Ecology Final – Flashcards

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CHAPTER 10 The Hanford plutonium and uranium production facility
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was responsible for one of the largest and most complex environmental cleanup sites in the United States.
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Which of the following best matches the description? Energy that travels through space in the form of waves or particles
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radiation
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As of 2006 there were ____ nuclear power plants under construction in eleven countries
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24
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Which of the following best matches the description? Radiation consisting of electrons released from the nuclei of many fissionable atoms.
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beta radiation
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Which one of the following processes involves increasing the U-235 content of the ore from 0.7% to 3%?
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enrichment
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Radioactive waste from the Hanford Plant in Washington leaked 150 square miles into
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soil, sediment, groundwater, and air
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Radioactive waste is categorized in _____ general categories
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4
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Which of the following is NOT a form of energy released from nuclear disintegration?
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delta
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Which of the following best matches the description? Material that absorbs the energy from neutrons released by fission
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moderator
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Waste that consists primarily of various isotopes of plutonium is referred to as
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transuranic waste
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Which of the following is NOT a source of radioactivity from uranium mine tailings?
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None of these are correct
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In which of the following does carbon dioxide serve as coolant for a graphite-moderated core?
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gas-cooled reactor
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Which of the following best matches the description? Type of reactor that uses ordinary water as a coolant.
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light-water reactor
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Which of the following best matches the description? Waste consisting of various isotopes of plutonium.
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transuranic waste
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Which of the following best matches the description? Naturally occurring radioactive isotope used in nuclear reactors
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U-235
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Uranium mining and milling waste contains low levels of
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radioactive materials
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__________ is a controversial location proposed as a repository for long-term storage of nuclear waste in the United States.
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Carlsbad, New Mexico
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Which of the following best matches the description? Type of reactor that uses the hydrogen isotope, deuterium, in the coolant water
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heavy-water reactor
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Public acceptance of nuclear power plants has been declining because of expensive
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cleanup costs
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Current development and construction of nuclear power plants is occurring mostly in
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Asia
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The first controlled nuclear chain reaction occurred at Stag Field in Chicago in 1942 which lead directly to
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atomic bombs being dropped on Japan
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How much of the heat generated in a nuclear power plant is waste heat?
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two-thirds
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Decommissioning involves which of the following?
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All of these are correct
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Biological effects of ionizing radiation include
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All of these are correct
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As fission occurs in a nuclear reactor the concentration of U-235 atoms
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decreases
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Which of the following best matches the description? Type of electromagnetic radiation that comes from disintegrating atomic nuclei.
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gamma radiation
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Which of the following best matches the description? Fission reactor designed to produce radioactive fuel from nonradioactive uranium
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nuclear breeder reactor
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What radioactive isotope is generally used to fuel a controlled nuclear chain reaction?
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uranium 235
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Choose the correct sequence of steps in the nuclear fuel cycle
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fabrication, enrichment, reprocessing
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Which of the following is NOT a form of energy released from nuclear disintegration
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delta
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Which of the following best matches the description? Waste heat that industry generates.
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thermal pollution
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Which of the following cancers is strongly linked to increased radiation exposure?
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leukemia
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Which of the following best matches the description? Radiation consisting of electrons released from the nuclei of many fissionable atoms
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beta radiation
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Which of the following best matches the description? Radiation consisting of a particle with two neutrons and two protons
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alpha radiation
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Which of the following best matches the description? Decomposition of an atom's nucleus with the release of energy.
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nuclear fission
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Which of the following best matches the description? Type of electromagnetic radiation that comes from disintegrating atomic nuclei
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gamma radiation
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Which of the following best matches the description? Type of reactor that uses ordinary water as a coolant
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light-water reactor
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Which of the following reactors produces heat and a new supply of the radioactive isotope, Pu-239?
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boiling-water reactor
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Which of the following best matches the description? Decontamination and disassembly of a nuclear power plant.
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decommissioning
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All nuclear reactors contain all of the following EXCEPT
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a cooling mechanism
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Choose the correct sequence of steps in the nuclear fuel cycle.
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fabrication, enrichment, reprocessing
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CHAPTER 11 Waterfowl present special wildlife management problems because
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they are migratory
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Many migratory waterfowl
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mate in Canada and winter in Mexico
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The number one cause of extinction is
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habitat fragmentation and loss
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The Endangered Species Act of 1973
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gave the federal government jurisdiction over any species that were designated as endangered
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The productivity of ecosystems depends on policy choices relating to
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All of these are correct.
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Which of the following is an example of a species that is not likely to become extinct soon?
