MCQ 21:
What is the primary cause of desertification?
A) Overgrazing
B) Reforestation
C) Increased rainfall
D) Urbanization
Answer: A) Overgrazing
Explanation: Overgrazing leads to soil degradation, loss of vegetation, and ultimately desertification, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.
MCQ 22:
What does the term ‘sustainable development’ refer to?
A) Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations
B) Development that prioritizes economic growth over environmental protection
C) Urbanization without regard to environmental consequences
D) Development that focuses solely on technological advancement
Answer: A) Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations
Explanation: Sustainable development aims to balance economic growth, environmental health, and social equity to ensure that future generations can also meet their needs.
MCQ 23:
Which of the following is a consequence of eutrophication in aquatic systems?
A) Decreased water temperature
B) Increased oxygen levels
C) Algal blooms
D) Improved water clarity
Answer: C) Algal blooms
Explanation: Eutrophication occurs when excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, enter water bodies, leading to algal blooms that deplete oxygen levels and harm aquatic life.
MCQ 24:
What is a significant source of indoor air pollution?
A) Air conditioning
B) Natural gas stoves
C) Outdoor air quality
D) Electric heaters
Answer: B) Natural gas stoves
Explanation: Natural gas stoves can emit pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, contributing to indoor air pollution, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces.
MCQ 25:
Which of the following is the main component of smog?
A) Carbon dioxide
B) Ozone
C) Particulate matter
D) Sulfur dioxide
Answer: C) Particulate matter
Explanation: Smog is a type of air pollution that consists of a mixture of smoke, fog, and particulate matter, often exacerbated by temperature inversions in urban areas.
MCQ 26:
Which organism is primarily affected by biomagnification?
A) Primary producers
B) Herbivores
C) Carnivores
D) Decomposers
Answer: C) Carnivores
Explanation: Biomagnification refers to the increasing concentration of toxins in organisms at higher trophic levels. Carnivores are affected most because they consume multiple prey that contain these toxins.
MCQ 27:
Which of the following is NOT a consequence of climate change?
A) Rising sea levels
B) More frequent hurricanes
C) Increased polar ice caps
D) Changes in species migration patterns
Answer: C) Increased polar ice caps
Explanation: Climate change leads to melting polar ice caps and glaciers, not an increase. This contributes to rising sea levels and other significant environmental changes.
MCQ 28:
What is the role of wetlands in the environment?
A) They increase soil erosion.
B) They act as carbon sinks.
C) They promote desertification.
D) They reduce biodiversity.
Answer: B) They act as carbon sinks.
Explanation: Wetlands help sequester carbon dioxide, thus playing a critical role in mitigating climate change while also providing habitats for various species.
MCQ 29:
Which of the following pollutants is most commonly associated with acid rain?
A) Carbon dioxide
B) Ammonia
C) Sulfur dioxide
D) Methane
Answer: C) Sulfur dioxide
Explanation: Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a significant contributor to acid rain. When SO₂ is released into the atmosphere, it reacts with water vapor to form sulfuric acid.
MCQ 30:
What is the term for species that have a disproportionately large impact on their environment relative to their abundance?
A) Invasive species
B) Keystone species
C) Indicator species
D) Endangered species
Answer: B) Keystone species
Explanation: Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community. Their removal can lead to significant changes in the ecosystem.
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