Environmental Science, 11th Edition (Cunningham)

Chapter 2: Frameworks for Understanding: Science, Systems, and Ethnics

Practice Quiz

1
Which of the following is not a basic principle of science?
A)We can learn through observation.
B)Simpler explanations are preferable.
C)Nothing can be absolutely proven.
D)All of the above are basic scientific principles.
2
Which of the following does not apply to manipulative experiments?
A)Extraneous variables are held constant.
B)Most experiments are done in the laboratory.
C)They are useful for studying large scale geologic forces.
D)They can be affected by experimenter bias.
3
In science a theory is
A)simply someone's opinion.
B)a tentative explanation, comparable to a hypothesis.
C)an explanation supported by a substantial body of evidence.
D)speculation.
4
How can citizens make sense of all the information out there related to environmental issues?
A)They can apply critical thinking to what they read and hear.
B)They can seek further scientific information.
C)They can determine the authority of the source of the information.
D)All of the above.
5
The process of science is characterized by all of the following EXCEPT which one? Science
A)attempts to keep explanations as simple as possible.
B)normally provides absolute proof
C)attempts to be objective.
D)is inherently skeptical.
6
Scientific paradigms can be characterized by all of the following EXCEPT which one?
A)once agreed upon remain unchanged forever.
B)are broad patterns of thought that guide thinking.
C)influence how we interpret evidence.
D)determine which questions we understand to be relevant to issues at hand.
7
The process by which science works is useful to the general public as well as to scientists.
A)TRUE
B)FALSE
8
A person carefully gathering pieces of information to uncover a larger pattern is engaged in deductive reasoning.
A)TRUE
B)FALSE
9
Creating a generalization based on several observations is an example of deductive reasoning.
A)TRUE
B)FALSE
10
If something cannot be directly experimented upon it is not considered to be a part of science.
A)TRUE
B)FALSE
11
Statistical tests
A)provide us with raw numbers such as the number of people in a given city
B)focus on determining the probability that observed phenomena occurred by chance
C)Are only used in science to influence political decision-making
D)2 and 3 are correct
12
Manipulative experiments
A)are not useful to ecologists because they depend on the natural environment.
B)are most often conducted in a laboratory
C)do not allow the scientist to control variables
D)None of the above
13
Mathematical models can be
A)used to explain climate change
B)used to illustrate population dynamics
C)used to allow a researcher to manipulate variables without causing problems in the real systems
D)All of the above
14
In evaluating the value of a report on environmental issues, it is important to consider
A)the reliability of the sources
B)if the claims been verified
C)the position of the scientific community
D)all of the above
15
Ecological systems often undergo periodic disturbances
A)such as floods and fires
B)and show resilience when they recover quickly
C)only in arid environments
D)1 and 2 are correct
16
Positive feedback is a process
A)that is self-perpetuating.
B)wherein increases in a state variable lead to further increases.
C)that supresses change.
D)Answers 1 and 2 are correct.
17
In an ecosystem, 'throughput' can refer to
A)matter that flows into the system but not out.
B)energy that originates in the system and flows out.
C)something that can expand the size of state variables.
D)all of the above.
18
Homeostasis refers to
A)a tendency to change.
B)equilibrium.
C)spatial homogeneity.
D)none of the above.
19
Which of the following is an example of a disturbance in an ecosystem?
A)fire
B)drought
C)flash flood
D)all of the above
20
Sometimes severe disturbances can lead to a ______, in which conditions do not return to normal.
A)paradigm shift
B)state shift
C)feedback loop
D)none of the above
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