Ecology Week 4 Book Quizzes

Plant breeding played an important role in the increase in agricultural productivity over the last 50 years. Why? A. Advanced conventional plant breeding techniques allowed the development of highly productive plants well-suited to the demands of modern agriculture. B. Wheat and corn crops were planted. C. Crops were developed that resist the poisoning effects of nitrogen and phosphorus. D. GMOs were developed in the 1950s and have revolutionized agriculture.

Advanced conventional plant breeding techniques allowed the development of highly productive plants well-suited to the demands of modern agriculture

The majority of rangelands on what continent(s) have been degraded as a result of human activity? A. All continents except Antarctica B. North America and Africa C. North America, South America, Asia, and Australia D. Europe, Asia, and Africa

All continents except Antarctica

All of the following are associated with industrial agriculture except A. Mechanization B. Increased cost of land cultivation C. An increase in the number of small farming operations D. High crop productivity

An increase in the number of small farming operations

Batteries could play an important role in helping renewable energy sources such as wind and solar contribute more to energy use. What is this role and why is it important? A. Batteries are needed to produce electricity from wind and solar energy. B. Batteries store energy and in doing so help distribute energy from periodic renewable sources like wind and solar over a continuous period of time. C. Batteries concentrate energy, taking the very low energy levels from wind and solar and increasing them to a more usable level. D. Batteries are the only way to stop using gas-powered cars and so represent the only way that wind and solar can help power our transportation.

Batteries store energy and in doing so help distribute energy from periodic renewable sources like wind and solar over a continuous period of time

Which statement best characterizes why famines occur today? A. Famines occur only when countries go to war, and they cannot import food. B. Famines occur only when natural disasters such as flooding strike an area. C. Famines typically occur when unfavorable natural conditions such as drought are exacerbated by human actions. D. Famines do not occur today; they happened in the past, but we now have a much more sophisticated global food system.

Famines typically occur when unfavorable natural conditions such as drought are exacerbated by human actions

What kind of fertilizers can be used in organic agriculture? A. Fertilizers derived from patchouli oil and hemp B. Fertilizers produced naturally, such as manures or bone meal C. Industrially-fixed nitrogen D. Mined phosphorus

Fertilizers produced naturally, such as manures or bone meal

Which of the statement is true about geothermal energy uses? A. Geothermal energy can be used for both electricity generation and temperature regulation of buildings. B. Geothermal designs cannot be used to cool buildings. C. Geothermal systems are only available in regions with underground pools of hot water close to the earth's surface. D. Energy from deep inside the earth is too dangerous to be used in space heating, but can generate large amounts of electricity.

Geothermal energy can be used for both electricity generation and temperature regulation of buildings

How does geothermal heat pump (residential) technology work? A. It captures the cool temperatures of rocks that are miles deep in the earth and transports it into homes for cooling. B. It pumps warm ground water out of the surface of the earth and runs it through pipes in the floor to warm the house in the winter. C. It takes advantage of the relatively constant temperature of the surface of the earth to cool the house in the summer and warm it in the winter. D. It brings warmth from hot zones deep in the earth into homes for heating.

It takes advantage of the relatively constant temperature of the surface of the earth to cool the house in the summer and warm it in the winter

Which of the following is the most labor-intensive means of pest control? A. Mechanical pest control B. Biological pest control C. Selective pest control D. Chemical pest control

Mechanical pest control

Which of the following is NOT a barrier to incorporating renewable energy technologies at a large scale in the United States? A. The United States has few sources of renewable energy. B. Society in general has not made implementing renewable energy options a priority. C. Energy infrastructure needs to be upgraded to match where energy is produced to where it is needed. D. It is difficult to store energy produced by renewable technologies, specifically solar and wind.

The United States has few sources of renewable energy

Increases in crop yields during the green revolution are attributed to all of the following except: A. The increased use of pesticides B. The increased use of fertilizers C. The increased use of irrigation in dry areas D. The invention of the plow

The invention of the plow

Which of the following has not increased at some point over the past 50 years? A. The consumption of meat B. The use of food crops for biofuel production C. The number of small family farms D. Average per-capita consumption of calories

The number of small family farms

Deforestation generally can lead to all of the following except _____. A. erosion and mudslides B. a change in local climate C. an increase in CO2 uptake by plants D. habitat loss

an increase in CO2 uptake by plants

All of the following have contributed to the decrease in total cropland area in the United States except _____. A. open-pit coal mining B. the expansion of suburbs C. the Conservation Reserve Program D. urbanization

open-pit coal mining

For a geothermal heat pump to work, the ground has to be ____ than the air in winter, and _____ than the air in summer. A. warmer, warmer B. warmer, cooler C. cooler, cooler D. cooler, warmer

warmer, cooler

The widespread use of pesticides has led to _____. A. widespread famine in areas where pesticides have been overused B. widespread pesticide resistance in pest species C. widespread erosion of sensitive cropland D. the widespread use of fertilizers

widespread pesticide resistance in pest species

Which of the following is not a major environmental benefit of wind energy? A. Protection of wildlife and aesthetics B. Prevention of water pollution C. Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions D. Prevention of air pollution

Protection of wildlife and aesthetics

The proportion of people living in cities is predicted to rise in the next 20 years. What steps could specifically be taken to reduce the impact of these urban residents on energy use, water use, and land use extensification? A. Cities can be designed with mass transportation systems, water use reduction systems such as low-flow toilets, and urban gardens used for food production. B. Cities can be developed over larger areas so the impacts are not as extensive. C. Cities could allow only electric cars to park. D. Cities can be designed to have fewer cars, rainwater collection systems, and extensive forest parks.

