Practice Unit Four Midterm Test Exam
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The Apo Island project is a successful example of what?
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Sustainable living
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Commercial fishing
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Reducing destructive species
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None of these
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In this midterm test exam, we’ll be quizzing you on your knowledge of environmental science, which is an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physical, biological and information sciences to the study of the environment. What can you tell us?
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- 2.
Which of the following terms can best be defined as "the systematic study of our environment"?
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Ecology
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Environmental science
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Biology
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Oceanography
Correct Answer
A. Environmental scienceExplanation
p. 4 or glossaryRate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following terms can best be defined as "a process for producing empirical knowledge about the natural world"?
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Science
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Deductive reasoning
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Inductive reasoning
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None of the above
Correct Answer
A. ScienceExplanation
p. 11, section 1.4Rate this question:
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- 4.
Empiricism depends on which of these?
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Statistics
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Observation
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Critical thinking
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Skepticism
Correct Answer
A. ObservationExplanation
p. 11, Table 1.2. What is empiricism? Empiricism is careful observation of the world’s fundamental processes and natural laws to gain understanding.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Peer review is vital to science because it ensures ___?
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Integrity
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Conformity
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Creativity
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None of the above
Correct Answer
A. IntegrityExplanation
p. 11; The peer review process is an essential part of ensuring integrity.Rate this question:
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- 6.
After observing many species of birds fly, I conclude that all birds fly. This is an example of __?
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Inductive reasoning
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Deductive reasoning
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Critical thinking
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The scientific method
Correct Answer
A. Inductive reasoningExplanation
p. 12; What is inductive reasoning? Reasoning from many observations to produce a general rule. We observe, for example, that birds appear and disappear as a year goes by. Through many repeated observations in different places, we can infer that the birds move from place to place. We can develop a general rule that birds migrate seasonally.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The normal sequence for the scientific method would NOT include:
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Observation
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Hypothesis
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Interpretation
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Consensus
Correct Answer
A. ConsensusExplanation
p. 12 or Figure 1.16. The normal sequence for the scientific method includes:
1. Identify question
2. Form testable hypothesis
3. Collect data to test hypothesis
4. Interpret results
5. Report for peer review
6. Publish findingsRate this question:
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- 8.
Select the paradigm shift:
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Gradual change
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Cars double their mpg
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Digital replaces analog
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None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Digital replaces analogExplanation
p. 16; What is a paradigm shift? A dramatic change to scientific consensus occurring when new ideas emerge.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Sound experimental design avoids the following:
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Cost
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Controversy
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Replication
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Bias
Correct Answer
A. BiasExplanation
p. 15; Sound experimental design should…
1. have extremely strong controls
2. strictly define variables into measurable factors
3. avoid biasRate this question:
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- 10.
Today, we are subject to many false messages. Which tool should we use to identify these?
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Dr. Sagan's Baloney Detector
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Reproducibility
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Peer review
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All of these
Correct Answer
A. All of theseExplanation
p. 11, p. 17, Table 1.2, Table 1.3. What tools can be used to identify false messages?
1. Reproducibility
2. Peer review
3. Skepticism
4. Critical thinking
5. Dr. Sagan’s Baloney DetectorRate this question:
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- 11.
The late Dr. Sagan was a famous astronomer who invented many tools for revealing junk science or claims. Which of the following were his contribution(s)?
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Dr. Sagan's Baloney Detector
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Reproducibility
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Peer review
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All of these
Correct Answer
A. Dr. Sagan's Baloney DetectorExplanation
p. 17, Table 1.3. What tool did astronomer Dr. Carl Sagan propose to evaluate scientific claims? Questions for Baloney DetectionRate this question:
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- 12.
If our biosphere is vital to our survival, the central theme of human activity should be?
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Sustainability
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Better technology
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Higher profits
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None of the above
Correct Answer
A. SustainabilityExplanation
p. 9, p. 22; According to our textbook, what should a central theme of human activity be? Sustainability.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which of the following terms can best be defined as "the scientific study of relationships between organisms and their environment"?
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Ecology
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Biology
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Bottany
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Entomology
Correct Answer
A. EcologyExplanation
Glossary, p. 336; What is ecology? The scientific study of relationships between organisms and their environment.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which is NOT a unique property of water?
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Expands upon freezing
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Cohesive molecules
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Low specific heat
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Liquid at normal temperatures
Correct Answer
A. Low specific heatExplanation
p. 31; What are the unique properties of water?
1. Expands upon crystallization at freezing temperatures
2. Cohesive molecules allow capillary action and surface tension
3. Polar molecules allows water to readily dissolve substances
4. Inorganic liquid at normal temperatures
5. High specific heat
6. High heat of vaporizationRate this question:
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- 15.
