Name: 
 

AP Practice Test 100 Q's



Multiple Choice
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
 

 1. 

Living in an environmentally sustainable way necessitates
a.
using Earth’s resources efficiently whenever convenient.
b.
living without basic ecosystem services.
c.
living in a tent.
d.
living in a rural area.
e.
sensitivity to the needs of future generations.
 

 2. 

Five square miles is equal to _____ acres. (1 square mile = 640 acres)
a.
0.32
b.
320
c.
2500
d.
3200
e.
32,000
 

 3. 

The concept of ecological footprint is measured in terms of the amount of
a.
resource an individual consumes daily.
b.
land area.
c.
resources an individual consumes over the course of a lifetime.
d.
resources an entire nation consumes yearly.
e.
resources an individual consumes yearly.
 

 4. 

An element is a substance that
a.
can be broken down into simpler components.
b.
is made of many types of atoms.
c.
is made up of molecules.
d.
consists of one type of atom.
e.
makes up energy.
 

 5. 

On the pH scale, _____ is neutral.
a.
3
b.
4
c.
5
d.
6
e.
7
 

 6. 

According to the law of conservation of matter,
I.matter can be created
II.matter cannot be destroyed
III.after a chemical reaction, the original atoms remain
a.
I only.
b.
II only.
c.
III only.
d.
I and II.
e.
II and III.
 

 7. 

The “ability to do work “ is called
a.
power
b.
joules
c.
energy.
d.
heat
e.
radiation.
 

 8. 

In the electrical lines that transmit electricity between a power plant and a home, _____ percent of the energy is lost as heat and sound.
a.
10
b.
30
c.
50
d.
70
e.
90
 

 9. 

A negative feedback loop is
a.
when feed back into the system increases the rate of progress.
b.
seen in the example of increased greenhouse gases leading to global warming.
c.
seen in the example of world population growth.
d.
when a system responds to a change by returning it to its original state.
e.
Both b and d.
 

 10. 

Choose the correct sequence for energy flow within an ecosystem
a.
Herbivores ® producers ® carnivores ® scavengers
b.
Producers ® herbivores ® carnivores ® scavengers
c.
Producers ® carnivores ® herbivores ® carnivores
d.
Scavengers ® producers ® herbivores ® carnivores
e.
Carnivores ® scavengers ® producers ® herbivores
 

 11. 

Which of the following are needed for photosynthesis?
a.
Water, solar energy and carbon dioxide
b.
Water, solar energy and glucose
c.
Carbon dioxide, energy and glucose
d.
Oxygen, water and energy
e.
Oxygen and glucose
 
 
Figure 3-1

nar001-1.jpg
 

 12. 

Use Figure 3-1. Which of the organisms illustrated above would be considered a decomposer?
a.
Vulture
b.
Zebra
c.
Hyena
d.
Bacteria
e.
Hare
 

 13. 

What impact does deforestation have on the carbon cycle?
a.
Increase in amount of CO2 in the atmosphere
b.
Decrease in the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere
c.
Increase in the amount of photosynthesis
d.
Increase in the amount of cellular respiration performed by autotrophs
e.
Deforestation has no impact on the carbon cycle
 

 14. 

When nutrients are transported through soil with water, this process is known as
a.
Infiltration
b.
Percolation
c.
Decomposition
d.
Leaching
e.
Nitrification
 

 15. 

Which of the following is not a part of the carbon cycle?
a.
Transpiration
b.
Combustion
c.
Photosynthesis
d.
Extraction
e.
Respiration
 
 
Figure 4-2

nar002-1.jpg
 

 16. 

Use Figure 4-2. Using the graph above, what conclusion can be drawn about the relationship between temperature and saturation point?
a.
As temperature increases, saturation point decreases exponentially
b.
As temperature increases, saturation point increases exponentially
c.
As temperature increases, saturation point increases linearly
d.
As temperature increases, saturation point decreases linearly
e.
There is a negative correlation between temperature and saturation point
 
 
Figure 4-6
nar003-1.jpg
 

 17. 

Use Figure 4-6. What phenomenon does the above figure represent?
a.
Mountain rain effect
b.
Prevailing ocean winds
c.
Desert formation
d.
Climate change
e.
Rain shadow effect
 

 18. 

