Environmental Science Quiz

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Questions and Answers

The lithosphere represents 70% of the Earth's surface.

False (B)

The ______ is the outermost layer of the Earth's crust and is composed of rocks and mineral materials.

lithosphere

Which of these is NOT a characteristic of the hydrosphere?

  • It covers about 70% of the Earth's crust.
  • It contains water in various forms, including solid, liquid, and gas.
  • It includes all forms of fresh water, such as lakes and rivers.
  • Ocean water accounts for about 30% of the hydrosphere. (correct)

What are the four main spheres of the environment?

<p>The four main spheres of the environment are the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following spheres of the environment with their defining characteristics:

<p>Lithosphere = The gaseous portion of the Earth Hydrosphere = The solid portion of the Earth Atmosphere = The liquid portion of the Earth Biosphere = The portion of the Earth where plants and animals are found.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key function of the biosphere?

<p>Supporting the growth of plants and animals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The hydrosphere and atmosphere are completely independent of each other.

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

Explain the interdependence between the lithosphere and the biosphere.

<p>The lithosphere provides the soil and rocks that support plant growth, while the biosphere, through the decay of organisms, contributes to the formation of soil. This creates a cyclical relationship for both spheres.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are components of the abiotic component of an ecosystem?

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

The biosphere is a very thick layer of Earth, extending for hundreds of kilometers.

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

What is the process by which green plants manufacture their own food?

<p>Photosynthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

Organisms that cannot manufacture their own food and rely on other organisms for sustenance are called ______.

<p>heterotrophs</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their correct definitions:

<p>Decomposers = Organisms that break down dead organic matter Food chain = A linear sequence showing the flow of energy through organisms Food web = A complex network of interconnected food chains Trophic level = A feeding stage in a food chain, such as producer, primary consumer, etc.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a natural environmental intervention?

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

Weather refers to the long-term average atmospheric conditions of a place.

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

What is the main role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

<p>Decompose dead organic matter and release nutrients back into the soil</p> Signup and view all the answers

The process of water moving from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back is known as the ______ cycle.

<p>hydrological</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key element in the carbon cycle?

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

A food chain always starts with a primary consumer.

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

Give an example of a food chain, starting with the producer.

<p>Grass - Grasshopper - Frog - Snake - Hawk</p> Signup and view all the answers

The interconnected food chains within an ecosystem form a ______.

<p>food web</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a human intervention that can disrupt the natural environment?

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

Environmental balance is achieved only through the activities of humans.

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

What are the main elements that define weather and climate?

<p>Temperature, Rainfall, Wind, Pressure, Relative Humidity, Cloud Cover, Sunshine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The higher the altitude, the warmer the temperature.

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

Explain the influence of ocean currents on the climate of adjacent coastlands.

<p>Cold ocean currents lower the temperature of adjacent coastlands, potentially causing coastal deserts, while warm ocean currents raise the temperature, leading to warmer and potentially rainier climates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure is called a ______.

<p>Barometer</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of rainfall with their primary characteristics:

<p>Convectional Rainfall = Intensive heating, localized heavy rains, accompanied by thunder and lightning Orographic Rainfall = Moist air forced to rise over mountains, rainfall on windward slopes, rain shadow on leeward slopes Cyclonic Rainfall = Meeting of different air masses, warm air ascends over cold air, rainfall associated with fronts and weather systems in mid-latitudes</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor affecting weather and climate?

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

The Stevenson Screen is used to measure rainfall.

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

Describe the principle behind how a thermometer works.

<p>Thermometers work based on the principle of thermal expansion. Liquids like mercury or alcohol expand when heated and contract when cooled. This change in volume is measured and used to determine the temperature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Lines on maps joining places with the same average annual rainfall are called ______.

<p>Isoyets</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following instruments with their respective measurements:

<p>Rain Gauge = Rainfall Anemometer = Wind Speed Hygrometer = Relative Humidity Wind Vane = Wind Direction</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of rainfall is characterized by heavy winds, lightning, and thunder?

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

The leeward side of a mountain range typically receives lower rainfall compared to the windward side.

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

How does cloud cover affect temperature?

<p>Cloud cover reduces the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface and also limits the amount of heat escaping into space. This contributes to cooler daytime temperatures and warmer nighttime temperatures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The type of rainfall that occurs when warm air mass meets a cold air mass is called ______ rainfall.

<p>cyclonic or frontal</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

<p>Temperature = Degree of hotness or coldness of a place or body Rainfall = Release of excess condensed water vapor from the atmosphere Relative Humidity = Amount of moisture in the air relative to the maximum amount it can hold at that temperature Pressure = Force exerted by the atmosphere on the Earth's surface</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cloud type is known as a rain cloud?

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

The Greek classification of climate includes five major zones.

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

What is measured by sunshine recorders or light meters?

<p>the number of hours and minutes of sunshine</p> Signup and view all the answers

The _____ type in Koppen's classification represents tropical rainy climates.

<p>A</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following sub-groups of Koppen's classification with their respective main groups:

<p>Af = Tropical rainy climates Cs = Warm temperate rainy climate Bs = Dry climates Df = Snowy and cold climate</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a criticism of the Greek classification of climate?

<p>It is too simplistic. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cumulonimbus clouds are known for their limited vertical extent.

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

What are the primary climatic groups identified by Koppen's classification based on?

