Environmental Science

The carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen cycles are all biogeochemical cycles. They show the movement of elements through living and nonliving components of the Earth. Carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen, are essential components of life that pass through organisms and nonliving components, but are never used up.
Explain how the carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen cycles are similar.
The use of coal has steadily increased from 1800 to 2004. Burning coal was the leading cause of global fossil carbon emissions until around 1970, when the petroleum became the leading cause of global fossil carbon emissions. Petroleum use rose quickly after 1950.
Compare the use of coal to the use of petroleum from 1800 to 2004.
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More than one instrument is needed to measure change in the climate system because its complexity. The climate system involves the interaction of the atmosphere, land masses, and bodies of water. Because there are a variety of factors that influence climate, a variety of instruments are needed to measure changes in the climate system.
Explain why a variety of instruments are needed to measure change in the climate system.
The Radiosonde is used to measure temperatures, humidity, and pressure of the upper atmosphere. It can take measurements at up to 30 km.
What is the purpose of the radiosonde?
d.
Carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen cycles are biogeochemical cycles.
Which of the following statements about biogeochemical cycles is true?
a.
Biogeochemical cycles are cycles involving only nonliving components.
b.
The rock cycle is a biogeochemical cycle.
c.
Biogeochemical cycles are not an important part of the Earth system.
d.
Carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen cycles are biogeochemical cycles.
Tracking changes in the climate system can help forecast weather conditions. It can also help predict natural disasters, such as hurricanes. Another advantage of tracking changes in the climate system is the ability to determine human impact on the climate system.
What are some advantages of tracking changes in the climate system?
True
Landfills produce methane, which is a greenhouse gas and contributes to global warming.
a.
forecasting weather
Which of the following is a use for a weather radar?
a.
forecasting weather
b.
preventing precipitation
c.
measuring rainfall
d.
measuring temperature
d.
none of the above
Which of the following does not have an impact on Earth’s climate?
a.
the movement of the ocean
b.
greenhouse gases
c.
burning fossil fuels
d.
none of the above
a.
to measure the amount of rainfall
What is the purpose of a rain gauge?
a.
to measure the amount of rainfall
b.
to predict how much rain is going to fall
c.
to predict whether or not it is going to rain
d.
to measure the temperature of the rain
False
There is only one possible path for each stage in the rock cycle.
Not d
Which of the following statements about biogeochemical cycles is not true?
a.
Biogeochemical cycles include living and nonliving elements.
b.
The rock cycle is a biogeochemical cycle.
c.
Biogeochemical cycles are an important part of the Earth system.
d.
Carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen cycles are biogeochemical cycles.
False
There is a single instrument to measure climate change.
A
Where are rain gauges located?
a.
on or near the ground
b.
one meter above the ground
c.
on weather balloons
d.
on satellites
A
Which of the following is not a use for a weather radar?
a.
forecasting weather
b.
locating precipitation
c.
determining type of precipitation
d.
measuring temperature
B
Why are a variety of instruments needed to measure change in the climate system?
a.
A different type of instrument is needed for each different climate.
b.
The climate system involves a number of different factors that are measured differently.
c.
Climate is determined over a number of years, rather than a short period of time.
d.
Different areas have developed different instruments to measure climate change.
True
The radiosonde can be used to measure upper air temperature.
True
The amount of sunlight received at Earth’s surface fluctuates more at the poles than the equator.
D
How do landfills contribute to global warming?
a.
They keep people from recycling.
b.
Animals become dependent on landfills for resources.
c.
They take up valuable space.
d.
They produce methane, a greenhouse gas.
D
Which of the following is not an advantage to tracking changes in the climate system?
a.
forecasting weather
b.
predicting natural disasters
c.
tracking human impact on climate
d.
preventing weather events
a.
They can measure aspects of climate globally.
What is the main advantage to using satellites to measure climate change?
a.
They can measure aspects of climate globally.
b.
They are unaffected by the weather conditions they measure.
c.
They are a universal tool for measuring all factors of climate.
d.
They can measure the amount of rainfall a specific area receives.
d.
All of the above.
How are the carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen cycles similar?
a.
They are all biogeochemical cycles.
b.
They all involve an interaction between living and nonliving elements.
c.
They are all part of the Earth system.
d.
All of the above.
d.
none of the above
Which of the following does not have an impact on Earth’s climate?
a.
the movement of the ocean
b.
greenhouse gases
c.
burning fossil fuels
d.
none of the above
d.
burning of fossil fuels
Which of the following is not a way in which carbon gases are introduced into the atmosphere?
a.
forest fires
b.
respiration
c.
photosynthesis
d.
burning of fossil fuels
TRUE
Cycles are essential to all living organisms.
d.
All cycles of matter are equally important for life to be sustained.
Which of the following statements is true?

a.
The nitrogen cycle is the most important cycle for life.

b.
The oxygen cycle is the least important cycle for life.

c.
Life can be sustained without any of the cycles for life present.

d.
All cycles of matter are equally important for life to be sustained.

