APES EXAM
SOIL, BIOMES, NUTRIENT CYCLES STUDY GUIDE
I WOULD MAKE SURE I LOOK OVER THE FOLLOWING THINGS:
1. The stages and terminology for the nitrogen cycle. (The test is heavy with these) Be sure
and know the chemical compounds and the terms for each chemical change occurring.
2. The stages and terminology for the carbon, phosphorus, water (hydrologic), and sulfur
cycles.
3. How humans are affecting each of the biogeochemical cycles.
4. Basic reactants and products of photosynthesis and cellular respiration
5. The basic difference between climate and weather and the important measurements used
in describing climate.
6. The climate in each biome along with major species associated with it.
7. How humans are impacting each biome.
8. Climatograms of each biome.
9. Where biomes are found on a world map based on latitude and altitude.
10. The soil horizons and profiles.
11. Soil textures and the soil triangle.
12. Soil quality in each biome.
13. Biotic vs. abiotic factors
14. Range of tolerance, optimum range, zone of intolerance
15. Leaching, percolation
16. What is humus?
17. Soil profiles for the major biomes.
18. Clay vs. silt vs. sand vs. loam? Ideal soil type?
19. Greenhouse gases? Greenhouse effect?