Intro to Environmental Science Exam 1|83 Questions with
Verified Answers
Environment - CORRECT ANSWER consists of all living (biotic factors) and
nonliving (abiotic factors) things around us and how they interact
Humans exist within the environment; humans are a part of the natural world
Western/Judeo-Christian philosophy - CORRECT ANSWER 1. nature exists to serve
human purposes
2. nature needs improvement
This is saying that there is a disconnect between humans and nature
Environmental science - CORRECT ANSWER The study of how the natural world
works, how our environment affects us, and how we affect our environment.
Data-driven science, not opinion or advocacy
NOT the same as environmentalism
Environmentalism - CORRECT ANSWER Social movement dedicated to protecting
the natural world (advocacy helps translate science into action)
Environmental problem - CORRECT ANSWER Undesired change in the
environment
Natural resources - CORRECT ANSWER The various substances and energy sources
that we take from our environment and that we need to survive
renewable vs. nonrenewable - CORRECT ANSWER Renewable natural resources -
Natural resources that are replenish over short periods ex: sunlight
Nonrenewable natural resources - Natural resources that do not replenish over
time and the planet will run out of eventually ex: oil
Water and timber are renewable only if we do not overuse them (rate)...rate
problems stem from people problems...more people, renewable things will
deplete faster
, Ecosystem services - CORRECT ANSWER Arise from normal functioning of natural
systems, and although these processes are not meant for our benefit, we cold not
survive without them.
ex: our planet's ecological systems purify air and water, cycle nutrients, regulate
climate, pollinate plants, and receive and recycle our waste.
Increase in population -> Agricultural revoloution - CORRECT ANSWER As people
began to grow crops, domestic animals, and live sedentary lives on farms and in
villages, they found it easier to meet their nutritional needs. This resulted in
longer lives and more children.
Increase in population -> Industrial revoloution - CORRECT ANSWER Mid-1700s
Shift from rural life/animal-powered/handcrafted to an urban society. Factory
made goods and powered by fossil fuels. Technological advances have brought
improvements in sanitation and medicine and enhanced agriculture
Rev. Thomas Malthus (1766-1834) - CORRECT ANSWER "Population growth leads
to starvation, war, disease."
"Death rates will restrain population unless birth rates are lowered"
Pollyanna vs. Cassandra - CORRECT ANSWER An environmental Cassandra is
someone who has foresight into the future but is not paid any mind because they
are believed to be pessimistic or delusional.
An environmental Pollyanna is eternally optimistic believing any problem can be
solved.
It all depends on how you look at things...i.e. long vs. short term, humans only vs.
all nature, considering all costs
Environmental Problem Solving (what to think about) - CORRECT ANSWER 1.
evaluate claim validity (science)
2. what about economic, social considerations? (interdisciplinary)
3. diverse interests involved (society)
4. trade-offs (benefits vs. harm)
Why are environmental problems "wicked problems"? - CORRECT ANSWER
Wicked problems characterized by:
1. complexity via inter-connectivity
Verified Answers
Environment - CORRECT ANSWER consists of all living (biotic factors) and
nonliving (abiotic factors) things around us and how they interact
Humans exist within the environment; humans are a part of the natural world
Western/Judeo-Christian philosophy - CORRECT ANSWER 1. nature exists to serve
human purposes
2. nature needs improvement
This is saying that there is a disconnect between humans and nature
Environmental science - CORRECT ANSWER The study of how the natural world
works, how our environment affects us, and how we affect our environment.
Data-driven science, not opinion or advocacy
NOT the same as environmentalism
Environmentalism - CORRECT ANSWER Social movement dedicated to protecting
the natural world (advocacy helps translate science into action)
Environmental problem - CORRECT ANSWER Undesired change in the
environment
Natural resources - CORRECT ANSWER The various substances and energy sources
that we take from our environment and that we need to survive
renewable vs. nonrenewable - CORRECT ANSWER Renewable natural resources -
Natural resources that are replenish over short periods ex: sunlight
Nonrenewable natural resources - Natural resources that do not replenish over
time and the planet will run out of eventually ex: oil
Water and timber are renewable only if we do not overuse them (rate)...rate
problems stem from people problems...more people, renewable things will
deplete faster
, Ecosystem services - CORRECT ANSWER Arise from normal functioning of natural
systems, and although these processes are not meant for our benefit, we cold not
survive without them.
ex: our planet's ecological systems purify air and water, cycle nutrients, regulate
climate, pollinate plants, and receive and recycle our waste.
Increase in population -> Agricultural revoloution - CORRECT ANSWER As people
began to grow crops, domestic animals, and live sedentary lives on farms and in
villages, they found it easier to meet their nutritional needs. This resulted in
longer lives and more children.
Increase in population -> Industrial revoloution - CORRECT ANSWER Mid-1700s
Shift from rural life/animal-powered/handcrafted to an urban society. Factory
made goods and powered by fossil fuels. Technological advances have brought
improvements in sanitation and medicine and enhanced agriculture
Rev. Thomas Malthus (1766-1834) - CORRECT ANSWER "Population growth leads
to starvation, war, disease."
"Death rates will restrain population unless birth rates are lowered"
Pollyanna vs. Cassandra - CORRECT ANSWER An environmental Cassandra is
someone who has foresight into the future but is not paid any mind because they
are believed to be pessimistic or delusional.
An environmental Pollyanna is eternally optimistic believing any problem can be
solved.
It all depends on how you look at things...i.e. long vs. short term, humans only vs.
all nature, considering all costs
Environmental Problem Solving (what to think about) - CORRECT ANSWER 1.
evaluate claim validity (science)
2. what about economic, social considerations? (interdisciplinary)
3. diverse interests involved (society)
4. trade-offs (benefits vs. harm)
Why are environmental problems "wicked problems"? - CORRECT ANSWER
Wicked problems characterized by:
1. complexity via inter-connectivity
