APES Final Exam Review Test Questions
Acid deposition would most likely result in which of the following? a. The release of aluminum ions from soil b. An increase in populations of mollusks c. The death of species tolerant of low pH levels d. An increase in buffering of lake water by sulfates e. An increase in the pH of unbuffered water
A
Alligators in a Florida lake polluted by high levels of dioxins (chlorinated hydrocarbons) had low testosterone levels and failed to reproduce. Scientists came to the conclusion that the dioxins were acting as which of the following? a. Endocrine disrupters b. Growth hormones c. Carcinogens d. Immune-system suppressors e. Mutagens
A
An advantage of recycling aluminum rather than disposing of it in landfills is that aluminum can be a. produced from recycled metal using much less energy than is required for its production from aluminum ore b. produced from ore that is chemically reactive and dangerous to transport, store, and process c. produced from ore that is scarce and found primarily in remote, inhospitable regions at high latitudes d. absorbed by plants and then biomagnified in both terrestrial and aquatic food chains e. leached from landfills in the form of Al3+ ions that could increase the pH of lakes and streams
A
Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the substances listed. (A) Asbestos (B) Radon (C) Lead (D) Carbon monoxide (E) Formaldehyde Composed of fibers known to cause lung disease
A
Directions: The following question(s) refer to the following methods of solid-waste disposal and treatment (A) Sanitary landfill (B) Incineration (C) Discharge to sewers, streams, and rivers (D) Chemical treatment (E) Biological treatment Which method is used most frequently in the United States today?
A
Fragmenting one large park or preserve into many small parks with human habitation in between them is most likely to lead to which of the following? a. Reduction in species diversity b. Stabilization of microclimates c. Decreases in the proportion of edge habitat d. Increase in gene flow within species e. Increase in population size of top carnivores
A
Of the following, which is the best example of a point source of water pollution? a. Factory effluent b. Storm water c. Acid precipitation d. Agricultural runoff e. Residential pesticide runoff
A
Of the following, which is the best example of reclamation of disturbed lands? a. Restoring vegetation to an area that has been mined b. Constructing a new wetland to compensate for the loss of wetlands c. Growing crops on land formerly used for grazing d. Reintroducing an endangered species into an area from which it has disappeared e. Regulating the use of a natural resource in order for it to renew itself
A
Recent studies have found that fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less can have negative human health effects. Which of the following correctly links a negative human health effect to an anthropogenic source of fine particulate matter? a. High rates of respiratory disease from power plant emissions b. High rates of skin cancer in urban areas with sewage treatment plants c. High rates of asthma from salt spray in coastal communities d. High rates of genetic deformities from additives in food supplies e. High rates of obesity from exposure to waste from meatpacking
A
Scientists want to investigate whether the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the ocean affects fish survival. Scientists suspect immature fish larvae may be most affected by increased carbon dioxide concentrations. Which of the following best identifies a testable hypothesis for the investigation? a. The decreasing pH of the ocean water will decrease the survivorship of fish. b. The decreasing temperature of the ocean water will increase the survivorship of fish larvae. c. There will be a greater percentage of fish larvae that survive than mature fish that survive. d. The increasing carbon dioxide concentrations will increase the density of adult fish skeletons.
A
Surface oceanic circulation results most directly in the a. distribution of heat from tropical to temperate and polar regions b. movement of benthic organisms from polar to temperate regions c. spring and fall overturn of temperate bodies of water d. restriction of the jet stream to polar regions e. moderation of ocean acidification
A
The release of a large amount of sewage and other organic wastes into a river would likely result in a sharp a. increase in the biological oxygen demand b. increase in the amount of dissolved oxygen c. increase in the population size of fish that require high levels of oxygen d. decrease in coliform bacteria counts e. decrease in the temperature of the river water
A
This pathogen infects the respiratory system, typically the lungs, and can spread through the air when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks. a. Tuberculosis b. Zika c. Cholera d. Malaria
A
Which of the following best describes why DDT is classified as a persistent organic pollutant? a. DDT is very stable, and as much as 50% of the original concentration can remain in the soil 15 years after the initial application. b. DDT can be used to control diseases, such as malaria and typhus, that are spread by insects. c. DDT is detected in food worldwide and the general human population is most commonly exposed to the toxin through food. d. DDT has both short-term acute and long-term chronic health effects in both humans and wildlife.
A
Which of the following best explains an anthropogenic cause of the trend illustrated on the graph? [see Google Doc for graph] a. Increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations from burning of fossil fuels and vehicle emissions are contributing to ocean acidification. b. Increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations from volcanic eruptions and cellular respiration are contributing to coral bleaching. c. Increased atmospheric NOx concentrations from fertilizers and livestock operations are contributing to a decrease in acid deposition in the ocean. d. Increased atmospheric NOx concentrations from decomposition in landfills is contributing to eutrophication.
A
Which of the following best explains why DDT has been found in penguin eggs in the Antarctic? a. Chemicals used in one region of Earth can circulate in the biosphere and affect organisms in a distant region. b. The large number of penguins in Antarctica has resulted in a depletion of their preferred foods. c. Although DDT is toxic to adult birds, it has no effect on developing embryos. d. Chemicals like DDT are volatile and eventually make their way to the ozone layer. e. Because penguins incubate their eggs on land, the eggs are exposed to DDT.
A
Which of the following is a greenhouse gas that is also a by-product of anaerobic respiration? a. Methane, CH4 b. Nitrogen, N2 c. Oxygen, O2 d. Nitrogen dioxide, NO2 e. Hydrogen sulfide, H2S
A
Which of the following is a primary air pollutant produced from burning coal? a. Carbon monoxide b. CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) c. PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) d. Ozone e. Sulfuric acid
A
Which of the following represents a positive feedback loop in the Arctic that is associated with anthropogenic climate change? a. Arctic Ocean ice melts -> ocean surface water temperature increases -> more ice melts b. Arctic Ocean ice melts -> ocean surface water temperature decreases -> more ice melts c. Arctic Ocean ice melts -> ocean surface water temperature increases -> more ice forms d. Arctic Ocean ice forms -> ocean surface water temperature increases -> more ice melts e. Arctic Ocean ice melts -> ocean surface water temperature decreases -> less ice melts
A
Which two-tank comparison provides the strongest evidence that the presence of UV light at natural levels inhibits photosynthesis? [refers to same chart as #2] 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
Why do introduced species often become pests? a. They displace native species. b. They increase biodiversity. c. They do not adapt well to local habitats. d. They contribute to habitat fragmentation. e. They have low biotic potential.
A
A scientist is studying PCBs in tertiary consumers. She wants to determine if PCBs can be found in tertiary consumers even though these compounds were banned in the United States in the 1970s. Which of the following best identifies a testable hypothesis for the study? a. PCBs are highly soluble in water, so it is unlikely that the compounds will be found in the liver or kidneys of tertiary consumers because the compounds have been banned. b. PCBs are persistent organic compounds that are fat-soluble, so they should be found in the fatty tissues of tertiary consumers even though the compounds have been banned for decades. c. PCBs have synergistic effects with other toxins in the environment and are broken down in water and soil, so most tertiary consumers are not directly exposed to them. d. PCBs are acutely toxic to most forms of life and quickly kill most organisms upon exposure; therefore, tertiary consumers today would be expected to have high levels of the compound in their tissues.
