AP Notes, Outlines, Study Guides, Vocabulary, Practice Exams and more!

AP Environmental Science: Many Ways To Go APES! Flashcards

Terms : Hide Images
96011365421.ConservationAllowing the use of resources in a responsible manner0
9601136543Preservation 2.Setting aside areas and protecting them from human activities1
9601136544Keystone species 3.Species whose role in an ecosystem are more important than others (e.g. sea otters, sea stars, grizzly bears, prairie dogs)2
9601136545Indicator species 4.Species that serve as early warnings that an ecosystem is being damaged (e.g. trout)3
9601136546Characteristics of endangered species 5.Small range, large territory, or live on an island4
9601136547Endangered species 6.A group of organisms in danger of becoming extinct if the situation is not improved5
9601136548Invasive/Alien/Exotic species 7.Non-native species to an area; often thrive and disrupt the ecosystem balance6
9601136549Parts of the hydrologic cycle 8.1) Evaporation, Transpiration 2) Condensation 3) Precipitation 4) Runoff, Infiltration7
9601136550Nitrogen fixing 9.Because atmospheric N2 cannot be used directly by plants it must first be converted into ammonia (NH3) by bacteria (rhizobium or cyanobacteria)8
9601136551Ammonification 10.Nitrogen is converted into ammonia by ammonifying bacteria; may occur when nitrogen in organic wastes in the soil are converted to ammonia or when atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is converted to NH39
9601136552Nitrification 11.Ammonia (NH3) is converted to nitrate ions (NO3)-10
9601136553Assimilation 12.Inorganic N2 is converted into organic molecules such as DNA/amino acids & proteins - plants assimilate nitrogen as NH4+ or NO3- through their roots; animals (herbivores) assimilate organic nitrogen compounds by eating plants.11
9601136554Denitrification 13.Bacteria convert nitrate (NO3)- and nitrite (NO2)- back into N2 gas; bacteria convert ammonia (NH3) back into N2 or N2O; typically accomplished by anaerobic bacteria12
9601136555Phosphorus does not circulate as easily as nitrogen because... 14.It does not exist as a gas, but is released by weathering of phosphate (PO4)3- rocks; this is a sedimentary cycle, never found as a gas13
9601136556How is excess phosphorus added to aquatic ecosystems? 15.Runoff of animal wastes, fertilizer, discharge of sewage. Limiting factor in freshwater ecosystems; excess P leads to eutrophication14
9601136557Photosynthesis 16.Plants convert atmospheric carbon (CO2) into complex carbohydrates (glucose). Energy is consumed and oxygen is released as a waste product15
9601136558Aerobic respiration 17.O2-consuming producers, consumers & decomposers16
9601136559Anaerobic respiration 18.Break down of carbohydrates without oxygen - products are methane, alcohols, and other organics.17
9601136560Transpiration 19.Process where water is absorbed by plant roots, moves up through plants, passes through pores (stomata) in leaves or other parts, evaporates into atmosphere as water vapor.18
9601136561Largest reservoirs of Carbon? 20.Carbonate rocks first, oceans second.19
9601136562Sustainability 21.The ability to meet the current needs of humanity without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.20
9601136563Tragedy of the Commons 22.(1968 paper by ecologist Garret Hardin) "Freedom to breed" is bringing ruin to all. Global commons such as atmosphere & oceans are used by all and owned by none. When no individual has ownership, no one takes responsibility. Examples: overfishing in the oceans, over pumping of the Ogallala Aquifer21
9601136564Natural selection 23.Organisms that possess favorable adaptations survive and pass them onto the next generation.22
9601136565Energy flow in food webs or chains, through trophic systems 24.only 10% of the usable energy is transferred because usable energy lost as heat (second law); not all biomass is digested and absorbed; predators expend energy to catch prey; the 10% value is an average value23
9601136566Biotic and abiotic 25.living and nonliving components of an ecosystem24
9601136567Competition 26.a type of population interaction, usually over a limited resource - may be intraspecific or interspecific25
9601136568Producer/Autotroph 27.photosynthetic or chemosynthetic life; Chemotroph - organism undergoing chemosynthesis - usually carried out by sulfur bacteria in aphotic zones in the ocean (deep ocean vents, etc.)26
9601136569Primary succession 28.development of communities in a lifeless area not previously inhabited by life or those in which the soil profile is totally destroyed (lava flows); no soil substrate present; begins with lichen action27
9601136570Secondary succession 29.Life progresses where soil remains (clear-cut forest, fire, disturbed areas)28
