Science Module 4 Exam Review
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Questions and Answers

What are primary microplastics primarily used for?

  • Contributing to atmospheric pollution
  • Releasing fibers during laundry
  • Applications in personal care products (correct)
  • Breaking down larger plastics

    • What is a significant environmental concern regarding synthetic textiles?

  • They are biodegradable
  • They produce greenhouse gases during production
  • They release microplastics during manufacturing
  • They release microplastics during laundry (correct)

    • How do microplastics affect weather and climate systems?

  • By reducing solar radiation absorption
  • By acting as ice nucleating particles (correct)
  • By increasing temperatures globally
  • By creating more stable weather patterns

    • What role do microplastics play in precipitation patterns?

    <p>They cause heavier rainfall events</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which human intake route does NOT lead to exposure to microplastics?

    <p>Transfusion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are smaller microplastics considered more harmful?

    <p>They can cross biological barriers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do microplastics contribute to the warming of the Earth?

    <p>By trapping heat emitted from the Earth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential consequence of the high surface area of microplastics?

    <p>Increased potential for bioaccumulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines primary consumers in an ecosystem?

    <p>They rely on producers for food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group of consumers is dependent on primary consumers?

    <p>Tertiary consumers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

    <p>They help in recycling nutrients.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is energy flow in an ecosystem primarily concerned with?

    <p>The transfer of energy from producers to various consumers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of ecosystem is primarily shaped by human intervention?

    <p>Artificial ecosystems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a defining characteristic of desert ecosystems?

    <p>Extreme heat and low rainfall.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major cause of deforestation mentioned?

    <p>Agricultural practices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of ecosystem covers approximately 31% of the world's landmass?

    <p>Forest ecosystems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term describes the breakdown of dead organic material in an ecosystem?

    <p>Decomposition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What contributes to the nutrient cycling in an ecosystem?

    <p>Decomposers and the abiotic environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of ecosystem includes wetlands and mangroves?

    <p>Mixed ecosystems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true regarding quaternary consumers?

    <p>They prey on tertiary consumers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a crucial function of ecosystems related to ecological stability?

    <p>They support life systems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of forest is not one of the general categories mentioned?

    <p>Savanna forest</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes a biome from an ecosystem?

    <p>A biome is based on species, while an ecosystem involves interactions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes an ecosystem's components?

    <p>Ecosystems include both biotic and abiotic components.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of abiotic components in an ecosystem?

    <p>Sunlight</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do producers (autotrophs) play in an ecosystem?

    <p>They create energy through photosynthesis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can multiple ecosystems exist within a single biome?

    <p>Different ecosystems can adapt to varying conditions within the biome.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of heterotrophs in an ecosystem?

    <p>To depend on other organisms for food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best characterizes the relationship between biotic and abiotic components in an ecosystem?

    <p>They interact continuously and affect each other.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can affect the types of species found in a biome?

    <p>Weather patterns and climate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one prominent source of plastic pollution from vehicles?

    <p>Tire abrasion creating dust</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following substances is known for its role in biomagnification?

    <p>Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of the world’s microplastics is attributed to latex and acrylic paints?

    <p>10%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do microbeads in personal care products contribute to environmental pollution?

    <p>They are washed down drains</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between bioaccumulation and biomagnification?

    <p>Bioaccumulation is due to chemical absorption over time, while biomagnification is due to concentration along the food chain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a process that contributes to biomagnification?

    <p>Rapid degradation of the substance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact do microplastics have on marine life?

    <p>They can cause starvation in larger animals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common source of microplastics found in the atmosphere?

    <p>Industrial pollution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which organism is most likely to have the highest concentration of DDT in its body?

    <p>Seals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do environmental processes affect bioaccumulation?

    <p>They impede the breakdown of substances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What hazardous effect do microplastics have when ingested by organisms?

    <p>They carry hazardous chemicals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these products still allows for the use of microbeads despite bans in personal care items?

    <p>Industrial applications</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic increases the risk of biomagnification in substances?

    <p>Fat solubility</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor contributes to the presence of microplastics in various foods and drinks?

    <p>Direct contamination from the environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a potential risk posed by the presence of microplastics in human food consumption?

    <p>Increase exposure to plastic-associated chemicals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which freshwater ecosystem is noted for having flowing water and diverse fish and plant life?

    <p>Rivers and Streams</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary environmental benefit of wetlands?

