BPP Environmental Studies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the ozone layer and why is it important?
- A layer of clouds that produces rain
- A gas layer in the atmosphere that absorbs harmful UV radiation (Correct answer)
- The outermost layer of Earth's crust
- A chemical used in refrigeration
Correct answer: A gas layer in the atmosphere that absorbs harmful UV radiation
The ozone layer is a region of Earth's stratosphere containing high concentrations of ozone that absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Question 2: What is water pollution?
- Natural sedimentation in rivers
- The contamination of water bodies by harmful substances (Correct answer)
- The evaporation of water from lakes
- Seasonal changes in river flow
Correct answer: The contamination of water bodies by harmful substances
Water pollution occurs when harmful substances—including chemicals, waste, and pathogens—contaminate bodies of water, making it unsafe for drinking, wildlife, and recreation.
Question 3: What is a carbon footprint?
- The footprint of fossil fuels underground
- The total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual or activity (Correct answer)
- A type of soil analysis method
- The weight of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
Correct answer: The total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual or activity
A carbon footprint measures the total amount of greenhouse gases, particularly COâ‚‚, produced directly and indirectly by a person, organization, or activity.
Question 4: What is sustainable development?
- Economic growth without any environmental regulations
- Development that meets current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs (Correct answer)
- Unlimited use of natural resources
- Development that prioritizes profit above all else
Correct answer: Development that meets current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs
Sustainable development balances economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection to ensure resources remain available for future generations.
Question 5: What is the greenhouse effect?
- The cooling of Earth's surface at night
- The trapping of heat in Earth's atmosphere by certain gases (Correct answer)
- The growth of plants in greenhouses
- Reflection of sunlight back into space
Correct answer: The trapping of heat in Earth's atmosphere by certain gases
The greenhouse effect occurs when gases like CO₂ and methane trap heat radiating from Earth's surface, warming the planet — essential in moderation but harmful when intensified.
Question 6: Which human activity is a major contributor to air pollution in cities?
- Growing vegetables in gardens
- Using public libraries
- Burning fossil fuels in vehicles and factories (Correct answer)
- Installing solar panels
Correct answer: Burning fossil fuels in vehicles and factories
Vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions from burning fossil fuels release pollutants like nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide that cause urban air pollution.
BPP Environmental Studies 2
What is the ozone layer and why is it important?