9601136571Mutualism 30.Symbiotic relationship where both partners benefit and both participate29
9601136572Commensalism 31.Symbiotic relationship where one partner benefits & other is unaffected or may benefit30
9601136573Parasitism 32.relationship in which one partner obtains nutrients at the expense of the host31
9601136574Biome 33.Large distinct terrestrial region having similar climate, soil, plants & animals; terrestrial biomes determining factors are temperature and precipitation.32
9601136575Carrying capacity 34.the number of individuals (size of the population) that can be sustained in an area (supported by available resources in the environment).33
9601136576R strategist 35.reproduce early in life; many small unprotected offspring; tend to be generalists, short lifespan34
9601136577K strategist 36.reproduce late in life; few offspring; care for offspring; tend to be specialists, longer lifespan35
9601136578Positive feedback 37.when a change in some condition triggers a response that intensifies the changing condition (warmer Earth - snow melts - less sunlight is reflected & more is absorbed, therefore warmer Earth)36
9601136579Negative feedback 38.when a changing in some condition triggers a response that counteracts the changed condition (warmer Earth - more ocean evaporation - more stratus clouds - less sunlight reaches the ground - therefore cooler Earth)37
9601136580Malthus 39.said human population increases exponentially, while food supplies increase arithmetically; factors that keep the population in check include war, famine & disease38
9601136581Doubling time 40.rule of 70; 70 divided by the percent growth rate39
9601136582Replacement level fertility 41.the number of children a couple must have to replace themselves (2.1 developed, 2.7 developing); biotic potential; total fertility rate40
9601136583World Population U.S. Population 42.WP: about 6.8 billion USP: about 310 million41
9601136584Preindustrial stage 43.(demographic transition) birth & death rates high, population grows slowly, infant mortality high42
9601136585Transitional stage 44.(demographic transition) death rate lower, better health care, population grows fast43
9601136586Industrial stage 45.(demographic transition) decline in birth rate, population growth slows44
9601136587Postindustrial stage 46.(demographic transition) low birth & death rates45
9601136588Age structure diagrams 47.broad base = rapid growth; narrow base = negative growth; uniform shape = zero growth; Major Age Cohorts pre-reproductives, reproductives, post-reproductives46
9601136589First and second most populated countries 48.1) China 2) India47
9601136590Most important thing affecting population growth 49.Low status of women48
9601136591Ways to decrease birth rate 50.Family planning, contraception, economic rewards and penalties49
9601136592True cost / External costsHarmful environmental side effects that are not reflected in a product's price50
9601136593CogenerationUsing waste heat to make electricity51
9601136594Electricity generated by fossil fuels, biomass, or nuclear powerheat is produced which creates steam steam turns a turbine the mechanical energy from the turbine is converted to electrical energy in a generator and that energy is transmitted to homes through power lines52
9601136595Hydroelectric powerpotential energy of stored water is used to turn a turbine the mechanical energy from the turbine is converted to electrical energy in a generator and that energy is transmitted to homes through power lines53
9601136596Thermal gradientspontaneous flow of heat from warmer to cooler bodies54
9601136597Ionizing radiationenough energy to dislodge electrons from atoms, forming ions; capable of causing cancer (gamma, Xrays, UV)55
9601136598High quality energyorganized & concentrated; can perform useful work (fossil fuel & nuclear)56
9601136599Low quality energydisorganized, dispersed (heat in ocean or air wind, solar)57
9601136600First law of Thermodynamicsenergy is neither created nor destroyed, but may be converted from one form to another (Law of Conservation of Energy)58
9601136601Second law of Thermodynamicswhen energy is changed from one form to another, some useful energy is always degraded into lower quality energy, usually heat59
9601136602Best solutions to energy shortageconservation, increase efficiency, explore alternative energy options60
9601136603Alternate energy sourceswind, solar, waves, biomass, geothermal, fuel cells61
9601136604Natural radioactive decayunstable radioisotopes decay releasing gamma rays, alpha particles, and beta particles62
9601136605Half-lifethe time it takes for 1/2 the mass of a radioisotope to decay63
