Question 1

This bioregion has two versions: the expansive arctic version of the far northern hemisphere and, sharing many similar traits, the alpine version found at high elevations in mountainous areas worldwide.

Accepted Answer

The description fits the tundra biome, which can be found in the far northern hemisphere and has an arctic version. The alpine version found in mountainous areas also shares many similar traits, such as cold temperatures, low-growing vegetation, and short growing season. The other choices do not fit the description as well.

Question 2

Why is there special concern about timber firms in Japan and China purchasing logs from North American evergreen forests?

Accepted Answer

The concern is because the timber firms in Japan and China are purchasing logs from North American evergreen forests that are often cut from public forests in the United States and Canada.

Question 3

This bioregion is associated with the widespread temperate C climate, where precipitation falls year-round in amounts of 30-60 inches, summers are warm, and winters are cold, yet no month averages below freezing.

Accepted Answer

The description matches the characteristics of the Temperate Deciduous Forest bioregion, which is characterized by year-round precipitation, warm summers, and cold winters without extreme temperature fluctuations.

Question 4

In the 1930s, which country experienced desertification known as the "Dust Bowl"?

Accepted Answer

The Dust Bowl occurred in the Great Plains region of the United States in the 1930s, caused by a combination of severe drought and agricultural practices that led to soil erosion and dust storms.

Question 5

Water planners use the concept of ________ to map where water problems exist and also to predict where future problems will occur.

Accepted Answer

Water stress is a measure of the availability of freshwater resources compared to the demand for water resources. Water planners use this concept to identify regions with water shortages, predict future water shortages, and develop water management strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of water scarcity. Cation ratio is a measure of the relative proportions of cations in soil solutions, and it is not directly related to water planning. Water predictive analysis and water output prediction solutions are not recognized terms in water planning, and systems analysis is a more general term that could apply to many fields, including water planning.

Question 6

What innovation was made available to Indian women to reduce the time spent carrying water?

Accepted Answer

The Wello WaterWheel was introduced to reduce the time spent carrying water by Indian women. It is a rolling drum that can hold up to 50 liters of water and can be easily pushed or pulled, saving significant time and physical effort. The other options (A, B, C, and E) are not relevant to the innovation made available to Indian women for reducing water-carrying time.

Question 7

The production of what agricultural product is a major factor in the destruction of African rainforests?

Accepted Answer

The production of cacao (the main ingredient in chocolate) is a major factor in the destruction of African rainforests. As global demand for chocolate products continues to rise, farmers often clear-cut rainforest areas to establish cacao plantations. This not only destroys the rainforest ecosystem but also contributes to climate change and threatens the livelihoods of indigenous people who depend on the forest for survival.

Question 8

What is the major reason water costs have increased in the developing world?

Accepted Answer

The privatization of water systems has been a major reason for the increase in water costs in the developing world. As private companies take over water systems, they often prioritize profits over providing affordable access to clean water for all. This has led to water being treated as a commodity rather than a basic human right, resulting in increased costs for those who can least afford it.

Question 9

With what bioregion is the term "steppe" associated?

Accepted Answer

The term "steppe" is associated with grasslands, particularly the temperate grasslands of Eurasia and North America.

Question 10

Hydrologists predict that ________% of Africa's population will experience water shortages by 2025.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Hydrologists predict that ________% of Africa's population...

Question 11

What is the major cause of widespread cutting of tropical rainforests?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the major cause of widespread...

Question 12

In which parts of the world has desertification been the most serious problem?

Accepted Answer

Desertification has been the most serious problem in the regions of Africa, Australia, South Asia, and North America. These regions are characterized by arid and semi-arid climates and have suffered from deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable agricultural practices, leading to the loss of fertile land and the expansion of deserts.

Question 13

What is a major negative outcome to fracking?

Accepted Answer

Fracking can lead to transportation difficulties in moving oil as it requires extensive infrastructure including pipelines and railroads to transport the extracted oil to the markets. This can result in environmental harm, land disputes, and safety hazards.

Question 14

Why does the timber industry prefer softwood species over hardwood trees of the temperate forest?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why does the timber industry prefer softwood...

Question 15

In Haiti, even before the 2010 earthquake, almost ________% of all deaths of children under five were directly tied to waterborne diseases

Accepted Answer

The answer of In Haiti, even before the 2010 earthquake,...

Question 16

Which of the following is one of the factors most responsible for the destruction of tropical rainforests?

Accepted Answer

The demand for beef is a major driver of deforestation in tropical rainforests, as forests are cleared to create pastureland for cattle grazing or to grow crops to feed the livestock. This is particularly true in countries like Brazil, where the majority of deforestation is linked to the expansion of the beef industry.

Question 17

The world's growing appetite for what food product is a leading cause of tropical deforestation?

Accepted Answer

Beef production is a leading cause of tropical deforestation, as forests are cleared to make space for cattle grazing and growing feed crops.

Question 18

Today, the primary driver of tropical deforestation is

Accepted Answer

Plantation farming is the primary driver of tropical deforestation today.

Question 19

Reportedly, half of this country's lumber was cut and milled illegally by gangs of workers allegedly organized and controlled by the country's mafia.

Accepted Answer

Russia has faced significant issues with illegal logging, often linked to organized crime groups, which are sometimes referred to as the "mafia."

Question 20

What region of the world experiences the highest water stress?

Accepted Answer

According to the World Resources Institute, Northern Africa experiences the highest water stress in the world, with several countries having an extremely high water stress score. This is due to a combination of low levels of renewable water resources, high population density, and increasing water demand.

Quiz 2: Physical Geography and the Environment