APES exam MCQ practice

If an area was originally forested and then underwent urban development, which of the following shows the most likely effects on various parts of the water cycle in the area? (Note: ↑ represents an increase; ↓ represents a decrease) A A B B C C D D E E

A

Which stage has both high birth rates and high death rates but low overall population growth in part from high incidences of disease and famine? A A B B C C D D

A

In addition to a nearby mountain range, which of the following environmental conditions would be required for the process in the diagram to occur? A A cool sea breeze and a high pressure system B A warm mountain breeze and a low pressure system C A cool sea breeze and a low pressure system D A cool mountain breeze and a high pressure system

A A cool sea breeze and a high pressure system

he most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere is A nitrogen B oxygen C water vapor D carbon dioxide E hydrogen

A nitrogen

which of the following species is most likely to be an invasive species if introduced into a favorable new habitat? A species-Oyster Number of Fertilized Eggs Produced per Year-5,000,000,000 B Species-Fish Number of Fertilized Eggs Produced per Year 8,000 C Species-Rabbit Number of Fertilized Eggs Produced per Year-12 D Species-Bobcat Number of Fertilized Eggs Produced per Year-2

A species-Oyster Number of Fertilized Eggs Produced per Year-5,000,000,000

It has recently been estimated that the growth in world population has slowed in the past decade. Despite this trend, environmentalists remain concerned about the environmental impact of world population, principally because A the standard of living is increasing in many developing countries, leading to an increased per capita use of natural resources B people are living longer in developed nations, putting a strain on the economies of those countries C life expectancy is still decreasing in Africa due to AIDS D the standard of living is poor in many developing countries, leading to a great deal of deprivation and suffering E fertility is falling due to exposure to endocrine disruptors released into the environment

A the standard of living is increasing in many developing countries, leading to an increased per capita use of natural resources

This area is most susceptible to erosion, leading to increased suspended solids and increased turbidity downstream. A A B B C C D D

B

If a country has a crude birth rate of 24 per 1,000 and a crude death rate of 8 per 1,000, the natural annual percent increase of its population is A 0.6% B 1.6% C 3% D 16% E 32%

B 1.6%

The process of extracting and separating gold in remote regions often results in environmental contamination with which of the following? A Ozone B Cyanide C CFCs D Asbestos E Selenium

B Cyanide

Which of the following methods of agricultural irrigation results in the loss of the least amount of water by evaporation? A Conventional center-pivot irrigation B Drop irrigation C Laser-level irrigation D Flood irrigation E Gravity-flow irrigation

B Drop irrigation

Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the data table below that shows the annual anchovy catch and average sea surface temperature off the coast of Peru from 1995 through 2001. The high sea surface temperature in 1998 was most likely due to A global warming B El Niño C eutrophication D salinization E Pacific Annual Oscillation

B El Niño

Which of the following changes to the local hydrologic cycle will result if large areas of land experienced clear-cutting? A Transpiration of water from vegetation will increase. B Evaporation of water from the soil will increase. C Runoff from watersheds will decrease. D Siltation of local streams will decrease.

B Evaporation of water from the soil will increase.

A team at a university in Pennsylvania has concerns about the health of streams in a watershed because of the various land uses in the area. There has been an increase in road repair work, and the area has many dairy farms. Which of the following would be most effective at preventing sediment runoff into the streams of the watershed? A Have construction crews steepen the slopes of the valleys of streams near roadwork zones. B Maintain zones of grass at least 100m100m wide on the sides of streams in the area. C Construct at least one dam on a stream in the watershed to improve flood control. D Shift from dairy farming to corn planted in agricultural fields located within 100m100m of streams.

B Maintain zones of grass at least 100m100m wide on the sides of streams in the area.

Wind energy is increasingly relied upon to help meet global energy needs. Wind energy can be used to generate electricity using wind turbines. Which of the following best describes electricity generation using wind turbines? A Newer wind turbines can generate consistent electricity even when there is no wind. B Wind turbines can be constructed on either vertical or horizontal axes. C Wind turbines are rarely used offshore because they tend to float in rough seas. D Wind turbines can be used by individual homeowners but have limited effectiveness when connected to the electrical grid.

B Wind turbines can be constructed on either vertical or horizontal axes.

