Question 1

A small island located far from the mainland is being studied for its biodiversity. According to the theory of island biogeography, which of the following is the most likely outcome for this island compared to a large, nearby island?

Accepted Answer

It will have lower species richness and higher extinction rates.

Question 2

A forest is fragmented by the construction of a highway, creating more 'edge' habitat. Which of the following is a likely ecological consequence for specialist species?

Accepted Answer

Specialist species will decline because they require core, undisturbed habitat.

Question 3

A dose-response experiment finds that the LD50 for a pesticide in rats is 50 mg/kg. What does this value represent?

Accepted Answer

The dose at which 50% of the rats die.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes biomagnification?

Accepted Answer

The increase in toxin concentration as it moves up the food chain.

Question 5

A city is considering approving a new chemical for use in agriculture. Applying the Precautionary Principle, what should the city do?

Accepted Answer

Delay approval until there is reasonable evidence that the chemical is safe.

Question 6

A farmer over-pumps water from an unconfined aquifer. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The water table will drop, potentially causing wells to run dry.

Question 7

A lake receives excess fertilizer runoff from nearby farms. Which sequence best describes the process of eutrophication?

Accepted Answer

Increased nutrients → algal bloom → oxygen depletion → fish die-off

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of non-point source pollution?

Accepted Answer

Fertilizer runoff from multiple agricultural fields.

Question 9

During an El Niño event, what typically happens to upwelling along the west coast of South America, and what is the ecological consequence?

Accepted Answer

Upwelling decreases, reducing nutrient availability and lowering fish populations.

Question 10

Which equation best represents the Greenhouse Effect as it relates to Earth's energy balance?

Accepted Answer

$$E_{absorbed} + E_{re-emitted} = E_{out}$$

Question 11

Which of the following is a positive feedback loop that accelerates Arctic warming?

Accepted Answer

Melting ice decreases albedo, causing more solar absorption and further warming.

Question 12

A city experiences a thermal inversion. What is the most likely environmental consequence?

Accepted Answer

Pollutants are trapped near the ground, worsening air quality.

Question 13

Which of the following best distinguishes 'good' ozone from 'bad' ozone?

Accepted Answer

'Good' ozone is in the stratosphere, absorbing UV; 'bad' ozone is in the troposphere, causing smog.

Question 14

Which of the following energy sources has the highest Energy Returned on Investment (EROI) under typical conditions?

Accepted Answer

Conventional oil

Question 15

A city is evaluating waste management strategies. According to the waste hierarchy, which option should be prioritized?

Accepted Answer

Source reduction

Question 16

Which of the following best explains the 'intermittency' challenge associated with wind and solar energy?

Accepted Answer

They produce energy only when the wind blows or the sun shines.

Question 17

A landfill is being designed to minimize environmental impact. Which of the following features is most critical for preventing groundwater contamination?

Accepted Answer

A clay or synthetic liner beneath the landfill

Question 18

A prescribed burn is conducted in a fire-adapted forest ecosystem. What is a likely ecological benefit of this management strategy?

Accepted Answer

It reduces accumulated fuel, lowering the risk of severe wildfires.

Question 19

A selection system is used in forestry management. Which of the following best describes this approach?

Accepted Answer

Only mature or select trees are harvested, maintaining continuous forest cover.

Question 20

A toxicologist traces the movement of mercury in an aquatic ecosystem. Which of the following best describes the process of bioaccumulation?

Accepted Answer

Mercury concentrations increase in a single fish over its lifetime.

Ecology, Environmental Systems, and Human Impact: Study Guide for Modules 5-8 (Chapters 11, 12, 14-22)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards