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Questions and Answers
Sustainable energy is energy that does not have significant effects on the ______ and can be easily replaced.
Sustainable energy is energy that does not have significant effects on the ______ and can be easily replaced.
environment
Fossil fuels provide ______% of the energy generated in the United States.
Fossil fuels provide ______% of the energy generated in the United States.
66.6
The five main types of fossil fuels are coal, natural gas, oil, ______, and liquefied petroleum gas.
The five main types of fossil fuels are coal, natural gas, oil, ______, and liquefied petroleum gas.
petroleum
Solar energy only accounts for about ______% of the energy generated in the United States.
Solar energy only accounts for about ______% of the energy generated in the United States.
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The Kamuthi Solar Power Project covers over ______ square miles with solar panels.
The Kamuthi Solar Power Project covers over ______ square miles with solar panels.
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Solar panels are made of ______ cells that contain different elements.
Solar panels are made of ______ cells that contain different elements.
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Monocrystalline solar panels are ______-based and have an efficiency rating of 21.5%.
Monocrystalline solar panels are ______-based and have an efficiency rating of 21.5%.
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Polycrystalline solar panels have a blue tint due to an ______ coating.
Polycrystalline solar panels have a blue tint due to an ______ coating.
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Thin-Film solar panels are made of cadmium telluride, amorphous silicon, and copper ______ gallium selenide.
Thin-Film solar panels are made of cadmium telluride, amorphous silicon, and copper ______ gallium selenide.
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Waldpolenz Solar Park in Germany is the largest thin-film ______ power station in the world.
Waldpolenz Solar Park in Germany is the largest thin-film ______ power station in the world.
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Both moths and butterflies belong to the insect order ______.
Both moths and butterflies belong to the insect order ______.
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The first known butterfly fossils are dated between ______ million years ago during the Eocene epoch.
The first known butterfly fossils are dated between ______ million years ago during the Eocene epoch.
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______ are widely celebrated across the world for their beauty and contribution to the ecosystem.
______ are widely celebrated across the world for their beauty and contribution to the ecosystem.
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Members of the order Lepidoptera have ______ over most of their wings.
Members of the order Lepidoptera have ______ over most of their wings.
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More than ______% of the order Lepidoptera are considered moths.
More than ______% of the order Lepidoptera are considered moths.
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The transformation from egg to adult is called complete ______.
The transformation from egg to adult is called complete ______.
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The term ______ refers to the number of generations an organism has in a year.
The term ______ refers to the number of generations an organism has in a year.
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The Cecropia Moth is considered ______ because it only completes one full generation per year.
The Cecropia Moth is considered ______ because it only completes one full generation per year.
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The Monarch butterfly is ______, meaning it will go through many generations in one year.
The Monarch butterfly is ______, meaning it will go through many generations in one year.
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Butterflies and moths are significant plant ______ and are excellent indicators of environmental quality.
Butterflies and moths are significant plant ______ and are excellent indicators of environmental quality.
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The Crown-Tipped Coral is known for its coral-like structure and is typically found on dead wood of ______ trees.
The Crown-Tipped Coral is known for its coral-like structure and is typically found on dead wood of ______ trees.
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The Elegant Stinkhorn has a top part covered with a greenish brown, smelly ______ coating.
The Elegant Stinkhorn has a top part covered with a greenish brown, smelly ______ coating.
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The Ematic Russula is known for its bright red cap and can cause severe gastrointestinal ______.
The Ematic Russula is known for its bright red cap and can cause severe gastrointestinal ______.
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The Fawn or Deer Mushroom exhibits a typical mushroom shape with a brownish gray to dark brown ______.
The Fawn or Deer Mushroom exhibits a typical mushroom shape with a brownish gray to dark brown ______.
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The Dryad's Saddle mushroom is often described as having a ______ taste when raw.
The Dryad's Saddle mushroom is often described as having a ______ taste when raw.
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Lion's Mane mushrooms are characterized by their white mass of spongy tissue covered with dense, soft ______ that hang down.
Lion's Mane mushrooms are characterized by their white mass of spongy tissue covered with dense, soft ______ that hang down.
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The Bird's Nest mushroom gets its name from its vase-shaped fruiting body that resembles a miniature ______.
The Bird's Nest mushroom gets its name from its vase-shaped fruiting body that resembles a miniature ______.
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Yellow Chanterelle mushrooms have a unique texture with ribs of tissue rising and falling in narrow ______ and valleys.
Yellow Chanterelle mushrooms have a unique texture with ribs of tissue rising and falling in narrow ______ and valleys.
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The ______ Chanterelle is known for its yellowish orange to gold cap that may fade to pale yellow as it matures.
The ______ Chanterelle is known for its yellowish orange to gold cap that may fade to pale yellow as it matures.
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The Bird’s Nest mushroom spores are dispersed when rain hits the cap, which shoots the peridioles out of the ______.
