Chapter 01 Key Themes in Environmental Sciences

1.It is estimated that the Earth can support a) as many as 5 billion people b) as many as 10 billion people c) as may as 20 billion people d) as many as 30 billion people e) as many as 40 billion people

2. According to your text, John Eli Miller lived long enough to see _____ direct descendants in his family. a) 30 b) 50 c) over 300 d) over 400 e) over 500

3. The continent used in your textbook to exemplify the effects of famines in recent times is: a) Asia b) Africa c) Australia d) South America e) North America

4. According to your textbook, which of the following factors leads to most environmental problems? a) insufficient clean drinking water b) insufficient fertilizers for agriculture c) the growth of the human population d) atmospheric catastrophes e) global warming

5. During which period of time has the Earth’s human population seen the greatest growth? a) the 12 th century b) the 15 th century c) the 18 th century d) the 19 th century e) the 20 th century

6. The Gaia hypothesis proposes that the Earth’s environment has been profoundly changed by a) global warming b) the presence of life on the planet c) the reversal of Earth’s magnetic poles d) volcanic activity in the past e) major floods

7. The maximum number of individuals that can be maintained by an ecosystem is called a) the Precautionary Principle b) utilitarian justification c) ecological justification d) carrying capacity e) sustainability

8. According to your textbook, which of the following factors the least effect on population growth? a) increased food production b) a decrease in birth rates c) modern medical advances d) decreased infant mortality e) use of fertilizers in agriculture

9. Today, most people live and work in urban areas. True/False

10.The population of North America is increasing a greater rate than that of Latin America. True/False

11.People affect the environment, but the environment does not affect people. True/False

12.The Earth cannot withstand sustainable growth for an unspecified period of time. True/False

13.New York is the world’s largest city. True/False

14.The Precautionary Principle has been accepted by most countries in the world. True/False

15.The Earth’s human population has experienced a steady growth rate for the last several centuries. True/False