LSU ENVS 1126 Homework Questions

Most of the world population growth in the near future will be in a. developed countries. b. North America. c. Europe. d. developing countries.

developing countries

Which of the following are products of photosynthesis? a. water and oxygen b. oxygen and sugar c. light and heat d. carbon dioxide and water

oxygen and sugar

Using ice core samples and analyses, researchers have discovered that over the past 800,000 years a. glaciers were greatest when greenhouse gases increased the most. b. the Earth has gradually been warming and sea levels have been rising. c. there is a strong correlation between global temperatures and greenhouse gases. d. atmospheric levels of methane and carbon dioxide have steadily been increasing.

there is a strong correlation between global temperatures and greenhouse gases.

Which of the following items experiences the lowest levels of recycling? a. aluminum containers b. glass containers c. thin plastic grocery bags d. newspapers

thin plastic grocery bags

Radioactive substance A breaks down to substance B with a half-life of 1,000 years. If we start out with eight kilograms of radioactive substance A, how much of those eight kilograms of substance A will remain in 3,000 years? a. 4 kilograms. b. 500 grams. c. 1 kilogram. d. 2 kilograms.

1 kilogram.

In one year, a population of 10,000 people experiences a birth rate of 220 and a death rate of 170 people. The annual percent increase is a. 5% and assumes no immigration and 1% emigration. b. 0.5% and assumes no migration. c. 50% and excludes immigration and emigration. d. 3.9% and includes 5% immigration.

0.5% and assumes no migration.

An average person might consume 2,000 Kilocalories of food in one day. This is enough energy to heat up how many 2-liter bottles of liquid water from 0 degrees Celsius to 100 degrees Celsius (just reaching the boiling point of water, but not turning the water into steam)? a. 5 2-liter bottles b. 10 2-liter bottles c. 20 2-liter bottles d. 1 2-liter bottle

10 2-liter bottles

Acid rain is rain that has been made acidic by pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the air. Rainwater having a pH of 4 is a. 10 times more acidic than pure water. b. 100 times more acidic than pure water. c. 1000 times more acidic than pure water. d. 10,000 times more acidic than pure water. e. 1000 times more basic than pure water.

1000 times more acidic than pure water.

If we only recycled half of the materials that could be recycled of the total MSW of the United States, we could reduce the total volume of MSW by about a. 5%. b. 10%. c. 20% d. 35%.

35%.

Although considerable variation exists around the world, globally the percent of fossil fuels that are used for the primary energy supply is more than a. 80% b. 60% c. 50% d. 35%

80%

A temperature inversion a. is created when the air near the ground is cooler than the air directly above it.. b. is created when a warm air forms a pocket beneath a cool air mass. c. is a weather condition that prevents smog from rising and dissipating in the upper atmosphere. d. A and C e. B and C

A and C

Which one of the following best illustrates consumptive use of a resource? a. A farmer in Indiana shoots a wild turkey for his Thanksgiving dinner. b. A farmer raises 1,000 acres of soybeans in Illinois. c. A fishing vessel hauls in 100 tons of tuna for sale on the open market. d. A shrimp farm in Thailand raises shrimp to sell in China.

A farmer in Indiana shoots a wild turkey for his Thanksgiving dinner.

The very deep roots of many prairie plants that have decomposed over thousands of years have contributed to the high fertility of the a. B horizon of aridisols. b. C horizon of molisols. c. A horizon of molisols. d. C horizon of alfisols.

A horizon of molisols.

We produce carbon dioxide when we a. drive our automobiles. b. heat our houses with oil or gas. c. get energy from the food we eat. d. A and B only e. A, B, and C

A, B, and C

Which of the following represent ecosystems with high average annual net primary productivity? a. Boreal forest, temperate grasslands, and tropical dry deciduous forest b. Estuaries, tundra, lakes, and streams c. Algal beds, reefs, tropical rain forests, swamps, and marshes d. Open ocean and continental shelves

Algal beds, reefs, tropical rain forests, swamps, and marshes

A country with a declining fertility rate below 2.0 a. will be declining in size. b. will be graying. c. is increasingly common in highly developed nations. d. All of the above.

All of the above.

What are the problems associated with the use of solar energy? a. It is diffuse. b. It is mostly not available where it is needed c. May require several chemical transformations to be usable. d. It is intermittent. e. All of the above.

All of the above.

Which of the following is a correlation that is causing widespread concern? a. As atmospheric oxygen levels decline, the ozone layer is being destroyed. b. As atmospheric carbon dioxide levels decline, the ozone layer is being destroyed. c. As levels of carbon dioxide increase, average global temperatures are increasing. d. As levels of methane decline, average global temperatures are increasing.

As levels of carbon dioxide increase, average global temperatures are increasing.

In a region of eastern Washington State known as the Palouse, farmers grow wheat on steep, sloped hills. Which of the following agricultural practices might be of greatest benefit in this region? a. Use of shelterbelts b. Contour strip farming c. Irrigation d. Repeated plowing

Contour strip farming

Which of the following about the scientific name for the American beaver, Castor canadensis, is true? a. Both parts of the name are necessary to designate the American beaver. b. The second part of the name, canadensis, is the genus name of beavers. c. The first part of the name, Castor, is the species name. d. The Eurasian Beaver, Castor fiber, belongs to the same species.

Both parts of the name are necessary to designate the American beaver.

Which one of the following best represents the productive use of a natural resource? a. A man in Colorado burns wood from his property as a source of heat for his home. b. A family on vacation catches trout, which they will enjoy for dinner that evening. c. A woman gathers mushrooms from a forest to sell in the local produce market. d. Deep in the Congo, a person kills a bush pig to feed his family for the next week.

Deep in the Congo, a person kills a bush pig to feed his family for the next week.

Which one of the following terrestrial biomes accounts for the greatest percentage of global surface area? a. Desert b. Coniferous forest c. Savanna d. Tropical rain forest

Desert

The piece of federal legislation that created the Superfund is a. RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) b. CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act) c. CAA (Clean Air Act) d. CWA (Clean Water Act) e. SWDA (Solid Waste Disposal Act)

CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act)

A major federal law aimed at controlling air pollution is the a. Sunshine Maintenance Act. b. National Ambient Air Quality Standards. c. Clean Air Act. d. Air Purification Act. e. Temperature Inversion Abolition Act.

Clean Air Act.

Which one of the following explains why the global fish harvest almost doubled from 1985 to 2010? a. Warmer water temperatures at high latitudes due to climate change b. Implementation of total allowable catch (TAC) quotas in important fisheries c. Dramatic increase in aquaculture production d. Restrictions on bottom trawling, which had previously destroyed benthic habitats

Dramatic increase in aquaculture production

Which one of the following is not involved in maintaining population equilibrium? a. Competition b. Drought c. Food supply d. Predation

Drought

Which of the following statements regarding ozone depletion is FALSE? a. Reduction in ozone concentrations in the stratosphere is predicted to result in increased incidence of skin cancer. b. Each chlorine atom in the stratosphere destroys one ozone molecule. c. The Montreal Protocol is an agreement signed by 92 (184) nations with an aim toward protecting the ozone layer. d. Preliminary studies have correlated ozone loss with increases in uv-B radiation reaching the Earth's surface.

Each chlorine atom in the stratosphere destroys one ozone molecule.

A poacher kills polar bears in Alaska and ships their skins to buyers in Asia. The poacher is most likely in violation of laws that come from the a. World Wildlife Fund and the Alaska Wildlife Alliance. b. National Wildlife Association and Audubon Society. c. Endangered Species Coalition and the Animal Protection Institute. d. Endangered Species Act and Cites.

Endangered Species Act and Cites.

Abandoned agricultural fields in the eastern United States return to deciduous forest. This is an example of primary succession. a. False b. True

False

The number of reactants and products varies in fission and fusion reactions. a. Fusion combines three reactants and yields one atomic product and a release of energy. b. Fusion begins with one reactant and yields two atomic products and a release of energy. c. Fission begins with two reactants and yields one atomic product and a release of energy. d. Fission begins with one reactant and yields two atomic products and a release of energy.

Fission begins with one reactant and yields two atomic products and a release of energy.

When you exercise, you can feel your body getting warmer, perhaps even starting to sweat. Why does exercise make you warmer? a. Your body is using fermentation to produce alcohol, which takes heat to break down. b. Your body is using anaerobic respiration which releases more heat than oxidation. c. Glucose oxidation speeds up during exercise to power muscular activities, and as a byproduct, extra heat is generated. d. More glucose is synthesized requiring additional heat.

Glucose oxidation speeds up during exercise to power muscular activities, and as a byproduct, extra heat is generated.

The ability to feed the growing world population was addressed by the a. Environmental Revolution. b. Industrial Revolution. c. Green Revolution. d. Medical Revolution.

Green Revolution.