B
Catalytic converters reduce which of the following pairs of pollutants in car exhaust? a. Carbon dioxide and ozone b. Carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons c. Carbon dioxide and particulates d. Lead and mercury e. Methane and particulates
B
Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the following air pollutants. (A) Sulfur dioxide (B) Lead (C) Ozone (D) Hydrocarbons (E) Particulates Implicated in human neurological damage
B
Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the following gases. a. Carbon dioxide b. Carbon monoxide c. Methane d. Radon e. Sulfur dioxide Has a stronger affinity for hemoglobin than oxygen has
B
Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the locations marked by letters in the world map below. [see Google Doc for map] The location where the greatest number of people would be directly affected by a rise in ocean level a. A b. B c. C d. D e. E
B
Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following questions(s) refer to a pond in southern Canada. In 1950 the pH of the pond water was 8.2, but by 2000 the pH had decreased to 5.2. Which of the following changes would also be expected in the pond over the same time period? I. Increased levels of dissolved oxygen II. Increased levels of heavy metals III. Increased number of fish species a. I only b. II only c. III only d. II and III e. I, II, and III
B
Directions: The following questions(s) refer to the graph below of bird and mammal extinctions over thee centuries [see Google Doc for graph] Which of the following is the most likely reason that the greatest number of extinctions of bird species occurred in the period 1901-2000? a. Pollution was becoming so widespread that many birds migrated to new habitats. b. Increased environmental disturbances from human activities altered bird habitats. c. Adaptive radiation produced many new species of birds. d. Animals were being domesticated, leading to the agricultural revolution. e. Ecosystems were changing rapidly because of widespread glaciation.
B
Eutrophication results in the death of trout and other fish as a result of a. toxic pH levels in the water b. asphyxiation from lack of oxygen c. toxic levels of mercury in the water d. toxic concentrations of salt in the water e. a lack of sufficient minerals in the water
B
Increased atmospheric CO2 concentration over the next 50 years is expected to cause which of the following global changes? a. A decrease in the severity of storms b. A significant loss of biodiversity in the tropics c. Fewer significant heat waves d. A delay in the spring migration of many birds e. Later blooming of many mountain flowers
B
Information gathered by a scientist abut the toxicity of chemical X and chemical Y showed that they had individual safe limits for fish at particular concentrations. But when they were used together at the safe concentrations, there were extensive fish kills. This is an example of a. homeostasis b. synergism c. commensalism d. bioaccumulation e. antagonism
B
Of the following, which is the most serious immediate problem associated with sanitary landfills? a. Generation of CO2 gas b. Leachate contamination of groundwater c. Release of disease organisms d. Incomplete degradation of wastes e.. Compaction and settling
B
The following questions refer to this list of pollutants. (A) Radon (B) Mercury (C) Lead (D) Copper (E) Iron Poses a health risk to humans who eat large quantities of marine fish such as swordfish and tuna
B
The main environmental effects of ozone depletion could include all of the following EXCEPT a. lower food-crop production b. decreased concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere c. disruption of marine food chains d. increased incidence of skin cancer e. reduction of primary productivity in the oceans
B
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
Ticks are vectors for various diseases. The ticks acquire the disease-causing organisms from a. polluted water b. feeding on host animals c. contact with other ticks d. trees and plants in a forest e. gene changes as they go through metamorphosis
B
When water used to cool power plants during normal plant operations is released into adjacent waterways, which of the following is most likely to occur as a result? a. Biodiversity of aquatic life in the adjacent waterways would decrease because the used coolant water is radioactive. b. The dissolved oxygen in the adjacent waterways would decrease because used coolant water is warm and leads to thermal pollution. c. Salinity in the adjacent waterways would increase because of dissolved solids in the used coolant water. d. Nutrient levels in the adjacent waterways would increase because of phosphorous in the used coolant water.
B
Which of the following is the best description of bioaccumulation? a. The uptake of essential nutrients by plant roots b. The absorption of a substance by an organism at a rate greater than the rate of elimination c. The transfer of persistent pollutants like PCBs from one generation to the next d. A process that occurs exclusively in marine ecosystems e. A high mortality rate in organisms that have been exposed to a toxin
B
Water vapor is a greenhouse gas and is produced by burning fossil fuels. However, anthropogenic water vapor does not contribute significantly to global warming because water vapor a. is naturally occurring and therefore will not harm the environment b. does not absorb energy c. has a short residence time in the atmosphere d. does not contain carbon e. has no global-warming potential (GWP)
C
Which of the following best describes a way that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) cause harm in the environment? a. Persistent organic pollutants release carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere when buried for disposal. b. Persistent organic pollutants release radioactivity during decay. c. Persistent organic pollutants are soluble in fat, so they accumulate in an organisms' fatty tissues. d. Persistent organic pollutants have magnetic signatures that confuse birds during migration.
C
Which of the following best describes the effect of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide on marine organisms? a. It will increase the ocean pH outside of the tolerance range of most fish. b. It will increase the solubility of oxygen, increasing gas exchange in marine organisms. c. It will decrease the availability of carbonate ions in ocean water, decreasing the ability of coral to form shells. d. It will decrease the temperature of the ocean water, decreasing the rate of photosynthesis in phytoplankton.
C
Which of the following best describes the mechanism of the greenhouse effect in Earth's atmosphere? a. Ultraviolet radiation from the Sun is absorbed by ozone gas in the stratosphere. b. Gamma radiation from the Sun is absorbed at ground level by dust particles in the atmosphere. c. Infrared radiation from Earth's surface is absorbed by gases in the atmosphere. d. Cosmic radiation from deep space is absorbed by gases in the atmosphere. e. Alpha radiation from the Sun is absorbed by water vapor in the atmosphere.
C
Which of the following components of a wastewater treatment plants designed to facilitate the decomposition of organic material by aerobic microorganisms? a. Bar screen b. Grit-settling tank c. Activated-sludge tank d. Chlorination tank e. Ultraviolet-light array
C
Which of the following substances is released by CFC's and catalyzes a chain reaction that breaks down ozone in the upper atmosphere? a. Carbon monoxide b. Carbon dioxide c. Chlorine d. Sulfur dioxide e. Methane
C
[see Google Doc for data table] Based on the data table above for a stream in Illinois, which site most likely has a construction site immediately upstream from it? a. Site A b. Site B c. Site C d. Site D e. Site E
C
[see Google Doc for diagram] What important phenomenon that often plays a role in air pollution episodes is illustrated in the diagram above? a. Albedo b. Greenhouse effect c. Inversion d. Stratification e. Heat-island effect
C
A laboratory study using rats showed a steady increase in physical effects as the concentration of a toxic substance in their food was increased. This suggests that a. tolerance increases with dosage b. there is a threshold dosage c. there are no chronic effects of the toxin d. the dose-response relationship is linear e. the substance is safe to use as a rate poison
D
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
An experiment was carried out to determine the lethal dose of ammonium sulfate on mung bean germination. True statements about the experimental design include which of the following? 1. The control group has neither the seeds nor the ammonium sulfate. 2. The independent variable is the concentration of the ammonium sulfate. 3. The dependent variable is the number of seeds that failed to germinate. a. I only b. II only c. III only d. II and III only e. I, II, and III
D
Critics of incineration of municipal solid waste suggests that it may not be the best solution for the future, for which of the following reasons? a. Incineration produces ash that increases landfill volume. b. Incineration generates methane. c. Incineration involves advanced technology. d. Incineration contributes to air pollution. e. Incineration requires large energy input.
