Multiple Choice Questions
Environmental Issues and Sustainability
Topic: Environmental Issues and Sustainability
Grade: 10
Question 1:
Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas?
A) Carbon dioxide (CO2)
B) Methane (CH4)
C) Nitrous oxide (N2O)
D) Oxygen (O2)
Answer: D) Oxygen (O2)
Explanation: Oxygen is not considered a greenhouse gas because it does not have the ability to trap heat in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are responsible for the greenhouse effect, which leads to global warming. For example, burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect. Another example is the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers in agriculture, which release nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas.
Question 2:
Which of the following is a non-renewable resource?
A) Wind energy
B) Solar energy
C) Natural gas
D) Geothermal energy
Answer: C) Natural gas
Explanation: Natural gas is considered a non-renewable resource because it is formed over millions of years from the remains of plants and animals. Once it is extracted and used, it cannot be replenished within a human lifetime. On the other hand, wind energy, solar energy, and geothermal energy are considered renewable resources because they are naturally replenished and can be harnessed without depleting their source. For example, wind turbines convert wind energy into electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. Another example is solar panels that capture sunlight and convert it into usable energy.
Question 3:
Which of the following is a primary air pollutant?
A) Ozone (O3)
B) Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
C) Carbon monoxide (CO)
D) Particulate matter (PM)
Answer: B) Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
Explanation: Sulfur dioxide is considered a primary air pollutant because it is directly emitted into the atmosphere from sources such as burning fossil fuels, particularly coal. It can have harmful effects on human health and the environment. For example, sulfur dioxide can contribute to the formation of acid rain, which can damage ecosystems and buildings. Another example is the release of sulfur dioxide from volcanic eruptions, which can lead to air pollution and respiratory problems.
Question 4:
What is the main cause of deforestation?
A) Urbanization
B) Logging
C) Agriculture
D) Climate change
Answer: C) Agriculture
Explanation: Agriculture is the main cause of deforestation, particularly in tropical regions. Forests are often cleared to make way for agricultural activities such as the cultivation of crops or the expansion of livestock grazing areas. This process is known as slash-and-burn agriculture. For example, in the Amazon rainforest, large areas of land are cleared for soybean and cattle production. Another example is the conversion of forests into palm oil plantations in Southeast Asia.
Question 5:
Which of the following is an example of a point source pollution?
A) Agricultural runoff
B) Vehicle emissions
C) Industrial discharge pipe
D) Construction site erosion
Answer: C) Industrial discharge pipe
Explanation: Point source pollution refers to the release of pollutants from a single identifiable source, such as a pipe or chimney. Industrial discharge pipes are a common example of point source pollution, as they directly release pollutants into water bodies or the atmosphere. For example, a factory discharging untreated wastewater into a river would be a point source of water pollution. Another example is a power plant emitting pollutants through its smokestacks, contributing to air pollution.
Question 6:
Which of the following is an example of an invasive species?
A) Oak tree
B) Dandelion
C) Maple tree
D) Sunflower
Answer: B) Dandelion
Explanation: An invasive species is a non-native species that causes harm to the environment, economy, or human health. Dandelions, originally from Europe, are considered invasive in many parts of the world. They can quickly spread and outcompete native plant species, disrupting ecosystems. For example, dandelions can take over lawns, crowding out grass and other desirable plants. Another example is the invasive Asian carp in the United States, which outcompetes native fish species and disrupts aquatic ecosystems.
Question 7:
Which of the following is a renewable source of freshwater?
A) Lakes
B) Rivers
C) Groundwater
D) Glaciers
Answer: B) Rivers
Explanation: Rivers are considered a renewable source of freshwater because they are constantly replenished by precipitation and runoff from higher elevations. Lakes also receive freshwater from rivers, but they can experience water loss through evaporation. Groundwater is a significant source of freshwater, but it is not considered renewable if it is extracted faster than it can be naturally recharged. Glaciers are a source of freshwater, but they are melting due to climate change, making them a less reliable and renewable source.
Question 8:
What is the main cause of coral bleaching?
A) Pollution
B) Overfishing
C) Ocean acidification
D) Global warming
Answer: D) Global warming
Explanation: Coral bleaching is primarily caused by global warming, specifically the increase in sea surface temperatures. When corals are exposed to prolonged periods of high temperatures, they expel the symbiotic algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn white or \”bleach.\” This is detrimental to coral reefs, as the algae provide food and energy to the corals. For example, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia has experienced severe coral bleaching events due to rising ocean temperatures. Another example is the bleaching of coral reefs in the Caribbean caused by the El Niño Southern Oscillation.
