AP Environmental Science Topic Outline I. Earth Systems and Resources (10-15%)II. The Living World (10-15%)III. Population (10-15%) IV. Land and Water Use (10-15%)V. Energy Resources and Consumption (10-15%)VI. Pollution (25-30%)VII. Global Change (10-15%)

I. Earth Systems and Resources (10-15%) A. Earth Science Concepts

1.Geologic time scale2. Plate tectonicsSummarize the processes that shape the earth and its resources. C12 (Cunningham 12th Ed)Define plate tectonics and explain its relationship to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. (Raven, 8th)3. EarthquakesDescribe geological hazards. C12Describe how earthquakes affect natural selection4. VolcanismDescribe how volcanic eruptions are involved in primary successionDescribe how volcanic eruptions affect natural selectionDescribe how the sulfur oxides are important for suppression of Global Climate ChangeDescribe how the particulate material from severe volcanic eruption suppresses GCC5. SeasonsExplain how the tilt of the Earth relates to seasons and identify the Earth’s position for each season in the Northern hemisphere (FR)6. Solar intensity and latitudeDescribe how insolation causes differences in the Earth’s temperatureSummarize the effects of solar energy on the Earth’s temperature, including the influence of albedo (reflectivity) and latitude.

(Raven, 8th)

B. The Atmosphere1. CompositionDescribe the general composition and structure of the atmosphere. C12

2. StructureDescribe the four layers of Earth’s atmosphere: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere. (Raven, 8th) List the layers of the atmosphere starting at the Earth’s surface and moving up (FR) Identify the temperature differences between each layer and the science behind these differences (FR) List the important traits of each layer as it pertains to the environment and humans (FR)

3. Weather and climateExplain the difference between weather and climate (FR) Explain why weather events follow general patterns. C12Give causes of regional precipitation and temperature.Describe how ocean currents, altitude, latitude, and topography cause differences in climate (personal Me)Contrast tornadoes and tropical cyclones. (Raven, 8th)Outline some factors in natural climate variability. C12Describe how differences in climate can be visualized using a climatograph (personal Me)

4. Atmospheric circulation and the Coriolis EffectDescribe the Coriolis Effect and use it to determine global wind patterns (FR)Discuss the roles of solar energy and Coriolis effect in the production of global air and water flow patterns. (Raven, 8th)Define adiabatic heat and adiabatic cooling and connect each to convection currents (FR)Identify the location of Hadley and polar cells on a globe (FR)Explain the effect Hadley cells and polar cells have on global climate (FR)Explain what the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is and its connection to weather (FR)

5. Atmosphere-ocean interactions; ENSO

Define El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and La Niña and describe some of their effects. (Raven, 8th)Identify the differences in ocean temperatures and weather based on El Nino (FR)

C. Global Water Resources and Use1. Freshwater/saltwaterIdentify the percentage of water that is saltwater versus freshwater (FR)Identify the percentage of freshwater that is found in ice and glaciers, belowground water, water bodies, & atmospheric waterDescribe surface water and groundwater using the following terms in your description: wetland, runoff, drainage basin, unconfined

and confined, aquifer, water table. (Raven, 8th).Define groundwater recharge and how it differs with confined and unconfined aquifers (FR)Compare and contrast the recharge rate and the consequences of this fact of different aquifers (FR)Compare and contrast confined and unconfined aquifers (FR)2. Ocean circulationDescribe the causes of surface versus deep ocean circulationDefine gyres and identify their role in global climates (FR)Connect upwellings to ocean productivity (FR)Explain the science behind thermohaline circulation (FR)

3. AgriculturalDescribe the role of irrigation in world water consumption. (Raven, 8th) Compare the amount of water needed to produce the same mass of beef and wheat (FR)Define hydroponic agriculture and the benefits and drawbacks (FR)

4. Industrial, and domestic useIdentify the percentage of water used for irrigation, industrial, and household use (FR)Compare per capita use of household water in developed countries and developing countries and identify the reasons for this

disparity (FR)Detail drinking water problems.(Raven, 8th)Relate population growth and water problems.(Raven, 8th)List the steps involved in the two types of desalination and the pros and cons of each (FR)

5. Surface and groundwater issuesDescribe the biotic and abiotic components of different parts of a river.Define floodplain and explain how humans exacerbate property damage caused by flood.(Raven, 8th)Identify the productivity, nutrient levels, and oxygen levels of the following lake types (FR)

OligotrophicMesotrophicEutrophic

Explain why different lakes have different oxygen levels and what effect this has on the community of organisms (FR)Describe the connection between drought and topsoil and the economic and environmental consequences (FR)Explain what a cone of depression is and why if forms (FR)Explain saltwater intrusion and what causes it to form (FR)Define impermeable surfaces and their effect on urban and suburban water levels (FR)

6. Global problemsIdentify the number of people worldwide who lack access to clean water and the number who die annually due to diseases related to

contaminated water (FR)Understand case studies: Mono Lake, the Colorado River basin, the Ogallala Aquifer, the Rhine River basin, the Aral Sea, the

Columbia River, the Missouri River. (Raven, 8th)

7. ConservationSummarize why water is a precious resource and why shortages occur. C12Summarize water availability and use. C12Investigate freshwater shortages. C12Understand how we might increase water supplies. C12Describe water conservation methods that can be employed by agriculture, industry, and individuals. (Raven, 8th)Make an argument for or against allowing market forces to determine the price of water and allowing individuals and corporations to

buy and sell water rights. (FR)Summarize the measures taken with appliances recently to reduce household water use (FR)Summarize actions performed by Las Vegas, industry and municipalities to conserve water use (FR)

Compare major water compartments. C12

D. Soil and Soil Dynamics1. Rock cycle2. FormationIdentify the factors involved in soil formation. (Raven, 8th)3. CompositionList the components of soil and give the ecological significance of each. (Raven, 8th)Describe the content of the various soil horizons. (Raven, 8th).4. Physical and chemical properties

List two ecosystem services performed by soil organisms, and discuss nutrient cycling. (Raven, 8th) Briefly describe soil texture and acidity. (Raven, 8th)

5. Main soil typesDistinguish among spodosols, alfisols, mollisols, aridosols, and oxisols. (Raven, 8th)6. Erosion and other soil problemsExplain the impacts of soil erosion and mineral depletion on plant growth. (Raven, 8th)Explain how a combination of natural and human-induced factors caused the American Dust Bowl. (Raven, 8th)7. Soil conservation

Define sustainable soil use. (Raven, 8th) Describe the techniques used to help minimize erosion and mineral depletion of the soil. (Raven, 8th) Detail the process of soil reclamation. (Raven, 8th) Describe the Conservation Reserve Program and the Grasslands Reserve Program. (Raven, 8th)