Which of the following are examples of wetlands?
I. Swamps
II. Marshes
III. Bogs
a.
I only
b.
II only
c.
III only
d.
I and II
e.
I, II, and III
 

 19. 

Which biome has plants with adaptations that prevent water loss, such as smaller leaves with few pores for gas exchange?
a.
Temperate rain forest
b.
Woodland/shrubland
c.
Temperate seasonal forest
d.
Tropical rainforest
e.
Subtropical desert
 
 
Figure 5-3
nar004-1.jpg
 

 20. 

Use Figure 5-3. Using the data provided, what is the pH range for the fundamental niche for species 2?
a.
1-14
b.
3-11
c.
5-9
d.
7
e.
8-11
 

 21. 

The intrinsic growth rate of a population
a.
directly affects environmental resistance.
b.
causes changes in birth rates without affecting death rates.
c.
causes changes in death rates without affecting birth rates.
d.
is the maximum rate at which a population may increase.
e.
all of the above
 

 22. 

Many plants have their roots infected with a specialized fungus.  The plant supplies carbon to the fungus, and the fungus supplies nutrients to the plant.  This is an example of a _____ association.
a.
mutualistic
b.
commensalistic
c.
parasitic
d.
successional
e.
predator/prey
 

 23. 

The total fertility rate (TFR) is an estimate of
a.
the number of children that will survive to adulthood.
b.
the number of years a typical infant will live.
c.
the number of children each woman in a population will have.
d.
the number of births per 1000 people per year.
e.
the percentage of women in a population that are able to have children.
 

 24. 

Developing countries tend to have a(n) ____ age structure diagram.
a.
rectangular-shaped
b.
inverted triangle
c.
pyramid-shaped
d.
square
e.
round
 

 25. 

Populations whose age structure diagrams are narrower at the bottom than at the top have
a.
high death rates
b.
the same proportion of individuals in each age group
c.
a declining population
d.
a high growth rate
e.
all of the above
 

 26. 

Many sub-Saharan tribesmen of Africa regularly use the blood, milk, and fur of their livestock, without killing them. Based on this information alone we might classify this relationship as ____. However, the cattle actually derive an overall benefit because the herdsman also protect them from predators and help them find water and food. Therefore, this relationship should instead be classified as ____.
a.
commensalism; mutualism
b.
mutualism; competition
c.
parasitism; commensalism
d.
parasitism; mutualism
e.
predation; parasitism
 

 27. 

Using the rule of 70, a population growing at 10% would double in
a.
7 years
b.
10 years
c.
15 years
d.
17 years
e.
Not enough information to tell
 
 
Figure 7-1
nar005-1.jpg  nar005-2.jpg
 

 28. 

Use Figure 7-1. Population A is most likely
a.
rapidly growing.
b.
rapidly declining.
c.
stable or close to stable.
d.
going to decline in a few decades.
e.
There is not enough information to tell.
 

 29. 

Use Figure 7-1. In pyramid A, what is the approximate number of people in the bottom 3 cohorts (0-10)?
a.
200,000,000
b.
250,000,000
c.
350,000,000
d.
450,000,000
e.
500,000,000
 

 30. 

Use Figure 7-1. Population A would most likely be in which stage of demographic transition?
a.
1
b.
2
c.
3
d.
4
e.
5
 

 31. 

Which of the following chemical reactions are involved in the creation of acid rain?
I. sulfur dioxide and water vapor combine to create sulfuric acid
II. hydrogen and chlorine combine to create hydrochloric acid
III. sulfur and oxygen combine to create sulfur dioxide
a.
I only
b.
II only
c.
III only
d.
I and II
e.
I and III
 

 32. 

Topsoil is often considered to be found in what two horizons.
a.
O and A horizon.
b.
O and B horizon.
c.
A and B horizon.
d.
A and C horizon.
e.
parent material.
 

 33. 

The least weathered zone in a soil is the
a.
A horizon.
b.
O horizon.
c.
E horizon.
d.
C horizon.
e.
B horizon.
 

 34. 

