Practice Exam 3
-Chronic, insufficient calorie intake, resulting in nutrient deficiencies and the inability to meet energy needs -Plant-breeding program in the mid1900s that dramatically increased crop yields and led the way for mechanized, large-scale agriculture in developing countries -Food and fiber crops grown to sell for profit, rather than as food for local families or communities -Organisms that have had their genetic information modified to give them desirable characteristics such as pest or drought resistance -Strains of staple crops selectively bred to produce more grain than their natural counterparts, usually because they grow faster or larger or are more resistant to crop diseases -An organism that contains genes from another species -Having physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food -A severe shortage of food that leads to widespread hunger -Programs that focus on the production of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to increase crop productivity or create new varieties of crops -A state of poor health that results from inadequate or unbalanced food intake; includes diets that provide too few or too many calories and/or do not provide the proper nutrients WORD BANK: A. Malnutrition B. Famine C. High-yield varieties (HYVs) D. Transgenic organism E. Undernutrition F. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) G. Green Revolution 2.0 H. Cash crops I. Food security J. Green Revolution
-E -J -H -F -C -D -I -B -G -A
-The meteorological conditions in a given place on a given day -Changes caused by an initial event that then accentuate the original event -Efforts intended to minimize the extent or impact of a problem such as climate change -The ability of a surface to reflect away solar radiation -Changes caused by an initial event that trigger events which then reverse the response -Caused by or related to human action -Alteration in the long-term patterns and statistical averages of meteorological events -Molecules in the atmosphere that absorb heat and reradiate it back to Earth -Efforts intended to help deal with a problem that exists, such as climate change -Long-term patterns or trends of meteorological conditions -Anything that alters the balance of incoming solar radiation relative to the amount of heat that escapes out into space WORD BANK: A. albedo B. radiative forcer C. negative feedback loops D. climate change E. mitigation F. anthropogenic G. adaptation H. weather I. greenhouse gases J. climate K. positive feedback loops
-H -K -E -A -C -F -D -I -G -J -K
-Crops that grow, produce seeds, and die in a year and must be replanted each season -Farming method in which a single variety of one crop is planted, typically in rows over huge swaths of land, with large inputs of fertilizer, pesticides, and water -Farming method in which a mix of different species are grown together in one area -Scientific field that considers the area's ecology and indigenous knowledge, and favors methods that protect the environment and meet the needs of local people -Planting different crops on a given plot of land every few years to maintain soil fertility and reduce pest outbreaks -Nutrient enrichment of an aquatic ecosystem that stimulates excess plant growth and disrupts normal energy uptake and matter cycles -On steep slopes, land is leveled into steps; reduces soil erosion and runoff down the hillside -Crops that do not die at the end of the growing season but live for several years, allowing them to be harvested annually without replanting -Farming methods that can be used indefinitely because they do not deplete resources, such as soil and water, faster than they are replaced -Farming methods that rely on technology, synthetic chemical inputs, and economies of scale to increase productivity and profits -Farming on hilly land in rows that are planted along the slope, following the lay of the land WORD BANK: A. sustainable agriculture B. cultural eutrophication C. agroecology D. terracing E. industrial agriculture F. monoculture G. crop rotation H. polyculture I. annual crops J. contour farming K. perennial crops
-I -F -H -C -G -B -D -K -A -E -J
Bt crops contain a gene from Baccillus thuringiensis that allows for which of the following? A. Resistance to a variety of insect pests B. Drought resistance C. Salt tolerance D. Nutritional enhancement E. Herbicide resistance
A
Currently, ___________ releases more carbon dioxide per person than any other country in the world. A. the United States B. China C. Russia D. Mexico E. France
A
Deliberately thinning out paper birches in an effort to cultivate more oaks and white pines in Minnesota in light of massive paper birch die-offs is an example of ___________. A. resistance forestry B. a poor forestry technique C. facilitation D. command and control forestry E. None of the above choices fits the description.
A
Further changes in global climate will have a significant effect on world forests. Global climate changes will impact both mean annual ______ and ______ which will cause shifts in tree populations. A. temperature; precipitation B. logging; precipitation C. oxygen availability; temperature 8 D. nitrogen levels; carbon dioxide levels E. temperature; available sunlight
A
Global population is predicted to reach __________ by 2050. Experts say this will require producing ______ as much food as we are currently producing. A. 10 billion; twice B. 7 billion; three times C. 10 million; twice D. 10 billion; four times E. 7 billion; twice
A
The ________ Revolution was a plant-breeding program in the mid 1900s that dramatically increased crop yields and led the way for mechanized large-scale agriculture. A. Green B. Red C. Agriculture D. Crop E. Food
A
The goal of ______________ is to control a pest population with the goal of minimizing or eliminating the use of chemical toxins. A. integrated pest management B. monoculture farming C. green management D. greenwashing E. cultural eutrophication
A
The most cost-effective form of water purification is _______________. A. evaporation B. distillation C. osmosis D. reverse osmosis E. membrane filtration
A
The original U.S. Farm Bill was created during which time period? A. The Great Depression B. The 1980s farming crisis C. The 1970s corn blight D. The end of World War II E. 2008-2010
A
Wheat crops grown in Burkina Faso using micro-dose fertilization technology require only ____ of the fertilizer used on wheat grown in the United States. A. 1/10 B. 1/4 C. 1/3 D. 1/2 E. 2/3
A
Which continent is expected to have the largest increase in the rate of urbanization in the near future? A. Asia B. Africa C. South America D. North America E. Europe
A
Which environmental law requires that responsible parties clean up sites contaminated by hazardous materials and holds them liable for the costs and damages? A. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) B. Toxic Substances Control Act (TOSCA) C. Clean Water Act (CWA) D. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) E. Clean Air Act (CAA)
A
Which of the following greenhouse gases, taking into account both the relative heat trapping ability per molecule and the amount present in the atmosphere, has the GREATEST impact on enhancing the greenhouse effect? A. carbon dioxide B. methane C. nitrous oxide D. halocarbons E. CFCs
A
Which of the following is NOT a form of command and control regulation? A. Subsidies B. Permits to authorize operation C. Performance and technology standards D. Penalties E. None; all of the above are a form of command and control regulation.
