Environmental Science: Earth as a Living Planet (9th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1118427327
ISBN 13: 978-1-11842-732-3

Chapter 2 - Science as a Way of Knowing: Critical Thinking about the Environment - Study Questions - Page 40: 1

Answer

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Work Step by Step

(a) The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is increasing - This statement is a scientific statement because it is based on objective measurements and observations made by scientists over time. These measurements and observations have shown that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere has been increasing since the Industrial Revolution due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels. (b) Condors are ugly - This statement is not a scientific statement because the word "ugly" is subjective and not based on any objective measure or scientific evidence. Whether a condor is "ugly" or not is a matter of personal opinion, and not something that can be evaluated scientifically. (c) Condors are endangered - This statement is a scientific statement because it is based on data and research that show that the population of condors is declining and they are at risk of extinction. Scientists have conducted research on the population trends of condors and determined that their numbers have been decreasing due to factors such as habitat loss, hunting, and poisoning. (d) Today there are 280 condors - This statement is a factual statement, but not necessarily a scientific one. The statement could be based on a scientific census or survey, but it could also be based on a simple count. Without additional information, it is difficult to determine whether this statement is scientific or not. (e) Crop circles are a sign from Earth to us that we should act better - This statement is not a scientific statement. It is a belief or opinion, not based on any scientific evidence. While crop circles are a real phenomenon, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that they are a "sign from Earth" or that they have any particular message or meaning. (f) Crop circles can be made by people - This statement is a scientific statement. It is based on research and investigations that have shown that crop circles can be made by human activity. While some people have claimed that crop circles are made by extraterrestrial beings or other paranormal phenomena, scientific investigations have consistently shown that they can be created by humans using simple tools and techniques. (g) The fate of Mono Lake is the same as the fate of the Aral Sea - This statement is not a clear scientific statement. It may require more information and analysis to determine the validity of the comparison. Both Mono Lake and the Aral Sea are bodies of water that have been impacted by human activities, but it is unclear whether their fates are truly comparable or if they have experienced similar impacts. Additional information and analysis would be needed to evaluate the scientific validity of this statement.
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