Environmental Science and Sustainability MCQs (Part-2)
What is biodiversity?
A Variety of life on Earth
B A type of pollution
C A renewable energy source
D A type of soil
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including all species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems they form. It is essential for ecosystem stability, resilience, and the provision of ecosystem services like food, clean water, and air.
Which of the following is a major source of air pollution?
A Wind turbines
B Solar panels
C Vehicle emissions
D Hydroelectric dams
Vehicle emissions are a major source of air pollution, releasing pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These pollutants contribute to smog, respiratory diseases, and climate change, making transportation a significant environmental concern.
What is the primary purpose of groundwater management?
A To deplete groundwater reserves
B To ensure sustainable use of groundwater
C To increase surface water pollution
D To ignore water conservation
Groundwater management aims to ensure the sustainable use of groundwater resources by preventing over-extraction, contamination, and depletion. It involves monitoring, conservation, and recharge strategies to maintain water availability for future generations.
Which of the following is an example of a natural disaster?
A Earthquake
B Industrial accident
C Traffic jam
D Power outage
An earthquake is a natural disaster caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust, leading to ground shaking and potential destruction. Unlike industrial accidents or traffic jams, earthquakes are natural events that can have severe environmental and societal impacts.
What is the main goal of a circular economy?
A To maximize waste production
B To minimize resource use and waste
C To rely on non-renewable resources
D To ignore recycling
A circular economy aims to minimize resource use and waste by promoting recycling, reuse, and sustainable production. It focuses on creating closed-loop systems where materials are continuously cycled back into the economy, reducing environmental impact.
Which of the following is a key principle of sustainable urban development?
A Sprawling cities
B High energy consumption
C Efficient public transportation
D Increased pollution
Sustainable urban development emphasizes efficient public transportation to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and energy consumption. It promotes compact, walkable cities with green spaces and eco-friendly infrastructure to enhance quality of life.
What is the primary cause of ozone layer depletion?
A Carbon dioxide emissions
B Water vapor
C Methane emissions
D Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the primary cause of ozone layer depletion. These chemicals, used in refrigerants and aerosols, release chlorine atoms that break down ozone molecules in the stratosphere, leading to the formation of the ozone hole.
Which of the following is a method to reduce carbon footprint?
A Using fossil fuels
B Driving alone frequently
C Planting trees
D Wasting energy
Planting trees helps reduce carbon footprint by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. Trees act as carbon sinks, storing carbon and mitigating climate change. Other methods include using renewable energy and reducing energy consumption.
What is the primary purpose of environmental ethics?
A To exploit natural resources
B To promote pollution
C To ignore environmental concerns
D To guide human interaction with the environment
Environmental ethics is a branch of philosophy that guides human interaction with the environment. It emphasizes moral responsibility, sustainability, and the protection of ecosystems to ensure the well-being of both present and future generations.
Which of the following is a major impact of deforestation?
A Increased biodiversity
B Reduced carbon dioxide levels
C Habitat loss
D Improved soil quality
Deforestation leads to habitat loss, threatening the survival of many plant and animal species. It also contributes to increased carbon dioxide levels, soil erosion, and disrupted water cycles, making it a significant environmental issue.
What is the primary goal of hazardous waste disposal?
A To release waste into the environment
B To safely manage and contain harmful waste
C To ignore waste management regulations
D To increase pollution
Hazardous waste disposal aims to safely manage and contain harmful waste to prevent environmental contamination and health risks. It involves proper treatment, storage, and disposal methods to minimize the impact of toxic substances.
Which of the following is a key principle of eco-friendly construction?
A Using non-renewable materials
B Maximizing energy consumption
C Incorporating green building materials
D Ignoring water efficiency
Eco-friendly construction focuses on using green building materials, such as recycled or sustainably sourced materials, to reduce environmental impact. It also emphasizes energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable design practices.
What is the primary cause of noise pollution?
A Industrial activities
B Natural sounds
C Silent environments
D Renewable energy
Noise pollution is primarily caused by industrial activities, transportation, and urbanization. Excessive noise can lead to health issues like hearing loss, stress, and sleep disturbances, making it an important environmental concern.
Which of the following is a key principle of resource conservation?
A Wasting resources
B Using resources efficiently
C Ignoring sustainability
D Increasing consumption
Resource conservation focuses on using resources efficiently to ensure their availability for future generations. It involves practices like recycling, reducing waste, and adopting sustainable technologies to minimize resource depletion.
What is the primary purpose of an environmental law?
A To promote pollution
B To increase resource depletion
C To ignore environmental concerns
D To protect the environment and public health
Environmental laws are designed to protect the environment and public health by regulating activities that cause pollution, habitat destruction, and resource depletion. They aim to promote sustainable practices and ensure compliance with environmental standards.