Tragedy of the Commons Quiz

What is the best way to maximize every villager's food supply in the fish pond scenario?

• Take three fish each day

• Take two fish each day

• Take four fish each day

• Take one fish each day

Who first described the phenomenon known as the tragedy of the commons?

• An ecologist

• An economist

• William Forster Lloyd

• Garrett Hardin

What is the key feature of a tragedy of the commons?

• No negative effects on the population

• Equal distribution of resources

• Benefiting the larger population at the expense of the individual

• Benefiting the individual at the expense of the larger population

What is the main argument presented by Garrett Hardin regarding the tragedy of the commons?

• Individuals should prioritize their own interests over the common good

• The tragedy of the commons is a myth

• Short-term self-interest should be sacrificed for long-term collective benefit

What is an example of a tragedy of the commons scenario mentioned in the text?

• Recycling programs

• Community gardens

• Public transportation systems

• Overgrazing of cattle on village common areas

What has resulted from the overuse of antibiotics according to the text?

• Decrease in livestock production

• Evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

• Decrease in population

• Improved treatment of common illnesses

What is the outcome of prioritizing short-term self-interest in a tragedy of the commons scenario?

• Long-term benefits for the larger population

• Long-term benefits for the individual

• Short-term gains followed by negative consequences for everyone

• No consequences at all

What do humans do to mitigate the tragedy of the commons according to the text?

• Continue with self-interested behavior

• Ignore the issue and hope it resolves itself

• Form social contracts and pass laws

• Blame others for the problems

What is a consequence of pollution from coal-fired power plants mentioned in the text?

• Increase in clean air

• Spread of pollution across the atmosphere

• Decrease in electricity prices

• Short-term benefits for the environment

What is the main message conveyed by the text regarding the tragedy of the commons?

• Short-term gains can lead to long-term negative outcomes

• There are no solutions to the problem

• Individual interests should always come first

• The tragedy of the commons is a rare occurrence