AP Environmental Science Unit 5: Land and Water Use Practice Exam

Assessment for Unit 5: Land and Water Use

Estimated Time: 60 minutes

Exam Details

Questions: 36 total (35 multiple choice, 1 short answer)
Time: 60 minutes (recommended)
Topics Covered: Unit 5: Land and Water Use
Format: Multiple Choice, Short Answer questions matching real exam difficulty
Scoring: Instant results with detailed explanations

A. Multiple-Choice Questions (35 Questions)

Select the one best answer for each question.

1. [Skill: 4.A | Topic: 5.1] A coastal community relies on a shared, open-access fishery. The table shows the number of fishing boats and the average annual fish catch per boat. Year 1: 10 boats; 12 tons per boat Year 2: 20 boats; 9 tons per boat Year 3: 30 boats; 6 tons per boat Year 4: 40 boats; 4 tons per boat Which of the following best explains the trend shown in the table in terms of the tragedy of the commons?

(A)As more individuals use a shared resource for personal benefit, total pressure on the resource increases and the resource becomes depleted, reducing the yield available to each user.(B)As the number of users increases, competition increases and the resource naturally replenishes faster due to reduced predation on juvenile fish.(C)The decline in catch per boat is primarily caused by a decrease in boat efficiency as more boats operate in the same area.(D)The decline in catch per boat occurs because private ownership of the fishery encourages each boat to maximize harvest before other boats can harvest.

2. [Skill: 1.A | Topic: 5.1] A city’s groundwater aquifer is accessible to any landowner who can afford to drill a well. During a drought, residents notice falling water tables and wells running dry. Which of the following policy actions best addresses the problem described using the logic of the tragedy of the commons?

(A)Encourage each landowner to pump as much as possible now, since conserving water will only benefit neighbors who continue pumping.(B)Require permits and enforce a total extraction cap (or per-well pumping limits) so that groundwater withdrawal stays within the aquifer’s recharge rate.(C)Subsidize additional well drilling so that more households can access groundwater during the drought.(D)Allow unlimited pumping but ask residents to voluntarily report how much water they withdraw each month.

Refer to the figure below.

3. [Skill: 2.B | Topic: 5.1] [Image Cue]: Line graph, "Grass Biomass on a Shared Pasture Over Time," x-axis = Time (months), y-axis = Grass biomass (kg/ha). Two lines: (1) "Unregulated grazing (open access)" shows biomass decreasing steadily over time; (2) "Grazing with enforced herd-size limits" shows biomass decreasing slightly then stabilizing. Which of the following best explains why the unregulated grazing line decreases steadily over time?

(A)Individual herders gain the full benefit of adding more animals, while the costs of reduced grass availability are shared by all users, leading to overgrazing and depletion.(B)Herders are unable to access the pasture regularly, so grazing pressure decreases and biomass declines due to lack of grazing stimulation.(C)Enforced herd-size limits increase grazing pressure by concentrating animals, which reduces grass biomass more quickly than open access.(D)The pasture is privately owned, so the owner intentionally reduces grass biomass to prevent others from using the land.

Refer to the figure below.

4. [Skill: 4.A | Topic: 5.10] A student investigates how land cover affects what happens to rainfall during a 2 cm storm event. The student summarizes results from three sites. [Image Cue]: Table, "Fate of Rainfall During a 2 cm Storm", Columns: Land cover type; Percent that infiltrates to soil; Percent that becomes surface runoff, Data: Forest (infiltrates 60%, runoff 10%); Suburban (infiltrates 35%, runoff 30%); Urban downtown (infiltrates 10%, runoff 55%). Based on the data, which of the following best explains why flooding risk is higher in the urban downtown site than in the forest site?

(A)Impervious surfaces prevent water from reaching soil, increasing surface runoff volume and peak flow.(B)Higher infiltration rates in urban areas increase groundwater recharge, raising stream levels and causing floods.(C)Urban areas have more vegetation, which reduces evapotranspiration and therefore increases flooding.(D)Surface runoff is lower in urban areas because storm drains quickly remove water from the watershed.

