Question

1. scientist began monitoring an area off the coast and found that the shorebirds began to have poor hatching success. further studies showed mercury levels found in prey, sediments, and the shorebirds. which of the following is an inference of the data shown in the graph? a. mercury assures the survival of prey animals b. mercury is produced by sediments c. mercury levels are elevated by the presence of shorebirds d. mercury concentrations are highest in organisms that feed at higher trophic levels 5. what is the main purpose in monitoring the hydrosphere? a. even though the earth is mainly covered in water, only a small percentage is usable. b. the earth is ¾ covered with water so we need to know where the water is located. c. to measure the salinity of ocean water. d. both a and b 6. which of the following is a major cause of global climate change? a. nuclear power plants b. driving cars c. littering d. ozone in the upper atmosphere 7. which activity would you predict is most likely to have the smallest impact on environmental systems? a. using land to create a national park b. building a dam for energy production c. building new housing in an area far from a city d. using more land to grow corn that is used to produce fuel

Explanation:

Question 4:

Mercury accumulates through the food - chain (biomagnification), with higher concentrations in organisms at higher trophic levels. The graph likely shows this pattern. Options a, b, and c are not supported by the general understanding of mercury in the environment.

Question 5:

Monitoring the hydrosphere helps us understand that although Earth has a lot of water, only a small percentage is usable, and also where the water is located. Measuring salinity is a part of hydrosphere monitoring but not the main purpose.

Question 6:

Driving cars emits greenhouse gases such as carbon - dioxide, which is a major cause of global climate change. Nuclear power plants do not emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases during operation, littering is more of a pollution issue rather than a major climate - change cause, and ozone in the upper atmosphere is related to the ozone layer and not a major cause of climate change.

Question 7:

Creating a national park preserves the natural environment and has a relatively small negative impact on environmental systems compared to building dams (which can disrupt ecosystems), building new housing (which can lead to habitat loss), and using land to grow corn for fuel (which can cause deforestation and soil degradation).

Answer:

1. d. mercury concentrations are highest in organisms that feed at higher trophic levels
2. d. both A and B
3. b. driving cars
4. a. using land to create a national park