Cities can be designed with mass transportation systems, water use reduction systems such as low-flow toilets, and urban gardens used for food production

Which of the following is true about atmospheric CO2 concentrations and biomass fuels? A. Because of their inefficiency when burned, traditional biomass fuels contribute to CO2 emissions more than liquid biofuels. B. Second-generation biomass fuels, such as cellulosic ethanol, remove more CO2 than they produce. C. None of the types of biomass fuels has an effect on atmospheric CO2 concentrations. D. Compared to gasoline, the use of ethanol results in only small reductions of greenhouse gases such as CO2.

Compared to gasoline, the use of ethanol results in only small reductions of greenhouse gases such as CO2

One of the major concerns about current first-generation biomass fuels is that they take a lot of energy to produce and therefore won't help to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. Let's see if this is true in the following example: A gallon of gasoline releases about 9 kg CO2 when burned. If it takes about 2kg of coal to produce the electricity to make one gallon of biofuel and each kilogram of coal results in the emission of 3.75 kg CO2, how much would CO2 emissions be reduced or increased by using biofuel instead of gasoline? You can assume that a gallon of biofuel and a gallon of gasoline have exactly the same amount of energy in them. A. No change in emissions B. Increased emission of 12.75 kg CO2 C. Decreased emission of 1.5 kg CO2 D. Increased emission of 1.5 kg CO2

Decreased emission of 1.5 kg CO2

What is the difference between first- and second-generation biomass fuels? A. First-generation biomass fuels are better for the environment than second-generation fuels. B. First-generation biomass fuels are made from corn, whereas second-generation fuels are made from sugar cane. C. First-generation biomass fuels are made from plant materials that can also be used as food, whereas second-generation fuels are made from non-food plant materials. D. First-generation biomass fuels are burned directly (like wood), whereas second-generation fuels have to be chemically extracted from plants.

First-generation biomass fuels are made from plant materials that can also be used as food, whereas second-generation fuels are made from non-food plant materials

How can urbanization help to create a more sustainable future for our planet? A. People who live in large cities tend to consume less food and thus require less cropland and rangeland than people who live in other areas. B. It cannot help in creating a more sustainable future because large concentrations of people require a large amount of resources, and furthermore, diseases run rampant in large urban areas. C. In large cities, living space tends to be used more efficiently and per capita energy use tends to be lower. D. People who live in large cities will only impact areas in and around those cities, thus protecting other areas from degradation.

In large cities, living space tends to be used more efficiently and per capita energy use tends to be lower

The Paris Agreement commits countries, including the United States, to a reduction in CO2 emissions. Which of the following actions would be the most likely to reduce CO2 emissions from the U.S.? A. Increased use of biofuels B. Increased use of natural gas C. Increased use of electric vehicles D. Increased use of solar photovoltaic systems

Increased use of solar photovoltaic systems

How does irrigation lead to salinization? A. Irrigation water flushes the salt from deeper layers to the surface of Earth. B. Irrigated water requires that farmers sprinkle additional salt on their crops in order for them to grow. C. Irrigation water must be pre-mixed with salt at water treatment plants in order for it to be properly delivered to farmers. D. Irrigation water naturally contains some salt, which stays in the soil when the water evaporates.

Irrigation water naturally contains some salt, which stays in the soil when the water evaporates

While most of the major rivers in the United States could not support additional hydropower dams, which of the following statements describes a viable, cost-effective, and decentralized alternative that would still harness hydropower? A. Existing dams could be removed and replaced with dams that generate electricity more efficiently. B. Micro-hydropower facilities could be installed that generate a lesser amount of electricity with low environmental impacts. C. Decentralized hydropower is not currently seen as a viable method of producing additional energy in the United States, so we should forget about it. D. The only new decentralized methods of energy generation using water are related to tidal and wave power, and the technology to make these methods usable has not been developed yet.

Micro-hydropower facilities could be installed that generate a lesser amount of electricity with low environmental impacts

Identify what is wrong with this statement: As long as people have enough calories, they will survive. A. People can obtain enough calories but still be malnourished because of a lack of certain nutrients. B. Nothing. It is correct. C. People do not need to obtain enough calories, so long as they obtain the correct vitamins and nutrients. D. People need both calories and vitamins to survive.

People can obtain enough calories but still be malnourished because of a lack of certain nutrients

Which of the following statements is an accurate characterization of a potential benefit of second-generation biomass fuels as an energy source? A. Biomass fuels do not require the use of any fertilizer, pesticides, or herbicides for their production. B. The production of current biomass fuels does not require any fossil fuel energy use for chemical processing or fermentation processes. C. Second-generation biomass fuels would not require the use of food crops like corn and sugar cane. D. Second-generation biomass fuels do not release CO2 when they are combusted.

Second-generation biomass fuels would not require the use of food crops like corn and sugar cane

Which of the following statements explains why the widespread use of solar is limited at present? A. Climate change is increasing cloud production thereby reducing available sunlight. B. Countries that have the metals needed to produce solar panels will not sell these metals to other countries C. Solar panels are expensive to install, and sunlight is only available part of the day. D. Efficiency is improving.