<p>temperature and rainfall</p> Signup and view all the answers

The sub-group _____ in Koppen's classification signifies desert or arid climates.

<p>BW</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of Koppen's classification?

<p>It incorporates complex climatic elements. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average rate of temperature decrease known as the lapse rate?

<p>0.65°C for every 100 meters (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Typhoons occur predominantly in the North Hemisphere and are not associated with torrential rainfall.

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

What defines a temperature inversion?

<p>Increase in temperature with increasing altitude.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ wind is warm, dry, and originates from the Sahara desert.

<p>Sirocco</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of wind with its characteristics:

<p>Fohn Wind = Dry and associated with the leeward side of a mountain Mistral = Cold wind blowing from the north Cyclone = Depression with inward-blowing winds Anticyclone = High pressure with outward-blowing winds</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT influence temperature?

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

The Harmattan winds are humid and occur mainly during the wet season.

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

What is an isotherm?

<p>A line on a map joining places of equal temperature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Wind is defined as ______ in motion.

<p>air</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the local wind with its description:

<p>Chinook = Warm wind that raises temperatures in winter Tornado = Violent cyclone with a funnel shape Hurricane = Destructive storm found in the Caribbean Sirocco = Warm, dry wind from the Sahara desert</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pressure belt is located at the equator?

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

Cloud cover can influence solar radiation and temperature.

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

What is the primary factor that affects wind direction?

<p>Pressure differences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

On maps, equal atmospheric pressure is represented by lines called ______.

<p>Isobars</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Environment

The total surrounding of any organism, including physical surroundings and other living organisms.

Lithosphere

The solid portion of the environment made up of rocks, soil, and minerals.

Hydrosphere

The liquid portion of the environment, including lakes, rivers, and oceans.

Atmosphere

The gaseous portion surrounding the Earth, containing gases like oxygen and nitrogen.

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Biosphere

The portion of the environment where plants and animals exist.

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Interdependence

The mutual reliance between biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components of the environment.

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Water Cycle

The continuous process of water movement through the environment's spheres.

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Photosynthesis

The process by which autotrophs convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into food.

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Ecosystem

A community of living organisms interacting with their environment.

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Abiotic Component

Non-living elements in an ecosystem like soil and water.

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Biotic Component

Living elements in an ecosystem including plants and animals.

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Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis.

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Heterotrophs

Organisms that cannot produce their own food and rely on others.

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Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead matter to recycle nutrients.

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Food Chain

A sequence showing how energy flows from one organism to another.

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Trophic Level

The feeding stages in a food chain.

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Food Web

A complex network of interconnected food chains.

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Environmental Balance

The processes maintaining the flow of energy and recycling within an ecosystem.

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Natural Interventions

Changes in the environment caused by natural forces.

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Human Interventions

Changes in the environment caused by human activities.

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Weather

The atmospheric conditions of a place over a short period.

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Climate

The average weather conditions over a long period.

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Temperature

A measure of how hot or cold a place is.

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Rainfall

The release of condensed water vapor from the atmosphere.

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Latitude

The position of a place on Earth relative to the equator.

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Altitude

The height of a place above sea level.

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Ocean Currents

Large-scale movement of seawater that affects coastal climates.

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Stevenson Screen

Shelter for thermometers to measure shade temperature.

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Rain-Gauge

Instrument used to measure rainfall.

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Wind Vane

Instrument that indicates the direction of wind.

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Barometer

Instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure.

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Convectional Rainfall

Rainfall caused by warm air rising, cooling and condensing.

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Orographic Rainfall

Rainfall caused when moist air rises over mountains.

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Cyclonic Rainfall

Rainfall from the meeting of different air masses.

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Strato-Cumulus

A rough, bumpy cloud with pronounced waves.

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Stratus

A low, uniformly gray cloud that reduces visibility.

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Nimbostratus

A dark, layered cloud known as a rain cloud.

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Cumulus

A vertical cloud with a rounded top, typical in humid areas.

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Cumulonimbus

A towering cloud known for thunderstorms and heavy rain.

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Torrid Zone

A climate zone within the tropics with high temperatures.

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Temperate Zone

A climate zone between torrid and frigid, with moderate temperatures.

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Koppen Classification

A climate classification system based on temperature and rainfall.

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Advantages of Koppen’s System

It's simple, objective, and quantifies climate boundaries.

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Differences Between Greek and Koppen

Greek has three belts; Koppen has five and uses a quantitative approach.

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Isotherms

Lines on a map connecting places with the same temperature.

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Lapse Rate

The rate of temperature decrease as altitude increases, about 0.65°C per 100m.

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Temperature Inversion

An increase in temperature with altitude, opposite of lapse rate.

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Wind

Air in motion, characterized by speed and direction.

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Fohn Wind

A dry wind on the leeward side of a mountain, raising temperatures.

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Sirocco

A warm, dry wind from the Sahara, affecting the Mediterranean.

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Mistral

A cold northern wind blowing towards the Mediterranean, often clear.

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Typhoon

A tropical cyclone in the Pacific, frequent from July to October.

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Pressure

The force exerted by air on the earth's surface and objects.

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Isobars

Lines on a map connecting places with equal atmospheric pressure.

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Cloud Cover

Tiny droplets of water vapor floating in the air.

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High Clouds

Clouds formed at altitudes of 6000-12000m, including cirrus types.

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Middle Clouds

Clouds found at 2100-6000m, like alto cumulus.

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