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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The authors envision all of the following about a building modeled after the cherry tree, except:
(a) Windows that provide beautiful views.
(b) Native grasses on the roof.
(c) Low ceilings to accommodate for more floors to the building.
(d) Energy efficient insulation.

2. What would NOT be a characteristic of a building inspired by the cherry tree?
(a) It would be sealed off from the environment.
(b) It would let in daylight.
(c) It would be efficient and pleasant to work in at the same time.
(d) The windows would be open.

3. Which is a by-product of power plants that could be used in homes or businesses?
(a) Steam.
(b) Salt.
(c) Hot water.
(d) Carbon dioxide.

4. What do the authors suggest as an example of a good sewage treatment plan?
(a) Adding chemicals to sewage so that it can become save drinking water.
(b) Saving sewage in recyclable containers until we have the technology to process it.
(c) Storing winter sewage until it can be processed in the summer sun in a specially constructed wetland.
(d) Removing sewage from the location to an area with fewer inhabitants.

5. What do most homes use for as a source of power?
(a) Wind.
(b) Biofuels.
(c) Geothermal energy.
(d) Fossil fuels.

6. Which of the following is an example of people trying to live with nature as it is today?
(a) Industrial factories designed with efficiency and production in mind.
(b) The Yakima Indians cooperate with the state of Washington by assuring the government that they will keep their own children safe from toxins in a dump site.
(c) Consumers decrease spending on recyclable products.
(d) Shoe manufacturers import materials that contain toxic chemicals.

7. What model do early nomads follow?
(a) Cradle to grave.
(b) The industrial model.
(c) Cradle to cradle.
(d) Monoculture agriculture systems.

8. How do the Chinese traditionally maintain nutrients to their rice patties?
(a) By fertilizing fields every spring.
(b) By recycling plastic bottles and aluminum cans.
(c) By adding their household wastes to the fields.
(d) By damming rivers to dry their fields every winter.

9. What is critically important to agriculture in Egypt?
(a) Temperature fluctuations in valley regions.
(b) Importing fertilizers.
(c) Sufficient rain and humidity.
(d) The flooding of the Nile river valley.

10. Which of the following statements best describes the authors' point of view?
(a) The world has unlimited resources.
(b) The world is ours for the taking.
(c) It is a world of abundance, not limits.
(d) It is a world of production and efficiency.

11. Which of the following materials is NOT considered a good insulator against climate?
(a) Sod.
(b) Glass.
(c) Adobe.
(d) Goat hair.

12. What material is the book itself made of?
(a) Recycled paper.
(b) Rice paper.
(c) Recycled milk cartons.
(d) An easily recyclable polymer, not paper.

13. What do the authors mean by "one size fits all"?
(a) To describe the modern design for running shoes.
(b) To describe a decrease in diversity cause by modern industry.
(c) To describe how third-world countries design houses.
(d) To describe the result of recycling materials.

14. Which word best describes the cherry tree model for industrial design?
(a) Practical.
(b) Cheap.
(c) Nurturing.
(d) Efficient.

15. Which statement most accurately reflects the authors' ideas?
(a) Our industry is best when we accommodate worker equity.
(b) Our products and processes are best when they most resemble the natural world.
(c) Our industry is best when it uses more simple designs on a larger scale.
(d) Our products are best when consumers can afford them.

Short Answer Questions

1. How are most manufacturing processes different than the way ants live in the environment?

2. What is meant by the word "devolution"?

3. How are ants a good source of inspiration for positive design?

4. What do materials become in upcycling?

5. Which of the following statements best describes natural systems?

(see the answer keys)

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