ENSC Exam 3
A population ecologist tells you that K = 10,000 for the largemouth bass population in Lake Sinclair. What does this mean? Lake Sinclair can support a maximum of 10,000 largemouth bass There are currently 10,000 largemouth bass in Lake Sinclair When the largemouth bass population equals 10,000 in Lake Sinclair, its growth rate will begin to slow Lake Sinclair needs at least 10,000 largemouth bass in order to be stable
Lake Sinclair can support a maximum of 10,000 largemouth bass
12. The change in population size due to birth and death rates alone a. Is the per capita growth rate b. Is not reasonable to include in population models c. Cannot be calculated d. Is the adjusted rate of population change e. Is often used to minimize a population's impact on the environment
a
15. When the TFR drops below 2.1, the size of the population will shrink in the absence of immigration a. True b. False
a
16. In developing countries, access to contraception decreases reproductive rates a. True b. False
a
20. At which stage of the demographic transition would you place this country based on its age-structure diagram? a) Stage 2 b) Stage 1 c) Stage 3 d) Stage 4
a
26. A population living in a region with essentially unlimited resources is most likely undergoing ______________ growth. a. exponential b. logistic c. Malthusian d. utopian e. unpredictable
a
28. From the choices below, identify the best example of a density-independent factor. a. Rising sea level destroys coastal habitat for sea turtles b. A contagious infection kills many elephants in a population c. Antelope compete for limited water resources d. The number of trees is limited by nitrogen content of the soil
a
29. What type of growth is the population of fruit flies depicted in Figure 1 experiencing? a. logistic b. exponential c. Malthusian d. utopian e. unpredictable
a
33. Human populations typically follow which type of survivorship curve? a. Type I b. Type II c. Type III d. Type IV
a
36. After point A, what is happening to population size in Figure 2? a. it is decreasing b. it is increasing c. it remains constant
a
42. How has the human population on Earth changed through time? a. In the 1600s, we had approximately 0.5 billion people, but now we have around 7 billion. b. It took about the same amount of time to go from 1 billion to 2 billion as it did to go from 6 billion to 7 billion. c. Population peaked at 7 billion and is now falling. d. In the 1600s, we had approximately 13 billion people, but now we have around 7 billion. e. Population is expected to peak around 7 billion by the year 2050.
a
44. There are fossil fuels in the process of being formed today. Why are they still considered a non-renewable source? a. The amount of time it takes to make new fossil fuels is too long to be usable by human society b. New fossil fuels are of lower quality than old fossil fuels c. We are using the new ones up at the same rate as the old ones d. Scientists should re-classify fossil fuels as a semi-renewable source of energy
a
47. Which pair correctly matches the type of energy with an example? a. A car in neutral sitting at the top of a hill - potential energy b. Water stored behind a dam - chemical energy c. Gasoline sitting in a car engine - kinetic energy d. Calories stored in potato chips - kinetic energy
a
7. A population is a a. Group of individuals of interacting species that live in one area b. Group of individuals of interacting species that interact in multiple ecosystems c. Group of individuals of a single species that live in one area d. Group of cells that have similar function
a
9. The carrying capacity is the a. Maximum population size that a given environment can sustain b. Greatest number of niches possible in a given area c. Potential number of species in a given area d. Limitation on species number for an ecosystem e. Average number of offspring carried to term by a species
a
Use the following text to answer questions 2-3. Jose and Janelle are using the scientific method to investigate their question: Do cats or dogs have a higher per capita growth rate? They have gathered data from feral (wild) cat and dog populations in the area, determining birth rate and death rate of these groups. 21. Following the scientific method, what is the next step for Jose and Janelle after they come up with their question? a. Hypothesis b. Experiment c. Dissemination d. Prediction
a
7) A population of 100 bats has a per capita rate of increase of 0.03. What is its population growth rate under exponential growth? a) 3 bats b) 0.03 bats c) 100 bats d) 30 bats e) 103 bats
a) 3 bats
9) A population of 1000 spruce trees has a per capita rate of increase of 0.01, and is subject to a carrying capacity of 2000 spruce trees. Determine its population growth rate. a) 5 spruce trees b) 10 spruce trees c) 100 spruce trees d) 50 spruce trees e) 200 spruce trees
a) 5 spruce trees
8) A population of 100 chinchillas has a per capita rate of increase of 0.06. What is its population growth rate under exponential growth? a) 6 chinchillas b) 0.06 chinchillas c) 100 chinchillas d) 60 chinchillas e) 106 chinchillas
a) 6 chinchillas
10) A population of 100 aloe plants has a per capita rate of increase of 0.1, and is subject to a carrying capacity of 1000 aloe plants. Determine its population growth rate. a) 9 aloe plants b) 10 aloe plants c) 50 aloe plants d) 100 aloe plants e) 900 aloe plants
a) 9 aloe plants
5) A population 1000 of rabbits is subject to logistic growth. Under normal conditions, this population grows at a rate of 0.5 rabbits per individual per year; however, the maximum number of rabbits the ecosystem can hold is 5000. Because of this, only 400 rabbits were added to the population this year. Identify K in this population. a) K = 5000 b) K = 1000 c) K = 0.5 d) K = 400
a) K = 5000
1) A population of deer exhibiting exponential growth starts with 500 individuals, and is growing by 0.1 deer per individual per year. Over the past year, this population has added 50 individuals. Identify N in this population. a) N = 500 b) N = 0.1 c) N = 50 d) N = 550
a) N = 500
6) A population 1000 of rabbits is subject to logistic growth. Under normal conditions, this population grows at a rate of 0.5 rabbits per individual per year; however, the maximum number of rabbits the ecosystem can hold is 5000. Because of this, only 400 rabbits were added to the population this year. Identify dN/dt in this population. a) dN/dt = 400 b) dN/dt = 1000 c) dN/dt = 0.5 d) dN/dt = 5000
a) dN/dt = 400
