The living world encompasses ecosystems, biomes, and their intricate interactions,... Show more
AP Environmental Science174 views·Updated May 12, 2026·9 pagesAP Environmental Science Study Guide for Unit 1: Ecosystems and Biomes
T
tiannah gonzalez@tiannahgonzalez_stry
1 / 9
1
of 9
Page 2: Ecological Relationships
This page delves deeper into various types of species interactions and relationships within ecosystems, particularly focusing on symbiotic relationships.
Definition: Symbiosis refers to close, long-term interactions between two species in an ecosystem.
Example: Clownfish and sea anemones demonstrate mutualism, where both species benefit from the relationship.
Vocabulary:
- Commensalism: One species benefits while the other is unaffected
- Parasitism: One organism (parasite) benefits while harming the host
- Competition: Organisms competing for limited resources
Highlight: Understanding different types of competition is crucial for ecosystem dynamics:
- Intraspecific competition occurs between members of the same species
- Resource partitioning helps species coexist by utilizing different parts of the environment
2
of 9
Page 3: Terrestrial Biomes and Climate
This page explores terrestrial biomes and their relationship with climate patterns, emphasizing the importance of environmental conditions in shaping ecosystems.
Definition: Biomes are large-scale ecological regions defined by climate, geology, soils, hydrology, and vegetation patterns.
Highlight: Hot, humid regions typically support greater primary productivity and biodiversity compared to cold or dry regions.
Example: Temperate seasonal rainforests exhibit all four seasons and are characterized by deciduous trees that change colors throughout the year.
Vocabulary:
- Climate: Long-term patterns of temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, and rainfall
- Primary productivity: Rate at which energy is converted to organic substances by photosynthetic organisms
Quote: "Climate graphs show the relationship between annual precipitation and temperature across different biomes, from tundra to tropical rainforest."
3
of 9
Page 3: Terrestrial Biomes
The page details the classification and characteristics of land-based ecosystems, introducing the concept of biomes and their determining factors.
Vocabulary: Climate refers to long-term patterns of temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, and rainfall in an area.
Highlight: Ecosystems are categorized into biomes and aquatic life zones based on climate, geology, soils, hydrology, and vegetation patterns.
4
of 9
Page 4: Grassland and Savanna Biomes
This section examines specific terrestrial biomes, focusing on savannas and grasslands, including their characteristics and distributions.
Definition: Savanna is a grassland biome with scattered trees found in tropical regions between deserts and rainforests.
Example: North American plains and prairies represent agricultural grasslands with sod-forming grasses.
Highlight: Shrublands feature shallow soil intermixed with small trees and spiny vegetation, typically found in coastal regions with hot, dry summers.
5
of 9
Page 5: Freshwater Ecosystems
The content covers various freshwater ecosystems and their importance to human society and environmental health.
Highlight: Freshwater systems are crucial for providing humans with water and food resources.
Definition: Wetlands are areas with water-saturated soil, shallow enough for emergent plants with roots in water.
Example: Lakes are lentic ecosystems (still water) with four distinct zones based on depth.
6
of 9
Page 6: Human Impact on Wetlands
This section addresses anthropogenic causes of wetland degradation and introduces the carbon cycle.
Vocabulary: Anthropogenic refers to environmental changes caused by human activities.
Example: Agricultural drainage, commercial fishing, and logging are major human impacts on wetlands.
Highlight: The carbon cycle involves exchanges between the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
7
of 9
Page 7: Nitrogen Cycle
The page explains the nitrogen cycle and its importance in biological systems.
Definition: The nitrogen cycle is the cyclic movement of nitrogen between living organisms and the environment.
Highlight: Nitrogen comprises 78% of the atmosphere and is essential for making proteins and nucleic acids.
Vocabulary: Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen into biologically usable forms.
8
of 9
Page 8: Hydrologic Cycle
This section details the water cycle and groundwater systems.
Definition: The hydrologic cycle is the process where water moves between the atmosphere, oceans, lakes, rivers, and land.
Vocabulary: Aquifers are bodies of permeable rock that can contain or transmit groundwater.
Highlight: Approximately 70% of Earth's water is stored in oceans.
