Questions 1-4 refer to the following methods of solid-waste disposal

and treatment.
(a) Sanitary landfill
(b) Incineration
(c) Discharge to sewers, streams, and river
(d) Chemical treatment
(e) Biological treatment
1. Which method reduces the volume of waste but could release toxic
emissions into the atmosphere?
Answer: B. Its not A because landfills dont release that much
toxic emissions into the atmosphere. Its not C because sewers dont
release toxic emissions or decrease the volume of waste. D and E
arent the answer because they might decrease the overall volume
but they dont release emissions into the atmosphere.
2. Which method is most frequently used in the U.S.A.?
Answer: A. It is not B because there are strict laws enforcing
incineration of waste in the US the same with answer C. Waste
disposal into waterways damages habitats so they are strictly
enforced. Chemical and Biological treatments are only effective on
particular waste and isnt practical at large scales.
3. Which method introduces microorganisms to break down
hazardous organic compounds?
Answer: E. Answers A, B, and C would spread hazardous
organic compounds not break them down. Chemical treatments are
not as effective at breaking down specific organic matter, also they
could be just as hazardous as the organic compounds themselves.
4. Which method would be best suited for neutralizing the acidic
components of waste?
Answer: D. All other answers do not effect the pH of
compounds.
5. The location on the map where the greatest number of people
would be
directly affected by a rise in ocean level would be

(B). Bangladesh is straddling the Tropic of Cancer, and the climate is

tropical with mild winters and hot, humid summers from the months of
March to June. Monsoons affect the area from June to October.
Floods, tropical cyclones, tornadoes and tidal bores can all affect the
country on an every year basis which makes the rise in ocean level
very likely in the area and catastrophic.
6. The location of the greatest remaining natural biodiversity would be
(E) the area of Brazil and the amazon. This area is characterized by
low
elevation Amazon rainforest in the northern region. The Amazon
region is home to 2.5 million insects, tens of thousands of plants and
2000 birds and mammals. It is one to the most specie rich biomes on
the planet.
7.The location where desertification is occurring most rapidly is
(A) the area of central Africa. This area is very arid and has desert
characteristics. The demands of human population and agriculture
has not helped the land either, and low amounts of rainfall causes
desertification in the area to increase.
8. The location where the size of human population is the most stable
would be
(C) China. Chinas population is heavily regulated by the government.
Though it holds 20% of the earths human population, it is very stable
due to a low birthrate and low death rate.
Source:
www.wikipedia.com
Questions 9-12 refer to the following possible relationships between
organisms in an ecosystem.
A. Commensalisms
B. Parasitism
C. Mutualism
D. Predation

E. Competition
9. Exemplified by ticks feeding on a deer.
B, Parasitism because the ticks are harming the deer for its
own gain.
The answer is not A because the deer is harmed.
The answer is not C because only the tick is benefited while the
deer is harmed
The answer is not D because the ticks are not preying upon
and killing the deer.
The answer is not E because the tick and the deer are not
competing with one another
10. Exemplified by starlings displacing bluebirds from nesting sites.
E, Competition because the birds are competing against one
another for nesting sites.
The answer is not A because the bluebirds are harmed
The answer is not B because one isnt leeching off of another
The answer is not C because they are not helping each other
The answer is not D because neither birds are killing and
eating each other
11. Exemplified by bees consuming nectar and carrying pollen from
one flower to another.
C, Mutualism because both are benefiting from the other.
The answer is not A because both are benefiting where as in
commensalisms, only one benefits while the other is neither
harmed nor helped.
The answer is not B because they are not leeching off one
another
The answer is not D because the bees are not killing the
flowers
The answer is not E because the flower and bees are not
competing
12. Exemplified by moss growing on a tree trunk in a forest.
A, Commensalisms because the moss is benefited by being up
on a tree but the tree is not harmed or helped by the moss.

 The answer is not B because the tree is not harmed (depends

on the type of moss)
The answer is not C because the tree has nothing to gain
The answer is not D because the moss isnt preying on the tree
The answer is not E because the moss isnt competing with the
tree

Questions 13-16 refer to the following concepts related to energy.

A. Heat flow
B. Kinetic Energy
C. Potential Energy
D. First law of thermodynamics
E. Second law of Thermodynamics.
13. Matter in motion has energy
B, Kinetic Energy because describes energy in motion.
The answer is not A because it is not talking about heat
The answer is not C because potential energy is when matter is
not yet in motion.
The answer not D because it does not describe the 1 st law
The answer is not E because it does not describe the 2 nd law
14. Energy is transformed from one object to another as the result of
a temperature difference.
A, Heat flow because the state of matter of an object alters as a
result of temperature change.
The answer is not B because it is not describing matter in
motion
The answer is not C because it is not describing potential
energy
The answer not D because the 1st law describes constant
energy
The answer is not E because the 2nd law describes increasing
disorder.