Explain how rocks and minerals are formed. C12Think critically about economic geology and mineralogy. C12Describe the components of soils. C12Explain the ways we use and abuse soils. C12

II. The Living World (10-15%) A. Ecosystem Structure

1. Biological populations and communitiesDescribe the difference between the terms population and community (personal Me)

2. Ecological niches List the factors that contribute to an ecological niche. (Raven, 8th) Compare and contrast fundamental and realized niches.(Raven, 8th) List factors that are limiting and describe how they affect a niche.(Raven, 8th) Distinguish between competitive exclusion and resource partitioning.(Raven, 8th)

3. Interactions among species Explain the various types of symbiosis.(Raven, 8th) Describe predator-prey relationships.(Raven, 8th) Distinguish between intraspecific and interspecific competition.(Raven, 8th) 4. Keystone species Describe the role of a keystone species.(Raven, 8th)

5. Species diversity Summarize the main determinants of species richness.(Raven, 8th)

Identify the current rate of species extinction (FR)Identify the characteristics that make the current 6th mass extinction different than previous extinctions (FR)Define inbreeding depression and be able to explain the genetics behind why it is harmful (FR)Identify examples of inbreeding depression (FR)Explain why and how humans have altered the biodiversity of livestock and crops (FR)Describe the changes that have crops have experienced over the past century and the possible dangers of these dangers (FR)Explain what scientists have done in response to the decline in seed diversity (FR)Differentiate between the categories of species as defined by IUCN (FR)

Data-deficientExtinctThreatenedNear-threatenedLeast concern

Compare and contrast the percentage of least concern, near threatened, and threatened species of mammals, birds, and amphibians (FR)

6. Edge effects Why are edge habitats considered in size and shape of protected areas? (FR)Connect edge habitat to Single Large or Several Small (SLOSS) and the effects of edge habitat (FR)

7. Major terrestrial and aquatic biomes Define species, populations, communities, and ecosystems, and summarize the ecological significance of trophic levels. C12Discuss how species interactions shape biological communities. C12Summarize how community properties affect species and populations. C12Explain why communities are dynamic and change over time. C12

Correctly identify biomes on the Whittaker diagram based on their average temperature and annual precipitation (FR)Label biomes on a map of the world (FR)Identify the growing season on a climate diagram and explain why the growing season occurs during that time period (FR)List the major characteristics and unique terms that apply to the following biomes and the reasons behind the characteristics (FR)

TundraBoreal ForestTemperate RainforestTemperate Seasonal ForestWoodland/ShrublandTemperate Grassland/Cold DesertTropical RainforestTropical Seasonal Forest/SavannaSubtropical Desert

Explain the properties of a lake and stream that make it different than a lake (FR)Label the parts of a lake and the properties of each part (FR)Identify the different types of wetlands and the vital roles wetlands play in the environment (FR)Identify the unique properties of salt marshes and their importance to the greater environment (FR)Explain the importance of mangroves to coastlines (FR)Identify the types of organisms that live in an intertidal zone and explain why those organisms must have unique adaptations (FR)Explain the importance of coral reefs to humans (FR)Describe the organisms that makeup coral and also the diversity of other organisms in the reef (FR)Explain what coral bleaching is, what causes it, and what its effects would be if it occurs (FR)Label the zones of the open ocean and list the properties of each zone (FR)Describe types of plankton, nekton and benthos present.(personal Me)Describe some of the ecological and economic services performed by a marine ecosystems.(personal Me)Describe the way humans have degraded the aquatic ecosystem(s).(personal Me)

B. Energy Flow Define energy and explain how it is related to work and to heat. (Raven, 8th) Relate the first and second laws of thermodynamics to living organisms. (Raven, 8th)

1. Photosynthesis 2. Cellular respiration Compare and contrast photosynthesis and respiration.(Raven, 8th)

Describe hydrothermal vent communities.(Raven, 8th)Identify organisms that are autotrophs and be able to identify reactants and products of photosynthesis (FR)Identify organisms that do cellular respiration and the reactants and products of respiration (FR)

3. Food webs Differentiate between primary, secondary, and tertiary consumers and be able to label on a food chain and food web (FR)Define and identify consumers, producers, scavengers, detritivores, and decomposers in a food web (FR)

4. Trophic levels Summarize the flow of energy through a food web, using appropriate trophic terminology, and pyramids of numbers and biomass as

well as energy.(Raven, 8th) Distinguish between gross primary productivity and net primary productivity.(Raven, 8th) Discuss human impact on net primary productivity.(Raven, 8th)

Explain the connection between Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) and Net Primary Productivity and be able to calculate given each given numerical values (FR)

Compare and contrast ecosystems based on their productivity and identify the factors that impact their ability to be productive (FR)Define ecological efficiency and identify the value for efficiency that most ecosystems operate at in nature (FR)

5. Ecological pyramidsDefine energy and explain how thermodynamics regulates ecosystems. C12Understand how living organisms capture energy and create organic compounds. C12

C. Ecosystem Diversity

1. Biodiversity

Define biological diversity and distinguish among genetic diversity, species richness, and ecosystem diversity. (Raven, 8th) Explain what is meant by biodiversity and discuss the importance of preserving and managing it. (Biozone, 3rd)

2. Natural selectionExplain the process of natural selection and cite evidence for this process WB2Explain the four premises of evolution by natural selection as proposed by Charles Darwin. (Raven, 8th)Differentiate between the survival of the fittest and death of the unfit and how this governs what genes continue. (personal Me)Describe how species interactions such as predator/prey or parasitism drive natural selection. (personal Me)3. EvolutionDiscuss reasons for species extinction and mass extinction events WB2Describe how climate conditions influence the natural selection in major biomes. (personal Me)4. Ecosystem servicesDiscuss five important ecosystem services provided by biological diversity. (Raven, 8th)Describe how evolution produces species diversity. C12Discuss biodiversity and the species concept. C12 Summarize some of the ways we benefit from biodiversity. C12Characterize the threats to biodiversity. C12

Differentiate between instrumental and intrinsic values of an ecosystems (FR)Explain how the following instrumental services provide value to humans (FR)

ProvisionsRegulating ServicesSupport SystemsResilienceCultural Services

Explain the factors that impact the intrinsic value of an ecosystem (FR)D. Natural Ecosystem Change

1. Climate shifts2. Species movement3. Ecological successionDescribe ecological succession. (Raven, 8th)

Distinguish between primary and secondary succession. (Raven, 8th)E. Natural Biogeochemical Cycles

1. Carbon2. Nitrogen3. Phosphorus4. Sulfur5. Water6. Conservation of matterCompare the ways that water, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus cycle within ecosystems. C12

Diagram the carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus cycles. (Raven, 8th) Describe how humans have influenced natural biogeochemical cycles.(Raven, 8th)

Define biogeochemical (FR)Explain the roles of flows and pools in biogeochemical cycles (FR)Identify the flows & pools within the hydrological cycle & explain how the processes work together (FR)Identify the flows & pools within the carbon cycle & explain how the processes work together (FR)Identify the flows & pools within the nitrogen cycle & explain how the processes work together (FR)Identify the flows & pools within the phosphorus cycle & explain how the processes work together (FR)Explain how humans are altering each of the cycles mentioned in the previous objectives (FR)

Define limiting factor. Give an example of a resource that would be limiting in an ecosystem. (me Personal)

III. Population (10-15%) A. Population Biology Concepts

1. Population ecologyCompare and contrast the following measures of populations: size, density, dispersion, sex ratio, and age structure.

