Middle School Earth and Space Science : Identify human impacts on the environment

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Identify Human Impacts On The Environment

Which of the following will likely be an effect of climate change?

Possible Answers:

plants everywhere benefit from warmer weather

greater biodiversity

later arrivals of spring each year

sea level rise

Correct answer:

sea level rise

Explanation:

Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Most notably, human impacts have contributed to climate change. Scientists attribute the global warming trend observed since the mid-20th century to the human expansion of the "greenhouse effect" — warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space. Certain gases in the atmosphere block heat from escaping. Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect include: Water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The effects of this are difficult to predict but some effects are more certain:

-On average, Earth will become warmer. Some regions may welcome warmer temperatures, but others may not.
-Warmer conditions will probably lead to more evaporation and precipitation overall, but individual regions will vary, some becoming wetter and others dryer.
-A stronger greenhouse effect will warm the oceans and partially melt glaciers and other ice, increasing sea level. Ocean water also will expand if it warms, contributing further to sea level rise.
-Meanwhile, some crops and other plants may respond favorably to increased atmospheric CO2, growing more vigorously and using water more efficiently. At the same time, higher temperatures and shifting climate patterns may change the areas where crops grow best and affect the makeup of natural plant communities.


Not all human impacts are negative. Ways in which people positively affect ecosystems around the world include:
-Recycling
-Establishing wildlife preserves and parks
-Creating green, open space laws
-Doing reforestation
-Creating environmental regulations

Example Question #2 : Identify Human Impacts On The Environment

Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas?

Possible Answers:

chlorofluorocarbons

methane

carbon monoxide

nitrous oxide

Correct answer:

carbon monoxide

Explanation:

The answer is "carbon monoxide."

Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Most notably, human impacts have contributed to climate change. Scientists attribute the global warming trend observed since the mid-20th century to the human expansion of the "greenhouse effect" — warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space. Certain gases in the atmosphere block heat from escaping. Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect include: Water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The effects of this are difficult to predict but some effects are more certain:

-On average, Earth will become warmer. Some regions may welcome warmer temperatures, but others may not.
-Warmer conditions will probably lead to more evaporation and precipitation overall, but individual regions will vary, some becoming wetter and others dryer.
-A stronger greenhouse effect will warm the oceans and partially melt glaciers and other ice, increasing sea level. Ocean water also will expand if it warms, contributing further to sea level rise.
-Meanwhile, some crops and other plants may respond favorably to increased atmospheric CO2, growing more vigorously and using water more efficiently. At the same time, higher temperatures and shifting climate patterns may change the areas where crops grow best and affect the makeup of natural plant communities.

Not all human impacts are negative. Ways in which people positively affect ecosystems around the world include:

-Recycling
-Establishing wildlife preserves and parks
-Creating green, open space laws
-Doing reforestation
-Creating environmental regulations

 

Example Question #3 : Identify Human Impacts On The Environment

Which of these human actions will impact Earth's systems?

Possible Answers:

overpopulation, pollution and construction of buildings

Creating environmental regulations that protect and maintain Earth's natural state

Using pesticides to produce higher yields in crops 

all of these

Correct answer:

all of these

Explanation:

Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Most notably, human impacts have contributed to climate change. Scientists attribute the global warming trend observed since the mid-20th century to the human expansion of the "greenhouse effect" — warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space. Certain gases in the atmosphere block heat from escaping. Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect include: Water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The effects of this are difficult to predict but some effects are more certain:

-On average, Earth will become warmer. Some regions may welcome warmer temperatures, but others may not.
-Warmer conditions will probably lead to more evaporation and precipitation overall, but individual regions will vary, some becoming wetter and others dryer.
-A stronger greenhouse effect will warm the oceans and partially melt glaciers and other ice, increasing sea level. Ocean water also will expand if it warms, contributing further to sea level rise.
-Meanwhile, some crops and other plants may respond favorably to increased atmospheric CO2, growing more vigorously and using water more efficiently. At the same time, higher temperatures and shifting climate patterns may change the areas where crops grow best and affect the makeup of natural plant communities.

Not all human impacts are negative. Ways in which people positively affect ecosystems around the world include:

-Recycling
-Establishing wildlife preserves and parks
-Creating green, open space laws
-Doing reforestation
-Creating environmental regulations

Example Question #4 : Identify Human Impacts On The Environment

Which of the following is a way that humans positively impact the environment?

