All AP Environmental Science Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Greenhouse Effect
Choose the scientist that was not involved in studying the early existence of the greenhouse effect.
John Tyndall
Claude Pouillet
Joseph Fourier
Norman Borlaug
Norman Borlaug
Every scientist listed but Norman Burlaug are responsible for the early studies of the greenhouse effect. Joseph Fourier spoke about the effect in 1824. Claude Pouillet studied its existence further in 1827 and 1838. John Tyndall conducted experimental observations in 1859.
Example Question #3 : Greenhouse Effect
The term "greenhouse effect" was first coined by whom?
Alexander Graham Bell
Nils Gustaf Ekholm
Svante Arrhenius
John Tyndall
Nils Gustaf Ekholm
This term was first used by Nils Gustaf Ekholm in 1901. Ekholm was an early adopter of climate control. His early studies included how the burning of coal could add unnecessary levels of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
Example Question #2 : Greenhouse Effect
__________ the largest contributor to greenhouse effect.
Ozone
Carbon dioxide
Methane
Water vapor
Water vapor
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?
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.
The greenhouse effect is also observed on other planets such as Mars and Venus.
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?
Invasive species
Habitat loss
Acidification of the oceans
All of the other answer choices are caused directly by global warming
Invasive species
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?
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?
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
All of these are potential issues
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?
CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons)
NxOs (nitrous oxides)
Sulfurous Compounds
Heavy particulate matter
CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons)
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?
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.
Newt Gingrich
Al Gore
Paul Ryan
George Bush
Al Gore
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.
Certified Tutor