Environmental Science final
________ are toxicants that interrupt essential biochemical processes in organisms by blocking one or more steps in important biochemical reactions. Select one: a. Mutagens b. Neurotoxins c. Carcinogens d. Insecticides e. Pathway inhibitors
Pathway inhibitors
The first national park in the world was ________. Select one: a. Yosemite b. Yellowstone c. Grand Canyon d. Glacier National Park e. Death Valley
Yellowstone
Which of the following is FALSE about the process of natural selection? A. It can direct and influence evolution. B. Traits that enhance survival and reproduction are passed on to future generations. C. It helps elaborate and diversify traits. D. It can lead to the formation of new species. E. All of these statements are correct about natural selection.
All of these statements are correct about natural selection.
Which branch of science studies factors behind the loss, protection, and restoration of biodiversity? A. population genetics B. demography C. ecosystem ecology D. conservation biology E. ecology
conservation biology
In neoclassical economics, the practice of "discounting" is used to ________. Select one: a. price goods that are in low demand b. encourage sustainable practices by making it more economically feasible to update sewage treatment plants and municipal landfills c. dismiss viewpoints that run counter to the main tenets of neoclassical economics d. price goods that are in low supply e. decrease the importance and value of future people and goods
decrease the importance and value of future people and goods
The best locations to install tidal electrical generating stations are places where ________. Select one: a. differences in height between low and high tides are small b. there is very little wind c. the water is frozen for half of the year d. differences in height between low and high tides are large e. there are forests along the coast
differences in height between low and high tides are large
The rotational energy of the blades of a wind turbine ________. Select one: a. is used to generate hydrogen from water b. generates as much greenhouse gases as burning natural gas c. drives a generator inside the nacelle compartment to produce electricity d. will not occur unless electricity is provided to generate the motion e. is so expensive to produce that no commercial development has been possible
drives a generator inside the nacelle compartment to produce electricity
The causes of the current (sixth) mass extinction include all of the following EXCEPT: A. habitat alteration and destruction. B. invasive exotic species. C. pollution from pesticides, eutrophication, and other causes. D. earthquakes, tsunamis, and forest fires. E. global climate change
earthquakes, tsunamis, and forest fires.
Leaders striving for sustainable development aim to satisfy a triple bottom line, which involves what three goals? Select one: a. protecting animals, protecting ecosystems, and protecting the biosphere b. racial equality, social equality, and political equality c. economic advancement, environmental protection, and social equity d. economic development, making money, and depleting resources slowly e. making money, lowering taxes, and protecting the environment
economic advancement, environmental protection, and social equity
When assessing energy resources, it is helpful to use a measure called EROI, which is ________. A. energy returned minus energy invested B. energy returned plus energy invested C. amount of energy invested minus heat released into the environment D. money invested in extraction and processing minus income from sales E. energy returned divided by energy invested
energy returned divided by energy invested
"If domestic gas prices rise to $5 per gallon, conservation will increase, alternative fuels will be developed, and energy efficiency and our quality of life will improve." This view is consistent with ________ economics. Select one: a. social b. subsistence c. neoclassical d. environmental e. anarchic
environmental
A risk manager would do which of the following? Select one: a. set the purchase price of a new herbicide b. determine the level of exposure of farm workers to a new herbicide c. determine the neurological effects of a new herbicide d. establish rules restricting the use of a new herbicide e. assess the LD50 level of a new herbicide
establish rules restricting the use of a new herbicide
Environmental damage from industry or land development has traditionally been labeled as ________ by economists. Select one: a. greenwashing b. external costs c. steady-state economics d. ecosystem services e. free riders
external costs
Which of the following are documented negative impacts of dams? Select one: a. acid deposition b. flooding, habitat destruction, alteration of river sediment deposition c. alteration of river salinity d. increased carbon monoxide emissions, decreased rainfall e. increased atmospheric carbon dioxide and CFCs
flooding, habitat destruction, alteration of river sediment deposition
International environmental policies arise from ________. Select one: a. environmental impact statements b. distribution and use of pollution permits c. international conventions or treaties d. informal agreements reached by multinational corporations e. decisions by the United Nations Environment Programme
international conventions or treaties
Acute exposure to an environmental toxin ________. Select one: a. involves low levels of exposure over long periods of time b. makes it difficult to associate the symptoms with a cause c. is a high exposure over short times and associated with a specific cause d. is the case with chronic alcohol and nicotine abuse e. is usually untreatable and fatal
is a high exposure over short times and associated with a specific cause
The effect of toxicants on fetuses and young children ________. Select one: a. has not raised concern among environmental health professionals b. has been thoroughly evaluated for every chemical released into both indoor and outdoor environments c. is less than for adults because their metabolism is higher d. is generally the same for adults e. is greater because of their developmental immaturity, rapid growth, and smaller biomass
is greater because of their developmental immaturity, rapid growth, and smaller biomass
Which of the following is NOT an example of an adaptation to climate change? A. restricting coastal development in response to rising sea levels B. adjusting farming practices to cope with drought C. modifying water management practices to deal with reduced river flows or salt contamination of groundwater D. lowering the price of inefficient vehicles to remove them from the dealerships and make room for efficient vehicles E. building a seawall like the Maldives' Great Wall of Malé to protect coastal cities from flooding
lowering the price of inefficient vehicles to remove them from the dealerships and make room for efficient vehicles
Aquatic animals such as fish and frogs are especially good indicators of water pollution because ________. Select one: a. these organisms are the most abundant on Earth b. all chemical toxicants are found in water c. the metabolism of these organisms is most like ours d. they are easy to catch e. most chemicals are water soluble so they enter these organisms through drinking or skin absorption
most chemicals are water soluble so they enter these organisms through drinking or skin absorption
"If domestic gas prices rise to $5 per gallon, growth will slow significantly and our quality of life will decline." This view is consistent with ________ economics. Select one: a. anarchic b. neoclassical c. subsistence d. environmental e. social
neoclassical
The principle that "internal costs," which are the costs and benefits borne by the buyer and seller alone, represent the true and full economics of all transactions is a principle of ________. Select one: a. sustainable economies b. neoclassical economics c. ecological economics d. steady-state economics e. classical economics
neoclassical economics
All of the following are advantages of nuclear power EXCEPT: A. the power-generating process is emission-free. B. uranium generates far greater amounts of energy than coal by weight or volume. C. nuclear power plants generate no nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. D. uranium mines cause less environmental damage than coal mines because less uranium is needed to generate power. E. nuclear wastes can be safely disposed of.
nuclear wastes can be safely disposed of.
