Environmental Systems Semester 2 Final Exam

Which of the following is a characteristic of exponential growth?

• a. The population grows indefinitely without slowing down.
• b. The population fluctuates around a carrying capacity.
• c. The population increases, then decreases rapidly.
• d. The population grows steadily at a constant rate.

What does a J-shaped curve on a population graph indicate?

• a. A stable population size.
• b. Population experiencing exponential growth.
• c. Population reaching carrying capacity.
• d. A population with zero growth.

In logistical growth, what happens when a population reaches carrying capacity?

• a. The population size begins to decline rapidly.
• b. The population stops growing and fluctuates around a stable number.
• c. The population continues to grow exponentially.
• d. Resources increase to support further growth.

Which of the following distinguishes logistical growth from exponential growth?

• a. Logistical growth assumes no limiting factors.
• b. Both follow the same growth pattern but at different rates.
• c. Exponential growth accounts for resource limitations, while logistical growth does not.
• d. Logistical growth levels off at carrying capacity, while exponential growth does not.

What does "carrying capacity" refer to in an ecosystem?

• a. The maximum number of predators an area can support.
• b. The total energy available in a food web.
• c. The number of organisms an ecosystem can support indefinitely without degradation.
• d. The average lifespan of organisms in a population.

Which factor would directly decrease the carrying capacity of an ecosystem?

• a. An increase in water availability.
• b. A decrease in predator populations.
• c. A reduction in available food sources.
• d. A stable climate over time.

A species of bird is declining in population because of deforestation. Which factor is most directly affecting the carrying capacity for this bird?

• a. Disease spreading through the population.
• b. Loss of livable space due to habitat fragmentation.
• c. An increase in available food resources.
• d. Periodic weather changes causing migration.

A growing urban population results in increased pollution and habitat fragmentation. What is the likely long-term impact on surrounding wildlife populations?

• a. Populations will decrease due to reduced resources and space.
• b. Population will adapt and thrive in urban areas.
• c. Populations will stabilize due to improved waste management.
• d. Populations will experience exponential growth.

What is the key difference between point source and nonpoint source pollution?

• a. Point source pollution comes from a single, identifiable location, while nonpoint source pollution comes from multiple, dispersed sources.
• b. Nonpoint source pollution is always more harmful than point source pollution.
• c. Point source pollution only affects water, while nonpoint source pollution only affects air.
• d. Nonpoint source pollution is caused by natural processes, while point source pollution is always man-made.

Which of the following is an example of nonpoint source water pollution?

• a. A factory illegally dumping waste into a river
• b. Fertilizer from multiple farms washing into a river after a rainstorm
• c. Oil spilling from a pipeline leak into the ocean
• d. Sewage being discharged from a treatment plant