5. [Skill: 1.A | Topic: 5.10] A coastal city experiences rapid urban growth. To meet water demand, the city increases groundwater pumping from a coastal aquifer. The city also expands landfills and vehicle traffic increases. Which of the following outcomes is most consistent with these changes?

(A)Saltwater intrusion into the aquifer increases, and atmospheric $CO_2$ concentrations increase.(B)Saltwater intrusion into the aquifer decreases, and atmospheric $CO_2$ concentrations decrease.(C)Saltwater intrusion into the aquifer increases, and atmospheric $CO_2$ concentrations decrease.(D)Saltwater intrusion into the aquifer decreases, and atmospheric $CO_2$ concentrations increase.

6. [Skill: 4.A | Topic: 5.11] A sustainability office compares the annual per capita ecological footprint (in global hectares, gha, per person) of two communities. Per capita ecological footprint components (gha/person): - Carbon uptake land: Community A = 2.6, Community B = 1.4 - Cropland: Community A = 0.7, Community B = 0.7 - Grazing land: Community A = 0.3, Community B = 0.3 - Fishing grounds: Community A = 0.1, Community B = 0.1 - Forest products: Community A = 0.2, Community B = 0.2 - Built-up land: Community A = 0.3, Community B = 0.3 Which of the following best explains the primary variable responsible for Community A’s larger ecological footprint compared with Community B?

(A)Community A requires more biologically productive area to absorb $CO_2$ emissions from energy use and transportation.(B)Community A uses more cropland to produce food, which increases the land needed for agriculture.(C)Community A uses more built-up land for housing and roads, which increases the land converted to infrastructure.(D)Community A uses more fishing grounds, which increases the ocean area needed to support seafood harvests.

7. [Skill: 1.A | Topic: 5.11] Two countries report the following annual values (per person): - Country M: ecological footprint = 4.0 gha/person; biocapacity = 1.5 gha/person - Country N: ecological footprint = 1.8 gha/person; biocapacity = 2.5 gha/person Which of the following statements best interprets what these values indicate about each country’s resource demands and waste production relative to what its ecosystems can regenerate?

(A)Both Country M and Country N have an ecological deficit because their ecological footprints are greater than 1 gha/person.(B)Country M has an ecological deficit, while Country N has an ecological reserve.(C)Country M has an ecological reserve, while Country N has an ecological deficit.(D)Both Country M and Country N have an ecological reserve because they each have nonzero biocapacity.

8. 1. [Skill: 4.A | Topic: 5.12] A coastal city pumps freshwater from a groundwater aquifer for drinking water and irrigation. Hydrologists report the following environmental indicators for the past 10 years: - Average annual aquifer recharge: 45 million m^3/year - Average annual groundwater withdrawal: 60 million m^3/year - Average depth to groundwater (from ground surface): increased from 12 m to 19 m - Chloride concentration in several municipal wells has increased Which of the following statements best explains why the city’s current water use is not sustainable and how environmental indicators relate to sustainability?

(A)The water use is sustainable because groundwater is a renewable resource; environmental indicators are only needed for nonrenewable resources.(B)The water use is not sustainable because withdrawals exceed recharge, and indicators such as declining water table depth and rising chloride can warn that resource depletion and saltwater intrusion are occurring.(C)The water use is not sustainable only if the city’s population is increasing; environmental indicators are primarily used to measure economic growth rather than environmental conditions.(D)The water use is sustainable as long as the city drills deeper wells; environmental indicators are unnecessary if technology can access more water.

9. 2. [Skill: 5.A | Topic: 5.12] A forest manager is evaluating whether a timber harvest plan meets the definition of sustainable yield. Over the last decade, measurements for a managed forest show: - Average annual tree growth (new wood produced): 3.2 million m^3/year - Average annual natural mortality (wood lost to disease, fire, and old age): 0.7 million m^3/year Assuming these values remain constant and the goal is to maintain the forest’s standing timber volume over time, what is the maximum sustainable yield for annual timber harvest from this forest?

