Environmental Science A Pre-course Quiz

Explanation
The factors that determine climate are solar and volcanic activity, atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns, latitude, and local geography. Population and longitude do not directly influence climate. Population refers to the number of people living in an area and longitude is a measure of distance east or west of the Prime Meridian. While these factors may indirectly impact climate through human activities such as deforestation or urbanization, they are not considered primary determinants of climate patterns.

Explanation
Glaciers hold the majority of our fresh water. Glaciers are large masses of ice formed from compacted snow over many years. They store water in the form of ice, and when they melt, they release fresh water into rivers and lakes. This makes glaciers a vital source of fresh water for drinking, agriculture, and other human needs.

Explanation
Air pollution can have various short-term effects on human health. Coughing is a common symptom as the pollutants irritate the respiratory system. Headaches can occur due to the inhalation of pollutants, which can cause inflammation and affect blood flow to the brain. Eye irritation is another short-term effect, as pollutants can irritate the delicate tissues of the eyes. Therefore, all of the given options are correct and represent short-term effects of air pollution on humans.

Explanation
Deforestation refers to the process of removing trees from a specific area without replacing them. It involves the permanent destruction of forests, resulting in the loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecosystems, and the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This practice is often driven by human activities such as agriculture, logging, and urbanization, and it has significant environmental consequences, including soil erosion, climate change, and the displacement of indigenous communities. Deforestation is a major global concern as it contributes to the loss of valuable natural resources and threatens the overall health of our planet.

Explanation
Landfills are a major source of environmental problems. One of the main issues is the release of methane gas, which is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Additionally, landfills produce leachate, a toxic liquid that can contaminate soil and water sources, leading to unsafe drinking water. Therefore, all of the options listed - methane gas, leachate, and unsafe drinking water - are correct and are common environmental problems caused by landfills.

Explanation
The process of recycling involves reusing materials or extracting valuable materials from waste or scrap. It helps in reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfills, conserving natural resources, and minimizing environmental pollution. Recycling plays a crucial role in sustainable waste management and contributes to a circular economy by closing the loop on the production and consumption cycle.

Explanation
Hazardous waste refers to any waste that poses a risk to the health of humans or other living things. This type of waste can be harmful or toxic and requires special handling and disposal methods to prevent harm to the environment and public health. Industrial waste may or may not be hazardous, depending on its characteristics. Similarly, toxic waste refers specifically to waste that contains poisonous substances, while non-toxic waste does not pose any significant risk to health. Therefore, hazardous waste is the most appropriate term to describe waste that is a risk to human and environmental health.

Explanation
Reclamation is the process of restoring land to its original or improved condition after mining activities have been completed. This involves mitigating the environmental impact caused by mining, such as soil erosion, water pollution, and habitat destruction. Reclamation aims to restore the land's productivity and biodiversity, making it suitable for future land use or returning it to its pre-mining state. Smelting is a process of extracting metal from its ore, land betterment refers to improving land conditions through various methods, and subsistence refers to the minimum level of survival.

Explanation
Toxicology is a branch of science that focuses on studying the harmful effects caused by substances or organisms. It involves the identification, analysis, and evaluation of toxic substances and their impact on living organisms and the environment. By studying toxicology, scientists can understand the potential dangers and risks associated with certain substances or organisms, and develop strategies to mitigate or prevent their harmful effects.

Explanation
An organism in which a pathogen lives all or part of its life on is called a host. A host provides a suitable environment for the pathogen to survive and reproduce. It may or may not be harmed by the pathogen's presence. The relationship between the host and the pathogen can range from mutualistic, where both benefit, to parasitic, where the pathogen benefits at the expense of the host. In any case, the host plays a crucial role in the pathogen's life cycle.