APES Unit 9 MCQ
Which of the following best describes the effect of increasing global temperature on coral ecosystems? Warmer water will have higher dissolved oxygen, which will lead to an increase in coral reef ecosystem biodiversity. White algae will cover the coral reefs, causing the reefs to appear bleached. Algae that live symbiotically with the corals leave the reef, causing coral bleaching. Brown algae outcompetes the coral for food, causing the corals to die off.
Algae that live symbiotically with the corals leave the reef, causing coral bleaching.
Which of the following changes are linked to an increase in ocean water temperature? An increase in metabolism in marine species and a decrease in dissolved oxygen in ocean water A decrease in metabolism in marine species and a decrease in dissolved oxygen in ocean water An increase in metabolism in marine species and an increase in dissolved oxygen in ocean water A decrease in metabolism in marine species and an increase in dissolved oxygen in ocean water
An increase in metabolism in marine species and a decrease in dissolved oxygen in ocean water
Which component of CFCs catalyzes the conversion of ozone into atmospheric oxygen Carbon Fluorine Chlorine Hydrogen
Chlorine
Which of the following is the primary cause of stratospheric ozone depletion? Chlorine atoms in CFCs Sulfur dioxide in photochemical smog Mercury released from the combustion of coal PANS from automobile exhaust
Chlorine atoms in CFCs
Which of the following gases has the greatest impact on global climate change as a result of having the highest global warming potential (GWP) ? Carbon dioxide Methane Nitrous oxide Chlorofluorocarbons
Chlorofluorocarbons
Which of the following environmental problems is most directly linked to ocean warming? Coral bleaching Beaching of whales and dolphins Decreased global sea level Decreased ocean sedimentation
Coral bleaching
Which of the following claims about crocodile nests is best supported by the data in the maps? Crocodiles now nest in areas where they did not nest historically as a result of restoration projects at public beaches, county parks, and other areas. The nesting sites for crocodiles is shifting southward as a result of global climate change. Crocodile eggs are laid during the months of April and May but do not hatch until the fall. The number and range of crocodiles in southern Florida have decreased over the past 25 years.
Crocodiles now nest in areas where they did not nest historically as a result of restoration projects at public beaches, county parks, and other areas.
Sea surface temperatures in the Caribbean Sea have increased over the past 30 years. Which of the following is the most likely cause for the warming trend? El Niño events Elevated levels of atmospheric CO2 The introduction of an invasive species of coral An increase in ocean salinity
Elevated levels of atmospheric CO2
Which of the following best describes how an anthropogenic activity can increase ocean acidification? Emissions from power plants that burn fossil fuels increase atmospheric carbon dioxide, which is absorbed by the ocean. A spill from an oil rig in the ocean can have acute toxic effects on fish and other aquatic organisms, which disrupt the aquatic food web. Tourist activities in coastal areas increase the concentration of sunscreen in the water, which decreases the photosynthetic rates of aquatic producers and increases the pH of the ocean. During and after a major volcanic eruption, large amounts of greenhouse gases, aerosols, and ash are released into the stratosphere, which affects global climate.
Emissions from power plants that burn fossil fuels increase atmospheric carbon dioxide, which is absorbed by the ocean.
Which of the following best describes the importance of ozone in the stratosphere to life on Earth? Ozone reflects XX-rays from the Sun back into space. Ozone absorbs most of the ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. Ozone helps to moderate surface temperature by absorbing CO2 and CH4. Ozone increases mutation rates and accelerates evolution in a variety of species.
Ozone absorbs most of the ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.
Based on the diagram, which of the following best illustrates how the biosphere can affect global climate change? Glaciers and snow reflect back the Sun's energy, decreasing the amount of sunlight absorbed and decreasing the surface temperature. Greater amounts of incoming UV radiation reach Earth when the ozone is depleted, increasing the rates of skin cancer and cataracts in humans. Producers use solar energy for photosynthesis, decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and increasing the amount of carbon sequestered in plant tissue. Warmer atmospheric temperatures decrease cloud cover, reducing the volume of global precipitation.
