Deck 19: Renewable Energy

Question 1

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
Pablo and Johanna have to do a yearlong study for their biology course. After some discussion, they decide to propose comparing their dogs and the diet that they feed them to test their hypothesis that the local veterinarian's special dog food mix will enhance growth and development. Each student will adopt a puppy from the local pound. Pablo will feed his shepherd- mix dog the special diet of wet and dry foods from the local vet, while Johanna will use generic dry kibble from the supermarket for her bulldog.
The independent variable in this study is .

A) the age of the dogs
B) the breed of the dogs
C) the type of food the dogs receive
D) how much the dogs grow

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Scientists investigating a drug to cure a disease in birds conduct experiments. In these experiments, what would be the control group?

A) Rats that receive the drug being tested
B) Birds that receive another drug not being tested
C) Birds that do not receive the drug being tested
D) Birds that receive the drug being tested

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
THE EXPERIMENT:
Researchers wanted to determine whether pesticide Z is effective at killing grasshoppers that typically invade cornfields. Two 10- 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. The number of grasshoppers in the fields was recorded every week for 10 weeks.
RESULTS:
The number of grasshoppers in the west field treated only with water doubled after 10 weeks.
The number of grasshoppers in the east field treated with pesticide Z declined by 50% after 10 weeks.
Sustainable development .

A) ensures an economy that will decline over time, since our economy hinges on the assumption that resources are finite
B) is hypothetically attainable but is beyond our current technologies
C) is technically impossible to accomplish, since resources would still be used up
D) involves using resources to meet today's needs without compromising future availability

Answer 3

D

Question 4

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
THE EXPERIMENT:
Researchers wanted to determine whether pesticide Z is effective at killing grasshoppers that typically invade cornfields. Two 10- 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. The number of grasshoppers in the fields was recorded every week for 10 weeks.
RESULTS:
The number of grasshoppers in the west field treated only with water doubled after 10 weeks.
The number of grasshoppers in the east field treated with pesticide Z declined by 50% after 10 weeks.
The scientific peer- review process ensures that .

A) the results of scientific studies are permanent and certain
B) all scientific studies receive publication despite the level of bias
C) all published scientific studies have clearly defined control groups
D) scientific studies have proper design and methods and are free from bias

Question 5

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
THE EXPERIMENT:
Researchers wanted to determine whether pesticide Z is effective at killing grasshoppers that typically invade cornfields. Two 10- 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. The number of grasshoppers in the fields was recorded every week for 10 weeks.
RESULTS:
The number of grasshoppers in the west field treated only with water doubled after 10 weeks.
The number of grasshoppers in the east field treated with pesticide Z declined by 50% after 10 weeks.
The confidence in a scientific theory is most related to .

A) the amount of unbiased supporting evidence
B) the number of publications that discuss the subject in question
C) the reputations of the investigating scientists and their related universities
D) the number of grants received to study the subject

Question 6

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
THE EXPERIMENT:
Researchers wanted to determine whether pesticide Z is effective at killing grasshoppers that typically invade cornfields. Two 10- 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. The number of grasshoppers in the fields was recorded every week for 10 weeks.
RESULTS:
The number of grasshoppers in the west field treated only with water doubled after 10 weeks.
The number of grasshoppers in the east field treated with pesticide Z declined by 50% after 10 weeks.
Some students on a biology field trip were sitting around watching honeybees. Some of the students noticed that bees spent more time on some flowers than on other flowers. As they talked about this behavior, the students offered various explanations. Some thought that the bees were avoiding predators on some flowers, while other students suggested that some flowers may have sweeter nectar. These speculations about bee behavior are examples of .

A) data
B) theories
C) hypotheses
D) bias

Question 7

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
Pablo and Johanna have to do a yearlong study for their biology course. After some discussion, they decide to propose comparing their dogs and the diet that they feed them to test their hypothesis that the local veterinarian's special dog food mix will enhance growth and development. Each student will adopt a puppy from the local pound. Pablo will feed his shepherd- mix dog the special diet of wet and dry foods from the local vet, while Johanna will use generic dry kibble from the supermarket for her bulldog.
Negative feedback processes tend to function within an ecosystem to _ .

