Sustainability Vocab
Name a non-renewable resource
Answers could include;
- Fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas, crude oil, etc.)
- Uranium
Half points if you said timber.
What is the main source of energy that heats Earth's surface?
The Sun
Name an Invasive Species
Answers could include;
- Cane toad
- Fox
- Rabbit
- Domestic Cat
Name one human activity that contributes to the enhanced greenhouse effect.
Burning fossil fuels, deforestation or agriculture.
The independent variable in an investigation is the variable that is;
a) Measured by the investigator
b) Intentionally changed by the investigator
c) Kept the same by the investigator
b) Intentionally changed by the investigator
a) What is a renewable resource?
b) Name one example of a renewable resource.
[100 points for each Q]
a) A resource that is naturally replenished within a human lifespan.
b) Answers could include; wind, sunlight, water, etc.
Name one example of a Greenhouse Gas
Answers could include;
Carbon Dioxide
Methane
Water Vapour
Nitrous Oxide
Which of the following is NOT one of the three levels of biodiversity?
A) Genetic diversity (within species)
B) Species diversity (between species)
C) Ecosystem diversity
D) Climate diversity
D) Climate diversity
Name one human activity that directly threatens biodiversity.
Land clearing, pollution, overfishing or introducing invasive species.
Students investigate how water temperature affects the time taken for sugar to dissolve. Identify the independent and dependent variables.
[100 points for IV; 100 points for DV]
Independent- Water Temperature
Dependent- Time taken to dissolve
What is the difference between Weather and Climate?
Weather is the short-term state of the atmosphere, while climate is the long-term average of those conditions.
What type of radiation is absorbed and emitted by greenhouse gases?
Infrared Radiation
(Half points for heat)
What is the difference between an endangered species and an extinct species?
Endangered species are at very high risk of extinction; extinct species have no living individuals remaining.
A town has stopped using coal-powered power plants and started using solar energy.
Name ONE advantage of this [150 points]
Name ONE disadvantage of this [150 points]
Advantages (150 points):
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
Renewable energy source
Reduces air pollution
Reduces reliance on fossil fuels
Lower ongoing operating costs
Disadvantages (150 points):
Doesn't generate electricity at night
Less effective during cloudy weather
High initial installation costs
May require expensive battery storage
Large solar farms can destroy habitats
Manufacturing panels requires mining resources
In an experiment, what is the hypothesis?
Educated prediction
What does the term conservation mean?
Protecting and carefully managing natural environments and resources.
What is the difference between the natural and enhanced greenhouse effect?
The natural effect keeps Earth warm enough for life; the enhanced effect is additional warming caused by increased greenhouse gas concentrations.
Name FOUR problems caused by cane toads in Australia. (100 points per correct response)
Poisoning native predators- Cane toads contain toxins that can kill native animals- when they attempt to eat them.
Competing with native species- Cane toads compete with native frogs and other animals for food and habitat.
Reducing biodiversity- They can cause declines in native animal populations, disrupting ecosystems.
Disrupting food webs- Declines in native predators can affect the populations of other organisms.
Preying on native wildlife- Cane toads eat insects and other small animals, potentially reducing their populations.
Name two ways individuals can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
[200 points each correct answer]
Answers could include;
- Using renewable electricity
- Using energy efficient appliances
- Reducing car travel (ie. taking the bus)
- Use electric vehicles
- Conserve water (half flush toilets, low flow shower heads, etc.)
In an experiment measuring how the amount of sunlight affects the height that plants grow, name FOUR things that should be controlled in the investigation to keep it a fair/valid test.
Possible answers:
Same species of plant
Same amount of water
Same type and amount of soil
Same amount of fertiliser
Same size of pot
Same starting height/age of plants
Same temperature
Same growing period (number of days)
Why is a product labelled 'biodegradable' not necessarily environmentally sustainable?
Answers could include;
- It may still require significant resources to produce it
- Its production might cause GHG emissions or pollution
- It might only break down under particular conditions.
Explain why deforestation contributes to the enhanced greenhouse effect.
[Hint- it involves photosynthesis]
Fewer trees means less carbon dioxide is removed by photosynthesis; clearing or burning trees can also release stored carbon.
Explain how the removal of a top predator from an ecosystem could affect other populations in a food web.
Prey populations may increase, potentially placing greater pressure on plants or smaller organisms and disrupting ecosystem balance.
Livestock/cows release which greenhouse gas?
Methane (CH4)
A student investigates how the amount of salt added to liquid affects the time it takes for the water to boil in a container.
Identify the following (100 points each):
Independent variable
Dependent variable
THREE controlled variables
Answers:
IV: Amount of salt added
DV: Time taken for liquid to boil
Controls: Volume of liquid, type of liquid, starting liquid temperature, heat source/power setting, type of salt, size of container, same thermometer