TRUE
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms of nitrogen that living things can use.
Please select the best answer from the choices provided
TRUE
Plants in the rainforest contribute to precipitation there through transpiration.
c.
carbonation
Which of the following does not take place in the water cycle?

a.
precipitation
b.
evaporation
c.
carbonation
d.
condensation

d.
It does not involve the atmosphere.
How is the phosphorus cycle different from the oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon cycles?
a.
It occurs at the fastest rate.
b.
It is not essential to life.
c.
It does not occur naturally.
d.
It does not involve the atmosphere.
a.
effectively conserve and retain water
Plants in the desert _______.
a.
effectively conserve and retain water
b.
have high levels of transpiration
c.
release 50-80% of water back into the ecosystem
d.
make their own precipitation
Fertilizers contain nutrients, especially phosphorous and nitrogen, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. Since fertilizers help plants grow, they also cause algal blooms in aquatic ecosystems.
What is a possible consequence of fertilizer runoff in aquatic ecosystems?
Energy is necessary for all living organisms. Everything needs energy to happen
Explain how the need for energy is the driving force of the oxygen cycle.
b.
triggered by changes in the weather
Hibernation is _______.
a.
an example of an abiotic cycle
b.
triggered by changes in the weather
c.
caused only by biotic factors
d.
triggered by breeding patterns
The carbon cycle is one of the major biogeochemical cycles describing the flow of essential elements from the environent to living organisms and back to the environment again.
Explain the role of organisms in the carbon cycle.
Populations are influenced by fluctuations in any of the abiotic cycles. The fluctuations of seasonal cycles can cause populations to hibernate, migrate, or breed. Organisms breed as a result of seasonal fluctucations that cause them to have a limited resource supply. Fluctuations in the phosphorus cycle can cause changes to aquatic ecosystems, either positive or negative.
Explain how fluctuations in abiotic cycles can influence populations.
d.
all of the above
In the carbon cycle, carbon is found in _______.
a.
the atmosphere
b.
the soil
c.
living organisms
d.
all of the above
cycle is true?
a.
In living organisms, phosphorus can be found in nucleic acids.
Which of the following statements about the phosphorus cycle is true?
a.
In living organisms, phosphorus can be found in nucleic acids.
b.
Phosphorus in aquatic ecosystems is only found in sediment.
c.
Elevated levels of phosphorus in aquatic ecosystems is always beneficial.
d.
The soil plays no part in the phosphorus cycle.
a.
can lead to changes in the growth rates of aquatic populations
Fluctuations in the phosphorus cycle in aquatic ecosystems _______.
a.
can lead to changes in the growth rates of aquatic populations
b.
are never caused by human impact on the environment
c.
lead to a decrease in the amount of phosphorus found in sediment
d.
never occur naturally
d.
all of the above
Succession allows ecosystems to _______.
a.
recover from disruptive events
b.
reach a stable and sustainable point
c.
establish complex communities
d.
all of the above
b.
Secondary succession affects ecosystems that are already established.
Which of the following statements about secondary succession is true?
a.
Secondary succession occurs in ecosystems that have no vegetation.
b.
Secondary succession affects ecosystems that are already established.
c.
Ecosystems require pioneer species to undergo secondary succession.
d.
Secondary succession can occur in areas without soil.
a.
organisms gradually change the environment
Succession occurs because _______.
a.
organisms gradually change the environment
b.
climax communities are not possible
c.
dominant organisms drive out pioneer species
d.
ecosystems never reach a sustainable point
Primary and secondary succession both happen when plant life begins to grow again in a habitat that was once destroyed or is recovering. Secondary succession happens at an increased rate and often the plants grow thicker. An example of secondary succession is a wildfire. Primary succession happens after a habitat is completely destroyed and it finally starts to grow back but is much thinner. Plants that grow here are shrubs and bushes.
How are primary and secondary succession similar and how are they different?
Wilfires, ice ages, drought, extreme logging.
What are some possible causes of succession in ecosystems?
Extreme logging can cause a habitat to be destroyed. After this happens shrubs and bushes usually grow back thinner.
Explain how human impact can lead to succession in ecosystems.
Primary succession occurs on novel areas such as volcanic ash, glacial deposits, or bare rock, areas which have not previously supported a community. In such harsh, unstable environments, pioneer colonizing organisms must have wide ranges of ecological tolerance to survive. In contrast, secondary succession is initiated by disturbance such as fire, which removes a previous community from an area. Pioneer species are here constrained not by the physical environment but by their ability to enter and exploit the vacant area rapidly.