Possible Answers:

introducing invasive species

establishing wildlife preserves

burning fossil fuels

overpopulation

Correct answer:

establishing wildlife preserves

Explanation:

Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Most notably, human impacts have contributed to climate change. Scientists attribute the global warming trend observed since the mid-20th century to the human expansion of the "greenhouse effect" — warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space. Certain gases in the atmosphere block heat from escaping. Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect include: Water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The effects of this are difficult to predict but some effects are more certain:

-On average, Earth will become warmer. Some regions may welcome warmer temperatures, but others may not.
-Warmer conditions will probably lead to more evaporation and precipitation overall, but individual regions will vary, some becoming wetter and others dryer.
-A stronger greenhouse effect will warm the oceans and partially melt glaciers and other ice, increasing sea level. Ocean water also will expand if it warms, contributing further to sea level rise.
-Meanwhile, some crops and other plants may respond favorably to increased atmospheric CO2, growing more vigorously and using water more efficiently. At the same time, higher temperatures and shifting climate patterns may change the areas where crops grow best and affect the makeup of natural plant communities.


Not all human impacts are negative. Ways in which people positively affect ecosystems around the world include:
-Recycling
-Establishing wildlife preserves and parks
-Creating green, open space laws
-Doing reforestation
-Creating environmental regulations

 

 

Example Question #5 : Identify Human Impacts On The Environment

How can humans best minimize their impact on Earth's systems?

Possible Answers:

Humans must return to a time before modern technology was hurting the environment

Humans can utilize Earth’s resources freely without any negative impacts to Earth’s systems.

none of these

Humans must utilize Earth’s resources in a way that creates a balance between man made structures and Earth’s systems.

Correct answer:

Humans must utilize Earth’s resources in a way that creates a balance between man made structures and Earth’s systems.

Explanation:

Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Most notably, human impacts have contributed to climate change. Scientists attribute the global warming trend observed since the mid-20th century to the human expansion of the "greenhouse effect" — warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space. Certain gases in the atmosphere block heat from escaping. Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect include: Water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The effects of this are difficult to predict but some effects are more certain:

-On average, Earth will become warmer. Some regions may welcome warmer temperatures, but others may not.
-Warmer conditions will probably lead to more evaporation and precipitation overall, but individual regions will vary, some becoming wetter and others dryer.
-A stronger greenhouse effect will warm the oceans and partially melt glaciers and other ice, increasing sea level. Ocean water also will expand if it warms, contributing further to sea level rise.
-Meanwhile, some crops and other plants may respond favorably to increased atmospheric CO2, growing more vigorously and using water more efficiently. At the same time, higher temperatures and shifting climate patterns may change the areas where crops grow best and affect the makeup of natural plant communities.


Not all human impacts are negative. Ways in which people positively affect ecosystems around the world include:
-Recycling
-Establishing wildlife preserves and parks
-Creating green, open space laws
-Doing reforestation
-Creating environmental regulations

Example Question #1 : Identify Human Impacts On The Environment

Which of the following practices allows humans to utilize water resources while preserving as much of the natural landscape as possible?

Possible Answers:

restricting irrigation

diverting waterways into canals

building hydroelectric dams

draining lakes for transport

Correct answer:

restricting irrigation

Explanation:

The answer is "restricting irrigation."

Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Most notably, human impacts have contributed to climate change. Scientists attribute the global warming trend observed since the mid-20th century to the human expansion of the "greenhouse effect" — warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space. Certain gases in the atmosphere block heat from escaping. Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect include: Water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The effects of this are difficult to predict but some effects are more certain:

-On average, Earth will become warmer. Some regions may welcome warmer temperatures, but others may not.
-Warmer conditions will probably lead to more evaporation and precipitation overall, but individual regions will vary, some becoming wetter and others dryer.
-A stronger greenhouse effect will warm the oceans and partially melt glaciers and other ice, increasing sea level. Ocean water also will expand if it warms, contributing further to sea level rise.
-Meanwhile, some crops and other plants may respond favorably to increased atmospheric CO2, growing more vigorously and using water more efficiently. At the same time, higher temperatures and shifting climate patterns may change the areas where crops grow best and affect the makeup of natural plant communities.

Not all human impacts are negative. Ways in which people positively affect ecosystems around the world include:
-Recycling
-Establishing wildlife preserves and parks
-Creating green, open space laws
-Doing reforestation
-Creating environmental regulations

 

 

Example Question #1 : Identify Human Impacts On The Environment

Which of the following practices would help reduce your impact on the environment most?

Possible Answers:

throwing away old electronics

buying products on sale

buying a used car

riding a bike to school or work

Correct answer:

riding a bike to school or work

Explanation:

The answer is "riding a bike to school or work."

Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Most notably, human impacts have contributed to climate change. Scientists attribute the global warming trend observed since the mid-20th century to the human expansion of the "greenhouse effect" — warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space. Certain gases in the atmosphere block heat from escaping. Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect include: Water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The effects of this are difficult to predict but some effects are more certain:

-On average, Earth will become warmer. Some regions may welcome warmer temperatures, but others may not.
-Warmer conditions will probably lead to more evaporation and precipitation overall, but individual regions will vary, some becoming wetter and others dryer.
-A stronger greenhouse effect will warm the oceans and partially melt glaciers and other ice, increasing sea level. Ocean water also will expand if it warms, contributing further to sea level rise.
-Meanwhile, some crops and other plants may respond favorably to increased atmospheric CO2, growing more vigorously and using water more efficiently. At the same time, higher temperatures and shifting climate patterns may change the areas where crops grow best and affect the makeup of natural plant communities.

