ENVS 101 Unit 1 Test Study Guide Questions with
Correct Answers
Discuss the interdisciplinary nature of Environmental Science. Correct
Answer-It is important to be interdisciplinary because specific fields
play an important role in determining the focus and nature of
environmental science research.
What is the difference between Natural (experimental) and social
sciences? Correct Answer-Natural science studies naturally occurring
events whereas social science studies human society
What is the difference between a hypothesis and theory? Correct
Answer-A hypothesis is an assumption made before any research has
been completed for the sake of testing. A hypothesis can be supported or
refuted, but never proven. A theory on the other hand is a principle set to
explain phenomena already supported by data. A theory is a hypothesis
that has withstood repeated testing.
1st step of the scientific method Correct Answer-Observe the
environment
2nd step of the scientific method Correct Answer-Develop questions
about the observations
3rd step of the scientific method Correct Answer-Develop a hypothesis
to explain what is observed
,4th step of the scientific method Correct Answer-make predictions about
what will happen
5th step of the scientific method Correct Answer-test the chosen
variables in an experiment
6th step of the scientific method Correct Answer-analyze the results.
reject or fail to reject the hypothesis
What is the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources
(give examples) Correct Answer-Renewable resources are primarily
energy resources or biological resources that are constantly generated
(solar energy, wind energy, wave energy, and geothermal energy).
Nonrenewable resources take millennia to reform and are used or
degraded much more rapidly than they are produced (fossil fuels and
mineral deposits).
What is the UN's definition of sustainability? Correct Answer-
Sustainable development means "meeting the needs of the present
without sacrificing the ability of future generations to meet theirs." This
means not overexploiting resources such that they are severely degraded
in the long term. Conservation of resources and pollution prevention are
essential to these efforts.
Describe the idea of a "Tragedy of Commons" and given an example
from recent times. Correct Answer-Natural resources that are publicly
accessible are often prone to overuse because of human self-interests.
Sand is a publicly accessible natural resource in developing countries (it
, is not privately owned). People will steal large amounts of sand in order
to make deliverables such as glass and silicon (for computer parts). This
causes erosion of the shorelines and is detrimental to aquatic
ecosystems.
Describe the basic components and properties of matter Correct Answer-
Matter is the stuff of which abiotic (nonliving) and biotic (living)
components of the environment are made. Matter consists of atoms
made up of positively charged protons, neutral neutrons, and negatively
charged electrons. Protons and Neutrons give the atom its weight (mass
on Earth).
What constitutes an element? Correct Answer-The number of protons
(atomic number) determines the element
What are the six elements most important to biological molecules?
Correct Answer-Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), Phosphorus
(P), Nitrogen (N), and Sulfur (S)
What are radioisotopes and how are they used? Correct Answer-
Radioisotopes are unstable isotopes that decay into smaller, more stable
isotopes, releasing radiation. They are used as the basis for radioactive
dating of fossils and for nuclear energy.
What are ions? Correct Answer-A charged atom or molecule
Correct Answers
Discuss the interdisciplinary nature of Environmental Science. Correct
Answer-It is important to be interdisciplinary because specific fields
play an important role in determining the focus and nature of
environmental science research.
What is the difference between Natural (experimental) and social
sciences? Correct Answer-Natural science studies naturally occurring
events whereas social science studies human society
What is the difference between a hypothesis and theory? Correct
Answer-A hypothesis is an assumption made before any research has
been completed for the sake of testing. A hypothesis can be supported or
refuted, but never proven. A theory on the other hand is a principle set to
explain phenomena already supported by data. A theory is a hypothesis
that has withstood repeated testing.
1st step of the scientific method Correct Answer-Observe the
environment
2nd step of the scientific method Correct Answer-Develop questions
about the observations
3rd step of the scientific method Correct Answer-Develop a hypothesis
to explain what is observed
,4th step of the scientific method Correct Answer-make predictions about
what will happen
5th step of the scientific method Correct Answer-test the chosen
variables in an experiment
6th step of the scientific method Correct Answer-analyze the results.
reject or fail to reject the hypothesis
What is the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources
(give examples) Correct Answer-Renewable resources are primarily
energy resources or biological resources that are constantly generated
(solar energy, wind energy, wave energy, and geothermal energy).
Nonrenewable resources take millennia to reform and are used or
degraded much more rapidly than they are produced (fossil fuels and
mineral deposits).
What is the UN's definition of sustainability? Correct Answer-
Sustainable development means "meeting the needs of the present
without sacrificing the ability of future generations to meet theirs." This
means not overexploiting resources such that they are severely degraded
in the long term. Conservation of resources and pollution prevention are
essential to these efforts.
Describe the idea of a "Tragedy of Commons" and given an example
from recent times. Correct Answer-Natural resources that are publicly
accessible are often prone to overuse because of human self-interests.
Sand is a publicly accessible natural resource in developing countries (it
, is not privately owned). People will steal large amounts of sand in order
to make deliverables such as glass and silicon (for computer parts). This
causes erosion of the shorelines and is detrimental to aquatic
ecosystems.
Describe the basic components and properties of matter Correct Answer-
Matter is the stuff of which abiotic (nonliving) and biotic (living)
components of the environment are made. Matter consists of atoms
made up of positively charged protons, neutral neutrons, and negatively
charged electrons. Protons and Neutrons give the atom its weight (mass
on Earth).
What constitutes an element? Correct Answer-The number of protons
(atomic number) determines the element
What are the six elements most important to biological molecules?
Correct Answer-Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), Phosphorus
(P), Nitrogen (N), and Sulfur (S)
What are radioisotopes and how are they used? Correct Answer-
Radioisotopes are unstable isotopes that decay into smaller, more stable
isotopes, releasing radiation. They are used as the basis for radioactive
dating of fossils and for nuclear energy.
What are ions? Correct Answer-A charged atom or molecule
