Environmental Science Quiz: Limiting Factors & Impact

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Questions and Answers

What is a valid reason for individuals to switch from non-renewable to renewable energy sources?

They will have the most efficient house in comparison to others.

There will be an increase in the cost of energy.

Their carbon footprint would be decreased. (correct)

Non-renewable energy sources will be unlimited.

What is the potential environmental consequence of increasing resource consumption?

Greater consumption would lead to increased global pollution. (correct)

More resources would result in cleaner forests.

Global cooling would occur due to less fossil fuel use.

Habitat loss would enable more biodiversity.

What is a primary reason Miranda wants to monitor the introduction of DDT in her neighborhood?

To determine if DDT is harmful to her family.

To find out if DDT can benefit her pets.

To understand how DDT is affecting the ecosystem. (correct)

To prove her knowledge about DDT to her friends.

What is a disadvantage of genetic modification and cloning in sustainable practices?

It decreases the genetic diversity of certain species. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a limiting factor in an ecosystem?

Factors/resources that limit how many organisms can live in an area at the same time Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the process of bioremediation in the forest ecosystem?

Natural microbes decompose toxins to clean the soil. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of too much carbon dioxide being absorbed into the ocean?

Ocean acidification Signup and view all the answers

What type of data would most effectively support a plan to reduce nitrate pollution?

Data showing the environmental impact of nitrate pollution Signup and view all the answers

What is a misconception about the impact of cutting down trees on biodiversity?

Deforestation clears land for more organisms to thrive. Signup and view all the answers

What are some impacts of biotechnology on ecosystems?

Decrease genetic diversity Signup and view all the answers

What might occur if fossil fuel usage continues without restraint?

There will be an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, worsening global warming. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the competition for energy resources?

Shifting to renewable sources reduces the dependency on finite resources. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to measure environmental parameters?

To prove if human activity is causing harm to an ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

What would happen to biodiversity if laws required farmers to restore destroyed habitats?

Biodiversity would begin to recover over time Signup and view all the answers

What are cattails, cordgrass, algae, and coontail examples of?

Aquatic producers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about habitat destruction is true?

It is a major contributor to declining biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary negative impact of microbes being considered invasive in an ecosystem?

They compete with local organisms. Signup and view all the answers

Which group has the least amount of energy in the ecosystem described?

The birds Signup and view all the answers

What critical data would need to be collected to evaluate the effectiveness of scrubbers in reducing sulfur emissions?

The amount of sulfur emitted before and after installation. Signup and view all the answers

Why are renewable resources considered expensive in some cases?

Fossil fuels are more readily available and cheaper. Signup and view all the answers

What factor would contribute to a decrease in the carrying capacity for anglerfish after being brought to the surface?

Warmer temperatures at the surface. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when a population exceeds its carrying capacity?

The population may decline or stabilize over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely immediate consequence of deep-sea fish being brought to the surface too quickly?

They experience pressure shock. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the necessity of scrubbers in factories that burn coal?

To reduce harmful emissions such as sulfur. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Limiting Factors

Limiting factors are resources that determine the number of organisms that can live in an area.
Limiting factors can include food, water, space, and shelter.

Ocean Acidification

Ocean acidification occurs due to the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the ocean.
Increased carbon dioxide results in a decrease in the pH of the ocean.

Nitrate Pollution

Nitrate pollution can harm aquatic life.
Reducing nitrate pollution can have a positive impact on the environment.

Aquatic Producers

Aquatic producers, such as cattails, cordgrass, algae, and coontail, provide energy for other organisms in an aquatic ecosystem.

Environmental Parameters

Measuring environmental parameters helps monitor changes in the ecosystem.
It helps to understand whether human activities are harming the environment.

Human Impact on Biodiversity

Human activities, like farming and urbanization, can lead to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.
Restoring habitats can help increase and maintain biodiversity.

Renewable Energy

Switching from non-renewable energy sources to renewable energy sources can help reduce a carbon footprint.
Renewable energy sources are generally expensive to implement.

Anglerfish and Carrying Capacity

Anglerfish are deep-sea fish adapted to high pressure and cold temperatures.
Bringing them to the surface, where temperatures are warmer, decreases their carrying capacity.

Population Growth Past Carrying Capacity

When a population exceeds its carrying capacity, resources become scarce, and the population may decline.
This could lead to competition for resources and potentially the extinction of the species.

Bioremediation

Bioremediation is the use of microbes to break down pollutants in the environment.
This can help reduce the negative impact of pollutants on ecosystems.

Energy Flow in Ecosystems

Energy flows through ecosystems from producers to consumers.
The amount of energy decreases as it moves up the food chain.

Scrubbers in Smokestacks

Scrubbers are devices used to reduce sulfur emissions from factories that burn coal.
Evaluating their effectiveness requires comparing sulfur emissions before and after scrubber installation.

Sustainable Practices

Genetic modification and cloning can have both advantages and disadvantages in terms of sustainability.
While they can increase productivity, they can also threaten biodiversity.

Environmental Conservation

Monitoring the impact of substances like DDT is crucial to understand how they influence ecosystems.
Studying the environment can help assess potential risks and protect human health.

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Description

Test your knowledge on crucial environmental science topics, including limiting factors in ecosystems, ocean acidification, nitrate pollution, and the role of aquatic producers. Understand how human activities affect biodiversity and environmental parameters. Get ready to explore these vital concepts that shape our ecological landscape!