Explain the four factors that produce changes in population size and solve simple problems involving these changes.

2. Carrying capacity Define biotic potential (intrinsic rate of growth) and carrying capacity and explain the differences between J-shaped and S-shaped

growth curves. Distinguish between density-dependent and density-independent factors that affect population size and give examples of each

3. Reproductive strategies Distinguish between r-strategists and k-strategists. (Raven, 8th) Describe some of the density-dependent factors that affect boom-or-bust population cycles. (Raven, 8th)

4. Survivorship (curves)Describe Type I, Type II, and Type III survivorship curves. (Raven, 8th)Describe the dynamics of population growth. C12Compare and contrast the factors that regulate population growth. C12Identify some applications of population dynamics in conservation biology. C12

B. Human Population 1. Human population dynamics

a. Historical population sizesSummarize the history of human population growth.(Raven, 8th)Relate the ideas of Thomas Malthus on human population growth, and explain why he may or may not be wrong.(Raven,

8th)Explain why it is impossible to precisely predict the Earth’s carrying capacity for humans.(Raven, 8th)Using the graph of human population growth over time, identify major events in the timeline that had an impact on the

growth rate (FR)Explain Thomas Malthus’ ideas about human population growth and resources to support the growth. Compare his ideas to

those of other scientists and what evidence there is to support each theory (FR).Identify the current size of the human population and the projected range of the future size and stabilization range. (FR)

b. DistributionExplain how highly developed and developing countries differ in population characteristics such as infant mortality rate,

total fertility rate, replacement-level fertility, and age structure.(Raven, 8th)Briefly relate the history and controversies of US immigration.(Raven, 8th)

c. Fertility ratesDefine infant and maternal mortality rate. Explain how it is considered a good indicator of quality of life.

Relate total fertility rates to each of the following: cultural values, social and economic status of women, and the availability of family planning services.(Raven, 8th)

Define Total Fertility Rate (TFR) (FR)Define replacement-level fertility and identify the reasons behind why it changes depending upon the population (FR)d. Growth rates and doubling timeDifferentiate between immigration and emigration and inputs and outputs for population size (FR)Define Crude Birth Rate (CBR) and Crude Death Rate (CDR) (FR)Define doubling time (FR)Solve the doubling time equation given certain variables (FR)

Rule of 70e. Demographic transition

List the four/five stages of the demographic transition. List social, biological, political, and economic issues that can be addressed to help developing countries undergo a demographic transition. List three factors that may limit the effectiveness of a demographic transition in influencing population size.

Define the Theory of Demographic Transition (FR)Explain what is occurring at each phase of the Demographic Transition graph and the reasons behind the changes that are

occurring (especially in relation to birth rates, death rates, and TFR) (FR)SlowRapid

StableDeclining

Identify countries that fall into each phase (FR)f. Age-structure diagrams Explain how population growth momentum works.(Raven, 8th)Compare the ways the governments of China, India, Mexico, and Nigeria have tried to slow human population growth.

(Raven, 8th) Trace the history of human population growth. C12

Summarize the BIDE factors that increase or decrease populations. C12Analyze some of the factors that determine population growth. C12Describe how a demographic transition can lead to stable population size. C12Create an age structure diagram given data and correctly read a age structure diagram (FR)

Describe how a age-structure diagram can be used to predict that country’s phase of the Demographic transition 2. Population size

a. Strategies for sustainabilityDescribe how

b. Case studies

c. National policiesd. Women’s Rights\Define culture and explain how total fertility rate and cultural values are related. (Raven, 8th)Define gender inequality and relate the social and economic status of women to total fertility rate. (Raven, 8th)Explain how the availability of family planning services affects total fertility rates. (Raven, 8th)

Summarize different perspectives on population growth. C12Identify the role education, social status, and age can have how many children women have during their lifetime (FR)Explain the different strategies taken by countries to lower their TFR. You should be most familiar with the following countries

(FR)ChinaIndiaKenya

3. Impacts of population growtha. Hungerb. Diseasec. Economic effectsd. Resource usee. Habitat destruction

Compare and contrast the affluence found in developing versus developed countries and the effect this has on the per capita ecological footprint of these countries (FR)Identify the four components in the I=PAT equation and the effect each component has on the environmental impact of a population (FR)Identify the trend in the percentage of individuals living in urban areas and the benefits and drawbacks of this trend (FR)Identify the correlation between GDP and affluence and how it all connects to pollution and environmental impact levels (aka Kuznet’s Curve) (FR)

Explain how ideal family size is culturally and economically dependent. C12

IV. Land and Water Use (10-15%)A. Agriculture 1. Feeding a growing population a. Human nutritional requirementsIdentify the time when agriculture became prevalent and explain two effects on the human population

Identify the main components of human nutritional requirements. Identify the percentage of grains, meat, and fish in the human diet

Identify key food sources, including protein-rich foods. Differentiate among Malnutrition, Undernutrition, Overnutrition. Food Security,

Food Insecurity, Famine, Chronic hunger Identify the primary reason for undernutrition and malnutrition & why it is more complex than just lack of foodIdentify the major use of grain and what energy issue results due to this useExplain why we observe the current trends in total and per capita grain production worldwide over the past 60 years

b. Types of agriculture Contrast industrialized agriculture with subsistence agriculture and describe three kinds of subsistence agriculture. Describe five major environmental impacts of industrialized agriculture, including land degradation and habitat fragmentation. Define shifting agriculture and explain why “slash-and-burn” can have immediate benefits but long term costs Define nomadic grazing and explain when it is useful and sustainable Define sustainable agriculture and explain the role of each of these terms plays in it

IntercroppingCrop rotationAgroforestryContour plowing

Explain the purpose of plowing and the benefits and drawbacks of no-till agriculture Identify the basic principles of organic agriculture

c. Green Revolution (1st)Relate three benefits and problems associated with the green revolution.Explain the huge requirement for petroleum based products with this Green revolution.

d. Genetic engineering and crop production Define world carryover stocks and explain how they are a measure of world food security. Describe the beneficial and harmful effects of domestication on crop plants and livestock. Explain the roles of hormones and antibiotics in industrialized agriculture.

