Environmental Science

What is the primary focus of Environmental Science?

• Studying the interactions between Earth's systems and human systems.

• Advocating for environmental protection through policy changes.

• Analyzing the history of environmental movements.

• Developing new technologies for resource extraction.

What historical example is provided to illustrate the consequences of exceeding environmental boundaries?

• The industrial revolution's impact on global climate.

• The deforestation and population decline on Easter Island.

• The effects of DDT on bird populations.

• The increase in nitrogen and phosphorus in the biosphere.

How does environmental science differ from environmentalism?

• Environmental science focuses on political action, while environmentalism focuses on scientific research.

• Environmental science is a belief system, while environmentalism is the study of interactions.

• Environmental science seeks truth through the scientific method, while environmentalism is a belief system that lobbies for environmental protection.

• Environmental science only studies natural systems, while environmentalism studies human impact.

Based on the Planetary Boundaries model presented, which two environmental factors show the most significant exceedance of safe operating space?

• Ocean acidification and ozone depletion.

• Freshwater use and deforestation.

• Nitrogen cycle and biodiversity loss.

• Climate change and chemical pollution.

What is the primary concern highlighted when discussing human pressure on Earth's planetary boundaries?

• The Earth's eventual destruction.

• The inability of humans to sustain their current population numbers.

• The complete cessation of all biological processes.

• The rapid depletion of non-renewable resources.

Within the nested model of sustainability, which element is positioned at the innermost core, driving industrialization and requiring economic solutions for sustainability?

• Life Support

• Society

• Economy

• Natural Systems

Environmental science is characterized by its interdisciplinary nature, encompassing which broad categories of study?

• Purely natural sciences like biology and chemistry.

• Only social sciences such as economics and politics.

• Natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

• Primarily geology and geography.

When performing calculations on the AP Environmental Science exam, which specific tool is prohibited?

• Scientific notation

• Dimensional analysis

• A calculator

• Data sets provided in questions