Environmental Science Basics Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What does the phrase 'the solution to pollution is dilution' imply about pollution control?

  • Ignoring pollution will make it disappear over time.
  • Mixing pollutants in larger volumes of water makes them harmless. (correct)
  • Reducing pollutants at the source is effective.
  • All pollutants are fully biodegradable when diluted.

    • Which forestry cutting method removes only selected trees and maintains overall forest structure?

  • Strip cutting
  • Clear-cutting
  • Shelterwood cutting
  • Selective cutting (correct)

    • What is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch primarily composed of?

  • Microplastics and other discarded waste. (correct)
  • Nutrient-rich organic matter.
  • A collection of wooden debris from shipwrecks.
  • Natural seaweed and marine plants.

    • How many trophic levels are typically represented in a food web?

    <p>Five or more (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term describes organisms that are both primary consumers and secondary consumers?

    <p>Omnivores (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two primary chemical pollutants responsible for acid precipitation?

    <p>Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a main source of sulfur dioxide?

    <p>Combustion of fossil fuels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which minerals can neutralize the effects of acid precipitation?

    <p>Muscovite, smectite, and gypsum (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do oil spills harm wildlife primarily?

    <p>Chemical constituents are poisonous (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method can be used to contain oil spills on land?

    <p>Berms and trenches (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was previously thought to reduce the negative impacts of a pollutant?

    <p>Diluting with water (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What describes biotic components in an ecosystem?

    <p>Living things and their remains (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an abiotic component of an ecosystem?

    <p>Water (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a major natural resource?

    <p>Iron (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of using renewable services over non-renewable services?

    <p>They help reduce environmental damage. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is primary succession?

    <p>Creation of new land. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which forestry cutting method involves removing all trees in an area?

    <p>Clearcutting (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which level of species richness is typically found in tropical rainforests?

    <p>High richness (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is generally limited in the early stages of succession?

    <p>Biotic factors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the ecosystem when it is in equilibrium?

    <p>Living and nonliving things are balanced. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a common cause of species extinction?

    <p>Natural disasters (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most common method of forest harvesting in Canada?

    <p>Clear cutting (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which forest harvesting method allows for tree regeneration under the shelter of remaining trees?

    <p>Shelterwood cutting (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typically happens to nutrients and erosion levels after tree harvesting?

    <p>Nutrients are lost and erosion increases (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which trophic level generally contains the greatest biomass in ecosystems?

    <p>Primary producers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which forest harvesting method incurs the least ecological impact?

    <p>Selective cutting (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does human activity influence the water cycle?

    <p>By altering precipitation patterns (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which biome is located in Canada and is north of all other biomes?

    <p>Tundra (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which abiotic factors are crucial to both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems?

    <p>Nutrients, temperature, and water availability (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes organisms found at the bottom of food chains?

    <p>Producers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding ecosystems?

    <p>Ecosystems are composed of both biotic and abiotic features. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which harvesting method is considered the most economical for forest resources?

    <p>Clear cutting (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which energy-rich substance is produced by green plants during photosynthesis?

    <p>Glucose (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

    <p>Photosynthesis produces glucose, which is utilized in cellular respiration. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these areas is considered an ecosystem?

    <p>A backyard pond (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the Gaia Hypothesis?

    <p>The Earth and its biological systems behave as a single entity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is necessary to ensure sustainability in nature?

    <p>Reduction, reuse, and recycling practices (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'species richness' refer to?

    <p>The number of different species in a given area. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a reason why primary succession is slower than secondary succession?

    <p>It begins in lifeless areas without soil. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are two major chemical pollutants responsible for acid precipitation?

    <p>Nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are scientists concerned about species loss?

    <p>It disrupts food webs and ecosystem functions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What describes a renewable ecosystem service?

    <p>It can be used indefinitely without depletion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ecological consequence can result from the introduction of an invasive species?

    <p>Greater competition for resources among native species. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is succession slower on sand or bare rock?

