APES Review 2020 for COVID Online Test

Free Response Questions

Tips for FRQ Question 1: Designing an Experiment Must Dos:

1. Stating a hypothesis

a. Always use increasing and decreasing in your hypothesis.

b. State your hypothesis as an If/then statement.

i. For example: If the toxicity levels increase, then the mortality rate will increase.

ii. Don’t Do: If toxic levels are at 10%, more fish will die. This is not good for a few reasons. One, it is too specific. It is only testing one thing (10%). Hypothesis should be written as a relationship so if one thing goes up, the other goes down or vice versa. Also be specific in your dependent variable. Fish dying is not specific enough. Call it the mortality rate. Or reproduction rates will decrease. Use the verbiage.

2. Describe the method you would use to test your hypothesis.

a. Here is where you want to talk about how you want to set up and run your experiment. Always have at least 3 groups you are testing. One group that gets nothing, one group that gets a little bit, and one group that gets more. If your hypothesis says that if we increase or decrease something, then you need to have multiple trials showing that you will be increasing or decreasing something.

i. For Example: I would have one tank with no pesticides. I would have another tank with 2% pesticides and one more tank with 5% pesticide. In each tank I will maintain the same water temperature at 70 degrees F, the same water levels at 90% full tank, and the same type of fish, goldfish. After 2 weeks of testing, I will measure the mortality rate. To verify results, I would run the same experiment again in one month to verify outcomes.

ii. What is important here? I described 3 trials. I described 3 constants, notice how I made them very specific. I described how long I plan to run the trial for and what I will look for in the end. You need to always do these things. Note I have also indicated that I will repeat the experiment in one month to verify outcomes.

3. Identify your control.

A. The control is always the trial that does not get the independent variable.

a. For example: If you are testing pesticides, then your control is the group that gets NO pesticides.

b. For example: If you are testing fertilizers, then your control is the group that gets NO fertilizer.

4. State your Dependent variable

A. Always state the dependent variable with units.

a. For example: Dependent variable is the mortality rate measured in number died over 2 weeks.

b. For example: Dependent variable is the growth rate of plants measured in cm.

5. State results that would contradict your hypothesis.

A. Here you must state results that would make your hypothesis incorrect. Must be logical and refer to your hypothesis.

Note: Your experimental design needs to be at least theoretically possible and it is very important that your conclusions/predictions be consistent with the principles involved and with the way you set up the experiment.

Tips for FRQ Question 2:

Must use complete sentences always or no points.

If you make a mistake, draw a line through it. This is considered omitted and won’t be scored.

Calculate: Perform mathematical steps to arrive at a final answer, including algebraic expressions, properly substituted numbers, and correct labeling of units. Showing work is required OR NO POINTS.

Show me the work, step by step. Don’t be messy. Rewrite work if hard to follow. ALWAYS SHOW UNITS.

Describe: Provide the relevant characteristics of a specified topic. 1 to 2 sentences with a “because”. Tell me what it is, then give me a bit more.

Explain: Provide information about how or why a relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome occurs, using evidence and/or reasoning to support or qualify a claim. Explain “how” typically requires analyzing the relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome; whereas, explain “why” typically requires analysis of motivations or reasons for the relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome. Also phrased as “give one reason”.

A paragraph of explanation. Be specific in what you are talking about. Nothing fluffy.

Identify: Indicate or provide information about a specified topic, without elaboration or explanation. 1 complete sentence answer. Just tell me the answer with no because of further explanation.

Justify: Provide evidence to support, qualify, or defend a claim and/or provide reasoning to explain how that evidence supports or qualifies the claim.

Give specific numbers or trends from data/graphs to support your answer.

Make a claim: State an answer based on evidence or knowledge. 1 sentence.

Propose a solution: Provide a proposed solution to a problem based on evidence or knowledge.

Environmental: Impacts on ecosystems (biotic and abiotic); volcanic activity spews particulate matter and sulfur dioxide into the air as it erupts, decreasing air quality for animals. NEVER MENTION PEOPLE.

Ecological: Impacts on communities (biotic); volcanic activity can destroy plant life as lava flows through established ecosystems.

Social: Impacts on PEOPLE; earthquakes can be disastrous in high populated areas. Many people have been killed because of collapsed structures.

