Environmental Science Part I Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which layer of the atmosphere is directly above the mesosphere?

Troposphere

Stratosphere

Exosphere

Thermosphere (correct)

What is the primary function of the ozone layer in the stratosphere?

To allow satellite orbits

To create auroras

To provide warmth

To absorb ultraviolet light (correct)

What characterizes the thermosphere?

It experiences large variability in temperature. (correct)

It is where weather occurs.

It contains the highest concentration of oxygen.

It is the densest layer of the atmosphere.

What is the thickness of the mesosphere?

35 kilometers Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the atmosphere is essential for human survival due to its warmth?

Troposphere Signup and view all the answers

What does Emperor Ashoka’s edict emphasize regarding life?

All forms of life are important for well-being. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of nonrenewable resources?

They can be exhausted if extracted without care. Signup and view all the answers

How do modern agricultural practices impact the environment?

They result in environmental degradation. Signup and view all the answers

What consequence does deforestation have on natural water resources?

It causes floods and dries up rivers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following defines the environment?

A sum total of living and non-living elements. Signup and view all the answers

What major factor contributes to the depletion of renewable resources?

Using them faster than nature can regenerate. Signup and view all the answers

What analogy is used to describe the management of natural resources?

Money in a bank. Signup and view all the answers

Which element is classified as abiotic in the environment?

Air Signup and view all the answers

What is the natural environment defined as?

All living and non-living things occurring naturally Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the natural environment?

Artificial turf Signup and view all the answers

What does cosmopolitan distribution refer to?

Species found in a wide variety of habitats worldwide Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors contributes to the cosmopolitan distribution of species?

Abundant food resources and shelter Signup and view all the answers

Which animal is an example of a species with cosmopolitan distribution?

House mouse Signup and view all the answers

The natural environment includes interactions between which of the following categories?

Living species, climate, and natural resources Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a species with a cosmopolitan distribution?

Osprey Signup and view all the answers

Which geographic distribution type describes species that are exclusively found in one region?

Endemic distribution Signup and view all the answers

What defines an endemic species?

Species that exist only in one specific geographical region. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an endemic animal?

Nilgiri Blue Robin Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes endemic species from native species?

Native species exist in a region due to natural processes. Signup and view all the answers

Which plant is endemic to the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya?

Nepenthes Khasiana Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is common among endemic species?

They often have specialized diets or habitat requirements. Signup and view all the answers

Where is Holgrem's buckwheat primarily found?

Great Basin National Park, USA Signup and view all the answers

What type of climate is the Nilgiri Blue Robin adapted to?

High-altitude grasslands Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is accurate regarding endemic species?

They are limited to specific areas due to their adaptations. Signup and view all the answers

What does environmental studies primarily focus on?

The issues affecting organisms and their environments Signup and view all the answers

How is environmental studies characterized in terms of its approach?

It is multidisciplinary Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the importance of environmental studies?

To seek practical answers for sustainability Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Mother Nature' imply in the context of environmental studies?

Respecting nature is essential for survival Signup and view all the answers

In what ways do people in cities typically depend on their environment?

They depend on surrounding natural landscapes for resources Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to keep the vital systems of the environment intact?

To maintain the balance of life on Earth Signup and view all the answers

What are essential resources that depend on natural landscapes?

Water, food, and fuel wood Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of human modification to natural landscapes?

Increased dependency on natural resources for survival Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Environmental Studies

Environmental studies is a multidisciplinary field addressing issues affecting organisms.
It emphasizes human impact on the natural world while seeking sustainable solutions.
Practical applications focus on preserving natural resources for future generations.

Scope of Environmental Studies

Encompasses both natural landscapes (forests, rivers, mountains) and human-modified environments (cities, towns).
Daily human activities, including food supply and resource use, connect people to their natural surroundings.
Recognizes the necessity of protecting environmental resources for survival and well-being.

Importance of Nature

Traditional cultures emphasize respect for nature as vital for livelihoods.
Historical practices led societies to develop ways to protect their natural resources.
Modernization often prioritizes technological solutions, resulting in environmental degradation.

Natural Resource Utilization

Nonrenewable resources (minerals, oil) will deplete if over-extracted.
Renewable resources (timber, water) can regenerate but risk depletion if used unsustainably.
Deforestation can lead to ecological imbalances, like floods and water shortages.

Concept of Environment

Defined as the total of living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) elements influencing human life.
Includes ecosystems that function without direct human influence and universal resources like air and water.
Interaction of living species, climate, and resources shapes economic activities and survival.

Geographical Distribution of Species

Refers to the natural arrangement of animals and plants across different Earth regions.
Types include:
- Cosmopolitan Distribution: Species found globally, e.g., house mouse and osprey.
- Endemic Species: Unique to specific geographic areas, indicating adaptations to local environments.

Endemic Species

Highly adapted organisms confined to small geographic areas, such as specific mountains or islands.
Examples:
- Nilgiri Blue Robin is found only in the Western Ghats, India.
- Polar bears inhabit the Arctic regions.
- Rare plants, like Sapria Himalayana and Nepenthes Khasiana, are limited to specific locations.

Native vs. Endemic Species

Native species occur naturally in an area without human influence, such as koalas in Australia.
Endemic species are specifically confined to a limited geographic region, highlighting their uniqueness.

Atmospheric Layers

Exosphere: The outermost layer, with low density and gravitational binding.
Thermosphere: Absorbs solar radiation, generating auroras and hosting satellites; characterized by high temperatures.
Mesosphere: The middle layer, where gases are mixed; highest non-ionized layer.
Stratosphere: Contains the ozone layer crucial for blocking harmful UV radiation, supporting life on Earth.
Troposphere: The lowest, warmest layer where life exists, critical for human survival.

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Description

Test your knowledge with this quiz covering Unit 1 of Environmental Science, focusing on the environment and its components. Based on the reference book by Erach Bharucha, this quiz explores the multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies.