MS MS in Environmental Science 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which biogeochemical cycle describes the movement of carbon through the atmosphere, oceans, and living organisms?
- Carbon cycle (Correct answer)
- Nitrogen cycle
- Phosphorus cycle
- Water cycle
Correct answer: Carbon cycle
The carbon cycle tracks how carbon atoms circulate through the atmosphere (COâ‚‚), oceans, soil, and living organisms via photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition.
Question 2: What term describes the maximum population size an environment can sustainably support?
- Carrying capacity (Correct answer)
- Population density
- Biotic potential
- Ecological footprint
Correct answer: Carrying capacity
Carrying capacity (K) is the maximum population size of a species that a given environment can sustain indefinitely given available resources.
Question 3: Which international agreement, adopted in 2015, aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels?
- Paris Agreement (Correct answer)
- Kyoto Protocol
- Montreal Protocol
- Rio Declaration
Correct answer: Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement, adopted at COP21 in 2015, commits signatory nations to nationally determined contributions to keep warming well below 2°C and pursue efforts toward 1.5°C.
Question 4: What is the primary source of stratospheric ozone depletion?
- Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) (Correct answer)
- Carbon dioxide
- Methane
- Nitrous oxide
Correct answer: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) release chlorine atoms in the stratosphere that catalytically destroy ozone molecules, leading to the ozone hole phenomenon.
Question 5: Which soil horizon is characterized by organic matter accumulation and is closest to the surface?
- O horizon (Correct answer)
- A horizon
- B horizon
- C horizon
Correct answer: O horizon
The O horizon is the uppermost soil layer composed primarily of decomposing organic material such as leaf litter, mosses, and humus.
Question 6: What does the term 'eutrophication' refer to in aquatic ecosystems?
- Excessive nutrient enrichment causing algal blooms and oxygen depletion (Correct answer)
- Gradual acidification from acid rain
- Sedimentation reducing water depth
- Salinization from evaporation
Correct answer: Excessive nutrient enrichment causing algal blooms and oxygen depletion
Eutrophication occurs when excess nutrients (especially nitrogen and phosphorus) trigger algal blooms that deplete dissolved oxygen, creating hypoxic dead zones.
MS MS in Environmental Science 1
Which biogeochemical cycle describes the movement of carbon through the atmosphere, oceans, and living organisms?