7.1: Ecological Footprints

Relatively large areas of land and water ecosystems are needed to provide the resources used by a typical American, as identified by the large _______ of an American. Human-altered lands, such as farms and ranches, are examples of _______ , as are cities, towns, and suburbs.

• energy deficit/ecosystems

• urban center /biomes

• ecological footprint/anthromes

• energy waste/biotic factors

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Jamie is estimating the portion of his ecological footprint that arises from the food he eats. What property of the food should he measure?

• its cost to Jamie or his family

• the carbon dioxide that its production adds to the atmosphere

• the total area of land or water resources that is needed to provide and transport the food

• the total volume of fossil fuels, fertilizer, fresh water, and other resources that are needed to provide the food.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

Vera decides to eat the same kinds of foods as before, but to purchase as many of these foods as possible from local farms. Will her change in purchasing habits affect her ecological footprint?

• Yes, because the resources used for transporting food are included in the ecological footprint.

• Yes, because local farms likely take up more space and use more resources than farms elsewhere.

• No, because she is eating the same foods as before.

• No, because local farms likely take up the same amount of space as farms elsewhere.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

Scientists define the current period of time as the Anthropocene, or "age of humans." Which statement best describes the role of humans during the Anthropocene?

• Humans are the most numerous species on Earth.

• Humans live in all habitats where life exists.

• Human activities have become the major cause of global change.

• Human activities are achieving the goal of maintaining the Anthropocene indefinitely.

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Which statement BEST describes the use of land in the United States?

• Most lands are anthromes, which include all human-altered lands.

• Most lands are natural biomes, which include forests, deserts, and grasslands.

• Anthromes and biomes take up about equal amounts of land.

• Anthromes cover the cities and suburbs, natural biomes cover the remaining lands.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Scientists describe a period called the Great Acceleration, in which human activities began significantly altering global systems. Which of these human activities have occurred during the Great Acceleration and have contributed to global changes? Select three correct answers.

• the invention of agriculture

• the conversion of natural biomes into anthromes

• advances in medical technology that have greatly reduced the human death rate

• the rapid increase in the uses of fossil fuels, fertilizers, metal ores, and other resources

• the exploration of remote places, such as the North Pole, South Pole, and tall mountain peaks.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4