Environmental Science Mid Term

Plate tectonics is the correct answer because it is the scientific theory that explains the movement of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into several large plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them. This theory supports the idea of continental drift, which suggests that the continents have moved and are still moving over time due to the movement of these tectonic plates. It explains various geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountains, providing a comprehensive understanding of the Earth's dynamic processes.

Floods are considered the most expensive geologic disasters to recover from due to the extensive damage they cause to infrastructure, homes, and agriculture. The costs associated with repairing and rebuilding damaged buildings, roads, and bridges, as well as the loss of crops and livestock, can be astronomical. Additionally, floods often result in the displacement of people, leading to the need for temporary housing and assistance programs. The long-term economic impact of floods can be significant, making them the most costly geologic disasters to recover from.

Beachfront property is indeed some of the most expensive property in the world. This is because it offers stunning views and easy access to the beach. However, it also suffers greatly from erosion. The constant action of waves, tides, and storms can cause the beach to erode over time, threatening the stability of the property. This erosion can lead to the loss of land and even damage to the structures built on the beachfront. Therefore, it is true that beachfront property suffers greatly from erosion.

Indigenous people are considered "protectors of biodiversity" because they are most in tune with their environment. They have a deep understanding of their surroundings, including the plants, animals, and ecosystems that exist in their territories. Their traditional knowledge and practices have been passed down through generations, allowing them to live in harmony with nature and sustainably manage their resources. By preserving their traditional ways of life, indigenous people contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and the protection of fragile ecosystems.

A subduction zone is indeed a type of convergent plate boundary. In this type of boundary, two tectonic plates collide, and one plate is forced beneath the other into the Earth's mantle. This process is known as subduction. Subduction zones are characterized by intense geological activity, including the formation of volcanoes, earthquakes, and the creation of deep ocean trenches. Therefore, the statement "A Subduction zone is a type of convergent plate boundary" is true.

The Red Sea is indeed one region that faces challenges in obtaining access to potable water. This can be attributed to several factors such as limited freshwater sources, high population growth, and increasing water demand for various purposes including agriculture, industry, and domestic use. Additionally, the region also experiences water scarcity due to climate change, desertification, and inadequate infrastructure for water storage and distribution. These factors contribute to the difficulty in ensuring a sustainable and reliable supply of safe drinking water for the population in the Red Sea region.

The term "ecologist" refers to a person who studies the relationships between organisms and their environment. In this case, Jane Goodall went out into the environment to study and understand the behavior of chimpanzees, which involves observing their interactions with their surroundings. Therefore, it is accurate to describe her as an ecologist.

All of the given options, avalanches, mudslides, and rockslides, are examples of mass wasting events. Mass wasting refers to the downward movement of rock, soil, or sediment under the influence of gravity. Avalanches involve the rapid movement of snow, mudslides involve the movement of wet soil and debris, and rockslides involve the movement of rocks down a slope. Therefore, all of these events fit the definition of mass wasting.

The correct answer is Exponential. This is because the world's population is increasing at an exponential rate, meaning that the growth is accelerating over time. This can be observed through the fact that the population has been steadily increasing at a faster pace in recent years.

The correct answer is "Exponentially." This means that the population is increasing at an accelerating rate. In exponential growth, the population size multiplies by a constant factor over a constant time period. This implies that as time goes on, the rate of increase becomes larger and larger.

When an object is held in a raised position, it possesses potential energy due to its position in a gravitational field. As soon as the object is released, it starts to move and its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion. Therefore, before release, the object has potential energy, and after release, it gets converted into kinetic energy.

Africa has the lowest GDP per capita and low economic development compared to the other regions mentioned. This is due to various factors such as widespread poverty, political instability, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare. These challenges have hindered economic growth and development in many African countries, resulting in low GDP per capita and overall economic performance.

A rock that has visible grains and is layered is most likely a sedimentary rock. Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and cementation of sediments, which can include grains of various sizes. The layers in sedimentary rocks, known as bedding or stratification, are formed as new layers of sediment are deposited over time. This process creates visible grains and distinct layers in the rock. Igneous rocks are formed from solidification of molten material, metamorphic rocks are formed from the transformation of pre-existing rocks under high heat and pressure, and minerals are individual compounds or elements, not rocks.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. Water is required for photosynthesis as it is a key component in the production of glucose. Carbon dioxide is also necessary for photosynthesis as it is used by plants to produce glucose during the process. Sunlight is needed to provide the energy required for the chemical reactions involved in photosynthesis. Therefore, the correct answer is "Water, Carbon dioxide, and sunlight."