D
Directions: The following questions(s) refer to the graph below of bird and mammal extinctions over thee centuries [see Google Doc for graph] Approximately how many more mammal species become extinct in the period 1901-2000 than became extinct in the period 1801-1900? a. 30 b. 50 c. 60 d. 90 e. 140
D
Many scientists maintain that a rise in sea level has occurred in the last hundred years as a result of global warming. If this is true, which of the following factors best explains such a rise? a. Increased precipitation b. Increased cloud cover c. Increased evapotranspiration d. Thermal expansion of the ocean e. Melting of permafrost
D
Which of the following best explains why it is predicted that ozone depletion over the poles will be at its worst between 2010 and 2019? a. Projected global warming from carbon dioxide emissions is expected to reach a peak during those years. b. Ozone-depleting chemicals produced before their use was banned will take that long to reach peak concentrations in the stratosphere. c. Deforestation in tropical regions is expected to reach a peak during the second decade of the twenty-first century. d. Increased global population will lead to an increase in per capita CO2 production. e. Acid deposition will continue to increase, reaching a peak in approximately 2015.
B
Which of the following human activities is most closely associated with depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer? a. Mining of coal b. Disposal of refrigerators and air conditioners c. Heating of homes and factories d. Generation of electricity e. Agricultural irrigation
B
Which of the following is a common component of photochemical smog and is a reddish-brown gas with a pungent odor? a. Carbon monoxide, CO b. Nitrogen dioxide, NO2 c. Ammonia, NH3 d. Ozone, O3 e. Methane, CH4
B
Which of the following is a measure of the amount of suspended material in water? a. Salinity b. Turbidity c. Trace-metal concentration d. Leachate concentration e. pH
B
Consumers who get their electricity from coal-fired power plants are not paying the true cost of energy production in their monthly utility bills. Which of the following is true about utility bills for these consumers? a. The bills do not include public health costs, such as those associated with air pollution. b. The bills do not include the cost of power distribution. c. The bills do not include the cost of marketing electricity. d. The bills include the cost of environmental damage associated with transporting coal. e. The bills include the cost of cleaning up acid mine damage.
A
Overgrazing of grasslands can lead to reduced range quality. Two of the major effects of overgrazing are a. erosion and desertification b. higher fire potential and increased productivity c. eutrophication and increased methane production d. higher primary productivity and ammonification e. soil compaction and subsidence
A
Which of the following would add the most support to the reliability of this series of experiments? [refers to same chart as #2] a. Duplicate the experiment under identical conditions, and get similar results. b. Add a fifth tank with even higher levels of UV radiation. c. Repeat the experiment under different conditions with different scientists. d. Use phytoplankton from widely varying locations, and get similar results. e. Increase sample size by using a greater number of phytoplankton in each tank.
A
[see Google Doc for graph] According to the information in the graph above, which of the following would most effectively slow the loss of arable land? *arable definition: (of land) used or suitable for growing crops. a. Increasing the efficiency of desalination processes b. Reducing urban development c. Increasing the efficiency of erosion control d. Using more extensive irrigation systems e. Discovering cheaper energy sources
B
A large forested area is fragmented into small forest tracts separated by agricultural areas. This change will most likely lead to a. an increase in the population of top carnivores b. an improvement in the dispersal mechanisms of forest species c. a more stable regional climate d. a decrease in the amount of edge habitat e. a decrease in the gene flow within species of the original forest
E
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
Biological controls are frequently used to replace persistent chemical pesticides. Which of the following represents the greatest potential risk of using biological controls? a. The control agent attacks not only its intended target but also beneficial species. b. The control agent mutates and is no longer an effective control agent. c. Repeated applications or introductions are required to eliminate the pest population. d. Residual pesticides in the environment kill the control agent before it can eradicate the pest. e. Biological controls prove to be more costly to use than chemical pesticides.
A
Economic benefits of building large dams include which of the following? I. Storage of water for agriculture and domestic use II. Controlling floods upstream III. Production of renewable energy a. I only b. II only c. I and III only d. II and III only e. I, II, and III
C
A new 450-unit housing development will replace several small farms on the outskirts of Fremont. The development will be composed of 1/4-hectare lots with nearly identical footprints, as show below. [see diagram on Google Doc] Which of the following will be the greatest impact of the development on the local water supply? a. There will be less recharge of groundwater. b. There will be less runoff to fill reservoirs. c. There will be higher humidity in the suburb. d. There will be decreased soil exposure, reducing bacteria loads in surface water. e. There will be decreased erosion in local streams.
A
An industry uses natural gas for manufacturing and uses the waste heat to produce electricity. This is an example of which of the following processes? a. Cogeneration b. Electrolysis c. Gasification d. Gas hydration e. Reclamation
A
Directions: Each set of lettered choices below refers to the numbered questions or statements immediately following it. Select the one lettered choice that best answers each question or best fits each statement. A choice may be used once, more than once, or not at all in each set. The following questions refer to this list of pollutants. (A) Radon (B) Mercury (C) Lead (D) Copper (E) Iron A gaseous decay product of uranium that is found in rocks
A
Directions: Each set of lettered choices below refers to the numbered questions or statements immediately following it. Select the one lettered choice that best answers each question or best fits each statement. A choice may be used once, more than once, or not at all in each set. The following questions refer to this list of pollutants. (A) Radon (B) Mercury (C) Lead (D) Copper (E) Iron A leading cause of lung cancer in the United States
A
Extraction of natural gas by the process of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is most likely to result in which of the following environmental problems? a. Groundwater contamination b. Ozone depletion c. Eutrophication d. Denitrification e. Desertification
A
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) [see Google Doc for diagram] A B C D E
A
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
Sustainable use of forests in the United States would likely be encouraged by a. cutting small groups of medium- and large- sized trees in uneven-aged forests b. clear-cutting old-growth forests to allow for secondary succession c. allowing road building in wilderness areas so that older, clear-cut forests have time to regenerate d. logging on steep slopes in designated wilderness areas e. enforcing all provisions of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
A
The following data table shows the percentage of United States energy consumption by energy source for 2010 and 2017. [see Google Doc for data table] Based on the provided data, which of the following best explains the change in energy resource use? a. Renewable sources replaced nonrenewable sources for electricity generation but not for transportation. b. Most of the petroleum used in the United States is imported from other oil-rich countries. c. United States power plants changed to nuclear energy for electricity generation rather than using renewable sources during this time period. d. Petroleum power plants replaced natural gas power plants at the same time that new renewable energy plants were constructed.