The CITES treaty has been helpful in protecting endangered animals and plants by A listing all species that can be hunted, traded, and used commercially B listing those species and products whose international trade is controlled C funding projects for breeding endangered plants and animals D preventing the hunting of whales and dolphins E specifying prices for certain plant and animal products

B listing those species and products whose international trade is controlled

Vegetarianism is often cited as a partial solution to the growing problem of deforestation and other types of habitat destruction as the human population continues to grow. The reason for this is A vegetarians are healthier due to a lack of animal fat in their diets B more people can be fed using less agricultural land because vegetarians eat at a lower trophic level C vegetarians consume fewer calories per person and therefore require fewer acres of farmland D vegetarian diets often recommend consuming large amounts of tree nuts as a source of protein, which preserves forest habitats E vegetarians often support conservation efforts that promote forest conservation

B more people can be fed using less agricultural land because vegetarians eat at a lower trophic level

The data in the graph reflect threats identified in species recovery plans. Local legislation was passed to protect animal species prone to extinction. The legislation included criminalizing poaching, setting limits on number of fish people can catch, and protecting habitats. Which of the following threats shown in the graph will most likely decrease the most as a result of the legislation? A Habitat loss and degradation B Pollution C Overharvesting D Climate and natural disasters

C Overharvesting

Of the following, which has the greatest permeability? A Clay B Loam C Sand D Silt E Humus

C Sand

Scientists want to examine the effects of a coal-burning power plant on the pHpH of a lake that is downwind of the power plant. They take samples from a lake that is not downwind of the power plant to serve as a control. However, they did not realize that the lake they chose as a control group was a geothermal hot spring with acidic water. Which of the following best describes how their choice of control group could affect the results of their experiment? A Using this control would not have an effect on the outcome because the high temperature of the hot spring reduces the acidity of the water in the lake. B The coal-burning power plant would appear to have a much larger effect on the pHpH of the experimental group because the pHpH in the control lake would be elevated from the acidic water. C The coal-burning power plant would not appear to have a large impact because the pHpH levels of the two lakes would be similar. D The coal-burning power plant would affect both lakes because the Coriolis effect and weather patterns would circulate pollutants in the atmosphere.

C The coal-burning power plant would not appear to have a large impact because the pHpH levels of the two lakes would be similar.

A family of five recently replaced its 5-gallon-per-minute showerheads with water-saving 2-gallon-per-minute showerheads. Each member of the family averages 8 minutes in the shower per day. In a 30-day period, how many fewer gallons of water will the family use with the new showerheads? A 60 B 800 C 2,400 D 3,600 E 7,200

D 3,600

Which type of electricity-generating power plant releases radioactive materials as well as toxic metals such as lead and arsenic under normal operating conditions? A Nuclear B Hydroelectric C Solar D Coal-burning E Geothermal

D Coal-burning

The graph above shows how seed production in a plant species varied with population density in an unfragmented habitat (site A) and in a fragmented habitat (site B). Which of the following conclusions is best supported by the data? A There is no relationship between seed production and habitat fragmentation. B Seed production is higher in dense populations. C Seed production is lower in dense populations. D Habitat fragmentation has more effect on seed production than does population density. E Pollinators are either less abundant or less effective in small populations.

D Habitat fragmentation has more effect on seed production than does population density.

Which of the following best describes the primary cause of global ocean warming? A Increased number of animal species using ocean gyres for migration B Increased movement from the ocean floor (upwelling) during La Niña events C Increased thermal pollution in rivers and streams near power plants and industrial manufacturers D Increased global temperature from an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere

D Increased global temperature from an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere

Which of the following best describes an environmental advantage of urbanization? A Individuals living in cities have more varied employment opportunities than individuals living in rural areas. B Individuals living in cities have greater access to health care than individuals living in rural areas. C Individuals living in cities usually have greater access to fresh, local agricultural products than individuals living in rural areas. D Individuals living in cities usually have a lower transportation carbon footprint than individuals living in rural areas.

D Individuals living in cities usually have a lower transportation carbon footprint than individuals living in rural areas.

Atmospheric deposition is receiving increased attention in the scientific community, and has become the subject of a specific research area in the environmental sciences. Acid rain is detrimental to our ecosystems and can be measured in several ways. Which of the following methods would best identify changes from acid deposition in an area over time? A Calculating the change in sulfur dioxide emissions from coal-burning power plants over time B Mapping out coal-burning power plant locations over the past 50 years C Measuring the pH of rainwater and surface water in affected areas D Monitoring the long-term chemical and biological parameters of an ecosystem

D Monitoring the long-term chemical and biological parameters of an ecosystem

Silver carp were introduced in the southeastern United States in the 1970s from their native habitat of China to control algal blooms that were occurring at aquaculture facilities and sewage lagoons. Silver carp escaped from captivity shortly after their introduction and are currently found as far north as North Dakota and Minnesota. Which of the following describes an unintended, negative consequence of the introduction of silver carp into the United States? A Silver carp decreased the amount of algae and aquatic vegetation in ponds and lagoons in the southern United States. B Silver carp populations in the United States are likely to become endangered as a result of limited prey resources in the new environment. C Silver carp became a keystone species and created more biodiversity in lakes and rivers in the southeastern United States. D Silver carp became an invasive species in the United States because their numbers were not being controlled by natural predators.

