Take This Challenging Environmental Science Quiz
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All of the following are true about subsidies for food production except
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Subsidies in developed countries average $533,000 per minute
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Milk production quadrupled in new zealand after farm subsidies were ended
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Food prices in developed countries are kept artificially low
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Developing countries also receive large amounts of subsidies for growing food
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All of these statements are true
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Challenge your knowledge on environmental science with this quiz! Explore topics like food production subsidies, food security, soil erosion, topsoil conservation, and innovative farming techniques such as alley cropping.
Quiz Preview
- 2.
Food security can be improved by
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Creating programs to reduce poverty and chronic malnutrition
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Relying more on locally grown food
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Cutting down on food waste
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All of these answers are correct
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Relying more on locally grown food and cutting down on food waste
Correct Answer
A. All of these answers are correctExplanation
Food security can be improved by creating programs to reduce poverty and chronic malnutrition because poverty and malnutrition are major causes of food insecurity. By implementing programs that address these issues, such as providing access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, individuals and communities can improve their overall well-being and have better access to nutritious food. Relying more on locally grown food can also enhance food security as it reduces dependence on imported food and supports local farmers and economies. Additionally, cutting down on food waste is crucial as it ensures that the available food resources are utilized efficiently, reducing the overall demand for food and minimizing the risk of shortages. Therefore, all of these answers are correct in contributing to improving food security.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Soil in the united states is eroding about ___ times faster than it can form
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2
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4
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8
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17
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22
Correct Answer
A. 17Explanation
Soil erosion occurs when the top layer of soil is washed away or blown off by wind, leaving the land less fertile and prone to degradation. The given answer, 17, suggests that soil in the United States is eroding at a rate 17 times faster than it can form. This indicates a significant imbalance between erosion and soil formation processes, highlighting the urgent need for soil conservation and sustainable land management practices to prevent further degradation and preserve soil health for future generations.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following is central to most of the efforts to conserve topsoil
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An emphasis on ag practices that enhance monocultures
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Annual crop rotations
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Keeping the soil covered by vegetation
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Preventing insect pests from destroying valuable crops
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Conversion of croplands into pasturelands or feedlots
Correct Answer
A. Keeping the soil covered by vegetationExplanation
Keeping the soil covered by vegetation is central to most efforts to conserve topsoil because it helps to prevent erosion. When the soil is left bare, it is more susceptible to being washed away by rain or blown away by wind. Vegetation, such as grass or cover crops, helps to hold the soil in place and protect it from these erosive forces. Additionally, the roots of the vegetation help to bind the soil particles together, further reducing the risk of erosion. By keeping the soil covered by vegetation, the topsoil is preserved, allowing for healthier and more productive agricultural practices.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Conservation tillage
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Increased labor costs
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Increases erosion
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Increases energy consumption
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Accelerates water loss from the soil
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Decreases erosion
Correct Answer
A. Accelerates water loss from the soilExplanation
Conservation tillage refers to a farming practice that involves leaving crop residue on the soil surface to protect it from erosion. However, this answer suggests that conservation tillage actually accelerates water loss from the soil. This may be due to the fact that leaving crop residue on the soil surface can create a barrier that prevents water from infiltrating into the soil, leading to increased evaporation and water loss.Rate this question:
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- 6.
In alley cropping:
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Crops are planted between hedgerows of trees or shrubs that are used for fruits of fuelwood
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Terraces are built to prevent swift water runoff
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Plowing runs across slopes
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Special tillers are used so the topsoil is not disturbed
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A row of crops alternates in strips with another row of crops
Correct Answer
A. Crops are planted between hedgerows of trees or shrubs that are used for fruits of fuelwoodExplanation
In alley cropping, crops are planted between hedgerows of trees or shrubs that are used for fruits or fuelwood. This practice allows for the integration of both annual crops and perennial trees or shrubs in the same farming system. The trees or shrubs provide multiple benefits such as providing shade, windbreaks, erosion control, and a source of fruits or fuelwood. The crops planted between the hedgerows can benefit from the nutrients and organic matter provided by the trees or shrubs, while also providing income or food for the farmers. This system promotes sustainable land use and diversification of income sources.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which of the following is not one of the three major types of organic fertilizer?
