#AP Environmental Science: Wetlands & Mangroves Study Guide

Hey there! Let's dive into the fascinating world of wetlands and mangroves. This guide is designed to help you ace your AP exam by making sure you understand all the key concepts. Let's get started!

#🌊 Introduction to Wetlands and Mangroves

Wetlands and mangroves are super important ecosystems that provide many crucial services. They're also under threat, so understanding them is key for your exam!

#🔗 What are Wetlands?

#🔗 Importance of Wetlands

#🔗 Why Wetlands are Disappearing

#🔗 Recap

#🔗 Practice Questions

#What are Wetlands?

Image from Elly Kedlers via Unsplash

#Types of Wetlands

• Coastal/Tidal Wetlands:

  • Usually associated with estuaries (where freshwater meets saltwater).
  • Salinity varies, making it tough for most plants, but not for mangroves!
  • Mangroves: Special trees and shrubs that thrive in salty coastal intertidal zones. They are like the superheroes of coastal wetlands.

• Inland/Non-tidal Wetlands:

  • Found near rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds.
  • Examples include swamps and marshes.

Image from Timothy K via Unsplash

#Importance of Wetlands

Wetlands provide several crucial ecosystem services. Understanding these is key for the exam!

1. Water Purification:
   • Wetlands filter pollutants from runoff (like pesticides) before they reach larger bodies of water. Think of them as nature's water treatment plants!
   • They also trap greenhouse gases, helping to reduce atmospheric strain. 💡
2. Flood Protection:
   • Wetlands act like sponges, absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall, which prevents flooding.
   • Altering or filling wetlands reduces their ability to protect against floods.
3. Habitat:
   • Wetlands are home to many species, including amphibians, fish, and birds. They are biodiversity hotspots.

#Why Wetlands are Disappearing

Human activities are the main reason wetlands are disappearing. Be sure to know these impacts!

1. Commercial Development:
   • Wetlands are often filled in to build houses, malls, and other structures.
   • This destroys habitats and reduces flood protection.
2. Dam Construction:
   • Dams divert water flow, preventing it from reaching wetlands.
   • This leads to drained wetlands, loss of habitat, and reduced water purification.

Image from Daniel Morris via Unsplash

3. Overfishing:
   • Fish in wetlands are keystone species, meaning they play a critical role in the ecosystem.
   • Overfishing can lead to a collapse of the food web and a loss of biodiversity.
4. Pollutant Runoff:
   • Wetlands are vulnerable to chemical pollutants from runoff. These pollutants can harm fish and other wildlife.
   • Cultural Eutrophication: Excess nutrients from pollutants cause algae blooms, disrupting the ecosystem and reducing biodiversity.

#Recap

#Final Exam Focus

• High-Priority Topics:
  • Ecosystem services of wetlands (water purification, flood control, habitat).
  • Human impacts on wetlands (development, dams, pollution, overfishing).
  • Cultural eutrophication and its effects.
  • The role of mangroves in coastal ecosystems.
• Common Question Types:
  • Multiple-choice questions on the functions of wetlands and the impacts of human activities.
  • Free-response questions (FRQs) asking you to describe the effects of specific human actions and propose solutions.
  • Questions that combine multiple units, such as the impact of pollution on biodiversity.
• Last-Minute Tips:
  • Manage your time wisely—don't spend too long on one question.
  • Read each question carefully and make sure you understand what it is asking.
  • Use specific examples to back up your answers.
  • Stay calm and confident—you've got this!

#Practice Questions

Practice Question

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following is NOT a primary function of wetlands? (A) Water purification (B) Flood control (C) Habitat provision (D) Mineral extraction

2. Cultural eutrophication in wetlands is primarily caused by: (A) Natural decomposition of organic matter (B) Excessive nutrient runoff from human activities (C) Increased solar radiation (D) Volcanic activity

3. The construction of dams has which of the following impacts on wetlands? (A) Increased water flow and nutrient input (B) Reduced water flow and habitat loss (C) Enhanced biodiversity (D) Improved water purification

Free Response Question

Consider the following scenario:

A large area of wetland is being considered for development into a commercial shopping center. Describe THREE potential environmental impacts of this development. For each impact, explain a potential mitigation strategy to reduce the negative effects.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Impact 1 (2 points):
  • 1 point for identifying a valid impact (e.g., habitat loss).
  • 1 point for a clear explanation of the impact.
• Mitigation 1 (1 point):
  • 1 point for a reasonable mitigation strategy (e.g., creating a new wetland area nearby).
• Impact 2 (2 points):
  • 1 point for identifying a valid impact (e.g., increased flooding).
  • 1 point for a clear explanation of the impact.
• Mitigation 2 (1 point):
  • 1 point for a reasonable mitigation strategy (e.g., building flood barriers or retention ponds).
• Impact 3 (2 points):
  • 1 point for identifying a valid impact (e.g., decreased water quality).
  • 1 point for a clear explanation of the impact.
• Mitigation 3 (1 point):
  • 1 point for a reasonable mitigation strategy (e.g., implementing stricter runoff controls).