ENV Science exam 2
Which term is used to describe the conversion of natural resources into goods and services in addition to the ongoing trade of such goods and services? Economy nongovernment organization Calculator Ecosystem
Economy
A company that produces household cleaners decides to produce a "green" version of its products, even though the formulas are virtually unchanged compared to the original formulas. This is an example of __________. Greenwashing Whitewashing Ecolabeling Ecofeminism
Greenwashing
How do economists assess (calculate) the economic health of a nation? Hints How do economists assess (calculate) the economic health of a nation? net primary productivity Gross Domestic Product gross primary productivity net domestic product
Gross Domestic Product
In which of the following ways did neoclassical economics contribute to environmental problems? by encouraging industry continually to improve technology by encouraging governments to give subsidies to environmentally damaging businesses by forcing buyers to pay for ecosystem services by encouraging society to view the supply of resources as infinite
by encouraging society to view the supply of resources as infinite
Which of the following will be most impacted by President Obama's first climate change policy? Which of the following will be most impacted by President Obama's first climate change policy? auto industry coal-fired power plants liquid propane companies ethanol industry
coal-fired power plants
According to the figure, the basis for government policy regarding environmental issues ________. comes only from the natural and social sciences and is acted upon without bias is primarily driven by lobbying comes from both the public and the private sectors comes primarily from the private sector comes from the sciences, with additional input from the public and private sectors
comes from the sciences, with additional input from the public and private sectors
To control pollution, industry has been given limits and been threatened with punishment if these limits are violated. This approach is called ________. To control pollution, industry has been given limits and been threatened with punishment if these limits are violated. This approach is called ________. end of the alley last chance carrot and stick command and control limit and manage
command and control
Most of the environmental progress made over the past few decades has come about through __________ methods. public ownership free-rider command-and-control green tax
command-and-control
What type of economic discipline maintains that society, like natural populations, cannot surpass environmental limitations? Neoclassical economics Classical economics Ecological economics Environmental economics
Ecological economics
A high concentration of eagles that spend several days in a small region is most likely the result of __________. a big and comfortable perch in a tree a centralized breeding area a major predator in the region concentrated food
concentrated food
Subarctic climates contain primarily which type of vegetation? Under Physical Environment, also select Vegetation (in addition to Climate). Subarctic climates contain primarily which type of vegetation? ice cap coniferous forest mediterranean woodland shrub and grassland tundra mid-latitude prairie and steppe grassland
coniferous forest
Which of these is a starting point for primary succession? a. abandoned farmland b. an abandoned city c. none of these is a starting point for primary succession d. a surface exposed by a retreating glacier e. a neglected yard
d. a surface exposed by a retreating glacier
According to the graph's data for lead and MTBE use, from 1970 to 2000 lead emissions ________ and MTBE consumption _________. According to the graph's data for lead and MTBE use, from 1970 to 2000 lead emissions ________ and MTBE consumption _________. declined nearly 50%; increased nearly 100% declined nearly 100%; increased nearly 200% declined nearly 100%; increased nearly 100% declined nearly 200%; increased nearly 200%
declined nearly 100%; increased nearly 200%
Which of the following groups advocates economies that neither grow nor shrink but remain stable? ecological economists classical economists neoclassical economists subsistence gatherers
ecological economists
The first colonizing organisms during primary succession tend to be: small shrubs lichens and mosses herbs trees
lichens and mosses
Rising per capita consumption of goods and rising population growth lead to ________. steady-state economics more resource extraction, waste and pollution less fossil fuel use and global climate change greater availability of goods to poorer nations and people increased biodiversity and ecosystem services
more resource extraction, waste and pollution
During the second wave of U.S. environmental policy, in 1872, Congress designated Yellowstone as the world's first __________. wildlife refuge national forest wilderness area national park
national park
What is the term that refers to the substances and forces that sustain our society and everyday lives? Hints What is the term that refers to the substances and forces that sustain our society and everyday lives? free riders nonmarket values natural resources mixed economy
natural resources
Given these results, what is the best hunting regulation the government could enact in order to increase the harvest of male red deer with long antlers in unfenced populations?
