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Environmental Science Final Exam Review (All Questions)

Total questions: 130

Worksheet time: 2hrs 6mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Estuaries are productive ecosystems because they constantly receive nutrients from

a)

rivers and oceans

b)

coral reefs

c)

lakes and ponds

d)

photosynthesis

2.

Which of the following is the BEST list of the factor(s) that influence(s) where an organism lives in an aquatic ecosystem?

a)

sunlight and sediment

b)

temperature, sediment, and nutrient availability

c)

sunlight, nutrient availability, and temperature

d)

temperature

3.

What is the source of most ocean pollution?

a)

activities on land

b)

climate changes

c)

aquatic animals

d)

aquatic plants

4.

Estuaries

a)

are always saltwater ecosystems

b)

are always freshwater ecosystems

c)

are ecosystems where both fresh water and salt water are present

d)

prevent the development of salt marshes

5.

One way in which wetlands control flooding is by

a)

filtering out water pollutants

b)

absorbing water from rivers

c)

providing habitats for migratory wildlife

d)

reducing the amount of carbon dioxide released into the air

6.

Bottom dwelling organisms are associated with which term?

a)

plankton

b)

nekton

c)

phytoplankton

d)

benthos

7.

Free-swimming organisms are associated with which term?

a)

phytoplankton

b)

zoo plankton

c)

nekton

d)

benthos

8.

Swamps are commonly found on

a)

rocky hillsides

b)

flat, poorly drained land

c)

mountain peaks

d)

bottoms of lakes or ponds

9.

The type of plankton that produces most of the food in an aquatic ecosystem is called

a)

nekton

b)

zooplankton

c)

phytoplankton

d)

benthos

10.

What are the two main types of freshwater wetlands?

a)

lakes and ponds

b)

rivers and streams

c)

littoral zones and benthic zones

d)

marshes and swamps

11.

Which of the following is NOT one of the characteristics used to classify freshwater ecosystems?

a)

temperature

b)

depth of water

c)

speed of water flow

d)

availability of minerals, sunlight, and oxygen

12.

Areas of land, with special soils and plants, that are covered with fresh water for at least part of the year are known as

a)

eutrophic zones

b)

lakes

c)

ponds

d)

wetlands

13.

Which statement best summarizes the relationship between nutrients and algae growth?

a)

There is no relationship between nutrients and algae growth.

b)

Algae growth occurs most often in areas that are nutrient-poor.

c)

Excessive nutrients lead to growth of algae and ultimately to death of aquatic organisms because of depleted oxygen levels.

14.

Where are most wetlands found in the USA?

a)

northwest

b)

southwest

c)

northeast

d)

southeast

15.

Eutrophic lakes are described as

a)

lakes that are nutrient poor

b)

lakes that are rich in nutrients and all types of life

c)

lakes with excessive nutrients, large amounts of algae, and little oxygen

d)

lakes that have a mixture of fresh and salt water

16.

Which statement correctly describes sea turtle being underwater?

a)

Sea turtles can breathe underwater and do not need to come to the surface for air.

b)

Sea turtles cannot breathe underwater and must surface every few minutes for air.

c)

Sea turtles cannot breathe underwater, but can hold their breath underwater for as long as 4-7 hours.

17.

Sea turtles typically live up to

a)

15 years

b)

25 years

c)

35 years

d)

50 years or more

18.

Most sea turtles live

a)

in cold, shallow waters

b)

in warm, shallow waters

c)

in cold, deep waters

d)

in every ocean in the world

19.

How do fishing practices harm sea turtles?

a)

The fishing industry takes away the sea turtles' food.

b)

Sea turtles are accidentally caught in fishing nets (or discarded fishing lines) and drown.

c)

The fishing industry draws too many tourists.

20.

If 1000 baby sea turtles hatch on a beach, how many are likely to survive to be adults?

a)

900

b)

500

c)

50

d)

1

21.

You analyzed maps that compared the percentage of wetlands in each state from the 1780s to the 1980s. What could you conclude from your analysis?

a)

The amounts of wetlands per state have not changed considerably.

b)

Every state had a decrease in the amount of wetlands.

c)

Approximately half of the states had a decrease in the percentage of wetlands.

d)

Many states had an increase in the amount of wetlands during the time period.

