Deck 1: Introducing Environmental Science and Sustainability

Question 1

Highly developed countries are characterized by:

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

Answer 1

B

Question 2

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

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

Answer 2

D

Question 3

The difference(s) between highly developed countries and less developed countries include

A) income levels
B) industrialization levels
C) fertility rates
D) infant mortality
E) All of these choices are correct

Answer 3

E

Question 4

In 2011, the global human population passed __________ billion.

A) 3
B) 5
C) 7
D) 8
E) 11

Question 5

In 1950, the largest city in the world, with 12.3 million inhabitants, was __(1)___. By 2010 city (1) was surpassed by ______(2)_____ as the largest city in the world with 35.2 million inhabitants.

A) (1) Bombay, India; (2) Mexico City, Mexico
B) (1) Madrid, Spain; (2) Calcutta, India
C) (1) New York City, United States; (2) Tokyo, Japan
D) (1) Shanghai, P.R. China; (2) Bombay, India
E) (1) London, England; (2) New York City, United States

Question 6

Which of the following stages comes LAST in addressing environmental problems?

A) risk analysis
B) political action
C) evaluation
D) scientific assessment
E) public education and involvement

Question 7

Examples of non-sustainable human activities or behaviors include:

A) recycling
B) attempts to limit human population growth
C) using technology to improve car mileage
D) use of nonrenewable resources as if they were present in unlimited quantities
E) conservation practices

Question 8

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

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

Question 9

An integrated explanation of numerous hypotheses is known as a:

A) fact.
B) law.
C) control.
D) theory.
E) guess.

Question 10

What activity/activities contribute(s) to making the human species the most significant agent of environmental change on Earth?

A) continued population growth
B) consuming non-renewable resources
C) eradicating unique species
D) ignoring the environment
E) All of these choices are correct

Question 11

Poverty is associated with all of the following EXCEPT:

A) low life expectancy
B) illiteracy
C) inadequate access to health services
D) balanced nutrition
E) unsafe drinking water

Question 12

A warmer atmosphere is likely to cause:

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

Question 13

Theories:

A) cannot be tested.
B) are the same as hypotheses.
C) can be used to predict the existence of as-yet unobserved things or phenomena.
D) are the same as facts.
E) are rarely shown to be true.

Question 14

Pollution in Lake Washington resulted from:

A) excessive treated sewage input from the surrounding municipal development.
B) a population explosion of resident freshwater fishes.
C) excessive boat traffic.
D) large bird populations inhabiting the waters of the lake.
E) an oil tanker spill of home heating oil.

Question 15

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

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

Question 16

In the scientific method, a hypothesis

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

Question 17

The interdisciplinary study of humanity's relationship with other organisms and the non-living physical environment is termed:

A) ecology
B) sociology
C) political science
D) risk analysis
E) environmental science

Question 18

The sun's energy provides earth with:

A) fossil fuels
B) energy-rich carbon compounds
C) patterns of temperature and precipitation
D) liquid water
E) All of these choices are correct

Question 19

In solving environmental problems, a risk analysis is usually performed:

A) to provide public awareness and endorsement
B) to monitor the initial assessment and modeling of the problem
C) to solicit public opinion about how evidence should be interpreted when selecting a course of action
D) to analyze the potential effect of an intervention or doing nothing
E) a risk analysis is not necessary in resolving environmental problems

Question 20

The one central problem of environmental science that links all other problems together is that:

A) we are using up our supplies of fossil fuels
B) we are polluting the environment
C) we are using too much fresh water
D) we are continually increasing the number of humans
E) we are depleting needed resources

Question 21

"The Tragedy of the Commons" refers to:

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

Question 22

In 1992, the United Nations had a conference on Environment and Development to consider all of the following issues EXCEPT

A) deterioration of the atmosphere
B) pollution
C) biodiversity decline
D) increasing natural disasters
E) destruction of forests

Question 23

What is the correct sequence of steps in the scientific method?
I. State the problem
II. Analyze and interpret the data
III. Develop a hypothesis
IV. Share the results with other scientists
V. Design and perform an experiment to test the hypothesis

A) I- II - III - IV - V
B) III - I - V - II - IV
C) I - III - V - II - IV
D) V - IV- III - II - I
E) V - II - I - III - IV

Question 24

Non-renewable resource IS TO renewable resource AS:

A) living is to non-living
B) limited supply is to sustainable supply
C) tree is to coal
D) wind energy is to fossil fuel energy
E) conservation is to overexploitation

Question 25

In a positive feedback mechanism:

A) a change in some condition triggers a response that counteracts the changing condition
B) a change in some condition triggers a response that neutralizes the changing condition
C) a change in some condition triggers a response that intensifies the changing condition
D) all of these
E) none of these choices

Question 26

In addressing environmental problems, several stages can be followed. For example, when it was discovered that the rat population on the island of Pumehana was out of control, scientists assessed the problem and formulated a model that suggested if a rat predator is introduced, then the rat population will be significantly decreased. The next step in addressing this environmental problem might be:

A) action. Scientists sprinkle rat poison throughout the island. Several residents die.
B) public education and involvement. Hold town meetings to inform island residents the costs of rat predator introduction, a rat sterilization program, rat bounty program, or no intervention.
C) political action. A rat-infested island does not lure tourists so something MUST be done.
D) a risk analysis. If a mongoose is introduced to control the rat, what are the possible effects of this intervention?
E) evaluation. After the release of the initial mongoose population, it is discovered that the mongoose is NOT a rat predator.