A
___________ affects diet by increasing the demand for animal food products. A. Affluence B. A food recall C. Eating lower on the food chain D. Use of antibiotics
A
________________ is defined as a slow conversion of rural areas into suburban and exurban ones. A. Suburban sprawl B. Suburban flight C. Urban sprawl D. Exurban sprawl E. None of the above
A
What is a green building? Describe three design features that help make a building green and explain the benefits of such choices.
A green building is one in which construction and operational design choices reduce environmental impact and provide a healthier environment for occupants. Three specific design features of green buildings include green roofs, selecting sustainable building materials, and improving resource and energy efficiency. A green roof can be a rooftop rain garden that helps to absorb rainfall and reduce stormwater runoff while also reducing heating and cooling costs and thus conserving energy. Selecting sustainable building materials such as FSC certified wood, low VOC paint and carpeting, and energy efficient windows implies not only a lower ecological impact but also improved indoor air quality and lower energy bills. Resource and energy efficiency can further be improved by strategically placing windows and skylights to bring in natural light and reduce the need for electric lighting, and by installing water - saving devices such as waterless urinals and motion -sensitive low - flow faucets.
Explain how a protracted crisis in a developing country influences food security. How might this affect a population?
A protracted crisis is a prolonged ecological or political crisis that seriously affects the well-being of a large percentage of the population. In a developing country, this can have a major impact on the ability of that country to acquire sufficient food supplies. This inability to secure adequate food supplies can result in undernourishment, elevated infant mortality rates, and stunted growth in children. Developing countries in protracted crisis can have up to 37% of their population undernourished with a significant percentage being women and children.
What is a sustainable city? Explain how strategies such as infill development, urban growth boundaries, and mixed land use enable a city to become sustainable.
A sustainable city is one where the environmental pros outweigh the cons. It employs strategies that make efficient use of land to create pleasant livable communities with a lower ecological footprint by reducing sprawl, maximizing walkability, and increasing local self -sufficiency. Urban planners have come up with a wide range of strategies for accomplishing these goals, three of which are infill development, urban growth boundaries, and mixed land use. To achieve self -sufficiency and limit sprawl, for example, a sustainable city might establish urban growth boundaries —outer city limits beyond which major development would be prohibited — and instead maintain a mixture of open and agricultural land along its outskirts. Such land could provide a large part of the local food,
Discuss several trade-offs associated with sustainable farming for the consumer, the farmer, and the environment.
Advantages of sustainable farming for consumers include better taste, freshness, foods may contain more antioxidants, and no pesticide residues (if organic) are found on the products. However, disadvantages include occasional blemishes on fruits and vegetables, shelf life of sustainable produce is shorter and usually products are more expensive. Regarding the farmer and the environment: Sustainable methods are advantageous because they have fewer and less costly inputs because of the lack of insecticides, herbicides, and inorganic fertilizers; the soil is not degraded and may be enhanced; and there is less potential for water pollution. Disadvantages for farmers and the environment include the fact that the certification process for getting crops to be labeled as organic takes time and is costly, there are fewer subsidies available to sustainable farmers, and not all crops can grow in all areas because native plants thrive more with sustainable techniques
Describe how command and control regulation could be used to decrease gasoline usage in automobiles. How could incentive-based regulation be used to accomplish the same task?
An example of command and control regulation could be mandating fuel efficiency standards for all newly produced automobiles, for example, setting it to 50 miles per gallon. An incentive-based regulation could be to assess a green tax on gasoline that leads to an increase in carpooling.
List and describe several ethical issues involved with raising animals in CAFOs.
Animals are raised in spaces much smaller than areas animals would naturally graze in. The ability to move and exercise is highly restricted. In tight quarters, animals are exposed to high concentrations of their own urine and feces, which present a health hazard. In bird CAFOs, chickens are debeaked in order to lessen the chance of birds attacking each other in these confined spaces. For cattle, grain diets can lead to liver abscesses or intestinal tract damage.
At the Land Institute in Kansas, Wes Jackson wants to replace annual crops with perennial crop varieties. Explain the difference between annual and perennial crops and describe how this would make agriculture more sustainable
Annual crops, for example corn, produce seeds, die and must be replanted each season. In contrast, perennial crops live for several years and can be harvested each year without replanting. By using perennial crops, there is no need to disrupt the soil each year, thus lessening loss of valuable topsoil by erosion. Perennials produce roots and store energy after the harvest. This allows them to be more productive than annual crops by using root systems from previous seasons and expending stored energy on production of plant matter, like fruits. Also, since the root systems are much longer in perennials, less irrigation is required and the amount of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides is also reduced.
What is political lobbying? In the United States, how does lobbying affect policy decisions?