More and more wind farms are being located ________ because winds are stronger there. Select one: a. offshore b. in the Arctic c. in mature forests d. in deserts e. in densely populated urban areas
offshore
Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring focuses primarily on the environmental problems associated with ________. Select one: a. deforestation b. invasive species c. overpopulation d. aquifer depletion e. pesticide toxicity
pesticide toxicity
Which of the following is an ecosystem service? Select one: a. pollination of crop plants b. genetically modifying food c. creation of pollution d. erosion e. global warming
pollination of crop plants
Compared to the use of fossil fuels for generating electricity, wind energy ________. Select one: a. is less renewable b. is more consistent c. is more widely used in the United States d. requires very little investment e. produces no exhaust pollutants and contributes little to global climate change
produces no exhaust pollutants and contributes little to global climate change
The first stage in generating power from a hydrogen fuel cell is to ________. Select one: a. split hydrogen atoms into hydrogen ions (H+) and electrons b. reduce water to hydrogen and oxygen gases c. react water with carbon dioxide d. split methane (CH4) into hydrogen atoms and carbon e. convert water into a hydrocarbon
split hydrogen atoms into hydrogen ions (H+) and electrons
Ethanol produced from bioenergy starts with ________ produced by ________. a. carbon dioxide; burning fossil fuels b. hydrogen gas; wind turbines c. methane; sewage sludge d. starch; corn or sugar cane e. ammonia; anaerobic bacteria
starch; corn or sugar cane
A ________ is an organism, such as a mosquito, that transmits a disease-causing organism to a host. Select one: a. bacterium b. vector c. virus d. vehicle e. fungus
vector
The chemical product produced by a hydrogen fuel cell is ________. Select one: a. carbon monoxide b. nontoxic ash c. acid d. water e. carbon dioxide
water
. There are approximately ________ people on Earth. A. 15 million B. 6.7 billion C. 1.5 billion D. 7.5 billion E. 10 billion
7.5 billion
Which of the following is the most cleanly burning fossil fuel available, producing the least carbon dioxide per unit of energy released? A. coal B. kerosene C. natural gas D. tar sands E. petroleum
. natural gas
Nuclear energy in power plants is created via ________. A. fusion of electrons B. ionic transformation of atoms C. extraction of energy from the nucleus of cells D. bombarding radioactive elements with electrons E. the fission of uranium atoms by bombarding them with neutrons
. the fission of uranium atoms by bombarding them with neutrons
When we burn fossil fuels, ________. A. we liberate carbon back into the carbon cycle, increasing the amount available for plant growth, causing plants to flourish B. the resulting carbonic acid leads to acid rain C. the greatest environmental impact is the impact on the ozone layer D. the greatest environmental impact is increased greenhouse gases E. the greatest environmental impact is the local damage from extraction
. the greatest environmental impact is increased greenhouse gases
Photovoltaic technology is best described as ________. Select one: a. a passive solar technology b. using sunlight to directly generate electricity c. using the sun's energy to warm a room without mechanical devices d. using mirrors to concentrate sunlight, in order to heat water and produce steam for electricity generation e. trapping the sun's heat and storing it for various uses
. using sunlight to directly generate electricity
The world population growth rate is currently approximately ________%. A. 10 B. 5 C. 2.5 D. 1.2 E. 0.5
1.2
Which of the following is NOT predicted to occur regarding climate change? A. Temperatures have increased and will increase further. B. Some areas will get more rain and snow. C. Glaciers around the world will continue to melt. D. Low-lying islands will be flooded and submerged. E. A lower frequency of extreme weather events, such as Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in 2017.
A lower frequency of extreme weather events, such as Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in 2017.
Which of the following best illustrates the tragedy of the commons? Select one: a. A drought in Africa results in many deaths from starvation. b. While landing at Midway Airport in Chicago, an airplane crashes through a barrier at the end of a runway and ends up plowing through a busy intersection, killing a young child in one of the vehicles. c. A 10-year-old girl from your hometown dies of cancer. d. A nonprofit organization does a winter clothing drive, and the first people to show up to get winter clothing grab far more than they need, leaving nothing for the families that show up a few minutes later. e. A rogue wave capsizes a ferry on Lake Michigan, killing several dozen passengers.
A nonprofit organization does a winter clothing drive, and the first people to show up to get winter clothing grab far more than they need, leaving nothing for the families that show up a few minutes later.
Which statement is true regarding climate change? A. Climate is changing, but the evidence is lacking that humans are the cause of this change. B. There is a broad and clear scientific consensus that climate change is a pressing issue. C. The evidence is not yet strong enough to definitely say that climate is changing. D. Scientists are driven by greed to modify data about climate change. E. The United States is a world leader in addressing climate chang
B. There is a broad and clear scientific consensus that climate change is a pressing issue.
The world's most abundant fossil fuel is ________. A. biodiesel B. coal C. oil D. natural gas E. methane
B. coal
The practice of reducing wasteful or unnecessary energy use is called ________. A. energy efficiency B. energy conservation C. technology reduction D. energy switching E. cogeneration
B. energy conservation
All of the following are fossil fuels EXCEPT: A. oil. B. natural gas. C. uranium. D. coal. E. tar sands.