(A)0.7 million m^3/year(B)2.5 million m^3/year(C)3.2 million m^3/year(D)3.9 million m^3/year

10. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 5.13] A city watershed has experienced frequent street flooding and high levels of oil and heavy metals in a nearby stream after rainstorms. A planning team proposes four actions: 1) Replace conventional asphalt in selected parking lots with permeable pavement. 2) Plant street trees and expand tree pits along sidewalks. 3) Expand bus routes and add protected bike lanes to reduce private vehicle use. 4) Change zoning to encourage taller apartment buildings near transit stops rather than expanding low-density housing outward. Which proposed action most directly increases water infiltration to reduce urban runoff from paved surfaces?

(A)1, because permeable pavement allows water to pass through and soak into underlying soil(B)3, because public transportation reduces gasoline use and therefore reduces runoff volume(C)4, because building up increases impermeable surface area, which increases infiltration(D)2, because trees always eliminate runoff by preventing all precipitation from reaching the ground

Refer to the figure below.

11. [Skill: 4A | Topic: 5.13] A watershed manager compares streamflow during a 2-hour storm event before and after an urban runoff mitigation plan was implemented. The manager notes that, after the plan, the stream’s peak discharge is lower and occurs later than before the plan. Which of the following mitigation strategies is most consistent with these observed changes in the storm hydrograph?

(A)Replacing traditional pavement with permeable pavement and increasing tree cover in the watershed(B)Widening roads to reduce traffic congestion and installing more storm drains to move water off streets faster(C)Increasing the area of asphalt parking lots to consolidate parking and reduce spillover onto lawns(D)Straightening and lining the stream channel with concrete to prevent erosion and keep water moving efficiently

12. 1. [Skill: 4.A | Topic: 5.14] A farm manager is deciding whether to apply a synthetic insecticide to a soybean field. The manager monitors pest abundance weekly and uses an economic threshold of 30 aphids per plant (above this level, economic damage is likely). Monitoring data are shown below. Week 1: 12 aphids/plant Week 2: 18 aphids/plant Week 3: 27 aphids/plant Week 4: 33 aphids/plant Which of the following actions best represents an integrated pest management (IPM) approach once the aphid population exceeds the economic threshold?

(A)Apply a broad-spectrum insecticide to the entire field every week for the rest of the growing season to prevent future outbreaks.(B)Release or encourage natural predators of aphids and, if necessary, apply a targeted insecticide only in affected areas while continuing to monitor aphid abundance.(C)Stop monitoring because pests have already exceeded the threshold and any further data collection will not affect outcomes.(D)Remove all non-soybean vegetation around the field to eliminate all insect habitat, regardless of effects on beneficial insects.

13. 2. [Skill: 1.B | Topic: 5.14] A county extension office compares two approaches to pest control in apple orchards over five years. Orchards that adopted an IPM program used pest monitoring, pheromone traps, and periodic releases of predatory insects; they applied synthetic insecticides only when monitoring showed pests above an economic threshold. Compared with orchards using a calendar-based pesticide schedule, the IPM orchards reported: • fewer pesticide applications per year • fewer detections of insecticide residues in a nearby stream • higher labor and training costs for scouting and decision-making Which of the following best explains both a benefit and a drawback of IPM based on the information provided?

(A)Benefit: IPM eliminates the need for pesticides entirely; Drawback: IPM always increases pest populations because predators disrupt ecosystems.(B)Benefit: IPM reduces risks to wildlife, water supplies, and human health by decreasing pesticide use; Drawback: IPM can be complex and expensive to implement.(C)Benefit: IPM guarantees higher crop yields every year; Drawback: IPM increases pesticide runoff because more pesticides are applied at one time.(D)Benefit: IPM relies on a single method (synthetic insecticides) that is easy to standardize; Drawback: IPM reduces biodiversity by removing all insects, including predators.