3) A population of deer exhibiting exponential growth starts with 500 individuals, and is growing by 0.1 deer per individual per year. Over the past year, this population has added 50 individuals. Identify dN/dt in this population. a) dN/dt = 50 b) dN/dt = 500 c) dN/dt = 0.1 d) dN/dt = 550
a) dN/dt = 50
11) A sedge population grows in a prairie environment with plenty of space, nearly unlimited resources, and no competition. At this time, this sedge population is most likely undergoing ___________ growth. a) exponential b) logistic c) Malthusian d) J-shaped e) S-shaped
a) exponential
12) Most plant and animal populations in natural conditions exhibit ___________ growth due to the limitations of the environment to support large populations. a) logistic b) exponential c) Malthusian d) J-shaped e) S-shaped
a) logistic
) A population of deer exhibiting exponential growth starts with 500 individuals, and is growing by 0.1 deer per individual per year. Over the past year, this population has added 50 individuals. Identify r in this population. a) r = 0.1 b) r = 500 c) r = 50 d) r = 550
a) r = 0.1
38. Which of the following is not an environmental impact of biomass harvesting and/or burning? a. Acid mine drainage near harvest sites b. Soil erosion due to lack of plant cover c. Loss of photosynthesis causing increased atmospheric CO2 d. Particulate pollution in the atmosphere
a. Acid mine drainage near harvest sites
19. How does biomass combustion compare to fossil fuel combustion in terms of their impact on the global carbon cycle? a. Both use the atmosphere as a sink b. Both use the atmosphere as a source c. Fossil fuel combustion contributes carbon to the atmosphere, while biomass combustion does not d. Biomass combustion has very minor impacts on the global carbon cycle, compared to the large impacts of fossil fuel combustion
a. Both use the atmosphere as a sink
1. Identify the scenario below which leads to the transformation of potential energy into kinetic energy: a. Hydrogen fuel cells electrochemically convert hydrogen gas into water b. Wind turns a turbine, generating electricity c. A house is designed to maximize solar exposure during the winter months d. Bioenergy is stored for many months to be used at a later date when demand is high e. River water is collected behind a dam to create a reservoir, and then released to generate energy
a. Hydrogen fuel cells electrochemically convert hydrogen gas into water
33. Why is CO2 the most important greenhouse gas with respect to climate change? a. It has the highest atmospheric concentration b. It has the highest GWP c. It traps the most sunlight d. It performs the greenhouse effect better than any other greenhouse gas e. It accounts for all of the naturally-caused climate change
a. It has the highest atmospheric concentration
39. Which of the following is the largest carbon reservoir listed? a. Lithosphere b. Biomass c. Atmosphere d. Fossil fuels
a. Lithosphere
28. The problems created by CFCs include a. Ozone depletion b. Toxins accumulating in freezers c. Insulating foam structures that currently fill landfills d. Movement of toxins into lakes and rivers, poisoning fish e. There were no problems as CFCs are relatively nontoxic
a. Ozone depletion
15. How does indoor air pollution differ between more- and less-industrialized countries? a. People in less-industrialized countries are usually exposed to more indoor air pollution such as soot and carbon monoxide b. People in less-industrialized countries are usually exposed to more indoor air pollution such as radon gas c. People in more-industrialized countries are usually exposed to more total indoor air pollution d. People in more-industrialized countries are usually exposed to more soot and carbon monoxide pollution indoors
a. People in less-industrialized countries are usually exposed to more indoor air pollution such as soot and carbon monoxide
48. Construction materials which absorb heat, store it, and release it later are referred to as _____. a. Thermal Mass d. solar cookers b. Active solar heating c. photovoltaic cell collector
a. Thermal Mass
40. Which statement is true regarding fossil fuels as a carbon reservoir? a. They comprise part of the lithosphere b. They are not a part of the carbon cycle because they are entirely manmade c. They are the largest carbon reservoir on Earth d. They are no longer relevant, as humans have consumed the vast majority of them
a. They comprise part of the lithosphere
12. Ozone gas can be created or destroyed by the sun's UltraViolet rays a. True b. False
a. True
1. In photosynthesis, the carbon source is __________ and the carbon sink is __________. a. atmospheric carbon dioxide; plant biomass b. plant biomass; atmospheric carbon dioxide c. soil carbon; plant biomass d. soil carbon; atmospheric oxygen
a. atmospheric carbon dioxide; plant biomass
1. In decomposition, the carbon source is __________ and the carbon sink is __________. a. biomass; soil carbon and atmospheric carbon b. lithosphere; atmospheric carbon c. animal biomass; plant biomass d. atmospheric carbon; plant biomass
a. biomass; soil carbon and atmospheric carbon
1. Less-industrialized countries tend to impact the carbon cycle more by ________________, while more-industrialized countries tend to impact the carbon cycle more by _________________. a. burning biomass; burning fossil fuels b. burning fossil fuels; burning biomass c. burning biomass; converting to "green" energy sources d. converting to "green" energy sources; burning fossil fuels e. having small populations; burning biomass
a. burning biomass; burning fossil fuels
1. The field of environmental science is inherently interdisciplinary. This means that _________. a. knowledge of many fields of study is required b. it is strongly influenced by social movements, such as environmentalism c. it is strictly governed by a ruling body who enforces the rules of environmental science d. it is quickly changing e. it is difficult
a. knowledge of many fields of study is required
25. In the context of the carbon cycle, a flux refers to the ____________. a. process by which carbon is moved from one reservoir to another b. reservoirs of carbon on Earth c. amount of time it takes for carbon to move between reservoirs d. length of time carbon stays in one reservoir
a. process by which carbon is moved from one reservoir to another