Solar panels are expensive to install, and sunlight is only available part of the day

Land use intensification means obtaining more from the lands that are already used by humans. For food production, this means getting more crops to grow in areas that are already used for agriculture. Increasing agricultural yields often requires the use of lots of both fresh water (which is increasingly limited) and fertilizer (which has many negative environmental impacts). Despite these requirements, many experts say that land use intensification is a better option than land use extensification. Why? A. Land use extensification requires the development of very destructive activities such as fish farms, agricultural feed lots, and the extensive use of genetically modified plants that may threaten natural ecosystems. B. The alternative to land use intensification is more destruction of natural habitat, loss of biodiversity, and loss of many ecosystem services. C. You can grow more food on recently cleared forests and grasslands, so land use intensification can't do much for food production. D. Land use intensification generally requires the use of less energy and fewer resources than land use extensification.

The alternative to land use intensification is more destruction of natural habitat, loss of biodiversity, and loss of many ecosystem services

Which of the following best describes urban sprawl? A. Urban sprawl is represented by the impacts of air and water pollution from cities as the pollutants spread into the surrounding areas. B. Urban sprawl is characterized by large cities annexing suburbs and thus becoming even larger. C. Urban sprawl involves the building of larger and larger urban homes as people become more able to afford them. D. Urban sprawl involves the rapid and often poorly planned development of suburbs.

Urban sprawl involves the rapid and often poorly planned development of suburbs

Which of the following is an example of land use intensification? A. cutting a native forest for lumber and paper production B. converting a cattle pasture for crop production C. plowing a prairie to plant corn D. cutting down a rainforest to plant coffee

converting a cattle pasture for crop production

If a government is encouraging afforestation and reforestation, it is unlikely to be for which one of the following purposes? A. timber production B. erosion prevention C. food production D. stabilization of hillsides

food production

All of the following are strategies for sustainable agriculture except _____. A. using IPM strategies B. moving agriculture away from areas where crops need to be watered with ancient groundwater reserves C. avoiding the use of crops for producing biofuels D. producing greater amounts of grain-fed animals for developing countries

producing greater amounts of grain-fed animals for developing countries

Suburban residents _____ than their urban counterparts. A. use more public transportation B. use more environmentally friendly cleaning products C. usually have smaller homes D. use more energy

use more energy

What aspect of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) leads to increased use of antibiotics? A. Antibiotics are only given to very sick animals in CAFOs; animals outside CAFOs are never given antibiotics, so clearly the use of antibiotics in CAFOs is increased. B. People want to eat meat that contains antibiotics so they do not have to buy antibiotics when they are sick. CAFOs cater to such a market. C. There are simply more animals in CAFOs, so they need more antibiotics than typical farms and ranches. D. Animals in CAFOs are given antibiotics to counteract the negative effects of being fed food that is not natural for them, such as corn.

Animals in CAFOs are given antibiotics to counteract the negative effects of being fed food that is not natural for them, such as corn

Which of the following land uses covers the greatest amount of Earth's ice-free land surface? A. growing crops B. small cities and villages C. major cities D. grazing livestock

grazing livestock

Which of the following is emitted as a result of electricity generation in a hydrogen fuel cell? A. O2 B. H2O C. CO2 D. CO

H2O

Which of the following is NOT an environmental effect of hydropower? A. Air pollution B. Production of methane from decomposing matter C. Loss of wildlife habitat D. Changes in water temperature

Air pollution

Some people argue that replacing gasoline with biofuels is an important step in transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy that must be completed right away, especially because we have the technology and products to do it. While this argument may hold some validity, what drawbacks may these people be overlooking when making this argument? A. Mass production of some biofuels could potentially limit food supplies. B. It requires a lot of energy to convert biomass into biofuel. C. Regular gasoline engines cannot use pure biofuels without being converted (and biodiesel can only be used in Diesel engines). D. All of the above

All of the above

More megacities (urban areas of more than 10 million people) are found in _____ than any other continent. A. North America B. South America C. Asia D. Europe

Asia

How could batteries help address some limitations of renewable energy? A. By storing energy B. By making the energy more usable C. By allowing for the production of better electric cars D. By decreasing the costs of renewable resources

By storing energy

Which of the following is the main drawback to geothermal heating and cooling of buildings? A. Metals pollution B. Greenhouse gas emissions C. Endangerment of wildlife D. Cost of installation

Cost of installation

Which of the following is true of predicted global population trends? A. Growth in global population is expected to occur in urban areas as people move to where the jobs are. B. Growth in global population is expected to occur in both urban and rural areas. C. Growth in global population is expected to occur mainly in developed nations, as people immigrate to take advantage of the higher standard of living. D. Growth in global population is expected to occur in rural areas where people need larger families to work on family farms.

Growth in global population is expected to occur in urban areas as people move to where the jobs are

Which policy would cause the greatest increase in the United States' installed solar capacity? A. Government investments in infrastructure and technology improvements B. Requiring all states and counties to comply with daylight savings time, maximizing the number of hours of productive sunlight C. Reduction in the environmental protections for desert species D. Tax credits for building larger homes that could support massive solar arrays

Government investments in infrastructure and technology improvements

What global food problem could actually be solved by eating more meat? A. Lack of protein and iron in Africa B. Lack of food-based fiber consumption in Europe C. Overconsumption of protein in the United States D. Lack of iodine consumption in South America and Africa

Lack of protein and iron in Africa

What is the difference between industrial and organic fertilizers? A. Organic fertilizers are made from the rinds of fruits and vegetables, whereas industrial fertilizers are made from animal byproducts. B. Organic fertilizers come from small-scale "mom-and-pop" production plants, whereas industrial fertilizers are manufactured in industrial-scale factories. C. Organic fertilizers do not contain pesticides, whereas industrial fertilizers have pesticides in them already. D. Organic fertilizers come from plant or animal matter, whereas industrial fertilizers are synthesized from chemicals or mined from rock.

