Deck 17: The Resource Cycle

Question 1

How can dams positively impact human populations while at the same time negatively impacting the environment? If a dam was to be built that would do just that, what variables would you weigh in order to conclude whether or not to build the dam?

Answer 1

Dams can positively impact human populations by providing a reliable source of water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use. They also can generate hydroelectric power, which can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, dams can help control flooding and provide recreational opportunities such as boating and fishing.

However, dams can negatively impact the environment by altering the natural flow of rivers, disrupting habitats for fish and other wildlife, and causing sediment buildup. They can also contribute to the loss of biodiversity and increase the risk of waterborne diseases.

When considering whether or not to build a dam that could have both positive and negative impacts, several variables should be weighed. These may include the ecological impact on the local flora and fauna, the potential displacement of communities and loss of cultural heritage, the long-term sustainability of the water supply, the cost and feasibility of alternative solutions, and the potential economic benefits for the surrounding area. It is important to conduct thorough environmental impact assessments and consider the input of local communities and experts in various fields to make an informed decision. Ultimately, the decision should prioritize the well-being of both human populations and the environment.

Question 2

Do the same factors that limit natural populations in the wild apply to populations of organisms in managed ecosystems, like fish in aquaculture ponds? What are some of the similarities and differences?

Answer 2

Yes, many of the same factors that limit natural populations in the wild also apply to populations of organisms in managed ecosystems like fish in aquaculture ponds. These factors include competition for resources, predation, disease, and environmental factors such as temperature and water quality.

However, there are also some differences between natural populations and those in managed ecosystems. In aquaculture ponds, for example, human intervention can play a significant role in regulating population size and health. This can include controlling stocking density, providing supplemental food, and implementing disease management strategies.

Additionally, the genetic diversity of populations in managed ecosystems may be more limited compared to natural populations, which can affect their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Overall, while many of the same limiting factors apply to both natural and managed populations, the level of human intervention and control in managed ecosystems can result in some distinct differences.

Question 3

Stones for tool use are a ___________ resource because even though they are replenished naturally, the rates of replenishment are measured in millions of years.

Answer 3

nonrenewable

Question 4

The science of __________ emerged from the last glaciation, about 12,000 years ago.

Question 5

The human economy is an ___________ system, in which materials and energy flow in and out.

Question 6

Some resources are renewed on such a continuous basis that they might be referred to as ___________ .

Question 7

About 5% of the world's forests are __________ ; managed forests where trees have been planted in rows.

Question 8

___________ is generally the most economically efficient way to harvest wood from a forest, but also the most ecologically destructive.

Question 9

Today, ___________ -- the loss of forest cover -- continues at a rapid pace in many of the poorer countries of the developing world.

Question 10

___________ is any area where natural forces are more significant than human intervention, and where people do not live on a permanent basis.

Question 11

____________ is the conscientious management of natural heritage and resources.

Question 12

An example of a severely depleted stock is the Atlantic __________ population off the eastern coast of Canada, which was fished to commercial extinction.

Question 13

___________ is weathered rock material that has been altered by the presence of living and decaying organisms, such that it can support rooted plant life.

Question 14

__________ soil is soil that is suited for growing agricultural crops.

Question 15

In the United States, the amount of arable soil lost to __________ at the beginning of the 1990s exceeded the amount of newly formed soil by almost 2 billion metric tons per year.

Question 16

Hydrologists designate as __________ a country or region with annual renewable water supplies of only 1000 to 2000 cubic meters per person.

Question 17

__________ rights guarantee water access only to those who own or have legally established rights to the riparian zone.

Question 18

Sustainable development is the planned utilization of __________ resources to meet current needs without degrading ecosystems or jeopardizing the future availability of those resources.

Question 19

Over the past 40 or 50 years, modern farming methods have led to an enormous increase in agricultural __________ .

Question 20

Techniques of modern __________ will most likely be capable of producing food resources enough to feed a population of 8 to 10 billion people by the middle of the twenty-first century.

Question 21

The anthroposphere comprises the parts of the Earth system that have been modified by human actions.

Question 22

Nonrenewable resources are replenished seasonally or continuously.

Question 23

Common property resources are commonly, jointly, or communally owned.

