unit 8 apes review
Based on the data in the graph, which of the following likely occurred from 1960 to 2015 because of changes in solid waste disposal methods? A Fewer natural resources needed to be extracted. B Groundwater contamination declined. C Less carbon dioxide was released into the atmosphere. D Less land was used for landfills.
a
Based on the diagram, which of the following is associated with the primary treatment of sewage? A Grit chamber B Aeration tank C Effluent D Activated sludge
a
The graph below shows the dose response curves for four different chemicals, labeled A — D, in a dose-response study on the effects of the chemicals on mortality in amphibians. All dose experiments began at 0 units of each chemical. Based on the data in the graph, which of the four chemicals is the most toxic to amphibians regardless of dose? A A B B C C D D
a
The table below shows the number of brine shrimp that hatched over 72 hours in three different concentrations of salt water. All tanks had 50 eggs at the start of the study. Number of Brine Shrimp Hatched Sodium Chloride Concentration 0 hours 12 hours 24 hours 48 hours 72 hours 0mg100ml/0 0 0 1 2 10mg100ml/0 0 7 15 16 20mg100ml/0 3 14 29 34 30mg100ml/0 7 28 40 42 Based on the data in the table, which of the following concentrations of sodium chloride is most toxic to brine shrimp? A 0mg100mL/ B 10mg100mL/ C 20mg100mL/ D 30mg100mL/
a
The two pie charts show municipal solid waste (MSW) in the United States, 2015. Based on the data in the graphs, which of the following would result in the largest reduction in volume of municipal solid waste disposed of in landfills? A Introduce composting programs for yard trimmings and food waste B Increase programs to recycle glass and metals C Promote reusing plastics and wood products D Increase funding to clothing donation programs
a
Which of the following is an example of a point source of pollution? A A leaking septic tank B Agricultural pollution from a group of cattle farms C Runoff following road construction D Acid mine drainage
a
A pesticide was applied to a population of roaches, and it was determined that the LD50 was 55mgkg. If the average mass of a roach was 0.02kg, which of the following approaches will determine the dose in mg per roach? A 55mg1kg×10.02kg B 55mg1kg×50%×0.02kg C 55mg1kg×0.02kg D 0.02kg1×55mg1kg50%
c
The graph below shows the LD50 for two different species of mice after being exposed to a mutagen for 30 days. Based on the data in the graph, which of the following should be used to calculate the difference in LD50 for the two different species of mice? A (200mg−100mg)2 B 490mg50−575mg50 C 575mg−490mg D (600mg×50)30 days
c
The two pie charts show municipal solid waste (MSW) in the United States, 2015. Based on the data in the graphs, which of the following strategies would best increase the total volume of municipal solid waste being recycled? A Free or low-cost pickup of grass trimmings by municipal waste haulers B Increased use of plastic packaging for consumer products C Enacting a single-stream recycling program and providing bins to residential homes D Digitization of news and use of e-mail for communication
c
Cholera is an acute infection of the digestive system that is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Infected individuals can experience a range of symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, muscle cramps, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and extreme thirst. If symptoms persist and severe dehydration results, an infected individual can die within hours of symptom onset. The diagram below shows how cholera is transmitted. Based on the diagram above, which of the following is the most likely reason that V. cholerae can spread rapidly through a population? A V. cholerae is a microscopic bacterium that can survive in various aquatic environments for prolonged periods of time and can cause a delayed onset of visible symptoms. B V. cholerae is a macroscopic bacterium that is easily detected in aquatic environments and causes rapid onset of symptoms. C V. cholerae eventually becomes airborne and is spread through the inhalation of spores, causing a delayed onset of visible symptoms. D V. cholerae is transmitted via an insect vector and often goes undiagnosed in isolated communities.
