AP Environmental Science Past Paper PDF

EXAM EXPECTATIONS AP Environmental Science “Unit 5 Part 1” STATE the commercial tree harvesting method that is most deleterious for the environment CLEARCUTTING STATE the irrigation method that requires extensive labor flood ir...

EXAM EXPECTATIONS AP Environmental Science “Unit 5 Part 1” STATE the commercial tree harvesting method that is most deleterious for the environment CLEARCUTTING STATE the irrigation method that requires extensive labor flood irrigation STATE the greenhouse gas that is most abundant as a result of forest fires carbon dioxide (CO₂) DEFINE gleaning Gleaning is the act of collecting leftover crops or food that have been harvested or are no longer being harvested from fields, gardens, or other agricultural areas. DEFINE biomagnification Biomagnification is the process by which the concentration of toxic substances, such as pesticides or heavy metals, increases as you move up the food chain. predators at higher trophic levels (such as birds of prey or apex predators) end up with much higher concentrations of these toxins than organisms at lower trophic levels (such as plants or herbivores) DEFINE bioaccumulation Bioaccumulation refers to the process by which an organism accumulates toxic substances, such as heavy metals or pesticides, from its environment over time. These substances accumulate in the organism's tissues faster than they can be eliminated or broken down. the concentration of these toxic substances in the organism increases, potentially leading to harmful effects. Bioaccumulation can contribute to biomagnification when these substances move up the food chain. DEFINE allocation In environmental science, allocation can refer to how natural resources, such as water, land, or energy, are distributed among various sectors (e.g., agriculture, industry, or households) DEFINE soil amendments Soil amendments are materials added to soil to improve its physical, chemical, or biological properties, enhancing soil fertility, structure, and overall health. Common types of soil amendments include organic materials Compost, Mature, or fertalizrs List pros and cons of GMO crops PROS: Longer Shelf Life- improving the efficiency of food distribution Improved Resistance to Environmental Stress- Genetic modifications can make crops more resilient to environmental challenges like drought, heat, or soil salinity Increased Crop Yields- can be engineered for higher resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses, leading to higher productivity and more reliable yields. CONS Environmental Concerns: GMOs can potentially crossbreed with wild relatives or non-GMO crops Health Risks: While GMOs are generally considered safe by regulatory agencies, some people are concerned about potential long-term health effects, such as allergic reactions Ethical Concerns: Some argue that genetic modification of crops raises ethical issues, such as concerns about "tampering with nature" or the control of genetic resources by large biotech corporations. LIST 6-12 ecosystem services provided by forests 1.Biodiversity Support: Forests are home to a vast array of plant, animal, and microbial species 2. Soil Protection: Tree roots help prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the soil 3. Pollution Filtering: Forests help filter air pollutants by absorbing carbon emissions 4.Water Regulation: Forests play a critical role in regulating water cycles by filtering and absorbing rainfall, controlling runoff, reducing flood risks, and maintaining groundwater supplies. 5.Carbon Sequestration: Forests absorb and store carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere 6. Climate Regulation: Forests influence local and global climates by moderating temperatures, regulating humidity, and stabilizing weather patterns. 7.Oxygen Production: Through photosynthesis, forests produce oxygen, which is essential for the survival of most life forms on Earth. 8.Timber and Non-Timber Products: Forests provide resources like wood, fruits, nuts, medicinal plants, and mushrooms, which are important for local economies and human consumption. 9.Recreation and Tourism: Forests offer spaces for recreation, tourism, and cultural activities 10.Cultural and Spiritual Value: Many Indigenous cultures and communities have deep spiritual, cultural, and historical connections to forests 11.Flood and Storm Protection: Forests, especially mangroves and coastal forests, help protect coastal areas from storm surges, hurricanes, and flooding by acting as natural buffers 12.Pest and Disease Control: Forest ecosystems regulate populations of pests and pathogens, maintaining a balance that reduces the risk of widespread crop damage and disease spread LIST pros and cons of mechanization PRO Increased Productivity-Machines can operate faster and more efficiently than humans Reduction of Labor Intensity: Mechanized processes can decrease the physical strain on workers Innovation and Technological Advancement: Mechanization often encourages innovation, leading to further advancements in technology and processes. Cost Efficiency: Over time, mechanization can lower labor costs and increase profitability through improved efficiency. CONS Job Displacement: Automation and mechanization can lead to job losses, as