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Green manure
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Sewage sludge
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Compost
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Animal manure
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All of these answers
Correct Answer
A. Sewage sludgeExplanation
Sewage sludge is not one of the three major types of organic fertilizer. The three major types are green manure, compost, and animal manure. Sewage sludge refers to the residual, semi-solid material that is left over after the treatment of wastewater. While it can be used as a fertilizer, it is not considered one of the major types of organic fertilizer.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The process least likely to conserve soil nutrients is
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Crop rotation
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Fertilizing with compost
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Fertilizing with green manure
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Fertilizing with animal manure
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Irrigation
Correct Answer
A. IrrigationExplanation
Irrigation is the process least likely to conserve soil nutrients because it involves supplying water to crops, which can lead to leaching of nutrients from the soil. When water is applied excessively or inefficiently, it can cause the nutrients to be washed away, resulting in nutrient loss and potential soil degradation. In contrast, the other options mentioned (crop rotation, fertilizing with compost, fertilizing with green manure, fertilizing with animal manure) all involve practices that contribute to the conservation and replenishment of soil nutrients.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Aquaculture would be more sustainable if
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Consumers chose to eat fish species that are primary consumers instead of secondary consumers
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Consumers chose to eat top predators
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Fish farms were located near mangrove forests
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Fist farms were located near estuaries
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Chemical pesticides were used to control common fish diseases
Correct Answer
A. Consumers chose to eat fish species that are primary consumers instead of secondary consumersExplanation
Consumers choosing to eat fish species that are primary consumers instead of secondary consumers would make aquaculture more sustainable. This is because primary consumers, such as herbivorous fish, feed on plants and algae, which can be sustainably produced in aquaculture systems. In contrast, secondary consumers, such as carnivorous fish, require larger amounts of fishmeal and fish oil derived from wild-caught fish, contributing to overfishing and depletion of fish stocks. By shifting consumer preferences towards primary consumers, the demand for fishmeal and fish oil would decrease, reducing the pressure on wild fish populations and making aquaculture more environmentally friendly and sustainable.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the follwing is a characteristic of a polyaquaculture?
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Only herbivorous fish are raised
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Only carnivorous fish are raised
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Fish are shrimp are raised in ponds along with algae, seaweed, and shellfish
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Fish are raised in estuaries where the flushing action of rivers keeps the wastes moving away from the fish
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None of these answers
Correct Answer
A. Fish are shrimp are raised in ponds along with algae, seaweed, and shellfishExplanation
Polyaquaculture is a form of aquaculture where different species of fish, shrimp, algae, seaweed, and shellfish are raised together in the same pond. This allows for a more sustainable and balanced ecosystem, as the different species can interact and benefit from each other. The presence of algae and seaweed provides natural food sources for the fish and shrimp, reducing the need for external feed inputs. Additionally, the shellfish help to filter the water and improve its quality, creating a healthier environment for all the organisms involved.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which choice reflects the correct sequence of animal efficiency at converting grain into protein, from the most efficient animal to the least?
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Fish, chicken, pigs, beef cattle
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Chicken, fish, beef cattle, pigs
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Pigs, chicken, fish, beef cattle
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Beef cattle, fish, chicken, pigs
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These animals are all equally efficient at converting grain into protein
Correct Answer
A. Fish, chicken, pigs, beef cattleExplanation
Fish are the most efficient at converting grain into protein because they have a higher feed conversion ratio compared to other animals. Chickens are the next most efficient, followed by pigs and then beef cattle. This is because fish and chickens have faster metabolisms and require less feed to produce the same amount of protein. Pigs and beef cattle have slower metabolisms and require more feed to produce the same amount of protein. Therefore, the correct sequence of animal efficiency at converting grain into protein is fish, chicken, pigs, beef cattle.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The largest contributor to the ecological foot print of most individuals in affluent nations is
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Recreational hunting and fishing
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Vacations via air travel
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Residential heating
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Meat production and consumption
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Purchasing more clothing and accessories than are needed
Correct Answer
A. Meat production and consumptionExplanation
The correct answer is meat production and consumption. Meat production requires a significant amount of resources, including land, water, and feed for animals. Livestock farming also contributes to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution. Additionally, the consumption of meat in affluent nations is often excessive and unsustainable, leading to a larger ecological footprint. Therefore, meat production and consumption have a greater impact on the ecological footprint of individuals in affluent nations compared to other factors listed.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Sustainable ag is characterized by all of the following except
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Soil salinization