pass a law that restricts harvesting young male deer
The environmental justice movement started because __________. people realized that environmental damage is not equally distributed among all classes and racial groups; minority and low-income communities tend to contain a much larger share of the environmental damage (such as landfills, incinerators, toxic waste sites, etc.) Aldo Leopold published The Land Ethic. corporate polluters were not serving jail time for breaking environmental laws the Environmental Protection Agency was not doing its job
people realized that environmental damage is not equally distributed among all classes and racial groups; minority and low-income communities tend to contain a much larger share of the environmental damage (such as landfills, incinerators, toxic waste sites, etc.)
Which one of the following is a general characteristic of plants that are early colonizers during primary succession? plants are able to fix their own nitrogen plants can outcompete other plants that invade the area plants have wind-dispersed seeds plants are shade-tolerant
plants have wind-dispersed seeds
In which period did the number of species increase most rapidly? In which period did the number of species increase most rapidly? 0 to 20 years 20 to 40 years 40 to 60 years 60 to 100 years 100 to 160 years
0 to 20 years
In the year 2005 there were approximately ____ more sea otters in total than in 1985. In the year 2005 there were approximately ____ more sea otters in total than in 1985. 500 100 1,400 2,700
1,400
Between the years of 1985 and 2005 the total number of sea otters: Between the years of 1985 and 2005 the total number of sea otters: Increased by approximately 200%. Increased by approximately 50%. Increased by approximately 100%. Stayed the same.
100
In which year was the density of birds greatest? In which year was the density of birds greatest? 20 100 105 160 cannot be determined from this graph
105
After 20 years, what was the total number of bird species?
14
Most scientists believe the key to keeping climate change manageable is to keep global temperature change below which of the following? Most scientists believe the key to keeping climate change manageable is to keep global temperature change below which of the following? 1.7° F 2.4° F 3.6° F 4.9° F
3.6° F
At the point of peak consumption, how many barrels of MTBE were consumed in the United States? At the point of peak consumption, how many barrels of MTBE were consumed in the United States? 200,000 barrels per day 300 barrels per day 300,000 barrels per day 100 barrels per day
300,000 barrels per day
Suppose that a system has 5000 grasshoppers. How many hawks would be expected? Suppose that a system has 5000 grasshoppers. How many hawks would be expected? 5 50 500 5000
50
How much lead was emitted in 1970 from nontransportation sources? How much lead was emitted in 1970 from nontransportation sources? 50,000 tons 220 tons 50 tons 220,000 tons
50,000 tons
If the actual increase in total sea otters was 1,400 individuals between 1985 and 2005, how many new sea otters were added to the population (on average) each year? If the actual increase in total sea otters was 1,400 individuals between 1985 and 2005, how many new sea otters were added to the population (on average) each year? 2,700 28,000 70 2
70
If current manufacturing, consumption, and energy use trends continue, an increase in global population with time will likely result in: If current manufacturing, consumption, and energy use trends continue, an increase in global population with time will likely result in: The same GDP and environmental costs. A higher GDP and lower environmental costs. A lower GDP and lower environmental costs. A higher GDP and higher environmental costs.
A higher GDP and higher environmental costs.
Which of the following would lead to a GPI value closer to the GDP value for any given year? Which of the following would lead to a GPI value closer to the GDP value for any given year? Developing new economic policies that allow increased pollution discharge. Increasing natural resource use to make more material goods. Maintaining current fossil-fuel-based energy sources. Adopting manufacturing processes with lower energy and resource use.
Adopting manufacturing processes with lower energy and resource use.
Which continent contains the most desert shrub? Which continent contains the most desert shrub? Asia North America Africa South America None of the listed responses are correct.
Africa
Which of the following is a type of ecosystem service in the United States? production of clean water for human consumption pollination of apple, orange, and peach trees production of oxygen by trees All of the listed choices are examples of ecosystem services in the United States.
All of the listed choices are examples of ecosystem services in the United States.