Identify the three general benefits that can be seen from genetically modified organisms List and explain two examples of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) increasing crop yield and quality. Explain how genetic engineering of crops has changed the way pesticides are used in agriculture. Identify the difference between the United States and Europe regarding GMOs Explain how GMOs might affect biodiversity in a community. Explain two other concerns, or drawbacks, of GMO’s.

e. Deforestationf. Irrigation

Identify the pros and cons of each type of irrigation and know their efficiency relative to each otherFurrowFloodSpray (or center pivot)Drip

Explain waterlogging and its possible consequencesExplain salinization and its possible consequencesDifferentiate how the efficiencies of different irrigation techniques influences current and future agricultural practices

g. Sustainable agricultureh. Subsidies / Farm billsDefine subsidy and explain how the US government subsidizes agriculture.

Describe patterns of world hunger.How can government policies subsidizing industrialized farming affect food resources in developing

nations? Support answers with two specific examples.

2. Controlling pestsa. Types of pesticidesDefine pesticides, and differentiate between herbicide and insecticide.Differentiate between broad-spectrum and selective pesticides.Differentiate between persistent and nonpersistent pesticides.b. Costs and benefits of pesticide use

Define bioaccumulation and explain its effects on a community of organisms.Explain the pesticide treadmill and why it is an example of a positive feedback loop.Explain why monocultures are more susceptible to pests.Compare and contrast the benefits of pesticides with the problems associated with them.Discuss pesticide risks to human health.List and discuss the environmental effects of pesticides.c. Integrated pest managementSummarize Integrated Pest Management (IPM)Describe how IPM can be used on a large corn field.Since pesticides are used in IPM, why is it desirable?d. Alternative Pest Control MethodsDiscuss the pros and cons of the four major alternative pest control methods (Cultural, Natural Enemies, Genetic, Natural Chemicals).Describe the methods of organic and sustainable agriculture.e. Relevant LawsSummarize the United States laws and international regulations that regulate pesticides.

B. Forestry

1. Tree plantationsWhat are the pros and cons of tree plantations?2. Old growth forests3. Forest firesDefine and give specific examples of fire-dependent ecosystems.How has the US policy on forest fires changed in the past twenty years? Why did it change?4. Forest managementList and describe at least four major forest management practices.Explain sustainable forestry and explain how monocultures are related to forestry.5. National forestsExplain New Forestry.Describe issues of concern re: US National Forests.Describe the objectives, similarities and differences between the various government agencies that are supposed to be protecting the national forests.

C. Rangelands1. OvergrazingExplain the consequences of overgrazing and the reasons for overgrazing in developed and developing nations.2. DeforestationDefine deforestation and relate the main causes of tropical deforestation.3. DesertificationDefine desertification and explain its relationship to overgrazing.4. Rangeland managementHow do the policies of the BLM and US Forest Service contribute to rangeland degradation?How can US rangelands be managed to reduce degradation?What are some solutions for rangeland degradation in developing nations?

D. Other Land Use 1. Urban land development a. Urban/suburban sprawl What factors were responsible for urban and suburban sprawl in the US after WWII? Describe five environmental impacts of urban sprawl. Describe five quality of life impacts of urban sprawl. b. Urbanization Define urbanization and explain why urbanization is increasing throughout the world. Describe urban challenges in the developing world. 2. Transportation infrastructure a. Federal highway system

b. Canals and channelsc. Roadless areasd. Ecosystem impacts

3. Public and federal lands a. Management Describe the following federal lands and current issues of concern for each: wilderness, national parks, and national

wildlife refuges.b. Wilderness areasc. National parksd. Wildlife refuges

e. Forestsf. WetlandsDescribe five ecological services provided by wetlands.Why are wetlands considered vital ecosystems?Why are humans destroying wetlands at such a rapid rate? (Three reasons)

4. Land conservation options EXPLAIN and GIVE TWO EXAMPLES OF THE FOLLOWING:

a. Preservationb. Remediationc. Mitigationd. Restoration

5. Sustainable land-use strategiesDescribe sustainable development and its goals.

Explain smart growth. What are the challenges to implementing smart growth policies? Explain how conservation easements and land trusts help private landowners protect forests from development. E. Mining

1. Mineral formation What natural processes concentrate minerals in the Earth’s crust? Explain the difference between high-grade ores and low-grade ores, and between metallic and nonmetallic minerals.

2. Extraction Describe how mineral deposits are discovered, extracted, and processed.

Distinguish between surface mining and subsurface mining. What are the ecological and human health consequences of each?

Explain how mining lands can be restored.

3. Global reservesCompare and contrast the consumption of minerals by developing countries and industrialized nations.Explain how reuse, recycling, changing our mineral requirements, sustainable manufacturing and dematerialization can each lead to mineral conservation.4. Relevant laws and treatiesHow do current US policies encourage mining/extraction of minerals and discourage recycling?

F. Fishing1. Fishing techniquesDistinguish among bottom trawling, purse seine and long line fishing2. OverfishingWhy are current marine fisheries a classic tragedy of the commons?Define bycatch and its connection to fisheries and endangered species.3. AquacultureDefine aquaculture and explain its benefits and drawbacks.Compare/contrast aquaculture in developed and developing nations.

4. Relevant laws and treatiesWhat are the major international laws and treaties that govern marine fisheries? Why are they generally ineffective in preventing overfishing and ecosystem degradation?Explain what Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQs) are and what role they play in more sustainable fishing methods.

V. Energy Resources and Consumption (10-15%) A. Energy Concepts 1. Energy forms - Energy has a number of different forms, all of which measure the ability of an object or

system to do work on another object or system. Distinguish kinetic and potential energy.

Define thermal, chemical, electromagnetic, sound, and nuclear energy. Describe the different methods of electricity generation.

2. Power - Power is the rate at which energy is used, or, energy flow. Define Power = Energy/Time3. Units - There are two systems of measurement in common use in the world - the United States

Customary System (USCS, formerly called the British system) of feet, pounds, and seconds, in everyday use in the United States, and the metric system of meters, kilograms, and seconds, in use almost everywhere else. A subset of the metric system is the centimeter-gram-second (cgs) system is commonly used in atomic physics and chemistry.

