Environmental Science Quiz on Lead and Pollution

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Questions and Answers

What significant change in lead production occurred during the Industrial Revolution?

  • Reduction in lead mining rates
  • Introduction of lead-free gasoline
  • Increased lead releases into the atmosphere (correct)
  • Decreased environmental regulations

Which of the following is NOT a property of lead?

  • Corrosion resistance
  • Softness
  • Malleability
  • Brittleness (correct)

What aspect of human health is particularly affected by lead exposure?

  • Circulatory system function
  • Respiratory system function
  • Digestive system function
  • Central nervous system function (correct)

What was one major source of lead contamination in the U.S.?

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

How did the use of lead in gasoline impact its emissions?

<p>It significantly increased lead emissions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of clean air legislation implemented in 1975 regarding lead?

<p>New cars were required to use lead-free gasoline (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one indirect indicator of pollution related to lead?

<p>The amount of lead in various environmental media (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are developing brains particularly sensitive to lead exposure?

<p>They are growing and forming new connections (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which unit of measure is used for the ecological footprint?

<p>hectares of land (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the total food production indicator measure?

<p>kg of grain/hectare of land (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental indicator represents the average number of years a newborn infant can be expected to live?

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

How is species diversity quantified according to the indicators?

<p>number of species per functional group (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the extinction rate indicator measure?

<p>Number of mammal species per 10,000 species per 100 years (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which indicator measures the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide?

<p>concentration in air (ppm) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental indicator reflects water quality by assessing the presence of toxins?

<p>Ambient water quality (toxics) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The human population indicator represents what type of measurement?

<p>number of individuals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main focuses of environmental science?

<p>Exploring the Earth’s interconnected systems (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of biodiversity is explored in Section II?

<p>The organization of living and nonliving components in nature (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can human activities impact ecosystems according to the content?

<p>Through pollution and habitat destruction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential future consequence of adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere?

<p>Long-term impacts on human existence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In studying biodiversity, what do environmental scientists aim to protect?

<p>The balance between all living organisms and their habitats (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for a community declaring a drought emergency?

<p>Water is being lost from reservoirs faster than it is replenished. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the study of ecosystem ecology entail?

<p>Understanding interactions between living and nonliving components (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about a system in steady state is true?

<p>One part can be stable while another is changing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Mono Lake classified as a terminal lake?

<p>It collects water from tributaries but has no outlet. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does economic development relate to environmental impacts?

<p>It often exacerbates environmental issues such as pollution (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the natural water system of Mono Lake involve?

<p>Both inflow from tributaries and outflow through evaporation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the water level of Mono Lake over the years?

<p>It fluctuates due to changing inflow and evaporation rates. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the term 'steady state' in relation to the water supply?

<p>Water input and output are balanced over time. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which regions is Mono Lake located?

<p>Between the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Great Basin Desert. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere in relation to this content?

<p>They are slowly increasing over time. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary change contributed to the decrease in lead emissions?

<p>Switching to unleaded gasoline (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances was significantly reduced in homes built after 1960?

<p>Lead in paint (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is currently regarded as the major source of lead contamination in the U.S.?

<p>Lead pipes and plumbing materials (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the scientific method in environmental studies?

<p>It is an objective framework for exploring natural phenomena (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which community is more likely to have lead plumbing fixtures still in use?

<p>Lower income communities (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant concern regarding lead paint in older homes?

<p>It contributes to indoor air pollution (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the scientific method help scientists predict?

<p>The likelihood of certain outcomes during experiments (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has the removal of lead from gasoline primarily benefitted the environment?

<p>It significantly reduced lead emissions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one major environmental consequence of lowered water levels in Mono Lake?

<p>Exposure of alkaline dust leading to dust storms (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did increased salinity in Mono Lake affect the algae population?

<p>It slowed nitrogen uptake, leading to slower growth (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the state of Mono Lake's water system like before 1941?

<p>In a steady state with inflow matching outflow (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critical element for algae growth was affected by the increased salinity in Mono Lake?

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

Which human activity was primarily responsible for the ecological changes observed in Mono Lake?

