What is most residential water used for in the US?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, taking showers and baths. This is because, on average, showers and baths account for the largest portion of residential water use in the US. Watering lawns and washing clothes also consume significant amounts of water, but not as much as personal hygiene activities. Flushing toilets, while a daily necessity, uses less water compared to showers and baths. Therefore, D is the correct choice based on water usage statistics and typical household habits.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Northern Africa and the Near East, because these regions are known to be experiencing severe water scarcity and water stress due to factors such as high population growth, limited water resources, and climate change impacts. Northern Africa and the Near East are characterized by arid and semi-arid climates, making them particularly vulnerable to water shortages. Additionally, rapid urbanization and unsustainable water management practices have exacerbated the situation in these regions. Choice A, Australia and Indonesia, is incorrect because while both countries face water challenges, they do not currently suffer from the same level of water scarcity as Northern Africa and the Near East. Choice B, North and South America, is also incorrect as water scarcity is not as severe in these regions compared to Northern Africa and the Near East. Choice D, Siberia and Northern Canada, is incorrect as these regions are known for their abundant freshwater resources and are not experiencing significant water scarcity issues.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because prion diseases are caused by abnormal proteins called prions that can infect the brain. Eating the brain of an infected animal can introduce these prions into your body, leading to prion disease. Choice A is incorrect because prion diseases are not transmitted through touch alone. Choice C is incorrect because simply eating any brain does not guarantee infection with prions. Choice D is incorrect because prion diseases are not solely transmitted through cattle feed, but rather through direct consumption of infected brain tissue.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Hazardous chemicals were disposed of improperly at Love Canal, leading to the pollution disaster. This is supported by historical evidence and investigations that revealed the dumping of toxic chemicals by Hooker Chemical. Choice B is incorrect as it inaccurately states that Hooker Chemical donated their waste dump to the school system. Choice C is incorrect because the development of the land did not ignore the fact that it was a former waste dump; rather, it was developed without awareness of the extent of pollution. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests that the development was done in ignorance, which is not accurate based on the facts of the case.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Methane. Landfills produce methane as a byproduct of the decomposition of organic waste in an anaerobic environment. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Ozone (choice A) is not produced by landfills, but is a secondary pollutant formed by the reaction of sunlight with pollutants like NOx and VOCs. Carbon dioxide (choice C) is also emitted from landfills, but methane has a much higher global warming potential. Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (choice D) may be present in landfill leachate but are not the primary pollutant produced by landfills.