Comprehensive AP Environmental Science Topic Guide and Strategic Study Plan

Study Methodology and Topic Prioritization

  • Red Category (High Priority Review): This classification is used for topics the learner barely remembers or does not know at all. Topics marked red represent a primary priority for review activities.
  • Topic Review Prioritization: Learners should prioritize review topics to focus limited study time where it matters most. Red topics should be reviewed first as they represent knowledge gaps and offer the highest potential return on investment (ROI) for study time.
  • Resource Utilization: Topic numbers are explicitly listed to enable the utilization of AP Classroom videos and additional online resources tailored to specific student needs.
  • Yellow Category (Target Major Units): This classification is used to identify units with the highest concentration of yellow topics. Yellow topics are defined as concepts that are almost mastered but require a focused brush-up review.
  • Green Category (Maintenance Review): Green topics should not be ignored. A quick review of these concepts ensures information remains fresh and prevents the occurrence of careless mistakes on well-understood concepts.
  • Active Study Strategies: When reviewing a topic, learners are encouraged to perform active tasks rather than passive reading:   - Define and exemplify key vocabulary.   - Draw or diagram complex systems and processes.   - Identify connections between concepts, as AP Environmental Science (APES) underscores the interconnectedness of systems.   - Review utilizing exam-style questions found on AP Classroom, Albert IO, or within review books.

Unit 1: The Living World - Ecosystems

  • 1.1 Introduction to Ecosystems
  • 1.2 Terrestrial Biomes
  • 1.3 Aquatic Biomes
  • 1.4 The Carbon Cycle
  • 1.5 The Nitrogen Cycle
  • 1.6 The Phosphorus Cycle
  • 1.7 The Hydrologic (Water) Cycle
  • 1.8 Primary Productivity
  • 1.9 Trophic Levels
  • 1.10 Energy Flow and the 10%10\% Rule
  • 1.11 Food Chains and Food Webs

Unit 2: The Living World - Biodiversity

  • 2.1 Introduction to Biodiversity
  • 2.2 Ecosystem Services
  • 2.3 Island Biogeography
  • 2.4 Ecological Tolerance
  • 2.5 Natural Disruptions to Ecosystems
  • 2.6 Adaptations
  • 2.7 Ecological Succession

Unit 3: Populations

  • 3.1 Generalist and Specialist Species
  • 3.2 K Selected and r Selected Species
  • 3.3 Survivorship Curves
  • 3.4 Carrying Capacity
  • 3.5 Population Growth and Resource Availability
  • 3.6 Age Structure Diagrams
  • 3.7 Total Fertility Rate
  • 3.8 Human Population Dynamics
  • 3.9 Demographic Transition

Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources

  • 4.1 Plate Tectonics
  • 4.2 Soil Formation and Erosion
  • 4.3 Soil Composition and Properties
  • 4.4 Earth's Atmosphere
  • 4.5 Global Wind Patterns
  • 4.6 Watersheds
  • 4.7 Solar Radiation and Earth's Seasons
  • 4.8 Earth's Geography and Climate
  • 4.9 El Nio and La Nia

Unit 5: Land and Water Use

  • 5.1 The Tragedy of the Commons
  • 5.2 Clearcutting
  • 5.3 The Green Revolution
  • 5.4 Impacts of Agricultural Practices
  • 5.5 Irrigation Methods
  • 5.6 Pest Control Methods
  • 5.7 Meat Production Methods
  • 5.8 Impacts of Overfishing
  • 5.9 Impacts of Mining
  • 5.10 Impacts of Urbanization
  • 5.11 Ecological Footprints
  • 5.12 Introduction to Sustainability
  • 5.13 Methods to Reduce Urban Runoff
  • 5.14 Integrated Pest Management
  • 5.15 Sustainable Agriculture
  • 5.16 Aquaculture
  • 5.17 Sustainable Forestry

Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption

  • 6.1 Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources
  • 6.2 Global Energy Consumption
  • 6.3 Fuel Types and Uses
  • 6.4 Distribution of Energy Resources
  • 6.5 Fossil Fuels
  • 6.6 Nuclear Power
  • 6.7 Energy from Biomass
  • 6.8 Solar Energy
  • 6.9 Hydroelectric Power
  • 6.10 Geothermal Energy
  • 6.11 Hydrogen Fuel Cell
  • 6.12 Wind Energy
  • 6.13 Energy Conservation

Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution

  • 7.1 Introduction to Air Pollution
  • 7.2 Photochemical Smog
  • 7.3 Thermal Inversion
  • 7.4 Atmospheric CO2CO_2 and Particulates
  • 7.5 Indoor Air Pollutants
  • 7.6 Reduction of Air Pollutants
  • 7.7 Acid Rain
  • 7.8 Noise Pollution

Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution

  • 8.1 Sources of Pollution
  • 8.2 Human Impacts on Ecosystems
  • 8.3 Endocrine Disruptors
  • 8.4 Human Impacts on Wetlands and Mangroves
  • 8.5 Eutrophication
  • 8.6 Thermal Pollution
  • 8.7 Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
  • 8.8 Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification
  • 8.9 Solid Waste Disposal
  • 8.10 Water Reduction Methods
  • 8.11 Sewage Treatment
  • 8.12 Lethal Dose 50%(LD50)50\% (LD_{50})
  • 8.13 Dose Response Curve
  • 8.14 Pollution and Human Health
  • 8.15 Pathogens and Infectious Disease

Unit 9: Global Change

  • 9.1 Stratospheric Ozone Depletion
  • 9.2 Reducing Ozone Depletion
  • 9.3 The Greenhouse Effect
  • 9.4 Increases in the Greenhouse Gases
  • 9.5 Global Climate Change
  • 9.6 Ocean Warming
  • 9.7 Ocean Acidification
  • 9.8 Invasive Species
  • 9.9 Endangered Species
  • 9.10 Human Impacts on Biodiversity