Climate Change Causes & Effects 2

Question 1

Which agricultural practice is a significant source of methane emissions?

Accepted Answer

Rice paddy cultivation

Answer

Flooded rice paddies create anaerobic conditions where microbes produce methane as they decompose organic matter.

Question 2

What is the primary reason Arctic sea ice loss accelerates warming?

Accepted Answer

Dark ocean water absorbs more heat than reflective ice

Answer

The ice-albedo feedback loop means that as white, reflective ice disappears, the darker ocean absorbs far more solar energy.

Question 3

How does climate change affect the timing of seasons for wildlife?

Accepted Answer

It causes phenological mismatches disrupting food availability

Answer

Phenological mismatch occurs when species that depend on each other — like insects and migrating birds — shift their timing at different rates.

Question 4

Which sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Transportation

Answer

Transportation surpassed electricity generation in 2016 to become the top source of US GHG emissions, primarily from cars and trucks burning fossil fuels.

Question 5

What is 'ocean acidification' and what causes it?

Accepted Answer

Decreased ocean pH caused by absorption of CO2

Answer

Oceans absorb about 25% of atmospheric CO2, which reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid, lowering the ocean's pH.

Climate Change Practice Test

Climate Change Practice Test

Climate Change Causes & Effects 2