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Keily Vilchez
Environmental Science
Professor: Nunez
Homework Assignment #1

Practice Quiz

1) Describe why fishing has changed at Apo Island, and the direct and indirect effects on people’s live.

Thirty years ago, the use of destructive fishing techniques such as dynamite fishing, trawling, and muroami had severely impacted the state of reefs and fish habitats, depleting fish stocks in the area. In response to this, scientists came to Apo Island to collaborate with the locals to develop reserves that allowed fish populations to replenish as well as to restrict any future fishing activities to low-impact methods such as lines, traps, and hand-nettings. The direct effect of this was that the available amount of fish went up, allowing locals to obtain fish with much greater ease. As they didn't have to spend as much time obtaining food, the locals had more time to devote themselves to building up the island's economy through other avenues such as tourism or through the development of infrastructure (such as schools).

3) Distinguish between a hypothesis and a theory.

A hypothesis is the first postulation of an idea, usually based on an observation and the indication of a relationship. A theory is the final stage in the proof of an idea, where enough evidence has been collected to verify the exact relationship and there is no evidence refuting the postulation or contradicting the relationship. A theory is usually considered a result from a hypothesis, otherwise there is a fine distinction between them.

4) Describe the steps in the scientific method.

• Identify question

• Form testable hypothesis

• Collect data to test hypothesis

• Interpret results

• Report for peer review

• Publish findings

9) Why do some experts regard water as the most critical natural resource for the twenty-first century?

Millions of people already lack access to safe water, and more don't have access to sanitary water supplies. The United Nations projects that by 2025, three-fourths of the world could be living under similar conditions. Water resources are finite, while population growth in the last decade alone has been exponential.

10) Where in figure 1.6 does the most dramatic warming occur?

The most dramatic warming occurs especially in northern winter months.

13. Define sustainability and sustainable development.

Sustainability is the use of resources in a way that allows their use to last over a long period of time. Sustainable development refers to the idea that development of the poorest parts of the world can be done without causing irreparable environmental harm.

Data Analysis

2. What is the independent variable?

The independent variable goes on the X axis. (The years on the horizontal line of the graph 1).

3) What is the dependent variable?

The dependent variable goes on the Y axis. (Per capita income in different regions on graph 1)