a
Researchers are evaluating the waste treatment facility located on the Moose River in the northeastern United States. They are sampling the river and its tributaries at several locations, as shown on the map below. Researchers suspect that sewage leaked into the Moose River. Rates for which of the following diseases should be used to determine whether the human population using the river as a source of drinking water was exposed to sewage? A Dysentery B Mesothelioma C Asthma D Malaria
a
Researchers are evaluating the waste treatment facility located on the Moose River in the northeastern United States. They are sampling the river and its tributaries at several locations, as shown on the map below. Water from which of the following locations on the map would best serve as a control group for the study? A A B B C C D D
a
Scientists are interested in studying the bioaccumulation of mercury in different species of dolphins exposed to the same concentration of mercury. The dolphins in the study will be of similar age and living in the same habitat. Which of the following best identifies a testable hypothesis for the study? A Different species of dolphins will have different levels of mercury in their fatty tissues depending on the species' ability to absorb and excrete mercury. B Dolphins will have the highest levels of mercury in their fatty tissues when they are exposed to the highest concentration of mercury. C Dolphin species that are not exposed to mercury in the water will still have trace levels of mercury in their muscle tissues from exposure through air. D The concentration of mercury in the tissues of different species of dolphins is dependent on the life span of the species and on the number of offspring produced.
a
Significant increases in water temperature can drastically change dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in a lake. Why does the combined effect of these two environmental changes result in algal blooms? A Low dissolved oxygen leads to death for aerobic organisms, like fish, whose decomposition provides an overabundance of nutrients for the algae, resulting in the large blooms. B Increased temperature causes an increase in metabolic rates of fish and insects. Increased metabolism results in increased waste from aquatic organisms, which provides energy for the algae to grow rapidly. C Increased temperature and low dissolved oxygen drive aquatic animals out of the area. The lack of competition gives the algae more nutrients for reproduction. D Increased temperature leads to an increase in dissolved oxygen. The higher oxygen content increases the rates of cellular respiration and reproduction, resulting in an increased population of algae.
a
The diagram below depicts a surface water source that has undergone cultural eutrophication. Based on the diagram, which of the following processes most likely caused the fish in the lake to die? A The remains of the bottom-dwelling plants and algae decomposed, depleting the amount of oxygen in the water. B The algal bloom at the surface released carbon dioxide into the water, suffocating the fish. C The herbicides used on the corn crop were washed into the lake, accidentally poisoning the fish. D Carbohydrates were released into the water when the bottom-dwelling plants died, increasing the amount of competition for food.
a
The graph below depicts the dose response curves for three common bacteria and a newly discovered bacterium found in streams near certain agricultural properties. An individual is exposed to the water in the stream from which the sample show in the graph was taken. If the individual was exposed to the highest dose of the bacteria, which of the following bacteria would have the lowest probability of causing illness if ingested? A C. jejuni B E. coli C Salmonella spp. D Newly discovered bacterium
a
Which of the following approaches would best decrease the impact of frequent flooding in a community that is subject to the hazard of flooding? A Construct wetland areas near the rivers and streams. B Remove forested areas around all streams and rivers and change land use to agriculture. C Increase the height of natural levees downstream from the community. D Encourage developers to build housing developments on the floodplain.
a
Which of the following best explains why top predators can have up to 60 times as much of persistent organic pollutant (POP) as their prey and up to 600 times as much of the pollutant as producers? A POPs accumulate in the body fat of living organisms. POPs increase in concentration as they move up the food chain. B POPs can travel over long distances by wind or water. Predators have greater access to different locations than do producers and therefore have higher concentrations of POPs. C POPs are not carbon-based compounds, so animal digestive systems lack enzymes capable of breaking them down. POPs biomagnify in the fatty tissues of animals but not in plants. D POPs are solids, which only animals can ingest. Therefore, POPs have a greater effect on secondary and tertiary levels of food chains.