D Silver carp became an invasive species in the United States because their numbers were not being controlled by natural predators.

Which of the following best describes why people in less developed countries use wood as a primary energy source? A The infrastructure required to transport wood is well established. B Wood produces fewer carbon emissions than other energy sources, such as geothermal or natural gas. C Wood can be converted to peat and cheaply burned for fuel. D Wood, in the form of firewood and charcoal, is often readily available.

D Wood, in the form of firewood and charcoal, is often readily available.

A hydrogen fuel cell-powered car driving on a highway is different from gasoline-powered cars because hydrogen fuel cell-powered cars only emit A carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas B carbon dioxide and heat C water vapor and hydrogen gas D water vapor and heat

D water vapor and heat

Which of the following federal laws specifically deals with the cleanup of abandoned hazardous waste sites? A Clean Air Act B Clean Water Act C Safe Drinking Water Act D Resource Conservation and Recovery Act E Comprehensive Environmental Responsibility Compensation and Liability Act

E Comprehensive Environmental Responsibility Compensation and Liability Act

Reasons that human populations historically have settled in floodplains include which of the following? I. The soil in floodplains is usually fertile. II. The terrain in floodplains tend to be flat. III. Floodplains are close to rivers for transportation. A I only B II only C I and II only D II and III only E I, II, and III

E I, II, and III

Which of the following is the best example of environmental remediation? A A species of trout becomes extinct in a eutrophic lake. B The annual volume of sewage flowing into a stream is decreased by one half. C The height of a factory smokestack is increased. D A parcel of forest land is declared a state park. E PCB-consuming bacteria are sprayed on an area that has soil contaminated with PCBs.

E PCB-consuming bacteria are sprayed on an area that has soil contaminated with PCBs.

Which of the following is the best example of an economic incentive that could be used to improve environmental quality and reduce resource waste? A Charging user fees for extracting lumber from national forests B Requiring a pollution prevention bond for building a new landfill C Charging user fees for livestock grazing on public lands D Levying taxes on companies that discharge pollution into air and water E Providing tax breaks for companies that use recycled materials

E Providing tax breaks for companies that use recycled materials

All of the following statements about invasive exotic species are true EXCEPT: A They may compete with native species for food. B They may prey on native species. C They are generally introduced by human activity. D They may be plant or animal species. E They tend to have low reproductive rates.

E They tend to have low reproductive rates.

Carbon dioxide and particulates are emitted by volcanoes. Particulates form stratospheric aerosols that reflect sunlight. Which of the following best describes the impact of atmospheric carbon dioxide and stratospheric aerosols? A Carbon dioxide contributes to global warming, and aerosols cause cooling. B Both carbon dioxide and aerosols contribute to global warming. C Carbon dioxide contributes to global warming, and aerosols have no effect on global climate. D Carbon dioxide reacts to form aerosols, leading to decreased global warming. E UV radiation causes carbon dioxide to break down, leading to increased stratospheric cooling.

A Carbon dioxide contributes to global warming, and aerosols cause cooling.

Which of the following best describes the total consumption of all fossil fuels in 2040 compared to the consumption of nuclear energy in 2040? A Consumption of fossil fuels will be approximately 1313 times greater than consumption of nuclear energy. B Consumption of fossil fuels will be approximately 99 times greater than consumption of nuclear energy. C Consumption of fossil fuels will be approximately 55 times greater than consumption of nuclear energy. D Consumption of fossil fuels will be approximately 44 times greater than consumption of nuclear energy.

A Consumption of fossil fuels will be approximately 1313 times greater than consumption of nuclear energy

Which of the following best describes how an anthropogenic activity can increase ocean acidification? A Emissions from power plants that burn fossil fuels increase atmospheric carbon dioxide, which is absorbed by the ocean. B A spill from an oil rig in the ocean can have acute toxic effects on fish and other aquatic organisms, which disrupt the aquatic food web. C Tourist activities in coastal areas increase the concentration of sunscreen in the water, which decreases the photosynthetic rates of aquatic producers and increases the pHpH of the ocean. D During and after a major volcanic eruption, large amounts of greenhouse gases, aerosols, and ash are released into the stratosphere, which affects global climate.