14. [Skill: 4.A | Topic: 5.15] A watershed council compared soil erosion from four cornfields (similar slope, soil type, and rainfall). Each field used a different soil conservation practice. Soil loss after one growing season: - Field 1: 12.5 tons/ha - Field 2: 7.8 tons/ha - Field 3: 2.1 tons/ha - Field 4: 5.9 tons/ha The council notes that the field with the LOWEST soil loss used a method that minimizes soil disturbance and leaves most crop residue on the surface. Which of the following practices was most likely used on the field with 2.1 tons/ha of soil loss?

(A)No-till agriculture(B)Terracing(C)Contour plowing(D)Windbreaks

15. [Skill: 1.A | Topic: 5.15] A farmer reports three problems on a mixed crop-livestock operation: 1) A single pasture shows bare patches and soil compaction near watering areas. 2) Soil tests from crop fields show a pH of 5.1 and low available nitrogen. 3) Yields have declined over several seasons. Which set of sustainable practices would best address ALL three problems described?

(A)Rotational grazing; add limestone to raise soil pH; plant a legume cover crop that can be used as green manure(B)Keep livestock on the same pasture to reduce fencing costs; apply only synthetic nitrogen fertilizer; increase irrigation(C)Use windbreaks in the pasture; apply insecticide to crop fields; convert cropland to perennial turfgrass(D)Contour plow crop fields; remove crop residues after harvest; increase stocking density to speed pasture regrowth

16. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 5.16] A coastal resource agency is comparing two ways to supply seafood to local markets: (1) wild-capture fishing using diesel-powered trawlers and (2) aquaculture in nearshore ponds. The agency summarizes its findings in the table. Table 1. Seafood production inputs and output (per metric ton of edible seafood produced) - Wild-capture fishing: Water area used = large/open ocean; Fuel used = high; Capture efficiency = variable by year - Aquaculture (ponds): Water area used = small/contained; Fuel used = low; Production efficiency = consistently high Which of the following best explains a primary reason aquaculture has expanded globally?

(A)Aquaculture is highly efficient, requires only small areas of water, and requires little fuel compared with many wild-capture methods.(B)Aquaculture eliminates all environmental impacts because waste is fully recycled within the pond ecosystem.(C)Aquaculture always increases biodiversity by adding large numbers of fish to coastal habitats.(D)Aquaculture has expanded primarily because it requires no human management once ponds are established.

17. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 5.16] A company raises Atlantic salmon in high-density net pens located in a sheltered bay. After several months, local scientists report the following observations near the net pens: - Elevated concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus in the water - Frequent outbreaks of a salmon parasite within the pens - Occasional reports of farmed salmon escaping during storms Which of the following identifies the most likely environmental drawback associated with the operation?

(A)Waste and uneaten feed can contaminate surrounding waters, and diseases and parasites can spread from densely stocked pens to wild fish; escaped fish may compete with or interbreed with wild populations.(B)Net-pen aquaculture prevents all nutrient pollution because nutrients are permanently stored in fish tissue and never released to the surrounding water.(C)Escaped farmed salmon will always increase wild salmon populations because they add new individuals without altering competition or genetics.(D)High-density net pens reduce disease incidence because close spacing limits contact between individuals.

18. **1. [Skill: 1.A | Topic: 5.17]** A city government is updating purchasing rules for public construction projects after a nearby watershed experienced increased erosion and sedimentation following forest clearing. The city wants to reduce its contribution to deforestation while still using wood products. Which of the following policies would most directly mitigate deforestation?

(A)Require all projects to use only pressure-treated lumber to extend product life and reduce replacement frequency(B)Require wood to be purchased from ecologically sustainable forestry operations, prioritize reuse of salvaged/reclaimed wood, and fund reforestation in the local watershed(C)Ban all wood products and replace them with steel and concrete regardless of life-cycle impacts(D)Increase the rate of clear-cutting in the watershed to increase timber supply, then allow natural regeneration without further management

19. **2. [Skill: 3.B | Topic: 5.17]** A state forest has experienced a rapid increase in bark beetle populations. Field surveys found many infected trees, and years of fire suppression have resulted in a large buildup of dry understory biomass (fuel load). Managers want to reduce tree mortality from the beetles and lower the risk of a severe wildfire. Which management plan best addresses BOTH problems?