Organic fertilizers come from plant or animal matter, whereas industrial fertilizers are synthesized from chemicals or mined from rock

Why is there concern about the impact of biomass fuel production on food prices? A. Increased fuel is needed for the transportation of crops. B. The diversion of food crops to energy production decreases the amount of food available for human consumption. C. Access to biofuel for cooking will increase food demand. D. This is an argument used to discourage crop subsidies.

The diversion of food crops to energy production decreases the amount of food available for human consumption

What is the main reason that wind cannot be used to provide all of the energy needed to meet electricity needs? A. It is too expensive. B. Too many birds and bats will be killed if we install as many wind turbines as needed for all the energy. C. The grid cannot store electricity, and wind is an intermittent source of energy. D. Many people refuse to live near wind farms because they are aesthetically unpleasing.

The grid cannot store electricity, and wind is an intermittent source of energy

Why might someone reasonably say that cities are good for the environment but suburbs are bad? A. Cities are located near rivers and coastlines, and so the pollution from cities is much worse than that from suburbs. B. Suburbs usually have much denser populations than cities and this results in more energy and land use. C. This statement wouldn't make sense because residents of the suburbs typically use more energy but less water, land, and food than urban residents. D. The residents of cities drive less, use more public transportation, and take up less space on the landscape than residents of the suburbs.

The residents of cities drive less, use more public transportation, and take up less space on the landscape than residents of the suburbs

Which of the following is a major barrier to the increased use of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy in homes? A. Solar PV doesn't work in most locations. B. There are large up-front costs to solar PV installation. C. Solar PV cells generate 220 volt electricity, which is incompatible with many U.S. appliances. D. There are no state or federal incentives that support the installation of solar panels.

There are large up-front costs to solar PV installation

How common are GMOs in food products sold in the United States? A. There are none because GMOs are banned in the United States. B. GMOs are much more common in Europe than in the United States. C. They are extremely common. D. They are not very common, but there are some.

They are extremely common

Since the early 1990s, humans have kept up with the rising demand for food by _____. A. converting lands to crop production B. finding non-food alternative for producing biofuels C. banning the use of foods as sources of biofuels D. increasing agricultural yields

increasing agricultural yields

Which of the following represents a land use intensification strategy that would reduce the development pressures that lead to deforestation and the loss of natural ecosystems? A. eating a vegetarian diet B. converting cropland for expansion of suburbs C. overgrazing rangeland D. increasing fertilizer use on crops

increasing fertilizer use on crops

The degradation of rangeland typically occurs as a result of _____. A. salinization resulting from improper irrigation B. rotational grazing C. overgrazing D. the expansion of suburbs

overgrazing

You know that the U.S. power generation system is fragmented; in fact, it is actually separated into three major grids with few connections between sections. However, you are wondering why these three grids don't just become separate grid systems that remain centralized but run completely on the renewable resources that are available in each respective section. What major issue still stands in the way of this plan to implement renewable power on a large, centralized scale in the future? A. The U.S. government is not in favor of taking this separate grid approach because they don't want one area to have a major competitive advantage over another area, so they plan to continue work and research on a more connected structure. B. Energy from many renewable sources, such as solar and wind, are only available at certain times and are difficult to store for use during "off" times, regardless of the size or interconnectivity of the grid. C. Renewable resources only exist in certain areas of the country, so it is likely that at least one of these separate grids will be left completely without any renewable sources to put in place. D. There are no major foreseeable problems with this separate grid idea.

Energy from many renewable sources, such as solar and wind, are only available at certain times and are difficult to store for use during "off" times, regardless of the size or interconnectivity of the grid

Developed countries have little potential for new large-scale hydropower projects. Why is this the case? A. There would be great potential for further hydropower development in developed countries if the public were willing to build dams on large rivers. B. Existing hydropower facilities would need to be rebuilt to increase their efficiency. C. Many of the large rivers have already been dammed in developing countries. D. Electricity from hydropower is heavily taxes in most developed countries.

Many of the large rivers have already been dammed in developing countries

How does meat production affect the global supply of food calories? A. Meat production increases the global food supply because animals mostly eat grasses that would not be used as food anyway. B. Meat production decreases the global food supply because raising animals for meat consumption is an inefficient use of grains and other feed. C. Meat production increases the global food supply because it provides high quality protein. D. Meat production decreases the global food supply because it is expensive.

Meat production decreases the global food supply because raising animals for meat consumption is an inefficient use of grains and other feed

Hydrogen power can be a renewable source of energy for transportation, but in some cases, it may not be much better than the use of fossil fuels. Why is this the case? A. Some methods of acquiring hydrogen gas rely heavily on fossil fuels. B. Mining hydrogen from the earth's crust is environmentally destructive. C. The use of hydrogen power increases the amount of hydrogen gas in the atmosphere, which is a serious pollutant. D. Even small environmental impacts add up because much larger amounts of hydrogen are required.

Some methods of acquiring hydrogen gas rely heavily on fossil fuels

How do the health benefits of organic food compare to those of conventionally produced food? A. Conventionally grown foods contain more nutrients because they were exposed to fewer pests while growing. B. Organically grown meat increases human disease exposure because the livestock did not receive antibiotics. C. Some conventionally grown fruits and vegetables have higher nutritional value than organic produce because the fertilizers used to grow them add nutrients. D. Some organically grown foods contain more healthful nutrients than conventionally grown foods.