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rabbits
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Salmon introduction in the Great Lakes has brought in millions of dollars from sportfishing, yet environmentally it has
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decreased native fish populations and disrupted spawning
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The reduced size of the California condor population is thought to have been caused by
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the extinction of large Ice Age mammals
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Over the past few hundred years, humans have increased the species extinction rate by as much as
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1000 times
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Waterfowl present special wildlife management problems because
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they are migratory
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Which of the following best matches the description? Term used to describe all of the different types of genes, species, and ecosystems in a particular region.
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biodiversity
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World fish harvests have remained constant since 1989 which indicates
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fisheries have been exploited to their capacity.
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Which of the following best matches the description? Those species that are present in such small numbers that they are in jeopardy of becoming extinct.
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endangered species
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What happened to private landowners who had northern spotted owls nesting in their forests when the owl was declared a threatened species?
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The landowners were not allowed to cut any of their trees and sued for compensation.
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A biodiversity hotspot is
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an area where the most endangered habitats are found.
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What invasive species is an external parasite of lake trout and decimated populations for more than 20 years?
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lamprey
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Which of the following best matches the description? Process of changing the natural community to encourage the increase in populations of certain desirable species.
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habitat management
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Which of the following causes desertification?
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overgrazing and cutting of trees for firewood
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Impact to ecosystems from human activity has sometimes been referred to as
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Engineered ecologies.
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Which of the following best matches the description? Forest harvesting method in which patches of trees are clear-cut among patches of timber that are uncut.
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patchwork clear-cutting
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Genetic diversity is influenced by which of the following?
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All of these are correct
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Environmental impacts from freshwater aquaculture include
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nutrient overload and escape of exotic species
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Which of the following best matches the description? Process of replanting an area after the original trees are removed
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reforestation
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Species are more likely to become extinct if they
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have both a low population density and reproductive rate.
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The taxonomic group that displays the greatest biodiversity is
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insects
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Which of the following best matches the description? Those species that are present in such small numbers that they are in jeopardy of becoming extinct
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endangered species
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Which of the following best matches the description? Term used to describe all of the different types of species in a particular region
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species diversity
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Which of the following best matches the description? Set of physical features that conceals and protects animals from the elements or their enemies
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cover
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Which of the following is considered to be a biodiversity hotspot?
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All of these are correct.
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Complete extinction occurs when
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all individuals of a species are eliminated
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Extinction of a species in one area of its range is called
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local extinction
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Sport hunting seasons are regulated to the fall so that
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surplus animals are taken before the challenges of winter
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Which of the following best matches the description? Those species that could become extinct if a critical factor in their environment were changed.
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threatened species
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Which harvesting method allows cutting of mature trees without damaging the forest?
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selective harvesting
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Chapter 12 Mass transportation systems are often underfunded because they are
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Only often crowded and uncomfortable and extremely expensive are correct.
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Which of the following best matches the description? Process in which land is designated for a specific use
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zoning
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Which of the following best matches the description? Lowland area on either side of a river
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floodplain
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Which state has been very successful in controlling the negative impacts of urban growth?
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Hawaii
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Which three developing countries have a city where the population is expected to grow more than 50% by 2015?
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India, Nigeria, and Pakistan
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What is one mechanism used by states to encourage regional planning that results in environmental protection?
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land-use regulations
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Which of the following best matches the description? Development along transportation routes.
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ribbon sprawl
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Characteristics of a smart or sustainable community may include
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Both promoting economic success and seeking to protect and enhance the environment are true.
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Early towns were usually built
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near rivers, lakes, and oceans.
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One way in which the Davis Student Center Building at the University of Vermont obtained certification in green design was by the use of
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a green roof to reduce electricity usage.
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Which of the following best matches the description? Areas that include swamps, tidal marshes, and estuaries
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wetlands
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Development along transportation routes is referred to as
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ribbon sprawl.
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Mass transportation systems are often underfunded because they are
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Only often crowded and uncomfortable and extremely expensive are correct
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Which of the following best matches the description? Lowland area on either side of a river.
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floodplain
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Which of the following did NOT contribute to sprawl?
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Planners do not allow building on floodplains.
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A sustainable community seeks to protect and enhance the environment by
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valuing and protecting the diversity of nature
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Characteristics of high-performance green buildings are
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All of these are correct
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What is the major problem in planning urban recreation facilities?
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location near residential areas
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In the United States, what is one of the major uses of public land?
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outdoor recreation
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A(n) ________________ is an effective tool for promoting efficient land use and establishing boundaries for development.
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urban growth limit
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Which of the following encouraged suburban growth?