<p>Water withdrawals by Los Angeles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action was taken by environmental advocates regarding the condition of Mono Lake?

<p>They launched a public campaign to raise awareness (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the food chain in Mono Lake respond to the increasing salinity up until the early 1980s?

<p>It struggled but managed to compensate (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did ecologists play in the situation at Mono Lake?

<p>They informed advocates and lawyers about the issues (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Environmental Science

The study of how living organisms interact with each other and their nonliving environment.

Interconnected Systems

The flow of energy and matter through living and nonliving components of a system.

Domesticated System

A system that is managed by humans, like a farm or a city.

Ecosystem Ecology

The study of how living organisms interact with each other and their nonliving environment.

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Biodiversity

The variety of life on Earth, from genes to ecosystems.

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Atmospheric Science

The study of the atmosphere and how it is affected by pollution.

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Global Climate Change

The process of adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, impacting our climate and environment.

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Sustainable Earth

Practices that meet current needs without harming future generations.

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Human Population

The number of people living on Earth, a major factor in environmental impact due to resource consumption and waste generation.

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Ecological Footprint

The amount of land needed to support a population's consumption patterns, measured in global hectares (gha).

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Per Capita Food Production

The amount of grain produced per person, indicating food security and resource efficiency.

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Total Food Production

The total amount of grain produced per hectare of land, reflecting agricultural productivity.

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Carbon Dioxide Concentration

The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, a primary greenhouse gas impacting climate change.

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Global Temperature

The average temperature of the Earth's surface, used to track long-term climate trends and impacts.

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Species Diversity

The number of different species in a given area, often used to gauge ecosystem health and biodiversity.

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Extinction Rate

The rate at which species are going extinct, reflecting the overall health and resilience of ecosystems.

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Lead Mining

The process of extracting and purifying lead from its natural form.

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Lead Concentration

The amount of lead present in the environment, such as air, water, soil, and living organisms.

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Ice Core Analysis

A technique used to analyze ice cores to determine the atmospheric concentration of elements and gases from the past.

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Atmospheric Lead Emissions

The release of lead into the atmosphere, mainly from industrial processes, fuel combustion, and vehicle emissions.

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Malleability (of Lead)

The ability of lead to be shaped using a hammer.

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Lead Corrosion Resistance

The resistance of lead to being corroded or worn away.

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Lead in Gasoline

The use of lead as an additive to gasoline to improve engine performance.

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Clean Air Legislation

Legislation aimed at reducing air pollution, including lead emissions.

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Scientific Method

The process of using a set of steps to investigate the natural world, draw conclusions, and predict outcomes. It involves careful observation, experimentation, and analysis.

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Environmental Indicator

A measure of a particular aspect of the environment that can indicate the overall health or condition of that environment. For example, lead emissions can be used as an indicator of air quality.

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Environmental Contamination

The process of adding harmful substances to the environment, such as lead in gasoline and paint, or pollutants from coal and oil.

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Corrosion

The gradual breakdown or wearing away of materials, especially when exposed to water or acidic conditions. This can release harmful substances like lead from pipes into drinking water.

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Lead Pollution

A type of pollution caused by heavy metals like lead, often released from industrial processes, cars, and other sources.

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Decline in Emissions

The gradual reduction in the amount of a harmful substance released into the environment. This can occur due to regulations, technological advancements, or changes in production practices.

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Emissions

The release of harmful substances, such as lead, into the environment.

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Steady State

A state of balance in a system where inputs and outputs are equal, resulting in no net change over time.

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Non-Steady State

A system that is not in steady state is changing over time, with inputs and outputs not being equal.

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Terminal Lake

A lake that is the lowest point in a landscape, receiving water from tributaries but having no outflow.

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Water Extraction

The process of removing water from a lake or reservoir for human use, leading to a decline in the water level.

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Unsustainable Resource Use

A condition where a resource, such as water, is used at a rate faster than it can be replenished, leading to its depletion over time.

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Water Input

The natural inflow of water into a lake or reservoir, including precipitation and streams, replenishing the water supply.