As part of the democratic process, political lobbyists contact elected officials in support of a particular position. In the United States, professional lobbying has become highly organized, with substantial financial backing. These finances are often used to contribute to a candidate's election fund in hopes that, if elected, that candidate will support their cause. In addition, money can be used for running ad campaigns that promote their positions to the general public. Some argue that the tremendous growth of lobbying in the United States overwhelms the voice of the individual citizen and potentially interferes with policy makers' judgment.
A(n) ___________ is a treaty that specifically indicates what will be done by setting precise goals or targets. A. convention B. protocol C. commitment policy D. summit E. enhanced agreement
B
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) _________ the risk of meat contamination with E. coli because ___________________. A. decrease; animals lack antibiotics in their feed B. increase; animals tend to be covered in fecal matter when kept at high densities C. decrease; a comprehensive database allows for immediate tracing back to the producer where the infection originated D. increase; animals are exposed to higher levels of methane gas E. increase; they require more grazing land per animal
B
In 2009, the Supreme Court gave the EPA the authority to regulate greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide under the A. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). B. Clean Air Act (CAA). C. Toxic Substances Act (TOSCA). D. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). E. None of the above; the EPA lacks the authority to regulate greenhouse gases.
B
In genetic engineering, many copies of the gene of interest are produced. These gene copies are called A. replicates. B. clones. C. plasmids. D. nuclei. E. multiplicates.
B
In sustainable agriculture _____________ is to soil erosion as ____________ is to soil fertility. A. strip cropping; contour farming B. terrace farming; crop rotation C. cover cropping; reduced tillage 6 D. contour farming; terrace farming E. crop rotation; windbreaks
B
In the 1960's urban flight resulted in many banks ruling certain sections of cities off-limits to any type of investment. This practice was called? A. bluelining B. redlining C. greenlining D. urban planning E. rezoning
B
Industrialization and farm subsidies have enabled developed countries to grow vast surpluses of ______ crops, whereas developing countries have focused on growing _____ crops for export. A. cash; food B. food; cash C. food; medicinal D. cash; medicinal E. food; food
B
Many advantages and disadvantages are associated with sustainable farming techniques, for the consumer, farmer and environment, and society. Which of the following statements is FALSE? A. Sustainable farming may be more labor intensive than industrial methods. B. Reliance on local production of food decreases food security, particularly in developing countries. C. Soil is not degraded as much when sustainable agricultural techniques are used. D. Sustainably grown crops may be more expensive. E. None. All of the above are true statements regarding sustainable farming
B
Obesity and type 2 diabetes are often associated with what nutrition-related condition? A. Marasmus B. Overnutrition C. Undernutrition D. Kwashiorkor E. Anemia
B
Of all the freshwater on the Earth, approximately ________________ is trapped as ice. A. 10% B. 80% C. 50% D. 8% E. 60%
B
Shifts in the ranges of tree species due to climate change are called ________. A. derooting events B. tree range migrations C. uncoupling events D. seed dispersal phenomena E. None of the above is the correct choice.
B
The __________________ refers to the amount of edible food that is produced per unit of feed input. A. output per input ratio B. feed conversion ratio C. product per feed ratio D. feed footprint E. weight per time ratio
B
The phenomenon of low-population-density development spread across the landscape is referred to as________________ A. urban flight B. suburban sprawl C. zoning D. infill development E. new urbanism
B
What is the key way to persuade people to support smart growth? A. show the government how much they would save in health care costs B. show the benefits of the triple bottom line C. show the benefits to hiring a new green workforce D. Both a and b E. All are key ways to persuade people.
B
When treatment marshes are used by sewage treatment facilities to treat wastewater, the treatment marsh is acting as a form of ______________ treatment. A primary B. secondary C. tertiary D. potable E. clarifier
B
Which of the following is an anthropogenic forcer? A. volcanic eruptions B. fossil fuel combustion C. sunspot cycles D. orbital eccentricity E. None of the above is an anthropogenic forcer.
B
Which of the water projects discussed in this chapter was designed to produce potable water? A. Arcata B. Orange County C. Three Gorges Dam D. Both a and b E. None of the above
B
_______ are organisms that have had their genetic information modified in a way that does not occur naturally; for example, to give them desirable characteristics such as pest or drought resistance. A. CMOs B. GMOs C. PMOs D. AMOs E. FMOs
B
A shift of only a few degrees Fahrenheit in the average global temperature will likely result in more frequent and extreme heat waves. Which of the following choices best describes this phenomenon? A. habitat destruction B. weather change C. climate change D. ozone formation E. None of the choices listed above fits the description
C
According to researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, increased consumption of __________ increases one's risk of dying. A. chicken B. tuna C. red meat D. turkey E. non-meat sources of protein
C
According to the World Health Organization, approximately how many people globally die each day from starvation? A. 500 B. 1,000 C. 50,000 D. 500,000 E. 1 million
C
Between 1960 and 1990, the new food policies of the Green Revolution resulted in a ____ reduction in global famines. A. 1% B. 10% C. 20% D. 75% E. 90%
C
Characteristics of a sustainable city are _______________. A. sprawl is maximized B. walkability is minimized C. local self -sufficiency is increased D. urban growth boundaries are discouraged E. zoning laws prohibit mixed -use development
C
Groundwater in aquifers is naturally replenished by _____________. A. runoff B. transpiration C. infiltration D. seepage from sewers E. evaporation
C
In 1992, the ___________________ formally recognized climate change as an emerging problem and recommended that precautions be taken to prevent human actions from further damaging Earth's climate system. A. Kyoto Protocol B. Montréal Protocol C. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) D. Stockholm Convention E. Copenhagen Climate Conference
C
Modern industrial agriculture methods ________________________. A. rely on renewable energy sources to power modern farming equipment B. maintain and enrich ecosystem services C. focus all resources on a single crop D. avoid the use of chemical fertilizers E. are considered sustainable
C
Prior to the 1987 Montréal Protocol, there existed some uncertainty in the scientific community as to the magnitude of ozone depletion caused by CFCs in the atmosphere. Nevertheless, the Protocol did recommend phasing out CFCs from refrigerants and other uses because the potential consequences of not doing so were so severe. This is an example of applying the _______________ principle. A. uncertainty B. guilty-until-proven-innocent C. precautionary D. utopian E. better-safe-than-sorry
C
Refer to Infographic 32.2. Which country has the lowest carbon footprint? A. United States B. Spain C. China D. Japan E. Brazil
C
The Beef Recall of 2007 was caused by contamination with A. genetically modified beef . B. ammonia. C. E. coli strain O157:H7. D. antibiotics. E. irradiation.
