environmental science // unit 3

Ever since a dam was built to divert a river and create a reservoir on the edges of the city, there were two kinds of people in the city: those in favor of the dam and those opposed to it. Sam Rockwell was one of those opposed, and he was making his regular appearance at the city council meeting with this to say about it. Choose the statement Sam would most likely make about the impacts of the dam. "That river used to flood regularly, and that made my land in the flood plain fertile." "At least I can say with the dam there are fewer mosquitoes around anyway." "Migratory fish have adapted to the interruption in the river flow and are thriving." "A structural failure in the dam would be self-contained and no flooding would occur."

"That river used to flood regularly, and that made my land in the flood plain fertile."

Citizens of the United States eat __________ kilograms of meat per person per year. 44 120 76 90

120

In the United States, which of the following is the percentage of grain grown that is used for animal feed? 100% 75% 50% 90%

90%

Select the example of a point source of water pollution. After a snowfall, a highway is treated with salt and some of the salt seeps into the groundwater. A thunderstorm clears oil and grease from a parking lot. A company maintains its vehicles by using a special chemical that washes into a nearby stream. A river is polluted with runoff of fertilizers used on local homeowners' lawns.

A company maintains its vehicles by using a special chemical that washes into a nearby stream.

Select the example that describes a political cause of famine. Financial instability has prevented food production. Nearly a quarter of the world's population is malnourished. A government official hoards the country's natural resources. A region suffers from an extended drought.

A government official hoards the country's natural resources.

Of the options below, which is an example of a point source of water pollution? Fertilizers and pesticides from the valley's farming operations seep into groundwater. A housing development is built over a garbage dump that was buried and abandoned. A rainstorm flushes litter and pet waste from surrounding parks into a nearby lake. Salt from road de-icing is swept into the city's storm sewers.

A housing development is built over a garbage dump that was buried and abandoned.

Select the example that describes an economic cause of famine. A poor country doesn't have access to technology that makes irrigation easier. A group of people are stranded in a desert area that provides no food. A corporation introduces a new fertilizer that makes the soil more fertile. War breaks out in a country and farmers are called to serve in the military.

A poor country doesn't have access to technology that makes irrigation easier.

Which of the examples below describes an effort to address urban sprawl through urban green space? A small city maintains a park and forest within its downtown as new businesses build around it. The city converts an old factory downtown into affordable housing for young people. A new restaurant is constructed on a lot on the edge of town, bypassing several vacant lots within the city. The city razes a former dry cleaners downtown, cleans up the chemicals in the soil and builds a sculpture garden.

A small city maintains a park and forest within its downtown as new businesses build around it.

Which of the following is NOT a consequence from the runoff of fertilizers into the water supply? Fish die due to lack of oxygen in the water. Algae growth disrupts a lake's ecosystem. Bodies of water are contaminated. Agriculture ecosystems are destroyed.

Agriculture ecosystems are destroyed.

Which of the following is true about water availability? Agriculture uses 52% of freshwater, industry uses 27% and households use 21%. Agriculture uses 40% of freshwater, industry uses 57% and households use 3%. Agriculture uses 70% of freshwater, industry uses 19% and households use 11%. Agriculture uses 75% of freshwater, industry uses 17% and households use 8%.

Agriculture uses 70% of freshwater, industry uses 19% and households use 11%.

Select the pair of pie charts that accurately displays the percentages of seawater and freshwater on Earth AND the percentage of freshwater that is easily accessible.

All Water on Earth: 97% ocean (seawater) 3% freshwater Freshwater 99% difficult to access 1% easily accesible

Which of the following is a true statement about efforts to address water pollution in the United States?

Almost 50% of waterways in the U.S. are now considered clean.

Which of the following is true about the breakdown of water on Earth? Although there is an abundant supply of water on Earth, very little freshwater is readily available. Approximately 80% of Earth's surface is covered by oceans and another 10% by lakes and rivers. There is an infinite supply of water on Earth as new water is constantly added through the water cycle. Nearly all freshwater is found in glaciers, which eventually melt into lakes and rivers for human consumption.

Although there is an abundant supply of water on Earth, very little freshwater is readily available.

Which of the following is an impact of a growing human population?