A
The following questions refer to the table below, which shows population, area, and energy use of several countries. [see Google Doc for table] On an annual basis, the per capita electricity usage in Ethiopia is approximately what percent of the per capita electricity usage in the United States? a. 0.2 b. 10 c. 50 d. 100 e. 200
A
The presence of which of the following in soil is most likely to neutralize acid rain? a. Limestone b. Granite c. Sand d. Radon e. Humus
A
Which of the following describes a potential human health effect most likely to be associated with a thermal inversion? a. Increase in respiratory irritation due to increased levels of fine airborne particulates b. Increase in skin cancer due to increased ozone levels. c. Increase in allergies due to increased household mold d. Increase in infant mortality due to increased atmospheric CO2 levels e. Increase in heart attacks due to increased barometric pressure
A
Which of the following energy sources is not derived directly or indirectly from solar energy? a. Geothermal b. Photovoltaic c. Hydroelectric d. Biomass e. Wind
A
Which of the following is a way for the government to encourage efficient energy use? a. Requiring higher fuel economy standards for new cars b. Implementing government subsidies to keep gasoline prices low c. Raising the speed limit from 55 to 70 miles per hour d. Limiting the development of public transportation systems e. Removing all taxes from gasoline at the fuel pump
A
Which of the following is most likely to increase both the nutrient levels and the bacterial content of lake water? a. Runoff from a nearby hog farm b. Thermal pollution from a nearby power plant c. Increased aeration of the lake water d. Percolation of the water through soil to groundwater e. Acidification of the lake water by acid deposition
A
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
Which of the following is the best illustration of the tragedy of the commons? a. Depletion of fishing stocks in the North Atlantic b. Collective farming of wine grapes in communities in France c. Using national forests for wood production and harvesting d. Allocation of all nuclear wastes to one site in Nevada e. Agreements among western ranchers to jointly manage common grazing land
A
Which three sources supply the majority of commercial energy in the world today? a. Coal, oil, and natural gas b. Solar, wind, and biomass c. Nuclear, hydropower, and photovoltaics d. Wood, dung, and charcoal e. Fuel cells, geothermal, and tidal power
A
A home uses ten 100-watt lightbulbs for five hours per day. Approximately how many kilowatt-hours of electrical energy are consumed in one year by using the lightbulbs? a. 365 b. 1,825 c .5,000 d. 10,500 e. 365,000
B
A major limitation of using photovoltaic cells to generate electricity is that they a. do not produce as much CO2 as other energy sources do b. do not produce as much electricity on cloudy days c. have no moving parts d. present a danger to birds and bats e. cannot be connected to the electrical grid
B
At the current rate of growth, Earth's human population will double in about 50 years. Which of the following is the LEAST viable strategy for ensuring adequate nutrition for a population of this size? a. Increasing the number of new food crops from the great diversity of plant species b. Doubling the area of arable land on a global basis c. Developing systems for making the global distribution of food more equitable d. Increasing the area of land that is currently dedicated to grain production by reducing the area dedicated to meat production e. Assisting developing countries in using highly efficient crop irrigation systems
B
Compared with people in developing countries, people in industrialized countries are more likely to eat a. beans b. beef c. corn d. rice e. wheat
B
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
Glyphosates are herbicides that are often applied to genetically modified (G M) crops to kill weeds without harming the crop itself. [See Google Doc for graph] Which of the following statements identifies a concern associated with the increased proportion of GM crops being grown? a. Planting GM crops results in reduced crop yield, which causes more land to be put into production. b. Use of GM seeds can lead to loss of genetic diversity in crops. c. GM crops cannot be grown in marginal soils. d. Runoff from GM crop fields can lead to increased eutrophication. e. GM crops cannot withstand herbicide application, reducing crop yield.
B
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. [see Google Doc for table] What was the approximate percent increase in consumption from 1986 to 1997 ? a. 10% b. 20% c. 30% d. 50% e. 80%
B
Increased use of which of the following technologies would cause the greatest reduction in the primary source of photochemical smog? a. Electrostatic precipitator b. Catalytic converter c. Carbon sequestration d. Methane collection system
B
Some solar energy systems produce high-temperature water for industrial applications and produce steam to run turbines that generate electricity. What type of solar energy system is needed for these kinds of applications? a. A flat-panel solar collector system b. A solar collector system using mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight c. A passive solar system that uses building design to block summer sunlight d. A flat non-tracking array of photovoltaic panels e. A passive solar system that uses building design to collect winter sunlight
B
Switching from customary large-scale agricultural practices to which of the following is most likely to reduce the exposure of farmworkers and nearby residents to toxic chemicals? a. No-till cultivation b. Integrated pest management c. Contour plowing d. Crop dusting e. Use of cover crops
B
The diagram shows a power plant designed to generate electricity for a nearby city. [see Google Doc for diagram] Which of the following environmental problems is most often associated with electricity generation in the type of power plant illustrated in the diagram? a. Air pollutants that can lead to acid rain are released and move downwind. b. Spent fuel rods are radioactive and must be disposed of properly. c. Toxic metals are released into nearby reservoirs in the cooling water. d. Intermittent weather patterns can lead to discontinuous generation of electricity
B
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
There are various stages in the formation of coal as heat and pressure are increased and moisture content is decreased. These stages, in order, are a. bituminous, peat, lignite, anthracite b. peat, lignite, bituminous, anthracite c. peat, lignite, anthracite, bituminous d. lignite, bituminous, anthracite, peat e. anthracite, bituminous, peat, lignite
B
Which of the following statements about genetic diversity is true? a. Genetic uniformity of a crop increases the crop's overall resistance to pests and disease. b. Genetic resistance to pests and diseases can be increased by crossing a crop plant with ancestral varieties. c. Genetic engineering technology is used to increase genetic diversity by creating new species with synthetic genes. d. Genetic diversity within populations of common crop species such as corn is typically high. e. Genetic diversity is usually high in endangered species.
B
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
Which of the following actions would be the most effective in decreasing acid rain and acid deposition problems? a. Using higher smokestacks b. Reducing use of fossil fuels c. Developing acid-resistant crops d. Adding lime to acidified lakes e. Relocating power plants to areas of lower population density
B
Which of the following best describes acid mine drainage? a. Reclamation of mines by removing excess water b. The leakage of water containing toxic materials from coal and metal mines c. The use of acids to leach minerals from rocks to increase smelting efficiency d. Increased water pollution from acid rain entering copper mines e. Acid production by anaerobic bacteria in coal mines
B
Which of the following correctly pairs a greenhouse gas with its primary anthropogenic source? a. Methane and vehicular emissions b. Nitrous oxide and agricultural practices c. Chlorofluorocarbons and fossil fuel combustion d. Carbon dioxide and municipal solid waste from homes
B
Which of the following is a commercially used method for harvesting trees and is most likely to lead to a fragmented landscape with serious impacts on biodiversity? a. Selective cutting b. Clear-cutting c. Shelter-wood cutting d. Slash and burn clearing e. Gleaning
B
Which of the following is a greenhouse gas that is produced by domestic livestock? a. NO2 b. CH4 c. O3 d. CO e. SO2
B
Which of the following is a true statement about passive solar heating? a. It is effective only during the summer months. b. It is based in part on the principle of the greenhouse effect. c. It is not used to heat commercial buildings. d. It is not efficient because it cannot produce high-quality energy. e. It produces more pollution than heating with an electric heat pump.
B
Which of the following is a true statement concerning the production of electricity in conventional nuclear power plants using fission reactors? a. New nuclear power plants will be built without containment structures, due to the increased insulation in the reactor core. b. Thermal energy is converted into mechanical energy and then to electrical energy, as in coal-burning power plants. c. Regularly scheduled releases of radioactive gases during production are well below the maximum contamination levels set by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). d. Nuclear production of electricity is much less expensive per kilowatt-hour than production of electricity at a coal-burning or natural- gas-fueled power plant. e. Storage of nuclear waste is no longer an issue, because power plants are now storing all wastes on-site in specialized containment units.
