2. An earthquake of Richter magnitude 2 releases ______ time less energy than an earthquake of Righter magnitude 4?
A. 0.01 B. 0.5 C. two D. 100 E. -1000 |
My Answer: Not Answered
Correct Answer: D Reasoning: D is the correct answer because it follows the logarithmic Richter scale. The Richter scale means that whole-number jumps in magnitude indicates a tenfold increase/decrease in wave amplitude. I still don't understand what this means exactly and it was my lack of understanding which made me not answer this question. |
3. The interface where tectonic plates slide or grind past each other in a horizontal direction is known as a
A. transform plate boundary B. convergent plate boundary C. divergent plate boundary D. subduction zone E. trench |
My Answer: D
Correct Answer: A Reasoning: A transform plate boundary is a location where two plates slide past each other. I didn't know this so I took a guess. |
5. Which of the following gases are considered "greenhouse gases"?
I. N2 II. CO2 III. CH4 IV. O3 V. H2O A. II and III B. II, III, and V C. II, III, IV, and V D. I, II, III, and IV E. all are green house gases |
My Answer: A
Correct Answer: C Reasoning: A is incorrect because it doesn't include all of the greenhouse gases. C is correct because it includes the right gases and excludes nitrogen gas because it isn't a gas. |
6. Which areas listed below would be found in the regions of the earth influenced by Ferrel cells?
A. Escuador-near the equator B. Antartica C. Greenland D. Mid-western U.S (i.e Nebraska) E. Southern Africa |
My Answer: C
Correct Answer: E Reasoning: Ferrel cell movements occur between the 30th and the 60th north and south latitudes, meaning that Southern Africa is correct because it is between the 30th and 60th north and south latitudes. I got this wrong because I have no idea what Ferrel cells are and I have no idea where these countries are located in terms of longitude and latitude. |
7. Which of the following events about El Nino are TRUE?
I. Just Prior to an El Nino, the sea surface warms in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean II. Just prior to an El Nino, the trade winds weaken III. During an El Nino, the number of hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean increases IV. During an El Nino, upwelling inreases along the western coast of South America resulting in large schools of fish A. I only B. II only C. I and II D. III E. I, III, and IV |
My Answer: B
Correct Answer: C Reasoning: El Nino is when the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean is warmed and causes the weakening of Pacific trade winds, thus C is correct. I got this wrong because I don't know anything about El Nino except that it's currently happening in California. |
9. Which of the following choices lists the amount of freshwater available on Earth in correct descending order?
A. Groundwater > soil moisture > atmospheric moisture > lakes > rivers and streams > glaciers and ice caps B. Glaciers and ice caps > atmospheric moisture > groundwater > rivers and streams > soil moisture > lakes C. Glaciers and ice caps > groundwater > lakes > soil moisture > atmospheric moisture > rivers and streams D. Lakes > groundwater > atmospheric moisture > glaciers and ice caps > soil moisture > rivers and streams E. Atmospheric moisture > rivers and streams > ground water > soil moisture > lakes > glaciers and ice caps |
My Answer: E
Correct Answer: C Reasoning: C is correct because it displays the proper order of the amounts of different freshwater. I guessed on this too, I didn't know the amounts of freshwater each choice had. |
11. Currently, the use of freshwater by humans is increasing at about ____ rate of world-wide population growth.
A. one-half the B. the same C. twice the D. four times the E. eight times the |
My Answer: A
Correct Answer: C Reasoning: This whole problem is basically memorizing statistics about how much water is used and how much people are in the world and estimates of how much water will be used in about 10 years. I didn't remember the numbers so I got the question wrong. But basically we are currently using 30% of our freshwater with a population of 7 billion people and its expected to increase to 70% of use with a population of 8 billion people. I don't understand the math in this but I mean, I guess. |
12. Which soil layer consists of clay, iron oxides, and other components that came from the zone of leaching?
*includes a diagram ad applies to questions 12&13 but who cares* A. A B. B C. C D. O E. E |
My Answer: C
Correct Answer: B Reasoning: The B horizon is known as the subsoil and consists of mineral layers that may contain concentrations of clay or minerals like iron oxides. Like the other questions, I didn't know anything about soil types and what they consist of so I got this question wrong. |
13. Which soil layer consists of about equal amounts of organic material and minerals?
A. A B. B C. C D. O E. E |
My Answer: D
Correct Answer: A Reasoning: The A horizon is the top layer of the soil horizons and is often referred to as topsoil. It has a layer of dark decomposed organic materials (humus) and has the most biological activity. Similar to question 12, I missed this question because I was uneducated in the different types of soil and what they consist of. |
14. Tropical rain forests have a rich biodiversity primarily because
A. warm, moist climate makes it easier for living forms to survive B. they are generally very large allowing for many life-forms to coexist C. evolution occurs faster in warmer and more humid environment D. historically, there has been less human settlement and disturbance in tropical rain forests E. many diverse niche opportunities and habitats occur in tropical rain forests |
My Answer: A
Correct Answer: E Reasoning: Tropical rain forests provide constant food and stability for the creatures living in it and has many niches and habitats for different plants and animals to live in, thus making it rich in biodiversity. I didn't know this but now I get it (I just can't put it in the proper words). |