Approximately 200,000 people are added to the earth each day.

Which of the following is NOT likely a result of a river that has become polluted from agricultural and industrial runoff? Frogs fail to reproduce Fish die The river's ecosystem changes Biodiversity increases

Biodiversity increases

A neighborhood clears an abandoned vacant lot, treats the polluted soil, and creates a community garden. What approach to addressing urban sprawl is this an example of? Urban green space Urban revitalization Zoning regulations Brownfield

Brownfield

Toxins from chemicals in plastic are being released into the air, causing pollution. Which type of waste disposal most likely caused this phenomenon? Landfills Composting Ocean dumping Combustion

Combustion

Nancy tosses her grass clippings along with food waste into a corner of her yard. What waste disposal method is she using? Landfill Reuse Compost Recycle

Compost

When Connie makes potato salad, she always puts the potato peels in the garden. Which waste disposal method is Connie practicing? Recycle Reuse Landfill Compost

Compost

Which of the following is currently increasing because of human population growth and its associated impacts? Amounts of forest cover Amounts of arable land Contaminants in the air Levels of biodiversity

Contaminants in the air

Select a way that humans impact aquifers. Use chemicals to purify the water in aquifers. Increase underground water levels. Expose groundwater to evaporation. Contaminate groundwater with fertilizers.

Contaminate groundwater with fertilizers.

Which of the following is an example of non-point source water pollution?

Copper, zinc and arsenic runoff from abandoned mines

Russell needs to dispose of the acid from several old batteries leaking in his garage. He pours the acid into a plastic container and then carefully mixes it, a little at a time, with water and baking soda, which neutralizes the acid. Russell uses plastic for storage and mixing because acid has which of the following hazardous waste characteristics? Corrosive Ignitable Toxic Reactive

Corrosive

All of the following are impacts of urban sprawl EXCEPT: Habitat fragmentation Concentration of poverty Decreases in ground-level ozone Limited options for walking

Decreases in ground-level ozone

Which of the following is NOT an impact of water pollution?

Deforestation

Which statement about agriculture impacts is false? Agroecosystems do not allow a natural progression of multiple species and ecological succession. Monoculture can threaten human health because of increased chemical use. Fewer pesticides are used when monoculture is practiced. Agroecosystems try to control a certain number of species in a limited area.

Fewer pesticides are used when monoculture is practiced.

Choose the true statement about water on Earth. Oceans contain approximately 90% of the water on Earth. Humans can easily access a large percentage of the Earth's freshwater. Oceans cover about 50% of the Earth's surface. Freshwater is found in glaciers, ice, rivers, lakes and below ground.

Freshwater is found in glaciers, ice, rivers, lakes and below ground.

Which of the following is an action aimed at dealing with urban sprawl?

Granting tax breaks for new businesses that agree to build on vacant lots within city limits

Which characteristic describes developing countries? Experience less famine Consume the most meat resources per capita Contain the fewest number of people Have the fastest rate of population growth

Have the fastest rate of population growth

Select the true statement about water usage. Households, industry, and agriculture use roughly the same amount of water. Agriculture uses the least water. Industry uses the most water. Households use the least water.

Households use the least water.

Which of the following describes the impacts of human population growth?

Human population growth has been due largely to better medical care and technology.

Which of the following is NOT a way humans negatively affect groundwater? Humans lower the water table. Humans poison the water with chemical runoff. Humans build dams to provide water for agriculture. Humans build structures with impermeable surfaces.

Humans build dams to provide water for agriculture.

Which statement describes the environmental impact of developing countries? Individuals in these countries have to degrade the environment to meet basic needs. Individuals in these countries benefit from efficient food distribution systems. These countries rely on technology to improve crops and food production. These countries leave the largest ecological footprint.

Individuals in these countries have to degrade the environment to meet basic needs.

Janny watched her rose bushes carefully for signs of aphids. When she recognized the signs of their presence on the plant's leaves, she called the local gardening store for advice on how to get rid of them. Choose the best suggestion from those below for Jenny to get rid of aphids without using pesticides. Use an aphid-specific poison on the plant's roots. Spray the roses with household bug spray. Introduce ladybugs to the garden to eat the aphids. Put wire cages around the rose bushes

Introduce ladybugs to the garden to eat the aphids.

