Environmental Science Quiz

Approved & Edited by ProProfs Editorial Team

The editorial team at ProProfs Quizzes consists of a select group of subject experts, trivia writers, and quiz masters who have authored over 10,000 quizzes taken by more than 100 million users. This team includes our in-house seasoned quiz moderators and subject matter experts. Our editorial experts, spread across the world, are rigorously trained using our comprehensive guidelines to ensure that you receive the highest quality quizzes.

Learn about Our Editorial Process

| By Alexacad

Alexacad

Community Contributor

Quizzes Created: 2 | Total Attempts: 10,724

Questions: 10 | Attempts: 10,325 | Updated: Jul 19, 2023

Questions

Settings

Create your own Quiz

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Whatsapp Share on Pinterest Share on Email Copy to Clipboard Embed on your website

Welcome to the AP Environmental Science Quiz! Test your knowledge on the fascinating field of environmental science and explore various aspects of our planet's ecosystems, resources, and sustainability. In this quiz, you will encounter a series of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as climate change, pollution biodiversity, and more. Challenge yourself to recall key concepts and understand the interconnectedness of human activities with the environment. As you progress through the quiz, you will gain insights into the environmental challenges we face and the importance of conservation and sustainable practices. Are you ready to put your environmental science knowledge to Read morethe test? Embark on this educational journey, discover new insights, and see how well-versed you are in the fascinating field of environmental science. Good luck, eco-enthusiast!

Questions and Answers

1.

Which of the following is least likely to be an effect of global warming?
- A.
  
  Increased frequency of hurricanes
- B.
  
  Loss of fertile delta regions for agriculture
- C.
  
  Decreased rate of photosynthesis in vegetation
- D.
  
  Change in global patterns of precipitation
- E.
  
  Shrinking of the polar ice regions
Correct Answer
C. Decreased rate of photosynthesis in vegetation

Explanation
Global warming is primarily caused by an increase in greenhouse gases, which leads to rising temperatures on Earth. As temperatures rise, it is more likely that photosynthesis in vegetation will increase rather than decrease. This is because higher temperatures can enhance the efficiency of photosynthesis, allowing plants to produce more energy. Therefore, the decreased rate of photosynthesis in vegetation is the least likely effect of global warming.

Rate this question:

3
1
2.

Of the following substances, which has the greatest permeability?
- A.
  
  Loam (Loam is soil composed of sand, silt, and clay in relatively even concentrations)
- B.
  
  Clay
- C.
  
  Silt
- D.
  
  Sand
- E.
  
  Humus
Correct Answer
D. Sand

Explanation
Sand has the greatest permeability among the given substances. Permeability refers to the ability of a material to allow fluids or gases to pass through it. Sand has larger particles compared to clay, silt, and loam, which allows for greater pore spaces and better drainage. This means that water or other substances can easily flow through sand, making it more permeable than the other options.

Rate this question:

15
2
3.

Most of the Earth's deserts are at approximately 30 deg. Latitude, north & south because these locations are characterized by:
- A.
  
  Generally warm ocean currents
- B.
  
  Descending dry air currents
- C.
  
  Slow-moving jet streams
- D.
  
  Enhanced Solar radiation
- E.
  
  Predominantly low atmospheric pressure
Correct Answer
B. Descending dry air currents

Explanation
The correct answer is descending dry air currents. Deserts are typically found at approximately 30 degrees latitude because at these locations, the air is sinking and becoming drier. As the air descends, it warms up and loses moisture, resulting in arid conditions and the formation of deserts. This process is known as subsidence, and it creates a stable atmospheric environment that inhibits the formation of clouds and precipitation.

Rate this question:

4
0
4.

The presence of which contaminants would be the strongest indicator that municipal sewage sludge is unfit for use as fertilizer?
- A.
  
  Human feces
- B.
  
  Ammonia
- C.
  
  Phosphates
- D.
  
  Heavy metals
- E.
  
  Nitrates
Correct Answer
D. Heavy metals

Explanation
The presence of heavy metals in municipal sewage sludge would be the strongest indicator that it is unfit for use as fertilizer. Heavy metals are toxic and can contaminate crops, posing risks to human health and the environment. Therefore, if heavy metals are present in the sludge, it would be unsafe to use it as fertilizer.

Rate this question:

4
1
5.

Reasons that the population of an exotic species often increases rapidly when introduced to a new environment is due to the following: I. The exotic species are resistant to pesticides II. There is usually a large, underused food source in the new environment III. The exotic species have few natural predators in the new environment
- A.
  
  I only
- B.
  
  II only
- C.
  
  I and III only
- D.
  
  II and III only
- E.
  