15. Which of the following is NOT an example of commensalism?
A. Birds known as cattle egrets forage in fields among cattle or other livestock. As cattle, horses, and other livestock graze on the field, they cause movement that stir up various insects. As the insects are stirred up, the cattle egrets following the livestock catch and feed upon them. B. In India, lone golden jackals expelled from their pack have been known to attach themselves to a particular tiger, trailing it at a safe distance in order to feed on the big cat's kills. C. Bacteria living in the stomachs of cows and other ruminant animals D. Birds will often follow army ant raids on a forest floor. As the army ant colony travels on the forest floor, it stirs up various flying insect species. As the insects flee from the army ants, the birds following the ants catch the fleeing insects. E. Orchids and mosses grow on the trunks or branches of trees. They get the light they need as well as nutrients that run down along the tree. |
My Answer: C
Correct Answer: D Reasoning: Commensalism is the association between two organisms in which one organism benefits from the association while the other gets neither benefits or harm from the association. This definition can be seen in choice D with the birds and the ants. *actually I got this one right, I just mixed it up with number 17 but it took so much typing so I didn't want to erase it* |
17. Which of the following represents intraspecific interaction (s)?
A. mutualism B. commensalism C. parasitism D. territoriality E. predation |
My Answer: C
Correct Answer: D Reasoning: Territoriality is a behavior of a single or group of animals that defend the area they occupy against intruders, which is an intraspecific interaction whereas the other choices were interspecific interactions. I didn't know what intraspecific interactions were so I couldn't differentiate the choices and find out which was the correct answer. |
18. The marine zone that is essentially open ocean, and whose flora include surface seaweeds and whose fauna include many species of fish and some mammals, such as whales and dolphins, is known as the
A. intertidal zone B. pelagic zone C. benthic zone D. abyssal zone E. hadal zone |
My Answer: C
Correct Answer: B Reasoning: The pelagic zone contains the things listed in the question whereas the other choices do not therefore B is correct. I got this wrong because I forgot my marine zones and what they contain. |
23. The Catskill Watershed provides _____ to New York City.
A. natural resources services B. market services C. social D. economic E. ecosystem services |
My Answer: A
Correct Answer: E Reasoning: Humans and society benefit greatly from resources and processes that come from natural ecosystems, these benefits are commonly known as ecosystem services. Based off of this, answer choice E is correct. I got this question wrong because I didn't know the specific type of service it provided to New York City. *There's background info to this question but it was too much to type* |
24. In response to climate shifts due global warming, terrestrial animals can adapt, migrate, or die. Which of the following factors contribute to surviving the effects of global warming?
I. Long generational times II. Being widely dispersed III. Having narrow climatic tolerances IV. Being an r-strategist rather than a K-strategist V. Being confined to one geographical location A. I, II, and IV B. II and IV C. I, IV, and V D. I, II, and V E. All of the above |
My Answer: C
Correct Answer: B Reasoning: In unstable and constantly changing environments, r-selection predominates since it has the ability to reproduce quickly, thus being able to adapt quicker. Choices II and IV are correct because they fall into this fact. I got this wrong because I had no idea what an r-strategist is or what this question was even asking. |
25. Which of the following would be subject to primary succession?
A. rock exposed by a retreating glacier B. an abandoned farm C. a forest that had been clear-cut D. newly flooded agricultural land used to create a reservoir E. a forest that has been burned |
My Answer: E
Correct Answer: A Reasoning: Primary succession happens in biotic communities in a previously uninhabited and barren habitat with or no soil. A rock exposed by glacier is a biotic community that was previously uninhabited and is a barren habitat with little or no soil so that answer is correct. i got this wrong because by this point, I've gotten so much wrong and my brain just kind of got fried so I couldn't even remember this from biology. |
26. Which of the following would be TRUE regarding succession?
I. Growth if lichen on rocks after a fire destroyed a forest is an example of primary succession II. Growth of grasses on a newly formed sand dune is an example of secondary succession III. Growth of algae on cooled lava rock is an example of secondary succession IV. K-selection organisms are typical of primary succession V. r-selection organisms are typical of secondary succession A. III B. I and II C. II, IV, and V D. I, II, IV, and V E. None are true |
My Answer: D
Correct Answer: E Reasoning: Primary succession happens in biotic communities in a previously uninhabited and barren habitat with or no soil. Secondary succession is the process started by an event, such as forest fires, which reduces a pre-established ecosystem. r-selection predominates as the ability to reproduce quickly and K-selection predominates as the ability to compete successfully for limited resources. Based off of this, we can conclude that none of these are true statements, thus making choice E correct. I got this wrong because I don't know this. |
