AP Enviro Practice Quiz

An ecosystem encompasses both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components that interact with each other. This interaction forms a complex and interdependent system.

Solar energy is replenished naturally and is essentially inexhaustible on a human timescale. In contrast, coal, natural gas, and nuclear materials are considered nonrenewable resources.

Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life forms within a given ecosystem, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity. This concept is crucial for ecosystem resilience.

Carbon dioxide is one of the primary greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing significantly to global warming. The other gases listed do not have the same heat-trapping capabilities.

Carrying capacity refers to the largest number of individuals an environment can support without significant negative impacts. It is determined by the availability of resources and space.

Biomagnification occurs when toxins accumulate in higher concentrations at each successive trophic level. This is because predators consume many contaminated prey, leading to higher toxin levels in their bodies.

Acid rain predominantly results from the release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which react with water vapor in the atmosphere to form acidic compounds. These emissions are largely due to industrial activity and fossil fuel combustion.

An energy pyramid visually shows the loss of energy at each trophic level, with producers at the base and top predators at the apex. This loss is due to energy being expended in metabolic processes and heat loss.

The runoff of fertilizers from agricultural lands introduces high levels of nutrients into water bodies, leading to eutrophication. This nutrient overload can cause algal blooms, which deplete oxygen and harm aquatic life.

Invasive species often lack natural predators in new environments, allowing them to outcompete native species for food, space, and other resources. This can lead to a decline in native biodiversity and disrupt established ecological balances.

The combustion of fossil fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, intensifying the natural greenhouse effect. This amplification leads to global warming and related climate changes.

Agricultural runoff, which contains pesticides and fertilizers, can seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater supplies. This contamination poses significant risks to both human health and the environment.

Wind turbines capture the kinetic energy of wind and convert it into electrical energy. This process is both a clean and sustainable method of power generation with minimal environmental impacts.

Crop rotation improves soil structure and fertility by alternating the types of crops grown, which helps prevent nutrient depletion and soil erosion. This practice is a key component of sustainable agriculture.

The tragedy of the commons occurs when individuals exploit a shared resource for personal benefit, ultimately depleting that resource despite long-term collective interests. Overfishing in international waters is a classic example where lack of regulation leads to resource collapse.

The Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesizes that environmental degradation increases during early stages of economic growth but eventually decreases after a certain income level is reached. This model attempts to correlate economic development with environmental quality.

Positive feedback loops in the climate system tend to reinforce the effects of an initial change, leading to further warming or cooling. For example, melting ice reduces surface albedo, which in turn increases heat absorption and accelerates global warming.

The precautionary principle advocates for proactive action to prevent environmental harm when there is uncertainty about potential risks. It encourages policymakers to err on the side of caution rather than wait for complete scientific proof.

Ecosystem services refer to the wide range of benefits that natural ecosystems provide to human societies, such as air and water purification, pollination of crops, and climate regulation. Recognizing these services is essential for effective environmental management and sustainability.