Human Activity and the Biosphere
Who is credited with inventing the seed drill? A - Patrick Bell B - Eli Whitney C - Cyrus McCormick D - Jethro Tull
D - Jethro Tull
Which of the following described Emerging Market? A - A less developed nation with a rapidly growing economy B - A nation specifically in Asia that is improving its agricultural practices C - A nation that is experiencing a rapid growth in population D - A developed nation that is currently experiencing a technological boom
A - A less developed nation with a rapidly growing economy EMERGING MARKETS are less developed nations with fast-growing economies due to undergoing rapid growth and industrialization, which is preparing them to enter the global market.
What triggered the Industrial Revolution? A - There was a massive increase in population B - New farming techniques boosted agricultural production C - More people started moving to the cities creating a demand for non-agricultural jobs D - Natural resources replaced wood as fuel sources
B - New farming techniques boosted agricultural production
What is the term used to describe a substance that pollutes the air, water, or land? A - Litter B - A factory C - A pollutant D - A landfill
C - A pollutant
What is an environment that can support itself without outside help? A - An environmental ecosystem B - An atmospheric ecosystem C - A industrial ecosystem D - A sustainable ecosystem
D - A sustainable ecosystem
How did the cotton gin help revolutionize the textile industry? A - It was efficient and required less work B - It did not impact the environment in a negative way C - It helped clothe the growing population D - It made daily life easier E - It made the mass production of cloth possible
E - It made the mass production of cloth possible The cotton gin led to new inventions in spinning and weaving that made mass production possible.
Which of the following is NOT caused by rising temperatures? A - Sea levels rising almost 7 inches in the past 100 years B - More carbon dioxide is being emitted C - Polar ice caps and glaciers melting D - The extinction of various species
B - More carbon dioxide is being emitted Increased levels of carbon dioxide is the cause, not the result.
Which of the following is FALSE about atmospheric carbon dioxide levels? A - Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels follow a non-seasonal pattern B - Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are highly correlated to global temperature C - Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels increased each and every year for the past 46 years straight D - Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are currently at higher levels than thy have been at any other time in the past 800,000 years
A - Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels follow a non-seasonal pattern Measurements show that concentration of carbon dioxide has been steadily increasing year after year for the past 54 years in a remarkably regular seasonal pattern. The pattern is so steady that CO2 levels have reached a new high each May for the past 46 years straight.
Which of the following occurred during the Agricultural Revolution? A - Population growth slowed B - New methods of farming, such as crop rotation, were used C - The population migrated towards farms D - The telegraph was invented
B - New methods of farming, such as crop rotation, were used
Deforestation can result when an emerging nation experiences industrial development. What is the environmental concern associated with deforestation? A - A loss of biodiversity and increased carbon dioxide release into the atmosphere B - Water pollution and a threat to freshwater supply C - Economic collapse due to the loss of plant and animal habitat D - Increased emissions of methane gas and nitrous oxide
A - A loss of biodiversity and increased carbon dioxide release into the atmosphere
Which of the following is NOT related to global climate change? A - All are connected B - Changes in precipitation C - Increased rate of species extinctions D - More intense storms E - Drought
A - All are connected
The variability of life forms within a given ecosystem is known as... A - Desertification B - Bioviability C - Biodiversity D - Deforestation
C - Biodiversity
Which of the following scenarios is MOST likely to occur if atmospheric carbon dioxide levels continue to rise? A - Global temperatures will increase, glaciers and polar icecaps will melt, and many species will go extinct, but many will also adapt and survive, and some new species will evolve to take advantage of the new niches created by the climate changes. B - Global temperatures will increase, glaciers and polar icecaps will melt, and even more carbon dioxide will be released from the deep ocean. The higher levels of carbon dioxide will become toxic to humans and other mammals, and new organisms that are more adapted to higher carbon dioxide levels will evolve to take their place. C - Global temperatures will increase, and glaciers and polar icecaps will melt, causing sea levels to rise. Plant life all around the Earth will die off because of high temperatures and lack of sufficient fresh water. D - Global temperatures will increase, glaciers and polar icecaps will melt, the Earth will revert back to the way it was during the Mesozoic period, and dinosaurs will evolve again in this type of environment.
A - Global temperatures will increase, glaciers and polar icecaps will melt, and many species will go extinct, but many will also adapt and survive, and some new species will evolve to take advantage of the new niches created by the climate changes. Climate changes in the past have not caused extinctions of all species; there are always many adaptable species that survive in their new climates. In addition, new species will undoubtedly evolve to take advantage of newly created niches in most ecosystems. This does not mean that species that lived during similar times in the past (dinosaurs) will come back.
