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WorksheetsHuman Impact
Total questions: 66
Worksheet time: 2hrs 53mins
Name
Class
Date
1.
A resource that can be used up faster than it can be created.
a)
nonrenewable resource
b)
renewable resource
2.
Resources that can be replaced quickly.
a)
nonrenewable
b)
renewable
3.
The remnants of old organism that were preserved in soil or rock.
a)
renewable resource
b)
fossil fuels
c)
oil
4.
What is an example of a renewable resource?
a)
oil
b)
trees
c)
coal
d)
natural gas
5.
WHY IS FRESH WATER A LIMITED RESOURCE?
a)
people do not need fresh water
b)
a small percentage of liquid freshwater is found on Earth
c)
Most of Earth is covered in fresh water
6.
Most of Earth's fresh water is in....
a)
rivers and streams
b)
lakes and ponds
c)
ice such as glaciers
7.
Instead of throwing away a plastic bottle what could you do that would help the environment?
a)
burn the bottle
b)
bury the bottle
c)
throw the bottle in trash
d)
take the bottle to a recycling center.
8.
A city in the desert would consider which resource limited?
a)
water
b)
wind
c)
solar energy
9.
What generally accounts for the greatest use of household water?
a)
Washing Machine
b)
Dishwasher
c)
Shower
d)
Landscaping
10.
What long-term impact could the destruction of large areas of forests have on Earth?
a)
decreased rates of erosion
b)
increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels
c)
decreased amounts of acid rain
d)
increased atmospheric oxygen levels
11.
Why is it important to conserve the biodiversity of Earth?
a)
to decrease the amount of global predator populations
b)
to decrease the stability of major global ocean currents
c)
to increase the stability of ecosystems during environmental changes
d)
to increase the amount of nonrenewable resources located in the lithosphere
12.
Which would most likely cause a reduction in the amount of coal and natural gas on Earth?
a)
a continual increase in the amount of pollution in Earth’s atmosphere
b)
a continual increase in the number of people on Earth
c)
a continual decrease in the amount of water in Earth’s aquifers
d)
a continual decrease in the amount of rain forests on Earth
13.
Wave energy from the ocean can be harnessed to power generators to make electricity. Energy from ocean tides can also be used to make electricity. How would you categorize these two sources of energy?
a)
A. Both are renewable.
b)
B. Both are nonrenewable.
c)
C. Wave energy is nonrenewable. Tidal energy is renewable.
d)
D. Wave energy is renewable. Tidal energy is nonrenewable.
14.
Why would scientists conduct investigations on a newly discovered alternative fuel?
a)
A. to maintain the public dependence on fossil fuels
b)
B. to maintain the success of the petroleum industry
c)
C. to confirm that the alternative fuel is cleaner than fuels currently used
d)
D. to confirm that the alternative fuel increases atmospheric carbon dioxide
15.
Wind farms are clusters of wind turbines used to produce electricity. Often wind farms sell the electricity they produce to utility companies. New technologies have recently decreased the cost of producing electricity from wind. Which is a potential benefit of making this source of energy more affordable?
a)
A. It allows individuals to use wind energy to power their homes.
b)
B. It causes individuals to seek other nonrenewable energy sources.
c)
C. It enables government agencies to regulate wind power generators.
d)
D. It encourages public utility companies to raise the cost of electricity.
16.
The main disadvantage of using solar energy to generate electricity is that solar panels
a)
A. produce greenhouse gases.
b)
B. produce water pollution.
c)
C. are expensive to operate.
d)
D. are expensive to purchase.
17.
Ethanol is an alternative fuel made from corn. What is one of the unfavorable effects of using ethanol as a fuel?
a)
A. decreased cost of fuel production
b)
B. decrease in farm land available for food production
c)
C. increase in the consumption of fossil fuels
d)
D. increased carbon footprint from driving automobiles
18.
Which is a main cause of soil erosion?
a)
strong winds
b)
flash floods
c)
human activity
d)
fossil fuels
19.
Which organism would have the greatest concentration of pollution?
a)
zooplankton
b)
large fish
c)
fish-eating birds of prey
d)
small fish
20.
Insecticides are sprayed over a large area in an effort to reduce the number of grasshoppers that are eating the corn plants. How will this change affect this food chain?
a)
The number of grasshoppers will increase
b)
The number of lizards will increase
c)
The number of lizards and hawks will decrease
d)
The number of grasshoppers, lizards, and hawks will decrease
21.
All of the following are examples of environmental changes that can be caused by humans except -
a)
clearing land for housing developments
b)
pesticides
c)
volcanic eruption
d)
pollution
22.
If the population of a certain predator increases, there is often _______ its prey
a)
a decrease the population of
b)
an increase of the population of
c)
great news for its prey of
d)
no impact found on
23.
Invasive species are:
a)
non-native
b)
harmful to an ecosystem
c)
organisms that can lack predators in the new environment
d)
all of the answers are correct
24.
The number one threat to biodiversity
a)
pollution
b)
fragmentation
c)
habitat destruction
d)
limiting factors
25.
It can take almost 500- 1000 years to create 1 cm of ____.
a)
topsoil
b)
aggregate
c)
ore
d)
bedrock
26.
