AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Endocrine Disruptors
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.
A scientist observes a fish population with an unusually high number of birth defects and a skewed male-to-female ratio. What type of chemical pollutant is likely responsible?
Endocrine disruptors are likely responsible, as they are chemicals known to cause birth defects and gender imbalances in fish.
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A scientist observes a fish population with an unusually high number of birth defects and a skewed male-to-female ratio. What type of chemical pollutant is likely responsible?
Endocrine disruptors are likely responsible, as they are chemicals known to cause birth defects and gender imbalances in fish.
What are two developmental effects caused by endocrine disruptors in animals like fish?
Endocrine disruptors can lead to birth defects and developmental disorders in fish and other species.
Are the effects of endocrine disruptors limited to a single organism or can they impact a wider population?
They can impact a wider population and ecosystem by causing widespread issues like birth defects, developmental disorders, and gender imbalances.
Term: Gender Imbalances (in the context of pollution)
This refers to a disruption in the natural ratio of males to females in a species, which can be caused by chemicals like endocrine disruptors.
What is an endocrine disruptor?
An endocrine disruptor is a chemical that can interfere with the endocrine system of animals.
How can endocrine disruptors affect the population structure of a species?
They can affect population structure by causing gender imbalances, which can impact reproductive success.
If a chemical is shown to interfere with hormone regulation in an animal, how would it be classified?
It would be classified as an endocrine disruptor because it interferes with the endocrine system.
List three specific negative outcomes for animal species exposed to endocrine disruptors.
Three potential negative outcomes are birth defects, developmental disorders, and gender imbalances.
Which biological system in animals is directly interfered with by endocrine disruptors?
Endocrine disruptors directly interfere with the endocrine system of animals.
Describe the general effect of endocrine disruptors on ecosystems.
Endocrine disruptors can lead to birth defects, developmental disorders, and gender imbalances in fish and other species within an ecosystem.