AP Environmental Science : Biochemical Cycles

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Environmental Science

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Water Cycle

Which answer choice a pair of terms that are the most similar in reference to the water cycle? 

Possible Answers:

Precipitation and percolation

Transpiration and evaporation

Condensation and percolation

Precipitation and runoff

Correct answer:

Transpiration and evaporation

Explanation:

Transpiration is the evaporation of water from plants. Both terms can be defined as the conversion of liquid water on Earth into atmospheric water vapor. Condensation is the formation of clouds from water vapor. Precipitation is the release of water from clouds down towards the earth in the form of rain, hail, sleet or snow. Percolation is the seeping of water through the ground into groundwater sources like aquifers. Runoff is excess water on the superficial soil layers that cannot percolate into the ground. 

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors