Tornadoes and Zombie Fires Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason mentioned in the provided text for the vulnerability of some populations to even low levels of hunting?

Their habitats are increasingly fragmented, exposing them to hunters.

They have a very low birth rate, producing only one offspring every several years. (correct)

Their migration patterns make them easy targets.

They have a short life expectancy which means they are less able to sustain hunting.

According to the provided text, what is the time frame during which tornadoes are most active in the United States?

June to September

October to December

January to April

March to July (correct)

Which of the following is NOT explicitly mentioned as a state within 'Tornado Alley' according to the provided text?

Iowa

Oklahoma

Kansas

Illinois (correct)

Based on the text, approximately how many tornadoes were reported in April 2024?

About 300 (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which EF scale category was the tornado that struck Marietta, Oklahoma?

EF-4 (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a direct impact of the tornadoes in Tallahassee, Florida on May 10th, 2024?

Damaged buildings and downed trees and utility poles (C) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the provided text, what caused significant damage to Minden, Iowa?

A powerful tornado (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is there a possibility for a record-breaking tornado season this year, despite not yet reaching the 2011 numbers?

The peak tornado season typically occurs later in the year. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason that zombie fires are difficult to detect?

They are primarily flameless and spread underground. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What has been a contributing factor to the recent surge in zombie fires in Canada?

Decreased precipitation and warmer winter temperatures. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Besides Canada, which other regions are prone to zombie fires due to similar characteristics?

Alaska, Northern Europe, and Siberia. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of NASA's QueSST mission?

To create quieter supersonic aircraft for over land travel. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant drawback associated with supersonic flight that the X-59 aims to address?

The intense sonic boom produced. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate speed that is classified as supersonic?

768 mph (1,236 km/h). (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the information, why did the Concorde fail as the world's first supersonic passenger airplane?

The sonic boom was too disruptive and problematic. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the vegetation layer in zombie fire development?

It provides the fuel that allows the fires to smolder. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How will climbing events be structured at the Paris Games differently from previous competitions?

Bouldering and lead climbing scores will be combined, with speed climbing as an independent event. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial sign that led researchers to investigate Rakus's behavior?

They noticed a visible wound on his cheek, believed to be from a fight. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What specific action did Rakus take after chewing the liana leaves, besides eating them?

He rubbed the juice of the leaves directly onto his injury. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In addition to the liana leaves, what observed behavior suggests that Rakus was being a 'good patient'?

He rested more than usual to allow his body to heal. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the decline in the Sumatran orangutan population?

Capture for food, status keeping, and widespread conversion of rainforest habitat. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the key finding from the study published in Scientific Reports?

Rakus was the first known case of active wound treatment in a wild animal with a medical plant. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the location and population of Sumatran Orangutans?

Their habitat is only the northern tip of Sumatra in Indonesia with an estimated population of 14,600. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did the researchers become aware that Rakus was using the liana plant for wound treatment?

The researchers identified a significant change in his eating patterns and behavior as he focused on this plant. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what is significant about the bottles discovered?

They were intended for the Washingtons' use, but handled by enslaved people. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the analysis of the preserved cherries NOT hope to accomplish?

Identify the original process used to can and store the cherries. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What makes the method of elephant communication described distinct from that of dolphins and parrots?

Elephants do not use imitation when addressing one another. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What observation initially led Dr. Joyce Poole to suspect that elephants might use 'names'?

The way that specific elephants responded to certain calls while the rest of the herd ignored them (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the potential germination of the cherry seeds considered significant?

It could produce a living piece of American history. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What method was used by the research team to identify elephant "names"?

By analyzing over 600 recorded elephant rumbles that seemed directed at specific individuals. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the scientific analysis of the cherries beyond understanding of history?

To gain insights into past climate conditions through plant genetics. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the research cited in the passage, why is the elephant 'naming' behavior considered groundbreaking?

Because it is the first time a non-human species has been shown to use unique identifiers for each other without using imitation when addressing one another. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the research, what is the suspected mechanism by which spiders cause fireflies to emit a single flash?

The spider's venom interferes with the oxygen supply to the firefly's flashing system. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'winning the popular vote' in the US Presidential Election?

Winning the popular vote is important for a candidate's campaign, but does not directly secure the presidency. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'electors' refer to within the context of the Electoral College?

The members of the Electoral College, who ultimately vote for president. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When was the research on spiders and fireflies published?

August 19, 2024 (C) Signup and view all the answers

How frequently is the group of electors, known as the Electoral College, formed?

Every four years (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of reaching an altitude of 870 miles during the September 2024 space mission?

To assess the increased radiation's impact on the Dragon capsule and its crew, in preparation for lunar missions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main difference between the new SpaceX spacesuits and traditional spacesuits?

The new suits used a 12-foot-long cord for oxygen supply instead of integrated life support systems, while traditional suits rely on an integrated system. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which mission previously held the record for the highest human spaceflight before the September 2024 mission?

Gemini 11 mission. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How was the oxygen supply provided to the astronauts during their civilian spacewalk?

Via a 12-foot-long cord tethered to their spacecraft's life support system. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of the medical tests that were done on the crew after they returned to Earth?

