AP Environmental Science : Introductory Concepts and Earth Science

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Environmental Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #91 : Introductory Concepts And Earth Science

There are three basic types of rocks. 

Which type of rock is the result of the heating and cooling process alone?

Possible Answers:

Sedimentary

Metamorphic

Igneous

All of these

None of these

Correct answer:

Igneous

Explanation:

Igneous rock is formed when magma/lava cools and solidifies. Igneous rock is weathered, eroded, transported and deposited to form sedimentary rock. If igneous or sedimentary rocks are subjected to great heat and pressure they transform into metamorphic rock. Metamorphic rock can be reheated and re-pressurized to create different types of metamorphic rock. 

Example Question #92 : Introductory Concepts And Earth Science

Geologist study how natural resources are formed and used. What is the slowest and largest cycle that forms soils and igneous materials in the Earth's crust over time?

Possible Answers:

Sulfur cycle

Carbon cycle

Rock cycle

Nutrient cycling

Correct answer:

Rock cycle

Explanation:

The correct response is rock cycle. This cycle takes millions of years, and forms soil and rocks within the Earth's crust. Igneous materials are one of the 3 types of rocks.

Example Question #93 : Ap Environmental Sciences

The rock cycle is one of the slowest and largest cycles on the Earth. Which of the following is not a process involved in the rock cycle?

Possible Answers:

Anamorphism

Erosion

Melting

Metamorphism

Correct answer:

Anamorphism

Explanation:

The correct response is anamorphismThis term has nothing to do with the rock cycle.

Example Question #93 : Introductory Concepts And Earth Science

During the rock cycle, three types of rocks are created. Which type of rock is formed as magma from the Earth's mantle and crust cools and solidifies?

Possible Answers:

Igneous rock

Sedimentary rock

Metamorphic rock

Anamorphic rock

Correct answer:

Igneous rock

Explanation:

The correct response is igneous rock. Sedimentary rock is made of various sediments that accumulate over time. Metamorphic rock is made under high pressure, high temp, and/or chemical compounds that alter the crystalline structure, the appearance, and the physical properties of the rock. The other two answer choices are not rock types. 

Example Question #12 : Rock Cycle

A geologist had the opportunity to collect rock cycles on a tiny island off the coast of Italy. He noticed that the rocks were formed of compacted shells and skeletons from dead organisms. Based on your understanding of the three types of rocks formed during the rock cycle, which rock type did the geologist collect?

Possible Answers:

Anamorphic rock

Sedimentary rock

Igneous rock

Metamorphic rock

Correct answer:

Sedimentary rock

Explanation:

The correct response is sedimentary rock. Sedimentary rock is made of various sediments that accumulate over time, like dead plants and animals and other rocks. Metamorphic rock is made from existing rocks placed  under high pressure, high temp, and/or chemical compounds that alter the crystalline structure, the appearance, and the physical properties of the rock. Igneous rocks are formed as magma cools and solidifies. The other two answer choices are not rock types. 

Example Question #1 : Soil Formation, Composition, And Properties

Which soil layer is composed of weathered rock (parent material) and contains little to no organic matter?

Possible Answers:

The B Horizon

The C Horizon

The A Horizon

The D Horizon

The O Horizon

Correct answer:

The C Horizon

Explanation:

The O Horizon is composed of humus (organic matter), the A Horizon is a mixture of minerals and organic matter, the B Horizon is composed mainly of minerals and the D horizon is solid bedrock. The C Horizon best fits this definition, as it is the layer above the bedrock, consisting mostly of weathered rock fragments.

Example Question #1 : Soil Formation, Composition, And Properties

Which of the following choices best describes the process by which soil horizons accumulate material such as iron, clay, organic compounds, and aluminum?

Possible Answers:

None of these

Illuviation

Innervation

Saturation

Correct answer:

Illuviation

Explanation:

Leaching occurs when percolating water transports materials from the top soil layers. Usually, these materials are illuviated (deposited) to a lower level.

Example Question #1 : Soil Formation, Composition, And Properties

Which element is not a component of soil?

Possible Answers:

None of these

Living organisms

Partially decomposed organic matter

Mineral material

Correct answer:

None of these

Explanation:

All of these components make up soil. Differences in ratios of these components account for different soil types.

Example Question #1 : Soil Formation, Composition, And Properties

__________ is soil with the smallest particles. (Less than 0.002mm diameter). 

Possible Answers:

Silt

Clay

Loam

Sand

Correct answer:

Clay

Explanation:

Clay has the smallest particles, followed by silt, which contains larger particles than clay, but smaller particles than sand. Loam is a mixture of these three types of soil.

Example Question #1 : Soil Formation, Composition, And Properties

Soil is categorized by composition and depth. Each category is referred to as a __________.

Possible Answers:

level

group

cast

horizon

Correct answer:

horizon

Explanation:

Soil categories are referred to as "horizons." Additionally, a vertical cross section of soil horizons is called a "profile."

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