C
The USDA only acknowledges free-range A. beef B. pork. C. poultry. D. salmon. E. None of the above are acknowledged as free-range by the USDA
C
The _______ footprint refers to the amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases released by an action. A. water B. feed C. carbon D. environmental E. ecological
C
The average adult needs to consume roughly _____ calories each day to meet their daily energy needs. A. 500 B. 1,200 C. 1,800 D. 2,500 E. 3,000
C
The disadvantages of urbanization for a society include ___________________. A. higher energy efficiency in stacked houses B. more job opportunities C. a higher rate of disease D. more transportation options E. more services for citizens
C
To ensure an ongoing water source, communities construct _____________, which in turn create ______________. A. wetland sewage filtration systems; reservoirs B. reservoirs; aquifers C. dams; reservoirs D. water tables; aquifers E. reverse osmosis plants; dams
C
What is the population size generally considered as classifying a city as a "megacity?" A. 1 million B. 5 million C. 10 million D. 50 million E. None of the above
C
What type of policy is needed when an environmental problem extends across national boundaries? A. National B. Local C. International D. State E. Intranational
C
Which of the following continents has the greatest water scarcity? A. North America B. South America C. Africa D. Antarctica E. Europe
C
Which of the following is FALSE regarding the landmark environmental laws passed in the 1960s and '70s? A. Tremendous bipartisan support existed for environmental protection. B. Many environmental problems crossed state lines. C. These landmark laws have remained as is, without amendments. D. Included in these laws was the Endangered Species Act in 1973. E. None of the above; all are true regarding these laws.
C
Which of the following is an advantage of sustainable agriculture? A. Fruits and vegetables grown without pesticides are typically blemish-free and have a long shelf-life since they are picked when ripe and waxed as protection. B. Sustainably grown crops are less expensive since there are many subsidies available to farmers that get passed on to customers. C. Food is fresher, tastier, and healthier as there is little to no pesticide residue on produce. D. There is more genetic and species diversity as crops can be grown without concern for what is climatically suitable to a given area. E. Labels on sustainably grown food are clear and never misleading as the certification process is stringent but straightforward.
C
Which outcome is correctly matched with its cause? A. cultural eutrophication; use of irrigation B. soil salinization; nutrient runoff C. pesticide resistance; application of chemical insecticides D. All of the above are correctly matched E. Only choices A and C are correctly matched
C
_____________________ is the migration of people to large cities. A. Rural migration B. Sprawl zones C. Urbanization D. Exurbs E. None of the above
C
Explain the role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Congress established the EPA in 1970 as a regulatory agency to create rules and regulations to support environmental laws. The EPA sets standards that ensure the goals of any given law are met. If an entity fails to meet these standards, the EPA holds them accountable by mandating change. This could include closing down an industry for repeat violations, fines for failing to meet standards, revocation of operating permits, and fines for clean-up costs.
A consequence of urban flight was suburban sprawl. Suburban sprawl is the conversion of rural areas into suburbs and ________________, A. towns B. communities C. villages D. exurbs E. townships
D
A severe shortage of food that leads to widespread hunger is best defined as A. malnutrition. B. starvation. C. undernutrition. D. famine. E. insecurity.
D
All of the following are examples of adaptation to climate change EXCEPT: A. shoring up coastlines against rising sea levels. B. preparing for heat waves, cold spells, and outbreaks of infectious diseases. C. taking steps to ensure a sufficient water supply in areas where freshwater supplies may dry up. D. consuming fewer fossil fuels. E. All of the above are examples of adaptation.
D
Approximately what percentage of processed food in the United States contains GMOs? A. 10% B. 25% C. 50% D. 75% E. 99%
D
Even though GMOs are commonly grown in the United States, Europe and ______ have restricted their use and application. A. India B. Pakistan C. Mexico D. China E. Japan
D
In Minnesota's North Woods, moving tree species to entirely new ranges where they do not currently grow, based on the notion that the speed of climate change will make it impossible for natural tree migratory processes to occur, is called _________. A. mitigation B. stabilization C. the precautionary principle D. facilitation E. None of the above fits the description.