Compare primitive communities to climax communities.
b.
a natural recovery process
Succession is _______.
a.
harmful to ecosystems
b.
a natural recovery process
c.
unnecessary for ecosystem recovery
d.
a one-time event
Succession allows ecosystems to recover from events. Even ecosystems that have no soil, such as those that have been destroyed by volcanic activity, can return to a stable and sustainable state. Primary succession occurs in these ecosystems. Pioneer species are found in areas undergoing primary succession. These pioneer species help reform soil over time. After soil is present, new species can move into an area during secondary succession. After a longer period of time, climax communities can be reached.
Explain how ecosystems are sustained through succession.
c.
occurs in areas without soil
Primary succession ________.
a.
is caused solely by human events
b.
occurs on preexisting soil
c.
occurs in areas without soil
d.
becomes normalized by climax species
d.
algae
Which of the following would you expect to find in a primitive community?
a.
deer
b.
trees
c.
shrubs
d.
algae
c.
Mohorovicic discontinuity
The boundary where crust gives way to mantle is called the _______.
a.
asthenosphere
b.
mesosphere
c.
Mohorovicic discontinuity
d.
Vernian divide
b.
the upwelling of magma from the asthenosphere
Ocean ridges form as a result of _______.
a.
slab pull
b.
the upwelling of magma from the asthenosphere
c.
sediment being deposited from the ocean
d.
all of the above
b.
The crust provides raw materials necessary for life.
Which of the following best explains the importance of Earth’s crust to living organisms?
a.
The continental crust allowed the evolution of life on land.
b.
The crust provides raw materials necessary for life.
c.
The crust allowed the formation of fossil fuels.
d.
The rock cycle recycles sedimentary rocks formed from animal shells.
a.
40%
The continental crust covers _______ of the Earth’s surface.
a.
40%
b.
50%
c.
60%
d.
70%
Mid-ocean ridges are a long, seismically active submarine ridge system situated in the middle of an ocean basin and marking the site of the upwelling of magma associated with seafloor spreading. An example is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Mid-ocean ridges continuously create crust.
Explain how oceanic crust is continuously created at mid-ocean ridges.
Mid-ocean ridges are where new crust is formed and trenches are where crust is destroyed by subduction. As new crust is formed continuously it gets further and further from the mid-ocean ridge (like a conveyor belt), is “rusting” (aqueous minerals form), it becomes heavier and heavier, colder, less buoyant, and eventually it sinks into the mantle, aided by the weight of the sediment from the continents as well, and a new trench forms.
Explain how ocean ridges and trenches are formed.
a.
the flow of matter
Rheology is best described as the study of _______.
a.
the flow of matter
b.
the Earth’s crust
c.
magma
d.
the Earth’s core
b.
granitic and basaltic minerals
The Earth’s crust is principally composed of _______.
a.
granitic and sedimentary minerals
b.
granitic and basaltic minerals
c.
basaltic and sedimentary minerals
d.
none of the above
d.
Some layers of the earth are liquid, and some are solid.
Which of the following best describes the compositional layers of the earth?
a.
All layers of the Earth below the crust are liquid.
b.
The only liquid layer of the earth is the mantle.
c.
The crust floats on top of the outer core.
d.
Some layers of the earth are liquid, and some are solid.
Biogeochemical cycles are pathways for the transport and transformation of matter within four categorical areas that make up planet Earth (biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and the atmosphere). Biogeochemical cycles are components of the broader cycle that govern the functioning of planet Earth. The idea of the rock cycle is that the rocks are continually changing from one type to another and back again, as forces inside the earth bring them closer to the surface (where they are weathered, eroded, and compacted) and forces on the earth sink them back down (where they are heated, pressed, and melted).
Explain how biogeochemical cycles and the rock cycle are important for life on Earth.
Earth’s crust is the outermost solid shell of a rocky planet or natural satellite, which is chemically distinct from the underlying mantle. The crusts of Earth, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Io, and other planetary bodies have been generated largely by igneous processes, and these crusts are richer in incompatible elements than their respective mantles. The lithosphere is the rigid outer part of the earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle. They have many differentiates.
Explain what differentiates the Earth’s crust and lithosphere.
c.
nickel and iron
The core of the Earth is mostly composed of _______.
a.
magnesium and silicon
b.
aluminum and silicon
c.
nickel and iron
d.
aluminum and iron
Fossil fuels were formed from plants and animals that lived up to about 300 million years ago.