When two different species occupy the same niche, they will directly compete with each other. This is because they both require the same resources and have similar ecological roles in the ecosystem. As a result, they will compete for food, territory, mates, and other essential resources, leading to a struggle for survival. This competition can have various outcomes, such as one species outcompeting the other, both species coexisting but with reduced population sizes, or one species adapting and evolving to occupy a slightly different niche.

Estuaries are areas where freshwater from rivers and streams meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean. This mixing creates a unique and diverse ecosystem that is characterized by fluctuating salinity levels. Estuaries are home to a wide variety of plants and animals that are specially adapted to survive in this transitional zone. They provide important habitats for many species, serve as nurseries for fish and other marine organisms, and play a crucial role in filtering pollutants and protecting coastlines from erosion.

The statement is true because an element is defined as a substance that is made up of only one type of atom. Since a gold ingot is composed of gold atoms, it qualifies as an element.

The statement that close to 60% of the world's population lives in poverty by USA standards is false. This means that less than 60% of the world's population lives in poverty according to the standards set by the USA.

A rock that is banded but has a smooth appearance and no visible particles is most likely a metamorphic rock. Metamorphic rocks are formed when existing rocks undergo extreme heat and pressure, causing them to change in composition and texture. The banding in the rock suggests that it has undergone some sort of deformation or recrystallization, which is a common characteristic of metamorphic rocks. Additionally, the smooth appearance and lack of visible particles indicate that the rock has undergone a significant transformation from its original state.

The rock described as smooth, glossy, and dark in color is most likely an igneous rock. Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of molten material, such as lava or magma. When lava cools quickly, it forms fine-grained rocks with a smooth and glossy appearance. Additionally, igneous rocks can have a dark color due to the presence of minerals like basalt or obsidian. Sedimentary rocks are typically formed from the accumulation of sediments, while metamorphic rocks are formed through the alteration of existing rocks. Mineral is a broad term that refers to individual substances, not rock types.

The Appalachian Mountains in the United States are known for their temperature broadleaf forests. These forests are characterized by a variety of deciduous trees that thrive in a temperate climate with distinct seasons. The region's ample rainfall and moderate temperatures create the perfect conditions for these types of forests to flourish. The Southwest, Northwest, and Rocky Mountains have different climate and vegetation types, making them less suitable for temperature broadleaf forests.

Chemosynthesis is the process by which organisms obtain energy in the absence of sunlight. It is used by food chains that do not have access to the sun, such as deep-sea ecosystems or caves. In chemosynthesis, organisms use chemicals such as hydrogen sulfide or methane to produce energy-rich molecules, similar to how plants use sunlight in photosynthesis. This process allows these organisms to survive and thrive in environments where sunlight is not available for energy production.

Earthquakes most often happen at plate boundaries because these are the areas where tectonic plates interact with each other. The movement and collision of these plates can cause stress to build up, leading to earthquakes. Plate boundaries can be classified into three types: convergent boundaries where plates collide, divergent boundaries where plates move apart, and transform boundaries where plates slide past each other. These interactions create the conditions necessary for earthquakes to occur. In contrast, the center of tectonic plates, beachfronts, and mountain ranges are not typically associated with high levels of tectonic activity, making them less prone to earthquakes.

The Law of Conservation of Matter states that matter cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transferred from place to place. This means that in any physical or chemical process, the total amount of matter remains constant. This law is a fundamental principle in chemistry and physics and is also known as the Law of Conservation of Mass.

A speaker system that has a microphone getting closer to it is an example of a positive feedback loop. In this scenario, as the microphone gets closer to the speaker, it picks up the sound from the speaker and amplifies it, creating a loop where the sound gets louder and louder. This is in contrast to a negative feedback loop, where the output of a system is reduced or dampened.

