AP Environmental Science Quiz

AP Environmental Science Overview

• AP Environmental Science aims to provide students with scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies to understand the natural world and human impacts on the environment.

History of AP Environmental Science

• AP Environmental Science was first offered in 1998.

Purpose of AP Environmental Science Exam

• The purpose of the AP Environmental Science exam is to assess students' understanding of environmental concepts,scientific principles, and methodologies.

Topics Covered in AP Environmental Science (as of Fall 2019)

• The course covers a range of topics, including:
  • Human Population Dynamics
  • Environmental Systems and Ecosystems
  • Biodiversity and Conservation
  • Water and Air Pollution
  • Land Use and Resource Management
  • Energy Resources and Consumption
  • Global Change and Impacts

Main Focus of AP Environmental Science

• The main focus of AP Environmental Science is to understand the relationships between human systems and natural systems.

Energy Flow in Ecosystems

• The primary way energy enters an ecosystem is through photosynthesis, which is carried out by producers.

Role of Animals in Ecosystems

• Animals play a crucial role in the movement of matter and energy through an ecosystem by consuming plants and other organisms, and by serving as a food source for other animals.

Decomposers in Ecosystems

• Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients in an ecosystem.

Controls on Ecosystem Structure

• The overall structure of an ecosystem is controlled by a combination of abiotic (non-living) factors, such as climate, topography, and natural disturbance, and biotic (living) factors, such as species interactions and population dynamics.

Linkages between Biotic and Abiotic Components

• Biotic and abiotic components are linked together in an ecosystem through nutrient cycles, energy flows, and interactions between organisms and their environment.