AP® Environmental Science Unit 6 Review and Practice Test
Prepare for your AP® Environmental Science Unit 6 test with a complete review of Energy Resources and Consumption, including fossil fuels, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. Study using APES Unit 6 notes, videos, MCQs, FRQs, and practice tests that mirror how Unit 6 topics appear on the exam. This APES Unit 6 review strengthens your understanding of global energy use, sustainability, and conservation strategies so you can approach Unit 6 APES questions with confidence.
Ace Your APES Unit 6 Exam with a Clear, Complete Review
Build confidence for AP Environmental Science Unit 6 with clear explanations, engaging visuals, and step-by-step practice. Our APES Unit 6 review breaks down energy resources and consumption, allowing you to learn more effectively and score higher.
Engaging Video Lessons
Explore AP Environmental Science Unit 6 concepts through clear, engaging video lessons designed to simplify energy resources and consumption. Each video walks you through key topics with visuals and real-world examples, making tough ideas easier to understand. Build confidence as you prepare for APES Unit 6 tests, FRQs, and progress checks.
Interactive Study Guides
Dive into AP Environmental Science Unit 6 with interactive study guides that break down energy resources and consumption into clear, student-friendly explanations. These APES Unit 6 review materials include visuals, examples, and quick checks to reinforce your understanding. Use them alongside your practice tests and FRQ prep to fully master the unit.
APES Unit 6 Practice Test Questions to Sharpen Your Skills
Passage
Question
The area that has the largest natural gas deposits.
| A. A | |
| B. B | |
| C. C | |
| D. D |
Explanation
Natural gas, a fossil fuel primarily made up of methane—a greenhouse gas—is widely used as an energy resource. The gas is usually found in large underground deposits with petroleum or in small deposits between layers of shale rock.
Although natural gas is readily found around the world, the largest deposits are in northern Asia (Choice C).
(Choice A) The US is the largest exporter of natural gas, but the world's largest deposits of natural gas are not found in Florida.
(Choices B and D) These areas contain deposits of natural gas but not the world's largest.
Things to remember:
Natural gas is an energy resource found around the world. Due to its
geological makeup, northern Asia has the largest deposits of natural gas.
Question
Scientists are interested in determining how a country's development status impacts the country's reliance on fossil fuels. Partway through the study, one of the developing countries the scientists were studying decided to accept investments designed to increase the development of its economy.
Which of the following best explains how the investments could change the conclusion of their study?
| A. The reliance on fossil fuels would increase because as a country becomes more developed, the consumption of energy increases. | |
| B. The reliance on fossil fuels would decrease because as a country becomes more developed, the infrastructure to transport goods improves. | |
| C. The reliance on fossil fuels would not change because as a country becomes more developed, technological innovations increase the efficiency of power plants. | |
| D. The reliance on fossil fuels would not change because as a country becomes more developed, urbanization decreases the number of people in the workforce. |
Explanation
Fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas, and crude oil, are nonrenewable resources that can be extracted and burned to release energy. When burned, these resources can produce electricity, which can be used for powering manufacturing plants and heating homes.
According to the scenario, a country decides to accept outside investments to increase the development of its economy. Because economic development is linked to an increase in the consumption of goods and energy, the investments are likely to increase the country's reliance on fossil fuels.
An industrialized country can decrease its reliance on fossil fuels by investing in renewable energy technologies like solar and wind energy.
(Choice B) Although transportation infrastructure can be improved as a country becomes developed, the increase in the number of goods being transported and consumed leads to an increase, not a decrease, in reliance on fossil fuels.
(Choice C) If the efficiency of power plants were to increase, it would be expected that the reliance on fossil fuels would decrease, not stay the same.
(Choice D) Generally, as a country transitions from developing to developed, urbanization also increases, resulting in an increase, not a decrease, in the number of people in the workforce.
Things to remember:
The reliance on fossil fuels tends to increase as a developing
country becomes more economically developed.
