AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Endangered Species
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 11 cards to help you master important concepts.
If a government passes a law establishing a large national park, which two protection strategies does this action represent?
This action represents the strategies of protecting animal habitats and using legislation to combat endangerment.
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If a government passes a law establishing a large national park, which two protection strategies does this action represent?
This action represents the strategies of protecting animal habitats and using legislation to combat endangerment.
List three general strategies used to protect animal populations.
Strategies to protect animal populations include criminalizing poaching, protecting animal habitats, and implementing legislation.
Explain the relationship between environmental change and a species' ability to adapt.
Species that are able to adapt to changes in their environment are less likely to face extinction, as these changes act as selective pressures.
A koala's diet consists almost exclusively of eucalyptus leaves. How does this trait affect its risk of endangerment?
This is an example of having a limited diet, which is a factor that can lead to a species becoming threatened with extinction.
What are three factors that can lead to a species becoming threatened?
A species can become threatened by being extensively hunted, having limited diet or habitat requirements, or being outcompeted by invasive species.
Besides adaptability, what other ability helps a species avoid extinction when its environment changes?
The ability to move to a new environment is another key characteristic that makes a species less likely to face extinction.
What are selective pressures?
Selective pressures are any factors that change the behaviors and fitness of organisms within an environment.
How does competition from invasive species contribute to endangerment?
A native species can become threatened with extinction by being outcompeted by invasive species for resources.
What is a limited habitat requirement?
A limited habitat requirement is a risk factor where a species can only survive in a very specific type of environment, making it vulnerable to extinction if that habitat is altered.
Why is criminalizing poaching considered a strategy to combat species endangerment?
Criminalizing poaching is a strategy because it directly addresses extensive hunting, which is a major factor that can lead to a species becoming threatened.
What characteristics make a species less likely to face extinction?
Species that are able to adapt to changes in their environment or that are able to move to a new environment are less likely to face extinction.