Question 24

The emergence of agriculture about 100,000 years ago allowed people to extract resources more intensively.

Question 25

Traditionally, the human economy has been viewed as a reservoir into which resources and energy flow from a limitless source.

Question 26

Living resources are renewable, but problems arise when they are harvested more quickly than the rate at which they reproduce and grow.

Question 27

Managed forest plantations can help maintain the stock of forest resources, and they can replace the biodiversity of old-growth forests.

Question 28

On a global scale, forests harbor only small reserves of biodiversity and do not help to regulate the climate.

Question 29

Clear-cutting is the most economically efficient and constructive way to harvest wood from a forest.

Question 30

In agroforestry, trees and crops are planted separately.

Question 31

Conservation is the conscientious management of natural heritage and resources, whereas preservation is the maintenance of wilderness areas in near-pristine conditions.

Question 32

Fish is an important source of dietary protein and income, especially in low-income countries.

Question 33

Some types of aquaculture require major inputs of fresh water and energy, and contribute to the loss of coastal wetlands and mangroves.

Question 34

Arable soil is not particularly crucial for the maintenance of our global food supply.

Question 35

Since the 1920s, modern farming methods have led to an enormous increase in agricultural productivity.

Question 36

Monoculture has contributed to soil nutrient depletion and the loss of crop biodiversity.

Question 37

The estimated global rate of soil loss through erosion now exceeds 25 billion metric tons each year.

Question 38

The results of excessive groundwater withdrawal can include depression of the water table; drying up of springs, streams, and wells; compaction of aquifers; and subsidence.

Question 39

Water loss -- that is, water that is consumed and not returned to the local hydrologic cycle -- occurs mainly through precipitation.

Question 40

Earth's carrying capacity is infinite.

Question 41

Practical lessons learned by studying agricultural science include

A) How to plant a garden.
B) How to successfully deplete natural resources.
C) Understanding of Earth's interconnectedness.
D) Awareness of personal issues.

Question 42

Which of the following resources, if contaminated, would cause the greatest impact to humans?

A) Soil.
B) Forest.
C) Water.
D) Wilderness.

Question 43

Resource acquisition and human activities are placing a growing demand on the Earth's water resources. Of the following, which is not adding stress to the water resource?

A) Mining activities.
B) Agriculture.
C) Industrialization.
D) The hydrologic cycle.

Question 44

Deforestation of the tropical rainforests is a global concern in all of the following areas except

A) Removal of chemicals that lead to the depletion of the ozone layer.
B) Contributing to the maintenance of the Earth's oxygen and carbon balance.
C) Regulation of surface and air temperatures.
D) Contribution to the biological diversity of the planet.

Question 45

The combination of decreasing yields and increased stream sediment load leads to

A) Soil erosion.
B) Deforestation.
C) Aquifer contamination.
D) Acid rain.

Question 46

On a global basis, which of the following areas have the highest water stress?

A) North Africa, the Middle East, and the southwestern United States.
B) North Africa, the Middle East, and China.
C) The Middle East, northern Australia, and Greenland.
D) North Africa, Central Africa, and the Middle East.

Question 47

Other than the Antarctic, which of the following continents has no deforestation today?

A) Asia.
B) Europe.
C) North America.
D) South America.
E) None of these. They all have deforestation.

Question 48

What is desalination?

A) The removal of waste from water.
B) The removal of salt from sea water.
C) The removal of bacteria from water.
D) The removal of polarity from water.

Question 49

The Tragedy of Commons suggests that

A) If individuals act out of short-term self-interest, all may suffer in the long run.
B) Solutions to problems will lead to more problems.
C) Self-interest will result in the greatest good for all.
D) National interests should trump personal interests.

Question 50

The depletion of stocks of fish in many of the world's largest fisheries is

A) associated with improved fishing gear.
B) a collective goods problem.
C) an example of the tragedy of the commons.
D) All of these.

Question 51

__________ is the reason for Earth's limited ability to support industrialization and population growth.

A) Sustainable yield.
B) Carrying capacity.
C) Resource cycle.
D) Anthroposphere.

Question 52

Which of the following is a common property resource?