Economic: Impacts on people and nations; earthquakes can cause major structural damage to buildings and interrupt both transportation and communication networks vital to business. Repair or rebuilding can be very expensive. Entire economies can be disrupted. TALK ABOUT MONEY AND JOBS.

Environmental Legislation

Explanation

Clean Air Act

Clean Water Act

CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)

Montreal Protocol

Kyoto Protocol

Endangered Species Act

Safe Drinking Water Act (SWDA)

Delaney Clause of Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems

Topic 1.1 Introduction to Ecosystems: Explain how the availability of resources influences species interactions

Explain Predator-Prey

Explain Mutualism

Explain Commensalism

Explain Parasitism

Explain Competition

Explain Resource Partitioning

Explain Competitive Exclusion Principle

Explain Herbivory

Explain Ecosystem Engineer

1.2 Terrestrial Biomes: Describe the global distribution and principal environmental aspects of terrestrial biomes

Define Biome

Define the precipitation, temperature, common flora and fauna of a Taiga (Copy/paste a climatograph from google for the temp/precipitation)

Define the precipitation, temperature, common flora and fauna of a Tundra

Define the precipitation, temperature, common flora and fauna of a Savanna

Define the precipitation, temperature, common flora and fauna of a Desert

Define the precipitation, temperature, common flora and fauna of a Temperate Grassland

Define the precipitation, temperature, common flora and fauna of a Tropical Rainforests

Define the precipitation, temperature, common flora and fauna of a Temperate Seasonal Forests

Define the precipitation, temperature, common flora and fauna of a Temperate Rainforests

Define the precipitation, temperature, common flora and fauna of a Shrubland

Describe how the distribution of biomes has changed in the past and why it may change again in the future.

1.3: Aquatic Biomes: Describe the global distribution and principal environmental aspects of aquatic biomes

Freshwater Biomes include...

Coral Reefs

Marshland

Estuaries

Describe the importance of Algae in the ocean.

1.4 The Carbon Cycle

Draw a model of the carbon cycle. Make sure to include all the possible reservoirs, sinks, and ways carbon can move from place to place.

1.5 The Nitrogen Cycle

Draw and explain the steps and reservoir interactions in the nitrogen cycle.

1.6 The Phosphorus Cycle

Draw and explain the steps and reservoir interactions in the phosphorus cycle.

1.7 The Hydrologic (Water) Cycle

Draw and explain the steps and reservoir interactions in the hydrologic cycle.

1.8 Primary Productivity

Define Primary Productivity

Define Gross Primary Productivity

Define Net Primary Productivity

Explain the units of productivity

How have photosynthesizers adapted to low light conditions in aquatic environments?

1.9 Trophic Levels

Define Trophic Levels

Draw an example of a trophic pyramid.

What energy source drives all trophic levels?

1.10 Energy Flow and 10% Rule

Define the 10% rule when talking about trophic pyramids. Be able to calculate the rule of 10 (energy “lost” when moving up a trophic level)

Explain the 1st Law of Thermodynamics

Explain the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics

Explain how the laws of thermodynamics apply to energy transfer from one trophic level to the next.

1.11 Food Chains and Food Webs

Draw(copy/paste) an example of a food chain.

Draw(copy/paste) an example of a food web.

How does a food chain and a food web differ from one another?

Define trophic cascade and provide an example of a trophic cascade.

Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity

2.1 Introduction to Biodiversity

Define Species Richness

Define Species Evenness

Draw a community that is high in richness but low in evenness

There are several ways evolution creates biodiversity. Explain how mutations and recombination of genes can create diversity.

Define and give an example of artificial selection.

Explain the process of natural selection.

Explain the process of genetic drift.

Explain the process of bottleneck effect.

Explain the founder effect.

Explain the difference between allopatric and sympatric speciation.

2.2 Ecosystem Services

There are 4 categories of ecosystem services:

· Provisioning

· Regulating

· Cultural

· Supporting

Define each type of service and provide 1 example.

2.3 Island Biogeography

Describe island biogeography and the role island biogeography has in evolution.

2.4 Ecological Tolerance

Describe the difference between a generalist and a specialist species. Provide an example of each.

Discuss the difference between a fundamental niche and a realized niche.

All species have a range of tolerances that an organism can endure before injury or death. What are different types of conditions that limit the growth of species? Describe 4.

2.5 Ecological Succession

There are two main types of succession, primary and secondary. Explain the difference between the two. What are all the steps in primary and secondary succession?

