Question 1

Which of the following best describes the Greenhouse Effect?

Accepted Answer

The ability of the Earth's atmosphere to hold heat, making life possible, but potentially dangerous if intensified.

Question 2

What percentage of the sun’s energy is reflected back into our atmosphere?

Accepted Answer

About 30%

Question 3

Which of the following gases is NOT a significant greenhouse gas contributing to climate change?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen

Question 4

Which of the following is a positive feedback loop that accelerates climate change?

Accepted Answer

Arctic sea ice melting, reducing Earth's albedo and increasing warming

Question 5

What is the current approximate concentration of atmospheric CO$$_2$$?

Accepted Answer

$$426\ \mathrm{ppm}$$

Question 6

Which of the following is a major source of anthropogenic (human-caused) CO$$_2$$ emissions?

Accepted Answer

Burning of fossil fuels for electricity and transportation

Question 7

Why is methane (CH$$_4) $$considered a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide (CO$$_2$$)?

Accepted Answer

Methane absorbs and emits infrared radiation more effectively, trapping more heat per molecule.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of phenology?

Accepted Answer

All of the above.

Question 9

How do scientists determine past atmospheric CO$$_2$$ concentrations?

Accepted Answer

By analyzing air bubbles trapped in ice cores.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about the Anthropocene is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is a proposed epoch marked by significant human impact on Earth's geology and ecosystems.

Question 11

Which of the following is a direct impact of deforestation on the carbon cycle?

Accepted Answer

Reduced carbon sequestration and increased atmospheric CO$$_2$$ due to burning and decay of trees.

Question 12

Which greenhouse gas is responsible for the largest share of human-caused global warming?

Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide (CO$$_2)$$

Question 13

What is the main reason why water vapor is considered a powerful greenhouse gas?

Accepted Answer

It amplifies warming through a positive feedback loop as higher temperatures increase evaporation.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a natural cause of climate variation?

Accepted Answer

Deforestation

Question 15

Which of the following is a likely impact of climate change on forests?

Accepted Answer

Greater prevalence of insects and disease

Question 16

If the Earth's albedo decreases due to melting ice, what is the expected effect on global temperature?

Accepted Answer

Global temperature will increase as more sunlight is absorbed by the Earth's surface.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why nitrous oxide (N$$_2O) is a $$concern for climate change?

Accepted Answer

It has a global warming potential 265–310 times greater than CO$$_2.$$

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a mitigation strategy for climate change?

Accepted Answer

Switching to renewable energy sources like wind and solar power

Question 19

Which of the following is a consequence of climate change for aquatic ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Fewer coldwater fish species and increased disease incidence

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the relationship between CO$$_2$$ concentration and global average surface temperature over the past century?

Accepted Answer

CO$$_2$$ concentration and global temperature have both increased significantly.

Climate Change: Mechanisms, Evidence, and Biological Impacts

Study Guide - Practice Questions