Environmental Science Terms

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Date:

Instructions: Learn the vocabulary of environmental science, from climate change and pollution to renewable energy and sustainability.

1.
What is the 'greenhouse effect'?
A
The trapping of heat in Earth's atmosphere by certain gases, warming the planet
B
The effect of green light on plant growth
C
The cooling of the Earth by clouds
D
The growth of plants in greenhouses
2.
What does 'sustainability' mean?
A
Meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs
B
Building things to last forever
C
Living without any technology
D
Using resources as fast as possible
3.
What is 'ozone depletion'?
A
The increase of oxygen in the atmosphere
B
The warming of the upper atmosphere
C
The creation of new ozone by lightning
D
The thinning of the ozone layer in the stratosphere due to chemical pollutants
4.
What does 'renewable energy' refer to?
A
Energy from nuclear reactions
B
Energy from coal and oil
C
Energy from sources that are naturally replenished, like solar, wind, and hydro
D
Energy that can be stored indefinitely
5.
What is 'bioremediation'?
A
Planting trees in cities
B
Using living organisms to clean up contaminated environments
C
Building with natural materials
D
Recycling electronic waste
6.
What does 'aquifer' refer to?
A
A type of fish farm
B
A water treatment plant
C
A device that purifies water
D
An underground layer of rock or sediment that holds groundwater
7.
What is 'desertification'?
A
The cooling of desert regions
B
The process by which fertile land becomes increasingly arid and desert-like
C
The planting of cacti in dry areas
D
Building a desert garden
8.
What does 'emission' mean in environmental science?
A
The collection of rainwater
B
The filtering of air
C
The release of substances, especially gases and pollutants, into the atmosphere
D
The absorption of gases by plants
9.
What is 'permafrost'?
A
A type of ice cream
B
A permanent frost on windows
C
Ice that never melts in the Arctic
D
Ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years
10.
What does 'watershed' mean?
A
An area of land where all water drains to a common outlet, such as a river or lake
B
A water purification method
C
A type of dam
D
A building that stores water
11.
What is 'composting'?
A
Burying trash in landfills
B
The biological decomposition of organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendment
C
Recycling plastic containers
D
Burning waste materials
12.
What does 'photovoltaic' refer to?
A
A type of greenhouse
B
A light-sensitive chemical
C
The conversion of sunlight directly into electricity using solar cells
D
A type of camera
13.
What is 'biodegradation'?
A
The extinction of species
B
The destruction of habitats
C
The pollution of soil
D
The breakdown of materials by microorganisms into natural substances
14.
What does 'carbon sequestration' involve?
A
The capture and long-term storage of carbon dioxide to mitigate climate change
B
Releasing carbon into the air
C
Burning fossil fuels more efficiently
D
Measuring carbon in the atmosphere
15.
What is 'ecological footprint'?
A
The area covered by a forest
B
The tracks animals leave in mud
C
A measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems in terms of resources consumed and waste generated
D
The size of a nature reserve

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