9601136606Estimate of how long a radioactive isotope must be stored until it decays to a safe levelapproximately 10 half-lives64
9601136607Nuclear Fissionnuclei of isotopes split apart when struck by neutrons65
9601136608Nuclear Fusiontwo isotopes of light elements (H) forced together at high temperatures till they fuse to form a heavier nucleus (He). Process is expensive; break-even point not reached yet; D + D He or D + T He66
9601136609Mass deficitnot all matter is converted into matter in a fusion reaction - some (the mass deficit) is converted into energy. E = mc2 . Explains the energy released in a fusion reaction.67
9601136610Major parts of a nuclear reactorcore, control rods, steam generator, turbine, containment building68
9601136611Most serious nuclear accidentsChernobyl, Ukraine (1986) and Three Mile Island, PA (1979)69
9601136612Petroleum formationmicroscopic aquatic organisms in sediments converted by heat and pressure into a mixture of hydrocarbons (animal remains)70
9601136613Pros of petroleumrelatively cheap, easily transported, high-quality energy71
9601136614Cons of petroleumReserves will be depleted soon; pollution during drilling, transport, and refining; burning makes CO272
9601136615Steps in coal formationpear, lignite, bituminous, anthracite73
9601136616Major insecticide groups (and examples)chlorinated hydrocarbons (DDT); organophosphates (malathion); carbamates (aldicarb)74
9601136617Pesticide prossaves lives from insect-transmitted disease, increases food supply, increases profits for farmers75
9601136618Pesticide consgenetic resistance, ecosystem imbalance, pesticide treadmill, persistence, bioaccumulation, biological magnification76
9601136619Natural pest controlbetter agricultural practices, genetically resistant plants, natural enemies, biopesticides, sex attractants77
9601136620In natural ecosystems, methods which control 50 - 90% of pestspredators, diseases, and parasites78
9601136621Particulate matterSource: burning fossil fuels and diesel exhaust Effect: reduces visibility & respiratory irritation Reduction: filtering, electrostatic precipitators, alternative energy)79
9601136622Nitrogen OxidesSource: ~50% from transportation (exhaust), ~50% from industry Effects: acidification of lakes, respiratory irritation, leads to photochemical smog & ozone formation Equation for acid formation: NO + O2 NO2 + H2O HNO3 Reduction: selective catalytic reduction unit, more efficient combustion processes like FBC (fluidized bed combustion), lower combustion temperatures, find alternatives to fossil fuels80
9601136623Sulfur OxidesSource: coal burning Effects: acid deposition, respiratory irritation, damages plants Equation for acid formation: SO2 + O2 = SO3 + H2O = H2SO4 Reduction: scrubbers, burn low sulfur fuel)81
9601136624Carbon OxidesSource: auto exhaust, incomplete combustion Effects: CO binds to hemoglobin, reducing blood's ability to carry O2; CO2 contributes to global warming Reduction: catalytic converter, emissions testing, oxygenated fuel, mass transit, increase efficiencies, find alternatives to fossil fuels82
9601136625OzoneFormation: secondary pollutant, NO2 + uv = NO + O* O* + O2 = O3, with VOCs (volatile organic compounds) Effects: respiratory irritant, plant damage Reduction: reduce NO and VOC emissions Tropospheric ozone is BAD, stratospheric ozone is GOOD83
9601136626Radonnaturally occurring colorless, odorless, radioactive gas, found in some types of soil and rock, can seep into homes and buildings, formed from the decay of uranium (U), causes cancer and is a problem in the Reading Prong area of PA. Radon decays to Polonium (Po), which is a solid. Po particles sit in lung tissue and are alpha (α) emitters. This leads to lung cancer.84
9601136627Photochemical smogformed by chemical reactions involving sunlight (NO, VOC, O*); associated with automobile traffic85
9601136628Acid depositioncaused by sulfuric and nitric acids (H2SO4, HNO3), resulting in lowered pH of surface waters, soil acidification and destruction of building materials86
9601136629Greenhouse gasesExamples: H2O, CO2, O3, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), methane (CH4). Effect: they trap outgoing infrared (IR, heat) energy, causing Earth to warm87
9601136630Effects of global warmingrising sea level (thermal expansion), extreme weather, drought, famine, extinctions88
9601136631Stratospheric ozone depletioncaused by ozone-depleting chemicals (ODCs) such as CFCs, methyl chloroform or trichloromethane (CHCl3), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), halon (haloalkanes), methyl bromide (CH3Br)— all of which attack stratospheric ozone. The Cl or Br atoms "attack" the ozone molecules and cause the thinning of this layer. Global Agreement to decrease ODC - Montreal Protocol (1987)89
