APES FRQ

FRQ 5 - (c) Use the data in the table to answer the following questions.(ii) Calculate the population growth rate (as a percent) for less developed countries. Show your work.

(Births / 1,000) - (Deaths/1,000) x 100 = 1.4

FRQ 1 - (b) The research findings are summarized in the graph above.(ii) Describe the change in overall plant abundance from 2000-2012, using the data in the graph.

Plant abundance decreases from approximately 340 plants to 300 plants. · Plant abundance decreases approximately 10 percent.

FRQ 1 - (b) The research findings are summarized in the graph above.(iii) Explain what the trend in relative abundance of native hardstem lovegrass and the invasive fountain grass over the 12-year period implies about each species' ability to withstand drought conditions.

There was a decrease in native hardstem lovegrass and an increase in invasive fountain grass. This would imply that the invasive fountain grass is more drought-tolerant than the native hardstem lovegrass.

FRQ 5 - (c) Use the data in the table to answer the following questions. (i) Calculate the percent of the global population that was living in more developed countries in 2018. Show your work.

(1,266 / 7,621) x 100 = 16

FRQ 8 - (c)In addition to volcanic activity, highly destructive tsunamis are generated along Pacific Plate subduction zones. (i)Explain how a tsunami is generated along a subduction zone

A tsunami is generated along a subduction zone by the movement of water when the plats move. The water on the bottom plate gets displaced leading to high water pressure eventually creating a tusiamni. T.

FRQ 2 - d. Describe ONE way in which humans have disrupted the natural cycling of carbon and TWO major environmental consequences of that disruption.

Deforestation, two major consequences global warming and biodiversity loss

FRQ 7 - (d) Clearly describe two other important environmental problems associated with ENSOs.

Increased rainfall → flooding → habitat distruction Decreased rainfall → Droughts and lack of water → starvation

FRQ 2 - b. Explain ONE major way in which the phosphorus cycle differs from the nitrogen cycle.

The phosphours cycle differs from the nitrogen cycle by not having a gas state.

FRQ 10 - (f) Identify the control terrarium for the investigation.

control terrarium for the investigation as Terrarium 1.

FRQ 2 - a Describe the critical processes by which nitrogen is cycled through the biotic and abiotic components of Earth's ecosystems and identify the primary storage sink for nitrogen.

nitrogen compounds are used to produce biochemicals like protein, DNA, chlorophyll. In plants Denitrifying bacteria break down nitrogen compounds in the process of decomposition and release elemental nitrogen back into the atmosphere atmosphere as the primary sink for nitrogen, N2.

FRQ 2 - c. Identify EITHER one nitrogen compound OR one phosphorus compound that is considered a pollutant when released by human activity into the environment. For the compound you identified, describe the human activity and a specific environmental problem that results.

such as nitrates in commercial fertilizers or phosphates fertilizer in farming and subsequent runoff This will then alter the dissolved oxygen in water

FRQ 8 - (d)Southern California experiences periodic devastating earthquakes along the San Andreas Fault, which is a transform boundary located along the eastern edge of the Pacific Plate.(ii)Describe what happens to the tectonic plates along a transform boundary during the time between earthquakes.

tectonic plates along transform faults binding or locking-up causing pressure to build up over time.

FRQ 9 - (g) Identify one characteristic of the expected climate on the slope of a mountain farthest from the ocean, when the prevailing winds carry air from the ocean over land, up the slope of a mountain, and over the

the air gets dryer

FRQ 3 - (c) As a country industrializes, it often moves through a demographic transition. The model below illustrates the changes through the four stages of the demographic transition. (i) Based on the model, identify the stage in the demographic transition with the greatest change in crude birth rate. the greatest change in crude birth rate as stage 2.

the greatest change in crude birth rate as stage 2.

FRQ #10 - (a) Based on the information in the diagram, identify the island that is in the earliest stage of succession.

the island that is in the earliest stage of succession as Island E.

FRQ 10 - (d) Based on the diagram, identify and describe the type of plate boundary between Plate 1 and plate 2

· A convergent boundary is shown between Plate 1 and Plate 2 because the plates are moving toward each other/pushing against each other.

FRQ #7 - (a) Describe what an El Niño is and clearly indicate where it occurs.

-- Moving of rainfall patterns - Development of warm ocean waters - Tropical Pacific Ocean

FRQ 6 b) Scientists are interested in researching how carbon dioxide in the oceans is affecting its pH They design a laboratory experiment in which they inject different concentrations of carbon dioxide into saltwater tanks containing calcium carbonate shells. The tanks were kept at the same, constant temperature. After several days, the scientists measured the pH of the saltwater tanks and observed its effects on the calcium carbonate shells. (i) Identify the independent variable in this experiment.

