Earth Day Quiz 2023: Important GK Questions and Answers on Earth Nature

Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22nd, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainability. It serves as a reminder of our responsibility to protect the planet and its natural resources. This Earth Day, let’s test our knowledge of our home planet with a quiz that covers a wide range of topics related to Earth and nature.

This quiz is not only a fun way to celebrate Earth Day but also an educational tool to help you understand the importance of environmental conservation and the various challenges our planet faces. So, let’s dive into this Earth Day Quiz and discover how much you know about the amazing world we live in!

Earth Day 2023 – GK Questions and Answers on Earth Nature

Question 1: What is the estimated age of the Earth?

4. 4.5 billion years
5. 1 million years
6. 10,000 years
7. 500 million years

Answer: A. 4.5 billion years

Explanation: The Earth is estimated to be approximately 4.5 billion years old, making it one of the oldest celestial bodies in the solar system.

Question 2: Which gas makes up the majority of Earth’s atmosphere?

1. Oxygen
2. Nitrogen
3. Carbon dioxide
4. Hydrogen

Answer: B. Nitrogen

Explanation: Nitrogen comprises about 78% of Earth’s atmosphere, while oxygen makes up approximately 21%.

Question 3: What is the process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen?

1. Photosynthesis
2. Respiration
3. Combustion
4. Erosion

Answer: A. Photosynthesis

Explanation: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants and some microorganisms convert sunlight into energy, producing glucose and releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

Question 4: What is the largest ocean on Earth?

1. Atlantic Ocean
2. Indian Ocean
3. Arctic Ocean
4. Pacific Ocean

Answer: D. Pacific Ocean

Explanation: The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest ocean on Earth, covering more than 60 million square miles.

Question 5: Which continent is often referred to as the “roof of the world” due to its high elevation?

1. Africa
2. South America
3. Asia
4. Antarctica

Answer: C. Asia

Explanation: Asia is often referred to as the “roof of the world” because it is home to the world’s highest mountain ranges, including the Himalayas.

Question 6: Which natural disaster occurs when there is a sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust, resulting in seismic waves?

1. Hurricane
2. Tornado
3. Earthquake
4. Volcano eruption

Answer: C. Earthquake

Explanation: Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust, leading to seismic waves and ground shaking.

Question 7: What is the term for the gradual increase in the Earth’s average temperature due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

1. Ozone depletion
2. Global cooling
3. Climate change
4. Acid rain

Answer: C. Climate change

Explanation: Climate change refers to the long-term alteration of Earth’s climate, including a gradual increase in average temperatures, largely attributed to the buildup of greenhouse gases

Question 8: Which rainforest is often called the “lungs of the Earth” because of its significant role in producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide?

1. Amazon Rainforest
2. Congo Rainforest
3. Borneo Rainforest
4. Australian Rainforest

Answer: A. Amazon Rainforest

Explanation: The Amazon Rainforest, located in South America, is often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth” due to its vital role in oxygen production and carbon dioxide absorption.

Question 9: What is the term for the process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically due to deforestation and poor land management?

1. Desertification
2. Erosion
3. Deforestation
4. Fertilization

Answer: A. Desertification

Explanation: Desertification is the process by which previously fertile land becomes desert or arid due to various factors, including deforestation and poor land management practices.

Question 10: What is the primary greenhouse gas responsible for the enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming?

1. Methane
2. Carbon dioxide
3. Ozone
4. Water vapor

Answer: B. Carbon dioxide

Explanation: Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas responsible for the enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming, though other gases like methane also play a significant role.

Question 11: Which of the following is NOT a renewable source of energy?

1. Solar power
2. Wind power
3. Fossil fuels
4. Hydroelectric power

Answer: C. Fossil fuels

Explanation: Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are non-renewable sources of energy, while solar, wind, and hydroelectric power are renewable.

Question 12: What is the term for the variety of life on Earth, including the diversity of species, ecosystems, and genetic variations?

1. Biodiversity
2. Biodegradation
3. Bioaccumulation
4. Biogenesis

Answer: A. Biodiversity

Explanation: Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing the diversity of species, ecosystems, and genetic variations.

Question 13: Which international agreement aims to address the issue of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions?

1. Kyoto Protocol
2. Paris Agreement
3. Copenhagen Accord
4. Rio Declaration

Answer: B. Paris Agreement

Explanation: The Paris Agreement is an international treaty aimed at addressing climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming.

Question 14:What is the name of the layer of ozone high in the Earth’s atmosphere that helps protect us from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun?

1. Stratosphere
2. Troposphere
3. Mesosphere
4. Exosphere

Answer: A. Stratosphere

Explanation: The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere and plays a crucial role in protecting the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Question 15: What is the term for the process by which an ecosystem gradually changes and develops over time?

1. Ecological succession
2. Environmental degradation
3. Habitat loss
4. Soil erosion

Answer: A. Ecological succession

Explanation: Ecological succession is the process by which an ecosystem gradually changes and develops over time, typically following a disturbance or environmental change.

Question 16:What is the largest land mammal on Earth?