B
Which of the following is an environmental problem associated with abandoned coal mines? a. Thermal pollution of streams in the area b. Acid drainage due to leaching of spoil heaps by rainwater c. Air pollution caused by smog from ozone formation d. Alkaline solutions that pollute streams e. Released nutrients that cause eutrophication into streams
B
[see Google Doc for graph] Based on the information shown in the graph, which of the following statements is most likely to be true? a. Streams in watershed I experience substantially more algal blooms than those in watershed IV. b. When precipitation varies, streams in watershed II experience the greatest fluctuations in water volume. c. Watershed III has the highest percentage of impervious surfaces. d. The water quality of streams in watershed IV is excellent because of the abundance of nutrients available to aquatic organisms. e. Low dissolved oxygen is a severe problem in the streams in watershed I because of the inability of light to penetrate the forest canopy.
B
[see Google Doc for map] Geothermal energy is the main energy source at this location because it is located on a large divergent boundary. A B C D E
B
A farmer observes that increasingly higher concentrations of a particular pesticide have been required each year over the past ten years to achieve the same level of effectiveness on a specific insect pest. Which of the following best helps explain the observation? a. Some individual insects live longer than others and pass on traits acquired during their lives. b. Only the most aggressive and territorial insects survive and reproduce. c. Some individual insects are more likely than others to survive and reproduce due to their inherited traits. d. Some individual insects produce many offspring, and thus their offspring live longer. e. Some individual insects reproduce before the pesticide is applied, thereby avoiding its harmful effects.
C
An integrated pest-management approach to pest control emphasizes which of the following? a. Eradication of the pest population b. Reliance on spraying broad-spectrum pesticides c. Reduction of crop damage to an economically tolerable level d. Use of plant monocultures to simplify spraying e. Elimination of the use of second-generation pesticides
C
Burning one gallon of gasoline in a car releases approximately 20 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere. One person drives 60,000 miles in a car that averages 30 miles per gallon (mpg), while another person drives 60,000 miles in a car that averages 20 mpg. Over the course of the 60,000 miles, how many fewer pounds of CO2 are released by the 30 mpg car than by the 20 mpg car? a. 2,000 b. 8,000 c. 20,000 d. 80,000 e. 100,000
C
Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following questions(s) refer to the following sources of energy. (A) Photovoltaics (B) Geothermal (C) Biomass (D) Hydroelectric (E) Hydrogen fuel More commonly used in the least developed countries than in highly developed countries
C
Directions: The following question(s) refer to the graph below showing the percent contribution of major fuel sources that have supplied energy for the United States for the past 150 years. The category labeled "Other" includes nuclear power, hydroelectricity, solar and wind power, and other alternative sources of energy. [see Google Doc for graph] In approximately what year did oil and gas become the dominant fuels for the United States? a. 1880 b. 1910 c. 1940 d. 1970 e. 2000
C
Directions: The following question(s) refer to the graph below showing the percent contribution of major fuel sources that have supplied energy for the United States for the past 150 years. The category labeled "Other" includes nuclear power, hydroelectricity, solar and wind power, and other alternative sources of energy. [see Google Doc for graph] The primary cause for the decline in the use of wood as a fuel in the eighteen hundreds was the a. discovery of major oil fields in the Middle East b. lowering of per capita energy consumption c. reduced wood availability resulting from widespread deforestation d. global rise in temperatures during the 1800s e. lower energy density of coal as compared to wood
C
Glyphosates are herbicides that are often applied to genetically modified (G M) crops to kill weeds without harming the crop itself. [see Google Doc for graph] Which of the following statements best explains the relationship shown on the graph? a. Increased use of glyphosate herbicides kills more weeds and thus leads to higher crop yields. b. The use of glyphosate herbicides has decreased because it has been shown to be ineffective in killing weeds. c. The use of glyphosate has selected for herbicide resistance in weed populations. d. The use of glyphosate herbicides has decreased because the cost of the herbicides has increased. e. Increased use of glyphosate herbicides correlates to increased agricultural profit.
C
In addition to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which of the following components must be present in the atmosphere to create photochemical smog? a. NOx and particulates b. Particulates and UV light c. NOx and UV light d. UV light and CO2
C
In the majority of less developed countries, the major source of energy for domestic use is which of the following? a. Oil b. Coal c. Biomass d. Nuclear e. Geothermal
C
Salmon farming threatens the health of wild salmon stocks primarily because a. salmon farming prevents commercial fishing fleets from overharvesting wild salmon b. salmon farming prevents interbreeding between domesticated varieties of salmon and their wild counterparts c. farmed salmon can spread parasites and disease to wild salmon d. farmed salmon compete with wild salmon for spawning sites e. farmed salmon can contain chemicals derived from food additives and antibiotics that may be harmful to human consumers
C
The town of Fremont Center shares its power plant with the towns of West Fremont and East Fremont. Information about the three towns is shown in the table below. The maximum capacity of the existing power plant is 2,000 MW. [see Google Doc for table] (1MW = 1000kW) The percent of the total available power currently being used by West Fremont is nearest to a. 5% b. 10% c. 15% d. 25% e. 50%
C
Which of the following accurately describes a benefit of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) ? a. Concentrated animal feeding operations produce a large amount of manure, which is then often held in large manure lagoons. b. The animals raised in concentrated animal feeding operations are usually grass-fed and therefore less susceptible to disease. c. Concentrated animal feeding operations are efficient and relatively low-cost facilities that help keep consumer costs low. d. When animals are kept in large concentrations in a small area, the water quality of local waterways is protected from excess runoff.
C
Which of the following accurately describes a fuel cell vehicle? a. Fuel cell vehicles run on both an internal combustion engine and a backup battery. b. Fuel cell vehicles are able to convert waste oil from the food industry into ethanol, which is burned as a source of power. c. Fuel cell vehicles use hydrogen to generate electricity that runs the motor. d. Fuel cell vehicles generate energy by creating a flow of electrons in a semiconducting material such as silicon. e. Fuel cell vehicles use methane to heat water, which creates steam that turns a turbine to generate electricity.
C
Which of the following actions would reduce global greenhouse emissions? a. Increasing the use of automobiles b. Decreasing the number of nuclear power plants c. Replacing coal-burning power plants with wind farms d. Converting tropical forests to rice paddies e. Switching from hydroelectric power generation to power generation using natural gas as the primary fuel
C
Which of the following air pollutants is correctly paired with one of its major effects? a. Particulates . . production of photochemical smog b. Radon . . global climate change c. Sulfur oxides . . acid deposition d. Lead . . skin cancer e. Carbon oxides . . ozone layer depletion
C
Which of the following describes an environment where large amounts of oil could form millions of years in the future? a. A volcanic island located along the mid-ocean ridge b. A large glacier in a mountainous area c. A river delta in a forested region d. An area of sand dunes in a desert
C
Which of the following is a negative consequence associated with photovoltaic solar cells? a. Photovoltaic solar cells increase the reliance on transport of fuels long distances from energy sources to homeowners. b. Smog and ground-level ozone can be created from pollutants released from photovoltaic solar cells during electricity generation. c. The manufacture of photovoltaic solar cells involves toxic metals that can be released into the environment. d. The installation of photovoltaic solar cells on houses and other buildings can result in the release of chemicals that destroy stratospheric ozone.