Question
Scientists want to investigate whether hydroelectric dams impact plants in riparian zones. Scientists suspect that plants in upstream floodplains are affected by the construction of hydroelectric dams. Which of the following best identifies a testable hypothesis for the investigation?
| A. The decreasing amount of silt that flows into floodplains will decrease the survivorship of plants in upstream floodplains. | |
| B. The decreasing flow of the river will increase desertification and cause a loss of plants in upstream floodplains. | |
| C. There will be a greater percentage of plants in upstream floodplains that survive than freshwater aquatic plants that survive. | |
| D. The increasing water levels of the dams' reservoirs will increase the loss of plants in upstream floodplains. |
Explanation
Hydroelectric dams are used to generate a renewable form of energy called hydroelectric power. These dams hold water in a reservoir and release the water to turn turbines and thereby generate electricity. This form of electricity production is considered a clean energy source because operation of the dams emits no air pollution and generates no waste.
However, the construction of large dams is expensive and can fragment or destroy habitats. For example, after a dam is built, the increasing water levels in the dams' reservoirs will increase the loss of plants in upstream floodplains due to waterlogging.
(Choice A) The construction of dams will block the flow of silt to downstream, not upstream, floodplains, resulting in decreased survivorship of plants downstream.
(Choice B) The construction of dams is unlikely cause desertification because the floodplains upstream of the dam will receive more, not less, water due to the creation of the reservoir.
(Choice C) A testable hypothesis includes how the independent variable impacts the dependent variable. This statement is not a testable hypothesis because it provides a dependent variable but lacks an independent variable.
Things to remember:
Although hydroelectric power generation does not release air
pollution or waste, it can require the construction of large dams that are expensive and may fragment or destroy
habitats.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the main topics covered in AP Environmental Science Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption?
AP Environmental Science Unit 6 explores a wide range of energy concepts.
- Energy sources and fuel types include fossil fuels, ethanol, nuclear power, and how each is extracted, processed, and used in modern societies.
- Global energy consumption and resource distribution examine how countries use energy differently and how access to natural resources shapes economic and environmental outcomes.
- Natural energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric power highlight sustainable alternatives and the technologies behind them.
- Energy conservation methods focus on improving efficiency, reducing waste, and creating long-term solutions for responsible energy use.
Master these topics easily with UWorld’s APES Unit 6 review, which breaks down every concept using clear explanations, visuals, and realistic practice questions.
How should I prepare for an AP Environmental Science Unit 6 exam?
A strong Unit 6 APES review starts with a structured approach.
- Read: Begin with APES Unit 6 notes or a detailed AP Environmental Science Unit 6 study guide that explains energy resources, consumption patterns, and environmental impacts. Reviewing key terms and sample diagrams helps build a solid foundation.
- Watch: Strengthen understanding with short, visual explanations that break down tough topics like energy calculations, resource distribution, and renewable systems. Video lessons make FRQ-linked concepts much clearer.
- Practice: Reinforce your learning with APES Unit 6 practice tests, FRQs, and progress check MCQ Part A and Part B questions to mirror the real AP Environmental Science Unit 6 test.
UWorld makes this process simple with exam-style questions, clear explanations, and engaging tools that help you master APES Unit 6 quickly and confidently.
Are any free resources available for AP Environmental Science Unit 6?
Yes, there are several helpful free resources for AP Environmental Science Unit 6. Your best starting point is UWorld’s free trial, which provides access to high-quality APES Unit 6 practice questions, progress check–style MCQs, sample FRQs, and detailed explanations that mirror the real exam. It’s the most effective way to preview APES Unit 6 review tools before committing to a full course.
You can also use the College Board’s free AP Classroom materials, including topic questions and progress checks for energy resources and consumption.
For additional support, Khan Academy offers basic video lessons, though the content isn’t AP-specific and may not match the depth needed for Unit 6.