Producers use solar energy for photosynthesis, decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and increasing the amount of carbon sequestered in plant tissue.
Which of the following actions best explains a cause of increasing ocean acidification? Subsidies in renewable resources will lead to a reduction of mercury and sulfur dioxide emissions, which will decrease the rates of glacial melting and increase ocean acidification. Reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation emits carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, which is absorbed by the ocean, leading to a decrease in the pH in the ocean. Uranium extraction for use in nuclear fuel increases the radioactivity levels in the atmosphere, leading to an increase in the pH of the ocean. Deforestation in less-developed countries converts the carbon in biomass to carbon dioxide gas, which increases global temperature and leads to sea level rise.
Reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation emits carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, which is absorbed by the ocean, leading to a decrease in the pH in the ocean.
Which of the following describes a negative effect of substituting hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs) for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in an effort to reduce ozone depletion? Hydrofluorocarbons are prohibitively expensive to produce and are not widely used in industry. Some type of hydrofluorocarbons are greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change. Hydrofluorocarbons can interact with NOx and VOCs in the troposphere to produce photochemical smog. High levels of hydrofluorocarbons in the stratosphere can lead to physiological stress and decreased growth in plants.
Some type of hydrofluorocarbons are greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change.
Which of the following is NOT true about stratospheric ozone Stratospheric ozone thinning increased after the creation of widespread use of CFCs Stratospheric ozone thinning contributes to an increase in skin cancer and cataracts in humans Stratospheric ozone naturally absorbs UV radiation via its formation and destruction Stratospheric ozone thins naturally in the antarctic every april
Stratospheric ozone thins naturally in the antarctic every april
The graph above shows CO2 measurements taken from Mauna Loa, Hawaii, and the Vostok ice core, which was drilled from ice sheets in Antarctica. Which of the following hypotheses is best supported by the graph? Temperatures were much colder 125,000 years ago than the average temperature over the past 400,000 years. Temperatures were the same 125,000 years ago as they are today. Temperatures were warmer 125,000 years ago than the average temperature over the past 400,000 years. Temperatures were cooling at a rate 125,000 years ago that was unprecedented compared to the rate over the past 400,000 years.
Temperatures were warmer 125,000 years ago than the average temperature over the past 400,000 years.
Which of the following best describes why there has been a reduction in ozone depletion over the last half of the twentieth century? The United States began decreasing CFC emissions under regulations in the Clean Air Act. Less developed countries developed a global plan to decrease CFC emissions by signing Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation Liability Act (CERCLA). Several more developed countries signed the Kyoto Protocol as an agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A global plan to decrease CFC emissions was enacted by signing the Montreal Protocol.
A global plan to decrease CFC emissions was enacted by signing the Montreal Protocol.
Which of the following best describes how ocean acidification harms coral reefs? Acidification increases the level of phosphorus in the water surrounding the reefs, which decreases growth rates of the algae that inhabit the reef. Acidification attracts harmful invasive species to the reefs, which destroys the living components of the reef. Acidification causes a dramatic increase in the rates of primary productivity, which releases excess CO2 and leads to a negative feedback loop. Acidification decreases the amount of carbonate ions, which leads to a decline in the formation of reef infrastructure.
Acidification decreases the amount of carbonate ions, which leads to a decline in the formation of reef infrastructure.
Which of the following best describes an example of a harmful effect of an invasive species on biodiversity? Invasive zebra mussels increase the population size of several native mollusks in a lake ecosystem. Asian carp outcompete native fish species in rivers in the United States. Polar bears prey on ringed and bearded seals in an Arctic ecosystem. Wind-blown seeds from a grass species colonize a new volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean.
Asian carp outcompete native fish species in rivers in the United States.
Which of the following best identifies the reason that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were banned in 1996 by the Montreal Protocol? CFCs increased acid deposition in northern latitudes. CFCs increased the rates of cancer in workers in mining operations. CFCs led to a spike in the number of respiratory illnesses diagnosed in children. CFCs led to the destruction of stratospheric ozone.
CFCs led to the destruction of stratospheric ozone.
