AP Environmental Science Exam Review –
Comprehensive Flashcards, Key Concepts & Practice
Questions with Verified Answers
2026–2027
, Anthropocentric regarding humans as most significant species; human-centered
Tragedy of the Commons the depletion of shared resources by people acting in individual interest
Triple Bottom Line approach to sustainability that meets environmental, economic, and social goals
(business)
Inorganic Compounds compounds that lack carbon and hydrogen atoms
Organic Compounds compounds that contain carbon-based molecules
Positive Feedback Loop when the response to a stimulus increases the original stimulus
Negative Feedback Loop when the response to a stimulus decreases the effect of the original stimulus
Overshoot when a population exceeds the long term carrying capacity for an environment
Open System a system in which matter can enter from or escape to the surroundings
Closed System a system that allows the exchange of energy (not matter)between the system and
its surroundings
Holistic emphasizing the functional relationship between parts and the whole
Hectare a unit of surface area equal to 100 ares
Ecological Footprint a way of measuring how much of an impact a person or community has on the earth
Sustainable Development development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability
of future generations
Environmental Justice recognition that access to a clean, healthy environment is a fundamental right
Comprehensive Flashcards, Key Concepts & Practice
Questions with Verified Answers
2026–2027
, Anthropocentric regarding humans as most significant species; human-centered
Tragedy of the Commons the depletion of shared resources by people acting in individual interest
Triple Bottom Line approach to sustainability that meets environmental, economic, and social goals
(business)
Inorganic Compounds compounds that lack carbon and hydrogen atoms
Organic Compounds compounds that contain carbon-based molecules
Positive Feedback Loop when the response to a stimulus increases the original stimulus
Negative Feedback Loop when the response to a stimulus decreases the effect of the original stimulus
Overshoot when a population exceeds the long term carrying capacity for an environment
Open System a system in which matter can enter from or escape to the surroundings
Closed System a system that allows the exchange of energy (not matter)between the system and
its surroundings
Holistic emphasizing the functional relationship between parts and the whole
Hectare a unit of surface area equal to 100 ares
Ecological Footprint a way of measuring how much of an impact a person or community has on the earth
Sustainable Development development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability
of future generations
Environmental Justice recognition that access to a clean, healthy environment is a fundamental right