15. An energy transformation occurs and results in increased disorder

E, Second law of Thermodynamics because the 2nd law
describes the increasing entropy or useable energy loss within
a reaction.
The Answer is not A because it is not specifically talking about
heat flow
The answer is not B because kinetic energy describes energy
in motion
The answer is not C because potential energy is potential
energy
The answer is not D because it is not the first law
16. The amount of energy in an isolated system stays constant.
D, The First law of Thermodynamics
The answer is not A because it is not.
The answer is not B because kinetic energy does not describe
how energy stays constant in an isolated system.
The answer is not C because potential energy does not
describe how energy stays constant in an isolated system.
The answer is not E because it is not the 2 nd law.
Questions 17-20
A.Biomass
B. Wind
C. Tidal energy
D. Nuclear fission
E. Sunlight
17. The source that produces long-lived hazardous wastes (D)
18. The source that is converted directly into electrical energy by
photovoltaic cells- (E)
19. The source whose use is a direct cause of deforestation- (A)
20. The source that is not renewable- (D)

Questions 21-24
A. Acidity
B. Turbidity
C. Hardness
D. Dissolved oxygen
E. Salinity
21. Measured on the pH scale- (A)
22. Caused by suspended particulates- (B)
23. Decreased by the breakdown of organic waste-(D)
24. measured by the amount of Ca2+ and Mg2+ (C)
Questions 25-28
A. Carbon dioxide
B. Carbon monoxide
C. Methane
D. Radon
E. Sulfur dioxide

25. Is an important precursor to acid rain- (E)

26. Has a stronger affinity for hemoglobin than oxygen has- (B)
27. Has been implicated as the cause of as much as 15 percent of
lung cancer cases-(D)
28. Is a flammable gas produced by landfills.-(C)
29. Ozone in the stratosphere is important to organisms at Earths
surface because ozone molecules are very strong absorbers of
(A)infrared rays-false; although some infrared rays are absorbed
by the ozone they are not as harmful and important as others
(B)ultraviolet rays-true; UV rays are very harmful to the skin and
can cause cancer which leads to death therefore it is very
important that the stratosphere blocks these out
(C)microwaves-false; this is not blocked out from the stratosphere

(D)visible light rays-false; the stratosphere does not block these

out and they are needed to see
(E)x-rays-false; these are not blocked by the stratosphere
30. Reasons that human populations historically have settled in
floodplains include which of the following?
I.
II.
III.

The soil in floodplains is usually fertile

The terrain in floodplains tends to be flat
Floodplains are close to rivers for transportation

(A)I only
(B)II only
(C)I and II only
(D)II and III only
(E)I, II, and III- this is true because all of the answers are correct
the soil used to be filled with nutrients from the rivers which
would overflow every year, the terrains were flat which were
good for making camp as well as planting food, transportation
by river was the only fast type in historical times because it
helped with trade
31. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 required
all agencies responsible for a major federal project that could
significantly affect the quality of the environment to file which of the
following?
(A)A mitigated negative declaration
(B)A geographic information system report
(C)An environmental impact statement
(D)An agency review
(E)A cost-benefit analysis
32. All of the following are considered toxic metal pollutants EXCEPT
(A) Cadmium - Because it readily reacts with other
elements, cadmium is rarely found in its pure, or elemental,
form but rather coupled with other elements in a variety of
compounds, including some that are extremely toxic.

(B) Chromium - Chromium is a naturally occurring element in

rocks, animals, plants, soil, and volcanic dust and gases. It
is extremely toxic to humans in the form of chromium (VI).
(C) Lead - Soft, malleable, and easy to work with, lead melts
with modest heating, it resists corrosion, and it lasts a long
time. Though it has long been valued for its versatility, it
has been banned from many commercial products because
of its toxic properties.
(D) Mercury - Mercury in the air eventually settles into water
or onto land where it can be washed into water. Once
deposited, certain microorganisms can change it into methyl
mercury, a highly toxic form that builds up in fish, shellfish
and animals that eat fish.
(E) Potassium - A soft, highly or explosively reactive metallic
element that occurs in nature only in compounds and is
found in or converted to a wide variety of salts used
especially in fertilizers and soaps. It has no toxic properties,
thus is not considered a toxic metal pollutant.
33. Which of the following actions would be the most effective in
decreasing acid rain and acid deposition problems?
(A) Using higher smokestacks - This would only decrease the
distance in which the harmful SO2 gases must travel to pollute
the atmosphere and create acid rain. It would do nothing more
than increase acid rain.
(B) Reducing use of fossil fuels - Scientists discovered, and
have confirmed, that sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides
(NOx) are the primary causes of acid rain. In the US, About 2/3
of all SO2 and 1/4 of all NOx comes from electric power

generation that relies on burning fossil fuels like coal. This is

why it would be the most effective in decreasing acid rain.
(C) Developing acid-resistant crops - This would take millions
of tax payers dollars and an infinite amount of time. It would
ultimately be deemed ineffective, as there is no possibility of
such a development occurring in the next few generations.
(D) Adding lime to acidified lakes - As acidified lakes are not
the primary source of acid rain, this would not be the most
effective action one could take.
(E) Relocating power plants to areas of lower population density
- The geographical location of a power plant is not relevant
when relating it to its contribution to acid rain. Whether it is in
rural Ohio, or in the middle of NY City, it is still polluting, and
aiding in the creation of acid rain.
34. In general, which of the following is the best long-term method
of preventing extinctions?
(A) Breeding endangered species in captivity - By putting
species in a controlled environment, they will lose some of their
instincts, and fail to survive when they are released. This
method would not be logical.
(B) Protecting the habitats of endangered species - By protecting
the species habitat, it would reduce the dangers they are
subject to, and encourage reproduction, and healthy
upbringing of young. This is the most logical method.
(C) Paying people not to kill endangered species - This idea
would cost an infinite amount of money which would come at
tax payers expense. The problem in which the species are
encountering may not be hunters. This is extremely illogical.
(D) Providing food to endangered species in the wild - This would
only encourage the species to abandon their instincts and