28. Which of the following are examples of density-independent actors that control population?
I. Droughts and floods II. Fires III. Use of pesticides IV. Release of a pollutant V. Overhunting and fishing A. I B. I and II C. III, IV, and V D. IV E. All choices are correct examples |
My Answer: B
Correct Answer: E Reasoning: A density-independent factor is when the effect of the factor on the size of the population is independent of and doesn't depend on the original density or size of the population, thus making all of the stated examples correct. i got this wrong because I didn't know this. |
29. The graph below *not below or anywhere* is of a paramecium population growing in culture over a period of 30 hours. If food is a limiting factor for this population, then increasing the amount of food available in the water at the beginning of the experiment will...
A. increase the population density between 0-15 hours B. decrease the population density after carrying capacity has been reached C. have no effect on the population density between 0-15 hours D. decrease the time it takes for the population to reach it carrying capacity E. All of the above are true |
My Answer: A
Correct Answer: C Reasoning: If the food was increased at the beginning of the experiment then there will be no effect on the population density because it was increased in the beginning of the experiment, not in the middle so the organisms were exposed to an initial amount just as they were in the previous experiment. This sounds confusing but I get it now, I just don't know how to explain it either. I got it wrong because I got confused during the actual test. |
30. Consider the following organisms
I. Elephant II. Weeds III. Mice IV. Acorn tree V. Mosquitoes Which of the above would be considered K-strategists? A. I B. II, III, and V C. I and IV D. II and V E. V |
My Answer: B
Correct Answer: C Reasoning: K-se;ection predominates as the ability to compete successfully for limited resources. The characteristics of K-selection organisms include large body size, long life expectancy, and the production of fewer offspring. Based off of this information, it can be concluded that elephants and acorn trees are examples of K-strategists. I goth this wrong because I didn't know what a K-strategist was. |
32. Examine the following diagram *sorry no diagram* Which of the choices above would be a characteristic survivorship curve for a song bird?
A. A B. B C. C D. D E. E |
My Answer: A
Correct Answer: D Reasoning: Choice D is a Type II survivorship curve which usually goes with species who have a constant mortality rate regardless of their age. This matches a songbird so choice D is right. I of course didn't know this either so I got it wrong. |
34. A country with an annual population growth rate at 5% would double its population in approximately how many years?
A. 5 Years B. 7 years C. 14 years D. 70 years E. 350 years |
My Answer: A
Correct Answer: C Reasoning: Apparently there's something called the Rule-of-70 which gives a supposedly easy way to calculate the approximate amount of years it will take for a variable growing at a constant rate to double (n= 70/r=70/5=14). I had no idea this rule existed and I really didn't event want to continue this test at this point, much less do some math so I guessed. |
35. Which of the following choices correctly shows how birthrates and death rates compare between current population growth trends and trends that occurred during the First or Neolithic Agricultural Revolution that occurred approximately 10,000 years ago?
*some diagram with the choices are included but eh* A. B. C. D. E. |
My Answer: B
Correct Answer: D Reasoning: D is correct because it states that birthrates and death rates were both high during the First Agricultural Revolution and it states that birth and death rates are both low today. I got this wrong because I guessed. |
36. Examine the age distribution diagrams below *not below or anywhere* Which of the following statements would be true?
I. A is experiencing rapid growth, B is experiencing slow growth, and C is experiencing a decline in growth II. A is experiencing slow growth, B is experiencing rapid growth, and C is experiencing a decline in growth III. A is experiencing a decline in growth, B is experiencing rapid growth, and C is experiencing a slow growth IV. A would be typical for Nigeria, B would be typical for Germany, and C would be typical for the United States. V. A would be typical for the United States, B would be typical for Nigeria, and C would be typical for Germany. A. I B. I and III C. I and V D. II and IV E. III and IV |
My Answer: D
Correct Answer: A Reasoning: A is correct because it matches what the diagrams are showing and it is the only statement that is true, everything else is a lie. I got this wrong because I guessed and also because I suck at these types of questions. |
39. Worldwide human population growth within the last 100 years is primarily due to
A. increase in the birthrate B. decrease in the death rate C. a lower infant mortality D. immigration E. a desire to have more children |
My Answer: C
Correct Answer: B Reasoning: This was a dirty trick question that made me overthink every choice because they all made sense. B is correct because with less people dying, more people are living thus the population isn't constantly being decreased by the sad deaths of the humans destroying the environment. |
41. Which type of insecticide developed during the 19th century affects the nervous system of an insect by disrupting the enzyme that regulates acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter? They usually are no persistent in the environment. Common examples include parathion and malathion.