THE EXPERIMENT Researchers wanted to determine if pesticide Z was effective at killing grasshoppers that typically invade cornfields. Two ten-acre cornfields located 1 mile apart were chosen. The cornfield to the west was sprayed only with water. The cornfield on the east received the same amount of water with a 10% solution of pesticide Z. Samples of the numbers of grasshoppers in the field were made every week for 10 weeks. RESULTS West field treated only with water:The number of grasshoppers in the west field doubled after ten weeks. East field treated with water and pesticide Z:The number of grasshoppers in the east field declined by 50% after 10 weeks. Based on the result of the experiment, which of the following is the most accurate conclusion? a. East fields are more likely than west fields to have problems with grasshoppers eating corn crops. b. Pesticide Z is a good way to control most insect infestations on fields of corn, wheat, or oats. c. If a cornfield is sprayed with pesticide Z, it will have fewer grasshoppers 10 weeks later. d. Pesticide Z is unable to kill grasshoppers and is not suitable for the use in modern agriculture.

If a cornfield is sprayed with pesticide Z, it will have fewer grasshoppers 10 weeks later.

How has converting forests to mostly paved urban areas changed the streams and rivers in the affected watersheds? a. Flooding has decreased. b. Infiltration shifts to runoff. c. Levels of water flow and pollution have decreased. d. Evaporation has increased.

Infiltration shifts to runoff.

Which of the following terms best describes the practice of environmental science? a. Integrative and interdisciplinary. b. Abstract. c. Highly specialized. d. Theoretical.

Integrative and interdisciplinary.

What is a consequence of niche partitioning by species? a. Species are less able to put energy into reproduction. b. Predator-prey interactions are increased. c. Interspecific competition is decreased. d. Niches between species overlap more. e. Density-independent regulation is decreased

Interspecific competition is decreased.

Which one of the following least represents ecosystem capital? a. Prairies and forests that reduce erosion b. Natural populations of salmon in the oceans c. Introduced species that change ecosystems d. Oil and natural gas reserves buried underground

Introduced species that change ecosystems

Passed in 1900, the most significant legislation to protect wildlife from illegal killing or sale is the a. CITES. b. Lacey Act. c. Endangered Species Act. d. Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act.

Lacey Act.

Which one of the following is the broadest scope of ecological study? a. Ecosystem ecology b. Landscape ecology c. Population ecology d. Community ecology

Landscape ecology

Which one of the following is an example of primary succession? a. Trees reappear on the slopes of Mount St. Helens after the fallout of volcanic ash kills all the above-ground vegetation b. After a forest fire, pine trees grow from seeds that were protected beneath pine needles c. Grasses emerge from the soil after saltwater from a tsunami kills all above-ground vegetation in a meadow d. Lichens appear on basalt rock 50 years after a volcanic eruption on the Big Island of Hawaii

Lichens appear on basalt rock 50 years after a volcanic eruption on the Big Island of Hawaii

The epidemiologic transition is largely a result of the a. Green Revolution. b. Medical Revolution. c. Environmental Revolution. d. Industrial Revolution.

Medical Revolution.

Which of the following is a good example of a biological hazard to public health? a. Rotavirus infections lead to deadly diarrhea in more than a million children each year. b. Chewing tobacco is known to greatly increase the chances of cancer of the mouth and throat. c. Living deep in a forest, the drought increased the chances of a deadly forest fire. d. The use of air bags and safety belts has greatly reduced accidental deaths in moving vehicles.

Rotavirus infections lead to deadly diarrhea in more than a million children each year.

Which of the following farming practices would be expected to produce the least nutrient leaching and thus contribute most to soil sustainability? a. No plowing, drip irrigation, and the use of organic fertilizers b. No plowing, irrigation, and the use of organic fertilizers c. Deep plowing, irrigation, and the use of inorganic fertilizers d. Deep plowing, no irrigation, and the use of inorganic fertilizers

No plowing, drip irrigation, and the use of organic fertilizers

Which one of the following energy sources can rapidly generate the greatest additional power without contributing significantly to global climate change? a. Hydroelectric power b. Geothermal energy c. Solar technologies d. Nuclear energy

Nuclear energy

Which of the following is an example of natural goods from an ecosystem? a. Carbon sequestration b. Control of pest populations c. Ocean fish netted for food d. Pollination

Ocean fish netted for food

Which of the following is a secondary pollutant? a. sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides b. radon and VOC c. carbon monoxide and VOC d. Ozone, PANS, and aldehydes and ketones

Ozone, PANS, and aldehydes and ketones

Terrestrial biomes are groups of ecosystems characterized by similar types of a. Carnivores and herbivores b. Climate and carnivores c. Herbivores and plants d. Plants and climate

Plants and climate

Which of the following can best be classified as "soil constraints"? a. Poor drainage, salinity, and high levels of aluminum b. Cold climate c. Moderate to heavy rainfall d. Low erosion potential and high levels of phosphorus

Poor drainage, salinity, and high levels of aluminum

Which one of the following statements is true? a. R-strategists have low biotic potential and good recruitment most of the time b. R-strategists have high biotic potential and poor recruitment most of the time c. R-strategists have low biotic potential and poor recruitment most of the time d. R-strategists have high biotic potential and good recruitment most of the time

R-strategists have high biotic potential and poor recruitment most of the time

In the United States, the greatest percentage of municipal solid waste that is not put into landfills is a. Burned in waste-to-energy combustion facilities b. Recycled c. Composted

Recycled

Climate moderation is an example of which one of the following kinds of ecosystem services? a. Cultural b. Provisioning c. Regulating d. Supporting

Regulating

The most water can be held within a soil mixture consisting of equal masses of which soil types? a. Sand and silt b. Silt and clay c. Clay and sand d. Small stones and sand

Silt and clay

Which of the following best describes mycorrhizae? a. Symbiotic fungi that increase soil nutrient uptake in plant roots b. Pathogenic soil bacteria and fungi that destroy plant roots c. Important soil millipedes that increase aeration of topsoil d. Common in soils that lack a functional humus

Symbiotic fungi that increase soil nutrient uptake in plant roots

Someone who argues that every species has a right to exist, undisturbed, on this planet is arguing for the a. institutional value of life. b. economic value of life. c. intrinsic value of life. d. finite value of life.

intrinsic value of life.

Over the past 40 years, human well-being has been steadily improving, while natural ecosystems, from which we derive many goods and services, have been declining. Which one of the following does not help to explain this so-called environmentalist's paradox? a. The measurements of human well-being have been flawed; it is actually declining. b. Food production, a crucial ecosystem service that has been enhanced, outweighs the effects of declines in other ecosystem services. c. Human technology, such as irrigation and synthetic fertilizers, makes us less dependent on ecosystem services. d. There is a time lag between ecosystem decline and human well-being; the worst is yet to come.

The measurements of human well-being have been flawed; it is actually declining.

THE EXPERIMENT Researchers wanted to determine if pesticide Z was effective at killing grasshoppers that typically invade cornfields. Two ten-acre cornfields located 1 mile apart were chosen. The cornfield to the west was sprayed only with water. The cornfield on the east received the same amount of water with a 10% solution of pesticide Z. Samples of the numbers of grasshoppers in the field were made every week for 10 weeks. RESULTS West field treated only with water:The number of grasshoppers in the west field doubled after ten weeks. East field treated with water and pesticide Z:The number of grasshoppers in the east field declined by 50% after 10 weeks. Which field was the control group? a. The west field was the control group. b. There were no controls in this experiment. c. Both fields were controls for one another. d. The east field was the control group.

The west field was the control group.

In the past 40 years, pesticide use has tripled yet pests still cause extensive damage to crops. Why has this increased use of pesticides not been more effective? a. The pesticides in use today are much less powerful due to government regulations. b. The pesticides available are no longer suited for the most common types of pests. c. Increases in ultraviolet radiation and global warming break down pesticides faster. d. The widespread use of pesticides has resulted in the evolution of pesticide resistant pests.

The widespread use of pesticides has resulted in the evolution of pesticide resistant pests.

Which of the following about Bt crops is true? a. They are GM plants that incorporate the gene for producing a potent bacterially produced insecticide. b. They produce chemicals that interfere with the molting of insect pests. c. They should always be planted in pure stands to reduce the chance of Bt resistant pests. d. They produce chemicals that are similar to insect pheromones, interrupting pest mating cycles.

They are GM plants that incorporate the gene for producing a potent bacterially produced insecticide.

A zookeeper arrives at work and begins her day by filling up the coffeemaker with tap water. Washing some vegetables off in a sink, she prepares meals for the monkeys. Later in the day, she washes down the animals' enclosures into the zoo's sewage system and sprinkles the water onto plants growing in a nearby garden. What did the zookeeper do that represents a consumptive use of water? a. Using water to wash food b. Using water for the garden c. Using tap water for coffee d. Using water to clean out a cage

Using water for the garden

The forms of renewable energy that currently account for the greatest amount of electricity production in the United States are a. Wind and biomass b. Solar photovoltaic and biomass c. Hydroelectric and solar photovoltaic d. Wind and hydroelectric

Wind and hydroelectric

If the radiation you received from your x-ray does pose a health risk, how can this radiation cause the greatest harm? a. Your nerves in the irradiated region may have been killed, causing you to lose sensation and control. b. Your DNA in cells that were radiated may be damaged. c. Most of the cells in the irradiated region were heated and killed by the x-ray energy. d. Enough of your blood cells in the irradiated region may have been killed to make you sick.