31. Acid rain forms when ________________. a. sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from coal-fired power plants react with water in the atmosphere to form a mildly acidic solution b. nuclear power plants emit radiation into the atmosphere forming a mildly acidic solution c. mercury (Hg) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from coal-fired power plants react with water in the atmosphere to form a mildly acidic solution d. mercury (Hg) emissions from coal-fired power plants form methylmercury which is a mildly acidic solution e. pyrite mineral near coal mines is exposed to water and oxygen and produces sulfuric acid
a. sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from coal-fired power plants react with water in the atmosphere to form a mildly acidic solution
33. The expansion of hydraulic fracturing has resulted in __________. a. widespread pollution of municipal drinking water sources from hydraulic fluid b. a decrease in the cost of natural gas in the United States c. new laws criminalizing the practice d. natural gas becoming the #1 energy source for electricity generation in the United States e. new forms of clean coal technology
a. widespread pollution of municipal drinking water sources from hydraulic fluid
10. A population that is limited by a resource is expected to have an exponential growth curve a. True b. False
b
11. Why have Malthusian followers not yet seen their direst predictions come true? a. Carrying capacity does not exist for human populations b. Humans have developed technology to relieve strain on resources c. Malthus was incorrect in assuming exponential growth of human populations d. A number of countries, like China, have adopted populations control
b
18. Why does the birth rate decrease during Stage 3 of the demographic transition? a. Many infants die in childbirth b. Women begin to join the workforce, and may have access to birth control c. Women decide against having children, due to the danger it presents d. It is more expensive to raise children on the farm than in the city
b
27. A population ecologist tells you that K = 5,000 for the whitetail deer population in Bartram Forest. What does this mean? a. There are currently 5,000 whitetail deer in Bartram Forest b. Bartram Forest can support a maximum of 5,000 whitetail deer c. When the whitetail deer population equals 5,000 in Bartram Forest, its growth rate will begin to slow d. Bartram Forest needs at least 5,000 whitetail deer in order to be stable e. When Bartram Forest reaches 5,000 whitetail deer, the ecosystem will collapse
b
30. Estimate K for the population of fruit flies depicted in Figure 1. a. K = 1250 b. K = 2700 c. K = 100 d. K = 30
b
38. During which stage of the demographic transition is population growth typically highest? a. Stage 1 b. Stage 2 c. Stage 3 d. Stage 4
b
39. During which stage of the demographic transition does death rate begin its rapid decrease due to enhanced availability of modern medicine? a. Stage 1 b. Stage 2 c. Stage 3 d. Stage 4
b
40. What is one challenge that the people of Bulgaria are likely to face in the future, given the information in Figure 3? a. Providing enough schools for a large number of children b. Providing care for a large number of elderly people c. Having enough resources to support a growing population d. Not having an even sex ratio for people of reproductive age
b
5. The goal of science is to prove hypotheses. a. True b. False
b
6. Environmentalism is a scientific approach to understanding environmental problems a. True b. False
b
Use the following text to answer questions 2-3. Jose and Janelle are using the scientific method to investigate their question: Do cats or dogs have a higher per capita growth rate? They have gathered data from feral (wild) cat and dog populations in the area, determining birth rate and death rate of these groups. 22. If Jose and Janelle find that their results do not support their hypothesis, what should they do next? a. Come up with a new hypothesis that their existing data supports b. Create a new prediction based on their original hypothesis c. Make new observations and abandon their original idea d. Re-test their experiment, because they must have done something wrong e. Come up with a new hypothesis and create a new experiment
b
4) A population 1000 of rabbits is subject to logistic growth. Under normal conditions, this population grows at a rate of 0.5 rabbits per individual per year; however, the maximum number of rabbits the ecosystem can hold is 5000. Because of this, only 400 rabbits were added to the population this year. Identify r in this population. a) r = 1000 b) r = 0.5 c) r = 5000 d) r = 400
b) r = 0.5
47. Which process defines the term "carbon neutrality?" a. Designing biofuels that emit no CO2 when burned b. CO2 produced by burning biomass is absorbed by plants through photosynthesis c. CO2 absorbed by burning biomass is produced by plants through photosynthesis d. Replacing food crops with biofuel crops in the field
b. CO2 produced by burning biomass is absorbed by plants through photosynthesis
22. How do hydrogen fuel cell cars gain energy from hydrogen fuel? a. Heat energy is generated from the combustion of hydrogen gas b. Electrical current is generated from the electrochemical combustion of hydrogen gas c. Oxygen combines with hydrogen gas and produces CO2 and energy d. Hydrogen cells create electricity from the hydrogen atoms entering the vehicle
b. Electrical current is generated from the electrochemical combustion of hydrogen gas
13. The stratospheric ozone layer completely stops the penetration of UV-A rays a. True b. False
b. False
14. The stratospheric ozone layer partially blocks the penetration of UV-C rays a. True b. False
b. False
3. Nuclear power contributes to the problems of air pollution. a. True b. False
b. False
34. Global climate change refers specifically to an increase in the Earth's average surface temperature. a. True b. False
b. False
40. Using the information provided in Figure 1, which of the following statements must be true? a. The United States uses more electricity overall than Brazil. b. Hydropower is the most commonly used resource for renewable electricity generation in most of the countries displayed. c. The hydropower infrastructure in China is more damaging to the environment than that of the United States. d. Australia has the lowest amount of renewable electricity generation in the world. e. Germany's energy is more renewable than Brazil's because it uses more solar power.
b. Hydropower is the most commonly used resource for renewable electricity generation in most of the countries displayed.