Some organically grown foods contain more healthful nutrients than conventionally grown foods

How are large hydropower dam projects and tidal energy facilities similar? A. Efficient electricity generation only occurs during part of the day. B. There are few opportunities for these projects in developed countries. C. Neither is cost-effective at this time. D. The energy of moving water is converted into the mechanical energy of a spinning turbine, generating electricity.

The energy of moving water is converted into the mechanical energy of a spinning turbine, generating electricity

IPM methods include which one of the following? A. Use of industrial fertilizers instead of natural fertilizers because industrial fertilizers are more effective B. Use of chemical pesticides only when other methods have proven ineffective C. Early use of low-dose pesticides to help keep pest populations low D. Planting monoculture crops since they are less likely to be affected by any single pest species

Use of chemical pesticides only when other methods have proven ineffective

How is electricity produced from moving water in a hydropower dam? A. Water is stored as kinetic energy and turned into potential energy as it moves downhill through the dam and turns a turbine, creating electricity. B. Water is stored as potential energy and turned into kinetic energy as it moves downhill through the dam and turns a turbine, creating electricity. C. Water comes into contact with copper wires, producing a flow of electrons from the negative wire to the positive wire. D. Removing the hydrogen atoms as the water turns a turbine creates electricity.

Water is stored as potential energy and turned into kinetic energy as it moves downhill through the dam and turns a turbine, creating electricity

How much will food production likely need to increase between now and 2050 to sustain current trends in demand? A. 0% B. 70% C. 100% D. 25%

70%

What areas of the planet are at high risk of desertification? A. overgrazed rangeland B. irrigated areas experiencing soil salinization C. rangelands that are experiencing prolonged drought D. All of the above are correct.

All of the above are correct

Why is hydrogen hard to store? A. Hydrogen atoms are very small and difficult to identify. B. The process of storing hydrogen involves toxic chemicals that no one wants to live near. C. As a liquid, it needs to be stored at very cold temperatures, and as a gas, the molecules tend to escape through tiny cracks in the containers. D. It needs to be kept very warm to remain in a gaseous state.

As a liquid, it needs to be stored at very cold temperatures, and as a gas, the molecules tend to escape through tiny cracks in the containers.

How can precision agriculture help address resource use and pollution issues in agriculture? A. By hiring more skilled farmers to tend to the fields B. By precisely choosing the right crops for each field C. By applying precision when harvesting crops to reduce damage to the soil D. By targeting water and fertilizer use to specific areas

By targeting water and fertilizer use to specific areas

Globally, the rate of meat consumption is increasing faster than the overall rate of food consumption. What is this likely to mean for land use change? A. Deforestation will be unchanged, but desertification will increase. B. Deforestation will decrease, but extensification of cropland will increase. C. Intensification of cropland will slow, but desertification will increase. D. Both deforestation and desertification will increase.

Both deforestation and desertification will increase

Which of the following is an agricultural strategy that can help protect native pollinators? A. Growing brightly-colored flowers on the porches of farms nearest to the agricultural fields B. Creating mixed-crop agricultural fields with areas of native vegetation C. Adding more water and fertilizers to agricultural fields D. Placing beehives throughout agricultural fields

Creating mixed-crop agricultural fields with areas of native vegetation

In what ways do government policies inhibit the widespread use of solar and other renewable energy sources? A. Current policies are built around a fossil fuel system. B. Policies allow for only a limited number of solar panels to be purchased by a single individual or business. C. Presidential candidates do not find solar to be marketable in campaigns. D. Some states refuse to allow solar panels to be installed.

Current policies are built around a fossil fuel system

Why is the loss of crop diversity a potential problem for future agriculture? A. Food choices in the future will be very limited. B. You need crop diversity to support high agricultural yields. C. Diversity provides resistance to new diseases and may help provide crops capable of doing well in future climates. D. The loss of crop diversity makes crops much less attractive.

Diversity provides resistance to new diseases and may help provide crops capable of doing well in future climates

There has been a large increase in the number of cars in places such as China where urbanization has increased. Which of the following scenarios would result in people both buying fewer cars and moving more to cities? A. Build new smaller cities that are connected by trains. B. Encourage people to live in very dense cities and provide more mass transportation options. C. Encourage the use of carpools from suburbs to cities. D. Increase housing development in the suburbs.

Encourage people to live in very dense cities and provide more mass transportation options

Even if the production of renewable energy sources increases quickly, these technologies are not likely to overtake fossil fuels as the major source of global energy over the next decade. Why? A. Energy demand is growing fast, and renewable energy sources are not increasing fast enough to keep up with demand. B. Renewable resources are always more expensive than fossil fuels. C. Renewable energy requires technology that is not always domestic, and this conflicts with most nations' goals to reduce reliance on "foreign" technology and energy. D. People are uncomfortable using new, renewable technologies.

Energy demand is growing fast, and renewable energy sources are not increasing fast enough to keep up with demand

Which of the following human developmental stages is most likely to be affected by pesticides? A. Adult B. Fetus C. Senior D. Teenager

Fetus

What is the difference between a genetically modified organism and a conventionally bred organism? A. GMOs are good for you while conventionally bred organisms are not. B. GMOs have a different genetic structure, so conventionally bred organisms just look different. C. GMOs have undergone direct, deliberate modification of individual genes, whereas conventional breeding focuses on changes through the process of sexual reproduction. D. Conventionally bred organisms are developed without the use of any type of genetic analysis through trial and error processes in breeding, whereas GMOs are developed using genetic analysis.