22.
What would be a biotic factor in the Arctic ecosystem in the picture?
a)
rocks
b)
polar bear
c)
ice
d)
water
23.
All the biotic and abiotic factors in an area.
a)
ecosystem
b)
population
c)
country
d)
community
24.
In the moutain river ecosystem pictured above, what would be an abiotic factor?
a)
trees
b)
swans
c)
grasses
d)
water
25.
Which of the following is considered an aquatic ecosystem?
a)
estuary
b)
grassland
c)
forest
d)
desert
26.
True or False. The ecosytem is made up of only the living parts of an environment.
a)
True
b)
False
27.
Any living thing is called a _____________________
a)
animal
b)
organism
c)
atom
d)
Producer
28.
All biotic and abiotic factors in an area.  Plans, animals, insects, soil, water, and temperature.
a)
ecosystem
b)
consumer
c)
ecology
d)
producer
29.
The study of interactions that occur among organisms in their environment.
a)
ecosystem
b)
ecology
c)
niche
d)
predator
30.
All of the populations in an ecosystem.  All snakes, rats, and alligators in an area.
a)
community
b)
producer
c)
population
d)
symbiosis
31.
A relationship where both organisms benefit.  cow and egret.
a)
symbiosis
b)
commensalism
c)
mutualism
d)
niche
32.
One organism benefits, the other is neither helped or harmed;  clown fish and sea anemones.
a)
symbiosis
b)
habitat
c)
biome 
d)
commensalism
33.
One organism benefits, the other is harmed or killed;  tapeworms
a)
parasitism
b)
mutualism
c)
symbiosis
d)
rain
34.
The role and position a species has in its environment.
a)
predator
b)
prey
c)
niche
d)
community
35.
All organisms of the same species in an ecosystem.
a)
population
b)
community
c)
family
d)
lucky
36.
Easily identified as an area where trees lose their leaves every fall.
a)
biome
b)
tundra
c)
deciduous forest
d)
Disney world
37.
Driest biome, extreme temps ( very cold at night, very hot during the day, and very little rain.
a)
tundra
b)
taiga
c)
desert
d)
forest
38.
Warm temps, wet weather, lush plants, most diverse kinds of animals and plants, near equator.
a)
tropical rainforest
b)
desert
c)
biosphere
d)
one
39.
Largest number of individual species that an ecosystem and its resources can handle.
a)
biome
b)
tundra
c)
carrying capacity
d)
taiga
40.
Large geographic areas that have similar climates and ecosystems.
a)
tundra
b)
biome
c)
Earth
d)
continent
41.
Cold, dry, treeless region sometimes called a cold desert.. has permafrost.
a)
tundra
b)
taiga
c)
desert
d)
forest
42.
Cold forested region dominated by cone bearing evergreen trees.
a)
tundra
b)
taiga
43.
Non-living factors in the environment.
a)
biotic
b)
abiotic
44.

In a controlled experiment, the variable that is changed to test the hypothesis is called the –

a)

Controlled Variable

b)

Responsive Variable

c)

Dependent Variable

d)

Independent Variable

45.
The measurable factor in an experiment is known as the: 
a)
Control
b)
Independent Variable
c)
Constant
d)
Dependent Variable
46.
A possible explanation to a problem that has not yet been tested. 
a)
data
b)
theory
c)
hypothesis
d)
fact
47.

A procedure carried out to gather data about an object or event.

a)

evidence

b)

inquiry

c)

investigation

d)

experiment

48.

Which of these contains steps in the right order?

a)

Ask a question, form a hypothesis, research, plan and conduct an investigation, draw conclusions, report and share results, make a conclusion

b)

Form a hypothesis, ask a question, research, plan and conduct an investigation, draw conclusions, report and share results

c)

Observe and ask questions, form a hypothesis, plan and conduct an investigation, draw conclusions, report and share results

d)

Form a hypothesis, ask a question, research, report and share results, plan and conduct an investigation, draw conclusions

49.
The factor in an experiment that will be changed. 
a)
dependent variable
b)
independent variable
c)
controlled variable
d)
not this one. 
50.
This variable in an experiment is the one being deliberately changed by the scientist. 
a)
dependent variable
b)
independent variable
c)
data
d)
control group
51.
What step does every scientific experiment begin with?
a)
hypothesis
b)
question/problem
c)
procedures
d)
conclusion
52.
An experiment is performed on plants to see how different liquids affect plant growth. Each plant in the experiment is given a different liquid; water, apple juice, or milk. Each plant has the same amount of soil, sunlight, and listens to the same music. In this investigation, the independent variable is ...
a)
The type of plant
b)
The amount of sunlight
c)
The type of music
d)
The type of liquid
53.
A student wants to test the effects of type of exercise on heart rate.  What is the dependent variable?
a)
heart rate
b)
type of exercise
c)
amount of exercise
d)
time of day exercise occurs
54.
Air pollution is _________________________
a)
the addition of any substance that has harmful or toxic effects to air
b)
the addition of any good substance that benefits air
c)
a chemical reaction
55.