Not all human impacts are negative. Ways in which people positively affect ecosystems around the world include:
-Recycling
-Establishing wildlife preserves and parks
-Creating green, open space laws
-Doing reforestation
-Creating environmental regulations

Example Question #1 : Identify Human Impacts On The Environment

How does deforestation contribute to climate change?

Possible Answers:

increasing atmospheric N2

decreasing atmospheric CO2

increasing atmospheric CO2

decreasing atmospheric N2

Correct answer:

increasing atmospheric CO2

Explanation:

The answer is "increasing atmospheric CO2."

Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Most notably, human impacts have contributed to climate change. Scientists attribute the global warming trend observed since the mid-20th century to the human expansion of the "greenhouse effect" — warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space. Certain gases in the atmosphere block heat from escaping. Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect include: Water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The effects of this are difficult to predict but some effects are more certain:

-On average, Earth will become warmer. Some regions may welcome warmer temperatures, but others may not.
-Warmer conditions will probably lead to more evaporation and precipitation overall, but individual regions will vary, some becoming wetter and others dryer.
-A stronger greenhouse effect will warm the oceans and partially melt glaciers and other ice, increasing sea level. Ocean water also will expand if it warms, contributing further to sea level rise.
-Meanwhile, some crops and other plants may respond favorably to increased atmospheric CO2, growing more vigorously and using water more efficiently. At the same time, higher temperatures and shifting climate patterns may change the areas where crops grow best and affect the makeup of natural plant communities.

Not all human impacts are negative. Ways in which people positively affect ecosystems around the world include:
-Recycling
-Establishing wildlife preserves and parks
-Creating green, open space laws
-Doing reforestation
-Creating environmental regulations

Example Question #1 : Identify Human Impacts On The Environment

The release of which group of chemicals into the atmosphere, used in hairsprays and refrigerator coolant in the 80s, is now thought to have majorly contributed to the thinning of the ozone layer?

Possible Answers:

carbon dioxide

chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

carbon monoxide

hydrocarbons

Correct answer:

chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Explanation:

The answer is "chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)."

Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Most notably, human impacts have contributed to climate change. Scientists attribute the global warming trend observed since the mid-20th century to the human expansion of the "greenhouse effect" — warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space. Certain gases in the atmosphere block heat from escaping. Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect include: Water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The effects of this are difficult to predict but some effects are more certain:

-On average, Earth will become warmer. Some regions may welcome warmer temperatures, but others may not.
-Warmer conditions will probably lead to more evaporation and precipitation overall, but individual regions will vary, some becoming wetter and others dryer.
-A stronger greenhouse effect will warm the oceans and partially melt glaciers and other ice, increasing sea level. Ocean water also will expand if it warms, contributing further to sea level rise.
-Meanwhile, some crops and other plants may respond favorably to increased atmospheric CO2, growing more vigorously and using water more efficiently. At the same time, higher temperatures and shifting climate patterns may change the areas where crops grow best and affect the makeup of natural plant communities.

Not all human impacts are negative. Ways in which people positively affect ecosystems around the world include:
-Recycling
-Establishing wildlife preserves and parks
-Creating green, open space laws
-Doing reforestation
-Creating environmental regulations

Example Question #1 : Identify Human Impacts On The Environment

Which of the following human activities has the greatest impact on the environment?

Possible Answers:

fishing and hunting

surfing

going on hikes

driving cars

Correct answer:

driving cars

Explanation:

The answer is "driving cars."

Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Most notably, human impacts have contributed to climate change. Scientists attribute the global warming trend observed since the mid-20th century to the human expansion of the "greenhouse effect" — warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space. Certain gases in the atmosphere block heat from escaping. Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect include: Water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The effects of this are difficult to predict but some effects are more certain:

-On average, Earth will become warmer. Some regions may welcome warmer temperatures, but others may not.
-Warmer conditions will probably lead to more evaporation and precipitation overall, but individual regions will vary, some becoming wetter and others dryer.
-A stronger greenhouse effect will warm the oceans and partially melt glaciers and other ice, increasing sea level. Ocean water also will expand if it warms, contributing further to sea level rise.
-Meanwhile, some crops and other plants may respond favorably to increased atmospheric CO2, growing more vigorously and using water more efficiently. At the same time, higher temperatures and shifting climate patterns may change the areas where crops grow best and affect the makeup of natural plant communities.

Not all human impacts are negative. Ways in which people positively affect ecosystems around the world include:
-Recycling
-Establishing wildlife preserves and parks
-Creating green, open space laws
-Doing reforestation
-Creating environmental regulations

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