c) a change in some condition triggers a response that intensifies the changing condition
d) all of these
e) none of these choices
Answer: c
Difficulty: Easy
Bloomcode: Knowledge
Learning Objective 1: LO 1.4 Describe environmental science and the role of the scientific method. TERMINAL LO
Learning Objective 2: LO 1.4.1 Define environmental science and briefly describe the role of Earth systems in environmental science. ENABLING LO
Section Reference 1: 1.4 Environmental Science
33. To test a hypothesis about a given variable, experimental and control groups are tested in parallel. Which of the following best explains the dual experiments?
a) In the experimental group, a chosen variable is altered in a known way. In the control group, that chosen variable is not altered so a comparison can be made.
b) In the control group, a chosen variable is altered in a known way. In the experimental group that chosen variable is not altered so a comparison can be made.
c) In the experimental group, a chosen variable plus all other variables are altered. In the control group, the chosen variable is altered however all other variables are held constant.
d) In the experimental and control groups two different variables are altered.
e) Experimental and control group experiments are identical and run in parallel to get repeatable results.
Answer: a
Difficulty: Medium
Bloomcode: Application
Learning Objective 1: LO 1.4 Describe environmental science and the role of the scientific method. TERMINAL LO
Learning Objective 2: LO 1.4.2 Outline the scientific method. ENABLING LO
Section Reference 1: 1.4 Environmental Science
34. Which of the following represents an idea associated with environmental sustainability?
a) The capacity of the environment to absorb toxins is unlimited.
b) The human population continues to grow.
c) We are using fossil fuels as if they were present in unlimited supply.
d) The Earth's resources are not present in infinite supply
e) None of these choices
Answer: d
Difficulty: Easy
Bloomcode: Knowledge
Learning Objective 1: LO 1.3 Define sustainability and sustainable development. TERMINAL LO
Learning Objective 2: LO 1.3.1 Define sustainability. ENABLING LO
Section Reference 1: 1.3 Sustainability
35. All of the following can be considered definitions of “theory” EXCEPT:
a) a theory is an explanation of scientific laws
b) a theory is an integrated explanation of numerous hypotheses, each supported by a large body of observations and experiments
c) a theory is a condensation and simplification of many data that previously appeared unrelated
d) a theory is a prediction for new data suggesting new relationships among a range of natural phenomena
e) a theory is an ethical principle based on a religious foundation
Answer: e
Difficulty: Medium
Bloomcode: Application
Learning Objective 1: LO 1.4 Describe environmental science and the role of the scientific method. TERMINAL LO
Learning Objective 2: LO 1.4.2 Outline the scientific method. ENABLING LO
Section Reference 1: 1.4 Environmental Science
36. In 1992, the United Nations had a conference on Environment and Development to consider all of the following issues EXCEPT
a) deterioration of the atmosphere
b) pollution
c) biodiversity decline
d) increasing natural disasters
e) destruction of forests
Answer: d
Difficulty: Easy
Bloomcode: Knowledge
Learning Objective 1: LO 1.3 Define sustainability and sustainable development. TERMINAL LO
Learning Objective 2: LO 1.3.3 Briefly describe sustainable development. ENABLING LO
Section Reference 1: 1.3 Sustainability
37. What is the environmental significance of the process of “consumption”?
a) consumption can outstrip the natural resources available and lead to overexploitation of the environment
b) extravagant consumption can create an environment of raising one’s status among peers
c) the process of consumption is an economic act, providing the “demand” necessary for the “supply” of the environment
d) consumption can generate economic growth that relies significantly on the importation of natural resources, which benefits the environments of less-developed countries
e) consumption is strictly a social act and has no environmental significance
Answer: a
Difficulty: Medium
Bloomcode: Application