Chapter 1 Environmental Science

All of the following disciplines are major contributors to the field of environmental science except

• Biology and Earth Science
• Chemistry and Physics
• Social Science
• Languages

Environmental science is a study of which types of interactions between humans and the environment? 

•  how humans use natural resources 
•  how human beings relate to the nonliving environment 
•  how human actions alter the environment 
• all of the above

Population growth in the 20th century accelerated which environmental stress(es)?

•  how humans use natural resources 
• Pollution
• Habitat destruction
• All of the above

Why is the world's loss of biodiversity a source of concern?

• Humans depend on other organisms for food and oxygen
• species extinctions have been rare throughout history
• Loss of biodiversity is not a consern because extictions are common 
• two answers are correct

Using economic considerations of resource use, the law of supply and demand describes the

• Availability of abundant resources
• relationshop between the availabilty and worth of resources
• worth of nonrenewable 
• reduced demand resulting from lack of available resources

Listing both the merits and expenses involved in implementing a particular environmental solution is an example of a(n)

• Cost benefit analysis
• risk assessment 
• ecological footprint
• market equlibrium

Compared with their counterparts in developed countries, individuals in developing nations typically have a 

• Higher standard of living
• larger ecological footprint
• Shorter life span
• Greater dependence on fossil fuels

Achiving a sustainable world is a goal that will depend on

• responsible consumption by developed countries
• a  higher standard of living in developing countries
• cooperation between governments, industry and citizens
• two answers are correct

Hardin's "Tragedy of the Commons" essay addresses the conflicts associated with what environmental challenge? 

• Preventing pollution
• Preserving biodiversity
• Curbing overpopulation
• Protecting shared resources

According to the law of supply and demand, reduced oil production leads to 

• lower demand for oil
• lower oil prices
• higher prices for oil
• exploration of new fuel sources