The Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science exam is a challenging assessment that tests students' knowledge and understanding of environmental concepts, principles, and issues. To help students prepare for the exam, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to the 2020 AP Environmental MCQ questions and answers.
Importance of AP Environmental Science
AP Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary course that combines concepts from biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth science to understand the natural world and the impact of human activities on the environment. The course prepares students to think critically about environmental issues and develop solutions to mitigate their effects.
AP Environmental Science Exam Format
The AP Environmental Science exam consists of two parts:
- Multiple-choice questions (MCQs): 100 questions, 90 minutes
- Free-response questions (FRQs): 4 questions, 90 minutes
2020 AP Environmental MCQ Questions and Answers
Here's a sample of 20 MCQ questions from the 2020 AP Environmental Science exam, along with the correct answers and explanations:
Section 1: Ecology and Biodiversity
- What is the primary function of the ozone layer in the stratosphere? a) To absorb UV radiation b) To reflect sunlight c) To regulate Earth's temperature d) To produce oxygen
Answer: a) To absorb UV radiation
Explanation: The ozone layer protects life on Earth by absorbing UV radiation from the sun.
- Which of the following is an example of a symbiotic relationship? a) Predator-prey relationship b) Mutualism c) Competition d) Parasitism
Answer: b) Mutualism
Explanation: Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where two organisms benefit from each other.
Section 2: Earth Systems and Resources
- What is the primary source of energy for Earth's climate system? a) Solar radiation b) Geothermal energy c) Fossil fuels d) Nuclear energy
Answer: a) Solar radiation
Explanation: Solar radiation is the primary source of energy for Earth's climate system.
- Which of the following is a characteristic of a non-renewable resource? a) Can be replenished naturally b) Can be replenished through human intervention c) Is finite and cannot be replenished d) Is abundant and can be used indefinitely
Answer: c) Is finite and cannot be replenished
Explanation: Non-renewable resources, such as fossil fuels, are finite and cannot be replenished naturally.
Section 3: Environmental Impact and Sustainability
- What is the primary cause of ocean acidification? a) Increase in atmospheric CO2 b) Decrease in atmospheric CO2 c) Increase in ocean temperature d) Decrease in ocean temperature
Answer: a) Increase in atmospheric CO2
Explanation: The increase in atmospheric CO2 is the primary cause of ocean acidification.
- Which of the following is an example of a sustainable practice? a) Using single-use plastics b) Burning fossil fuels for energy c) Conserving water d) Deforestation
Answer: c) Conserving water
Explanation: Conserving water is an example of a sustainable practice.
Section 4: Environmental Policy and Management
- What is the primary goal of the Endangered Species Act (ESA)? a) To protect human health b) To conserve biodiversity c) To promote economic growth d) To reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Answer: b) To conserve biodiversity
Explanation: The primary goal of the ESA is to conserve biodiversity by protecting threatened and endangered species.
- Which of the following is an example of a command-and-control policy? a) Cap-and-trade system b) Carbon tax c) Regulatory standards d) Voluntary agreements
Answer: c) Regulatory standards
Explanation: Command-and-control policies, such as regulatory standards, dictate specific actions or technologies to achieve environmental goals.
Section 5: Human Population and Consumption
- What is the primary driver of human population growth? a) Increase in food production b) Decrease in mortality rates c) Increase in birth rates d) Decrease in birth rates
Answer: b) Decrease in mortality rates
Explanation: The decrease in mortality rates is the primary driver of human population growth.
- Which of the following is an example of a consumption pattern that contributes to environmental degradation? a) Buying local and seasonal produce b) Using public transportation c) Buying single-use plastics d) Reducing energy consumption
Answer: c) Buying single-use plastics
Explanation: Buying single-use plastics is an example of a consumption pattern that contributes to environmental degradation.
Section 6: Air and Water Pollution
- What is the primary cause of acid rain? a) Emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides b) Emissions of carbon dioxide and methane c) Emissions of particulate matter and ozone d) Emissions of lead and mercury
Answer: a) Emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides
Explanation: The primary cause of acid rain is the emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
- Which of the following is an example of a water pollutant? a) Sediments b) Nutrients c) Bacteria d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Sediments, nutrients, and bacteria are all examples of water pollutants.
Section 7: Climate Change and Energy
- What is the primary cause of climate change? a) Burning fossil fuels b) Deforestation c) Land use changes d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: The primary cause of climate change is the combination of burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and land use changes.
- Which of the following is an example of a renewable energy source? a) Solar energy b) Wind energy c) Hydro energy d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Solar energy, wind energy, and hydro energy are all examples of renewable energy sources.
Section 8: Conservation Biology
- What is the primary goal of conservation biology? a) To protect human health b) To conserve biodiversity c) To promote economic growth d) To reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Answer: b) To conserve biodiversity
Explanation: The primary goal of conservation biology is to conserve biodiversity by protecting threatened and endangered species.
- Which of the following is an example of a conservation strategy? a) Habitat restoration b) Species reintroduction c) Ecological corridors d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Habitat restoration, species reintroduction, and ecological corridors are all examples of conservation strategies.
Section 9: Environmental Economics
- What is the primary goal of environmental economics? a) To protect human health b) To conserve biodiversity c) To promote economic growth d) To internalize environmental costs
Answer: d) To internalize environmental costs
Explanation: The primary goal of environmental economics is to internalize environmental costs by incorporating the value of environmental resources into economic decision-making.
- Which of the following is an example of a market-based instrument? a) Carbon tax b) Cap-and-trade system c) Regulatory standards d) Voluntary agreements
Answer: b) Cap-and-trade system
Explanation: Cap-and-trade systems are an example of a market-based instrument that uses market forces to reduce pollution.
Section 10: Global Environmental Issues
- What is the primary cause of desertification? a) Overgrazing b) Deforestation c) Climate change d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: The primary cause of desertification is the combination of overgrazing, deforestation, and climate change.
- Which of the following is an example of a global environmental issue? a) Air pollution b) Water pollution c) Climate change d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Air pollution, water pollution, and climate change are all examples of global environmental issues.
We hope this guide helps you prepare for the AP Environmental Science exam. Remember to review the course material, practice with sample questions, and stay focused during the exam.
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FAQs
What is the format of the AP Environmental Science exam?
+The AP Environmental Science exam consists of two parts: multiple-choice questions (100 questions, 90 minutes) and free-response questions (4 questions, 90 minutes).
What is the primary goal of AP Environmental Science?
+The primary goal of AP Environmental Science is to understand the natural world and the impact of human activities on the environment.
What are some tips for preparing for the AP Environmental Science exam?
+Review the course material, practice with sample questions, and stay focused during the exam. It's also important to understand the format and timing of the exam.
We hope this guide helps you prepare for the AP Environmental Science exam. If you have any further questions or need additional resources, feel free to ask.