#AP Environmental Science: Unit 1 - The Living World: Ecosystems 🌍

Hey there, future environmental champion! Let's dive into Unit 1, the foundation of everything we'll be exploring in AP Environmental Science. Think of this as your 'Earth Systems 101' – before we tackle complex issues like climate change, we need to understand the basic building blocks. This unit is all about how Earth's systems work, from the grand scale of biomes to the tiny interactions within ecosystems. Let's get started!

#1.0 Introduction to Earth Systems

This unit is foundational, covering how Earth's processes work. It's like learning the alphabet before writing a novel! We'll explore Earth's systems, resources, and the living world, setting the stage for understanding environmental issues and the relationship between science and society.

Unit 1 is crucial because it lays the groundwork for understanding all other units. Expect to see these concepts woven throughout the entire course.

#1.1 Biomes: Earth's Major Ecosystems 🏞️

Biomes are large-scale ecosystems characterized by their climate and the types of organisms that live there. Think of them as the major 'neighborhoods' of the planet. They're broadly divided into:

• Terrestrial Biomes: Land-based biomes like forests, grasslands, and deserts.
• Aquatic Biomes: Water-based biomes like oceans, lakes, and rivers.

#Factors Defining Biomes

• Climate: Primarily determined by temperature and precipitation patterns. Earth's tilt causes uneven solar energy distribution, leading to different climates. ☀️
• Biomass: The total mass of living organisms in a given area. Different biomes support different types and amounts of biomass.

#1.2 Cycles: Matter in Motion 🔄

Earth is a closed system, meaning matter is recycled, not lost. These cycles are essential for life. Here are the key cycles we'll focus on:

• **Carb...