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rising automobile usage
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Large-scale migration to cities was caused by which of the following?
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All of these are correct
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Which of the following is a goal of urban transportation planning?
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None of these are correct
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Which of the following best matches the description? Process in which land is designated for a specific use.
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zoning
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Which of the following best matches the description? Construction of an orderly list of priorities for the use of available land
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land-use planning
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Which of the following best matches the description? Designations that restrict future building in floodplains
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floodplain zoning
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Dairy farms and traffic noise are examples of
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aesthetic pollution
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What is an example of a negative impact of urban sprawl in the United States?
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deteriorating infrastructure, poor schools, and a lack of affordable housing in inner city areas
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Which of the following best matches the description? Large, regional urban center
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megalopolis
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Since 1940, the use of mass transit in North America has
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declined
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The 1872 Mining Law allows
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anyone to prospect for and claim minerals on public lands for $5.00.
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The United Nations projects that by 2008 the urban population will make up over ______ of the total Earth's population
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½
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What percentage of U.S. federal recreational lands is designated as wilderness?
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10
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Which of the following best matches the description? Construction of similar residential units over large areas
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tract development
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The leading conflict over recreational land use occurs because
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None of these are correct
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An example of a local growth management action would be
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to establish growth limits by restricting building permits
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Chapter 13 Which of the following best matches the description? Physical and chemical breakdown of materials involved in the breakdown of parent material into soil.
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weathering
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Which of the following best matches the description? Level area constructed on steep slopes for agricultural purposes
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terrace
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What region of the world has the highest percent of soil degraded by human activity?
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Asia
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Which of the following is NOT a physical process affecting break down of parent material?
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drought
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Which soil profile contains material leached from other horizons?
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B
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Which of the following best matches the description? Horizontal layer of soil
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horizon
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Soil building begins with the physical fragmentation of layers of rock known as
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parent material
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Which of the following is NOT an example of an initiative instituted by the U.S. Government in the 1930s in response to the drought and soil depletion of the Great Plains?
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The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
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Soil compaction
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reduces the amount of air, water, and space available to roots
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The primary purpose of conservation tillage is to
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reduce the number of times a field is plowed
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What percent of the U.S. cropland requires no soil conservation practices?
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2%
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Which of the following do plants need to live?
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All of these are correct
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Decaying organic material is called
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humus
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Which of the following best matches the description? Series of layers seen as one digs down into soil
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soil profile
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Which farming practice(s) reduce soil erosion?
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contour farming and terracing
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By avoiding excessive tillage, soil quality is enhanced by
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minimizing loss of organic matter
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Soil conservation or quality management practices include
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contour and strip farming
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What is the importance of humus?
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It decreases pH
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Which of the following best matches the description? Movement of minerals from the A horizon to the B horizon
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leaching
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Which term describes the movement of large plates on the surface of the Earth?
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plate tectonics
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In regions with _______, basic ions are leached from the soil and more acidic materials are left behind
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high rainfall
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Soil quality management components include
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enhancing organic matter
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Which of the following best matches the description? The size of the particles that make up soil
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soil texture
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__________ increases the decomposition rate of organic matter
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High temperatures
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Which of the following a typically a pioneer organism to colonize the surface of bare rocks?
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lichens
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Which of the following best matches the description? A thin flowing layer of the Earth just below the mantle
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asthenosphere
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Two processes which chemically alter parent material are
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oxidation and hydrolysis
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Land unsuitable for crops may be used for which of the following?
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All of these are correct
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Land has characteristics that influence how it can be used, including
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soil, climate, and degree of slope
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Which of the following does NOT determine soil fertility?
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diversity of invertebrates
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Which of the following best matches the description? Physical and chemical breakdown of materials involved in the breakdown of parent material into soil.
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weathering
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Which horizon has the highest amount of organic matter?
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A
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Which of the following best matches the description? Planting of trees to prevent wind erosion
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windbreak
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Which of the following best matches the description? Soil type with good drainage and texture that is ideal for agriculture
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loam
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_________ is added to soils to make them less acidic
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Lime
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Chapter 14 Pesticide resistance is
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pesticide tolerant individuals who survive and reproduce, which makes the pesticide less effective for future pest generations.
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Which group of countries has refused to buy genetically modified grains from the United States?
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EU
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Which of the following best matches the description? Pesticide designed to kill mice, rats, and related organisms.
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rodenticide
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Which of the following is a macronutrient?
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nitrogen
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Pesticides that break down quickly in the environment are called
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nonpersistent pesticides.