A) reinforce harmful changes
B) stabilize it
C) cause ecological relationships to flourish
D) cause further ecological destruction

Question 8

A hypothesis can best be described as .

A) a proposed explanation based on observation
B) a proven fact
C) an explanation that has been tested many times
D) a comparison between groups with an explanation for differences

Question 9

When Pablo and Johanna write up their initial proposal, the instructor will probably .

A) give them an A for thoroughness, and allow them to proceed with the experiment
B) tell them to start over-it would take many years to do such a study
C) tell them they have a serious problem with the proposal, but it is fixable if they are willing to take care of more dogs
D) tell them that they need at least 100 dogs to do the study

Question 10

What is an essential characteristic of the scientific method?

A) Uncertainty of the question becomes an absolute certainty after using the method.
B) The questions asked are designed to always prove that the hypothesis is incorrect.
C) Scientific observations always support the questions asked.
D) The hypotheses are always testable by careful observation and/or experiment.

Question 11

Which of the following does a scientist typically do immediately after collecting data in an experiment?

A) Perform statistical analyses
B) Formulate a hypothesis
C) Publish results
D) Draw conclusions

Question 12

The process by which several researchers review another researcher's manuscript prior to publication to ensure research quality is referred to as _.

A) critical analysis
B) hypothesis testing
C) investigative inquiry
D) quality control
E) peer review

Question 13

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
THE EXPERIMENT:
Researchers wanted to determine whether pesticide Z is effective at killing grasshoppers that typically invade cornfields. Two 10- 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. The number of grasshoppers in the fields was recorded every week for 10 weeks.
RESULTS:
The number of grasshoppers in the west field treated only with water doubled after 10 weeks.
The number of grasshoppers in the east field treated with pesticide Z declined by 50% after 10 weeks.
Which field was the control?

A) The west field
B) The east field
C) Both fields were controls for one another.
D) There were no controls in this experiment.

Question 14

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
THE EXPERIMENT:
Researchers wanted to determine whether pesticide Z is effective at killing grasshoppers that typically invade cornfields. Two 10- 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. The number of grasshoppers in the fields was recorded every week for 10 weeks.
RESULTS:
The number of grasshoppers in the west field treated only with water doubled after 10 weeks.
The number of grasshoppers in the east field treated with pesticide Z declined by 50% after 10 weeks.
If both fields had the same amount of grasshoppers at the start of the experiment, how many times more grasshoppers were in the west field than the east field after 10 weeks?

A) Four times more
B) Twice as many
C) Half as many
D) Cannot be determined

Question 15

Which of the following would be an emergent property of a motorcycle?

A) It is made mostly of rubber, plastic, and metal.
B) It can be used for travel from point A to point B.
C) It has two wheels, a seat, and a gas tank.
D) It is very expensive.

Question 16

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
THE EXPERIMENT:
Researchers wanted to determine whether pesticide Z is effective at killing grasshoppers that typically invade cornfields. Two 10- 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. The number of grasshoppers in the fields was recorded every week for 10 weeks.
RESULTS:
The number of grasshoppers in the west field treated only with water doubled after 10 weeks.
The number of grasshoppers in the east field treated with pesticide Z declined by 50% after 10 weeks.
Which one of the following terms least applies to science?

A) Outcome based
B) Biased
C) Creative
D) Repeatable

Question 17

Geothermal energy, wind energy, and solar radiation are all examples of .

A) nonrenewable resources
B) renewable resources
C) biodiversity
D) biotic environmental factors

Question 18

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
Pablo and Johanna have to do a yearlong study for their biology course. After some discussion, they decide to propose comparing their dogs and the diet that they feed them to test their hypothesis that the local veterinarian's special dog food mix will enhance growth and development. Each student will adopt a puppy from the local pound. Pablo will feed his shepherd- mix dog the special diet of wet and dry foods from the local vet, while Johanna will use generic dry kibble from the supermarket for her bulldog.
Ruben has a new puppy named Paddington and wants to feed him the best possible food. He decides on an experiment where he will feed Paddington the very best canned food plus a dietary supplement of vitamins recommended by a veterinarian. Which of the following best describes Ruben's project?

