Environmental Science: Resources and Impact

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for the Tragedy of the Commons?

Limited resources are shared but managed collectively.

Individuals act from self-interest for short-term gain. (correct)

The government controls all shared resources.

People are generally cooperative in resource management.

How is ecological footprint measured?

In kilometers of water used per year.

In square meters of surface area required.

In biologically productive land in hectares (ha). (correct)

In percentages of land area needed.

What is a significant drawback of clear-cutting in forestry?

Increased carbon storage in forests.

Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss. (correct)

Improved soil nutrient availability.

Enhanced forest growth due to sunlight exposure.

How does clear-cutting contribute to sediment pollution?

It causes soil to run off into water bodies. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant issue caused by excessive withdrawal of water from aquifers for irrigation?

Soil salinization and aquifer depletion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of no-till farming?

Preservation of soil structure and fertility. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following irrigation types involves directing water down furrows between crop rows?

Furrow irrigation Signup and view all the answers

Which irrigation method is characterized by delivering water directly to the plant roots in a controlled way?

Drip (trickle) irrigation Signup and view all the answers

What is a major drawback of using flood irrigation?

It can lead to waterlogging and soil salinization. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using synthetic fertilizers?

Improves soil biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs)?

They increase greenhouse gas emissions. Signup and view all the answers

How does antibiotic resistance develop in bacteria?

Some bacteria survive and multiply after treatment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a drawback of urbanization?

Urban heat island effect and habitat fragmentation. Signup and view all the answers

What potential problem can arise from using genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

New food allergies may develop. Signup and view all the answers

Which farming practice preserves soil health and reduces erosion?

No-till farming. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of using pesticides in agriculture?

Persistent residue can harm beneficial organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What are the benefits of buying free-range livestock?

Feed on natural vegetation without supplements. Signup and view all the answers

What is a main concern associated with aquaculture?

Destruction of coastal habitats. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tragedy of the Commons

Shared resources, like the atmosphere, fresh water, forests, and oceans, can be depleted due to individual self-interest.

Ecological Footprint

Measures the land and water needed to produce resources consumed and process waste generated by an individual, population, or activity.
Expressed in hectares (ha).
Shows human impact on the environment.
Individuals who eat meat generally have a higher footprint.

Clear-Cutting Drawbacks

Increased soil erosion
Increased sediment runoff
Reduced transpiration
Habitat fragmentation
Loss of biodiversity

Sediment Pollution from Clear-Cutting

Removal of trees exposes soil, leading to runoff into water bodies, causing turbidity.
Reduced photosynthesis due to cloudiness.

Aquifer Withdrawal Drawbacks

Soil salinization
Waterlogging
Aquifer depletion
Saltwater intrusion

No-Till Farming Advantages

Reduces topsoil erosion
Prevents soil degradation
Allows natural soil regeneration
Reduces CO2 emissions due to reduced machinery use.

Irrigation Types

Flood: Flooding fields; Simple and fast, but high water use, soil salinization, waterlogging, and evaporation.
Furrow: Channels filled with water; Quick and inexpensive, but requires preparation and has evaporation and runoff.
Spray: Pumping water into spray nozzles; More efficient than flood/furrow, but expensive and reliant on fossil fuels.
Drip (Trickle): Small amounts of water directly to roots; Most efficient, but expensive and can hinder plowing.

GMO Drawbacks

Monoculture leads to loss of genetic diversity.
Potential for escaped GMOs to interbreed with wild plants.
Potential for new food allergies.

Pesticide Drawbacks

Persistent pesticides remain in the environment.
Harm beneficial organisms (unintended targets).
Runoff or wind dispersal can harm or alter biodiversity.
Human health risks.
Pesticide treadmill (continuous use and higher doses).

Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotics used to kill bacterial infections.
Some bacteria are naturally resistant.
Resistant bacteria multiply, leading to widespread resistance.

Synthetic Fertilizer Advantages

Concentrated nutrients
Precise nutrient delivery
Easy application
Quick absorption

CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) Benefits

Low consumer costs
Increased efficiency
Higher profits for farmers
Reduced land use

CAFO Drawbacks

Increased greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).
Increased antibiotic resistance.
Waste disposal issues (runoff, eutrophication).
Fecal coliform and disease risk.

Free-Range Livestock Benefits

Animals feed on natural vegetation.
No antibiotics or growth hormones.
Manure acts as fertilizer (spread over wide areas).
Higher nutrient content in meat/animal products.

Sustainable Agriculture Goals

Increase biodiversity
Improve soil health and reduce erosion
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Reduce irrigation
Reduce chemical fertilizer and pesticide use

Sustainable Agriculture Practices

Polyculture
Cover crops
Intercropping/strip cropping
Agroforestry/alley cropping
No-till farming
Organic fertilizers/compost
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Contour farming
Terrace farming
Sustainable greenhouses
Vertical farming
Urban farming
Rooftop gardens

Aquaculture Drawbacks

Coastal area destruction
Wastewater contamination (feces, antibiotics, pathogens).
Increased disease risk.
Potential for escaped fish to interbreed.

Aquaculture Advantages

Efficient and cost-effective (little fuel/space).
Can meet protein demand.
Allow wild populations to recover.

Urbanization Drawbacks

Urban blight
Habitat loss/fragmentation
Impact on carbon and water cycles
Urban heat island effect

Urbanization Solutions for Water Cycle

Planting more vegetation
Using porous materials for water infiltration
Desalination of saltwater

Urbanization Advantages

Compact design
Mass transit reduces carbon footprint
Lower per capita resource use
Reduced travel distances = more walking, lower carbon footprint

Acid Mine Drainage

Sulfide minerals in ore react with air and water creating sulfuric acid.
Runoff from mine sites leaches metals into water bodies.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts in environmental science, focusing on shared resources, ecological footprints, and the impact of clear-cutting on ecosystems. Gain insight into sustainable practices like no-till farming and the implications of aquifer withdrawal. Test your understanding and awareness of these critical issues affecting our planet.