1.
Rainforests once covered 14% of the earth's land surface; now they cover ___%.
Correct Answer
B. 6%
Explanation
The correct answer is 6%. This indicates that the percentage of rainforests covering the earth's land surface has decreased from 14% to 6%. This suggests a significant loss of rainforest area over time, likely due to deforestation and human activities. It is concerning because rainforests are vital ecosystems that support a wide range of plant and animal species, provide oxygen, regulate climate, and offer various resources for indigenous communities and the global population.
2.
An elephant's trunk can hold ____ gallons of water.
Correct Answer
C. 2.5
Explanation
An elephant's trunk is a highly versatile and muscular organ that can hold a significant amount of water. The average capacity of an elephant's trunk is estimated to be around 2.5 gallons. This allows elephants to use their trunks for various purposes, including drinking, spraying water on their bodies to cool down, and even for sucking up water to spray on their young ones or other elephants as a form of social interaction. The large capacity of their trunks is essential for their survival in their natural habitats.
3.
It takes glass _________ years to decompose, which means it can be recycled an infinite amount of times.
Correct Answer
A. One million
Explanation
Glass takes one million years to decompose, which means it can be recycled an infinite amount of times. This is because glass is made of sand, soda ash, and limestone, which are all natural materials. When glass is recycled, it is crushed into small pieces called cullet, which can then be melted and molded into new products without losing its quality. This process can be repeated indefinitely, making glass a highly sustainable and recyclable material.
4.
___ percent of the Earth is covered in water.
Correct Answer
A. 71
Explanation
Approximately 71 percent of the Earth is covered in water. This is due to the presence of large oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers across the planet. The Earth's surface is predominantly composed of water bodies, making it a water-rich planet. This percentage reflects the vastness of the Earth's water resources compared to its landmass.
5.
How can you tell the age of a tree?
Correct Answer
B. The annual rings
Explanation
The age of a tree can be determined by observing its annual rings. Each year, a tree forms a new ring of growth, which can be seen by cutting through the trunk or examining a cross-section of the tree. By counting the number of rings, one can estimate the age of the tree. This method is widely used by scientists and researchers to study the age and growth patterns of trees.
6.
Paper products make up approximately ___ percent of our trash.
Correct Answer
B. 40
Explanation
Paper products, such as newspapers, magazines, and packaging materials, contribute significantly to our trash. They are commonly used and discarded, leading to a substantial amount of paper waste. The given answer, 40 percent, suggests that paper products make up a significant portion of our trash, highlighting the importance of recycling and reducing paper consumption to minimize waste and environmental impact.
7.
A male moose is called a "bull" and a female moose is called a "___."
Correct Answer
A. Cow
Explanation
The correct answer is "cow" because in the context of moose, a female moose is commonly referred to as a cow. This naming convention is similar to other large mammals, where the female is often called a cow.
8.
The world's highest waterfall is ______.
Correct Answer
C. Angel Falls in Venezuela
Explanation
Angel Falls in Venezuela is the correct answer because it holds the title for the highest waterfall in the world. It has a total height of 979 meters (3,212 feet) and is located in the Canaima National Park in Venezuela. The waterfall is named after Jimmy Angel, a US aviator who was the first to fly over the falls in 1933. Its impressive height and stunning natural beauty make it a popular tourist attraction.
9.
Which of the following animal migrates from Canada to Mexico and back?
Correct Answer
A. Monarch butterfly
Explanation
The correct answer is monarch butterfly. Monarch butterflies are known for their long-distance migration, traveling from Canada to Mexico and back. They undertake this journey to escape the harsh winters and find suitable breeding grounds. This migration is an incredible feat, as the butterflies cover thousands of miles, guided by their internal compass and the position of the sun. The monarch butterfly's migration is a fascinating phenomenon and showcases the remarkable abilities of these delicate creatures.
10.
Which of the following animals are extinct?
Correct Answer
B. Emu
Explanation
The emu is not extinct. Both the manatee and the rhinoceros are not mentioned in the options, so it is not clear whether they are extinct or not. Therefore, the correct answer is emu.
11.
The "World Water Day" is on ______.
Correct Answer
B. March 22
Explanation
World Water Day is observed on March 22nd. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of water resources. It serves as a reminder of the global water crisis and the need for everyone to take action in order to ensure access to clean water for all.
12.
If the entire Arctic sheet is melted, the sea level would rise by ____.
Correct Answer
A. 67 m
Explanation
If the entire Arctic sheet is melted, the sea level would rise by 67 m. This is because the Arctic sheet contains a large amount of ice, and when it melts, the water from the ice would flow into the oceans, causing the sea level to rise. The melting of the Arctic sheet is a significant concern due to climate change and global warming, as it can have severe consequences for coastal areas and low-lying islands.
13.
Which of the following issues are examples of human rights?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
All of the options listed (slavery, children's rights, and refugees) are examples of human rights issues. Slavery involves the violation of individuals' basic rights and freedoms, children's rights focus on ensuring the well-being and protection of children, and refugees face challenges in accessing their rights due to displacement and seeking asylum. Therefore, all three issues are examples of human rights concerns.