Be able to ascribe the energy units for each of these systems as shown in the table below:

System Energy Force Distance

SI (mks) joule newton meter

SI (cgs) erg dyne centimeter

USCS (fps) foot-pound pound foot

4. Conversions: Energy One calorie is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one Celsius degree.

One kilocalorie would increase the temperature of 1 kg of water by the same amount. The kilocalorie is sometimes referred to as a "big" calorie and written with a capital C, namely, as Calorie. Food calories are always "big" calories.

1 calorie (cal) = 4.186 joules (J)

A popular unit of heat energy is the Btu (or BTU: British thermal unit). One Btu is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

1 Btu = 252 cal = 1055 J Btus are commonly used in the United States to rate water heaters, furnaces, and air conditioners. The numbers give the rate at which heat can be produced by the burners of these units. The heating values for fuels are often stated in terms of Btus per unit weight. Coal, for instance, has a typical heating value of 25 million Btu/ton, and petroleum 37 million Btu/ton.

Gas companies in the U.S. often measure sales in terms of "thermal units" or therms. One therm is defined as 100,000 Btu, and natural gas at normal temperature and pressure has a heat value of 1030 Btu/ft3

1 therm = 105 Btu / 1030 Btu/ft3 = 97.1 ft3 ≈ 100 ft3 Gas companies also use "American Engineering" terminology instead of standard SI scientific notation. In this notation, the Latin abbreviations of C for 100 and M for 1000 are used but not written with capitalization. For instance, 1 ccf = 100 cubic feet, and 1 mcf = 1000 cubic feet, and one million cubic feet is written as 1000 x 1000 cf or 1 mmcf.PowerIn the SI system the unit of power is the watt (W):

1 watt (W) = 1 joule/second (J/s)

In the U.S., electrical energy is usually measured in terms of kilowatt-hours (kWh). The relationship between kilowatt-hours and joules is: 1 kWh = 1000 J/s x 3600 s = 3.6 x 106 J

One kWh is the energy required to power ten 100-watt lightbulbs for one hour.

With respect to solar energy, the rate at which this energy is received is referred to as solar flux which represents the power per unit area received at a given location. At the position of the Earth's orbit, this number is about 1400 W/m2, and is referred to as the solar constant. This means that a flat panel of 1 m2 placed outside the earth's atmosphere and oriented perpendicular to the sun's rays would receive 1400 joules per second of solar

energy.The atmosphere absorbs about half of this energy, so that 700 W/m2 is about the maximum amount that reaches the earth on a hot summer day in the tropics. Averaging over day and night for all seasons and all latitudes, this is further reduced to about 240 W/m2 as the average solar radiation received at the earth's surface. Cloud cover and other factors reduce these numbers even further.

5. Laws of Thermodynamics Compare and contrast the first and second laws of thermodynamics.

First Law of Thermodynamics - energy is always conserved, that is, it is never created anew or destroyed; when an object does work on another object, the energy can only be converted and/or transferred to a different form.

Second Law of Thermodynamics - energy can be converted from any one of these forms into any other, and vice versa, limited only by entropy (a measure of the disorder of a system), which can be gained or lost. Thus, depending on the type of transformation that is occurring conversion may not be complete, and the amount of usable energy diminishes.

The First Law is concerned with the quantity of energy; the Second Law with the quality of energy.

B. Energy Consumption 1. History

a. Industrial Revolutionb. Exponential growthc. Energy crisis

Summarize the history of human energy use, including reference to the industrial Revolution and our dependence on the fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas).

Discuss the potential problem that exists with finite fossil fuel resources because of exponential population growth and energy use

2. Present global energy use Explain how energy resources and population are distributed around the world. Describe the energy use of the US compare to other countries, including import and export practices. Explain why developed countries demand more energy that developing countries.

3. Future energy needsExplain why developing countries energy needs are rapidly increasing.Distinguish between commercial and subsistence energy sources.Explain how the principles of sustainability can be applied to extending the lifetime of non-renewable resources.

C. Fossil Fuel Resources and Use1. Formation of coal, oil, and natural gas

Define fossil fuel and distinguish among coal, oil, and natural gas and describe the processses that formed them.

Describe the four types of coal and how they differ particularly in terms of carbon and sulfur content, energy value, and cost.

Define structural trap and give two examples.Why are natural gas and oil usually found together?Explain the process of petroleum refining and list the products that are formed; What is a

gas flare or flaring?List at least 5 industries other than energy where oil is a significant component.List the four components of natural gas and distinguish among their uses.Compare CNG to LPG.

Relate fossil fuels to the carbon cycle.

2. Extraction/purification methodsDescribe the methods of coal and oil extraction and the effects of these methods on the environment. Distinguish between surface mining and subsurface mining.Define resource recovery and fluidized-bed combustion.Explain why many new coal plants will be designed to capture carbon dioxide.

Describe the process of hydraulic fracturing. Describe the geologic risk of the process and the effect on subsurface seams and confined

aquifers. Explain how the contaminated wastewater from this process is treated.

3. World reserves and global demand

Where are the largest coal reserves found, and what type of coal is found in each?

Describe the worldwide distribution of oil and natural gas deposits and recoverable reserves.Explain what is meant by Peak Oil (Hubbert’s Peak) and why it is a source of potential concern.

4. Synfuels Define bitumen. Distinguish among the five types of synfuels (tar sands, oil shales, gas hydrates, liquefied coal, and

coal gas); how are they formed and extracted?

5. Environmental advantages/disadvantages of sourcesCreate a chart to describe the advantages and disadvantages of each of the fossil fuels.Describe the safety and health issues attached to the extraction and processing of each of the fossil fuels.Describe the environmental issues associated with acid mine drainage (AMD), ash and sludge spills,

and mountaintop removal.Explain coal to liquid (CTL) technology describing its benefits and limitations.List the relative impacts of carbon dioxide emissions and acid deposition from coal, oil, and natural gas

combustion.Describe the benefits and risks of transport of fossil fuels overland by rail and truck, by pipeline, and

by ocean transport.Summarize the continuing controversy surrounding the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Consider the environmental implications of using synfuels as opposed to fossil fuels.