GMOs have undergone direct, deliberate modification of individual genes, whereas conventional breeding focuses on changes through the process of sexual reproduction

How does a genetically engineered crop differ from a conventionally bred crop? A. Genetically engineered crops are made to support poor farmers, whereas conventional crops can only be grown in wealthy countries. B. All genetically engineered crops have a specific, similar genetic structure. C. Genetically engineered crops have had genes changed through genetic engineering, whereas conventional breeding uses other techniques such as sexual reproduction. D. Genetically engineered crops were created through the analysis of genetic information in seeds.

Genetically engineered crops have had genes changed through genetic engineering, whereas conventional breeding uses other techniques such as sexual reproduction

Which of the following statements reflects a major difference between historical and present use of pesticides? A. Historically, farmers used toxic minerals such as arsenic as pesticides, but today they use synthesized chemicals that are somewhat safer for humans. B. Historically, pesticides were not used at all. We have only started using them in the last 40 years to increase crop production. C. Historically, larger amounts of pesticides were applied; today, very little pesticide is used. D. Historically, pesticides were not toxic to pests; modern pesticides are now completely toxic to pests.

Historically, farmers used toxic minerals such as arsenic as pesticides, but today they use synthesized chemicals that are somewhat safer for humans

Food prices have been increasing over the last decade while food stocks have been decreasing. Which of the following is the best explanation for why this might be happening? A. Food stocks have been used up to meet the growing demand for food. B. There is rising consumption of meat in China. C. Human demand for food and food-based products such as biofuel are increasing. D. Food stocks are being destroyed by pest species that target grains and important food types in storage.

Human demand for food and food-based products such as biofuel are increasing

Which of the following types of renewable energy would be best able to provide base demand for electricity? (Base demand refers to the demand that is always present for power.) A. Wind power B. Solar power C. Hydroelectric power D. Geothermal direct use

Hydroelectric power

You're at a restaurant and your dining companion is getting really annoyed with you because you keep complaining about the impacts of land use extensification on natural ecosystems. You need a good scientific rationale for why you want to choose a type of food that will have the least impact on land use extensification. Which of the following is the best explanation? A. I'm avoiding eating meat because lots of forest in Indonesia and Africa is cleared to make room for cattle grazing. B. I'm avoiding eating most meat because the loss of caloric (food) energy in animals means that more land is needed to support meat production than is needed to support the production of fruits and vegetables. C. I'm avoiding any items on the menu that could have come from sub-Saharan Africa because this is where the most land use extensification occurs. D. I'm avoiding eating any food that is green because it contains chlorophyll; when chlorophyll is removed from an ecosystem, it takes food away from the animals that depend on it.

I'm avoiding eating most meat because the loss of caloric (food) energy in animals means that more land is needed to support meat production than is needed to support the production of fruits and vegetables

Which of the following is an environmental impact resulting from the large arrays of reflectors in concentrated solar power plants? A. Habitat destruction caused by the mining of fossil fuels used to produce electricity B. Increasing land surface temperatures, which kill important soil microbes C. Land disturbances, which impact wildfire D. Greenhouse gas emissions

Land disturbances, which impact wildfire

There are pros and cons to land use extensification versus intensification. Which of the following statements best characterizes the cons of each of these activities? A. Land use extensification results in more extensive use of fertilizers, and land use intensification results in the overstocking of grazing animals on marginal grazing lands. B. Land use extensification leads to the loss of natural ecosystems, and land use intensification creates more water pollution and increased energy use. C. Land use extensification results in the destruction of natural ecosystems, and land use intensification results in the use of marginal lands prone to desertification. D. Land use extensification requires the use of new types of technology to clear forests and dig up grasslands, and land use intensification requires more human labor and therefore creates problems with social equity.

Land use extensification leads to the loss of natural ecosystems, and land use intensification creates more water pollution and increased energy use

Scientists have frozen a large variety of seeds in very cold conditions in a vault in Norway. Why would they do this? A. Many agricultural crops are going extinct because of land use change. B. These varieties of seeds are needed each year, but they don't typically survive without freezing. C. Most of the seeds that are frozen are modern GMO crops, and this preservation preserves these changes for future generations. D. Many agricultural crops are no longer farmed, so we are at risk of losing their genetic diversity.

Many agricultural crops are no longer farmed, so we are at risk of losing their genetic diversity

What is one benefit of organic agriculture compared to industrial agriculture? A. Organic agriculture has a much higher yield than industrial agriculture. B. Organic agriculture has a lower environmental impact than industrial agriculture. C. Products from organic agriculture are cheaper because fewer resources are needed to produce them. D. Organic agriculture is much less labor-intensive because there is less fertilizer and pesticide to apply.

Organic agriculture has a lower environmental impact than industrial agriculture

What is the difference between renewable energy and sustainable energy? A. Renewable energy includes wind and solar, and sustainable energy is fossil fuels. B. Renewable energy resources cannot be used up, whereas sustainable energy can meet current and future needs without impacting future generations. C. Sustainable energy is any form of energy that can be used forever. Renewable refers to where the energy comes from. D. Renewable and sustainable are terms that can be used interchangeably.

Renewable energy resources cannot be used up, whereas sustainable energy can meet current and future needs without impacting future generations

How does concentrated solar thermal power differ from solar photovoltaic systems? A. Solar photovoltaic power converts solar energy directly into electricity. Concentrated solar thermal power uses heat to turn a turbine. B. Solar photovoltaic power uses heat to turn a turbine. Concentrated solar thermal power converts solar energy directly into electricity. C. Concentrated solar thermal requires many solar photovoltaic cells in one place. D. These are regional terms; there really isn't much of a difference.

