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Chapter 12: PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
Answers to Review Questions
TRUE/FALSE
1. The deeper the water supply and the heavier the clay content of the soil, the more
likely the water will be polluted.
2. The National Environmental Policy Act led to the establishment of the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
3. Since 1970, a lot of progress has been made in cleaning the air and water.
4. Erosion is the wearing away of soil by wind or water.
True.
5. Research indicates that the sediments from soil cause approximately $6 billion in
damage per year.
6. Diversion ditches are ponds of water where waste is directed.
7. Over half of the wetlands in the United States have been destroyed for
construction or agricultural purposes.
8. The Soil Conservation Service (now NRCS) is concerned with minimizing pesticides
in soil.
9. All crops are now grown with extensive plowing.
10. Nitrates cause plant life in streams and lakes to flourish.
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. One of the most precious natural resources we have is
2. Rainfall replenishes two types of water storage: groundwater and
a. surface water
3. The water in streams, lakes, and oceans is
4. Formations in sand, rock, or gravel that hold water are
c. aquifers
5. Pollution comes about as a result of contaminants entering the water in two main
ways:
6. The largest origin of nonpoint pollution in the United States is
7. Our largest environmental problem stemming from agriculture is that of
a. soil erosion
8. Permits must be obtained from the government when these are disturbed:
9. Years of rigorous testing are required to ensure the safety of
10. Resources that can be replaced are
DISCUSSION
1. What are natural resources?
2. What are renewable resources?
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3. Why must farming practices become more intense?
4. What is the difference between modern and older pesticides?
5. What are some uses for water?
6. Where does agricultural pollution come from?
7. What is soil erosion?
8. Why is sediment pollution such a large problem?
9. Why is it better that crops are grown with a bare minimum of plowing?
10. Why are wetlands so important?
11. Discuss the importance of recycling.