question

Uranium mining and milling can result in waste that contains gamma radiation.

answer

True

question

All reactors contain a core of fuel, a moderator to control the rate of the reaction, and a cooling mechanism.

answer

True

question

Nuclear power will probably continue to be a part of energy production, particularly in countries that lack fossil-fuel reserves.

answer

True

question

Nuclear fusion is the process whereby two lightweight atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus.

answer

True

question

Low-level nuclear waste includes the cooling water from nuclear reactors.

answer

True

question

Uranium mining and milling can result in waste that contains gamma radiation.

answer

True

question

High grade uranium ore with a high percentage of uranium by weight is a naturally occurring substance.

answer

False

question

Most experts feel that the best solution for permanent disposal of high-level nuclear waste is to bury it in a stable geologic formation.

answer

True

question

The Department of Energy has contracted the management and responsibility of contaminated government nuclear weapon sites to private contractors.

answer

False

question

Nuclear power plants produce too much carbon dioxide and therefore contribute to global climate change.

answer

False

question

Pellets of U-235 are sealed in metal fuel rods which are then used in nuclear reactors.

answer

Trues

question

Nuclear fission is the splitting of electrons in the outer shell of an atom.

answer

False

question

Background radiation in many countries increased after the Chernobyl explosion.

answer

True

question

The nuclear power industry has had little trouble disposing of high-level nuclear waste due to recent technology.

answer

False

question

Each step in the nuclear fuel cycle poses a radiation exposure problem.

answer

True

question

The International Atomic Energy Agency forecasts that the total installed nuclear capacity in 2015 will be 50% greater than what it was in 2000.

answer

False

question

Ecosystems have not been significantly influenced by people in virtually all parts of the world.

answer

False

question

The introduction of exotic species into a freshwater ecosystem generally increases the population of the native species.

answer

False

question

Due to isolation there is a high degree of endemism in species occupying river systems.

answer

True

question

Early human induced extinction was most likely due to over-hunting.

answer

True

question

As the human population increases extinction rates also increase.

answer

True

question

The World Conservation Union estimates that about 30 percent of birds and 15 percent of plants are threatened by competition from exotic species.

answer

True

question

A species with a low reproductive rate is more likely to become extinct than one with a high reproductive rate.

answer

True

question

Humans have changed ecosystems more rapidly and extensively in the last 50 years than in any other period.

answer

True

question

If trees are removed from a streamside, the water is likely to become warmer.

answer

True

question

Cutting small, as opposed to large, areas of a forest can prevent erosion of the soil by wind and water.

answer

True

question

High genetic diversity means that almost all of the individuals of a population have the same characteristics.

answer

False

question

As the human population increases extinction rates also increase.

answer

True

question

In 2005 a major study called the "Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Synthesis Report" (MA) was published.

answer

True

question

Ecosystems have not been significantly influenced by people in virtually all parts of the world.

answer

False

question

Early human induced extinction was most likely due to over-hunting.

answer

True

question

The World Conservation Union estimates that about 30 percent of birds and 15 percent of plants are threatened by competition from exotic species.

answer

True

question

There is very little that a person can do to help control the spread of exotic species.

answer

False

question

Due to isolation there is a high degree of endemism in species occupying river systems.

answer

True

question

Some remote areas of the world have been changed very little by humans.

answer

True

question

Erosion of unvegetated land adjacent to lakes and rivers causes siltation.

answer

True

question

Large populations have less genetic diversity than small populations.

answer

False

question

Grazing of arid and semiarid lands provides little value or food to the people of that area.

answer

False

question

Due to isolation there is a high degree of endemism in species occupying river systems.

answer

True

question

Urban sprawl is the construction of similar residential units over large areas.

answer

False

question

The way we plan the physical layout, or land use, of our communities is fundamental to sustainability.

answer

True

question

When land is zoned, it is designated for specific commercial use.

answer

False

question

Problems associated with unplanned urban growth include air pollution and loss of farm land.

answer

True

question

As towns became larger, surrounding farmland became suburbia.

answer

True

question

Much of the human population is migrating from the central city to the suburbs.

answer

True

question

Mass transit is economically feasible only along heavily populated routes.

answer

True

question

Land and landscape are considered natural resources.

answer

True

question

The way we plan the physical layout, or land use, of our communities is fundamental to sustainability.

answer

True

question

Historical forces that shaped land use in North America had an important impact on our waterways.

answer

True

question

Most scientists agree that no real need for land-use planning exists.

