AP Environmental Science : AP Environmental Sciences

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Environmental Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #2 : Greenhouse Effect

__________ the largest contributor to greenhouse effect.

Possible Answers:

Ozone

Carbon dioxide

Methane 

Water vapor

Correct answer:

Water vapor

Explanation:

Water vapor is the largest contributor to greenhouse gases at 36-70%. Carbon dioxide is second with 9-26%, then methane with 4-9%, and finally ozone with 3-7%.

Example Question #2 : Greenhouse Effect

Which of the following statements regarding the greenhouse effect is true?

Possible Answers:

None of these

The average temperature of the Earth has declined due to the greenhouse effect.

The greenhouse effect is only observed on Earth. 

The greenhouse effect is also observed on other planets such as Mars and Venus.

Correct answer:

The greenhouse effect is also observed on other planets such as Mars and Venus.

Explanation:

The greenhouse effect can also be found on Mars, Venus, and Saturn's largest moon, Titan. The effect on Venus is large because of its dense atmosphere of made of carbon dioxide.

Example Question #1 : Impact Of Global Warming

Global warming can be directly and indirectly linked to many of the environmental problems we face today. Which of the answer choices would be most indirectly linked to global warming?

Possible Answers:

Invasive species

Habitat loss

Acidification of the oceans

All of the other answer choices are caused directly by global warming

Correct answer:

Invasive species

Explanation:

The problems of invasive species occurs most often due to human activity, not due to a shifting global temperature average. Acidification of oceans are directly related to  levels in the atmosphere and therefore global warming. Global warming can also indirectly bring about the loss of habitats due to shifting precipitation levels and temperature averages within regions.

Example Question #2 : Impact Of Global Warming

How many periods of warming and cooling cycles have there been in the Earth's history?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

According to NASA, there have been 7 warming and cooling cycles in the past 650,000 years. The reason this cycle has so much publicity is due to the rapid increase of temperature during on overall cool period. The fact that the rate of warming is significantly faster, correlating with human development, is the reason so many scientists are concerned about global warming.

Example Question #3 : Impact Of Global Warming

Which of the following is not a projected issue following the furthering of global warming?

Possible Answers:

Increased insect-borne illnesses

All of these are potential issues

Faster spread of fungal diseases

More deaths (maybe 2x more) due to asthma and bronchitis

Correct answer:

All of these are potential issues

Explanation:

All of these are likely effects of continued global warming. Diminishing food and water supplies is also an important outcome to consider - this especially could lead to immigration issues regarding environmental refugees and other international crises.

Example Question #1 : Politics And Global Warming

Which of the following class of pollutants has the greatest negative effect of the ozone layer?

Possible Answers:

CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons)

NxOs (nitrous oxides)

Sulfurous Compounds

Heavy particulate matter

Correct answer:

CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons)

Explanation:

CFCs are classically known to be extremely degrading to the ozone layer, so much so that CFCs were banned by the united states in the 1970s in hopes of curbing the expanding of the hole in the ozone layer. CFC's are also very prolific in the stratosphere, which is where the ozone layer resides.

Example Question #2 : Politics And Global Warming

Which of the following greenhouse gasses is not controlled under the Kyoto Protocol?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Although  is still technically a greenhouse gas, it is not currently controlled under the Kyoto Protocol due to its inherent nature of being predominately produced naturally. Another reason for this is that water vapor is difficult to track, as it is typically a non-point source of greenhouse gas. Most non-point sources of pollution or waste are normally not controlled under environmental law at this time.

Example Question #3 : Politics And Global Warming

__________ is a politician who believes strongly in climate change and is responsible for the documentary, The Inconvenient Truth

Possible Answers:

Newt Gingrich 

Al Gore

Paul Ryan 

George Bush 

Correct answer:

Al Gore

Explanation:

Al Gore is passionate about climate change and aims to educate citizens about the cause. In 2006, he helped create a documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, which has been credited for raising public awareness. This documentary has also been included in some school's curriculums. 

Example Question #1 : Habitats And Biomes

Which of the following is the most accurate example of a biome?

Possible Answers:

An oasis formed by an above-ground water source in the North African desert

A riparian zone with diverse aquatic vegetation and wildlife that encompasses a watershed

A slash-and-burn site in the tropical rainforest that has been converted to rangeland

Thinned-out stands in a redwood forest that allow for more shrubs and grasses to grow than in denser stands

In Alaska and Northern Canada, the most northern latitudes that consist mostly of tundra, composed largely of small shrubs, arctic grasses, and lichens

Correct answer:

In Alaska and Northern Canada, the most northern latitudes that consist mostly of tundra, composed largely of small shrubs, arctic grasses, and lichens

Explanation:

A biome is a large geographical area that consists of flora and fauna that have adapted to local conditions. The tundra is a geographical region that consists of arctic-adapted plants and animals. The other answers are more examples of ecosystems, specific communities of plants and animals adapted to certain conditions within a biome. Other examples of biomes include (but are not limited to) desert, deciduous forest, savanna and taiga (subarctic forest).

Example Question #2 : Habitats And Biomes

Which major biome could be characterized as having the following characteristics?

  • Has four distinct seasons 
  • Located between  North and  South
  • Dominated by broadleaf trees that lose leaves in the winter
  • Annual precipitation that ranges between  and 
Possible Answers:

Grassland

Temperate shrubland

Temperate deciduous forest

Desert

Taiga

Correct answer:

Temperate deciduous forest

Explanation:

The correct answer is "temperate deciduous forest." Temperate deciduous forests typically get more precipitation than taiga, shrubland, desert, or grassland, and their flora is dominated by broadleaf trees.

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