1. Why are soil elements such as nitrogen and humus (organic matter) described as replaceable while soil
      itself is described as nonreplaceable?

2. a) The hydrological cycle involves the recycling of ___________, and is powered by the ____________.
    b) The O2-CO2 Cycle utilizes the process of ____________ in plants and the process of ____________ in
      animals to recycle oxygen and carbon dioxide.
    c) The nitrogen cycle obtains raw nitrogen from the ___________ and uses living organisms called
      ___________ to fix the nitrogen into the soil.

3. Which air pollutant is being described by each of the following phrases?
    a) Is the single largest air pollutant (by tons) released each year.
    b) Dust and soot from burning, as well as wind-blown soil, are examples.
    c) Is a main ingredient for smog.
    d) Produces a rotten egg odor, and irritates respiratory system.
    e) Produced by evaporating gasoline.

4. Briefly explain how California’s large number of cars and sunny weather are a perfect match for production
    of smog.

5. a) How might reduction in the ozone affect humans?
    b) Some scientists fear that algae, plankton, and other microorganisms will be harmed by the destruction
         of the ozone layer. How might this affect other forms of life on earth?
    c) What group of chemicals is most responsible for destroying the ozone layer?

6. Can a house ever be over-insulated? Explain your answer.

7. List 4 techniques utilized by farmers today to reduce soil erosion.

8. a) Soil that clumps together easily is said to have good __________, while soil with very small particles
         such as silt and mud is said to have a fine __________.
    b) Here in the Midwest we have soil with at least _____ layers to our profile, and have a smaller problem
         with leaching than many Southern farmers because we have less ________.
    c) Why do farmers what to take their farm machinery over the fields as little as possible? (excluding fuel)

9. a) List two methods of obtaining energy from biomass conversion.
    b) Why haven’t Americans been eager to utilize biomass conversion?

10. What is the single biggest problem created today by the movement in America to a disposable economy?

11. Give an educated guess as to why each of the following methods of solid waste management are
         impractical for a major city such as New York.
    a) landfills
    b) incineration
    c) source reduction
    d) recycling

12. List 3 areas (fields of study) in our country that have a very active interest in utilizing genetically
         engineered organisms.

13. Match the following waves of rDNA technology with their examples:
    a) 1st wave          x) flavor-savor tomato // lasts longer on store shelves
    b) 2nd wave          y) enriched wheat // makes breads with more vitamins
    c) 3rd wave          z) ice-minus bacteria // increases frost resistance

14. How effective have the Federal agencies been at producing regulations for the release of genetically
         engineered organisms?
     Explain the reasons for their successes or failures.

15. What is the conclusion of the National Academy of Science towards the release of genetically
         engineered organisms?
     Give one reason for their decision.

16. What is the conclusion of ecologists towards the release of genetically engineered organisms?
      Give one reason for their decision.

17. What is the conclusion of environmentalists towards the release of genetically engineered organisms?
      Give one reason for their decision.

18. List one ethical consideration that you feel needs to be addressed before genetically engineered
          organisms are released.

19. List 2 resources that are:
     a) renewable
     b) nonrenewable
     c) perpetual

20. Which of the following cycles is being described below?
     a) Works equally well with or without living things.
     b) Is driven by photosynthesis and respiration.
     c) Requires soil bacteria to begin cycle.

21. Answer the following questions concerning Air Pollution in America.
     a) What man-made object releases the most air pollution?
     b) What gas is the single largest type of air pollution?
     c) What dangerous pollutant can enter homes from the soil and rock near the foundation or near the
          water supply?
     d) What is the name of the devise that will clean smoke coming from smokestacks?
     e) What man-made object received the most new regulations from the Clean Air Act of 1990?

22. a) What the 3 primary nutrients in soil?
     b) What is humus in soil?

23. What is the single largest component making up our solid wastes?

24. What type of soil lines the bottom, sides, and top (once they’re full) of all landfills?
     Why is the purpose of this soil?

25. At what rate today are we losing species around the world?

26. According to the equation for calculating environmental degradation why are the following countries doing
     large damage to their environments?
         a) India?
         b) United States?

27. What are a “commons” on earth?
     Why do we say many commons are experiencing a tragedy?

28. According to many scientists, what should happen to our individual freedoms as we progress into higher
     environmental awareness levels?

29. Are you more optimistic or pessimistic concerning the future of the environment in the U. S.?
     Why?