Introduction to Environmental Science

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary consequence of pollution being converted to acid in the atmosphere?

It leads to acid rain falling downwind. (correct)

It increases the nutrient levels in plants.

It creates a toxic environment for animals.

It enhances the growth of certain crops.

What significant change resulted from the Agricultural Revolution?

Animals became extinct due to overhunting.

Humans began to domesticate plants and animals. (correct)

Human populations decreased due to scarcity of resources.

Hunter-gatherer tribes established permanent settlements.

How did early Native American tribes impact the environment?

They facilitated afforestation through controlled burns.

They burned forests to drive away large animals. (correct)

They promoted biodiversity by planting native species.

They established national parks for wildlife protection.

What role did hunting play in the lives of early human societies?

Hunting was combined with gathering for sustenance. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main environmental challenges faced during the transition from hunter-gatherers to agricultural societies?

Increased fire usage leading to deforestation. Signup and view all the answers

What are two primary ways environmental science aims to understand and solve environmental problems?

Evaluate the economic impacts of climate change Signup and view all the answers

Which field of study examines living organisms?

Zoology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes ecology?

The study of how living organisms interact with their environment Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Earth science focuses on the atmosphere and climate?

Climatology Signup and view all the answers

In environmental decision-making, which field examines the costs and benefits related to resource use?

Economics Signup and view all the answers

Which study focuses on the interactions between human populations and Earth's physical features?

Geography Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern of engineering within the context of environmental science?

Transforming matter and energy for practical use Signup and view all the answers

Which field is primarily concerned with the study of fossils and ancient life?

Paleontology Signup and view all the answers

What does the Seventh Generation Principle emphasize?

Sustainability for future generations Signup and view all the answers

Which components make up the environment?

Abiotic and biotic components Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of environmental science?

How humans interact with the environment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered an abiotic component of the environment?

Plants Signup and view all the answers

How do human actions influence the environment?

Via pollution and resource depletion Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT studied in environmental science?

Global political policies Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes renewable resources?

They can be replaced quickly by natural processes. Signup and view all the answers

What consequence is linked to changes in the physical environment?

Soil erosion Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'environment' encompass?

All natural and artificial surroundings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a nonrenewable resource?

Coal Signup and view all the answers

What type of pollution can break down naturally over time?

Biodegradable pollution Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about resource depletion is true?

It occurs when resource use outpaces replenishment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines biodiversity?

The total number of species within an ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

How does pollution affect ecosystems?

It can impact ecosystems far from the pollution source. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the depletion of nonrenewable resources?

Human activities utilize them faster than their natural replenishment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pollutants is classified as nondegradable?

Plastics Signup and view all the answers

What is biodiversity?

The number of different species that live in an area Signup and view all the answers

What is mass extinction?

Several extinctions happening at the same time Signup and view all the answers

How many major extinction events are known in Earth's history?

Five Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of species disappeared during the most recent major extinction event?

75% Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal background extinction rate for mammals?

1 every 200 years Signup and view all the answers

Which event is believed to have caused the most recent major extinction?

Meteor impact Signup and view all the answers

Which factor has primarily contributed to the 27 mammal extinctions in Australia since 1788?

Influence of European settlers Signup and view all the answers

Humans depend on other organisms for which of the following basic necessities?

Food and oxygen Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

The environment encompasses all surroundings and conditions supporting living organisms, including landscapes, animals, and their interactions.
It consists of abiotic components (lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere) and biotic components (plants, animals, microorganisms).

Environmental Science

Environmental science studies the interaction of humans with the natural environment.
It examines how humans utilize natural resources, relate to the nonliving environment, and alter the environment.
Key areas of study include:
- Interactions between living organisms and their nonliving surroundings
- Impact of human activities on the environment
- Interrelationships between various organisms

The Goals of Environmental Science

To understand and solve environmental problems by examining:
- How humans use natural resources
- How human actions alter the environment

Fields of Study

Environmental science is interdisciplinary, incorporating concepts from various fields:
- Biology: Study of living organisms
- Zoology: Study of animals
- Botany: Study of plants
- Microbiology: Study of microorganisms
- Ecology: Study of interactions between living organisms and their environment
- Earth Science: Study of Earth's nonliving systems and the planet as a whole
  - Geology: Study of Earth's surface, interior processes, and history
  - Paleontology: Study of fossils and ancient life
  - Climatology: Study of Earth's atmosphere and climate
  - Hydrology: Study of Earth's water resources
- Physics: Study of matter and energy
- Engineering: Application of matter and energy for human use
- Chemistry: Study of chemicals and their interactions
  - Biochemistry: Study of the chemistry of living organisms
  - Geochemistry: Study of the chemistry of materials like rocks, soil, and waste
- Social Science: Study of human populations
  - Geography: Study of relationships between populations and Earth's features
  - Anthropology: Study of the interactions of biological, cultural, geographical, and historical aspects of humankind
  - Sociology: Study of human population dynamics and statistics

Environmental Issues and Example

Example illustrating the interconnectedness of various fields:
- A community decides to use coal for electricity (economics).
- Coal is mined from underground (geology).
- Coal is transported (engineering).
- Burning coal releases air pollution (chemistry).
- Pollution forms acid in the atmosphere (chemistry).
- Acid rain affects plants (ecology).
- Pollution regulations are implemented (politics).

Our Environment Through Time

Humans have impacted the environment throughout history:
- Hunting
- Agriculture
- Settlement

Hunter-Gatherers

Humans foraged for sustenance:
- Collecting plants
- Hunting animals
- Scavenging remains
They lived in tribes, using fire to manage prairies.
They migrated seasonally to areas with abundant resources.

Early Environmental Problems

Native American tribes and Aborigines utilized fire to drive animals (e.g., buffalo).
They transported plants to new locations, introducing invasive species.

The Agricultural Revolution

Agriculture began about 10,000 years ago, leading to the domestication of plants and animals.
This revolution greatly impacted human populations by:
- Increasing population size
- Causing resource depletion
- Leading to pollution
- Contributing to biodiversity loss

Resource Depletion

Natural resources are materials used by humans, classified as:
- Renewable: Can be replaced rapidly (e.g., timber, water)
- Nonrenewable: Replenished extremely slowly or not at all (e.g., coal, oil, minerals)
Resource depletion occurs when the rate of resource use exceeds the rate of replenishment, resulting in pollution and waste.

Major Environmental Problems

Resource Depletion:
- The large human population (8.2 billion globally, 118.2 million in the Philippines) requires significant resources.
- Nonrenewable resources are finite and subject to depletion.
- The estimated remaining coal reserves are sufficient for about 250 years at current consumption rates.
Pollution:
- Pollution is a degradation or undesired change in air, water, or soil that affects the health of living organisms.
- Biodegradable pollution: Can be broken down naturally.
- Nondegradable pollution: Does not break down (e.g., plastics, mercury, lead).

Loss of Biodiversity

The number of species on Earth is estimated in the tens of millions.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of species within an ecosystem.
Extinction is a natural process, but human actions can accelerate it.
Loss of biodiversity is a concern due to human dependence on other organisms for food, oxygen, etc.
Five major extinction events have occurred in Earth's history, with the most recent one (65 million years ago) causing the disappearance of 75% of species.
Extinction normally occurs at a slow rate (background rate), but human activities are accelerating it.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of environmental science, including the interactions between humans and the natural environment. It covers abiotic and biotic components, the goals of environmental science, and the impact of human activities on ecosystems. Test your knowledge of these critical topics and enhance your understanding of environmental issues.