APES Exam Review by Mr. Simmons

Introduction

• Final review for the AP Environmental Science exam.
• Focus on 5 must-know concepts per unit.
• High likelihood these will appear on the exam.
• Tips on experimental design and propose-a-solution questions.

General Exam Preparation Tips

• Appreciate the support on previous videos.
• Encourages students to share their study locations.
• Suggests 5-hour cram finale as a resource.
• Advises 8 hours of sleep and a balanced meal before the exam.

Unit 1: Ecosystems

• Competition and Symbiosis: Interaction between organisms; mutualism example.
• Wetlands: Productive biomes, ecosystem services.
• Carbon Reservoirs: Carbon storage and sequestration.
• Water Cycle: Runoff, evaporation, infiltration.
• Ecosystem Productivity: Gross and net primary productivity.

Unit 2: Biodiversity and Conservation

• Biodiversity: Genetic, species, ecosystem; importance for resilience.
• Ecosystem Services: Monetary value; storm damage reduction.
• Invasive Species: Non-native and harmful to native biodiversity.
• Adaptation and Evolution: Genetic diversity as evolution's source.
• Keystone Species: Crucial for ecosystem stability; beaver, wolf, otter.

Unit 3: Populations

• Generalists vs. Specialists: Habitat and food needs.
• R vs. K-selected Species: Reproduction strategies and extinction risk.
• Carrying Capacity: Population growth, overshoot, and die-off.
• Age Structure Diagrams: Population growth and environmental impacts.
• Total Fertility Rate (TFR): Number of children per woman; environmental impact.

Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources

• Weathering and Erosion: Breakdown and transport of rock and soil.
• Soil Fertility: Importance of water and nutrients.
• Global Wind Patterns: Directions and Coriolis effect.
• Rainshadow Effect: Climate impact on mountain regions.
• El Nino and La Nina: Climate patterns affecting weather.

Unit 5: Land and Water Use

• Clear-Cutting and Deforestation: Environmental impacts.
• Pesticides: Problems with non-target species and endocrine disruptors.
• Mining: Environmental issues like erosion and pollution.
• Urbanization and Runoff: Solutions like public transport and permeable pavements.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Practices like organic fertilizers and biocontrol.

Unit 6: Energy

• Fossil Fuels: Environmental impact and climate change.
• Renewable Energy: Characteristics and benefits.
• Biomass: Usage in developing nations.
• Nuclear Energy: Challenges and risks.
• Energy Conservation: Methods to reduce environmental impacts.

Unit 7: Pollution

• Particulate Matter: Respiratory health impact.
• Smog: Formation and reduction strategies.
• Acid Rain: Causes and environmental effects.
• NOx and SOx: Pollutants and their effects.
• Reducing Air Pollutants: Strategies and importance.

Final Reminders

• Potential for different FRQs among students.
• Do not engage in any form of cheating.
• Be prepared to explain problems and propose solutions.
• Prioritize rest and a healthy routine before the exam.