Ecology and Human Impact Review

Human activity may damage the land to the point that the land can no longer support the local ecosystems. Which of the following best describes this process?

• decomposition
• agriculture
• recreation
• land degradation

Different areas are classified according to land use. Which of these areas would likely have the largest human population and the highest levels of air pollution?

• a rural area
• an urban area
• a natural area
• a suburban area

Soil erosion can increase when humans remove trees and other vegetation from an area. What is this process called?

• urbanization
• deforestation
• decomposition
• conservation

Several factors can lead to land degradation. Which of these activities is least likely to contribute to land degradation?

• urbanization
• deforestation
• poor farming methods
• using an irrigation system on crops

Several factors can lead to soil erosion. Which of these human activities is most likely to contribute to soil erosion?

• clearing land for farming
• planting trees and vegetation
• designating land as a wildlife habitat
• reducing the amount of livestock in an area

Helen has lived in a town outside a major city for more than 50 years. Over this time, Helen has observed the development of her town, including the construction of new roads and houses, and the loss of natural areas. Which of these terms best describes what happened in the town where Helen lives?

• land pollution
• nutrient pollution
• urban sprawl
• desertification

Pollutants can enter a body of water at a specific, identifiable location. Which term describes this type of pollution?

• inorganic wastes
• biological pollutants
• point-source pollution
• nonpoint-source pollution

Eutrophication refers to a process of change that takes place in a body of water. Which of the following causes eutrophication?

• CFCs
• acid rain
• thermal pollution
• excessive nutrients

Water pollutants are often classified as point-source or nonpoint-source. Which of these is the best example of a point-source of pollution?

• acid rain
• artificial eutrophication
• urbanization
• waste discharge from a factory

Water pollutants are often classified as point-source or nonpoint-source. Which of these is considered a nonpoint-source of pollution?

• runoff from city streets
• waste from a factory
• runoff from coal mining
• public sewage treatment plants