9
of 9
Page 1: Fundamental Ecosystem Concepts
This page introduces core concepts of AP Environmental Science and ecosystem structures. The content focuses on basic definitions and interactions within ecosystems.
Definition: An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their non-living environment as a system.
Vocabulary:
- Abiotic: Non-living components including atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere
- Biotic: Living components including animals, plants, fungi, bacteria
- Population: Group of organisms of the same species
- Community: Different species populations in the same geographic area
- Habitat: Environment where an organism lives
- Ecological niche: Species' role in its environment
Example: Resource partitioning occurs when species share resources without conflict, demonstrating how organisms can coexist in the same environment.
Highlight: Symbiotic relationships play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning, with mutualism benefiting both organisms involved.
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AP Environmental Science174 views·Updated May 12, 2026·9 pagesAP Environmental Science Study Guide for Unit 1: Ecosystems and Biomes
T
tiannah gonzalez@tiannahgonzalez_stry
The living world encompasses ecosystems, biomes, and their intricate interactions, forming the foundation of AP Environmental Science. This comprehensive guide explores terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, biogeochemical cycles, and ecological relationships.
• The guide covers essential concepts from Unit 1... Show more
1
of 9Sign up to see the content. It's free!
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Page 2: Ecological Relationships
This page delves deeper into various types of species interactions and relationships within ecosystems, particularly focusing on symbiotic relationships.
Definition: Symbiosis refers to close, long-term interactions between two species in an ecosystem.
Example: Clownfish and sea anemones demonstrate mutualism, where both species benefit from the relationship.
Vocabulary:
- Commensalism: One species benefits while the other is unaffected
- Parasitism: One organism (parasite) benefits while harming the host
- Competition: Organisms competing for limited resources
Highlight: Understanding different types of competition is crucial for ecosystem dynamics:
- Intraspecific competition occurs between members of the same species
- Resource partitioning helps species coexist by utilizing different parts of the environment
2
of 9Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Page 3: Terrestrial Biomes and Climate
This page explores terrestrial biomes and their relationship with climate patterns, emphasizing the importance of environmental conditions in shaping ecosystems.
Definition: Biomes are large-scale ecological regions defined by climate, geology, soils, hydrology, and vegetation patterns.
Highlight: Hot, humid regions typically support greater primary productivity and biodiversity compared to cold or dry regions.
Example: Temperate seasonal rainforests exhibit all four seasons and are characterized by deciduous trees that change colors throughout the year.
Vocabulary:
- Climate: Long-term patterns of temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, and rainfall
- Primary productivity: Rate at which energy is converted to organic substances by photosynthetic organisms
Quote: "Climate graphs show the relationship between annual precipitation and temperature across different biomes, from tundra to tropical rainforest."
3
of 9Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Page 3: Terrestrial Biomes
The page details the classification and characteristics of land-based ecosystems, introducing the concept of biomes and their determining factors.
Vocabulary: Climate refers to long-term patterns of temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, and rainfall in an area.
Highlight: Ecosystems are categorized into biomes and aquatic life zones based on climate, geology, soils, hydrology, and vegetation patterns.
4
of 9Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Page 4: Grassland and Savanna Biomes
This section examines specific terrestrial biomes, focusing on savannas and grasslands, including their characteristics and distributions.
Definition: Savanna is a grassland biome with scattered trees found in tropical regions between deserts and rainforests.
Example: North American plains and prairies represent agricultural grasslands with sod-forming grasses.
Highlight: Shrublands feature shallow soil intermixed with small trees and spiny vegetation, typically found in coastal regions with hot, dry summers.
5
of 9Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Page 5: Freshwater Ecosystems
The content covers various freshwater ecosystems and their importance to human society and environmental health.
Highlight: Freshwater systems are crucial for providing humans with water and food resources.
Definition: Wetlands are areas with water-saturated soil, shallow enough for emergent plants with roots in water.
Example: Lakes are lentic ecosystems (still water) with four distinct zones based on depth.
6
of 9Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Page 6: Human Impact on Wetlands
This section addresses anthropogenic causes of wetland degradation and introduces the carbon cycle.
Vocabulary: Anthropogenic refers to environmental changes caused by human activities.
Example: Agricultural drainage, commercial fishing, and logging are major human impacts on wetlands.
