Question 1

With respect to air,water,and material resources,which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

A forest is an open system because it exchanges matter and energy with its surroundings. It takes in carbon dioxide and releases oxygen during photosynthesis, and absorbs water and nutrients from the soil. It also releases water vapor and releases carbon dioxide during respiration and decomposition of dead plants and animals. Therefore, it is not a closed system.

Question 2

A large flood in a river may cause abrupt shifts leading to the carving of a new channel.The point at which this change occurs is a(n)

Accepted Answer

This abrupt shift and carving of a new channel is known as a threshold, which is the point at which a small change can have a large effect. The other choices do not accurately describe this process.

Question 3

Which of the following is incorrect?

Accepted Answer

Earth is largely considered a closed system in terms of matter, meaning that no significant amount of matter is added to or lost from the planet. The statement that new resources and matter are being added all the time is incorrect. While Earth is an open system in terms of energy (receiving energy from the sun and radiating energy into space), it does not continuously gain or lose matter in significant amounts under natural circumstances.

Question 4

Predator/prey relationships are an example of

Accepted Answer

Predator/prey relationships typically follow a negative feedback loop, where an increase in the predator population leads to a decrease in the prey population, which then leads to a decrease in the predator population. This cycle keeps the populations in balance over time. Positive feedback would lead to unstable populations and could result in the extinction of one or both species involved.

Question 5

Human population growth rates are expected to

Accepted Answer

Human population growth rates are expected to decrease overall, with the majority of new population growth occurring in less developed countries (LDCs). This is due to factors such as declining fertility rates in more developed countries (MDCs) and ongoing high fertility rates in many LDCs.

Question 6

As arctic temperatures rise,summer sea ice and glacial melt accelerates;lighter color surfaces are thereby replaced with darker-colored surfaces leading to more absorption and surface heating.This is an example of a(n)____feedback.

Accepted Answer

This is an example of positive feedback, as the melting of ice and darkening of surfaces leads to more absorption of heat, which in turn accelerates the melting and darkening process.

Question 7

The name given to the most recent geological epoch to reflect the human influence on climate and ecosystems is the

Accepted Answer

The name given to the most recent geological epoch to reflect the human influence on climate and ecosystems is the Anthropocene. This term was coined in 2000 by Nobel laureate Paul Crutzen and Eugene Stoermer to describe a new epoch in Earth's history, characterized by the significant impact of human activities on the biosphere and geology of the planet.

Question 8

If Earth warmed up,and more snow fell because of more water vapor in the atmosphere,and that snow then reduced Earth's temperature,which increased snow cover,then the initial increase in snow fall would be ______ feedback,while the continued increase in snow fall would be _____ feedback.

Accepted Answer

The answer of If Earth warmed up,and more snow fell...

Question 9

If increased levels of carbon dioxide lead to further increases in temperature by promoting the release of even more carbon dioxide from the oceans,this means a feedback has occurred and that the planet is .

Accepted Answer

The increased levels of carbon dioxide promoting the release of even more carbon dioxide from the oceans is a positive feedback loop, which means the planet is out of equilibrium.

Question 10

The carbon dioxide absorbed by plants is an example of a(n)____ to a forest and an ____from the atmosphere.

Accepted Answer

The carbon dioxide absorbed by plants is an input to the forest because it is necessary for the process of photosynthesis. At the same time, it is an output from the atmosphere because it is a greenhouse gas that has been removed from the air.

Question 11

Systems encountered in nature at Earth's surface,such as a forest,are

Accepted Answer

Systems encountered in nature at Earth's surface, such as a forest, are open systems in terms of both energy and matter. Energy from the sun enters the system and matter cycles through it as well.

Question 12

The capacity to change the motion of,or to do work on,matter is the definition of

Accepted Answer

The definition provided is that of energy, which is the ability to do work or cause a change. Plasma is a state of matter, thermodynamics is the study of energy and its transformations, acceleration is the change in velocity over time, and system refers to a set of interacting or interdependent components.

Question 13

Sustainable development seeks to

Accepted Answer

Sustainable development aims to improve the quality of life for all individuals while maintaining the health and functionality of the Earth's natural systems. It recognizes the limitations of natural resources and seeks to promote economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection in a way that does not compromise the needs of future generations. Option A is incorrect as sustainable development considers both present and future needs. Option B is incorrect as it does not consider human needs and development. Option C is incorrect as sustainable development seeks to provide economic opportunities for all countries, not just certain ones. Option D is incorrect as mandates alone are not sufficient for achieving sustainable development.

Question 14

A system is best described as

Accepted Answer

A system is a set of interrelated components working together as a unified whole to achieve a common goal or purpose. This definition fits the description given in option D. Option A describes energy, option B describes matter, option C describes a point of change, and option E describes heat transfer.

Question 15

What type of feedback maintains stability in a system;i.e. ,what type of feedback keeps a system functioning properly?

Accepted Answer

Negative feedback helps maintain stability in a system by counteracting changes, thereby keeping the system functioning properly. It works by reducing the deviation from a set point, ensuring the system remains within desired parameters.

Question 16

Which of the following is correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Steady state equilibrium refers to a condition where a system has small fluctuations around an average state, indicating stability over time despite minor changes.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of a closed system?