A Emissions from power plants that burn fossil fuels increase atmospheric carbon dioxide, which is absorbed by the ocean.

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using hydrogen fuel cells? A Hydrogen gas is not readily available on Earth. B The products of the reactions in hydrogen fuel cells damage the environment. C Hydrogen fuel cells are much less efficient in powering vehicles than internal combustion engines are. D Hydrogen fuel cells need to be very large to generate electricity.

A Hydrogen gas is not readily available on Earth.

The graph below shows three different survivorship curves. Cycads are gymnosperms that were diverse and abundant during the Mesozoic era. Extant species of cycads share many traits with those from the Mesozoic era. Cycads bear cones, are long-lived with slow growth rates, show late reproductive maturity, and have very few offspring. Based on this description, the cycads are A K-strategists with a Type I survivorship curve. B r-strategists with a Type III survivorship curve. C K-strategists with a Type III survivorship curve. D r-strategists with a Type II survivorship curve.

A K-strategists with a Type I survivorship curve.

Concerns About Endangered Birds Won't Stop July 4 Fireworks Show in Old Orchard Beach The Fourth of July fireworks show will go on as planned in Old Orchard Beach on Thursday despite concerns about an endangered bird that was about to give birth to a brood of chicks nearby. The piping plover's nest was only 400400 feet from where the fireworks are staged, . . . sparking concerns that the explosions and the thousands of people expected to attend the traditional waterfront display could disrupt the birds and their nest. . . . Town Manager Larry Mead said the holiday fireworks display will go on as planned Thursday because the chicks have hatched and the birds are expected to move away from the noise and crowds. . . . There are currently a record 8787 nesting plover pairs in Maine, according to Laura Zitske, director of Maine Audubon's Piping Plover and Least Term Project. . . . Piping plovers require wide, open sand and dune grass to nest. The birds are endangered largely because of habitat loss. Uncertainty about the Independence Day display surfaced in Old Orchard last week when the town canceled its Thursday night fireworks display, a summer tradition in this beachfront resort that draws thousands of visitors each week. OOB365OOB365, a group of Old Orchard Beach businesses and private citizens, hinted at a brewing conflict with the nesting plover site on its Facebook page. "Tonight's fireworks (June 2727) have been cancelled due to the nesting piping plovers along the beach. Fingers crossed for next week and the 4th4th of July," OOB365OOB365 said in the post. Mead met with officials from Maine Audubon . . . Friday and they agreed to set up a protective corridor around the plover nesting site on the night of July Fourth. Signs, twine, and netting will make it clear that the area will be off-limits to the public, Mead said. . . . Independence Day fireworks are one of the annual sources of concern for the plovers. Zitske said fireworks can scare parents away from newly hatched chicks that need to be kept warm, and Audubon employees have come across nests in the past only to find dead chicks. Typically, the biggest concern about piping plovers and the Fourth of July is the crowds of people walking on the beach in the dark after the fireworks are over, Zitske said. In some areas, volunteers will stand guard to keep people from trampling over nesting areas in the dark. . . . Zitske . . . attributes the nesting success in large part to increased educational outreach to beachgoers, who must share the beaches with the bird. Reprinted with permission from the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. Reproduction does not imply endorsement. Which of the following identifies a claim made by the author in the article? A Piping plovers are endangered in Maine because of the loss of wide, open sand and dune grass habitats that the birds use for nesting. B The light emitted from the holiday fireworks has led to an increase in plover nests because the plovers need light to lay eggs. C An increase in protective nets to protect piping plovers' eggs has led to an increase in the birds being caught in the netting and becoming injured. D Maine officials should close Old Orchard Beach during the summer months because large crowds of beachgoers are consistently destroying plover nests.

A Piping plovers are endangered in Maine because of the loss of wide, open sand and dune grass habitats that the birds use for nesting.