C. uranium
________ are substances that cause cancer. Select one: a. Vectors b. Teratogens c. Carcinogens d. Allergens e. Neurotoxins
Carcinogens
. The U.S. Senate has so far opposed emissions reductions on the grounds that ________. A. no other nations have pledged reductions B. the United States does not emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases C. all the Presidents have rejected the scientific basis of global climate change D. it might hurt the economy E. the United States already has reduced its emissions by 68% as agreed in the Copenhagen
D. it might hurt the economy
In developed countries, the two most deadly sources of indoor pollution are ________. A. pesticides and cleaning agents B. synthetic furniture materials and radiation from electronic equipment C. radiation from electronic equipment and pesticides D. radon and cigarette smoke E. pesticides and cigarette smoke
D. radon and cigarette smoke
All of the following are aspects of the technology of "clean coal" EXCEPT: A. removing sulfur oxides from the emissions. B. capturing and sequestering carbon emissions. C. converting coal to syngas (natural gas). D. removing carbon content from coal before combustion. E. injecting captured carbon dioxide into rock formations deep underground.
D. removing carbon content from coal before combustion.
All of the following contributed to the nuclear disaster at Fukushima Daiichi EXCEPT: A. a tsunami. B. the location of emergency generators. C. an earthquake. D. terrorism. E. a power outage
D. terrorism.
________ encourages more sustainable business practices. Select one: a. Increased economic growth b. Greenwashing c. Ecolabeling d. Abolishing permit trading e. The government providing all goods and services to citizens
Ecolabeling
Which of the following includes volunteer work and damage from pollution in its measure of a country's economic progress and prosperity? Select one: a. GNP b. ATP c. GPI d. GDP e. GAP
GPI
Why are many contaminants found at higher concentrations in polar bears and people living in Greenland than they are in bears and people living in temperate and tropical areas? Select one: a. The ice sheets in Greenland, which provide both people and polar bears with fresh water, were contaminated as a result of the Chernobyl nuclear accident. b. There are fewer regulations regarding the release of toxic pollutants in Greenland than in other regions of the world. c. Most of Greenland's GDP comes from importing toxic chemicals for disposal deep beneath its ice sheets. d. Global atmospheric circulation carries airborne toxins toward the poles, where their deposition exceeds evaporation. e. Polar bears and people living in Greenland eat penguins, which are naturally high in toxic contaminants.
Global atmospheric circulation carries airborne toxins toward the poles, where their deposition exceeds evaporation.
________ is a naturally occurring substance that seeps up from the ground and is potentially toxic to people. Select one: a. Bisphenol A b. DDE c. Salmonella d. Radon gas e. Crude oil
Radon gas
What is the current status of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in the United States? A. Many coal power plants are currently voluntarily retrofitting their systems to capture carbon emissions. B. The U.S. government is currently requiring all coal power plants to institute carbon capture and storage technologies by the year 2025. C. Carbon is now captured and converted to plastics at most coal power plants in the United States. D. Technologies are not sufficiently reliable, and it is currently too energetically expensive for coal power plants to capture and store their carbon emissions. E. The rejection of Yucca Mountain as a carbon storage site has resulted in coal power plants storing carbon on-site until a permanent storage location can be approved.
Technologies are not sufficiently reliable, and it is currently too energetically expensive for coal power plants to capture and store their carbon emissions.
________ are substances that cause birth defects. Select one: a. Teratogens b. Carcinogens c. Allergens d. Neurotoxins e. Vectors
Teratogens
________ strongly influences the amount of energy generated from hydropower. Select one: a. The temperature of water in the boiler and turbine b. The phase of the moon c. Latitude d. The temperature of reservoir water e. The volume of water released and the height of the fall
The volume of water released and the height of the fall
What are the properties of toxicants that are likely to build up in animals through bioaccumulation? Select one: a. They are nonbiodegradable and lipid soluble. b. They contain nitrogen and sulfur. c. They are carcinogenic and mutagenic. d. They are gases that are readily carried by pesticide drift. e. They are biodegradable and water soluble
They are nonbiodegradable and lipid soluble.
________ are examples of naturally occurring biological hazards. Select one: a. DDT and DDE b. Crude oil seeps and radon gas c. Viruses and Salmonella d. Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas e. Phthalates and bisphenol A
Viruses and Salmonella
The ________ promotes free trade by reducing obstacles to international commerce and enforcing fairness among nations in trading practices. Select one: a. UN b. CITES c. World Bank d. WTO e. CERCLA
WTO
Which of the following is a cultural hazard? Select one: a. UV radiation from the sun b. a high-fat diet c. Zika virus d. flooding e. an earthquake
a high-fat diet
Pyrolysis is a way of producing ________ from ________. Select one: a. pesticides and fertilizers; bioenergy b. biodiesel; limestone c. coal; bioenergy d. a liquid fuel; biomass e. hydroelectric fuel; coal
a liquid fuel; biomass
Toxicants that cause harm by triggering overactivation of the immune system are called ________. Select one: a. teratogens b. hormones c. allergens d. antibiotics e. neurotoxins
allergens
Synergistic effects of toxicants ________. Select one: a. have effects of individual toxicants that tend to cancel one another out b. typically exhibit additive effects of the individual toxicants c. are not numerous in the natural environment d. are greater than the sum of the effects of the components e. always involve synthetic toxicants
are greater than the sum of the effects of the components
Mercury is not readily excreted. Instead, it is stored and concentrated in mammalian body tissues through a process called ________. Select one: a. toxification b. synergism c. biomagnification d. distillation e. bioaccumulation
bioaccumulation
Worldwide, the most widely used renewable energy resource is ________. Select one: a. nuclear b. solar c. bioenergy d. hydroelectric e. wind
bioenergy
The concentration of DDT in a certain lake is 0.0000003 ppm (parts per million), while the concentration of DDT in the tissues of a nearby osprey (a fish-eating bird) is 25 ppm. This is an example of ________. Select one: a. biodegradation b. biomagnification c. bioremediation d. biotruncation e. bioreduction
biomagnification
Which of the following are major contributors to global climate change? A. burning fossil fuels and recycling B. burning fossil fuels and deforestation C. deforestation and nuclear energy D. fossil fuels and nuclear energy E. all of these
burning fossil fuels and deforestation
Which of the following are market mechanisms for addressing climate change? A. international treaties from global conferences B. cap-and-trade and carbon offsets C. mitigation and adaptation D. lowering the price of gasoline E. carbon neutrality and carbon aggression policies
cap-and-trade and carbon offsets
All of the following are macromolecules EXCEPT: A. DNA. B. cellulose. C. carbon dioxide. D. starch. E. protein.
carbon dioxide.