D. Nuclear Energy1. Nuclear fission process

What is fission? (FR)Describe how nuclear fission is a self-sustaining. (FR)

2. Nuclear fuelDefine the term half-life. (FR)Define becquerel and curie. (FR)

3. Electricity productionCompare electric generation from coal to the electric generation using nuclear energy. (FR)Contrast fuel and controls rods. (FR)What are control rods critical to a nuclear reactor? (FR)Create a flow chart for production of electricity from nuclear energy. (FR)

Describe nuclear power generation. Discuss its advantages and disadvantages, including short and long term environmental effects. (Biozone, 3rd)

4. Nuclear reactor typesDiagram a pressurized water reactor and show is three water circuits.(Raven, 8th)

Contrast conventional nuclear fission, breeder nuclear fission, and fusion.(Raven, 8th)

5. Environmental advantages/disadvantagesCreate a chart to describe the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy. (FR)

6. Safety issues7. Radiation and human health8. Radioactive wastes

What is radioactive waste? (FR)Compare and contrast high and low level radioactive waste and the disposal of both. (FR)Describe storage of nuclear waste and the major disadvantages of nuclear waste storage. (FR)Relate the pros and cons on permanent storage of high-level radioactive waste.(Raven, 8th)

9. Nuclear fusionExplain nuclear fusion and why it is currently not in use as an energy source. (FR)

Distinguish between nuclear energy and chemical energy.(Raven, 8th)

E. Hydroelectric Power1. Dams2. Flood control3. Salmon4. Silting5. Other impacts)

Define hydroelectricity. (FR)Create a flow chart to demonstrate how electricity is produced from flowing water. (FR)Differentiate run of the river systems and water impound systems. (FR)Explain why tidal energy systems are not widely used in the world. (FR)Create a chart outlining the advantages and disadvantages of hydroelectric dams. (FR)

Discuss the production of hydroelectric power, its capacity to produce electricity and its effect on the environment. (Biozone, 3rd)F. Energy Conservation

1. Energy efficiency2. CAFE standards3. Hybrid electric vehicles4. Mass transit

How can individuals reduce their usage of energy? (FR)Describe ways that energy conservation can be encouraged (FR)Explain a tiered rate system. (FR)How are energy efficiency and energy conservation linked? (FR)Define peak demand and how can peak demand be reduced? (FR)Describe characteristics of an energy efficient home. (FR)Explain passive solar design. (FR)How does the thermal inertia of a material contribute to the energy efficiency of a building? (FR)Describe three different techniques used in sustainable design? Which one is the best? Defend your answer. (FR)

Compare per capita energy consumption in highly developed and developing /underdeveloped countries (Raven, 8th)Relate reasons that the US needs a comprehensive national energy strategy. Briefly describe the current national energy policy.(Raven, 8th)Distinguish between energy conservation and energy efficiency.(Raven, 8th)Define cogeneration and give an example of a large-scale cogeneration system.(Raven, 8th)Examine the need for greater efficiency of energy exploitation, including considering: reducing and using waste heat, saving energy in industry and transport with reference to the Corporate Average Fuel Ecolonmy (CAFE) regulations, use of hybrid vehicles, and reducing energy usage in buildings. (Biozone, 3rd)G. Renewable Energy

1. Solar energy; solar electricity2. Hydrogen fuel cells3. Biomass4. Wind energy5. Small-scale hydroelectric6. Ocean waves and tidal energy7. Geothermal8. Environmental advantages/disadvantages

Explain how the sun is the ultimate source of energy for all types of energy. (FR)List types of biomass fuels. (FR)What are biofuels and why is their use limited? (FR)Differentiate modern and fossil carbon. (FR)Explain why in theory modern carbon is considered carbon neutral. (FR)Outline the negative impact of net removal of trees. (FR)Why is charcoal a better source of energy? What is its main disadvantage? (FR)Summarize the positive and negatives of using animal manure as a heating/cooking source. (FR)Explain how liquid biofuels are made. (FR)Describe the pros and cons of ethanol as a fuel. (FR)Define gasohol. (FR)Explain how SVO vehicles work. (FR)How is biodiesel made? (FR)

Describe solar ovens and explain how they are using passive solar heating. (FR)Define active solar energy. (FR)Create a flowchart that shows the path of a solar domestic hot water heater. (FR)Describe how PV cells work. (FR)Explain how CST systems work. (FR)

Define geothermal energy. (FR)Describe different ways geothermal energy can be harnessed as a source of energy. (FR)Explain the three parts of a ground source heat pump. (FR)Explain how the sun is the ultimate source of energy for winds. (FR)Create a flow chart demonstrating how wind turbines generate electricity. (FR)Differentiate land based and off shore wind farms. (FR)Create a chart outlining the advantages and disadvantages of geothermal energy systems. (FR)Define fuel cell. (FR)Explain the chemical process that allows hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity. (FR)How is hydrogen currently obtained for fuel cells? (FR)Why does it make sense to use energy to make energy for hydrogen fuel cells? (FR)Why is hydrogen a useful alternative to fossil fuels? (FR)

Distinguish between active and passive solar energy.(Raven, 8th)Contrast the advantages and disadvantages of solar thermal electric generation and photovoltaic cells in converting solar energy into electricity.(Raven, 8th)Describe the locations that can make optimum use of wind energy and hydropower. Compare the potential of wind energy and hydropower.(Raven, 8th)Describe two renewable energy sources that are not direct or indirect results of solar energy.(Raven, 8th)Describe the production of electricity from solar energy, wind energy, wave and tidal energy, geothermal energy, biofuels, and hydrogen fuel cells. (Biozone, 3rd)Discuss the future use, advanatages, and disadvantages of solar energy, wind energy, wave energy, geothermal energy, biofuels, and hydrogen fuel cells. (Biozone, 3rd)

VI. Pollution (25-30%)A. Pollution Types 1. Air pollution

a. Sources-primary and secondaryDescribe the air around us i.e. layers of the atmosphere and chemical composition. (C12)Identify natural sources of air pollution. (C12)Discuss human-caused air pollution. (C12)List primary pollution sources. (JS)List secondary pollution sources. (JS)

b. Major air pollutantsList the seven major classes of air pollutants and describe their characteristics and effects. (Raven, 8th)

c. Measurement unitsList several types of units air pollution is measured in. (JS)

d. SmogDescribe how photochemical smog is formed. (FR)Define photochemical oxidants and give 2 examples. (FR)Compare photochemical smog, industrial smog and sulfurous smog. (FR & Raven 8th)

e. Acid deposition-causes and effectsDefine acidic deposition. (WB2)Explain how acid deposition develops ie. causes. (Raven, 8th) Describe how acid depositions travel throughout the atmosphere. (FR)Explain the effects of acid deposition and give 2 examples. (FR)

f. Heat islands and temperature inversionsDescribe urban heat islands, and dust domes. (Raven, 8th)Explain how a thermal inversion occurs. (FR)Describe the effects of a thermal inversion on air quality. (FR)

g. Indoor air pollutionCharacterize the scope of indoor air pollution and assess potential solutions. (WB2)Explain why tobacco smoke and radon are considered to be major indoor air pollutants. (Raven, 8th)

h. Remediation and reduction strategiesExplain how does fluidized bed combustion remove sulfur dioxide from emissions. (FR)Describe two strategies that remove nitrogen oxides from emissions. (FR)Compare bag house filters, electrostatic precipitators and scrubbers. (FR)Describe how coal scrubbers are mitigating acid deposition. (FR)Explain the purpose of sulfur allowances and how they work. (FR)Describe innovative strategies to reduce air pollution. (FR)Evaluate air pollution control. C12

i. Clean Air Act and other relevant laws Provide examples of air pollution-control technologies and summarize the effects of the Clean Air Act on U.S. air pollution. (Raven, 8th)