If we are trying to be critical thinkers and my peer group convinces me that political party X is responsible for all science on issue Y, I am most likely to make this error:
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Skeptical
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Bias
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Logical
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Angry
Correct Answer
A. BiasExplanation
pp. 15-16; What is bias? An inclination or preference preventing unprejudiced consideration of information. For example, being swayed by popular or mainstream ideas.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Why does increasing entropy contradict our existence in the universe?
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Because we are organized
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Because we are disorganized
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Because we are intelligent
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None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Because we are organizedExplanation
p. 34; Why does the existence of the human species in the universe contradict entropy? According to the second law of thermodynamics, disorder--or entropy--tends to increase in all natural systems. Because of this loss, everything in the universe tends to fall apart, slow down, and get more disorganized. Humans are organized.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Carbon backbones are typical of which molecules?
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Polymers
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Inorganic molecules
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Organic molecules
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A and c
Correct Answer
A. A and cExplanation
p. 31; What are polymers? Chains or rings with carbon backbones.
What are organic compounds? Complex molecules organized around carbon backbones.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Which of these contradicts the First Law of Thermodynamics?
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Energy is conserved
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Perpetual motion
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Cars are not 100% efficient
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A/C units give off heat
Correct Answer
A. Perpetual motionExplanation
p. 34; Why is perpetual motion impossible? The first law of thermodynamics states that energy is conserved; that is, it is neither created nor destroyed under normal conditions. Therefore, the first law demands all machines have a source of energy. Perpetual motion procures energy from nothingness, contradicting the first law of thermodynamics.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which concept is best described by the phrase "in chemical reactions, matter is neither created nor destroyed"?
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Conservation of matter
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First Law of Thermodynamics
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Thermodynamics
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A and c
Correct Answer
A. Conservation of matterExplanation
p. 34; What is conservation of matter? In chemical reactions, matter is neither created nor destroyed.Rate this question:
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- 20.
A particular species can withstand a narrow range of temperatures. Above 100 deg. F there are no members of the species present. In the range from 97-100 deg. F and 90-94 deg. F there are a few members of the species present. Below 90 deg. F there are no members of the species present. What would you label the range of temperature from 90-94 deg. F for this particular species?
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Zone of intolerance
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Zone of physiological stress
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Optimal range
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Range of tolerance
Correct Answer
A. Zone of physiological stressExplanation
p. 51, Figure 3.5; What is the tolerance limit range? The range along the environmental gradient for that factor (e.g., temperature), within which a particular species can survive and reproduce.Rate this question:
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- 21.
What is the difference in the adaptation of a sled dog's (such as a Husky) thick coat of hair to help it withstand the cold temperatures of Arctic winters and a dog that adapts to cold temperatures in the fall by growing a thickened coat? The adaptation of the sled dog best describes adaptation at the ____________ level while the dog exposed to seasonal colder temperatures has _____________.
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Regional; natural selection at the individual level
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Individual; physiological modifications at the population level
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Population; physiological modifications at the individual level
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Species; natural selection at the population level
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Ecosystem; physiological modifications at the individual level
Correct Answer
A. Species; natural selection at the population levelExplanation
p. 50; What is adaptation at the species level? Physical adaptations that allow a species to survive in a given environment. For example, as a sled dog species’ year round thick coat of hair.
What is natural selection at the population level? The mechanism for evolutionary change in which environmental pressures (such as seasonal colder temperatures) cause certain genetic combinations in a population to become more abundant. For example, dogs that adapt to cold temperatures in the fall by growing thickened coats.Rate this question:
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- 22.
An especially effective strategy for reducing intraspecific competition is:
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The same ecological niches for juveniles and adults
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Rapid reproduction
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Eating prey before they are "ready" (ripe) for other species
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Resource partitioning
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None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Resource partitioningExplanation
pp. 52 & 53, Figure 3.8, p. 57; What is resource partitioning? No two species can occupy the same ecological niche for long. The one that is more efficient in using available resources will exclude the other, reducing intraspecific competition.Rate this question:
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- 23.
In a fungus partnership, the lichen provides _________ and the relationship is best described as _______.
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Most of the photosynthesis; symbiosis
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Poisons that deter predation; commensalism
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Structure and moisture-holding ability; mutualism
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Very little to the algal partner; parasitism
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Some of the photosynthesis; commensalism
Correct Answer
A. Most of the photosynthesis; symbiosisExplanation
p. 59; What is symbiosis? The intimate living together of members of two species. For example, In lichens, a fungus and a photosynthetic partner (either an alga or a cyanobacterium) combine tissues to mutual benefit.Rate this question:
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- 24.
A dieback, or population crash, often occurs after a species ________ its environmental carrying capacity.
