AP Environmental Science

The following learning targets represent the major concepts studied and assessed in this course.

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Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems

• Describe environmental systems and how they interact.
• Explain how energy flows through ecosystems.
• Describe how matter cycles through ecosystems.
• Explain how changes in environmental conditions affect ecosystems.

Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity

• Explain how biodiversity is measured.
• Describe ecosystem services.
• Explain factors that influence species survival.
• Describe human impacts on biodiversity.

Unit 3: Populations

• Explain factors that influence population growth.
• Interpret population growth models.
• Describe survivorship curves and age structure diagrams.
• Explain human population trends and impacts.

Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources

• Describe the structure and composition of Earth’s systems.
• Explain how natural processes shape Earth’s surface.
• Describe the formation and use of natural resources.
• Explain environmental impacts of resource extraction and use.

Unit 5: Land and Water Use

• Describe agricultural practices and their environmental impacts.
• Explain impacts of land use changes.
• Describe water resource use and management.
• Evaluate strategies for sustainable land and water use.

Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption

• Describe renewable and nonrenewable energy sources.
• Compare energy production methods and their environmental impacts.
• Explain energy consumption patterns.
• Evaluate strategies for energy conservation and efficiency.

Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution

• Identify sources and types of air pollution.
• Explain the environmental and human health impacts of air pollution.
• Describe methods to reduce air pollution.

Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution

• Identify sources of water and soil pollution.
• Explain environmental impacts of pollution.
• Describe methods to reduce pollution and manage waste.

Unit 9: Global Change

• Explain causes and impacts of climate change.
• Describe factors that affect Earth’s climate.
• Evaluate strategies for mitigation and adaptation.