Solar photovoltaic power converts solar energy directly into electricity. Concentrated solar thermal power uses heat to turn a turbine.

Which of the following describes an example of the use of passive solar design? A. A large concentrated solar thermal power plant used for producing electricity B. The use of sunlight to heat a fluid that passes through a dark panel on a rooftop C. South-facing windows that allow sunlight in during the winter D. PV panels used for producing electricity

South-facing windows that allow sunlight in during the winter

Wheat yields (measured as a mass of crop per unit area per year) in Britain are four times higher today than they were in 1890. Which of the following best explains this increase in productivity? A. Britain has a more favorable climate from crop growth today than it did in 1890. B. The use of mechanized harvesters (big farm machinery for harvesting) are responsible for this change. C. The increase in the total area of the country devoted to wheat has increased by about 400%. D. The combined effects of improved wheat varieties and fertilization are responsible for this change.

The combined effects of improved wheat varieties and fertilization are responsible for this change

At present, which of the following statements best explains why so many people do not have adequate access to food? A. A large global organization controls where all the world's food goes, and some countries are simply cut off from the distribution. B. Everyone on the globe currently has adequate access to food. C. The global food supply is unevenly distributed because certain regions are more productive than others, and many crops are used to feed livestock or make biofuels rather than feeding people. D. There is simply not enough food produced in the world to feed everyone.

The global food supply is unevenly distributed because certain regions are more productive than others, and many crops are used to feed livestock or make biofuels rather than feeding people

One day you are chatting with a friend about the environmental benefits of integrating large-scale renewable energy into the current power generation system. Your friend is skeptical; she argues that wind farms kill birds, solar facilities interrupt animal migrations and habitats, and hydropower ruins river habitats--how could all of that possible be environmentally friendly? Which of the following arguments could you respond with to demonstrate some of the positive benefits you were thinking of and perhaps to balance the points that your friend mentioned. A. Energy generated from these renewable sources will be significantly cheaper than energy currently generated from fossil fuels, and the leftover profits that energy companies make will be invested directly in conservation funds; in the end, this will help more organisms than the use of renewable energy hurts. B. The arguments that your friend made are all rumors, and it is important to embrace renewable energy without investigation into potential negative impacts that may come along with the positive impacts. C. The integration of renewable energy on a large scale could drastically reduce CO2 and other pollutants in the air, which are currently damaging the environment for humans, plants, and animals alike at an alarming rate by causing climate change and widespread contamination. D. Your friend is completely right. These large-scale renewable technologies do not provide any environmental benefits, so you don't argue back.

The integration of renewable energy on a large scale could drastically reduce CO2 and other pollutants in the air, which are currently damaging the environment for humans, plants, and animals alike at an alarming rate by causing climate change and widespread contamination

What energy transformations are involved in the generation of electricity from wind energy? A. The kinetic energy of wind is boosted into high voltage potential energy for transmission. B. The potential energy of wind is transformed into electrical energy, which is transformed into the energy in transmission lines. C. The mechanical energy of wind is transformed into the mechanical energy of the spinning turbine shaft, which is converted to electrical energy. D. The kinetic energy of wind is transformed into the mechanical energy of the spinning turbine shaft, which is converted to electrical energy.

The kinetic energy of wind is transformed into the mechanical energy of the spinning turbine shaft, which is converted to electrical energy

In agricultural terms, what is a hybrid? A. Any plant that has multiple colors on its petals B. The product of sexual reproduction between two genetically different plant varieties of the same or related species C. A plant made from two totally different species of plants D. A plant that is genetically modified to display characteristics of more than one plant species

The product of sexual reproduction between two genetically different plant varieties of the same or related species

What generates the heat produced deep inside Earth? A. Increased pressure B. The decay of organic materials C. The production of fossil fuels such as coal D. The radioactive decay of some elements in rocks

The radioactive decay of some elements in rocks

What problems were caused by DDT? A. DDT instantly killed any human who came in contact with it. B. DDT killed not only the pests but also the plants that it was supposed to protect. C. The shells of bird eggs were weakened by DDT, leading to a decline in bird populations. D. The name "DDT" was already trademarked by the military, so there were many political battles over who had the rights to sell it.

The shells of bird eggs were weakened by DDT, leading to a decline in bird populations

Areas that have undergone desertification or are at risk of desertification can create problems such as loss of grazing lands, loss of potential cropland, and the exposure of vast areas of land to erosion by wind and water. Because awareness of this problem is growing, which of the following would be a logical prediction about changes in forest cover in the future? A. Reforestation will lead to increased forest cover in Asia, but deforestation will lead to loss of forests in North America. B. The total area covered by tropical rain forest will increase. C. Livestock grazing will increase; because this activity prevents forests from growing, the global cover of forests will continue to decline. D. The total area of land covered by forest may increase through afforestation and reforestation.

The total area of land covered by forest may increase through afforestation and reforestation

Which of the following statements is true of genetically modified plant technology? A. Foods made with genetically modified plants that are consumed by people have been proven to cause severe health problems. B. Genetic modification of plants has no purpose other than contributing to the economic success of large biotechnology companies. C. Growing genetically modified plants will lead to the establishment of mutant species that could take over the world. D. The use of genetically modified plants in food is controversial in many countries for ethical and social reasons.

