BS Environmental Science

Question 1

What is biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

The variety of life forms within a given ecosystem or on Earth

Answer

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

Question 2

What is the primary cause of the greenhouse effect?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of gases like CO2 and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere

Answer

Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, warming Earth's atmosphere.

Question 3

Which human activity is the largest contributor to deforestation in the US?

Accepted Answer

Agricultural expansion and land clearing for farming

Answer

Converting forests to agricultural land, including for crops and livestock grazing, is the primary driver of deforestation globally and in the US.

Question 4

What is an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment

Answer

An ecosystem encompasses all living organisms (biotic) and their interactions with the physical environment (abiotic) in a particular area.

Question 5

What does the term 'carbon footprint' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, organization, or activity

Answer

A carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gas emissions, expressed as CO2 equivalents, associated with a person, product, or process.

BS - Bachelor of Science Practice Test