Environmental Science Final

Due to weather patterns, the effects of acid rain have been most severe in the northeastern United States, including New York State. What is one action that could be taken to reduce the amount of acid rain?

• cut down trees in the Adirondacks

• build more statues

• decrease fossil fuel use

• more fishing in the Adirondack area

The graph shows average yearly temperatures for Earth from 1880 to 2000. Which is NOT a likely reason why this change occurred?

• increased awareness of harmful effects humans have on the environment

• increased human population

• increased burning of fossil fuels

• increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Which human activity would help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

• decrease the burning of fossil fuels

• decrease the number of recycling programs

• increase the human population

• increase the number of cars being driven

The usage of electricity in the United States has increased dramatically over the past 10 years. Most of this electricity is currently produced by burning fossil fuels. Which would NOT be a reason for this increased usage of electricity?

• increased use of local organic goods instead of imported goods

• increased number of commercial institutions

• increase in human population

• increase use of technology and electronic devices

Which two energy sources together provide more than 50% of the energy needs of the United States?

• hydropower and petroleum

• petroleum and natural gas

• nuclear and natural gas

• natural gas and coal

The diagram shows some ways in which groundwater can be affected by humans. Which statement is best supported by the diagram?

• Toxic waste is safe if buried below the level of the basements of nearby homes.

• Chemicals applied by farmers lower the level of pollution in drinking water.

• Human activities do not affect groundwater.

• Drinking water can become polluted from unsuspected sources.

Erosion is most likely when the soil is

• bare and exposed to wind and rain

• covered with grass

• plowed along the contour of the land

• covered with forest

The _____ was not a direct result of the Industrial Revolution.

• growth of cities

• improved quality of life

• shift in the use of fossil fuels

• overhunting of large mammals

% of toxins such as mercury that accumulate in the tissues of organisms as we go up the food pyramid.

• 1%

• 10%

• 50%

• 100%

The energy in most ecosystems originally comes from

• green plants.

• wind

• the sun.

• All of the above