Human Impact

•A high rise condominium is planned for a barrier island that lies off the southwest coast of Florida. Which of these predictions could be made about the impact this construction will have on the sustainability of the coastal ecosystems?

• Tidal patterns will change and upset coastal habitats.

• Crop disturbance will affect the local food supply and economy.

• Energy flow in the ecosystem food web may change due to loss of diversity.

• Ecosystems will be moved by construction crews so nearby coasts will not be impacted.

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When it comes to environmental issues, each individual on the planet is a part of the problem and can be a part of the solution. Sustainability is possible when society, economy, and environment are in balance. Which practice would not eventually contribute to sustainability?

• purchasing products made from ecologically friendly materials harvested in a sustainable manner

• practicing water conservation by taking shorter showers and installing a low-flow shower head

• buying only local produce, or going a step farther and growing vegetables in a backyard garden

• supporting companies that transport food products from foreign countries in order to keep food costs low

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What is the primary benefit of using wind power and solar energy, rather than coal and natural gas?

• Coal and natural gas are environmentally safe

• Coal and natural gas are extremely efficient

• Wind power and solar energy are far less expensive to use

• Wind power and solar energy are renewable energy sources

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•Biomass is organic matter. Biomass power is a renewable energy source derived from plant and animal products. Which of these is a benefit of using biomass for power?

• Biomass power increases the amount of oxygen in the air.

• Biomass power reduces the emission of greenhouse gases.

• Biomass power reduces organic waste in landfills and waste-treatment facilities.

• Biomass power increases the clearing of forests and grasslands for energy crops.

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•Scientists are currently researching new ways to obtain energy from our natural, renewable resources. Which best contrasts the benefits of fossil fuels with the benefits of wave power in the ocean?

• Fossil fuels are renewable and inexpensive while wave energy is nonrenewable and expensive.

• Fossil fuels are nonrenewable and inexpensive while wave energy is renewable and inexpensive.

• Fossil fuels are versatile and emit little pollution while wave energy is renewable and emits less pollution.

• Fossil fuels are versatile and inexpensive while wave energy is renewable and does not emit greenhouse gases.

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•Frogs are sometimes called "indicator species" because they are extremely sensitive to environmental changes, particularly those in the water in which they live. An environmental scientist is studying two populations of frogs. Population A lives in a pond that is located near an industrial site with little restrictions on water pollution, and Population B lives in a pond that is located in a nature preserve with many restrictions on pollution and other human activities. The environmental scientist observes Population A's numbers steadily declining over 5 years, while Population B's numbers remain stable. Which of the following environmental parameters would be the best for the environmental scientist examine to learn more about the two populations?

• The amount of oxygen produced by plants in and around each pond.

• The average rainfall each pond receives yearly.

• The water quality and pollutant levels of each pond.

• The depth of each pond.

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•With advancements in biotechnology, farmers are able to produce genetically engineered crops that can fight disease and insects. Which statement describes a positive impact for farmers who grow genetically engineered crops?

• They decrease soil erosion.

• They help decrease greenhouse gases.

• They cause a decrease in available land.

• They help decrease the amount of pesticides used.

•While genetic engineering has positive benefits, there are also concerns associated with its widespread use in agriculture. If many farmers begin to plant more genetically modified crops that have an increased tolerance to insects, which of the following may result?

• An increase in the use of pesticides

• A decrease in genetic diversity of the crops

• An increase in the contamination of the water supply

• A decrease in crop productivity

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Two students are examining the data from a classroom experiment in which they are trying to extract oil from algae to convert it to bio-fuel. The data they are looking at shows a remarkable increase in the amount of oil they were able to extract from a sample of algae. One student claims that the increase in oil was due to the fact that the algae were dried before processing. The other student claims that the increase is a result of better laboratory techniques they developed by doing the experiment over and over again. What is the best method for resolving this issue?

• The students should work together to test both ideas repeatedly, to gain a better understanding of the data.

• The student’s claim about the increase in oil due to better laboratory techniques is more logical and that claim should be accepted over the other.

• The students' claims should both agree since they are looking at the same data. Therefore, both must have errors and another explanation should be offered.

• The student’s claim about the dried algae is more scientific and shows a clearer understanding of chemistry, so they should proceed with testing that claim.

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