could actually quicken the rate of their extinction. This method

would fail.
(E) Removing predators from areas that contain endangered
species - This would upset the natural balance, and affect
more than just the threatened species. The entire ecosystem
would be disrupted. This method would not only be illogical,
but illegal.
35. Which of the following is most likely to occur in a forested
region that has been recently clear-cut?
(A) The concentration of nitrates in streams running through the
region will increase - This answer is true since logging
increases the level of fine sediment deposited into streams,
including nitrates.
(B) The average depth of topsoil will increase - This is false
since clear-cutting forested regions results in soil compaction,
displacement of surface mineral soil, and the erosion of the
topmost layer of soil.
(C) The water temperature in streams running through the region
will decrease - This answer is false since logging removes
streamside vegetation, thus, increasing the temperature of the
stream.
(D) Volume of runoff after rains will decrease - This choice
would be incorrect since the likelihood of surface runoffs
increases nearly tenfold with the logging and clear-cutting of
forests.
(E) The frequency of landslides will decrease - This choice
should be eliminated since clear-cutting forested regions
triggers soil erosion, and mass movement.

42. Environmentalists oppose the mining of Antarctic mineral

resources because
(A) territorial claims to Antarctica are unresolved
(B) the existence of valuable mineral deposits in the Antarctic
environment is unlikely.

(C) the Antarctic environment is fragile and extremely vulnerable

to the disturbance that would accompany development.- The
Antarctic environment is fragile and extremely vulnerable to the
disturbance that would accompany development. To obtain the
mineral resources we would be creating a bigger problem for
ourselves, then not having the resources
(D)currently known world reserves of important metals and oil are
considered inexhaustible
(E) the demand for minerals is expected to decline as the worlds
nations become more industrialized
Why the other answers arent correct: Environmentalists do not care
about territiorial claims. We know there are valuable mineral
resources, or else no one would need to mine there and the
environmentalist wouldnt be worried, the government has ways of
obtaining the resources, and as the nations become more
industrialized the demand for mineral resources will increase.
43. Fragmenting one large park or preserve into many small parks
with human habitation in between them is most likely to lead to which
of the following?
A- Reduction in species diversity
B- Stabilization of microclimates
47) Which of the following elements constitutes the highest
percentage of Mass in Earth's crust?
(A) Oxygen-required by most of living organisms in Earth
(B) Aluminum
(C) Carbon
(D) Potassium
(E) Nitrogen
http:// education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele008.html
48) If an incandescent lightbulb used for lighting has an efficiency
rating of 5% , therefore every 1.00 joule of electrical energy
consumed by the bulb , which of the following was produced?
(A) 1.05 joules of light energy
(B) 1.05 joules of heat energy

(C) 0.95 joule of light energy

(D) 0.05 joule of light energy
(E) 0.05 joule of heat energy
49) The ultimate source of energy for terrestrial ecosystems is...
(A) nutrients in the soil
(B) nutrients in vegetation
(C) primary consumers
(D) producers
(E) the Sun only source of food and nutrients to everything
living on earth. Others do not provide photosynthesis.
http://www.texarkanacollege.edu/~mstorey/1408/notes/ecosystem_le
cture_notes.html
50) All of the following gases have been implicated in contributing to
the greenhouse effect EXCEPT...
(A) O2- needed for life to live
(B) CH4
(C) N2 O
(D) CO2
(E) CFC's
http://www.planetpapers.com/Assets/2413.php

51. Countries undergoing rapid population growth include which of

the following?
a) I only Only country I has a rapid population growth because the
bottom of the pyramid where the younger age groups is located is
much larger than the top of the pyramid.
b) II only The percentage of the population of each age group is
almost equal. Therefore, no rapid population growth has occurred.
c) III only The top of the population pyramid is larger than the bottom
of the pyramid. This indicates a decrease in population growth.
d) II and III only Countries II and II do not indicate rapid population
growth

e) I, II, and III Countries II and III do not indicate rapid population
growth.
52. Approximately what percent of the population in Country II is
under age 15?
a) 1% The percentage of population for a single age group of a
single gender is 4% which is much greater than 1%
b) 5% The population percentage of a single gender in one of the
three age groups is 4%. When taking into account the 5 other groups
of gender per age group, the population percentage is easily greater
than 5%.
c) 10% When estimating/adding up the population percentages of
the three age groups under 15 years old, you get a total of about 24%
which is more than 10%.
d) 25% -There are three age groups where the people are under the
age of 15. About 8% of the population is in each of the three age
groups (4%/gender). When adding the three age group percentages,
you get approximately 24%, which is closest to 25%.
e) 50% The total population percentage of the three age groups, 04, 5-9, and 10-14, male and female, total to about 24%, half the value
of this choice.

