Human impact on the Earth

When farmers clear a forest and plant crops, how will the biodiversity of the land be affected?

• The biodiversity will decrease with higher populations of fewer species.

• The biodiversity will increase with lower populations of more species.

• The biodiversity will decrease with lower populations of more species.

• The biodiversity will decrease with lower populations of more species.

Which of the following is associated more with surface mining than subsurface mining?

• It causes subsidence.

• It is more expensive

• It produces less waste material.

• It disturbs more land.

Which term is used to refer to nonnative species whose introduction causes economic harm, environmental harm, or harm to human health?

• endangered species

• endemic species

• extinct species

• invasive species

Which of the following is one strategy implemented in wildlife management?

• poaching

• controlling the pet trade

• requirement of hunting permits

• crop rotating

Most of Earth’s fresh water is

• suspended in atmospheric cloud formations.

• held in reservoirs behind large dams.

• solidified at the North and South Poles.

• stored in large underground rock structures.

Which of the following is not an environmental effect of deforestation?

• reduction of wildlife habitat

• soil erosion

• loss of topsoil

• re-establishment of trees

As part of a study of the effects of urbanization, local scientists have taken many data samples over the course of 20 years. The scientists detected increases in local soil erosion, carbon dioxide levels, and air temperatures. What most likely caused these changes?

• deforestation of woodlands

• decreased water quality

• altered water flow

• erosion of topsoil

A material is biodegradable if

• it is made of synthetic material

• it is made from petroleum or natural gas.

• it can be broken down by biological processes.

• if can be disposed of in a landfill.

One potential way to deal with the problem of seafood overharvesting is by intensifying ___________________ efforts.

• genetic engineering

• subsistence farming

• aquaculture

• integrated pest management

What have the scientific studies identified as the major cause of acid rain in the United States?

• volcanic ash in the air

• excess solar radiation due to the depletion of the ozone layer

• chemicals still in the atmosphere from the asteroid collision with the earth

• burning of fossil fuels that release sulfur and nitrogen compounds into the air