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What does the word "Environ" mean in French?
What does the word "Environ" mean in French?
Surrounding
What are the four major components of the natural environment? (Select all that apply)
What are the four major components of the natural environment? (Select all that apply)
The Hydrosphere functions in a cyclic nature, which is referred to as the hydrological cycle or water cycle.
The Hydrosphere functions in a cyclic nature, which is referred to as the hydrological cycle or water cycle.
True (A)
The Earth is a ______ solid planet in the solar system.
The Earth is a ______ solid planet in the solar system.
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What are the three layers of the Earth's Lithosphere?
What are the three layers of the Earth's Lithosphere?
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The Atmosphere protects the solid Earth and living organisms from harmful radiation from the Sun.
The Atmosphere protects the solid Earth and living organisms from harmful radiation from the Sun.
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What are the five concentric layers within the Atmosphere?
What are the five concentric layers within the Atmosphere?
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The Biosphere is otherwise known as the 'life layer' and encompasses all organisms on Earth's surface and their interdependence with water and air.
The Biosphere is otherwise known as the 'life layer' and encompasses all organisms on Earth's surface and their interdependence with water and air.
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What is the primary focus of Biology?
What is the primary focus of Biology?
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The richness of the Biosphere depends solely on the physical factors like rainfall and temperature.
The richness of the Biosphere depends solely on the physical factors like rainfall and temperature.
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What are the three branches of environmental studies?
What are the three branches of environmental studies?
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Environmental science primarily focuses on understanding human perceptions and policies towards the environment.
Environmental science primarily focuses on understanding human perceptions and policies towards the environment.
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Which of the following areas of study is primarily focused on designing and implementing technologies to improve environmental quality?
Which of the following areas of study is primarily focused on designing and implementing technologies to improve environmental quality?
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Environmental issues often involve complex interactions between physical, chemical, and biological processes.
Environmental issues often involve complex interactions between physical, chemical, and biological processes.
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Why is environmental science considered a subject with great scope?
Why is environmental science considered a subject with great scope?
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What are four examples of professions that deal heavily with the environment?
What are four examples of professions that deal heavily with the environment?
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What are the two main components of an ecosystem?
What are the two main components of an ecosystem?
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Which of the following is an example of a biotic component of an ecosystem?
Which of the following is an example of a biotic component of an ecosystem?
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What is the primary function of producers in an ecosystem?
What is the primary function of producers in an ecosystem?
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Which organisms are referred to as heterotrophs and depend on producers for their food?
Which organisms are referred to as heterotrophs and depend on producers for their food?
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Primary consumers are carnivores, feeding on other animals within the ecosystem.
Primary consumers are carnivores, feeding on other animals within the ecosystem.
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What is the primary role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
What is the primary role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
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Energy flow in an ecosystem is unidirectional and non-cyclic.
Energy flow in an ecosystem is unidirectional and non-cyclic.
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What are the three main models of energy flow in an ecosystem?
What are the three main models of energy flow in an ecosystem?
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The single channel model of energy flow shows that energy flows in a single direction, from producers to herbivores to carnivores, but does not return to the Sun.
The single channel model of energy flow shows that energy flows in a single direction, from producers to herbivores to carnivores, but does not return to the Sun.
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What is the main difference between the single-channel and Y-shaped models of energy flow?
What is the main difference between the single-channel and Y-shaped models of energy flow?
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The universal energy flow model illustrates that energy is lost in each trophic level, resulting in reduced energy availability for higher levels.
The universal energy flow model illustrates that energy is lost in each trophic level, resulting in reduced energy availability for higher levels.
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What is ecological succession?
What is ecological succession?
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Primary succession occurs in areas where soil is already present.
Primary succession occurs in areas where soil is already present.
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What are the six main phases of ecological succession according to Clement?
What are the six main phases of ecological succession according to Clement?
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What is a seral community?
What is a seral community?
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A climax community is a stable and self-perpetuating community in equilibrium with its physical habitat.
A climax community is a stable and self-perpetuating community in equilibrium with its physical habitat.
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What is the primary function of a food chain?
What is the primary function of a food chain?
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Which of the following is NOT a main trophic level in a food chain?
Which of the following is NOT a main trophic level in a food chain?
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The grazing food chain starts with green plants and proceeds to herbivores and then to carnivores.
The grazing food chain starts with green plants and proceeds to herbivores and then to carnivores.
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Which type of food chain relies on dead organic matter as its primary energy source?