53. The major reservoirs of nitrogen and sulfur in the biosphere are
correctly identified by which of the following
Nitrogen
Sulfur
A)
B)
C)
D)
e)

Rocks
Rocks
Rocks
Atmosphere
Atmosphere

Rocks
Vegetation
Atmosphere
Rocks
Atmosphere

54. A sample of radio active waste has a half life of 10 years and an
activity level of 2 curies. After how many years will the activity level of
this sample be .25 curie?

A)
10 years
B)
20 years
C) 30 years
D)
40 years
E)
80 years
55) The most abundant gas in the earths atmosphere is
A) Nitrogen-78 %
B) Oxygen- 21%
C) Water Vapor
D) Carbon dioxide- .035%
E) Hydrogen- 29.6%
56. Which of the following would most likely have the greatest impact
on the quality of the natural environment worldwide?
A)
Discovery of new reserves of fossil fuel in coastal area
B)
Increased agricultural production on marginal desert lands
C)
Increased life expectancy in more developed nations
D)
Increased reliance on food from ocean ecosystems
E)
Stabilization or reduction of the size of the human
population - Humans cause the most impact on the natural
environment and the stabilization of humans would improve the
environment

60. Most volcanism in the world is associate with

(A) plate boundaries this is true due to the fact that plate
boundaries are where plates move and shift causing the earth
to form volcanoes; also the ring of fire is on a plate boundary
which is where about 25% of all volcanoes in the world occur.
(B) Midcontinental hot spots- False although there are volcanoes
here each hot spots contains only a single or a few volcanoes,
therefore it is not the place in which MOST volcanoes are

(C) Faulting- false; faulting is not to be confused with fault lines in

which some volcanoes due occur, faulting is one of the least
possible ways in which a volcanoe can occur and it is rarely seen
(D) Aquifer depletion-false; although some researchers believe
that a decrease in water causes volcanoes this has rarely
happened and as of now is not considered a cause for volcanoes
at all
(E) Desertification-false; this is not a cause of volcanoes
61. Compared with people in developing countries, people in
industrialized countries are more likely to eat
(A) beans- false; people in developing countries are more likely to
eat beans b/c they have a good source of protein which is needed
and is found for a very cheap price
(B) beef- correct; developing countries are more of a farming
and agricultural society and do not have enough money and
skill to raise cattle and use it as beef, also industrialized
countries such as the united states are countries in which
beef is a staple of foods.
(C) Corn-false; corn is another crop in which is very easy to grow
for developing countries and is one of the major crops
(D) Rice- false; rice is also very cheap and easy to grow for
developing countries and most industrialized countries do not grow
rice
(E) Wheat-false; wheat is the number one crop to grow in the
world b/c it is very healthy, easy to grow, and cheap, therefore it is
developing countries staple food
62. The current world population is closest to which of the following?
(A) 1 million- false; you know it has to be in the billions and
Jacksonville alone has this many people
(B) 500 million-false; once again it needs to be in the billions and
this is the population of the USA
(C) 1 billion- false; although this is in the billions it is not enough
this is chinas population
(D) 5 billion correct; known as the world of 6 billion this is
the closest answer to the current world population

(E) 20 billion-false; although in the billions this is way to much and

earth would never be able to sustain this many people
63. Which of the following is most likely to result from destruction of
wetlands surrounding a river?
(A) A decrease sediment load in the river false; there would be an
increase in sediments because wetlands collect a lot of sediments
(B) A decreased level of pollutants such as nitrates in the riverfalse; there would be an increase of pollutants because wetlands
hold in pollutants which makes the rivers cleaner
(C) An increased diversity of aquatic species in the river- false;
there would be a decrease of diversity of species because many
animals use the wetlands as their homes and without the wetlands
the animals would not be able to survive
(D) An increase level of oxygen in the river false; it would
probably stay the same
(E) An increased frequency of flooding of the river valleycorrect; there would no longer be wetlands to hold in
moisture and water and prevent from flooding

64. The presence of levels of fecal coliform bacteria in a water source

indicates that the water
(A) is safe to drink- false; water is never safe to drink with bacteria
in it and should contain none
(B) is safe to swim in false; although water can contain some
bacteria to swim in it may not contain
(C) contains too little oxygen to support fish life-false; bacteria
needs oxygen to breed
(D) has been recently chlorinated at a sewage treatment plantfalse; chlorine kills bacteria and therefore there would not be a
high concentration of it
(E) has been contaminated by untreated human or animal
waste-true; Fecal matter is human or animal waste and this forms
fecal coliform bacteria

65. Of the following, which is the most serious immediate problem

associated with sanitary landfills?
(A) Generation of CO2 gas false; this is not an immediate
problem since there is already this gas present in the atmosphere
(B) Leachate contamination of groundwater-true; contaminated
groundwater can get into the water system and then into the
human or animal body and cause very harmful effects even death
(C) Release of disease organisms-false; this is not a problem
associated with landfills at all
(D) Incomplete degradation of wastes-false; although this can
happen it does not immediately harm anything and is not the most
serious problem
(E) Compaction and settling- this is not a problem with landfills
66. Of the following organisms, which occupies the lowest trophic
level?
(A) Spider-false; Second order consumer because it eats other
insects
(B) Deer-true; A First order consumer and herbivore
(C) Lion-false; Higher level consumer eats other animals
(D) Hawk-false; higher level consumer eats rodents
(E) Snake-false; second order consumer eats rodents
67. According to the graph, the increase in CO2 concentration, in
parts per million, between 1970 and 1990 is closest to
(A) 5 ppm This is not correct because the carbon dioxide
concentration begins at about 325 ppm in 1970 and increases to
more than 330 ppm in 1990.
(B) 30 ppm This is correct because the carbon dioxide
concentration begins at about 325 ppm in 1970 and increases to
about 355 ppm in 1990.
(C) 50 ppm This is not correct because the carbon dioxide
concentration begins at about 325 ppm in 1970 and does not
increase all the way to 375 ppm in 1990.
(D) 340 ppm This is not correct because it asks for the increase in
carbon dioxide concentration.