Adams Paint uses a process of paint manufacturing that generates unique liquid color waste. Located across the street from them is Total T-Shirts. Adams Paint and Total T-Shirts realize they can collaborate by Total T-Shirts using their liquid color waste to manufacture tye-dye shirts. What is this an example of? A - Industrial ecology B - Sustainable consumption C - Environmental ecology D - Sustainable ecology
A - Industrial ecology INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY is the study of industrial systems aimed at identifying and implementing strategies that reduce their environmental impact. It was developed as a way to better understand the impact industries have on the environment.
Which of the following resulted from the Agricultural Revolution? A - People were able to move off the farms and into cities B - Food production decreased C - People flocked to farms, which now had a need for additional workers D - Population decreased
A - People were able to move off the farms and into cities The Agricultural Revolution was a period of significant development marked by new farming techniques and inventions that led to the massive increase of food production.There was experimentation with new crops and new methods (rotation) that gave the soil time to replenish nutrients leading to stronger crops and better output. Advancements in irrigation and drainage further increased productivity.
How does smog develop? A - The burning of fossil fuels release pollutants that mix with particles in the air B - It develops as a result of climate change over time C - Fossil fuels release pollutants into the air whether they are burned or not, creating smog D - Over-drilling in areas releases chemical pollutants from the ground, creating smog
A - The burning of fossil fuels release pollutants that mix with particles in the air
How does subsistence farming threaten environmental sustainability? A - The deforestation leads to soil erosion and other problems B - The heavy use of irrigation threatens ground water supply C - The use of commercial farming equipment uses high amounts of oil D - The high level of supply subsistence farmers seek threatens to overuse the land
A - The deforestation leads to soil erosion and other problems SUBSISTENCE farming is farming that provides only for the farmer and his family. This type of farming in over-populated and less-developed countries are one of the leading causes of deforestation.
Which of the following BEST describes eutrophication? A - The process by which a body of water becomes overly enriched by nutrients leading to an increased growth of algae and aquatic plant life B - The process by which a body of water becomes overly enriched by nutrients leading to increased levels of dissolved oxygen C - The process by which a body of water becomes overly enriched by nutrients leading to a decrease in nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the water D - The process by which a body of water becomes overly enriched by nutrients leading to an increased fish population
A - The process by which a body of water becomes overly enriched by nutrients leading to an increased growth of algae and aquatic plant life The excessive growth of algae and aquatic plant life depletes dissolved oxygen levels within the water to the point where other organisms cannot survive.
Which of the following BEST describes Industrial Ecology? A - The study of industrial systems aimed at finding strategies to reduce environmental impact B - An engineering specialty aimed at generating more energy output C - The study of forests and other natural environments to find ways to reduce and reuse natural resources D - The study of turning previously infertile land into fertile land
A - The study of industrial systems aimed at finding strategies to reduce environmental impact
How does industrial agriculture threaten environmental sustainability? A - It is the leading cause of global climate change B - It relies heavily on irrigation, which could deplete groundwater C - It causes the release of carbon monoxide into the atmosphere D - It is a substance activity that leads to deforestation
B - It relies heavily on irrigation, which could deplete groundwater
Which of the following terms represents the average consumption rate of individuals within the population? A - IPAT B - Affluence C - Environmental impact D - Ecological footprint
B - Affluence AFFLUENCE represents the average consumption rate of individuals within a population.
How can a landfill be BEST described? A - An area where agricultural products such as pesticides are safely stored. B - An area for trash disposal in which the pollutants are dumped, and then covered by soil. C - An area for trash disposal in which the pollutants are dumped, and then treated to kill all living organisms. D - An area for trash disposal in which the pollutants are dumped and then neutralized.
B - An area for trash disposal in which the pollutants are dumped, and then covered by soil. LANDFILLS keep physical pollutants confined to one area. Modern ones are lined with plastic to prevent leakage into the ground but as the matter decomposes it still releases methane gas, carbon dioxide, and other harmful gases.
Which of the following terms is used to describe a measure of the amount of oxygen required by aerobic microorganisms to decompose organic matter in water? A - Dissolved oxygen B - Biochemical oxygen demand (B.O.D) C - Aquaculture D - Biological aquatic demand (B.O.D)
B - Biochemical oxygen demand (B.O.D) Bacteria and other microorganisms use oxygen to metabolize organic matter, such as sewage. IF sewage is present these organisms will decrease the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water.