a
Which of the following is the most likely impact of thermal pollution from power plants on a river ecosystem? A Decreased oxygen levels because warm water holds less dissolved gas than cold water does B Increased sedimentation because minerals precipitate out of the water column in warm water C Reduced growth rates of primary producers such as aquatic plants and algae D Decreased metabolic rates of aquatic animals exposed to the heated water
a
Which of the following pollutants would most likely be responsible for gender imbalance in a population of frogs in which all observed frogs are female? A Endocrine disruptors B Carcinogens C Animal waste from farms D Fertilizers
a
Which of the following strategies will best help to protect mangrove habitats? A Limiting coastal development and maintain a shoreline buffer zone B Increasing aquaculture operations to reduce overfishing C Increasing subsidies for hydroelectric dam construction D Encouraging land use changes in areas surrounding mangroves to shift to agriculture
a
A beach community was recently negatively affected by a hurricane. Community leaders are looking for a potential solution to prevent damage from future hurricanes. Below is a list of their concerns as well as how important each issue is to the community. Community ConcernsConcern LevelWave actionLowBeachfront developmentLowNearshore aquacultureLowHealth of nearby coral reefModerateRoosting bird speciesHighStorm surge threatHigh Which of the following solutions would best address the issues of greatest concern in the community? A Construction of a seawall B Planting mangrove forests C Construction of an offshore breakwater D
b
A biologist is studying a small food web in which phytoplankton are eaten by krill, krill are eaten by fish, and fish are eaten by seals. During their study of the ecosystem, the biologist discovers that PCBs are present in measurable levels in the water and wants to examine how PCBs could vary in different trophic levels. Which of the following best identifies a testable hypothesis for the study? A Biomagnification will cause the phytoplankton outside the study area to have the highest amount of PCBs in their tissues. B Biomagnification will cause the seals to have the highest amount of PCBs in their tissues. C Bioaccumulation will cause the seals outside the study area to have the highest amount of PCBs in their tissues. D Bioaccumulation will cause the fish to have the highest amount of PCBs in their tissues.
b
A massive bluegill fish kill was observed in a lake near a power plant during the winter months. It was determined that the plant was releasing large amounts of hot water into the lake. Which of the following explains what likely caused the death of so many bluegills in the lake? A The increased water temperature caused dissolved oxygen levels to increase, leading to greater metabolic activity of catfish, which outcompeted the bluegill fish for resources. B The influx of warmer water caused an unexpected increase in the metabolic rate of the bluegills, which led to increased physiological stress from limited resource availability. C Rates of organic matter decomposition increased, which lead to an increase in dissolved oxygen and increased bacteria levels. D Photosynthetic output of aquatic plants decreased because of the higher temperature, which lowered the amount of carbon dioxide available for bluegills to carry out cellular respiration.
b
A scientist is studying PCBs in tertiary consumers. She wants to determine if PCBs can be found in tertiary consumers even though these compounds were banned in the United States in the 1970s. Which of the following best identifies a testable hypothesis for the study? A PCBs are highly soluble in water, so it is unlikely that the compounds will be found in the liver or kidneys of tertiary consumers because the compounds have been banned. B PCBs are persistent organic compounds that are fat-soluble, so they should be found in the fatty tissues of tertiary consumers even though the compounds have been banned for decades. C PCBs have synergistic effects with other toxins in the environment and are broken down in water and soil, so most tertiary consumers are not directly exposed to them. D PCBs are acutely toxic to most forms of life and quickly kill most organisms upon exposure; therefore, tertiary consumers today would be expected to have high levels of the compound in their tissues.
b
A scientist wants to study the effect of DDT in a fish-eating bird species. She measures a variety of variables in a population of birds over a period of ten years to determine how levels of DDT affect bird survival and reproduction. Which of the following identifies a scientific question she could ask to best evaluate the effect of DDT on the bird species? A Is the bird species able to metabolize DDT faster than the fish the birds consume? B Does the persistence of DDT lead to eggshell thinning or developmental deformities in the bird species? C Has the decrease in DDT usage led to a decrease in DDT concentration in the tissues of fish-eating birds? D How long does it take for DDT to break down once it is absorbed in the fatty tissues of the fish-eating birds?