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Which of the following best matches the description? Kind of chemical that kills many different types of living things
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biocide
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Which of the following best matches the description? Pesticide designed to kill plants
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herbicide
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Chemicals which are released by female insects to attract male insects are called
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pheromones
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Integrated pest management requires
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a complete knowledge of the pest's life history.
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Which of the following best matches the description? Pesticide that remains unchanged for a long period of time
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persistent pesticide
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DDT is an example of a(n)
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insecticide
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The future of technology for producing agricultural products more efficiently and economically hold promise in several ways, including
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improving the nutritional quality foods.
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Beneficial insects are used in agriculture because they
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prey on pest insects.
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Which of the following best matches the description? Nutrient that is required by plants in relatively large amounts
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macronutrient
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Genetically modified organisms are created by
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inserting pieces of DNA, which will result in pest or disease resistance in a crop.
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Which of the following best matches the description? Plant hormone that stimulates growth
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auxin
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Which of the following best matches the description? An unwanted plant
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weed
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Organophosphates and carbamates work by
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interfering with an insect's nervous system.
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The price and availability of chemical fertilizers is strongly influenced by
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the price of oil on the world market.
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Which is a typical method used by organic farmers to control pests?
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predator or beneficial insects such as the ladybug (ladybird beetle)
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Which of the following best matches the description? Pesticide designed to kill plants.
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herbicide
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Which of the following is NOT a reason to add a food additive?
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deter insects
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Which of the following best matches the description? Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
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macronutrients
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Integrated pest management requires
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a complete knowledge of the pest's life history.
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Slash-and-burn practices contribute primarily to what environmental problem?
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deforestation
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Genetically modified (GM) foods have been called
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frankenfoods
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Which of the following best matches the description? Plant hormone that stimulates growth.
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auxin
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Sustainable agriculture utilizes methods that
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do not deplete soil, water, air, or wildlife resources.
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People that oppose the use of GMOs argue that
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no long-term studies have been done to ensure safety.
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Advocates of GMOs argue that
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this method offers promise for solving world hunger problems by increasing crop production.
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Pesticide resistance is
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pesticide tolerant individuals who survive and reproduce, which makes the pesticide less effective for future pest generations.
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Which of the following best matches the description? Chemical produced by one animal that changes the behavior of another
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pheromone
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Which of the following is NOT a problem associated with pesticides?
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increased soil erosion
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A genetically modified organism has had one or more
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genes altered
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What accounts for the increased productivity of the U.S. over Brazil in small grain production?
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fertilizer
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Which of the following best matches the description? Boron, zinc, and manganese
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micronutrients
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Which of the following best matches the description? Pesticide consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine
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chlorinated hydrocarbon
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Increased crop yields in the U.S. are the result of
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All of these are correct.
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Which of the following best matches the description? Nutrient needed in extremely small amounts for plant growth
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micronutrient
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Which of the following best matches the description? Pesticide that persists for a long period of time
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hard pesticide
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Pesticides that break down quickly in the environment are called
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nonpersistent pesticides.
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Which of the following best matches the description? Pesticide consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine.
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chlorinated hydrocarbon
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Chapter 15 Water intended for human consumption is referred to as
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drinking water
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Which of the following best matches the description? Aquifer that is bound on the top and bottom by confining layers
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confined aquifer
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What two activities use the most water for a typical North American family of four?
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lawns and toilets
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Plants in natural wetlands are able to remove _______ if sufficient river miles are undisturbed.
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nutrients
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Which of these is a common contaminant of drinking water?
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nitrates from fertilizer and manures
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Which of the following is a source of groundwater pollution?
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agricultural runoff
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Worldwide, the top use of water is for
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agriculture
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Which of the following best matches the description? Pollution from a single pipe or series of pipes
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point source
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Which of the following is NOT a problem associated with groundwater mining?
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loss of wildlife habitat
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Most large urban areas depend on which of the following for their water supply?
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groundwater
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The major consumptive use of water in most parts of the world is for
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agricultural use
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Which of the following accounts for two-thirds of all human-caused marine oil pollution?
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All of these are correct
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Which of the following best matches the description? Removal of water from an aquifer faster than it is replaced
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water table
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In the United States, Las Vegas Nevada is one of the fastest growing population centers and this has resulted in
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Both an increase in demand for water and forcing the city to look for water farther away are correct
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Which of the following is a source of groundwater contamination?
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All of these are correct
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Which nutrient(s) stimulates algae and aquatic plant growth?
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nitrates and phosphates
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In the United States and Europe, the top use of water is for
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industry
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Which of the following best matches the description? Underground tank into which sewage is pumped
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septic tank
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Water intended for human consumption is referred to as
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drinking water
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The vegetable basket of the United States in central California has what water problem?