    <p>They require more time for soil development. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an example of a human activity contributing to species extinction?

    <p>Renewable energy production. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Clear Cutting

    The removal of all or most of the trees in a given area. It is the most economical and efficient method, and the most common, used in about 90% of cases.

    Shelterwood Cutting

    A series of two or more cuts where mature trees are harvested, allowing regeneration under the shelter of remaining trees.

    Selective Cutting

    The periodic harvesting of selected trees only. It is the most costly method but has the least ecological impact.

    Ecological Niche

    The unique role an organism plays within its ecosystem, including its habitat, food sources, and interactions with other species.

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    Food Chain

    A linear series of organisms where each feeds on the one below it.

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    Food Web

    A complex network of interconnected food chains, showing the many feeding relationships within an ecosystem.

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    Trophic Level

    The level of an organism in a food chain or web, determined by its feeding habits.

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    Biomass

    The total amount of living matter in a given area.

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    Ecological balance

    The ability of an ecosystem to maintain a stable balance of organisms and their environment.

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    Parasitism

    A relationship between two organisms where one benefits and the other is harmed.

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    Mutualism

    A relationship between two organisms where both benefit from the interaction.

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    Photosynthesis

    The process by which producers like plants capture sunlight energy to make food.

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    Ecosystem

    All the living organisms in an ecosystem and their interactions with the non-living environment.

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    Consumers

    Organisms that rely on other organisms for their energy through food.

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    Community

    All the populations of different species living in an ecosystem.

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    What biome is located north of all other Canadian biomes?

    The coldest biome in Canada, located north of all other biomes.

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    Where are Producers found in a food chain?

    Producers occupy the first trophic level in a food chain.

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    What organisms are found at the bottom of food chains?

    Organisms at the bottom of food chains are called producers.

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    What do we call animals that eat both plants and animals?

    Animals that eat both plants and other animals are called omnivores.

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    What is a biome?

    A biome is a large-scale community of organisms with similar climate and vegetation.

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    What is the water cycle?

    The water cycle involves the continuous movement of water through Earth's systems.

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    What is the Gaia Hypothesis?

    The Gaia Hypothesis suggests that Earth acts like a living organism, with interconnected systems regulating its conditions.

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    What is photosynthesis?

    Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.

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    Species richness

    The total number of different species found in a particular area.

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    Primary succession

    The process of change in an ecosystem over time, where a new community develops on bare land.

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    Secondary succession

    The process of change in an ecosystem over time, where a community recovers after a disturbance.

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    Ecological equilibrium

    The state of balance in an ecosystem where populations of organisms remain relatively stable.

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    Extinction

    The process of species disappearing from Earth.

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    Abiotic factor

    Any factor in an ecosystem that is not alive, like sunlight, temperature, or water.

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    Ecosystem Service

    A service provided by ecosystems that benefits humans, such as clean water, air, and food.

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    Ecosystem Equilibrium

    A state of balance in an ecosystem where populations and resources are relatively stable over time.

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    Invasive Species

    A species that is introduced to an area where it is not native and can cause harm to the ecosystem.

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    Acid Precipitation

    Rainwater that has become unusually acidic due to pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from human activities.

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    Study Notes

    Resource Management - Forestry

    • Approximately 60% of Canada's original forests have been logged at least once.
    • Forest harvesting methods include three categories:
      • Clear-cutting: removing all or most trees in a given area. This method is the most economical and efficient, accounting for 90% of usages.
      • Shelterwood-cutting: harvesting mature trees in a series of two or more cuts. This allows for regeneration under the shelter of remaining trees.
      • Selective-cutting: periodically harvesting selected trees. This is the most costly method but has the least ecological impact.

    Ecological Issues

    • Following tree harvesting, nutrients are lost from the soil, and erosion increases.
    • Only one or two options are available.