b
According to the World Health Organization, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are found in nearly all tested organism tissues and environmental samples. Which characteristic of POPs accounts for their presence in living tissues and in environmental samples? A POPs are lipophilic, which means that they can be stored in fatty tissues for long periods of time. B POPs are released in to the air, water, and land, which allows them to be transported and incorporated in multiple ways. C POPs are synthetic chemicals, so only humans and urban environments are exposed to the pollutants. D POPs are organic compounds, so they can biodegrade easily and move through various environments.
b
Based on the diagram, which of the following is the vector that transmits the Zika virus to humans? A Chimpanzees B Mosquitoes C Tree pollen D Urban areas
b
Based on the pathways shown in the diagram, which of the following best describes how climate change will most likely increase the transmission rates of the Zika virus? A A decrease in the number of baboons will lead to an increase in human exposure to the virus. B Expanded mosquito ranges will increase human exposure to the virus. C A shift in the human population to urban areas will decrease transmission between people. D Desertification will cause an increase in the number of monkeys and chimpanzees, which will decrease the overall number of cases of Zika.
b
Endocrine disruptors directly affect which of the following in an organism? A White blood cells B Hormones C Iron content D Oxygen levels
b
One benefit of solid waste disposal in landfills is that the methane produced from decomposition can be harnessed for energy. Based on the data in the graph, methane production from waste management most likely peaked during which of the following years? A 1980 B 1990 C 2000 D 2010
b
Researchers are evaluating the waste treatment facility located on the Moose River in the northeastern United States. They are sampling the river and its tributaries at several locations, as shown on the map below. Which of the following water quality tests would best indicate if sewage from the wastewater treatment plant has contaminated the Moose River? A Dissolved oxygen measured at site A B Fecal coliform measured at site B C Nitrates measured at site C D Temperature measured at site D
b
Scientists are interested in determining if selenium, from a nearby mine, magnifies in the tissues of fish living in a lake. Which of the following best describes a testable hypothesis for the study? A Tissue from fish in the lake will have a higher level of selenium than tissue from fish in a nearby lake. B Selenium will be at a higher concentration in fish tissue than in the tissue of fish prey. C Fish will have a higher concentration of selenium than mercury in their tissues. D Selenium will be at a higher concentration in acid mine drainage than in fish tissues.
b
The LD50 for arsenic in humans is 13mg/kg. Which of the following approaches should be used to calculate the number of grams of arsenic it would take to reach the LD50 in a 140-pound person? [Note: 1kg=2.2pounds] A 140lb×2.2lb1kg×1kg13mg×1g1,000mg B 140lb×1kg2.2lb×13mg1kg×1g1,000mg C 13mg1kg×50×140lb×1kg2.2lb D 13mg1kg×1kg2.2lb×140lb1
b
The diagram below depicts a surface water source that has undergone cultural eutrophication. Based on the diagram, which of the following processes most likely caused the algal bloom in the lake? A The water table rose and caused widespread flooding in the area. B Runoff carried excess the cornfield into the water. C Excess oxygen was released into the water when the fish died. D Decomposition of the dead algae used up all the dissolved carbon dioxide.
b
The following graph shows the dose-response relationship of tetramethyl lead in rats. Which of the following approaches should be used to calculate the amount of lead, in milligrams, that would be present in a population of 200 rats with each rat weighing on average 20 grams, dosed with the LD50 dose. A 200rats×20g1rat×1kg1000g×150mg1kg B 200rats×20g1rat×1kg1000g×100mg1kg C 200rats×20g1rat×1kg100mg×1000mg1kg D 200rats×1rat20g×1kg1000g×150mg1kg
b
The two pie charts show municipal solid waste (MSW) in the United States, 2015. Incineration is one solution to reduce the volume of municipal solid waste. Municipal solid waste can be used to produce energy at waste-to-energy plants. Based on the data in the graphs, which of the following materials would be best suited for incineration to reduce total volume, produce energy, and have minimal release of air pollutants? A Glass B Wood C Metals D Plastics
b
The use of pesticides on crops has had significant negative effects on honeybee populations. The pesticide imidacloprid, which is used to control parasites like aphids, is highly toxic to bees in small concentrations. Imidacloprid has an LD50 dose of 78ng per bee, which weigh, on average, 0.1 grams. Which of the following approaches would you use to calculate the amount of pesticide, in milligrams per gram of bees? (Note: 1,000mg=1,000,000,000ng) A 78ngbee×1bee0.1g×1,000,000ng1mg B 78ngbee×1bee0.1g×1mg1,000,000ng C 78ngbee×1bee50×1,000,000ng1mg D 78ngbee×1bee1,000,000ng×50%
b
When water used to cool power plants during normal plant operations is released into adjacent waterways, which of the following is most likely to occur as a result? A Biodiversity of aquatic life in the adjacent waterways would decrease because the used coolant water is radioactive. B The dissolved oxygen in the adjacent waterways would decrease because used coolant water is warm and leads to thermal pollution. C Salinity in the adjacent waterways would increase because of dissolved solids in the used coolant water. D Nutrient levels in the adjacent waterways would increase because of phosphorous in the used coolant water.