What is the name of the process of restoring land to its' natural size and shape after mining?
a)
reclamation
b)
reformation
c)
estimation
d)
excavation
27.
Most electricity in the United States is produced from___________.
a)
nuclear energy
b)
fossil fuels
c)
wind energy
d)
geothermal
28.
A disadvantage of wind turbines is that
a)
fuel is inexpensive
b)
the wind does not always blow
c)
wind energy is inefficient
d)
generators pollute the atmosphere
29.
Which is a major source of air pollution created by humans?
a)
industrial factories
b)
reforestation
c)
nuclear power
d)
hydroelectric plants
30.
Coal burning results in which of the following:
a)
production of acid rain
b)
release of radiation
c)
increase in deforestation
31.
Which of the following would cause the greatest decrease in the number of species of plants and animals living in some of the lakes & streams?
a)
increase in dissolved oxygen
b)
global warming
c)
ozone destruction
d)
acid rain
32.
Deforestation results in which of the following
a)
increase in CO2
b)
decrease in CO2
c)
increase in O2
d)
decrease in H
33.
True or false deforestation contribute to global warming.
a)
True
b)
False
34.
Which action by humans could improve the quality of the air?
a)
building homes that use only oil furnaces for heat
b)
buying cars that get more miles per gallon of gasoline
c)
increasing the number of coal-burning power plants that generate electricity
d)
cutting down forests to clear land for factories
35.
According to the food chain, which of these organisms most likely contains the least concentration of toxins (DDT) ?
a)
Mouse
b)
Snake
c)
Hawk
36.
If the human population continues to grow exponentially it would result in which of the following:
a)
a reduction of resources
b)
decrease pollution
c)
increase in available freshwater
37.
Which growth curve is shown in the picture?
a)
Exponential
b)
Logistic
38.
The presence of wastes, such as plastic bags and motor oil, in lakes and streams miles away from developed areas suggests that:
a)
ecosystems are interconnected and human action can alter ecosystem equilibrium.
b)
recycling programs have failed to conserve biotic resources.
c)
natural processes can alter ecosystem stability.
d)
direct harvesting practices have led to irreversible destruction of ecosystems.
39.
One way that humans could have a positive impact on local environments is to:
a)
generate waste products as a result of technological advances
b)
use resources that are renewable
c)
increase planting large areas of one crop
d)
increase the use of pesticides
40.
Environmentalists are hoping to protect endangered organisms by calling for a reduction in the use of pesticides, because loss of these organisms would:
a)
increase the mutation rate in plants
b)
cause pesticides to become more toxic to insects
c)
reduce biodiversity in various ecosystems
d)
decrease the space and resources available to other organisms
41.
One way humans can promote the survival of organisms in an ecosystem is to:
a)
decrease diversity in plant habitats
b)
introduce new consumers to control autotrophs
c)
release extra CO2 into the atmosphere to help autotrophs
d)
learn about the interactions of population
42.
A builder is proposing a new housing development in an area of western Massachusetts. Construction of the housing development will destroy the wetland habitat in the area.
Which of the following would be the most likely consequence of the wetland’s destruction?
Which of the following would be the most likely consequence of the wetland’s destruction?
a)
The wetland plant species would disperse to adjacent meadow habitats.
b)
The populations of wetland animals would be unable to survive in that area.
c)
The wetland animal species would survive by interbreeding with non-wetland species
d)
The populations of wetland plants would evolve to disperse seeds by wind rather than water.
43.
DDT and other pesticides used over 50 years ago are still affecting the environment today. Scientists have found these substances in recent glacier runoff. Glacier runoff occurs during the summer, when precipitation that has fallen on glaciers during the winter is released. Ice layers from existing glaciers have been analyzed. The results of this analysis show that the concentrations of DDT and other pesticides were highest about 10 years after the use of these substances was banned.This information shows that:
a)
DDT and other pesticides cause glacier runoff during the summer.
b)
it takes humans over 50 years to analyze a glacier.
c)
precipitation helps to break down pesticides.
d)
the decision of one human generation may have an impact on future generations.
44.
When fertilizers run off farmland into streams and ponds, the nitrogen content of the water increases. This can lead to rapid growth of algae in a process called eutrophication. How can this process affect other organisms in the water?
a)
Oxygen is used up as algae is decomposed, reducing the amount available to other organisms.
b)
The water becomes better able to support aerobic organisms.
c)
The algae provide food for fishes and other organisms, leading to decreased algae populations.
d)
The extra nitrogen provides additional food for the other organisms, increasing their population.
45.
Whaling was a very profitable profession until whale populations crashed. The global community came together to enact a ban on whaling. However, Japan and Norway have not agreed to stop whaling. Which of the following is the most likely consequence of their decision?
a)
The whale populations are bouncing back very successfully and are unaffected by Japan and Norway continuing to whale.
b)
The whale populations are not rebounding as quickly as they might if all of the countries agreed not to hunt whales.
c)
The whale populations have mutated into new kinds of organisms.
d)
The whales are getting better at avoiding capture.
46.