The water table is
a.
anywhere water is visible on the surface.
b.
where streams and lakes intersect.
c.
the uppermost level at which water fully saturates rock or soil.
d.
synonymous with groundwater.
e.
where water under pressure rises.
 

 35. 

Eutrophic lakes
a.
have very low productivity as a result of acid rain.
b.
have very high productivity as a result of high levels of nutrients.
c.
have low nutrient levels.
d.
are formed by glaciers.
e.
usually have absolutely no fish.
 

 36. 

The effect(s) of dams include
a.
impediment to fish migration.
b.
displacement of people.
c.
reduction of fossil fuel use.
d.
reduction of seasonal flooding.
e.
all of these answers are correct.
 
 
Figure 9-3

nar006-1.jpg
 

 37. 

Use Figure 9-3. According to the figure above, what is the approximate total water usage for South Africa, Mexico, and France?
a.
6,000 L/per day
b.
11,700 L/per day
c.
13,000 L/per day
d.
15,000 L/per day
e.
23,500 L/per day
 

 38. 

You are selecting a new dishwasher. You do about 150 loads per year. The less efficient model uses 9 gallons per load. The more efficient model uses 6 gallons per load. How much money will be saved on water if you select the more efficient model and the price of water is $0.75 per 1000 gallons?
a.
$0.34
b.
$3.30
c.
$33
d.
$330
e.
$3000
 

 39. 

Gray water is suitable for
a.
drinking.
b.
washing clothing.
c.
washing cars.
d.
watering plants.
e.
both c and d.
 

 40. 

One example of the tragedy of the commons can occur when several farmers share the same pasture for feeding sheep. The root cause of this tragedy is that
a.
people are bad
b.
sheep reproduce too quickly
c.
the market cannot support too many farmers
d.
the farmers believe that if I don’t use it then someone else will.
e.
the cost of the sheep is lessened by bulk purchase power
 

 41. 

When looking at both private and public lands in the US the most common use is
a.
Timber Production
b.
Grazing Land
c.
Recreational
d.
Defense
e.
Residential
 

 42. 

The major complaint that environmental detractors of the Taylor Grazing Act have is that
a.
The negative externalities of grazing are not fully revealed
b.
The taxes in grazing animals are too high
c.
The fences erected as a result of this legislation are deleterious for wildlife
d.
It allows too much grazing to take place
e.
There are no environmental detractors to the Taylor Grazing Act
 

 43. 

Which of the following is NOT a result of urban sprawl?
a.
The average number of miles driven in the US annually has tripled over the past 50 years
b.
Due to larger parcel size suburban populations use twice as much land area as similarly sized urban populations
c.
Distance between work, goods, services, and home prevents pedestrian travel
d.
Lower population densities make services such as mass transit economically prohibitive
e.
Air pollution increases due to reliance on personal vehicles for transportation
 

 44. 

Eminent Domain is a tool that can be used to assist in smart growth. This tool allows
a.
Citizens to sue the government if they feel that they are being ignored
b.
Citizens to sue the government if they feel that government practices are leading directly to urban blight
c.
Governments to force land use restrictions on citizens to prevent urban blight
d.
Governments to force land use restrictions on citizens to prevent any environmental problems (per the National Environmental Protection Act, NEPA)
e.
Governments to acquire land at fair market value even if the owner does not wish to sell it
 
 
Figure 10-1

nar007-1.jpg
 

 45. 

Use Figure 10-1. What was the approximate US population in 2000?
a.
150 million
b.
180 million
c.
230 million
d.
280 million
e.
330 million
 

 46. 

Use Figure 10-1. Urban populations increased approximately ____ % from 1950 to 2000.
a.
3
b.
8
c.
40
d.
68
e.
80
 
 
Figure 10-2

nar008-1.jpg
 

 47. 

Use Figure 10-2. What of the following land use areas would most likely have the least amount of fragmentation?
a.
Urban, residential and transportation
b.
Desert and Tundra
c.
Defense
d.
Timber production
e.
Croplands
 

 48. 

