Conservation & Sustainability Flashcards

Which federal law established the National Wilderness Preservation System in the United States?

Answer: Wilderness Act (1964)

The Wilderness Act of 1964 created the National Wilderness Preservation System, protecting lands where human impact is minimal.

In sustainable site planning, which stormwater management strategy most directly mimics natural hydrology?

Answer: Using bioswales and rain gardens

Bioswales and rain gardens infiltrate and slow stormwater on-site, replicating pre-development hydrological functions.

The concept of 'carrying capacity' in environmental planning refers to:

Answer: The maximum population an ecosystem can sustain indefinitely

Carrying capacity is the maximum population size an environment can support without degradation of its resources.

Which greenhouse gas has the highest 100-year global warming potential (GWP) among common pollutants?

Answer: Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)

SF6 has a 100-year GWP of approximately 23,500, far exceeding CO2, CH4, and N2O.

A habitat corridor primarily functions to:

Answer: Connect fragmented habitat patches to support wildlife movement

Habitat corridors link isolated patches of suitable habitat, enabling gene flow and species movement across fragmented landscapes.

LEED certification for buildings primarily evaluates sustainability across which categories?

Answer: Energy, water, materials, indoor environment, and site

LEED evaluates energy efficiency, water use, materials selection, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable site practices.

Which of the following best describes 'adaptive management' in natural resource conservation?

Answer: An iterative management process that incorporates monitoring data to adjust strategies

Adaptive management uses structured learning cycles—plan, implement, monitor, and adjust—to improve conservation outcomes over time.