The Sun passed solar energy to the plants, and plants were eaten by animals. When the plants and animals died and started decaying, some of them got buried deep under the ground for many millions of years, where they turned into fossil fuels like coal, gas and crude oil.

We burn that coal and oil to turn them into heat energy. Heat energy is transformed in power plants into electricity that goes through the power lines to our homes, then powers our televisions, computers, etc.

There are three basic categories of fossil fuels: coal, petroleum (or crude oil), and natural gas

The sun gives solar energy to the plants, when the plants die, they get dug under ground for many years. Then they turn into a fossil fuel like coal. Hear is an example what it is usually used for: when the fossil fuel turns into coal, we burn that coal to turn into heat energy. Heat energy, goes through the power lines, then leads to our television.What we watch today, works because of this system. Ultimately the result of biological processes.

Explain how fossil fuels found in the Earth’s crust are ultimately the result of biological processes.
False
The layers of the Earth are described by their composition but not their mechanical properties.
d.
None of the above
Which of the following is true concerning continental crust?
a.
It does not contain radioactive elements.
b.
It mostly contains heavier and denser minerals than the mantle.
c.
It efficiently transfers heat from the mantle to the surface.
d.
None of the above
b.
the upwelling of magma from the asthenosphere
Ocean ridges form as a result of _______.
a.
slab pull
b.
the upwelling of magma from the asthenosphere
c.
sediment being deposited from the ocean
d.
all of the above
True
The Mohorovicic discontinuity was discovered by monitoring the speed of seismic waves through Earth.
c.
inner and outer core
Which layers of the Earth are common to both the compositional and mechanical descriptions?
a.
crust and mantle
b.
lithosphere and mesosphere
c.
inner and outer core
d.
crust and lithosphere
False
Crust and lithosphere refer to the same layer of the Earth.
False
Continental crust is younger than oceanic crust.
True
Earth’s crust sits on top of the mantle.
a.
at mid-ocean ridges
Where is oceanic crust thickest?
a.
at mid-ocean ridges
b.
in the center of ocean plains
c.
at deep-sea trenches
d.
none of the above
b.
biogeochemical cycles
The crust’s role in _______ allows it to provide the raw materials necessary for life on earth.
a.
the rock cycle
b.
biogeochemical cycles
c.
fossil fuel discovery
d.
the water cycle
Not a, maybe b
At higher elevations, the boiling point of water decreases, due to the decrease in atmospheric pressure. As a result, what could be said about hard boiling an egg?
a.
At higher elevations, it would take less time to hard boil an egg, because there is less atmospheric pressure.
b.
At higher elevations, it would take longer to hard boil an egg, because there is a lower boiling point, so the egg is boiling in water at a lower temperature.
c.
At higher elevations, it would take less time to hard boil an egg, because there is a lower boiling point. Therefore it would take less time to achieve the boiling point.
d.
At higher elevations, it would take longer to hard boil an egg, because it would take longer to achieve the boiling point
True
Graphing recorded data from a chart or table would be helpful for interpreting trends or patterns.
c.
Between the ages of 12 and 16, all four boys had the biggest jump in height.
There are four boys in Paul’s family. By the age of nineteen, all of them are over six feet tall. The data table below shows their height at different ages:

What can be said about the growth trend for boys in Paul’s family?
a.
All four boys grew at a steady, consistent rate between the ages of 8 and 24.
b.
All four boys had a growth spurt around the age of 20.
c.
Between the ages of 12 and 16, all four boys had the biggest jump in height.
d.
Between the ages of 8 and 12, all four boys had the biggest jump in height.

