Name: __________________________________ Period: ____________________ Date: _____________

Environmental Science Worksheets and Resources http://www.aurumscience.com Page 1

Environmental Science Study Guide
Introduction to Environmental Science

Vocabulary
Give a short definition of each term in your own words.

1. Environment
2. Interdisciplinary
3. Pollution
4. Biodiversity
5. Environmental ethics
a. Anthropogenic -
b. Ecocentric -
c. Resource Conservationism -
d. Modern Environmentalism
e. Global Environmentalism
6. Supply and Demand
7. Developed Country
8. Developing Country
9. Ecological Footprint -
10. Sustainability
Critical Thinking
Be able to read, analyze, and give complete answers to questions like these.

1. What exactly does environmental science study? What are some branches of science that are included
within environmental science?




2. Give an example of a renewable and nonrenewable resource.




3. Even through renewable resources are replenished, can they still be depleted? Explain.




4. Give an example of biodegradable and non-degradable waste.




5. Explain whether extinction is natural, man-made, or both. What is the normal background extinction
rate for mammals?




6. Why did California want to build a dam in the Hetch Hetchy valley? Describe the anthropocentrist
and ecocentrist arguments. What was the final outcome?




7. What new concerns characterized the modern environmentalism movement? What two events lead to
the birth of this movement?




8. Give an example of a developed and developing country. List three specific defining characteristics that
you could use to identify a country as developed or developing.




9. Why are short-term environmental problems like deforestation so much more common in developing
countries? Why are developed countries more responsible for the long-term environmental issues?




10. What was the lesson behind the Tragedy of the Commons essay? Give an example of a resource that is
considered a commons today. Is this resource being overexploited in some way?