Question 1

How do you determine if a resource is renewable or nonrenewable? Give examples of both. What affects both of their usage?

Accepted Answer

A nonrenewable resource (minerals: aluminum, tin, copper, and fossil fuels: coal, oil, natural gas) are present in limited supplies and are depleted by use. Natural processes do not replenish nonrenewable resources within a reasonable period on the human time scale. Some take millions of years to form. Usage is affected by: nation's population, how efficiently the resources are extracted and processed, how much of it is required or consumed by different groups.
A renewable resource (trees, fisheries, fertile agriculture soil, fresh water) is naturally replaced at a fairly rapid pace (on a scale of days to decades), and they can be used forever as long as they are not overexploited in the short term. In developing countries, forests, fisheries, and agricultural land are particularly important renewable resources because they provide food. Rapid population growth can cause the overexploitation of renewable resources. Renewable resources are potentially renewable because they must be used in a sustainable way (a manner that gives them time to replace or replenish themselves).

Question 2

What is the environmental significance of the process of "consumption"?

Accepted Answer

A)  consumption can outstrip the natural resources available and lead to overexploitation of the environment 
B)  extravagant consumption can create an environment of raising one's status among peers 
C)  the process of consumption is an economic act, providing the "demand" necessary for the "supply" of the environment 
D)  consumption can generate economic growth that relies significantly on the importation of natural resources, which benefits the environments of less-developed countries 
E)  consumption is strictly a social act and has no environmental significance 
A)  consumption can outstrip the natural resources available and lead to overexploitation of the environment 
B)  extravagant consumption can create an environment of raising one's status among peers 
C)  the process of consumption is an economic act, providing the "demand" necessary for the "supply" of the environment 
D)  consumption can generate economic growth that relies significantly on the importation of natural resources, which benefits the environments of less-developed countries 
E)  consumption is strictly a social act and has no environmental significance A

Question 3

I = P x A x T model can be used to calculate which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)  urbanization 
B)  people overpopulation 
C)  industrialization 
D)  international fertility rates 
E)  human impact on the environment 
A)  urbanization 
B)  people overpopulation 
C)  industrialization 
D)  international fertility rates 
E)  human impact on the environment E

Question 4

In order to estimate human impact on the environment we can:

Accepted Answer

A)  multiply the number of people times affluence per person times resources needed and wastes produced: I=P x A x T 
B)  multiply resource depletion times number of years divided by number of people: I = R x Y ÷ P 
C)  multiply birth rate times consumption patterns divided by available resources: I= B x C ÷ R 
D)  Divide number of people by resources needed and wastes produced: I = P ÷ T 
E)  None of these choices; the human impact cannot be measured 
A)  multiply the number of people times affluence per person times resources needed and wastes produced: I=P x A x T 
B)  multiply resource depletion times number of years divided by number of people: I = R x Y ÷ P 
C)  multiply birth rate times consumption patterns divided by available resources: I= B x C ÷ R 
D)  Divide number of people by resources needed and wastes produced: I = P ÷ T 
E)  None of these choices; the human impact cannot be measured

Question 5

To test a hypothesis about a given variable, experimental and control groups are tested in parallel. Which of the following best explains the dual experiments?

Accepted Answer

A)  In the experimental group, a chosen variable is altered in a known way. In the control group, that chosen variable is not altered so a comparison can be made. 
B)  In the control group, a chosen variable is altered in a known way. In the experimental group that chosen variable is not altered so a comparison can be made. 
C)  In the experimental group, a chosen variable plus all other variables are altered. In the control group, the chosen variable is altered however all other variables are held constant. 
D)  In the experimental and control groups two different variables are altered. 
E)  Experimental and control group experiments are identical and run in parallel to get repeatable results. 
A)  In the experimental group, a chosen variable is altered in a known way. In the control group, that chosen variable is not altered so a comparison can be made. 
B)  In the control group, a chosen variable is altered in a known way. In the experimental group that chosen variable is not altered so a comparison can be made. 
C)  In the experimental group, a chosen variable plus all other variables are altered. In the control group, the chosen variable is altered however all other variables are held constant. 
D)  In the experimental and control groups two different variables are altered. 
E)  Experimental and control group experiments are identical and run in parallel to get repeatable results.

Question 6

What are Eco-roofs? What are their environmental benefits? Why are new buildings the best locations for them?

Accepted Answer

An Eco-roof is also called a Green roof.