Which of the following best identifies the primary cause of increasing acidity in the oceans? Microplastic pollution from personal-care products Agricultural fertilizer runoff into rivers that feed into the ocean Petroleum pollution from large-scale oil tanker spills Carbon dioxide emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels
Carbon dioxide emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels
Which of the following best describes why carbon dioxide has a significant effect on global climate change? Carbon dioxide is a highly reactive molecule. Carbon dioxide is the largest contributor to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon dioxide has the highest global warming potential of all gases in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide reflects infrared radiation, which gradually heats the Earth's surface.
Carbon dioxide is the largest contributor to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.
Based on the data shown in the graph, which of the following is the most plausible hypothesis about the number of glacial periods that occurred in the past 400,000 years? One glacial period occurred in the past 400,000 years. Two glacial periods occurred in the past 400,000 years. Three glacial periods occurred in the past 400,000 years. Four glacial periods occurred in the past 400,000 years.
Four glacial periods occurred in the past 400,000 years.
Which of the following best describes the cause of the greenhouse effect on Earth? Ocean currents redistribute heat from the equator to higher latitudes. Gases in the atmosphere absorb infrared radiation and radiate the energy back toward Earth's surface. Ozone thinning over polar regions allows more ultraviolet (UV) light to reach Earth's surface. Surface water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean increase off the coast of South America during El Niño years.
Gases in the atmosphere absorb infrared radiation and radiate the energy back toward Earth's surface.
Which of the following best describes the greenhouse effect on Earth? Greenhouse gases trap heat near Earth's surface, keeping the average surface temperature constant. Greenhouse gases create a relatively warm inversion layer, which traps pollutants near Earth's surface. Greenhouse gases filter out UV-B and UV-C radiation, shielding living things from harmful solar radiation. Greenhouse gases are emitted from human activities such as the combustion of fossil fuels and agricultural practices.
Greenhouse gases trap heat near Earth's surface, keeping the average surface temperature constant.
Which of the following best describes the advantage of using hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) to replace chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in industrial processes? HFCs and HCFCs have lower ozone-depleting potentials than CFCs do. HFCs and HCFCs are more stable than CFCs are in the atmosphere. HFCs and HCFCs are not classified as greenhouse gases but CFCs are. HFCs and HCFCs are less expensive to produce than CFCs are.
HFCs and HCFCs have lower ozone-depleting potentials than CFCs do.
Based on the data shown in the graph, which of the following is the most plausible hypothesis for the cause of the trend in CO2 levels from about 5,000 years ago to the present? Volcanic activity, which can release over 6 million tons of carbon dioxide per year, has contributed to an increase in ash and dust in the atmosphere, which trap CO2. This has caused an increase in CO2 in the atmosphere over the past 5,000 years. Human activity, especially the burning of fossil fuels, has led to an increase in anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions. This has caused a doubling in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. Erosion of limestone from sedimentary rock, a result of physical and biological weathering, has released a large amount of carbonic acid into the atmosphere. This has caused a decrease in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. Increasing rates of photosynthesis in the summers, which are a direct result of increased global temperatures, have led to an increased release of CO2 in warmer months. This has caused the seasonal cycle of CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere.
Human activity, especially the burning of fossil fuels, has led to an increase in anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions. This has caused a doubling in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere.
Which of the following events would most likely lead to a decrease in the pH in the oceans? Decreased deforestation in agricultural areas Decreased vehicular emissions from cars and trucks Increased burning of fossil fuels in power plants Increased rates of photosynthesis in terrestrial ecosystems
Increased burning of fossil fuels in power plants
Which of the following best describes the primary cause of global ocean warming? Increased number of animal species using ocean gyres for migration Increased movement from the ocean floor (upwelling) during La Niña events Increased thermal pollution in rivers and streams near power plants and industrial manufacturers Increased global temperature from an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
Increased global temperature from an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
Which of the following could directly lead to a loss of biodiversity as an unintended consequence of human actions? Temperature increases cause terrestrial habitats to shift toward the poles. Local conservation groups invest in wildlife friendly gardens. Mangrove forests are removed as part of a beach development project. Homeowners reduce or eliminate the use of fertilizers on lawns.