27. Which statement is true about the direct combustion of biomass energy? a. It does not release CO2 emissions when combusted b. It is the most commonly used source of power in least-developed countries c. It is the largest source of renewable energy in the United States d. It produces methane gas, which can be burned in a biodigester
b. It is the most commonly used source of power in least-developed countries
4. Ozone is a gas consisting of _________ molecules. a. O2 b. O3 c. CO2 d. CFC
b. O3
30. Which type of fossil fuel is most commonly used for transportation instead of electricity generation? a. Coal b. Oil c. Natural gas d. Shale rock e. Nuclear
b. Oil
18. What is one major pitfall to large-scale use of geothermal energy? a. Carbon dioxide emissions are close to that of coal combustion b. Only a limited number of geographic areas have significant geothermal potential c. Geothermal energy is still a new technology in its experimental stages d. Once established, geothermal power is unreliable e. Geothermal power plants are dangerous and expose workers to radioactivity
b. Only a limited number of geographic areas have significant geothermal potential
24. What differentiates passive solar from active solar? a. Passive solar systems trap sunlight through a specialized system of panels b. Passive solar systems do not require mechanisms or moving parts for capturing sunlight c. Active solar mechanisms require an outside source of electricity d. Passive solar systems are less efficient than active solar systems
b. Passive solar systems do not require mechanisms or moving parts for capturing sunlight
7. What type of rock is home to the natural gas deposits excavated through fracking? a. Coal d. Bituminous rock b. Shale e. Limestone c. Granite
b. Shale
46. The largest problem with adopting new technology of renewable resources a. Evaluating impacts of use scientifically b. Start-up costs are high c. Long-term maintenance costs are higher than fossil fuels d. Technological advances have not been made in the last 30 years to meet needs e. All of the above
b. Start-up costs are high
26. When did humans first start to have large impacts on the global carbon cycle? a. Ever since the human species evolved from early primates b. The Industrial Revolution c. The 20th Century d. The Green Revolution
b. The Industrial Revolution
17. The AQI in your city is 47, while the AQI in your friend's city is 320. Which statement best describes the air quality in these two cities? a. The air quality is better in your friend's city than in yours b. The air quality is better in your city than in your friend's c. We cannot determine air quality information from an AQI value d. Carbon dioxide is higher in your city, but particulate matter is higher in your friend's
b. The air quality is better in your city than in your friend's
6. The __________ is the atmospheric layer which is closest to the surface of Earth. a. Mesosphere b. Troposphere c. Stratosphere d. Thermosphere
b. Troposphere
34. What is enrichment with respect to uranium ore used for nuclear fuel? a. Uranium ore is injected with additional radioactivity to create more fission b. Uranium ore is processed to increase the amount of 235U (uranium-235) relative to 238U (uranium-238) c. Uranium ore is made less reactive to increase safety for workers d. Plutonium is removed from uranium ore, making fission more efficient e. Uranium ore is processed to increase the amount of 238U (uranium-238) relative to 235U (uranium-235)
b. Uranium ore is processed to increase the amount of 235U (uranium-235) relative to 238U (uranium-238)
23. Why do proponents of biomass claim that biomass fuels are carbon neutral? a. Burning biomass fuel only produces a small amount of CO2. b. When biomass fuels are grown they take CO2 out of the atmosphere and this balances out the CO2 that they add to the atmosphere when they are burned. c. Growing biomass fuels produces oxygen and the benefit of the oxygen outweighs the cost of adding CO2 to the atmosphere. d. Because burning biomass fuels removes as much CO2 from the atmosphere as it adds. e. hydropower; heat homes or cook food
b. When biomass fuels are grown they take CO2 out of the atmosphere and this balances out the CO2 that they add to the atmosphere when they are burned.
41. According to Figure 1, the United States ______________. a. is the 2nd largest consumer of energy in the world b. generates some renewable electricity, but there are not enough countries listed to give an accurate comparison c. is the #1 producer of renewable energy in the world d. is the 2nd largest consumer of renewable electricity in the world e. has increased its renewable electricity capacity greatly in the last decade.
b. generates some renewable electricity, but there are not enough countries listed to give an accurate comparison
38. In the context of the carbon cycle, residence time refers to the ____________. a. amount of time it takes for carbon to move between reservoirs b. length of time carbon stays in one reservoir c. process by which carbon is moved from one reservoir to another d. length of time one carbon atom stays on Earth
b. length of time carbon stays in one reservoir
22. Fossil fuels are a carbon reservoir that ________________. a. humans are contributing carbon to b. make up part of the lithosphere c. humans are using as a carbon sink d. rapidly form from soil carbon
b. make up part of the lithosphere
35. In the context of the carbon cycle, a sink refers to the ____________. a. reservoir from which carbon originates in a flux b. reservoir into which carbon is deposited by a flux c. process by which carbon is moved from one reservoir to another d. length of time carbon stays in one reservoir
b. reservoir into which carbon is deposited by a flux
21. One of the major arguments against the use of hydrogen fuel cell cars is that ___________. a. large amounts of CO2 are produced during operation b. storage of hydrogen fuel is a problem c. no major automobile companies offer hydrogen fuel cell cars to the public d. energy is required to produce hydrogen fuel
b. storage of hydrogen fuel is a problem
14. Declining death rates due to increased food production and improved medical care while birth rates remain high is a characteristic of the a. Industrial stage b. Postpartum stage c. Transitional stage d. Demographic stage e. None of the above
c
24. A population of 600 gophers is growing at a rate of 0.5 gophers per individual per year, and lives in an ecosystem that can support a maximum of 1000 gophers. What is the per capita growth rate for this population this year? a. 120 b. 1000 c. 0.5 d. 600 e. 400
c
25. In a population that is experiencing logistic population growth, in which scenario is dN/dt maximized? a. N = ½ K b. N = K c. N > K d. N = 1/10 K
c
31. Which of the following describes density-independent factor affecting a population? a. A population of caterpillars that eats all the leaves on a tree, which then causes many of the caterpillars to starve b. A large refugee camp where a communicable disease easily spreads in the crowded conditions c. A toxic chemical spill in a river that harms the native fish population d. Birth rates for a small population of squirrels can increase since each squirrel has lots of food when there is a large acorn crop.