9601136632Effects of ozone depletionincreased UV light that results in skin cancer, cataracts, decreased plant growth (inhibits photosynthesis, decline in Antarctic and Arctic phytoplankton population), impaired immune systems90
9601136633Primary air pollutantsproduced by humans & nature (CO,CO2,SOx,NOx, hydrocarbons, particulates)91
9601136634Secondary air pollutantsproduced as a result of reactions that primary air pollutants undergo (include photochemical pollutants O3, PAN and NO2, and acids such as H2SO4 and HNO3)92
9601136635Sources of merucryburning coal (25% of atmospheric deposition), compact fluorescent bulbs93
9601136636Major source of sulfurcoal-burning power plants94
9601136637Point vs. non-point sourcesPoint; from a specific location, such as a pipe. Non-point: from over an area such as runoff95
9601136638Chlorinegood= disinfection of water; bad = forms trihalomethanes when organics are present in the water; many systems now use chloramines to treat waste water before it is discharged. Alternatives to chlorine disinfection - ozone96
9601136639Fecal coliform/Enterococcus bacteriaindicator of sewage contamination ; found in the intestines of all warm blooded mammals (coliform bacteria)97
9601136640BODbiological oxygen demand, amount of dissolved oxygen needed by aerobic decomposers to break down organic materials in water98
9601136641Eutrophicationmay result in rapid algal growth caused by an excess of nitrates and phosphates in water99
9601136642Hypoxiawhen aquatic plants die, the BOD rises as aerobic decomposers break down the plants, the DO (dissolved O2) drops & the water cannot support life; very low DO levels; dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico100
9601136643Anoxicno DO (dissolved O2) in the water101
9601136644Surface miningcheaper and can remove more minerals; less hazardous to workers102
9601136645Orea rock that contains a large enough concentration of a mineral making it profitable to mine103
9601136646HumusOrganic, dark material remaining after decomposition by microorganisms104
9601136647LeachingRemoval of dissolved materials from soils by water moving downwards105
9601136648IlluviationDeposit of leached material in lower soil layers (B horizon)106
9601136649LoamPerfect agricultural soil with optimal portions of sand, silt, clay (40%, 40%, 20%)107
9601136650Soil profile, horizons in orderO - A - E - B - C -R108
9601136651Organic fertilizerslow-acting & long-lasting because the organic remains need time to be decomposed109
9601136652Salinization of soilin arid regions, water evaporates leaving salts behind110
9601136653Volcano and Earthquake occurenceat plate boundaries (divergent= spreading, mid-ocean ridges) (convergent= trenches) (transform= sliding, San Andreas)111
9601136654Monoculturecultivation of a single crop, usually in a large area112
9601136655Foodwheat, rice and corn provide more than ½ of the calories in the food consumed by the world's people113
9601136656LD50The amount of a chemical that kills 50% of the animals in a test population withing 14 days of the initial dose114
9601136657Threshold doseThe maximum dose that has no measurable effect on a given population115
9601136658Percent water on earth by type97.5% seawater 2.5% freshwater116
9601136659AquiferAny water bearing layer in the ground; confined or artesian, unconfined or water table117
9601136660SubsidenceLand sinks as result of over pumping an aquifer118
9601136661Cone of depressionlowering of the water table around a pumping well119
9601136662Salt water introsionnear the coast, over-pumping of groundwater causes saltwater to move into the aquifer120
9601136663Ways to conserve waterAgriculture = drip/trickle irrigation Industry = recycling Home = use gray water, repair leaks, low flow fixtures, reclaimed water for agriculture and gold courses121
9601136664Hazardous Waste (as defined by RCRA) - Mutagen, Teratogen, Carcinogen(In order) Causes hereditary changes through mutations, fetus deformities, cancer122
9601136665Minamata Bay disease(1932 - 1968, Japan) Physical and mental impairments caused by methylmercury poisoning123
9601136666Love Canal, NY(1950s +) Chemicals buried in old canal; schools and homes built over it; caused birth defects and cancer124
9601136667Main component of municipal solid waste (MSW)Paper, most is landfilled125
9601136668Sanitary landfill problems and solutionsproblem = leachate; solution = liner with collection system problem = methane gas; solution = collect gas and burn problem = volume of garbage; solution = compact and reduce126
9601136669Incineration advantagesVolume of waster reduced by 90%, and waste heat can be used127