Your DNA in cells that were radiated may be damaged.

Some milk becomes contaminated with mercury. If each of the following people consume 16 ounces of this contaminated milk each day for a month, who will most likely be impacted by this poison? a. an 82-year-old woman b. a fetus inside a mother who drinks this contaminated milk c. a 12-year-old girl d. a 51-year-old man

a fetus inside a mother who drinks this contaminated milk

Nina got a new baby turtle from a friend and is told to feed it worms. For the first few months, the turtle seemed to grow well. But as time passed, the turtle's shell appeared soft and fragile. Someone suggested that the turtle might not be getting enough calcium in its diet. If this is true for this turtle, dietary calcium is a. a limiting factor. b. a natural environmental stressor. c. a habitat condition. d. an environmental condition.

a limiting factor.

In 1910, President Theodore Roosevelt said "I recognize the right and duty of this generation to develop and use the natural resources of our land; but I do not recognize the right to waste them, or to rob, by wasteful use, the generations that come after us." His message best reflects a. an argument against sustainable agriculture. b. a philosophy in conflict with Rachel Carson's. c. an argument for economic growth. d. a plea for good stewardship.

a plea for good stewardship.

The grasshopper population in a prairie is limited in large part by the number of birds in the region. Following a terrible storm that killed many of the birds, the grasshopper population exhibits exponential growth (J-curve). This happens because the grasshoppers experienced a. a new biotic potential with steady environmental resistance. b. a new biotic potential with decreased environmental resistance. c. a steady biotic potential but decreased environmental resistance. d. a decreased biotic potential and decreased environmental resistance.

a steady biotic potential but decreased environmental resistance.

Which one of the following is most associated with an air-pollution disaster? a. high winds b. a temperature inversion c. increased industrial production d. shutdown of a power plant

a temperature inversion

Which of the following is a uniquely human trait? a. potential for rapid population growth b. ability to regulate our reproduction c. communication between members of a species d. storage of food during cold or dry periods

ability to regulate our reproduction

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the greatest current water-pollution challenge in the United States is illustrated by a. sewage-treatment effluent. b. agricultural runoff. c. fluids released from oil wells. d. discharge of substances from factories.

agricultural runoff.

Factors that determine the level of local air pollution include a. the amount of pollutants entering the air. b. the volume of air into which the pollutants are dispersed. c. the mechanisms that remove pollutants from the air. d. the rate of movement of local air masses. e. all of the above

all of the above

The most widespread and serious pollutant(s) of the atmosphere include a. suspended particulates. b. volatile organic compounds. c. carbon monoxide. d. nitrogen oxides. e. all of the above

all of the above

Many strategies have been used to control leafy spurge, including the deliberate introduction of different species of flea beetles that feed on leafy spurge. Each flea beetle female may lay about 200 eggs in her only year of life. In places where flea beetle introductions have quickly established large populations that have grown and stabilized, the population growth of these beetles most likely looked like a. an S-shaped curve. b. a J-shaped curve. c. an upside down U-curve. d. a straight increasing line.

an S-shaped curve.

Arriving at the hotel for the meeting, a woman decides to get a workout in the pool. Upon stepping into the pool area, she quickly finds it difficult to breathe because of the high levels of chlorine in the air above the pool. This woman is experiencing a. a lethal reaction to the chlorine in the air. b. a chronic reaction to the chlorine in the air. c. an acute reaction to the chlorine in the air. d. a carcinogenic reaction to the chlorine in the air.

an acute reaction to the chlorine in the air.

A city is considering the location of its next landfill. According to EPA requirements for new landfills, the city should consider a. a region near an airport. b. a region prone to earthquakes. c. a low swampy region near a river. d. an elevated region above the water table.

an elevated region above the water table.

The five main revolutions of human history have all resulted in a. an increase in human carrying capacity. b. increased need for transportation. c. a reduction in the spread of disease. d. a greater reliance upon fossil fuels.

an increase in human carrying capacity.

Which of the following processes requires an oxygen-free environment and produces large volumes of methane that can be used for fuel? a. pasteurization b. composting c. centrifugation d. anaerobic digestion

anaerobic digestion

Energy policies that promote the use of renewable-energy resources a. and efficiency will automatically reduce the generation of greenhouse gases. b. hurt the poorest families and discourage economic growth in developing countries. c. and oil and gas exploration are the most promising ways to address global climate change. d. increase the demand for fossil fuels and require the importation of oil to most countries.

and efficiency will automatically reduce the generation of greenhouse gases.

Current levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide are a. remaining high but steady. b. approximately 400 ppm, higher than they have been in 800,000 years. c. fluctuating greatly but are starting to increase again after a downward trend in the 1990s. d. decreasing because surplus carbon dioxide is being absorbed by the arctic permafrost.

approximately 400 ppm, higher than they have been in 800,000 years.

Japan's 55 nuclear power plants are susceptible to tsunami damage because they a. do not shut down either in response to the earthquakes or tsunamis. b. fail to meet basic structural criteria for safety. c. are all located along coastlines for easy access to coolant water. d. use nuclear fuels that are water soluble.

are all located along coastlines for easy access to coolant water.

Regulating and cultural services provided by natural ecosystems a. are public goods usually provided by markets. b. include goods such as fresh water, wild foods, and livestock. c. typically have the highest economic value of any components of ecosystems. d. are essential but more difficult to value in monetary terms.

are essential but more difficult to value in monetary terms.

In which of the following regions would we most expect to find industrial smog? a. in southern Florida in high tourist regions along the beaches b. in a farming region that primarily produces either cotton, soybeans, or corn c. around an industrial town that burns coal to generate electricity and make steel d. around a city that primarily relies on nuclear energy and public transportation

around an industrial town that burns coal to generate electricity and make steel

The population of game fish in a lake is under heavy fishing pressure. If too many fish are caught, the population will crash and future years of fishing will suffer. The game fish can exhibit logistic growth under certain circumstances. Assuming logistic growth, it would be best to manage this game fish population by permitting the harvesting of just enough fish to keep the game fish population a. above its carrying capacity. b. at 10% of its carrying capacity. c. at its full carrying capacity. d. at 50% its carrying capacity.

at 50% its carrying capacity.

When a single species evolves into two species, the new species must a. evolve different diets. b. be reproductively isolated. c. be exposed to the same selective pressures. d. live on a different continent.

be reproductively isolated.

Some lakes have river and stream tributaries but no outlet, losing water mainly through evaporation. Over time, we expect that such lakes will a. become deeper. b. increase their fishing productivity. c. be good sources of drinking water. d. become saltier.

become saltier.

A large tank truck carrying crude oil turns over on a major interstate highway, spilling its oil onto the grass at the edge of the road. To remove much of the oil from the soil, oxygen and special bacteria that consume oil are added to the soil. This form of cleanup illustrates a. bioremediation. b. phytoremediation. c. hydroponic intervention. d. remediation by incineration.

bioremediation.

Some birds have been seen to consume certain soils in what is called geophagy. In some cases, the soils help the birds digest toxins that occur in their diets. These birds eating soil represent a member of the a. biosphere consuming a component of the lithosphere. b. lithosphere consuming a component of the biosphere. c. atmosphere consuming a component of the hydrosphere. d. hydrosphere consuming a component of the atmosphere.

biosphere consuming a component of the lithosphere.

A recent study indicated that more than 61% of human pathogens are zoonotic, meaning that they a. can infect any animal species. b. originate in humans and spread to various species of animals. c. can be transmitted between animals and humans. d. are invariably fatal in animals but can cause serious illness in humans.

can be transmitted between animals and humans.

With few exceptions, inorganic compounds do not have a. hydrogen-nitrogen bonds or carbon-oxygen bonds. b. potassium-sodium bonds or hydrogen-chlorine bonds. c. nitrogen-oxygen bonds or carbon-oxygen bonds. d. carbon-hydrogen bonds or carbon-carbon bonds.

carbon-hydrogen bonds or carbon-carbon bonds.

On land, the carbon used today in photosynthesis to form carbon atoms of plant tissues is mostly returned to the air because of a. erosion, decay, and general weathering. b. cellular respiration in plants, animals, and organisms in the soil. c. additional photosynthesis in the same plants. d. plate tectonics.

cellular respiration in plants, animals, and organisms in the soil.

One effective oil cleanup strategy used in the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill was a. chemical dispersal using dispersants in offshore water. b. fertilization of offshore water. c. sedimentation with sand. d. burning the oil slicks.

chemical dispersal using dispersants in offshore water.

Some of the most toxic organic compounds, widely used in plastics, pesticides, and solvents, are the a. heavy metals. b. chlorinated hydrocarbons. c. sulfated hydrocarbons. d. radioactive hydrocarbons.

chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Pollutants whose impact on human health is to cause a gradual deterioration of several physiological processes are said to be a. chronic. b. acute. c. carcinogenic. d. radioactive. e. none of the above

chronic.

