BECE The Environment and Sustainability 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the greenhouse effect?
- Cooling of Earth's surface by cloud cover
- Trapping of heat by atmospheric gases like CO2 and methane (Correct answer)
- Reflection of sunlight back into space by ice caps
- Absorption of UV radiation by the ozone layer
Correct answer: Trapping of heat by atmospheric gases like CO2 and methane
The greenhouse effect occurs when atmospheric gases trap heat radiating from Earth's surface, warming the planet.
Question 2: What is deforestation primarily responsible for?
- Increased soil fertility
- Reduced carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
- Loss of biodiversity and habitat destruction (Correct answer)
- Improved water cycle regulation
Correct answer: Loss of biodiversity and habitat destruction
Deforestation destroys habitats and reduces biodiversity while also releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere.
Question 3: Which renewable energy source harnesses the power of moving water?
- Solar energy
- Wind energy
- Hydroelectric energy (Correct answer)
- Geothermal energy
Correct answer: Hydroelectric energy
Hydroelectric energy is generated by capturing the kinetic energy of flowing or falling water.
Question 4: What does the term 'carbon footprint' measure?
- The area of land needed to grow food for one person
- The total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual or activity (Correct answer)
- The amount of carbon stored in forest trees
- The rate at which carbon is absorbed by oceans
Correct answer: The total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual or activity
A carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gases, especially CO2, released due to human activities.
Question 5: Which human activity is the leading cause of air pollution in urban areas?
- Farming and agriculture
- Burning of fossil fuels in vehicles and industry (Correct answer)
- Composting organic waste
- Irrigation of crops
Correct answer: Burning of fossil fuels in vehicles and industry
Burning fossil fuels in cars, trucks, and factories releases pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter into urban air.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of a national park or wildlife reserve?
- To generate revenue through mining
- To provide land for urban development
- To protect natural ecosystems and wildlife from human disruption (Correct answer)
- To increase agricultural output
Correct answer: To protect natural ecosystems and wildlife from human disruption
National parks and wildlife reserves are designated to conserve biodiversity and protect natural habitats from exploitation.
Question 7: Which of the following is an example of sustainable agriculture?
- Clearing rainforests for new farmland each season
- Using chemical pesticides to eliminate all insects
- Rotating crops to maintain soil nutrients (Correct answer)
- Irrigating with unlimited groundwater extraction
Correct answer: Rotating crops to maintain soil nutrients
Crop rotation replenishes soil nutrients naturally and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, making farming more sustainable.
BECE The Environment and Sustainability 2
Which of the following best describes the greenhouse effect?