b
Which of the following best describes the action of an endocrine disruptor? A An endocrine disruptor attacks hormones that invade a body system and cause disease. B An endocrine disruptor blocks the receptor protein binding site of a hormone so that the cell cannot receive a signal. C An endocrine disruptor acts as an organic catalyst, produced by living things to regulate the rate of chemical reactions. D An endocrine disruptor helps to transport substances, such as pesticides, in an organism following exposure.
b
Which of the following best describes the source of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that could accumulate in the tissues of a top predator? A Methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) released from livestock operations B DDT and other pesticides that are sprayed to control for mosquitoes C CFCs that are manufactured to be used as pesticides D Sulfur dioxide (SO2) released from coal-burning power plants
b
Which of the following best describes why persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are toxic to organisms? A They emit gamma radiation, increasing the likelihood of mutations and cancer. B They do not break down easily and can accumulate in the fat tissue of an organism. C They are easily dispersed by wind and water, greatly increasing the affected areas. D They are naturally occurring in the soil and water; therefore, they easily contaminate the food web.
b
Which of the following is a way to potentially eliminate one of the greatest threats to the world's mangrove wetlands? A Increase desalination to reduce the effects of prolonged drought in mangroves. B Integrate ecologically sound shrimp aquacultural practices with mangrove management. C Construct dams in mangroves to increase sediment load and decrease pollution. D Employ irrigation methods to address potential desertification of mangrove habitats.
b
Which of the following is the most likely consequence of runoff transporting chemicals that are endocrine disruptors to a pond? A Decreased turbidity in the pond B Increased frequency of birth defects in fish populations in the pond C Increased mutualistic relationships between fish and frog populations in the pond D Increased dissolved oxygen in the pond
b
Which of the following practices would best help to protect against inland and coastal flooding in urban areas? A Regulating the use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture B Preserving wetland and coastal mangrove habitats C Increasing the capacity of the sewer lines so they can handle a larger volume of water D Straightening stream channels to increase stream flow
b
Which of the following statements best describes how the Clean Water Act legislation aims to protect wetlands from being lost? A The Clean Water Act bans the draining of wetlands over five acres in size. B The Clean Water Act requires wetlands to be constructed to mitigate the effect of newly drained wetlands. C The Clean Water Act establishes standards for the quality of surface waters that must be continually monitored and reported. D The Clean Water Act prohibits the use of wetlands for development and construction.