About 100 meters downstream of a sewage discharge outlet we would expect to find a. cloudy water, low levels of oxygen, and few, if any, fish. b. cloudy water, high levels of oxygen, and abundant fish. c. clear water, low levels of oxygen, and few, if any, fish. d. clear water, high levels of oxygen, and abundant fish.

cloudy water, low levels of oxygen, and few, if any, fish.

The major fossil fuels differ in the amount of carbon dioxide they emit into the atmosphere when burned. From worst to least, these are a. coal, natural gas, and oil. b. coal, oil, and natural gas. c. oil, natural gas, and coal. d. natural gas, oil, and coal.

coal, oil, and natural gas.

In the United States from the Civil War to World War II, the most important fuel was a. natural gas. b. coal. c. wood. d. oil.

coal.

As sun shines on its leaves, a bean plant uses the light in photosynthesis to make beans. This entire process represents, in this sequence, the a. generation, collection, and conversion of energy. b. conversion, collection, and storage of energy. c. collection, conversion, and storage of energy. d. storage of energy, collection, and conversion.

collection, conversion, and storage of energy.

Compared to a person in a developed country, a person in a developing country is about eight times more likely to die from a. cancer. b. communicable diseases. c. injuries. d. cardiovascular disease.

communicable diseases.

Which one of the following best illustrates a type of mitigation in response to global climate change? a. using natural gas instead of coal to generate electricity b. constructing and using wind turbines to generate electricity c. using scrubbers to remove sulfur from coal before burning it to generate electricity d. using coal-generated electricity to power electric cars

constructing and using wind turbines to generate electricity

Transgenic plants are generally different from traditional hybrid plants produced hundreds of years ago, because transgenic plants may a. contain genes from animals or bacteria. b. contain synthetic DNA or genes. c. have new traits not found in their ancestral species. d. not be used as sources of human food.

contain genes from animals or bacteria.

Blood lead levels in children between 1996 and 2012 have a. increased steadily despite EPA and CDC programs to eliminate lead from the environment. b. continued to decrease as exposure to lead has been reduced. c. remained about the same. d. increased in rural areas but declined in urban areas with heave vehicular traffic.

continued to decrease as exposure to lead has been reduced.

The location of deserts in the northern and southern regions of Africa are best explained by understanding a. convective air movement in Hadley cells. b. how mountains affect precipitation patterns. c. the affect of oceans on adjacent land masses. d. global climate change.

convective air movement in Hadley cells.

Over the past 12,000 years, the greatest loss of biological wealth has resulted from the a. extraction of oil and mineral from reserves buried deeply underground. b. movement of human products down rivers and across oceans. c. conversion of natural ecosystems to modern agriculture. d. use of deep aquifers, lakes, and rivers as sources of freshwater.

conversion of natural ecosystems to modern agriculture.

Fission and fusion reactions a. convert the mass of the nuclear materials to energy. b. invest energy to generate nuclear materials. c. convert energy to the mass of the nuclear materials. d. release energy without a change in the mass of the nuclear materials.

convert the mass of the nuclear materials to energy.

We expect the highest relative humidity on a soccer field during the summer on a a. hot afternoon during a drought. b. hot afternoon following a heavy rain. c. cool evening after a heavy rain. d. cool evening during a drought.

cool evening after a heavy rain.

In general, fertility rates a. decrease as per capita income decreases. b. increase as per capita income increases. c. decrease as per capita income increases. d. are unrelated to per capita income.

decrease as per capita income increases.

The decline of the polar ice caps because of increasing temperatures at the poles will a. increase the amount of fresh water available for human use. b. decrease the largest reserve of fresh water on Earth. c. increase the amount of fresh water available in aquifers. d. decrease global sea levels.

decrease the largest reserve of fresh water on Earth.

Many Thailand shrimp farms have been built in mangrove wetlands. Therefore, overall, the ecosystem capital in this particular region has a. increased because of the investment in this shrimp industry. b. decreased because the value of the shrimp farm is less than 10% of the value of services provided by the intact mangrove wetland. c. increased because the shrimp farm decreases the need to harvest wild populations of shrimp. d. decreased because on average, the shrimp farm provides more valuable services than the original wetland for only 50 years.

decreased because the value of the shrimp farm is less than 10% of the value of services provided by the intact mangrove wetland.

Threatened and endangered species receive special protection from human activities such as hunting and habitat destruction because these activities are a. density dependent. b. density independent. c. anthropogenic. d. cyclical.

density independent.

Future biodiversity loss will be greatest in the _____ world, because _____. a. tropics; there are already very few species present b. developed; human populations are growing rapidly c. developed; humans have paved over most wild areas d. developing; people are very poor and have high population growth rates

developing; people are very poor and have high population growth rates

Cattle and termites both have symbiotic microorganisms living in their digestive tracts that help these animals by a. digesting cellulose. b. producing oxygen. c. releasing kilocalories. d. producing large organic molecules.

digesting cellulose.

The statement, Water can be a poison, is an example of a. no agent has a single effect b. the water quality of the Baton Rouge Public Water System c. dose makes the poison d. a sensitive population e. toxicology is an empirical science

dose makes the poison

Initial testing on mice indicates that a new food coloring is a carcinogen. Now the researchers hope to examine the effects of different concentrations of the carcinogen on mice, in a type of a. exposure assessment. b. dose-response assessment. c. hazard assessment. d. risk characterization.

dose-response assessment.

The amount of land and ocean needed to provide the resources for one person and absorb his/her wastes defines the a. ecological footprint. b. carbon footprint. c. demographic impression. d. resource capacity.

ecological footprint.

On a vacation, you spend much of the day walking along the water's edge on an ocean beach soaking up the sun. The place where you are walking is a good example of a(n ) a. biome. b. population. c. ecotone. d. landscape.

ecotone.

Although hydroelectric dams generate electricity without producing greenhouse gases, they a. alter water control in ways that make it more difficult to irrigate crops. b. are only able to contribute to about 5% of the electrical power throughout the world. c. eliminate farmland and wildlife habitats in the regions that are flooded. d. are short-lived structures that have to be rebuilt about every 20 years.

eliminate farmland and wildlife habitats in the regions that are flooded.

The Millennium Development Goals focus on a. international efforts to increase the economic development of the most impoverished countries. b. ending extreme poverty and hunger all over the world. c. the separate continents of the world, with each continent coordinating the efforts of its countries. d. matters of health, reducing the spread of disease, and promoting diet and nutrition.

ending extreme poverty and hunger all over the world.

At an international conference on global climate change, a representative of a developing country admits that each year, his country contributes the same amount of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere as the United States. However, he argues that because his country has only 10% of the wealth of the United States, the United States should pay much more of the costs of adaptation. This representative's arguments illustrate the a. polluter pays principle. b. precautionary principle. c. equity principle. d. conservation of the commons principle.

equity principle.

Water in the oceans may become freshwater that is available to humans through the processes of a. transpiration, purification, and precipitation. b. precipitation and infiltration. c. condensation and infiltration. d. evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Although unusually high, extinction rates may be a. declining because fewer species are becoming threatened worldwide. b. even higher because of intense predation in many grassland ecosystems. c. declining because of overestimates of some groups in some ecosystems. d. even higher because of the loss of tropical forests.

even higher because of the loss of tropical forests.

Plants such as leafy spurge can double their population size every year in part because of their efficient production of large amounts of seeds. Populations that can double every year, such as leafy spurge, a. exhibit exponential growth as they spread to new regions. b. exhibit constant growth, increasing by the same amount every year. c. can do so endlessly, eventually covering all of the land on Earth. d. exhibit a state of equilibrium when they are spreading.

exhibit exponential growth as they spread to new regions.

Some beetles escape from a ship and fly to a small island covered with grass but with no trees or beetle predators. As the beetles feed, they destroy all the grasses. But with abundant food, the beetle population soars, doubling in size every month. After about a year, the population crashes as thousands of beetles have destroyed almost all of the plants and there is little left to feed the large population. This scenario best illustrates a. a population that has stabilized near its carrying capacity. b. constant growth followed by equilibrium. c. logistic growth ending at its carrying capacity. d. exponential growth followed by a population crash.

exponential growth followed by a population crash.

Which problem today is primarily the result of the Industrial Revolution? a. extensive air and water pollution b. decline in quality of agricultural soil c. increased transmission of disease between people living in close proximity d. erosion from deforestation as more fuel wood is harvested

extensive air and water pollution

Which of the following activities is most directly related to the dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico just west of the Mississippi River? a. extensive shrimp fishing b. farming in the Midwest c. burning coal to generate electricity in the Midwest d. barge traffic on the Mississippi River

farming in the Midwest

In general, a. food chains consist of many interrelated food webs. b. food webs usually consists of 8-10 trophic levels. c. food chains are interconnected to form food webs. d. food webs consist of either consumers or producers.

food chains are interconnected to form food webs.

The most productive systems on land are a. natural prairies. b. tundra. c. forests. d. grasslands.

forests.