1. African elephant
2. Polar bear
3. Giraffe
4. Hippopotamus

Answer: A. African elephant

Explanation: The African elephant is the largest land mammal on Earth, known for its impressive size and strength.

Question 17: Which planet in our solar system is often referred to as the “Red Planet”?

1. Venus
2. Earth
3. Mars
4. Jupiter

Answer: C. Mars

Explanation: Mars is often referred to as the “Red Planet” due to its reddish appearance, caused by iron oxide (rust) on its surface.

Question 18:What is the term for the gradual melting of glaciers and polar ice caps, leading to rising sea levels?

1. Ocean acidification
2. Ice Cap depletion
3. Sea level rise
4. Glacier retreat

Answer: C. Sea level rise

Explanation: Sea level rise is the result of the gradual melting of glaciers and polar ice caps, contributing to the increase in global sea levels.

Question 19:Which of the following is a keystone species in marine ecosystems, known for its role in maintaining the health of coral reefs?

1. Clownfish
2. Sea turtle
3. Seagull
4. Parrotfish

Answer: D. Parrotfish

Explanation: Parrotfish are keystone species in marine ecosystems, as they play a vital role in maintaining the health of coral reefs by grazing on algae that can smother corals.

Question 20:What is the name of the process by which a plant’s leaves and stems lose water through small openings to the atmosphere?

1. Transpiration
2. Respiration
3. Photosynthesis
4. Germination

Answer: A. Transpiration

Explanation: Transpiration is the process by which plants lose water through small openings (stomata) in their leaves and stems, helping to transport water and nutrients throughout the plant.

Question 21:What is the term for the process of soil and rock particles being carried away by wind or water?

1. Deforestation
2. Desertification
3. Soil erosion
4. Fertilization

Answer: C. Soil erosion

Explanation: Soil erosion is the process by which soil and rock particles are carried away by wind or water, often leading to land degradation.

Question 22:Which famous naturalist and biologist wrote the groundbreaking book “Silent Spring,” which played a pivotal role in the modern environmental movement?

1. Charles Darwin
2. Rachel Carson
3. David Attenborough
4. Jane Goodall

Answer: B. Rachel Carson

Explanation: Rachel Carson authored the book “Silent Spring,” which shed light on the dangers of pesticides and their impact on the environment, helping to catalyze the modern environmental movement.

Question 23: What is the largest coral reef system in the world, known for its stunning biodiversity and located in the Coral Sea off the coast of Australia?

1. Florida Keys Reef
2. Great Barrier Reef
3. Red Sea Coral Reef
4. Maldives Coral Reef

Answer: B. Great Barrier Reef

Explanation: The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Australia, is the largest coral reef system in the world and renowned for its remarkable biodiversity.

Question 24:Which gas, found in refrigerants and aerosol propellants, is responsible for ozone depletion in the Earth’s stratosphere?

1. Nitrous oxide
2. Methane
3. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
4. Hydrogen peroxide

Answer: C. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Explanation: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were commonly used in refrigerants and aerosol propellants and are a major contributor to ozone depletion in the Earth’s stratosphere.

Question 25:What is the name of the layer of the Earth’s atmosphere that is closest to the planet’s surface and contains weather phenomena?

1. Stratosphere
2. Mesosphere
3. Troposphere
4. Exosphere

Answer: C. Troposphere

Explanation: The troposphere is the lowest layer of the Earth’s atmosphere, where weather events occur and most of Earth’s atmospheric mass is concentrated.

Question 26: Which type of renewable energy harnesses the movement of ocean tides and waves to generate electricity?

1. Wind power
2. Solar power
3. Tidal power
4. Geothermal power

Answer: C. Tidal power

Explanation: Tidal power generates electricity by harnessing the kinetic energy from the movement of ocean tides and waves.

Question 27: What is the term for the loss of a species from a particular habitat or from the entire planet?

1. Extinction
2. Endemism
3. Overpopulation
4. Migration

Answer: A. Extinction

Explanation: Extinction refers to the irreversible loss of a species from a particular habitat or from the entire planet.

Question 28: Which famous physicist and cosmologist co-authored the book “A Brief History of Time” and advocated for the understanding of the universe and our place in it?

1. Albert Einstein
2. Carl Sagan
3. Stephen Hawking
4. Richard Feynman

Answer: C. Stephen Hawking

Explanation: Stephen Hawking co-authored the book “A Brief History of Time” and made significant contributions to the understanding of the universe, black holes, and cosmology.

Question 29: What is the term for the practice of selectively breeding plants and animals to promote desirable traits?

1. Genetic modification
2. Natural selection
3. Artificial selection
4. Hybridization

Answer: C. Artificial selection

Explanation: Artificial selection, also known as selective breeding, involves the intentional breeding of plants and animals to promote specific desirable traits.

Question 30: What is the name of the process by which an ecosystem recovers and returns to its original state after a disturbance?

1. Ecological succession
2. Habitat degradation
3. Environmental change
4. Soil depletion

Answer: A. Ecological succession

Explanation: Ecological succession is the process by which an ecosystem recovers and returns to its original state after a disturbance or environmental change.