b
Which of the following would best be described as a point source of pollution from a farm? A Nitrogenous fertilizers added to drip irrigation used for growing crops B Runoff from the waste lagoons of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, which enters local waterways after a flooding event C Tractors and harvesters burning fossil fuels and releasing carbon dioxide and nitrous oxides into the atmosphere D Particulate matter from bare soil on plowed fields entering the atmosphere from wind
b
A scientist is studying the correlation between air pollution and cardiovascular disease in humans. Which of the following measures would best show a link between air pollution and cardiovascular disease? A Mortality rates from cardiovascular disease in populations in different countries B Total number of emergency room visits by individuals with cardiovascular disease in urban areas compared to rural areas C Occurrences of emergency room visits by individuals with cardiovascular disease on days with a high air quality index value D Change in number of individuals with cardiovascular diseases over the past 50 years compared to levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide
c
A scientist wanted to investigate the effect of tropospheric ozone on the respiratory function of mice. Twenty female mice were placed in one of five different field environments that mimicked the natural habitats of the mice. Each environment had a tube connected to it that would pump in a set level of ozone measured in ppm. In each field environment, the scientist measured the average respiratory output for the twenty mice over a three-month time frame. Which of the following describes the independent variable in the experiment? A The simulated field environment that housed the group of twenty mice B The respiratory output of each mouse C The different levels of ozone introduced into the environments D The use of female mice
c
At what step in the diagram would the last solid waste be removed from the wastewater in the treatment plant? A A B B C C D D
c
Based on the diagram, organic solids that have settled to the bottom of the treatment tanks in step B are transferred to which of the following for further processing? A Screens B Filter beds C Sludge treatment tanks D Effluent discharge
c
Based on the diagram, which of the following best describes how a malfunctioning air compressor would affect the process of sewage treatment? A The oxygen concentration in the aeration tank would increase. B The settling of large debris, such as wood, from the water would be prevented. C Fewer bacteria would be available to absorb dissolved organics in the tank. D The sludge pump would return activated sludge to the aeration tank at a slower pace.
c
Based on the diagram, which of the following is an expected consequence of runoff and sewage in an aquatic environment? A Decreased oxygen levels in surface water as a result of a decrease in photosynthetic rates by algae B Increased oxygen levels in bottom water from increased rates of cellular respiration in decomposers C Decreased oxygen production by seaweed on the seafloor from an increase in turbidity D Increased oxygen production by decomposition of dead fish and other aquatic organisms
c
Cholera is an acute infection of the digestive system that is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Infected individuals can experience a range of symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, muscle cramps, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and extreme thirst. If symptoms persist and severe dehydration results, an infected individual can die within hours of symptom onset. The diagram below shows how cholera is transmitted. Based on the diagram above, which of the following best describes why a population in an area that has poor sanitation can be particularly at risk for a cholera outbreak? A V. cholerae is a parasitic bacterium often found in moving water, such as rivers and streams. B Symptoms of the disease can appear anywhere from 2 hours to 5 days after initial ingestion of contaminated food or water. C The bacterium that causes cholera is spread through ingestion of contaminated water or food. D V. cholerae can survive in feces and aquatic environments for up to 2 months.
c
Long Island Sound is a body of water off the northeast coast of the United States. Over nine million people live in the small watershed area that feeds into the sound. To determine the effect of the population density on the watershed, scientists measured the oxygen content of bottom waters in the sound. The data from late summer 2013 are displayed in the map below. Based on the image, which of the following conclusions can best be drawn to describe the conditions in the Long Island Sound? A The sound has high levels of dissolved oxygen as a result of storm water runoff from urban areas. B The sound has high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen from an increase in the number of producers. C The sound has large numbers of phytoplankton blooms that are decomposing and consumed by respiring bacteria. D The sound has high numbers of respiring fish populations and very low turbidity.
c
Mercury concentrations were measured in freshwater shrimp populations in two different ponds, one polluted with mercury and one unpolluted, with a similar food web in each pond. Which of the following best identifies the scientific question that would guide this investigation? A How do different species of shrimp excrete mercury from their bodies? B How does the food web in a pond affect biomagnification of toxins? C How much mercury accumulates in the tissues of freshwater shrimp living in a polluted pond? D How much mercury is found in the tissues of shrimp predators in an unpolluted pond?
c
The diagram below depicts a surface water source that has undergone cultural eutrophication. Based on the diagram, which of the following processes most likely caused the bottom-dwelling plants in the lake to die? A The remnants of the corn crop were burned after the corn was harvested, decreasing the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. B Toxins such as lead and mercury were released into the water when the fish died. C The algal bloom prevented sunlight from reaching the bottom-dwelling plants, which reduced the rates of photosynthesis. D Oxygen was released into the water when the algae died.
