Environmental Science Unit-4

What might the continued burning of fossil fuels do for future generations?

• increase atmospheric oxygen available to organisms

• increase the amount of fixed nitrogen available for plants

• decrease the necessity of plants performing photosynthesis

• contribute to the rising temperature of the planet

Which of the following is the best solution to meet energy demands while protecting the environment?

• grow more corn to produce ethanol

• build more nuclear power plants

• find and burn new sources of oil and coal

• improve energy efficiency and reduce energy waste

Which is a possible outcome for future generations of farmers if the same crop is planted on the same patch of land every year?

• the soil could become infertile due to the lack of time for nutrients to be reinserted

• the crops could become resistant to pests and insects through natural selection

• the soil could become drought resistant due to the shallow root structure that would form

• the crops could begin to change their genetic makeup due to mutations from the parent plants

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

• volcanic ash in the air

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

• Country A will always produce more food per person than Country B.

• The birth rate in Country A will be higher than that in Country B.

• The population of Country A will survive longer than that of Country B without the need for food imports.

• Neither Country A nor Country B will survive without food imports from other countries

Which of the following has had the most negative effect on Earth's ecosystems?

• establishment of air pollution standards

• increase in human population

• recycling glass, plastic, and metals

• use of natural predators to control pest insects

Kudzu, a plant native to eastern Asia was introduced into America in 1876. In 1935, kudzu was planted along southern roadways to control soil erosion. Adding a foot of vine a day in the spring and summer, kudzu quickly grew out of control. Why can introducing a new species to an existing ecosystem often be a disaster?

• The new species can rapidly evolve into a dangerous subspecies that cannot be destroyed

• The new species can harm native organisms and damage the ecosystem.

• The new species can create excess nutrients in the soil that can damage native species

• The new species can eventually become extinct.

What would most likely occur over time if the burning and clearing of tropical rainforests stopped?

• an increase in the amount of oxygen released into the atmosphere

• a decrease in the biodiversity of species

• an increase in the amount of atmospheric pollution produced

• a decrease in the source of new medicines

Which action would result in the most rainforest instability?

• harvesting nuts from a few of the trees

• cutting down most of the trees for lumber

• removing one species of plant for medicine

• powering nearby homes with wind turbines

• The forest has become more unstable because its terrain has become more likely to be eroded.

• The forest has maintained the same level of stability because its terrain remains fully protected from erosion.

• The forest has become alternately stable and unstable from falling trees and rocks.

• The forest has become more stable because its terrain has become secured by grass and shrubs.