answer

False

question

It is considered unfair and unfeasible for the U.S. government to allocate and regulate the lands they control for recreation.

answer

False

question

People in North America spend comparatively small amounts of money on leisure-time activities and services.

answer

False

question

Deforestation is a major source of the greenhouse gases that cause global warming.

answer

True

question

Most major cities are located away from rivers, lakes, or the ocean.

answer

False

question

Water pollution is not a problem associated with unplanned urban growth.

answer

False

question

Current city taxation policies encourage residential development on farmland.

answer

True

question

As a result of unplanned development, floodplains and wetlands are often mismanaged.

answer

True

question

Most major cities are located away from rivers, lakes, or the ocean.

answer

False

question

Urban sprawl has increased society's dependence on oil and the automobile.

answer

True

question

River bottoms and delta regions have a very deep topsoil layer.

answer

True

question

Soil is a mixture of minerals, organic material, living organisms, air, and water.

answer

True

question

Forest soils typically have a deep A horizon and shallow B horizon.

answer

False

question

Loam soil is primarily clay with small amounts of sand and silt.

answer

False

question

Misuse of land reduces its soil fertility and causes air- and water-quality problems.

answer

True

question

Land that can not be cultivated will not be productive for other uses.

answer

False

question

Oxidation and hydrolysis can chemically alter parent material.

answer

True

question

Most roots grow down to the C horizon.

answer

False

question

Depletion of soil fertility is a major cause of low per capita food production in Africa.

answer

True

question

The mineral portion of the soil consists of humus, duff, and the roots of plants.

answer

False

question

Physical, chemical, and biological factors contribute to soil formation.

answer

True

question

Humus is not important to soil fertility.

answer

False

question

Topsoil contains mineralized parent material and inorganic material.

answer

False

question

Grassland soils usually have a shallow A horizon and a deep B horizon.

answer

False

question

Most roots grow down to the C horizon.

answer

False

question

Soil quality management can enhance organic matter, manage pests, and prevent soil compaction.

answer

True

question

Desert soils have very poorly developed horizons.

answer

True

question

Fragmentation of soil particles occurs from freezing and thawing of water within soil pores and cracks.

answer

True

question

Soil structure refers to the way various soil particles clump together.

answer

True

question

Most plants grow well in very acid soils.

answer

False

question

Waterways with little vegetation generally increase erosion.

answer

True

question

By keeping the ground covered, bare soil will not be protected from wind and water erosion.

answer

False

question

Terracing, waterways, and windbreaks can help reduce soil erosion.

answer

True

question

Which of the following a typically a pioneer organism to colonize the surface of bare rocks?

answer

True

question

Polyculture is a process where different species of plants are grown together in the same place at the same time.

answer

True

question

Currently the cost of pesticides far exceeds the profit from crops produced.

answer

False

question

Fertilizers do not alter soil characteristics.

answer

False

question

Most of the world's food supply is grown on small slash-and-burn garden plots.

answer

False

question

Tilling the soil can reduce weeds.

answer

True

question

When vegetation is burned on a site, it releases nutrients that are tied up in the biomass.

answer

True

question

A perfect pesticide kills or inhibits the growth of nontarget organisms as well as target organisms.

answer

False

question

The perfect pesticide should have a short half-life.

answer

True

question

Europe, England, and Canada account for over two-thirds of all biotechnology crops planted globally.

answer

False

question

Organic farming uses legumes to add nitrogen to the soil.

answer

True

question

Biotechnology techniques are used to insert genes from species to another.

answer

True

question

Persistent pesticides are more toxic than nonpersistent pesticides and must be handled with greater care.

answer

False

question

Major problems with monoculture include plant disease, pests, and soil depletion.

answer

True

question

Mechanized agriculture is typical of undeveloped tropical regions.

answer

False

question

Mechanized agriculture has substituted the labor of humans with energy stored in petroleum products.

answer

True

question

Selective plant breeding is a new concept.

answer

False

question

Persistent pesticides decompose quickly and present less of an environmental hazard.

answer

False

question

"Biotech" crops include soybeans, canola, corn, and cotton.

answer

True

question

Genetically modified (GM) foods are also sometimes called "super foods."

answer

True

question

In some respects, fertilizer can be used to replace human labor.

answer

True

question

Monoculture farming is the best method to use to prevent soil erosion.

answer

False

question

In the United States, and estimated 60% of processed foods contain GM ingredients.

answer

True

question

Oxygen depletion can cause increased decomposition of organic matter.