D
Match the urban planning term to what it represents: A. green buildings -------- a strategy that helps create walkable communities with lower ecological footprints B. infill development -------- construction and operation designs that promotes resource and energy efficiency C. urban growth boundaries -------- the development of empty lots within a city D. brownfields --------- land that is contaminated with hazardous waste which requires remediation before it can be developed E. green roofs --------- rooftop installed energy production using such technologies as solar panels or wind turbines to reduce fossil fuel use
D
Prior to 2012, which of the following is INCORRECT regarding antibiotic use in large-scale livestock operations? A. Animals are given the same antibiotics that humans use to treat disease. B. Antibiotics help reduce the risk of disease spreading through highdensity animal confinements. C. Antibiotics escape into the environment through contaminated water and soil. D. Only sick animals receive antibiotics. E. None of the above; all are correct regarding antibiotic use.
D
Rioting broke out in the two major cities in Burkina Faso when food prices spiked in 2008. Families were already spending between _______ of their budget on basic food staples. A. 5% and 10% B.10% and 20% C. 25% and 50% D. 50% and 75% E. 75% and 90%
D
The 2010 national health objective for E. coli strain O157:H7 is no more than 1 case per _____________ people. A. 100 B. 1,000 C. 10,000 D. 100,000 E. 1 million
D
The era of modern environmental policy had begun by A. 1849. B. 1880. C. 1923. D. 1969. E. 1996.
D
The largest potential source of freshwater is found in ________________. A. groundwater B. lakes C. oceans D. polar ice caps and glaciers E. rivers
D
What changes to regional climate have been observed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource's climatology office? A. Over the past two decades, springtime has come a week or two sooner than the historical average. B. Eight of the state's 20 warmest years have been recorded since 1981. C. Minnesota logged three mild winters in a row, each with record highs. D. All of the above have been observed. E. None of the above has been observed.
D
What is the name of the international group of scientists who evaluate scientific studies related to any aspect of climate change to give thorough and objective assessment of the data? A. World Health Organization B. Montreal Procession C. Environmental Protection Agency D. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change E. Climate Change Forecasters United
D
Which country listed below rejected the Kyoto Protocol and did not ratify it? A. France B. United Kingdom C. Germany D. The United States E. None; all of the above accepted the Protocol.
D
Which is FALSE regarding positive feedback loops? A. They are changes caused by an initial event that then accentuates that original event. B. An example is melting sea ice in the Arctic. C. They can cause rapid changes. D. They always indicate a "positive" or beneficial event. E. None, all of the above are true about positive feedback loops.
D
Which of the following are strategies being used by farmers in Burkina Faso to improve agriculture? A. Zaï pits B. Microfertilization C. Replanting of trees to retain soil D. All of the above are correct. E. Only choices A and B are correct.
D
Which of the following can destabilize global food prices? A. Weather events such as droughts or heat waves B. The global economy C. Rising demand for meat in emerging nations D. All of the above are correct. E. Only choices A and B are correct.
D
Which of the following environmental issues occurs across state and national boundaries? A. Ozone depletion B. Species endangerment C. Global warming D. All of the above are correct. E. Only choices A and B are correct.
D
Which of the following historical federal policies have supported the CAFO model? A. Subsidies that allow feedlot operators to buy grain for less than it costs to grow B. FDA approval for routine use of antibiotics in animal feed C. Lax regulation of wastewater treatment D. All of the above are correct. E. Only choices B and C are correct.
D
Which of the following is CORRECT regarding U.S. environmental policy prior to the 1960s? A. Environmental issues were focused on addressing pollution. B. A key objective was mitigating environmental damage. C. Environmental issues were primarily handled at the federal level. D. Environmental policies mostly dealt with how best to use resources. E. Choices B and C are both correct.
D
Which of the following is NOT a benefit of "grass-fed" beef? A. Animal sickness is less of a problem. B. The meat has more omega-3 fatty acids. C. There is a reduced need for antibiotics. D. The animals gain weight nearly as rapidly as feedlot animals do. E. None of the above is correct; all are benefits.
D
Which of the following is a benefit to consumers from sustainable agriculture? A. no pesticide residue on produce if organic B. fresher, tastier food C. satisfaction in making a more ethical and environmentally sound choice D. All of the above are benefits E. Only choices A and C are correct
D
Which of the following is an example of a transboundary problem? A. Pollution in Mexico's Tijuana river closing beaches in San Diego where the river empties into the sea B. Acid rain falling in Canada due to industrial emissions from the United States C. Currents concentrating garbage in areas of the Atlantic Ocean D. All of the above are examples. E. Only choices B and C are correct.
D
Which of the following is correct regarding the use of fertilizer? A. Plant growth is limited by the supply of soil nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous. B. Extra plant growth that fertilizers support can pull other nutrients out of the soil, depleting soils and creating a dependence on fertilizer. C. Fertilizers help crops grow in areas that may not otherwise be able to support agriculture. D. All of the above are correct E. Only choices A and C are correct
D
_______________ is the scientific field that considers the area's ecology and indigenous knowledge, and favors methods that protect the environment and meet the needs of local people. A. Polyculture B. Organicology C. Integrated biology D. Agroecology E. Systemic ecology
D
An advantage of an economic policy tool approach to protecting the environment is the A. simplicity of the concept and ability to achieve desired goals quickly. B. ability to change the behavior of the regulated industry directly. C. potential to ban extremely toxic substances through authorization permits. D. widespread citizen support for spending tax dollars to impose emission limits. E. encouragement of innovation for reducing environmental impacts.
