SE Board Exam Questions

1. What are the consequences of having an excess of nutrients such as nitrates and
phosphates running into a freshwater reservoir in the process of eutrophication?
a. It could lead to an excess of algal and plant growth
b. It could lead to a decrease in sunlight penetration and an increase in BOD
c. It could lead to a long-standing rich and diverse growth of more plants and
animals
d. Both a and b
e. Both b and c

2. Which of the following is not true about photoautotrophs?

a. They require CO2 and light
b. They synthesize organic molecules from inorganic molecules
c. They are a subdivision of heterotrophs
d. They are a subdivision of autotrophs
e. All of the above

3. All of the following are true about soil microorganisms EXCEPT:

a. They never affect or change the physical characteristics of their soil microenvironment
b. They are considered to be a part of the soil
c. All major microbial taxonomic groups can be found in soil (bacteria, fungi, algae,
protists, viruses)
d. Species of the genus Clostridium contain important human pathogens found in soil
e. They are important as decomposers in the carbon and nitrogen cycles

4. Which step of the nitrogen cycle is considered to be wasteful and detrimental to the
environment?
a. Nitrogen fixation
b. Nitrification
c. Denitrification
d. All of the above
e. None of the above

5. Which of the following microorganisms is the primary producer of oceans?

a. Heterotrophic bacteria
b. Chemoheterotrophs
c. Phytoplankton
d. Psychrophiles
e. Thermophilic bacteria

6. The most common microbiological contaminant of air is:

a. Fungal hyphae
b. Gram-positive bacteria
c. Gram-negative bacteria
 d. Spores from bacteria
e. Spores from molds

7. It is a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the

presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.
a. Restored land
b. Industrial Park
c. Brownfield
d. Contaminated site
e. Abandoned site

8. Gaseous pollutants include substances that are gases at normal temperature and pressure,
as well as vapors of substances that are liquid or solid at normal temperature and pressure.
These include the following except:
a. Carbon Monoxide
b. Carbon Dioxide
c. Black Carbon
d. Air Toxics
e. Ozone