Accepted Answer

A closed system is one that does not exchange matter with its surroundings but can exchange energy. The Earth, in terms of matter, is considered a closed system because it does not lose or gain significant amounts of matter from space, but it does exchange energy (such as sunlight and heat) with its surroundings.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the condition of steady-state equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Steady-state equilibrium is a condition where inputs and outputs of a system fluctuate around a stable average or set point, without any significant changes in the system's behavior or characteristics. Option A is incorrect because it suggests that the system never changes, which is an unlikely scenario for most systems. Option C describes a system that is unstable and unpredictable, which is not consistent with steady-state equilibrium. Option D suggests slow adjustments, which may be true in some cases, but it does not necessarily imply steady-state equilibrium. Option E describes a system that undergoes abrupt and drastic changes, which is not characteristic of steady-state equilibrium.

Question 19

As we burn fossil fuels and release carbon dioxide,the temperature of our planet and the oceans will increase.When the oceans warm they will release more carbon dioxide,further warming the planet and oceans.This is an example of a _____ feedback loop and may result in the crossing of a(n)_____.

Accepted Answer

This scenario describes a positive feedback loop because the initial change (increase in temperature) is amplified by the subsequent changes (release of more carbon dioxide from the oceans). The term "threshold" is used to describe a point at which a relatively small change can lead to a significant and often irreversible effect, which fits the description of potentially drastic climate changes.

Question 20

If a system responds to a change in input by moving further away from its equilibrium condition,what type of feedback has occurred?

Accepted Answer

Positive feedback occurs when a system responds to a change in input by moving further away from its equilibrium condition. This causes an amplification of the initial change, leading to a runaway effect. One example of positive feedback is the release of oxytocin during childbirth, which causes stronger contractions that lead to increased oxytocin release, and so on.

Quiz 1: Essentials of Geography

With respect to air,water,and material resources,which of the following is true?

A large flood in a river may cause abrupt shifts leading to the carving of a new channel.The point at which this change occurs is a(n)

Which of the following is incorrect?

Predator/prey relationships are an example of

Human population growth rates are expected to

As arctic temperatures rise,summer sea ice and glacial melt accelerates;lighter color surfaces are thereby replaced with darker-colored surfaces leading to more absorption and surface heating.This is an example of a(n) ____feedback.

The name given to the most recent geological epoch to reflect the human influence on climate and ecosystems is the

If Earth warmed up,and more snow fell because of more water vapor in the atmosphere,and that snow then reduced Earth's temperature,which increased snow cover,then the initial increase in snow fall would be __ feedback,while the continued increase in snow fall would be _ feedback.

If increased levels of carbon dioxide lead to further increases in temperature by promoting the release of even more carbon dioxide from the oceans,this means a feedback has occurred and that the planet is .

The carbon dioxide absorbed by plants is an example of a(n) to a forest and an from the atmosphere.

Systems encountered in nature at Earth's surface,such as a forest,are

The capacity to change the motion of,or to do work on,matter is the definition of

Sustainable development seeks to

A system is best described as

What type of feedback maintains stability in a system;i.e. ,what type of feedback keeps a system functioning properly?

Which of the following is correctly matched?

Which of the following is an example of a closed system?

Which of the following best describes the condition of steady-state equilibrium?

As we burn fossil fuels and release carbon dioxide,the temperature of our planet and the oceans will increase.When the oceans warm they will release more carbon dioxide,further warming the planet and oceans.This is an example of a _ feedback loop and may result in the crossing of a(n) _.

If a system responds to a change in input by moving further away from its equilibrium condition,what type of feedback has occurred?

Quiz 1: Essentials of Geography

With respect to air,water,and material resources,which of the following is true?

A large flood in a river may cause abrupt shifts leading to the carving of a new channel.The point at which this change occurs is a(n)

Which of the following is incorrect?

Predator/prey relationships are an example of

Human population growth rates are expected to

As arctic temperatures rise,summer sea ice and glacial melt accelerates;lighter color surfaces are thereby replaced with darker-colored surfaces leading to more absorption and surface heating.This is an example of a(n) ____feedback.

The name given to the most recent geological epoch to reflect the human influence on climate and ecosystems is the

If Earth warmed up,and more snow fell because of more water vapor in the atmosphere,and that snow then reduced Earth's temperature,which increased snow cover,then the initial increase in snow fall would be ______ feedback,while the continued increase in snow fall would be _____ feedback.

If increased levels of carbon dioxide lead to further increases in temperature by promoting the release of even more carbon dioxide from the oceans,this means a feedback has occurred and that the planet is .

The carbon dioxide absorbed by plants is an example of a(n) ____ to a forest and an ____from the atmosphere.

Systems encountered in nature at Earth's surface,such as a forest,are

The capacity to change the motion of,or to do work on,matter is the definition of

Sustainable development seeks to

A system is best described as

What type of feedback maintains stability in a system;i.e. ,what type of feedback keeps a system functioning properly?

Which of the following is correctly matched?

Which of the following is an example of a closed system?

Which of the following best describes the condition of steady-state equilibrium?

As we burn fossil fuels and release carbon dioxide,the temperature of our planet and the oceans will increase.When the oceans warm they will release more carbon dioxide,further warming the planet and oceans.This is an example of a _____ feedback loop and may result in the crossing of a(n) _____.

If a system responds to a change in input by moving further away from its equilibrium condition,what type of feedback has occurred?

If Earth warmed up,and more snow fell because of more water vapor in the atmosphere,and that snow then reduced Earth's temperature,which increased snow cover,then the initial increase in snow fall would be __ feedback,while the continued increase in snow fall would be _ feedback.

The carbon dioxide absorbed by plants is an example of a(n) to a forest and an from the atmosphere.

As we burn fossil fuels and release carbon dioxide,the temperature of our planet and the oceans will increase.When the oceans warm they will release more carbon dioxide,further warming the planet and oceans.This is an example of a _ feedback loop and may result in the crossing of a(n) _.