Which of the following is most typically associated with the transition from a rural to an urbanized society? A Reduced birth rates B Reduced need for sewage-treatment facilities C Increased rates of population growth D Increased air quality in urban areas E Increased stabilization of microclimate in urban areas

A Reduced birth rates

Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the following. (A) Safe Drinking Water Act (B) Clean Water Act (C) Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) (D) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (E) Toxic Substances Control Act Requires minimum safety standards for community water supplies A Safe Drinking Water Act B Clean Water Act C Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) D Resource Conservation and Recovery Act E Toxic Substances Control Act

A Safe Drinking Water Act

A series of experiments was designed to test the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the productivity of polar phytoplankton. Samples of these single-celled organisms were placed in four tanks, which were exposed to ambient natural solar radiation and to three modifications of ambient radiation. The design of the experiments is shown in the table below, along with measurements of photosynthesis in each tank. Which two-tank comparison provides the strongest evidence that the presence of UV light at natural levels inhibits photosynthesis? A Tank 1 versus tank 2 B Tank 1 versus tank 4 C Tank 2 versus tank 3 D Tank 2 versus tank 4 E Tank 3 versus tank 4

A Tank 1 versus tank 2

In which of the following atmospheric layers does most weather occur? A Troposphere B Stratosphere C Mesosphere D Thermosphere

A Troposphere

Brown pelicans are fish-eating birds. As a result of an El Niño event, the population of brown pelicans in southern California declines. Which of the following best explains the relationship between the El Niño event and the population decline? A Warmer ocean temperatures can cause fish to move to colder water farther from pelican nest sites. B Lower sea surface heights can result in pelican nest sites being isolated too far from their food supply in the ocean. C The female reproductive tract of birds does not function at the lower water temperatures of El Niño. D Male pelicans get disoriented due to the lack of moisture and fail to return to the nest with food. E Predatory seal populations increase dramatically due to decreased rainfall.

A Warmer ocean temperatures can cause fish to move to colder water farther from pelican nest sites.

Which of the following is the best example of the tragedy of the commons? A Water pollution from oil rigs concentrated in the Gulf of Mexico B An increase in the concentration of a toxin as it goes through the food chain C Exponential population growth as a country goes through the demographic transition D The use of invasive species as a biological control E The overharvesting of fish from privately owned lakes

A Water pollution from oil rigs concentrated in the Gulf of Mexico

Sixty-five percent of global greenhouse gas emissions are made up of carbon dioxide, while only sixteen percent are made up of methane gas. Which of the following best explains why scientists are increasingly concerned about the effect of methane gas emissions on global climate if they are a relatively small percent of greenhouse gases released? A Methane gas is a synthetic compound released from anthropogenic sources, while carbon dioxide is naturally occurring. B Methane gas has a higher global warming potential (GWPGWP) than carbon dioxide does, so it can trap more heat in the atmosphere. C Methane gas has a longer average residence time (ARTART) than carbon dioxide does in the atmosphere. D Methane gas is a volatile organic compound (VOCVOC) that can combine with ozone to produce photochemical smog, but carbon dioxide is not classified as a volatile organic compound.

B Methane gas has a higher global warming potential (GWPGWP) than carbon dioxide does, so it can trap more heat in the atmosphere.

Based on the data in the graph, which of the following insulation options is ineffective at insulating a home and greatly contributes to indoor air pollution? A Blown cellulose B Mineral fiber batt C Expanded polystyrene D Rigid foam

B Mineral fiber batt

The diagram shows how a patch of habitat could possibly be altered. Which of the following would be the most likely explanation for the changes shown in Scenario 3 ? A Native species were replanted in the areas, which led to fewer niches. B Roads and electric power lines subdivided the landscape into smaller pieces and decreased the amount of available habitat. C The increased edge-to-interior ratio resulted in habitat fragmentation and the formation of smaller, more manageable parcels of land. D Habitat corridors were built to allow individuals between populations to mate, which helped to prevent inbreeding and reduce the genetic diversity often found in isolated populations.

B Roads and electric power lines subdivided the landscape into smaller pieces and decreased the amount of available habitat.

Which of the following best achieves the goal of providing wood products for humans while preserving biodiversity? A Clear-cutting of large areas of old-growth forest B Selective cutting of large areas of old-growth forest C Using prescribed burns in large areas of old-growth forest D Planting large tree plantations in abandoned farm fields

B Selective cutting of large areas of old-growth forest

The axis of Earth in relation to the Sun is tilted at a 23.5 degree slant, as illustrated in the diagram below. Use the diagram below to answer the next three questions. Which of the following areas receives the most intense solar radiation at the time of year shown in the diagram, and why? A The Antarctic Circle, because it is closest to the Sun. B The Tropic of Capricorn, because this latitude is nearly horizontal to incoming solar radiation. C The equator, because it is the hottest region and therefore receives the most intense solar radiation. D The Tropic of Cancer, because solar radiation spreads out over a wider area at this latitude.