c
The graph below depicts the dose response curves for three common bacteria and a newly discovered bacterium found in streams near certain agricultural properties. If all four of the bacteria species shown in the graph are equally likely to contaminate agricultural products at a dose of 102 CFU, regulating which of the following species would have the greatest effect in reducing the likelihood of illness in humans? A C. jejuni B E. coli C Salmonella spp. D Newly discovered bacterium
c
Which of the following best describes a way that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) cause harm in the environment? A Persistent organic pollutants release carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere when buried for disposal. B Persistent organic pollutants release radioactivity during decay. C Persistent organic pollutants are soluble in fat, so they accumulate in an organisms' fatty tissues. D Persistent organic pollutants have magnetic signatures that confuse birds during migration.
c
Which of the following best describes how thermal pollution from power plants can affect aquatic ecosystems? A Water injected into the ground during the hydraulic fracking process can seep into wells, causing methane contamination. B Warm water runoff that reaches lakes and ponds slows down the metabolic rate of aquatic animals, which decreases primary productivity. C Warm water discharged into rivers and streams decreases the oxygen content of the water, which reduces the number of fish species. D Wastewater from nuclear power plants contains radioisotopes and carbonic acid, which increase the rate of cancer in aquatic species.
c
Which of the following best describes the action of endocrine disruptors in organisms? A Endocrine disruptors scar the lung tissue of animals, inducing respiratory difficulties. B Endocrine disruptors block the central nervous system of animals, leading to behavioral abnormalities. C Endocrine disruptors mimic naturally occurring hormones in animals, leading to developmental disorders. D Endocrine disruptors reduce primary productivity in plants, inducing a trophic cascade.
c
Which of the following correctly identifies an example of an endocrine disruptor and the effect it might have on the human body? A High levels of lead in drinking water could lead to neurological damage. B Exposure to radon in indoor air is linked to increased rates of lung cancer. C Phthalates in cosmetics and shampoos reduce fertility. D The bacterium E. coli found in vegetables causes abdominal cramping and vomiting.
c
A scientist investigated the radiation sensitivity of different mammals to x-rays to determine the LD50 within 30 days. Results from the study are included below. Resistance of different mammals to x-rays. Mammal Species LD50 Dose Guinea pig 200−400Dog 325Goat 350Hamster 700Rabbit 800 Based on the LD50 data in the table, which of the following equations should be used to calculate how many times greater the resistance of a rabbit to x-rays is than that of a dog? A 800−325 B 800+325 C 800×325 D 800/325
d
A scientist wanted to investigate the effect of tropospheric ozone on the respiratory function of mice. Twenty female mice were placed in one of five different field environments that mimicked the natural habitats of the mice. Each environment had a tube connected to it that would pump in a set level of ozone measured in ppm. In each field environment, the scientist measured the average respiratory output for the twenty mice over a three-month time frame. Which of the following should be added to the study to best serve as the control group? A A replicated experiment using male mice B A replicated experiment conducted in the field and not in the laboratory C A group of twenty mice provided with additional food resources D A group of twenty mice that were not exposed to ozone
d
A small lake, located downstream of a power plant, recently experienced a die-off of multiple aquatic species. Environmentalists had been monitoring the temperature of the lake for several months prior to the die-off and noticed a significant spike in the temperature of the lake immediately preceding the die-off event. Which of the following best explains why the die-off event occurred in the lake following the increased water temperature? A The warm water increased the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, which led to an increase in the photosynthetic rate of the aquatic organisms. B The warm water increased the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, which led to an increase in the amount of competition by consumers for food. C The warm water decreased the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, which led to an increase in the rate of decomposition in the lake. D The warm water decreased the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, which led to an increase in the respiration rate of the aquatic organisms.