(A)Apply broad-spectrum insecticide by aerial spraying across the entire forest each year and continue fire suppression to protect nearby homes(B)Remove only healthy trees to reduce stand density and leave infected trees to avoid spreading pathogens through logging equipment(C)Use integrated pest management (IPM) and remove affected trees, and conduct prescribed burns under controlled conditions to reduce accumulated fuel load(D)Stop all tree removal and allow natural fires to burn whenever they occur to eliminate beetles and reduce fuels quickly

Refer to the figure below.

20. [Skill: 4A | Topic: 5.2] A forestry company clearcut a 40-hectare section of a temperate watershed. Researchers measured stream conditions for one month before and one month after the clearcut. [Image Cue]: Two-panel line graph, "Watershed Response to Clearcutting". Panel 1 shows mean stream discharge (m^3/s) over time with a major rain event on Day 12; after clearcutting, peak discharge during the rain event is higher and occurs sooner (shorter lag time). Panel 2 shows mean turbidity (NTU) over the same period; after clearcutting, turbidity values are consistently higher, with a large spike after the rain event. Which of the following best explains BOTH the increased peak discharge and the increased turbidity after clearcutting?

(A)Removal of canopy and root systems decreases interception and infiltration, increasing surface runoff and soil erosion into the stream.(B)Clearcutting increases evapotranspiration, reducing soil moisture and causing greater infiltration during storms, which increases turbidity.(C)Clearcutting increases groundwater recharge, raising baseflow and resuspending streambed sediments, which increases turbidity.(D)Removal of trees increases shade over the stream, lowering water temperature and reducing dissolved oxygen, which increases turbidity.

21. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 5.2] A land manager proposes clearcutting a forested area and then burning the leftover slash (branches and small trees) to quickly prepare the site for replanting. Community members are concerned about regional climate impacts. Which of the following statements best describes how clearcutting and burning slash can contribute to climate change?

(A)Clearcutting increases the forest’s long-term capacity to store carbon by stimulating rapid photosynthesis, which decreases atmospheric $CO_2$.(B)Clearcutting and burning reduce carbon storage and directly release stored carbon as $CO_2$, increasing atmospheric $CO_2$ concentrations.(C)Burning slash converts carbon primarily into nitrates in the soil, which permanently removes carbon from the atmosphere.(D)Clearcutting increases carbon sequestration immediately because exposed soil absorbs atmospheric $CO_2$ more efficiently than living trees.

Refer to the figure below.

22. [Skill: 4A | Topic: 5.3] The graph shows data collected from multiple wheat fields before and after a new agricultural practice was adopted. [Image Cue]: Dual-axis line graph, "Wheat Yield and Nitrate in Stream vs. Nitrogen Fertilizer Application". X-axis: Nitrogen fertilizer applied (kg/ha) at 0, 50, 100, 150, 200. Left Y-axis: Wheat yield (tons/ha) increasing from about 2 (0 kg/ha) to about 6 (150 kg/ha) and then plateauing (150–200 kg/ha). Right Y-axis: Nitrate concentration in nearby stream (mg/L) remains low from 0–50, increases at 100, and rises sharply from 150–200. Which of the following best identifies the Green Revolution practice represented and one likely environmental tradeoff shown by the data?

(A)Applying synthetic nitrogen fertilizer increases crop yields but can increase nutrient runoff that contributes to eutrophication in nearby water bodies.(B)Using genetically modified crops increases crop yields while eliminating the need for irrigation and reducing stream nitrate concentrations.(C)Replacing chemical inputs with organic compost increases crop yields and decreases nitrate concentrations because nutrients are not water soluble.(D)Increasing pesticide application increases crop yields and increases nitrate concentrations because pesticides contain nitrogen as the primary active ingredient.