Amount of CO2 injected into the saltwater tanks

FRQ 3 - (a) The consequences of a growing human population have been a concern since the times of Thomas Malthus when he proposed that humans could exceed their carrying capacity on Earth. (ii) Describe how a change in the availability of a specific resource can affect the carrying capacity of a species.

If the availability of a specific resource (food, water, habitat) increases, then the carrying capacity can increase.

After four years of physical control efforts, the ecologists evaluate the abundance of each type of grass in the test plot. They discover that, although there is less fountain grass in their test plot than when they began, there has not been a significant increase in native hardstem lovegrass. (e) Assuming the ecologists wish to continue with an IPM approach and continue their removal efforts on the test plot for another four years, explain one modification that could be made to the research method you identified above that could alter their results.

In addition to physical control, add biological or limited chemical control to the removal regimen, consistent with IPM

FRQ 8 - (d)Southern California experiences periodic devastating earthquakes along the San Andreas Fault, which is a transform boundary located along the eastern edge of the Pacific Plate.(i)Describe what happens to the tectonic plates along a transform boundary at the moment when an earthquake occurs.

Plates suddenly/rapidly slide past each other in opposite directions

FRQ 8 - (b)crust to form a volcano. Although the landscape following a volcanic eruption may appear unable to support ecological communities, over time the area can be transformed through succession.Explain how primary succession can lead to soil formation on a newly formed volcanic landscape.

Primary succession leads to soil formation on a newly formed volcanic landscape when organisms physically weather the rocks down when they tread across it, or when chemical reactions occur to weather the soil. The soil forms slowly as organisms and plants grow, die and are decomposed into the soil which gives it more nutrients. This process continues until the soil is a healthy and habitable place.

FRQ #8 (a)A Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines are examples of volcanic island chains that have formed along subduction zones between plates in the western Pacific.(ii) Explain how subduction leads to volcanic activity.

Subduction also leads to volcanic activity. When the denser plate melts when its closer to the core, the magma rises and escapes through the crust to form a volcano.

FRQ 4 - (a) Use the maps provided to answer the following questions.(ii) Describe the change in the number of piping plover nests on Assateague Island between 1999 and 2009.

The number of nests decreased by almost half (43%).

FRQ 4 - (a) Use the maps provided to answer the following questions. (i) Identify the preferred nesting habitat for piping plovers.

The preffered nesting habitat for piping plovers is unvegetaded sand.

FRQ 1 - (d) Based on the data in the graph, the Forest Service decides that a coordinated attempt should be made to remove the nonnative fountain grass from Mauna Kea to protect the native hardstem lovegrass, following an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach.(i) Describe the process of IPM

a combination of methods used to effectively control pest species, while minimizing the disruption to the environment, especially limiting the introduction of chemicals into the environment. These methods include physical, biological, and limited chemical methods.

FRQ 10 - (c) Describe why an herbivore would be well suited to survive on Island C.

· Grasses and shrubs are found on Island C so there would be a food source for an herbivore on Island C.

FRQ 5 - (d) As countries change during a demographic transition, there is often a growing demand for meat in human diets. It takes an estimated XXXX (i) Calculate the amount of water needed, in liters per year, to produce the beef consumed by one person in a more developed country. Show your work.

113/ 1750 = 85/x --> 113x = 85 x 1750 --> x = 148750/113 → x 365 days = 54293750/113

FRQ 7 - (c) People in what part of the world would be most likely to be affected by this link between El Niño and disease?

Although an ENSO event can affect the globe, the areas most likely to feel the greatest impact of increased disease transmission due to climate change associated with ENSO are those areas where (1) the weather/climate changes are most extreme, and (2) health care and sanitation are marginal ; Pacific coastal regions of South America

FRQ #7 - (b) Describe the connection between the climate change associated with an El Niño and the transmission of diseases. Explain whether the article is correct in its reporting of the various disease epidemics that occur in response to an El Niño.

Climate change: warmer water promotes transmission of disease because: warmer water allows for increased growth of phytoplankton and zooplankton bacterial growth increases in warm water increased temperatures may mean increased breeding of insects student gives a clear explanation of the differences between vector-borne transmission of disease and other modes of disease transmission 1 point for citing the article, in which "scientific evidence" links El Niño and the spread of disease

FRQ 9 - (b) Based on the information in the diagrams, explain why the days in location 5 have more hours of daylight in December than the days in location 2 have in December.

Incoming solar radiation during the days of December/summer in the Southern Hemisphere received at location 5 is longer in duration than in location 2 as a result of the tilt of the Earth and/or the angle of the sunlight.