Which of the following is the major reason for malnourishment and undernourishment in the world? Lack of food distribution Disruption of food production Insufficient food supplies Natural disasters

Lack of food distribution

Scientists discover that levels of methane gas are rising from decomposition of materials, which pollutes the air. Which type of waste disposal most likely caused this phenomenon? Recycling Landfill Combustion Ocean dumping

Landfill

Which of the following is NOT an impact of urban sprawl? Less need for gasoline Less walkable cities Reduced biodiversity Exposure to carcinogens inside vehicles

Less need for gasoline

Which of the following statements is true about water supply and demand?

Many major aquifers have reduced levels of available water.

Which of the following options is an effective measure to address urban sprawl?

Mass transit options are being expanded.

Which of the following is an example of a sustainable agricultural practice? Maura attracts birds, insects and spiders that are natural predators of crop pests. Noah applies a new fertilizer to fix nitrogen in the ground. Patrick supplies local restaurants with a variety of produce by rotating his crops regularly. Jerome establishes a corn monoculture to increase his farm's production.

Maura attracts birds, insects and spiders that are natural predators of crop pests.

Which of the following statements about groundwater is NOT true?

Most humans get their drinking water from rivers, lakes and streams.

Choose the statement about human population growth that is NOT true. The U.S. standard of living requires land space of over nine football fields per person. To meet basic survival needs, people in poor countries often degrade the environment. A planet three times the size of Earth would be needed to sustain the current population if all people lived at the United States' standard of living. Most population growth is occurring in developed countries.

Most population growth is occurring in developed countries.

Identify a major fertilizer that can result in the disruption of ecosystems and have negative impacts on human health. Sulfur Calcium Nitrogen Carbon

Nitrogen

Which of the following is an example of point source water pollution?

Ocean and lake dumping of waste

Choose the true statement about water on Earth.

Oceans cover about 70% of the Earth's surface.

Which of the following statements about water on Earth is true?

Only about 1% of freshwater is easily available for human use.

Which of the following is an example of non-point source water pollution?

Pesticide and fertilizer overflow

John and Cheryl want to avoid using pesticides as much as possible on their farm. They rotate crops to disrupt insect mating cycles and introduced some common pests' natural predators into their fields. Their neighbor is trying to keep pests from their crops and gardens too, so they ask John and Cheryl for advice. Of the options listed below, which suggestion is the most effective method for environmentally friendly pest control? Plant several plots of vegetables so one pest can't destroy all of them. Use only genetically modified seeds. Plant aromatic herbs to serve as a natural deterrent to pests. Use compost and other organic farming methods to provide pest protection.

Plant aromatic herbs to serve as a natural deterrent to pests.

Choose the FALSE statement about undernourishment and malnourishment in the world. There is enough food produced on the planet to meet the population's nutritional needs. Some areas have more food than they can use while other areas don't have enough food. Producing more meat is the most effective way to increase food access. Deforestation can create more arable land to feed more people.

Producing more meat is the most effective way to increase food access.

Which of the following is NOT true about water supply and demand? Receding glaciers increase freshwater supply. Major aquifers are shrinking. Technology and industry are consuming more water. Growing population increases water demand.

Receding glaciers increase freshwater supply.

Which of the following is a benefit of dams?

Reliable water supply

Which of the following statements about groundwater is NOT true?

Roads built by humans enable water to soak into the earth.

Which of the following is true about efforts to address water pollution in the United States? Water was an individual state issue until the 1940s. Non-point source pollution is easier to trace than point source pollution. Sewage treatment plants have greatly reduced water pollution. The Army Corps of Engineers sets water pollution standards for industries.

Sewage treatment plants have greatly reduced water pollution.

Which of the following is an example of a consequence of urban sprawl?

Social equity decreases and poverty is concentrated in urban centers.

Select the entity that is currently decreasing on Earth. Species diversity Ocean pollution Demand for freshwater Human population

Species diversity

Choose the true statement about global agricultural production. Subsistence crops provide food products needed for survival. Corn and wheat supply over half of the worldwide human caloric needs. Cash crops contribute to primary nutrition needs. Tea and coffee are examples of non-food cash crops.