A) Ruben needs to use his mother's 6- year- old chocolate Sharpei named Scout to feed a standard diet so he can compare Paddington to a control dog.
B) This is not an experiment.
C) This is an example of an excellent, controlled experiment.
D) Ruben needs to take careful measurements of Paddington's weight and height at least once a week for it to be a good experiment.

Question 19

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
THE EXPERIMENT:
Researchers wanted to determine whether pesticide Z is effective at killing grasshoppers that typically invade cornfields. Two 10- 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. The number of grasshoppers in the fields was recorded every week for 10 weeks.
RESULTS:
The number of grasshoppers in the west field treated only with water doubled after 10 weeks.
The number of grasshoppers in the east field treated with pesticide Z declined by 50% after 10 weeks.
Which of the following research topics is most likely to require the use of models?

A) The effectiveness of an influenza vaccine
B) The effects of creating a wolf- hunting season on gray wolf populations in Minnesota
C) The effects of wildfire on sapling recruitment in lodgepole pine forests
D) The effects of herbicide on dandelions and lawn grass

Question 20

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
THE EXPERIMENT:
Researchers wanted to determine whether pesticide Z is effective at killing grasshoppers that typically invade cornfields. Two 10- 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. The number of grasshoppers in the fields was recorded every week for 10 weeks.
RESULTS:
The number of grasshoppers in the west field treated only with water doubled after 10 weeks.
The number of grasshoppers in the east field treated with pesticide Z declined by 50% after 10 weeks.
Compared to real science, pseudoscience .

A) is anything that confirms your point of view
B) is anything that threatens or contradicts your point of view
C) does not include bias or subjective values
D) does not conform to the established scientific rigors

Question 21

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
THE EXPERIMENT:
Researchers wanted to determine whether pesticide Z is effective at killing grasshoppers that typically invade cornfields. Two 10- 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. The number of grasshoppers in the fields was recorded every week for 10 weeks.
RESULTS:
The number of grasshoppers in the west field treated only with water doubled after 10 weeks.
The number of grasshoppers in the east field treated with pesticide Z declined by 50% after 10 weeks.
Which of the following terms best describes the practice of environmental science?

A) Highly specialized and focused
B) Abstract and theoretical
C) Theoretical and controversial
D) Integrative and interdisciplinary

Question 22

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
THE EXPERIMENT:
Researchers wanted to determine whether pesticide Z is effective at killing grasshoppers that typically invade cornfields. Two 10- 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. The number of grasshoppers in the fields was recorded every week for 10 weeks.
RESULTS:
The number of grasshoppers in the west field treated only with water doubled after 10 weeks.
The number of grasshoppers in the east field treated with pesticide Z declined by 50% after 10 weeks.
What was the independent variable in the above experiment?

A) The location of the fields
B) The number of grasshoppers receiving the pesticide
C) The number of grasshoppers after 10 weeks
D) Whether pesticide Z was applied

Question 23

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
THE EXPERIMENT:
Researchers wanted to determine whether pesticide Z is effective at killing grasshoppers that typically invade cornfields. Two 10- 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. The number of grasshoppers in the fields was recorded every week for 10 weeks.
RESULTS:
The number of grasshoppers in the west field treated only with water doubled after 10 weeks.
The number of grasshoppers in the east field treated with pesticide Z declined by 50% after 10 weeks.
A hypothesis is _ .

A) a proven scientific fact
B) a statement that explains an observed phenomenon or answers a question
C) the design of an experiment that can be used in scientific inquiry
D) a prediction about something that has not yet been observed

Question 24

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
Pablo and Johanna have to do a yearlong study for their biology course. After some discussion, they decide to propose comparing their dogs and the diet that they feed them to test their hypothesis that the local veterinarian's special dog food mix will enhance growth and development. Each student will adopt a puppy from the local pound. Pablo will feed his shepherd- mix dog the special diet of wet and dry foods from the local vet, while Johanna will use generic dry kibble from the supermarket for her bulldog.
A pharmaceutical company wishes to study a possible new headache medicine. They are doing human trials with 1,000 volunteers who experience frequent headaches. The researchers will need to .