After many years of applying the selective pesticide provironex, a farmer notices that the applications seem less effective. This is likely due to
a.
The fact that provironex is fat soluble and has been bioaccumulating
b.
Provironex is selective, so other pests are filling the niche from the exterminated ones
c.
Provironex is persistent, and the farmer should apply less for better results
d.
The target species has begun to evolve resistance
e.
Provironex is a wide spectrum pesticide that needs to be fine tuned for the target species
 

 49. 

Scientists have inserted a gene for the production of vitamin A into rice. This practice of changing the genetic structure of agricultural products to improve desirable traits is known as
a.
Genetic Engineering
b.
Transmodification
c.
Selective Breeding
d.
Natural Selection
e.
Animal Husbandry
 

 50. 

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is likely to use all of the following techniques EXCEPT
a.
Crop rotation
b.
Intercropping
c.
Planting herbicide resistant crops
d.
Habitat creation for pest predators
e.
Increased use of traditional pesticides
 

 51. 

Worldwide, the largest component of the human diet is
a.
Grain products
b.
Meat products
c.
Dairy products
d.
Raw and processed sugars
e.
Fruits and vegetables
 

 52. 

Currently the world’s farmers grow enough grain to feed
a.
About a quarter of the world’s population
b.
About a third of the world’s population
c.
About half of the world’s population
d.
About 75% of the world’s population
e.
More than the world’s population
 
 
Figure 11-1

nar009-1.jpg
 

 53. 

Use Figure 11-1. Based on the above recommended daily allowances, which of the following categorical groups would require the largest caloric intake?
a.
Adolescent males
b.
Adolescent females
c.
Infant males
d.
Infant females
e.
Young men
 
 
Figure 11-2

nar010-1.jpg
 

 54. 

Use Figure 11-2. Between which years did Aquaculture fish production increase the most?
a.
1950 and 1960
b.
1960 and 1970
c.
1970 and 1980
d.
1990 and 2000
e.
It has not increased in the last 50 years
 
 
The following chart displays world marketed energy consumption based on a reference case developed by the US Energy Information Administration in which the energy consumption increases by 49% from 2007 to 2035.

Figure 12-1

nar011-1.jpg
[Source: http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/ieo/highlights.html]
 

 55. 

Use Figure 12-1. Which of the following statements is reasonable, according to the information in the chart?
a.
Nuclear power will provide more energy than renewables by 2050.
b.
By 2050, fossil fuels will no longer provide the majority of the world’s energy.
c.
In 2000, natural gas provided about as much energy as coal.
d.
Renewables will be the largest source of energy in the near future.
e.
The use of nuclear energy is decreasing over time.
 
 
Figure 12-3

nar012-1.jpg
[Source:  http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/ggccebro/chapter1.html]
 

 56. 

Use Figure 12-3. Which of the following fuel types produces the highest ratio of percent resulting CO2 emissions to percent consumption?
a.
Natural gas
b.
Non-fossil
c.
Coal
d.
Petroleum
e.
The ratios are the same for all fuel types.
 
 
Figure 12-4

nar013-1.jpg
 

 57. 

Use Figure 12-4. Based on the curve, it is believed that finding new petroleum reserves
a.
will greatly increase the amount of time it will take to use up all available reserves
b.
will greatly decrease the amount of time it will take to use up all available reserves
c.
will slightly increase the amount of time it will take to use up all available reserves
d.
will slightly decrease the amount of time it will take to use up all available reserves
e.
will have no effect on the amount of time it will take to use up all available reserves
 

 58. 

In the use of coal to produce energy, which of the following does NOT decrease the energy efficiency of the process?
a.
extracting the coal from the ground
b.
waste heat
c.
cogeneration
d.
energy required to build the power plant
e.
the removal of the waste products
 

 59. 

The energy source that can provide the greatest amount of electricity generation in the United States due to its abundance is
a.
oil
b.
coal
c.
nuclear
d.
hydroelectric
e.
natural gas
 

 60. 

Environmental costs associated with the use of coal include all of the following except
a.
particulates that are released into the atmosphere when coal is burned
b.
degradation to land due to mining techniques
c.
the creation of highly radioactive waste
d.
trace metals found in coal
e.
the transportation of coal from mine to power plant
 

 61. 