True
In Arizona, monsoon season generally runs during the summer months heading into September. The heaviest rainfall in Arizona usually occurs during the months of July or August. Therefore, there is a correlation between rainfall amount and the monsoon season in Arizona.
b.
Similarities = helpful staff, ability to hike
Differences = variety of views, crowds, peacefulness, wildlife sightings
Tracy took a road trip out west where she had a chance to visit both the north and south rims of the Grand Canyon. She observed more wildlife and a greater variety of views from the south rim, but enjoyed a less crowded more peaceful experience at the north rim. She was able to hike several trails at both locations and found the staff to be helpful. What would be the best way for Tracy to categorize her observations?
a.
Similarities = variety of views, crowds, peaceful
Differences = amount of wildlife, hiking trails, staff
b.
Similarities = helpful staff, ability to hike
Differences = variety of views, crowds, peacefulness, wildlife sightings
c.
Similarities = helpful staff, views, amount of wildlife
Differences = difficulty levels of hiking trails, crowds, peacefulness
d.
Similarities = Both crowded, excellent views, ability to hike
Differences = peacefulness, staff availability, amount of wildlife
d.
boundary where crust gives way to mantle
The Mohorovicic discontinuity is the _______.
a.
division between the lithosphere and asthenosphere
b.
boundary between solid and molten rock
c.
transition from granitic to basaltic crust
d.
boundary where crust gives way to mantle
c.
The layers of Earth are uniform in thickness.
Which of the following is not true concerning the layers of the Earth?
a.
The core is mostly composed of metals.
b.
The mantle has both solid and liquid regions.
c.
The layers of Earth are uniform in thickness.
d.
The lithosphere includes both the crust and upper, solid mantle.
c.
subsurface mining
Which type of mining is likely the least harmful to the environment?
a.
surface mining
b.
placer mining
c.
subsurface mining
d.
none of the above
a.
Asia
Which of the following regions has the highest population living in rural areas?
a.
Asia
b.
Africa
c.
North America
d.
Europe
a.
sulfur
Which of the following is an example of a nonmetallic mineral?
a.
sulfur
b.
lead
c.
aluminum
d.
gold
True
The invention of the automobile contributed to the increase of urban sprawl
a.
Clear-cutting eliminates all trees leaving none behind to maintain soil fertility or house native animals.
Which of the following best explains why clear-cutting forests is more destructive than selectively cutting down trees in forests?
a.
Clear-cutting eliminates all trees leaving none behind to maintain soil fertility or house native animals.
b.
Clear-cutting places the land at greater risk for wildfires.
c.
Clear-cutting makes land more attractive for human development.
d.
Clear-cutting causes less soil erosion than selective cutting.
True
Unexpected consequences can result from human interference or manipulation of any sufficiently complicated natural system.
b.
improved ecosystem health
Which of the following is not a possible consequence of surface mining?
a.
increased pollution
b.
improved ecosystem health
c.
destruction of flora and fauna
d.
erosion of soil
b.
using biological mechanisms to eliminate pests
Biological pest control involves _______.
a.
eliminating pests with pesticides
b.
using biological mechanisms to eliminate pests
c.
planting a new crop every year
d.
burning crops
False
Long-term mineral extraction has no lasting consequences.
c.
Tokyo, Japan
Which of the following cities has experienced more upward growth than urban sprawl?
a.
Los Angeles, California
b.
Bangkok, Thailand
c.
Tokyo, Japan
d.
Jakarta, Indonesia
An abandoned strip mine will partially recover over time. Without human intervention, however, its recovery will be minimal.
Predict what will happen to an abandoned strip mine over time.
c.
dredging sediments from the water bottom
Placer mining involves _______ to extract minerals.
a.
removing the top layer of earth
b.
tunneling under the earth
c.
dredging sediments from the water bottom
d.
none of the above
d.
all of the above
The long term effects of mining include _______.
a.
acid drainage
b.
erosion
c.
dust emissions
d.
all of the above
Mining has a large impact on the environment because minerals are contained within the Earth. Earth must be removed in order to extract the minerals. When the minerals are close to the surface, the earth is removed, causing destruction to the shape of the land and the flora and fauna living in that area.
Explain why mining has such a large impact on the environment.
d.
automobiles
Which of the following stages of urban development contributed to an increase in suburban living?
a.
preindustrial
b.
industrial
c.
pedestrian
d.
automobiles
Coral bleaching occurs when polyps expel algal cells which changes the color of the coral making its appearance white. Solar irradiance warms the water which causes the coral to expel algal cells.
How can solar irradiance cause coral bleaching?
a.
planulae
Which of the following is not one of the three major structures of coral reefs?
a.
control starfish populations
Harlequin shrimp _______.
a.
control starfish populations
b.
clean parasites from select fish species
c.
control tubeworm populations
d.
hide within coral using their special camouflage
Zooxanthellae provides CO2. It needs cora, for photosynthesis. Most coral are unable to live without zooxanthellae.It provides coral with vital nutrients for survival and allows reef-building.
Explain how zooxanthellae have a symbiotic relationship with coral.