E
As an example of agroecology, a rice farmer uses ducklings, azolla and fish to produce crops without requiring synthetic chemical inputs. This integrated technique ________________. A. represents a method of organic farming B. is sustainable C. produces more than just rice as a product to sell D. eliminates the need for synthetic and toxic chemicals E. All of the above
E
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) A. allow more beef to be produced with fewer animals. B. require less grazing land per animal. C. reduce the need for antibiotic application. D. All of the above are correct. E. Only choices A and B are correct.
E
It is estimated that about _________ people around the world consume too many calories and are vulnerable to obesity and type 2 diabetes. A. 100,000 B. 500,000 C. 1 million D. 500 million E. 1.5 billion
E
Majora Carter's South Bronx Greenway would provide many benefits, including _________________. A. new waste sites as income generators B. increased air quality C. alternative transportation opportunities D. Both a and b E. Both b and c
E
Out of all of the water on Earth, how much is usable by humans? A. 50% B. 10% C. 5% D. 1% E. less than 1%
E
Refer to Infographic 17.7, part 1. Which of the following represents the largest single use of water in a typical US household? A. leaks B. baths C. showering D. washing cloths E. toilets
E
Sustainable agriculture is best defined as _________________________. A. a plant-breeding program focused on developing specially bred higher-yield varieties B. agriculture that uses heavy doses of chemical fertilizers to replenish lost nutrients C. farming methods in which one crop variety is planted over a large area of land with significant inputs of fertilizer, pesticides, and water D. farming that does not use any synthetic fertilizer, pesticides, or other chemical additives E. farming methods that can be used indefinitely because they do not deplete resources, such as soil and water, faster than they are replaced
E
To make wastewater _______________, or clean enough for consumption, it is put through a process called reverse osmosis. A. sanitary B. desalinated C. effluent D. intrusive E. potable
E
Which of the following are factors that prevent migrating tree species from thriving in their new, more northerly habitats? A. proliferation of deer B. summer water deficits C. beetle infestation D. dry conditions which favor intense fires E. All of the above are factors.
E
Which of the following groups provide input towards how best to curb emissions and slow global warming? A. Scientists B. Environmental activists C. Policy makers D. Political leaders E. All of the above are involved in the process.
E
Which of the following is NOT an aspect of climate? A. long-term patterns or trends B. used to predict weather C. timing of seasonal shifts D. winter lows and summer highs hover close to expected norms E. a few warmer days here and there
E
Which of the following is an example of how species have responded? A. shifting ranges B. earlier blooming C. migrating to higher altitudes D. hatching earlier E. All of the above are examples.
E
Which of the following is an unintended consequence of the Clean Development Mechanism? A. Potential for developing countries to earn carbon-offset credits B. Use of credit sales to fund renewable energy projects in developing countries C. Oppressive command and control regulation D. Purchase of carbon-offset credits by developed nations E. Overproduction of greenhouse gases in order to maximize profits by destroying them
E
Which practice requires the greatest amount of water input? A. flushing the toilet B. taking a shower C. making a cotton t-shirt D. washing dishes E. producing 1 pound of beef
E
Why does open space make a difference? A. Trees and plants can trap pollutants from the air, reducing what infiltrates people's lungs. B. Parks improve both the physical and psychological health of people who live near them. C. More green space can mean less crime. D. Open space provides people a connection to nature, and the built environment in which they live essentially increases community pride. E. All of the above
E
What does it mean to "eat lower on the food chain?" How can it help make livestock production more sustainable?
Eating lower on the food chain means replacing meats in the diet with more fruits and vegetables. This will help make livestock production more sustainable since less meat will be available without grain-fed cattle in a large-scale industrialized CAFO model.
The Infographic depicts UN FAO recommendations for taking into account the importance of each of four factors in developing a country's policies regarding raising livestock. Describe the shift in importance of factors as a country's income increases and the percentage of the country's income that comes from raising livestock decreases?
For low-income, developing countries (low development, many smallholders and slow industrialization), food security and livelihoods are most important. Farmers need help to earn a living raising livestock and increasing access to affordable food for local citizens. As income increases (rapid industrialization and then to postindustrial), priority shifts to food safety and the protection of the environment. Here, food security and livelihoods are less of a concern.
One of the unintended consequences of the Green Revolution was soil salinization. Explain how the Green Revolution has increased the rate of salinization.
Heavy water use from sophisticated irrigation systems can result in soil salinization as salts are left behind in topsoil when the water evaporates. The buildup of salt and other minerals can reduce the land's ability to grow crops. Salinization is a problem in poorly drained soils.
What did Stanford University law student Michael Wara discover about the effectiveness of the cap-and-trade program on reducing greenhouse gas emissions? What explanation did he propose for this surprising result?
In 2006, Wara discovered that the cap-and-trade program, designed to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, actually contributed to their increase. Companies in India and China manufactured HFCs for use in air conditioners and refrigerators. In order to qualify for carbon credits, they eliminated a waste gas produced as a by-product of the manufacturing process. Both the coolant and the waste product are potent greenhouse gases. Unfortunately, these companies produced coolant in quantities well beyond demand, just to eliminate more waste gas product and therefore qualify for tens of millions of dollars of credits that they sold to developed countries. By purchasing these credits, companies in developed countries were able to continue emitting greenhouse gases. These actions led to increased levels of emissions globally.
What are pros and cons of monocultures in industrialized agriculture?