Mangrove forests are removed as part of a beach development project.
Based on the information in the diagram, which of the following best supports the claim that a change in the duration of warm seasons would result in a higher prevalence of vector-borne diseases? Ice sheets are melting because of increased temperatures, which is eliminating vector food sources. A shorter warm season leads to increased competition for mates, resulting in heightened vector aggression. Increased temperatures provide an expanded breeding range and duration, which will likely increase the size of vector populations. Climate change has led to a decrease in vector predators, which will lead to an increase in size of vector populations.
Increased temperatures provide an expanded breeding range and duration, which will likely increase the size of vector populations.
Which of the following would most likely promote biodiversity in a given area? Increased use of habitat corridors between fragmented ecosystems Increased edge effect following the addition of roads, pipelines, electrical wires, and trails in an ecosystem Increased fires from human activities such as fireworks or campfires Increased newly introduced species from humans in areas with abundant specialist species
Increased use of habitat corridors between fragmented ecosystems
Which of the following types of releases of greenhouse gases from an anthropogenic source is shown in the diagram? Volcanic eruptions emitting CO2 into the atmosphere Release of VOCs from tree species and motor vehicles into the atmosphere Industrial and agricultural practices releasing CH4 into the atmosphere Evaporation of surface water increasing H2O vapor in the atmosphere
Industrial and agricultural practices releasing CH4 into the atmosphere
HCFCs were originally introduced as a solution to help phase out the use of CFCs. Which of the following most likely contributed to the increased levels of HCFCs in the stratosphere over the past 30 years? Thermal inversions in the troposphere Conversion of CO2 to HCFCs in the troposphere Reduced albedo in the Arctic because of climate change Leaking of refrigeration and air-conditioning units
Leaking of refrigeration and air-conditioning units
Which of the following best describes the effect of temperature on the chemical reactions that result in ozone layer depletion? An increase in global temperatures causes an increase in kinetic energy, so chlorine atoms can break down ozone faster and more often in the troposphere. Low temperatures in the stratosphere break down polar stratospheric clouds that release harmful chlorine containing compounds that break down ozone. The increase in carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere released from anthropogenic and natural sources break down ozone, creating ozone thinning over highly populated areas. Low temperatures create polar stratospheric clouds that lead to the production of free radicals of chlorine, which result in the breakdown of ozone at the beginning of the antarctic spring.
Low temperatures create polar stratospheric clouds that lead to the production of free radicals of chlorine, which result in the breakdown of ozone at the beginning of the antarctic spring.
Which of the following correctly identifies the three main characteristics associated with the hole in the ozone layer?
Main Chemical Responsible for Causing Ozone Hole Formation: CFCs Geographic Location of the Ozone Hole: South Pole Form of Energy Entering Earth due to Ozone Hole Formation: Ultra Violet
Sixty-five percent of global greenhouse gas emissions are made up of carbon dioxide, while only sixteen percent are made up of methane gas. Which of the following best explains why scientists are increasingly concerned about the effect of methane gas emissions on global climate if they are a relatively small percent of greenhouse gases released? Methane gas is a synthetic compound released from anthropogenic sources, while carbon dioxide is naturally occurring. Methane gas has a higher global warming potential (GWP) than carbon dioxide does, so it can trap more heat in the atmosphere. Methane gas has a longer average residence time (ART) than carbon dioxide does in the atmosphere. Methane gas is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that can combine with ozone to produce photochemical smog, but carbon dioxide is not classified as a volatile organic compound.
Methane gas has a higher global warming potential (GWP) than carbon dioxide does, so it can trap more heat in the atmosphere.
Based on the information in the map, which areas in the United States have experienced the greatest sea level rise?
The Northeast and the Gulf of Mexico
Which of the following best describes how ocean acidification affects coral formation? The increase in hydrogen ions dissolved in the ocean water erodes the skeleton of corals, making them weak and vulnerable to damage or death. The increase in calcium carbonate ions dissolved in the ocean water leads to an increase in the formation of coral reefs and increases the number of algae species that inhabit the reef systems. The increase in hydrogen ions dissolved in the ocean water sequesters available carbonate ions, preventing the use of calcium carbonate for coral skeleton formation. The increase in carbonic acid dissolved in the ocean water leads to increased deposition of calcium carbonate by coral species, leading to a bleaching of coral.
