AP Environmental Science case studies
AP Environmental Science · Put your knowledge to work in context.
AP Environmental Science is a College Board Advanced Placement course and exam intended for high school students who have completed two years of laboratory science (life and physical) plus at least one year of algebra. It is equivalent to a one-semester introductory college environmental science course, and a qualifying score may earn college credit or placement, depending on the institution. The AP Environmental Science case studies are 5 cases and about 1,654 words.
1Restoring a Coastal Wetland Under Altered Hydrology
A 400-hectare tidal marsh behind a 1950s earthen levee has subsided 40 cm below adjacent marsh elevations and is now dominated by cattail and reed canary grass. Managers propose two options.
356 words, about 2 min2Wolf Reintroduction and Ungulate Recovery on an Isolated Range
An isolated 2,500 km² mountain range lost its apex predator, the gray wolf, around 1930. Since then, elk numbers have grown from an estimated 2,000 to 9,000, and riparian willow and aspen regeneration has failed along most streams.
343 words, about 2 min3Age Structure and Growth in a Rapidly Urbanizing Region
A country of 30 million people has a total fertility rate of 4.2 and a median age of 19. Its age structure shows 45% of the population under 15.
327 words, about 2 min4Soil and Water Tradeoffs of a Switch to No-Till
A 1,200-hectare grain farm on 3% slopes has lost an estimated 8 tonnes of topsoil per hectare per year under conventional tillage. The farmer is considering switching to no-till.
306 words, about 2 min5Ozone and Particulate Controls in a Sunbelt City
A city of 1.5 million exceeds the ozone standard on 40 days per year, mostly in summer afternoons. Monitoring shows nitrogen oxides (NOx) peak in the morning rush hour, while volatile organic compounds (VOCs) peak in the afternoon from solvents and vegetation.
322 words, about 2 min