d
At what step in the diagram would wastewater most likely be treated with chlorine or UV light to remove bacteria? A Before step A B Between steps A and B C Between steps C and D D During step D
d
Based on the data in the graph, which of the following solutions most significantly contributed to the decrease in the amount of waste sent to landfills from 1990 to 2015 ? A Increased composting of domestic waste B Increased composting of e-waste C Increased combustion of waste D Increased recycling of waste
d
Based on the diagram, which of the following is one way that the Zika virus can be spread within the human population? A Airborne transmission B Through drinking water C Through contaminated food D From a mother to her unborn child
d
Cholera is an acute infection of the digestive system that is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Infected individuals can experience a range of symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, muscle cramps, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and extreme thirst. If symptoms persist and severe dehydration results, an infected individual can die within hours of symptom onset. The diagram below shows how cholera is transmitted. Based on the diagram, which of the following is the most likely reason that a community with good sanitation could still have individuals who contract cholera? A Disease transmission for cholera is through direct contact with infected individuals and is independent of sanitation conditions. B V. cholerae grow rapidly in clear, moving water that has limited nutrients or wastes. C Waste water treatment facilities that use high levels of chlorine to treat the outgoing municipal water supply have an increased risk of cholera outbreaks. D Runoff from a nearby agricultural field pollutes a reservoir used for drinking water.
d
Long Island Sound is a body of water off the northeast coast of the United States. Over nine million people live in the small watershed area that feeds into the sound. To determine the effect of the population density on the watershed, scientists measured the oxygen content of bottom waters in the sound. The data from late summer 2013 are displayed in the map below. Which of the following factors would most likely contribute to the conditions observed in the Long Island Sound? A Overfishing B Plastic pollution C Sewage treatment D Restricted circulation
d
The graph below depicts the dose response curves for three common bacteria and a newly discovered bacterium found in streams near certain agricultural properties. Some drinking water standards allow bacteria in water at dosages up to the 10% probability of illness. Which of the following statements is best supported by the data in the graph? A If there are fewer than 102 colonies for all species in a drinking water sample, the water will be considered safe to drink. B If C. jejuni is the only species of bacteria present in the drinking water sample, the water will be considered safe to drink at all doses. C E. coli and Salmonella spp. would have the highest allowable dosage to meet the drinking water standards. D The newly discovered bacterium would have the lowest allowable dosage to meet the drinking water standards.
d
The table below shows the number of brine shrimp that hatched over 72 hours in three different concentrations of salt water. All tanks had 50 eggs at the start of the study. Number of Brine Shrimp Hatched Sodium Chloride Concentration 0 hours 12 hours 24 hours 48 hours 72 hours 0mg100ml/0 0 0 1 2 10mg100ml/0 0 7 15 16 20mg100ml/0 3 14 29 34 30mg100ml/0 7 28 40 42 Which of the following claims about brine shrimp is best supported by the data in the table? A Brine shrimp generally hatch in 36 to 48 hours in warm temperatures. B The growth and survival of brine shrimp are optimal 72 hours after hatching. C There is more food available for brine shrimp when the water has a salt concentration of 20mg100mL. D The optimal salinity for brine shrimp hatching is 30mg100mL.
d
Which of the following best describes why DDT is classified as a persistent organic pollutant? A DDT is very stable, and as much as 50% of the original concentration can remain in the soil 15 years after the initial application. B DDT can be used to control diseases, such as malaria and typhus, that are spread by insects. C DDT is detected in food worldwide and the general human population is most commonly exposed to the toxin through food. D DDT has both short-term acute and long-term chronic health effects in both humans and wildlife.
d
Which of the following components, which are not shown on the diagram, are part of the tertiary treatment of wastewater? A Wet scrubbers B Filters C Coagulants D Disinfectants
d
Which of the following correctly identifies both a nonpoint source and a point source of pollution? Nonpoint Source Pollution Point Source Pollution (A) Industrial smokestack Waste discharge pipe (B) Agricultural runoff Urban runoff (C) Leaking sanitary landfill Pesticide spraying (D) Urban runoff City bus exhaust A A B B C C D D
d