The correct answer is "Inner core, outer core, mantle, lithosphere." This is the correct order of the layers of the Earth, starting from the innermost layer to the outermost layer. The inner core is the solid, dense center of the Earth, followed by the outer core which is liquid and made up of molten iron and nickel. The mantle is the layer above the outer core and is composed of hot, semi-solid rock. Finally, the lithosphere is the outermost layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the rigid upper part of the mantle.

Tropical zones have the greatest range of biodiversity because they are characterized by high temperatures, abundant rainfall, and consistent sunlight throughout the year. These conditions provide a favorable environment for a wide variety of plant and animal species to thrive. The combination of warm temperatures and ample moisture supports lush rainforests, which are known to be the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. In contrast, temperate and polar zones have harsher climates with less species diversity due to colder temperatures, shorter growing seasons, and limited resources. Therefore, the tropical zones offer the most favorable conditions for a wide range of species to coexist and flourish.

Chile is not a powerhouse in producing precious metals because it does not have significant reserves or production of gold, silver, or other precious metals compared to other countries like the USA, Russia, and Australia.

Commensalism is a type of relationship where one species benefits while the other remains unaffected. In this relationship, the benefiting species gains an advantage, such as shelter or food, without causing harm or benefit to the other species. This is different from mutualism, where both species benefit, symbiotic relationships, where both species depend on each other, and parasitism, where one species benefits at the expense of the other.

Tropical rainforests have high precipitation, with an average annual rainfall of 80 to 400 inches. They also have high average temperatures, usually ranging from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Although they have a high average temperature, they have a low temperature range, with minimal seasonal variations. This makes the tropical rainforest the correct answer as it fulfills all the given criteria.

If an area receives less than 10 inches of precipitation in a year, it is classified as a desert biome. Deserts are characterized by their extremely dry conditions and lack of water, making them inhospitable for most forms of life. The limited amount of rainfall in these areas prevents the growth of vegetation and contributes to the arid climate.

Granitic volcanoes are characterized by their ability to cause pyroclastic explosions. Pyroclastic explosions occur when the pressure within the volcano builds up and causes a violent eruption, sending a mixture of hot gases, ash, and volcanic debris into the air at high speeds. This type of eruption can be extremely destructive and dangerous, causing significant damage to surrounding areas. Therefore, the characteristic of granitic volcanoes being able to cause pyroclastic explosions is the correct answer.

Evolution is the correct answer because it refers to the long-term change that occurs in a species over time in response to its environment. This change can involve genetic variations, natural selection, and adaptation to better suit the species' survival and reproduction needs. Speciation, on the other hand, refers to the formation of new species through the evolutionary process.

The Kalahari would not be best represented by a temperate grassland because it is a semi-arid desert region located in southern Africa. Temperate grasslands are characterized by moderate temperatures and abundant grasses, while the Kalahari is known for its arid climate and sparse vegetation. Therefore, the Kalahari does not fit the criteria for a temperate grassland ecosystem.

Ecology is the correct answer because it is the branch of science that primarily deals with the study of interactions between organisms and their environment. These interactions occur in open systems, which are systems that exchange matter and energy with their surroundings. Ecology focuses on understanding how organisms interact with their environment, including the flow of energy and nutrients, and the impact of human activities on ecosystems. Physics, medicine, and chemistry also operate in open systems to some extent, but ecology specifically focuses on the study of open systems and their dynamics.

The correct answer is "Taiga." The taiga is another name for a boreal forest. It is characterized by its cold climate and dominated by coniferous trees such as spruce, fir, and pine. The taiga is found in high-latitude regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. It plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species adapted to the harsh conditions of the boreal ecosystem.

The best acceptable answer for a phenomenon is known as a theory. This statement is true because a theory is a well-substantiated explanation for a set of phenomena or observations. It is based on evidence, experimentation, and observation, and is widely accepted by the scientific community. Theories are constantly tested and refined to ensure their accuracy and validity. Therefore, a theory represents the most reliable and comprehensive understanding of a particular phenomenon.

A scatter plot is not the best graph to show the percentage of a whole. A scatter plot is used to show the relationship between two variables, typically with no specific order or sequence. To show the percentage of a whole, a more suitable graph would be a pie chart or a stacked bar chart, as these types of graphs are specifically designed to represent parts of a whole.