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groundwater depletion
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Which of the following removes larger particles from sewage by screening or settling?
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primary sewage treatment
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Which of the following best matches the description? Pollution from a single pipe or series of pipes.
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point source
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The largest watershed in the world is the
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Amazon
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Which of the following best matches the description? Use of a stream's water flow for such purposes as hydroelectric power
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in-stream uses
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What two land uses result in substantial wetland loss in the United States?
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urban development and agriculture
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The process by which the Earth's water cleanses itself through solar evaporation, precipitation, and infiltration is called
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hydrologic cycle
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Which of the following best matches the description? An impermeable layer in an artesian aquifer
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aquiclude
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In the United States, two agencies set the drinking water standards... one of which is the
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Food and Drug Administration
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Which of the following best matches the description? A permeable layer in an artesian aquifer
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aquitard
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The porous layer where water accumulates in the ground is called a(n)
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aquifer
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Eutrophication occurs when
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nutrient increase causes excessive plant growth
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Water lost through the leaves of plants is called
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evapotranspiration
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The upper surface of shallow groundwater is called a(n)
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water table
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The term used to indicate processes that remove chemicals and pathogens from water is
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purified
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Water supplies are distributed
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unequally around the world
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Which of the following best matches the description? Diffuse pollutants, such as agricultural runoff that are not from a single source
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nonpoint source
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The fastest growing drink of choice in many parts of the world is
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bottled water
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Worldwide, what two agricultural practices result in contamination of water?
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fertilizer and pesticide use
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Unpolluted freshwater supplies are known as
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potable waters
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Which of the following best matches the description? Pressurized aquifer intersecting the surface from which water gushes without being pumped
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artesian aquifer
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Which of the following best matches the description? Aquifer that usually occurs near the land's surface
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unconfined aquifer
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Worldwide, there is a relationship between the price of water and the amount consumed as the price
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increases and water use decreases
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Water is the most important "good" provided by freshwater systems for human uses such as
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All of these are correct
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Which of the following best matches the description? Pond created to hold liquid materials
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surface impoundment
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Which of the following best matches the description? Physical process of transferring water from one area to another
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water diversion
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Which of the following involves the removal of phosphorous and nitrogen from sewage?
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tertiary sewage treatment
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Chapter 16 Industrial dust and ash are considered
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particulates
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Even with the use of catalytic converters, nitrogen dioxide levels have not decreased significantly in the United States because of
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an increased number of cars and miles driven
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Which of the following best matches the description? Yellowish-brown haze that is the result of the interaction of hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen, and sunlight
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photochemical smog
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The greatest percentage of the Earth's atmosphere is composed of
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nitrogen
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What is the source of radon?
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uranium 238
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What is the name given to the accumulation of acid-forming particles on a surface?
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acid deposition
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Lead levels fell by 94% in North America between 1982 and 2002 due to the
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elimination of leaded gasoline
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Gas caps with air pollution control valves
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reduce hydrocarbon loss
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Who ultimately pays for the changes mandated by the 1990 Clean Air Act?
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consumers
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Which of the following best matches the description? Molecule consisting of three atoms of oxygen
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ozone
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Which of the following best matches the description? Small pieces of solid material that are dispersed into the atmosphere
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particulates
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In general, air quality in the United States over the past 30 years has
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improved except for nitrogen dioxide emission
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The Clean Air Act
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set national ambient air quality standards for six pollutants
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The main activity of the U.N. initiated Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is
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to provide regular intervals of assessments of climate change knowledge
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Which of the following best matches the description? Gas emitted from certain kinds of rocks
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radon
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Industrial dust and ash are considered
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particulates
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Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?
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It binds with hemoglobin, reducing the blood's oxygen carry-capacity
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The Ozone Multilateral Fund
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provides financial assistance to businesses to become CFC free
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The decline in arctic sea ice may be contributed to
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Both climate change and naturally occurring climate variability could be true
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The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for enforcing the Clean Air Act to
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reduce emissions of sulfur and nitrogen compounds
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Which of the following best matches the description? Air pollutant consisting of nitrogen and oxygen compounds
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oxides of nitrogen
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Scrubbers, precipitators, and filters
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reduce particulate pollution
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The role of ozone in the atmosphere is to
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shield the Earth from radiation from ultraviolet light
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The chief source of chlorofluorocarbons in the environment is
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All of these are correct
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Which of the following is not included in the energy policy initiatives of Germany to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions
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All of the above are correct
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One group of compounds produced by humans that are minor components of greenhouse gas are collectively called
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CFCs
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Which of these is listed by EPA as a criteria air pollutant?