(E) 355 ppm This is not correct because it asks for the increase in
carbon dioxide concentration, not the final value in 1990.
68. Which of the following is most likely a significant cause of the
general trend indicated by the graph?
(A) Reduction of ozone concentrations in the upper atmosphere
This is not correct because it would not lead to an increase in carbon
dioxide concentration.
(B) Reduction in size of polar ice caps This is not correct because it
would not lead to an increase in carbon dioxide concentration.
(C) Increase in energy output of the Sun As far as we know, there
has not been an increase in energy output of the Sun in recent years.
(D) Increase in evaporation of ocean water There has not been an
increase in this evaporation, and it would not lead to a higher
concentration of carbon dioxide.
(E) Increase in consumption of fossil fuels This is correct
because there has been an increase in fossil fuel consumption
in each successive year, and carbon dioxide is a byproduct of
burning fossil fuels.

69. Which of the following most directly explains the periodic

fluctuations of the curve?
(A) Daily variations in air temperature This is not correct because
daily variations would not come in a regular pattern that shows up
over periods of years at a time.
(B) Daily variations in sea levels This is not correct because daily
variations would not come in a regular pattern that shows up over
periods of years at a time.
(C) Seasonal variations in photosynthetic activity This is
correct because seasonal changes would be consistent every
year, and they would effect carbon dioxide concentrations
because CO2 is a byproduct of photosynthesis.
(D) Seasonal variations in ocean water temperature This is not
correct because ocean water temperature has little to no effect on
carbon dioxide concentration.

(E) Seasonal variations in human industrial activity This is not

correct because patterns such as human industrial activity would not
be as regular and consistent as those presented here. It must be a
natural variation.
70. Which of the following is most likely to be the direct result of lack
of genetic diversity in a food crop such as corn?
(A) Decreased kernel size- kernel size does not affect the corns
ability to reproduce and grow.
(B) Decreased potential yield- the potential yield of corn does not help
cause the corn to become extinct.
(C) Decreased dependence on chemical fertilizers- because a
decreased dependency on chemical fertilizers would make the corn
stronger, and a lack of genetic diversity makes it weaker.
(D) Increased susceptibility to plant disease- if corn is more
susceptible to plant diseases, then it will be at a risk of extinction.
(E) Increased resistance to pests- would make the corn stronger, and
a lack of genetic diversity makes it weaker.
http://www.ecobooks.com/books/shatter.htm

71. Which of the following substances is released by CFCs and

catalyzes a chain reaction that breaks down ozone in the upper
atmosphere?
(A) Carbon monoxide- is not released by CFCs and catalyzes a
chain reaction that breaks down ozone in the upper atmosphere.
(B) Carbon dioxide- it is not released by CFCs and catalyzes a chain
reaction that breaks down ozone in the upper atmosphere.
(C) Chlorine- is released by CFCs and catalyzes a chain reaction
that breaks down ozone in the upper atmosphere.
(D) Sulfur dioxide- it is not released by CFCs and catalyzes a chain
reaction that breaks down ozone in the upper atmosphere.
(E) Methane- it is not released by CFCs and catalyzes a chain
reaction that breaks down ozone in the upper atmosphere.
http://www.c-f-c.com/supportdocs/cfcs.htm
72. The major biological source of dissolved oxygen in the ocean
comes from

(A)Decomposition of organic sediments on the ocean floor

(B) Metabolic processes of coral in reefs
(C) Oxidation of sulfur by bacteria in ocean vent communities
(D) Photosynthesis by phytoplankton
(E) Respiration by zooplankton
http://www.duedall.fit.edu/ocn1010/notes03f.htm
73. Overgrazing of public land by privately owned livestock is an
example of the
a) Tragedy of the commons
b) Right of eminent domain
c) Rule of seventy
d) Principle of manifest destiny
e) Swapping of debt for nature
http://visalia.k12.ca.us/teachers/lmiller/classpage/APES/APES
%20Review/Apes_review.htm

74. In contrast to low-level radioactive waste, most high-level

radioactive waste is currently
a) Put into steel drums and dumped into the ocean
b) Incinerated
c) Buried in government landfills
d) Recycled
e) Stored at reactor sites
http://www.nea.fr/html/brief/brief-03.html
75. The main environmental effects of ozone depletion could include
all of the following EXCEPT:
a) lower food-crop production
b) decreased concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere
c) disruption of marine food chains
d) increased incidence of skin cancer
e) reduction of primary productivity in the ocean

