Environmental Science Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is one potential negative outcome of mechanization in industries?

Enhanced worker adaptability to new tasks

Improvement in employee morale due to technological advancements

Job displacement as machines replace human labor (correct)

Increased job opportunities through technology development

Which of the following is a benefit of monocultures?

Higher levels of biodiversity in agricultural settings

Greater resistance of crops to pests and diseases

Improved soil health due to crop rotation

Increased efficiency in planting and harvesting processes (correct)

What is a significant environmental concern associated with mechanization?

Decreased reliance on human labor

Reduction in operational efficiency

Increased resource consumption and waste generation (correct)

Enhanced adaptability of agricultural practices

What could be a consequence of reduced biodiversity in monoculture farming?

Increased vulnerability to pests and diseases Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a drawback of heavy reliance on machines in production?

Dependence on technology that can fail Signup and view all the answers

Which tree harvesting method is considered the most harmful to the environment?

Clearcutting Signup and view all the answers

Which irrigation method is characterized by requiring the most extensive labor?

Flood irrigation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main greenhouse gas produced from forest fires?

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'gleaning' refer to?

Collecting leftover crops or food Signup and view all the answers

How does biomagnification affect higher trophic level predators?

It increases toxic substance concentration Signup and view all the answers

What is bioaccumulation?

The accumulation of toxins in an organism over time Signup and view all the answers

What does allocation in environmental science refer to?

The distribution of natural resources Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

Higher pesticide requirements Signup and view all the answers

What are negative externalities?

Costs imposed on third parties not involved in the economic transaction. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds?

Higher productivity and disease resistance. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily defines slash and burn agriculture?

Cutting and burning forest to clear land for farming. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a negative impact of slash and burn agriculture?

Leads to deforestation and habitat loss. Signup and view all the answers

What is one solution to the Tragedy of the Commons?

Government regulation through quotas and permits. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of negative externalities?

Positive financial benefits to local businesses. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant disadvantage of synthetic fertilizers?

Risks of runoff and water pollution Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary benefit of mechanization in agriculture?

Enhanced efficiency and reduced labor costs. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following contributes negatively to climate change?

Slash and burn agriculture. Signup and view all the answers

Which irrigation method is associated with the lowest cost?

Surface Signup and view all the answers

What unintended consequence of pesticide use can impact aquatic life?

Pollution of water sources Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the pesticide treadmill phenomenon?

Continuous need for stronger chemical treatments Signup and view all the answers

What is a major concern related to the Ogallala Aquifer?

Over-extraction of water for irrigation Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary health concerns associated with GMOs?

Potential allergic reactions Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the role of forests in carbon sequestration?

They store carbon dioxide absorbed from the atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a concern regarding the ethics of GMO usage?

Tampering with nature Signup and view all the answers

What benefit do forests provide in relation to water regulation?

They help filter and absorb rainfall. Signup and view all the answers

How does mechanization contribute to labor in agriculture?

It leads to increased productivity and reduced labor intensity. Signup and view all the answers

Which ecosystem service provided by forests helps regulate temperatures and humidity?

Climate regulation Signup and view all the answers

Which irrigation method is characterized by water being delivered directly to the plant roots through emitters?

Drip Irrigation Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant disadvantage of Flood Irrigation?

High water waste due to evaporation and runoff Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a non-timber product provided by forests?

Medicinal plants Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant ecological role of forests regarding pests and diseases?

They maintain a balance that regulates pests. Signup and view all the answers

Which tree harvesting method involves cutting all trees in an area at once?

Clear-Cutting Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential benefit of using Spray Irrigation?

Efficient water use with less evaporation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of Shelterwood Cutting?

Removes all trees in a single cut Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of Drip Irrigation?

High initial setup costs and regular maintenance. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario exemplifies the Tragedy of the Commons?

Overfishing in unregulated waters Signup and view all the answers

What is a common disadvantage of Selective Cutting?

Labor-intensive and potentially uneven-aged forests Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

EXAM EXPECTATIONS: AP Environmental Science

Commercial tree harvesting method most deleterious to the environment is clearcutting.
Flood irrigation requires extensive labor.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most abundant greenhouse gas from forest fires.

Gleaning

Gleaning is collecting leftover crops from fields, gardens, or agricultural areas.

