Environmental Science Quiz

A worldview that focuses on human well-being and economic interests, prioritizing the environment for human benefit.

A worldview that emphasizes the equal value of all living things, advocating for the intrinsic worth of every species.

A worldview that prioritizes the health and stability of entire ecosystems, recognizing the interdependence of living organisms.

Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is a system of knowledge passed down through generations, focused on understanding the interconnectedness of nature and ensuring sustainability.

Ecology is the science that examines the interactions between organisms and their environment, focusing on how they influence each other.

Atmospheric science is the study of Earth's atmosphere, incorporating weather patterns, climate changes, and their impact on the environment.

Environmental science combines various scientific disciplines to study the environment, specifically focusing on identifying solutions to environmental problems.

Environmental studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the environment from various perspectives, including social, economic, and political factors, to address environmental issues.

The long-term average of weather patterns in a region, usually observed over decades. It describes the overall weather trends and seasonal variations.

The short-term atmospheric conditions at a specific location and time. It includes factors like temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation.

A non-native species that can disrupt ecosystems. It can outcompete native organisms and cause imbalances.

Species that play a crucial role in maintaining the health and stability of an ecosystem. Their absence can have a significant impact on the entire community.

Organisms sensitive to environmental changes, indicating the health of an ecosystem. Their presence or absence can signal potential problems.

The measure of acidity or alkalinity of water, usually measured on a scale of 0-14, with lower values indicating higher acidity.

A critical factor for aquatic life, representing the amount of oxygen dissolved in water. Adequate dissolved oxygen is crucial for fish and other organisms to survive.

The Green Revolution's positive effects on food production came with negative environmental consequences, including deforestation, soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

A concept that emphasizes balancing environmental protection, economic growth, and social equity. For example, using renewable energy sources is good for the environment, creates jobs, and provides energy access.

The process of water delivery to homes and businesses through a network of pipes and pumps.

The ozone layer, located in the stratosphere, is vital for absorbing harmful UV radiation from the sun, shielding life on Earth from damaging effects.

Air pollution is a major environmental issue caused by various human activities and technologies, such as transportation, industrial processes, agriculture, and energy production.

Air pollution can negatively impact human health, causing respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis, increasing heart disease risk, and even contributing to premature deaths.

A key component of air pollution, nitrogen oxide, is primarily released from vehicles and industrial processes, contributing to respiratory problems and acid rain.

The process of using resources and energy efficiently to minimize waste and environmental impact. It involves adopting sustainable practices in everyday life and industrial processes.

Land degradation, caused by factors like deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable farming practices, leads to soil erosion, reduced fertility, and loss of biodiversity.

The process of rocks breaking down into smaller pieces due to factors like temperature changes, chemicals, or living organisms.

The movement of soil particles by wind, water, or ice, causing loss of topsoil.

The settling of soil particles carried by wind, water, or ice.

Water stored beneath the Earth's surface in aquifers.

The process of filling aquifers with water.

Pollution from a single, identifiable source, like a factory or oil spill.

Pollution from diffuse sources, like runoff from farms or cities.

The amount of water available for use in agriculture, households, and industries.

The breakdown of dead plant and animal matter by decomposers such as bacteria, fungi, and worms. This contributes to the organic matter of the soil, affecting its fertility and nutrient content.

The proportion of sand, silt, and clay in soil. Different textures impact water retention, root penetration, and nutrient availability.

Refers to how soil particles are arranged into aggregates or clumps. Good soil structure promotes air circulation and water filtration. It is influenced by organic material, root activity, and microbial organisms.

Measures the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, which affects nutrient availability for plants. It can be influenced by weathering processes. For example, weathering of silicate minerals can lead to acidic soils, while limestone parent material can produce alkaline soils.

The color of soil can reveal information about its mineral concentration and drainage. Dark brown or black soils indicate high organic matter content, while red or yellow soils often indicate iron-rich content.

The process of wind removing topsoil, common in dry areas with little vegetation.

The removal of soil by rainfall and runoff, especially on slopes, caused by rainfall, flooding, and improper land use.

The build-up of salts in the soil, often due to irrigation or poor drainage, harming plant roots and reducing crop yields.

The transformation of fertile land into desert, caused by overgrazing, deforestation, and climate change.

The main root system of a plant, anchoring it in the soil, absorbing water and nutrients, and storing food.

The supporting structure connecting roots and leaves, transporting water, nutrients, and food, also storing food in some plants.

The food-making factories of a plant, using sunlight to create energy, also responsible for gas exchange and water loss.

The reproductive structures of plants, containing male and female parts, attracting pollinators.