C
Which of the following is a reason why hybrid electric vehicles use less fossil fuel per mile traveled than a typical internal combustion engine vehicle uses? a. Hybrid electric vehicles don't burn fossil fuels; they run on electric energy. b. Hybrid electric vehicles are powered by the Sun using rooftop photovoltaic panels. c. When the brakes are applied in hybrid electric vehicles, kinetic energy is converted into electric energy to charge the batteries that assist the electric motor. d. Batteries in hybrid electric vehicles can be charged in the driveway overnight, when rates for electricity usage are typically low. e. The engines in hybrid electric vehicles are powered by biofuels made from genetically modified corn.
C
Which of the following is the most successful solution to the problem of fish mortality caused by dams? a. Placing fish repellents on dam turbines b. Eliminating keystone species above the dam c. Building fish ladders around the dam d. Harvesting the fish before they reach the dam e. Dredging the sediments upstream of the dam
C
Which of the following practices is consistent with the production of organic crops according to the United States Department of Agriculture? a. Using sodium nitrate as a fertilizer on green, leafy vegetables b. Using strychnine to prevent buildup of aphid populations in field crops c. Using chemicals known as pheromones to disrupt insect mating cycles d. Using sewage sludge to improve the fertility and structure of soil e. Using genetically modified plant varieties that kill insects that chew their leaves
C
An advantage of using natural gas, rather than oil, as a fuel is that natural gas is a. less of a contributor to global warming because it does not release CO2 when it burns b. less expensive because most reserves are in the United States c. more abundant because it is a by-product of photosynthesis d. cleaner because it burns more completely e. safer to store because it is a gas
D
Based on the data in the graph, which of the following Canadian cities had the lowest average per capita ecological footprint? [see Google Doc for graph] a. Charlottetown b. Halifax c. Montreal d. Ottawa
D
Between 1960 and 1970, world oil consumption approximately doubled. Which of the following explanations is consistent with this increase? a. The number of passengers per car increased. b. People drove less, conserving gasoline. c. The price of gasoline increased. d. The number of cars on the road increased. e. Cars that were more fuel-efficient were manufactured.
D
Biological control methods for managing insect pests are effective for reasons that include which of the following? I. They promote genetic resistance in the target species, resulting in a population explosion of the target species. II. They generally focus on one target insect to ensure that the target insect population remains low. III. They can lead to a self-perpetuating population of a control species. a. I only b. II only c. I and III only d. II and III only e. I, II, and III
D
Construction of a solar power plant is proposed for a desert area near a school. A student has hypothesized that the shade cast by the solar panels will increase the mortality of creosote bush, a native desert plant in the area. Before construction begins, what experimental data should the student collect in order to eventually test the hypothesis? a. The rate of increase in atmospheric CO 2 worldwide (in ppm) that occurs in the 12-month period prior to the start of construction b. Average noise levels (in decibels) at a construction site, compared to average noise levels in the desert 20 km away from the construction site c. The rate of wind-caused soil erosion (in kg/yr) near solar panels at a similar desert location where creosote bush grows d. The direct sunlight received by creosote bush in the desert area (in kWh/m2) during a 12-month period e. The changes in monthly precipitation (in mm/yr) at a similar desert location where creosote bush grows
D
If an incandescent lightbulb used for lighting has an efficiency rating of 5 percent, then for every 1.00 joule of electrical energy consumed by the bulb, which of the following is produced? a. 1.05 joules of light energy b. 1.05 joules of heat energy c. 0.95 joules of light energy d. 0.05 joules of light energy e. 0.05 joules of heat energy
D
The following questions(s) refer to the diagram below, which depicts the concentrations of various gases in the air over a city on a typical smoggy day. [see Google Doc for diagram] Which of the following best explains the pattern in NO concentration? a. NO is a secondary pollutant with a long residence time in the atmosphere. b. NO does not play a significant role in smog formation. c. NO is formed in the lower atmosphere in the morning by the rising Sun. d. NO is produced by rush-hour traffic and is quickly oxidized in the atmosphere. e. NO is quickly absorbed by plants and converted to sugars.
D
The major cause for the decline in the worldwide catch of fish since 1990 is a. acid deposition b. escalating price of fuel c. competition from aquaculture d. overfishing e. decline in market price
D
The town of Fremont Center shares its power plant with the towns of West Fremont and East Fremont. Information about the three towns is shown in the table below. The maximum capacity of the existing power plant is 2,000 MW. [see Google Doc for table] Assuming per capita demand remains the same, what will be the approximate power demand in Fremont Center in 40 years? a. 1,000 MW b. 2,000 MW c. 3,000 MW d. 4,000 MW e. 5,000 MW
D
Which of the following best describes one way the Clean Air Act helped reduce air pollution? a. Implemented a program to manage hazardous and nonhazardous wastes b. Proposed incentives for countries to reduce carbon emissions c. Created a fund to aid developing countries in reducing ozone-depleting emissions d. Introduced regulatory measures to control the amount of lead in fuels
D
Which of the following describes a fundamental characteristic of the green revolution in food resources? a. The application of higher levels of organic fertilizers to increase rice production b. Deforestation to provide field crops with increased sunlight for photosynthesis c. The addition of calorie, fat, and fiber percentage to the information provided on food package labels d. The development of new strains of crops with higher yields e. The discovery that chlorophyll adds nutritional value to wheat, rice, and sorghum
D
Which of the following is true of farm-raised salmon? a. They are more genetically diverse than their wild counterparts. b. They seldom escape from their containment areas. c. They have no impact on the quality of the water in which they are raised. d. They are often infected with parasites and sea lice. e. They are maintained at lower population densities than are wild salmon.
D
Which of the following is true of the Ogallala Aquifer? a. It underlies the African Serengeti and supplies millions of people with freshwater. b. It underlies the Argentine Pampas and is underutilized as a source of water. c. It underlies eastern Quebec and is a limited source of freshwater. d. It underlies the United States High Plains and is being depleted by overuse. e. It underlies central Florida and is contaminated by pesticide and fertilizer runoff from farms.
D
Which of the following negative consequences is most often associated with using biomass for energy production? a. Using biomass for energy production requires long-term storage for radioactive waste. b. Using biomass for energy production can increase salinization in agricultural fields. c. Using biomass for energy production releases carbon sequestered in fossil fuels into the atmosphere. d. Using biomass for energy production can result in local deforestation.
D
Which of the following problems is best addressed with contour plowing? a. Eutrophication b. Denitrification c. The pesticide treadmill d. Soil erosion e. Soil salinization
D
Which statement best describes the approximate global distribution of coal supplies? a. Brazil and South Africa together contain 33% of proven reserves. b. The United States contains 40% of proven reserves. c. Australia, Japan, and France together contain 45% of proven reserves. d. The United States, the former Soviet Union, and China together contain 50% of proven reserves. e. Germany, Brazil, and India together contain 75% of proven reserves.
