Human Impact to the Environment Practice Test

A community garden group makes a claim: “Adding compost improved soil quality and helped plants grow taller.”

Evidence (two garden plots, same sunlight and watering schedule):

• Plot with compost: average plant height 42 cm after 6 weeks; soil organic matter 6%.
• Plot without compost: average plant height 31 cm after 6 weeks; soil organic matter 3%.
• Only one type of plant was tested.

Which conclusion is best supported by the evidence?

A researcher makes a claim: “Warmer average temperatures in the region are linked to increased burning of fossil fuels.”

Evidence (regional averages):

• Carbon dioxide (CO$_2$) in the air: 390 ppm (2010) → 420 ppm (2023).
• Average annual temperature anomaly: +0.2°C (2010) → +0.8°C (2023).
• One year (2012) had a cooler anomaly (+0.1°C) than the years right before and after.

Which statement is NOT supported by the evidence?