Multiple Choice Questions
Environmental Science: Sustainability and Conservation
Topic: Environmental Science: Sustainability and Conservation
Grade: 11
Question 1:
Which of the following is an example of a non-renewable resource?
a) Solar energy
b) Wind energy
c) Natural gas
d) Geothermal energy
Answer: c) Natural gas
Explanation: Natural gas is an example of a non-renewable resource because it is formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient plants and animals. Once it is extracted and used, it cannot be replenished within a human timescale. This makes it different from solar energy, wind energy, and geothermal energy, which are considered renewable resources as they are naturally replenished over a relatively short period of time. An example of a simple and complex example would be that natural gas is used for heating homes and cooking, but it is also a major source of energy for power plants and industries.
Question 2:
Which of the following is an example of an ecosystem service?
a) Recycling paper
b) Filtering water
c) Composting food waste
d) Planting trees
Answer: b) Filtering water
Explanation: Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans obtain from ecosystems. Filtering water is an example of an ecosystem service provided by natural ecosystems such as forests and wetlands. These ecosystems act as natural filters, removing pollutants and impurities from water sources, thus ensuring clean drinking water for humans and other organisms. Recycling paper, composting food waste, and planting trees are all important actions for sustainability and conservation, but they are not specifically examples of ecosystem services.
Question 3:
Which of the following best describes sustainable development?
a) Using resources without considering future generations
b) Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
c) Maximizing profits at the expense of environmental degradation
d) Exploiting natural resources for short-term economic gains
Answer: b) Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
Explanation: Sustainable development refers to a development approach that aims to balance economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being. It involves using resources in a way that does not deplete them or harm the environment, ensuring that future generations can also benefit from them. Options a), c), and d) do not align with the principles of sustainable development as they prioritize short-term gains and disregard the well-being of future generations.
Question 4:
Which of the following is an example of a greenhouse gas?
a) Nitrogen
b) Oxygen
c) Carbon dioxide
d) Argon
Answer: c) Carbon dioxide
Explanation: Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat in the Earth\’s atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Carbon dioxide is a well-known greenhouse gas that is released through human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. Nitrogen, oxygen, and argon are all components of the Earth\’s atmosphere but they do not have the same warming effect as greenhouse gases. A simple example of greenhouse gases is the warming of a car on a sunny day, while a complex example would be the impact of greenhouse gases on the melting of polar ice caps.
Question 5:
Which of the following is an example of a renewable resource?
a) Coal
b) Natural gas
c) Solar energy
d) Oil
Answer: c) Solar energy
Explanation: Solar energy is an example of a renewable resource because it is derived from the sun, which will continue to radiate energy for billions of years. It can be harnessed through solar panels and converted into electricity without depleting the source. Coal, natural gas, and oil, on the other hand, are fossil fuels that are non-renewable resources as they are formed over millions of years and cannot be replenished within human timescales. A simple example of solar energy is using solar-powered lights, while a complex example would be a large-scale solar power plant providing electricity to a city.
Note: This is the first row of questions and answers. The remaining 10 questions and answers will be provided in subsequent rows.