Deck 7: Biogeochemical Cycles

Question 1

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
Long famous as a symbol of the United States, the bald eagle is also famous for its population decline and recovery during the 20th century. The bald eagle was declared endangered in the United States in 1967, when its population in the United States had declined to under 500 breeding pairs. The bald eagle was delisted in 1995 when its numbers had rebound to
~5,000 breeding pairs. An Illinois woman was convicted of violating the Lacey Act of 1900 and Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940 after she gave Hillary Clinton a dream catcher that contained bald eagle feathers in 1994. The Lacey Act is a federal law that prohibits trade in wildlife and plants that have been illegally taken or possessed, and the Bald Eagle Protection Act (more recently amended to become the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act) is federal legislation that prohibits the possession of eagle parts, feathers, eggs, or nests without a permit. Typically, only Native Americans, raptor centers, and zoologists are able to obtain such permits.
The federal government is responsible for roughly 90% of the cost of building and maintaining the federal interstate highway system. What federal act would be violated if an interstate- widening project were undertaken without any assessment of the potential impact of the project on a nearby sensitive wetland habitat?

A) Clean Water Act
B) CITES
C) NEPA
D) ESA

Answer 1

C

Question 2

"Cap and trade" is a system that .

A) allows industries to set their own caps for pollution emission so trading can continue
B) has been repealed by Congress as useless in diminishing pollution
C) permits industries that pollute at levels below the federal cap to sell credits to industries that pollute at levels above the cap
D) specifies a certain cap on industrial pollutants that can be traded to other nations

Answer 2

C

Question 3

One way to participate in the development of environmental policies is to become a member of an NGO. What is an NGO?

A) Neogeopolitical organization
B) National geographic organization
C) Natural global outlook
D) Nongovernmental organization

Answer 3

D

Question 4

When legislators consider passing policies to control pollution, they must consider the potential economic impacts of the policies. The legislators are given the information shown in the figure.
The federal government requires Energy Guides for appliances for all of the following reasons except .

A) to educate consumers so they can purchase products that are more environmentally friendly
B) to influence consumer behavior
C) to encourage makers of appliances to try to make appliances that are more efficient
D) to institute taxes on environmentally unfriendly products

Question 5

Which of the following groups provides military support to enforce international law?

A) United Nations
B) World Trade Organization
C) Justice League
D) International Court of Justice

Question 6

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
Long famous as a symbol of the United States, the bald eagle is also famous for its population decline and recovery during the 20th century. The bald eagle was declared endangered in the United States in 1967, when its population in the United States had declined to under 500 breeding pairs. The bald eagle was delisted in 1995 when its numbers had rebound to
~5,000 breeding pairs. An Illinois woman was convicted of violating the Lacey Act of 1900 and Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940 after she gave Hillary Clinton a dream catcher that contained bald eagle feathers in 1994. The Lacey Act is a federal law that prohibits trade in wildlife and plants that have been illegally taken or possessed, and the Bald Eagle Protection Act (more recently amended to become the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act) is federal legislation that prohibits the possession of eagle parts, feathers, eggs, or nests without a permit. Typically, only Native Americans, raptor centers, and zoologists are able to obtain such permits.
The woman violated several federal laws and international treaties by making and attempting to sell dream catchers that contained feathers from bald eagles and other species of protected birds such as goshawks and snowy owls. How do such federal laws and international treaties differ in how they are adopted in the United States?

A) The House and Senate approve federal laws with a simple majority vote, while international treaties require approval of only the president.
B) They differ in their authorship but not approval in that both the House and Senate need to approve both by a simple majority vote.
C) Federal laws need two- thirds approval in both the House and Senate, while international treaties require a simple majority vote in the House and Senate.
D) Federal laws need majority approval in both the House and Senate, while international treaties require two- thirds approval in the Senate.

Question 7

When legislators consider passing policies to control pollution, they must consider the potential economic impacts of the policies. The legislators are given the information shown in the figure.
According to the figure, which of the following levels of pollution reduction has the greatest amount of benefit derived?