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Crop rotation
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Soil conservation
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Integrated pest management
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Promoting polyculture practices
Correct Answer
A. Soil salinizationExplanation
Sustainable agriculture is characterized by various practices that promote environmental stewardship and long-term viability. Soil salinization, which refers to the accumulation of salts in the soil, is not a characteristic of sustainable agriculture. On the other hand, crop rotation, soil conservation, integrated pest management, and promoting polyculture practices are all key components of sustainable agriculture. These practices help to maintain soil health, prevent pest outbreaks, reduce the need for chemical inputs, and promote biodiversity, thus ensuring the sustainability of agricultural systems.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Sustainable ag
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Uses pesticides
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Minimizes soil erosion
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Requires high inputs of fossil fuel
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Relies mainly on chemical fertilizers
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Wastes water
Correct Answer
A. Minimizes soil erosionExplanation
Sustainable agriculture is a farming practice that focuses on minimizing the negative impacts on the environment while still maintaining productivity. One of the key aspects of sustainable agriculture is minimizing soil erosion. Soil erosion can lead to the loss of fertile topsoil, which is essential for plant growth. By implementing various techniques such as contour plowing, terracing, and cover cropping, sustainable agriculture aims to prevent soil erosion. This helps to maintain the soil's fertility, reduce water pollution, and preserve the overall health of the ecosystem.Rate this question:
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- 15.
In order to switch to sustainable ag, which of the following practives would not be favorable?
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Give subsidies and tax breaks to those that use the method
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Shift to full-cost pricing
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Increase government support of research on sustainable agriculture
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Expand the use of the crops of the green revolution
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Discourage monocultures
Correct Answer
A. Shift to full-cost pricingExplanation
Shifting to full-cost pricing would not be favorable in order to switch to sustainable agriculture. Full-cost pricing involves accounting for the environmental and social costs of production, which would increase the prices of agricultural products. This could discourage consumers from purchasing sustainable products and instead opt for cheaper alternatives that do not consider these costs. It may also create financial barriers for farmers who are already struggling economically. Therefore, this practice would not be favorable for the adoption of sustainable agriculture.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The term locavore refers to
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The eating habits of people who love to eat
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People who participate in CSAs and commit to buying locally grown food
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Growing food in partially used parking lots
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Backyard gardeners
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Storytellers who relate historical information to their communities
Correct Answer
A. People who participate in CSAs and commit to buying locally grown foodExplanation
The term locavore refers to people who participate in CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) and commit to buying locally grown food. This means that locavores prioritize consuming food that is produced within their local community, supporting local farmers and reducing the environmental impact of long-distance transportation. CSAs allow individuals to directly support local farmers by purchasing shares in their harvest, receiving fresh produce directly from the farm. By committing to buying locally grown food, locavores promote sustainability, community engagement, and a closer connection to the source of their food.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which of the following are ways that individuals can support sustainable agriculture through their choices and behaviors?
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Waste less food
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Eat locally grown food
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Eat less meat
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Compost food wastes
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All of these answers
Correct Answer
A. All of these answersExplanation
All of the given choices are ways that individuals can support sustainable agriculture through their choices and behaviors. By wasting less food, individuals can reduce the demand for agricultural production, which in turn reduces the use of resources and energy. Eating locally grown food reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supports local farmers. Eating less meat helps reduce the environmental impact of livestock production, as it requires large amounts of resources and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Composting food wastes helps reduce the amount of organic waste going to landfills and can be used to enrich soil for sustainable agriculture.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Compared to conventional tillage, conservation tillage
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Reduces fuel and tillage costs
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Accelerates water loss from the soil
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Causes soil compaction
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Requires increased use of herbicides
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All of these answers
Correct Answer
A. Reduces fuel and tillage costsExplanation
Conservation tillage refers to a farming practice that minimizes soil disturbance, such as reducing the number of tillage operations or leaving crop residues on the soil surface. This method helps to retain moisture in the soil, which reduces the need for irrigation and accelerates water loss. Additionally, conservation tillage helps to improve soil structure and reduce soil compaction. By reducing the need for multiple tillage operations, conservation tillage also reduces fuel and tillage costs. Therefore, the correct answer is that conservation tillage reduces fuel and tillage costs.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
May 08, 2012Quiz Created by
Ahleebaybee
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