AP Environmental Science Flashcards

AP Environmental Science (APES) Comprehensive Review 45 cards

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering all nine units of the AP Environmental Science curriculum, ranging from ecosystem dyamics and population ecology to resource management and global change. These cards focus on the application of concepts, environmental legislation, and the synthesis of Earth systems.

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How does the Phosphorus cycle differ significantly from the Carbon and Nitrogen cycles regarding its reservoir locations?
Explain the relationship between the 10% Rule and the second law of thermodynamics in trophic levels.
According to the Theory of Island Biogeography, which two factors determine the equilibrium number of species on an island?
Distinguish between Net Primary Productivity (NPP) and Gross Primary Productivity (GPP).
Describe the physiological and reproductive characteristics of K-selected species compared to r-selected species.
Identify the phase of the Demographic Transition Model characterized by a rapidly falling death rate but a high birth rate, leading to the highest population growth.
How do convective cells (Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar) influence the distribution of global biomes?
Explain the 'Tragedy of the Commons' and provide a strategy to mitigate it.
Contrast the environmental impacts of surface mining versus deep shaft mining.
What are the three components of the 'Green Revolution' and what was a significant environmental trade-off?
Identify the primary air pollutants that react to form photochemical smog, and the environmental conditions required.
Under the Clean Air Act, identify the 'Criteria Air Pollutants' monitored by the EPA.
What is the primary mechanism of Ocean Acidification, and which compound is most affected in marine organisms?
Describe the process of Cultural Eutrophication in a body of water.
Define 'Biomagnification' and explain why it is particularly dangerous for top-tier predators.
How does the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) affect the fishing industry off the coast of South America?
Identify the soil horizon characterized by the most organic matter (humus) and the horizon characterized by leaching.
What is the primary environmental drawback of high-level radioactive waste from nuclear power plants?
Differentiate between Point Source and Non-Point Source pollution under the Clean Water Act.
Why is the tropospheric ozone considered 'bad' while stratospheric ozone is 'good'?
What is 'Energy Return on Investment' (EROI) and why is it decreasing for fossil fuels?
Explain how a thermal inversion traps air pollution near the ground.
Identify the chemical primarily responsible for stratospheric ozone depletion and the international treaty that phased it out.
What are the common sources of indoor air pollution in developing nations vs. developed nations?
Describe the greenhouse effect and list three major greenhouse gases.
How does the Albedo Effect create a positive feedback loop in the Arctic?
What is the environmental significance of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)?
Contrast the environmental benefits and drawbacks of Hydroelectric Power.
What are the four 'Ecosystem Services' defined by the UN Millennium Ecosystem Assessment?
Describe the characteristics of an 'Invasive Species' that allow it to dominate a new environment.
Identify the primary cause of the 'dead zone' in the Gulf of Mexico.
How do tectonic plate boundaries (Divergent, Convergent, Transform) differ in their geological activity?
Explain the concept of 'Sustainability' in the context of the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY).
What is the function of an electrostatic precipitator in a coal-fired power plant?
What are the primary indicators of a species' risk of extinction according to the IUCN?
Explain why 'Integrated Pest Management' (IPM) is more sustainable than traditional pesticide use.
What is the 'Urban Heat Island' effect and what are two ways to mitigate it?
Identify the main goal of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
What is the significance of the 'LD50' measurement in toxicology?
Contrast 'Passive Solar' versus 'Active Solar' energy systems.
Identify two ecological consequences of deforestation.
Why is 'Overburden' a term associated with environmental impact in mining?
What is the difference between Primary and Secondary Succession?
How do 'Sanitary Landfills' differ from open dumps in terms of groundwater protection?
Explain 'Trophic Cascade' using an example of a keystone species.

About AP Environmental Science Flashcards

This free flashcard deck contains 45 study cards to help you master AP Environmental Science Flashcards. Each card has been designed to test your knowledge and reinforce key concepts.

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering all nine units of the AP Environmental Science curriculum, ranging from ecosystem dyamics and population ecology to resource management and global change. These cards focus on the application of concepts, environmental legislation, and the synthesis of Earth systems.

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