Ultimate Guide: AP Environmental Science (copy)

Ecosystem

A community of living (biotic) organisms interacting with the non-living (abiotic) components of their environment as a system.

Organism

A living thing that can function on its own.

Species

Organisms that resemble each other and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.

Population

Organisms of the same species that interact and occupy a specific area.

Community

Population of different species in a given area.

Ecological Niche

A particular area within a habitat occupied by an organism and its function within the community.

Amensalism

An interaction where one species suffers and the other is not affected.

Commensalism

An interaction where one organism benefits and the other is not affected.

Intraspecific Competition

Competition between members of the same species.

Interspecific Competition

Competition between members of different species.

Mutualism

An interaction where both species benefit.

Parasitism

An interaction where one species benefits and the other is harmed.

Predation

The act of predators hunting and killing prey.

Saprottrophism

Obtaining nutrients from dead or decaying organisms.

Law of Tolerance

Species existence and distribution depend on their tolerance levels to physical and chemical factors.

Limiting Factor

Any abiotic factor that limits or prevents the growth of a population.

Deserts

Defined by low rainfall, typically less than 20 inches per year.

Forests

Cover about one-third of Earth's land surface and account for a significant amount of primary productivity.

Tropical Rainforests

Characterized by high biodiversity, rapid decomposition, and nutrient-poor soil.

Temperate Deciduous Forests

Found in eastern North America and characterized by distinct seasons and diverse vegetation.

Grasslands

Dominated by grasses, includes savannas and temperate grasslands.

Tundra

Characterized by low temperatures, short growing seasons, and simple vegetation structures.

Aquatic Biomes

Comprise freshwater and marine ecosystems.

Biomagnification

Increasing concentration of a substance in the tissues of organisms at higher trophic levels.

Eutrophication

Nutrient enrichment leading to excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen in water.

Endocrine Disruptors

Chemicals that interfere with hormone systems and can cause health issues.

Hydraulic Fracturing

A process used to extract oil and gas by injecting fluid into underground rock formations.

Photosynthesis

Process by which plants use light energy to convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds.

Carbon Cycle

The cycle of carbon atoms through the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.

Nitrogen Cycle

The processes by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms.

Phosphorus Cycle

The movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

Hydrologic Cycle

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

Sustainable Development

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations.

Renewable Resources

Resources that can be replenished naturally over time.

Nonrenewable Resources

Resources that are finite and cannot be replenished in a human timescale.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place.

Greenhouse Effect

The trapping of the sun's warmth in the planet's lower atmosphere.

Ocean Acidification

Decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans caused by the uptake of CO2 from the atmosphere.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that spread widely and cause harm to the environment.

Biological Magnification

The increasing concentration of toxic substances in organisms as you move up the food chain.

Population Growth

The increase in the number of individuals in a population.

Pollution

The introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change.

Urbanization

The process through which cities grow, and higher population densities are created.

Deforestation

The clearing of trees from forested areas, often leading to ecological damage.

Aquaculture

The cultivation of aquatic organisms for food in controlled environments.

Wastewater Treatment

The process of removing contaminants from wastewater.

Thermal Pollution

The degradation of water quality due to changes in water temperature.

Solid Waste Disposal

The proper management of waste to reduce environmental impact.

Eutrophication

The enrichment of an ecosystem with nutrients, leading to increased production.

Sustainability

The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.

Trophic Levels

The levels in an ecosystem through which energy flows and organisms are classified.

Ecological Footprint

A measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems.

Carbon Footprint

The total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product.

Anthropogenic Effects

Environmental changes caused or influenced by humans.

Resource Depletion

The consumption of a resource faster than it can be replenished.

Keystone Species

Species that have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance.

Biogeochemical Cycles

The cycles of chemical elements and compounds through biotic and abiotic compartments.

Climate Feedback Loops

Processes that can either amplify or diminish the effects of climate change.

Energy Conservation

The practice of reducing energy use to prolong the availability of energy resources.

Agricultural Practices

Methods employed in the cultivation of crops and livestock.

Reforestation

The process of replanting trees in an area that has been depleted.

Adaptive Capacity

The ability of an individual or community to adjust to potential damage, to take advantage of opportunities, or to respond to consequences.

Endangered Species Act

A law aimed at protecting critically imperiled species from extinction.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits that humans derive from ecosystems.

Biodiversity Hotspots

Regions that are both rich in unique species and threatened by habitat loss.

Nitrogen Pollution

Excess nitrogen in ecosystems can lead to problems such as algal blooms.

Urban Planning

The technical and political process to develop and regulate land use.

Waste Reduction Strategies

Methods to decrease the amount of waste generated.

Sustainable Forestry Practices

Methods that manage forests to maintain their biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Desalination

The process of removing salt from seawater to obtain fresh water.

Biofuels

Renewable fuels produced from organic material, such as plants.

Methane Emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the digestive processes of livestock and landfills.

Pollard's Law

The law stating that as more people are added to this planet, there will be increased pollution and resource depletion.

Conservation Biology

The scientific study of the phenomena that affect the maintenance, loss, and restoration of biodiversity.

Environmental Impact Assessment

A procedure that ensures that the environmental implications of decisions are taken into account before the decisions are made.

Soil Erosion

The wearing away of top soil due to water, wind, or farmer's practices.

Charismatic MegaFauna

Large animal species with widespread popular appeal.

Fishery Management

Strategies to ensure the sustainable use of fish stocks.

Conservation Easements

Legal agreements that permanently limit uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values.

Climate Mitigation Strategies

Actions to reduce the severity or pace of climate change.

What is condensation in the water cycle?

Condensation is the process by which water vapor cools and transforms into liquid water, forming clouds.

What is precipitation?

Precipitation is any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from clouds and reaches the ground, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

What is collection in the water cycle?

Collection refers to the gathering of water in bodies like rivers, lakes, and oceans after precipitation.

What role does the sun play in the water cycle?

The sun provides the energy necessary for evaporation, driving the water cycle.

What is evaporation?

Evaporation is the process by which liquid water is converted into water vapor, typically from surfaces such as oceans or lakes.

What is infiltration?

Infiltration is the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil.

What is runoff?

Runoff is the water that flows over the ground surface and returns to bodies of water after precipitation.

What is transpiration?

Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere from their leaves.

How do trees contribute to the water cycle?

Trees contribute to the water cycle through transpiration, releasing moisture into the air.

What is the difference between evaporation and transpiration?

Evaporation is the conversion of water from liquid to vapor, while transpiration is the release of water vapor from plants.

What is groundwater?

Groundwater is water that infiltrates and is stored in the soil and rock layers beneath the earth's surface.

What is a watershed?

A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains to a common waterway, such as a river or lake.

What is the role of clouds in the water cycle?

Clouds are formed by condensation and are essential for transporting water vapor and distributing precipitation.

What factors influence evaporation rates?

Factors include temperature, humidity, wind speed, and surface area of the water.

What is the greenhouse effect's impact on the water cycle?

The greenhouse effect can increase temperatures, leading to higher evaporation rates and altered precipitation patterns

What is the water table?

The water table is the upper surface of the zone of saturation, where the soil is completely filled with water.

What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable water resources?

Renewable water resources are replenished naturally, whereas non-renewable water resources are finite and cannot be replenished in a human lifespan.

What is aquifer?

An aquifer is a geological formation that can store and transmit groundwater.

What is the significance of the hydrological cycle?

The hydrological cycle is crucial for distributing fresh water across the planet, supporting ecosystems and human activities.