What is biodiversity?

a)

All the same species living in one area

b)

the variability among organisms

c)

all the endangered species in one area

56.

Which are examples of renewable resources?

a)

coal

b)

wind power

c)

solar power

d)

water power

57.
An undesired change in air, water or soil that adversely affects the health, survival, or activities of humans or other organisms.
a)
Pollution
b)
Loss of Biodiversity
c)
Natural Resource Depletion
58.
A natural resource that is naturally formed much more slowly than we use it is called
a)
sustainable
b)
ecological
c)
nonrenewable
d)
renewable
59.
the variety of life on Earth
a)
biodiversity
b)
natural environment
c)
built environment
60.
the place where an organism lives
a)
natural environment
b)
habitat
c)
built environment
61.
The ______ was the time when humans started using machines to produce goods.
a)
scientific period
b)
Agricultural Revolution
c)
Industrial Revolution
62.

Environmental science does NOT include

a)

physical sciences

b)

biological science

c)

psychology

63.

A goal of many environmental scientists is to understand and solve environmental problems by studying interactions between humans and the environment. This includes

a)

How we use natural resources

b)

How our actions alter our environment

c)

How much we pay for resources

d)

A, B, and C are all correct

e)

A and B are correct

64.

The study of how living things interact with each other and with their nonliving environment is called

a)

ecology

b)

biology

c)

chemistry

d)

physical science

65.

Which of the following is a way that hunter-gatherers altered their environment?

a)

polluting the air by burning fossil fuels

b)

burning grasslands

c)

clearing land for farms

d)

finding new uses for solar energy

66.

During which period in human history were most of our modern environmental problems introduced?

a)

Hunter-gatherer

b)

Agricultural

c)

Industrial Revolution

d)

Biotechnology Era

67.

Which of the following is an environmental problem introduced during the Industrial Revolution? (Check ALL that apply)

a)

pollution

b)

loss of biodiversity

c)

resource depletion

d)

clearing of lands for growing crops

68.

Which statement has the correct relationship between renewable and nonrenewable resources?

a)

Renewable resources form at a much slower rate than nonrenewable.

b)

Renewable and nonrenewable resources both form at approximately the same rate they are used

c)

Nonrenewable resources form at a faster rate than renewable resources

d)

Nonrenewable resources form at a slower rate than consumed, and renewable resources are replaced rather quickly by natural processes

69.

Pollutants that can be broken down by natural processes are known as

a)

biodegradable

b)

renewable

c)

nonrenewable

d)

nonbiodegradable

70.

The "Tragedy of the Commons" is the idea that

a)

bad things happen to all people

b)

people are not as careful with resources if they do not "own" them

c)

people will be careful with the use of air and water since they are so important

d)

as the world population increases so will the depletion of our resources

71.

During an investigation you record the number of butterflies in your garden every day in June. This information that you are recording is your

a)

observation

b)

data

c)

conclusion

d)

analysis

72.

You are finished with an investigation, so the next step is to look for a pattern between your independent and dependent variables. When you are looking for the pattern, you are

a)

analyzing

b)

forming your hypothesis

c)

making your conclusion

d)

establishing your control group

73.

Which statement is true about the relationship between your data and your hypothesis?

a)

Your data can prove your hypothesis is correct.

b)

Your data can prove your hypothesis is incorrect.

c)

Your data can support or refute your hypothesis, but can not prove it.

d)

There is never a relationship between the data and hypothesis.

74.

An inherited trait that increases an organism's chance of survival and reproduction in a certain environment (for example a sharp, strong beak that allows for tearing of flesh) is known as

a)

an adaptation

b)

a niche

c)

commensalism

d)

symbiosis

75.

The main factor that groups areas of land into certain biomes is

a)

the climate

b)

the vegetation (plants) found there

c)

the order of the seasons

d)

the average temperature

76.

Which of the following is NOT a common plant adaptation?

a)

size

b)

shape

c)

how they manage water

d)

color

77.