Compared to the generation of electricity using coal, nuclear power a. contributes more to global climate change. b. will run out of fuel in about 40 years. c. generates no sulfur dioxide but more carbon dioxide emissions. d. generates no sulfur dioxide or carbon dioxide emissions.

generates no sulfur dioxide or carbon dioxide emissions.

Developing a new form of ecological pest control, researchers engineer crops to produce the pheromones of the pest. The crops now produce the pest pheromone, overwhelming the fields and causing the male pests to fail to find a mate. This new form of ecological pest control combines a. natural enemies and cultural control. b. cultural and natural enemies control. c. genetic and cultural control. d. genetic and natural chemical control.

genetic and natural chemical control.

All scientific investigations are initially founded upon A. good experiments. B. good observations. C. multiple hypotheses, some of which are unanswerable. D. an already accepted theory.

good experiments.

Using the IPAT formula, which of the following would most likely reduce the environmental impact of a society? a. construction of industrial plants by wealthy nations to draw on cheaper labor b. greater use of birth control by most members of a society c. increased use of electricity and natural gas by most members of a society d. the discovery of large reserves of fossil fuels within a nation's borders

greater use of birth control by most members of a society

Given the history of biomagnification of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), in British Columbia ecosystems, we would expect to find the highest concentrations of POPs in a. water in the oceans. b. algae in the oceans. c. salmon living in the oceans. d. grizzly bears that eat the salmon from the oceans.

grizzly bears that eat the salmon from the oceans.

The greatest potential pollution and public health problem resulting from the use of landfills in Florida is related to a. methane production. b. settling. c. incomplete decomposition. d. groundwater contamination.

groundwater contamination.

The greatest threats to groundwater supplies are a. increased evaporation and increased precipitation. b. groundwater pollution and depletion. c. evapotranspiration and runoff. d. global warming and the construction of dams.

groundwater pollution and depletion.

The acronym HIPPO identifies the five major factors contributing to extinction today. These are a. humans, invasive species, periodic climate changes, pollution, and overexploitation. b. habitat destruction, invasive species, pollution, population, and overexploitation. c. housing, immigration, people, pollution, and overproduction. d. hunting, immigration, people, population, and outsourcing.

habitat destruction, invasive species, pollution, population, and overexploitation.

In general, the global reliance on nuclear power to generate electricity a. has doubled in the last decade. b. has remained steady since about 1978. c. has gradually increased at about 3% a year for the last decade. d. has declined annually since 1987.

has gradually increased at about 3% a year for the last decade.

Over the past 30 years in the United States, nuclear power production a. has declined from nearly 100 to now about 70 reactors. b. has remained steady at around 100 reactors. c. has increased by more than 200%. d. has increased by 50%.

has remained steady at around 100 reactors.

Thailand has experienced a dramatic drop in fertility rate, increased per capita income and an increase in life expectancy between 1960 and 2005. These are all signs that Thailand a. has undergone demographic transition. b. will see a surge in population growth. c. probably has a low literacy rate among women. d. is in the grip of the poverty-population trap.

has undergone demographic transition.

Risk in environmental health is most related to a. hazards. b. vulnerability. c. hazards multiplied by vulnerability. d. hazards or vulnerability.

hazards multiplied by vulnerability.

You are a newly appointed advisor in a government project to help move a developing country forward economically. With limited financial resources and staffing, which of the following would be your highest priority? a. create new businesses by partnering with developed nations b. build up the ports of the country to increase the ability to import and export products c. help the government promote family planning throughout the country d. shift the focus of agriculture to that which will produce the highest yields of nutritious foods

help the government promote family planning throughout the country

The trickling-filter system and the activated-sludge system both require a. high levels of oxygen. b. high levels of carbon dioxide. c. the addition of large amounts of chlorine. d. the addition of large amounts of ammonia.

high levels of oxygen.

a device that converts chemical potential energy into electrical energy. The products of the reaction in the cell are water, electricity, and heat.

hydrogen (fuel) cell

A hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell uses a. hydrogen and water and generates electricity and oxygen. b. carbon dioxide and water and generates electricity and hydrogen. c. hydrogen and water and generates electricity, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. d. hydrogen and oxygen and generates electricity and water.

hydrogen and oxygen and generates electricity and water.

In our natural environment, a. hydrogen is most abundant combined with oxygen. b. hydrogen is most abundant combined with carbon. c. hydrogen gas is more abundant than carbon dioxide. d. there is very little hydrogen in any form.

hydrogen is most abundant combined with oxygen.

The kinetic energy of water is at its lowest when a. rain forms. b. water evaporates. c. water percolates through soil. d. ice forms.

ice forms.

Advocates of the Precautionary Principle as it applies to biosafety of GM organisms feel that a. no nation has the right to deny the importation of products. b. if there is the possibility of negative consequences, selling GM crop products should not be encouraged. c. testing the safety of bioengineered organisms is not realistic. d. science should not be allowed to be used to direct government policy.

if there is the possibility of negative consequences, selling GM crop products should not be encouraged.

Saltwater intrusion occurs a. when flooding occurs in large areas of surface water. b. in coastal regions where the water table is falling. c. when surface water seeps into groundwater. d. in coastal regions where the water table remains high.

in coastal regions where the water table is falling.

The greatest worldwide use of water is a. by industry. b. by human consumption. c. in washing and flushing toilets. d. in irrigation.

in irrigation.

Current photovoltaic technology uses sunlight to generate electricity a. in just one step. b. in the process of microfusion. c. by heating up water and using microscopic hydroturbines. d. while generating small amounts of methane for use as a fuel in other applications.

in just one step.

Given the problems of inconsistent winds, the best place to position new wind turbines would be a. in deserts, where few man-made structures are located. b. along rivers and streams, where there is less human interference. c. in offshore locations where winds are more consistent. d. along railroad tracks, where there are few trees.

in offshore locations where winds are more consistent.

The most dramatic temperature shifts in the past few decades have been a. on land near the equator. b. in the oceans nearest the equator. c. in the north polar region. d. in the innermost regions of the North American and African continents.

in the north polar region.

Which of the following is a major anthropogenic source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)? a. coal-fired electrical generating plants b. agricultural fertilizers c. incompletely combusted fossil fuels from vehicle exhaust d. nuclear power plants

incompletely combusted fossil fuels from vehicle exhaust

Adding fertilizer to most aquatic systems results in a. increased growth of phytoplankton and hypoxic conditions. b. increased growth of phytoplankton and hyperoxic conditions. c. decreased growth of phytoplankton and hypoxic conditions. d. decreased growth of phytoplankton and hyperoxic conditions.

increased growth of phytoplankton and hypoxic conditions.

Rising GHGs in the 21st century most confidently predict a. increases in global temperatures and sea levels. b. decreases in polar temperatures but increases in sea levels. c. decreases in sea levels but increases in polar temperatures. d. increases in ocean pH and increases in sea levels.

increases in global temperatures and sea levels.

Enrichment of nuclear fuel a. increases the relative concentration of uranium-235 to only 3-5% to avoid a nuclear explosion at higher percentages. b. decreases the relative concentration of uranium-235 to 30-50% to avoid a nuclear explosion at higher percentages. c. decreases the relative concentration of uranium-235 to only 3-5% to avoid a nuclear explosion at higher percentages. d. increases the relative concentration of uranium-235 to 30-50% to avoid a nuclear explosion at higher percentages.

increases the relative concentration of uranium-235 to only 3-5% to avoid a nuclear explosion at higher percentages.

The causes of mortality differ greatly between developing and developed countries. In developing countries, a high proportion of mortality is caused by a. infectious disease while in the developed world, most deaths are related to crime. b. poor nutrition while in the developed world, infectious disease causes most deaths. c. wars and accidents while in the developed world, most deaths are related to infectious disease. d. infectious disease while in the developed world, most deaths are related to voluntary behaviors.

infectious disease while in the developed world, most deaths are related to voluntary behaviors.

Unlike most species, human population ecology must also include consideration of the a. ability of humans to construct safe places to live. b. impact of severe weather on human health and safety. c. interactions of the global human population. d. impact of infectious disease on mortality.

interactions of the global human population.

The fecal indicator microbes test is used to determine if the water being tested a. is acidic or basic. b. is contaminated with human sewage. c. has high levels of heavy metal in the water being tested. d. has high levels of radioactive materials.

is contaminated with human sewage.

When a windmill turns to generate electricity, the amount of kinetic energy input in the process a. is less than the amount of electrical energy produced. b. is more than the amount of electrical energy produced. c. is unrelated to the amount of electrical energy produced. d. equals the amount of electrical energy produced.

is more than the amount of electrical energy produced.

Ozone in the UPPER atmosphere a. is a pollutant. b. is necessary to screen out ultraviolet radiation. c. is necessary to maintain the temperature of the Earth. d. is necessary to maintain ocean circulation. e. none of the above

is necessary to screen out ultraviolet radiation.