A person is more likely to die of ________ than any other cause. Select one: a. starvation b. cancer c. old age d. infectious disease e. cardiovascular disease
cardiovascular disease
Lobbying, legal action, and campaign funding are all means used by ________ to influence governmental environmental policies. Select one: a. social science studies b. the judicial branch of government c. the legislative branch d. the scientific community e. citizenry (public sector)
citizenry (public sector)
All of the following, are forms of renewable energy EXCEPT: A. solar. B. wind. C. geothermal. D. coal. E. tidal.
coal.
To control pollution, industry has been given limits and been threatened with punishment if these limits are violated. This approach is called ________. Select one: a. carrot and stick b. paddle to the bottom c. command and control d. limit and manage e. end of the alley
command and control
Solar power—generating facilities that generate electricity at large centralized facilities and transmit that power to homes and businesses through the electric grid are called ________. Select one: a. photovoltaic systems b. concentrated solar power facilities c. diffuse solar energy collection systems d. passive solar energy collection systems e. dispersed solar collection facilities
concentrated solar power facilities
Which of the following represents the proper ranking of total primary energy consumed in the United States from the greatest to least used? Select one: a. renewables, fossil fuels, nuclear, hydropower b. nuclear, fossil fuels, hydropower, wind c. fossil fuels, hydropower, solar, nuclear d. fossil fuels, nuclear, hydropower, solar e. fossil fuels, hydropower, nuclear, geothermal
fossil fuels, nuclear, hydropower, solar
Ground-source heat pumps ________. Select one: a. are an increasing source of small-scale electricity generation b. heat and cool houses and buildings more efficiently than conventional methods c. produce pollution of groundwater d. have been known to cause minor earthquakes e. require nearby volcanic activity to be effective
heat and cool houses and buildings more efficiently than conventional methods
The form of energy delivered to an electrical generating turbine in a geothermal facility is in the form of ________. Select one: a. warm soils and crushed rock b. molten magma c. hot water or steam d. radioactive isotopes e. heated hydrogen gas
hot water or steam
The United States generates more electricity from ________ than from any other renewable energy source. Select one: a. solar energy b. wind energy c. bioenergy d. hydropower e. geothermal energy
hydropower
Environmental policy aims to ________. Select one: a. promote human welfare and protect natural systems by regulating resource use and reducing pollution b. preserve all present natural areas in their pristine condition c. use natural resources for economically important industrial products d. promote economic growth e. protect the values of landowners by regulating trad
promote human welfare and protect natural systems by regulating resource use and reducing pollution
The social changes in the United States in the 20th century gave rise to environmental laws concerned primarily with ________. Select one: a. the settlement of the West b. reducing pollution caused by industry c. preserving endangered species d. management of private land e. mining and homesteading
reducing pollution caused by industry
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) ________. Select one: a. altered the amount of chemicals allowed in water as a result of industrial pollution b. required environmental impact statements for any projects funded by the U.S. government c. put all federal land under stringent environmental protection d. requires compensation to be given to anyone harmed by deliberate pollution from any business or corporate entity e. was signed into law by Bill Clinton
required environmental impact statements for any projects funded by the U.S. government
According to the precautionary principle, we should ________. Select one: a. do extensive government scientific testing before restricting a chemical for use b. allow industry to do their own research to determine if a chemical is safe c. restrict any chemical that is suspected of toxicity until it is demonstrated to be safe d. halt the manufacture and use of synthetic chemicals e. levy large fines against companies that manufacture toxic substances
restrict any chemical that is suspected of toxicity until it is demonstrated to be safe
Ultimately, all biofuels are ________, because they are the product of ________. Select one: a. polymers; biological metabolic processes b. solar; photosynthesis c. geological; sedimentation d. inefficient; decomposition by microorganisms e. synthetic; chemical manipulation of hydrocarbons
solar; photosynthesis
. Coal continues to be the main fuel used to generate electricity in the United States. This is partially because ________. A. the country has such large reserves of coal B. the quality of coal in the United States is very consistent from deposit to deposit C. coal causes almost no air pollution when burned D. coal deposits in the United States lie very close to the surface and are easily extracted E. compared to natural gas and oil, coal contains very few impurities, such as sulfur
the country has such large reserves of coal
Extinction is ________. A. the disappearance of a species from Earth B. always caused by human disturbance C. the loss of communities from the planet D. proceeding more slowly now than at any other time E. the loss of a species from one place on the planet while still existing in other locations
the disappearance of a species from Earth
Passive solar power involves using ________. Select one: a. photovoltaic cells to produce light energy b. mechanical devices to heat water and buildings or electrical devices to generate electricity c. the energy of sunlight without relying on electrical or mechanical devices d. silicon wafers to generate light energy e. mirrors to concentrate the sun's rays on a tower or a series of pipes holding water
the energy of sunlight without relying on electrical or mechanical devices
Whether a hydrogen-based energy system is environmentally cleaner than a fossil fuel system depends on ________. Select one: a. the amount of fossil fuels that are invested in long-term storage b. the car driven c. governmental incentives for research d. the source of oxygen used for the process e. the source of energy used to produce the hydrogen
the source of energy used to produce the hydrogen
Which of the following is the most accurate definition of economics? Select one: a. the study of environmental systems and their monetary value b. the study of making money, goods, and services c. the study of tax laws, banking, and monetary policy d. the study of how humans use potentially scarce resources to meet demand e. the study of conversion of monetary units between nations
the study of how humans use potentially scarce resources to meet demand
Gross domestic product (GDP) is ________. Select one: a. a measure of conventional economic activity, with positive nonmonetary influences added and negative nonmonetary impacts subtracted b. the willingness of consumers to pay for ecosystem services c. all the resources necessary to produce ecosystem services d. the total monetary value of goods and services produced by a country e. the cost of services minus the economic value of enhancements or degradation to the environment
the total monetary value of goods and services produced by a country
Which of the following represents photosynthesis? A. glucose + oxygen → water + carbon dioxide + energy B. water + carbon dioxide → glucose + oxygen + water + energy C. nitrogen + carbon dioxide + light energy → methane + oxygen D. nitrogen + oxygen + glucose → methane + carbon dioxide E. water + carbon dioxide + light energy → glucose + oxygen
water + carbon dioxide + light energy → glucose + oxygen
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is an international panel that ________. A. constructed the Kyoto Protocol B. performed the research included in the climate change findings C. reports on how climate change influences wildlife, ecosystems, and society D. fines companies that pollute E. could not achieve its objectives because of lack of popular support
C. reports on how climate change influences wildlife, ecosystems, and society
Endemic species ________. A. are generalist organisms B. cause disease C. are invasive species that cause extinction D. have high rates of mutations that lead to large numbers of offspring species E. are found only in one place on the planet
. are found only in one place on the planet
Rising sea levels result in all of the following EXCEPT: A. saltwater contamination of drinking water supplies. B. increased flooding from hurricanes. C. ocean acidification. D. increased beach erosion. E. more dangerous storm surges.
