Ap Environmental Science Unit 1 Review

AP Environmental Science Unit 1 Review: A Comprehensive Guide

Unit 1 of AP Environmental Science lays the groundwork for the entire course. It introduces fundamental concepts crucial for understanding environmental issues and their complex interactions. This comprehensive review will cover key topics, provide example questions, and offer strategies for mastering the material. Success in this unit sets the stage for excelling throughout the year.

I. Earth's Systems and Resources: A Foundation for Understanding

This section establishes the interconnectedness of Earth's systems. Understanding the intricacies of these systems is paramount to addressing environmental challenges effectively.

A. The Atmosphere: Composition and Processes

• Key Concepts: The composition of the atmosphere (major and trace gases), atmospheric layers (troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere), and key atmospheric processes like the greenhouse effect, ozone depletion, and the role of air circulation patterns.

• Important Terms: Troposphere, stratosphere, ozone layer, greenhouse gases (CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, water vapor), greenhouse effect, climate change, air pollution, photochemical smog.

• Review Questions:

  • Describe the layers of the atmosphere and their characteristics.
  • Explain the greenhouse effect and its role in regulating Earth's temperature.
  • Discuss the impact of human activities on the composition of the atmosphere.
  • How does ozone depletion occur, and what are its consequences?

B. The Hydrosphere: Water Distribution and Cycles

• Key Concepts: The distribution of water on Earth (oceans, freshwater, groundwater), the water cycle (evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, runoff), and the importance of water quality.

• Important Terms: Water cycle, evaporation, transpiration, precipitation, runoff, infiltration, groundwater, aquifers, water table, watershed, water pollution, eutrophication, hypoxia.

• Review Questions:

  • Draw and label a diagram of the water cycle.
  • Explain the processes involved in the water cycle.
  • Discuss the different types of water pollution and their sources.
  • How does eutrophication affect aquatic ecosystems?

C. The Geosphere: Earth's Structure and Processes

• Key Concepts: Earth's internal structure (core, mantle, crust), plate tectonics (continental drift, seafloor spreading, plate boundaries), rock cycle, and soil formation.

• Important Terms: Plate tectonics, continental drift, seafloor spreading, plate boundaries (convergent, divergent, transform), rock cycle (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic rocks), weathering, erosion, soil horizons, soil composition.

• Review Questions:

  • Explain the theory of plate tectonics and provide evidence supporting it.
  • Describe the three types of plate boundaries and the geological features associated with each.
  • Outline the steps in the rock cycle.
  • How is soil formed, and what are the factors that influence soil properties?

D. The Biosphere: Ecosystems and Biodiversity

• Key Concepts: Different types of ecosystems (terrestrial and aquatic), biodiversity (species richness, genetic diversity, ecosystem diversity), ecological interactions (competition, predation, symbiosis), and food webs.

• Important Terms: Ecosystem, biodiversity, species richness, genetic diversity, ecosystem diversity, food web, trophic levels, producers, consumers, decomposers, keystone species, invasive species, habitat loss, fragmentation.

• Review Questions:

  • Define biodiversity and explain its importance.
  • Describe the different trophic levels in a food web.
  • Explain the role of keystone species in an ecosystem.
  • Discuss the threats to biodiversity and their consequences.

II. Human Population and its Impact

Understanding human population dynamics and its environmental footprint is critical. This section delves into the impact of a growing human population on Earth's systems.

A. Population Growth Patterns: Past, Present, and Future

• Key Concepts: Exponential growth, carrying capacity, demographic transition model, age structure diagrams, factors affecting population growth (birth rates, death rates, migration).

• Important Terms: Exponential growth, carrying capacity, demographic transition model, age structure diagrams, birth rate, death rate, fertility rate, migration, population density.

• Review Questions:

  • Explain the concept of exponential growth.
  • Describe the stages of the demographic transition model.
  • Interpret an age structure diagram.
  • What factors influence population growth rates?

B. Environmental Impact of Human Activities

• Key Concepts: Resource consumption patterns (per capita consumption, ecological footprint), pollution (air, water, land), habitat destruction, climate change, and the impact of technology.

• Important Terms: Ecological footprint, per capita consumption, resource depletion, pollution, habitat destruction, deforestation, climate change, sustainable development.

• Review Questions:

  • Define ecological footprint and explain how it is calculated.
  • Discuss the environmental impacts of resource consumption.
  • Explain how human activities contribute to climate change.
  • What strategies can be used to promote sustainable development?

III. Environmental Science and its Methodology

This section focuses on the scientific approach to understanding and addressing environmental problems.

A. Scientific Method and Environmental Research

• Key Concepts: The scientific method (observation, hypothesis, experimentation, analysis, conclusion), experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation of results. Understanding the limitations of scientific studies and the importance of peer review.

• Important Terms: Hypothesis, experiment, control group, experimental group, independent variable, dependent variable, data analysis, peer review, scientific consensus.

• Review Questions:

  • Describe the steps involved in the scientific method.
  • Explain the importance of a control group in an experiment.
  • How is data analyzed and interpreted in environmental research?
  • What is the role of peer review in the scientific process?

B. Environmental Ethics and Social Justice

• Key Concepts: Different perspectives on environmental ethics (anthropocentrism, biocentrism, ecocentrism), environmental justice (fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people), and the role of policy in environmental protection.

• Important Terms: Anthropocentrism, biocentrism, ecocentrism, environmental justice, environmental policy, sustainability.

• Review Questions:

  • Define and compare anthropocentrism, biocentrism, and ecocentrism.
  • Explain the concept of environmental justice.
  • How does environmental policy contribute to environmental protection?

IV. Addressing Environmental Challenges: Solutions and Strategies

This section explores potential solutions and strategies for mitigating environmental problems.

A. Sustainable Practices and Resource Management

• Key Concepts: Sustainable agriculture, sustainable forestry, sustainable fishing, renewable energy sources, waste management (reduce, reuse, recycle), and conservation efforts.

• Important Terms: Sustainable agriculture, sustainable forestry, sustainable fishing, renewable energy, non-renewable energy, waste management (reduce, reuse, recycle), conservation, biodiversity conservation.

• Review Questions:

  • Describe sustainable practices for agriculture, forestry, and fishing.
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different renewable energy sources.
  • Explain the principles of waste management.
  • How can biodiversity be conserved?

B. Environmental Policy and Legislation

• Key Concepts: International agreements (Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement), national environmental laws (Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act), and the role of government agencies in environmental protection.

• Important Terms: Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), environmental regulations.

• Review Questions:

  • Explain the goals of the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
  • Describe the main provisions of the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.
  • What is the role of the EPA in environmental protection?

This comprehensive review covers the major concepts within AP Environmental Science Unit 1. Remember to use this review in conjunction with your textbook, class notes, and practice questions to solidify your understanding. Good luck with your studies!