The information of an energy pyramid reveals that for human food choices, a. consumers at lower trophic levels do not have as much energy and biomass as consumers at higher trophic levels. b. it is more expensive and less efficient to get most of your dietary calories from meats. c. it is more expensive and less efficient to get most of your dietary calories from grains. d. consumers at higher trophic levels are usually more abundant than consumers at lower trophic levels.

it is more expensive and less efficient to get most of your dietary calories from meats.

China's one-child policy was adopted because a. there were too few jobs and too many people. b. it was clear the nation could not live within the limit of its resources if the population continued to grow. c. the fertility rate was too low and the nation needed more people to populate vacant lands. d. contagious disease was rampant in the 1970s and fewer people meant less contagion.

it was clear the nation could not live within the limit of its resources if the population continued to grow.

The Dust Bowl in the United States in the 1930s was caused primarily by a. planting grains in soils that could support only leaf crops sustainably. b. attempts to farm areas with desert-like climate and thin topsoil. c. lack of enforcement of the soil conservation provisions of the 1862 Homestead Act. d. lack of any soil conservation practices, continuous cropping, coupled with natural drought.

lack of any soil conservation practices, continuous cropping, coupled with natural drought.

Which one of the following is characteristic of a K-selected species? a. production of large numbers of offspring b. short life span c. fast reproductive rate d. large body size

large body size

Regions where humans produce high levels of aerosols and dust will most likely experience a. more rainfall, decreased soil nutrients, and increased solar radiation to the Earth's surface. b. less rainfall, increased solar radiation to the Earth's surface, and higher temperatures. c. more rainfall, increased soil nutrients, and reduced solar radiation to the Earth's surface. d. less rainfall, reduced solar radiation to the Earth's surface, and cooler temperatures.

less rainfall, reduced solar radiation to the Earth's surface, and cooler temperatures.

Which of the following is a natural soil buffer that is abundant in the midwestern United States and helps to reduce the amount of acidification of lakes in that region? a. granite b. limestone c. sand and gravel d. mosses and algae in the soil

limestone

Which rock type is most effective at buffering acid precipitation? a. granite b. limestone c. sandstone d. clay-rich rocks e. loam

limestone

The recent Cairo and Stockholm population conferences in 1994 and 2014 found widespread agreement that the greatest way to help developing countries was to a. improve their agricultural productivity. b. limit their population growth through improving women's health and education. c. increase their use of modern medicine. d. limit their environmental degradation.

limit their population growth through improving women's health and education.

Endemic species are a. usually the dominant species within an ecosystem. b. widely distributed, found especially on large continents. c. limited to just one habitat. d. secure groups that show the least risk of extinction.

limited to just one habitat.

Anaerobic conditions will most likely be generated in a natural water system with a. high levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) that is contaminated by pollutants with high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) values. b. low levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) that is contaminated by pollutants with high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) values. c. high levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) that is contaminated by pollutants with low biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) values. d. low levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) that is contaminated by pollutants with low biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) values.

low levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) that is contaminated by pollutants with high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) values

In general, humans can harvest renewable resources of plants and animals at sustainable levels because a. new species are always evolving to take the place of those that are harvested. b. ecosystems continue to change with new species replacing those that have been harvested. c. people naturally harvest organisms only after they have had a chance to reproduce. d. organisms naturally produce many more offspring than are needed to maintain their populations.

organisms naturally produce many more offspring than are needed to maintain their populations.

Anaerobic conditions will most likely be generated in a natural water system with a. high levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) that is contaminated by pollutants with high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) values. b. low levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) that is contaminated by pollutants with high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) values. c. high levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) that is contaminated by pollutants with low biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) values. d. low levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) that is contaminated by pollutants with low biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) values.

low levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) that is contaminated by pollutants with high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) values.

The Hubbert peak accurately predicted a. maximum U.S. oil consumption in 1972. b. maximum U.S. oil consumption continuing to climb through today. c. maximum U.S. oil production about 1970. d. maximum U.S. oil production about 1995.

maximum U.S. oil production about 1970.

The total allowable catch of a marine fish used for human food would be determined by calculating the a. carrying capacity of all species in the environment. b. minimum sustainable yield. c. maximum sustainable yield. d. maximum consumptive use.

maximum sustainable yield.

Global warming is raising sea levels because of a. melting ice and thermal expansion. b. ocean basins compressed by continental drift. c. greatly increased precipitation. d. increased use of irrigation and drainage of wetlands on land.

melting ice and thermal expansion.

A greenhouse gas which is produced in the stomachs of ruminant animals and is increasing in concentrations in the troposphere is a. CFCs. b. carbon dioxide. c. methane. d. nitrous oxide. e. carbon monoxide.

methane.

The Neolithic Revolution is most clearly seen in human culture today in our use of a. modern agriculture to raise food crops. b. furs from trapped wild animals. c. rivers for navigation and water supplies. d. natural wood products from national forests.

modern agriculture to raise food crops.

Which of the following organisms has the least instrumental value to humans? a. rosy periwinkle b. tuna c. mosquitoes d. lodgepole pine

mosquitoes

In the southern Appalachian Mountains, hundreds of miles of streams and freshwater systems are destroyed in the process of a. stream mining, in which oil buried under the streams is harvested. b. mountaintop removal mining to remove coal. c. diverting water to run coal machines in mines deep below the Earth. d. moving coal from deep shaft mines to major rivers.

mountaintop removal mining to remove coal.

As global climate change warms certain mountain ranges, the temperature optima for the insect species living on the mountain is causing these insects to a. move farther up the mountain. b. move down the mountain. c. become parasitic. d. move to a new biome.

move farther up the mountain.

For most of human history, and in developing countries today, the major source of energy has been a. natural gas. b. oil. c. wind. d. muscle power.

muscle power.

Resources for seagulls living along an ocean shore would include a. shifting tides. b. the strength and direction of the wind. c. nesting sites. d. ocean temperature.

nesting sites.

Our most recent understanding of the formation of tropospheric ozone requires the reduction of atmospheric levels of a. volatile inorganic compounds. b. carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. c. nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. d. nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.

nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.

The greatest biodiversity would be an ecosystem with the same number of species as other ecosystems but which has a. more consumers species than producer species. b. several dominant species in intense competition with each other. c. only a single dominant species. d. no dominant species.

no dominant species.

When exposure to a substance is below the threshold level, we expect to see a. no ill effects. b. acute but no chronic effects. c. chronic but no acute effects. d. short-term but no long-term effects.

no ill effects.

Chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides, like DDT, are synthetic versions of a. heavy metals. b. non-biodegradable, persistent molecules. c. ions and salts. d. vitamins and minerals.

non-biodegradable, persistent molecules.

Which one of the following does not represent indirect solar energy? a. nuclear fission b. hydroelectric c. biomass d. windmills

nuclear fission

238U and 235U differ from each other in their a. number of protons. b. number of neutrons. c. atomic mass.

number of neutrons AND atomic mass

Anaerobic respiration a. is a type of photosynthesis that does not require carbon dioxide. b. occurs without oxygen and may produce methane gas or ethanol. c. typically results in major increases of biomass. d. produces oxygen, which is used to break down glucose and other plant sugars.

occurs without oxygen and may produce methane gas or ethanol.

Current ethanol production as a fuel does not significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions because a. burning ethanol or gasoline contributes the same net amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. b. the process of fermentation produces a tremendous amount of carbon dioxide. c. of the amount of fossil fuels required to produce the corn used in the process. d. the process of fermentation produces a tremendous amount of methane.

of the amount of fossil fuels required to produce the corn used in the process.

If the sun suddenly stopped shining, where would be the best outdoor location to stay warm with the least change in ambient temperature? a. Atlanta, Georgia b. on a beach in Hawaii c. Kansas City, Kansas d. the center of Brazil

on a beach in Hawaii

Natural organic compounds typically consist of some combination of carbon, hydrogen, and a. oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and/or sulfur. b. nitrogen, lead, mercury, and/or sulfur. c. oxygen, nitrogen, sodium, and/or potassium. d. sulfur, oxygen, zinc, and/or chloride.

oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and/or sulfur.

In the winter in Wisconsin, a person going to work at 8 AM parks her car so that it is in bright sunlight in the afternoon. When she gets in her car about 5 PM, the inside is warm because of a. conductive solar heating. b. passive solar heating. c. active solar heating. d. intrusive solar heating.

passive solar heating.

THE EXPERIMENT Researchers wanted to determine if pesticide Z was effective at killing grasshoppers that typically invade cornfields. Two ten-acre cornfields located 1 mile apart were chosen. The cornfield to the west was sprayed only with water. The cornfield on the east received the same amount of water with a 10% solution of pesticide Z. Samples of the numbers of grasshoppers in the field were made every week for 10 weeks. RESULTS West field treated only with water: The number of grasshoppers in the west field doubled after ten weeks. East field treated with water and pesticide Z: The number of grasshoppers in the east field declined by 50% after 10 weeks. What was the experimental variable in the above experiment? a. the location of the fields b. pesticide Z c. the water sprayed on the fields d. the number of grasshoppers receiving the pesticide

pesticide Z

Eutrophication of Lake Washington near Seattle was largely addressed by limiting levels of a. phosphate from nonpoint source discharges of pollution. b. phosphate from point source discharges of pollution. c. nitrates from nonpoint source discharges of pollution. d. nitrates from point source discharges of pollution.

phosphate from point source discharges of pollution.