machines replace human labor in various tasks. Dependence on Technology: Over-reliance on machines can make industries vulnerable to technological failures or malfunctions. Limited Flexibility: Machines may be less adaptable to changes in tasks or processes compared to human workers who can quickly adjust. Environmental Impact: Mechanization can lead to increased resource consumption and waste generation, contributing to environmental degradation. LIST pros and cons of monocultures PRO Increased Efficiency: Monocultures allow for streamlined planting, maintenance, and harvesting processes, leading to enhanced efficiency Economies of Scale: Large-scale monoculture operations can benefit from lower costs per unit due to bulk purchasing of seeds, fertilizers, and machinery. Specialization: Farmers can develop expertise in a particular crop, leading to better management practices and increased production knowledge CON Reduced Biodiversity: Monocultures decrease biodiversity, which can make ecosystems more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and environmental changes. Soil Degradation: Continuous planting of the same crop can deplete specific nutrients from the soil, leading to long-term soil health issues and reduced fertility Increased Pest and Disease Vulnerability: A lack of genetic diversity among crops can make them more susceptible to pests and diseases, potentially leading to crop failures. Resource Intensity: Monoculture farming practices often rely heavily on irrigation and other inputs, which can strain local water resources and contribute to unsustainable practices LISTthe pros and cons of pesticides PRO Economic Benefits: Farmers can maintain profitability by reducing the loss of crops and minimizing labor costs associated with pest control Weed and Pest Control: Pesticides efficiently target and eliminate harmful insects, weeds, and fungi that compete with crops, improving overall farm management Preventing Disease: Pesticides can help control vector-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue, by reducing populations of disease-carrying organisms like mosquitoes CONS Environmental Impact: Pesticides can contaminate soil, water, and air, affecting non-target species and disrupting ecosystems Chemical Residues: Pesticides may leave harmful residues on food products, raising concerns about food safety and the effects of long-term exposure on human health Biodiversity Loss: Pesticide use can harm beneficial insects and wildlife, reducing biodiversity and affecting ecosystem balance. LIST pros and cons of irrigation PRO Increased Crop Yields: Irrigation ensures a consistent water supply, which can significantly boost agricultural productivity and crop quality. Drought Mitigation: It provides a reliable water source during dry periods, helping to sustain farming in arid and semi-arid regions. Soil Management: Proper irrigation can improve soil moisture levels and prevent salinization when managed effectively. Greater Crop Diversity: With irrigation, farmers can grow a wider variety of crops in areas where rainfall is insufficient, contributing to food security. CON Water Scarcity: Over-reliance on irrigation can deplete local water resources, leading to shortages for other users and negative environmental impacts. Soil Salinization: Poor irrigation practices can result in the accumulation of salts in the soil, reducing its fertility and harming crops. Dependency: Farmers may become reliant on irrigation, which can discourage the adoption of more sustainable practices and crop varieties OUTLINE the worldwide uses of water and include percentages of each type of use Agricultural Use (About 70%) Industrial Use (About 20%) Domestic Use (Household) (About 10%) OUTLINE eutrophication Eutrophication represents a significant environmental challenge, affecting ecosystems, economies, and human health. Effective management and sustainable practices are crucial in mitigating its impacts and restoring affected water bodies. OUTLINE externalities Externalities are costs or benefits incurred by third parties who are not directly involved in a transaction or economic activity. They can be positive or negative and often impact social welfare, economic efficiency, and public policy. Here's an outline of externalities: A. Negative Externalities 1. Definition: Costs imposed on third parties not involved in the economic transaction. 2. Examples: - Pollution from factories affecting air and water quality. - Second-hand smoke from cigarettes impacting non-smokers. - Traffic congestion caused by increased vehicle use. OUTLINE the Green Revolution The Green Revolution refers to a period of significant technological advancement in agriculture -High-Yielding Variety (HYV) Seeds - Development of genetically improved seeds for staple crops such as wheat, rice, and maize. - Characteristics: shorter growth cycles, resistance to disease, and higher productivity. Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides - Increased use of synthetic fertilizers to enhance soil fertility and crop yields. - Application of pesticides to control pests and diseases. Irrigation and Water Management - Expansion of irrigation infrastructure to support crop production in arid regions. - Adoption of modern water management practices. Mechanization of Agriculture - Introduction of machinery (e.g., tractors, harvesters) to increase efficiency and reduce labor costs. OUTLINE slash and burn agriculture: where, what and who Slash and burn agriculture is a traditional farming method involving the cutting and burning of forests or vegetation to clear land for cultivation Positive Impacts - Can provide a sustainable way of farming in certain ecological contexts, promoting biodiversity and allowing for crop rotation. Negative Impacts Deforestation: Overuse can lead to the destruction of large forest areas and loss of habitat. Soil Degradation: Repeated cycles without adequate fallow periods can degrade soil health. Climate Change: Contributes to greenhouse gas emissions through combustion and loss of carbon sinks. DESCRIBE solutions to the Tragedy of the Commons Government Regulation - Implementing laws and regulations to manage the use of common resources, such as quotas, permits, or licenses to limit access and extraction rates. Sustainable Technologies - Encouraging the use of technology that enhances efficiency and reduces resource waste (e.g., water-saving irrigation systems, renewable energy sources). Privatization - Allocating individual rights to use resources (e.g., land leases) to incentivize responsible management through ownership. IDENTIFY an irrigation method based upon a written description of the procedure If the method describes inundating the field with water, it is Flood Irrigation. If water is sprayed like rainfall by a system of nozzles, it is Spray Irrigation. If water flows through furrows between rows of crops, it is Furrow Irrigation. If water is delivered directly to the plant roots through emitters, it is Drip Irrigation. IDENTIFY examples and non examples of the Tragedy of the Commons Privately Owned Land: A well-managed private farm where the owner controls access and usage of their resources, preventing depletion due to responsible management. Regulated Fishing: A fishery that is subject to strict regulations, including quotas and licenses, where sustainable practices are enforced to prevent overfishing. National Parks: Areas such as national parks where access and usage are controlled by the government to protect wildlife and natural resources, thereby preventing over-exploitation. IDENTIFY the pros and cons of the different irrigation methods 1. Flood Irrigation Pros: Simple and low-cost setup. Good for rice and wetland crops. Cons: High water waste (evaporation/runoff). Can cause soil erosion and waterlogging. 2. Spray Irrigation Pros: Efficient water use, less evaporation. Versatile for different crops. Cons: Higher setup costs. Requires energy to operate. 3. Furrow Irrigation Pros: Cost-effective and easy for flat land. Better water use than flood irrigation. Cons: Labor-intensive and requires management. May lead to runoff if not managed. 4. Drip Irrigation Pros: Highly efficient, minimal waste. Reduces weeds and improves fertilizer use. Cons: High initial setup costs. Requires regular maintenance. COMPARE the different tree harvesting methods Clear-Cutting What: Cut all trees in an area at once. Pros: Fast, cost-effective, good for regeneration. Cons: Habitat loss, soil erosion, drastic landscape changes. 2. Selective Cutting What: Harvest select trees based on criteria. Pros: Preserves biodiversity, less soil disturbance. Cons: Labor-intensive, can lead to uneven-aged forests. 3. Shelterwood Cutting What: Remove trees in stages, leaving some for shelter. Pros: Gradual regeneration, maintains habitat. Cons: Complex management, higher initial costs. COMPARE the different types of irrigation methods Surface: Low cost, but inefficient. Drip: Efficient and precise, but costly. Sprinkler: Wide coverage, but can waste water. Subsurface: Reduces evaporation, but expensive. Flood: Simple, but risky for water management. COMPARE organic and synthetic fertilizers Organic: Natural, improves soil health, slow release, Lower nutrient concentration. Takes longer to see results,Helps retain moisture. Supports beneficial microorganisms. Synthetic: Fast acting, efficient, higher concentration, easier to store, Can degrade soil health over time, Risks of runoff and water pollution. DISCUSS an unintended consequence(s) of pesticide use Pollution of Water Sources: Pesticides can run off into rivers, lakes, and groundwater, harming aquatic life and contaminating drinking water. Health Risks: Pesticides can pose health risks to farmworkers and nearby communities, including respiratory issues and other health problems. DISCUSS the Ogallala aquifer (include its location) The Ogallala Aquifer, also known as the High Plains Aquifer, is one of the largest underground water reserves in the world. Depletion: Over-extraction of water for irrigation has led to significant declines in water levels, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of this vital resource. EXPLAIN the concept of the pesticide treadmill The pesticide treadmill illustrates the challenges of relying heavily on chemical pest control methods without considering integrated pest management strategies, which include cultural practices, biological controls, and the use of resistant crop varieties. Addressing this cycle is essential for sustainable agriculture and environmental health.