D
(A) Uranium-238 (B) Coal (C) Natural gas (D) Oil (E) Solar Is renewable
E
Coal was surface mined from five sites, labeled 1 through 5, that had originally been covered by forest. Each site was planted with a mix of tree seedlings to reclaim the area to forest. Grass was also seeded over each site to prevent initial erosion and to provide forage. Ten years after planting, information was collected at the five sites and is given in the table below. Select the letter of the row that indicates the site with the most successful forest reclamation. [see Google Doc for table] Row A Row B Row C Row D Row E
E
Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the following energy sources. a. Biomass b. Wind c. Tidal energy d. Nuclear fission e. Sunlight The source that is converted directly into electrical energy by photovoltaic cells
E
Directions: The following questions(s) refer to the locations indicated on the diagram below. [see Google Doc for diagram] This region has been the largest petroleum exporter for the past four decades. A B C D 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
The development of dangerous strains of disease organisms represents a significant consequence of which of the following agricultural practices? a. Using herbicides in mechanized, large-scale grain farming b. Using plant-based insecticidal compounds on vegetable crops c. Growing crops that are genetically modified for increased yields d. Including the use of legumes into crop rotation protocols e. Incorporating antibiotics into the feeding regimens of densely concentrated livestock
E
The half-life of radon gas is approximately four days. Four weeks after the introduction of radon into a sealed room, the fraction of the original amount remaining is closest to a. 1/ 2 b. 1/ 8 c. 1/ 32 d. 1/ 64 e. 1/128
E
The land on a 100-acre farm is equally suited for grazing cattle and growing corn. Of the following ways of distributing land use, which would produce the greatest number of calories of human consumption? a. 100 acres for grazing cattle; and 0 acres for growing corn. b. 80 acres for grazing cattle; and 20 acres for growing corn. c. 50 acres for grazing cattle; and 50 acres for growing corn. d. 20 acres for grazing cattle; and 80 acres for growing corn. e. 0 acres for grazing cattle; and 100 acres for growing corn.
E
Which of the following best illustrates the concept of the tragedy of the commons? a. Destruction of landscape by surfacing mining on private land b. Selective harvesting of trees by a timber company in a national forest c. Legislation of catch limits to avoid depletion of fish stocks in a shared lake d. Inadvertent destruction of beneficial species while attempting to control pests e. Depletion of an aquifer by regional farmers
E
Which of the following is considered an advantage of using nuclear power to generate electricity? a. No waste is generated. b. There is a limitless supply of the raw material needed for the process of generating energy. c. Nuclear power plants are inexpensive to build and maintain. d. There is no potential for thermal pollution. e. There is no CO2 emitted from the nuclear reaction
E
Which of the following is likely to minimize soil erosion? a. High-yield crops b. Deforestation c. Herbicide use d. Annual plowing e. No-till agriculture
E
[see Google Doc for graph] According to the data plotted in the graph above, which of the following is true about the increase in world fossil fuel consumption between 1965 and 1980 ? a. Increases in oil, coal, and natural gas consumption occurred at about the same rate. b. Increases in oil and coal consumption outpaced the increase in natural gas consumption. c. The increase in coal consumption outpaced the increases in oil and natural gas consumption. d. The increase in natural gas consumption outpaced the increases in oil and coal consumption. e. The increase in oil consumption outpaced the increases in coal and natural gas consumption.
E
Which of the following equations best represents the chemical changes that occur during ocean acidification? [see Google Doc for equations] a. A b. B c. C d. D
C
Characteristics that tend to increase the risk of a species becoming endangered include which of the following? 1. Having a very limited distribution 2. Being a specialist at the end of a long food chain 3. Having a small population size a. I only b. II only c. III only d. II and III only e. I, II, and III
E
Which of the following is the most valid conclusion that can be inferred from this experiment? [refers to same chart as #2] a. Natural UV levels are having a dramatic effect on productivity in the upper levels of the tropical oceans, where light intensity is high. b. The thinning of the Antarctic ozone layer is likely to have a dramatic effect on the entire polar food chain. c. Photosynthetic rates of polar phytoplankton under ambient conditions of light are very similar to those of phytoplankton in temperate areas. d. UV radiation reaching the ocean surface near Antarctica has already increased about 500% over preindustrial levels. e. UV radiation is a very important wavelength needed for photosynthesis in polar phytoplankton.
B
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. [see Google doc for chart] Which of the following inferences is supported by the results of this series of experiments? a. The atmosphere over Antarctica still contains some ozone. b. Doubling of UV radiation will suppress photosynthesis completely. The ozone hole over Antarctica is being destroyed by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). c. Increased UV penetration through the Antarctic ozone hole would further depress productivity of phytoplankton. d. Higher levels of UV radiation will eventually occur over Antarctica.
C
All of the following are likely consequences of indoor air pollution EXCEPT an increase in a. the development and exacerbation of asthma b. the risk of developing lung cancer c. the risk of developing skin cancer d. flulike symptoms, chronic fatigue, and nausea e. respiratory diseases leading to premature death
C
Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the following gases. 1. Carbon dioxide 2. Carbon monoxide 3. Methane 4. Radon 5. Sulfur dioxide Is a flammable gas produced by landfills a. Carbon dioxide b. Carbon monoxide c. Methane d. Radon e. Sulfur dioxide
C
Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following questions(s) refer to the following list of United States and international environmental regulations and treaties. (A) Endangered Species Act (B) Kyoto Protocol (C) Montreal Protocol (D) National Environmental Policy Act (E) Wilderness Act Addressed the issue of stratospheric ozone depletion
C
Directions: The following question(s) refer to the graph below. The graph below shows the average pH of precipitation from several regions of the world. [see Google Docs for graph] Approximately how many more times acidic, in terms of H+ concentration, is precipitation in the northeastern United States as compared to precipitation in the South Pacific? a. 0.1 b. 2 c. 10 d. 20 e. 100
C
Global warming is most likely to directly cause which of the following? a. Shifting of grain belts toward the equator b. Falling sea levels in the Southern Hemisphere c. Coastal flooding and submersion of low-lying areas d. A decrease in the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere e. An increase in the number and size of glaciers
C
High rates of species extinction caused by human activity have taken place at which of the following times in Earth's history? 1. At the end of the Permian period 2. At the end of the Cretaceous period 3. During recent times a. I only b. II only c. III only d. I and II only e. I, II, and III
C
In August of 2014, residents of several Ohio cities that use Lake Erie as a drinking water source were warned not to drink tap water because of the presence of toxins released by blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). Which of the following is the most likely cause of recent blooms of blue-green algae in Lake Erie? a. Increased recreational use of Lake Erie b. Cooler average summer temperatures c. Phosphorus contained in agricultural runoff d. Carbon in wastewater from fracking operations e. Chlorine from sewage treatment plants along Lake Erie's shoreline
C
Most plastics pose a special problem in the waste stream because they a. decompose readily in water and become a source of water pollution b. decompose to produce methane, which is explosive and creates a significant hazard c. decompose slowly, if at all, and persist as solid waste d. release radioactive isotopes when they decompose release ozone when they are recycled
C
Some toxic compounds are ingested and retained in the tissues. These pollutants pose special risks to humans and other organisms high on the food chain because of which process? a. Synergism b. Compound contamination c. Biomagnification d. Threshold effect e. Carcinogenesis
C
This pathogen infects the intestine and is spread through contaminated water or food. a. Tuberculosis b. Zika c. Cholera d. Malaria
C
Red pine trees are currently found growing in only the cool northernmost areas of the central and eastern United States. Climate change is expected to have an impact on the distribution of the species. Which of the following describes the most likely change to the distribution of red pine over the next 200 years? a. Red pine will grow in only the wetter areas of the southeastern United States. b. Red pine will spread to large areas of the Southwest. c. The total number of red pine trees will decrease, but red pine trees will continue to grow in the same locations as they grow currently. d. Red pine distribution will shift northward into Canada. e. Red pine distribution will expand southward to Caribbean nations.