Your uncle works for the Central Arizona Project. Levels of which of the following rivers will be of his highest concern? Missouri River Salmon River Colorado River Mississippi River
Colorado River
Due to many states' recent bans on MTBE, the use of ethanol in gasoline is increasing. What are some potential outcomes of the shift to ethanol? Due to many states' recent bans on MTBE, the use of ethanol in gasoline is increasing. What are some potential outcomes of the shift to ethanol? Increased water pollution from fertilizers and pesticides Decreased revenue for corn-growing states Increased use of MTBE in corn-growing states Decreased gasoline prices for East and West coast states
Increased water pollution from fertilizers and pesticides
Assume that the GDP and benefits for 2012 are the same as GDP and benefits for 2002. If the 2012 environmental costs increase by 100% but the social and economic costs decrease by 50%, the new GPI for 2012 would be: There is not enough information to compare the 2002 GPI and the 2012 GPI. Higher than the GPI in 2002. The same as the GPI in 2002. Lower than the GPI in 2002.
Lower than the GPI in 2002.
The Happy Planet Index assesses nations in various regions of the world for "sustainable well-being" by measuring the happy life years of citizens and the ecological footprint made by their resource consumption. Find the nation on the graph whose citizens experience about 43 happy life years and have an ecological footprint of over 6 hectares per capita. Which region is this nation found in? Find the nation on the graph whose citizens experience about 43 happy life years and have an ecological footprint of over 6 hectares per capita. Which region is this nation found in? Middle East East Asia Western world Latin America
Middle East
How does predation differ from parasitism? Parasitism is beneficial to the host, whereas predation always harms the prey. Parasites rarely kill their host, while predators kill their prey. Parasites are only insects or mites, while predators can be any kind of large animal. Predation happens between trophic levels, while parasitism happens within a trophic level.
Parasites rarely kill their host, while predators kill their prey.
Which of the following is the main concern of neoclassical economics? Hints Which of the following is the main concern of neoclassical economics? Waste ecosystem services Production ecosystem goods
Production
gions with otters tend to host dense forests of kelp, a brown seaweed that anchors to the seafloor. Kelp forests provide a physical structure in which diverse marine communities find shelter and food. Sea otters prey on urchins, which consume kelp. According to James Estes, sea otter populations have dropped dramatically in Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. If sea otter populations in these areas continue to decline, what might happen with populations of sea urchins and kelp? Regions with otters tend to host dense forests of kelp, a brown seaweed that anchors to the seafloor. Kelp forests provide a physical structure in which diverse marine communities find shelter and food. Sea otters prey on urchins, which consume kelp. According to James Estes, sea otter populations have dropped dramatically in Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. If sea otter populations in these areas continue to decline, what might happen with populations of sea urchins and kelp? Sea urchins increase and kelp increases. Sea urchins decrease and kelp increases. Sea urchins increase and kelp decreases. Sea urchins decrease and kelp decreases.
Sea urchins increase and kelp decreases.
What is occurring in the region around the Chilkat River in Alaska that allows chum salmon to spawn during the winter months? A nuclear power plant is generating wastewater heat that prevents the river from freezing. Thermal springs heat and break up the ice. Warm winds and ocean currents from the south keep the river from freezing through most of the winter. Large mounds of darkened rocks are heated by the sun and keep the river from freezing.
Thermal springs heat and break up the ice.
Which kind of development would be promoted if a government worked on finding a balance between economic security, environmental protection, and social equity? Cornucopian Biocentric neoclassical Sustainable
Sustainable
How does the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) differ from the GPI (Genuine Progress Indicator)? Hints How does the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) differ from the GPI (Genuine Progress Indicator)? GPI reflects the total value of goods and services, while the GDP focuses only on the goods produced. The GDP reflects only a single calendar year, while the GPI looks at historical trends and projects into the future. GDP does not include items bought and sold over the Internet. Critics say that this makes the GDP out-of-date and came up with the GPI to add these purchases into the calculations. The GPI takes into account externalities (both good and bad) and other nonmarket values, while the GDP does not.
