80 free flashcards covering all 5 units. Study key concepts, terms, and exam-relevant topics.
Define an ecosystem.
An ecosystem is a community of interacting organisms and their abiotic surroundings, forming a functional unit.
The exam tests basic ecological terminology; knowing this definition anchors all subsequent concepts.
If an animal consumes plants, what trophic level does it occupy?
A primary consumer (herbivore) is the second trophic level, feeding on primary producers.
Applying trophic terminology is common on the DSST test, as questions often present specific organisms.
Compare a food chain to a food web.
A food chain is a linear list of organisms who eat each other; a food web links multiple chains, showing complexity.
Exam questions may ask students to differentiate and diagram iteratively connected food webs.
Contrast the nitrogen cycle with the carbon cycle.
The nitrogen cycle processes nitrogen into forms usable by organisms, while the carbon cycle deals with CO₂ storage, conversion, and transfer.
Understanding each cycle’s distinct roles helps answer questions about atmospheric and soil processes.
Why is biodiversity important for ecosystem resilience?
High biodiversity increases productivity, stability, and resilience, allowing ecosystems to better withstand disturbances and recover.
The exam may focus on the ecological value of diversity, so grasping this link is essential.
What is environmental sustainability?
The capacity to meet present human needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, balancing ecological, economic, and social dimensions.
Defines the core goal driving policies like the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations and the Clean Water Act.
When was the Clean Water Act enacted and what is its primary goal?
Enacted in 1972; its primary goal is to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters by regulating discharges and protecting wetlands.
Releases familiarity with the Act’s timeline, a frequent exam focus, and its purpose frames all subsequent regulatory details.
How does the Clean Water Act’s NPDES permit system reduce point‑source pollution?
It requires facilities to obtain permits limiting pollutant discharges to surface waters, specifying treatment standards, monitoring, and reporting requirements to prevent “best practicable control technology.”
Shows the Act’s enforcement mechanism, essential for answering policy scenario questions.
Compare point‑source and nonpoint‑source pollution approaches in the Clean Water Act.
Point‑source pollution is regulated through permits and treatment standards; nonpoint‑source pollution is addressed via best management practices, voluntary programs, and watershed stewardship projects.
Testing comparison helps identify nuances in policy categories that often appear in exam choices.
Explain the concept of stewardship in environmental law.
Stewardship refers to responsible management and care of natural resources to sustain ecosystems for current and future use, often formalized through regulations, incentive plans, or community agreements.
Understanding stewardship clarifies why legal frameworks like the Clean Water Act promote both compliance and collaborative resource protection.
Define the primary goal of the Clean Water Act (CWA).
To protect the nation's waters by preventing pollution, restoring and maintaining water quality, and ensuring public access for recreation and ecosystem health.
Exam tests understanding of CWA's legislative intent and protection framework.
What is the NPDES permit, and when is it required?
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit authorizes municipalities and industrial plants to discharge wastewater into waters that would otherwise be degraded; it applies to all non‑stormwater discharges that alter water chemistry, quality, or quantity.
Shows exam focus on regulatory processes and compliance thresholds.
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