A) 20% reduction
B) 60% reduction
C) 80% reduction
D) 100% reduction

Question 8

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
Long famous as a symbol of the United States, the bald eagle is also famous for its population decline and recovery during the 20th century. The bald eagle was declared endangered in the United States in 1967, when its population in the United States had declined to under 500 breeding pairs. The bald eagle was delisted in 1995 when its numbers had rebound to
~5,000 breeding pairs. An Illinois woman was convicted of violating the Lacey Act of 1900 and Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940 after she gave Hillary Clinton a dream catcher that contained bald eagle feathers in 1994. The Lacey Act is a federal law that prohibits trade in wildlife and plants that have been illegally taken or possessed, and the Bald Eagle Protection Act (more recently amended to become the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act) is federal legislation that prohibits the possession of eagle parts, feathers, eggs, or nests without a permit. Typically, only Native Americans, raptor centers, and zoologists are able to obtain such permits.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) _ .

A) requires compensation to be given to anyone harmed by deliberate pollution from any business or corporate entity
B) put all federal land under stringent environmental protection
C) requires environmental impact statements for any potentially harmful projects funded by the U.S. government
D) was signed into law by Bill Clinton

Question 9

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
Recent news of governmental approval of a new herbicide for use in the United States has sparked an outcry from environmental groups and some farmers. The groups claim that the approval violates federal law because the agency that approved the herbicide did not consult with a fellow federal agency regarding the herbicide's potential effects on the whooping crane and Indiana bat, two endangered species that will likely ingest contaminated arthropod prey.
The Montreal Protocol .

A) is an example of a failed attempt to reduce international air pollution
B) developed the framework for reduction of carbon dioxide in the United States and Canada
C) resulted in significant reduction in the production of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) by signatory nations
D) addressed transnational movement of acid- forming pollutants

Question 10

If a pharmaceutical company wishes to market a new antidepression drug in the United States, the company would need to seek approval from what governmental agency?

A) NOAA
B) EPA
C) USFWS
D) FDA

Question 11

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
Recent news of governmental approval of a new herbicide for use in the United States has sparked an outcry from environmental groups and some farmers. The groups claim that the approval violates federal law because the agency that approved the herbicide did not consult with a fellow federal agency regarding the herbicide's potential effects on the whooping crane and Indiana bat, two endangered species that will likely ingest contaminated arthropod prey.
How does the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) affect environmental policy?

A) The EPA determines which laws passed by the judicial branch apply to environmental policy.
B) The EPA develops rules and regulations based on laws passed by Congress.
C) The EPA passes laws that control environmental regulations.
D) The EPA funds ecological studies that inform the executive branch about what environmental laws are needed.

Question 12

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
Recent news of governmental approval of a new herbicide for use in the United States has sparked an outcry from environmental groups and some farmers. The groups claim that the approval violates federal law because the agency that approved the herbicide did not consult with a fellow federal agency regarding the herbicide's potential effects on the whooping crane and Indiana bat, two endangered species that will likely ingest contaminated arthropod prey.
What federal law would the environmental groups and farmers argue was violated when the new herbicide was approved?

A) Food Safety Modernization Act
B) Montreal Protocol
C) CITES
D) ESA

Question 13

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
Long famous as a symbol of the United States, the bald eagle is also famous for its population decline and recovery during the 20th century. The bald eagle was declared endangered in the United States in 1967, when its population in the United States had declined to under 500 breeding pairs. The bald eagle was delisted in 1995 when its numbers had rebound to
~5,000 breeding pairs. An Illinois woman was convicted of violating the Lacey Act of 1900 and Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940 after she gave Hillary Clinton a dream catcher that contained bald eagle feathers in 1994. The Lacey Act is a federal law that prohibits trade in wildlife and plants that have been illegally taken or possessed, and the Bald Eagle Protection Act (more recently amended to become the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act) is federal legislation that prohibits the possession of eagle parts, feathers, eggs, or nests without a permit. Typically, only Native Americans, raptor centers, and zoologists are able to obtain such permits.
What other federal legislation would the woman have violated when she made and attempted to sell dream catchers containing bald eagle feathers?