c
32. If a population demonstrates the pattern of a Type III survivorship curve, then: a. A large proportion of the young will survive to adulthood. b. Approximately ½ of the newborns in a cohort will survive to adults. c. There will be high infant and juvenile mortality. d. It is likely that each adult only produces one or two offspring at a time and gives each offspring a lot of parental care.
c
35. What is the value of r at point A (approx. 1991) on the graph in Figure 2? a. 1.0 b. <0 c. 0 d. >1
c
37. Which pair of stage of the demographic transition model and characteristic is correct? a. Stage 1; population rapidly increases b. Stage 2; birth rate decreases due to societal changes c. Stage 3; more women are employed outside of the home d. Stage 4; population rapidly decreases e. Stage 5; death rate increases due to overpopulation
c
41. Which statement best characterizes the viewpoint of Thomas Malthus on human population growth? a. Modern medical science is to blame for overpopulation b. Modern technology in sanitation and agriculture will provide for the growing population c. Population growth will lead to food shortages, which will cause war and famine d. Nations should employ mandatory population policies to prevent population growth e. Technology will keep up with population growth, allowing us to continue to expand
c
43. Which pair correctly matches the type of energy with an example? a. Ball rolling down a hill - chemical energy b. Water sitting behind a dam - kinetic energy c. A car in neutral sitting at the top of a hill - potential energy d. Calories stored in cake - kinetic energy e. Log rolling down a hill - potential energy
c
46. Which pair correctly matches the type of energy with an example? a. Ball rolling down a hill - chemical energy b. Calories stored in cake - kinetic energy c. Person jumping off diving board - kinetic energy d. A burning forest fire - potential energy
c
50. Identify a type of renewable energy that would be easily available to individuals living in a society in Stage 2 of the demographic transition. a. Pumped-storage hydropower b. photovoltaic systems c. Bio-digesters d. Nuclear energy e. Off-shore wind
c. Bio-digesters
26. How are biofuels different from other types of biomass energy? a. Biofuels are liquid and are typically used for electricity generation b. Biofuels are not yet commonly used, while other forms of biomass energy are c. Biofuels are liquid and are typically used for transportation d. Biofuels are carbon neutral, while other forms of biomass energy are not
c. Biofuels are liquid and are typically used for transportation
49. Identify one environmental impact of fossil fuel extraction or use that does not occur with the use and operation of renewable energy. a. CO2 emissions b. Ecosystem destruction c. Biomagnification of mercury d. Methane emissions e. Deforestation
c. Biomagnification of mercury
7. Which of these atmospheric gases is not a permanent gas? a. Nitrogen b. Oxygen c. Carbon Dioxide d. Argon
c. Carbon Dioxide
8. Which of these atmospheric gases is a variable gas? a. Nitrogen b. Oxygen c. Carbon Dioxide d. Argon
c. Carbon Dioxide
42. Some individuals believe that we should increase the amount of farmland used to produce biofuels and bioenergy because they believe the impacts on the environment as a whole are less than extracting and consuming fossil fuels. Which standpoint best characterizes these beliefs? a. Preservation b. Conservation c. Environmentalism d. Utilitarian e. Aesthetic
c. Environmentalism
15. Modern wind turbines harness wind's ______ energy and convert it into electricity. a. Potential c. Kinetic b. Chemical d. Solar
c. Kinetic
45. A major disadvantage of solar power is that a. Cost is prohibitive even in developed countries b. Pollution is high c. Not all regions are sunny enough to provide adequate power with current technology d. There is a lack of knowledge on long-term impacts e. All of the above
c. Not all regions are sunny enough to provide adequate power with current technology
4. The process by which several researchers review another researcher's manuscript prior to publication to ensure research quality is referred to as a. Scientific community b. Investigative inquiry c. Peer review d. Quality control e. This is not done as it would cause introduction of bias
c. Peer review
11. The ozone layer is a protective layer of gas molecules concentrated in the __________, roughly 17 - 30 km above the surface of the Earth. a. Mesosphere b. Troposphere c. Stratosphere d. Thermosphere
c. Stratosphere
13. What is the goal of photovoltaic cells? a. To capture sunlight to directly heat a home or hot water b. To provide solar benefits without the use of a mechanized system c. To capture sunlight and convert it to electricity d. To use sunlight to create combustion
c. To capture sunlight and convert it to electricity
11. Which of the following is NOT true regarding solar energy? a. In less developed countries, active solar energy is used for heating. b. Solar energy is a relatively new source of energy c. Utilities in large-scale, high-tech industries produce electricity from solar energy d. One passive solar design involves installing low, south-facing windows to maximize sunlight capture in the winter
c. Utilities in large-scale, high-tech industries produce electricity from solar energy
10. How have humans contributed to the "hole" in the ozone layer? a. We manufactured and released some CFCs, but natural sources of CFCs also contribute to the hole in the ozone layer b. Acid rain eats away at the ozone layer c. We manufactured and released synthetic CFCs, which deplete ozone rapidly d. All of the greenhouse gases we produce eat away at the ozone layer e. Ozone depletion is a natural phenomenon, and humans are not responsible for it
c. We manufactured and released synthetic CFCs, which deplete ozone rapidly
30. Increased CO2 gas in the atmosphere leads to _____________ because it ________________. a. atmospheric warming; traps sunlight near the Earth b. atmospheric cooling; causes more heat to escape from the atmosphere c. atmospheric warming; traps heat near the Earth d. atmospheric cooling; causes more sunlight to escape from the atmosphere
c. atmospheric warming; traps heat near the Earth
16. In CO2 diffusion from the ocean, the carbon source is __________ and the carbon sink is __________. a. atmospheric carbon dioxide; dissolved carbon dioxide in the ocean b. dissolved carbon dioxide in the ocean; oceanic biomass c. dissolved carbon dioxide in the ocean; atmospheric carbon dioxide d. oceanic biomass; atmospheric carbon dioxide