Which of the following statements is TRUE about the Mesozoic period that lasted between 65 and 250 million years ago? A - Carbon dioxide levels ranged between 700 and 2500 ppm and global temperatures were similar to what they are now. B - Carbon dioxide levels ranged between 700 and 2500 ppm and global temperatures were 10-25 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than they are now. C - Carbon dioxide levels ranged between 700 and 2500 ppm and global temperatures were lower than what they are now. D - Carbon dioxide levels and global temperatures were both lower than what they are now.
B - Carbon dioxide levels ranged between 700 and 2500 ppm and global temperatures were 10-25 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than they are now.
Which of the following is an effect of deforestation? A - Helps in recycling nutrients B - Decreases soil health C - Is unimportant for medical purposes D - Leads to stability of an ecosystem
B - Decreases soil health When it rains in these areas soil erosion, washing away of topsoil, accelerates and water is not easily absorbed into the ground. This will ultimately effect the water cycle.
What do the letters in the equation IPAT stand for? A - Environmental Impact, Pollution, Affluence, Technology B - Environmental Impact, Population, Affluence, Technology C - Income, Pollution, Affluence, Technology D - Impact, Population, Administration, Transportation
B - Environmental Impact, Population, Affluence, Technology
Explain how the use of fertilizers by farmers affect the oxygen level in waterways. A - Fertilizers run off into waterways which cause a rapid growth in bacteria and eventually deplete the oxygen levels. B - Fertilizers run off into waterways which cause rapid growth of tiny plants and eventual depletion of oxygen levels. C - Fertilizers run off into waterways and are consumed by fish which in turn deplete the oxygen levels. D - Fertilizers run off into waterways and react with the oxygen, thereby depleting the oxygen levels.
B - Fertilizers run off into waterways which cause rapid growth of tiny plants and eventual depletion of oxygen levels. Fertilizers and pesticides contain nitrogen, phosphorous, and other chemical which can contaminate soil and run off into bodies of water.
Which is NOT a way that people are working to control global climate change? A - Collecting data from space B - Increasing production of fossil fuels C - Collecting data about emissions D - Offering incentives for efficient applications
B - Increasing production of fossil fuels FOSSIL FUELS cause more greenhouse gases to be emitted, so it would just make it worse.
During the Industrial Revolution coal replaced wood as a major source of fuel. How does burning coal impact the environment? A - It decreases valuable greenhouse gases in the atmosphere B - It can increase acid rain C - It requires large quantities of water for burning, which depletes water resources D - It results in the release of greenhouse gases into rivers and streams
B - It can increase acid rain
Which of the following does not contribute to increase in carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere? A - Increase in population B - Reforestation C - Deforestation D - Increasing use of fossil fuels
B - Reforestation REFORESTATION is the intentional restocking of existing forests and woodlands. This helps to reduce the amount of CO2 from the atmosphere by the process of photosynthesis. All other options contribute to bringing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Which of the following is NOT a human cause of eutrophication? A - Sewage B - Solar energy plants C - Aquaculture D - Agricultural fertilizers
B - Solar energy plants
What will result from using more energy-efficient products and cleaner energy sources? A - The technology (T) variable will decrease and the environmental impact (I) will increase B - The technology (T) variable will increase and the environmental impact (I) will decrease C - The technology (T) variable and the environmental impact (I) will both increase D - The technology (T) variable and the environmental impact (I) will both decrease
B - The technology (T) variable will increase and the environmental impact (I) will decrease TECHNOLOGY represents the level of efficiency of the energy sources used and how these energy sources impact the environment.
Why did coal replace wood as a fuel source? A - Coal was a cleaner fuel source than wood B - There was a lot of coal available and it required less work to mine than cutting wood C - Coal was used to make steel, which was used in the manufacturing of ships D - Too many trees were being cut down and the environment needed to be preserved
B - There was a lot of coal available and it required less work to mine than cutting wood
Which of the following was likely NOT a reason why the Industrial Revolution took place? A - People discovered that they could mass produce items and sell them, thus leading to many taking jobs in factories B - People found a need for items to be produced that would improve their quality of life. C - A massive increase in food production lead to people trying to find ways to preserve the food surplus for later consumption. D - New farming equipment was invented that created less of a demand for agricultural workers.