Highlight: The carbon cycle involves exchanges between the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
7
of 9Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Page 7: Nitrogen Cycle
The page explains the nitrogen cycle and its importance in biological systems.
Definition: The nitrogen cycle is the cyclic movement of nitrogen between living organisms and the environment.
Highlight: Nitrogen comprises 78% of the atmosphere and is essential for making proteins and nucleic acids.
Vocabulary: Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen into biologically usable forms.
8
of 9Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Page 8: Hydrologic Cycle
This section details the water cycle and groundwater systems.
Definition: The hydrologic cycle is the process where water moves between the atmosphere, oceans, lakes, rivers, and land.
Vocabulary: Aquifers are bodies of permeable rock that can contain or transmit groundwater.
Highlight: Approximately 70% of Earth's water is stored in oceans.
9
of 9Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Page 1: Fundamental Ecosystem Concepts
This page introduces core concepts of AP Environmental Science and ecosystem structures. The content focuses on basic definitions and interactions within ecosystems.
Definition: An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their non-living environment as a system.
Vocabulary:
- Abiotic: Non-living components including atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere
- Biotic: Living components including animals, plants, fungi, bacteria
- Population: Group of organisms of the same species
- Community: Different species populations in the same geographic area
- Habitat: Environment where an organism lives
- Ecological niche: Species' role in its environment
Example: Resource partitioning occurs when species share resources without conflict, demonstrating how organisms can coexist in the same environment.
Highlight: Symbiotic relationships play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning, with mutualism benefiting both organisms involved.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content in AP Environmental Science
9I
AP Environmental ScienceIntroduction to Ecological Economics
Explore the fundamental principles of ecological economics, including natural capital, ecosystem services, and the valuation of natural resources.
9th4260
AP Environmental ScienceAPES Final Notes
Notes of the high weighted units of APES. Watch Jordan Smedes' videos on youtube and use these notes to review for the AP test.
1,096120
AP Environmental ScienceUnit 1 Multiple Choice Test
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1,80121
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Unit 1 APES notes
11th650
AP Environmental ScienceAPES Sustainability, Biomes, Evolution Review Notes
Chapter 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 Notes REVIEWED
38010
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Unit 2 key terms for APES- biospheres
11th380
AP Environmental ScienceAPES Unit 3.4 Carrying Capacity
For Unit 3.4 of AP Environmental Science, discusses carrying capacity.
1487
AP Environmental ScienceBIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
Gives an overview about chemical elements and movement of elements.
1348
AP Environmental ScienceDemographic Transitions Notes
human population demographic transitions, from AP environmental science, but can be utilized in AP human geography and much more.
9th18211
Most popular content
9O
AP US HistoryOrigins and Dynamics of the Columbian Exchange
Analyze the ecological and economic motivations behind the initial transfer of goods, people, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds.
9th3,1280
I
AP US HistoryIntroduction to Early Cultural Interactions
Analyze the initial social and religious encounters between Europeans, Africans, and Indigenous peoples in the colonial Americas.
9th2,7730
O
AP World HistoryOrigins of Ancient River Civilizations
Analyze the environmental factors and technological innovations that led to the rise of early states in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley.
9th3,1860
M
AP US HistoryMotivations for European Exploration
Analyze the economic, religious, and political factors that drove European powers to the Americas during the 15th and 16th centuries.
9th1,7780
F
AP PsychologyFoundations of Ethical Guidelines in Research
Practice the core principles of the APA ethical code including informed consent, debriefing, and the role of Institutional Review Boards.
9th1,3360
I
AP US HistoryIntroduction to Native American Societies
Examine the diverse social, political, and economic structures of North American indigenous groups prior to European contact.
9th1,1100
I
AP BiologyIntroduction to Biological Elements of Life
Practice identifying the essential elements including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur that compose biological macromolecules.
9th1,7360
I
AP US HistoryIntroduction to the Spanish Encomienda System
Explore the fundamental economic and social structures of the Spanish colonial system, focusing on the encomienda and the casta social hierarchy.
9th8890
O
AP World HistoryOrigins and Continuity of the Byzantine Empire
Analyze the political and cultural transitions from the Roman Empire to the Byzantine Empire, focusing on the reign of Justinian I and his code.
9th1,6320
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user