How has the Earth changed over the past 200 years?
Changed rapidly due population growth, changes in transportation, advancements in technology and new sources of energy experimentation.
What is one way scientists are trying to increase the food supply?
Genetic engineering, where they transfer genes from one organism to another to improve characteristics such as strength, health, or size.
What are some new ways scientists are exploring to power cars and other vehicles?
Scientists are exploring new ways to power cars and other vehicles, such as using batteries, solar power, and fuel cells.
What are two alternative sources of energy mentioned in the reading?
nuclear power and solar power.
How many people are born and how many people die every second?
4.2 people are born and 1.8 people die every second.
How are fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides commonly used for in agriculture?
Fertilizers are used to add nutrients to the soil to help plants grow. Herbicides are used to kill weeds, while pesticides are used to kill insects and other organisms that harm plants.
What is one advantage of using electricity as a source of energy for cars?
One advantage of using electricity as a source of energy for cars is that it is a relatively clean energy source, benefiting the environment.
What are some safety considerations associated with nuclear power?
must be handled carefully to prevent accidents that could have long-lasting negative effects on living things.
Strict safety regulations are in place at nuclear power stations to ensure proper handling.
Improper disposal of radioactive materials from nuclear plants can be dangerous for a very long time.
What factors contributed to population growth on Earth?
improvements in medicine, agriculture, living conditions.
What are some potential concerns with genetic engineering?
mistakes in altering the characteristics of a plant or animal and uncertainty about the potential effects of genetically engineered organisms on other living things
How does electric car combine electricity and gasoline for power?
It has a small battery that can be recharged by the car's gasoline engine while driving. This combination allows the car to use both electric and gasoline power efficiently.
How do solar power stations generate electricity?
Solar power stations use large mirrors to collect and focus sunlight on a container of water, causing it to boil.
The resulting steam powers machines that generate electricity.
What are some of the resources that are in high demand due to population growth?
food, water, and fossil fuels
How can chemicals used in farming impact the environment if not used properly?
they can harm the environment. They may kill beneficial insects, harm animals that consume poisoned insects, and contribute to chemical pollution in water bodies through runoff.
What is the difference between solar-powered cars and hydrogen-powered cars?
Solar-powered cars use solar cells to convert energy from the sun into electricity, which powers the car.
Hydrogen-powered cars use fuel cells that combine hydrogen and oxygen gases to produce electricity, providing power for the car.
What are wind farms and how do they generate electricity?
Wind farms are large areas of land, usually on windy spots, where groups of modern windmills operate.
The wind turns the windmill blades, which generate electricity.
Why is it important for people of Earth to make careful choices regarding the environment and resources?
Increasing the demand for limited natural resources. If resources are used up too quickly, it can lead to environmental degradation and scarcity.
What are some alternative methods that farmers are using to control insects and reduce chemical use?
introducing natural enemies of pests into fields where crops are growing. This helps reduce reliance on chemicals and promote more environmentally friendly pest control.
What are some ways individuals can contribute to preserving natural resources?
To contribute to preserving natural resources, individuals can make choices that reduce energy consumption, such as riding a bicycle instead of driving a car or recycling to save energy and resources.
What are some changes architects and engineers are making in building design to save energy?
Architects and engineers are designing environmentally friendly buildings that use sunlight and ventilation to efficiently heat and cool the building.
These buildings aim to reduce energy waste by utilizing natural resources effectively.