AP Environmental Science FRQ Practice

1. Water Pollution and Its Impact

Question:

A local river is contaminated by industrial waste, including heavy metals, that are harmful to both aquatic organisms and the surrounding ecosystem.

(a) Describe two sources of water pollution that contribute to the contamination of rivers.

(b) Explain the effects of heavy metals on aquatic organisms and the ecosystem.

(c) Suggest two methods to reduce or prevent water pollution in the river.

Response Guidelines:

• Part (a):
  Sources of water pollution include industrial discharges and agricultural runoff. Industrial waste can contain harmful chemicals, including heavy metals, that are often released into rivers during production processes. Agricultural runoff can carry pesticides, fertilizers, and animal waste into rivers, leading to contamination.
• Part (b):
  Heavy metals such as mercury and lead can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic organisms, leading to poisoning. In fish, these metals can cause damage to organs, reduce reproduction rates, and disrupt ecosystems by affecting species at various trophic levels. These metals can also bioaccumulate and biomagnify, meaning that they concentrate in the food chain, making the problem worse over time.
• Part (c):
  Two methods to reduce or prevent water pollution are:
  1. Implementing better waste treatment processes at industrial facilities to prevent harmful chemicals from entering rivers.
  2. Encouraging agricultural best practices, such as using fewer chemical fertilizers and pesticides, or using buffer zones of plants to absorb runoff before it reaches water bodies.

2. Climate Change and Its Effects

Question:

The global increase in greenhouse gas concentrations is contributing to climate change, leading to rising temperatures and altered weather patterns.

(a) Describe two greenhouse gases and their role in global warming.

(b) Explain the potential environmental and ecological impacts of climate change on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

(c) Suggest one policy or action that could help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Response Guidelines:

• Part (a):
  Two important greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4).
  • CO2 is released from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas and is the primary contributor to the greenhouse effect.
  • Methane is released from agriculture, particularly from livestock digestion (enteric fermentation), and from landfills. Methane is a more potent greenhouse gas than CO2, though less abundant.
• Part (b):
  Climate change can have several impacts on ecosystems:
  • Terrestrial ecosystems: Rising temperatures can lead to the loss of biodiversity as species may not be able to adapt quickly enough. For example, temperature-sensitive species like amphibians and certain plant species could face extinction.
  • Aquatic ecosystems: Rising sea levels can inundate coastal habitats, while increased temperatures in rivers and lakes can lead to reduced oxygen levels, affecting aquatic life. Coral reefs are also severely threatened by warming ocean temperatures, leading to coral bleaching and ecosystem collapse.
• Part (c):
  One policy to help mitigate climate change is implementing carbon pricing, such as a carbon tax or cap-and-trade system. This would place a financial cost on carbon emissions, encouraging businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and invest in cleaner technologies.

3. Energy Resources and Sustainability

Question:

A country is transitioning from a coal-based energy system to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower.

(a) Discuss the environmental advantages of using renewable energy sources compared to fossil fuels.

(b) Explain one environmental concern associated with the large-scale use of each of the following renewable energy sources: wind, solar, and hydropower.

(c) Propose one strategy to improve the efficiency or effectiveness of renewable energy systems in this country.

Response Guidelines:

• Part (a):
  The environmental advantages of renewable energy sources include:
  • Wind and solar power produce little to no air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions, making them much cleaner than fossil fuels.
  • Hydropower is a renewable source that harnesses the energy of flowing water to generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases, although it requires specific geographic conditions.
• Part (b):
  Each renewable energy source has environmental concerns:
  • Wind power: Wind turbines can pose a threat to bird and bat populations, especially if located along migratory paths.
  • Solar power: Large-scale solar farms can disrupt local ecosystems and require significant land areas, which may result in habitat loss.
  • Hydropower: Dams required for hydroelectric power generation can alter ecosystems by blocking fish migration, flooding terrestrial habitats, and disrupting natural water flows.
• Part (c):
  One strategy to improve the efficiency of renewable energy systems is investing in energy storage technologies, such as batteries or pumped hydro storage, to store excess energy generated during peak production times. This energy can then be used when demand is higher, making renewable energy sources more reliable.

Grading Rubric for AP Environmental Science FRQs

1. Water Pollution and Its Impact

• Part (a):
  • 0-1 points: Incorrect or incomplete identification of sources of water pollution.
  • 2 points: Correctly identifies two sources of water pollution.
• Part (b):
  • 0-1 points: Incorrect or incomplete explanation of the effects of heavy metals.
  • 2 points: Correctly explains the effects of heavy metals on aquatic organisms and ecosystems.
• Part (c):
  • 0-1 points: Incorrect or incomplete suggestion of pollution prevention methods.
  • 2 points: Correctly suggests two methods to reduce or prevent water pollution.

2. Climate Change and Its Effects

• Part (a):
  • 0-1 points: Incorrect or incomplete identification of greenhouse gases and their roles.
  • 2 points: Correctly identifies two greenhouse gases and their roles in global warming.
• Part (b):
  • 0-1 points: Incorrect or incomplete explanation of the environmental impacts of climate change.
  • 2 points: Correctly explains the potential impacts of climate change on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
• Part (c):
  • 0-1 points: Incorrect or incomplete suggestion of a policy or action to mitigate climate change.
  • 2 points: Correctly suggests a policy or action to mitigate climate change.

3. Energy Resources and Sustainability

• Part (a):
  • 0-1 points: Incorrect or incomplete description of the environmental advantages of renewable energy.
  • 2 points: Correctly explains the environmental advantages of renewable energy sources compared to fossil fuels.
• Part (b):
  • 0-1 points: Incorrect or incomplete explanation of one environmental concern for each renewable energy source.
  • 2 points: Correctly identifies one environmental concern for each renewable energy source.
• Part (c):
  • 0-1 points: Incorrect or incomplete proposal of a strategy to improve renewable energy systems.
  • 2 points: Correctly proposes a strategy to improve the efficiency or effectiveness of renewable energy systems.

Sample Grading Breakdown (for one FRQ)

• Water Pollution and Its Impact: 6 points
• Climate Change and Its Effects: 6 points
• Energy Resources and Sustainability: 6 points
• Total: 18 points (for all three FRQs combined)