A. Carbamates B. Pyrethoids C. Organophosphates D. DDT E. Organochlorines |
My Answer: D
Correct Answer: C Reasoning: Organophosphates affects the nervous system of an insect by disrupting the enzyme that regulates acetylcholine. I did not know what any of these things were or what they did but DDT sounded familiar because I remember some girl scientist found out it was harmful or something so I chose that one and apparently it's wrong. |
43. The type of timber-harvesting method shown below is known as *it's a crappy black and white picture of some trees*
A. seed tree harvesting B. group selection C. clear-cutting D. single tree selection E. shelterwood cutting |
My Answer: A
Correct Answer: E Reasoning: In a shelterwood cut, mature trees are removed in two or three harvests over a period of 10-15 years. This method allows regeneration of medium to low shade-tolerant species because a "shelter" is left to protect them. I didn't know the different types of tree harvesting but this makes sense (seed tree harvesting was a complete guess and it's wrong). |
44. Which of the choices below are effective method(s) of remediating the effects of desertification?
I. Reforestation II. Fixating the soil through the use of shelter belts, woodlots, and windbreaks or sand fences III. Planting legumes IV. Enabling native sprouting tree growth through selective pruning of shrub growth V. Planting markket gardens to keep soil from blowing away A. I and II B. I, II, IV C. II, IV, V D. I, III, IV, V E. I, II, III, IV |
My Answer: B
Correct Answer: E Reasoning: Market gardening is growing of vegetables and flowers on suburban land of high value for the supply of nearby cities. Heavy fertilizing, regular watering, and the planting of successive cops are employed to obtain continuous returns from the acreage. I didn't know any of this and guessed again. I am a horrible guesser. |
45. Which of the following is a characteristic of urban sprowl?
A. multi-use zoning B. high-density zoning C. car-independent zoning D. job sprawl E. high unemployment |
My Answer: B
Correct Answer: D Reasoning: Job sprawl is defined as low-density, geographically spread-out patterns of employment, where the majority of jobs in a given metropolitan area are located outside of the main city's central business district and suburbs. It's often the result of urban disinvestment and the s=desire of many companies to locate in low-density areas that are often more affordable and offer potential for expansion. I didn't know this either so I also guessed with my not awesome guessing skills and answered it incorrectly. |
46. During which U.S presidency did the first federal high system develop?
A. Abraham Lincoln (1860-1865) B. Franklin Roosevelt (1933-1945) C. Harry Truman (1945-1953) D. Dwight Eisenhower (1953-1961) E. Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) |
My Answer: E
Correct Answer: D Reasoning: It was during Eisenhower's presidency, with the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. This is honestly the simplest way to explain this, no elaborate explanation of why it's right except that it is. I got this wrong because I didn't know this, I don't even know all of my presidents. |
47. Which of the following lists land use in order from the smallest collective area on earth to the largest?
A. Agricultural < forests < cities B. Forests < cities < agricultural C. Cities < Forests < agricultural D. Forests < agriculture < cities E. Agriculture < cities < forests |
My Answer: D
Correct Answer: C Reasoning: Cities occupy approximately 5% of the earths land surface; forests occupy approximately one-third of the earth's surface; and land used for agricultural purposes occupies approximately half of all the earth's land surface. I got it wrong because there were more statistics that I didn't even know. |
48. Which agency listed below is responsible for the management of public lands?
A. Bureau of Land Management B. Environmental Protection Agency C. National Park Service D. Fish and Wildlife Service E. Department of Agriculture |
My Answer: B
Correct Answer: A Reasoning: The BLM is the agency within the U.S Department of the Interior and it administers public land. I didn't know this but the name makes sense bu instead I chose the one that sounded the most familiar to me. |
50. The type of mining that produces 85% of minerals (excluding petroleum and natural gas) in the United States, including 98% of metallic ores, is known as
A. surface mining B. subsurface mining C. in-situ leaching D. long wall mining E. room and pillar mnining |
My Answer: D
Correct Answer: A Reasoning: Surface mining is done by removing (stripping) things that are on the surface of the ground (i.e vegetation, dirt, bedrock, etc.) which allows for the gathering of minerals and metallic ores. I don't know the different types of mining. |
51. The type of fishing illustrated *not illustrated* below is
A. gill netting B. long lining C. reef netting D. trolling E. purse seining |
My Answer: B
Correct Answer: E Reasoning: Purse seining establishes a large wall of netting that encircles schools of fish. The illustration of this method looks like a giant, ugly purse. I still got it wrong because I don't know the different types of fishing techniques. |
52. The "Tragedy of the Commons" illustrates how
A. individual rationality results in group irrationality B. the pursuit of short-term individual gain often leads to long-term collective costs C. the cost of a product also includes the cost of utilization of common property D. "Commons" are real resources that are owned collectively by people occupying the area E. common people who work for a living are often victims of environmental exploitation |
My Answer: C
Correct Answer: B Reasoning: The "Tragedy of the Commons" states that pursuing a short-term goal individually will most likely lead to a long-term collective cost, which is stated in choice B. I forgot what the "Tragedy of the Commons" was. |
53. A store uses one-hundred 200-watt light bulbs for 10 hours per day. How many kilowatt-hours of electrical energy are used in one year if the store is open 50 weeks per year, 6 days per week?
