Tragedy of the Commons - APES

What is the definition of the tragedy of the commons?

• When humans overuse a natural resource

• When the short-term, positive effects go to the individual, while the long-term, negative effects are spread out to the group

• When humans act selfishly, thinking of their own self-interest

• When plants and animals compete for space, resources, and/or food

Which of the following are both examples of the tragedy of the commons?

• Overfishing and earthquakes

• Flooding and tsunamis

• Pollution and overpopulation

• Super-germs and virus outbreaks

Who deserves credit for discovering the tragedy of the commons?

• William Forster Lloyd

• Garrett Hardin

• Both a and b

• Neither a and b

Which of the following quotes seems to be taken directly from the tragedy of the commons (Nature, 1968)?

• "The rational herdsman concludes that the only sensible course for him to pursue is to add another animal to his herd. And another, and another … Therein is the tragedy"

• "Among the savage nations of hunters and fishers, every individual who is able to work is more or less employed in useful labor, and endeavors to provide... the necessaries and conveniences of life, for himself, and such of his family or tribe"

• "There is one and only one social responsibility of business–to use it resources and engage in activities designed to increase its profits so long as it... engages in open and free competition without deception or fraud"

Which of the following is an example of a solution to the tragedy of the commons?

• Improving literacy among urban populations

• Raising tax rates for large corporations

• Inventing stronger antibiotics

• Passing a law to set limits for fishermen

What are considered "the commons"

• Common house hold items like knifes, spoons, and forks.

• A renewable resource owned by no one and available for use by anyone at little or no charge

• A field where college students can sit outside in between classes

Which of these is not an example of a commons?

• The air

• The ocean

• Privately owned farms

In the movie "The Lorax" what was considered the commons?

• The barbaloo bears

• The truffula trees

• The Once-ler

Sustainability

• The process of maintaining resources so they are not depleted or permanently damaged.

• The ability to read minds

• The ability to save resources for years and years

In the movie "The Lorax" was was one unintended consequence of clear cutting the tuffula trees?

• The environment was destroyed

• The Once-ler made a lot of money

• The Once-ler got his family jobs