Chapter 3: Earth's Environmental Systems

Positive feedback loops are always a good thing.

• True

• False

In general, algal blooms occur when

• toxins accumulate in shellfish.

• nutrients decrease in the water.

• nutrients increase in the water.

What is the result of a negative feedback loop in a system?

• Stabilization of the system

• System moving to an extreme

• Increase in energy input

• Decrease in matter input

When the physical and chemical breakdown of rocks causes phosphate ions to be released is also called _________________.

• Decomposition

• Sedimentation

• Uplift

• Weathering

What is the layer beneath the Earth's crust called?

• Outer core

• Inner core

• Upper mantle

• Lower mantle

What causes plankton blooms and hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico?

• Nutrient-rich runoff

• Overfishing

• Oil spills

• Climate change

During which stage do clouds form?

• condensation
• evaporation
• precipitation
• transpiration

What is the asthenosphere?

• Crust and uppermost mantle

• Soft middle mantle heated by outer core

• Solid rock

• Outer core

What is the focus of environmental ethics?

• The relationship between humans and technology

• The application of ethical standards to the relationship between humans and the environment

• The study of human history

• The development of new scientific methods

What does the study of ethics involve?

• Study of animal behavior

• Study of behavior, moral principles, and values

• Study of environmental science

• Study of cultural traditions