Question 7

In the scientific method, a hypothesis

Accepted Answer

A)  is a statement of fact 
B)  makes a prediction that can be tested 
C)  is usually proven to be correct 
D)  can only be tested once 
E)  All of these choices are correct 
A)  is a statement of fact 
B)  makes a prediction that can be tested 
C)  is usually proven to be correct 
D)  can only be tested once 
E)  All of these choices are correct

Question 8

The current global ecological footprint of each person is about 2.7 hectares. The Earth presently has 11.4 billion hectares of productive land and water. If we divide this usable area by the global human population of approximately 6 billion, this means:

Accepted Answer

A)  we have an ecological overshoot - we have exceeded our allotted footprint of 1.9 hectares per person 
B)  we have an ecological surplus - we have undershot our allotted footprint of 2.7 hectares per person 
C)  we have an ecological deficit - we have not reached our allotted footprint of 2.7 hectares per person 
D)  we have an ecological surplus - we have surpassed our allotted footprint of 1.9 hectares per person 
E)  we are in a sustainable condition - we are at our allotted footprint of 2.7 hectares per person 
A)  we have an ecological overshoot - we have exceeded our allotted footprint of 1.9 hectares per person 
B)  we have an ecological surplus - we have undershot our allotted footprint of 2.7 hectares per person 
C)  we have an ecological deficit - we have not reached our allotted footprint of 2.7 hectares per person 
D)  we have an ecological surplus - we have surpassed our allotted footprint of 1.9 hectares per person 
E)  we are in a sustainable condition - we are at our allotted footprint of 2.7 hectares per person

Question 9

"The Tragedy of the Commons" refers to:

Accepted Answer

A)  an environmental theory promoting public ownership of lands and resources. 
B)  an economic theory promoting private ownership of lands and resources. 
C)  an analogy describing the conflict between individual interest and management of shared resources. 
D)  events impacting the common people, particularly farmers, of developing countries. 
E)  environmental problems generated by farming practices. 
A)  an environmental theory promoting public ownership of lands and resources. 
B)  an economic theory promoting private ownership of lands and resources. 
C)  an analogy describing the conflict between individual interest and management of shared resources. 
D)  events impacting the common people, particularly farmers, of developing countries. 
E)  environmental problems generated by farming practices.

Question 10

A warmer atmosphere is likely to cause:

Accepted Answer

A)  increased melting of glaciers and ice caps 
B)  changes in precipitation patterns 
C)  negative feedback between melting of ice sheets and atmospheric temperature. 
D)  all of these 
E)  increased melting of glaciers and ice caps and changes in precipitation patterns 
A)  increased melting of glaciers and ice caps 
B)  changes in precipitation patterns 
C)  negative feedback between melting of ice sheets and atmospheric temperature. 
D)  all of these 
E)  increased melting of glaciers and ice caps and changes in precipitation patterns

Question 11

A state agency has contacted you to do a scientific assessment of kudzu in a nature preserve in southern Georgia. They are concerned about the effects of the non-native invasive vine on a small rare plant that grows on the forest floor in the preserve, but which is found nowhere else in the state. Kudzu is only growing in the east side of the preserve because it hasn't yet had time to invade further. In order to assess the effects of kudzu on the rare plant, you set up the following experiment:
Site 1. On the east side of the park with the kudzu, you set up ten 1m x 1m plots on the forest floor. In each plot you count the number of individuals of the rare plant.
Site 2. On the west side of the park without the kudzu, you set up ten 1m x 1m plots of the forest floor. In each plot you count the number of individuals of the rare plant.
Which of the following represents the hypothesis that you are testing with this experiment?

Accepted Answer

A)  Kudzu will eventually grow on the west side of the park. 
B)  Kudzu will kill off the trees in the preserve by strangling them. 
C)  Kudzu should be removed from the preserve because it is killing the rare plant. 
D)  Kudzu is negatively affecting populations of the rare plant in the preserve. 
E)  None of these choices is an appropriate hypothesis for your study. 
A)  Kudzu will eventually grow on the west side of the park. 
B)  Kudzu will kill off the trees in the preserve by strangling them. 
C)  Kudzu should be removed from the preserve because it is killing the rare plant. 
D)  Kudzu is negatively affecting populations of the rare plant in the preserve. 
E)  None of these choices is an appropriate hypothesis for your study.

Question 12

Create an illustrated dictionary entry for the term, "nonrenewable resource". Define the term, provide an example, a synonym and an antonym, and draw an illustration that represents the term.

Accepted Answer

Nonrenewable resources, which include mi

Question 13

The discovery of the extent of the pollution problem in Lake Washington was based on:

Accepted Answer

A)  the presence of certain types of fish. 
B)  the absence of certain types of fish. 
C)  the presence of certain species of worms. 
D)  the presence of certain type of bacteria. 
E)  satellite imaging of the lake. 
A)  the presence of certain types of fish. 
B)  the absence of certain types of fish. 
C)  the presence of certain species of worms. 
D)  the presence of certain type of bacteria. 
E)  satellite imaging of the lake.

Question 14

Which of the following statements about nutrients is false?