c. dissolved carbon dioxide in the ocean; atmospheric carbon dioxide
8. The nuclear fission process that controls nuclear power plants ________ contribute(s) to global climate change. a. only slightly d. does b. heavily c. does not
c. does not
20. In fossil fuel combustion, the carbon source is __________ and the carbon sink is __________. a. lithosphere; human biomass b. atmospheric carbon dioxide; lithosphere c. fossil fuel; atmospheric carbon dioxide d. biomass; lithosphere
c. fossil fuel; atmospheric carbon dioxide
37. In the context of the carbon cycle, a source refers to the ____________. a. reservoir into which carbon is deposited by a flux b. process by which carbon is moved from one reservoir to another c. reservoir from which carbon originates in a flux d. length of time carbon stays in one reservoir
c. reservoir from which carbon originates in a flux
13. The impact of humans on the environment depends on a. Religion b. Number of people c. How those people live d. B and C e. All of the above
d
17. Which of the following energy sources are considered renewable? a. Fossil fuel energy b. Solar energy c. Geothermal energy d. B and C e. All of the above
d
23. A plant population exhibiting exponential growth starts with 250 individuals, and is growing by 0.1 plant per individual per year. Over the past year, this population has added 10 individuals. Identify dN/dt in this population. a. dN/dt = 250 b. dN/dt = 0.1 c. dN/dt = 260 d. dN/dt = 10 e. dN/dt = 25
d
34. Before point A in Figure 2 (1960-1991), what is happening to the per capita growth rate? a. r is increasing b. r remains the same c. N is decreasing d. r is decreasing
d
45. Which statement is true regarding the formation of fossil fuels? a. It takes only 50 million years to form coal, but over 500 million years to form natural gas b. Oil and coal both form from ancient ocean biomass c. Coal forms from ancient carbon-containing rocks and minerals, while oil and natural gas form from ancient biomass d. Coal typically forms from ancient swamp biomass
d
48. Which pair correctly matches the type of energy with an example? a. Water sitting behind a dam - kinetic energy b. Log rolling down a hill - potential energy c. Energy stored in batteries - kinetic energy d. Calories in the burger you are eating - chemical energy
d
49. There are fossil fuels in the process of being formed today. Why are they still considered a non-renewable source? a. New fossil fuels are of lower quality than old fossil fuels b. We are using the new ones up at the same rate as the old ones c. Scientists should re-classify fossil fuels as a semi-renewable source of energy d. The amount of time it takes to make new fossil fuels is too long to be usable by human society
d
50. Which type of fossil fuel is associated with the highest levels of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants when combusted? a. Oil b. Natural gas c. Shale rock d. coal e. nuclear
d
7) Identify a significant anthropogenic source of nitrous oxide (N2O) to the atmosphere. a) Landfills b) Refrigerants and coolants c) Aerosol sprays d) Agriculture
d) Agriculture
11) Identify a piece of evidence about climate scientists gather from ice core data. a) Current atmospheric gas concentrations from stable isotope ratios b) Ancient life forms from trapped fossils c) Ancient temperature from deep thermometer readings d) Ancient atmospheric gas concentrations from trapped air bubbles
d) Ancient atmospheric gas concentrations from trapped air bubbles
4) Which greenhouse gas is responsible for most of the human-caused climate change? a) Nitrous oxide (N2O) b) Water vapor (H2O) c) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) d) Carbon dioxide (CO2)
d) Carbon dioxide (CO2)
12) How do scientists gather information about ancient greenhouse gas concentrations dating back 800,000 years? a) Using current climate models and extrapolating back 800,000 years b) Scientists could not measure these concentrations directly, so they are just guesses c) Based only on temperature data dating back 800,000 years d) Measuring gas concentrations from trapped air bubbles in permanent ice sheets
d) Measuring gas concentrations from trapped air bubbles in permanent ice sheets
5) Landfills are an important anthropogenic source of which type of greenhouse gas, primarily? a) Nitrous oxide (N2O) b) Carbon dioxide (CO2) c) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) d) Methane (CH4)
d) Methane (CH4)
6) Which of the following is a greenhouse gas with both natural and anthropogenic sources? a) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) b) Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) c) Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) d) Nitrous oxide (N2O)
d) Nitrous oxide (N2O)
3) Which of the following greenhouse gases has the greatest ability per molecule to absorb and scatter energy? a) Carbon dioxide (CO2) b) Nitrous oxide (N2O) c) Oxygen gas (O2) d) Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)
d) Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)
10) Why did climate change occur during the Ice Age 650,000 years ago? a) Dinosaur populations grew too large and consumed too much plant matter, causing the climate to decrease b) Scientists do not know why the Earth experienced Ice Ages in the past c) Increased volcanic activity blocked out the sun, causing the Earth to cool d) The Earth was at a period of low temperature and low greenhouse gas concentration due to Milankovitch cycles
d) The Earth was at a period of low temperature and low greenhouse gas concentration due to Milankovitch cycles
1) What would happen if the Earth had no greenhouse gases in the atmosphere? a) No climate change would occur, so the Earth would be in a better state than it is now b) There would be little to no difference in the Earth's climate compared to what it is now c) The hole in the ozone layer would decrease in size d) The Earth would be much colder than it is now and may not be able to sustain life
d) The Earth would be much colder than it is now and may not be able to sustain life
2) How do greenhouse gases impact the Earth's climate? a) They produce a warming effect caused by vibrations induced by solar radiation b) They physically trap heat and sunlight, like the glass of a greenhouse c) They cause global warming, but have little impact on the Earth's overall climate d) They absorb and re-emit solar radiation in all directions, warming the earth's surface.
d) They absorb and re-emit solar radiation in all directions, warming the earth's surface.
