Quiz 2: Given October 2, 2007

1.

The Gaia Hypothesis states that the dominant force that has shaped the global environment through time is:

A)

humans

B)

the oceans

C)

the Gaia species from Alpha Centauri

D)

the atmosphere

E)

life

2.

The universe consists of two fundamental thingss:

A)

matter and energy

B)

the dark and the light side of the Force

C)

energy and radiation

D)

mass and space

E)

matter and antimatter

3.

A _______________ type of feedback mechanism functions as a _______________ process for the system as a whole.

A)

negative; stabilizing or self-regulating

B)

equilibrium; stabilizing

C)

positive; cleansing

D)

negative; destabilizing

E)

positive; stabilizing or self-regulating

4.

Systems are either open or closed.  The planet Earth can be considered in terms of the simultaneous functioning of many systems, including its energy and its mass.  Ignoring minute exceptions such as meteorites,

A)

energy is an open system; mass is a closed system

B)

both systems are both open and closed

C)

both are open systems

D)

mass is an open system; energy is a closed system

E)

both are closed systems

5.

Observation of modern oceans shows that most areas are characterized by the accumulation of sediment.  Rivers and wind carry sand, silt, and clay into the oceans, and eventually to the flat ocean floor.  Using this insight, we look at sandy and muddy rock in flat lying layers and infer that they are the result of oceanic deposition millions of years ago.  This conclusion is an example of:

A)

igneous processes

B)

positive feedback

C)

the principle of uniformitarianism

D)

the principle of environmental unity

E)

an open system

6.

Considering inputs to a pool and outputs from it, the pool will be in steady state when:

A)

inputs equal outputs

B)

inputs exceed outputs

C)

outputs exceed inputs

D)

inputs cease

E)

outputs cease

7.

Simply stated, the principle of environmental unity states that:

A)

the environment is a closed system

B)

time is money

C)

humans have only one environment

D)

everything affects everything else

E)

resources are finite

8.

A system with a greater input than output would experience:

A)

compound interest

B)

zero storage

C)

an increase in storage

D)

no change in storage

E)

a decrease in storage

9.

The region of the Earth where life exists is known as:

A)

the crust

B)

the biosphere

C)

Gaia

D)

the biota

E)

the biozone

10.

The Gaia hypothesis proposes that:

I. the global environment at a global level has been profoundly changed since life appeared on Earth

II. life is sacred, and eating meat or animal by-products is immoral

III. changes in the environment tend to improve the environment for life

A)

I, II, and III

B)

I and III

C)

II only

D)

I only

E)

I and II

11.

_____  Change that tends to destabilize a system

12.

_____  Growth rate at which the amount doubles in a fixed unit of time

13.

_____  Change that tends to stabilize a system

14.

Describe positive AND negative feedback loops. Give examples of BOTH and explain why a negative feedback loop is desirable for a system.

15.

List what you think are the three major elements of the Gaia hypothesis. Be sure you use the following terms correctly in your discussion:

• biosphere
• steady state
• super-organism

18.

Explain why global environmental problems are particularly difficult to solve.

19.

Explain the Principle of Uniformitarianism. Give an example of how it can be used to examine environmental issues.

1.

E

2.

A

3.

A

4.

A

5.

C

6.

A

7.

D

8.

C

9.

B

10.

B

11.

D

12.

C

13.

B

14.

Positive feedback causes the system to increase, Negative feedback causes the system to decrease. Positive feedback is typically not stable and leads to a “snowball” effect. Negative feedback tends to cause stability and keep the system in control. Ex: Negative feedback, weight gain leads to exercise and diet which causes weight loss. Overcrowding and crime in a large city causes people to more away from the city. Ex: positive feedback, weight gain leads to depression and overeating which increases weight. Job opportunities and resources in a large city cause people to move into the city increasing it’s population. Because negative feedback leads to stability within the system it is generally desired.

15.

The biosphere affects all other parts of the Earth’s systems. Typically the changes that are caused balance and create a steady state within the systems. Sometimes things do not balance in these cases life manipulates the environment for the betterment of life.

life is a deliberate, conscious super-organism.

18.

Global environmental problems are difficult to solve because of environmental unity and the fact that it is difficult to isolate variable in an open system. Be sure to give example and clearly explain your answers.

19.

Physical and biological processes presently active in forming and modifying the Earth can help explain the geologic and evolutionary history of the Earth. See question # 5 for more detail and an example.