The largest reserves of freshwater on Earth are found in a. aquifers. b. lakes and wetlands. c. polar ice caps and glaciers. d. rivers and groundwater.

polar ice caps and glaciers.

The Industrial Revolution has led to an increased reliance on fossil fuels to a. power farm machinery. b. power farm machinery and to produce irrigation pumps. c. power farm machinery and to produce fertilizers and pesticides. d. develop new types of crops.

power farm machinery and to produce fertilizers and pesticides.

Considerable efforts have been underway to save the California condor from extinction. This effort is an example of a. productive use and asset management. b. conservation. c. preservation. d. a non-renewable resource.

preservation.

The products produced by the combustion and evaporation of hydrocarbons and fossil fuels are called a. primary pollutants. b. secondary pollutants. c. threshold pollutants. d. emitted pollutants. e. photochemical pollutants.

primary pollutants.

Cattle production in the United States and other developed nations involves CAFOs that a. produce large amounts of manure, all of which is diverted into soil restoration. b. produce 14% of the greenhouse gas methane, which causes global warming. c. generate income used to support the large population of native people. d. produce leather, which sustains millions of workers in the Brazilian leather industry.

produce 14% of the greenhouse gas methane, which causes global warming.

When completed, the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan will a. redirect much of the water flow southward. b. restore much of the region to sugar cane production. c. increase the amount of water available for crop irrigation. d. increase the flow of water through the Everglades in the summer.

redirect much of the water flow southward.

Resource partitioning a. reduces intraspecific competition and decreases species diversity. b. increases intraspecific competition and increases species diversity. c. increases interspecific competition and decreases species diversity. d. reduces interspecific competition and increases species diversity.

reduces interspecific competition and increases species diversity.

Fossil fuels are considered non-renewable sources of energy because a. their formation is so slow. b. they release carbon dioxide when they are burned. c. people are cutting down too many forests to allow trees to turn into coal. d. carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are too low to allow fossil fuels to form.

their formation is so slow.

Which one of the following would be the most practical way to reduce levels of photochemical smog in a city that frequently experiences this problem? a. changes in weather that produce more days of sunshine b. changes in weather that result in more days of fog c. reducing the amount of electricity generated using windmills d. reducing the number of automobiles that burn gasoline and the amount of evaporated gasoline

reducing the number of automobiles that burn gasoline and the amount of evaporated gasoline

A small neighborhood pond averaging about 3 meters in depth reveals all the signs of cultural eutrophication, most likely from runoff of lawn fertilizers used by the residents. The water is very cloudy and oxygen levels remain very low, resulting in few fish that can survive. To provide some opportunities for the neighborhood kids to regularly catch fish, the neighborhood association decides to purchase, install, and run a large water fountain in the middle of the pond. Instead of addressing the symptoms of cultural eutrophication, the neighborhood association could address the cause of the problem by a. treating the pond with copper sulfate. b. aerating the pond with underwater pipes. c. reducing the use of lawn fertilizers. d. draining the pond every few years.

reducing the use of lawn fertilizers.

The best computer models of global climate change indicate that in the next 50 years a. all of the rainforests will be destroyed. b. growing seasons will get shorter. c. regions of drought will instead experience flooding.

regions of drought will instead experience flooding.

Which one of the following represents a way to reduce point-source pollution contributing to cultural eutrophication? a. increase the use of vegetated waterways b. increase the use of contour farming and crop rotation c. remove nutrients from sewage-treatment effluents d. include runoff detention ponds in subdivisions

remove nutrients from sewage-treatment effluents

The abundant formation of hydroxyl radicals in the atmosphere a. removes many common pollutants from the stratosphere. b. removes many common pollutants from the troposphere. c. promotes the formation of ozone that protects against damaging ultraviolet light. d. promotes the formation of nitrous oxides that in turn lower levels of carbon dioxide.

removes many common pollutants from the troposphere.

American beavers, Castor canadensis, are widespread in North America. Those American beavers living around lakes in northern Minnesota and that can potentially interbreed a. likely look much different than beavers in Wisconsin. b. belong to the same family but not the same genus as other beavers. c. are probably another beaver species. d. represent one population of American beavers.

represent one population of American beavers.

The bottom trawling method of fishing a. reveals a design that is intended to limit bycatch. b. assures below TAC levels in compliance with the Magnuson Act. c. results in environmental degradation similar to clear-cutting a forest. d. is an effective way to prevent overharvesting of commercial species.

results in environmental degradation similar to clear-cutting a forest.

Increasing levels of greenhouse gases have caused a a. rise in ocean temperatures but a decrease in ocean pH. b. rise in ocean temperatures and an increase in ocean pH. c. decrease in ocean temperatures and a decrease in ocean pH. d. decrease in ocean temperatures but an increase in ocean pH.

rise in ocean temperatures but a decrease in ocean pH.

Hadley cells at the equator consist of a. warm, moist air rising up the sides of mountains and cool, dry air descending on the leeward sides. b. rising, dry air associated with deserts and falling, moist air that produces precipitation and rain forests. c. rising, moist air that produces precipitation and rain forests, and falling, dry air associated with deserts. d. cool, dry air rising up the sides of mountains and warm, moist air descending on the leeward sides.

rising, moist air that produces precipitation and rain forests, and falling, dry air associated with deserts.

Deep in the ocean off the shore of Japan are communities nestled around hydrothermal vents, where super-heated water springs from the bottom of the ocean. No sunlight ever penetrates to these deep regions. In these communities, bacteria have special enzymes that allow them to form organic matter by chemosynthesis. These communities frequently have giant tube worms, clams, shrimp, and many other organisms clustered together. In a system, fish feed on shrimp that feed on the bacteria. This food chain represents a a. tertiary consumer eating a secondary consumer, which eats a primary consumer. b. second order consumer eating a first order consumer, which then eats a producer. c. primary consumer eating a secondary consumer, which eats a tertiary consumer. d. consumer eating a producer, which then consumes chemoautotrophic bacteria.

second order consumer eating a first order consumer, which then eats a producer.

If ethanol production in the United States more than doubles between 2015 and 2022, it will need to rely on a. any plant material and enzymes that convert sugars into cellulose, methane, and oxygen. b. second-generation biofuel using enzymes that convert cellulose to fermentable sugar. c. first-generation biofuel using enzymes to ferment glucose. d. manure and other animal wastes to generate methane, which in turn is used to produce alcohol.

second-generation biofuel using enzymes that convert cellulose to fermentable sugar.

Ozone, PANS, and aldehydes and ketones are examples of ________ pollutants. a. primary b. secondary c. threshold d. tertiary e. oxidative

secondary

What once was an open pasture on a long abandoned farm has changed over time without the direct influence of humans. After the cattle had been removed, shrubs and bushes could be seen dotting the grass-covered hillsides. A few years later, small pine trees and then larger deciduous trees appeared. Now, there are so many trees and shaded regions it is difficult to tell that this was once a field. These ecological changes in the abandoned pasture represent a. aquatic to terrestrial succession. b. primary succession. c. secondary succession. d. intermediate succession.

secondary succession.

Small-scale businesses in Bangladesh have done well because of the Grameen bank lending: a. large amounts of money to men. b. small amounts of money to women. c. large amounts of money to women. d. small amounts of money to men.

small amounts of money to women.

In many freshwater toxicology studies, investigators rely upon knowledge of biomagnification to guide their investigations. If the researchers were looking for evidence of mercury contamination from a nearby power plant, they would most likely find the highest levels in the blood of a. herbivorous ducks living near the power plant. b. rabbits that live near the power plant. c. tadpoles in water near the power plant. d. snapping turtles in water near the power plant.

snapping turtles in water near the power plant.

A lake that averages 20 feet of water depth experiences extreme eutrophication. In this lake, we would expect to find a. abundant fish, high oxygen levels, and very clear water. b. abundant fish, high oxygen levels, but very cloudy water. c. fewer fish than usual, lower oxygen levels, and very clear water. d. some dead fish, low numbers of living fish, low oxygen levels, and very cloudy water.

some dead fish, low numbers of living fish, low oxygen levels, and very cloudy water.

A shrimp farm in Thailand results in a. long term gains by a regional shrimp farmer. b. the local loss of natural services. c. the short-term loss of natural services. d. specific gains to the shrimp farmer.

specific gains to the shrimp farmer.

After joining the Peace Corps, a volunteer's assignment is to help spread good agricultural practices to people living in the humid tropics. After receiving training, the volunteer most likely tells the local farmers to a. start a water catchment, apply manure, mulch to their fields, and avoid tilling the soil if possible. b. dig deeper wells to bring up water reserves that will triple the productivity of their fields. c. shift to crops like rice, which are more resistant to the natural pests and parasites. d. use oxen or mules to deep plow and turn the soil to bring deep nutrients to the surface.

start a water catchment, apply manure, mulch to their fields, and avoid tilling the soil if possible.