Which type of food chain relies on dead organic matter as its primary energy source?
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Parasitic food chains begin with big hosts and end with parasitic organisms.
Parasitic food chains begin with big hosts and end with parasitic organisms.
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What is a food web?
What is a food web?
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Who devised the concept of ecological pyramids and what are they used for?
Who devised the concept of ecological pyramids and what are they used for?
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A pyramid of numbers always shows an upright shape, with the producer level having the highest number of organisms.
A pyramid of numbers always shows an upright shape, with the producer level having the highest number of organisms.
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A pyramid of biomass typically represents an upright shape, with the producer level having the highest biomass.
A pyramid of biomass typically represents an upright shape, with the producer level having the highest biomass.
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A pyramid of energy always shows an upright shape, with the producer level containing the highest amount of energy.
A pyramid of energy always shows an upright shape, with the producer level containing the highest amount of energy.
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Which type of ecological pyramid provides the most accurate representation of the overall nature of an ecosystem?
Which type of ecological pyramid provides the most accurate representation of the overall nature of an ecosystem?
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What are the two main categories of ecosystems?
What are the two main categories of ecosystems?
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Artificial ecosystems are created and maintained by humans, who control biotic communities and physicochemical environments.
Artificial ecosystems are created and maintained by humans, who control biotic communities and physicochemical environments.
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Which of the following is an example of a natural ecosystem?
Which of the following is an example of a natural ecosystem?
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What are the main abiotic components of a pond ecosystem?
What are the main abiotic components of a pond ecosystem?
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Study Notes
Environmental Science Introduction and Natural Resources
- Environment is derived from the French word "Environ" meaning "surrounding".
- Surrounding includes biotic factors (humans, plants, animals, microbes) and abiotic factors (light, air, water, soil).
- Environment is a complex system of interconnected physical, chemical, biological, social and cultural elements.
- Four major components of the environment are: hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.
- Hydrosphere: includes all water bodies (lakes, ponds, rivers, oceans).
- Lithosphere: Earth's crust, made up of soil, rocks, and mountains. It has layers: crust, mantle, and core.
- Atmosphere: the air that surrounds the Earth, protecting it from harmful radiation; it has five layers differentiated by temperature: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere.
- Biosphere: the layer where all living things and their interactions with the environment and water exist.
Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies
- Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field, integrating various sciences to study the environment.
- Related areas include environmental studies and environmental engineering.
- Environmental studies focus on human relationships, perceptions, and policies toward the environment.
- Environmental engineering focuses on improving environmental quality through design and technology.
- Environmental scientists study earth processes, alternative energy, pollution control, natural resource management, and global climate change; these issues frequently involve physical, chemical, and biological interactions.
Scope of Environmental Science
- Environment science has a wide scope, covering sanitation, health, pollution control, biodiversity conservation, waste management, and conservation of natural resources.
- Ecosystem structure and function study the processes connecting living and non-living organisms.
- Natural resources conservation involves managing and maintaining forests, wildlife, and other natural resources.
- Environmental pollution control covers waste management for pollution control.
- Environmental management gives advice towards environmental problem solving, industrial development related pollution control
- The scope of environmental studies in industry centers on maintaining ecological balance, conserving biodiversity, and regulating natural resources.
- Research and development related to the environment through universities and governmental organizations is also significant
- Many scientific professions directly or indirectly relate to environmental science, from agriculture to medicine.
Scope of Environmental Science (continued)
- World population increase, pressure on resources, and pollution concerns are significant.
- There is a need to balance human development and environmental sustainability
- Population growth, poverty, and pollution levels are major challenges and issues that necessitate public awareness and better management strategies.
- Environmental degradation and lack of measures for sustainable growth pose threats to life and health.
- Wise planning of development is essential for maintaining and improving overall well-being to sustain the environmental ecosystem.
Natural Resources
- Natural resources include water, air, soil, minerals, coal, forests, wildlife, and crops.
- Resources are often classified by quantity, quality, re-usability, and human activity.
- Resources can be renewable (e.g. forests, water) or non-renewable (e.g. minerals, fossil fuels).
- The use and over-exploitation of natural resources can cause problems, particularly with the environmental problems like deforestation, water shortages, and land degradation.
- There are also associated problems with soil erosion, desertification, and water pollution
Scope of Soil, Water, Forest, and Mineral Resources
- Forests: Essential for ecological balance and provide wood, fuel, food, and other products. Overexploitation leads to problems like deforestation.
