Kaplan CH 8 "Environmental Factors"

Question 1

The ideal site for a residence is generally at
A. the top of a hill.
B. the bottom of a hill.
C. halfway down a slope.
D. between two hills.

Answer 1

C. halfway down a slope.
The top of a hill is windy, and the bottom of a hill-whether or not between two hills-may have little air circulation and experience fog and cold air. Halfway down a slope, preferably one that is south facing, is usually the best location.

Question 2

Mountains influence climate by
A. forcing prevailing winds to rise.
B. creating shadow patterns.
C. reducing temperature extremes.
D. reducing relative humidity.

Answer 2

A. forcing prevailing winds to rise.

Question 3

Indigenous architecture often comprises
A. structures oriented to the south.
B. courtyards facing north.
C. multiple openings facing north.
D. blank facades at the east and west.

Answer 3

A. structures oriented to the south.
Before modern heating, structures were
often oriented in a southerly direction to
take advantage of the winter sun.

Question 4

Which of the following statements concerning ecology is NOT true?
A. Ecology deals with the relationships of natural, rather than manmade, things.
B. The organisms in an ecosystem are assumed to be in balance.
C. The science of ecology is relatively new, being less than 100 years old.
D. The size and scale of an ecosystem are
theoretically unlimited.

Answer 4

A. Ecology deals with the relationships of natural, rather than manmade, things.
Ecology deals with the relationships
between organisms and their environment,
whether natural (a forest) or manmade (a
city).

Question 5

Human comfort depends on which of the
following? Check all that apply.
A. Air temperature
B. Air movement
C. Relative humidity
D. Longitude
E. Solar radiation

Answer 5

A. Air temperature
B. Air movement
C. Relative humidity
E. Solar radiation

Question 6

One decibel is the
A. sound level of normal breathing.
B. sound level considered comfortable by the average person.
C. lowest intensity of sound that can be produced.
D. smallest difference in sound intensity that can be perceived by the human ear.

Answer 6

D. smallest difference in sound intensity that can be perceived by the human ear.

Question 7

The wind velocities near a hill are generally greatest along the
A. windward side.
B. top of the hill.
C. downward slope.
D. northern slope.

Answer 7

B. top of the hill

Question 8

Macroclimate differs from microclimate in its?
A. latitude. C. elevation.
B. extent. D. location.

Answer 8

B. extent

Question 9

Which of the following are climatic effects
of trees?
I. Modification of air flow
II. Obstruction of solar radiation
III. Transpiration of water vapor into the air
IV. Reduction of wind chill factor
V. Filtration of air-borne pollutants

Answer 9

I. Modification of air flow
II. Obstruction of solar radiation
III. Transpiration of water vapor into the air
IV. Reduction of wind chill factor
V. Filtration of air-borne pollutants

Question 10

Moderate climates, with few extremes of heat or cold, are most likely found in areas?
A. with strong prevailing breezes.
B. with low relative humidity.
C. that are close to large bodies of water.
D. that are close to high mountain ranges.

Answer 10

C. that are close to large bodies of water.