Nonrenewable Resources and Pollution Quiz

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What term best describes resources like coal and oil?

Biodegradable resources

Sustainable resources

Nonrenewable resources (correct)

Renewable resources

Why is coal considered a nonrenewable resource?

It becomes more difficult and expensive to extract over time. (correct)

It does not have any value.

It can be replenished quickly.

It breaks down naturally over time.

What term refers to a degradation in air, water, or soil that harms living organisms?

Pollution (correct)

Sustainable growth

Resource management

Economic development

What characteristic distinguishes biodegradable pollution from nondegradable pollution?

Biodegradable pollution breaks down naturally; nondegradable pollution does not. Signup and view all the answers

How can pollution affect ecosystems far from the source?

Pollution can move and influence distant ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

What event caused 75% of all species on Earth to disappear around 65 million years ago?

Major extinction event Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the 1814 eruption as mentioned in the text?

1,200 people were killed and the town of Cagsawa was buried. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of environmental science, what does the term 'environment' refer to?

Air and water quality, soil and landforms, presence of other living organisms. Signup and view all the answers

Which field of study involves decisions related to using coal for electricity, transportation, and pollution control?

Economics Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of burning coal at a power plant as mentioned in the text?

Formation of acid rain due to chemical reactions. Signup and view all the answers

What problem is highlighted by the mention of laws requiring pollution scrubbers?

Pollution control Signup and view all the answers

Why do renewable resources play a crucial role in supporting the human population?

Renewable resources can be replenished within a human lifetime. Signup and view all the answers

What is a commons area?

An area shared by the entire society Signup and view all the answers

According to the Tragedy of the Commons, what is the likely outcome of a commons area being exploited?

Short-term financial gain Signup and view all the answers

What basic economic principle states that the greater the demand for a limited resource, the higher the price?

Supply and demand Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of cost/benefit analysis in economics?

To justify economic expenditures based on benefits received Signup and view all the answers

What environmental disaster occurred in Bhopal, India in December 1984?

Chemical leak resulting in deaths and long-term health issues Signup and view all the answers

How does dividing a commons area among individuals affect its usage?

Encourages long-term planning and use Signup and view all the answers