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Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of environmental engineering?
What is the primary focus of environmental engineering?
- Investigating the role of elements in ecological systems
- Studying human interactions with the environment
- Analyzing environmental problems and finding solutions (correct)
- Integrating various scientific disciplines
Which of the following represents the natural environment?
Which of the following represents the natural environment?
- Irrigation systems and farmland
- Cities and urban areas
- Human-made structures and monuments
- Parks and wildlife reserves (correct)
Which of the following best defines the biosphere?
Which of the following best defines the biosphere?
- The outermost layer of the earth's crust
- The layer of air surrounding the earth
- The area on earth where life exists (correct)
- The total amount of water on earth
What is the composition of the atmosphere in terms of nitrogen and oxygen?
What is the composition of the atmosphere in terms of nitrogen and oxygen?
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Which component is considered part of the lithosphere?
Which component is considered part of the lithosphere?
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Study Notes
Environmental Science Overview
- Interdisciplinary field combining various scientific branches to address environmental issues.
- Environmental studies focus on social sciences to analyze human-environment interactions.
- Ecology examines the relationships between organisms and their environments.
- Environmental engineering involves evaluating man-made effects on the environment and developing preservation solutions.
Definition of Environment
- Derived from the French word "ENVIRONNER," meaning to encircle or surround.
- Encompasses social, economic, biological, physical, and chemical factors that influence organism growth and welfare.
- Includes both natural and human-affected surroundings affecting organisms throughout their lifespan.
Types of Environment
- Natural Environment: Features no man-made components; consists of air, water, soil, land, forests, wildlife, flora, and fauna.
- Anthropogenic Environment: Involves human-created or altered surroundings.
Natural Environment Characteristics
- Dynamic and self-regulating, exhibiting mechanisms like counter-balancing.
- Composed of four main subdivisions: Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, and Biosphere.
Segments of the Natural Environment
- Atmosphere: A vast ocean of air surrounding the Earth.
- Hydrosphere: All water on Earth, encompassing oceans, rivers, lakes, and underground water.
- Lithosphere: Outer layer of the Earth, including the crust and rigid outermost mantle.
- Biosphere: Zones on Earth where life exists, integrating all living organisms.
Atmospheric Composition
- Composed primarily of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%).
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