AP Environmental Science Supplemental Practice Exam

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts from the AP Environmental Science Supplemental Practice Exam.

Hydrologic Cycle

This cycle’s primary reservoir is in the oceans; it stores over 97% of Earth’s water.

Carbon Cycle

This cycle has been disrupted by the burning of fossil fuels, quickly moving atoms stored in the Earth’s crust into the atmosphere.

Nitrogen Cycle

The major reservoir is the atmosphere, and cycling is relatively rapid.

Slash-and-Burn

This agricultural practice can produce fertile soil for a few years but decreases biodiversity and increases CO2 emissions when land is cleared.

Mechanized Agriculture

This agricultural practice increases profits by increasing efficiency but relies heavily on fossil fuels.

Crop Rotation

This agricultural practice alternates between crops that take up soil nitrogen and those that replenish it, allowing continuous cultivation.

Keystone Species

A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance, such as the African elephant.

Invasive Species

Species that are introduced to a new habitat and can disrupt local ecosystems and outcompete native species.

Ozone Layer

A region of Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Eutrophication

The process by which a body of water becomes overly enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely.

Aquaculture

The cultivation of aquatic organisms in controlled environments, which can help with fish stock depletion.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Products of combustion processes that contribute to climate change and are significant in fossil fuel use.

Green Revolution

A period marked by increased agricultural production due to the introduction of high-yield crop varieties and the use of chemical fertilizers.

Photovoltaic System

A system that converts sunlight directly into electricity, helping to reduce air pollution.

Wetlands

Ecosystems that provide critical habitats and serve as natural water filters, helping to reduce flooding.

Drought

A prolonged dry period in the natural climate cycle that can lead to water shortages.

Biogeochemical Cycle

Natural processes that recycle nutrients in various chemical forms from the nonliving environment to living organisms and back.

Trophic Cascade

An ecological phenomenon triggered by the addition or removal of top predators, which results in changes in ecosystem structure and nutrient cycling.

Acid Rain

Precipitation that contains harmful amounts of sulfuric or nitric acids, typically resulting from industrial pollution.

Freshwater Ecosystems

Aquatic ecosystems characterized by low salt concentrations, including rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

Ecological Tolerance

The range of conditions within which an organism can survive, including temperature, moisture, and salinity.

Microbeads

Small plastic particles found in personal care products that can enter aquatic ecosystems and pose environmental threats.

Renewable Energy

Energy sourced from natural processes that are continuously replenished, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

Sustainable Agriculture

Farming practices that meet current food and textile needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.