Answers2025-2026 Phillips Environmental Science A 2nd semesterTopic Test

Topic Test Answers

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1
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Which of the following statements about the interaction of Earth’s systems is true?

A
The interaction between Earth’s systems is limited to a response to human activity.
B
The Earth’s system interact using positive feedback only.
C
The Earth’s systems interact using negative feedback only.
D
All of the Earth’s systems interact with each other.
2
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Which system serves as the interface between the other spheres?

A
geosphere
B
hydrosphere
C
atmosphere
D
biosphere
3

What device can be used to make measurements globally?

A
rain gauge
B
buoy
C
satellite
D
thermometer
4

Which of the following cycles does not involve living organisms?

A
carbon cycle
B
oxygen cycle
C
rock cycle
D
nitrogen cycle
5

Coach Taylor is trying to explain the negative side effects smoking has to athletic performance. Which of these options include both a scientific model and a connection to Coach Taylor’s topic of athletic performance?

A
Show pictures of the lungs of a smoker as compared to a non-smoker
B
Write the chemical formulas for carbon monoxide (found in tobacco smoke) and oxygen, comparing the two substances
C
Diagram the flow of oxygen-rich blood through the body of a non-smoker. Then diagram the flow of blood with less oxygen (from airway resistance) through the body of a smoker
D
List some diseases linked to smoking: cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, emphysema
6

Earth is a system comprised of interacting processes.

A
T
B
F
7

Positive feedback interactions in Earth’s systems are always a result of human action.

A
T
B
F
8

There is only one possible path for each stage in the rock cycle.

A
T
B
F
9

Earth’s systems interact through _______.

A
humans
B
glacial episodes
C
feedback mechanisms
D
none of the above
10

What is the main energy source that drives global climate?

A
solar
B
wind
C
mechanical
D
heat
11

The movement of oceans has no impact on the Earth’s climate.

A
T
B
F
12

Connie needs to choose a current event to write about for the school newspaper. Her teacher would also like the article to include a visual aid, modeling a system or cycle. Of these options, which would best satisfy the assignment requirements?

A
Connie chooses influenza as her current event, since the article is being written during flu season. For her visual aid, she models the life cycle of the flu virus.
B
Connie chooses college application requirements, since the article is being written close to the application deadline. For her visual aid, she includes diagrams of several in-state campuses.
C
Connie chooses spring break destinations as her current event, since the article is being written a few months before spring break. For her visual aid, she includes a price comparison chart of several destinations.
D
Connie chooses water quality as her current event, since the local news recently criticized water quality in their area. For her visual aid, she makes a data table of contaminants and their abundance in the local water supply.
13

Which of the following was the leading cause of global fossil carbon emissions in 2004?

A
petroleum
B
coal
C
natural gas
D
cement production
14

Why are a variety of instruments needed to measure change in the climate system?

A
A different type of instrument is needed for each different climate.
B
The climate system involves a number of different factors that are measured differently.
C
Climate is determined over a number of years, rather than a short period of time.
D
Different areas have developed different instruments to measure climate change.
15

There is a single instrument to measure climate change.

A
T
B
F
16

Which system protects us from radiation and the vacuum of space?

A
geosphere
B
hydrosphere
C
atmosphere
D
biosphere
17

It is believed the major reason for the decline in amphibian species is _______.

A
death through disease
B
changing reproductive habits
C
mutation
D
climate change
18

Which of the following is a function of the geosphere?

A
facilitating the movement of water through spheres through transpiration
B
providing a moderate, livable climate
C
facilitating the process of photosynthesis
D
serving as the interface between the other spheres
19

Which of the following best explains why the biosphere is a key component of the Earth’s systems?

A
The biosphere is a key component of the Earth’s systems because it is a common concept to many disciplines in science.
B
The biosphere is a key component of the Earth’s systems because the seasonal cycles directly affect primary productivity.
C
The biosphere is a key component of the Earth’s systems because it helps drive the other systems by interacting with and exchanging matter and energy with the other spheres.
D
The biosphere is a key component of the Earth’s systems because it has evolved to create the chemical composition of the planet we know today.
20

What system includes oceans, lakes, rivers, and groundwater?

A
geosphere
B
hydrosphere
C
atmosphere
D
biosphere

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