A) Fisheries.
B) Deserts.
C) Oceans and Antarctica.
D) Desalination plants.

Question 53

While all of the following can contribute to the extinction of species, which of the following is the major cause?

A) Over hunting.
B) Over fishing.
C) Loss of habitat.
D) Introduction of non-native species.

Question 54

Which of the following is a non-renewable resource?

A) Vegetation.
B) Solar energy.
C) Water.
D) Minerals.

Question 55

Which of the following is a renewable resource?

A) Flora (plants) and fauna (animals).
B) Soil.
C) Water.
D) All of these.

Question 56

Which of the following soils is the best suited for growing agricultural crops?

A) Arable soil.
B) Sandy soil.
C) Clay soil.
D) Gray soil.

Question 57

A reserve such as a national park, attempts to conserve and preserve which of the following?

A) Natural vegetation.
B) Animals.
C) Wilderness.
D) All of these.

Question 58

One of the causes of mismanagement of natural resources is

A) Deforestation for crops.
B) Mass transportation designs.
C) A large increase in human population.
D) None of these.

Question 59

Which of the following is not a natural resource?

A) All of these are natural resources.
B) Fish.
C) Rivers.
D) Soil.
E) Minerals.

Question 60

Which of the following might result from overgrazing?

A) Degradation of the soil.
B) Introduction of "exotic" species.
C) Alteration of plant communities.
D) All of these can result from overgrazing.

Question 61

Wilderness in the United States is generally owned by

A) The federal government only.
B) Various levels of government.
C) Private companies and individuals.
D) None of these.

Question 62

About how many years ago were metals first used?

A) 7,000 years ago.
B) 5,000 years ago.
C) 17,000 years ago.
D) 12,000 years ago.

Question 63

Who were the first people to use oil to supplement wood as a fuel (about 4500 years ago)?

A) Greeks.
B) Babylonians.
C) Romans.
D) Chinese.

Question 64

How do forests affect the soil?

A) Trees keep the soil replenished with organic material in the form of dead leaves and branches.
B) Trees stabilize soil with their root system.
C) Both of the above.

Question 65

Which of the following is an indirect cause of deforestation?

A) Air pollution.
B) Road building.
C) Dam development.
D) Clear-cut logging.

Question 66

Which of the following is a direct cause of deforestation?

A) Air pollution.
B) Road building.
C) Drought.
D) Climate change.

Question 67

As of 2010, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Red List of Endangered Species lists which fish as "vulnerable" (one step short of being an endangered species)?

A) Swordfish.
B) Pacific tuna.
C) Atlantic cod.
D) Mackerel.

Question 68

Due to modern farming methods, wheat and corn production has almost in the decades following the 1950s.

A) Doubled.
B) Tripled.
C) Quadrupled.
D) Stayed the same.

Question 69

In the mid-1980s, productivity in some agricultural sectors began to level off. Why did this happen, even during the midst of the Green Revolution?

A) Emergence of pesticide-resistant insect species.
B) Global population growth.
C) Environmental impact of modern agriculture.
D) All of these.

Question 70

Which of the following processes is the biggest consumer of water?

A) Irrigation.
B) Urban development.
C) Personal use (bathing and waste, for example).
D) Car washes and other cleaning needs.

Question 71

Almost of the world's land area lies in drainage basins shared by two or more countries.

A) One-third.
B) One-half.
C) Three-quarters.
D) Two-thirds.

Question 72

Which of the following best defines aquaculture?

A) Raising fish in enclosures set to the edge of water bodies.
B) The natural system that creates a renewable supply of fresh water through evaporation.
C) A resource that cannot be replenished once it is used up, such as oil.
D) A resource that can be replaced, such as flora and fauna.

Question 73

Which of the following best defines a renewable resource?

A) Raising fish in enclosures set to the edge of water bodies.
B) A resource that can be replaced, such as flora and fauna.
C) The natural system that creates a renewable supply of fresh water through evaporation.
D) A resource that cannot be replenished once it is used up, such as oil.

Question 74

Sustainable development is

A) Planning the use of Earth's resources to meet current needs.
B) Consuming resources at a rate that saves enough for future generations.
C) Gathering and using resources without damaging the environment.
D) All of these.