FRQ 4 - (c) Identify one economic impact on coastal communities that has resulted from rising sea levels.

· Decrease of tourist revenue · Decrease of property value

FRQ 1 - (d) Based on the data in the graph, the Forest Service decides that a coordinated attempt should be made to remove the nonnative fountain grass from Mauna Kea to protect the native hardstem lovegrass, following an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach.(iii) Describe a reasonable research method that the ecologists could use in their physical control efforts.

Physically remove the fountain grass on an identified schedule and do nothing to the hardstem lovegrass.

FRQ 8 - (c)In addition to volcanic activity, highly destructive tsunamis are generated along Pacific Plate subduction zones.(ii)Describe one negative ecological impact that tsunamis have on coastal environments.

The destrouction of coral rifs

FRQ #8 (a)A Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines are examples of volcanic island chains that have formed along subduction zones between plates in the western Pacific. (i)Describe what happens when two tectonic plates collide along a subduction zone.

When two plates collide, the denser of the two sinks under the thicker one to create a subduction zone.

FRQ 10 - (h) Describe the role of earthworms in the cycling of nitrogen in the terrariums

· Decomposers, like earthworms, breakdown dead organic matter and release ammonia or nitrate.

FRQ 8 - (b)crust to form a volcano. Although the landscape following a volcanic eruption may appear unable to support ecological communities, over time the area can be transformed through succession. (i)What is primary succession?

the establishment of organisms where bare rock was

FRQ 3 - (a) The consequences of a growing human population have been a concern since the times of Thomas Malthus when he proposed that humans could exceed their carrying capacity on Earth. (i) Describe the concept of carrying capacity for a species.

the maximum population size of the species that the environment can sustain.

FRQ 1 - (b) The research findings are summarized in the graph above. (i) Based on the data in the graph, identify the year in which the abundance of native plants versus invasive plants is nearly equal.

the year where the abundance of native plants versus invasive plants is nearly equal. · 2001 · 2002

FRQ 5 - (b) Describe a typical age structure diagram for a developing country.

· A rapidly growing population will have more individuals in younger cohorts/prereproductive stage than individuals in older cohorts/reproductive and postreproductive stage.

FRQ 6 b) Scientists are interested in researching how carbon dioxide in the oceans is affecting its pH They design a laboratory experiment in which they inject different concentrations of carbon dioxide into saltwater tanks containing calcium carbonate shells. The tanks were kept at the same, constant temperature. After several days, the scientists measured the pH of the saltwater tanks and observed its effects on the calcium carbonate shells.(ii) Describe a control group that could be used in this experiment.

· A tank kept at the same, constant temperature with no carbon dioxide injected

FRQ 10 - (g) Identify one biotic modification that could be made to the investigation that could alter the results

· Add more/less snails

FRQ 6 b) Scientists are interested in researching how carbon dioxide in the oceans is affecting its pH They design a laboratory experiment in which they inject different concentrations of carbon dioxide into saltwater tanks containing calcium carbonate shells. The tanks were kept at the same, constant temperature. After several days, the scientists measured the pH of the saltwater tanks and observed its effects on the calcium carbonate shells(iii) Explain the effect of carbon dioxide on the pH of the oceans.

· Additional CO2 in the ocean disrupts the carbonate buffering systems and the ocean becomes more acidic/the pH of the ocean decreases.

FRQ 6 b) Scientists are interested in researching how carbon dioxide in the oceans is affecting its pH They design a laboratory experiment in which they inject different concentrations of carbon dioxide into saltwater tanks containing calcium carbonate shells. The tanks were kept at the same, constant temperature. After several days, the scientists measured the pH of the saltwater tanks and observed its effects on the calcium carbonate shells(vi) Describe how a decrease in ocean pH can affect marine organisms.

· An increase in acidity/decrease in pH may be outside the range of ecological tolerance for many species and could cause a population decline.

FRQ 6 b) Scientists are interested in researching how carbon dioxide in the oceans is affecting its pH They design a laboratory experiment in which they inject different concentrations of carbon dioxide into saltwater tanks containing calcium carbonate shells. The tanks were kept at the same, constant temperature. After several days, the scientists measured the pH of the saltwater tanks and observed its effects on the calcium carbonate shells(iv) Describe the effect of water temperature on the amount of dissolved gases in water.

· As water temperature increases, the amount of dissolved oxygen ( DO ) decreases.

FRQ 4 - (d) Describe TWO methods that may be used locally to protect coastal communities from rising sea levels.