. ocean acidification.
You have read about the mistakes made on Easter Island. On Tikopia, another small island, the people acted differently. When they realized that the pigs they had imported were damaging the environment, they killed them all. They had to have permission from a chief to fish, which prevented overfishing. They practiced contraception. These all indicate that ________. A. they believed in full resource utilization B. they felt that everything was a nonrenewable resource C. they felt that everything was a renewable resource D. they were concerned with only one year at a time E. they truly practiced sustainability
. they truly practiced sustainability
The primary cause(s) of acid deposition is/are ________. A. tropospheric ozone B. sulfur and nitrogen oxides C. soil dust and sand D. radon gas and fuel wood smoke E. carbon monoxide and formaldehyde
B. sulfur and nitrogen oxides
________ gives inherent value to certain living things or to the biotic (living) realm of the earth in general; both human and nonhuman lives have ethical standing. A. Anthropocentrism B. Biocentrism C. Ecocentrism D. Relativism E. Realism
Biocentrism
Which statement is FALSE about trophic levels? A. Autotrophs (plants) occupy the first trophic level. B. Detritivores consume waste products or dead bodies. C. Biomass and energy increase going up the food chain. D. There are fewer predator species than prey species in an area. E. Food webs leave out many species interactions.
Biomass and energy increase going up the food chain.
. Lead pollution is a problem because lead ________. A. is a precious metal and it is being lost to the atmosphere B. will cause the ozone hole to increase C. causes central nervous system damage in humans D. can become attached to radon E. causes excess nutrification of waterways, resulting in eutrophication
C. causes central nervous system damage in humans
. Occasionally, a layer of cool air forms under a layer of warmer air in the troposphere. This change from the normal temperature profile in the troposphere is called a ________. A. temperature or thermal subversion B. cold front C. temperature or thermal inversion D. tornado or supercell E. low-pressure system
C. temperature or thermal inversion
Soot particles ("black carbon aerosols") generally cause ________ of Earth's atmosphere by ________ solar energy. A. cooling; absorbing B. cooling; reflecting C. warming; absorbing D. warming; reflecting E. cooling; radiating
C. warming; absorbing
Ozone in the ________ is important for absorbing and scattering much of the UV radiation coming into Earth's atmosphere from the sun. A. troposphere B. mesosphere C. thermosphere D. stratosphere E. clouds
D. stratosphere
Carbon dioxide is ________. A. the most potent (per molecule of gas) of the greenhouse gases B. the most abundant greenhouse gas C. more potent (per molecule of gas) than methane D. the greenhouse gas of most concern E. the only greenhouse gas presently increasing in the atmosphere
D. the greenhouse gas of most concern
Zero population growth occurs in a population when ________. A. people have as many children as they can in the first 5 years of marriage B. birth rate equals death rate and there is no migration C. the carrying capacity is larger than the ecological footprint D. the ecological footprints are larger than the carrying capacity E. total fertility rate exceeds the average replacement rate
Most of the world population growth in the near future will be in ________. A. Europe B. North America C. developing countries D. developed countries E. currently uninhabited areas such as Antarctica
How do organic compounds differ from inorganic compounds? A. Inorganic compounds never contain carbon, whereas organic compounds always contain carbon. B. Organic compounds consist of carbon atoms joined by covalent bonds, while inorganic compounds lack carbon-carbon bonds. C. Organic compounds are always acidic, while inorganic compounds are always basic. D. Inorganic compounds always only consist of two atoms. E. Organic compounds are natural, while inorganic compounds are artificially synthesized.
Organic compounds consist of carbon atoms joined by covalent bonds, while inorganic compounds lack carbon-carbon bonds.
______ believe that the guidelines for making environmental decisions are context-specific, depending on the cultures, social issues, and other factors framing the decision. A. Universalists B. Conservationists C. Followers of Leopold's land ethic D. Relativists E. Preservationists
Relativists
Scientists who name and classify organisms according to their genetic makeup and physical appearances are called _______. A. Taxidermists B. Accountants C. Economists D. Environmentalists E. Taxonomists
Taxonomists
What has accounted for most of the world's population growth in recent years? A. Women are having more babies than they used to. B. Fewer women are using contraceptives, but more people are dying young. C. People have become more religious. D. Technology, medicine, and food have decreased death rates, but birth rates remain high. E. Nothing; the population has dropped in recent years.
Technology, medicine, and food have decreased death rates, but birth rates remain high
What do researchers hope to accomplish by performing genetic analyses on confiscated ivory? A. They hope to learn more about the extent of inbreeding of elephants in different areas of Africa. B. They hope to determine whether the ivory came from elephants or from seals. C. They hope to determine where the elephants were poached. D. They hope to determine whether possession of the ivory violated international treaties. E. They won't accomplish anything.
They hope to determine where the elephants were poached.
Which of the following is an example of resource partitioning? A. Two species of rodents compete for the same seed resource, and one species causes the other to become extirpated (locally extinct). B. Two male ostriches share a harem of females. C. Two species of birds forage together, with one eating insects on tree trunks while the other eats insects in the outer branches. D. Deer and mountain lions feed on different kinds of food. E. Earthworms feed on organic material in soil, and then robins feed on the earthworms.