    <p>They are rich in biodiversity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of plastic can be repeatedly molded when heated?

    <p>Thermoplastics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which polymer is typically derived from petroleum and considered a synthetic plastic?

    <p>Polyethylene (PE)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic feature of elastomers?

    <p>They revert to their original shape after stretching.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a source of bioplastics?

    <p>Corn starch</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one major impact of climate change on ecosystems?

    <p>Habitat loss</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of plastic cannot be remolded after its initial formation?

    <p>Thermosetting plastics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What contributes to the cumulative effects of environmental problems on ecosystems?

    <p>Human activities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of bioplastic can break down naturally under certain conditions?

    <p>Biodegradable plastics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is NOT a common additive in plastic manufacturing?

    <p>Natural fibers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor mainly determines the structural properties of plastics?

    <p>Source of the monomers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant environmental advantage is linked to bioplastics?

    <p>Reduction in carbon footprint</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following ecosystems is characterized by its nutrient-rich conditions where freshwater meets seawater?

    <p>Estuaries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable plastics?

    <p>Biodegradable plastics break down easily in the environment, while non-biodegradable plastics do not.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are nanoplastics characterized by?

    <p>Particles that measure between 1 nm and 1 µm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following plastics is classified as a high-performance plastic?

    <p>Polyimide (PI)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main characteristic of standard plastics?

    <p>They are manufactured and used in large quantities due to their cost-effectiveness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which environmental factor can lead to the formation of meso- and microplastics?

    <p>The unintentional fragmentation of larger plastic waste.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which class of plastics is most often used for packaging materials due to their biodegradability?

    <p>Starch blends</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process is primarily responsible for creating secondary nanoplastics?

    <p>The degradation of larger plastic items.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following plastics has a good resistance to chemicals and high temperatures?

    <p>Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What property does increased polarity in plastics typically enhance?

    <p>Adhesion to metals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When categorizing plastics for recycling, what system is used?

    <p>The Resin Identification Code</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true about microplastics?

    <p>They can enter the tissues of animals and humans.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which chemical process is NOT commonly associated with the synthesis of plastics?

    <p>Polymerization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A major environmental concern regarding microplastics is:

    <p>Their contribution to ocean pollution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common application for cellulose-based plastics?

    <p>Films and packaging</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of plastics is primarily used in manufacturing items that require good structural properties?

    <p>Engineering plastics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of the world's land surface do grassland ecosystems occupy?

    <p>20% to 24%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary cause of the decline in grassland ecosystems?

    <p>Drought and water scarcity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following plants is NOT typically found in tundra ecosystems?

    <p>Palm tree</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of the world's land area do wetlands cover?

    <p>7%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes lentic ecosystems?

    <p>Ecosystems found in stagnant or very slowly flowing waters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the main benefits of the interactions between plants and animals in marine ecosystems?

    <p>Animals help to aerate the water</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which animal is typically NOT found in a tundra ecosystem?

    <p>Alligator</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is a significant threat to both grassland and tundra ecosystems?

    <p>Climate change</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes the marine ecosystem?

    <p>Home to a complex web of life with diverse species</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are mangroves primarily known for?

    <p>Providing a nursery for many species where rivers meet the sea</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is typically NOT a characteristic of wetland ecosystems?

    <p>High salinity levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes lotic ecosystems from lentic ecosystems?

    <p>Lotic ecosystems consist of flowing freshwater</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these ecosystems is best known for its biodiversity?

    <p>Marine ecosystem</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do phytoplankton play in ocean ecosystems?

    <p>They produce oxygen through photosynthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Biomes vs. Ecosystems

    • Biomes are areas classified by their plants and animals, determined by temperature, location, and climate.
    • Ecosystems are biological communities, including all living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components, interacting within a specific area.
    • A single biome can contain multiple ecosystems. For example, the marine biome includes coral reefs, intertidal zones, kelp forests, and the open ocean.

    Components of an Ecosystem

    • Ecosystems are structural and functional units where organisms interact with each other and the environment.
    • Biotic components are living: autotrophs (producers), heterotrophs (consumers), and saprotrophs (decomposers).
    • Abiotic components are non-living: air, water, soil, minerals, sunlight, temperature, nutrients, wind, and altitude.
    • The biotic and abiotic components are interconnected in open systems, with energy and components flowing among them.