  I, II and III
Correct Answer
D. II and III only

Explanation
Exotic species often experience a rapid increase in population when introduced to a new environment due to the availability of a large, underused food source. This means that they have access to an abundance of resources, allowing them to reproduce and thrive. Additionally, the lack of natural predators in the new environment further contributes to their population growth, as they face fewer threats and can reproduce without significant predation pressure. Therefore, the correct answer is II and III only.

Rate this question:

8
0
6.

The country's current population is 100 million, with an annual growth rate of 3.5%. If the growth rate remains constant, what will be the population in 40 years?
- A.
  
  150 million
- B.
  
  200 million
- C.
  
  300 million
- D.
  
  400 million
- E.
  
  800 million
Correct Answer
D. 400 million

Explanation
The country's current population is 100 million, and the annual growth rate is 3.5%. This means that every year, the population will increase by 3.5% of its current value. To calculate the population in 40 years, we need to multiply the current population by (1 + growth rate) raised to the power of the number of years. In this case, it would be 100 million * (1 + 0.035) ^ 40, which equals approximately 400 million.

Rate this question:

2
0
7.

Which type of electricity-generating power plant releases radioactive as well as toxic materials such as lead and arsenic under normal operating conditions?
- A.
  
  Nuclear
- B.
  
  Hydroelectric
- C.
  
  Solar
- D.
  
  Coal-burning
- E.
  
  Geothermal
Correct Answer
D. Coal-burning

Explanation
Coal-burning power plants release radioactive as well as toxic materials such as lead and arsenic under normal operating conditions. Burning coal produces ash and emissions that contain these harmful substances, which can be released into the air and water. This pollution poses significant health risks to both humans and the environment.

Rate this question:

8
1
8.

Which of the following greenhouse gasses has the greatest heat-trapping ability per molecule?
- A.
  
  Chlorofluorocarbon
- B.
  
  Methane
- C.
  
  Carbon dioxide
- D.
  
  Nitrous oxide
- E.
  
  Carbon monoxide
Correct Answer
A. Chlorofluorocarbon

Explanation
Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) has the greatest heat-trapping ability per molecule compared to the other greenhouse gases listed. This is because CFCs have a high global warming potential, meaning they have a strong ability to absorb and trap heat in the atmosphere. Additionally, CFCs have a long atmospheric lifetime, allowing them to persist in the atmosphere for a long time and continue contributing to global warming. Methane, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and carbon monoxide also contribute to global warming, but their heat-trapping abilities per molecule are lower than that of CFCs.

Rate this question:

5
3
9.

Of the following, which poses the greatest threat to populations of migratory North American songbirds?
- A.
  
  Clearing of tropical forests
- B.
  
  Predation by raptors
- C.
  
  Sport hunting
- D.
  
  Disease from polluted waters
- E.
  
  International trade in pets
Correct Answer
A. Clearing of tropical forests

Explanation
Clearing of tropical forests poses the greatest threat to populations of migratory North American songbirds. This is because these birds rely on these forests as their breeding grounds and stopover sites during migration. When the forests are cleared, their habitat is destroyed, leading to a loss of nesting sites, food sources, and protection from predators. This disruption in their habitat can result in a decline in their population numbers and even extinction in some cases.

Rate this question:

6
0
10.

Which process involves the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants?
- A.
  
  Nitrogen fixation
- B.
  
  Photosynthesis
- C.
  
  Transpiration
- D.
  
  Respiration
Correct Answer
A. Nitrogen fixation

Explanation
Nitrogen fixation is the process that converts atmospheric nitrogen into forms that can be used by plants. This process is essential because plants cannot directly use atmospheric nitrogen. Nitrogen fixation is carried out by certain bacteria, which convert nitrogen gas into ammonia or other nitrogen compounds that can be absorbed by plants. This allows plants to obtain the necessary nitrogen for their growth and development.

Rate this question:

Quiz Review Timeline +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

Current Version
Jul 19, 2023

Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team
Apr 12, 2010

Quiz Created by
Alexacad

Environmental Science Quiz

Which of the following is least likely to be an effect of global warming?

Of the following substances, which has the greatest permeability?

Most of the Earth's deserts are at approximately 30 deg. Latitude, north & south because these locations are characterized by:

The presence of which contaminants would be the strongest indicator that municipal sewage sludge is unfit for use as fertilizer?

The country's current population is 100 million, with an annual growth rate of 3.5%. If the growth rate remains constant, what will be the population in 40 years?

Which type of electricity-generating power plant releases radioactive as well as toxic materials such as lead and arsenic under normal operating conditions?

Which of the following greenhouse gasses has the greatest heat-trapping ability per molecule?

Of the following, which poses the greatest threat to populations of migratory North American songbirds?

Which process involves the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants?