AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Watersheds
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What living, or biotic, factor is listed as a key characteristic of a watershed?
The 'vegetation types' are the biotic factor listed as a key characteristic of a watershed.
Card 1 of 10
All Flashcards (10)
What living, or biotic, factor is listed as a key characteristic of a watershed?
The 'vegetation types' are the biotic factor listed as a key characteristic of a watershed.
Besides its physical dimensions and topography, what geological material is a key characteristic of a watershed?
The 'soil' is the geological material listed as a key characteristic of a watershed.
What characteristic of a watershed relates to the steepness of its terrain?
The 'slope' is the characteristic of a watershed that relates to the steepness of its terrain.
An urban planner is assessing how quickly rainwater will run off a newly developed area into a storm drain system. Which watershed characteristic is most critical for this calculation?
The 'slope' of the watershed is a critical characteristic for calculating the speed of water runoff.
Which two characteristics describe the overall size and dimensions of a watershed?
A watershed's 'area' and 'length' are the two characteristics that describe its overall size and dimensions.
A botanist is comparing the types of trees and grasses found in two adjacent valleys that are separated by a high ridge. What watershed characteristic is the botanist's study focused on?
The botanist is focused on the 'vegetation types' within the watersheds.
In the context of watersheds, what are 'divides'?
Divides are the characteristics that mark the boundaries separating a watershed from adjoining watersheds.
Identify three non-living (abiotic) characteristics of a watershed from the provided list.
Three abiotic characteristics of a watershed are its area, slope, and soil.
A scientist measures the total land surface in square kilometers that drains into a specific river. Which watershed characteristic is being measured?
The scientist is measuring the 'area' of the watershed.
What are the six key characteristics used to describe a watershed?
The key characteristics of a watershed are its area, length, slope, soil, vegetation types, and divides with adjoining watersheds.