Test your global knowledge with these Earth Day trivia questions
Every day is a good day to celebrate Mother Earth.
From mountain peaks to profound ocean depths, our planet hosts a complex array of plants and animals that all contribute to the beauty of our shared ecosystem.
Now, with all the man-made environmental changes that have taken place in the last century, it's more important than ever to protect and cherish the natural world.
In 1970, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson led a nationwide movement to create the first-ever Earth Day celebration. Over twenty million Americans participated in the event, which involved public demonstrations, group clean-up activities and environmental teach-ins.
In response to their efforts, the Nixon administration established the Environmental Protection Agency and passed the Clean Air Act.
Ever since, our nation has celebrated the planet on April 22, the anniversary of the very first Earth Day.
Whether you're an Earth Day expert or hoping to learn more about our beautiful blue planet, these trivia questions will help you brush up on your planetary proficiency.
Earth Day Quiz Questions
What region on Earth produces 20% of the planet’s oxygen? Answer: The Amazon rainforest
What is the greenhouse effect? Answer: When the gases in our atmosphere prevent heat from escaping the planet.
How tall is the world’s tallest living tree? Answer: 380 feet tall
How much water does the average person use per day? Answer: Around 100 gallons
Which is the largest ocean on Earth? Answer: The Pacific Ocean
What is the most eco-friendly energy source? Answer: Wind
How much oxygen does the ocean produce? Answer: About 50 percent of the earth’s supply
What is the smallest mammal on Earth? Answer: The Etruscan shrew
What’s the largest active volcano on the planet? Answer: Mauna Loa, in Hawaii
How deep is the Grand Canyon? Answer: 6,000 feet deep
How much oxygen does one tree produce each year? Answer: Around 260 pounds
What is the tallest mountain in the U.S.? Answer: Denali, at 20,310 feet tall
Which ecosystem on land has the most biodiversity? Answer: Tropical rainforests
How much water is used in the U.S. each day? Answer: 322 billion gallons
Which country has the most biodiversity? Answer: Brazil
What is the largest animal on Earth? Answer: The Antarctic blue whale
How much water do you use in a 10 minute shower? Answer: 20 gallons
Which material makes up the greatest percentage of annual waste in the U.S.? Answer: Paper
How many people participate in Earth Day each year worldwide? Answer: 1 billion
Which nonfiction book set the Earth Day movement in motion? Answer: “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson
What is the most abundant gas in Earth’s atmosphere? Answer: Nitrogen
What are the three “R’s” of waste management? Answer: Reduce, reuse, and recycle
How fast does the Earth orbit the sun? Answer: 67,000 miles per hour
What is the world’s largest coral reef? Answer: The Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia
How deep is the deepest part of the ocean? Answer: 35,876 feet deep
What is the tallest mountain on Earth? Answer: Mount Everest, at 29,035 feet tall
What is the largest hot desert in the world? Answer: The Sahara Desert
What is the largest cold desert in the world? Answer: Antarctica
What percentage of the Earth’s surface is covered in water? Answer: 71 percent
How many countries celebrate Earth Day? Answer: Over 193
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