B The Tropic of Capricorn, because this latitude is nearly horizontal to incoming solar radiation.

the spread of infectious diseases is expected to increase with climate change, mainly because A the world population growth rate is increasing very rapidly B warmer temperatures allow disease-carrying insects to survive in areas that were once too cold C disease-carrying microbes are migrating more rapidly into the tropics and subtropics D the rain forests are rapidly expanding to cover more of Earth's surface E techniques and efforts to combat infectious diseases have not been successful globally

B warmer temperatures allow disease-carrying insects to survive in areas that were once too cold

Which soil horizon has very little organic matter and accumulates soluble metals and nutrients that are transported from other soil layers? A A B B C C D D

C

Wolves were reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park in 1995. In addition to tracking changes in the wolf population, scientists were interested in how the wolves would affect other parts of the Yellowstone ecosystem. In particular, they were interested in changes to the population of elk, the wolves' primary prey. The graph below shows the population size of the wolf and elk populations over time. Based upon the data presented in the graph, which of the following best identifies the highest wolf population size? A 20 B 120 C 170 D 190

C 170

In 1997 the World Resources Institute estimated the world's proven oil reserves to be 1,000 billion barrels and the ultimately recoverable reserves to be 2,000 billion barrels. The table below shows the world consumption of oil from 1986 to 1997. At the 1997 rate of consumption, about how long will the estimated 2,000 billion barrels of oil last? A 25 years B 50 years C 75 years D 200 years E 500 years

C 75 years

tudents want to determine the impact of soil erosion from the development of new housing. They plan to measure the density of a species of algae growing along the bottom of a river that flows through their town. The town is built in a heavily forested area, but a large area of trees along the river was recently clear-cut to allow for the construction of a new housing development, which has caused exposed soil to wash into the river. The river flows north to south through the town and is still forested both up- and downstream of the town. Which of the following would be the best control sample for the study? A A sample of water collected just downstream of the southern forest B A sample of water collected just downstream of the housing development C A sample of water collected just downstream of the northern forest D A sample of distilled water

C A sample of water collected just downstream of the northern forest

Which of the following identifies the air pollutants most commonly released during the burning of biomass? A Lead ( Pb ), carbon monoxide ( CO ), and nitric acid ( HNO3 ) B Particulate matter ( PM), ozone ( O3 ), and carbon monoxide ( CO ) C Carbon dioxide ( CO2 ), particulate matter ( PM ), and carbon monoxide ( CO ) D Polychlorinated biphenyls ( PCBs ), carbon dioxide ( CO2 ), and chlorofluorocarbons ( CFCs )

C Carbon dioxide ( CO2 ), particulate matter ( PM ), and carbon monoxide ( CO )

The graph shows the worldwide catch of orange roughy, a type of wild caught fish, in tons, from 1977 to 2011. Based on the data in the graph, which of the following fishing practice solutions would best promote the sustainability of the orange roughy population? A A decrease in the minimum size limit of fish that can be caught B An increase in subsidies to fishermen that catch orange roughy C Establishment of quotas on the number of orange roughy caught D Protection of the orange roughy predator through legislation

C Establishment of quotas on the number of orange roughy caught

Which of the following is a disadvantage associated with the genetic modification of crops? A Genetically modified crops have a decreased resistance to drought. B Genetically modified crops have a shorter shelf life and are more difficult to transport long distances. C Genetically modifications can decrease the genetic diversity of crop species. D Genetic modifications decrease nutritional content in foods.

C Genetically modifications can decrease the genetic diversity of crop species.

Which of the following best describes a potential advantage of using geothermal energy instead of solar farms for power generation? A Harnessing geothermal energy does not release hydrogen sulfide gas, whereas solar farms do. B Geothermal energy does not release greenhouse gases, whereas solar farms do. C Geothermal energy can be harnessed without destroying large tracts of habitat, whereas solar farms require large amounts of space. D Geothermal energy is easily accessible and can be harnessed in most parts of the world, whereas solar energy is difficult to harness.

C Geothermal energy can be harnessed without destroying large tracts of habitat, whereas solar farms require large amounts of space.

