle regrowth.
Thick bark and high energy storage in redwood tree trunks contribute to resilience.
Sprigs were growing from ancient tissue from the 1920s.
The park's full recovery will take years, but regrowth is promising.