Environmental Science Chapter 1 Questions Name ________________

DUE: September 15, 2009

1. Distinguish between ecology and environmental science. Define Earth capital and solar capital. Briefly, how do these relate to the concept of a sustainable society?

2. Define carrying capacity. Give an example of an organism (not human) that you think might have reached or exceeded its carrying capacity. Explain your choice.

3. Draw and label linear and exponential growth curves. How do you determine the doubling time for exponential growth? If mosquito populations are growing exponentially at a rate of 0.77%, what is the doubling time? If West Nile virus populations are growing exponentially at a rate of 1.5%, what is the doubling time?

4. The population of endangered Partula snails on a small island is currently 325. Conservation measures have been implemented and the population is growing exponentially at a rate of 0.83%. In what year is the snail population expected to reach the conservation goal of at least 1200 snails on this island?

5. Distinguish among the following and give an example of each:

renewable resources

potentially renewable resources

nonrenewable resources

Describe how recycling and reuse are used to extend the supplies of nonrenewable resources. Give examples of each approach.

6. Define the components of biodiversity. What is the significance of biodiversity as a potentially renewable resource?

7. Distinguish between point source and nonpoint sources of pollution and give an example of each. Distinguish between pollution prevention and pollution cleanup. How would prevention and cleanup approaches differ for pollutants that are degradable, slowly degradable or nondegradable? Give examples for each and your recommendations.

8. What is a sustainable system? Describe a sustainable human society? Are human societies today sustainable? Why or why not?