- Water resources: Critical for all life; problems include overuse, pollution, and water conflicts between countries or regions.
- Minerals are used for building materials, energy, and manufacturing. Issues include environmental degradation during the extraction process.
Scope--Water Resources
- The distribution of water on earth is uneven, with 97% being saltwater.
- Fresh water is mainly found as groundwater or surface water
- The usage of water can include drinking, bathing, washing, agriculture, industrial process, etc.
Over-Exploitation of Forests
- Overexploitation of forests is a significant problem, leading to deforestation.
- Causes include wood cutting, clearing for agriculture, encroachment by human settlements and other activities.
- The impact includes climate change factors, community participation, and biodiversity loss.
Scope--Water Pollution
- Main sources include waste from industries, agriculture, and domestic sewage.
- Problems include water quality deterioration.
- Deterioration may cause damage to buildings, loss of water-supply system and crop loss.
- Other effects include droughts, floods, high cost of water purification equipment, and disputes over water.
- Preventing contamination and ensuring responsible water use are crucial
Scope--Air, Noise, and Thermal Pollution
- Air pollution: caused by industrial emissions, car exhausts, and other sources.
- Noise pollution: caused by various sources including construction sites, traffic, and industrial activity.
- Thermal pollution: caused by discharge of heated water from power plants into bodies of water.
Importance of the Environment
- Environmental issues are of international importance due to global impacts such as deforestation, global warming, and ozone depletion.
- Scientific and technology advancement leads to more environmental problems like nuclear waste, or loss in biodiversity.
- Global collaboration is necessary to better deal with these issues
Scope--Environmental Management
- Need for controlling air pollution.
- Importance of controlling water pollution.
- Significance of good and proper waste management system.
Assessment and Role of NGOs
- NGOs play vital roles in environmental protection, conservation, and awareness campaigns.
- NGOs can conduct education and awareness programs, and use public interest law suits, and provide expertise to help in solving pressing environmental problems.
Disaster Management
- Natural disasters include earthquakes, landslides, floods, tsunamis, and cyclones, each having implications for human lives and infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable regions.
- Disaster management involves relief efforts (rescue, communication, and basic provisions for immediate needs) and preventive measures (prediction of natural hazards, awareness, risk reduction, and mitigation strategies)
- Human activities contribute to disaster impacts through deforestation, land degradation, and improper waste management
Scope--Climate Change
- Global warming and climate change affect weather patterns, leading to changes in precipitation and associated environmental conditions.
- Water resources, agriculture, and natural resources are affected.
Environmental Impact Assessment
- Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a valuable tool for evaluating environmental impacts.
- Various methods like checklists, matrixes, overlays, and GIS are commonly used in environmental impact assessment.
- These are used for identifying potential impacts; analyzing relationships; and forecasting scenarios in an EIA.
Scope--Clean Development Mechanisms
- Clean development mechanisms (CDM) promote technological transfer and investment from developed countries to developing countries.
- The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, help developing economies improve.
- Various countries and organizations have policies surrounding implementation of CDM’s.
Scope--Environmental Sustainability and Green Computing
- Sustainable energy and resource utilization are crucial.
- Technologies to increase energy efficiency are essential; green computing helps by reducing emissions.
Scope--Nanotechnology
- Nanotechnology entails manipulating matter at the nanoscale.
- Potential for environmental applications and tools for remediation of contamination, pollution prevention, sensors for environmental agents, and green nanotech
Scope--Carbon Footprint
- Carbon footprint represents total greenhouse gas emissions resulting from a person, entity, or product's activities over a full lifecycle.
- A footprint calculation can quantify activities in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent.
- There are different scopes of how a footprint is calculated to be environmentally sustainable including operational and product carbon footprints
Carbon Sequestration
- Carbon sequestration is a method for storing carbon dioxide (CO2) through various processes.
- These involve using geological formations, ocean storage, or other natural processes to reduce atmospheric emission.
Environmental Policy and Pollution Control
- National and international laws for environmental protection, such as the Water Act (1974), Air Act (1981), and Forest Conservation Act (1980), provide frameworks for controlling pollution and protecting ecosystems.
- These policies encompass all aspects of environmental sustainability; from emissions to resource management
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Description
This quiz covers the basic concepts of Environmental Science, focusing on the definition and components of the environment. Explore the biotic and abiotic factors, as well as the four major components: hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Test your understanding of how these elements interact within our complex ecosystem.
