Question 1

Biodiversity is concerned with the sustainability of living organisms on the planet.

Accepted Answer

Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth and the interactions between different living organisms. It is crucial for the sustainability of living organisms on the planet, including humans.

Question 2

In Canada, radioactive waste has been produced since the early 1930s.

Accepted Answer

Radioactive waste has been produced in Canada since the early 1930s. This waste includes material from uranium mining and nuclear power generation, as well as medical and industrial sources. Canada has established regulations and programs to manage and dispose of this waste safely.

Question 3

The World Health Organization estimates that 5500 children die each day from diseases linked to polluted water, air, and food.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true according to the World Health Organization.

Question 4

Most of the world's energy-86 percent, in 2003-comes from fossil fuels.

Accepted Answer

According to the International Energy Agency's 2003 data, 86 percent of the world's energy comes from fossil fuels.

Question 5

In developing nations, as much as 80 percent of untreated sewage is dumped directly back into water sources used for drinking and bathing.

Accepted Answer

This is a common issue in developing countries where proper wastewater treatment infrastructure may not be in place. As a result, untreated sewage is often discharged directly into nearby rivers, lakes, or oceans, which can cause water pollution and health problems for local communities.

Question 6

Cancer, the number one childhood illness in the United States, is linked to air pollution.

Accepted Answer

The number one childhood illness in the United States is not cancer; it is actually asthma. While air pollution can contribute to various health issues, including respiratory problems and potentially increasing the risk of certain cancers, asthma is more commonly cited as a leading chronic illness among children in the U.S.

Question 7

The most common victims of environmental injustice are the disadvantaged.

Accepted Answer

Environmental injustice often affects marginalized communities, who may have less resources and political power to fight against the negative impacts of pollution and resource depletion. This includes low-income communities, communities of color, and Indigenous communities. Thus, the most common victims of environmental injustice are the disadvantaged.

Question 8

Desertification is the degradation of semi-arid land.

Accepted Answer

Desertification refers to the process by which semi-arid land becomes more desert-like due to a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors such as climate change, deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable agriculture practices. This leads to a decline in soil fertility, loss of biodiversity, and reduced productivity of the land.

Question 9

Desertification involves the expansion of desert land.

Accepted Answer

Desertification refers to the process by which previously fertile land becomes desert or desert-like as a result of climate change or human activities, such as overgrazing, deforestation, and intensive agriculture. This results in the expansion of desert lands, which can have devastating impacts on local ecosystems, human communities, and the global climate.

Question 10

The world's population tripled from 1960 to 1999.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The world's population tripled from 1960 to...

Question 11

Bioinvasion usually occurs and as a result of displacement.

Accepted Answer

Bioinvasion, the introduction of species into new environments, often leads to displacement of native species due to competition, predation, or disease, altering the local ecosystem.

Question 12

Biologists indicate that at least half of the 1.9 million species alive today will become extinct over the next few centuries.

Accepted Answer

Biologists have predicted that around 50% of the 1.9 million species on earth today will become extinct in the near future due to various factors such as habitat loss, climate change, and human activities.

Question 13

Many common pesticides are considered potential carcinogens and neurotoxins.

Accepted Answer

Many studies have linked exposure to certain pesticides with increased rates of cancer and damage to the nervous system. While not all pesticides have been shown to be carcinogenic or neurotoxic, many commonly used ones have been identified as potential health hazards.

Question 14

Minority communities are disproportionately affected by industrial toxins, contaminated air and drinking water, and the location of hazardous waste treatment and storage facilities.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Studies have shown that minority communities, particularly low-income neighborhoods, are more likely to be located near hazardous waste facilities and experience higher levels of exposure to environmental toxins. This can lead to negative health outcomes and environmental injustice.

Question 15

Planned obsolescence is much more common today.

Accepted Answer

With advancements in technology and the constant need for companies to introduce new products to stay competitive, planned obsolescence has become a common practice in many industries.

Question 16

Deforestation contributes to desertification.

Accepted Answer

Deforestation leads to soil erosion and loss of vegetation which can result in desertification.

Question 17

Artificial light is major contributor to light pollution.

Accepted Answer

Artificial light from sources such as streetlights, buildings, and outdoor lighting fixtures is a major contributor to light pollution. This can have negative impacts on wildlife, human health, and the ability to observe the stars at night.

Question 18

Pollution in the Far North is so concentrated that the food supply is contaminated, and new mothers fear the dangers of breastfeeding their infants.

Accepted Answer

Pollution in the Far North is a real issue, and it has led to contamination of the food supply. The high concentration of pollutants in the environment, particularly heavy metals, PCBs, and other toxic substances, has resulted in the accumulation of these substances in the bodies of animals, including fish and marine mammals, that are relied upon as a primary source of food by Indigenous communities living in the region. As a result, new mothers are advised to be cautious about consuming certain types of fish and other wildlife and may choose to avoid or limit breastfeeding to reduce their infants' exposure to harmful pollutants.

Question 19

Each person's environmental footprint is determined by the patterns of production and consumption in that person's culture.

Accepted Answer

Environmental footprint is influenced by various factors such as personal choices, societal norms, and cultural practices. Patterns of production and consumption, which are determined by the culture of a person, play a significant role in shaping individual's environmental impact. Thus, the given statement is true.

Question 20

The ozone hole above Antarctica spanned a record 5 million square miles in 2003, exposing the southern tip of South America.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The ozone hole above Antarctica spanned a...

Quiz 13: Environmental Problems