Natural Resources, part B Questions

Which statement best defines biomass energy according to the passage?

• Energy obtained from burning organic matter that can be replaced in a relatively short time

• Energy sourced only from fossil fuels like coal and oil

• Electricity generated exclusively by wind turbines

• Power produced from nuclear reactions in reactors

A city considers three biomass strategies. Based on the passage, which option most likely leads to the least environmental harm?

• Burning wood widely to meet heating needs, even if more trees must be cut

• Operating trash-burning power plants despite producing toxic ash

• Producing ethanol from corn even though it uses more energy than the ethanol yields

• Managing organic waste carefully to reduce burning and limit pollution

Which farming practice listed most directly helps save topsoil? Use the practices named in the prompt.

• No-till farming

• Using chemical fertilizers

• Spraying pesticides

• Herbicide application

A farmer wants to reduce run-off and protect the environment while growing crops. Based on the practices described, which combined approach best meets this goal?

• Use chemical herbicides and till frequently.

• Adopt contour plowing with crop rotation and natural fertilizers.

• Spray pesticides heavily each season.

• Clear land and avoid biological pest control.

Why do some people think land for cattle and other livestock is important?

• Livestock land reduces the need for farming crops.

• People need meat and dairy products.

• It eliminates environmental impacts of agriculture.

• It prevents soil erosion in all cases.

Which statement best describes a consequence of deforestation mentioned in the material?

• It increases rainfall by releasing more water vapor.

• It may cause higher levels of carbon dioxide due to less vegetation.

• It creates richer soil through rapid decomposition of leaves.

• It immediately restores habitats for wildlife.

Trees are cut down for several human uses. According to the material, which list identifies these uses most accurately?

• Timber, electricity generation, and textiles

• Lumber, fuel, and paper

• Glass, concrete, and steel

• Medicines, plastics, and fertilizers

Urban development often involves paving surfaces. Based on the information, what is a direct effect of paving on local water supplies?

• It increases infiltration, rapidly refilling groundwater.

• It prevents water from soaking into soil and refilling underground water supplies.

• It filters pollutants as water moves through asphalt.

• It raises the water table by trapping rain under roads.

Landfills are engineered to reduce environmental harm. Which choice correctly explains a key design feature and its purpose?

• They are left unlined to speed up decomposition.

• They are lined with plastic, concrete, or clay-rich soil to prevent pollutants from leaking into soil or groundwater.

• They are covered with gravel to allow chemicals to drain into aquifers.

• They are built without soil cover to expose waste to sunlight.

Which statement best defines a natural preserve as described in the lesson?

• A working farm where crops are grown for local communities

• Land that is set aside to protect it from environmental problems caused by humans

• A city park designed mainly for recreation and sports

• An area open for construction projects to expand housing