Define a keystone species and provide 3 different examples. Make sure to explain why your 3 examples are considered keystone species.

Define an indicator species and provide 3 different examples. Make sure to explain why your 3 examples are considered an indicator species.

Describe what a pioneer species is and why it is important in ecological succession.

Unit 3: Populations

3.1 K-Selected and r-selected species. List all the characteristics of each type of species.

K-Selected Species

R-selected species

Define Biotic Potential.

Which species would be more affected by an invasion of invasive species? Explain.

Are invasive species typically an r or k selected species? Explain.

3.2 Survivorship curves

Draw a graph. Draw a Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 survivorship curve.

Describe the difference between a species that is Type 1, Type 2, versus Type 3.

What survivorship curves usually represent K-selected species?

Which survivorship curves usually represent r-selected species?

3.3 Carrying Capacity

Describe what a carrying capacity for a population means.

Find a graph that describes carrying capacity and label the graph there you can find the carrying capacity.

Describe 3 Density Independent Factors and what makes them density independent.

Describe 3 Density Dependent Factors and what makes them density dependent.

Describe the difference between exponential growth and logistic growth..

Draw a graph of exponential growth and draw a graph of logistic growth.

Describe whether a K or R selected species exhibits exponential or logistic growth.

Describe a “corridor” and how it impacts population growth.

3.4 Age Structure Diagrams

Draw an age structure diagram of a country that is growing.

Draw an age structure diagram of a country where the population is stable.

Draw an age structure diagram of a country where the population is declining.

3.5 Total Fertility Rate

Define Total Fertility Rate

Define Crude Birth Rate

Define Crude Death Rate

Define Immigration

Define Emigration

Explain the rule of 70 in determining a doubling time for a population.

Explain several different factors that would affect the total fertility rate. (Think women, education, access to healthcare…)

3.5 Total Fertility Rate

Define Total Fertility Rate

Define Crude Birth Rate

Define Crude Death Rate

Define Immigration

Define Emigration

Explain the rule of 70 in determining a doubling time for a population.

Explain several different factors that would affect the total fertility rate. (Think women, education, access to healthcare…)

3.6 Demographic Transition

Draw a graph representing all phases of the demographic transition. (find one online)

Explain Phase 1 and given an example of an age structure diagram and country in Phase 1.

Explain Phase 2 and given an example of an age structure diagram and country in Phase 2.

Explain Phase 3 and given an example of an age structure diagram and country in Phase 3.

Explain Phase 4 and given an example of an age structure diagram and country in Phase 4.

Explain several reasons why population and fertility rates change due to family planning (Page 239)

Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources

4.1 Plate Tectonics

What is a convergent boundary and explain the types of geological changes that can happen at those boundaries.

What is a divergent boundary and explain the types of geological changes that can happen.

What is a transform boundary and explain the types of geological change that can happen.

Find a global map showing the distribution of plate boundaries. Pay close attention to the location of volcanoes, island arcs, earthquakes, hot spots and faults. (use the internet to find a map and familiarize yourself with it)

4.2 Soil Formation and Erosion

Explain how soil is formed over time from parent rock.

Explain the soil horizons (O, A, E, B, C) and what can be found at each layer.

Explain how soils can be eroded.

Explain soil degradation.

Be able to identify a soil by using a soil triangle.

Explain which types of soils can retain more water than others.

Explain the difference between porosity and permeability.

Describe 4 physical properties of soil. Describe 2 ways you can test any of these physical properties.

Describe 4 chemical properties of soil. Describe 2 ways you can test any of these chemical properties.

4.3 Earth’s Atmosphere

Describe the types and amounts of gases in the atmosphere.

Memorize the layers of the atmosphere, especially pertaining to the temperature gradients and certain events that happen in different layers.

4.3 Global Wind Patterns

What is the source of energy that drives all wind patterns?

Explain adiabatic cooling.

Explain adiabatic heating.

Explain latent heat release.

Where can you find hadley, ferrel, and polar cells?

What is the ITCZ?

Explain the coriolis effect on how wind patterns are affected by this on the northern and southern hemisphere.

Explain the formation of rain shadows.

4.4 Watersheds

What is a watershed?

Describe 5 characteristics that make up a watershed.

4.5 Solar Radiation and Earth’s Seasons

Explain albedo. Provide examples of how different surfaces have different albedos.