Which of the following is a measure of the distance north or south of the equator?

a)

altitude

b)

climate

c)

precipitation

d)

latitude

78.

Which of the following is NOT a tropical biome?

a)

tropical rainforest

b)

savanna

c)

desert

d)

deciduous forest

79.

Which biome is a tropical biome that is characterized by grasses, shrubs, and small trees?

a)

tundra

b)

tiaga

c)

savanna

d)

desert

80.

Which biome is associated with trees that have leaves that change color with the seasons?

a)

tropical rain forest

b)

temperate deciduous forest

c)

tiaga

d)

savanna

81.

Which biome is located in the northern arctic region where the winter is too cold and dry to permit the growth of trees?

a)

tiaga

b)

tunda

c)

savanna

d)

grassland

82.

Wetlands help control rising global temperatures by

a)

increasing the amount of rainfall

b)

absorbing energy from the sun

c)

absorbing carbon (which means less carbon dioxide in the atmosphere)

d)

absorbing nitrogen and oxygen which leads to decreasing temperatures

83.

Barrier islands are usually found

a)

only in the southeast

b)

only along the Pacific coast

c)

running parallel to sandy shores

d)

running parallel to large rivers

84.

How do barrier islands helpful to the environment? (Check all that apply)

a)

They help protect the mainland and coastal wetlands from storms.

b)

They absorb large amounts of water during flooding.

c)

They act as filters to absorb pollutants.

d)

They provide habitats for wildlife.

85.

Which of the following is NOT one of the main ways to describe any population?

a)

size

b)

age

c)

density

d)

distribution

86.

If we tell the population numbers in a certain amount of space, (for example: 23 deer in 1000 acres) we are describing the deer population's

a)

size

b)

distribution

c)

clotting

d)

density

87.

If someone gathers data that tells us that most of the bluebirds are in the northwestern part of our county, they are referring to the bluebirds'

a)

density

b)

distribution

c)

size

d)

displacement

88.

The maximum number of offspring that each member o the population can produce is known as

a)

survivorship

b)

reproductive potential

c)

fertility rate

d)

carrying capacity

89.

Which of the following is NOT one of the three factors that lead to higher reproductive potential?

a)

produce more offspring at one time

b)

reproduce more often

c)

reproduce offspring larger in size

d)

reproduce earlier in life

90.

When does exponential growth occur in populations?

a)

when they have plenty of food and space

b)

when they have lots of competition

c)

when there are lots of predators in the area

d)

when they have plenty of food and space, and little competition or predators

91.

Which of the following is a density-dependent limiting factor?

a)

human activities

b)

unusual weather

c)

competition

d)

natural disaster

92.
Which of the following is a density-independent limiting factor?
a)
natural disaster
b)
predation
c)
disease
d)
parasitism
93.

Which of the following would NOT be an example of a density independent factor?

a)

predation

b)

tornado

c)

hurricane

d)

fire

94.

Which of the following are density dependent factors?

a)

competition for resources

b)

predation

c)

disease

d)

natural disasters

95.

What does the term carrying capacity describe?

a)

The maximum number of birth rates for a population.

b)

The ability of a population to accept new immigrants.

c)

The ratio of birth rates to death rates in a population.

d)

The population size that the environment can sustain.

96.
What is the carrying capacity of the following graph?
a)
1000
b)
8000
c)
800
d)
600
97.
What type of growth is shown in the diagram?
a)
exponential growth
b)
logistic growth 
c)
predator-prey cycle
d)
boom-bust curve
98.
If the number of births in a population is the same as the number of deaths in a population, what will happen to the growth of the population?
a)
It will increase.
b)
It will decrease.
c)
It will stay the same.
d)
It will fluctuate.
99.

What is a population’s total fertility rate?

a)

the number of births needed to keep a nation’s population stable

b)

the average number of children a male member of a population has each year

c)

the average number of children a female member of the population has during her lifetime

d)

the total number of babies born in a population each generation

100.

Which combination of factors will produce the highest rate of population growth?

a)

high birth and death rates

b)

low birth and death rates

c)

high birth and low death rates

d)

low birth and high death rates

101.

What describes human world population in recent times?

a)

Still increasing exponentially with no decrease in rate

b)

Still increasing exponentially with slight decrease in rate

c)

Still increasing exponentially with huge decrease in rate

102.

The average number of years an individual is predicted to live is called

a)

life expectancy

b)

carrying capacity

c)

growth rate

d)

demography

103.

The amount of people living in a given area is described as population

a)

Population Size

b)

Population Density

c)

Population Distribution

104.
Countries with high growth rates usually have an age structure that has
a)
an even distribution over all ages
b)
more older people than young people
c)
more younger people than older people.
d)
more middle-aged people than younger people.
105.

The distribution of ages in a specific population

a)

age structure

b)

infrastructure

c)

life expectancy

d)

demographic transition

106.

Have the highest birth rates

a)

urbanization

b)

developed countries

c)

least-developed countries

d)

arable land

107.

land that can be used to grow crops

a)

least-developed countries

b)

demography

c)

arable land

d)

infrastructure

108.

Movement of individuals into or out of a population.

a)

demographic transition

b)

infrastructure

c)

urbanization

d)

migration

109.

An increase in water-borne diseases could possibly be alleviated by

a)

adequate sewage treatment facilities for growing populations

b)

very rapid growth of large cities

c)

sufficient fuelwood

d)

both a and b

110.

The basic facilities and services that support a community.

a)

arable land

b)

demographic transition

c)

infrastructure

d)

urbanization

111.

Which of the following is NOT one of the four factors that have the greatest effects on infant health

a)

parent access to education

b)

clean water

c)

fuel

d)

high-tech medical equipment

112.

What is NOT one of the main reasons a plentiful supply of fuel wood is so important in developing countries?

a)

to heat homes on cold nights

b)

to cook

c)

to boil water

113.

The movement of people from rural areas to cities is known as

a)

emigration

b)

immigration

c)

urbanization

d)

population flight

114.

Which of the following is the main source of fuel in most least developed countries?

a)

coal

b)

wood

c)

gasoline

d)

nuclear energy

115.

Which statement correctly describes suburban sprawl?

a)

Suburban sprawl only has positive effects since people are closer to developed businesses.

b)

Often causes traffic jams, inadequate infrastructure, and loss of habitat

c)

it is a problem in least developed countries

116.
Deposits of minerals from which metals and nonmetals can be removed profitably.
a)
Ore
b)
Conduction
c)
Placer Deposits
d)
Wire
117.
Ore minerals are minerals that are valuable and economical to extract.
a)
True
b)
False
118.
Reclamation is.....
a)
not required in the US.
b)
a process that causes significant environmental damage.
c)
returning the land back to its original condition after mining
d)
required for every country and every type of mine in the world.
119.
 Which of the following statements about minerals is false?
a)
Humans can create minerals to suit specific needs.
b)
Minerals have a crystalline structure
c)
Minerals are inorganic materials.
d)
 Minerals cannot be liquids or gases.
120.
A company is likely to mine a site if the site...?
a)
is rich in minerals
b)
does not contain gangue minerals
c)
contains gold
d)
contains minerals that can be economically extracted
121.
Which of the following is not a characteristic of all minerals?
a)
naturally occuring
b)
usually inorganic solid
c)
orderly internal structure
d)
contains DNA
122.
Evaporites form in areas with high ____________. 
a)
rainfall
b)
humidity
c)
volcanic activity
d)
rates of evaporation
123.
What is the term for minerals that have little to no economic value?
a)
ore
b)
native
c)
compound
d)
gangue
124.
Deep deposits of minerals being removed from underground though tunnels and shafts is the definition of: 
a)
Strip Mining 
b)
Mountaintop Removal 
c)
Subsurface Mining 
d)
Surface Mining 
125.

What type of mining would most likely be used if a resource is concentrated in deep pockets in ground that is safe for tunneling?

a)

subsurface mining

b)

mountaintop removal

c)

solution mining

d)

open pit mining

126.

The process of heating an ore beyond its melting point and combining it with other substances is called

a)

smelting.

b)

dredging.

c)

tailing.

d)

frothing.

127.

This type of mining involves pumping hot water into the earth and dissolves the ore is known as

a)

deep well injection

b)

solution mining

c)

geothermal mining

d)

crystallization differentiation

128.
What is another term for a quarry?
a)
open pit
b)
longwall
c)
pillar
d)
solution mine
129.

It is not uncommon for gold to have been concentrated by wind and water into surface deposit in streams. These deposits are known as

a)

quarries

b)

placer deposits

c)

evaporites

d)

smelting

130.

Which substance listed below is mined through solar evaporation?

a)

gold

b)

quartz

c)

salt

d)

silver

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