Environmental Science and Sustainability MCQs (Part-1)
What is the primary source of energy in an ecosystem?
A Sun
B Water
C Soil
D Air
The Sun is the primary source of energy in an ecosystem. It drives photosynthesis in plants, which converts solar energy into chemical energy. This energy is then transferred through the food chain to other organisms. Without sunlight, most ecosystems would collapse as it is the foundation of energy flow.
Which of the following is a greenhouse gas?
A Oxygen
B Nitrogen
C Carbon dioxide
D Argon
Carbon dioxide (COโ) is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Other greenhouse gases include methane (CHโ) and water vapor. These gases allow sunlight to enter but prevent heat from escaping, leading to the greenhouse effect.
What is the main cause of soil erosion?
A Wind
B Water
C Deforestation
D All of the above
Soil erosion is caused by natural forces like wind and water, as well as human activities such as deforestation. Deforestation removes tree roots that hold soil together, making it more susceptible to erosion. Wind and water can then carry away the topsoil, reducing soil fertility.
Which of the following is a renewable energy source?
A Coal
B Natural gas
C Solar power
D Petroleum
Solar power is a renewable energy source because it relies on sunlight, which is inexhaustible. In contrast, coal, natural gas, and petroleum are non-renewable fossil fuels that take millions of years to form and are being depleted rapidly.
What is the primary goal of sustainable development?
A Economic growth only
B Environmental protection only
C Balancing economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection
D Increasing population growth
Sustainable development aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It focuses on balancing economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection to ensure long-term well-being.
Which layer of the atmosphere protects Earth from harmful UV radiation?
A Troposphere
B Stratosphere
C Mesosphere
D Thermosphere
The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which absorbs and blocks most of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Without the ozone layer, increased UV radiation would reach the Earth’s surface, causing skin cancer and other health issues.
What is the main cause of water pollution?
A Industrial waste
B Agricultural runoff
C Sewage discharge
D All of the above
Water pollution is caused by various sources, including industrial waste, agricultural runoff (containing pesticides and fertilizers), and untreated sewage discharge. These pollutants contaminate water bodies, harming aquatic life and making water unsafe for human use.
Which of the following is an example of solid waste management?
A Recycling
B Composting
C Landfilling
D All of the above
Solid waste management involves methods like recycling, composting, and landfilling to handle waste efficiently. Recycling converts waste into reusable materials, composting decomposes organic waste, and landfilling disposes of non-recyclable waste in designated areas.
What is the primary cause of global warming?
A Volcanic eruptions
B Increased greenhouse gas emissions
C Solar flares
D Earth’s natural cycles
Global warming is primarily caused by increased greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide and methane, from human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to a rise in global temperatures.
Which of the following is a clean energy source?
A Wind energy
B Coal energy
C Nuclear energy
D Diesel energy
Wind energy is a clean energy source because it produces electricity without emitting greenhouse gases or pollutants. It harnesses the kinetic energy of wind through turbines, making it environmentally friendly compared to coal, diesel, or nuclear energy.
What is the purpose of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?
A To predict environmental effects of a project
B To increase project costs
C To delay project approvals
D To ignore environmental concerns
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process used to evaluate the potential environmental effects of a proposed project. It helps decision-makers understand the environmental consequences and take measures to mitigate negative impacts before proceeding.
Which of the following is a major cause of deforestation?
A Urbanization
B Agriculture
C Logging
D All of the above
Deforestation is caused by urbanization (building cities), agriculture (clearing land for farming), and logging (cutting trees for timber). These activities reduce forest cover, leading to habitat loss, biodiversity decline, and increased carbon dioxide levels.
What is the primary goal of organic farming?
A To use synthetic fertilizers
B To avoid chemical pesticides and fertilizers
C To increase crop yield at any cost
D To rely on genetically modified organisms
Organic farming aims to produce food without using synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. It focuses on sustainable practices like crop rotation, composting, and biological pest control to maintain soil health and reduce environmental impact.
What is the main purpose of waste recycling?
A To reduce landfill use
B To conserve resources
C To reduce pollution
D All of the above
Waste recycling serves multiple purposes, including reducing landfill use, conserving natural resources, and minimizing pollution. By converting waste into reusable materials, recycling helps protect the environment and promotes sustainable resource management.
Which of the following is a key principle of green building design?
A Maximizing energy consumption
B Using non-renewable materials
C Minimizing environmental impact
D Ignoring water efficiency
Green building design focuses on minimizing environmental impact by using energy-efficient systems, renewable materials, and water-saving technologies. It aims to create sustainable structures that reduce carbon footprints and promote eco-friendly construction practices.