Environmental Science Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is one suspected cause of the decline in frog populations worldwide?

  • Overpopulation
  • Climate change
  • Hormone-disrupting chemicals (correct)
  • Habitat destruction

Which pesticide is known to disrupt reproductive cycles in birds?

  • Malathion
  • Atrazine
  • Glyphosate
  • DDT (correct)

What health problem has recently become a leading cause of childhood deaths?

  • Childhood cancer (correct)
  • Obesity
  • Respiratory diseases
  • Asthma

Why are infants and young children more vulnerable to environmental pollutants?

<p>They require more food and oxygen relative to their mass (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which country has recently become a major consumer of petroleum for its growing economy?

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

What contaminant has been linked to deaths and population declines in marine mammals?

<p>Coastal pollutant runoff (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What health issues are increasingly reported among children living near contaminated areas?

<p>Chronic lung disease and asthma (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has been a significant consequence of the industrialization of nations?

<p>Increased demand for energy resources (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major health concern associated with genetically modified (GM) foods?

<p>They can lead to new allergies in consumers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are fossil fuels primarily composed of?

<p>Naturally occurring materials formed from millions of years of geological processes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the environmental benefits of genetically modified salmon?

<p>It reaches market size faster and requires less feed. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could be a consequence of antibiotic-resistant marker genes in GM crops?

<p>They may spread antibiotic resistance to disease-causing microbes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon is NOT caused by the combustion of fossil fuels?

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

How does acid precipitation affect aquatic ecosystems?

<p>It eliminates acid/base sensitive fish and amphibian species (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor affecting the progress of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the market?

<p>The lengthy research and development process. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major concern regarding genetically modified (GM) foods?

<p>They may pose serious environmental and health risks (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which GM animal recently reached Canadian consumers, marking a milestone in GM foods?

<p>Genetically modified salmon. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What development direction is anticipated for future GM agriculture?

<p>Rapid expansion of crops with stacked traits for herbicide and insect resistance. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who are the main proponents of GM foods?

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

What role do field trials play in the debate over GM foods?

<p>They help assess the long-term impacts of GM crops (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What risk does mixing genes from allergenic and non-allergenic organisms pose?

<p>It could lead to the introduction of new allergens. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has largely driven the resistance to GM crops in Europe?

<p>Concerns about environmental and health implications (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of GM food research is often a barrier to market success?

<p>The monopolization of the market by a few types of modifications. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some alternatives to traditional fossil fuel energy sources?

<p>Wave/tidal, solar, and wind energy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the public in Europe reportedly does not want GM foods?

<p>80% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organizations is NOT mentioned as approving new food products in the U.S.?

<p>World Health Organization (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action do many European food producers take regarding GM organisms?

<p>Reduce or eradicate GM organisms (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is a major factor affecting public support for GM foods?

<p>Public trust in scientists and agribusiness leaders (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the financial loss for American farmers due to Europe's refusal to allow certain GM corn varieties?

<p>$200 million (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critical measure related to GM foods is becoming more widespread in Europe and the U.S.?

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

What misconception do some individuals have about food labeling?

<p>It indicates that something is wrong with the food (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a noted outcome of the public's lack of support for GM foods in Europe?

<p>The GM industry likely remains undeveloped (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could potentially happen if a gene mutation occurs in a primary sex cell?

<p>The mutation may be passed on to the offspring from fertilization. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes gene therapy?

<p>An experimental technique that may replace drugs or surgery with gene insertion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of inserting a mutated gene that causes a protein to malfunction?

<p>Gene therapy may introduce a normal copy of the gene to restore protein function. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of vectors in gene therapy?

<p>Vectors are engineered to deliver genes into cells that may not function independently. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Common genetic disorders include all of the following except:

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

Which approach is not currently being explored for gene therapy?

<p>Introducing genes that can create entirely new genetic traits. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant risk remains associated with gene therapy?

<p>Long-term effects of gene therapy are still under investigation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can a mutation contribute to variation in a population?

<p>Through the introduction of new genes into the gene pool. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a major difference between germline gene therapy and somatic gene therapy?