All answers except for B are negative effects, which ozone depletion
supplies. Global warming, one effect of ozone depletion, can cause
lower food-crop production because of too-high temperatures, and it
can disrupt marine food chains because of temperature adjustments,
and it can reduce productivity for the same reason. UV rays are also
a common cause of skin cancer, and they are able to shine through
due to a loss of ozone. The correct answer is decreased
concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, because ozone
depletion actually increases this concentration.
76. The primary cause of Earths seasons is the
a) constant tilt of Earths rotational axis with respect to the plane
of its orbit around the sun
b) changing distance of Earth from the Sun at different times of the
year
c) periodic wobbling of Earth on its axis of rotation
d) changing relative positions of Earth, its Moon, and the sun
e) periodic changes in solar energy output
The seasons of earth are caused by the Earths tilt on its orbital
plane. Thus, at any given time during the summer or winter, one part
of the planet is more directly exposed to the rays of the sun. The
other answers are not applicable to season-related science.
77. Elements that cycle in the environment and that also have a
gaseous phase at some point in their cycle include which of the
following?
I. Carbon
II. Phosphorus
III. Sulfur
a) I only
b) II only
c) I and II only
d) I and III only
e) I, II, and III

78. There are various stages in the formation of coal as heat and
pressure are increased and moisture content is decreased. These
stages, in order, are
a) bituminous, peat, lignite, anthracite
b) peat, lignite, bituminous, anthracite
c) peat, lignite, anthracite, bituminous
d) lignite, bituminous, anthracite, peat
e) anthracite, bituminous, peat, lignite
Peat is the first stage of coal formation. As peat is up to 90%
moisture, water loss is essential in the conversion of peat into lignite,
the lowest rank of coal. Lignite is then converted by dehydrogenation
and methanogenesis to sub-bituminous coal. Further
dehydrogenation reactions, removing progressively more methane
and higher hydrocarbon gases such as ethane and propane create
bituminous coal and, when this process is complete at submetamorphic conditions, anthracite and graphite are formed.

79. Which of following correctly orders the methods of solid-waste

management in terms of energy required?
(A) Reuse Recycle
Reduce
(B) Recycle
Reuse
Reduce
(C) Recycle
Reduce
Reuse
(D) Reduce
Reuse
Recycle
(E) Reduce
Recycle
Reuse
http://www.sierraclub.org/policy/conservation/municipalsolidwaste.as
p
80. Although ozone in the stratosphere has been decreasing in
recent years, ozone near Earths surface is on the increase. The
ozone near the surface is undesirable because it
(A) absorbs ultraviolet light
(B) has a different chemical structure than stratospheric ozone
(C) reacts with hydrocarbons to form CFSs

(D) is a strong oxidant and a respiratory irritant

(E) accelerates rates of photosynthesis in plants
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/MediaAlerts/2001/20010
2074505.html
81. In models of global warming, the most important factor
contributing to an increase in sea level is
(A) thermal expansion of the oceans
(B) increased precipitation
(C) decreased evaporation
(D) subsurface ocean cooling
(E) growth of the polar ice caps
http://www.grida.no/climate/vital/19.htm
82. Which of the following best explains why DDT has been found in
penguin eggs in the Antarctic?
(A) Chemicals used in one region of Earth can circulate in the
biosphere and affect organisms in a distant region.
(B) The large number of penguins in Antarctica has resulted in a
depletion of their preferred foods.
(C) Although DDT is toxic to adult birds, it has no effect on
developing embryos.
(D) Chemicals like DDT are volatile and eventually make their way to
the ozone layer.
(E) Because penguins incubate their eggs on land, the eggs are
exposed to DDT.
http://www.morning-earth.org/Graphic-E/BIOSPHERE/Biosindex.html
83. Of the following, which is the best example of a point source of
water pollution?
(A) Factory effluent
(B) Storm water
(C) Acid precipitation
(D) Agricultural runoff
(E) Residential pesticide runoff
http://www.umich.edu/~gs265/society/waterpollution.htm

84. Approximately what percentage of the water on Earth is

freshwater (liquid and solid)?
(A) 75%
(B) 25%
(C) 2.5%
(D) 0.25%
(E) 0.025%
http://www.wvs.state.wv.us/wvoes/WV_Disaster_Library/Library/Envir
onmental/Water%20Fact%20sheet.htm
85. The graph above shows how seed production in a plant species
varied with population density in an unfragmented habitat (site A) and
in a fragmented habitat (site B). Which of the following conclusions is
best supported by the data?
(A) There is no relationship between seed production and habitat
fragmentation.
(B) Seed production is higher in dense populations.
(C) Seed production is lower in dense populations.
(D) Habitat fragmentation has more effect on seed production
that does population density.
(E) Pollinators are either less abundant or less effective in small
populations.
86. The land on a 100-acre farm is equally suited for grazing cattle
and growing corn. Of the following ways of distributing land use,
which would produce the greatest number of calories for human
consumption?
a. 100 acres cattle; 0 acres corn
b. 80 acres cattle; 20 acres corn
c. 50 acres cattle; 50 acres corn
d. 20 acres cattle; 80 acres corn
e. 0 acres cattle; 100 acres corn
Correct because corn produces the most calories per acre.