A) CITES
B) USDA
C) ESA
D) NEPA

Question 14

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
Long famous as a symbol of the United States, the bald eagle is also famous for its population decline and recovery during the 20th century. The bald eagle was declared endangered in the United States in 1967, when its population in the United States had declined to under 500 breeding pairs. The bald eagle was delisted in 1995 when its numbers had rebound to
~5,000 breeding pairs. An Illinois woman was convicted of violating the Lacey Act of 1900 and Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940 after she gave Hillary Clinton a dream catcher that contained bald eagle feathers in 1994. The Lacey Act is a federal law that prohibits trade in wildlife and plants that have been illegally taken or possessed, and the Bald Eagle Protection Act (more recently amended to become the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act) is federal legislation that prohibits the possession of eagle parts, feathers, eggs, or nests without a permit. Typically, only Native Americans, raptor centers, and zoologists are able to obtain such permits.
Since bald eagles were endangered at the time of the incident, what international treaty would the woman have likely also violated when she made and attempted to sell dream catchers containing bald eagle feathers?

A) Montreal Protocol
B) ESA
C) NEPA
D) CITES

Question 15

When legislators consider passing policies to control pollution, they must consider the potential economic impacts of the policies. The legislators are given the information shown in the figure.
Assuming the legislators are considering the cost- effectiveness of the legislation and want to maximize net benefit, what level of pollution reduction would they most logically legislate?

A) No reduction, since there is a cost to all levels of pollution reduction.
B) 60% reduction
C) 80% reduction
D) 90% reduction

Question 16

According to the figure, what level of pollution reduction comes at the highest cost?

A) From 60% to 80% pollution reduction
B) The first 20% of pollution reduction
C) From 20% to 40% pollution reduction
D) From 80% to 100% pollution reduction

Question 17

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
Long famous as a symbol of the United States, the bald eagle is also famous for its population decline and recovery during the 20th century. The bald eagle was declared endangered in the United States in 1967, when its population in the United States had declined to under 500 breeding pairs. The bald eagle was delisted in 1995 when its numbers had rebound to
~5,000 breeding pairs. An Illinois woman was convicted of violating the Lacey Act of 1900 and Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940 after she gave Hillary Clinton a dream catcher that contained bald eagle feathers in 1994. The Lacey Act is a federal law that prohibits trade in wildlife and plants that have been illegally taken or possessed, and the Bald Eagle Protection Act (more recently amended to become the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act) is federal legislation that prohibits the possession of eagle parts, feathers, eggs, or nests without a permit. Typically, only Native Americans, raptor centers, and zoologists are able to obtain such permits.
What federal agency oversees regulations regarding point source water pollution established in the Clean Water Act?

A) USFWS
B) NOAA
C) EPA
D) FDA

Question 18

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
Recent news of governmental approval of a new herbicide for use in the United States has sparked an outcry from environmental groups and some farmers. The groups claim that the approval violates federal law because the agency that approved the herbicide did not consult with a fellow federal agency regarding the herbicide's potential effects on the whooping crane and Indiana bat, two endangered species that will likely ingest contaminated arthropod prey.
What federal agency is responsible for protecting endangered terrestrial species and thus should arguably have been consulted before the herbicide was approved?

A) USFWS
B) NOAA
C) EPA
D) FDA

Question 19

When legislators consider passing policies to control pollution, they must consider the potential economic impacts of the policies. The legislators are given the information shown in the figure.
Which part of the government is responsible for making environmental policy laws?

A) Judicial branch
B) Executive branch
C) Legislative branch
D) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Question 20

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
Recent news of governmental approval of a new herbicide for use in the United States has sparked an outcry from environmental groups and some farmers. The groups claim that the approval violates federal law because the agency that approved the herbicide did not consult with a fellow federal agency regarding the herbicide's potential effects on the whooping crane and Indiana bat, two endangered species that will likely ingest contaminated arthropod prey.
What federal agency is responsible for approving new pesticides?

A) FDA
B) USFWS
C) NOAA
D) EPA

Question 21

Environmental policies and regulations are approved at the .