In monoculture farming, a single variety of a single crop is planted over large areas of land. This is done in order to maximize efficiency in terms of planting, treating with fertilizer and pesticides, and harvesting. It also maximizes the ability to produce large quantities of crops that are most in demand. However, monocultures put "all your eggs in one basket" so if a disease affects your plant, the entire area is threatened with catastrophic loss. Also, large amounts of fertilizer and chemical pesticides are used to optimize yields but lead to pollution of the air, soil, and water. Since crops are chosen from high market demand, they may also require inputs of irrigated water (can lead to soil salinization) if they have not evolved to the local climate. Heavy machinery uses fossil fuels and increases compaction and erosion of soil. In addition, our diet becomes narrowed when our food choices become limited by only a few types of foods.
Explain the patterns in the development of megacities from midcentury to 2025.
In the 1950's there were only two cities that would classify as "megacities" (those with populations greater than 10 million), New York City, which was the largest in the world with 12.3 million, and Tokyo, a close second at 11.3 million. By 2011, the number of megacities expanded to 25, and that is expected to increase to 29 cities by 2025. There are also patterns in the rate of growth that differ across the globe. Cities such as Tokyo, New York, and Mexico City (megacities in 1980) will continue to grow, but their rate of growth will be greatly exceeded by many of the Asian cities, such as Mumbai, Shanghai and Delhi,each of which are expected to approximately triple in size between 1980 and 2025.
List some potential symptoms that E. coli strain O157:H7 can cause in humans. What is the prognosis for most infected adults? Which types of people are at risk for more serious effects, including death?
Infection can cause bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, dehydration, and even kidney failure. Overall, 3-5% of diagnosed cases result in death. Fortunately, in most adults, the infection clears up within a week. However, the potential for fatality increases for some groups of people including infants, young children, the elderly, and anyone with a compromised or underdeveloped immune system.
Define malnutrition and provide examples that illustrate how it can lead to various disease states.
Malnutrition is defined as a state of poor health that results from inadequate or unbalanced food intake. Diets with plenty of calories but deficient in protein, can lead to kwashiorkor, a disorder that produces symptoms such as a bloated belly, loss of muscle mass, and lethargy. Marasmus, also called wasting disease, results from a diet deficient in calories and proteins. Marasmus victims are very skinny and frail, very susceptible to infection and disease, and experience stunted growth and developmental problems. Lack of vitamin A can lead to developmental problems, immune deficiencies, and blindness. Anemia can be caused by lack of dietary iron. Insufficient iodine affects thyroid function and fetal brain development. Lack of zinc lowers immunity and causes stunted growth and learning disabilities
How would applying the precautionary principle now to carbon dioxide emissions help to avoid, or at least lessen, some of the more serious outcomes of a changing global climate?
Many climate scientists set the upper limit of carbon dioxide that we should not cross at 560 ppm. Other scientists place it much lower at 350 ppm. At our current pace we will probably surpass the 560 ppm threshold before the end of this century. The Precautionary principle can be used when data is uncertain or severe consequences are possible. In this case, consequences such as melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet and other irreversible events are predicted. Although some argue that placing any kind of limit on carbon dioxide emissions would hurt the economy, others feel we need to set significant reduction targets now to make any dent in the problem. Since there is still much debate over global climate change, acting now by using the precautionary principle should lessen risk and provide more time to further investigate the effects and consequences of global climate change.
What is sustainable agriculture?
Methods of sustainable agriculture help farmers grow crops within the means of the local ecosystem, without degrading the soil, water, and biodiversity that are required for their growth.
What changes occurred to Minnesota's climate 12,000 and 6,000 years ago? What effect did these changes have on the ranges for various tree species? How did scientists determine these changes?
Minnesota's climate has been in flux for thousands of years. Fossil plant and pollen records show that, after the North American ice cap retreated, some 12,000 years ago, the climate warmed so dramatically that tree species' ranges shifted northward at a rate of 50 kilometers per century. Pines, oaks, and other deciduous species replaced the spruce trees that had covered most of the region. As summers became warmer, water levels fell, prairie plants took root, and birches and pine moved north. Then, about 6,000 years ago, the climate cooled somewhat and trees began migrating south and west once again.
Compare per capita consumption of meat and dairy products in developed versus developing nations. What is the role of meat and dairy in a healthy diet?
Per capita consumption of meat and dairy products is estimated to be as much as 3 or 4 times higher in developed nations. However, meat and dairy production has increased recently in both developing and developed countries. Most health experts state that meat and dairy products can be part of a healthy diet. Especially in developing nations, they are valuable sources of protein. However, overconsumption of meat and dairy products is associated with serious health problems.
What is the difference between physical water scarcity and economic scarcity?
Physical water scarcity refers to the situation where water is being used at rates that exceed the ability of the water to be replenished. Economic scarcity is the situation where limits to access are determined by the inability to pay for water.
What is the soil like in the central plateau of Burkina Faso? List and describe strategies that farmers there are employing to improve agriculture.
Poor soil and very little rain mean crop yields are low in this region. In many places, the land is described by local farmers as zippelle, hard dry cake. To improve yields, farmers have revived an ancient strategy of farming called the Zaï pit. Farmers dig thousands of small pits during the dry season and fill them with organic matter. After the first rainfall the organic layer is covered with soil and seeds are placed in them. Farmers in Burkina Faso are also using microdose fertilizer to reduce the amount of fertilizer required. Trees are also being replanted to retain soil and stop desertification and livestock manure is being conserved and applied to fields.
List several reasons beef-industry representatives would argue for industrial-scale production of beef in Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), and then list several objections raised by critics of this industrial model.