Calories per acre of corn: 3,124,240

Calories per acre of cattle: 130,000
<http://www.rootsweb.com/~neresour/OLLibrary/Journals/ncia/pages/
ncia0125.htm>

87. Road construction, logging, and mining are banned in which of

the following federal lands?
a. National Parks
b. national wildlife refuges
c. national forests
d. National wilderness preservation areas-Correct because the
National Wilderness Act of 1964 protected wilderness preserves.
e. National resource lands
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Wilderness_Preservation_Syste
m
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Wilderness_Preservation_Syst
em
88. Which of the following best describes the mechanism of the
greenhouse effect in Earths atmosphere?
a. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is absorbed by ozone gas in the
stratosphere.
b. gamma radiation from the Sun is absorbed at ground level by dust
particles in the atmosphere.
c. Infrared radiation from Earths surface is absorbed by gases
in the atmosphere.-Correct because it deals with infrared which
causes the greenhouse effect.

d. Cosmic radiation from deep space is absorbed by gases in the

atmosphere
e. Alpha radiation from the Sun is absorbed by water vapor in the
atmosphere
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_effect
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_effect>
89. In a human population undergoing the demographic transition,
which of the following generally decreases first?
a. Birth rate-correct because it deals with birth rate.
b. Death rate
c. Average family size
d. Life expectancy
e. Level of education
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographic_transition
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographic_transition>
90. Which of the following not only results from greenhouse warming
but also contributes to additional warming of Earth (i.e., is a
positive feedback process)?
(A) Increased emissions of particulates and aerosol from industrial
activity-. Increased emissions does not result from greenhouse
warming.
(B) Increased volcanic activity.
(C) Decreased air temperature and subsequent formation of
clouds- Air temperature is increasing not decreasing
(D) Decreased incidence of sunspot activity- More sunspots
means a higher temperature and greater effect on warming.
Therefore, decreased activity is wrong
(E) Decreased size of snowpack
http://www.ace.mmu.ac.uk/Resources/gcc/2-6-3.html

91. Which of the following is an inorganic compound?

A. Ethanol
B. Benzene
C. Table Salt
D. Sucrose
E. Propane
Inorganic compounds do not have carbon-carbon or carbonhydrogen bonds, while organic compounds have carbon atoms.
Table salt, or NaCl, does not contain carbon atoms, therefore it
is inorganic. All the other compounds are organic. Source:
wikipedia

92. High rates of species extinction caused by human activities have

taken place at which of the following times in Earths history?
I. At the end of the Permian period
II. At the end of the Cretaceous period
III. During recent times
A. I only
B. II only
C. III only
D. I and II only
E. I, II, and III
I and II are both false. There were high rates of extinction at
both times. However, neither were caused by human activities.
III is true. Source: wikipedia

93. The amount of sediment deposited at the mouth of a river system

is likely to be increased by the presence upstream of which of the
following?
I. Artificial levees and embankments
II. Dams
III. Extensive natural wetlands
A. I only
B. II only
C. III only
D. I and II
E. II and III
94. El Nino, a periodic warming of ocean surface waters, occurs in
which of the following regions?
(A) Tropical East Pacific- is correct because El Nino is defined as
the appearance of warm surface water in areas located in the eastern
Pacific Ocean off the coast of Peru and Ecuador.
(B) Gulf of Mexico- is wrong because it does not have the necessary
heat patterns or correlations between El Nino and climactic
anomalies.
(C) Arctic North Pacific- is wrong because it is a cold water region
(D) Temperate West Atlantic- is wrong because the sea surface
temperature is not high enough
(E) Tropical Indian Ocean95. In the removal of pollutant from wastewater, which of the
following is true of the cost per unit of pollutant removed?
(A) It decreases as the toxicity of the pollutant increases- is wrong
because the decrease in toxicity would not cause a problem therefore
it would not raise the price.
(B)It decreases as the time passed before remediation increases- is
wrong because over time remediation will not dispose of all the
pollutant
(C) It increases as the concentration of the pollutant decreasesis correct because the less concentration there is the more the

pollutant is focused in one area therefore making removal of it easier

because they only need to focus on one area.
(D) It increases is wrong because as the volume decreases so does
the cost because there is less pollutant to remove
(E) Tropical Indian Ocean- is wrong because the concentration or
increase/decrease does affect the cost.
96. In the United States, the largest single component of municipal
solid waste is?
(A) It decreases as the toxicity of the pollutant increases- is wrong
because glass can be melted down and/or shattered into pieces and
is not widely used as other products.
(B) Paper
(C) Food Scraps-wrong
(D) wood and other construction debris- is wrong because wood can
be burned or used for other appliances like furniture or paper
(E) plastic- is wrong because plastics can be reused and recycled
97. Which of the following countries has the largest coal reserves?
(A) Saudi Arabia
(B) China-correct
(C) Indian- is wrong because it is covered in deserts there is no place
for coal mines to form
(D)France- is wrong because the environment would not support the
development of a large number of coal mines
(E)Japan- is wrong because it is and island and the environment is
not suitable for coal mines
98. Which of the following will result in accelerated eutrophication
when introduced into streams, lakes, and bays?
(A) Bacteria and Viruses
(B) Pesticides
(C) Herbicides
(D)Phosphates- High concentrations of phosphates are often
responsible for accelerated eutrophication in lakes, streams, etc.
Eutrophication can lead to algal blooms, fish kills, foul odors, and
excessive weed growth.

