Multiple Choice Test
1)
Which of these environmental issues is not an example of the tragedy of commons?
a) Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide due to burning of fossil fuels
b) Deforestation
c) Depletion of fish stocks in the world’s oceans
d) Spread of an invasive species
2)
Projects to conserve natural resources generally work best when they are initiated and
managed by …
a) An outside expert
b) A passionate individual
c) The local community
d) A global organisation
3)
What is the biggest problem with managing shared resources by introducing quotas?
a) Some people will always ignore the regulations
b) The damage has already been done
c) It is impossible to decide what is an acceptable rate of resource use
4)
Why do some people try to beat the system by ignoring rules about resource use?
a) They are acting irrationally
b) They don't care about the environment
c) They feel that the benefits of 'cheating' outweigh the punishment if they are
caught
5)
Which of these human behaviours is most likely to lead to the tragedy of the commons?
a) Acting in one’s own self interest
b) The desire to reproduce
c) Willingness to cooperate with a close social group
6)
Which of these human behaviours can be used to tackle the tragedy of the commons?
a) Acting in one’s own self interest
b) The desire to reproduce
c) Willingness to cooperate with a close social group
7)
In the example of a shared pasture, what is the rational strategy for herdsmen to act in
their own best interests?
a) Keep fewer cows
b) Buy more cows
c) Have the same amount of cows as their neighbour
8)
What is likely to be the first consequence of the increasing human population?
a) The worlds finite resources will be exhausted
b) We will eventually reach a stable population
c) People will learn to act in the interest of others
9)
Why is it difficult for people in developed countries such as the UK to understand the
real impact they have on the environment?
a) Because the media does not focus on environmental issues.
www.le.ac.uk/iscience
b)
c)
Because the education system does not teach people about the sustainable use
of resources.
Because many of the products we buy are from other parts of the world and we
are given little information about where they are from and how they are made.
10) How do certification schemes such as Rainforest Alliance and Forestry Stewardship
Council promote the sustainable use of natural resources?
a) They enforce standards that are set by the government
b) They provide the consumer with a name/logo they can trust so they can make
more informed choices about which products to buy.
c) They are an easy way for companies to meet their legal obligations on the
accurate labelling of products.
Answers are available on request. Contact [email protected]
www.le.ac.uk/iscience