b.
clean up algae and decayed matter
Scavengers living in the coral reef _______.
a.
control tubeworm populations
b.
clean up algae and decayed matter
c.
maintain fish populations
d.
all of the above
Blast fishing does not only kill the fish, but it also destroys nearby reefs. When using cyanide to stun the fish, it also kills the reefs and nearby organisms. Coral cannot reproduce fast enough.
Explain the issues associated with coral harvesting methods.
a.
farming of coral organisms for trade
What is mariculture?
a.
farming of coral organisms for trade
b.
the coral reef ecosystem
c.
legislation regarding coral reefs
d.
none of the above
c.
fragile, highly complex community
A coral reef is a _______.
a.
marine organism
b.
deep sea plant
c.
fragile, highly complex community
d.
all of the above
the tentacle bends, or convolves, bringing the caught food to the hypostoma (the mouth) wich is ingested through the pharynx and reaches the coelenteron, where it’s digested with enzymes
Explain how the polyp uses its tentacles.
Recent laws have limited the mariculture in certain areas making the population loss less.
Evaluate the effectiveness of legislation and facilities establishment in preventing further coral reef loss.
d.
It is composed of thousands of individuals.
Which of the following is true of coral?
a.
It is located in deep sea regions.
b.
It supports few species.
c.
It is a large and complex organism.
d.
It is composed of thousands of individuals.
b.
Coral reefs support a wide variety of organisms.
What is the most important reason to continue efforts to preserve coral reefs?
a.
Coral reefs are a valuable commodity in the aquarium business.
b.
Coral reefs support a wide variety of organisms.
c.
Coral reefs are one of the oldest ecosystems.
d.
Coral reefs are important for marine recreation.
True
Coral bleaching occurs when a colony of polyps are under stress.
True
Coral reefs are sometimes referred to as the rainforests of the ocean because of their high levels of biodiversity.
c.
xenobiotics
Coral bleaching that occurs because of the introduction of foreign substances is _______.
a.
solar irradiance
b.
dilution
c.
xenobiotics
d.
harvesting
True
Polyps are distinct organisms that live in communities that make up coral.
c.
Various preservation methods have had some positive impact on coral reef preservation.
Which of the following statements about coral reef preservation efforts is true?
a.
In order to preserve coral reefs, all aquarium trade in coral reef organisms must end.
b.
Legislation has had no impact on coral reef preservation efforts.
c.
Various preservation methods have had some positive impact on coral reef preservation.
d.
Education of fishermen has eliminated all coral reef loss.
d.
all of the above
What is a direct cause of coral bleaching?
a.
exposure to sunlight
b.
the loss of symbiotic algae
c.
overgrazing by fish
d.
all of the above
not b
What is the purpose of the tentacles of coral polyps?
a.
defense
b.
food capture
c.
clearing
d.
all of the above
b.
The coral cannot regenerate quickly enough to recover from harvesting practices.
What is the main concern with coral harvesting methods?
a.
Coral harvesting methods are not economically profitable.
b.
The coral cannot regenerate quickly enough to recover from harvesting practices.
c.
Organisms that rely on coral are harmed by the methods, even though the coral is not.
d.
The coral is harmed by the methods, even though the organisms that rely on it are not.
True
The abundance and variety of foods available in wetlands is a large contributor to their biodiversity.
b.
sediment trapping
Wetlands help reduce erosion through _______.
a.
nutrient absorption
b.
sediment trapping
c.
bacterial absorption
d.
all of the above
a.
swamps
Wetlands occurring in areas with a large amount of trees are most likely _______.
a.
swamps
b.
bogs
c.
marshes
d.
none of the above
False
Brackish water is common in freshwater wetlands.
a.
aquatic insects
Which of the following organisms feed on the detritus found in wetlands?
a.
aquatic insects
b.
birds
c.
reptiles
d.
predatory fish
Peat forms in wetland conditions, where flooding obstructs flows of oxygen from the atmosphere, slowing rates of decomposition
Explain how peat bogs form
they produce great volumes of food that support a remarkable level of biodiversity
Explain why wetlands generally have a high level of biodiversity.
wetlands filter harmful substances
wetlands protect against floods
wetlands protect against erosion
wetlands provide food and habitat
wetlands save people money
Explain how wetlands contribute to environmental health.
d.
all of the above
Freshwater wetlands can be found _______.
a.
along freshwater lakes
b.
in the lower regions of rivers
c.
in a range of climates
d.
all of the above
Detritus is very important as the base of food chains and for cycling of nutrients
How is detritus important to wetland ecosystems?
d.
acidic groundwater
Bogs are characterized by _______.
a.
the presence of trees
b.
the presence of herbaceous vegetation
c.
covering a large land area
d.
acidic groundwater
A marsh is an area of low-lying land that is flooded in wet seasons or at high tide, and typically remains waterlogged at all times. A swamp is an area of low-lying, uncultivated ground where water collects; a bog or marsh. A bog is a wet muddy ground too soft to support a heavy body.
Compare marshes, swamps, and bogs.
d.
all of the above
Energy must be transformed in ecosystems because _______.
a.
energy cannot be created or destroyed
b.
an organism’s energy must go somewhere
c.
an organism’s energy must come from somewhere