The GPI takes into account externalities (both good and bad) and other nonmarket values, while the GDP does not.
Part H The climax, or final stage, of old-field succession is an oak-hickory forest, which is usually well established after 160 years. What happens to the diversity of bird species after 160 years? The climax, or final stage, of old-field succession is an oak-hickory forest, which is usually well established after 160 years. What happens to the diversity of bird species after 160 years? The number of species remains stable, while the number of breeding pairs slowly declines. The number of species slowly increases, while the number of breeding pairs slowly declines. Both the number of species and the number of breeding pairs remain stable. The answer cannot be determined from this graph.
The answer cannot be determined from this graph.
Which of the following statements best describes the bird populations during the period from 100 to 160 years? Which of the following statements best describes the bird populations during the period from 100 to 160 years? The number species declined slightly, while the number of breeding pairs reached a peak and then declined. Both the number of species and the number of breeding pairs were stable. The number of species slowly increased, while the number of breeding pairs reached a peak and then slowly declined. The number of species slowly reached a peak and then slowly declined, while the number of breeding pairs slowly increased.
The number of species slowly increased, while the number of breeding pairs reached a peak and then slowly declined.
What are ecosystem services? Hints What are ecosystem services? the "invisible hand" GPI neoclassical economics These are essential processes such as soil formation, nutrient cycles, the pollination of plants, etc.
These are essential processes such as soil formation, nutrient cycles, the pollination of plants, etc.
Which of the following is true regarding tamarisk beetles? They are damaging people's homes. They are moving through Arizona more quickly than predicted. They eat only tamarisk leaves. They are native to South America.
They are moving through Arizona more quickly than predicted.
Which of the following best explain the "free rider" predicament? stealing power from another entity the ability to share transportation even at a great cost This allows one party to "get away" with an environmental impact while other parties continue to use best environmental practices. This is when a group takes more than its fair share.
This allows one party to "get away" with an environmental impact while other parties continue to use best environmental practices.
What is meant by "market failure"? Hints What is meant by "market failure"? The GDP dips below the GPI. Economists are forced to use contingent valuation rather than rely on direct costs and benefits. This occurs when markets do not take into account the environment's positive effects on economies (such as ecosystem services) or when they do not reflect the negative impacts of economic activity on people or the environment (external costs). The national GDP drops below the level forecast by Wall Street investors.
This occurs when markets do not take into account the environment's positive effects on economies (such as ecosystem services) or when they do not reflect the negative impacts of economic activity on people or the environment (external costs).
Why was the tamarisk tree brought to the United States? To provide food for cattle. To help control soil erosion. To supply fast-growing lumber. For its valuable fruit.
To help control soil erosion.
You are an Arizona landowner with questions regarding the tamarisk beetle introduction and wish to contact the federal agency in charge of the project that brought them to the U.S. Who should you contact? Environmental Protection Agency Fish and Wildlife Service Army Corps of Engineers United States Department of Agriculture
United States Department of Agriculture
According to this new pact, which of the following will have to have a plan to combat climate change? According to this new pact, which of the following will have to have a plan to combat climate change? all countries no countries all but the 10 poorest countries only developed countries
all countries
The original Clean Air Act was designed to reduce lead emissions, and the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments were designed to reduce urban smog. As implied by the graph's data, one unintended consequence of the legislation and its amendments was _________. an increase in the nontransportation uses of lead an increased use of MTBE an increase in water pollution a return to the use of leaded gasoline for improved combustion
an increase in water pollution
undra is often present in relatively warm regions of South America and Asia. What factor or factors are chiefly responsible for the presence of tundra in these regions? Tundra is often present in relatively warm regions of South America and Asia. What factor or factors are chiefly responsible for the presence of tundra in these regions? elevation and altitude proximity to the equator proximity to the poles local weather patterns None of the listed responses are correct.
