Climate Change Comprehension Quiz
Test your knowledge on the topic of climate change
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Where do greenhouse gases trap energy?
- A.
In greenhouses
- B.
In the mountains
- C.
In the soil
- D.
In the atmosphere
Correct Answer
D. In the atmosphereExplanation
Greenhouse gases trap energy in the atmosphere. These gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, absorb and re-emit infrared radiation from the Earth's surface. This process, known as the greenhouse effect, leads to an increase in the Earth's temperature, causing global warming and climate change. The trapped energy in the atmosphere contributes to the Earth's overall energy balance and affects the planet's climate system.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which one of these is a greenhouse gas?
- A.
Oxygen
- B.
Carbon dioxide
- C.
Sulphur dioxide
- D.
Wind
Correct Answer
B. Carbon dioxideExplanation
Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas because it has the ability to trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere. When released into the atmosphere, carbon dioxide absorbs and re-emits infrared radiation, leading to the greenhouse effect. This process contributes to global warming and climate change. Oxygen, sulphur dioxide, and wind are not greenhouse gases as they do not have the same heat-trapping properties as carbon dioxide.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of these greenhouse gases is most abundant in our atmosphere?
- A.
Water vapour
- B.
Carbon Monoxide
- C.
Methane
- D.
Carbon Dioxide
Correct Answer
A. Water vapourExplanation
Water vapour is the most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. As the Earth's atmosphere warms, water evaporates faster from oceans and ground sources, which in turn heats up the atmosphere further and continues the cycle.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the next most abundant gas, followed by methane and nitrous oxide.
So if it's not the most abundant gas, why are climate change scientists so concerned about carbon dioxide? While methane actually has a much stronger warming effect than CO2, carbon dioxide is responsible for over 60 per cent of the enhanced greenhouse effect. It can also stay in the atmosphere a lot longer than methane, with a lifetime of five to 200 years as opposed to methane's 12 years. Burning of fossil fuels is releasing carbon into the atmosphere at a faster rate than it can be absorbed. Currently, atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide are rising by over 10 per cent every 20 years.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The greenhouse effect is a positive thing - without it there could be no life on Earth. The only problem is that human activities are adding excessive levels of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that the greenhouse effect is indeed a positive thing because it is necessary for supporting life on Earth. It helps to maintain a stable temperature by trapping heat from the sun, which is essential for the survival of plants, animals, and humans. However, the issue arises when human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, release excessive amounts of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This leads to an enhanced greenhouse effect, causing global warming and climate change.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Until this century, the Earth's temperature had never changed.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because the Earth's temperature has changed throughout history. There have been periods of both warming and cooling, such as ice ages and periods of global warming. The Earth's temperature is influenced by various factors, including natural climate cycles, volcanic activity, and human activities such as burning fossil fuels. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that the Earth's temperature had never changed until this century.Rate this question:
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- 6.
At what time in history did humans start to add additional levels of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere?
- A.
The last ice age
- B.
Mesozoic era
- C.
The industrial revolution
- D.
The great depression
Correct Answer
C. The industrial revolutionExplanation
The industrial revolution is the correct answer because it marks the period in history when humans began to add additional levels of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. During this time, there was a significant increase in industrialization and the burning of fossil fuels, which released large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This led to a rapid increase in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations and is considered a major factor in modern climate change.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What do 'ice cores' help scientists investigate?
- A.
Future weather patterns
- B.
Past temperature levels and attitudes to climate change
- C.
Past levels of temperature and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
- D.
Past trends in sea level
Correct Answer
C. Past levels of temperature and carbon dioxide in the atmosphereExplanation
Ice cores are cylindrical samples of ice that are extracted from glaciers and polar ice sheets. These ice cores provide valuable information about the Earth's past climate. By analyzing the layers of ice, scientists can determine past levels of temperature and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This data helps in understanding the Earth's climate history and how it has changed over time. Ice cores also provide insights into the relationship between temperature and carbon dioxide levels, which is crucial for studying climate change and predicting future climate patterns.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Why have plants and animals been able to adapt to changes in climate in the past?
- A.
Humans protected them from changing climate
- B.
Past climate changes occurred slowly enough for the plants and animals to adapt
- C.
Plants and animals always benefit from changes in climate
- D.