d.
all of the above
not c
How is energy associated with food stored?
a.
potential energy in chemical form
b.
kinetic energy in chemical form
c.
potential energy in mechanical form
d.
kinetic energy in mechanical form
True
The energy in fossil fuels is derived from the energy stored in plant and animal matter.
not d
Which of the following is a product of respiration resulting from the breaking of carbon-carbon bonds?
a.
glucose
b.
oxygen
c.
carbon dioxide
d.
all of the above
d.
access to water
Primary productivity is not limited by _______.
a.
the availability of sunlight
b.
time
c.
the availability of nutrients
d.
access to water
True
Every time energy is transferred between organisms in a food web, some of the energy is lost as heat.
c.
1%
What percentage of the energy flowing through primary producers is ultimately transferred to secondary consumers?
a.
100%
b.
10%
c.
1%
d.
0.1%
not d
The energy value listed for foods refers to the _______.
a.
total amount of chemical energy in the food
b.
amount of energy available as fuel for the body
c.
total nutritional value of the food
d.
amount of carbohydrates
c.
The less energy the organism requires, the more efficient the energy transfer.
Which of the following is true about the efficiency of energy transfer in an ecosystem?
a.
The more energy the organism requires, the more efficient the energy transfer.
b.
All energy transfers have the same efficiencies.
c.
The less energy the organism requires, the more efficient the energy transfer.
d.
The most efficient energy transfers are in large, warm-blooded animals.
not c
Which of the following best describes the fate of energy in ecosystems?
a.
It will ultimately be recycled back into the ecosystem.
b.
It flows from secondary consumers to primary consumers.
c.
It enters most ecosystems in the form of sunlight.
d.
It flows through and is used by ecosystems.
a.
6H2O + 6CO2 ® 6O2 + C6H12O6
Which of the following is the balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis?
a.
6H2O + 6CO2 ® 6O2 + C6H12O6
b.
C6H12O6 + 6O2 ® 6H2O + 6CO2
c.
H2O + CO2 ® O2 + C6H12O6
d.
C6H12O6 + O2 ® H2O + CO2
d.
O2
Which of the following is an input for cellular respiration?
a.
CO2
b.
H2O
c.
sunlight
d.
O2
c.
C6H12O6
Which of the following is not a product of cellular respiration?
a.
CO2
b.
Energy
c.
C6H12O6
d.
H2O
Secondary productivity is the rate at which consumers convert chemical energy into their own biomass. This rate is based on the organism’s metabolism, because organisms with higher metabolisms have to consume more energy to maintain their metabolic processes relative to how much energy is converted into their biomass. Reptiles have slower metabolisms than mammals and do not consume as much energy relative to their body mass as mammals, giving them a higher rate of secondary productivity.
Explain why cold-blooded organisms like reptiles have a higher rate of secondary productivity than warm-blooded mammals.
b.
Energy is recycled after flowing through ecosystems.
Which of the following is not true about energy in ecosystems?
a.
Energy is transferred between organisms.
b.
Energy is recycled after flowing through ecosystems.
c.
Most energy enters ecosystems as sunlight.
d.
Ecosystems require a continuous influx of new energy.
a.
sunlight and nutrient availability
Ecosystem productivity is principally limited by _______.
a.
sunlight and nutrient availability
b.
water and nutrient availability
c.
the availability of time and nutrients
d.
none of the above
b.
10%
What percentage of a lower trophic level’s energy flows to the next higher trophic level?
a.
1%
b.
10%
c.
50%
d.
100%
Energy is neither created nor destroyed by chemical processes, merely transferred. Since energy is also lost every time energy is transferred between organisms, that lost heat must go somewhere. That lost energy becomes waste heat in the environment.
Explain how waste heat is inevitable in ecosystems.
a.
30% is reflected back into space
When sunlight strikes Earth, approximately _______.
a.
30% is reflected back into space
b.
70% is reflected back into space
c.
50% is absorbed by the atmosphere
d.
80% is absorbed by land and oceans
a.
carnivores
Which of the following is not a direct fate of the energy flowing through photosynthesis?
a.
carnivores
b.
cellular respiration
c.
herbivores
d.
heat sinks
Most of the energy in ecosystems enters as sunlight, so it is the principal source of energy for the biosphere. Autotrophs are organisms that can convert sunlight, solar radiation, into chemical energy that they and other organisms can use. Heterotrophs cannot utilize sunlight directly to make their food, so energy can only flow to them after passing through autotrophs.
Explain why energy in most ecosystems must flow from the sun, then to autotrophs and finally to heterotrophs, in that order.
Lightning strikes are dangerous whether an individual is or is not in the path of the discharge. The current propagated by a lightning strike is actually what is harmful and the current can pass through the ground after striking. This means that even near-misses can be dangerous as the current travels through the ground.
Explain why lightning strikes can be dangerous even when an individual is not directly struck.
Organisms must gather energy to survive. This energy can come in different forms, depending upon whether the organism is an autotroph and gathers its energy from sunlight or a consumer that feeds upon autotrophs and/or other consumers. Processing plant and animal matter into usable chemical energy in this way requires transforming it. Plant matter is transformed by herbivores which are transformed by carnivores, maintaining the food webs that support an ecosystem.
