AP®Environmental ScienceCollege BoardExam QuestionsUnit 1: The Living World: EcosystemsThe Carbon Cycle

The Carbon Cycle (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Exam Questions

3 mins3 questions
1
1 mark

Which of the following is an example of a “source” in the Carbon Cycle?


  • Organic matter in soil

  • Ocean absorption

  • Respiration by plants and animals

  • Photosynthesis by trees in forests

Choose your answer

2
1 mark

Which of the following is an example of a long-term carbon store?

  • Atmosphere

  • Living organisms

  • Soil

  • Fossil fuels

Choose your answer

3
1 mark

Study the table below and answer the question:

Ecosystem Type

Carbon Flux In (Gt C/yr)

Carbon Flux Out (Gt C/yr)

Net Carbon Gain (Gt C/yr)

Tropical Rainforest

3.5

1.7

1.8

Boreal Forest

1.0

0.5

0.5

Desert

0.3

0.4

-0.1

Wetlands

0.8

0.6

0.2

Ocean (Phytoplankton)

1.2

0.3

0.9

Which ecosystem is most efficient at net carbon sequestration based on the table?

  • Tropical Rainforest

  • Boreal Forest

  • Desert

  • Ocean (Phytoplankton)

Choose your answer