23. [Skill: 4B | Topic: 5.3] A farming cooperative compared production data on the same total area of cropland before and after adopting more mechanized equipment. Data summary: - Before mechanization: 40 labor-hours per hectare; 5 liters of diesel per hectare - After mechanization: 8 labor-hours per hectare; 45 liters of diesel per hectare Which of the following conclusions is best supported by the data and consistent with Green Revolution-era changes?

(A)Mechanization decreases efficiency because more fuel use always reduces total crop production per hectare.(B)Mechanization can increase efficiency by reducing labor needs, but it can also increase reliance on fossil fuels due to higher diesel consumption.(C)Mechanization reduces reliance on fossil fuels because fewer workers are needed to travel to fields.(D)Mechanization has no relationship to fossil fuel use because farm equipment can operate without external energy inputs.

24. [Skill: 4A | Topic: 5.4] A researcher compared two corn fields with similar soil type, slope, and rainfall. Field 1 used conventional tilling before planting. Field 2 used no-till practices (seeds planted directly into crop residue). After one growing season, the researcher recorded the results below. Results (per hectare per year): - Sediment lost in runoff: Field 1 = 3,200 kg; Field 2 = 900 kg - Soil organic carbon (SOC) change: Field 1 = −0.4% SOC; Field 2 = +0.1% SOC Which of the following conclusions is best supported by the data?

(A)Conventional tilling increases erosion and is associated with a decrease in soil organic carbon compared with no-till practices.(B)Conventional tilling reduces erosion by loosening soil and increasing infiltration compared with no-till practices.(C)No-till practices increase erosion because crop residues prevent water from soaking into the soil.(D)No-till practices decrease soil organic carbon because leaving crop residues on the surface prevents decomposition.

25. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 5.4] A farm applies nitrogen- and phosphorus-based fertilizer to increase crop yield. After a heavy rainfall, runoff flows into a nearby slow-moving bay. Two weeks later, residents observe a large algal bloom followed by a fish kill. Which of the following sequences best explains how the fertilizer use contributed to the fish kill?

(A)Fertilizer runoff adds nutrients → algae grow rapidly (bloom) → algae die and decompose → decomposition increases dissolved oxygen → fish die from oxygen toxicity(B)Fertilizer runoff adds nutrients → algae grow rapidly (bloom) → algae die and decompose → bacteria consume dissolved oxygen during decomposition → fish die from hypoxia(C)Fertilizer runoff adds nutrients → nutrients biomagnify in fish tissue → fish die immediately from high nutrient concentrations(D)Fertilizer runoff adds nutrients → increased salinity causes osmotic stress in fish → fish die from dehydration

26. [Skill: SP4 | Topic: 5.5] A farmer in a semi-arid region irrigates using groundwater from a local aquifer. Due to declining groundwater levels, the farm is limited to pumping no more than 10,000 liters of water per day. The farmer must ensure that 9,500 liters per day actually reaches crop roots. A local extension office provides the following estimates of typical water lost to evaporation and runoff for different irrigation methods: - Furrow irrigation: about 33% water loss - Flood irrigation: about 20% water loss - Spray irrigation: about 25% water loss (1/4) - Drip irrigation: about 5% water loss Which irrigation method allows the farmer to meet the 9,500-liter crop-water requirement without exceeding the 10,000-liter pumping limit? [Image Cue]: Optional, Bar chart titled "Typical Water Loss by Irrigation Method", x-axis: irrigation method (Furrow, Flood, Spray, Drip), y-axis: percent water lost; bars at 33%, 20%, 25%, and 5%, respectively.

(A)Furrow irrigation(B)Flood irrigation(C)Spray irrigation(D)Drip irrigation

27. [Skill: SP1 | Topic: 5.5] A farm in a hot, arid region has used flood irrigation for many years. Recently, the farmer observes that (i) crop growth is stunted in low-lying areas even when the soil looks wet, and (ii) a white crust forms on the soil surface between irrigation events. Which pair of processes best explains these observations? [Image Cue]: Optional, Photo-style diagram titled "Irrigated Field Symptoms", showing standing water/very wet soil in a low area and a white crust at the soil surface after drying; labels indicating "high water table" and "salt crust."