D
The increase in mean global temperature is likely to result in all of the following EXCEPT a. decreased size of the Greenland ice sheet b. increased range of some plant species c. increased populations of insects d. increased ground-level ultraviolet radiation e. increased sea level
D
The risk that many cancer-causing chemicals pose to humans can be estimated using laboratory tests on rats. A significant scientific limitation of such tests is that a. they require thousands of rats b. they take several decades to conduct c. they are banned in the United States d. animal models may not reflect human responses e. the test animals may be killed as a result of the tests
D
The three main anthropogenic sources of gaseous air pollutants in the United States are a. soil erosion, volcanoes, and forest fires b. soil erosion, volcanoes, and energy production c. industry, construction, and agriculture d. industry, transportation, and energy production e. industry, transportation, and agriculture
D
This pathogen is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes and is found most often in sub-Saharan Africa. a. Tuberculosis b. Zika c. Cholera d. Malaria
D
True statements about ozone include which of the following? I. It is a pollutant in the troposphere. II. It filters out most of the UVC radiation in the stratosphere. III. Most of it is formed in the stratosphere by reaction between carbon dioxide and free oxygen atoms. a. I only b. II only c. III only d. I and II only e. I, II, and III
D
Which of the following correctly orders the methods of solid-waste management in terms of energy required? [see answer choices on Google Doc] a. A b. B c. C d. D e. E
D
Which of the following is a greenhouse gas that comes only from human sources? a. Nitrous oxide b. Carbon dioxide c. Methane d. Chlorofluorocarbons e. Carbon monoxide
D
Which of the following is the human health impact most closely associated with atmospheric particulates? a. Cataracts b. Diabetes c. Melanoma d. Asthma e. Obesity
D
Which of the following would encourage recycling? a. Decreasing government purchases of recycled materials b. Decreasing subsidies for recycling c. Decreasing taxes on resource-extracting industries d. Decreasing taxes on recycled material e. Decreasing fees for using landfills
D
Which of the following would likely reduce the threats posed by exotic species to native species? I. Increasing inspections of goods coming into a country II. Mandating that bilgewater from vessels be emptied in ports instead of in the open ocean III. Enforcing legislation that restricts imported materials such as untreated wooden packing crates a. I only b. II only c. III only d. I and III only e. I, II, and III
D
Which of the following would most likely reduce the concentration of ground-level ozone in the air of a city? a. Release of CFCs into the air of the city b. Occurrence of several consecutive days of sunny weather c. Formation of a temperature inversion d. Decrease in the emissions of nitrogen oxides e. Release of VOCs into the air of the city
D
Approximately 60 percent of municipal solid waste in the United States is composed of some form of organic matter that could be composted. Every American generates approximately 2 kg of waste every day. The amount of compostable waste that could be generated by one individual in a week would be closest to a. 0.6 kg b. 1.2 kg c. 4.2 kg d. 6.0 kg e. 8.4 kg
E
Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the figure below, which depicts the observed relation between dietary fat intake and rate of death from breast cancer in different countries. [see Google Doc for graph] Which of the following statements is best supported by the data? a. Increased incidence of breast cancer is related to the average age of a country's population. b. The number of breast cancer deaths is proportional to the size of a country's population. c. Increase incidence of breast cancer is related to annual length of exposure to solar radiation. d. Persons who reside in colder climates are more susceptible to breast cancer than those who live in tropical regions. e. There is a positive correlation between breast cancer and dietary fat intake.
E
Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the following air pollutants. (A) Sulfur dioxide (B) Lead (C) Ozone (D) Hydrocarbons (E) Particulates Is the major pollutant that electrostatic precipitators are designed to remove from power-plant smokestack emissions
E
Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the substances listed. (A) Asbestos (B) Radon (C) Lead (D) Carbon monoxide (E) Formaldehyde Emitted from most manufactured building materials and furniture
E
For a certain insecticide, the LD-50 dosage level for rats is determined to be 250 milligrams per kilograms of body mass. On the basis of this information, which of the following is the best prediction regarding the consequences of receiving this dosage of the insecticide? a. Fifty percent of any rat population would be sickened. b. Fifty percent of the population of any warm-blooded animal would die. c. Fifty percent of any population of mosquitoes would die. d. Five hundred out of every one thousand people would experience acute effects. e. Five hundred out of every one thousand rats would die.
E
Of the following, which is true of noise pollution? a. Noise pollution is an insignificant occupational hazard. b. Noise at 100 decibels has twice the energy of noise at 50 decibels. c. Hearing damage occurs most quickly when the intensity level of the sound is low. d. In urban areas, few individuals are exposed to noise pollution. e. Sudden or persistent noise may lead to permanent hearing loss.
E
Possible effects of a warmer atmosphere include which of the following? I. Expanded ranges of tropical diseases II. More intense hurricanes and typhoons III. Increased crop damage from pests and diseases a. I only b. II only c. I and III only d. II and III only e. I, II, and III
E
The danger from radon gas would most likely be greatest in a. airplanes at high altitudes b. areas with a high density of automobiles c. crop-dusted agricultural fields d. high-rise office buildings e. well-insulated homes
E
The presence of which of the following contaminants would be the strongest reason for judging municipal sewage sludge unfit for use as fertilizer? a. Human feces b. Ammonia c. Phosphates d. Nitrates e. Heavy metals
E
Which of the following best illustrates point-source pollution? a. Toxic sediments in the delta of a major river b. Increase in NOx in a traffic-clogged city c. Dust blowing off unpaved roads d. Smoke emitted from forest fires e. Smokestack emissions from a large smelting company
E
Which of the following is a common characteristic of lakes undergoing eutrophication? a. Decreased rates of sediment accumulation b. Decreased amounts of green and blue-green algae c. Increased levels of oxygen throughout the water column d. Increased water clarity in the epilimnion e. Increased levels of plant nutrients
E
Which of the following is most likely to result from destruction of wetlands surrounding a river? a. A decreased sediment load in the river b. A decreased level of pollutants such as nitrates in the river c. An increased diversity of aquatic species in the river d. An increased level of oxygen in the river e. An increased frequency of flooding of the river valley
E
Which of the following scenarios is NOT likely to result from increased temperatures in the Arctic? a. Increased numbers of mosquitoes drive caribou to higher, cooler elevations where there is less vegetation. b. Increased melting of the permafrost increases the amount of methane that escapes into the atmosphere, which increases the temperature even more. c. Increased melting of sea ice decreases travel distance for ships but increases the distance that polar bears and other Arctic species have to travel to find food, thus leading to their possible extinction. d. Increased melting of the permafrost decreases the number of days that large vehicles can travel over the area to transport drilling equipment to extract oil from the region. e. Increased melting of sea ice decreases the sea level and leads to more arable land area that can be farmed.
E
Which of the following would most likely have the greatest positive impact on the quality of the natural environment worldwide? a. Discovery of new reserves of fossil fuel in coastal areas b. Increased agricultural production on marginal desert lands c. Increased life expectancy in more developed nations d. Increased reliance on food from ocean ecosystems e. Stabilization or reduction of the size of the human population
E
