B2 First Listening Science and Technology Vocabulary Quiz

Renewable energy refers to energy derived from natural sources that are replenished over time. This includes resources like wind, solar, and hydro power, which can be harnessed repeatedly without depleting the Earth's natural reserves. These sources are sustainable and play a crucial role in reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

Genetic engineering involves the manipulation of an organism's DNA to alter its characteristics. This can include adding, removing, or altering genetic material to achieve desired traits, such as improved resistance to diseases or enhanced growth. This technology is fundamental in fields like agriculture, medicine, and research.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight into chemical energy. During this process, chlorophyll in plant cells captures sunlight, which is then used to transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This stored energy is essential for plant growth and serves as a primary energy source for many organisms.

A carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly through human activities, such as transportation, energy production, and industrial processes. These gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, contribute to climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere, highlighting the environmental impact of our daily choices and behaviors.

Artificial intelligence (AI) encompasses systems and machines that can mimic human cognitive functions such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and understanding language. Unlike natural human intelligence, AI is specifically engineered to perform tasks typically associated with human thought processes, making it a distinct technological advancement.

In technology, 'bandwidth' refers to the amount of data that can be transmitted over a network in a given period. It is a crucial metric, as higher bandwidth allows for faster data transfer and improved performance in applications such as streaming, gaming, and online communication.

Nanotechnology focuses on manipulating matter at the nanoscale, typically between 1 to 100 nanometers. This field enables the development of new materials and devices with unique properties, enhancing various applications in medicine, electronics, and materials science. It contrasts with traditional manufacturing, which does not operate at such a small scale.

A catalyst increases the rate of a chemical reaction by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. It facilitates the process without undergoing any permanent changes itself, allowing it to be used repeatedly in multiple reaction cycles. Thus, it effectively speeds up the reaction while remaining unchanged.

Biodiversity refers to the range of different species, genetic variations, and ecosystems present in a given area. It encompasses the variety of life forms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, and their interactions within ecosystems, contributing to ecological balance and resilience. High biodiversity is essential for ecosystem health and sustainability.

Cloud storage involves saving data on remote servers, which can be accessed over the internet. This allows users to store, manage, and retrieve their data from anywhere, rather than relying on local storage devices. The term specifically emphasizes the action of placing data in these remote locations for convenience and accessibility.

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere. This phenomenon leads to various environmental impacts, including rising sea levels and altered weather patterns, as these gases trap heat from the sun.

A microorganism is defined as a living organism that is so small that it cannot be seen without the aid of a microscope. This includes bacteria, viruses, and some fungi, which are typically less than one millimeter in size, making them invisible to the naked eye.