The Bird’s Nest mushroom spores are dispersed when rain hits the cap, which shoots the peridioles out of the ______.
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Study Notes
Sustainable Energy Overview
- Sustainable energy is crucial for minimizing environmental impact and can be easily replenished.
- Key characteristic of sustainable energy sources is renewability.
- Six main types of sustainable energy: solar power, wind power, hydroelectric energy, marine energy, geothermal energy, biomass.
Fossil Fuels
- Fossil fuels have been used since 1100 B.C., with widespread popularity during the Industrial Revolution.
- Currently, fossil fuels provide 66.6% of energy generated in the U.S.
- Formed from geological processes on ancient plant and animal remains; non-renewable due to millennia required for formation.
- Main types of fossil fuels: coal, natural gas, oil, petroleum, liquefied petroleum gas.
Solar Power
- Solar power is a leading sustainable energy form, accounting for approximately 3.9% of U.S. energy generation.
- The Kamuthi Solar Power Project in India is the largest photovoltaic power station, covering over 10 square miles.
- Solar panels utilize photovoltaic cells; photons knock electrons free to generate electricity.
- Types of solar panels:
- Monocrystalline: Highest efficiency (21.5%), silicon-based, performs well in low light.
- Polycrystalline: Medium efficiency (13%-16%), produced from melted silicon, characterized by a blue tint.
- Thin-Film: Made from materials like cadmium telluride; efficiency of 15%-16%, easier to manufacture.
Hydroelectric Energy
- Hydroelectric power harnesses water's energy through turbines; reliant on dams which can have significant environmental impacts.
- Largest hydroelectric dam: Three Gorges Dam in China; Grand Coulee Dam is the largest in the U.S.
- Different types of hydropower plants:
- Impoundment: Most common, uses a dam to create a reservoir.
- Diversion: Can operate without a dam, diverts river water through a canal.
- Pumped storage: Pumps water to a higher elevation during low demand, releases it back during high demand for electricity generation.
Geothermal Energy
- Geothermal heat pumps offer efficient heating and cooling by utilizing the earth’s stable underground temperatures.
- Different designs include horizontal trench loops and vertical earth loops to accommodate various terrains.
- Geothermal energy can also generate electricity through power plants:
- Dry Steam Plants: Use steam directly from underground reservoirs.
- Flash Steam Plants: Convert hot water to steam to power turbines.
- Binary Cycle Power Plants: Employ a secondary liquid to generate steam from geothermal hot water.
Biomass and Biofuels
- Ethanol production from corn-based sources is prevalent, with over 200 plants operating mainly in the Midwest.
- Cellulosic biomass, including crop residues, is being researched as a sustainable ethanol source.
- Biodiesel, made from vegetable oils or animal fats, is renewable, biodegradable, and reduces sulfur emissions compared to diesel.
Nuclear Energy
- Nuclear energy, generated from fission, is debated in terms of renewability.
- Accounts for 18.6% of U.S. electricity generation, producing minimal carbon emissions.
- Proponents argue that sufficient uranium exists for indefinite use; critics highlight uranium's non-renewable nature compared to renewable sources.
Life History of Moths and Butterflies
- Moths and butterflies belong to the insect order Lepidoptera, which has nearly 160,000 species, with over 75% being moths.
- Both undergo complete metamorphosis from egg to adult, with life cycles featuring multiple generations influenced by species.
- Examples of voltinism: the Cecropia Moth is univoltine (one generation annually), whereas the Monarch butterfly is multivoltine (four generations).
Differences Between Butterflies and Moths
- Key behavioral and anatomical distinctions exist, despite similarities in habitat and appearance.
- Butterflies are often celebrated for their beauty and role as ecological contributors.
Conservation
- Lepidoptera act as vital pollinators, herbivores, and indicators of environmental quality.
- Habitat protection is critical due to urban development and pesticide use affecting populations.
- Many species are endangered, emphasizing the need for specific plant cultivation to attract butterflies and moths.
Butterfly Identification
- Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma): Wingspan of 1¾ - 2½ inches, orange and brown coloration, cryptic camouflage, found in open woodlands, with two generations annually.
- Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta): Wingspan of 2¾ - 3 inches, patterned wings with reddish bands, inhabits various moist environments, producing 1 to 3 generations per year.
- Monarch (Danaus plexippus): Wingspan of 3⅜ - 4⅞ inches, bright orange with black markings, migratory behavior, and primarily inhabiting open fields with milkweed, completing four generations annually.
- Viceroy (Limenitis archippus): Wingspan of 2⅝ - 3⅜ inches, mimics Monarch, black stripe on hind wings, thrives in wet areas, with 2-3 generations per year.
- Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes): Wingspan of 3⅛ - 4½ inches, dark coloration with orange spots, common in flowery environments, and has 2 generations annually.
Moth Identification
- Tomato Hornworm Moth (Manduca quinquemaculata): Wingspan of 3½ - 4⅜ inches, streaked gray wings, found in cultivated areas, exhibiting 1-2 generations per year.
- Luna Moth (Actias luna): Wingspan of 3⅛ - 4½ inches, pale green with purple margins, inhabits deciduous forests, with 1-3 generations depending on climate.
- Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis): Wingspan of 1⅛ - 2 inches, sulfur-yellow wings, found in mixed forests, has 1-2 generations per year based on climate.
- Io Moth (Automeris io): Wingspan of 2⅜ - 2¾ inches, colorful forewings based on gender, inhabits open woods, producing 1 generation in the north, 1-2 in the south.
- Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus): Wingspan of 3½ - 5½ inches, brownish-yellow with eye patterns, found across Canada and the U.S., with generational variability.
- Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia): Wingspan of 4¾ - 5⅞ inches, patterned wings and dull body, lives in hardwood forests, and is univoltine with one brood per year.
Toxic and Edible Mushrooms
- Toxic mushrooms can be dangerous if mixed with edible varieties, such as morels.
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
- Unique fruiting body resembles a white spongy mass, sized between a baseball and basketball.
- Densely covered with soft spines that can hang up to 6 cm long; may turn yellow with age or frost.
- Fruiting occurs on hardwood logs and stumps, typically during autumn.
- Edible and comparable in taste to Bear’s Head mushroom.
Bird’s Nest Mushroom (Cyathus striatus)
- Vase-shaped, resembling a miniature bird's nest, measuring 1/4 - 3/8 inches.
- Contains gray to black "eggs" (peridioles) that hold spores.
- Grows in moist areas, including woodlands and gardens; most abundant from late summer to early fall.
- Not edible but non-toxic; spore cases disperse when rain strikes the cap.
Yellow Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius)
- Yellowish-orange to gold cap, 1-3 inches wide with distinctive flared edges.
- Gills are attached to the stem, sometimes appearing forked, and run down the stem.
- Grows around oak trees from late May to September, particularly after summer rains.
- Edible, often with a pleasant apricot scent in northern regions.
Crown-Tipped Coral (Artomyces pyxidatus)
- Characterized by many branches resembling coral; yellow-tan with crown-like tips, reaching ¾ - 2 ½ inches wide and 2-5 inches tall.
- Found on dead wood of deciduous trees during summer.
- Edible with a peppery taste.
Dryad’s Saddle (Polyporus squamosus)
- Circular to fan-shaped, yellow-tan cap with distinct dark brown scales; off-center black stalk.
- Grows on living or dead deciduous wood, fruiting spring and summer.
- Edible with a taste reminiscent of watermelon when raw.
Elegant Stinkhorn (Mutinus elegans)
- Features a long, tapered pinkish-orange column topped with a greenish-brown slime that contains spores.
- Found in humus and rotting wood from July to September, emits a strong odor.
- Edible in the immature stage, but caution is needed due to toxic look-alikes.
Emetic Russula (Russula emetica)
- Bright red cap, 1-4 inches wide, with a convex shape and fragile texture.
- Grows on moss and in mixed woods from July to October; found in sphagnum bogs or under conifers.
- Considered poisonous, can cause severe gastrointestinal distress.
Fawn or Deer Mushroom (Pluteus cervinus)
- Typical mushroom shape with a brownish-gray cap and white to pinkish gills.
- Can serve as a chicken substitute in various dishes.
Turkey Tail Fungus (Trametes versicolor)
- Forms leathery, multicolored clusters with a semicircular cap and whitish-yellow pores underneath.
- Grows on stumps and logs in layered groups; edible and used in traditional Chinese medicine for liver issues.
Wood Ear (Auricularia auricula)
- Translucent flesh that is rusty tan to honey-colored and wrinkled; can reach up to 6 inches wide.
- Grows on deciduous trees and is found almost year-round, particularly in cooler weather.
- Edible, often used in Asian cuisine; can be dehydrated.
Yellow-Orange Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria variety formosa)
- Classic mushroom shape with a 2 ¾ - 6 inch pale yellow-orange cap adorned with white warts.
- Contains autumn gills and a distinct annulus on the stalk.
- Not edible due to toxic and hallucinogenic properties.
Conservation Concerns
- Mushroom species in Illinois are declining, particularly those linked to forest ecosystems.
- Habitat degradation from urbanization and agriculture is the primary cause of this species reduction.
- Fungi are more closely related to animals than plants; they lack chlorophyll and rely on other organisms for nourishment.
Fun Facts
- Six million tons of cultivated mushrooms are consumed annually; the fifth largest crop in the U.S.
- Mushrooms contain chitin, also found in crustacean exoskeletons, and some fungi are bioluminescent, exhibiting light-producing capabilities.
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Test your knowledge about sustainable energy sources and their impact on the environment. This quiz covers the key characteristics of renewable energy and various types of sustainable energy. Perfect for anyone interested in environmental science and energy solutions.
