Question 1

For what purpose were the waters of the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers,both of which supply the Aral Sea,diverted?

Accepted Answer

The waters of the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers were diverted for farmland irrigation in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan. This has caused the Aral Sea to drastically shrink in size and disrupted its ecosystem.

Question 2

The world's worst nuclear disaster took place in __________.

Accepted Answer

The world's worst nuclear disaster took place in Chernobyl, Ukraine in 1986 when a reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded and released a large amount of radioactive material into the environment.

Question 3

According to the text,all of the following are nonpoint sources of pollution EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the text,all of the following...

Question 4

Which of the following is the best summary of Soviet ideology's approach to the environment?

Accepted Answer

Soviet ideology viewed nature as a resource to be exploited for the benefit of industry and agriculture. The environment was seen as a servant to the progress of these sectors, rather than something to be preserved or lived in harmony with. The government encouraged the transformation of wilderness into productive land, which often involved destructive practices like clear-cutting forests and draining wetlands. Pollution was also a major problem, as industrialization led to rampant emissions and contamination of waterways. Therefore, the best summary is C - Nature is the servant of industrial and agricultural progress.

Question 5

In Central Asia,east of the Caucasus Mountains,the climate is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Central Asia, east of the Caucasus Mountains, is known for its arid or semiarid desert climate, with low rainfall and high temperatures.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a nonpoint source of pollution?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear waste is a point source of pollution as it comes from a specific location (nuclear power plant or research facility) and is therefore easier to trace back to its source. Raw sewage, untreated automobile exhaust, and agricultural chemicals drained into urban water supplies are all examples of nonpoint sources of pollution as they come from multiple sources and are often difficult to pinpoint.

Question 7

In Uzbekistan,south of the Aral Sea,residents report chronic illnesses caused by all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The article mentions chronic illnesses caused by polluted drinking water, air pollution, and inadequate sanitation, but does not mention food poisoning as a cause of chronic illnesses.

Question 8

In which country in the region did the Soviet military set off nuclear test explosions?

Accepted Answer

The Soviet military conducted nuclear test explosions in Kazakhstan.

Question 9

Once the fourth-largest lake in the world,the landlocked Aral Sea had lost __________ percent of its volume as of 2001.

Accepted Answer

According to the statement, the Aral Sea had lost a significant amount of its volume, meaning it had decreased in size. The options show percentages, and the highest percentage of decrease is 75%, which would mean the Aral Sea had lost three-quarters of its original volume. Therefore, the correct choice is D.

Question 10

Which of the following is considered one of the world's most polluted cities?

Accepted Answer

Dzerzhinsk is considered one of the world's most polluted cities due to its chemical industry and military history.

Question 11

An area in which only lichen and moss can grow is referred to as __________.

Accepted Answer

A tundra is a biome characterized by cold temperatures, low-growing vegetation, and permafrost. The harsh conditions only allow for the growth of lichens and mosses, making option B the correct answer. Steppe and savanna are grassland biomes, and permafrost is frozen soil found in polar regions.

Question 12

The environmental and climatic changes wrought by the diversion of water from the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers are reflected in which of the following phenomena?

Accepted Answer

The diversion of water from the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers has led to the shrinkage of the Aral Sea, which has had significant environmental and climatic effects on the surrounding region.

Question 13

The body of water once fed by the Amu Darya and Syr Darya Rivers,and now only a fraction of its original size,is the:

Accepted Answer

The Aral Sea was once one of the four largest lakes in the world, fed by two major rivers the Amu Darya and Syr Darya. However, due to human activities such as diverting water for irrigation, the sea has shrunk to a fraction of its original size.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a resource that Russia has in abundance?

Accepted Answer

Russia does not have abundant reserves of silver and gold. While there are some gold and silver deposits in Russia, they are not as extensive as other resources like iron ore, coal, nickel, and forests.

Question 15

A Russian city with particularly strong mineral wealth is:

Accepted Answer

Norilsk is a city in Russia that is famous for its mineral wealth, particularly in nickel, copper, and palladium. It is one of the world's largest producers of these minerals and has a significant impact on the global market. Therefore, the best choice is A.

Question 16

Which two plates meet close to the eastern border of Russia?

Accepted Answer

The Eurasian Plate and the Pacific Plate meet close to the eastern border of Russia, specifically in the Kamchatka Peninsula. This area is known for its active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes caused by the collision of these plates.

Question 17

Cotton production now makes up __________ percent of Uzbekistan's exports:

Accepted Answer

Cotton production now accounts for approximately 11 percent of Uzbekistan's exports, reflecting a diversification in the country's export economy beyond its historical reliance on cotton.

Question 18

Which area is home to some of the world's largest reserves of oil and natural gas?

Accepted Answer

The West Siberian Plain is one of the largest oil and gas producing regions in the world, with significant reserves of both resources.

Question 19

Wandering people who live on the meat and milk provided by their herds of sheep,horses,and grazing animals are known as:

Accepted Answer

Nomadic pastoralists are people who migrate seasonally with their animals, relying on them for sustenance through the products they provide, such as meat and milk. Hunter/gatherers typically rely on hunting and gathering for their food, while urbanistes refer to those who live in or are associated with urban areas. Gypsies typically refer to a specific ethnic group with a distinct culture and history, rather than a general way of life or occupation.

Question 20

The Chernobyl nuclear plant was located in:

Accepted Answer

The Chernobyl nuclear plant was located in Ukraine.

Quiz 5: Russia and the Post-Soviet States