Q: If the annual rate of tropical rainforest loss in 1989 was $$142,000\ \mathrm{km}^2$$ per year, approximately how many football fields were lost every second? (Assume 1 football field $$\approx 0.007\ \mathrm{km}^2)$$

$$\dfrac{142,000}{0.007} \div (365 \times 24 \times 60 \times 60) \approx 6.5$$ football fields per second

Question 1

Which of the following gases is present in the highest concentration in Earth's atmospheric envelope?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen ($$\approx 78.08\%)$$

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the greenhouse effect?

Accepted Answer

The trapping of heat near Earth's surface by greenhouse gases, which absorb and reemit infrared radiation.

Question 3

Which human activity has most significantly altered the global nitrogen cycle in recent decades?

Accepted Answer

Intensive agriculture and industrial processes

Question 4

According to Vitousek (1994), which of the following is NOT one of the three main aspects of global change caused by human activity?

Accepted Answer

Change in ocean salinity

Question 5

What is a major consequence of tropical deforestation on a global scale?

Accepted Answer

Loss of ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling and climate regulation

Question 6

Which of the following best explains the 'edge effect' resulting from forest fragmentation?

Accepted Answer

Edges of forest fragments are hotter, drier, and more susceptible to disturbances such as fire and disease.

Question 7

If the annual rate of tropical rainforest loss in 1989 was $$142,000\ \mathrm{km}^2$$ per year, approximately how many football fields were lost every second? (Assume 1 football field $$\approx 0.007\ \mathrm{km}^2)$$

Accepted Answer

$$\dfrac{142,000}{0.007} \div (365 	imes 24 	imes 60 	imes 60) \approx 6.5$$ football fields per second

Question 8

Which of the following is a direct effect of deforestation?

Accepted Answer

Loss of species and ecosystem services

Question 9

Which process is responsible for the largest natural input of fixed nitrogen into terrestrial ecosystems before significant human intervention?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria and plants

Question 10

What is the main reason why alien species are particularly disruptive to island ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Island species are specially adapted to each other and cannot compete with introduced species.

Question 11

Which of the following is a consequence of increased atmospheric $$\mathrm{CO}_2$$ due to fossil fuel burning?

Accepted Answer

Global warming

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas?

Accepted Answer

Argon ($$\mathrm{Ar})$$

Question 13

Which of the following best describes 'overexploitation' as an environmental impact?

Accepted Answer

The removal of individuals from a wild population at a rate that severely depletes population numbers

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of an indirect value of biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

Provision of fresh water through ecosystem services

Question 15

Which of the following statements about the relationship between atmospheric $$\mathrm{CO}_2$$ and temperature over the past 160,000 years is correct?

Accepted Answer

Periods of high $$\mathrm{CO}_2$$ correspond to interglacial (warmer) periods.

Question 16

Which of the following is a plausible consequence of edge effects in fragmented forests?

Accepted Answer

Greater susceptibility to disturbance, such as fire, disease, and tree fall, at forest edges

Question 17

Which of the following is a major cause of habitat alteration globally?

Accepted Answer

Conversion of land for agriculture and urbanization

Question 18

Which of the following is a direct value of biodiversity to humans?

Accepted Answer

Pollination of crops by wild insects

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) on the environment?

Accepted Answer

They contribute to ozone depletion, reducing the ozone shield and increasing UV radiation.

Question 20

Which of the following actions would most directly contribute to a sustainable society?

Accepted Answer

Protecting natural ecosystems and conserving energy

Chapter 23: Global Ecology – Human Impacts and Environmental Change

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