Question 1

At the end of the twentieth century, ____________________ has/have been added to environmental thinking.

Accepted Answer

A

Question 2

One of the first steps in critical thinking is to

Accepted Answer

The first step in critical thinking is to identify the premises and conclusions in the given information or argument. Only then can one decide if the conclusions logically follow from the premises and if the premises themselves are true or based on facts or values. While approaching a problem in new and innovative ways can be a valuable aspect of critical thinking, it is not necessarily the first step.

Question 3

Which of the following is not an example of how statistics are used?

Accepted Answer

Determining the context of how data was gathered is more related to the methodology of data collection rather than the use of statistics. Statistics are primarily used for analysis, such as assessing states, estimating confidence, determining anomalies, and evaluating relationships, rather than for understanding the data collection context.

Question 4

In reading a claim by an atmospheric scientist that ozone depletion is not an actual environmental problem, a critical thinker would

Accepted Answer

A critical thinker would look for evidence of the source's reliability before accepting or rejecting the claim. The fact that the claim comes from an atmospheric scientist does not necessarily mean that it is credible, hence the need to investigate the source.

Question 5

Generally, distinguished scientists

Accepted Answer

Distinguished scientists may have different interpretations of the same evidence as science is an ever-evolving field where new evidence and discoveries can change the current understanding of a theory. It is through disagreement and debate that scientific theories are refined and improved. However, these disagreements are typically based on evidence and data, rather than personal opinions or beliefs.

Question 6

Although your sister is not a scientist, she says that she uses scientific techniques in her everyday life. You do not believe her but she insists it is true. Which of the following examples could she use to best persuade you?

Accepted Answer

Option C shows an example of her setting up an experiment to test the effect of the sun on tomato ripening, which is a scientific technique often used in research. Option A also involves measuring and combining ingredients but may not necessarily involve the scientific method. Option B involves hypothesizing, which is a step in the scientific method, but there isn't enough information to determine if she's using it in a scientific way. Option D involves using statistical data, which is related to science, but it doesn't necessarily involve her using scientific techniques in her everyday life. Therefore, option C is the best example.

Question 7

Ideally, science

Accepted Answer

Science is a systematic and logical approach to discovering and understanding the natural world. It involves developing hypotheses based on observations and then testing them through experiments or other empirical methods. Science does not prove hypotheses are correct, but instead provides evidence that supports or refutes them. Science also often incorporates new technology, but this is not the defining characteristic of the scientific method.

Question 8

Of the following statements and questions, which is the best example of deductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

The statement follows the pattern of deductive reasoning by providing a general principle (all insects have six legs) and applying it to a specific case (butterflies).

Question 9

Most environmental problems result from

Accepted Answer

Environmental problems are complex and interrelated, often involving multiple factors such as human activities, natural processes, and socio-economic factors. Excessive pollution, technological development problems, global warming, and urban degradation are all examples of environmental problems that are part of this complex web of interrelated factors.

Question 10

Evidence of progress in dealing with population problems is best illustrated by

Accepted Answer

The decrease in the average number of children born to each woman is a clear indicator of progress in dealing with population problems. This would result in a slower population growth rate and eventually contribute to a stable population size in the long term. The other options either do not necessarily indicate progress (option A and E) or are not as strong of indicators of progress (option C and D).

Question 11

Biocentric preservationists, first led by John Muir, advocate saving natural areas for their

Accepted Answer

Biocentric preservationists, such as John Muir, prioritize the intrinsic value of nature and advocate for the conservation of natural areas for their inherent beauty and the protection of wildlife habitats. They believe that nature has value in and of itself and should be protected regardless of any potential economic or utilitarian benefits.

Question 12

In explaining your choice of an environmental science major in college to your roommate, you would probably emphasize the fact that environmental science is a(n)

Accepted Answer

Environmental science is an applied interdisciplinary field, which means that it draws on knowledge from various scientific disciplines to address real-world environmental problems. This emphasis on problem-solving is a key characteristic of the field and one that would likely be highlighted in explaining the choice of major to a roommate.

Question 13

Utilitarian conservationists, including Gifford Pinchot and Theodore Roosevelt, supported forest conservation in order to provide

Accepted Answer

Utilitarian conservationists, such as Gifford Pinchot and Theodore Roosevelt, believed in the sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations. They saw forest conservation as a way to provide homes, jobs, and recreation opportunities for people while also ensuring the continued availability of timber and other resources. Wildlife habitats, untouched wilderness areas, and scenic beauty were not their primary concerns.

Question 14

Environmentalism stemming from the publication of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring differed from earlier North American conservation perspectives by

Accepted Answer

Silent Spring brought attention to the harmful effects of pesticides on the environment and wildlife, leading to a greater emphasis on pollution problems in environmentalism. Earlier conservation perspectives tended to focus more on the efficient use of natural resources rather than on pollution.

Question 15

The statement, "Since every insect I have examined so far has six legs, I conclude that all insects must have six legs." is an example of

Accepted Answer

This statement is an example of inductive reasoning, which involves making a generalization based on specific observations or examples. In this case, the generalization is that all insects have six legs based on the observation that every insect examined so far has six legs. Inductive reasoning does not always lead to certainty, but it can provide strong evidence for a hypothesis.

Question 16

The point of critical thinking is to learn to

Accepted Answer

The point of critical thinking is to consider all evidence and information available and use it to make informed, logical conclusions. It is not about distrusting all opinions or only relying on personal experimentation. Additionally, while experts in a field should be considered, blindly accepting their views without critical evaluation can lead to incorrect assumptions.

Question 17

Proof in science is always

Accepted Answer

Proof in science is always subject to questioning and new evidence, as science is a constantly evolving field. As new information and data come to light, scientific theories and concepts may change or be revised. Therefore, proof is never fully established or beyond question, making choice E the best option.

Question 18

Environmental science is a

Accepted Answer

Environmental science is a systematic approach of learning about the environment by studying the natural and social sciences, as well as examining human impacts on the environment.

Question 19

The best definition of a hypothesis is a(n)

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation or prediction based on observation that needs to be tested through further experimentation or observation. It is not yet a proven theory and may require refinement or modification based on testing and data analysis.

Question 20

A group of concerned citizens are collecting water samples from a local river to detect the level of nitrogen in the water. They plan to take samples every day for a month and then will divide the sum by the number of days they sampled. What is the group trying to do?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A group of concerned citizens are collecting...

Quiz 1: Understanding Our Environment