C - A massive increase in food production lead to people trying to find ways to preserve the food surplus for later consumption. People were now able to move to cities because of the increased food production caused by the agricultural revolution. this led to a demand for other produced (clothing and non-essential items that improved daily life). This led to factories being created to meet the demand.
Which of the following statements is TRUE about greenhouse gases? A - Their concentrations in the atmosphere are greater now than ever before B - They are beneficial in the right concentrations C - All are correct D - They are harmful when concentrations are to high E - They trap heat on Earth making it hospitable
C - All are correct
Which of the following is an important indicator of the health of a water body and its ability to support a diverse balance of aquatic organisms? A - Amount of aerobic microorganisms B - Large number of algal blooms C - Amount of dissolved oxygen D - A high level of biochemical oxygen demand
C - Amount of dissolved oxygen
Which of the following is a property of biological pollutants? A - Biological pollutants reduce at a rapid rate B - Biological pollutants deteriorate in new surroundings C - Biological pollutants easily adapt in new surroundings D - Biological pollutants are always visible to the eyes
C - Biological pollutants easily adapt in new surroundings BIOLOGICAL pollution is the introduction of living organisms, which grow and become invasive, into the environment. They will thrive an adapt to their new environments, choking out the native organisms.
The Environmental Protection Agency has expressed concern about Jones Logging Co. regarding their contributions to the greenhouse effect. Why would the EPA be concerned about this? A - Climate change caused by deforestation leads to increased greenhouse gases B - The fossil fuel emissions caused by deforestation seep into the ground C - Deforestation releases CO2 into the atmosphere D - Logging releases pollutants into the water supply
C - Deforestation releases CO2 into the atmosphere
Which of the following is one of the most notable examples of Industrial Ecology in practice today? A - The Redwood Forest in California B - The solar power plants in the Mojave Desert C - Denmark's Kalundborg Eco-industrial Park D - The Hoover Dam
C - Denmark's Kalundborg Eco-industrial Park This is an eco-industrial park where industries exchange byproducts and energy for mutual benefit. It is comprised of a power plant, an oil refinery, a manufacturing plant, a pharmaceuticals plant and the Kalundborg municipality. By working together, the byproducts or wastes from one industry are used as a resource by one or more of the other industries.
Which term is best described as the responsible interaction with the environment to avoid depletion or degradation of natural resources and allow for long-term environmental quality? A - Environmental ethics B - Environmental justice C - Environmental sustainability D - Environmental stability
C - Environmental sustainability
What is the single greatest threat to biodiversity? A - Invasive species B - Overharvesting C - Human alteration of habitats D - Global climate change E - None are correct
C - Human alteration of habitats Farming, development, deforestation, mining, and environmental pollutants are extremely destructive to natural habitats. Road breaking up habitats, dams disrupting hydrology (effecting land and water), increasing development of the coasts, and oil spills/cargo accidents in the ocean.
Which of the following is NOT An effect of deforestation? A - Desertification B - Increased carbon dioxide release into the atmosphere C - Increased water vapor in the atmosphere D - Soil erosion
C - Increased water vapor in the atmosphere When trees are destroyed they release their carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect
Which of the following is TRUE of Industrial Ecology? A - It is the study of how to make natural systems, such as forests and lakes, more sustainable B - It is a science that has been around for hundreds of years C - It assumes industrial systems can become more efficient and sustainable if examined creatively D - When implemented, it increases the need for natural resources
C - It assumes industrial systems can become more efficient and sustainable if examined creatively
Why are forests described as carbon sinks? A - They add to the greenhouse effect B - They give off carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and contribute to the greenhouse effect C - They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and prevent the greenhouse effect D - They convert carbon dioxide into greenhouse gas
C - They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and prevent the greenhouse effect
What advantage do emerging nations have over developed nations in dealing with environmental concerns? A - They are smaller than developed nations and thus have less pollutants B - They have no industrial plants to worry about yet C - They don't have restrictive environmental policies in place yet D - Access to technology that developed markets have created already
D - Access to technology that developed markets have created already There is technology designed to produce less pollution which allows for industrialization without the environmental destruction.
Which of the following terms is used to describe explosive growth of algae at or near the surface of water? A - Acid rain B - Infiltration C - B.O.D D - Algal blooms
D - Algal blooms
Why is deforestation harmful to biodiversity? A - It removes habitat that wildlife depend on B - It removes a source of carbon dioxide intake C - It increases land erosion D - All are correct E - It removes trees that will take a long time to regrow
D - All are correct Forests provide habitat for numerous animals, prevent soil erosion, and take in carbon dioxide. These trees are often hundreds of years old and are unable to regrow in a single human lifetime.
