Environmental Science and Sustainability MCQs (Part-4)
What is the primary cause of acid rain?
A Carbon dioxide emissions
B Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions
C Methane emissions
D Oxygen emissions
Acid rain is primarily caused by sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) emissions from burning fossil fuels. These gases react with water vapor in the atmosphere to form sulfuric and nitric acids, which fall as acid rain, harming ecosystems and infrastructure.
Which of the following is a key principle of sustainable forestry?
A Deforestation
B Clear-cutting
C Selective logging and reforestation
D Ignoring biodiversity
Sustainable forestry involves selective logging and reforestation to maintain forest health and biodiversity. It ensures that forests are managed responsibly to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to benefit from them.
What is the primary purpose of a carbon offset?
A To increase carbon emissions
B To compensate for greenhouse gas emissions
C To ignore climate change
D To promote fossil fuel use
A carbon offset is a way to compensate for greenhouse gas emissions by funding projects that reduce or capture emissions elsewhere. Examples include reforestation, renewable energy projects, and methane capture initiatives.
Which of the following is a major cause of marine pollution?
A Plastic waste
B Solar energy
C Wind energy
D Organic farming
Plastic waste is a major cause of marine pollution, harming marine life and ecosystems. Plastics do not biodegrade and can persist in the ocean for hundreds of years, leading to ingestion by marine animals and disruption of aquatic habitats.
What is the primary purpose of environmental impact mitigation?
A To increase environmental damage
B To reduce or eliminate negative environmental impacts
C To ignore environmental concerns
D To promote pollution
Environmental impact mitigation aims to reduce or eliminate negative environmental impacts caused by human activities. It involves measures like pollution control, habitat restoration, and sustainable resource management to protect ecosystems.
Which of the following is a key principle of sustainable energy?
A Reliance on fossil fuels
B High energy consumption
C Use of renewable energy sources
D Ignoring energy efficiency
Sustainable energy focuses on using renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro power to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. It promotes energy efficiency and conservation to minimize environmental impact and ensure long-term energy security.
What is the primary cause of eutrophication in water bodies?
A Low nutrient levels
B Increased oxygen levels
C Reduced algal growth
D High levels of nitrogen and phosphorus
Eutrophication is caused by high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural runoff and wastewater. These nutrients promote excessive algal growth, which depletes oxygen in water bodies, harming aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems.
Which of the following is a key principle of sustainable waste management?
A Landfilling all waste
B Reducing, reusing, and recycling waste
C Ignoring waste segregation
D Increasing waste production
Sustainable waste management focuses on reducing, reusing, and recycling waste to minimize environmental impact. It aims to reduce landfill use, conserve resources, and promote circular economy practices.
What is the primary purpose of environmental monitoring?
A To ignore environmental changes
B To track and assess environmental conditions
C To increase pollution
D To deplete natural resources
Environmental monitoring involves tracking and assessing environmental conditions to identify trends, detect pollution, and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation measures. It helps inform decision-making and policy development for environmental protection.
Which of the following is a major cause of habitat destruction?
A Urbanization
B Reforestation
C Conservation efforts
D Organic farming
Urbanization is a major cause of habitat destruction, as it involves clearing land for buildings, roads, and infrastructure. This leads to the loss of natural habitats, threatening biodiversity and disrupting ecosystems.
What is the primary purpose of environmental policies?
A To promote pollution
B To increase resource depletion
C To ignore environmental concerns
D To protect the environment and public health
Environmental policies 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.
Which of the following is a key principle of sustainable consumption?
A Efficient use of resources
B Overconsumption of resources
C Ignoring environmental impact
D Increasing waste production
Sustainable consumption focuses on the efficient use of resources to minimize environmental impact. It encourages responsible consumption patterns, such as reducing waste, recycling, and choosing eco-friendly products.
What is the primary cause of the urban heat island effect?
A Increased vegetation
B High concentration of buildings and paved surfaces
C Reduced energy consumption
D Use of renewable energy
The urban heat island effect is caused by the high concentration of buildings and paved surfaces in cities, which absorb and retain heat. This leads to higher temperatures in urban areas compared to surrounding rural areas.
Which of the following is a key principle of sustainable agriculture?
A Monoculture farming
B Heavy use of chemical fertilizers
C Crop rotation and organic practices
D Ignoring soil health
Sustainable agriculture emphasizes crop rotation, organic practices, and soil health to maintain long-term productivity. It reduces reliance on chemical inputs, promotes biodiversity, and ensures environmental sustainability while meeting food demands.
What is the primary purpose of environmental conservation?
A To deplete natural resources
B To protect and preserve natural ecosystems
C To increase pollution
D To ignore biodiversity
Environmental conservation aims to protect and preserve natural ecosystems, biodiversity, and resources for future generations. It involves efforts like habitat restoration, species protection, and sustainable resource management to maintain ecological balance.