A. 50,000 B. 60,000 C. 6,000,000 D. 30,000,000 E. 60,000,000 |
My Answer: E
Correct Answer: B Reasoning: You're supposed to use conversions to figure out the answer but it was math and I was already failing so I just guessed on this one. The math conversions look pretty easy though, I just needed to try. |
54. The gas mileage of one model of the 2003 Hummer 2 was determined to be 8 miles per gallon. the 2012 Mitsubishi i- MiEV is an all electric vehicle and when using a conversion factor to convert the fuel economy into miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe), it is rated at 112 miles per gallon of gasoline. How much more efficient in fuel consumption is the all-electric vehicle over the Hummer 2?
A. 13% B. 14% C. 130% D. 140% E. 1300% |
My Answer: B
Correct Answer: E Reasoning: The percent change is calculated as % = Vf - Vi/Vi X 100% where Vf is the final value and Vi is the initial value. Therefore, % 112-8/8 X 100% = 1300%. I did not know this formula or how to solve this problem so I guessed. |
57. In the United States, on average, ______ energy is used to heat homes than is used to cool them.
A. 25% less B. 50% less C. 50% more D. 100% more E. 250% more |
My Answer: A
Correct Answer: E Reasoning: The amount of energy required for heating a home is way more than that is used to cool it. So 250% makes sense because it's the greatest amount. I did not memorize these statistics nor have we even gotten to learn these statistics so I got it wrong. |
59. The estimated natural gas reserves in the United States are estimated at 2,170 trillion cubic feet (Tcf). The rate of consumption of natural gas in the United States is approximately 62 billion cubic feet per day. Approximately how long will the United States natural gas reserves last at the current rate of consumption?
A. 10 years B. 25 years C. 50 years D. 100 years E. 200 years |
My Answer: B
Correct Answer: D Reasoning: You have to use conversions to figure this problem out but its more than half way through the test and I only had less than 10 right I think so I really didn't want to math an I got it wrong. |
60. Which of the following has the largest potential negative environmental impact on global warming?
A. Coal B. Oil C. Natural gas D. Solar E. Nuclear |
My Answer: A
Correct Answer: C Reasoning: Natural gas produces 45% less carbon dioxide than coal and 30% less than coal. However, methane is more dangerous to global warming so it has the largest potential negative impact. I did not know this. |
61. Which country listed below obtains the greatest percentage of its electricity from nuclear power?
A. United States B. Russia C. China D. Japan E. France |
My Answer: A
Correct Answer: E Reasoning: Nuclear power provides 80% of the electricity used in France compared to 20% for the United States. They also have the lowest electricity price in Europe. I didn't know this either. |
63. Which of the following methods of producing electricity is the MOST efficient?
A. Nuclear B. Burning coal C. Burning natural gas D. Wind power E. Hydroelectric power plants |
My Answer: C
Correct Answer: E Reasoning: Hydroelectric power plants are the most efficient method of producing electricity. There's a whole bunch of statistics and facts and reasoning's behind this but I did not spend the semester reading it over and over again trying to memorize the answer so I got it wrong. |
64. Which of the following is the LEAST likely environmental consequence of building hydroelectric dams?
A. Dams change water temperature downstream B. Dams increase the risk of predation C. Dams increase silting downstream D. Dams decrease the oxygen content of water downstream E. Dams decrease the flow of water downstream |
My Answer: D
Correct Answer: C Reasoning: Dams built across rivers slow down the rivers flow and causes sediments in the water to deposit to the bottom of the reservoir behind the dam, thus increasing silt downstream. Dam, I did not know that. |
66. A 42 watt CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulb produces 2,600 lumens of light, lasts approximately 10,000 hours, and costs $13.00. A 150-watt incandescent light bulb produces the same amount of light, lasts only 1,000 hours and costs $2.00. If electricity runs $0.10 per kWh, how much will the CFL save over the lifetime of the bulb compared to using the incandescent bulbs??