Biomagnification

Biomagnification is the increased concentration of toxins (pesticides, heavy metals) as you move up the food chain.
Predators at higher trophic levels accumulate higher concentrations than those lower in the food chain.

Bioaccumulation

Bioaccumulation is the process of toxic substances accumulating in an organism over time.
The concentration of substances in organisms increases faster than elimination occurs.
Can contribute to biomagnification.

Allocation

Allocation refers to how natural resources (e.g., water, land, or energy) are distributed.

Soil Amendments

Soil amendments are materials added to improve soil physical, chemical, or biological properties.
Examples: compost, mature materials, fertilizers.

GMO Crops: Pros & Cons

Pros:*
Longer shelf life.
Increased resistance to environmental stresses (drought, heat, salinity).
Increased crop yields, leading to higher productivity and reliability.
Cons:*
Potential crossbreeding with wild relatives or non-GMO crops.
Potential health risks (allergic reactions).
Ethical concerns regarding genetic modification and control of genetic resources.

Ecosystem Services of Forests

Biodiversity support (species diversity).
Soil protection.
Pollution filtering (air pollutants).
Water regulation (water cycles).
Carbon sequestration (absorbing CO2).
Climate regulation (temperatures, humidity).
Oxygen production.
Provision of timber and non-timber products (wood, fruits, nuts).
Recreation and tourism.
Cultural and spiritual value.
Flood and storm protection.
Pest and disease control.

Mechanization: Pros & Cons

Pros:*
Increased productivity
Reduced labor intensity
Innovation and technological advancement
Cost Efficiency
Cons:*
Job displacement
Dependence on technology (vulnerability to failures)
Limited flexibility
Environmental impact (resource consumption & waste generation)

Monocultures: Pros & Cons

Pros:*
Increased efficiency in planting, maintenance, and harvesting.
Economies of scale (lower costs per unit).
Specialization in crop management.
Cons:*
Reduced biodiversity
Increased vulnerability to pests and diseases
Soil degradation (nutrient depletion)
Resource intensity (increased need for irrigation)

Pesticides: Pros & Cons

Pros:*
Economic benefits (reducing crop loss, minimizing labor).
Weed and pest control.
Disease prevention.
Cons:*
Environmental impact (soil, water, air contamination).
Chemical residues on food.
Risk of harm to non-target species and disruption of ecosystems.
Biodiversity loss.
Health risks (human exposure).

Irrigation: Pros & Cons

Pros:*
Increased crop yields.
Consistent water supply.
Boost agricultural productivity and crop quality.
Drought mitigation.
Soil management.
Greater crop diversity.
Cons:*
Water scarcity.
Soil salinization.
Dependency on irrigation.

Eutrophication

Eutrophication is a significant environmental challenge affecting ecosystems, economies, and human health.
Concerns include costs and negative impact on third parties not directly involved.
Management & sustainable practices are crucial.

Externalities

Externalities are costs or benefits incurred by third parties.
Can be positive or negative.
Often impact social welfare, economic efficiency, and public policy..

Green Revolution: High-Yielding Varieties (HYV) Seeds

Development of genetically improved seeds for staple crops.
Characteristics like shorter growth cycles, disease resistance, and higher productivity.
Increased use of synthetic fertilizers for soil fertility and crop yields.

Drought Mitigation

Irrigation provides a reliable water source in dry periods.
Soil management techniques to improve moisture and prevent salinization.
Increased crop diversity.

Irrigation Methods

Flood Irrigation: simple setup, good for rice/wetlands, high water waste.
Spray Irrigation: efficient water use, less evaporation, higher setup costs.
Furrow Irrigation: cost-effective, flat land, labor-intensive.
Drip Irrigation: highly efficient, minimal waste, reduces weeds.

Tree Cutting Methods

Clear-cutting: cutting all trees, fast, cost-effective, but loses habitat.
Shelterwood cutting: removing trees in stages, preserving habitat.
Selective cutting: harvesting specific trees, preserving biodiversity.

Pesticide Treadmill

Challenges in relying on chemical pest control.
Integrated pest management strategies can help create solutions including cultural practices, biological controls, using resistant crop varieties.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the consequences of mechanization and monoculture farming practices in this Environmental Science quiz. Explore the benefits and drawbacks of these agricultural techniques, as well as important ecological concepts like biomagnification and bioaccumulation.