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carbon monoxide
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The Kyoto Protocol was an international agreement to
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set limits on carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases
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Releasing pollutants into the air does not get rid of them but only
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dilutes and disperses them
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The major causes of water pollution in Louisiana are nutrients, sediment, and microorganisms. Which stakeholder group will be most affected by needed changes to make rivers fishable and swimmable?
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farmers
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Photochemical smog forms when _________ and ________ are trapped by a thermal inversion and form ozone
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hydrocarbons; oxides of nitrogen
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The principal framework for national, state, tribal, and local efforts to protect air quality in the U.S. is found in
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the Clean Air Act
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The number of smog days in the top ten most polluted cities has
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decreased to below 2 per year by 2000
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Nitrous oxides enter the atmosphere from fossil fuels and ___________.
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fertilizers
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Which of the following best matches the description? Accumulation of potential acid-forming particles on a surface
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acid deposition
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Deaths from air pollutants occur primarily among
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All of these are correct
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Ground level ozone is
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a significant source of air pollution and contributes to the formation of smog
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Which of the following best matches the description? Types of unmodified materials released into the atmosphere
answer
primary air pollutants
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Condition in which warm air is sandwiched between two layers of cold air
answer
thermal inversion
question
One of the ways in which Mexico City has improved air quality was to
answer
to eliminate lead from gasoline, require catalytic converters on all automobiles, and to improve public transportation
question
Which of the following chemicals is implicated in both global warming and ozone depletion?
answer
chlorofluorocarbons
question
One of the IPCC reports provided much of the technical information which led to
answer
the Kyoto Protocol
question
Which of the following is NOT a conclusion reached by the IPCC regarding global warming?
answer
There is a direct correlation between temperature increase and the amount of greenhouse gases
question
The amount of lead released into the atmosphere
answer
has declined since the introduction of lead free gasoline
question
Sulfur dioxide levels in the United States have _____ since 1970
answer
decreased by 30%
question
A common source of volatile organic compounds is
answer
vehicles
question
Which of the following is not included in the energy policy initiatives of Germany to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions?
answer
All of the above are correct
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Pollutants produced by the interaction of primary pollutants and an energy source
answer
secondary air pollutants
question
Which of the following is an adverse health effect from air pollution?
answer
All of these are correct
question
Particulate matter is a dangerous pollutant because it
answer
irritates the lining of the respiratory tract
question
Chapter 17 The greatest source of waste material today is
answer
yard waste
question
In the mass burn technique,
answer
water is heated and the steam drives a turbine to generate electricity
question
Waste prevention is also known as
answer
source reduction
question
The purpose of state "bottle bills" is
answer
to reduce the amount of one-time-use beverage containers
question
Which of the following statements regarding the impact of landfills on water is correct?
answer
Landfills should have 2 or more liners along with a leachate collection system above and between liners
question
In a modern landfill, the water that leaches from the site
answer
is pumped into a leachate treatment system
question
Which of the following best matches the description? The notion that our economy demands ritualistic buying and use of goods
answer
forced consumption
question
Which of the following best matches the description? A type of incineration of solid waste
answer
mass burn
question
Which of the following is NOT a method of waste disposal?
answer
secondary recovery
question
Which of the following is a problem with solid waste disposal?
answer
All of these are correct
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Method of disposing of solid waste by burning
answer
incineration
question
In Ireland, the Environment Minister launched a program to tax plastic bags called
answer
plastax
question
Which countries account for 80-90% of the hazardous waste generated worldwide?
answer
OECD countries
question
Which of the following is NOT a method of source reduction?
answer
use of PCV valves
question
One effect of the 1972 Oregon Bottle Bill was that
answer
beverage-container litter decreased by about 49 percent
question
Which of the following is NOT a thermoplastic?
answer
None of these are correct
question
Agricultural waste is the _____ most common form of waste.
answer
second
question
The management of municipal solid waste is directly affected by
answer
All of these are correct
question
The selection of a modern landfill site is based on
answer
All of these are correct.
question
Which of the following best matches the description? An area used for the containment of solid wastes
answer
municipal landfill
question
Mining waste is generated in _____ primary ways.
answer
three
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Waste produced by the residents of a community
answer
municipal solid waste
question
In addition to keeping wastes from entering a landfill, composting also
answer
All of these are correct
question
Future management of municipal solid waste will be an integrated approach involving
answer
All of these are correct
question
The greatest source of waste material today is
answer
yard waste
question
The United States and ________ are among the world's leaders in waste production.