    Food Webs and Ecological Pyramids

    • Ecological niche: A species' role in an ecosystem, including its interactions with other organisms and its use of resources. Humans, for example, occupy a distinct niche.
    • Food chains vs. Food webs: Food chains track energy transfer through a single linear path, while food webs depict multiple interconnected paths.
    • Energy decrease: Energy decreases as you move up trophic levels in a food web. This lost energy is used by organisms at that trophic level.
    • Greatest biomass: The trophic level with the lowest amount of energy has the most biomass. This is normally the producer level.
    • Carnivores: Occupy various trophic levels, consuming other animals.
    • Examples of carnivores may vary (according to the food web).

    Cycling of Matter in Ecosystems

    • Water cycle pathways: Water enters and leaves the atmosphere in various ways, such as evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
    • Sources of carbon in the atmosphere: Carbon enters the atmosphere from various sources, including the burning of fossil fuels and the respiration of organisms.
    • Human impact on cycles: Human activities impact the water, carbon, and nitrogen cycles in various ways, including deforestation, industrial emissions, and agriculture.
    • Climate change mitigation: Two human actions that can help slow climate change include reducing greenhouse gas emissions and switching to renewable energy sources (these are examples only).
    • Nitrogen in dead organisms: The nitrogen in dead organisms is released back into the soil through various biological processes, typically involving decomposers.

    Biotic and Abiotic Influences on Ecosystems

    • Tolerance range vs. optimal range: Tolerance range is the range of environmental conditions in which a species can survive. The optimal range is the specific range within the tolerance range in which a species thrives.
    • Abiotic factors in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems: Examples are temperature, water availability, and sunlight (in terrestrial ecosystems) and salinity, water flow, and dissolved oxygen (in aquatic ecosystems).
    • Increasing carrying capacity: Human activities can increase the carrying capacity of ecosystems through habitat modification and/or the introduction of non-native species.

    Major Terrestrial Ecosystems

    • Ordering Canada's biomes: Various methods of ordering, such as from wettest to driest, or warmest to coldest can be applied.
    • Diversity of boreal vs. deciduous forests: Boreal forests generally show less biodiversity than deciduous forests due to their harsher climates.
    • Influential abiotic factors in biome determination: Factors like temperature, rainfall, and soil type influence the types of biomes in a region.
    • Conifers in boreal forests: Conifers are adapted to the harsh winters of boreal forests, with features like cone-bearing needles that retain water and reduce water loss.
    • Freshwater vs. Marine ecosystems: Freshwater ecosystems include lakes, rivers, and wetlands, whereas marine ecosystems include oceans, seas, and coral reefs.

    Connections: Ecosystems and Sustainability

    • Memorize 3-4 items per list.

    Atmosphere and Air Pressure

    • Air pressure decreases with altitude.
    • The atmosphere acts as a blanket, protecting Earth from harmful radiation.
    • The temperature on Mercury is vastly different between day and night due to Mercury's close proximity to the sun.

    Non-native Species

    • Invasive species are those introduced by humans.
    • These introduced species cause many issues in their new environment by outcompeting native species for resources.
    • Invasive species have a greater chance of success if they can adapt to their new environments successfully.

    Acid Precipitation (Pollution)

    • Two main chemical pollutants creating acid precipitation are sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
    • Main sources of these pollutants are the burning of fossil fuels, primarily from transportation.
    • Impacts include mineral leaching, dissolving of nutrients, harming wildlife through toxicity, and the release of toxic substances into the environment.

    Ecosystems

    • Ecosystems involve living and non-living components interacting.
    • Living components (biotic) are organisms, their remains, and wastes.
    • Non-living components (abiotic) are physical and chemical factors.

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    Forestry Part 2 12.pdf - Resource Management PDF

    Description

    Test your knowledge on key concepts in Environmental Science, including pollution control, ecosystem components, and the impacts of various pollutants. This quiz covers essential topics like acid precipitation, wildlife protection, and sustainable practices in forestry and resource management.

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