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Water Output

The natural outflow of water from a lake or reservoir, including evaporation and streams, removing water from the system.

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Water Deficit

A situation where a lake or reservoir is losing more water through output than it gains through input, leading to a decrease in the water level.

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Salinity Increase

The gradual increase in salt concentration in a body of water, often due to factors like reduced water inflow or increased evaporation.

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Food Chain

The interconnected relationships between organisms in a habitat, from the smallest microbe to the largest predator.

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Environmental Effect

The impact of a change on an ecosystem, causing a ripple effect that affects multiple organisms and their interactions.

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Ecosystem Resilience

The ability of a system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain its stability.

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Environmental Policy

The practical application of environmental knowledge to solve problems and protect the environment.

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Environmental Advocacy

Individuals or organizations advocating for environmental protection and promoting solutions to environmental issues.

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Study Notes

Introduction

  • Environmental science studies how human impact affects the environment
  • This includes pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change
  • It also develops ways to manage these impacts so humans and other species can live sustainably

Section I: Foundations of Environmental Science

  • Environmental science is interdisciplinary (combines multiple fields)
  • It uses the scientific method that involves observation, hypothesis, testing, experiments, and analysis.
  • Analyzing environmental systems is important to understand how different parts of the environment interact and affect each other (for example, a change in one process can impact another).
  • An environmental indicator helps evaluate the health of Earth. An example is a forest's growth rate, human population, food consumption, and pollution levels which are measures of Earth’s health.
  • Understanding how environmental systems work is fundamental to sustainable practices.
  • There are limitations to environmental science such as understanding baseline conditions, inconsistent units and subjectivity.

Section II: Biodiversity: From Local to Global

  • Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life on Earth at all levels (genes to ecosystems)
  • Evolution by natural selection drives biodiversity
  • Species diversity is a common measure of biodiversity.
  • A species is distinct morphologically(body type), physiologically(body functions), or biochemically that can reproduce with viable offspring.
  • Genetic variation allows adaptation and survival in different environments for different species
  • Evolutionary processes like natural selection can lead to changes in populations over time.
  • Populations adapt to changing environments through a process called adaptation.
  • Extinction is the permanent disappearance of a species on Earth, and rates have increased substantially with human activity
  • Loss of keystone species may lead to a cascade effect (other species can die off as well) in the ecosystem.
  • Environmental disturbance like fire can cause succession (replacements of species across time).
  • Introducing non-native species can affect existing species or change/harm an ecosystem.
  • Competition is a factor influencing species diversity.
  • Predation is when one species eats another as part of energy flow.
  • Mutualism is when two species interact in a way that benefits both.

Section III: The Human Impact on Natural Resources

  • Global human population growth has increased drastically over the last few decades with potential implications for carrying capacity, natural resources and sustainability.
  • Human population size and resource use affect the environment substantially. Higher-income countries tend to have less growth rates and lower-income countries have higher growth rates.
  • Major factors affecting population growth include births, deaths, immigration and emigration, which affect the population trend.
  • The carrying capacity is the species numbers that an environmental area can support without causing harm or depletion of necessary resources.
  • Population overshoots occur when the growth of a species exceeds its carrying capacity (for example, if the demand for a resource becomes greater than the environmental capacity to deliver).
  • Environmental factors such as access to resources, climate change, pollution, and habitat loss significantly affect human well-being at all population levels.

Section IV: Science for a Sustainable Future

  • Environmental science is used to study and manage the impacts of pollution and their effects on human health and the environment
  • Air pollution comes from various natural and human sources.
  • Major pollutants include sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O3), and particulate matter.
  • Air pollutants can have significant human health effects including respiration issues.
  • Fossil fuels are a major source of energy, but their use causes air and water pollution and greenhouse gas emission
  • Natural sources also contribute to air pollution.
  • There are various ways to manage the impacts of air pollution from individual effort to government regulations.
  • Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower can provide energy with less pollution.
  • Energy efficiency and conservation are important factors for sustainable energy use.
  • We can use models to predict how certain factors or variables will affect other components of a system. This has proved important for understanding the link between emissions, dispersion, and health outcomes.

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