Test your basic knowledge |

DSST Environment And Humanity

Subjects : dsst, science
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. Evolution in one organism due to change in a related organism.






2. The spraying of pesticides to keep produce from any injuries or damage.






3. An international organization designed to promote free trade between countries.






4. Organisms which consume autotrophs for food.






5. The first atmospheric layer. Most weather and pollution occurs here - and the temperature decreases with altitude.






6. Areas with only enough rainfall for grasses to grow. As a result - most animals are grazers - such as buffalo.






7. Single-celled organisms which lack a nucleus.






8. A type of farming where the farmer will grow just enough crops to satisfy his family's needs for the next year.






9. An extinct hominid species believed to have long - ape-like arms; have a brain capacity half that of modern men; and use primitive tools.






10. Modern man.






11. The decomposition of organic nitrogen into inorganic ammonium. This process is also called mineralization.






12. An act which called for the careful examination of new chemicals to ensure they are safe for their intended uses.






13. An act which required the EPA to set standards for drinking water.






14. Grasslands with short - widely spaced trees and no canopy - allowing for an unbroken layer of grasses beneath.






15. The study of the interaction between organisms and their environment.






16. A community of similar living organisms largely affected by the area's climate.






17. An extinct hominid species believed to have the same brain capacity as modern man and use many different weapons.






18. The position of an organism on the food chain.






19. Populations characterized by large size - long lifespan - and few offspring.






20. All of the ecosystems on earth.






21. The process by which a new species is created. This process generally requires geographic isolation to prevent interbreeding between the newly emerging species and the parent species.






22. A community of species interacting with their nonliving (abiotic) environment.






23. The amount of variation among organisms living in a particular ecosystem. The loss of this key characteristic leads to a reduction in ecosystem efficiency and the ability of species to adapt to new situations.






24. The infiltration of harmful chemicals - particles - or biological matter into the atmosphere which endanger living organisms. Pollutants include sulfur and nitrogen oxides - ammonia - and chlorofluorocarbons. Although there are natural sources for th






25. A law designed to locate toxic waste sites - gauge their pollution level - and ensure these sites are taken care of properly.






26. The southern-most continent - of which 98% is ice. This continent includes 70% of the world's fresh water - and 90% of the world's ice. Although the average temperature is -49






27. Water found in estuaries. This water is a mixture of saltine ocean water and fresh water - usually from a river or stream.






28. An extinct hominid species believed to be the last common ancestor between man and apes.






29. A type of symbiosis where one species benefit at the expense of the other.






30. Exceptionally acidic (low pH) rain. This phenomenon is caused mainly by emissions of carbon dioxide - sulfur dioxide - and nitrogen oxide which react with water particles in the air.






31. Surface run-off caused by melted snow.






32. An act requiring federal agencies to detail the impact of proposed environmental policies.






33. Organisms which thrive in low nutrient environments and usually have slow growth rates.






34. Organisms which create their own food out of inorganic (abiotic) substances.






35. The process by which certain kinds of bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen gas into ammonia - a form accessible to living creatures.






36. Growing more than one crop at a time.






37. A forest characterized by clearly differentiated seasons - such as the trees loosing leaves in the fall and heavy snowfall in the winter.






38. An especially potent greenhouse gas emitted during production and transportation of fossil fuels - decomposition of organic matter - and herds of livestock.






39. An influential book by Rachel Carson which helped begin the environmental movement.






40. Organisms which produce their own food.






41. The biggest atmospheric layer. Without ozone - UV radiation causes ionization and the auroras in this layer.






42. A bloom of phytoplankton in a body of water caused by an abnormal increase in nutrients. This process depletes the water's oxygen level - killing off other aquatic organisms.






43. The amount of pests needed before spraying pesticides is economical.






44. A greenhouse gas. Although it is a natural part of the carbon cycle - the atmospheric concentration of this gas has increased due to the burning of fossil fuels.






45. The process by which pollutants are carried by flowing water - such as a river.






46. An act created to protect endangered and threatened species.






47. Political organizations not affiliated with the government which try to bring about social change.






48. The rapid increase of harmful algae in a body of water.






49. Species which serve key roles in an ecosystem. The absence of these important organisms is detrimental to the surrounding area.






50. A greenhouse gas which also plays a key role in regulating ozone levels.