Which latitudes receive the most solar radiation? Which latitudes receive the least?

Explain how the Earth’s tilt causes the Earth’s seasons.

4.6 El Nino and La Nina

Describe how an El Nino forms, where it forms, and the precipitation changes to that area.

Describe how a La Nina forms, where it forms, and the precipitation changes to that area.

Explain upwelling and its importance to local fisheries.

Unit 5: Land Use and Resources

5.1 The Tragedy of the Commons

Explain the concept of the tragedy of the commons.

Provide 3 examples of commons that can experience this tragedy.

Explain and provide an example of a positive externality.

Explain and provide an example of a negative externality.

5.2 Clear Cutting vs. Selective Cutting

Provide the pros and cons of clearcutting a forestested area.

Provide the pros and cons of selective cutting a forested area.

5.3 The Green Revolution (364-373)

Describe changes that occurred during the Green Revolution.

Describe the pros and cons of mechanization.

Explain the pros and cons of using organic vs. synthetic fertilizers.

What is monocropping? Describe the pros and cons.

Explain insecticides.

Explain Herbicides.

Explain the difference between broad spectrum vs. selective pesticides.

Explain the difference between persistent and nonpersistent pesticides.

Explain the pesticide treadmill.

Explain 3 benefits of genetically engineering food.

Explain CAFOs. Explain pros and cons.

Explain how tilling, slash and burning, and the use of fertilizers can cause environmental damage.

5.4 Irrigation Methods

Define drip irrigation. Explain the benefits and drawbacks of using this method.

Define flood irrigation. Explain the benefits and drawbacks of using this method.

Define furrow irrigation. Explain the benefits and drawbacks of using this method.

Define spray irrigation. Explain the benefits and drawbacks of using this method.

Explain how and why the Ogallala Aquifer in the central US has been severely depleted overtime.

Explain when salinization occurs and why it is bad for plants.

5.5 Meat Production Methods

Discuss the efficiency of emat production as compared to agriculture.

Discuss the pros and cons of free range beef.

Discuss the impacts of overgrazing.

Explain desertification.

Fact to know: Less consumption of meat could reduce CO2, methane, N20 emissions; conserve water; reduce the use of antibiotics and growth hormones; and improve soil.

5.6 Overfishing

Describe the causes and problems related to overfishing.

5.7 Impacts of Mining

Define ore.

Define a reserve.

Describe strip mining.

Describe open pit mining.

Describe mountaintop removal.

Describe subsurface mining.

Compare and contrast the effects of surface and subsurface mining on air, water, soil, biodiversity, and humans. (285)

5.8 Impacts of Urbanization

Describe the impacts of urbanization on the environment (244).

Describe the causes and consequences of urban sprawl.

Describe the positive feedback loop of urban blight.

Explain the purpose of smart growth and explain 3 strategies to ensure smart growth of an area.

5.9 Ecological Footprints

Explain what an ecological footprint measures.

Explain 2 ways to reduce your ecological footprint.

5.10 Introduction to Sustainability

Explain the concept of sustainability.

Explain the concept of sustainable yield.

5.11 Method to reduce urban runoff

Explain 3 methods to reduce the amount of runoff in urban areas.

Permeable Pavement:

Planting Trees:

Increased us of public transportation:

5.12 Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Describe the purpose of IPM and some of the main ways IPM is used.

Explain crop rotation and its ability to hinder pests.

Explain intercropping and its ability to hinder pests.

Explain agroforestry and its ability to hinder pests.

5.13 Sustainable Agriculture

Explain contour plowing and its impacts on soil conservation.

Explain windbreaks/shelterbelts and its impact on soil conservation.

Explain Perennial crops and its impact on soil conservation.

Explain terracing and its impacts on soil conservation.

Explain no-till agriculture and its impact on soil conservation.

Explain strip cropping/intercropping and its impact on soil conservation.

Discuss how crop rotation can improve soil fertility in the long run.

Discuss how rotational grazing of livestock can help avoid overgrazing and benefit soil.

5.14 Aquaculture (382)

Describe the benefits and drawbacks of aquaculture.

5.15 Sustainable Forestry

Describe the purpose of prescribed burns and their use to reduce the occurrence of natural fires.

Describe 3 ways to reduce the amount of deforestation.

Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption

6.1 Renewable and Non-renewable resources

Identify the differences between renewable and nonrenewable resources.