answer
Canada
question
Approximately ______ municipal solid waste landfills in the United States combust landfill gas to generate heat and electricity.
answer
400
question
The major problem with recycling plastics is
answer
the inability to mix plastics
question
The establishment of a recycling exchange on the Chicago Board of Trade allows
answer
consumers and producers to participate in an efficient recyclable materials market
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Syndrome in which there is local opposition to the location of landfills and other sources of pollution
answer
NIMBY
question
Landfills today are usually referred to as
answer
sanitary landfills
question
In Arizona, how is the recycling partnership between the city of Flagstaff and Northern Arizona University helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 1,128 metric tons per year?
answer
by using recycled water from the municipal wastewater treatment plant to maintain and irrigate landscaping
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Term used to describe a product which is used once and thrown away
answer
disposable
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Organic material used to cover soil
answer
mulch
question
In which method of composting are compostables formed into long rows and aerated?
answer
windrow composting
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Reducing the amount of solid waste generated by using less
answer
source reduction
question
Chapter 18 Which of the following is an issue involved in setting regulations?
answer
All of these are correct
question
EPA considers two categories for determining hazardous wastes, which include
answer
Both listed wastes and characteristic wastes are true
question
Examples of hazardous substances include
answer
arsenic, lead, mercury, and chloroform
question
CERCLA is also known as the
answer
Superfund
question
In the U.S., "command and control" of governmental regulation began in the early 1970s with the creation of
answer
the EPA
question
New environmentally friendly green bullets will soon be used by the U.S. Army because the old bullets
answer
contained lead
question
Which of the following is NOT part of the pollution prevention hierarchy?
answer
discharge into rivers and streams
question
Which of the following addresses dump sites requiring urgent attention?
answer
National Priority List
question
Which of the following hazardous waste management methods uses carbon absorption tanks?
answer
treatment
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Listing of hazardous-waste dump sites requiring urgent attention
answer
National Priority List
question
Which of the following is a type of hazardous waste disposal on land?
answer
All of these are correct
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Ability to degrade standard materials
answer
corrosiveness
question
Which country leads the world in hazardous waste generation?
answer
United States
question
Which countries account for 80-90% of the hazardous waste generated worldwide?
answer
OECD countries
question
The preferred pollution prevention technique offered by the EPA is
answer
source reduction
question
Which of the following best matches the description? The 1976 law that specifically addressed the issue of hazardous waste
answer
RCRA
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Common name for CERCLA, which was designed to address hazardous waste sites
answer
Superfund
question
What percent of Superfund sites have been cleaned-up in the United States?
answer
50%
question
Which of the following terms describes the tendency of a substance to explode?
answer
reactivity
question
Which of the following is an issue involved in setting regulations?
answer
All of these are correct
question
Many states now ban the disposal of household computer screens in landfills and incinerators because
answer
they contain large amounts of lead, cadmium, and mercury
question
The "cradle-to-grave" concept is outlined in
answer
RCRA
question
The high number of physical and mental disorders in Japan in 1953 was caused by
answer
mercury poisoning
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Minimum amount of something required to cause measurable effects
answer
threshold levels
question
Which of the following is considered a persistent pollutant?
answer
DDT
question
ASTM International developed voluntary consensus standards for environmental site assessments known as
answer
Phase I ESA
question
Which of the following is NOT an objective of CERCLA?
answer
closing down the Superfund
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Characteristic of materials that results in their ability to combus
answer
ignitability
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Measure of toxicity or the dosage that will kill 50% of a tested population
answer
LD50
question
Which of the following is on the list of the top twenty hazardous substances?
answer
PCBs
question
Which term describes the level of exposure at which no test animals are affected?
answer
threshold level
question
Which of the following programs deals with the clean-up of hazardous waste sites?
answer
Superfund
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Manufacturing process that would reduce the waste produced
answer
waste minimization
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Characteristic of materials that results in their ability to combust
answer
ignitability
question
The two most common methods of hazardous waste disposal are
answer
incineration and land disposal.
question
Most toxic waste comes from
answer
chemical and petroleum industries
question
The major producers of hazardous waste are
answer
mining companies, power generating companies, and chemical and petrochemical industries
question
Lead poisoning is an example of
answer
chronic toxicity
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Property of materials which can cause danger to human health or the environment
answer
toxicity
question
Which of the following best matches the description? The 1980 law that addressed the issue of cleanup of hazardous waste sites
answer
CERCLA
question
What is the simplest way to deal with hazardous wastes?
answer
reduce, reuse, and recycle
question
The type of chemical most routinely emitted from industrial sources is
answer
carcinogens
question
Which of the following best matches the description? A serious effect that occurs shortly after exposure to a hazardous substance
answer
acute toxicity
question
The Basel Convention
answer
All of these are correct.
