DSST Environmental Science Exam 1 (Chapter 1-5) Practice Questions and Answers

Environment The surroundings or conditions in which any given organism exists. Environmental Science Field of research that is used to understand the natural world and our relationship to it. Empirical Science Scientific investigation of the natural world through systematic observation and experimentation. Applied Science Research whose findings are used to help solve practical problems Trade offs The imperfect and sometimes problematic responses that we must at times choose between when addressing complex problems. Triple Bottom Line The combination of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of our choices Reasons Vikings disappeared Overgrazing Overharvesting Sustainable Development Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. Non-renewable Resources Resources whose supply is finite or not replenished in a timely fashion. Social Traps Decisions by individuals or groups that seem good at the time and produce a short-term benefit, but that hurt society in the long run. Tragedy of the commons The tendency of an individual to abuse commonly held resources in order to maximize his or her own personal interest. (Ex. Cows in Pasture) Time Delay Actions that produce a benefit today set into motion events that cause problems later on. (Ex. Overfishing in Northeast)