9601136670Incineration disadvantagesToxic emmisions 9polyvinyl chloride, dioxins), scrubbers and electrostatic precipitators needed, ash disposal (contains heavy metals)128
9601136671Best way to solve waste problemReduce the amounts of waste at the source (source reduction129
9601136672ENSOEl Niño Southern Oscillation, see-sawing of air pressure over the S. Pacific130
9601136673During an El Nino yeartrade winds weaken n& warm water sloshed back to SA131
9601136674During a non El Nino yeareasterly trade winds and ocean currents pool warm water in the western Pacific, allowing upwelling of nutrient rich water off the west coast of South America132
9601136675Effects of El Ninoupwelling decreases disrupting food chains; N U.S. has mild winters, SW U.S. has increased rainfall, less Atlantic hurricanes133
9601136676Temperature Inversionlayer of dense, cool air trapped under a layer of warm dense air, pollution in trapped layer may build to harmful levels; frequent in Los Angeles, California and Mexico City, Mexico134
9601136677Forest FiresTypes - Surface, Crown, Ground (in order) usually burn only under growth and leaf litter on forest floor; hot fires, may start on ground but eventually leap from treetop to treetop; go underground, may smolder for days or weeks, difficult to detect and extinguish, i.e. peat bogs.135
9601136678Surface Mining Control & Reclamation Act (1977)requires coal strip mines to reclaim the land136
9601136679Madrid Protocol(1991) Moratorium on mineral exploration for 50 years in Antarctica137
9601136680Safe Drinking Water Act (SWDA, 1974)set maximum contaminant levels for pollutants in drinking water that may have adverse effects on human health138
9601136681Clean Water Act (CWA, 1974)set maximum permissible amounts of water pollutants that can be discharged into waterways; aims to make surface waters swimmable and fishable139
9601136682Ocean Dumping Ban Act(1988) bans ocean dumping of sewage sludge and industrial waste in the ocean140
9601136683Clean Air Act (1970)Set emission standards for cars and limits for release of air pollutants141
9601136684Kyoto Protocol (2005)Controlling global warming by setting greenhouse gas emissions targets for developed countries142
9601136685Montreal Protocol (1987)Phase out of ozone depleting substances143
9601136686Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA) (1976)Controls hazardous waste with a cradle-to-grave system144
9601136687Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, & Liability Act (CERCLA) (1980)"Superfund" designed to identify and clean up abandoned hazardous waste dump sites145
9601136688Nuclear Waste Policy Act (1982)U.S. government must develop a high level nuclear waste site (Yucca Mountain)146
9601136689Food Quality Protection Act (1996)Set pesticide limits in food, and all active and inactive ingredients must be screened for estrogen/endocrine effects.147
9601136690Endangered Species Act (1973)Identifies threatened and endangered species in the U.S. and puts their protection ahead of economic considerations148
9601136691Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (1973)Lists species that cannot be commercially traded as live specimens or wildlife products149
9601136692Magnuson-Stevens Act (1976)Management of marine fisheries150
9601136693Healthy Forest Initiative (2003)thin overstocked stands, clear away vegetation and trees to create shaded fuel breaks, provide funding and guidance to reduce or eliminate hazardous fuels in national forests, improve forest fire fighting, and research new methods to halt destructive insects151
9601136694National Environmental Policy Act (1969)Environmental Impact Statements must be done before any project affecting federal lands can be started152
9601136695Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (2004)Seeks to protect human health from the 12 most toxic chemicals (includes 8 chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides / DDT can be used for malaria control)153

Need Help?

We hope your visit has been a productive one. If you're having any problems, or would like to give some feedback, we'd love to hear from you.

For general help, questions, and suggestions, try our dedicated support forums.

If you need to contact the Course-Notes.Org web experience team, please use our contact form.

Need Notes?

While we strive to provide the most comprehensive notes for as many high school textbooks as possible, there are certainly going to be some that we miss. Drop us a note and let us know which textbooks you need. Be sure to include which edition of the textbook you are using! If we see enough demand, we'll do whatever we can to get those notes up on the site for you!