· Build structures, such as sea walls, to protect area from wave action/storm surge/flooding/erosion. · Move/build structures back from the beach (setbacks) to reduce or prevent water damage.

FRQ 3 - (b) As the human population grows, forests are often clear-cut.(ii) Besides creating or expanding forest preserves, describe one mitigation strategy that humans can employ to reduce the negative impact of human population growth on forests.

· Build up, not out, and construct or maintain high-density dwellings or neighborhoods to reduce overall land used for housing developments.

FRQ # 6 - (a) The diagram below shows the cycling of carbon.(iii) Based on the diagram, explain how the combustion of fossil fuels has led to an imbalance in the carbon cycle.

· Carbon that was sequestered in coal or oil or natural gas is combusted and increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

FRQ 5 - (d) As countries change during a demographic transition, there is often a growing demand for meat in human diets. It takes an estimated XXXX(iii) Describe one environmental disadvantage associated with increasing the amount of meat in human diets, other than associated with consumption of water.

· Cattle release greenhouse gases such as methane, which can exacerbate global climate change.

FRQ 3 - (b) As the human population grows, forests are often clear-cut. (i) Describe one negative effect of clear-cutting forested areas.

· Clear-cut areas have higher rates of soil erosion compared to forested areas.

FRQ # 6 - (a) The diagram below shows the cycling of carbon.(iv) Explain the role of decomposition in the carbon cycle.

· Decomposers convert organic material (C6H12O6) into CO2

FRQ 5 - (d) As countries change during a demographic transition, there is often a growing demand for meat in human diets. It takes an estimated XXXX(ii) Make a claim to propose a solution that would reduce the amount of water required to produce enough food for individuals.

· Discourage the production of beef in favor of production of less water-intensive livestock such as chicken.

FRQ 10 - (e) A geologist asserts that Island A is the oldest island in the group of islands off the coast of the mainland. Make a claim using evidence that supports or refutes the geologist's assertion

· Established forests also suggest Island A is in a later successional stage than the other islands indicating it is older than the other islands supporting the geologist's assertion.

FRQ 1 - (d) Based on the data in the graph, the Forest Service decides that a coordinated attempt should be made to remove the nonnative fountain grass from Mauna Kea to protect the native hardstem lovegrass, following an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. (ii) The ecologists want to begin their IPM program with physical control in a managed area and establish a 10-hectare plot in which they will test their efforts. Based on the data in the graph and the information provided, identify a testable scientific question that the ecologists could use to guide their physical control efforts.

· How will the physical control or removal of invasive fountain grass affect the relative abundance of native hardstem lovegrass?

FRQ 3 - (c) As a country industrializes, it often moves through a demographic transition. The model below illustrates the changes through the four stages of the demographic transition.(iii) Explain one likely social or economic cause for the change in the crude birth rate illustrated in stage 3.

· Increased access to contraception enables family planning and decreases fertility rates.

FRQ 9 - (f) Describe one economic problem that is a result of the weather change described in part (e).

· Increased healthcare costs/loss of productivity from the spread of (vector or water-borne) infectious diseases (such as malaria, dengue fever, etc.) that result from an El Niño event.

FRQ 1 - (a) Describe TWO characteristics of invasive plants that help them outcompete native plants.

· Invasive species generally have a greater range of tolerance than native species . · Invasive species are often generalist species and are advantaged in habitats that are changing.

FRQ 10 - (b) Based on the information in the diagram and the theory of island biogeography, explain why Island D has lower biodiversity than Island A.

· Island D is farther from the mainland than Island A, so Island D will have a lower immigration rate/be able to support fewer species/have a higher extinction rate.

FRQ 5 - (a) Identify one factor that contributes to the high crude death rate in countries that have never experienced the changes that result from a demographic transition.

· Lack of access to health care

FRQ 3 - (d) During a demographic transition, intensive agricultural practices used to feed a growing population can result in soil eroding from crop fields and running off into surface waters.(ii) Justify the claim made in (d)(i) by explaining and additional benefit to the proposed solution, other than preventing the erosion of topsoil.

· Maintains soil fertility · Reduces fertilizer runoff into waterways

FRQ 6 b) Scientists are interested in researching how carbon dioxide in the oceans is affecting its pH They design a laboratory experiment in which they inject different concentrations of carbon dioxide into saltwater tanks containing calcium carbonate shells. The tanks were kept at the same, constant temperature. After several days, the scientists measured the pH of the saltwater tanks and observed its effects on the calcium carbonate shells(v) Describe how the results of the experiment would change if the temperature of the tanks was decreased.

· More CO2 would have dissolved in tanks, which would increase acidification/decrease pH /resulting in a larger observed pH change.