Subsistence crops provide food products needed for survival.

How has the United States acted to address water pollution?

The Clean Water Act of 1972 focused on point source pollution.

Which of the following statements is true regarding the cleaning up of waterways in the United States?

The Environmental Protection Agency sets water pollution limits on different industries.

Which of the following statements impacts water supply?

The amount of contaminated water is growing.

A dam is built to create a lake for the public's use as a recreational site for swimming, fishing and boating. Choose the statement that is NOT likely to be an impact of building the dam. Water in the lake becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Trees, plants and habitats are destroyed. Animal populations are displaced. The availability of freshwater for human use is threatened.

The availability of freshwater for human use is threatened.

Which of the following statements about the ecological footprints of those living in the United States and in developing countries is true? The ecological footprint per person in the United States is approximately 10 times greater than that of a person in a developing nation. The ecological footprint per person in the United States is approximately 100 times greater than that of a person in a developing nation. The ecological footprint per person in the United States is approximately twice that of a person in a developing nation. The ecological footprint per person in the United States is approximately 25 times greater than that of a person in a developing nation.

The ecological footprint per person in the United States is approximately 10 times greater than that of a person in a developing nation.

Which of the following is an impact from the human population growing?

The overall temperature of the earth's surface is warming due to air pollution emissions.

Which statement about efforts to address water pollution in the United States is true? Earth Day was originally established with a sole focus on protecting waterways. The state with the most polluted bodies of water has been greatly improved. The Clean Water Act protected water sources but did not address the discharge of pollutants. Less than a quarter of waterways in the country remain compromised.

The state with the most polluted bodies of water has been greatly improved.

A septic tank was not installed properly and waste water has risen above ground and flows toward a nearby lake. Which of the following is NOT likely to be a result of this occurrence? The waste water will be diluted before it reaches the lake. Algal growth in the water will increase, eventually decreasing the oxygen supply of the lake's fish. Drinking the lake water can cause disease. The polluted water can break a link in the aquatic food chain.

The waste water will be diluted before it reaches the lake.

Which of the following is an issue with the sources of water and how we use it?

The water cycle moves water through the environment, but the water supply is finite.

Which of the following is a reason why dams are built?

To generate power

Lillian always locks the cupboard in which she keeps the chemicals for the swimming pool. She has a curious four-year-old and she knows he wouldn't recognize the pretty colored vials as poison. One day, the pool maintenance person returned to his truck for a moment, and Lillian saw her dog sniffing at the open cupboard. Quickly, Lillian called the dog to her side and she scolded the maintenance person for leaving the open cupboard unattended. Lillian is most concerned about the which of the following factors of the chemicals inside? Reactivity Ignitability Corrosivity Toxicity

Toxicity

Which of the following is an impact of water pollution?

Unclean water poses risks to human health.

Which of the following is describes a sustainable agricultural practice? Enhances and replenishes natural resources Uses resources in a manner that doesn't degrade them Focuses on natural fertilizers instead of synthetics Provides technical instruction on methods less harmful to the environment

Uses resources in a manner that doesn't degrade them

Which of the following statements is a common characteristic of urban sprawl in the United States?

Water and air pollution are notable environmental consequences of urban sprawl.

Which of the following is true about water supply and demand? People waste less water than they once did. Water supply is fixed and unchanging. Water use is growing twice as quickly as the population. The amount of available clean water is increasing.

Water use is growing twice as quickly as the population.

Which of the following is an argument for the removal of dams?

We must restore water flow to improve animal habitat and promote biodiversity.

Which of the following correctly lists the three crops that supply the majority of human caloric needs worldwide? Potatoes, rice and barley Potatoes, soybeans and corn Wheat, soybeans and barley Wheat, rice and corn

Wheat, rice and corn

Developing nations' standard of living requires __________________, which is a little less than one football field. a.) 0.5 hectares/person b.) 100 hectares/person c.) 10 hectares/person d.) 5 hectares/person

a.) 0.5 hectares/person

Which of the following statements about meat as a food source for humans is true? a.) It takes 16 pounds of grain to produce one pound of meat. b.) U.S. citizens eat about 200 kg of meat per person each year. c.) The majority of the world population eats domesticated livestock. d.) Fish farming is not considered to be a part of agriculture.

a.) It takes 16 pounds of grain to produce one pound of meat.