6.2 Global Energy Consumption

Describe the most widely used sources of energy on Earth.

Describe which types of energy sources are used between developed and developing countries.

Know which countries use the most energy and which types.

Identify where natural energy resources occur worldwide. Know where ores, coal, crude oil and gas deposits are located in what countries and relative amounts.

6.3 Fuel Types of Uses

Explain cogeneration

Explain the 3 types of coal: lignite, bituminous, and anthracite and how they are formed.

Discuss the pros and cons of extraction of crude oil from bitumen and tar sands.

Wood is commonly used as fuel in the form of firewood and charcoal. Discuss the

Know that Peat is partially decomposed organic material that can be burned as fuel.

6.4. Coal

Discuss the effects of the use of coal in power generation on the environment.

Know that coal is still primarily used worldwide as the #1 energy source.

Be able to explain how a coal fired power plant produces electricity. (We did this in class with a nice diagram)(406)

6.5 Natural Gas

Discuss the effects of the use of natural gas in power generation on the environment.

Be able to explain the effects of hydraulic fracking on the environment, especially with respect to water and emissions released.

6.6 Nuclear Power

Discuss the effects of the use of nuclear energy in power generation on the environment.

Be able to explain how a nuclear power plant produces electricity. (We did this in class with a nice diagram)(419)

Know that nuclear power is non renewable and it does not release air pollutants but does release hazardous waste and thermal pollution.

Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima are three cases of accidents. Discuss the short and long term effects from these accidents. (Think economic , social, and environmental)

Know how to calculate the half life of an element.

Explain what a half life means.

6.7 Biomass/Biofuel (Wood, Charcoal, Manure and Ethanol/Biodiesel)

Discuss the effects of the use of biomass in power generation on the environment.

What are fuel sources considered to be biomass?

6.8 Solar

Discuss the effects of the use of solar in power generation on the environment.

Describe how photovoltaic solar cells work.

Describe the difference between active and passive solar energy systems and how they work.

6.9 Hydroelectric Power

Discuss the effects of the use of hydroelectricity in power generation on the environment.

Describe how dams work to create electricity.

Describe how tidal energy can be used to create electricity.

6.10 Geothermal Energy

Discuss the effects of the use of geothermal in power generation on the environment.

Describe how geothermal energy is obtained and used to generate electricity.

6.11 Hydrogen Fuel Cell

Discuss the effects of the use of hydroelectricity in power generation on the environment.

Describe how hydrogen fuel cells work and are used in generating power.

6.12 Wind

Discuss the effects of the use of wind in power generation on the environment.

Describe how wind turbines work and are used in generating electricity..

6.13 Energy Conservation

Describe 4 ways to reduce energy conservation at home.

Describe 3 ways to reduce energy use on a large scale.

Describe 3 ways to design a passive solar house to reduce energy usage.

Unit 7: Pollution

7.1 Sources and effects of air pollutants

Identify the sources and effects of different air pollutants (see page 521 for table)

Describe the difference between a primary and secondary pollutant.

Know that fossil fuels release SOx, NOx, and CO2 pollution.

Explain the Clean Air Act and its impact on air pollution.

7.2 Photochemical Smog

Explain how photochemical smog forms. (look at chalk drawings)

Explain 2 methods to reduce photochemical smog.

Explain the health effects of photochemical smog.

7.3 Thermal Inversion

Describe how a thermal inversion happens and its effect on air pollution. (529)

7.4 Atmospheric CO2 and Particulates

Explain the natural sources of CO2 and particulate matter in the atmosphere.

7.5 Indoor Air Pollutants

Explain the source and health effects of VOCs.

Explain the source and health effects of Carbon Monoxide.

Explain the source and health effects of Asbestos.

Explain the source and health effects of Radon.

Explain sick building syndrome.

7.6 Reduction of Air Pollutants

Explain a vapor recovery nozzle on gas pumps.

Explain how a catalytic converter reduces pollutants in internal combustion engines.

Explain how wet and dry scrubbers reduce particulates and gases.

Explain how an electrostatic precipitator reduces air pollution.

7.7 Acid Rain

Describe the formation of acid deposition (chalk drawing)

Describe the effects of acid deposition on the environment.

7.8 Noise Pollution

Describe sources of noise pollution in urban areas.

Describe effects of noise pollution on animals in ecological systems.