A) give all 1,000 volunteers the same amount of the new medication
B) put all women in the control group and all men in the experimental group
C) control for the type of headache-stress, migraine, or other causes
D) have 10 volunteers in the control group

Question 25

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
THE EXPERIMENT:
Researchers wanted to determine whether pesticide Z is effective at killing grasshoppers that typically invade cornfields. Two 10- 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. The number of grasshoppers in the fields was recorded every week for 10 weeks.
RESULTS:
The number of grasshoppers in the west field treated only with water doubled after 10 weeks.
The number of grasshoppers in the east field treated with pesticide Z declined by 50% after 10 weeks.
Which of the following best illustrates sustainability?

A) Upgrading or replacing computers every few years to improve performance
B) Constructing coal mines that do not require extensive surface excavations
C) Transitioning from traditional to renewable sources of energy
D) Using an ethanol- gasoline blend in a vehicle instead of pure gasoline

Question 26

Which of the following statements best illustrates bias in scientific investigations?

A) Researchers studying heron nests notice that some baby herons fall out of nests and are killed.
B) An experiment testing the effect of a new drug has only one control group.
C) Investigations of the cause of AIDS are limited by our inability to see viruses.
D) Investigations of the health effects of smoking are funded and published by a tobacco company.

Question 27

The current total world population is just over .

A) 5 billion
B) 6 billion
C) 7 billion
D) 8 billion
E) 9 billion

Question 28

All science and scientific discoveries are founded upon .

A) proven theories
B) competing hypotheses
C) experiments
D) observations

Question 29

Which of the following statements best embodies the qualities of a scientific theory?

A) Prairies that have large herds of bison show greater plant diversity than prairies without bison.
B) Dangerous wildfires in California could be avoided by better fire prevention strategies.
C) Squirrels in central Illinois prefer to build their nests in oak trees instead of hickory trees.
D) All gases, liquids, and solids consist of atoms.

Question 30

Qualitative data .

A) are nonnumerical and indicate a characteristic of something
B) are high- quality data that have been peer reviewed
C) are expressed as numbers and can be tested using statistics
D) cannot be used to support or disprove hypotheses

Question 31

How much higher is atmospheric CO₂ concentration at Mauna Loa Observatory in 2015 than it was in 1960?

A) 80% higher
B) Twice as high
C) Four times higher
D) 25% higher

Question 32

At virtually any level of use, nonrenewable resources can be _ .

A) exhausted or depleted
B) recycled or reused
C) replenished once depleted
D) converted to renewable ones

Question 33

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
Pablo and Johanna have to do a yearlong study for their biology course. After some discussion, they decide to propose comparing their dogs and the diet that they feed them to test their hypothesis that the local veterinarian's special dog food mix will enhance growth and development. Each student will adopt a puppy from the local pound. Pablo will feed his shepherd- mix dog the special diet of wet and dry foods from the local vet, while Johanna will use generic dry kibble from the supermarket for her bulldog.
A study's results are deemed worthy of acceptance into the body of scientific knowledge if they are published in journals that .

A) are funded by corporations funding the research
B) meet guidelines advocated by environmentalists or consumer groups
C) use the peer- review process
D) charge a fee for acceptance

Question 34

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
THE EXPERIMENT:
Researchers wanted to determine whether pesticide Z is effective at killing grasshoppers that typically invade cornfields. Two 10- 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. The number of grasshoppers in the fields was recorded every week for 10 weeks.
RESULTS:
The number of grasshoppers in the west field treated only with water doubled after 10 weeks.
The number of grasshoppers in the east field treated with pesticide Z declined by 50% after 10 weeks.
The concept of sustainable development considers .

A) the needs of future generations
B) the fastest ways to economic prosperity
C) the importance of developing the arts
D) growth in profits from international trade

Question 35

Which of the following observations lends itself best to scientific experimentation?

A) Archaeopteryx had a dinosaur- like skeleton but also had feathers.
B) Male house finches seem to sing more when there is a female house finch around than when they are alone.
C) Someone egged my house last night.
D) My sister does not drive very well.

Question 36

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
Pablo and Johanna have to do a yearlong study for their biology course. After some discussion, they decide to propose comparing their dogs and the diet that they feed them to test their hypothesis that the local veterinarian's special dog food mix will enhance growth and development. Each student will adopt a puppy from the local pound. Pablo will feed his shepherd- mix dog the special diet of wet and dry foods from the local vet, while Johanna will use generic dry kibble from the supermarket for her bulldog.
One dependent variable in this study is _.

