Environmental Science | Sustainability

Question 1

What is urbanization?

Answer 1

When an area’s population becomes concentrated in cities.

Question 2

Name three types of land use in cities.

Answer 2

Residential, commercial, industrial.

Question 3

What is Euclidean zoning?

Answer 3

Separating land use by type (e.g., residential vs. industrial).

Question 4

How did agriculture contribute to urbanization?

Answer 4

Steady food supply allowed people to focus on trades instead of farming.

Question 5

What is sustainability?

Answer 5

Meeting present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs.

Question 6

Name one benefit of trees.

Answer 6

Absorbing air pollutants.

Question 7

What is deforestation primarily caused by?

Answer 7

Agriculture (80% of cases).

Question 8

What is reforestation?

Answer 8

Planting new trees to replace lost forests.

Question 9

Name one sustainable agriculture practice.

Answer 9

Crop rotation.

Question 10

What is vertical farming?

Answer 10

Growing crops in stacked layers indoors to save space.

Question 11

What are two downsides of Euclidean zoning?

Answer 11

Traffic congestion and pollution.

Question 12

How do cities affect biodiversity?

Answer 12

They cause habitat loss and fragmentation.

Question 13

What are the “Three E’s” of sustainability?

Answer 13

Environment, Economy, Equity.

Question 14

How does deforestation contribute to climate change?

Answer 14

Releases stored carbon and reduces CO₂ absorption.

Question 15

What is a wildlife corridor?

Answer 15

A pathway connecting forest patches to prevent habitat fragmentation.

Question 16

What was the Green Revolution?

Answer 16

Agricultural advancements (e.g., disease-resistant crops) that increased yields.

Question 17

How does organic farming reduce runoff?

Answer 17

Manure releases nutrients slowly, unlike synthetic fertilizers.

Question 18

What is a push factor for urban migration?

Answer 18

Climate change destroying rural livelihoods.

Question 19

Why is tree diversity important in reforestation?

Answer 19

Supports more species and ecosystem resilience.

Question 20

How does vertical farming save water?

Answer 20

Water is recycled in closed systems.

Question 21

Explain how agriculture led to specialized trades.

Answer 21

Surplus food freed people from farming, allowing them to develop other skills.

Question 22

Why is habitat fragmentation harmful?

Answer 22

Isolates species, reducing genetic diversity and ecosystem health.

Question 23

Compare the environmental impacts of organic vs. traditional farming.

Answer 23

Organic uses less energy but requires more land; traditional may use more chemicals.

Question 24

How do biosolids challenge organic farming’s sustainability?

Answer 24

They’re banned in organic farming but could recycle nutrients.

Question 25

Analyze the trade-offs of urban energy efficiency vs. heat islands.

Answer 25

Cities use less energy per capita but create heat islands from paved surfaces.

Question 26

Why is planting trees in "holes" better for reforestation?

Answer 26

Preserves core habitat, maximizing biodiversity.

Question 27

How did Norman Borlaug solve wheat lodging?

Answer 27

Bred shorter, sturdier wheat varieties.

Question 28

What are two ways cities can sustainably expand?

Answer 28

Vertical forests (like Sydney’s) and green infrastructure.

Question 29

How does contour farming reduce fuel use?

Answer 29

Aligns crops with land slopes, minimizing machinery effort.

Question 30

Why might organic food have higher food poisoning risks?

Answer 30

Avoids synthetic pesticides but may use manure with pathogens.

Question 31

Define "mixed-use" zoning.

Answer 31

Combines residential, commercial, and/or industrial in one area.

Question 32

What is a heat island?

Answer 32

Urban area significantly warmer than surroundings due to human activity.

Question 33

How does strip cropping prevent soil erosion?

Answer 33

Alternating crops slows water runoff.

Question 34

Why is equity part of sustainability?

Answer 34

Ensures fair resource distribution for social stability.

Question 35

What is the "land footprint" of a city?

Answer 35

Area needed to support it (e.g., 200x the city size for resources).

Question 36

How do trees combat climate change?

Answer 36

Absorb CO₂ and store carbon.

Question 37

What is a pull factor for urban migration?

Answer 37

Job opportunities or education.

Question 38

Why is clear-cutting harmful?

Answer 38

Destroys entire ecosystems at once.

Question 39

How do drones improve traditional farming?

Answer 39

Precision application of water/fertilizer reduces waste.

Question 40

What is lodging in agriculture?

Answer 40

Crops falling over due to heavy yields.

Question 41

How does cover cropping filter water?

Answer 41

Roots trap pollutants and prevent runoff.

Question 42

Why is soil health critical for sustainability?

Answer 42

Healthy soil supports crops long-term without degradation.

Question 43

What is the role of ports in urbanization?

Answer 43

Facilitate trade, enabling economic growth.

Question 44

How does urban runoff pollute water?

Answer 44

Impervious surfaces carry oil, trash, and chemicals into waterways.

Question 45

Why is synthetic fertilizer energy-intensive?

Answer 45

Requires fossil fuels for production (Haber process).

Question 46

What is the core principle of the Green Revolution?

Answer 46

High-yield, disease-resistant crops to prevent famine.

Question 47

How does livestock rotation aid sustainability?

Answer 47

Prevents overgrazing and allows pasture recovery.

Question 48

Why are LEDs key to vertical farming?

Answer 48

Energy-efficient lighting reduces costs.

Question 49

What is the equity challenge in urban growth?

Answer 49

Displacement of low-income residents due to rising costs.

Question 50

How does Sydney’s vertical forest improve air quality?

Answer 50

Plants absorb pollutants and produce oxygen.