Cultivating a rice field with a water buffalo pulling a hand-made plow best represents a. the Industrial Revolution. b. the Green Revolution. c. subsistence farming. d. a rare form of primitive agriculture that is no longer practiced.

subsistence farming.

The current generation of ethanol as a biofuel requires a. bioengineered bacteria and any form of cellulose. b. any plant material and the process of fermentation. c. sugars and the process of fermentation. d. manure, water, and aerobic bacteria.

sugars and the process of fermentation.

A form of a biome is largely predicted by its a. diversity of soil microorganisms. b. distance from the ocean. c. diversity of plant and animal species. d. temperature and rainfall.

temperature and rainfall.

What event occurred in 1986 that caused a general public shift in interest in nuclear energy? a. global climate change due to burning fossil fuels was first well documented b. earthquakes impacting Japan's nuclear power plants c. the Chernobyl nuclear accident d. solar and wind technologies were revealed that could replace nuclear technologies

the Chernobyl nuclear accident

Organisms with a very broad range of temperature tolerance would most likely occur in a. the Midwestern United States. b. tropical environments. c. the oceans. d. Hawaii.

the Midwestern United States.

Countries caught in the poverty-population trap have experienced a. a fertility transition but not the benefits of modern medicine. b. an environmental revolution but not a medical revolution. c. the benefits of modern medicine but not the benefits of economic development. d. the benefits of the green revolution without experiencing a Neolithic revolution.

the benefits of modern medicine but not the benefits of economic development.

If a cold front moves into a moist region, a. photosynthesis will increase. b. humidity will likely decrease. c. the chances of precipitation will increase. d. evaporation will increase.

the chances of precipitation will increase.

Ocean acidification refers to a. the decrease in the pH of the ocean that results from the increased absorption of carbon dioxide which is subsequently converted to carbonic acid. b. the decrease in the pH of the ocean that results from the increased absorption of carbon dioxide which is subsequently converted to carbonic acid.. c. the increase in the pH of the ocean that results from the increased absorption of carbon dioxide which is subsequently converted to carbonic acid.

the decrease in the pH of the ocean that results from the increased absorption of carbon dioxide which is subsequently converted to carbonic acid.

Social modernization involves many aspects that revolve around a. the education and enfranchisement of women. b. sustainable environmental policy. c. technology. d. economic development.

the education and enfranchisement of women.

Which of the following represents a resilience mechanism? a. the emergence of a meadow in a recently burned forest b. burned trees accumulating on a forest floor after a fire c. soil erosion resulting from burned soil washing away from a forest floor d. crown fires resulting from many years of fire suppression

the emergence of a meadow in a recently burned forest

In terms of expanding our knowledge of how soils impact global climate change, it would be useful to do research to determine a. whether conventional agriculture could be continued in areas covered by salt water. b. how pesticides affect the amount of minerals in subsoils. c. the amount of carbon in soils compared to the atmosphere. d. the factors that determine the rate of biomass decomposition and carbon storage in soils.

the factors that determine the rate of biomass decomposition and carbon storage in soils.

The energy released from the sun and other stars comes from a. the fission of helium into hydrogen. b. the fission of hydrogen into helium. c. the fusion of helium into hydrogen. d. the fusion of hydrogen into helium.

the fusion of hydrogen into helium.

In the healthy environment of a sustainable soil, a. sandy or silty soils are steadily converted to clay soils. b. abundant populations of bacteria are steadily replaced by mycorrhizae. c. the humus-forming processes of topsoil is renewed by the addition of detritus and humus. d. the levels of humus steadily decline, but the aeration increases.

the humus-forming processes of topsoil is renewed by the addition of detritus and humus.

In the western United States, rain shadows most frequently occur on a. the leeward, east side of mountain ranges. b. the northern slopes of mountains, which receive less sunlight. c. the windward, west side of mountain ranges. d. the southern slopes of mountains, which receive more sunlight.

the leeward, east side of mountain ranges.

Treating malaria with drugs is difficult because a. no drug has yet been found that effectively treats malaria. b. the malarial parasite has quickly evolved drug resistance. c. it is impossible to distribute drugs to regions affected by malaria. d. the best drugs cost thousands of dollars per person.

the malarial parasite has quickly evolved drug resistance.

Invasive species are dangerous because a. they carry viruses that spread disease in new ecosystems. b. they are almost all predators, disturbing ecological relationships by eating other species. c. they tend to be secretive, going unnoticed in their new ecosystems. d. the native species have not evolved with these organisms.

the native species have not evolved with these organisms.

The concept of sustainable development includes a. growth in profits from international trade. b. the needs of future generations. c. the fastest ways to economic prosperity. d. the importance of developing the arts.

the needs of future generations.

If a country experiences 6 births, 4 deaths, and 1 new immigrant every minute of a year, how will its population change in one year? a. the fertility rate is still needed to determine population changes b. the population will remain steady c. the population will decline by about 100,000 people d. the population will increase by about 1.5 million people

the population will increase by about 1.5 million people

A soil texture triangle reveals a. how climate influences soil properties. b. the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay. c. the strata of soil from the surface downward. d. the amount of minerals available to plants.

the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay.

Deep in the ocean off the shore of Japan are communities nestled around hydrothermal vents, where super-heated water springs from the bottom of the ocean. No sunlight ever penetrates to these deep regions. In these communities, bacteria have special enzymes that allow them to form organic matter by chemosynthesis. These communities frequently have giant tube worms, clams, shrimp, and many other organisms clustered together. In hydrothermal vent communities, a. there is no photosynthesis, but heat drives chemosynthetic producers. b. producers depend on energy generated by consumers. c. temperature is the most important biotic factor. d. energy is transferred in the form of heat between trophic levels.

there is no photosynthesis, but heat drives chemosynthetic producers.

The relationship between the moose and wolf populations on Isle Royal reveal a. intraspecific competition. b. top-down and bottom-up population regulation. c. the high and steady environmental resistance on wolves. d. the high and steady environmental resistance on moose.

top-down and bottom-up population regulation.

Questions about the danger of a particular chemical hazard will relate to that chemical's a. toxicity, exposure, and dose. b. exposure in the natural environment. c. toxicity and abundance in the environment. d. ability to dissolve in either water or oil.

toxicity, exposure, and dose.

In the state of Arizona, the use of groundwater has been aggressively managed since about 1980. Before that time, agricultural, commercial, and private demands for water were growing at levels that were not sustainable. Before water regulation of any sort, demand for water in all its forms in the state of Arizona illustrated the a. tragedy of the commons. b. need for agreements such as CITES. c. need for the preservation but not conservation of a resource. d. use of a nonrenewable resource.

tragedy of the commons.

Judging from the data in the figure, if we wanted to decrease petroleum consumption and concentrate on more efficient technology, the sector we would select is a. residential. b. commercial. c. industrial. d. transportation.

transportation.

Most of the weather of the world is based upon changes in the moisture, pressure, and/or temperature of the a. mesosphere. b. thermosphere. c. stratosphere. d. troposphere.

troposphere.

Green plants and chemoautotrophic organisms are classified as producers because they: a. use the energy of sunlight to manufacture organic molecules. b. use the energy of sunlight or inorganic chemicals to manufacture organic molecules. c. do not need energy to manufacture organic molecules. d. can produce their own energy from organic molecules. e. need organic molecules as a source of energy.

use the energy of sunlight or inorganic chemicals to manufacture organic molecules.

A lawn based on the principle of xeriscaping A. uses at least twice as much water as necessary. B. uses species that require no water other than natural precipitation. C. gets its water from redirected urban runoff. D. includes agricultural crop species.

uses species that require no water other than natural precipitation.

The process of fracking involves a. using underground explosives to break up gas-rich shale deposits. b. processes that are under the regulation of the 2005 Safe Drinking Water Act. c. using coal and petroleum as a chemical basis for producing natural gas. d. using high-pressure fluids to fracture gas-rich shale deposits far underground.

using high-pressure fluids to fracture gas-rich shale deposits far underground.

CHP conserves energy in industrial buildings by a. charging batteries when power demand drops. b. drawing on the heat of the earth to make electricity. c. installing solar panels on the top of power plants. d. using the waste heat generated to warm buildings.

using the waste heat generated to warm buildings.

The greenhouse effect refers to a. warming of the Earth's atmosphere. b. the removal of air pollutants by passing the air through greenhouses. c. increased albedo due to greenhouses. d. the growth of crops in greenhouses using hydroponics. e. the principle on which a new solar heating device is based.

warming of the Earth's atmosphere.

The products of the reaction in a hydrogen cell are

water electricity heat

The kinetic energy of water is at its greatest when a. water evaporates. b. ice forms. c. water flows down a river. d. snow falls.

water evaporates.

Which one of the following gases accounts for the greatest percentage of the greenhouse effect? a. Water vapor b. Methane c. Ozone d. Carbon dioxide

water vapor