A. $7.00 B. $13.00 C. $42.00 D. $108.00 E. $115.00 |
My Answer: C
Correct Answer: E Reasoning: It's always the greatest number it appears. Conversions are also needed to solve this problem which also means that math is needed to solve this problem ad I didn't want to math so I guessed. |
67. Which of the following renewable energy sources listed below is used the LEAST in the United States?
A. Solar B. Biomass C. Wind D. Hydroelectric E. Geothermal |
My Answer: E
Correct Answer: A Reasoning: Solar is the least used energy source in the United States. I forgot this fact so I got it wrong. |
69. Which of the following would NOT be classified as a criteria of pollution?
A.Carbon monoxide B. Sulfur dioxide C. Particulates D. Ozone E. Carbon dioxide |
My Answer: D
Correct Answer: E Reasoning: Criteria pollutants are pollutants that do the most harm to human. Carbon dioxide makes sense I guess. I was never taught what criteria pollutants are and I also wasn't taught many many things on this diagnostic test so of course I got a lot wrong but why do I have to correct stuff that I never learned man. |
70. 1,500 parts per billion would be the same concentration as _______ parts per million?
A. 0.15 B. 1.5 C. 15 D. 150 E. 1,500 |
My Answer: C
Correct Answer: B Reasoning: Conversion and math is necessary again bu at this point my brain is completely fried and I can not even think anymore because I've been testing on things I never learned for the past hour and a half so no math for me. |
72. During the summer months, Los Angeles, California often experiences a temperature inversion. During this event
A. Cold air that is heavier lies above a mass of warmer air that wants to rise, trapping particulates close to the ground B. Stable warm air lies above a mass of colder air, trapping air particulates close to the ground C. There is no colder air mass to provide a difference in temperature; therefore, the air stalls and traps particulates close to the ground D. Warmer air is trapped between two cold fronts,trapping the particulates within the warm air mass E. Warm air rises while colder air sinks. Particulates within the cold air are then brought closer to the ground and their concentration increases, producing smog |
My Answer: E
Correct Answer: B Reasoning: Temperature conversions usually occur in urban areas when air pollutants are trapped close to the ground and are not able to rise into the atmosphere. During temperature inversion, the air above a city is warm which prevents the polluted warmer air from rising, causing smog levels to increase. I knew none of this. |
73. Given the following pollutants
I. CFCs II. VOCs III. Radon IV. PANs V. Asbestos Which are NOT naturally occurring indoor pollutants? A. I and II B. I and IV C. I, II, and IV D. III and V E. I, III, IV, V |
My Answer: D
Correct Answer: C Reasoning: Radon and asbestos are found in nature and are sometimes found in indoor samples, while the other ones are not. Thus it can be concluded that C is correct because they don't include the choices for radon or asbestos. I knew none of this. |
74. Which of the following criteria were used for acceptable exposure to specific air pollutants as addressed in the National Ambient Air Quality Standards set forth by the Clean Air Act?
I. The amount of time exposed to the air pollutant II. The concentration of the air pollutant III. The toxicity of the air pollutant IV. The LD50 of the air pollutant V. The number of people that would be at risk if exposed the air pollutant? A. I and II B. II and III C. I, II, and III D. I, III, and IV E. III, IV, and V |
My Answer: E
Correct Answer: A Reasoning: The statements included in choice A are true and were established by the EPA and the NAAQS. I did not know this, I didn't go over this when I was making my environmental regulations tab. |
75. Which of the following statement(s) regarding noise pollution is/are TRUE?
I. Noise pollution is a significant occupational hazard and is regulated and enforced by the EPA II. Sound measured at 40 decibels is twice as loud as sound measured at 20 decibels III. Noise pollution is not a serious threat in the oceans as organisms that live underwater do not hear IV. The office of Noise Abatement and Control of the EPA is currently charged with regulating and overseeing noise abatement activities A. I and II B. I and III C. II, III, and IV D. I, III, and IV E. All statements are false |
My Answer: D
Correct Answer: E Reasoning: None of the statement s in the question are true so E, stating that all of the statements are false, is correct. I don't know any of this. |
76. Which of the following forms of water pollution affects the largest number of people world wide?
A. Brackish water resulting from flooding B. Water that is not properly processed through sewage treatment plants C. Water containing pollutants from industrial factories D. Waterborne pathogens and diseases E. Groundwater contamination resulting from illegal dumping of toxic materials |
My Answer: C
Correct Answer: D Reasoning: The WHO (also a band from around the 70s/80s) has estimated that about 1 billion people globally don't have access to drinking water resources so they are exposed to the pathogens and diseases that can be found in water. I didn't learn this. |
78. Groundwater contamination is addressed in all of the following EXCEPT the
A. Clean Water Act B. Safe Drinking Water Act C. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act D. Superfund E. Groundwater contamination is addressed in all of the above |
My Answer: C
Correct Answer: A Reasoning: The Clean Water Act did not address the groundwater contamination, only that they must reduce point source pollution. I did not know this. |
79. BOD indicates *includes some fancy diagram*
A. the level of pollution in a sample of water B. the rate at which oxygen is being produced by aquatic plants C. the rate at which oxygen is being consumed by microorganisms living in the water D. the potential amount of oxygen that the water sample could contain given the pH, temperature, and volume of the sample E. the concentration of oxygen in a water sample that a living organism requires to survive |
My Answer: E
Correct Answer: C Reasoning: Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by aerobic biological organisms in a body of water to break down organic material present in a given water sample at a certain temperature over a specific time period. Apparently this is what C says, just in fewer words. I did not know this. |
