Review For Exam 1

1. Describe in detail one reason why it is important for college students to study environmental science. Be specific.

2. List at least three different disciplines that are involved in environmental science.

3. What is the goal of environmental science?

4. List four reasons why we are not operating sustainably.  Which is probably the most important reason?

5. Compare renewable and nonrenewable resources. (examples?)

6. Describe the five steps of the scientific method.

7. What makes a good hypothesis?

8. Concerning experimental design, what is the most important factor to consider?

9. Compare deductive and inductive reasoning.  Which is more error prone?  Which is used to design experiments?

10. How is science self-correcting?

11. Describe the difference between a scientific theory and our every-day use of the word "theory."

12. When is it not appropriate to use science as a way of solving problems or answering questions?

13. Describe the five steps used to solve an environmental problem.

14. Describe the three problems associated with using a cost-benefit analysis in environmental science?

15. Compare the biotic and abiotic components of the environment. Provide examples of abiotic and biotic features of the environment.

16. When abiotic features change, describe three ways in which species might respond.  What two things are required for adaptation to occur?  Describe two ways that a species might adapt.

17. Describe four reasons why water is important to humans and other organisms.  Which human use drains the largest amount of fresh water?

18. Describe the four properties of water.  These properties are due to __________ & __________.  Explain why each of these properties is important to living things.

19. Most of the water on the planet is not useful to humans and many other organisms because it is __________.  What percentage of the planet's water is usable fresh water (include ground water and surface water)?

20. Briefly describe the five major water resource problems.

21. Describe four human activities that have increased the likelihood of flood problems.

22. Describe the four major effects of drought.

23. Describe the causes and effects of the eight types of water pollution.

24. Why is government subsidy of the water industry a problem?

25. Compare the pros and cons of building a dam.

26. How is water diversion harmful to the environment (at least 3 ways)?

27. Explain the two methods of desalinization.  Why aren't more countries using this technology?

28. List three reasons why soil is an important abiotic component of the environment.

29. What factors affect soil thickness in a given area?

30. Describe the four components of soil.  Why is each important?

31. Compare the five soil horizons.

32. Describe the two ways to characterize soil.  Why are different sized particles important? Compare the three particle size classes.  Why is soil pH important?

33. Compare the soils in northern coniferous forests, deciduous forests, temperate grasslands, deserts, and tropical rainforests.

34. Describe the two major soil problems.

35. Briefly describe six methods which help to protect soil.  Why are they helpful?

36. Compare the pros and cons of organic vs. inorganic fertilizers.

37. Briefly describe the problems of acid deposition, global warming, and ozone depletion. What are the causes and effects of each of these problems?

38. What is meant by the "ozone hole"?

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