#AP Environmental Science: Ultimate Study Guide 🌍

Hey there, future AP Environmental Science master! This guide is designed to be your go-to resource for acing the exam. Let's dive in and make sure you're feeling confident and ready to rock!

#1. Global Distribution of Natural Resources

#Uneven Distribution

• The world's natural resources are not distributed evenly. Some regions are resource-rich, while others are resource-poor. This variation is primarily due to:
  • Geological Factors: Types of rocks, minerals, and geological history of a region.
  • Geographic Factors: Availability of water, sunlight, fertile soil, and climate.
  • Political, Economic, and Social Factors: Access to technology, infrastructure, trade policies, and resource exploitation capabilities.

#Examples of Resource-Rich Regions

• Canada, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, and Australia are rich in resources like oil, natural gas, coal, and timber.
  • These countries often have a negative reliance on energy dependency, meaning they can often supply their own energy needs and export to others.

This image illustrates the geological process of oil formation, where organic matter is compressed over time.

#Resource-Dependent Regions

• European Union, United States, China, and India are more dependent on imported natural resources.

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Practice Question

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following best explains why Saudi Arabia has large reserves of oil? (a) Recent volcanic activity (b) Ancient forests (c) Compression of organic material in ancient bodies of water (d) Extensive mining operations

2. Which of the following countries is most likely to be dependent on imported natural resources? (a) Canada (b) Saudi Arabia (c) China (d) Australia

Free Response Question

Describe the factors that contribute to the uneven global distribution of natural resources. Explain how this uneven distribution can affect international relations and trade. Provide two examples of countries that are resource-rich and two examples of countries that are resource-dependent. (10 points)

Scoring Rubric

• (2 points): Describe geological factors (e.g., rock types, mineral deposits).
• (2 points): Describe geographic factors (e.g., water, sunlight, soil).
• (2 points): Describe political, economic, and social factors (e.g., technology, trade).
• (2 points): Explain how uneven distribution affects international relations and trade (e.g., trade agreements, conflicts).
• (1 point): Provide two examples of resource-rich countries.
• (1 point): Provide two examples of resource-dependent countries.

#Final Exam Focus

#High-Priority Topics

• Resource Distribution: Understand why resources are where they are and the implications of this distribution.
• Human Impact: How human actions affect resource availability and sustainability.
• Economic and Political Factors: The role of trade, policy, and international relations in resource management.

#Common Question Types

• Multiple Choice: Expect questions testing your knowledge of specific resources and their locations.
• Free Response: Be prepared to analyze the causes and consequences of resource distribution and propose solutions.

#Last-Minute Tips

• Time Management: Don't spend too long on any one question. Move on and come back if you have time.
• Read Carefully: Pay close attention to the wording of each question to avoid misinterpretations.
• Stay Calm: Take deep breaths and trust your preparation. You've got this!

Let's get ready to ace this exam! You've got this! 💪