Which of the following events would most likely lead to a decrease in the pH in the oceans? A Decreased deforestation in agricultural areas B Decreased vehicular emissions from cars and trucks C Increased burning of fossil fuels in power plants D Increased rates of photosynthesis in terrestrial ecosystems

C Increased burning of fossil fuels in power plants

Which of the following is part of a positive feedback mechanism associated with global climate change? A Increased gas mileage in cars B Increased cloudiness caused by more moisture in the atmosphere C Melting of Arctic sea ice D Increased acidity of seawater E Increased growth of CO2 -absorbing trees and grasses

C Melting of Arctic sea ice

Which of the following is the most likely reason for the trend shown in the graph of fluctuating indoor radon levels over the course of a year? A Home windows are often closed during summer months, causing the levels of radon in the house to build up. B Barometric pressure changes from summer storms can cause radon levels to increase. C Radon levels tend to increase in the colder months because of the difference in temperature inside and outside the home, which creates a vacuum pulling radon into the home at a higher rate. D Increased levels of radon are linked to burning biomass indoors, which increases in winter months when more biomass is burned for cooking and heating.

C Radon levels tend to increase in the colder months because of the difference in temperature inside and outside the home, which creates a vacuum pulling radon into the home at a higher rate.

Which soil indicated on the soil triangle above would most likely have the highest water-holding capacity? A Soil A B Soil B C Soil C D Soil D E Soil E

C Soil C

The cities of Edmonton and Calgary are relatively far north and at high elevation. Which of the following best explains the data presented in their ecological footprints? A Many of the inhabitants of Edmonton and Calgary must commute to southern cities for work. B Products must be shipped large distances from major shipping ports to Edmonton and Calgary. C Growing seasons are shorter in Edmonton and Calgary, requiring larger amounts of fertilizers to grow crops. D Colder average temperatures and longer nights in Edmonton and Calgary lead to high energy usage to heat and light homes.

D Colder average temperatures and longer nights in Edmonton and Calgary lead to high energy usage to heat and light homes.

Which of the following is LEAST likely to be an effect of global warming? A Loss of fertile delta regions for agriculture B Change in global patterns of precipitation C Extinction of some species that have narrow temperature requirements D Decreased rate of photosynthesis in vegetation E Increased frequency of hurricanes

D Decreased rate of photosynthesis in vegetation

Which of the following best explains why the maximum sustainable yield for ocean fisheries has been exceeded? A Populations of fish-eating birds such as the albatross have increased. B Too many fish of reproductive age are harvested. C Too many marine fish farms have been created. D Everything trapped by large bottom trawl nets is used for food. E For every calorie of fish caught, a ship uses only about 0.5 calorie of fuel energy.

D Everything trapped by large bottom trawl nets is used for food.

Effects of Noise on Wildlife Sound, just like the availability of nesting materials or food sources, plays an important role in the ecosystem. Activities such as finding desirable habitat and mates, avoiding predators, protecting young, and establishing territories are all dependent on the acoustical environment. [Wildlife is] being forced to adapt to increasing noise levels. Research shows that males of at least one frog species are adapting to traffic noise by calling at a higher pitch. This could be problematic for the females, because they prefer lower-pitched calls, which indicate larger and more experienced males. In general, studies indicate that animals are stressed by noisy environments. The endangered Sonoran pronghorn avoids noisy areas frequented by military jets; female frogs exposed to traffic noise have more difficulty locating the male's signal; bats avoid hunting in areas with road noise. Combined with other stressors such as winter weather, disease, and food shortages, sound impacts can have important implications for the health and vitality of wildlife populations within a park. National parks are under increasing noise pressure. Noise levels in park transportation corridors today are many times the natural level. Sound levels during peak periods in a high air traffic corridor in the Yellowstone backcountry, for example, were elevated by up to 5 decibels. The result is as much as a 70% reduction in the size of an area in which predators can hear their prey. Increasingly, careful consideration of the impacts of human-generated noise on wildlife is a critical component of management for healthy ecosystems in our parks. Based on the author's claim in the article, which of the following statements best describes the effect of noise pollution on wildlife? A Noise pollution is being managed in such a way as to not significantly interfere with wildlife in national parks. B Noise in national parks has an overall positive effect on wildlife and has led to an increase in biodiversity. C Stressors such as winter weather, disease, and food shortages are having a greater effect on wildlife than noise pollution. D Noise pollution has a negative effect on wildlife activities such as mating, establishing territories, and predator-prey interactions.

D Noise pollution has a negative effect on wildlife activities such as mating, establishing territories, and predator-prey interactions.

