AP Environmental Science : Ecological Change

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Environmental Science

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Example Questions

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Example Question #114 : Ecosystems And Biology

Humans can greatly alter ecosystem functions and processes. Excessive nitrogen pollution from humans has transformed many aquatic ecosystems from nutrient poor to nutrient rich environments. This is an example of which of the following processes?

Possible Answers:

Fragmentation

Eutrophication

Bioaccumulation

Biomagnification

All of these?

Correct answer:

Eutrophication

Explanation:

The correct response is "eutrophication." It is the only term that is specific to aquatic systems and the input of excess nutrients by way of pollution. The terms "bioaccumulation" and "biomagnification" describe how substances such as toxins accumulate within organisms and trophic levels—not an aquatic ecosystem. Last, "fragmentation" has nothing to do with the question because it refers to when habitats are parceled apart due to human activities.

Example Question #115 : Ecosystems And Biology

Disturbances are normal processes that help maintain biodiversity and healthy ecosystem because they create which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Homogeneous landscapes

Artificial landscapes

Uniform landscapes

Heterogeneous landscapes

Divergent landscapoes

Correct answer:

Heterogeneous landscapes

Explanation:

The correct response is “heterogeneous landscapes.” This is the only answer choice that describes landscapes with different types of habitats. Different types of habitat are necessary to maintain biodiversity. "Uniform" and "Homogeneous" describe landscapes that are very similar. "Artificial Landscape" does not arise from a natural process. 

Example Question #116 : Ecosystems And Biology

Which following field(s) of study is/are related to environmental science?

Possible Answers:

Political science

Earth sciences

Biology

Economics

All of these

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

Environmental science integrates information from several fields. These fields include the natural and physical sciences such as biology, chemistry, and geology; but social science and humanity fields are important to the study of the environment. These fields include political science, economics, and ethics. Environmental science studies organisms, including humans, and their environment as well as their affect on the environment.

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