A) local level only
B) local, state, and federal levels
C) state and federal levels
D) federal level only

Question 22

A policy is approved that requires a company near a large city to keep its smokestack pollution to new lower levels, costing the company $2 million in additional equipment (which will last at least 10 years) and $100,000 a year in additional labor. Lowering the air pollutants in the region is expected to save $4 million in medical expenses in the region over the next 10 years. Which of the following can be inferred from this information?

A) The company appears to lose money because of the policy, but it may decide to pass the costs along to consumers.
B) The company will save approximately $1 million over the next 10 years by implementing the new equipment.
C) The cost of the new equipment outweighs the benefit of its implementation.
D) Taxpayers will save approximately $1 million if the company implements the new equipment.

Question 23

In 1962, Rachel Carson published the book Silent Spring, documenting the devastating effects of pesticides, including DDT, on birds and other organisms. In 1972, new policies were implemented that banned the use of DDT in the United States. The preparation and publication of the book Silent Spring represented which step in the policy process?

A) Debating the potential impacts of a policy
B) Formulating the initial policy
C) Enforcing rules established by the policy
D) Establishing the problem to be addressed by policy

Question 24

Lobbying, legal action, and campaign funding are all means used by environmental legislation. to influence federal

A) corporations and NGOs
B) the scientific community
C) the executive branch
D) the judicial branch

Question 25

What is the significance of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?

Question 26

The goal of the Kyoto Protocol was to _.

A) protect endangered species from smuggling and illegal trade
B) protect the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
C) reduce global greenhouse gas emissions
D) increase the use of nuclear power generation

Question 27

In 1962, Rachel Carson published the book Silent Spring, documenting the devastating effects of pesticides, including DDT, on birds and other organisms. By 1972, new policies had been implemented that banned the use of DDT in the United States. Given the response to ban DDT by 1972, which of the following steps in the policy process occurred in the late 1960s?

A) Evaluating the success of a policy
B) Debating the potential impacts of a policy
C) Enforcing rules established by the policy
D) Establishing the problem to be addressed by policy

Question 28

Which of the following statements most accurately describes the relative "risk" of getting a sliver in your finger versus a volcanic eruption in the Pacific Northwest?

A) The relative "risk" is difficult to assess because, even though getting the sliver is much more likely, the volcanic eruption would be much more severe.
B) Getting a sliver in your finger is much more likely and so has the higher risk.
C) A volcanic eruption in the Pacific Northwest is much more likely and so has the higher risk.
D) The relative risk is roughly equal because both events are roughly equally likely, and both would be roughly equally severe.

Question 29

Read the following scenario, and answer the questions below.
Recent news of governmental approval of a new herbicide for use in the United States has sparked an outcry from environmental groups and some farmers. The groups claim that the approval violates federal law because the agency that approved the herbicide did not consult with a fellow federal agency regarding the herbicide's potential effects on the whooping crane and Indiana bat, two endangered species that will likely ingest contaminated arthropod prey.
is the probability of an event having a severe effect on organisms or the physical environment.

A) Disaster
B) Risk
C) Inevitability
D) Hazard

Question 30

Identify the three branches of the federal government, and describe their roles in environmental policy.

Question 31

"_ " approaches to environmental public policy are those that involve punishment for not abiding by regulations.

A) Carrot- and- stick
B) Cap- and- trade
C) God squad
D) Command- and- control

Question 32

Discuss the goal and success of the 1987 Montreal Protocol.

Question 33

The judicial branch of the U.S. federal government is important for environmental policy because .

A) it enforces federal laws
B) it regulates administrative agencies
C) it determines the constitutionality of laws
D) it is responsible for making laws

Question 34

Regarding environmental laws and the U.S. Constitution, .

A) the Constitution prohibits states from having environmental laws that are more strict than federal laws
B) the Constitution establishes that states have preeminence over federal policy in cases of environmental law
C) federal environmental laws can override the Constitution, but state laws cannot
D) state environmental laws cannot violate the Constitution but can be more strict than federal laws