2. Noise pollution a. Sources

List sources of noise pollution. (JS)

b. EffectsDescribe the physiological effects of noise pollution on the human body. (personal learning objective - lrb; lab work attached to this objective includes auditory and graphical analysis of sound levels in various locations of the student environment, including their use of ear buds/headphones; longterm lab completed after the AP exam)

c. Control measuresDescribe various ways to reduce noise pollution. (JS)

3. Water pollution

a. Types List eight categories of water pollutants and differentiate between those that cause health problems and those that

cause ecosystem disruption. (Raven, 8th)

b. SourcesDifferentiate point and nonpoint pollution and give examples of each. (FR)

c. Causes and effectsList several correlated cause and effects of water pollution on the environment. (JS)

d. Cultural eutrophication Explain how artificial eutrophication can be induced. (Raven, 8th)

Differentiate eutrophication from cultural eutrophication. (FR)Explain what is oxygen demanding waste is and how is it measured. (FR)Explain how does BOD create dead zones. (FR)State the purpose of the fecal coliform test. (Raven, 8th)How is waste from CAFOs disposed of? (FR)Discuss how sewage is related to eutrophication, biochemical oxygen demand, and dissolved oxygen. (Raven, 8th)Explain the effects of legal sewage dumping on surrounding bodies of water, (FR)

e. Groundwater pollutionCreate a chart showing the heavy metals, their sources and the consequences of high level in the environment. (FR)Compare acidification of water due to atmospheric and underground sources. (FR)Outline the three major concerns with pesticides. (FR)How do pharmaceuticals and hormones enter the water? (FR)What are the effects of perchlorates? (FR)Compare the effects of exposure to PCBs and PCBDs. (FR)

f. Maintaining water qualityInvestigate water quality today. (C12)Explain water pollution control. (C12)

g. Water purification Describe how most drinking water is purified. (Raven, 8th) Evaluate the chlorine dilemma. (Raven, 8th)

h. Sewage treatment/septic systemsDescribe the two components of a septic system. (FR)Differentiate the three layers of waste in the septic tanks (FR)Create a flowchart to show wastewater ‘s path through sewage treatment plants. Describe each treatment, (primary, secondary and tertiary). (FR)

i. Clean Water Act and other relevant laws)Describe the causes of the fire on Cuyahoga River and how it led to clean water regulation. (FR)

Explain how legislation relates to contamination problems. (Raven, 8th) Compare the goals of the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act. (Raven, 8th)

Summarize water legislation. C12

4. Solid wastea. TypesIdentify the components of solid waste. C12Recreate the timeline of the United States’ relationship with waste from 1900 to present. (FR)Differentiate between planned obsolescence and perceived obsolescence. (FR)Define MSW and identify the trend with total and per capita MSW in the United States. (FR)Identify the top 4 components of the MSW in the United states by percentage. (FR)Identify the amount of compostable material in the United States’ MSW. (FR)Compare and contrast total and per capita waste generation in developing and developed countries including the United States. (FR)

b. DisposalList the steps to create a modern sanitary landfill and explain why each step is taken. (FR)Define leachate. (FR)Identify acceptable and unacceptable materials to enter a landfill. (FR)

Define tipping fee. (FR)Explain why a landfill can change from aerobic condition to anaerobic conditions and the changes in products that occur. (FR)Describe the decomposition rates in landfills and reasons behind them. (FR)Explain why siting a landfill can be difficult and the role NIMBY plays in this decision. (FR)List the steps in incineration and the components produced. (FR)List the pros and cons to incinerating waste. (FR)

c. ReductionDefine source reduction. (FR)Explain why reduce is the first choice among the 3 Rs. (FR)Identify examples of source reduction on the individual and corporate level. (FR)Differentiate between closed-loop and open-loop recycling. (FR)Explain the circumstances around New York City’s decision to suspend glass and plastic recycling. (FR)List the materials that can be composted. (FR)Identify the elements that must be monitored in compost. (FR)List the steps taken at a municipal composting facility. (FR)

Summarize various ways to shrink the waste stream. (C12)

B. Impacts on the Environment and Human Health 1. Hazards to human health

a. Environmental risk analysisDefine environmental hazards. (JS-taken from FR)List and describe the 3 steps in assessing environmental risk (risk assessment, risk acceptance and risk management. (JS-taken from FR)Differentiate between the 2 types of risk assessment- qualitative and quantitative. (JS- taken from FR)Identify the effect perception has on qualitative risk. (JS-taken from FR)Compare and contrast the innocent-until-proven-guilty principle and the precautionary principle. (JS-taken from FR)

Characterize mechanisms for minimizing toxic effects. (C12)Explain the effect of the Stockholm Convention and REACH on chemicals. (JS-taken from FR)

b. Acute and chronic effectsDistinguish between acute and chronic toxicities.(Raven, 8th)

c. Dose response relationshipsSummarize the principles of toxicology. C12Describe how a dose-response curve helps determine the health effects of environmental pollutants. (Raven, 8th)

d. Air pollutantsRelate the adverse health effects of specific air pollutants and explain why children are particularly susceptible to air pollution. (Raven, 8th)

e. Smoking and other risksSummarize the sick building syndrome. (personal learning objective - lrb)Describe some of the data suggesting that certain chemicals used by humans may also function as endocrine disrupters in animals, including humans. (Raven, 8th)Discuss pesticide risks to children. (Raven, 8th)Describe the most common methods of determining whether or not a chemical causes cancer. (Raven, 8th)Discuss how the effects of DDT led to replacement of the dilution paradigm with the boomerang paradigm. (Raven, 8th)

2. Hazardous chemicals in the environmenta. Types of hazardous wasteExplain the 4 criteria used to define hazardous waste WB2

b. Treatment/disposal of hazardous wasteCompare/contrast methods of treating hazardous waste WB2

c. Cleanup of contaminated sitesExplain the difference between a Superfund site and Brownfields (FR)Identify the reasons why hazardous waste is shipped overseas (FR)

d. Biomagnification; relevant laws)

