7.9.9 World Geography: Chapter 7 Quiz

Explanation
A free market economy allows individuals to have ownership of businesses, operate them according to their own decisions, and make profits from their ventures. In a free market economy, there is minimal government intervention and regulations, allowing for competition, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This economic system encourages individuals to take risks and invest in their business ideas, creating opportunities for economic growth and prosperity.

Explanation
Pipelines are the most efficient and cost-effective means of transporting gas and oil over long distances. They provide a safe and reliable method for transporting large quantities of these resources across North America. Trucks and ships have limited capacity and are more expensive and time-consuming, while rail transportation is also less efficient and can be more prone to accidents. Therefore, pipelines are the preferred choice for transporting gas and oil in North America.

Explanation
A trade deficit occurs when a country spends more money on importing goods and services from other countries than it earns from exporting its own goods and services. This means that the country is importing more than it is exporting, resulting in a negative balance of trade. A trade deficit can have negative implications for the country's economy, such as a decrease in domestic production, job losses, and an increase in national debt.

Explanation
In response to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the United States established the Office of Homeland Security. This organization was created to enhance national security and coordinate efforts to prevent and respond to terrorist threats within the country. Its primary goal is to protect the United States from future attacks and ensure the safety of its citizens.

Explanation
Acid rain, formed by the mixture of chemical emissions with water vapor, can have detrimental effects on lakes, soil, and wildlife. The acidic nature of the rain can lead to the acidification of lakes, making them unsuitable for aquatic organisms. It can also result in the depletion of essential nutrients in the soil, affecting plant growth. Wildlife, including both aquatic and terrestrial species, can suffer from the toxic effects of acid rain, leading to population declines and ecosystem disruption. Therefore, all of the options mentioned (lakes, soil, and wildlife) are at risk from acid rain.

Explanation
Clearcutting is the practice of removing all trees in a designated area, leaving no forest cover behind. This method is often used for commercial purposes, such as logging, but it has led to the destruction of entire forests in North America. Clearcutting disrupts the ecosystem, destroys habitats, and increases the risk of soil erosion. It also has negative impacts on biodiversity and can take decades or even centuries for the forest to recover.

Explanation
When the sun's rays interact with automobile and industrial emissions, a mixture of pollutants including smoke, fog, and chemicals is formed, resulting in a hazy and polluted atmosphere known as smog. Smog is a common occurrence in urban areas with high levels of pollution, and it can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment.

Explanation
Eutrophication is the process by which water pollution speeds up the growth of algae. When excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, enter a body of water, they stimulate the growth of algae. This excessive growth of algae leads to an overabundance of organic matter in the water, which eventually decomposes and depletes the oxygen levels. As a result, aquatic life suffers, and the water becomes polluted. Therefore, eutrophication is the correct answer as it describes the specific process of water pollution causing accelerated algae growth.

Explanation
Agricultural goods sold on the open market are referred to as commodities. This term is used to describe raw materials or primary agricultural products that can be bought and sold, such as crops, livestock, and dairy products. The term "commodities" emphasizes that these goods are traded as standardized products, often on commodity exchanges, and are subject to supply and demand dynamics that determine their prices.

Explanation
The correct answer is "trade restrictions." NAFTA was a trade agreement between Mexico, Canada, and the United States that aimed to eliminate barriers to trade and investment among the three countries. By removing trade restrictions, such as tariffs and quotas, NAFTA facilitated the flow of goods and services across borders, promoting economic integration and cooperation among the participating nations.