The increase in hydrogen ions dissolved in the ocean water sequesters available carbonate ions, preventing the use of calcium carbonate for coral skeleton formation.
Which of the following best describes how the American crocodile has become endangered in the state of Florida? The positive feedback loop of thawing tundra and increasing release of methane has led to increased physiological stress on the species. The species is invasive and has outcompeted native species for food sources. The wetlands constructed to restore the ecology of the area have decreased the availability of prey. The increasing use of coastal areas by human has destroyed much of the habitat of the species.
The increasing use of coastal areas by human has destroyed much of the habitat of the species.
Based on the diagram, which of the following best predicts how an increase in greenhouse gases would affect the ocean? The oceans would be warmed because of increased solar radiation being absorbed by the water, causing expansion and sea level rise. The oceans would be cooled from melting ice caps and glaciers, causing an increase in ocean currents and sea level rise. The oceans would absorb the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, causing an increase in ocean pH and a decrease in temperature. The oceans would have greater rates of evaporation from increased surface water temperatures, causing a decrease in the amount of nutrients in the water and a decrease in sea level.
The oceans would be warmed because of increased solar radiation being absorbed by the water, causing expansion and sea level rise.
Which of the following best describes a likely unintended consequence of the restoration plan based on the data in the map? Periodic surveys will determine the distribution, relative abundance, growth, and survival of the crocodiles. There will be an increase in the number of human and crocodile interactions in coastal areas. The American crocodile will make a comeback in many areas of South Florida. Female crocodiles will lay eggs in nests along the water's edge.
There will be an increase in the number of human and crocodile interactions in coastal areas.
Based on the information in the map, which of the following is a likely consequence for the human population if the sea level continues to change in the same pattern? The number of inland wetlands will increase in response to sea level rise, which will increase the ability of inland ecosystems to naturally buffer the impacts of flooding. Coastal areas will experience a decrease in the rates of erosion and water pollution in response to sea level rise because of an increase in the absorption of nutrients from agricultural areas. There will be a decrease in the number of respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses along the coasts because there will be an increase of water vapor in the atmosphere from the rising sea level. There will be in an increase in the number of individuals who live in flood prone regions, and there will be an increase in the number of properties at risk of flooding.
There will be in an increase in the number of individuals who live in flood prone regions, and there will be an increase in the number of properties at risk of flooding.
Which of the following best describes why water vapor, a greenhouse gas, is not considered a significant contributor to global climate change? The concentration of water vapor is very low compared to the other gases. Water vapor is inefficient at absorbing heat and does not absorb much of the infrared spectrum. Water vapor has a relatively short residence time in the atmosphere. Trees and other organisms naturally release water vapor during the process of decomposition.
Water vapor has a relatively short residence time in the atmosphere.
The stratospheric ozone layer benefits life on Earth by absorbing 99% of incoming UV-B and UV-C radiation contributing to the formation of ground-level ozone holding large amounts of stratospheric moisture binding to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and breaking down the pollutants
absorbing 99% of incoming UV-B and UV-C radiation
Stratospheric ozone (O3) is essential for life to exist on Earth because it absorbs incoming visible light from the Sun, increasing rates of photosynthesis reflects incoming visible light from the Sun back into space, increasing rates of cellular respiration absorbs incoming solar UV-C radiation, preventing exposure to dangerous radiation from the Sun reflects incoming solar UV-C radiation back into space, decreasing the average temperature in terrestrial biomes
absorbs incoming solar UV-C radiation, preventing exposure to dangerous radiation from the Sun
One important drawback of the use of HCFCs as a replacement for CFCs is that HCFCs
are greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change
Coral bleaching can be hazardous to some fish species because coral reefs provide unique habitats for fish decomposition of corals can lead to ocean acidification the dead corals attract predators that feed on the fish the corals are the primary source of O2 in ocean water
coral reefs provide unique habitats for fish
