Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which action would LEAST effectively promote the sustainable use of natural resources?
Which action would LEAST effectively promote the sustainable use of natural resources?
- Investing in research and development of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies.
- Implementing policies that prioritize long-term ecological health over immediate economic gains.
- Encouraging consumption patterns that minimize waste and promote the reuse of materials.
- Promoting the extraction of non-renewable resources with improved technologies. (correct)
How does deforestation most significantly influence the carbon cycle and climate change?
How does deforestation most significantly influence the carbon cycle and climate change?
- By enhancing the decomposition of organic matter, which sequesters carbon in the soil.
- By disrupting oceanic currents, leading to a redistribution of heat around the globe.
- By reducing the capacity of ecosystems to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. (correct)
- By increasing the planet's albedo, leading to greater reflection of solar radiation.
What is the most critical long-term consequence of soil erosion on agricultural productivity and ecosystem health?
What is the most critical long-term consequence of soil erosion on agricultural productivity and ecosystem health?
- Increased biodiversity due to the creation of new microhabitats.
- Reduced water infiltration and increased runoff, leading to nutrient depletion and sedimentation of waterways. (correct)
- Enhanced carbon sequestration in the remaining soil layers.
- Improved soil aeration, promoting the growth of deep-rooted plant species.
Which factor most accurately determines a population's ecological footprint?
Which factor most accurately determines a population's ecological footprint?
What poses the most significant challenge when transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources in a large industrialized nation?
What poses the most significant challenge when transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources in a large industrialized nation?
What best describes carrying capacity in the context of resource management?
What best describes carrying capacity in the context of resource management?
What is the most critical factor in determining whether a natural resource is classified as renewable?
What is the most critical factor in determining whether a natural resource is classified as renewable?
Which strategy would most effectively mitigate the negative impacts of over-hunting on terrestrial organisms?
Which strategy would most effectively mitigate the negative impacts of over-hunting on terrestrial organisms?
What is the most significant limitation of relying solely on recycling programs to address the problem of resource depletion?
What is the most significant limitation of relying solely on recycling programs to address the problem of resource depletion?
Consider a scenario where a community heavily relies on a nearby forest for timber, fuel, and non-timber forest products. What management approach would support sustainable use?
Consider a scenario where a community heavily relies on a nearby forest for timber, fuel, and non-timber forest products. What management approach would support sustainable use?
Flashcards
What is a resource?
What is a resource?
Something valuable or useful to humans, can be natural or man-made.
What are renewable resources?
What are renewable resources?
Resources that can be replenished or replaced by natural processes (e.g., sunlight, water, trees).
What is deforestation?
What is deforestation?
The removal of large areas of forests for land, building materials, or fuel.
What is soil erosion?
What is soil erosion?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What are non-renewable resources?
What are non-renewable resources?
Signup and view all the flashcards
Sustainable resource use
Sustainable resource use
Signup and view all the flashcards
Ecological footprint
Ecological footprint
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
- A resource is valuable or useful to humans
- Resources can be natural or man-made
- Natural resources are sourced from the environment and include food, fuel, fiber, shelter, minerals, and soil
Renewable Resources
- These resources can be replenished naturally
- Examples include sunlight, water, wind, trees, soil, and biomass
- Many natural resources are renewable
- Overexploitation of renewable resources can lead to decreased quantities and potential extinction
- Marine organisms like lobsters, whales, and turtles are being overfished
- Terrestrial organisms are being over-hunted
Deforestation
- Deforestation is the removal of large forest areas for housing, agriculture, building materials, paper, and fuel
- Deforestation results in:
- Habitat loss for plants and animals
- Reduced photosynthesis, increasing carbon dioxide levels
- Disruption of the water cycle
- Soil erosion
Soil Erosion
- Soil erosion is the wearing away of the topsoil layer
- Causes include deforestation and poor agricultural practices like leaving land barren, overgrazing, and using chemical fertilizers
- Soil erosion reduces the quantity and quality of trees and crops that can be grown
Non-Renewable Resources
- These resources cannot be replenished within a human lifetime
- Non-renewable resources are finite
- Examples include:
- Energy resources: fossil fuels (crude oil, coal, and natural gas) and radioactive fuels (uranium)
- Mineral resources: iron ore, bauxite, copper, and tin
Resource Use
- In the Caribbean, fossil fuels provide most energy
- Population growth increases resource demand
- Modern lifestyles require more finite resources
- Unsustainable use of finite resources will lead to depletion
- Sustainable resource use ensures future generations have access
- Ecological footprint refers to the amount of Earth’s resources used per person, based on lifestyle
Sustainable Use of Natural Resources
- Employ metal utensils instead of single-use plastics
- Operate washing machines exclusively with full loads to conserve water
- Turn off lights and electrical devices when not in active use
- Engage in recycling practices for plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and other recyclable materials
- Prioritize and utilize renewable energy alternatives instead of relying on fossil fuels
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