If an average refrigerator uses 500 watts of energy per hour on a daily basis, and your energy cost is $0.11 per kwh, approximately how much does the energy used by the refrigerator cost per month?
a.
$1.30
b.
$13
c.
$40
d.
$55
e.
$132
 

 62. 

Uranium-235 is considered ideal for nuclear reactors due to
a.
its wide distribution as a resource
b.
its stable nature as an isotope
c.
its high EROEI
d.
its minimal production of radioactive waste
e.
its fissionability
 

 63. 

Which of the following is the correct type of energy utilized to produce tidal power?
a.
Radiation
b.
Kinetic energy
c.
Solar energy
d.
Potential energy
e.
Heat energy
 
 
Table 13-1

Type of TelevisionOn Mode Power Rating
50” Plasma Television400 watts
52” LCD Television220 watts
52” LCD Energy Star Television120 watts
 

 64. 

Use Table 13-1. If a community has 200,000 homes and 1% of those homes have Plasma televisions, how many kWh of excess energy are being consumed every year (365 days) than if those homes had Energy Star LCD televisions instead?
a.
350,000 kWh
b.
524,000 kWh
c.
818,000 kWh
d.
1,168,000 kWh
e.
4.906,000 kWh
 
 
Figure 13-1

nar015-1.jpg
 

 65. 

Use Figure 13-1. By looking at the chart above, what is the approximate percent of the US energy needs are served by biomass energy sources?
a.
1%
b.
3.5%
c.
10%
d.
25%
e.
56%
 
 
Figure 13-2

Where Does My Money Go?
The annual energy bill for a typical single home is approximately $2,200.

nar016-1.jpg
 

 66. 

Use Figure 13-2. Which of the following increases in efficiency would save a typical household the most money?
a.
Increase heating efficiency by 5%.
b.
Use 25% less energy for lighting.
c.
Increase cooling efficiency by 12%.
d.
Acquire appliances that are 15% more efficient.
e.
Reduce electronics usage by 50%
 
 
Figure 13-4

nar017-1.jpg
 

 67. 

Use Figure 13-4. If the trend from 2006 to 2007 continued, approximately how many kWh would have been generated in 2008?
a.
36 x 106
b.
36 x 109
c.
42 x 106
d.
42 x 109
e.
68 x 109
 

 68. 

Put the items below in correct sequence for the generation of electricity using the wind
1 – generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy
2 – wind turns the wind turbine blade
3 – the gear box transfers mechanical energy to the generator
4 – electricity is transferred to the grid
a.
1-2-3-4
b.
2-1-3-4
c.
2-3-1-4
d.
2-4-3-1
e.
4-2-3-1
 

 69. 

Which country is known for having the most available geothermal energy in the world?
a.
Russia
b.
Iceland
c.
England
d.
China
e.
France
 

 70. 

Which form of energy production has a large environmental impact, a high cost of construction, and the potential to force the displacement of large numbers of people and wildlife?
a.
water impoundment systems
b.
photovoltaic systems
c.
wind farms
d.
tidal power generating stations
e.
geothermal power stations
 

 71. 

The BOD measurement of a liter of healthy water was found to be 20 mg. The BOD measurement of a liter of more polluted water was 120 mg. Which of the following statements is correct?
a.
the healthy water produced 6 times as much oxygen as the polluted water.
b.
the polluted water produced 6 times as much oxygen as the healthy water.
c.
the healthy water consumed 6 times as much oxygen as the polluted water.
d.
the polluted water consumed 6 times as much oxygen as the healthy water.
e.
None of these answers are correct.
 

 72. 

Concerns over the wide use of synthetic pesticides include all of the following unintended effects EXCEPT
a.
the pesticide may be lethal to nontarget species as well as target species
b.
pesticide use leads to an altered species composition of the community
c.
the chemistry of the inert ingredients
d.
physiological side effects on pest and nonpest species
e.
acidification of nearby streams
 

 73. 

Possible sources of petroleum in the ocean waters include all of the following EXCEPT
a.
naturally occurring plumes from oceanic trenches
b.
natural seeps from the ocean floor
c.
oil tanker transportation
d.
oil platform leaks
e.
tanker or platform accidents
 

 74. 