8) In which atmospheric layer do greenhouse gases have the greatest impact on the Earth's climate? a) Mesosphere b) Stratosphere c) Thermosphere d) Troposphere
d) Troposphere
9) Which statement best describes Milankovitch cycles? a) Natural cycles of increased volcanic activity b) Times of increased or decreased photosynthesis on Earth c) Variations in the moon's orbit around the Earth d) Variations in the Earth's orbit around the sun
d) Variations in the Earth's orbit around the sun
25. The accumulation of a chemical in the body of organisms as it passes from one level of a food chain to the next is called________________. a. Ecoaccumulation e. Carrying Capacity b. Methylmercury c. Mercury d. Bioaccumulation
d. Bioaccumulation
44. What form of biomass energy is most similar to coal? a. Ethanol b. Biodiesel c. Biomass for creating biofuels d. Biomass for direct combustion e. Landfill gas
d. Biomass for direct combustion
10. Which of the following is an advantage of using new renewables such as solar or wind as opposed to fossil fuels for electricity generation? a. Typically lower start-up cost b. Large amount of government subsidies available c. Higher reliability d. Comes from a source of energy that is impossible to use up e. No environmental impacts
d. Comes from a source of energy that is impossible to use up
32. Which of the following best describes the process of hydraulic fracturing? a. Relocating extraction operations offshore to gain access to previously unexploited resources. b. Converting coal into a gaseous or liquid form that is then burned in a turbine. c. Trees, topsoil and top soil layers are scraped off and pushed into a valley so that heavy machinery can access the thin seams of coal underground. d. Injecting water and chemicals underground to extract gas or oil from shale deposits.
d. Injecting water and chemicals underground to extract gas or oil from shale deposits.
29. Which statement is true regarding biomass as a carbon reservoir? a. It is the largest carbon reservoir on Earth b. It is made up of plants, but not animals c. It is made up of animals, but not plants d. It is made up of all the living and recently living organisms in the world
d. It is made up of all the living and recently living organisms in the world
9. Which statement is true regarding the ocean as a carbon reservoir? a. It does not store significant amounts of carbon b. Carbon stored there is inactive, and does not move to other reservoirs c. Humans have extracted carbon from the ocean to use for energy d. It is one of the largest carbon reservoirs on Earth
d. It is one of the largest carbon reservoirs on Earth
35. From the list below, identify the best argument for nuclear power. a. Given modern technologies, it is impossible for another nuclear meltdown to occur. b. No one has ever died in a nuclear meltdown. c. There is little to no waste to manage from nuclear power plants. d. No greenhouse gases are emitted during operation.
d. No greenhouse gases are emitted during operation.
4. Which of the following is not a form of renewable energy? a. Geothermal b. Hydroelectric c. Hydrogen fuel cells d. Nuclear e. Photovoltaics
d. Nuclear
3. How is stratospheric ozone different than tropospheric ozone? a. Ozone in the troposphere is beneficial; ozone in the stratosphere is a pollutant b. Ozone is a pollutant no matter where it is located in the atmosphere, but concentrations are highest in the stratosphere c. Ozone is a pollutant no matter where it is located in the atmosphere, but concentrations are highest in the troposphere d. Ozone in the troposphere is a pollutant; ozone in the stratosphere is beneficial e. Ozone in the stratosphere is an acid rain contributor
d. Ozone in the troposphere is a pollutant; ozone in the stratosphere is beneficial
36. From the list below, identify the best argument against nuclear power a. We have a history of deadly nuclear meltdowns in the United States. b. Nuclear power plants emit almost as much CO2 as coal plants during operation. c. It is still very unsafe to be a worker in a nuclear power plant in the United States. d. Radioactive wastes pose a disposal problem.
d. Radioactive wastes pose a disposal problem.