(A)Waterlogging that reduces root oxygen uptake and salinization from evaporation leaving salts behind(B)Eutrophication from fertilizer runoff and thermal pollution from irrigation return flows(C)Acid deposition lowering soil pH and bioaccumulation of pesticides in crop roots(D)Increased infiltration lowering the water table and leaching salts deeper into the soil

Refer to the figure below.

28. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 5.6] A researcher monitored the percentage of a pest insect population that survived exposure to a commonly used insecticide in two adjacent farming regions over 8 years. [Image Cue]: Line graph, "Insecticide Resistance Over Time," x-axis = Year (1–8), y-axis = Percent of pest population surviving insecticide exposure (%). Region 1 (continuous insecticide use) rises from 5% (Year 1) to 80% (Year 8). Region 2 (integrated pest management with reduced insecticide use and periodic nonchemical controls) rises from 5% (Year 1) to 20% (Year 8). Which of the following best explains the trend observed in Region 1?

(A)The insecticide acted as a selective pressure, increasing the frequency of resistance alleles in the pest population over time.(B)The insecticide caused individual insects to genetically mutate into resistant forms, and those same individuals then survived and reproduced.(C)Predators evolved resistance to the insecticide and therefore consumed fewer pests, causing the pest population to become resistant.(D)The pests became resistant because the insecticide increased crop yields, which provided more food and reduced competition among pests.

29. [Skill: 1B | Topic: 5.6] A farming cooperative is considering switching from several locally adapted varieties of cotton to a single genetically engineered cotton variety that contains a gene conferring resistance to a major insect pest. The cooperative expects fewer insecticide applications and higher yields. Which of the following is the most direct environmental drawback associated with planting a single genetically engineered cotton variety across a large region?

(A)Loss of genetic diversity in the cotton crop, which can increase vulnerability to future pests or diseases.(B)Immediate elimination of natural selection in the pest population, preventing any evolution of pest traits.(C)Guaranteed elimination of all pesticides and herbicides from cotton production because genetic engineering replaces chemical inputs.(D)Increased genetic diversity in surrounding wild plant communities due to the introduction of the engineered gene.

30. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 5.7] A county planning report describes a livestock facility with 12,000 cattle kept in crowded pens on a small land area. The cattle are fed primarily corn and soy-based feed brought in by truck. Manure is stored in lined lagoons, and the operation routinely administers antibiotics to prevent disease outbreaks. Which of the following best identifies the meat production method described and a likely environmental drawback associated with it?

(A)Free-range grazing; organic waste increases soil fertility without any risk of water pollution(B)Free-range grazing; overgrazing will directly increase the need for grain-based feed imports(C)CAFO (feedlot); large quantities of organic waste can contaminate ground and surface water(D)CAFO (feedlot); animals grazing on grass requires large land areas, increasing land conversion

31. [Skill: 4A | Topic: 5.7] A student compares resource use for producing approximately 1 million kilocalories (kcal) of food. Data Table (per 1 million kcal produced): - Beef: Land required = 20 hectares; GHG emissions = 2,500 kg $CO_2$-equivalent; Water use = 15 million liters - Beans (plant protein): Land required = 1 hectare; GHG emissions = 200 kg $CO_2$-equivalent; Water use = 2 million liters Based on the data and known environmental impacts of meat production, which of the following consumer actions would most directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve land and water resources?

(A)Replace a portion of beef consumption with plant-based protein (such as beans)(B)Switch from beans to beef produced in CAFOs because CAFOs require less land per animal(C)Increase consumption of free-range beef because manure on pasture cannot contribute to pollution(D)Maintain beef consumption but choose beef produced with grain feed because it reduces the need for land

Refer to the figure below.