The material rotating in the North Pacific Gyre can best be described as
a.
solid waste composed of mostly plastics
b.
organic waste dumped from cruiseships
c.
medical waste dumped by the United States
d.
coal slag dumped by China
e.
solid waste from countries without landfills
 

 75. 

Ground level ozone is classified as a pollutant because it reduces lung functionality AND
a.
its concentrations are low but the particle size is high
b.
it occurs in the atmosphere only
c.
it is entirely anthropogenic in nature
d.
it can degrade plant surfaces
e.
it is an unstable molecule
 

 76. 

Which of the following correctly lists the 6 “criteria” air pollutants as specified under the Clean Air Act?
a.
Pb, SO2, NOX, CO, PM, and tropospheric O3
b.
Tropospheric O3, SO2, NOX, PM, Pb, and CO2
c.
SO2, NOX, Hg, Pb, PM, and O3
d.
SO4, NOX, CO, PM, Pb, and tropospheric O3
e.
SO2, NOX, CO, Hg, PM, and tropospheric O3
 

 77. 

The movement of large polluted air masses across the Pacific ocean into the northern United States is an example of
a.
the effects of the impact of the low air quality standards of ocean transport vehicles
b.
a violation of the Montreal Protocol
c.
the ill effects of increased UV radiation
d.
a violation of the Clean Air Act
e.
a reason that collaborative international air quality legislation would be useful
 

 78. 

The air pollutant that is a metal and is released primarily from the combustion of coal is
a.
lead
b.
mercury
c.
arsenic
d.
sulfur
e.
none of the above
 

 79. 

A thermal inversion, which can lead to serious pollution events, occurs when
a.
warm air that normally rises, does so taking the pollutants with it
b.
warm air that normally rises stays close to the surface holding pollutants close to the surface
c.
cool air that normally rises, does so taking the pollutants with it
d.
cool air stays close to the surface but pollutants rise into the atmosphere
e.
cool air stays close to the surface and is blanketed by a layer of warm air that traps pollutants
 

 80. 

The correct sequence of events for acid deposition are
W. deposition of ions on vegetation or soil
X. secondary pollutants are formed
Y. combustion releasing SO2 and NOX
Z. dissociation of pollutants
a.
Z->X->Y->W
b.
Y->X->Z->W
c.
Y->Z->X->W
d.
Y->W->X->Z
e.
Z->Y->W->X
 

 81. 

Which of the following is NOT a problem associated with acid deposition?
a.
compromised aquatic systems
b.
lowered pH of lakes
c.
negative effects on human skin with contact
d.
erosion of buildings and monuments made of marble
e.
erosion of paint on painted surfaces
 
 
Figure 15-3

nar018-1.jpg
 

 82. 

Use Figure 15-3. The change in acid deposition for the southern half of the state of Michigan from 1989-1991 to 2006-2008 is
a.
a decrease of approximately 5%
b.
a decrease of approximately 50%
c.
it has stayed relatively the same
d.
an increase of approximately 1%
e.
an increase of approximately 5%
 

 83. 

The depletion of ozone over Antarctica is greatest during
a.
August through November
b.
December through February
c.
February through May
d.
June through August
e.
the ozone hole is consistent in size throughout the year
 
 
Figure 15-5

Number of people living in countries with air quality concentrations above the level of the primary national Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in 2006.
nar019-1.jpg
 

 84. 

Use Figure 15-5. In 2006, the total population of the U.S. was approximately 300,000,000 people. About what percent of those people lived in counties where carbon monoxide levels exceeded the NAAQS?
a.
0.2%
b.
0.7%
c.
2%
d.
20%
e.
70%
 

 85. 

Which harmful substance was once commonly used as insulation?
a.
asbestos
b.
mercury
c.
lead
d.
radon
e.
ozone
 

 86. 

In the waste stream, the most optimal way to achieve a reduction in MSW production is
a.
recycle metal components
b.
reduce input by waste prevention
c.
purchase recycled materials
d.
compost organic waste
e.
reuse water in a closed-loop system
 

 87. 

Which of the following is/are environmental benefit/s of recycling aluminum?
I. Reduces the effects on the land from mining
II. Reduces the effects of leaching in landfills
III. Reduces the energy required to transport and process mined ore
a.
I only
b.
II only
c.
I and II only
d.
I and III only
e.
I, II, and III
 

 88. 

