Test your basic knowledge |

DSST Environment And Humanity

Subjects : dsst, science
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. An extinct hominid species believed to have the same brain capacity as modern man and use many different weapons.






2. A greenhouse gas. Although it is a natural part of the carbon cycle - the atmospheric concentration of this gas has increased due to the burning of fossil fuels.






3. A UN conference held in Rio de Janeiro. The conference decided to protect biodiversity - reduce pollution emissions and greenhouse gasses - and promote sustainable development.






4. A forest found in temperate regions with warm summers - cool winters - and plenty of rainfall. These kinds of forests are characterized by evergreens and deciduous trees.






5. Species which serve key roles in an ecosystem. The absence of these important organisms is detrimental to the surrounding area.






6. The second atmospheric layer. The ozone layer is found here - increasing the temperature with altitude.






7. The process of surface water entering the soil. This ensures that plants have adequate access to water.






8. An act which called for the careful examination of new chemicals to ensure they are safe for their intended uses.






9. Organisms which produce their own food.






10. A forest characterized by clearly differentiated seasons - such as the trees loosing leaves in the fall and heavy snowfall in the winter.






11. Biomes with less than 10 inches of rain a year. Foliage is scarce in these areas - and remaining plants and animals work hard to conserve the little water they receive.






12. An act which required the EPA to set standards for drinking water.






13. The process of a substance passing directly from the solid phase to the gaseous phase - and vice versa.






14. Modern man.






15. All of the water found on earth.






16. An agency created to establish regulations concerning pollutants to protect humans and the environment.






17. Integrating rows of trees alongside crops to provide mulch and shade - retain water in the soil - and promote sustainable land use.






18. Animals which eat grass and roots.






19. Organisms which thrive in low nutrient environments and usually have slow growth rates.






20. A UN conference that addressed the growing population problem.






21. An act created to protect endangered and threatened species.






22. The oxification of ammonia by certain bacterium into nitrite and later into nitrates - which can then be used by plants.






23. An international protocol designed to stabilize global warming.






24. The process by which certain kinds of bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen gas into ammonia - a form accessible to living creatures.






25. An extinct hominid species believed to have long - ape-like arms; have a brain capacity half that of modern men; and use primitive tools.






26. Consumers which eat decomposing organic material.






27. Different species living in close contact with each other.






28. A transitional area between two different ecosystems.






29. A greenhouse gas which also plays a key role in regulating ozone levels.






30. An act which established and enforced acceptable levels of air pollution.






31. The process of a gas transforming into a liquid.






32. The middle atmospheric layer. Meteors burn up after entering this layer.






33. A type of symbiosis where one species benefit at the expense of the other.






34. A law designed to locate toxic waste sites - gauge their pollution level - and ensure these sites are taken care of properly.






35. A rainforest in the temperate zone which receives heavy rainfall.






36. The amount of variation among organisms living in a particular ecosystem. The loss of this key characteristic leads to a reduction in ecosystem efficiency and the ability of species to adapt to new situations.






37. Forests found in the northern regions of North America - Europe - and Asia characterized by freezing winters and warmer summers. These forests lie just below the tree line.






38. An extinct hominid species with near the same brain capacity as modern man believed to use fire and stone tools - live a hunter/gatherer lifestyle - and speak a language.






39. Political organizations not affiliated with the government which try to bring about social change.






40. Plants taking in nitrates from the soil.






41. The amount of pests needed before spraying pesticides is economical.






42. The conversion of nitrates into nitrogen gas.






43. Water found in estuaries. This water is a mixture of saltine ocean water and fresh water - usually from a river or stream.






44. All members of a species which live in the same area.






45. Grasslands with short - widely spaced trees and no canopy - allowing for an unbroken layer of grasses beneath.






46. A partially enclosed part of the ocean with rivers or streams flowing into it.






47. Evolution in one organism due to change in a related organism.






48. A shubland found primarily in the South-Western United States and Mexico. Fire plays a predominant role in the life-cycle of the plants in this area - the seeds of which will sprout only after a fire.






49. Consumers which eat both plants and animals.






50. A variety of species living together.