<p>Germline therapy involves changes to germ cells, whereas somatic therapy only affects body cells. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is somatic gene therapy surrounded by fewer ethical issues compared to germline gene therapy?

<p>Somatic therapy does not alter genes that can be passed on to future generations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main challenges in successfully implementing somatic gene therapy?

<p>The desired gene must be integrated correctly into the genome. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do vectors play a role in gene therapy for cancer treatment?

<p>Vectors deliver genes specifically into cancer cells. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method aims to enhance the body's ability to fight cancer in gene therapy?

<p>Harnessing the immune response. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk associated with integrating therapeutic DNA into the genome?

<p>It may cause the expression of unwanted genes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are many countries hesitant about the use of germline therapy?

<p>There are uncertainties regarding its long-term effects and potential risks. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of therapy is considered more cost-effective?

<p>Somatic gene therapy is generally more cost-effective than germline therapy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Environmental Contamination Signs

Warning signs like ecosystem disequilibrium, increased illness/death in populations, and deformed animals point to dangerous contamination.

Contaminant Culprits

Chemicals like pesticides, heavy metals, and hormones are suspected causes of ecosystem problems.

Frog Population Decline

A significant decrease and malformation in frog populations worldwide, suspected to be caused by hormone disruptors.

Reproductive Disruptions in Birds

High pesticide concentrations like DDT are linked to disruptions in bird reproduction.

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Child Health Impacts

Children are susceptible to the effects of environmental pollution due to higher consumption and absorption rates of toxic chemicals.

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Childhood Health Issues

Environmental pollution in childhood is linked to problems like birth defects, childhood cancer, and asthma.

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Global Energy Demand

Industrialization has increased the worldwide demand for energy, affecting both human society and ecosystems.

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Major Energy Consumers

Industrialized nations like the US and England, and rising economies like China, have high energy consumption rates.

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Fossil Fuels

Naturally occurring materials like oil, coal, and natural gas used for energy. Formed millions of years ago and not replenished.

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Acid Precipitation

Harmful rain, snow, or sleet with acidic components (sulfuric and nitric acids) formed from sulfur and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere.

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Global Warming

A gradual increase in the Earth's average temperature, often linked to the burning of fossil fuels.

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Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)

Organisms whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

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GM foods controversy

A debate about the benefits and risks of genetically modified foods, with no definitive scientific agreement.

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American GMO stance

American farmers widely use genetically modified crops and are major exporters of GM foods.

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European GMO stance

Europe grows limited amounts of GM crops and has substantial resistance to their widespread use.

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Energy source transition

A shift from traditional energy sources (water, wood, coal, oil) to newer sources like natural gas, wind, and solar.

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American Argument for GM Foods

The US claims its GM food regulations are strict, and no adverse effects have been seen in Americans consuming GM foods for years.

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European Opposition to GM Foods

Europeans express strong concern over GM foods, citing potential risks and lack of comprehensive scientific information.

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GM Food Labeling

The practice of clearly identifying GM ingredients in food products, allowing consumers to make informed choices.

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Public Trust in GM Food

The level of confidence the public has in both scientists and agribusiness leaders regarding the safety and benefits of GM foods.

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Ethical Concerns Over GM Foods

Moral considerations about the potential consequences of genetically modifying food, including environmental impact and long-term health effects.

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Impact of Ethical Concerns

Ethical concerns about GM foods have influenced public opinion, leading to controversies and regulations.

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GM Food Regulation

Government policies and measures designed to manage the development, use, and distribution of genetically modified foods.

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What is a GMO?

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic makeup has been altered using biotechnology. This means that genes from one organism have been transferred into another.

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Why are GMOs controversial?

GMOs are controversial because of potential risks to human health and the environment. These include the possibility of allergenic reactions, development of new diseases, and the spread of antibiotic resistance.

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Allergenic Reactions

GMOs can trigger allergies because genes from allergenic organisms can be inserted into non-allergenic foods. This means people could develop allergic reactions to foods they previously didn't.