Question 27

Which of the following is a true statement regarding ecological footprints?
1) The ecological footprint of a single individual in the U.S. is greater than that of ten individuals in India
2) The ecological footprint of a single individual in the U.S. is 1.5 times that of an individual in France
3) India's total global footprint is greater than that of the France
4) If all people on earth had the same lifestyle as those in the U.S., we would need 3 more earth's to meet the demand for resources

A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
E) 1 and 3

Question 28

All of the following can be considered definitions of "theory" EXCEPT:

A) a theory is an explanation of scientific laws
B) a theory is an integrated explanation of numerous hypotheses, each supported by a large body of observations and experiments
C) a theory is a condensation and simplification of many data that previously appeared unrelated
D) a theory is a prediction for new data suggesting new relationships among a range of natural phenomena
E) a theory is an ethical principle based on a religious foundation

Question 29

Which of the following was not a consequence of the pollution of Lake Washington?

A) increase in phosphorus concentrations
B) rapid growth of cyanobacteria populations
C) increase in fish populations
D) decomposition of dead cyanobacteria
E) drop in dissolved oxygen concentration

Question 30

Environmental sustainability implies:

A) the actions of humans directly impacting the wellbeing of the natural environment
B) future generations will have the resources necessary for quality of life
C) a shared global responsibility for conservation practices
D) the environment can function indefinitely without going into a decline from the stresses imposed by human society on natural systems
E) all of these choices

Question 31

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

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

Question 32

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

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

Question 33

Which of the following statements about nutrients is false?

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

Question 34

A journalist reports on what Hardin (1968) referred to as a "tragedy of the commons." The media story concerns:

A) a disaster that happened in the park
B) the technology divide that exists between the social classes of poverty and elite
C) the environmental costs that everyone must pay in the long run due to individual exploitation of resources for short-term gains.
D) the environmental costs that a widespread natural disaster brings to all walks of life
E) common understanding of the environmental pressures that threaten endangered species

Question 35

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

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

Question 36

The Ehrlich/Holdren model assesses human impact on the environment based on all of the following factors EXCEPT:

A) the number of people.
B) the affluence per person.
C) the amount of resources used per person.
D) urbanization.
E) the environmental effects of the technologies used to obtain and consume the resources.

Question 37

Which of the following was critical to the successful reversal of pollution trends in Lake Washington?

A) construction of a sewer to divert treated sewage from the lake
B) approval of a bill transferring responsibility for sewage to a regional government agency
C) increase in taxes to construct sewage facilities
D) environmental monitoring
E) All of these choices are correct

Question 38

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

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

Question 39

Which of the following represents an idea associated with environmental sustainability?

A) The capacity of the environment to absorb toxins is unlimited.
B) The human population continues to grow.
C) We are using fossil fuels as if they were present in unlimited supply.
D) The Earth's resources are not present in infinite supply
E) None of these choices

Question 40

In order for a country to progress from a less developed country (LDC) to a moderately developed country (MDC), the country would have to:

A) increase rate of population growth
B) move from an industrial to agricultural economy base
C) raise the per-capita income
D) maintain limited crop dependence
E) All of these choices are correct

Question 41

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

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

Question 42

What is the relationship between variables and the control group in a well-designed scientific experiment?

Question 43

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

Question 44

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

Question 45

Compare and contrast environmental science and ecology.

Question 46

Identify two types of human environmental impact that may be created locally, but that have global consequences. Briefly explain the global consequences of each event and discuss what actions would be needed to address each issue. Use the framework of the tragedy of the commons in developing your answer.

Question 47

Outline how the scientific method is applied in order to solve environmental problems. Use a real-life example and correct terminology in your explanation.

Question 48

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

Question 49

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

Question 50

Which of the following is NOT a renewable resource?

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

Question 51

Which of the following represents a common-pool resource?

A) fresh water
B) atmosphere
C) forests
D) marine fisheries
E) all of these choices are correct

Question 52

The Lake Washington case illustrates the five sequential steps used to address environmental problems. Align the history of the Lake Washington pollution problem to these steps of addressing environmental problems. Identify the solution(s) implemented to address this problem. Speculate on why the final outcome of dumping highly treated sewage into Puget sounds is not an ideal, long-term solution.

Question 53

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

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

Question 54

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

Question 55

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

A) Kudzu is shading out the rare plant.
B) The rare plant is unaffected by the presence of the kudzu.
C) Fewer individuals of the rare plant grow in the presence of kudzu when compared to areas without.
D) It will be impossible to remove kudzu from the park because it grows too fast.
E) Kudzu grows much faster than the rare plant and will dominate the preserve within a decade.

Question 56

The hypothesis that best describes the Lake Washington case study is that:

A) Lake Washington is unfit for public recreation.
B) increases in cyanobacteria numbers are a direct response to increased nutrient availability.
C) if the sewage is diverted, then the water quality of the lake will return to previous levels.
D) bacteria from municipal sewage are increasing in the lake.
E) human activity has had no impact on Lake Washington, it is undergoing a natural process.

Question 57

Why would consumption overpopulation lead to what Hardin (1968) refers to as a "tragedy of the commons"?

Question 58

Compare and contrast highly developed countries (HDCs) and less developed countries (LDCs). Include in your answer examples of countries in each category, a description of the gap between categories, and the similarities and differences that one might expect to see in these types of countries.

Question 59

What is an Ecological Footprint? Based on the average global ecological footprint of 2.7 hectares per person in conjunction with the growing global population, what are some of the short-term results we can observe? What would the long term outlook be? How does an American's ecological footprint differ from someone's in India?