80. At which point on the graph would you expect to find the highest concentration of anaerobic bacteria?
A. A B. B C. C D. D E. Anaerobic bacteria would not be found in a stream |
My Answer: A
Correct Answer: B Reasoning: I don't even know what to say for this one, I'm sorry. |
81. Sewage treatment plants have three general processes that water undergoes. Which choice below describes the correct sequence of these three processes?
A. Separation of solids - disinfection with UV light, chlorine, or ozone - breakdown of organic materials by bacteria B. Separation of solids - breakdown if organic material by bacteria - disinfection with UV light, chlorine, or ozone C. Disinfection with UV light, chlorine, or ozone - separation of solids - breakdown of organic materials by bacteria D. Disinfection with UV light, chlorine, or ozone - breakdown of organic materials by bacteria - separation of solids E. Breakdown of organic materials by bacteria - separation of solids - disinfection with UV light, chlorine, or ozone |
My Answer: E
Correct Answer: B Reasoning: The correct order of the three processes is the separation of solids, breakdown of organic material by bacteria, and the disinfection with UV light, chlorine, or ozone. I did not know this but it appears to make sense so yeah. |
82. Most solid municipal wastes in the Unites States are disposed of by
A. taking the wastes far from land and dumping them into the sea B. burning them at large municipal incinerators C. burying them in giant pits D. taking them to sanitary landfills E. burning the wastes at the site (home, school, factory, etc.) |
My Answer: B
Correct Answer: D Reasoning: Sanitary landfills are the most common and popular way to dispose of wastes in the United States. I did not know any of this. |
83. Three "environmentally friendly" methods of dealing with waste disposal are to reuse, reduce, and recycle. Which of the following choices places these methods in order of increasing amount of energy required for that particular process?
A. reuse < reduce < recycle B. reuse < recycle < reduce C. Recycle < reduce < reuse D. Recycle < reuse < reduce E. Reduce < reuse < recycle |
My Answer: B
Correct Answer: E Reasoning: I can't believe I got this one wrong, the saying was everywhere. But yeah, reduce, reuse, and recycle is the right order that shows them in order from increasing amount of energy required. |
84. A group of workers at nuclear plant received an acute exposure of radiation. This means
A. The workers received a high dosage of radiation over a long time period B. The workers received a high dosage of radiation in a very short time period C. The workers received a low dosage of radiation over a long time period D. The workers received a low dosage of radiation over a short time period E. The workers received a lethal dosage of radiation |
My Answer: C
Correct Answer: B Reasoning: An acute exposure refers to a single exposure to a harmful substance that results in severe biological harm or death, thus choice answer b makes the most sense. |
85. A laboratory was testing the effectiveness of a new insecticide. The laboratory determined the LD50 dosage level for rats was 150 milligrams per kilogram of body mass. Base don this information, which of the following statements would be most accurate?
A. 50/100 rats receiving 300 milligrams of the new insecticide per kilogram of body mass would die B. 50/100 rats receiving 150 milligrams of the new insecticide per kilogram of body mass would die C. Any amount more than 150 milligrams of the new insecticide per kilogram of body mass would be lethal to humans D. Out of the 100 rats tested, 50 of them would be perfectly normal with no ill-effects and 50 of them would eventually die from the new insecticide E. 50% of any population of organism would die if given more than 150 milligrams of the new insecticide |
My Answer: E
Correct Answer: B Reasoning: The median lethal dose of a toxin, radiation, or pathogen is the dose required to kill half of the members of a tested population after a specified test duration. I knew this, I just got it wrong. |
87. Which point represents the threshold?
A. A B. B C. C D. D E. E |
My Answer: E
Correct Answer: C Reasoning: The first point along the graph where a response above zero is reached is referred to as a threshold dose. For most drugs, the desired effects are found at doses slightly greater than the threshold dose. At higher doses, undesired side effects appear and grow stronger as the dose increases. The Threshold dose is point C. |
88. Of the indoor pollutants that are listed below, which one has the highest total health care costs, affects the most people, and cause the most deaths?
A. asbestos B. radon C. smog D. cigarette smoke E. ozone |
My Answer: A
Correct Answer: D Reasoning: Cigarette smoke causes about half a million deaths a year in the United States and represents about 1 of every 5 deaths. This also makes sense so i guess cigarette smoke is the right answer. |
89. DDT, a synthetic agricultural pesticide, was very effective in reducing incidents of malaria but caused shell thinning in certain species of birds. particularly birds of prey such as the bald eagle,brown pelican, peregrine falcon,and osprey. Based only upon shell thinning, DDT would be classified as what type of hazardous waste?
