EnV Science

1. One of the interesting correlates of population growth is that as the human population increases, the effects on the environment:

a) are growing at a slower rate

b) proceed at about the same rate

c) are growing at an even faster rate

d) are completely unrelated to the actual numbers of people

e) cannot be determined

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2. According to the Environmental Science text, the environmental statement of the 1990s was “saving our planet”. Is Earth’s very survival really in danger?

a) no, because in the long view, the changes humans have made to earth will be cleansed by natural processes

b) no, because sustainability refers only to the next 2 generations of humans

c) yes, because resources are becoming really sparse

d) yes, because energy will run out

e) none of the above

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3. The use of renewable environmental resources faster than they can be replenished would be considered:

a) sustainable use of resources

b) sustainable use of an ecosystem

c) unsustainable

d) at maximum carrying capacity

e) sustainable growth

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Feedback: 1.3 Sustainability and Carrying Capacity

Difficulty: Medium

4. An explanation for a natural phenomenon that relates and explains many observations and is supported by a great deal of evidence is called a:

a) hypothesis

b) controlled experiment

c) technology

d) theory

e) fact

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5. Which of the following is the correct sequence of steps, from beginning to end, in the Scientific Method?

a) hypothesis –> controlled experiment –> inferences –> conclusions

b) conclusions –> controlled experiment –> observations –> hypothesis

c) controlled experiment –> inferences –> deductive proof –> hypothesis

d) observations –> hypothesis –> controlled experiment –> conclusions

e) conclusions –> observations –> alter observations to fit conclusions –> future research grants and awards

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6. The growth rate at which the amount increases at a constant rate for a fixed unit of time is called:

a) linear growth

b) negative feedback

c) exponential growth

d) positive feedback

e) equilibrium

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7. Which of the following are irreversible consequences of environmental change?

a) water pollution

b) soil erosion

c) air pollution

d) all of the above

e) a and c only

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8. Which of the following examples describes the movement of a nation from a high population growth to a low population growth?

a) demographic transition

b) replacement fertility curve

c) logistic growth curve

d) sustainability

e) carrying capacity

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9. According to the concept of the “demographic transition,” a population will go through a period of expansion, but later stabilize at:

a) its original number

b) at the maximum carrying capacity of the land

c) at a population larger than before the transition, but with zero growth

d) a constant rate of growth

e) a level where deaths caused by famine and disease equal new births

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10. A set of interacting species that live in the same area is called a (n):

a) ecological community

b) community level effect

c) keystone species

d) ecosystem

e) individual species

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11. The simplest environmental unit that can support life is called a (n):

a) ecological community

b) community level effect

c) keystone species

d) ecosystem

e) individual species

12. All of the following are generally considered to be renewable resources except:

a) surface water

b) fisheries

c) groundwater

d) coal

e) forests

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13. The field of environmental economics seeks to:

a) find the most effective way to achieve rational solutions for environmental problems

b) treat environmental problems no matter how expensive they might be

c) solve environmental problems by government fiscal policies

d) understand the purpose of scientific and technical solutions to environmental problems

e) bear the burden and the cost of environmental catastrophes

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14. Which of the following are sources of groundwater pollution?

a) landfills

b) saltwater intrusion

c) subsurface gasoline tanks

d) all of the above

e) a and c only

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Essay

Answer each of the following questions.

Write a 750- to 1000-word paper answering these questions: 

1. What needs to be done in order to achieve a sustainable global economy?

2. Why are geothermal, nuclear, hydropower and solar energy sources considered alternative?