Two species of birds forage together, with one eating insects on tree trunks while the other eats insects in the outer branches.
A coyote, which can alter its food intake to match seasonal abundance of plants, fruits, or small animals, is considered to be ________. A. a generalist B. a specialist, able to specialize on whatever is available at the time C. an endemic D. density independent and resource neutral E. herbivorous
a generalist
Proteins are composed of units called ________. A. bases B. amino acids C. sugars D. lipids E. nucleotides
amino acids
What is the best definition of invasive species? A. any species that occurs naturally in an area B. any species that arrives in an area from somewhere else C. an exotic species that spreads widely and changes a community D. a native species that spreads widely and changes a community E. a species that is not alien or exotic to an area
an exotic species that spreads widely and changes a community
The Endangered Species Act, passed by Congress nearly four decades ago, has spawned a continuous series of debates between those who feel the ethical necessity to protect species at the brink of extinction and others who feel that if we have to protect every habitat of every species at risk, then there will be a loss of jobs and a blow to an already shaky economy. This boils down to a conflict between ________. A. economists and environmental scientists B. anthropocentrists and ecocentrists C. universalists and ecofeminists D. relativists and environmental justice advocates E. social scientists and conservationists
anthropocentrists and ecocentrists
All of the following are approaches to reducing eutrophication EXCEPT: A. reducing fertilizer use on farms and lawns. B. using artificial wetlands to filter stormwater and farm runoff. C. planting and maintaining vegetation buffers around ditches and streams that trap nutrient and sediment runoff. D. upgrading stormwater systems to capture runoff from roads and parking lots. E. applying fertilizers to farmland just before heavy rains are predicted.
applying fertilizers to farmland just before heavy rains are predicted.
. Ecosystem services ________. A. contribute to keeping ecosystems productive B. are not necessary to sustainable systems C. are economically valuable services provided by natural systems D. are valuable to natural systems but not to human-created systems E. are required to rebalance natural systems that we have disturbed
are economically valuable services provided by natural systems
A(n) ________ is the smallest component of an element that still maintains the chemical properties of the element. A. molecule B. proton C. nucleus D. atom E. ion
atom
Some organisms, such as plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, produce their own food by absorbing the sun's radiation. These organisms are referred to as ________. A. parasites or heterotrophs B. heterotrophs or consumers C. mutualists or consumers D. autotrophs or producers E. heterotrophs or primary producers
autotrophs or producers
. Which concept describes the inherent love and emotional bond humans have with nature? A. ecotourism B. nature deficit order C. biophilia D. inherent value E. ecosystem dystrophy
biophilia
The loss of a particular population from a given area (but not the entire species globally) is called ________. A. extinction B. extirpation C. emigration D. evolution E. adaptation
extirpation
By definition, parasites ________ their host. A. kill B. are much smaller than C. live on the external surface of D. benefit E. feed on and harm
feed on and harm
That all the energy of the universe remains constant, is conserved, is neither created nor destroyed, but may change form is a statement of the ________. A. law of feedback B. law of systemic connection C. first law of thermodynamics D. law of entropy E. second law of thermodynamics
first law of thermodynamics
The greatest cause of the worldwide loss of species is ________. A. habitat destruction B. anthropogenic activities C. air pollution D. water pollution E. decreased soil nutrients
habitat destruction
Desert and tundra both ________. A. lack keystone species B. have wide temperature variations from season to season C. lack insects D. have relatively low precipitation E. lack shrubs
have relatively low precipitation
In all ecosystems, energy is eventually lost to the environment via ________. A. heat from metabolism B. photosynthesis C. radiation and reflection of light D. matter E. trophic levels
heat from metabolism
A species of lizard has gone extinct. This could be due to any of the following reasons EXCEPT: A. inbreeding. B. habitat destruction by humans. C. introduction of a species that competed for food resources. D. increased genetic diversity within the species. E. climate change.
increased genetic diversity within the species
The relationship between flowering plants and bees is best described as ________. A. predation B. parasitism C. herbivory D. competition E. mutualism
mutualism
A thermostat turning on the furnace as the temperature drops is an example of _______. A. ecotone B. positive feedback loop C. negative feedback loop D. law of conservation of energy E. combined positive and negative feedback loop
negative feedback loop
The total amount of chemical energy that remains after autotrophs use some of the energy to fuel their own metabolism is known as ________. A. gross primary production B. net primary production C. secondary production D. negative secondary production E. positive primary production
net primary production
. The Earth's atmosphere is composed mostly of ________. A. water and carbon dioxide B. oxygen and carbon dioxide C. nitrogen and carbon dioxide D. nitrogen and oxygen E. water and oxygen
nitrogen and oxygen
Sachiko and Fred are having a discussion about the scientific method. Sachiko makes the comment that every time she sees people carrying open umbrellas, she also sees several minor car accidents. This is a(n) ________. A. hypothesis B. theory about umbrellas C. theory about car accidents D. scientific study E. observation
observation
Which is the correct order of the scientific method? A. observation-hypothesis-predictions-testing-results B. hypothesis-observation-testing-predictions-results C. observation-predictions-testing-results-hypothesis D. predictions-observation-hypothesis-testing-results E. hypothesis-observation-predictions-testing-results