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Disease Concerns

GMOs could introduce new diseases into humans because genes from bacteria or viruses can be used to modify crops. This could lead to the development of new infections.

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Antibiotic Resistance

Some GMOs contain antibiotic-resistant genes, which could potentially transfer to bacteria that cause disease in humans. This could make infections harder to treat.

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GM Animals: The Future?

The first genetically modified animal (salmon) has been approved for human consumption. This opens the door for other genetically modified animals like pigs, chickens, and cows.

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Stacked Traits

Stacked traits in GMOs are when more than one gene is added to create an organism with multiple desirable effects. For example, a crop could be resistant to both herbicides and pests.

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The Potential of GMOs

GMOs have the potential to improve food production, reduce disease, and benefit the environment. However, they also have potential risks that need to be carefully considered.

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Lethal Gene

A gene mutation that kills the cell by producing a toxic substance or failing to produce a vital protein.

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Somatic Mutation

A gene mutation occurring in a body cell, affecting only surrounding tissues.

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Germline Mutation

A gene mutation occurring in a primary sex cell, passed on to offspring.

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Gene Therapy

A technique using genes to treat or prevent disease, potentially replacing faulty genes or introducing new ones.

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Gene Therapy: Replacing a Mutated Gene

Gene therapy aims to replace a faulty gene causing disease with a healthy copy.

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Gene Therapy: Inactivating a Mutated Gene

Gene therapy can inactivate or 'knock out' a mutated gene that is functioning improperly.

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Gene Therapy: Introducing a New Gene

Gene therapy can introduce a new gene into the body to help fight a disease.

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Gene Therapy Vector

A carrier, often a modified virus, used to deliver a new gene into cells.

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Germline Therapy

Gene therapy that alters reproductive cells (sperm or egg), potentially impacting future generations.

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Somatic Gene Therapy

Gene therapy that targets non-reproductive cells, affecting only the treated individual.

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Obstacles in Somatic Gene Therapy

Challenges include achieving safe gene integration into the correct DNA location, ensuring the inserted gene is expressed, and regulating expression to prevent harmful overproduction.

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Immune System Enhancement

Gene therapy technique where immune cells are modified to better recognize and destroy cancer cells.

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Gene therapy to enhance cancer treatment

Gene therapy aims to enhance cancer treatment by targeting the genes involved in cancer growth or improving the effectiveness of other therapies like chemotherapy.

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What is the main difference between germline and somatic gene therapy?

Germline therapy targets reproductive cells, affecting future generations, while somatic therapy targets non-reproductive cells, affecting only the treated individual.

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Why is gene therapy considered a promising approach for treating cancer?

It allows targeted intervention at the cellular level, potentially improving cancer treatment by boosting the immune response or enhancing the effectiveness of other therapies.

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Study Notes

Information Age

  • The Information Age, also called the Computer Age or the New Media Age, is a period in the 21st century characterized by a rapid shift from traditional industry.
  • It's marked by rapid growth in communication and information technology, impacting education, entertainment, and daily tasks.
  • Computers, the internet, and mobile devices greatly influence how people communicate, learn, work, and manage daily activities.

Historical Development

  • The Information Age began around the 1970s and continues today.
  • It's influenced by previous eras, like the Renaissance, which spurred innovations.
  • Key inventions include the telegraph, telephone, radio, television, and personal computers.
  • The development of the internet increased accessibility to information and communication.
  • Key figures include Blaise Pascal, Alexander Graham Bell, and others.

Periods of the Information Age

  • Pre-Mechanical (3000 BC - 1450 AD)
  • Mechanical (1450-1840)
  • Electro-Mechanical (1840-1940)
  • Electronic/Information (1940-Present)

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Information Age - STS121 Module 5 PDF

Description

Test your knowledge of environmental science with this quiz that covers critical topics such as pollution, health risks, and the impact of industrialization. Explore the connections between human activity and ecological changes, as well as the role of genetically modified organisms in our diets. Challenging questions will help you understand the pressing environmental issues we face today.

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