Environmental Science Chapter 2

What is the B4Warmed study primarily focused on?

• The impact of deforestation on wildlife

• Artificially raising ambient temperatures in boreal forests

• The effects of acid rain on plant growth

• The role of fungi in forest ecosystems

Why is it important to test hypotheses with observations?

• To confirm all possible outcomes

• To ensure hypotheses are always correct

• To gather evidence that supports or refutes the hypothesis

• To avoid any form of error

What is a controlled study?

• A study with no control group

• A study comparing a treatment group and a control group

• A study conducted in a natural setting

• A study involving only one group

What is a dependent variable also known as?

• Independent variable

• Response variable

• Control variable

• Explanatory variable

What is an open system in the context of environmental science?

• A system completely isolated from its surroundings

• A system that exchanges matter and energy with its surroundings

• A system that does not allow any energy flow

• A system that only exchanges energy, not matter

What is a positive feedback mechanism?

• A process that suppresses change

• A self-perpetuating process that amplifies changes

• A process that reduces energy flow

• A mechanism that blocks sunlight

What is one of the skills involved in critical thinking, as discussed in the introductory chapter of the book?

• Memorization

• Independent thinking

• Imitation

• Repetition

What is the primary purpose of applying critical thinking when reading news reports?

• To accept the information as presented

• To identify the agenda of the person making the report

• To ignore the source of their expertise

• To focus only on emotional appeals

According to the text, what is a key characteristic of scientific consensus?

• It is based on individual opinions

• It emerges when experts agree on well-supported theoretical explanations

• It is formed without any evidence

• It disregards scientific theories

Which of the following is an example of an independent variable?

• The amount of rainfall in a year

• The growth rate of a plant

• The temperature of a room

• The number of students in a class