AP Environmental Science & Ecology 2

Question 1

Agricultural runoff carrying excess nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers most directly causes which environmental problem?

Accepted Answer

Eutrophication

Answer

Thermal pollution

Answer

Acid deposition

Answer

Photochemical smog

Question 2

Biomagnification refers to which of the following processes?

Accepted Answer

The increasing concentration of toxins at higher trophic levels

Answer

The increase in a population's size over time

Answer

The growth of organisms in response to light availability

Answer

The expansion of invasive species into new habitats

Question 3

Which of the following is considered a primary air pollutant directly emitted from vehicle exhaust?

Accepted Answer

Carbon monoxide (CO)

Answer

Ozone (O3)

Answer

Sulfuric acid

Answer

Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN)

Question 4

Acid rain is defined as precipitation with a pH value:

Accepted Answer

Below 5.6

Answer

Greater than 7.0

Answer

Exactly 5.6

Answer

Between 6.0 and 7.0

Question 5

Which of the following best illustrates a point source of water pollution?

Accepted Answer

A municipal wastewater discharge pipe

Answer

Runoff from a cornfield after heavy rain

Answer

Suburban lawn fertilizer entering a stream

Answer

Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen oxides

Question 6

The primary indoor source of radon gas exposure in homes is:

Accepted Answer

Uranium-containing soil and rock beneath the building

Answer

Burning natural gas for heating

Answer

Radioactive building materials like concrete blocks

Answer

Proximity to nuclear power plants

Question 7

Which U.S. federal law establishes national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for outdoor air pollutants?

Accepted Answer

The Clean Air Act

Answer

The Clean Water Act

Answer

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

Answer

The National Environmental Policy Act