observation-hypothesis-predictions-testing-results
The country of Belize depends on lobster for a major portion of its income, along with fishing and tourism. Over the past 30 years, the average size of an individual lobster has dropped, even as increasing numbers of Belizeans buy boats, build lobster traps, and enter the industry. This is an example of ________. A. the problems with monoculture B. habitat alteration C. the effects of pollution D. the results of an invasive species E. overharvesting
overharvesting
The process by which several researchers review another researcher's manuscript prior to publication to ensure research quality is referred to as ________. A. hypothesis testing B. investigative inquiry C. peer review D. quality control E. critical analysis
peer review
. Aquifers are ________. A. large bodies of surface water such as lakes and oceans B. porous rock formations located underground that store groundwater C. moist areas of soils that permit infiltration of nitrogen and phosphorus D. areas where the water table is above ground most of the year E. a source of water largely untapped by agriculture and urban systems
porous rock formations located underground that store groundwater
River water held behind a dam is a form of ________. A. kinetic energy B. potential energy C. chemical energy D. entropy E. thermodynamics
potential energy
Grazing animals such as deer are ________. A. producers B. primary consumers C. secondary consumers D. detritivores E. decomposers
primary consumers
If the climate warms significantly, glaciers may melt, exposing underlying rock. This may lead to ________ in the community. A. primary succession B. secondary succession C. coevolution D. climax E. facilitation
primary succession
The energy content and biomass of ________ is highest in any terrestrial food web. A. top carnivores B. producers C. small carnivores such as spiders and lizards D. detritivores E. decomposers
producers
A(n) ________ is a device designed to remove airborne pollutants from smokestack emissions. A. scrubber B. air filter C. tall stack D. coal washer E. boiler
scrubber
Fish that eat zooplankton would be considered ________. A. producers B. primary consumers C. detritivores D. tertiary consumers E. secondary consumers
secondary consumers
Natural sources of air pollution include ________. A. internal combustion engines B. coal-fired electrical plants C. soil dust, wildfires, and volcanic dust D. evaporation of solvents E. birds
soil dust, wildfires and volcanic dust
Biological nitrogen fixation is carried out by ________. A. pine trees B. specialized bacteria C. mammals D. fungi E. all organisms
specialized bacteria
Microbes in our digestive tract that help us digest food demonstrate a ________ association. A. pathogenic B. homeopathic C. parasitic D. symbiotic E. benthic
symbiotic
Earth's largest pool of nitrogen is ________. A. the biosphere B. the lithosphere C. the hydrosphere D. the atmosphere E. in fossil fuel deposits
the atmosphere
The term demographic transition refers to ________. A. a requirement for a population to reach a specific size before it becomes stable B. the slowing down in the growth of a population as it approaches the carrying capacity C. the decline in death rates followed by decline in birth rates, occurring as a country economically develops D. the decline in death rates followed by a decline in birth rates that occurred because sanitation levels in areas improved E. the slowing down in the growth of a population as it approaches it biocapacity
the decline in death rates followed by decline in birth rates, occurring as a country economically develops
One of the problems that occur as a consequence of chloro fluoro carbon (CFC) pollution is ________. A. increased rates of skin cancer in humans B. increased rates of respiratory irritation and lung cancer C. accelerated damage to human red blood cells D. the movement of toxins into lakes and rivers, poisoning fish E. the eutrophication of waterways
A. increased rates of skin cancer in humans
Photochemical smog differs from industrial smog in that it ________. A. is formed only in the presence of sunlight B. has large quantities of soot C. is primarily composed of carbon monoxide D. consists of primary pollutants E. is an unhealthy mixture of pollutants
A. is formed only in the presence of sunlight
Which of the following may result in a positive feedback mechanism that would intensify climate change? A. Warmer temperatures result in increased evaporation of water, leading to an increase in cloud cover. B. Warmer temperatures result in the melting of permafrost. C. At higher temperatures, trees increase rates of photosynthesis. D. A large volcano emits huge quantities of sulfate aerosols into the atmosphere. E. An increase in rainfall results in increased plant growth.
B. Warmer temperatures result in the melting of permafrost.
All of the following are anthropogenic factors contributing to climate change EXCEPT: A. the combustion of fossil fuels. B. breathing. C. deforestation. D. growing rice. E. raising livestock.
B. breathing.
Global climate change is defined as ________. A. long-term atmospheric conditions B. modifications in Earth's climate C. an increase in Earth's average temperature D. atmospheric gases that absorb infrared radiation E. specific gases that absorb infrared radiation
B. modifications in Earth's climate
Which of the following is an example of an ecological community? A. all of the bears, wolves, elk, moose, aspen trees, lodgepole pine trees, and all other animals and plants in Yellowstone National Park B. all of the wolves in Yellowstone National Park C. all of the lodgepole pine trees in Yellowstone National Park D. all of the bears, wolves, elk, moose, aspen trees, lodgepole pine trees, and all other animals and plants in Yellowstone National Park, plus the geysers, hydrothermal vents, rocks, mountains, and other nonliving features in the park E. all of the employees working at Yellowstone National Park
all of the bears, wolves, elk, moose, aspen trees, lodgepole pine trees, and all other animals and plants in Yellowstone National Park
Animals that are harmed by human modification of the environment tend to have all of the following characteristics EXCEPT: A. being large. B. being a habitat specialist. C. having a small geographic range. D. being a dietary generalist. E. being high on the food chain.
being a dietary generalist.