    Biotic Components

    • Producers (autotrophs): Organisms like plants that produce food through photosynthesis.
    • Consumers (heterotrophs): Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.
      • Primary consumers: Herbivores that eat producers.
      • Secondary consumers: Carnivores or omnivores that eat primary consumers.
      • Tertiary consumers: Carnivores or omnivores that eat secondary consumers.
      • Quaternary consumers: (in some food chains) Carnivores that eat tertiary consumers, typically at the top of the food chain.
    • Decomposers (saprotrophs): Organisms (fungi and bacteria) that break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients for plants.

    Functions of an Ecosystem

    • Regulates ecological processes, supporting life systems, and maintaining stability.
    • Cycles nutrients between biotic and abiotic components.
    • Maintains balance among trophic levels.
    • Cycles minerals through the biosphere.
    • Abiotic factors support the synthesis of organic materials.

    Functional Components of Ecosystems

    • Productivity: The rate of biomass production.
    • Energy flow: The sequential movement of energy through trophic levels, from producers to consumers to decomposers.
    • Decomposition: Breakdown of dead organic material, mainly in topsoil.
    • Nutrient cycling: Nutrients are consumed and cycled back in various forms for organism use.

    Types of Ecosystems

    • Mixed ecosystems: Intersections of different environments (e.g., wetlands, mangroves, marshes, coasts). Organisms adapt to the mixed environment.
    • Artificial (human) ecosystems: Shaped by humans (e.g., urban, agricultural, dam ecosystems).
    • Natural ecosystems: Divided into terrestrial and aquatic.
      • Terrestrial ecosystems: Land-based communities (deserts, forests, grasslands, tundra).
        • Deserts: Dry, harsh environments, active nocturnal life.
        • Forests: Dominated by trees, high humidity and rainfall.
        • Grasslands: Large open plains dominated by grasses.
        • Tundra: Coldest, ice-covered environment, supports adapted organisms.
      • Aquatic ecosystems: Water-based communities (wetlands, lentic, lotic, marine).
        • Wetlands: Waterlogged soils, ideal for diverse life.
        • Lentic (stillwater) ecosystems: Lakes, ponds, bogs, lagoons.
        • Lotic (flowing water) ecosystems: Rivers and streams, higher oxygen content.
        • Marine ecosystems: Saltwater or freshwater habitats, including coral reefs, open ocean, deep sea, kelp forests, mangroves.
    • Ocean ecosystems (e.g. coral reefs, open ocean, deep sea, kelp forests, mangroves)
    • Freshwater ecosystems (e.g. rivers and streams, lakes and ponds, wetlands, estuaries)

    Impacts of Human Activity on Ecosystems

    • Climate change, ocean acidification, habitat loss, and pollution (eutrophication, stormwater runoff, air pollution, contaminants, invasive species).

    Plastics

    • Definition: Semi-synthetic or synthetic substances with organic polymers.
    • Sources: Petroleum, fossil fuels, and biomass (corn, cotton).
    • Types:
      • Thermoplastics: Can be repeatedly molded (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, PET).
      • Thermosets: Cannot be remolded (e.g., epoxy resins).
      • Elastomers: Viscoelastic polymers that regain shape (e.g., natural rubber).
      • Bio-based plastics: From renewable resources.
      • Biodegradable plastics: Break down naturally under specific conditions.
        • Microplastics (nanoplastics): Small plastic particles; sources include synthetic fabrics, tires, and industrial pollution.
    • Classification Systems: Resin Identification Code (RIC) used for recycling.

    Bioaccumulation vs. Biomagnification

    • Bioaccumulation: Gradual build-up of substances in an organism.
    • Biomagnification: Concentration of toxins increases up the food chain.

    Microplastics

    • Sources: Single-use plastics, synthetic fabrics, tires, paints, microbeads.
    • Impacts on the environment and organisms in the following ways:
      • Can accumulate in bodies of water, soil, and atmosphere.
      • Bioaccumulate and biomagnify in food chains.
      • Can affect animal health and reproduction.
    • Effects on human health: Potential inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption of microplastics and the chemicals they contain.

    Case Study: DDT

    • DDT: Persistent organic pollutant used as an insecticide.
    • Bioaccumulates and biomagnifies in food chains; a banned substance in many places.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the impact of microplastics on the environment and ecosystems, detailing their roles, effects on climate, and interactions within food chains. Participants will also learn about primary consumers and decomposers, gaining insights into ecological relationships and environmental concerns. Test your knowledge on this pressing environmental issue!

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