Mixed Deck — All CAEC Topics Flashcards

What is the precautionary principle in science and technology policy?

Answer: The principle that when an action or technology poses a potential risk to people or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even before scientific certainty is established

The precautionary principle states that lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason to postpone protective action when there is evidence of potential harm.

What is the greenhouse effect, and how does human activity contribute to it?

Answer: The greenhouse effect is a natural process where atmospheric gases trap heat; human activity enhances it by increasing greenhouse gas concentrations through burning fossil fuels

The greenhouse effect is natural, but human activities — particularly burning fossil fuels — release extra CO₂ and methane, intensifying warming beyond natural levels.

What is the role of DNA in living organisms?

Answer: To store and transmit genetic information that directs the growth and function of cells

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms.

Which of the following is an example of a logical fallacy that weakens a persuasive argument?

Answer: Claiming that something must be true because many people believe it (appeal to popularity)

An appeal to popularity (ad populum) is a logical fallacy — something is not necessarily true just because many people believe it.

Which Canadian credential is awarded after completing a research-based program that is typically the highest academic qualification available?

Answer: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the highest academic degree in Canada, awarded after completing original research and defending a dissertation.

Which of the following correctly describes the primary function of mitochondria within a eukaryotic cell?

Answer: To generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through cellular respiration.

The mitochondrion is known as the 'powerhouse' of the cell. Its main function is to perform cellular respiration, a process that breaks down nutrients and turns them into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy-carrying molecule used to power the cell's metabolic activities.

Which province is Canada's largest by area?

Answer: Nunavut (territory)

Nunavut, created as a territory in 1999, is Canada's largest political subdivision by area at approximately 2.1 million km².

Read the following sentence: 'The politician's speech was filled with equivocal statements, leaving both supporters and opponents unsure of her exact position on the new policy.' What is the meaning of the word 'equivocal' in this context?

Answer: Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous

The context that both supporters and opponents were 'unsure of her exact position' directly supports the meaning of 'equivocal' as being ambiguous or open to multiple interpretations. The uncertainty described is a direct result of the equivocal nature of the statements.

What does 'career laddering' mean in a workplace context?

Answer: A structured progression of roles within an organization that allows employees to advance in title and pay over time

Career laddering refers to a formal or informal framework within a company that maps out how employees can grow into higher-level positions.

A business is looking to invest in a region of Canada that is a world leader in the production of potash and has a strong agricultural sector, particularly for wheat and canola. Based on this information, in which geographic region would the business most likely invest?

Answer: The Prairie Provinces

The Prairie Provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta) are known as Canada's 'breadbasket' due to their vast agricultural production, including wheat and canola. This region is also extremely rich in natural resources, with Saskatchewan being a global leader in potash and uranium production.

Which of the following best describes the Canadian Shield?

Answer: A vast region of ancient, exposed Precambrian rock rich in mineral deposits.

The Canadian Shield is a massive geological formation covering about half of Canada. It consists of ancient Precambrian rock and is known for its significant deposits of minerals like gold, silver, copper, and nickel, making mining a major industry in the region. Its soil is generally thin and not suitable for large-scale agriculture.

Continuing education units (CEUs) are most commonly associated with which type of professional activity?

Answer: Maintaining professional licenses and designations through ongoing training

CEUs are used to track ongoing professional development and are required by many regulatory bodies to maintain professional licenses or designations.

What is a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)?

Answer: A registered account where investment growth and withdrawals are not subject to tax

A TFSA allows Canadians to save and invest money where all growth and withdrawals are completely tax-free, although contributions are made with after-tax dollars.

The volume of a cylindrical storage tank is given by the formula V = πr²h. If the tank has a radius (r) of 3 metres and a height (h) of 8 metres, what is its approximate volume? (Use π ≈ 3.14159)

Answer: 226.19 m³

Substitute the given values into the volume formula: V = πr²h. V ≈ 3.14159 * (3 m)² * 8 m. First, calculate the square of the radius: 3² = 9 m². Then, multiply the values together: V ≈ 3.14159 * 9 m² * 8 m. V ≈ 28.27431 * 8 m. V ≈ 226.19448 m³. The closest answer is 226.19 m³.

Which of the following is an example of a 'soft skill' that Canadian employers frequently cite as highly desirable?

Answer: Effective communication and active listening

Soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability are interpersonal abilities that complement technical qualifications and are consistently valued by employers.

A car travels 480 km on 40 litres of fuel. What is the fuel efficiency in km/L?

Answer: 12 km/L

Fuel efficiency = 480 ÷ 40 = 12 km/L.

A workplace memo begins with a bulleted list of new safety protocols, followed by a paragraph explaining the incident that prompted the changes, and concludes by stating the date the new protocols will be enforced. Which of the following best describes the organizational structure of this memo?

Answer: Problem-solution

The memo identifies a problem (the incident that occurred) and presents a clear solution (the new safety protocols). While it contains elements of cause and effect, the overall structure is best described as problem-solution, as it is designed to address and resolve a specific issue.

The Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759 was a pivotal event in Canadian history primarily because it led to the:

Answer: British taking control of Quebec from the French.

The Battle of the Plains of Abraham was a key battle in the Seven Years' War fought between the British and French empires. The British victory led to the capture of Quebec City and ultimately resulted in France ceding most of its North American territory, including New France (which became Canada), to Great Britain in the Treaty of Paris (1763).

Which of the following would be considered a variable expense?

Answer: Monthly electricity bill

Electricity bills vary each month based on usage, making them a variable expense unlike fixed costs that remain constant.

What is a 'cause and effect' relationship in a text?

Answer: A sequence where one event or condition (cause) brings about another event or outcome (effect)

A cause-and-effect relationship shows how one event or condition leads to a specific outcome — the cause produces the effect.