32. [Skill: 4.A | Topic: 5.8] A coastal nation tracked changes in a commercially valuable fish species and overall fish biodiversity in the same offshore region. [Image Cue]: Dual-axis line graph, "Changes in Fish Biomass and Biodiversity (2000–2020)". X-axis: Year (2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020). Left Y-axis: Spawning stock biomass (thousand metric tons), decreasing from 120 (2000) to 90 (2005) to 55 (2010) to 30 (2015) to 15 (2020). Right Y-axis: Number of fish species observed in standardized annual trawl surveys, decreasing from 38 (2000) to 35 (2005) to 31 (2010) to 27 (2015) to 24 (2020). Key visual trend: both biomass and species count decline over time. Which of the following conclusions is best supported by the data and is consistent with known problems related to overfishing?

(A)Overfishing can drive a target species toward extreme scarcity and is associated with reduced aquatic biodiversity, which can harm people who rely on fishing for food and commerce.(B)Overfishing increases biodiversity because removing one abundant species frees resources and always increases the number of species present.(C)The decline in spawning stock biomass is most directly caused by increased fertilizer runoff, which typically increases fish populations by boosting primary productivity.(D)The decline in the number of fish species observed indicates that fishing pressure has decreased, allowing the ecosystem to recover.

33. [Skill: 1.A | Topic: 5.8] A small island region relies heavily on fishing for local protein and employment. Over the last decade, larger industrial boats began operating near the island and harvest increased rapidly. After several years, local fishers reported traveling farther offshore to catch fewer fish, and local markets began importing more food because fish became less available. Which of the following best describes a problem related to overfishing illustrated by this scenario?

(A)Overfishing can lead to extreme scarcity of some fish species, reducing biodiversity in aquatic systems and harming people who depend on fishing for food and commerce.(B)Overfishing increases the long-term stability of fish populations by removing older fish and ensuring constant reproduction.(C)Overfishing primarily causes an increase in terrestrial biodiversity because less seafood consumption reduces pressure on land resources.(D)Overfishing reduces human impacts on marine ecosystems because fewer fish are removed once industrial fleets expand.

Refer to the figure below.

34. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 5.9] [Image Cue]: Line graph, "Ore Grade vs. Mining Waste per Unit Metal Produced". X-axis: Ore grade (% metal in ore) with points at 6, 4, 2, 1. Y-axis (left): Waste rock + tailings generated (metric tons per metric ton of refined metal) with points at 8, 12, 25, 50 (increasing as ore grade decreases). Y-axis (right): Estimated water/energy use index with points at 1, 1.4, 2.2, 3.0 (also increasing as ore grade decreases). A mining company’s environmental impact report includes the graph shown. Which of the following best explains the trend in the graph as ore grade declines over time?

(A)Lower-grade ores require processing more rock to obtain the same amount of metal, increasing tailings and other wastes and often increasing water and energy use.(B)Lower-grade ores contain fewer impurities, so tailings production decreases even as more ore is mined.(C)As ore grade declines, mines can reduce waste by removing less overburden, which decreases erosion and water pollution.(D)As ore grade declines, mining shifts entirely to subsurface methods, which eliminates tailings and prevents pollution from waste piles.

35. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 5.9] A community near a coal-producing region is evaluating two proposals: • Proposal 1: Expand a surface coal mine that removes overburden and vegetation to expose coal seams. • Proposal 2: Develop a deeper coal seam using subsurface mining because many near-surface coal deposits in the region have already been extracted. Which statement accurately compares an ecological impact of Proposal 1 with an economic consideration of Proposal 2?

(A)Proposal 1 can increase erosion because removing overburden and vegetation exposes soil; Proposal 2 is often more expensive because accessing smaller/deeper coal reserves requires costly subsurface operations.(B)Proposal 1 prevents habitat loss because surface mines disturb only small areas; Proposal 2 is less expensive because deeper seams require fewer workers and less equipment.(C)Proposal 1 reduces water pollution because sediments are trapped under the overburden; Proposal 2 is less expensive because methane and dust are not produced in subsurface mines.(D)Proposal 1 does not affect ecosystems because the land can never be altered permanently; Proposal 2 is more expensive only because coal contains less energy as reserves get smaller.

B. Short Answer Questions (1 Question)

Answer all parts of each question. Answers must be in essay form. Outlines or lists alone are not acceptable.

Question 36:

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