,ENV 101 Graded Exam 3 | Introduction to
Environmental Science (2026) Q&A | StraighterLine
1. The Green Revolution of the mid-20th century primarily relied on which
combination of innovations?
A) High-yielding crop varieties, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides
B) Organic farming methods and crop rotation
C) Genetically modified organisms and vertical farming
D) Traditional polyculture and manual labor
Correct Answer: High-yielding crop varieties, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides
Rationale: The Green Revolution, led by Norman Borlaug, dramatically
increased food production through improved seeds, chemical inputs, and
irrigation. Organic methods and GMOs came later or were not central.
2. Industrial agriculture is typically characterized by:
A) Small-scale diverse planting
B) Large-scale monoculture farming with heavy chemical inputs
C) Minimal use of fossil fuels
D) Reliance on natural pest predators
Correct Answer: Large-scale monoculture farming with heavy chemical inputs
Rationale: Industrial agriculture maximizes efficiency through vast single-crop
fields, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides. It is energy-intensive, unlike
sustainable practices.
,3. A major environmental concern associated with the heavy use of synthetic
nitrogen fertilizers is:
A) Decreased soil salinity
B) Increased carbon sequestration
C) Eutrophication of nearby water bodies
D) Enhanced biodiversity in streams
Correct Answer: Eutrophication of nearby water bodies
Rationale: Excess nitrogen and phosphorus run off into waterways, fueling algal
blooms that deplete oxygen and create dead zones. This is a classic nonpoint
source pollution problem.
4. Which of the following is NOT a widely recognized concern about genetically
modified (GM) crops?
A) Potential allergenicity
B) Gene flow to wild relatives creating herbicide-resistant weeds
C) Guaranteed increase in crop yields under all environmental conditions
D) Increased reliance on specific herbicides like glyphosate
Correct Answer: Guaranteed increase in crop yields under all environmental
conditions
, Rationale: While GM crops can improve yields under certain stresses, they do
not guarantee higher yields universally. The other options are legitimate
scientific and environmental concerns.
5. Norman Borlaug is most closely associated with the:
A) Invention of the tractor
B) Development of the Green Revolution's high-yield wheat varieties
C) Discovery of DDT
D) Founding of the organic farming movement
Correct Answer: Development of the Green Revolution's high-yield wheat
varieties
Rationale: Borlaug's work on disease-resistant, high-yield wheat earned him a
Nobel Peace Prize and is credited with saving millions from famine. He is the
father of the Green Revolution.
6. The organic component of soil, formed from decomposed plant and animal
matter, is called:
A) Parent material
B) Humus
C) Loam
D) Silt
Correct Answer: Humus
Environmental Science (2026) Q&A | StraighterLine
1. The Green Revolution of the mid-20th century primarily relied on which
combination of innovations?
A) High-yielding crop varieties, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides
B) Organic farming methods and crop rotation
C) Genetically modified organisms and vertical farming
D) Traditional polyculture and manual labor
Correct Answer: High-yielding crop varieties, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides
Rationale: The Green Revolution, led by Norman Borlaug, dramatically
increased food production through improved seeds, chemical inputs, and
irrigation. Organic methods and GMOs came later or were not central.
2. Industrial agriculture is typically characterized by:
A) Small-scale diverse planting
B) Large-scale monoculture farming with heavy chemical inputs
C) Minimal use of fossil fuels
D) Reliance on natural pest predators
Correct Answer: Large-scale monoculture farming with heavy chemical inputs
Rationale: Industrial agriculture maximizes efficiency through vast single-crop
fields, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides. It is energy-intensive, unlike
sustainable practices.
,3. A major environmental concern associated with the heavy use of synthetic
nitrogen fertilizers is:
A) Decreased soil salinity
B) Increased carbon sequestration
C) Eutrophication of nearby water bodies
D) Enhanced biodiversity in streams
Correct Answer: Eutrophication of nearby water bodies
Rationale: Excess nitrogen and phosphorus run off into waterways, fueling algal
blooms that deplete oxygen and create dead zones. This is a classic nonpoint
source pollution problem.
4. Which of the following is NOT a widely recognized concern about genetically
modified (GM) crops?
A) Potential allergenicity
B) Gene flow to wild relatives creating herbicide-resistant weeds
C) Guaranteed increase in crop yields under all environmental conditions
D) Increased reliance on specific herbicides like glyphosate
Correct Answer: Guaranteed increase in crop yields under all environmental
conditions
, Rationale: While GM crops can improve yields under certain stresses, they do
not guarantee higher yields universally. The other options are legitimate
scientific and environmental concerns.
5. Norman Borlaug is most closely associated with the:
A) Invention of the tractor
B) Development of the Green Revolution's high-yield wheat varieties
C) Discovery of DDT
D) Founding of the organic farming movement
Correct Answer: Development of the Green Revolution's high-yield wheat
varieties
Rationale: Borlaug's work on disease-resistant, high-yield wheat earned him a
Nobel Peace Prize and is credited with saving millions from famine. He is the
father of the Green Revolution.
6. The organic component of soil, formed from decomposed plant and animal
matter, is called:
A) Parent material
B) Humus
C) Loam
D) Silt
Correct Answer: Humus
