2022 AP Environmental Science Exam Cram Units 1-5

Introduction to AP Environmental Science Exam Review

• Welcome and set expectations for the session leading to the APES 2022 exam, scheduled three days later.

• Shout-out to moderators and dedicated attendees.

• Overview of the agenda: reviewing Units 1 through 5 of the APES exam.

APES Exam Structure

• Nine units total; tonight focuses on Units 1-5.

• Tomorrow session will cover Units 6-9.

• The FRQ section (free-response questions) accounts for 40% of the exam; multiple choice comprises 60%.

Key Resources for Preparation

Released Exam Questions

• Importance of practicing with released exam questions, particularly from 2021.

• FRQs weighted heavily; attempt to complete under the timed condition of 70 minutes.

• Encourage scoring your own responses. Resources available for feedback and scoring guides.

Practice Exams

• Need for additional practice exams for multiple-choice questions, primarily available from teachers or review books.

• Recommendation of the Ultimate Review Packet, offering full-length practice tests.

• Benefits of using materials designed by experienced AP teachers familiar with the exam's structure.

Course and Exam Description (CED)

• Describes the content and structure of the exam, including specific percentages for each unit:

  • Units 1 and 2: 6-8%

  • Units 3 through 6: 10-15%

  • Unit 9: 20%

• Importance of understanding the exam weighting for efficient study.

Unit 1: Ecosystems and Key Cycles

Carbon Cycle

• Sinks: Store carbon (e.g., fossil fuels, limestone).

• Sources: Release carbon (e.g., respiration, combustion).

• Photosynthesis versus cellular respiration: Balance in carbon dioxide uptake and release.

• Impact of ocean acidification from CO2 increase, affecting marine ecosystems.

Nitrogen Cycle

• Nitrogen fixation: Conversion of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into usable forms (e.g., ammonia) by bacteria.

• Importance for plant absorption; role of legumes in enriching soil nitrogen.

Net Primary Productivity (NPP)

• NPP: Equation: NPP = GPP - Respiration Loss; understanding productivity comparisons among ecosystems.

Unit 2: Biodiversity

Importance of Biodiversity

• Ecosystem diversity (different habitats), species diversity (number of species), and genetic diversity (variation within species).

• Effects of biodiversity on ecosystem resilience and survival under environmental stresses.

Ecosystem Services

• Definitions of provisioning (goods), regulating (climate stability, filtration), and supporting services (biodiversity maintenance).

• Example: Wetlands act as sponges for stormwater, showcasing both ecosystem service and habitat preservation.

Unit 3: Populations

Population Dynamics

• R/K Selected Species: Definitions to distinguish reproductive strategies (e.g., K-selected species are more nurturing versus R-selected species are opportunistic).

• Carrying Capacity: Population growth and limits due to resource constraints.

• Understanding of survivorship curves shaped by selection trends.

Human Population and Demographics

• Population pyramids for visualizing growth trends.

• Total fertility rate (TFR) and its implications for future growth in different countries.

Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources

Soil and Erosion

• Soil composition: Understanding soil mineral formats (sand, silt, clay) and their implications for biological productivity.

• Importance of maintaining soil biodiversity.

• Water infiltration and retention properties tied to soil texture and structure.

• Erosion: Effects on agriculture, water quality, and habitat preservation.

Air Quality and Climate

• Understanding how trees improve air quality; critical role they play in CO2 sequestration and supporting biodiversity.

Unit 5: Land Use and Agriculture

Deforestation and Clear-Cutting

• Deforestation impacts on ecosystems (habitat loss, water heating).

• Importance of trees for soil conservation and air purification.

Agricultural Techniques and Their Consequences

• Green Revolution: Heavy mechanization, use of high-yield varieties, and moving towards GMOs.

• Importance of sustainable practices to prevent soil degradation and maintain biodiversity.

• Types of Irrigation: Comparison of techniques (furrow, spray, drip irrigation) based on efficiency and sustainability.