answer

False

question

Water is a solvent that can dissolve and carry substances, such as nutrients and domestic waste.

answer

True

question

The largest consumptive use of water is for municipal drinking water.

answer

False

question

A major source of water pollution is municipal sewage.

answer

True

question

The Environmental Protection Agency helps regulate water uses in the United Kingdom.

answer

False

question

Shorelands and wetlands are inadequate as buffers and filters for polluted water.

answer

False

question

Approximately 15% of bottled water is actually processed tap water.

answer

True

question

Lead found in drinking water is the leading cause of lead exposure.

answer

False

question

Cooling ponds and cooling towers are methods of controlling thermal pollution.

answer

True

question

Temperature change in water can alter the kinds and number of plants and animals.

answer

True

question

Land use has an impact in how water infiltrates and on surface runoff.

answer

True

question

Marine oil pollution is a type of water pollution.

answer

True

question

The amount of runoff and evaporation is directly related to land use.

answer

False

question

Protected forested watersheds help to maintain a steady flow of drinking water to many areas.

answer

True

question

Water moves through a cycle referred to as the "water yield cycle."

answer

False

question

Treated wastewater that meets federal and state standards drinking water standards is diverted for municipal drinking water for human consumption.

answer

False

question

Activated sludge sewage treatment is a type of primary wastewater treatment.

answer

False

question

Water diversion is part of the water-use planning process.

answer

True

question

An influx of organic compounds containing nitrogen and phosphorus into aquatic environments can cause an increase in aquatic plant and algae growth.

answer

True

question

The energy needed to drive the hydrologic cycle is provided by the sun

answer

True

question

The U.S. Federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 requires all federal agencies to consider the wild, scenic, or recreational value of rivers when planning river or adjacent land use.

answer

False

question

Shortages of potable water can be attributed chiefly to natural, physical processes.

answer

False

question

Water that infiltrates the soil and is stored underground is called runoff.

answer

False

question

"Water stress" is a situation in which disruptive water shortages can frequently occur.

answer

True

question

Agricultural runoff and mine drainage are examples of point sources of pollution.

answer

True

question

Las Vegas, Nevada, has seen a great increase in the demand for water since it is one of the fastest growing regions in the U.S.

answer

True

question

Air can generally not accept and or disperse significant amounts of pollutants.

answer

True

question

Newer, energy efficient homes have cleaner air quality than older, less efficient homes.

answer

False

question

A large source of carbon monoxide is smoking tobacco.

answer

True

question

The stratosphere is a wind current that blows from west to east.

answer

False

question

Radon gas may cause lung cancer if exposure is prolonged at high concentrations.

answer

True

question

There are many positive actions that have improved air quality.

answer

True

question

Scientists have agreed that human activity is causing the climate to get warmer.

answer

True

question

Melting of arctic sea ice might influence survival of polar bear populations.

answer

True

question

Ozone, when found close to the surface of the Earth, is a pollutant.

answer

True

question

Ozone is formed when photochemical smog reacts with sunlight.

answer

True

question

As a waterbody becomes more acidic, many aquatic species fail to reproduce.

answer

True

question

Most of the phosphorus entering Lake Champlain comes from nonpoint sources.

answer

True

question

Motor vehicle emissions are not a major source of air pollution.

answer

False

question

Recently, Russia and the U.S. ratified the Kyoto Protocol.

answer

False

question

Loss of calcium ions from soil may be a major problem associated with acid rain.

answer

True

question

The EPA has specifically identified and classified 188 substances that are hazardous air pollutants.

answer

False

question

Acid rain is caused by the emission of chlorofluorocarbons into the atmosphere.

answer

False

question

NASA has determined that Arctic sea ice is not melting any faster than today than in previous decades.

answer

False

question

Carbon monoxide is produced when organic materials are incompletely burned.

answer

True

question

An example of source reduction is making a product lightweight.

answer

True

question

Future waste management will require only recycling and reduction, and no incineration or landfills.

answer

False

question

There are both benefits and drawbacks to recycling.

answer

True

question

The number of incinerators has declined over the past several decades.

answer

True

question

One of the main problems associated with mining is water pollution.

answer

True

question

Agricultural waste is the most common form of solid waste.

answer

False

question

Nations with high standards of living and productivity tend to have less municipal solid waste per person than less developed countries.

answer

False

question

In a modern landfill, the "cell" is sealed when it is filled and the adjacent groundwater is continuously monitored.

answer

True

question

Municipal composting is a modern type of landfill.

answer

False

question

About 65 percent of the waste generated is handled through recycling.