Question 9:
Which of the following is an example of a renewable energy source?
A) Coal
B) Natural gas
C) Nuclear power
D) Wind power
Answer: D) Wind power
Explanation: Wind power is considered a renewable energy source because it harnesses the energy of the wind, which is a natural and abundant resource. Wind turbines convert wind energy into electricity without depleting the source. On the other hand, coal, natural gas, and nuclear power are non-renewable energy sources because they rely on finite resources and generate harmful emissions. For example, coal combustion releases greenhouse gases and air pollutants. Another example is the potential for nuclear accidents and the long-lived radioactive waste generated by nuclear power plants.
Question 10:
Which of the following is a consequence of soil erosion?
A) Increased fertility
B) Decreased water pollution
C) Loss of topsoil
D) Enhanced plant growth
Answer: C) Loss of topsoil
Explanation: Soil erosion can lead to the loss of topsoil, which is the most fertile layer of soil. When topsoil is eroded, nutrients necessary for plant growth are washed away, reducing fertility. Additionally, eroded soil can end up in rivers and streams, causing sedimentation and water pollution. For example, excessive plowing of agricultural fields can increase soil erosion. Another example is deforestation, which removes the protective cover of vegetation, making soil more susceptible to erosion.
Question 11:
Which of the following is a renewable resource extracted from the ocean?
A) Oil
B) Natural gas
C) Fish
D) Sand
Answer: C) Fish
Explanation: Fish are considered a renewable resource because they can reproduce and replenish their populations, given sustainable fishing practices. However, overfishing can deplete fish stocks and disrupt marine ecosystems. On the other hand, oil and natural gas are fossil fuels that are non-renewable and extracted from underground deposits. Sand is also extracted from the ocean, but its extraction can contribute to coastal erosion and habitat destruction.
Question 12:
Which of the following is an example of biological magnification?
A) Accumulation of heavy metals in fish
B) Increase in forest cover due to reforestation
C) Growth of algae in a polluted lake
D) Decrease in biodiversity in a protected area
Answer: A) Accumulation of heavy metals in fish
Explanation: Biological magnification, also known as biomagnification, refers to the increasing concentration of certain substances, such as heavy metals or pesticides, in the tissues of organisms as they move up the food chain. This is because organisms at higher trophic levels consume larger amounts of lower-level organisms, leading to the accumulation of pollutants. For example, mercury released into water bodies can be absorbed by small organisms, which are then consumed by larger fish. Another example is the accumulation of DDT in bird populations, leading to thinning of eggshells and population declines.
Question 13:
Which of the following is a consequence of ozone depletion?
A) Reduced greenhouse effect
B) Decreased air pollution
C) Increased skin cancer rates
D) Enhanced agricultural productivity
Answer: C) Increased skin cancer rates
Explanation: Ozone depletion refers to the thinning of the ozone layer in the Earth\’s stratosphere, primarily caused by the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances. The ozone layer protects the Earth\’s surface from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. With ozone depletion, more UV radiation reaches the Earth, increasing the risk of skin cancer and other health issues. For example, the Antarctic ozone hole has been linked to increased rates of skin cancer in humans and damage to marine ecosystems. Another example is the use of sunscreen to protect against UV radiation due to ozone depletion.
Question 14:
Which of the following is an example of sustainable agriculture?
A) Monoculture farming
B) Use of synthetic fertilizers
C) Crop rotation
D) Clearing of natural habitats
Answer: C) Crop rotation
Explanation: Sustainable agriculture refers to farming practices that promote the long-term health of ecosystems while providing food for current and future generations. Crop rotation is an example of sustainable agriculture, where different crops are grown in a specific sequence over time. This helps to reduce the buildup of pests and diseases, improve soil fertility, and enhance biodiversity. On the other hand, monoculture farming, the use of synthetic fertilizers, and clearing of natural habitats can have negative environmental impacts, such as soil degradation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity.
Question 15:
Which of the following is an example of a renewable material?
A) Plastic
B) Aluminum
C) Wood
D) Glass
Answer: C) Wood
Explanation: Wood is considered a renewable material because it comes from trees, which can be replanted and regrown. Sustainable forest management practices ensure that trees are harvested responsibly and new trees are planted to maintain the forest ecosystem. On the other hand, plastic and aluminum are derived from non-renewable resources and require significant energy inputs for production. Glass is made from sand, which is abundant but requires energy for melting and shaping.