2020 Practice Exam 3 Mcq Apes

2020 Practice Exam 3 MCQ APES: A Comprehensive Review

The AP Environmental Science (APES) exam is a challenging but rewarding test that assesses your understanding of environmental science principles and their real-world applications. Practice exams are crucial for success, and this deep dive into a hypothetical 2020 Practice Exam 3, focusing on Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), will equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to excel. We'll cover key concepts, common question types, and effective study techniques. Remember, this is a hypothetical exam; however, the concepts covered are representative of the actual APES exam.

Understanding the APES Exam Structure & MCQ Focus

The APES exam consists of two sections: a multiple-choice section and a free-response section. The multiple-choice section accounts for 60% of your total score and typically contains around 100 questions. These questions test your knowledge across a wide range of environmental topics, requiring you to understand concepts, apply principles, and analyze data. This review will heavily focus on strategies to master these MCQs.

Hypothetical 2020 Practice Exam 3 MCQ Topics & Strategies

Let's delve into a hypothetical breakdown of topics that could appear in a 2020 Practice Exam 3 for APES MCQs. This is not an exhaustive list, but it covers major themes often tested:

1. Population Dynamics & Human Impacts

Key Concepts: Carrying capacity, population growth models (exponential vs. logistic), demographic transition model, age structure diagrams, factors affecting human population growth (birth rates, death rates, migration), impact of human population growth on the environment (resource depletion, pollution, habitat loss).

Hypothetical MCQ Examples & Strategies:

• Question: Which of the following best describes the relationship between a population's carrying capacity and its growth rate?

  • (a) Growth rate increases as carrying capacity is reached.
  • (b) Growth rate decreases as carrying capacity is approached.
  • (c) Growth rate remains constant regardless of carrying capacity.
  • (d) Growth rate is unrelated to carrying capacity.

  Answer: (b) Strategy: Understand the logistic growth model and the concept of environmental resistance.

• Question: An age structure diagram showing a large base and a rapidly tapering shape indicates:

  • (a) A stable population.
  • (b) A rapidly growing population.
  • (c) A declining population.
  • (d) A population with zero population growth.

  Answer: (b) Strategy: Familiarize yourself with interpreting age structure diagrams.

2. Energy Resources & Climate Change

Key Concepts: Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass), energy efficiency, greenhouse effect, climate change impacts (sea level rise, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss), mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Hypothetical MCQ Examples & Strategies:

• Question: Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas?

  • (a) Carbon dioxide (CO2)
  • (b) Methane (CH4)
  • (c) Nitrous oxide (N2O)
  • (d) Oxygen (O2)

  Answer: (d) Strategy: Know the major greenhouse gases and their sources.

• Question: What is the primary cause of the enhanced greenhouse effect?

  • (a) Increased volcanic activity
  • (b) Increased solar radiation
  • (c) Increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
  • (d) Decreased albedo

  Answer: (c) Strategy: Understand the difference between the natural greenhouse effect and the enhanced greenhouse effect.

3. Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services

Key Concepts: Biodiversity (genetic, species, ecosystem), ecosystem services (provisioning, regulating, supporting, cultural), threats to biodiversity (habitat loss, fragmentation, invasive species, pollution, climate change), conservation strategies (protected areas, sustainable practices).

Hypothetical MCQ Examples & Strategies:

• Question: Which of the following best describes an ecosystem service provided by forests?

  • (a) Production of timber
  • (b) Regulation of water cycles
  • (c) Carbon sequestration
  • (d) All of the above

  Answer: (d) Strategy: Understand the different types of ecosystem services and how they benefit humans.

• Question: Which of the following is an example of a keystone species?

  • (a) A common plant species
  • (b) A species with a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem
  • (c) A species with a small population size
  • (d) A species with a wide geographic range

  Answer: (b) Strategy: Know the definition and examples of keystone species.

4. Water Resources & Pollution

Key Concepts: Water cycle, freshwater resources, water pollution (point source vs. non-point source), eutrophication, water treatment, water conservation strategies.

Hypothetical MCQ Examples & Strategies:

• Question: Which of the following is a point source of water pollution?

  • (a) Agricultural runoff
  • (b) Industrial discharge
  • (c) Atmospheric deposition
  • (d) Urban stormwater runoff

  Answer: (b) Strategy: Differentiate between point and non-point sources of pollution.

• Question: Eutrophication is primarily caused by:

  • (a) An increase in dissolved oxygen
  • (b) A decrease in nutrient levels
  • (c) An increase in nutrient levels
  • (d) A decrease in water temperature

  Answer: (c) Strategy: Understand the process of eutrophication and its consequences.

5. Soil & Agriculture

Key Concepts: Soil formation, soil composition, soil degradation (erosion, desertification, salinization), sustainable agriculture practices (crop rotation, cover cropping, no-till farming), pesticides and their impact.

Hypothetical MCQ Examples & Strategies:

• Question: Which soil horizon is known as the topsoil and is rich in organic matter?

  • (a) Horizon A
  • (b) Horizon B
  • (c) Horizon C
  • (d) Horizon O

  Answer: (a) Strategy: Know the different soil horizons and their characteristics.

• Question: Which of the following is a sustainable agriculture practice that helps reduce soil erosion?

  • (a) Monoculture farming
  • (b) No-till farming
  • (c) Excessive irrigation
  • (d) Use of synthetic fertilizers

  Answer: (b) Strategy: Understand the benefits of sustainable agriculture practices.

6. Waste Management & Pollution

Key Concepts: Solid waste management (landfills, incineration, recycling, composting), hazardous waste, air pollution (sources, effects, control strategies), acid rain.

Hypothetical MCQ Examples & Strategies:

• Question: Which of the following is the most environmentally preferable method for managing solid waste?

  • (a) Landfilling
  • (b) Incineration
  • (c) Recycling and composting
  • (d) Exporting waste to other countries

  Answer: (c) Strategy: Evaluate different waste management methods and their environmental impacts.

• Question: Acid rain is primarily caused by:

  • (a) Volcanic eruptions
  • (b) Emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides
  • (c) Increased levels of carbon dioxide
  • (d) Ozone depletion

  Answer: (b) Strategy: Understand the causes and effects of acid rain.

Mastering the MCQs: Effective Study Techniques

Beyond understanding the concepts, mastering the APES MCQs requires strategic preparation:

• Practice, Practice, Practice: Work through as many practice questions as possible. Use released AP exam questions and practice tests from various resources.
• Time Management: Practice answering questions under timed conditions to simulate the actual exam environment.
• Process of Elimination: If you're unsure of the answer, use the process of elimination to increase your chances of guessing correctly.
• Review and Understand Incorrect Answers: Don't just focus on the correct answers. Analyze why the incorrect options are wrong to deepen your understanding.
• Identify Weak Areas: As you practice, identify areas where you consistently struggle. Focus your study efforts on these areas.
• Utilize Visual Aids: APES often involves diagrams, graphs, and charts. Practice interpreting these visual aids.
• Understand the Context: Many questions require you to apply concepts to real-world scenarios. Pay attention to the context of each question.
• Stay Updated: Environmental science is constantly evolving. Stay informed about current environmental issues and advancements.

Conclusion: Preparing for Success

This in-depth review of a hypothetical 2020 Practice Exam 3 for APES MCQs provides a strong foundation for your preparation. By understanding the key concepts, practicing extensively, and utilizing effective study techniques, you can significantly improve your chances of achieving a high score on the APES exam. Remember, consistent effort and strategic preparation are key to success. Good luck!