answer

False

question

The current problem with recycling is the inability to mix different plastics.

answer

True

question

The primary means of municipal solid waste disposal is incineration.

answer

False

question

Landfills have historically been the secondary method of waste disposal.

answer

False

question

New York City recently closed its Fresh Kills Landfill on Staten Island, thus ending the life of the world's largest landfill.

answer

True

question

Windrow composting is a process whereby compostable materials are fed into an environmentally controlled enclosed structure and allowed to decompose over time.

answer

False

question

In 2004, 30% of municipal solid waste was recycled.

answer

True

question

The primary risk from incineration is the risk of contaminants leaching from the ash.

answer

False

question

Japan recycles more of its waste than the U.S.

answer

True

question

Mass burn technology uses unprocessed municipal solid waste to generate heat which is used to produce electricity.

answer

True

question

International voluntary standards such as ISO and ASTM have been recently employed to "go beyond compliance" to produce less hazardous waste.

answer

True

question

Nearly all substances are toxic at some level of concentration or in sufficiently high doses.

answer

True

question

Groundwater contamination is relatively simple to treat with today's "pump and treat" technology.

answer

False

question

Biodegradation is the process of using microorganisms to convert hazardous chemicals into innocuous substances.

answer

True

question

Corrosiveness and ignitability are two characteristics of a hazardous substance.

answer

True

question

There are economic and environmental reasons for practicing P2 methods.

answer

True

question

The most serious environmental effect from hazardous waste disposal is air pollution.

answer

False

question

Superfund is also known as RCRA.

answer

False

question

Although some materials may be harmless as a separate compound, they may become highly toxic once mixed with another compound.

answer

True

question

The CED is also known as the Commission on for Electronics Disposal and is a campus sustainability initiative to reduce the amount of electronic wastes that enter landfills from the University of British Columbia.

answer

False

question

The U.S. Army's green bullet was designed to reduce lead in the soil and air around firing ranges.

answer

True

question

Superfund was intended to identify and clean-up hazardous waste sites throughout the world.

answer

False

question

Upwards of 97 percent of the parts of electronics or e-wastes can be recycled.

answer

True

question

The federal government is the principal participant in the cleanup of hazardous-waste sites.

answer

True

question

Source reduction is the preferred "last resort" for pollution prevention.

answer

False

question

An example of synergism is the toxic effects felt by a uranium miner who also smokes tobacco.

answer

True

question

Polychlorinated biphenyls are toxic but will not burn, explode, or corrode other materials.

answer

True

question

]One massive dose of a toxic substance is chronic toxicity while exposure to several small doses is acute toxicity.

answer

False

question

The international Organization of Standardization (ISO) was established to ensure that products share uniform characteristics no matter where they are made.

answer

True

question

The goal of the College and University President's Climate Committee is to encourage college and universities to make a commitment to reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions.

answer

False

question

We are progressing from an environmental paradigm based on command and control to one including assessment, anticipation and avoidance.

answer

True

question

Public policy is the general principle by which government branches are guided in the management of public affairs.

answer

True

question

In recent years, a new class of sector/issue-specific "green" certification programs has emerged.

answer

False

question

Governance is the set of institutions we normally associate with political authority.

answer

False

question

Environmental politics is also called "green politics."

answer

True

question

In the 1992 election, the environment was a major campaign issue.

answer

True

question

The International Court at the Hague in the Netherlands has the authority to pass environmental laws.

answer

False

question

One of the ways in which the Principles for Responsible Investment can promote a future for green investment is to encourage a global network of investors to support sustainable market practices and policies in order to gain long-term investment returns.

answer

False

question

The U.S. Constitution has a specific section addressing the right to a clean and healthy environment.

answer

True

question

It is not possible to separate politics and the environment.

answer

True

question

A 1992 survey revealed that most Americans preferred a federal government less actively involved in environmental protection.

answer

False

question

The first Earth Day was held on April 20, 1990.

answer

False

question

In the mid-1980s, the Reagan administration reversed many of the environmental policies developed in the 1970s.

answer

True

question

The number of nongovernmental environmental organizations is growing in the developing countries of the Southern Hemisphere.

answer

True

question

The largest number of adherents to the "wise-use" movement are found in the Northeastern states.

answer

False

question

Environmental issues, like religion, are easy to separate from political issues.

answer

True

Ecology and Environmental Science Final True or False – Flashcards

Unlock all answers in this set

Haven't found what you were looking for?

Search for samples, answers to your questions and flashcards