UNIT 8 APES

Here's a set of flashcards tailored to Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution in AP Environmental Science, aligned with Mr. Smedes' YouTube videos. You can input these into a digital flashcard app like Quizlet for interactive study.ξˆ†


Flashcard Set: APES Unit 8 – Aquatic & Terrestrial Pollution

8.1: Sources of Pollution
  • Q: What is point source pollution?ξˆ†

    • A: Pollution that originates from a single, identifiable source, such as a factory's discharge pipe.ξˆ†

  • Q: What is non-point source pollution?ξˆ†

    • A: Pollution that comes from multiple, diffuse sources, like runoff from agricultural fields.ξˆ†

8.2: Human Impacts on Ecosystems
  • Q: How does sedimentation affect aquatic ecosystems?ξˆ†

    • A: It can smother aquatic habitats, reduce light penetration, and disrupt photosynthesis.ξˆ†

  • Q: What are the effects of oil spills on marine life?ξˆ†

    • A: Oil spills can coat marine organisms, impairing their ability to move, breathe, and insulate themselves.ξˆ†

8.3: Endocrine Disruptors
  • Q: What are endocrine disruptors?ξˆ†

    • A: Chemicals that interfere with the endocrine system, potentially causing reproductive and developmental issues.ξˆ†

  • Q: Give an example of an endocrine disruptor.ξˆ†

    • A: Bisphenol A (BPA), commonly found in plastics.ξˆ†

8.4: Human Impacts on Wetlands and Mangroves
  • Q: Why are wetlands important?ξˆ†

    • A: They act as natural water filters, provide habitat for wildlife, and protect against flooding.ξˆ†

  • Q: How does human activity impact mangroves?ξˆ†

    • A: Activities like coastal development and aquaculture can lead to mangrove deforestation, reducing coastal protection and biodiversity.ξˆ†

8.5: Eutrophication
  • Q: What causes eutrophication?ξˆ†

    • A: Excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, often from agricultural runoff or sewage.ξˆ†

  • Q: What is a dead zone?ξˆ†

    • A: An area in a body of water with extremely low oxygen levels, often caused by eutrophication, leading to marine life die-offs.ξˆ†

8.6: Thermal Pollution
  • Q: What is thermal pollution?ξˆ†

    • A: The degradation of water quality by any process that changes ambient water temperature, often from industrial discharges.ξˆ†

  • Q: How does thermal pollution affect aquatic organisms?ξˆ†

    • A: It can decrease oxygen levels and alter reproductive cycles, leading to stress or death.ξˆ†

8.7: Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
  • Q: What are Persistent Organic Pollutants?ξˆ†

    • A: Toxic chemicals that resist degradation, bioaccumulate in organisms, and can travel long distances through the environment.ξˆ†

  • Q: Provide an example of a POP.ξˆ†

    • A: Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), a pesticide.ξˆ†

8.8: Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification
  • Q: What is bioaccumulation?ξˆ†

    • A: The buildup of substances, like pesticides, in an organism over time.ξˆ†

  • Q: What is biomagnification?ξˆ†

    • A: The increase in concentration of a substance in a food chain, affecting top predators the most.ξˆ†

8.9: Solid Waste Disposal
  • Q: What are the environmental concerns of landfills?ξˆ†

    • A: Potential leachate contamination of groundwater and methane gas emissions.ξˆ†

  • Q: What is leachate?ξˆ†

    • A: Contaminated liquid that drains from landfills, potentially polluting surrounding soil and water.ξˆ†

8.10: Waste Reduction Methods
  • Q: What is composting?ξˆ†

    • A: A method of waste disposal where organic waste decomposes naturally, turning into nutrient-rich soil.ξˆ†

  • Q: How does recycling benefit the environment?ξˆ†

    • A: It reduces the need for raw material extraction, conserves energy, and decreases pollution.ξˆ†

8.11: Sewage Treatment
  • Q: What occurs during primary sewage treatment?ξˆ†

    • A: Physical removal of large solids through screening and sedimentation.ξˆ†

  • Q: What is the purpose of secondary sewage treatment?ξˆ†

    • A: Biological processes that degrade organic matter using bacteria.ξˆ†

8.12: Lethal Dose 50% (LDβ‚…β‚€)
  • Q: What does LDβ‚…β‚€ represent?ξˆ†

    • A: The dose of a substance that is lethal to 50% of a test population.ξˆ†

  • Q: Why is LDβ‚…β‚€ important in toxicology?ξˆ†

    • A: It helps assess the relative toxicity of substances.ξˆ†

Here are flashcards for 8.13: Dose-Response Curve and 8.14: Human Health and Pollution to complete the set!


8.13: Dose-Response Curve

  • Q: What does a dose-response curve show?

    • A: It illustrates the relationship between the dose of a substance and its effects on an organism.

  • Q: What is a threshold dose?

    • A: The lowest dose at which a measurable effect occurs.

  • Q: What does a steep dose-response curve indicate?

    • A: A small increase in dose causes a large effect, meaning the substance is highly toxic.

  • Q: What is NOAEL (No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level)?

    • A: The highest dose at which no harmful effects are observed.

  • Q: How do scientists determine the toxicity of a substance?

    • A: By conducting experiments to find LDβ‚…β‚€ (lethal dose for 50% of a population) or EDβ‚…β‚€ (effective dose for 50% of a population).


8.14: Human Health and Pollution

  • Q: What is the difference between acute and chronic exposure to pollutants?

    • A: Acute exposure is short-term and high-dose, while chronic exposure is long-term and low-dose.

  • Q: What are some common sources of lead exposure?

    • A: Old paint, contaminated water pipes, and industrial emissions.

  • Q: What are the effects of particulate matter on human health?

    • A: Respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk of lung cancer.

  • Q: How do pathogens enter water supplies?

    • A: Through sewage leaks, agricultural runoff, and contaminated drinking water sources.

  • Q: What is an example of a disease caused by water pollution?

    • A: Cholera, caused by bacteria in contaminated water.

  • Q: How does climate change influence human health?

    • A: Increases heat-related illnesses, spreads vector-borne diseases, and worsens air quality.