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Meets
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Overshoots
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Undershoots
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Oscillates around
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Decreases
Correct Answer
A. OvershootsExplanation
p. 61; When does a dieback or population crash occur? When a population overshoots or exceeds the carrying capacity of its environment, resources become limited and death rates rise. If deaths exceed births, the growth rate becomes negative and the population may suddenly decrease, a change called a population crash or dieback.Rate this question:
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- 25.
The world human population reached 1 billion in about:
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1400
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1804
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1600
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1780
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1540
Correct Answer
A. 1804Explanation
p. 77; When did the world human population reach 1 billion?1804Rate this question:
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- 26.
Technological optimists argue that technological advances have:
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Led to the increase in human population, but whether we can continue is of great concern.
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Proven Marx wrong in his predictions of famine and disaster.
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Proven Malthus wrong in his predictions of famine and disaster.
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Been developed because there are more people, supporting the view that more people are the "ultimate resource."
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Been a neutral factor in the issue of population growth.
Correct Answer
A. Proven Malthus wrong in his predictions of famine and disaster.Explanation
p. 78; What proved Malthus wrong in his predictions of famine and disaster? Malthus was wrong in his predictions of famine and disaster 200 years ago because he failed to account for scientific and technical progress. In fact, food supplies have increased faster than population growth since Malthus’ time.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Malthus and Marx:
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Worked together to form their theories.
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Agreed about the root causes of overpopulation, poverty, and social upheaval.
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Disagreed about the root causes of overpopulation, poverty, and social upheaval.
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Held the same beliefs but worked on different issues.
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Disagreed about the severity of overpopulation, poverty, and social upheaval.
Correct Answer
A. Disagreed about the root causes of overpopulation, poverty, and social upheaval.Explanation
pp. 77&78, section 4.2; Why did Malthus and Marx disagree?Malthus believed population growth is the ultimate cause of poverty and environmental degradation. Marx argued that poverty, environmental degradation, and overpopulation are all merely symptoms of deeper social and political factors.Rate this question:
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- 28.
A demographic transition is expected to accompany:
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Colonization, as in Africa and Asia.
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Economic development and stabilization.
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The development of capitalism.
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The introduction of modern medicine.
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All of the above
Correct Answer
A. Economic development and stabilization.Explanation
pp. 85&86, section 4.5Rate this question:
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- 29.
Marx's view was formed primarily by:
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Feudalism
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The Industrial Revolution
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Human greed
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Stalin's communism
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None of the above
Correct Answer
A. The Industrial RevolutionExplanation
p. 77Rate this question:
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- 30.
Birds' interaction with caterpillars is a primary:
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Selection pressure
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Prey to predator act
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Extinction force
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None of these
Correct Answer
A. Selection pressureExplanation
p. 386; Bird is a predator, caterpillar is the prey. The caterpillar wants to avoid predation; adaptations help avoid predation (p. 58). Caterpillars do not pressure birds, inasmuch as birds pressure caterpillars.Rate this question:
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- 31.
A species that successfully produces a new generation demonstrates:
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Mutualism
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Symbiosis
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Natural selection
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Fertility
Correct Answer
A. Natural selectionExplanation
p. 50Rate this question:
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- 32.
Habitat specialists who may occupy a very narrow niche are said to be:
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Invasive
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Endemic
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Alien
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Pioneers
Correct Answer
A. EndemicExplanation
pp. 52&53; glossary p. 381: endemismRate this question:
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- 33.
The fact that no two species can occupy the same niche indefinitely is an example of:
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Competitive exclusion principle
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Cooperation
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Mutualism
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Coevolution
Correct Answer
A. Competitive exclusion principleExplanation
p. 53Rate this question:
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- 34.
A generalist species that is moved into a new ecosystem is called:
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A native species
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A dominant species
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A subspecies
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An invasive species
Correct Answer
A. An invasive speciesExplanation
p. 52; pp. 113&114Rate this question:
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- 35.
What is an example of a pioneering species that became an invasive species?
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Kudzu
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Fire ants
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Kiler bees
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Peper tree
Correct Answer
A. KudzuExplanation
p. 115Rate this question:
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- 36.
A classic example of Batesian mimicry would be the:
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Monarch and viceroy
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Swallowtail and dagger wing
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Ant lion and dragonfly
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Luna moth and Io moth
Correct Answer
A. Monarch and viceroyExplanation
pp. 58&59Rate this question:
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- 37.
Salmon in the Northwest have complex ties to the foundations of the ecosystem and would be considered:
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A keystone species
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An endangered species
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A predator species
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A threatened species
Correct Answer
A. A keystone speciesExplanation
p. 60, p. 67, p. 120Rate this question:
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- 38.
Housefly reproduction would be mathematically expressed best:
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S curve
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J curve, exponential
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U curve
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Linear relationship
Correct Answer
A. J curve, exponentialExplanation
pp. 61-62, section 3.3Rate this question:
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