Why is energy flow through an ecosystem dependent upon continual energy transformations?
d.
all of the above
Energy must be transformed in ecosystems because _______.
a.
energy cannot be created or destroyed
b.
an organism’s energy must go somewhere
c.
an organism’s energy must come from somewhere
d.
all of the above
b.
companies to receive building permits
Environmental impact assessments are required by law in order for _______.
a.
states to generate needed revenue
b.
companies to receive building permits
c.
environmental damage to be mitigated
d.
none of the above
d.
requiring governmental agencies to prepare environmental assessments and impact statements
What was the greatest impact of the National Environmental Policy Act?
a.
the involvement of the president
b.
delegating environmental responsibility between local and national governments
c.
establishing water pollution control
d.
requiring governmental agencies to prepare environmental assessments and impact statements
d.
all of the above
Which of the following is an area targeted by countries to reduce environmental impact?
a.
greenhouse gas emissions
b.
wetland destruction
c.
deforestation
d.
all of the above
True
New milestones in environmental policy will most likely deal with long-term issues.
The environmental impacts of detrimental practices on private property are not necessarily limited to the private property. Water polluted on private property might flow into a local river or aquifer used for public purposes like recreation or drinking water. Landowners that kill migrating animals on their property are destroying organisms that, by definition, are part of a larger ecosystem; the loss of these organisms will impact all the ecosystems along the migratory path.
Explain how the failure to regulate detrimental practices on private property might have widespread negative environmental consequences on public lands.
d.
zoning and transport infrastructure
The most basic level of land use planning is likely to include _______.
a.
economic considerations
b.
environmental protection
c.
congressional district mapping
d.
zoning and transport infrastructure
a.
carbon dioxide
Permits in the cap and dividend policy are issued for _______ production.
a.
carbon dioxide
b.
timber
c.
water pollution
d.
plastic
A cap and dividend policy involves issuing permits to industries that contribute to overall carbon emissions. These industries would have a limit to how much they could contribute to carbon emissions, and each year the number of permits would decrease. This would force industries to adapt to changes in carbon emissions and reduce the overall amount of carbon emissions over time.
Explain how the cap and dividend policy could help reduce carbon emissions over time.
Environmental justice encompasses the idea that all members of society should have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the decision making that might impact the environment. It also includes the idea of fair treatment, that no group (ethnic, religious socioeconomic) should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences of decisions or policies. Environmental justice is concerned with ensuring that the haves and have-nots both have a say in environmental policy and share the burdens of the consequences of those policies.
Explain what is meant by the term environmental justice.
d.
all of the above
Which of the following fields is(are) part of the environmental movement?
a.
scientific
b.
social
c.
political
d.
all of the above
The goals of sustainable development center around making use of available resources to meet human needs while preserving the environment. Either goal can easily be met independently; not gathering the resource preserves the environments, while gathering it makes it available for human use. Sustainable development is the attempt to achieve both goals by meeting human needs for a resource without permanently depleting it.
Explain the goals of sustainable development
Smart growth planning concentrates development in the center of a city, preventing urban sprawl. This strategy reduces the need for automobile use, reducing pollution and the other environmental consequences arising from building roads and such. Smart growth also advocates more mixed-use development, which distributes the costs, benefits, and burdens of city development more broadly and equitably.
Explain how smart growth promotes long-term sustainable development.
Major environmental policies came about as a result of environmental disasters that drew the attention of the media. Events like the oil spill in California and the fires along the Cuyahoga River drew the attention of the media and helped raise public awareness of environmental issues. Increased public awareness led to the federal government enacting policies to monitor water conditions and assess the environmental impact of business and industry.
Explain how major environmental policies came about.
Over the years, greater controversy has arisen over environmental issues as the issues addressed have become more complex and less easily identifiable.
How have approaches to environmental issues changed over the years?
d.
none of the above
Which of the following would not be a topic of concern to environmental sociology?
a.
the affordability of environmentally friendly technology and products
b.
how communities ensure access to clean air and water
c.
the debate between individual rights and environmental protection
d.
none of the above
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