Introduction to the Environment

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is considered part of our environment?

Buildings
Trees
People
All of the above (correct)

Which characteristic is unique to living things?

They occupy space
They are made of matter
They can be seen
They can move on their own (correct)

What is the term for adding harmful substances to the environment?

Conservation
Beautification
Preservation
Pollution (correct)

Which of these human actions contributes to pollution?

Throwing waste in water bodies (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a non-living thing?

Building (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the introduction of pollutants primarily affect living organisms within an environment?

By disrupting their natural life processes and health. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which action exemplifies a direct human contribution to environmental pollution?

The release of industrial waste into rivers. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes living things from non-living things in an environment?

Living things have the capacity to reproduce, grow and respire, while non-living things do not. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios represents a sustainable practice aimed at protecting the environment?

Promoting the use of reusable bags. (C) Signup and view all the answers

If a local factory frequently disposes of chemical waste into a nearby river, what far-reaching consequence might this action instigate?

A disturbance in the river's ecosystem, thereby affecting aquatic life and potentially human health. (A) Signup and view all the answers

The environment consists of everything that surrounds us.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

Buildings, roads, and cars are examples of living things.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Throwing waste in open areas helps keep our environment clean.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Using cars that release smoke into the air helps the environment.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Plastic products can harm the soil and water bodies.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

An environment exclusively comprises living organisms and excludes non-living components such as sunlight and water.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Pollution is solely caused by industrial activities and does not encompass the improper disposal of household waste.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

The utilization of personal vehicles, such as cars, never causes pollution in any capacity.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

The act of polluting the environment does not have an impact on living organisms.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Using biodegradable materials and reducing the use of single-use plastics are effective strategies for reducing pollution and protecting the environment, even if waste is still disposed of improperly.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Everything that surrounds us forms our ______.

environment Signup and view all the answers

Things that can breathe, grow, and move are called ______ things.

living Signup and view all the answers

Things that do not have life, such as buildings and roads, are called ______ things.

non-living Signup and view all the answers

Adding harmful substances to the environment is called ______.

polluting Signup and view all the answers

Using ______ products can harm the soil and water bodies.

plastic Signup and view all the answers

Everything that surrounds us, including people, trees, animals, buildings, roads and cars, forms our ______.

environment Signup and view all the answers

Living things are characterized by their ability to breathe, grow, and move on their ______.

own Signup and view all the answers

Adding harmful substances to the environment results in ______, which negatively impacts living things.

pollution Signup and view all the answers

Using cars and buses that emit ______ into the air contributes to environmental pollution.

smoke Signup and view all the answers

Give two examples of living things found in our environment.

People, trees or animals. Signup and view all the answers

Give two examples of non-living things that are part of our environment.

Buildings, roads, cars, tables or chairs. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when we add harmful substances to the environment?

We are polluting it. Signup and view all the answers

Name one way we pollute the environment by throwing waste.

Throwing waste in the open, or in water bodies. Signup and view all the answers

Name one way we pollute the environment by using vehicles.

Cars and buses send out smoke into the air. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the increase in the use of personal vehicles (cars, motorcycles) contributes to environmental pollution. Provide at least two specific pollutants released and their effects.

Personal vehicles release exhaust fumes, containing pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO) which reduces oxygen delivery in the blood, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) which contribute to smog and acid rain. These pollutants degrade air quality and harm respiratory health. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a scenario where non-living components of the environment directly impact the health and survival of living organisms. Be specific about the components and organisms involved.

Acid rain (a non-living component) caused by air pollution can acidify lakes and streams, making them uninhabitable for fish and other aquatic organisms (living organisms). The increased acidity disrupts their physiological processes and food chains. Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between the impact of biodegradable waste and non-biodegradable waste on the environment. Give an example of each type of waste and explain the long-term consequences of improper disposal.

Biodegradable waste (e.g., food scraps) decomposes naturally, but if disposed of in large quantities, it can create methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Non-biodegradable waste (e.g., plastics) does not decompose and can accumulate in the environment, causing soil and water pollution, endangering wildlife, and persisting for hundreds of years. Signup and view all the answers

Consider a community that relies heavily on burning coal for electricity. Identify two specific environmental problems this community is likely to face and explain how these problems directly affect the health of the residents and the local ecosystem.

Burning coal releases sulfur dioxide (SO2) which causes respiratory problems and acid rain, harming both human health and aquatic ecosystems. It also releases particulate matter, leading to air pollution and increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in residents. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how deforestation can lead to both soil erosion and climate change. Include specifics of how the absence of trees contributes to each of these environmental issues.

Without tree roots to hold the soil together, heavy rains can easily wash away topsoil, leading to soil erosion. Also, trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere; deforestation reduces this absorption, increasing atmospheric CO2 levels and contributing to climate change. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Environment

Everything that surrounds us, including living and non-living things.

Living things

Things that have life; they breathe, grow, and move on their own.