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Degree to which material is likely to react vigorously to water or air
answer
reactivity
question
Which of the following best matches the description? A serious effect that occurs after prolonged exposure to small doses of a toxin
answer
chronic toxicity
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Substances that could endanger life if released into the environment
answer
hazardous wastes
question
By-products of industrial or business activities are referred to as
answer
hazardous wastes
question
What is the most commonly released toxic compound?
answer
copper
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Interaction of materials that increases the potential for harm
answer
synergism
question
Examples of hazardous substances include
answer
arsenic, lead, mercury, and chloroform.
question
Chapter 19 Which country has the most well-established Green Party?
answer
West Germany
question
Which of the following is a principle of the Reagan Administration's Council on Environmental Quality?
answer
decentralization of government responsibility for environmental protection
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Portion of U.S. government responsible for development of law
answer
legislative branch
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Portion of U.S. government that includes the court system
answer
judicial branch
question
The 1946 Federal Administrative Procedure Act
answer
designated federal agency procedures for rulemaking and enforcement
question
In the U.S., it is thought that perhaps ____________ concerns and issues will become the political bridge of the future
answer
environmental
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Largest organized demonstration in U.S. history
answer
Earth Day
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Resolution calling for constitutional protection of environmental rights
answer
Environmental Quality Amendment
question
Which of the following is a source of environmental degradation of Eastern Europe?
answer
All of these are correct.
question
Which country has the most well-established Green Party?
answer
West Germany
question
The Copper River delta, near Cordova, Alaska, encompasses the largest continuous _________ on the Pacific Coast of North America
answer
wetland
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Environmental organization not associated with the government
answer
NGO
question
Failure to protect ecosystems contributed to massive loss of life in 2004 when a tsunami swept across the
answer
Indian Ocean
question
The unlawful use of force against environmental resources so as to deprive populations of their benefits or destroy other property is known as
answer
environmental terrorism
question
Which program was born out of the 1972 U.N. Conference in Sweden?
answer
U.N. Environmental Program
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Portion of U.S. government responsible for development of laws
answer
legislative branch
question
The use of eco-labels on products for the promotion of rational consumption of scarce resources is an example of
answer
green consumerism
question
Which of the following best matches the description? U.N. agency which provides assistance to developing nations
answer
World Bank
question
What is the single event that put the environmental movement in gear?
answer
Earth Day
question
An example of eco-terrorism is the
answer
dumping of millions of gallons of crude oil into the Persian Gulf
question
The role of the legislative branch of government is to
answer
None of these are correct.
question
The notion that people have a right to clean air, water, and soil is part of the
answer
Environmental Quality Amendment
question
Which of the following best matches the description? The office of the President of the United States
answer
executive branch
question
Which of the following is true regarding the creation of global agreements?
answer
Government action should be consistent, provide incentives, and be flexible
question
Developing and approving policies, acts, and bills is the job of the
answer
legislative branch
question
Which of the following is NOT accredited with the recent decline in atmospheric CFC levels?
answer
the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas
question
The Commission on Sustainable Development
answer
ensures the high visibility of sustainable development issues within the U.N. system
question
One of the worst environmental catastrophes caused by a natural disaster hit the United States in 2005 when _____________ hit the Gulf of Mexico coast
answer
Hurricane Katrina
question
Of the major environmental groups, which has the largest membership?
answer
National Wildlife Federation
question
Which significant environmental laws were NOT enacted in the 1970s?
answer
Superfund Act
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Planned course of action on a question or a topic
answer
policy
question
Which agency was formed as a result of the 1990 Farm Bill?
answer
Office of Environmental Quality
question
Which of the following best matches the description? Approach in which restrictive and highly specific legislation and regulation are implemented by centralized authorities to achieve narrowly defined ends
answer
command and control
question
The dumping of 1.1 billion liters of oil in the Persian Gulf during the Gulf War is an example of
answer
eco-terrorism
question
Gasoline taxes in the U.S. are ________ than those in the United Kingdom.
answer
less than
question
Of the 770 bird species that migrate to the U.S., over 350 species winter in
answer
Latin America
question
One of the worst environmental catastrophes caused by a natural disaster hit the United States in 2005 when _____________ hit the Gulf of Mexico coast.
answer
Hurricane Katrina
question
One of the worst environmental catastrophes caused by a natural disaster hit the United States in 2005 when _____________ hit the Gulf of Mexico coast.
answer
Hurricane Katrina
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