Chapter 6 L3 Humans & Ecosystems

What are renewable resources?

• Resources that are used faster than they form

• Resources that formed over millions of years

• Resources that can replenish themselves over time

• Resources that exist only in rural areas

Answer explanation

Renewable resources are those that can replenish themselves over time, such as solar energy, wind, and biomass. This distinguishes them from non-renewable resources, which are consumed faster than they can be naturally replenished.

Which of the following is not a renewable resource?

• coal

• solar energy

• wind energy

• water

Answer explanation

Coal is a fossil fuel formed from ancient organic matter and is not renewable, as it takes millions of years to form. In contrast, solar energy, wind energy, and water are renewable resources that can be replenished naturally.

What is global warming?

• the normal temperature fluctuations of Earth's climate cycle

• the trend of increasing temperatures on Earth

• the melting of the polar ice caps

• the changes in Earth's biosphere that affect the atmosphere

Answer explanation

Global warming refers to the trend of increasing temperatures on Earth, primarily due to human activities like burning fossil fuels. This choice accurately captures the essence of global warming, unlike the other options.

Fresh water is considered _______.

• an abundant resource

• readily available to all people equally

• a limited resource

Answer explanation

Fresh water is considered a limited resource because it is not equally available to all people and is subject to depletion due to overuse and pollution, making it scarce in many regions.

What long-term impact could the destruction of large areas of forests have on Earth?

• decreased rates of erosion

• increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels

• decreased amounts of acid rain

• increased atmospheric oxygen levels

Answer explanation

The destruction of forests reduces the number of trees that absorb carbon dioxide, leading to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. This contributes to climate change and global warming.

One way to help your family conserve fresh water is _______.

• wash all dishes by hand instead of using a dishwasher

• leave the water on while brushing your teeth

• use low flow faucets when using water in your home.

Answer explanation

Using low flow faucets helps reduce water usage significantly compared to washing dishes by hand or leaving the water running while brushing teeth, making it an effective way to conserve fresh water.

What is one way humans can decrease carbon emissions?

• Grow food locally so it doesn't have to be trucked from California.

• Plant a tree seed.

• Burning wood in their fire place instead of natural gas.

• Work out 3-5 times per week.

Answer explanation

Growing food locally reduces the need for transportation, which significantly cuts down carbon emissions associated with trucking food long distances, such as from California.

Which is not a fossil fuel?

• Petroleum

• Nuclear

• Natural Gas

• Coal

Answer explanation

Nuclear is not a fossil fuel; it generates energy through nuclear reactions, unlike petroleum, natural gas, and coal, which are derived from ancient organic materials and are classified as fossil fuels.

Which of the following is renewable?

• Petroleum

• Natural Gas

• Coal

• Hydroelectric

Answer explanation

Hydroelectric power is renewable because it harnesses energy from flowing water, which is naturally replenished. In contrast, petroleum, natural gas, and coal are fossil fuels that deplete over time.

How can people reduce the amount of resources they use?

• make more landfills and garbage dumps

• buy products with lots of packaging 

• use water, electricity, and gas conservatively and recycle metal, paper, and glass

• Think only about what you need right now and don’t worry about the futurt

Answer explanation

The correct choice emphasizes conserving resources like water, electricity, and gas, and recycling materials. This approach helps reduce waste and promotes sustainability, unlike the other options that encourage resource depletion.