Proponents of CAFOs would argue that our food supply is safer than it has ever been, meat is part of a healthy diet, and CAFOs allow meat suppliers to produce more beef with fewer animals, saving land from being dedicated to grazing. Opponents of CAFOs would argue that food safety is compromised, citing the 2007 E. coli outbreak, overconsumption of meat is associated with obesity and heart disease, and the negative effects on the environment, including air and water pollution, are not sustainable
What are the two main causes of sea level rise? Over the last century, how much have sea levels risen, and what effects has this caused? What is predicted to happen in the future?
Sea levels have risen by an average of 4 to 8 inches during the last century. About half of this rise is due to land-based ice melt and the other half to thermal expansion, the expansion of water molecules as they heat up. So far, rising sea levels have displaced hundreds of thousands of coastal-dwelling people around the world. It is predicted that temperature increases of 2° to 4°C will impact 10 to 300 million people with coastal erosion and flooding
Many countries have constructed dams and reservoirs as a method to solve water shortages. What are some of the problems associated with reservoirs?
Some of the problems seen with dams and reservoirs are political conflicts, water losses that can range in thousands of gallons per day to evaporation, accumulation of silt behind the dam, and the ecological impacts on habitats and biodiversity
What are ways you can personally support sustainable agriculture?
Support local farmers, buy sustainably or organically grown products, and eat naturally fed and antibiotic-free meats. Financing the industry by paying a little extra for the products is the most important way to keep the practice alive.
As a consumer, you need to be wary of purported health claims made on organically grown foods. How could such claims be validated?
The FDA and the USDA could examine the "greenwashing" claims made regarding organic foods and provide labels that consumers could use to compare organically grown food with nonorganically grown food. Also, the certification process could be standardized among the states so the term "organically grown" means the same thing in every state.
Explain how the Green Revolution launched a coordinated effort to eliminate hunger in developing countries.
The Green Revolution introduced farmers in developing countries to modern agricultural technology including the application and use of chemical pesticides, sophisticated irrigation system, synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and modern farming 3 equipment. Additionally, the Green Revolution introduced new highyield varieties of corn, wheat, and rice.
Explain why the United States felt the Kyoto Protocol of 1997 was unfair and therefore did not ratify it?
The Kyoto Protocol set emission-reduction goals for developed countries that had to that point contributed the most to greenhouse gas pollution. In contrast, developing countries were exempt from setting reduction goals since they contributed much less to the pollution and had less financial ability to enact reduction strategies. The United States argued that countries such as China and India, emerging nations with no reduction goals set, would receive an unfair advantage over industrialized nations in the global economy.
What was the Kyoto Protocol, and how was compliance enforced?
The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997. This international treaty set legally binding specific goals for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions for those nations that ratified the treaty. Compliance depends on the cooperation of the signatory parties in that they accomplish the goals of the signed treaty. There are few international avenues available to enforce compliance. One response to non-compliance would be for other nations to pressure the violator by imposing economic sanctions (reducing or cutting off trade). However, this does not guarantee compliance.
Refer to Infographic 32.2. Discuss at least two of the benefits of urbanization to the environment
The concentration of people in smaller areas and building up rather than out can help protect existing farms, green space, and ecosystems. Having higher population densities will also help to make environmentally friendly practices more cost effective. Urbanization also decreases the use of energy and thus the carbon footprint because the population lives in smaller homes and are closer to the amenities they need.
Why traditionally are minority communities burdened with more than their share of environmental risks in this country, while enjoying fewer of the benefits of environmental regulation than others?
The concept of environmental justice argues that minority populations often undertake environmentally hazardous activities because they have few economic alternatives and/or are not fully aware of the risks involved. A combination of lack of awareness to the potential risks coupled with their relative lack of political and economic power makes poor minority communities a target for environmentally hazardous activities.
How do traditional wastewater treatment plants differ from wastewater treatment plants that mimic nature?
The goal of both plants is to treat wastewater and make it safe before being discharged back into nature. Traditional wastewater plants use energy intensive high-tech methods that rely upon chemicals to treat the wastewater. Plants that mimic nature use ponds and wetlands to naturally treat wastewater; the microorganisms and plants in the ponds and wetlands purify the wastewater as it flows through them
Describe what warmer global temperatures should lead to. What evidence exists to show that these effects are occurring?
Warmer temperatures should lead to more ice melt. Since the middle of the 20th century, glaciers around the world have a net loss of ice. Sea levels would be expected to increase as land-based ice melts and as warmer seawater expands. Sea level has indeed risen 4-8 inches over the last century. More weather extremes would be expected with an increase in global temperatures. Some areas are receiving more precipitation than normal while others are receiving less than normal. The intensity of Atlantic hurricanes has increased.
Explain how global climate change could cause the disruption or uncoupling of important community connections.
Warming weather caused by global warming has already resulted in vegetation blooming and insects emerging earlier. Birds that rely upon the insects for food may not have changed their migration timing and may be arriving too late to take advantage of the earlier emergence. Flowers blooming earlier may result in a disruption between the flower and its pollinator if the pollinator is not present when the flower blooms. The timing between flower and pollinator may become uncoupled. Species have evolved important connections within communities and they may not have sufficient time to adapt to rapid changes in climate.
Describe the difference between weather and climate. Provide an example for each.
Weather refers to the meteorological conditions in a given place on a given day. For example, the weather in New York City today is forecast to be 60 degrees Fahrenheit and cloudy. Climate refers to long-term patterns or trends of meteorological conditions. For example, the climate of the American Southwest includes high summer temperatures around 100-125°F, and below zero in the northernmost parts in the winter. Species have responded to global climate change in various ways.
