Chapter 2 Tools of Environmental Science

Question 1

testable explanation for an observation

Answer 1

hypothesis

Question 2

information gathered during an experiment

Answer 2

data

Question 3

information gathered by using sight, hearing, smell, and touch

Answer 3

observation

Question 4

principles or standards we consider important

Answer 4

value

Question 5

verbal or graphical explanation for how a system works or is organized

Answer 5

conceptual model

Question 6

collection and classification of data in the form of numbers

Answer 6

statistics

Question 7

association used to study a subject when using an experiment is impossible or unethical

Answer 7

correlation

Question 8

procedure for testing a hypothesis under controlled conditions

Answer 8

experiment

Question 9

chance of something happening

Answer 9

probability

Question 10

logical statement about what will happen if a hypothesis is correct

Answer 10

prediction

Question 11

What essential characteristic does a good experiment have?

a. control group is given the experimental treatment.
b. A single variable is tested.
c. A control is used.
d. both (b) and (c)

Answer 11

d. both (b) and (c)
A single variable is tested and a control is used.

Question 12

Why are mathematical models important?

a. They are especially useful in situations with many variables.
b. They can be used to create useful digital images.
c. They can represent how a system or process works.
d. all of the above

Answer 12

a. They are especially useful in situations with many variables.

Question 13

The average mass of a wolf in a pack of wolves is an example of

a. mean.
b. distribution.
c. sample size.
d. statistical population

Answer 13

a. mean

Question 14

A model of a dinosaur is an example of a _____ model

a. graphical
b. mathematical
c. conceptual
d. physical

Answer 14

d. physical

Question 15

The chance that an earthquake will occur in your town during the next year is an example of

a. correlation.
b. skepticism.
c. risk.
d. distribution.

Answer 15

c. risk

Question 16

Before you can make a decision using a decision-making model, what step must you take?

a. Explore the consequences of each option.
b. Consider which values apply to the issue.
c. Gather information.
d. all of the above

Answer 16

d. all of the above
Gather information, consider which values apply to the issue, and explore the consequences of each option.

Question 17

If you consider what will protect our natural resources when making an environmental decision, you are examining a(n)________ value.

a. ethical/moral
b. aesthetic
c. scientific
d. environmental

Answer 17

d. environmental

Question 18

Your county is considering buying land to form a nature preserve. On this land, an endangered species of mammal is known to breed. Which of the following is a possible positive long-term consequence of this decision?

a. The population of the endangered species increases.
b. Habitat destruction is immediately slowed.
c. Environmental controls are made less strict outside the preserve
area.
d. Habitats outside the preserve area are damaged by over
development.

Answer 18

a. The population of the endangered species increases

Question 19

In a scientific investigation, it is important that the number of objects or events being sampled be

a. a guess of how likely an unwanted outcome will occur.
b. large enough to give an accurate estimate for the whole population.
c. equal to the mean number of objects or events not sampled.
d. equal to the total statistical population.

Answer 19

b. large enough to give an accurate estimate for the whole population.

Question 20

A good hypothesis is more than a guess because it

a. is based on intuition rather than observation.
b. states what is likely to happen.
c. makes logical sense
d. Both (b) and (c)

Answer 20

c. makes logical sense

Question 21

A method consisting of a series of steps that scientists worldwide use to identify and answer questions.

Answer 21

Experimental Method

Question 22

The factor being tested in an experiment.

Answer 22

variable

Question 23

The group that receives the experimental treatment in an experiment.

Answer 23

experimental group

Question 24

The group that does not receive the experiment treatment in an experiment.

Answer 24

control group

Question 25

A group of similar things that a scientist is interested in learning about.

Answer 25

statistical population

Question 26

The relative arrangement of the members of a statistical population.

Answer 26

distribution

Question 27

A bell-shaped curve indicates a

Answer 27

normal distribution

Question 28

A group of individuals or events selected to represent the population.

Answer 28

sample

Question 29

Representations of objects or systems.

Answer 29

models

Question 30

Three-dimensional models you can touch

Answer 30

physical models

Question 31

Maps and charts are the most common examples

Answer 31

graphical models

Question 32

One or more equations that represents the way a system or process works.

Answer 32

mathematical model

Question 33

A conceptual model that provides a systematic process for making decisions.

Answer 33

decision-making model