32. What would happen if the Earth had no greenhouse gases in the atmosphere? a. No climate change would occur, so the Earth would be in a better state than it is now b. There would be little to no difference in the Earth's climate compared to what it is now c. The hole in the ozone layer would decrease in size d. The Earth would be much colder than it is now and may not be able to sustain life
d. The Earth would be much colder than it is now and may not be able to sustain life
5. The __________ is the atmospheric layer which is farthest from the surface of Earth. a. Mesosphere b. Troposphere c. Stratosphere d. Thermosphere
d. Thermosphere
16. Many people find offshore wind turbines to be preferable on land-based turbines because __________. a. land-based turbines take up too much valuable crop land b. it is cheaper to manufacture offshore turbines than land-based turbines c. we are not exposed to the air pollutants emitted by turbines if they are offshore d. fewer individuals are exposed to the noise pollution created by the turbines
d. fewer individuals are exposed to the noise pollution created by the turbines
39. One of the major arguments for using a biofuel such as ethanol is that ____________. a. it is much more efficient than petroleum-based gasoline b. we can use existing infrastructure to deliver it and use it c. it emits no greenhouse gases when burned d. it is completely renewable e. it is very easy and inexpensive to produce
d. it is completely renewable
1. The atmospheric gas with the highest concentration in the troposphere is ________. a. oxygen b. water vapor c. carbon dioxide d. nitrogen e. carbon monoxide
d. nitrogen
12. Harnessing energy by designing buildings to maximize or minimize the absorption of incident solar radiation is called ________. a. a hydrogen fuel-cell collector b. a photovoltaic cell collector c. active solar energy collection d. passive solar energy collection
d. passive solar energy collection
28. When uranium atoms undergo fission, ___________ are produced. a. larger atoms and energy b. moderators and water c. CO2 gas and energy d. smaller atoms, free neutrons, and energy e. acid rain contributors and mercury
d. smaller atoms, free neutrons, and energy
19. Which of the following energy sources are considered non-renewable? a. Fossil fuel energy b. Natural gas energy c. Nuclear energy d. A and B e. A, B and C
e
8. High population density can a. Allow organisms to find mates b. Lead to extinction c. Result in high levels of disease transmission d. B and C e. All of the above
e
5. Which of the following energy sources are considered non-renewable? a. Fossil fuel energy b. Natural gas energy c. Nuclear energy d. A and B e. A, B and C
e. A, B and C
29. Identify an environmental impact that is caused by fossil fuel burning: a. Acid mine drainage b. Mountaintop removal c. Oil spills d. Hydraulic fracturing e. Acid rain
e. Acid rain
2. The scientific process is based on a. Observation b. Testing hypotheses built on observation c. Revising hypotheses based on results d. Only B and C e. All of the above
e. All of the above
3. An experiment a. Is an activity designed to test the validity of a hypothesis b. Often involves manipulating variables c. Should be repeated d. Can involve collection of qualitative data e. All of the above
e. All of the above
17. Which of the following is NOT an advantage of wind energy plants? a. They are more energy efficient than conventional power plants b. They produce no emissions c. The land can be used for other purposes simultaneously d. The landowner can lease the land for wind development e. All of the above are advantages of wind power.
e. All of the above are advantages of wind power.
2. Which source of energy listed below emits CO2 exhaust when operating? a. Hydrogen fuel cells b. Geothermal power plants c. Storage hydroelectric power plants d. Wind turbines e. Direct combustion of biomass
e. Direct combustion of biomass
43. How are fossil fuels related to biofuels? a. Biofuels are made from fossil fuels b. Biofuels were created from ancient biomass, and fossil fuels are manufactured from modern biomass c. We harvest both through practices such as offshore drilling and hydraulic fracturing d. Both can be used equally well in modern automobiles e. Fossil fuels were created from ancient biomass, and biofuels are manufactured from modern biomass
e. Fossil fuels were created from ancient biomass, and biofuels are manufactured from modern biomass
21. Which of the following is the largest carbon reservoir listed? a. Biomass b. Atmosphere c. Vegetation d. Fossil fuels e. Lithosphere
e. Lithosphere
9. Considering the statement "Coal continues to be popular in the United States," which of the following is not true? a. The country has such large reserves of coal. b. Quality of coal varies from deposit to deposit. c. Coal causes less environmental damage than other fossil fuels d. Coal is relatively cheap e. None of the above are incorrect
e. None of the above are incorrect
6. Natural gas contains 80 to 95 percent ________. a. Butane d. Methane b. Ethane e. Propane c. Ethanol
e. Propane
18. Coral animals and shellfish bring carbonate (a carbon-containing compound) into their bodies directly from the ocean so that they can build their hard shells. Identify the sink and source of carbon in this flux. a. Sink = ocean; source = animal biomass b. Sink = atmosphere; source = ocean c. Sink = sediment; source = animal biomass d. Sink = hydrogen ions; source = atmosphere e. Sink = animal biomass; source = ocean
e. Sink = animal biomass; source = ocean
2. Which statement is true regarding the structure of the atmosphere? a. Once we move above the tropopause, the rest of the atmosphere has little direct impact on humans b. Lots of mixing occurs between the different layers of the atmosphere c. The ozone present in the stratosphere is there as a result of human pollution d. Thermal inversions in the mesosphere affect many people e. Weather events take place within the troposphere
e. Weather events take place within the troposphere
14. Are there any environmental costs associated with photovoltaics? a. Yes, they emit carbon dioxide gas when operating b. Yes, they produce radioactivity when operating c. No, there are no environmental costs d. No, but there are costs associated with harvesting the energy e. Yes, hazardous materials are used to create them
e. Yes, hazardous materials are used to create them
23. Select the processes that contribute carbon to the atmosphere a. combustion b. respiration c. photosynthesis d. both b and c e. both a and b
e. both a and b
37. Cellulosic ethanol is made from ___________. a. corn kernels b. enzymes created from corn c. fossil fuels d. specially-made cells e. corn stalks and other tough biomass
e. corn stalks and other tough biomass
20. One major argument against storage hydropower as a form of renewable energy is that it __________. a. produces many polluting gases b. is inefficient c. is not widely used enough for us to assess d. causes cancer in humans e. drastically alters ecosystems
e. drastically alters ecosystems
19. Energy delivered to an electrical generating turbine in a geothermal facility is in the form of _________. a. warm soils and crushed rock b. molten magma c. radioactive isotopes d. electrons e. hot water or steam
e. hot water or steam
24. In the carbon cycle, humans are largely responsible for ____________. a. increasing the amount of fluxes using the atmosphere as a source b. increasing global photosynthesis through crop agriculture c. decreasing consumer respiration through open ocean fishing and aquaculture d. increasing the amount of fluxes using fossil fuels as a sink e. increasing the amount of fluxes using the atmosphere as a sink
e. increasing the amount of fluxes using the atmosphere as a sink
26. A population living in a region with essentially unlimited resources is most likely undergoing ______________ growth. a. exponential b. logistic c. Malthusian d. utopian e. unpredictable
exponential
Carrying capacity is best defined as ____________. the maximum population that a particular environment can support the maximum number of people on Earth the population at which each individual is "carrying his own weight" and supporting others the quality of the environment for supporting life
the maximum population that a particular environment can support