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Human Impact Review

Total questions: 15

Worksheet time: 15mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Which negative human environmental influence is matched to the positive influence that has helped correct it?

a)

Overhunting -- pollution controls

b)

Disposal problems -- species preservation

c)

Importation of organisms -- energy conservation

d)

pesticide use -- biological control of insects

2.

One advantage of biodiversity in an ecosystem is that it...

a)

guarantees that the largest organisms will dominate the area

b)

ensures a large amount of identical genetic material

c)

develops relationships between organisms that are always positive over long periods of time

d)

increases the chance that some organisms will survive a major change in the environment

3.

Scientists claim that increased demand for almonds would have a negative environmental impact on California. Which observation, if any, would support this claim?    

a)

The almonds are exported to other states and countries and profits increase for California's almond industry.

b)

The increased demand for almonds increases the freshwater consumption in California.

c)

The additional CO₂ produced by the almond trees is released into the atmosphere.

d)

The additional consumption of sunlight by the almond trees reduces the amount of energy input on the solar panels and therefore the amount of energy available to Californians.

4.

Which human activity is correctly paired with its likely future consequence?

a)

Overfishing in the Atlantic -- increase in supply of flounder and salmon as food for people

b)

development of electric cars or hybrid vehicles -- increased rate of global warming

c)

use of fossil fuels -- depletion of underground coal, oil, and natural gas supplies

d)

genetically engineering animals -- less food available to feed the world's population

5.
New fuels are being produced by converting corn and grasses into compounds containing alcohols that can be broken down for energy in various engines. The purpose of this research is to
a)
 reduce the use of nonrenewable resources.
b)
increase the rate of air pollution.
c)
reduce the rate of homeostasis in organisms.
d)
 cause a loss of biodiversity in the rain forests.
6.
A community is concerned about the water quality of a nearby lake. Increased sedimentation in the lake is endangering the native habitat. The increased sedimentation is most likely caused by which of the following?
a)
trees planted along the shore of the lake
b)
construction of homes along the lake
c)
the amount of sunlight on the lake
d)
the amount of fish in the lake
7.
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.
8.
The diagram shows the carbon cycle.  If many trees are removed from a forest by logging, what is the most immediate effect on the carbon cycle in that forest?
a)
 increase in the rates of decomposition
b)
increase in the rates of atmospheric carbon dioxide
c)
decreased combustion of fossil fuel
d)
 increase production of organic compounds
9.

What is the best explanation for the rise in atmospheric CO2 levels since the 1800's?

a)

natural fluctuations of the climate

b)

eruptions of large volcanoes

c)

increased use of fossil fuels by humans

d)

photosynthesis by algae

10.

Several factors can lead to soil erosion. Which of these human activities is most likely to contribute to soil erosion?

a)

Clearing land for farming

b)

Planting trees and vegetation

c)

Preserving land as a wildlife habitat

d)

Reducing the amount of livestock in an area

11.

Air pollution is caused by many different activities. Air pollution can affect human health and the health of other living things. Which of these choices gives the best description of air pollution?

a)

The circulation of pollutants in enclosed spaces

b)

The long-term health issues related to the quality of the air

c)

The contamination of the atmosphere by pollutants from human and natural sources

d)

The pollution that results from global warming

12.

How can ground pollutants affect the local fresh water supply?

a)

The chemicals evaporate underground and come back in the rain water, filling lakes and rivers with toxic chemicals.

b)

Erosion of soil causes those chemicals to leak into the ground water supply and end up in lakes and rivers

c)

The chemicals absorb down their concentration gradient and eventually move to lakes and rivers

d)

When plants are harvested the soil and excess plant parts are dumped into the water supply

13.

Which of the following would be most effective method to slow down destruction of certain species of birds and small mammals from over hunting?

a)

increase the demand for meat and pelts from these animals

b)

Prevent nature documentaries from being made about these animals

c)

Decrease the size of their habitat.

d)

Regulate the number of animals that can be hunted in a certain area at certain times

14.
The Fairfax County government wants to restore wetlands in the Annandale area.  How will this goal affect the surrounding community?
a)
It will have more water, but it will be of lower quality.
b)
Water quality will increase, but so will erosion.
c)
It will create a more diverse population of plants and animals.
15.
Several students watched as bulldozers took down a large group of trees in their neighborhood where cardinals nest each spring.  What effect might this development have on the cardinal population in their neighborhood?
a)
The number of cardinals will decrease due to loss of habitat.
b)
The number of cardinals will be about the same; they will adapt to the new environment.
c)
The number of cardinals will increase with the number of new homes added.