Agriculture has changed natural environments and ecosystems and created agroecosystems. Which of the following is a characteristic of a natural ecosystem? a.) Promotes biodiversity b.) Requires synthetic fertilizers c.) Seeks to control a limited number of species d.) Reduces nutrients in the soil

a.) Promotes biodiversity

Which of the following approaches is most likely associated with organic agricultural practices? a.) Using natural pesticides and fertilizers b.) Planting genetically modified seeds c.) Practicing no-till farming d.) Forming new topsoil

a.) Using natural pesticides and fertilizers

Sulfuric acid slowly erodes the metal container holding it and leaks out. The hazardous waste characteristic of the acid in this example is __________. a.) corrosivity b.) reactivity c.) toxicity d.) ignitability

a.) corrosivity

Agriculture has changed natural environments and ecosystems and created agroecosystems. Which of the following is a characteristic of an agroecosystem? a.) Maintains soil quality b.) Degrades water quality c.) Promotes ecological succession d.) Allows multiple species to exist

b.) Degrades water quality

Famine is defined as an insufficient food supply in a specific area. Of the following, which factor directly contributes to famine? a.) Fertilizer use b.) Extended drought c.) Genetically modified crops d.) Mechanization of farming

b.) Extended drought

Which of the following is a negative effect of using fertilizers? a.) Farmers need to remove nitrogen from the soil. b.) Fish die due to toxins and lack of oxygen in the water. c.) Monoculture pumps the soil with nutrients. d.) Nitrogen and phosphorus runoff are unable to reach waterways.

b.) Fish die due to toxins and lack of oxygen in the water.

Which of the following is essential for food production? a.) Genetically-modified organisms b.) Level of nutrients in the soil c.) Chemical fertilizers d.) Food supply

b.) Level of nutrients in the soil

Which of the following statements about meat as a food source for humans is FALSE? a.) Examples of domesticated meat sources include cattle, pigs and chickens. b.) Of the grain grown in the United States, 10% is used to feed animals. c.) Most meat is consumed in developed countries. d.) U.S. citizens eat almost 30 times as much meat as Indian citizens eat.

b.) Of the grain grown in the United States, 10% is used to feed animals.

Which of the following is a negative impact on the environment by pesticide use? a.) Pesticides kill insects that would otherwise destroy valuable crops. b.) Pesticides can kill species that are native to the area, thereby reducing biodiversity. c.) Pesticide use can contribute to a significant increase in crop yields. d.) Constant pesticide use can significantly increase a farm's annual expenses.

b.) Pesticides can kill species that are native to the area, thereby reducing biodiversity.

Which of the following would be considered a subsistence crop? a.) Tea b.) Potatoes c.) Cotton d.) Coffee

b.) Potatoes

The standard of living in the United States requires five hectares per person, which is equivalent to a little more than __________. a.) five football fields b.) nine football fields c.) three football fields d.) seven football fields

b.) nine football fields

War and costs that interfere and prevent the distribution of food are examples of __________ factors. a.) industrial b.) political c.) environmental d.) technological

b.) political

Which of the following is a benefit of using fertilizers? a.) Fertilizers help build crops that are resistant to bugs that are damaging. b.) Fertilizers produce a well-supplied water system for crops. c.) Fertilizers add nutrients, like nitrogen, to the soil. d.) Fertilizers wipe out undesirable organisms that ruin crops.

c.) Fertilizers add nutrients, like nitrogen, to the soil.