FRQ 10 - (j) The amount of energy found in the plant matter in Terrarium 3 was determined to be 3,28 kilocalories. Explain why the number of kilocalories measured in the plants in the terrarium is greater than the number of kilocalories available to the snail or to the earthworm

· Only a small portion of the energy in the previous trophic level will be available to the next trophic level based on the 10% rule.

FRQ # 6 - (a) The diagram below shows the cycling of carbon. (i) Identify a process shown in the diagram that removes carbon from the atmosphere.

· Photosynthesis

FRQ 4 - (b) Coastal species are affected by more than just natural events. (i) Special beach restrictions can help piping plovers during nesting season. Describe one restriction that could reasonably be implemented to help prevent the destruction of plover nests by human actions.

· Place wire enclosures/other barriers over active nests.

FRQ 3 - (b) As the human population grows, forests are often clear-cut. (iii) Describe an additional benefit of the mitigation strategy in described in .

· Reduces reliance on transportation fueled by fossil fuels, which decreases global climate change

FRQ 9 - (j) Describe how the proposed change from coal to wind could decrease the ecological footprint of the community.

· Reduction of fossil fuel combustion/greenhouse gas emissions

FRQ # 9 - (a) Based on the information in the diagrams, describe the seasonal changes in global wind patterns between January and July at location 1.

· Southwest winds in the summer and north winds in the winter.

FRQ 3 - (c) As a country industrializes, it often moves through a demographic transition. The model below illustrates the changes through the four stages of the demographic transition.(ii) Based on the model, describe the relationship between the crude death rate and the crude birth rate that led to the trend in total population in stage 2.

· The crude death rate decreased while the crude birth rate remained relatively high, causing the total population to increase rapidly or exponentially.

FRQ # 6 - (a) The diagram below shows the cycling of carbon.(ii) Identify a process shown in the diagram that sequesters carbon from the atmosphere for a geological period of time.

· The formation of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas)

FRQ 1 - (c) Explain how a loss of species diversity would affect the stability of an ecosystem.

· The more genetically diverse a population, the better it can withstand environmental stressors. A loss of biodiversity means the ecosystem would be more likely to be damaged (or have additional species loss) during times of environmental stress.

FRQ 4 - (a) Use the maps provided to answer the following questions.(iii) Describe one likely reason for the change in the number of piping plover nests between 1999 and 2009.

· The preferred habitat was reduced because of an increase in the amount of vegetation/revegetation.

FRQ 10 - (i) Describe the role of the snail in the cycling of carbon in the terrariums

· The snail takes in carbon through consumption; they eat plant tissues that contain carbon/organic compounds.

FRQ 9 - (i) Identify a reasonable hypothesis for the investigation.

· The wind turbine with the longest blades will produce the most electricity.

FRQ 9 - (d) For winds in the Southern Hemisphere that blow out of the south and are directed northward toward the equator, as shown in the diagrams, identify the direction toward which they are deflected and explain why this deflection occurs.(

· The winds are directed to the west/left because of the Coriolis effect.

FRQ 9 - (c) Based on the information in the diagrams, explain how the seasonal wind direction could affect local weather at location 1.

· There are heavy rains in July (monsoon season), since the air comes in over the ocean. It is cooler and drier in January, since the winds come in from over the continent from the north.

FRQ 9 - e) Every few years in the Southern Hemisphere, the winds over the Pacific Ocean, as shown in the diagrams, weaken or reverse direction. Describe the typical change to the weather pattern that happens along the northwestern coast of South America during those years.

· There can be major flooding in parts of South America if the El Niño event is strong/severe.

FRQ 4 - (b) Coastal species are affected by more than just natural events.(ii) In addition to providing habitat for piping plovers, barrier islands (and closely related landforms) are important for other reasons. Explain one way that these features help to preserve and protect the environment in

· They block/buffer the wind and/or waves, which mitigates beach erosion.

FRQ 4 - (b) Coastal species are affected by more than just natural events.(iii) Identify one human action that directly threatens coastal habitats and describe one impact on species, other than the piping plover, that use the habitat.

· Tourism/Recreation · Beachgoers accidentally step on or crush nests of species on the beach.

FRQ 9 - (h) Other than positioning the turbines to be exposed to the same wind direction and speed, identify one variable that would have been held constant in the investigation.

· Turbine height

FRQ 3 - (d) During a demographic transition, intensive agricultural practices used to feed a growing population can result in soil eroding from crop fields and running off into surface waters. (i) Make a claim that proposes an effective, long-term solution to minimize the erosion of topsoil into surface waters.

· Use strip mining, contour plowing, or terracing.