To develop strategies to protect astronauts from the negative effects of space travel on their bodies, especially for lunar and deep-space missions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the 'pre-breathing' routine performed by the astronauts before their spacewalk?

It was primarily for acclimatizing the astronauts to a lower pressure environment, thus preventing decompression sickness. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When did the Dragon capsule and its crew splash down in the Gulf of Mexico, marking the official end of the space mission?

September 15, 2024 (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the spacecraft and its mission was NOT directly addressed in the content?

The specific technical material of the Dragon capsule for heat resistance. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Earth Day

Celebrated annually on April 22nd, Earth Day is a global movement advocating for environmental protection.
Began in 1970 when US lawmaker Gaylord Nelson mobilized over 20 million people.
Now has over 50,000 partners in over 190 countries.
Has led to landmark environmental legislation such as the 1972 Clean Water Act and 1973 Endangered Species Act, and the 2015 Paris Agreement.
2024 theme is Planet vs. Plastics, focusing on the reduction of single-use plastics.

Plastic Pollution

Over 380 million tons of plastic are produced annually, with 50% for single-use purposes.
Earth Day Network (EDN) advocates for a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040.
Health risks of plastic pollution range from cancer in humans to deaths in marine wildlife.
Urges phasing out single-use plastics by 2030 and investment in sustainable alternatives.

Fast Fashion

Fast fashion is a significant contributor to plastic pollution.
Encourages clothing manufacturers to use natural or recycled fabrics when creating clothing.

Other ways to reduce plastic

Individuals can reduce single-use plastics through simple actions like using reusable cutlery, containers, and water bottles.

Nova Eruption

A nova is a sudden and dramatic increase in the brightness of a binary star system, usually with a red giant and white dwarf.
T Coronae Borealis (T CrB) is a binary star system approximately 3,000 light-years from Earth, known for its periodic nova outbursts, occurring roughly every 80 years, last eruption in 1946.
The next eruption is expected sometime before September 2024, and will likely be visible without optical equipment.

2024 Taiwan Earthquake

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan's east coast on April 3, 2024
It was centered 11 miles south of Hualien, causing significant damage and injuries.
The preemptive earthquake warning systems helped reduce casualties.
Taiwan's strict building codes also helped to lessen the impact of the quake, but not completely prevent damage.

Global Solo Challenge

Brauer, a 29 year old completed the 48,280 km Global Solo Challenge in only 130 days.
It is considered a difficult feat by sailors.

Chimpanzee Warfare

Chimpanzee groups engage in border patrols that may escalate to conflict.
Chimpanzees climb to higher elevations to scout the risks of conflict.
This strategy is similar to human military strategies.

Revolutionary War Sketch

An 18th-century sketch of women and soldiers was discovered.
The sketch was made by Swiss artist Pierre Eugene du Simitiere in 1777.
It depicts a scene from the Revolutionary War.
The sketch was rediscovered after 40 years.

Female Crab Spider Mimicry

Female crab spiders are masters of camouflage, adapting colors to match flowers.
A study in China reveals a male crab spider that successfully mimics flower parts to evade predators.
Male crab spiders cooperate with females to act as a complete disguise.

Ichthyosaur Fossils

Marine reptiles (ichthyosaurs), sometimes called "fish-lizards", dominated the Triassic and Jurassic periods.
A new species of colossal ichthyosaur was discovered.
The fossils, found on a beach in England, had a huge 80' jaw.

Zombie Fires

"Zombie fires" are smoldering fires that have been sustained underground for extended periods, sometimes years.
Primarily affecting areas of North America.
Climate change and prolonged dry conditions are believed to be responsible, creating the ideal conditions for these fires to reignite unexpectedly.

Supermoon

The supermoon is when a full moon coincides with its closest point to Earth in orbit.
It appears larger and brighter than a typical full moon.
The November 15, 2024, supermoon was a very impactful event, considered the final supermoon of the year.

Earthworms' Impact on Plant Growth

Earthworms have a significant impact on plant growth, notably in developing countries.
Earthworm activity helps improve soil quality through burrowing and soil aeration.
Research shows earthworms help plants thrive even in polluted areas.

Fireflies Mating Signals

A study in China reveals that a crafty orb-weaver spider species manipulates mating signals of male fireflies to catch more prey.
Female fireflies flash once, while males flash twice to attract females.
The spiders mimic a female's one flash, entrapping male fireflies.

US Presidential Election

Donald Trump was re-elected on November 5, 2024.
He received more than the 270 electoral votes needed.

Wooden Satellite

LignoSat is the world's first wooden satellite.
A test in space to determine if wood can withstand harsh space conditions.
Plans for wooden satellites and devices in the future.

Rocket Launches

A student-built rocket, Aftershock II, set a new amateur rocket altitude record in 2024.
It reached an altitude of 470,000 feet.
This exceeds the previous record by 90,000 feet.

Winter Solstice

The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, this year on December 21, 2024.
It was a time of significance for ancient civilizations and cultures.

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Description

Test your knowledge on tornado activity and the phenomenon of zombie fires. This quiz covers statistics, impacts, and environmental factors related to recent tornado seasons and wildfire occurrences. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand these urgent environmental issues.