Unit 1 Flashcards
What does APES stand for?
Advanced Placement Environmental Science
True or False: The Earth is an open system for energy.
True
Fill in the blank: The biosphere includes all regions of Earth’s __________.
surface, atmosphere, and hydrosphere
What is the primary source of energy for Earth’s systems?
The Sun
Define ecosystem.
A community of living organisms and their interactions with their environment.
What are the two main components of an ecosystem?
Biotic and abiotic factors
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a biotic factor? A) Water B) Temperature C) Plants D) Soil
C) Plants
What is the significance of the nitrogen cycle?
It is essential for the production of amino acids and nucleic acids.
True or False: Primary producers are at the top of the food chain.
False
What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
They break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients.
Fill in the blank: The __________ is the layer of gases surrounding the Earth.
atmosphere
What is biodiversity?
The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a greenhouse gas? A) Oxygen B) Nitrogen C) Carbon Dioxide D) Hydrogen
C) Carbon Dioxide
What is the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources?
Renewable resources can be replenished naturally, while nonrenewable resources exist in finite amounts.
True or False: The water cycle is a closed system.
True
What is an ecological footprint?
A measure of human demand on Earth’s ecosystems.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy.
Photosynthesis
What are trophic levels?
The different levels in a food chain, representing the flow of energy.
Multiple choice: Which trophic level is primarily made up of herbivores? A) Primary producers B) Primary consumers C) Secondary consumers D) Tertiary consumers
B) Primary consumers
What is carrying capacity?
The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely.
True or False: Invasive species can have a negative impact on native ecosystems.
True
Fill in the blank: The __________ effect describes how greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere.
greenhouse
What is the primary cause of ocean acidification?
Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Define sustainability.
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