A) the breed of the dogs
B) the age of the dogs
C) how much the dogs grow
D) the type of food the dogs receive

Question 37

Of the following, which is the best scientific hypothesis for the question, "How do bees help pollinate flowers?"

A) Bees help transfer pollen as they visit flowers to eat the pollen and drink the nectar.
B) Bees can see light- colored flowers better than dark- colored flowers.
C) Bees are attracted to flowers by both color and smell.
D) We should help bees survive by planting more flowers that provide nectar and pollen.

Question 38

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
THE EXPERIMENT:
Researchers wanted to determine whether pesticide Z is effective at killing grasshoppers that typically invade cornfields. Two 10- 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. The number of grasshoppers in the fields was recorded every week for 10 weeks.
RESULTS:
The number of grasshoppers in the west field treated only with water doubled after 10 weeks.
The number of grasshoppers in the east field treated with pesticide Z declined by 50% after 10 weeks.
An experiment .

A) often involves manipulating as many variables as possible
B) is designed to generate a new scientific hypothesis
C) involves the manipulation of data
D) is an activity designed to test the validity of a hypothesis

Question 39

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
Pablo and Johanna have to do a yearlong study for their biology course. After some discussion, they decide to propose comparing their dogs and the diet that they feed them to test their hypothesis that the local veterinarian's special dog food mix will enhance growth and development. Each student will adopt a puppy from the local pound. Pablo will feed his shepherd- mix dog the special diet of wet and dry foods from the local vet, while Johanna will use generic dry kibble from the supermarket for her bulldog.
What is the independent variable in this study?

A) Observatory location
B) Since this is a manipulative study, there is not an independent variable.
C) Carbon dioxide concentration
D) Time (year)

Question 40

Which of the following is the most reasonable conclusion based on the data in the figure?

A) There is a great deal of uncertainty in measurements of global atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
B) Average annual atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations have been increasing since 1960.
C) Carbon dioxide molecules multiply themselves over time.
D) Forest fires and fossil fuel combustion are increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations.

Question 41

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
THE EXPERIMENT:
Researchers wanted to determine whether pesticide Z is effective at killing grasshoppers that typically invade cornfields. Two 10- 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. The number of grasshoppers in the fields was recorded every week for 10 weeks.
RESULTS:
The number of grasshoppers in the west field treated only with water doubled after 10 weeks.
The number of grasshoppers in the east field treated with pesticide Z declined by 50% after 10 weeks.
Researchers wanted to determine whether pesticide Z is effective at killing grasshoppers that typically invade cornfields. Two 10- 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. The number of grasshoppers in the fields was recorded every week for 10 weeks. The number of grasshoppers in the west field treated only with water doubled after 10 weeks. The number of grasshoppers in the east field treated with pesticide Z declined by 50% after 10 weeks. Discuss two problems with the design of this experiment, and propose solutions to these problems.

Question 42

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
THE EXPERIMENT:
Researchers wanted to determine whether pesticide Z is effective at killing grasshoppers that typically invade cornfields. Two 10- 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. The number of grasshoppers in the fields was recorded every week for 10 weeks.
RESULTS:
The number of grasshoppers in the west field treated only with water doubled after 10 weeks.
The number of grasshoppers in the east field treated with pesticide Z declined by 50% after 10 weeks.
Why is it important to understand our interactions with the environment? What will studying environmental science enable you to do?

Question 43

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
THE EXPERIMENT:
Researchers wanted to determine whether pesticide Z is effective at killing grasshoppers that typically invade cornfields. Two 10- 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. The number of grasshoppers in the fields was recorded every week for 10 weeks.
RESULTS:
The number of grasshoppers in the west field treated only with water doubled after 10 weeks.
The number of grasshoppers in the east field treated with pesticide Z declined by 50% after 10 weeks.
You are hired by a pesticide company to determine whether its new pesticide ("Zap- em") is effective at controlling soybean aphids, an invasive species that costs American farmers millions of dollars a year in crop damage and control costs. Describe an experiment you would perform to test the effectiveness of Zap- em.