2023-2024 Environmental Sys A Reviewl

A student made a model of the Earth and its atmosphere by covering a box with plastic wrap and placing thermometers inside and outside of the box. A heat lamp was shined on the box. The temperature inside the box increased at a faster rate than the outside temperature. This model best represents —

• The role of carbon dioxide in trapping heat from radiation in the greenhouse effect

• The effects of acid rain on temperature inversions

• The role of convection creating the Coriolis Effect in the ocean

• Ozone depletion and its effect on global temperatures

Deep water ocean currents, sometimes called “conveyer belt currents,” flow as warm waters from the Gulfstream lose thermal energy, decrease in density, and sink in the Northern Atlantic. The waters then flow southward and eventually into the Pacific where they are heated again and rise. Energy flows through this system due to —

• Conduction

• Convection

• Radiation

• Deposition

Which components of the Earth’s systems are most correctly matched with their related topics?

• Biosphere: Earth’s mantle and core

• Hydrosphere: Plate tectonics

• Geosphere: Ocean currents

• Cryosphere: Glacier thickness

Recent climate data suggests a global warming trend. Disruption of which natural cycle most likely contributes to this temperature increase?

• Phosphorus cycle

• Nitrogen cycle

• Potassium cycle

• Carbon cycle

Which of the following is an example of the biosphere using energy from the hydrosphere?

• Humans make dams in rivers to generate electricity.

• Plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce food.

• Rain water washes away algal blooms that have grown in still water.

• Hippopotamuses use bodies of water to reduce their body temperature.

Which of the following is an example of the biosphere using energy from the hydrosphere?

• Humans make dams in rivers to generate electricity.

• Plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce food.

• Rain water washes away algal blooms that have grown in still water.

• Hippopotamuses use bodies of water to reduce their body temperature.

Food waste in a compost bin gives off heat as it decomposes. What is the best explanation of this phenomenon?

• As worms move through the soil, they generate heat due to friction.

• Water in the compost pile heats as it evaporates.

• As communities of decomposers break down waste, their cellular respiration gives off thermal energy.

• Solar radiation causes the compost pile to heat faster than the surrounding area.

Based on the diagram above, about what percent of the plant’s biomass is available to SECONDARY consumers who are predators of the caterpillar?

• 17%

• 33%

• 53%

• 100%

In a biome, elements such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and carbon move between living things and their environment. These transfers of matter are part of —

• Ecological succession

• Energy pyramids

• Biogeochemical cycles

• Symbiotic relationships

An average of 2 billion gallons of water is used each day for golf course irrigation in the US. Which of these changes would best aid in reducing the amount of water used for irrigation?

• Use only potable water sources

• Use less fertilizer

• Plant many broad leaf trees

• Utilize native plants and grasses