elevation and altitude
Today, the reasons conservationists have given for protecting natural environments are shifting from arguments based upon __________ to arguments based upon __________. politics; aesthetics aesthetics; ethics ethics; economics religion; ethics
ethics; economics
Environmental damage from industry or land development has traditionally been labeled as ________ by economists. Environmental damage from industry or land development has traditionally been labeled as ________ by economists. external costs steady state economics greenwashing free riders ecosystem services
external costs
What costs are associated with transactions that can result in damage to the environment, human health, and property? Hints What costs are associated with transactions that can result in damage to the environment, human health, and property? external costs tangential costs internal costs traditional market costs
external costs
Secondary succession ________. occurs after a volcano spreads lava across a landscape is predictable because it always ends in the formation of a climax community typically begins with lichen colonizing rock occurs after a fire or flood requires primary succession to precede it
fire or flood
Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring, published in the 1960s, ________. warned of insect pollinator losses through pesticide use was concerned with birth defects in humans awakened the American public to negative effects of artificial hormones focused on chemical pollutants, including industrial chemicals was the beginning of the first wave of U.S. environmental policy
focused on chemical pollutants, including industrial chemicals
An environmental impact statement is required ________. An environmental impact statement is required ________. to be put to voters on every local ballot if federal action may affect local environments before Congress can pass any law for implementation of any program funded by the World Bank only by executive order for any federal action that may affect U.S. environmental quality
for any federal action that may affect U.S. environmental quality
In Costa Rica, cutting down forests will almost immediately increase the cost of producing __________. fresh water timber for building homes and factories wood pulp for the many paper factories in the region all of the listed choices
fresh water
How is energy transferred from one trophic level to the next? Select all that apply. How is energy transferred from one trophic level to the next? Select all that apply. predation cellular respiration heat loss herbivory parasitism
herbivory, predation, parasitism
Which of the climates listed would contain the LEAST amount of biodiversity? Which of the climates listed would contain the LEAST amount of biodiversity? highland subarctic tropical rainy ice cap All of the listed climates contain equal biodiversity
ice cap
In the United States, wetlands are primarily considered to be ________. important only for recreational purposes useful for fisheries belonging to the owner of the private property, to be developed or not by the owner useful to develop for economic purposes important because they provide many valuable ecosystem services
important because they provide many valuable ecosystem services
Techniques to eradicate zebra mussels ________. are global and long lived include introducing predators and diseases are relatively simple are relatively inexpensive have not yet been attempted
include introducing predators and diseases
In 1991, scientist James Estes and his team observed a new trend of orcas preying on sea otters. Orcas normally prey on great whales, but those populations had been dramatically reduced by industrial whaling. Estes hypothesized that the decrease in the great whale population had caused orcas to turn to smaller prey -- sea otters. If this hypothesis is correct, predict what might happen to sea otter numbers if great whale population numbers increase. In 1991, scientist James Estes and his team observed a new trend of orcas preying on sea otters. Orcas normally prey on great whales, but those populations had been dramatically reduced by industrial whaling. Estes hypothesized that the decrease in the great whale population had caused orcas to turn to smaller prey -- sea otters. If this hypothesis is correct, predict what might happen to sea otter numbers if great whale population numbers increase. Sea otter populations would decrease. There is not enough information. Sea otter populations would increase. Sea otter populations would stay the same.