The climate has not changed in the past, so plants and animals did not have to adapt to a new environment
Correct Answer
B. Past climate changes occurred slowly enough for the plants and animals to adaptExplanation
Plants and animals have been able to adapt to changes in climate in the past because the climate changes occurred slowly enough for them to adjust and evolve over time. This gradual change allowed them to adapt their physical characteristics, behaviors, and life cycles to better suit the new environmental conditions. As a result, they were able to survive and thrive in different climates and continue to exist in diverse habitats.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What are scientists who study weather called?
- A.
Rainologists
- B.
Meteorologists
- C.
Weather forecast presenters
- D.
Sociologists
Correct Answer
B. MeteorologistsExplanation
Meteorologists are scientists who study weather. They use various tools and techniques to collect data and analyze atmospheric conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and air pressure. They study weather patterns, climate change, and predict future weather events. Meteorologists play a crucial role in providing accurate weather forecasts and warnings, helping people and communities prepare for severe weather conditions.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of these natural events affect the climate?
- A.
Thawing permafrost
- B.
The Earth's orbit around the sun
- C.
Volcanic eruptions
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
Answer: D All of the above
Peat bogs play an important role in maintaining climate. Permafrost in the Northern Hemisphere is an important carbon sink but when it thaws exposing peat bogs, captured carbon and methane is released into the atmosphere. The greenhouse gases released from peat bogs can amplify climate change.
Changes in the Earth's orbit around the sun can also affect the climate. These changes, as well as changes in the tilt of the Earth on its axis, are part of what are known as Milankovitch cycles, which are linked to the timing of ice ages.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The greenhouse effect is caused by:
- A.
Greenhouse gases in the lower atmosphere absorbing solar radiation
- B.
Greenhouse gases in the lower atmosphere absorbing radiation from the Earth's surface, and preventing much of it escaping into space
- C.
Too much heat in the atmosphere
- D.
Too much sunshine reaching Earth
Correct Answer
B. Greenhouse gases in the lower atmosphere absorbing radiation from the Earth's surface, and preventing much of it escaping into spaceExplanation
The greenhouse effect is caused by greenhouse gases in the lower atmosphere absorbing radiation from the Earth's surface, and preventing much of it escaping into space. This explanation correctly identifies that greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, trap heat in the atmosphere by absorbing and re-emitting infrared radiation. This process leads to an increase in the Earth's temperature, known as global warming.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which of the following changes in climate has NOT already occurred?
- A.
0.74°C (+-.5) increase in average global temperature over the last century
- B.
0.17m rise in sea level during the 20th century
- C.
A decrease in the sea ice around Antarctica
- D.
Fewer cold days and frosts, and more frequent heatwaves over the last 50 years
Correct Answer
C. A decrease in the sea ice around AntarcticaExplanation
While the Arctic has experienced sea ice losses, expected decreases of sea ice around Antarctica have not occurred. Scientists believe this is primarily due to changes in winds linked to global warming and stratospheric ozone depletion.
The increases in temperature, sea level and heatwave frequency have already been observed. Further increases in these markers are projected, and in most cases the extent of the increase depends on the concentration of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which of the following activities contributes the most to carbon emissions globally?
- A.
Agriculture
- B.
Transport
- C.
Forestry
- D.
Energy supply
Correct Answer
D. Energy supplyExplanation
Answer: D Energy supply
According to the IPCC energy supply contributes over a quarter (25.9%) of carbon emissions followed by industry (19.4%), forestry (17.4 %), agriculture (13.5%), transport (13.1%), residential and commercial buildings (7.9%), waste and wastewater (2.8%).Rate this question:
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- 14.
What are scientists warning might become increased concerns in Britain in the next 50 years as the climate warms?
- A.
Scorpions
- B.
Sharks
- C.
West Nile Virus
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
Scientists are warning that as the climate warms in Britain, there might be increased concerns regarding scorpions, sharks, and the West Nile Virus. This suggests that these three factors could become more prevalent or pose a greater threat in the country in the next 50 years.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Roughly how fast is the Arctic warming in comparison to the rest of the world?
- A.
Twice as fast
- B.
The same
- C.
Half as fast
- D.
Three times as fast
Correct Answer
A. Twice as fastExplanation
The Arctic is warming at a rate that is roughly twice as fast as the rest of the world. This means that the temperature increase in the Arctic is happening at a much quicker pace compared to other regions on the planet. This rapid warming in the Arctic has significant implications for the environment, including the melting of polar ice caps and changes in ecosystems.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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May 03, 2012Quiz Created by
NickallR
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