Which of the following is least likely to be a danger associated with leachate from a sanitary landfill?
a.
The leachate can leak into nearby soils
b.
The leachate can leak into groundwater
c.
The leachate can contain toxic metal compounds
d.
The leachate can be at a high temperature
e.
The leachate can be classified as toxic waste and have to be treated accordingly
 

 89. 

A landfill in Minnesota receives an average of 50 cm of rainfall per year. 60 percent of the water runs off the landfill. The landfill has a surface area of 5000 m2. The leachate from the landfill is treated for cadmium and other toxic metals. The present leachate collection system is 80% efficient. What is the volume of leachate that is treated per year?
a.
1600 m3
b.
1000 m3
c.
960 m3
d.
800 m3
e.
200 m3
 

 90. 

The US legislation that imposes a tax on targeted industrial facilities and then utilizes those funds to cleanup selected abandoned hazardous waste sites is
a.
NEPA
b.
CWA
c.
CERCLA
d.
RCRA
e.
NPA
 

 91. 

A historical pandemic disease caused by a bacterium and carried by rodents is
a.
Cholera
b.
Tuberculosis
c.
Plague
d.
Swine Flu
e.
Hepatitis
 

 92. 

Studies that last for only 1 to 4 days in which scientists measure mortality of organisms as a response to a dose of a chemical are known as
a.
acute studies
b.
biomagnification studies
c.
prospective studies
d.
chronic studies
e.
retrospective studies
 

 93. 

Which of the following factors are important in promoting species endangerment and ultimately extinction?
I. habitat destruction
II. exotic species introduction
III. increased tropospheric ozone
a.
I
b.
I and III
c.
I and II
d.
III
e.
I, II, and III
 

 94. 

Which of the following poses the greatest obstacle to the protection of threatened or endangered species?
I. too much regulation makes action slow
II. lack of international treaties to protect species
III. enforcement of laws is lacking because of poor funding or support
a.
I and II
b.
II
c.
I, II, and III
d.
I and III
e.
III
 

 95. 

Which of the following energy sources is a chief contributor to greenhouse gas emissions as well as increasing environmental mobility of mercury?
a.
Nuclear Power
b.
Wind Power
c.
Coal
d.
Natural gas cogeneration
e.
Hydropower
 
 
Figure 19-2

nar020-1.jpg
 

 96. 

Use Figure 19-2. Between 400,000 and 10,000 years ago, the highest CO2 concentration was approximately
a.
380 ppm
b.
320 ppm
c.
290 ppm
d.
200 ppm
e.
180 ppm
 
 
Table 19-1

Greenhouse gas emission by livestock category in 2005
Animal TypeTotal CO2 emission equivalent (millions of metric tons)
Beef cattle168.3
Dairy cattle51.2
Swine21.0
Poultry3.1
 

 97. 

Use Table 19-1. In 2005, there were approximately 60.6 million swine in the U.S. About how much emissions did EACH of these swine produce?
a.
0.035 metric tons
b.
0.35 metric tons
c.
3.5 metric tons
d.
35 metric tons
e.
3500 metric tons
 
 
Figure 19-3
nar022-1.jpg
 

 98. 

Use Figure 19-3. Ignoring CO2 emissions caused by fossil fuel use, which would be the best practice to reduce anthropogenic greenhouse gases?
a.
eliminate the use of ozone-depleting chemicals
b.
convert wetlands into agricultural land
c.
institute policies that reduce deforestation worldwide
d.
increase the use of nitrogen based fertilizer
e.
subsidize logging in the pacific northwest
 

 99. 

The concentration of which of the following greenhouse gases is LEAST affected by human activity?
a.
water vapor
b.
carbon dioxide
c.
chlorofluorocarbons
d.
methane
e.
carbon monoxide
 

 100. 

Approximately three billion people live on less than two U.S. dollars per day.  This level of poverty has a resounding impact on the environment in the form of:
a.
heavy metal refining
b.
increased production of plastic
c.
reduction in water quality from lack of sanitation facilities
d.
reforestation of agricultural fields
e.
reduction in human population from inability to afford children
 

Essay
 

 1. 

