Environmental Science 101, Exam 1 Questions with
Correct Answers
Sustainability Correct Answer-the ability of ecosystems and human
cultural systems to survive, flourish, and adapt to constantly changing
environments over long periods of time
Ecosystem Correct Answer-group of organisms in a defined geographic
area interacting with each other and with their environment
Organisms Correct Answer-living things
Species Correct Answer-group of organisms that has a unique set of
characteristics that distinguish it from other groups of organisms
Environment Correct Answer-everything around us (living & nonliving)
Environmental Science Correct Answer-study of our interactions with
the world and connections in nature
3 Scientific Principles of Sustainability Correct Answer-1. Life Depends
on Solar Energy
2. Biodiversity
3. Chemical Cycling (Nutrient Cycling)
, Natural Capital Correct Answer-Natural Resources + Ecosystem
Services. Life depends on it.
Natural Resources Correct Answer-materials and energy in nature that
are essential or useful to humans
Ecosystem Services Correct Answer-Processes provided by healthy
ecosystems support life at no monetary cost. Ex: Soil renewal, climate
control
What degrades natural capital? Correct Answer-Climate change, Air
Pollution, Soil Erosion, Water Pollution
Pollution Correct Answer-contamination of environment by any
chemical or other agent (noise, heat) to a level that is harmful to the
health, survival, or activities of humans or other organisms
Point Source Correct Answer-Single, identifiable
Non-point Source Correct Answer-dispersed, often difficult to identify
Ecological Footprint Correct Answer-amount of land and water needed
to supply an individual, population, or area with resources and
absorb/recycle the wastes and pollution produced by such resource use
Correct Answers
Sustainability Correct Answer-the ability of ecosystems and human
cultural systems to survive, flourish, and adapt to constantly changing
environments over long periods of time
Ecosystem Correct Answer-group of organisms in a defined geographic
area interacting with each other and with their environment
Organisms Correct Answer-living things
Species Correct Answer-group of organisms that has a unique set of
characteristics that distinguish it from other groups of organisms
Environment Correct Answer-everything around us (living & nonliving)
Environmental Science Correct Answer-study of our interactions with
the world and connections in nature
3 Scientific Principles of Sustainability Correct Answer-1. Life Depends
on Solar Energy
2. Biodiversity
3. Chemical Cycling (Nutrient Cycling)
, Natural Capital Correct Answer-Natural Resources + Ecosystem
Services. Life depends on it.
Natural Resources Correct Answer-materials and energy in nature that
are essential or useful to humans
Ecosystem Services Correct Answer-Processes provided by healthy
ecosystems support life at no monetary cost. Ex: Soil renewal, climate
control
What degrades natural capital? Correct Answer-Climate change, Air
Pollution, Soil Erosion, Water Pollution
Pollution Correct Answer-contamination of environment by any
chemical or other agent (noise, heat) to a level that is harmful to the
health, survival, or activities of humans or other organisms
Point Source Correct Answer-Single, identifiable
Non-point Source Correct Answer-dispersed, often difficult to identify
Ecological Footprint Correct Answer-amount of land and water needed
to supply an individual, population, or area with resources and
absorb/recycle the wastes and pollution produced by such resource use