A population in the postindustrial stage would be expected to have ________. A. birth and death rates at low stable levels B. increasing population size, birth rates, and death rates C. an age-distribution diagram that is pyramidal with a broad base D. a sex ratio skewed in favor of females E. lower birth rates but much higher death rates and environmental impact
birth and death rates at low stable levels
Which of the following are the major factors that determine a population's growth rate? A. adaptation, competition, birth rate, and emigration B. survivorship, natural selection, mutation, and extinction C. birth rate, death rate, emigration, and immigration D. immigration, climate, emigration, and population distribution E. limiting factors, carrying capacity, mutation rate, and inbreeding
birth rate, death rate, emigration, and immigration
Carbon monoxide ________. A. causes ozone depletion B. is a major component of the atmosphere C. blocks oxygen transport in human blood D. is produced by plants during photosynthesis E. is consumed by plants for photosynthesis
blocks oxygen transport in human blood
One example of artificial selection is ________. A. crossing a lion and a tiger to get a sterile animal called a liger B. the process of allopatric speciation C. pet dogs that have gone wild, mate with coyotes, and live in packs D. humans placing a gene for human insulin into a flower E. broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts bred from Brassica oleracea
broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts bred from Brassica oleracea
Phylogenetic trees ________. A. are a threatened species in Costa Rica's Monteverde National Park B. predict future evolutionary trends C. depict the flow of evolutionary change and diversification for a particular group of organisms D. have branches, each of which represents an extinction event E. are usually at odds with fossil evidence
depict the flow of evolutionary change and diversification for a particular group of organisms
Aside from contraception, human society and government policy can ________ to control population growth's negative effects on the environment. A. encourage consumption B. encourage migration C. discourage migration D. discourage equal education, employment, and literacy for women E. discourage population movement into sensitive environmental areas
discourage population movement into sensitive environmental areas
. Ecotourism ________. A. is a reasonable option only in impoverished countries B. decreases biodiversity by causing increased speciation in environmentally sensitive areas C. increases biodiversity by providing income to areas that might otherwise be destroyed D. decreases biodiversity by selling souvenir organisms E. increases biodiversity by introducing new, rare species
increases biodiversity by providing income to areas that might otherwise be destroyed
According to the IPAT model, technology that enhances our acquisition of minerals, fossil fuels, timber, and ocean fish ________. A. increases environmental impact B. decreases environmental impact C. increases population D. increases sensitivity E. decreases sensitivity
increases environmental impact
The most accurate terms describing the trend over the past 50 years for human use of natural resources are ________. A. increasing and unsustainable B. decreasing and sustainable C. steady state, no change D. from unsustainable to sustainable E. rapidly increasing, moving from unsustainable to sustainable
increasing and unsustainable
What does inbreeding depression result in? A. increased population size but decreased individual size B. the population becoming too large for the resource base C. inferior offspring when genetically similar parents mate D. superior offspring when genetically similar parents mate E. increased number and variety of species
inferior offspring when genetically similar parents mate
Which of the following is a pathogen? A. influenza virus B. mosquitoes C. alligator gars D. arthritis E. cancer
influenza virus
The greatest species diversity is found in which of the following groups? A. flowering plants B. fish C. birds D. mammals E. insects
insects
Which of the following best describes the practice of environmental science? A. highly specialized and focused B. integrative and interdisciplinary C. abstract and theoretical D. theoretical and controversial E. elitist and unnecessary
integrative and interdisciplinary
Sustainable development ________. A. ensures an economy that will decline over time B. involves consuming resources without compromising future availability C. is impossible to accomplish D. is beyond our current technology and attitudes E. is possible given our increased use of fertilizers and technology for agriculture
involves consuming resources without compromising future availability
The Coriolis effect ________. A. keeps Earth from spinning too fast B. is caused by the moon C. results in seasonal periods of 24-hour darkness at the poles in winter D. keeps the wind circulating at constant speed around the planet E. is caused by Earth's rotation
is caused by earths rotation
Ecological modeling is most useful for studying ________. A. small isolated microhabitats, where the inputs and outputs are well-studied B. artificial data generated by computers C. how individual species interact with one another D. large complex ecosystems that have many interactions E. the biodiversity in ecosystems
large complex ecosystems that have many interactions
Which of the following are pioneer species? A. lichens B. wolves and mountain lions C. beavers D. aspen trees E. zebra mussels
lichens
Carrying capacity is the ________. A. maximum sustainable population size that a given environment can support B. greatest number of different niches possible in a given area C. potential growth in the number of species in a given area D. limitation on numbers of species in a community E. average number of offspring carried to term by a species
maximum sustainable population size that a given environment can support
Small island nations such as the Maldives are in the international spotlight because they ________. A. may be among the first nations to be completely flooded by rising sea levels B. are accepting climate change refugees from other nations C. have exceeded the emissions reductions set by the Kyoto Protocol D. are the largest emissions producers in their respective areas E. opposed China's proposals for global carbon neutrality at the Copenhagen Conference in 2009
may be among the first nations to be completely flooded by rising sea levels
Heavy rains and mudslides cause a river to change course, isolating two groups of lizards of the same species from one another. Over a long period of time, ________. A. one group will probably become an endemic species B. both groups will probably become native species C. the groups will probably diverge genetically, and speciation may occur D. one or both groups will probably emigrate E. one or both groups will probably become invasive species
the groups will probably diverge genetically, and speciation may occur
At what stage is the United States in the demographic transition model? A. the preindustrial stage B. the transitional stage C. the industrial stage D. the postindustrial stage E. the stability transition stage
the postindustrial stage
In a controlled experiment, ________. A. the researcher has several hypotheses, one of which will be proven correct B. the researcher knows the outcome before beginning the experiment C. the researcher controls for the effects of all variables except one D. the experimental organisms have all been used before and given good results E. you need only a single experimental organism, which is tested again and again
the researcher controls for the effects of all variables except one
A trophic cascade is the effect of ________ on ________. A. detritivores; decomposers B. producers; first-level consumers C. top consumers; one another D. top consumers; lower trophic levels E. flooding; terrestrial ecosystems
top consumers; lower trophic levels
During the ________ stage of the demographic transition model, you would find high birth rates but declining death rates due to increased food production and improved medical care. A. preindustrial B. stabilization C. transitional D. postindustrial E. revolutionary
transitional
Plants release water vapor through their leaves via a process called ________. A. evaporation B. condensation C. transpiration D. percolation E. magnification
transpiration
Weather occurs in the ________. A. stratosphere B. mesosphere C. troposphere D. lithosphere E. biosphere
troposphere
United States citizens have the largest ecological footprint in the world. If everyone on the planet had an ecological footprint the size of the average citizen of the United States, then ________. A. we would have 50% more food to go around B. we would be able to provide for everyone without much difficulty by using the 50% of the land currently not being used for agriculture C. we would need at least two more planet Earths to feed and support everyone D. we could support 50% more people on our planet E. about 50% of the people would starve
we would need at least two more planet Earths to feed and support everyone
A large flock of endemic birds is discovered on a remote island. There appears to be two similar but different kinds of birds within the flock. Which of the following information is most important in deciding whether the two kinds of birds belong to a single species? A. whether both kinds share many physical characteristics B. whether both kinds of males sing similar songs C. whether both kinds mate with one another D. whether the matings between kinds produce viable offspring E. whether both kinds of birds eat the same range of food
whether the matings between kinds produce viable offspring
Nonrenewable natural resources include all of the following EXCEPT: A. coal. B. crude oil. C. minerals. D. wind. E. natural gas.
wind