(E) Acid wastes and salts

99.The two major processes involved in the carbon cycle are:
(A) weathering and erosion
(B)Photosynthesis and Respiration- Plants absorb CO2 from the
atmosphere during photosynthesis and release CO2 back in to the
atmosphere during respiration.
(C) evaporation and transpiration
(D) erosion and deposition
(E) fixation and denitrification
100. Which of the following procedures would be best for remediating
the effects of soil salinization?
(A) Application of broad spectrum biocides to kill microorganisms
(B) Application of superphosphate to increase soil fertility
(C) Addition of clay to increase soil water-holding capacity
(D) Addition of large amounts of water to leach out salts
(E) Addition of lime to raise soil PH

Free Response 4
a. Two federal laws or regulations that apply to this situation are the
Wilderness Act and the Endangered Species Act. The Wilderness Act
established a national wilderness preservation system and it officially
defined "wilderness". The Endangered Species Act identifies
endangered, threatened, and vulnerable species. It regulates
commercial and recreational activities involving these species.
b. There are positive and negative consequences if the Fremont
City council votes to preserve the wooded area. The primary positive
consequence is that the birds' habitat would not be destroyed by
construction of the single-family housing. The primary negative

consequence is that the Fremont City Council would need to make a

choice on where to place the new housing. They would end up
moving the new housing to the eastern portion of the city.
b. The long term effects on the environment would be that the birds
are protected. However, due to the location of Route 76, the area
would still become polluted because the road goes straight through
the wooded area. The long term effects on the economy would be
that more families are moving into the Fremont town and using more
resources. The long term recreational effects would be that there
would be more land available to camp on provided that the campers
ensure to abide by environmental park laws.
b. The short term effects on the environment are that the area
would receive publicity and would become more respected as a
community that cares for the and animals. A short term effect on the
economy is a lack of new housing for families. A short term effect on
recreation is that the citizens would be temporarily blocked off from
using the land.
c. A compromise could be set so that the plan protects the land and
the birds, plus provide a place for urban expansion. The Fremont City
Council could declare the land as protected and set up funding to
watch the birds' health. The new housing should be placed in the
eastern section of the city; it is already cleared off and will not harm
the birds while still providing homes for the human citizens of
Fremont.

2. Free Response
(A) Identify and describe the function of any three parts labeled on
the diagram of a water-cooled nuclear power plant shown
above.
ANS. A. Control Rods- regulates the rate of fission and amount of
power the reactor produces.
B. Containment Shell- keeps radioactive materials from
escaping into the environment in case of explosion or core
meltdown, and to protect from external threats.
D. Turbine- turns with steam to produce electricity.
F. Cooling Tower- removes heat from water, allowing it to return
and cool the steam.
(B)

Describe and discuss two environmental problems associated

with the use of nuclear power for generating electricity.

ANS. One problem is the production of solid nuclear waste. The halflives are so high that these wastes do not decay. Everything
they are exposed to becomes radioactive. There is also the risk
of meltdown and explosions. This releases large amounts of
radioactive material into the atmosphere, which causes serious
environmental and health problems.
(C)

On the basis of the article and other information, what options

do you foresee for the future production and use of electricity in
the United States?

ANS. The United States will have to increase the use of nuclear
energy. With the decline of fossil fuels and increase in costs, it
will be more efficient and eventually necessary to use nuclear
energy. The government will have to convince the public that
this energy is safe and needed.
(D)

Describe briefly the environmental implications of your answer

in part (C).

ANS. There will be a greater risk for large-scale environmental

disasters, even with increased safety. In addition, solid nuclear
wastes will continue to build up, without a good way to deal with

them. But, emissions from burning fossil fuels would be greatly

decreased.

pH TOLERANCE

3. In the Diagram below the pH ranges in which selected aquatic

organisms exist. The solid figures represent pH ranges in which the
organism thrives. Shaded figures represent pH ranges in which
conditions are less favorable, but in which the organism survives. No
symbol is places in a pH range in which that organism cannot survive.

Using the diagram and your understanding of environmental

principals, answer the following questions.
a. Determine the pH range on which brook trout thrive. To what
range of hydrogen-icon concentration [h+], does this pH range
correspond?
- pH range is 6.5 to 7.0, range of hydrogen-ions this pH range
corresponds to is 4.0-7.0
b. Which organism(s) might best provide an indication that a lake
has changes from pH 5.8 to pH 5.2? Explain.
- The organisms, Rainbow Trout and Crayfish provide a good
indication that pH levels have changed from 5.8 to Ph 5.2
because they will not be able to survive in the lower pH levels
which are more acidic.
c. Discuss how pH affects biodiversity in a freshwater community,
Consider chemical, physiological, and ecological factors in your
answer.
- Normal pH levels of a fresh water habitat are between 6
and 8 but due to acid rain or particulates that are
deposited and the fresh water systems can not remove
the acid which affects the ecosystem as a whole. If the pH
levels fall below 6 the ecosystem begins to decline in the
number of species.
- Aquatic Biodiversity United States environmental
protection agency
www.epa.gov/biowebl/aquatic/airpoll.html
d. Discuss the cause of lake acidification and describe potential
ways to avoid or remediate it.
- Acidification comes from acid rain and to help prevent
acidification people can clean up smoke stacks and
exhaust pipes, use alternative energy sources, restore a
damages environment, or use energy efficiently.
- www.epa.gov/airmarkets/acidrain/society/index.html