Free Response Questions #1

You have been put in charge of a new national park.  Your goal is to help restore the biodiversity of the area while at the same time allowing visitors to the park.

A.      Describe TWO ways you could measure the health of the ecosystem.  (2 points, one for each answer)

B.      Would you describe the national park as an open or a closed system and how   would this help you in your management? (2 points, one for identifying an open system and one for how this would help in your management)

C.      There are many valuable services that ecosystems provide.  List TWO ecosystem services that your park could provide and explain each.  (2 points, one for each service with a complete description.)

D.      Knowing the type of biome your park is in will help you in both your conservation efforts as well as how and when people should come to the park.  As you survey the park you find it has over 1 m of precipitation annually.  The park has warm summers and cold winters.  The park is dominated by broadleaf deciduous trees such as beech, maple, oak and hickory.  Identify what biome your park is in, and how the knowledge affects how you plan to manage the park. (2 points, one for identifying that the park is in the temperate seasonal forest biome and one for describing how the biome might affect the management of the park).

E.      As you walk through the park you discover that one area has been altered due to human logging.  This area contains large numbers of two species of trees that are valuable to the lumber industry, but has few other species of trees.  The rest of the park consists of hundreds of different species of trees scattered randomly about.  What specific measurements could you use to compare the biodiversity of the two areas? How does knowing this information help you in deciding how to manage the logged area?  (2 points, one for how to evaluate the biodiversity and one for how this information will help you.)
 

 2. 

Free Response Question #2
With an ever-increasing human population, people are moving to cities at a growing rate.  This creates both social and environmental impacts.

a.      The world’s growth rate was 1.14% in 2010.  At this growth rate, about how many years will it take for the world population to double?  (1 point)
b.      Identify TWO ways the move to cities will affect the soil in the area. (2 points)
c.      Describe TWO ways the enlarging city could affect the biodiversity.  (2 points)
d.      Identify ONE human health issue that can result when people are living in a densely populated area.  (1 point)
      e.     Describe how wilderness areas are affected by urban sprawl as people move to cities.  Describe TWO ways this impact could be reduced.  (4 points;  2 points for the description of how wilderness areas are affected and 2 points for the two ways this could be reduced)
 

 3. 

Free Response Question #3

The city of Freemont has outgrown its current coal burning power plant.  The city council is considering many options, including different renewable energy sources, as well as rebuilding the existing power plant to accommodate the growing city. 

a)      Identify TWO renewable energy sources the town could consider and describe a benefit and a cost of each.  (6 pts; 2 pts for the two energy sources and a point for each benefit and cost)

b)      The current power plant has a capacity of 1000 MW and a capacity factor of 0.9. In Freemont, the average home uses approximately 1000 kWh of electricity per month. How many homes can the current power plant provide electricity for?  (2 points; 1 for set up and 1 for correct answer)

c)      Many residents of Freemont have been experiencing lung and respiratory illnesses.      It is discovered that the power plant is polluting a common that the residents all share, the air.  Name a common other than the air and describe an economic solution for better managing this common.  (2 points; 1 pt for the common and 1 pt for the solution)

d) Name ONE strategy the government could enact to protect the common.  (1 point)
 

 4. 

Free Response Question #4

The city of Lakeville has a landfill on the south side of the city.  This landfill has been open for 20 years and is nearly full.  The town is considering installing methane collectors in the landfill to use for energy.  This will help lessen the demand on the existing coal-burning power plant, which currently supplies the town with all of its energy. 

a. The town has 1000 homes, with the average home having 4 people.  The average energy use per person is 2500 kWh per year.  Calculate the yearly demand on the power plant for electrical energy. (2 pts, 1 for set up and 1 for correct answer)


b. Give TWO practical strategies that members of the community could do to reduce their overall energy consumption. (2 pts, 1 for each strategy)


c.  List and describe TWO environmental benefits and TWO environmental costs of using methane to make energy.  (4 pts, 1 pt for each benefit and 1 pt for each cost)


d.  Name ONE human health concern that is associated with landfills and suggest a solution to this problem. (2 pts, 1 pt for the human health concern and 1 pt for a solution)
 



 
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