increase
Which of the following correctly illustrate the two ways that economic growth can occur? Hints Which of the following correctly illustrate the two ways that economic growth can occur? pollution and increased inputs to the economy decreased inputs and improvements in technology increased inputs to the economy and improvements in efficiency through technology decreased inputs and pollution
increased inputs to the economy and improvements in efficiency through technology
What factor is most likely to have caused the change in the number of bird species that occurred between years 30 and 60? What factor is most likely to have caused the change in the number of bird species that occurred between years 30 and 60? increasing number of bird habitats decreasing food supply increasing competition among bird species evolution of new bird species
increasing number of bird habitats
Imagine a large state park near your home. Which of the following are probably the most crucial and essential part of that park's ecosystem? Hints Imagine a large state park near your home. Which of the following are probably the most crucial and essential part of that park's ecosystem? insects birds mammals trees
insects
The distinction of scientific study's input into governmental solution of environmental problems is that it ________. Use the figure above to answer the following question. The distinction of scientific study's input into governmental solution of environmental problems is that it ________. bypasses the public sector in determining consumer choices and lifestyles is the product of both consumer advocacy and industrial goals bypasses the private sector in making improvements to technology is modified by consumer incentives, such as rebates and tax breaks is independent of any other influences in its effect on forming government policy
is independent of any other influences in its effect on forming government policy
Which of the following is NOT an external cost that affects people who are not involved in some environmentally damaging transaction? Hints Which of the following is NOT an external cost that affects people who are not involved in some environmentally damaging transaction? water pollution aesthetic damage job security human health problems
job security
Environmental policy aims to ________. promote fairness among people and groups in the use of resources protect the values of the landowner preserve all present natural areas in their pristine condition use natural resources for economically important industrial products promote economic growth
promote fairness among people and groups in the use of resources
What is sustainable development? a purely economic pursuit, not including ethical considerations promoting a viable economy and meeting social needs at the expense of the environment promoting a viable economy while maintaining a viable environment and meeting social needs what the United States is practicing right now
promoting a viable economy while maintaining a viable environment and meeting social needs
The social changes in the United States in the 20th century gave rise to environmental laws concerned primarily with ________. The social changes in the United States in the 20th century gave rise to environmental laws concerned primarily with ________. management of private land mining and homesteading preserving endangered species the settlement of the West reducing pollution caused by industry
reducing pollution caused by industry
Which climate type primarily borders arid lands (deserts)? Select Physical Environment and choose Climate. Which climate type primarily borders arid lands (deserts)? highland semiarid humid subtropical humid continental, warm summer None of these climate types primarily borders arid lands.
semiarid
A distinguishing feature of ecological economics is the concept of ________. A distinguishing feature of ecological economics is the concept of ________. greenwashing to increase public acceptance of products the only healthy economy is one that is growing environmental damage and also environmental benefits are external steady-state economies that, like natural systems, neither grow nor shrink cost-benefit analysis
steady-state economies that, like natural systems, neither grow nor shrink
What biome does this climatograph represent? What biome does this climatograph represent? tropical savanna temperate grassland tundra temperate rainforest desert
temperate grassland
Which of the following biomes has the most annual rainfall? temperate rainforest temperate deciduous forest the tropical dry forest the chaparral
temperate rainforest
What event is credited with leading to the passage of the Clean Water Act? Lake Erie being declared "dead" the Cuyahoga River catching fire sewage collecting on beaches in San Diego the Chicago River being reversed (to flow into the Illinois River rather than into Lake Michigan) to move pollution away from Chicago
the Cuyahoga River catching fire
In Central and South America, people are more likely to protect the natural environment because they are learning that __________. natural environments prevent the formation of damaging weather systems such as hurricanes most of these systems are a major source of carbon dioxide the natural environment provides most of their basic needs they will pay high fines or be sent to prison if they travel into these regions
the natural environment provides most of their basic needs
Regarding the issue of global warming, until the hurricane season of 2005, the federal government's official stance was that the information available from the scientific community was neither conclusive nor persuasive. This governmental position was probably due to ________. the lack of good, measurable data from the scientific community laws passed by voters the consumer opinion polls the private sector's reluctance to change manufacturing and land use strategies lobbying efforts on the part of environmental organizations
the private sector's reluctance to change manufacturing and land use strategies
Lobbying, legal action, and campaign funding are all means used by ________ to influence governmental environmental policies. social science studies the legislative branch the judicial branch of government the scientific community the public sector
the public sector
The economic principles in play with the fate of U.S. wetlands have been governed by ________. a centrally planned economy including the dollar value of wetlands' ecosystem services for flood control careful attention to the guidelines outlined by Robert Constanza and colleagues traditional neoclassical cost-benefit analysis, excluding environmental damage steady-state economics
traditional neoclassical cost-benefit analysis, excluding environmental damage
Which of the following organisms has a feeding pattern most similar to a bald eagle? hummingbird vulture woodpecker pelican
vulture
