Environmental Science and Sustainability MCQs (Part-10)
What is the main goal of resource conservation?
A To increase waste
B To preserve resources for future use
C To promote deforestation
D To increase consumption
Resource conservation focuses on using natural resources efficiently and sustainably. It aims to ensure that resources such as water, energy, and minerals are available for future generations without depletion.
Which of the following is an example of non-renewable resource?
A Wind
B Water
C Sunlight
D Natural gas
Natural gas is a non-renewable resource because it takes millions of years to form. Unlike renewable resources, once used, natural gas cannot be replenished on a short timescale.
What is the primary cause of soil erosion?
A Deforestation
B Over-farming
C Wind
D Flooding
Deforestation removes tree cover, which helps hold soil together with its roots. Without trees, soil becomes more susceptible to erosion by wind and water, leading to loss of fertile land.
Which of the following is a characteristic of a green building?
A Poor water management
B Uses non-renewable materials
C Energy-efficient design
D High energy consumption
Green buildings are designed to be energy-efficient by using renewable energy sources, efficient insulation, and energy-saving technologies. This reduces energy consumption and the environmental impact of buildings.
What is the major effect of global warming?
A Less snowfall
B Rising sea levels
C Cooling temperatures
D Decreased rainfall
Global warming causes ice sheets to melt and seawater to expand, resulting in rising sea levels. This threatens coastal communities, wildlife habitats, and can lead to flooding and coastal erosion.
What is the purpose of water conservation?
A To prevent water wastage
B To promote water pollution
C To increase water consumption
D To reduce soil erosion
Water conservation involves using water efficiently to ensure that enough is available for future use. It helps prevent depletion of fresh water resources, which are critical for human survival and ecosystems.
Which of the following contributes to the carbon footprint?
A Recycling
B Walking
C Using fossil fuels
D Planting trees
The carbon footprint refers to the total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted through activities like burning fossil fuels for transportation, electricity, and industry. Reducing it helps combat climate change.
What is the main impact of deforestation?
A Improved soil quality
B Increased biodiversity
C Decreased carbon emissions
D Habitat loss
Deforestation leads to habitat loss, threatening plant and animal species that rely on forests. It also increases carbon emissions, as trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO₂ from the atmosphere.
What is the primary function of the ozone layer?
A To absorb harmful UV radiation
B To produce oxygen
C To trap heat
D To increase rainfall
The ozone layer absorbs most of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Without it, harmful UV rays would reach Earth’s surface, causing skin cancer, eye cataracts, and other health issues.
Which energy source is considered renewable?
A Natural gas
B Wind
C Coal
D Oil
Wind energy is renewable because it harnesses the natural power of wind, which is constantly replenished. Unlike fossil fuels, wind energy does not deplete resources and does not contribute to long-term environmental damage.
What is the main goal of climate change mitigation?
A To increase resource consumption
B To reduce global temperatures
C To promote deforestation
D To increase emissions
Climate change mitigation involves efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit global temperature rise. This can include transitioning to renewable energy, reducing fossil fuel use, and conserving forests.
What is one key principle of sustainable agriculture?
A Overuse of chemical fertilizers
B Crop rotation
C High water usage
D Monoculture farming
Crop rotation is a sustainable farming practice that involves planting different crops in the same area in successive seasons. This helps maintain soil health, prevent pests, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
What is a major consequence of overfishing?
A Disruption of ecosystems
B Increased biodiversity
C Improved fish populations
D Reduced water pollution
Overfishing depletes fish populations and disrupts aquatic ecosystems, which rely on balanced food webs. It can lead to the collapse of fisheries and harm species that depend on fish for food.
What does “carbon sequestration” refer to?
A The use of fossil fuels
B The absorption of CO₂ by trees and soil
C The release of CO₂ into the atmosphere
D The increase in CO₂ levels
Carbon sequestration refers to the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere. Trees, plants, and soil absorb CO₂, helping reduce greenhouse gases and mitigate climate change.
What is an example of a sustainable building material?
A Brick
B Concrete
C Bamboo
D Steel
Bamboo is a sustainable building material because it grows rapidly, is biodegradable, and requires less energy to process compared to other materials like concrete and steel. It is also renewable and environmentally friendly.