A. neurotoxin B. carcinogen C. teratogen D. mutagen E. endocrine disrupter |
My Answer: B
Correct Answer: E Reasoning: Endocrine disruptors are substances that interfere with the synthesis, secretion,, transport, binding, action, or elimination of natural hormones in the body that are responsible for development, behavior, fertility, and maintenance of homeostasis. DDT is somehow related to this and it says it's right so I guess it's right. |
90. The most common and generally considered one of the most effective methods of disposing of hazardous wastes is to
A. Incinerate the waste at a high temperature B. Entrap the waste in a surface impoundment C. Dispose of waste in a sanitary landfill D. Dispose of waste in a hazardous waste landfill E. Dispose the waste in injection wells |
My Answer: C
Correct Answer: D Reasoning: I don't know why this is the right answer because I don't know anything about this and the explanation isn't very clear so I still need help learning this. |
91. Which of the following acts addresses and regulates the disposal of hazardous wastes?
A. Hazardous Waste Control Act B. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) C. Toxic Substance Control Act D. Comprehensive Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)-Superfund E. Pollution Prevention Act |
My Answer: A
Correct Answer: B Reasoning: Congress enacted the RCRA in 1976 to address the increasing problems the nation faced from its growing volume of municipal and industrial waste. It amended the Solid Wast Disposal Act of 1965. Honestly A sounds like it makes more sense. |
93. Currently, the gas contributing most to stratospheric ozone breakdown is
A. Chloroflourocarbons used in air conditioners B. Carbon tetrachloride used as an industrial solvent and in fire extinguishers C. Methyl chloroform used as a solvent for adhesives, for metal degreasing, and in textile processing D. methyl bromide used as fumigant E. Nitrous oxide released from livestock manure, sewage treatment, and industrial processes |
My Answer: A
Correct Answer: E Reasoning: Nitrous oxide emissions from human activities are more than twice as high as the next leading ozone-depleting gas. It's emitted from natural sources and as a by-product of agricultural fertilization, livestock manure, sewage treatment, and other industrial processes. |
95. Which of the following was instrumental in significantly reducing the production of chlorofluorocarbons?
A. Clean Air Act B. Montreal Protocol C. Kyoto Protocol D. National Environmental Policy Act E. Toxic Substances Control Act |
My Answer: E
Correct Answer: B Reasoning: The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion such as chloroflourocarbons. |
96. The majority of the natural greenhouse effect is due to which gas listed below?
A. Carbon dioxide B. Chloroflourocarbons C. Water Vapor D. Nitrous Oxide E. Methane |
My Answer: A
Correct Answer: C Reasoning: Water vapor is the most important contributor to the greenhouse effect. There is much more water vapor than carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. |
97. Which of the following factors are primary reasons why sea levels is rising?
I. Thermal expansion of the oceans II. More frequent rain and flooding III. Melting of sea ice IV. Melting of land-based ice A. I and III B. II and IV C. III and IV D. I and IV E. I, II, III, and IV |
My Answer: C
Correct Answer: D Reasoning: Global sea level rose at an average rate of about 3.5 mm per year since 1993 to 2009. The reason behind the sea level rising is the thermal expansion of the oceans and the melting of sea ice. |
98. Which countries listed below have stated they would not agree to any further reductions in greenhouse gas emissions under an updated Kyoto Protocol (Doha Amendment) set to expire in 2020?
I. Canada II. China III. Japan IV. Russia V. United States A. II only B. II and V C. II, III, and IV D. I, III, IV, and V E. I, II, III, IV, and V |
My Answer: B
Correct Answer: D Reasoning: The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty that commits countries to reduce greenhouse gases emissions based on the premise that global warming exists ad man-made CO2 emissions have caused it. |
99. The two greatest threats to a species’ survival are generally considered to be
I. Lack of food II. Pollution III. Poaching IV. Invasive species V. Loss of habitat A. I and II B. II and IV C. I and V D. III and IV E. IV and V |
My Answer: C
Correct Answer: E Reasoning: Most scientists believe that invasive species or the introduction of non-native species into regions never before occupied by the species and the loss of habitat or the destruction or splitting up of a once continuous habitat are the primary threats to a species' survival. |
100. Which international agreement has been helpful in protecting endangered animals and plants by listing those species and products whose international trade is controlled?
A. Endangered Species Act B. CITES C. Fish and Wildlife Act D. National Environmental Policy Act E. International Treaty on Endangered and Threatened Species |
My Answer: A
Correct Answer: B Reasoning: CITES is an international agreement between governments whose aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. |