Vertical zonation refers to the pattern of rapidly changing biomes over altitude rather than longitude. This means that as you move up or down in elevation, you will encounter different ecosystems and biomes. This is due to the fact that altitude affects temperature, precipitation, and other environmental factors, leading to distinct vegetation and animal communities at different elevations. Therefore, vertical zonation is the correct term to describe this phenomenon.

Europe is the only continent that does not contain a desert. This is because Europe's climate is mostly temperate, with a mix of maritime and continental influences, which prevents the formation of deserts. The other continents, Asia, South America, and Australia, have regions that are arid and have deserts such as the Gobi Desert in Asia, the Atacama Desert in South America, and the Great Victoria Desert in Australia.

Charles Darwin observed the Galapagos Islands to create his theory of evolution. These islands are located in the Pacific Ocean and are known for their unique and diverse range of plant and animal species. Darwin's observations of the different species on the Galapagos Islands, particularly the variations in finches and tortoises, led him to develop his theory of natural selection and evolution. The Galapagos Islands played a crucial role in shaping Darwin's understanding of the mechanisms behind the diversity of life on Earth.

Sustainable development refers to the concept of meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves finding ways to balance economic, social, and environmental factors to ensure long-term well-being for all. Conservation focuses more on protecting and preserving natural resources, while recycling refers to the process of converting waste materials into reusable materials. Preservation, on the other hand, emphasizes the protection and maintenance of historical or cultural artifacts. Therefore, sustainable development best encompasses the idea of meeting current needs without compromising the needs of future generations.

The driving force behind plate tectonics is convection currents. Convection currents occur in the Earth's mantle, where heat from the core causes the mantle material to become less dense and rise towards the surface. As the material cools, it becomes denser and sinks back down. This circular motion of rising and sinking material creates convection currents, which in turn cause the movement of the tectonic plates on the Earth's surface. This movement leads to various geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges.

Co-evolution occurs when two or more species influence each other's evolution over time. In the case of predators and prey, they constantly adapt and counter-adapt to each other's strategies, resulting in a reciprocal evolutionary relationship. This process can lead to the development of specialized adaptations and behaviors in both predator and prey species, ultimately shaping their survival and reproductive success. Co-evolution is a dynamic and ongoing process that occurs when there is a strong selective pressure between interacting species.

Physics is the branch of science that is most likely to perform experiments in a closed system. In physics, closed systems are often used to study the behavior and interactions of various physical phenomena without any external influences. By isolating the system from its surroundings, physicists can control and manipulate the variables involved in the experiment, allowing for more precise measurements and observations. This approach is commonly used in areas such as thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and fluid dynamics, where understanding the behavior of systems in controlled environments is crucial.

Friction is a force that opposes the motion of an object. When two surfaces rub against each other, kinetic energy is converted into thermal energy due to the friction between them. This conversion leads to an increase in temperature, which is a characteristic of thermal energy. Therefore, the correct answer is thermal.

A mass wasting event occurs when the slope of a hill or mountain exceeds its angle of repose. The angle of repose is the maximum angle at which loose materials, such as soil or rock, can remain stable without sliding or collapsing. When the slope becomes steeper than this angle, the materials lose their stability and start to move downhill. This can be triggered by various factors such as erosion, earthquakes, or heavy rainfall, but ultimately, the key requirement for a mass wasting event is that the slope exceeds its angle of repose.

The Rule of 10% states that only 10% of energy is transferred between trophic levels in an ecosystem. This means that as energy moves from one level to the next (such as from plants to herbivores to carnivores), only a small fraction of the energy is passed on. The rest of the energy is lost as heat or used by the organism for its own metabolic processes. This rule helps to explain why food chains and food webs in ecosystems are typically limited in length, as the energy available becomes progressively less as you move up the trophic levels.

The Mediterranean region is the most widespread example of temperate shrublands. This region is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, which consists of hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The vegetation in this area is adapted to these conditions, with shrubs being the dominant plant type. The Mediterranean shrublands are known for their biodiversity and unique plant species, such as the maquis and garrigue formations. This region includes countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, and parts of North Africa, and is a popular tourist destination due to its scenic landscapes.