The use of genetically modified plants in food is controversial in many countries for ethical and social reasons

What parts of the world have had the largest increases in agricultural productivity over the past 50 years? A. The United States but not Europe or Canada B. The wealthiest nations C. The poorest nations D. South America

The wealthiest nations

Which of the following sentences best characterizes the size and current status of geothermal resources in the United States? A. There is great resource potential in the country, but geothermal only accounts for a small portion of renewable energy used. B. There is great potential for geothermal energy in the eastern United States. C. The technology to harness geothermal energy has yet to be developed, and we don't know how much is available. D. There is no potential for geothermal energy in the United States.

There is great resource potential in the country, but geothermal only accounts for a small portion of renewable energy used

Cities require centralized infrastructure such as water treatment, waste treatment, and electricity generation. Given your knowledge of urbanization trends, what do you predict will happen by 2050 in these three infrastructure areas? A. Food production in rural areas will increase, and many new residents in rural areas will work together to create new rural water treatment and energy production facilities. B. There will be an increase in the number of large energy production, water treatment, and waste treatment facilities located around cities. C. There will be increased focus on finding ways to support energy generation and water treatment/waste disposal option in rural areas where the population is growing. D. There will be an increase in water diversion projects to move water to cities but an overall decline in energy demand, leading to reduced need to generate electricity.

There will be an increase in the number of large energy production, water treatment, and waste treatment facilities located around cities

Why would people cut down a piece of forest for use in agriculture and then abandon the land a few years later? A. Land in forests is not usually good for growing crops; when people noticed this after a few years, they abandoned this land for the prairies. B.cThis practice helps the soil remain fertile and allows nutrients to re-enter the soil. C. Agricultural lands can only be productive for a few years. D. People were moving from place to place at this time; consequently, this was the typical growing pattern.

This practice helps the soil remain fertile and allows nutrients to re-enter the soil

Why are animals transported into concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs)? A. To give them medical care in humane conditions B. To fatten them up quickly so they are more economically valuable C. To spare rangeland and prevent desertification D. To make it easier to move them to the final point of sale

To fatten them up quickly so they are more economically valuable

What is the difference between traditional biomass fuels and liquid biomass fuels? A. Traditional biomass fuels are easier to transport than liquid biomass fuels. B. Liquid biomass fuels are traditional biomass fuels that have been blended and liquefied. C. Liquid biomass fuels create indoor air pollution while traditional biomass fuels burn cleanly. D. Traditional biomass fuels are burned directly while liquid biomass fuels are synthesized from plants and algae.

Traditional biomass fuels are burned directly while liquid biomass fuels are synthesized from plants and algae

What is the major difference between modern agriculture and agriculture practiced more than 100 years ago? A. We used more land in the past. B. We use more fertilizer today. C. We now get most of our food from organic agriculture, supported by fertilizers and harvested with mechanical equipment. D. We now get most of our food from monocultures, supported by fertilizers and harvested with mechanical equipment.

We now get most of our food from monocultures, supported by fertilizers and harvested with mechanical equipment

Which of the following is the best explanation as to why nutrients have to be added to agricultural soils? A. Fertilizers are good for the soil. B. You have to replace the nutrients that are removed in the crops. C. Nutrients are needed for GMO growth. D. Plants don't grow unless we add nutrients.

You have to replace the nutrients that are removed in the crops

Cover crops are used to prevent _____. A. waterlogging B. excessive buildup of topsoil C. erosion D. salinization

erosion

In the wealthiest nations, the most likely way to further increase agricultural productivity would be to use _____. In poorer nations, particularly those in Africa, the use of _____ could greatly increase agricultural productivity. A. increased mechanical harvesting; fertilizers B. fertilizers and irrigation; genetically improved crop species C. new types of fertilizers; new crop varieties D. genetically improved crop species; fertilizers and irrigation

genetically improved crop species; fertilizers and irrigation

GMOs are _____. A. genetically manipulated organisms B. genetically merged organisms C. genetically modified organisms D. genetically mutated organisms

genetically modified organisms

Rangelands are _____. A. areas where hunting of large game is allowed for at least part of the year B. grazing areas too dry for crop production C. areas that are too dry to support plant and animal life D. areas where cattle and other grazers are allowed to wander and eat crops instead of farmers having to harvest the crops to feed them

grazing areas too dry for crop production

Imagine you find yourself out one evening for a nice dinner. You look at the menu and you get very depressed because you just can't get the problem of desertification out of your mind. Given your knowledge of the land use activities that are most likely to contribute to desertification, which of the following menu items would be the most appropriate choice if you want to avoid further guilt? A. beef ribeye with orange-scented oats, carrots, and crisp capers B. trio of pork, sheep, and beef with kale, lemon relish, and roasted beets C. dry aged lamb steak, pan seared with potato gratin D. roasted salmon with cream, mushrooms, and tomatoes

roasted salmon with cream, mushrooms, and tomatoes

The main purpose of the deforestation occurring in Brazil is _____. A. to produce food B. to clear land to build football and soccer fields C. to produce lumber and wood products D. to harvest fuel wood

to produce food

You go out to dinner with your friends at a fancy new restaurant and the waiter tells you about the specials. The waiter says that the chef's recommendation for the night is a corn-fed beefsteak that is tender and tasty. You ruminate on the suggestion for a few minutes but then hesitate to have this kind of beef because _____. A. you are worried about unnecessary exposure to antibiotics B. you've heard that concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are really much better for the environment than free range conditions, but you don't like the taste of cows that eat corn C. you've heard that corn-fed beef is healthier than grass-fed beef because it contains lower anti-oxidant levels D. corn-fed beef has a funny yellow color

you are worried about unnecessary exposure to antibiotics