Environmental Science Quiz

Based on the table, which activity contributes most to the release of carbon into the atmosphere?

• Deforestation

• Burning fossil fuels

• Increased forest growth

• Exchange of carbon between the ocean and the atmosphere

What action can help reduce the loss of forest land in a country experiencing high deforestation rates?

• Building more urban areas in the forest

• Cutting down diseased trees so new trees can grow

• Planting crops that use less water

• Planting crops to replace those being harvested

A lake ecosystem in the United States has a growing population of zebra mussels. Zebra mussels are native to eastern Europe and are small, invasive mollusks that grow rapidly and compete with native animals for food. Which two methods for controlling zebra mussel populations will likely cause harm to other organisms in the ecosystem?

• Using nets and shovels to remove zebra mussels from rocks

• Adding fish from eastern Europe that feed on zebra mussels

• Using high-pressure hot water to kill and remove zebra mussels

• Adding pesticides to water bodies

What type of ecological succession occurs in a disturbed area that still contains soil?

• Primary

• Secondary

• Tertiary

• Climax

Which event typically occurs first during primary succession following volcanic activity?

• Growth of lichens

• Growth of small plants

• Growth of short and wide bushes

• Growth of large hardwood trees

A student creates a partial food web for a forest ecosystem. Which TWO populations have the largest amounts of energy and biomass in the ecosystem?

• Grasses

• Hawks

• Oaks

• Rabbits

• Snakes

An ecosystem is populated with elephants and rhinoceroses. Elephants and rhinoceroses are herbivores who feed on plants. A disease outbreak causes a huge reduction in the elephant population. Which graph correctly represents the short-term impact of the changed elephant population on the rhinoceros population?

• Graph A

• Graph B

• Graph C

• Graph D

The process by which organisms convert organic matter into carbon dioxide and water with the release of energy is called

• Photosynthesis

• Respiration

• Decomposition

• Fermentation

A new fish species is analyzed and has a nitrogen concentration of 7.5 ppt. What is the likely diet of this new fish species?

• Dead animal matter

• Bluegill

• Largemouth bass

• Water beetle

Which event can cause the appearance of bare rock?

• Forest fire

• Light flooding

• Moderate windstorm

• Volcanic eruption