AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Ecological Footprints

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Ecological Footprints, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP Environmental Science.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is the ecological reserve?

Answer: Biocapacity exceeds ecological footprint. Positive balance when capacity exceeds demand.

Flashcard 2: What is the significance of 'Earth Overshoot Day'?

Answer: Marks when demand surpasses annual supply. Annual marker of resource overconsumption.

Flashcard 3: Identify the unit of measurement for ecological footprints.

Answer: Global hectares (gha). Standardized unit for comparing ecological impact.

Flashcard 4: State the formula for calculating ecological footprint.

Answer: $EF = \frac{\text{Total demand}}{\text{Biocapacity}}$. Ratio compares resource demand to available capacity.

Flashcard 5: Name a lifestyle change to reduce ecological footprint.

Answer: Adopting a plant-based diet. Plant-based diets require fewer resources.

Flashcard 6: What is the effect of energy-efficient appliances on ecological footprints?

Answer: Reduces ecological footprint. Efficient appliances consume less energy.

Flashcard 7: Which practice can help reduce an individual's ecological footprint?

Answer: Use of renewable energy sources. Renewables have lower environmental impact.

Flashcard 8: What is the ecological deficit?

Answer: When a population's ecological footprint exceeds biocapacity. Indicates unsustainable resource consumption.

Flashcard 9: What does a smaller ecological footprint indicate?

Answer: More sustainable resource use. Lower demand on Earth's ecosystems.

Flashcard 10: Which footprint component is affected by diet?

Answer: Food footprint. Dietary choices affect agricultural resource use.

Flashcard 11: Which resource is NOT typically included in ecological footprint calculations?

Answer: Non-renewable mineral resources. Focuses on renewable biological resources only.

Flashcard 12: What is biocapacity?

Answer: The capacity of a given area to generate renewable resources. Measures ecosystem's regenerative capacity.

Flashcard 13: What is the effect of energy-efficient appliances on ecological footprints?

Answer: Reduces ecological footprint. Efficient appliances consume less energy.

Flashcard 14: Which practice can help reduce an individual's ecological footprint?

Answer: Use of renewable energy sources. Renewables have lower environmental impact.

Flashcard 15: What is the impact of recycling on ecological footprints?

Answer: Reduces ecological footprint. Reusing materials reduces new resource extraction.

Flashcard 16: Identify a major factor that reduces ecological footprint.

Answer: Increased use of renewable energy sources. Renewable sources require less resource extraction.

Flashcard 17: Choose the correct description: Carbon footprint vs. Ecological footprint.

Answer: Carbon footprint is a component of ecological footprint. Carbon is one part of total ecological impact.

Flashcard 18: Identify a sector that significantly impacts ecological footprints.

Answer: Transportation. Transportation relies heavily on fossil fuels.

Flashcard 19: Identify the effect of deforestation on ecological footprints.

Answer: Increases ecological footprint. Reduces carbon-absorbing forest capacity.

Flashcard 20: Which factor can decrease a country's ecological footprint?

Answer: Improved energy efficiency. Efficiency reduces total resource consumption.

Flashcard 21: Which factor contributes to a larger ecological footprint in developed countries?

Answer: Higher consumption rates. Wealth enables greater resource consumption.

Flashcard 22: What is the effect of water conservation on ecological footprints?

Answer: Decreases ecological footprint. Conservation reduces resource demand.

Flashcard 23: How does public transportation affect ecological footprints?

Answer: Reduces by lowering individual car use. Shared transport is more resource-efficient.

Flashcard 24: State the impact of reducing meat consumption on ecological footprints.

Answer: Decreases ecological footprint. Livestock production requires more resources.

Flashcard 25: Identify the unit of measurement for ecological footprints.

Answer: Global hectares (gha). Standardized unit for comparing ecological impact.

Flashcard 26: State the formula for calculating ecological footprint.

Answer: $EF = \frac{\text{Total demand}}{\text{Biocapacity}}$. Ratio compares resource demand to available capacity.

Flashcard 27: What is the ecological deficit?

Answer: When a population's ecological footprint exceeds biocapacity. Indicates unsustainable resource consumption.

Flashcard 28: What is the relationship between GDP and ecological footprint?

Answer: Higher GDP often correlates with a larger footprint. Wealth enables higher consumption patterns.

Flashcard 29: Identify a consequence of a high ecological footprint.

Answer: Depletion of natural resources. Overconsumption leads to resource scarcity.

Flashcard 30: What is the significance of reducing ecological footprints?

Answer: Promotes sustainable living and conserves resources. Lower footprints protect ecosystems long-term.