Which of the following best describes the main focus of sustainability in the modern world?
a)
using Earth's natural resources without depleting them
b)
ensuring that endangered species are protected to prevent extinction
c)
providing for the food demands of the world's population
d)
developing ways to use natural resources in the most efficient manne
47.
The ozone layer has been depleted by the use of CFC’s. What is one effect that is now seen in the population due to this decrease in ozone
a)
less acid rain destroying paint on cars
b)
increased skin cancer diagnosed cases
c)
elevated levels of fossil fuel emissions
d)
larger amount of infectious diseases
48.
Infer which of the following is an increase in Earth’s average temperature from the buildup of carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere
a)
Transpiration
b)
Ozone depletion
c)
global warming
d)
Eutrophication
49.
Carbon Dioxide is important in our atmosphere because it is required for photosynthesis and traps some heat, keeping the Earth warm. However, human produced carbon dioxide is a problem because it
a)
leads to higher global temperatures.
b)
disrupts the natural cycling of other greenhouse gases
c)
add too much carbon dioxide to the oceans
d)
causes uncontrolled photosynthesis
50.
Using nuclear power as an energy source will create which of the following environmental problems?
a)
Accumulation of CO2 in the air
b)
Disposal of radioactive waste
c)
Increased production of acid rain
d)
Destruction of the ozone layer
51.
- Some exotic plants, like the kudzu, were imported to the United States as ornamental plants. This ornamental plant was used to help reduce soil erosion because it grew in a wide range of conditions and soil types. Because it is a rapidly growing plant it has taken over many native species and caused which of the following to occur?
a)
A decrease in the amount of biodiversity.
b)
A decrease in the rate of cellular respiration.
c)
An increase in the amount of surface runoff
d)
An increase in the habitat for native species.
52.
If a scientist discovers a new synthetic chemical that appears to have many potential uses, why must society be extremely cautious after the new chemical is manufactured?
a)
The scientist's work may be flawed, and his work must be verified.
b)
The chemical may be too expensive to manufacture for the general population
c)
Harmful problems for individuals and the environment may not be initially known.
d)
The best use may not be immediately obvious, and the chemical may be wasted.
53.
There is a current controversy involving whether the United States government should drill for oil off the coast of Florida. Which of the following describes the opposing sides to this issue?
a)
a. fossil-fuel power versus alternative energy
b)
b. job availability versus environmental effects
c)
c. renewable versus nonrenewable resources
d)
d. cheap energy versus pricey energy source
54.
The activities that take place to meet human needs can often be harmful to ecosystems. By developing sustainable practices, however, we can help protect our environment. Which of the following changes would be most helpful in reaching sustainability
a)
Building more water treatment facilities
b)
Planting trees to replace those that are cut down by logging
c)
Tilling soil to improve soil fertility and increase crop production
d)
Using natural gas for fuel instead of burning petroleum
55.
- The choices that humans make every day affect the environment. Sometimes, our lifestyles can harm the environment rather than protect it. Which of the following would be most helpful in protecting the environment and achieving sustainability?
a)
Buying paper products made from harvested trees
b)
Buying fewer mass produced products
c)
Using natural gas as a fuel source instead of petroleum
d)
using solar power to generate electricity
56.
All of the flowing are threats to biodiversity EXCEPT
a)
Overexploitation
b)
Habitat fragmentation
c)
Introduced species
d)
Species preservation
57.
When an island or coastline is deforested, what happens to the coral reefs in the ocean surrounding the island or coastline
a)
There will be an increase in production by the coral reef, adding to stability
b)
Increased erosion will lead to an increase in sediment, damaging the coral reefs
c)
With fewer trees, the coral reefs will receive more sunlight, increasing biodiversity.
d)
Plant and animal populations on land will decrease, leading to an increase in predators in the coral reefs
58.
Which human activity has had the most positive ecological impact on the environment?
a)
use of pesticides to regulate insect populations
b)
mport of various invasive species
c)
reforestation and crop rotation to prevent soil erosion
d)
overhunting of many predators to prevent the death of prey animals
59.
Killing organisms at a rate that is faster than what they can repopulate:
a)
invasive species
b)
carrying capacity
c)
limiting factors
d)
overharvesting
60.
Any thing or organism that regulates the size of a population of another organism is known as __________.
a)
a limiting measure
carrying capacity
carrying capacity
b)
a limiting factor
c)
living factors
d)
pollution
61.
Invasive species are:
a)
non-native
b)
harmful to an ecosystem
c)
organisms that can lack predators in the new environment
d)
all of the answers are correct
62.
All the different life in an area
a)
species
b)
population
c)
biodiversity
d)
organisms
63.
A road has been built in the middle of a forest. The forest is now
a)
divided
b)
logged
c)
cut
d)
fragmented
64.
No more of the species exists.
a)
extinct
b)
endangered
c)
threatened
65.
A species that is still present in its native location, but the numbers have drastically declined and is at high risk of disappearing.
a)
extinct
b)
endangered
c)
threatened
66.
The loss of this type of species has a dramatic negative impact on an ecosystem:
a)
keystone species
b)
endangered species
c)
extinct species
d)
invasive species
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