Why is the current levels of greenhouse gas emission harmful for the environment? A - Because the gases inadvertently cause rising sea levels because they cause the ice to melt. B - Because any amount of greenhouse gas emission is harmful to the environment C - Because greenhouse gases, when they come into contact with water, cause a specific kind of rain called acid rain and they are occurring more and more often. D - Because greenhouse gases are important to trapping heat in the atmosphere and keeping Earth's temperature hospitable, but the current levels of gases are too high and trapping too much heat.
D - Because greenhouse gases are important to trapping heat in the atmosphere and keeping Earth's temperature hospitable, but the current levels of gases are too high and trapping too much heat.
Why are storms far stronger than they were 100 years ago? A - Because of the fact that global sea levels are rising B - Because the number of people was much smaller then C - Because of forest fires D - Because of the fact that the earth is now a lot warmer
D - Because of the fact that the earth is now a lot warmer STORMS get their energy from warm water and wind, and since both of these are becoming warmer along with the earth, this gives the storms more power and the ability to cause more damage.
Which of the following resulted when forest were cleared to make room for farms? A - Biodiversity decreased B - Carbon dioxide was removed from the atmosphere improving air quality C - Wildlife habitats were improved D - Biodiversity decreased
D - Biodiversity decreased
BRICS is an acronym that includes which of the following nations? A - Brussels, Romania, India, China, and South Wales B - Belgium, Romania, India, China, and South America C - Britain, Russia, India, China, and South America D - Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa
D - Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa These are the five major emerging markets that should be becoming global players soon.
What are the three main greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere? A - Carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitric oxides B - Methane, carbon dioxide, and nitric oxides C - Methane, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide D - Carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor
D - Carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor These three are all contributors to the greenhouse effect. greenhouse gases are gases in the atmosphere that absorb infrared radiation from the Earth adn slows the rate of heat loss.
Choose the set of factors that will most certainly lead to desertification. A - Carbon sinking, drought, and aggressive grazing practices B - Drought, cyclone, and aggressive agricultural practices C - Drought, plenty of sunshine, and greenhouse effect D - Drought, aggressive agricultural, and grazing practices
D - Drought, aggressive agricultural, and grazing practices
Which of the following terms is used to describe the measure of the demand for resources required to support a lifestyle? A - IPAT B - Affluence C - Environmental impact D - Ecological footprint
D - Ecological footprint
What is overharvesting? A - Harvesting crops before they are ready B - None are correct C - Not harvesting enough organisms to keep populations in check D - Harvesting organisms faster than their populations can recover E - Harvesting more fish than can be sold at market
D - Harvesting organisms faster than their populations can recover This effects animals (over-fishing, poaching animals,etc.) and plants (deforestation, agricultural, grazing, etc.).
Most climate scientists agree that _________ is the cause of the unprecedented increase in global temperatures. A - Increased solar radiation B - Rising sea levels C - More severe forest fires D - Human activity
D - Human activity
Which of the following can occur due to runoff of pollutants, such as pesticides and fertilizers? A - Increased greenhouse gas emissions B - Improved soil quality C - Increased crop production D - Increased water pollution
D - Increased water pollution
What happens to the environmental impact if the population increase? A - It stays the same B - Population does not impact the environment C - It decreases D - It also increases
D - It also increases The ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT id the product of the other three factors; population, affluence, and technology.
Discarded water bottles and sulfur dioxide are examples of ______ and ______ pollutants. A - Chemical; Biological B - Chemical; Physical C - Physical; Biological D - Physical; Chemical
D - Physical; Chemical PHYSICAL pollution is the introduction of discarded materials into the environment. It is a direct result of humans because it is trash. CHEMICAL pollution is the introduction of chemicals into the environment. These may not be seen by the human eye but they can still do a lot of damage.
A new city is built in an area with a large lake. The city primarily uses the lake as a major water supply for a variety of different city needs. This becomes a concern for environmentalists. Why are they concerned? A - Water is a non-renewable natural resource, so their supply is limited B - This kind of a large-scale use of water supply leads to increased soil erosion C - This kind of large-scale use of a water supply leads to increased greenhouse gases D - Water is a renewable natural resource, but if they use it too fast, nature won't keep up
D - Water is a renewable natural resource, but if they use it too fast, nature won't keep up
