1.
The construction of a new coal-burning power plant would have the greatest impact on which environmental issue?
Correct Answer
C. Production of acid rain
Explanation
The construction of a new coal-burning power plant would have the greatest impact on the production of acid rain. Coal-burning power plants emit sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which react with water vapor in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid respectively. These acids then fall back to the Earth as acid rain, which can have harmful effects on ecosystems, including damaging plants, aquatic life, and infrastructure. Therefore, the construction of a new coal-burning power plant would contribute to the production of acid rain, making it the environmental issue most affected.
2.
Virginia’s Great Dismal Swamp is largely a red maple forest. There used to be more bald cypress and white cedar trees in the area, but tree cutting and the prevention of natural forest fires have changed the balance of tree species. The balance has shifted because these actions have —
Correct Answer
D. Altered the pattern of succession in the swamp
Explanation
The cutting of trees and prevention of natural forest fires have disrupted the natural succession process in the Great Dismal Swamp. Succession refers to the gradual change in the composition of species in an ecosystem over time. By altering the pattern of succession, the balance of tree species in the swamp has been changed. This means that the red maple forest has become dominant, while the populations of bald cypress and white cedar have declined.
3.
This food chain can be found in the coastal waters of Virginia. The population of which organisms in the food chain would be the first to decline if commercial fishing over-harvested shrimp?
Correct Answer
B. Damsel fish
Explanation
If commercial fishing over-harvested shrimp in the coastal waters of Virginia, the population of damsel fish would be the first to decline in the food chain. Damsel fish rely on shrimp as a food source, so if shrimp numbers decrease, there would be less food available for damsel fish. This would lead to a decline in the damsel fish population.
4.
In a scientific experiment, how many independent variables should be tested at the same time?
Correct Answer
B. One
Explanation
In a scientific experiment, it is recommended to test only one independent variable at a time. This is because testing multiple independent variables simultaneously can make it difficult to determine which variable is causing the observed changes in the dependent variable. By testing one independent variable at a time, scientists can establish a cause-and-effect relationship between the independent and dependent variables more accurately.
5.
What will most likely happen if the human population continues to grow at current rates?
Correct Answer
A. There will be fewer resources available in the future
Explanation
If the human population continues to grow at current rates, it is likely that there will be fewer resources available in the future. As the population increases, the demand for resources such as food, water, and energy will also increase. This can lead to overconsumption and depletion of natural resources, making it more difficult to meet the needs of the growing population. Additionally, the strain on ecosystems and the environment caused by increased human activity can further contribute to resource scarcity.
6.
Which environmental factor would cause the greatest decrease in the number of species of plants and animals living in some of the lakes in the United States?
Correct Answer
D. Acid rain
Explanation
Acid rain is the correct answer because it is a significant environmental factor that can have a detrimental effect on the number of species of plants and animals living in lakes. Acid rain is formed when pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide are released into the atmosphere and react with water vapor to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid. When acid rain falls into lakes, it can lower the pH of the water, making it more acidic. This change in pH can harm aquatic organisms, including plants and animals, by disrupting their physiological processes and ultimately leading to a decrease in their population.
7.
Which phrase best describes biodiversity?
Correct Answer
D. The number of species in an ecosystem
Explanation
Biodiversity refers to the variety of species present in an ecosystem. It is a measure of the number of different species that coexist within a particular habitat. This concept encompasses the diversity of plants, animals, microorganisms, and other organisms that make up the ecosystem. The more diverse the species composition, the higher the biodiversity. This measure is important as it indicates the health and resilience of an ecosystem, as well as its ability to provide essential ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling, pollination, and pest control.
8.
Chemosynthesis is the process in which organisms
Correct Answer
A. Form carbohydrates using chemicals
Explanation
Chemosynthesis is the process in which organisms form carbohydrates using chemicals. This means that these organisms are able to synthesize or create carbohydrates, which are essential for energy storage and growth, by utilizing chemical reactions. Unlike photosynthesis, which relies on sunlight, chemosynthesis relies on the energy obtained from chemical reactions. This process is commonly found in deep-sea ecosystems where sunlight is not available, and organisms rely on chemicals such as sulfur or methane to produce carbohydrates.
9.
A bond that is formed when two atoms share electrons is called a ___.
Correct Answer
A. Covalent bond
Explanation
A covalent bond is formed when two atoms share electrons. In this type of bond, the electrons are shared between the atoms rather than being transferred from one atom to another. This sharing of electrons creates a strong bond between the atoms, allowing them to stay together and form molecules. Covalent bonds are typically found between nonmetal atoms and are important in the formation of many compounds, including water and carbon-based molecules.
10.
The picture at the right is an example of a(n) ___.
Correct Answer
C. Atomic model
Explanation
The picture at the right is an example of an atomic model because it represents the structure and arrangement of atoms in a molecule or element. Atomic models are used to visualize and understand the behavior of atoms and their interactions with other atoms. They help scientists study and explain various properties and phenomena at the atomic level.