Agriculture has changed natural environments and ecosystems and created agroecosystems. Which of the following is a characteristic of an agroecosystem? a.) Promotes ecological succession b.) Increases soil nutrients c.) Promotes monoculture d.) Allows a progression of multiple species

c.) Promotes monoculture

Which of the following factors do NOT contribute to famine, or insufficient food supply in a specific area? a.) Floods or fires b.) Geographic barriers c.) Religious practices d.) Resource hoarding

c.) Religious practices

Which of the following components is paired with regenerative agricultural practices? a.) Focusing on maintaining soil quality b.) Focusing on agricultural methods that do not use technology c.) Using natural ecological services to replenish natural resources d.) Using agricultural resources without degrading them

c.) Using natural ecological services to replenish natural resources

Food availability and nutrition can be directly impacted by __________ factors such as drought and flooding. a.) economic b.) intellectual c.) environmental d.) political

c.) environmental

Chlorine bleach and ammonia spill and mix together in the aisle of a grocery store, producing a poison gas. The hazardous waste characteristic of the mix in this example is __________. a.) toxicity b.) ignitability c.) reactivity d.) corrosivity

c.) reactivity

Which of the following statements about meat as a food source for humans is true? a.) Domesticated livestock is not an important food source for humans. b.) More than 25 large animal species have been domesticated for meat. c.) About half of the grain grown in the United States is used for animal feed. d.) 76% of all meat is consumed in developed countries.

d.) 76% of all meat is consumed in developed countries.

Which of the following is a consequence of fertilizer runoff into the water supply? a.) There is a lack of nutrients in the soil. b.) The oxygen levels in the water supply increase. c.) Rainfall stops nitrogen from reaching a waterway. d.) An algal bloom contaminates the local water supply.

d.) An algal bloom contaminates the local water supply.

Joan grinds tree branches onto mulch and mixes it with manure to feed her rose bushes. Which waste disposal method is Joan practicing? a.) Recycle b.) Reuse c.) Landfill d.) Compost

d.) Compost

__________ factors, such as costs, help explain why many malnourished and undernourished people live in parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America. a.) Environmental b.) Technological c.) Industrial d.) Economic

d.) Economic

Which of the following activities corresponds with sustainable agricultural practices? a.) Stimulating the formation of topsoil b.) Implementing crop rotation c.) Utilizing natural pesticides and fertilizers d.) Engaging in no-till farming

d.) Engaging in no-till farming

Nathan takes an old refrigerator to the local garbage disposal site. Which waste disposal method is Nathan practicing? a.) Composting b.) Recycling c.) Ocean dumping d.) Landfill

d.) Landfill

Which of the following statements is a reason for using pesticides on croplands? a.) Pesticides help to increase crop variety. b.) Pesticides help increase a farm's need for labor. c.) Pesticides help replace valuable nutrients in the soil. d.) Pesticides help kill pests that carry disease.

d.) Pesticides help kill pests that carry disease.

Which of the following techniques reduces pesticide use? a.) Treating the soil with atrazine to kill the pests. b.) Eliminating natural predators that eat the pests. c.) Planting only one type of crop to reduce the variety of pests. d.) Rotating crops to disrupt insect cycles.

d.) Rotating crops to disrupt insect cycles.

Which three subsistence crops supply over 50% of human caloric needs worldwide? a.) Barley, rice and corn b.) Corn, rice and potatoes c.) Rice, potatoes and wheat d.) Wheat, corn and rice

d.) Wheat, corn and rice

Famine can be due to demand exceeding supply but is most often it is due to ____________. a.) arable issues b.) GMO issues c.) biotic issues d.) distribution issues

d.) distribution issues

n the United States, the standard of living requires about five hectares per person. If every person on Earth required five hectares to live, we would need __________ to sustain the current population. a.) five Earths b.) four Earths c.) two Earths d.) three Earths

d.) three Earths

Dry-cleaning chemicals leach into the water supply and are ingested, causing respiratory illness and death. The hazardous waste characteristic of the chemicals in this example is __________. a.) ignitability b.) corrosivity c.) reactivity d.) toxicity

d.) toxicity

All of the following are negative environmental issues associated with agroecosystems EXCEPT ___________. low genetic diversity decreased runoff from fertilizers reduced soil nutrients need for more pesticides

decreased runoff from fertilizers

State and local governments address urban sprawl through regulations, such as _________, which create parks and community gardens.

establishing green zones

Which of the following is a cause of urban sprawl?

he federal government subsidized gasoline and road construction.

Negative impacts of water pollution include __________.

killing organisms or otherwise disrupting their life cycles

Which of the following statements about groundwater is NOT true?

​Humans access groundwater by creating aquifers.