Accepted Answer

A)  Nutrient chemistry is the same in both freshwater and marine systems. 
B)  Low levels of nutrients are desirable in freshwater lakes. 
C)  Both nitrogen and phosphorous are nutrients present in treated sewage. 
D)  Nutrients from sewage will have less impact on a larger body of water. 
E)  Nutrients affect growth of photosynthetic bacteria and algae in Puget Sound less than in Lake Washington. 
A)  Nutrient chemistry is the same in both freshwater and marine systems. 
B)  Low levels of nutrients are desirable in freshwater lakes. 
C)  Both nitrogen and phosphorous are nutrients present in treated sewage. 
D)  Nutrients from sewage will have less impact on a larger body of water. 
E)  Nutrients affect growth of photosynthetic bacteria and algae in Puget Sound less than in Lake Washington.

Question 15

A state agency has contacted you to do a scientific assessment of kudzu in a nature preserve in southern Georgia. They are concerned about the effects of the non-native invasive vine on a small rare plant that grows on the forest floor in the preserve, but which is found nowhere else in the state. Kudzu is only growing in the east side of the preserve because it hasn't yet had time to invade further. In order to assess the effects of kudzu on the rare plant, you set up the following experiment:
Site 1. On the east side of the park with the kudzu, you set up ten 1m x 1m plots on the forest floor. In each plot you count the number of individuals of the rare plant.
Site 2. On the west side of the park without the kudzu, you set up ten 1m x 1m plots of the forest floor. In each plot you count the number of individuals of the rare plant.
In this experiment, Site 2 is your:

Accepted Answer

A)  variable. 
B)  control. 
C)  replication. 
D)  hypothesis. 
E)  treatment. 
A)  variable. 
B)  control. 
C)  replication. 
D)  hypothesis. 
E)  treatment.

Question 16

The ability to meet humanity's current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs is termed:

Accepted Answer

A)  ecology. 
B)  environmental sustainability. 
C)  natural balance. 
D)  synergism. 
E)  environmental science. 
A)  ecology. 
B)  environmental sustainability. 
C)  natural balance. 
D)  synergism. 
E)  environmental science.

Question 17

Highly developed countries are characterized by:

Accepted Answer

A)  high rates of population growth 
B)  high per capita incomes 
C)  simple agricultural bases 
D)  50% of the world's population 
E)  high rates if illiteracy 
A)  high rates of population growth 
B)  high per capita incomes 
C)  simple agricultural bases 
D)  50% of the world's population 
E)  high rates if illiteracy

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a renewable resource?

Accepted Answer

A)  trees 
B)  fishes 
C)  minerals 
D)  fresh water 
E)  fertile agricultural soil 
A)  trees 
B)  fishes 
C)  minerals 
D)  fresh water 
E)  fertile agricultural soil

Question 19

Define environmental sustainability. Discuss three reasons why experts in environmental science think that the human population is not operating sustainably.

Accepted Answer

The ability to meet humanity's current n

Question 20

Planet Earth is remarkably suited for life. Make connections between external environmental factors and the Earth's living organisms. Include in your discussion the concepts of habitability, evolution and emergence of dominant species.

Accepted Answer

External environmental factors include c

Exam 1: Introducing Environmental Science and Sustainability

How do you determine if a resource is renewable or nonrenewable? Give examples of both. What affects both of their usage?

What is the environmental significance of the process of "consumption"?

I = P x A x T model can be used to calculate which of the following?

In order to estimate human impact on the environment we can:

To test a hypothesis about a given variable, experimental and control groups are tested in parallel. Which of the following best explains the dual experiments?

What are Eco-roofs? What are their environmental benefits? Why are new buildings the best locations for them?

In the scientific method, a hypothesis

The current global ecological footprint of each person is about 2.7 hectares. The Earth presently has 11.4 billion hectares of productive land and water. If we divide this usable area by the global human population of approximately 6 billion, this means:

"The Tragedy of the Commons" refers to:

A warmer atmosphere is likely to cause:

Create an illustrated dictionary entry for the term, "nonrenewable resource". Define the term, provide an example, a synonym and an antonym, and draw an illustration that represents the term.

The discovery of the extent of the pollution problem in Lake Washington was based on:

Which of the following statements about nutrients is false?

The ability to meet humanity's current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs is termed:

Highly developed countries are characterized by:

Which of the following is NOT a renewable resource?

Define environmental sustainability. Discuss three reasons why experts in environmental science think that the human population is not operating sustainably.

Planet Earth is remarkably suited for life. Make connections between external environmental factors and the Earth's living organisms. Include in your discussion the concepts of habitability, evolution and emergence of dominant species.

Environmental Laws Economic and Ethics

Ecosystems and Energy

Ecosystems and the Physical Environment

Ecosystems and Living Organisms

Major Ecosystems of the World

Human Health and Environmental Toxicology

The Human Population

The Urban World

Energy Consumption

Fossil Fuels

Renewable Energy and Nuclear Power

Water: a Limited Resource

Soil Resources

Mineral Resources

Biological Resources

Land Resources

Food Resources

Air Pollution

Global Climate Change

Water Pollution

Pest Management

Solid and Hazardous Waste

Tomorrows Word

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