Which of the following species is most likely to provide extensive parental care to its offspring? A species-Oyster Number of Fertilized Eggs Produced per Year-5,000,000,000 B Species-Fish Number of Fertilized Eggs Produced per Year 8,000 C Species-Rabbit Number of Fertilized Eggs Produced per Year-12 D Species-Bobcat Number of Fertilized Eggs Produced per Year-2

D Species-Bobcat Number of Fertilized Eggs Produced per Year-2

Acid rain is associated with which of the following? A Formation of the antarctic ozone hole B Release of PCBs into the atmosphere C Damage to tropical rain forests D The burning of fossil fuels E The increasing pH of lake waters

D The burning of fossil fuels

Which of the following characteristics is most closely associated with a country that demonstrates the age structure in the diagram shown above? A There is a low infant mortality rate. B A high percentage of the population has access to medical care. C There is a low population growth rate. D There is a high total fertility rate.

D There is a high total fertility rate.

Which of the following is the most likely result from clearing mature, forested land and converting it into agricultural land that would be used for cattle grazing? A There will be a decrease in the amount of runoff into nearby streams. B There will be a reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. C There will be an increase in the diversity and size of primary producers. D There will be a reduction in the uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

D There will be a reduction in the uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Air pollution from a power plant is being monitored for levels of nitrogen dioxide and ground-level ozone. The levels are measured daily at the same time. Which of the following best predicts the impact of a dark and cloudy day on the readings for the levels of air pollutants measured? A There will be no change in the levels of nitrogen dioxide or ground-level ozone. B There will be a decrease in the level of nitrogen dioxide and an increase in the level of ground-level ozone. C There will be an increase in the levels of both nitrogen dioxide and ground-level ozone. D There will be an increase in the level of nitrogen dioxide and a decrease in the level of ground-level ozone.

D There will be an increase in the level of nitrogen dioxide and a decrease in the level of ground-level ozone.

An air pollution expert set up a monitoring program to determine the amount of particulate matter (PMPM) leaving a farmer's field after crops were harvested and the soil was bare. She set up high-volume air samplers 10 meters from each edge of the square field and collected samples weekly for two months. When she looked at her data, she was surprised by how much the PMPM levels varied, both from site to site on a given date and over time at each site. Which of the following parameters would have been best to measure to help explain the variation in her results? A Percent of cloudy days over the two months B Particle size of the soils in the field C Depth of the organic matter in the soil D Wind direction and speed

D Wind direction and speed

The supply of Earth's fresh water is fixed and is being depleted at a rapid rate. Which of the following best describes the effects of a limited freshwater supply on human populations? A Disease transmission will decrease as access to water decreases, leading to improved public health. B Conservation measures will increase per capita water consumption, leading to an improved global economy. C Desalinization facilities will be used to process water stored in glaciers and snow packs, leading to new sources of drinking water. D World food production will decrease, leading to increased famine.

D World food production will decrease, leading to increased famine.

Many communities experience the tragedy of the commons. One way a local community might regulate a shared and limited resource and reduce the tragedy of the commons is to A eliminate ownership of the resources and make them available to all B reduce the cost of access to the resources C offer subsides to users of the resources in the form of tax breaks D divide the resources into parcels and assign them to individuals

D divide the resources into parcels and assign them to individuals

A sustainable society would emphasize A maintaining the current rates of energy flow and resource use B converting the world's high-quality energy resources to low-quality heat C recycling both matter and high-quality energy D using energy efficiently and reusing and recycling matter E quickly expanding nuclear power, because it is a renewable resource

D using energy efficiently and reusing and recycling matter

Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the figure below. A, B, C, and D represent population growth curves, E represents the carrying capacity. Represents the maximum number of individuals that can be supported by a particular ecosystem on a long-term basis A A B B C C D D E E

E

the combustion of one gallon of automobile fuel produces about 5 pounds of carbon (in CO2). Two autos are making a trip of 600 miles. The first auto gets 20 miles per gallon, and the second gets 30 miles per gallon. Approximately how much less carbon (in CO2) will be produced by the second auto on this trip? A 300 lbs B 150 lbs C 100 lbs D 75 lbs E 50 lbs

E 50 lbs

Which of the following is a true statement about the total fertility of a society? A The total fertility of a society is the difference between the crude birth rate and the crude death rate. B The total fertility of a society is the number of children necessary for a couple to replace themselves in the next generation. C The total fertility of a society is positively correlated with the average education of women. D The total fertility of a society is negatively correlated with the number of women of child-bearing age. E The total fertility of a society decreases as the society progresses through the demographic transition.

E The total fertility of a society decreases as the society progresses through the demographic transition.