AP Environmental Science study guide
AP Environmental Science · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
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 study guide has 9 sections and about 2,119 words.
01The Living World: Ecosystems
An ecosystem is the community of organisms plus the abiotic environment they exchange matter and energy with. Be able to trace energy flow (sunlight → producers → consumers → decomposers) and matter cycling (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, water).
263 words, about 1 min02The Living World: Biodiversity
Biodiversity has three levels: genetic , species , and ecosystem/habitat diversity. Understand species richness (count) versus species evenness (relative abundance) and how both shape diversity indices.
236 words, about 1 min03Populations
Track population size, density, dispersion, age structure, and sex ratio . Distinguish exponential (J-shaped) growth, which occurs with unlimited resources, from logistic (S-shaped) growth, which levels at carrying capacity (K) .
232 words, about 1 min04Earth Systems and Resources
Understand Earth's spheres (lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere) and their interactions. Know plate tectonics : divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries and the hazards/landforms each produces (volcanoes, earthquakes, ridges, trenches).
248 words, about 1 min05Land and Water Use
Examine agriculture : subsistence vs. commercial, slash-and-burn , monocropping , CAFOs , and integrated pest management .
221 words, about 1 min06Energy Resources and Consumption
Classify energy sources as renewable (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass) and nonrenewable (coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear). Know energy quality , EROI (energy returned on energy invested), and the electricity generation sequence: source → turbine → generator.
235 words, about 1 min07Atmospheric Pollution
Learn the six criteria pollutants (CO, lead, NO₂, ozone, particulates, SO₂), their sources and health effects. Distinguish primary from secondary pollutants (ozone and PAN are secondary).
227 words, about 1 min08Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution
Identify point-source vs. nonpoint-source pollution.
216 words, about 1 min09Global Change
Understand the greenhouse effect and the enhanced greenhouse effect from CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, and CFCs, including relative global warming potential . Know evidence for climate change (ice cores, sea-level rise, temperature records, phenology shifts) and feedbacks (positive: permafrost methane release, ice-albedo; negative: increased plant growth).
241 words, about 1 min