Discuss the movement, distribution, and fate of toxins in the environment. (C12)Identify what RCRA stands for, when was it put into place, and what is its goal (FR)Identify what CRCLA stands far, when was it put into place, and what is its goal (FR)Explain why Love Canal, New York is used as an example for hazardous waste disposal and why it was controversial (FR)Summarize the problems associated with chemicals that exhibit persistence, bioaccumulation, and biological magnification in the environment.(Raven, 8th)Investigate hazardous and toxic wastes. C12

C. Economic Impacts

1. Cost-benefit analysisDiscuss the difficulties of quantifying all costs and benefits. (WB2)Explain why economic costs tend to be emphasized more than environmental benefits in CBA. ( WB2)Explain why knowledge of ecotoxicology is essential to human well being. (Raven, 8th)Explain how risk assessment helps determine adverse health effects. (Raven, 8th)Discuss the precautionary principles as it relates to the introduction of new technologies or products. (Raven, 8th)Explain how policymakers use cost-benefit analyses to help formulate and evaluate environmental legislation. (Raven, 8th)

2. ExternalitiesDefine externalities and give examples. (WB2)Compare and contrast positive and negative externalities. (WB2)

3. Marginal costsExplain the concept of marginal cost and marginal benefit. (WB2)Use marginal cost and marginal benefit to explain why environmental cleanup is rarely 100%. (WB2)

4. SustainabilityExplain the concept of sustainable development. (WB2)

VII. Global Change (10-15%) A. Stratospheric Ozone

1. Formation of stratospheric ozoneThe absorption of solar energy by stratospheric ozone causes ozone molecules to undergo chemical decomposition and formation. Describe the chemical processes that lead to this natural balance between decomposition and formation of stratospheric ozone (you may use chemical equations in your answer).2013 FRQ

2. Ultraviolet radiationWhich types of UV rays are absorbed by the ozone layer (FR)Describe the role of stratospheric ozone in absorbing ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Outline the effects of UV radiation on living

organisms. (Biozone, 3rd)3. Causes of ozone depletionExplain stratospheric ozone depletion and identify steps taken to address it WB2Describe stratospheric ozone thinning (be able to distinguish between tropospheric and stratospheric ozone) and describe some of

the harmful effects of ozone depletion. (Raven, 8th)Explain how chlorofluorocarbons and other chemicals attack stratospheric ozone. (Raven, 8th) Discuss the cause of stratospheric ozone depletion, its effects and efforts to reduce the rate of depletion. (Biozone, 3rd)Create a flow chart that shows the breakdown of atmospheric ozone. (FR)Describe how chlorofluorocarbons contributed to the breakdown of the ozone layer (FR)4. Effects of ozone depletion

Identify the type of solar radiation that is absorbed by stratospheric ozone, and describe one human health benefit that results from the absorption of this solar energy. 2013 FRQ

5. Strategies for reducing ozone depletionExplain the history behind the creation of the ozone hole.(FR)What steps are being taken to reduce ozone depletion? (FR)Distinguish between stratospheric ozone and localized ozone pollution in the lower atmosphere. (Biozone, 3rd)6. Relevant laws and treatiesRelate how the international community is working to protect the ozone layer. (Raven, 8th)

B. Global Warming

1. Greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effectExplain radiative forcing, greenhouse gases, and the enhanced greenhouse effect. (Raven, 8th)

List the five main greenhouse gases.(Raven, 8th)Describe the origins and relative effects of greenhouse gases. (Biozone, 3rd)2. Impacts and consequences of global warming

Explain how climate models project future climate conditions, and describe the importance of extreme and unpredictable climate change.(Raven, 8th)

Differentiate between sea-level rise due to melting ice, and that due to the thermal expansion of water.(Raven, 8th) Discuss the ramifications of some of the potential effects of global warming, including rising sea level, changes in precipitation

patterns, effects on organisms, effects on human health, and effects on agriculture. (Raven, 8th)Explain what is meant by global warming and distinguish it from the greenhouse effect. Discuss measures to reduce global warming

or [to reduce] its impact. (Biozone, 3rd)Discuss effects of global warming on various environments and the plants and animals that inhabit them. (Biozone, 3rd)

3. Reducing climate change Define mitigation and adaptation and give examples of several ways to mitigate and adapt to global warming.(Raven, 8th)

4. Relevant laws and treaties)Explain how we know recent climate change is human-caused. C12List some effects of climate change. C12 Identify some solutions being developed to slow climate changes. C12

Explain why reducing greenhouse gas emissions requires international efforts. (Raven, 8th)

C. Loss of Biodiversity 1. Habitat loss; overuse; pollution; introduced species; endangered and extinct species

Evaluate endangered species management. C12

Contrast threatened, endangered, and extinct species and list four characteristics common to many endangered species. (Raven, 8th)

Use examples to help distinguish between a threatened and an endangered species. (Biozone, 3rd)Define biodiversity hotspots and explain where most of the world’s biodiversity hotspots are located. (Raven, 8th)Identify regions of naturally occurring high biodiversity and describe the importance of these .(Biozone, 3rd) Describe four human causes of species endangerment and extinction and tell which cause is most important. (Raven, 8th)

Define biotic pollution and explain how invasive species endanger native species. (Raven, 8th)Identify the greatest cause of species decline and extinction (FR)Explain why habitat loss can be so disruptive to species (FR)Compare and contrast forest loss in different countries and the reasons for the gain or loss in forests (FR)Differentiate between the following terms and list examples of each (FR)

Native speciesAlien or exotic speciesInvasive species

Identify the method of transportation, native location, new location, and explain the effects of each of the following species (FR)Kudzu vineZebra musselSilver carp

Explain why invasive alien species can be harmful to an ecosystem (FR)Define overharvesting and list the human activities that can lead to overharvesting. (FR)Explain the connection between pollution and biodiversity as well as climate change and biodiversity (FR)

Describe the five components of the term HIPPO. (personal Me) 2. Maintenance through conservation Scrutinize captive breeding and species survival plans. C12 Define conservation biology and compare in situ conservation and ex situ conservation. (Raven, 8th) Discuss the use of both in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods and the advantages and disadvantages of each. (Biozone, 3rd)

Distinguish between conservation biology and wildlife management. (Raven, 8th) Discuss steps that can be taken to slow down or stop the decline in biological diversity. (Raven, 8th) Describe the role of national parks and reserves in preserving biodiversity. (Biozone, 3rd) 3. Relevant laws and treaties

Describe how the following pieces of legislation help conserve single species biodiversity (FR)Marine Mammal Protection ActEndangered Species ActConvention on Biological Diversity

Explain the controversy surrounding the Endangered Species Act and identify the examples given (FR)Describe what the following pieces of legislation mean for conservation of biodiversity (FR)

Lacey ActCITES

Describe whether international and national legislation is actually protecting wild species. (personal Me)