What types of questions are on the AP Environmental Science Unit 6 test?
The AP Environmental Science Unit 6 test includes a mix of question types designed to assess your understanding of energy resources, fuel use, and environmental impacts. You’ll encounter both MCQs and FRQs that test recall, application, and analysis.
- Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): These cover energy sources, efficiency calculations, global consumption patterns, and data-based scenarios using charts or graphs. Two-step math questions and progress check–style items are also common.
- Free-Response Questions (FRQs): These require short explanations, basic calculations, and evaluating environmental trade-offs related to energy production and consumption. You may also interpret data or justify energy-related claims.
UWorld gives you exam-style APES Unit 6 MCQs and FRQs with clear explanations, helping you practice exactly what the real test expects.
How can I improve my score on the Free-Response Questions (FRQs) for Unit 6?
To improve your AP Environmental Science Unit 6 FRQ score, focus on strengthening both your content knowledge and your ability to write clear, concise responses. Unit 6 FRQs often involve energy efficiency calculations, evaluating fuel types, or explaining environmental impacts—so targeted practice matters.
- Understand the core concepts: Review APES Unit 6 topics like fossil fuels, renewables, global energy use, and energy conservation so you can confidently explain causes, effects, and trade-offs.
- Practice calculations: Work through energy efficiency, unit conversions, and power output problems—these math-based FRQs are common and easy points once you learn the steps.
- Write structured responses: Use short, direct sentences, label each part (a, b, c), and support your answers with specific examples or data when provided.
UWorld’s APES Unit 6 FRQ-style questions and explanations show you exactly how to structure high-scoring responses, making FRQ practice clearer, faster, and more effective.
What is the "Energy Resources and Consumption" unit's weight on the AP Environmental Science exam?
AP Environmental Science Unit 6 typically makes up 10–15% of the overall AP exam. Because it covers major topics like fossil fuels, renewables, global energy use, and energy efficiency calculations, this unit appears frequently in both MCQs and FRQs. Mastering Unit 6 can significantly strengthen your total score since many questions draw directly from energy systems and their environmental impacts.
UWorld’s APES Unit 6 review, practice tests, and detailed explanations help you target this high-value unit so you can earn every possible point on exam day.
Where can I find a good study guide for AP Environmental Science Unit 6?
The best place to find a clear and reliable AP Environmental Science Unit 6 study guide is UWorld. Our APES Unit 6 study materials break down energy resources and consumption with simple explanations, visuals, examples, and practice questions that mirror real exam formats. It’s designed to help you understand difficult topics quickly and prepare effectively for MCQs, FRQs, and progress checks.
You can also review the College Board’s official APES Unit 6 outline and classroom resources for topic summaries and practice questions tied to exam standards.
For additional support, Khan Academy offers general environmental science content, though it’s not AP-specific and may not match the depth required for Unit 6.
Can I find practice tests specifically for AP Environmental Science Unit 6?
Yes, UWorld offers targeted AP Environmental Science Unit 6 practice tests designed to match the style, difficulty, and format of real APES questions. You can work through exam-style MCQs, data-analysis items, energy efficiency calculations, and Unit 6–focused FRQs with clear, step-by-step explanations. UWorld also includes customizable quizzes, progress check–style questions, smart flashcards, and a digital notebook to help you master every concept in energy resources and consumption.
Other platforms may offer general APES practice, but UWorld provides the most realistic and comprehensive Unit 6 practice experience—built to help you study smarter and score higher.
How long does it take to fully review AP Environmental Science Unit 6?
Most students need 3–5 focused study sessions to fully review AP Environmental Science Unit 6, depending on how comfortable they are with energy systems and calculations. A balanced routine that includes reading summaries, watching short concept videos, and completing a mix of MCQs and FRQs helps reinforce learning efficiently.
UWorld’s APES Unit 6 practice tools make this process faster by turning every question into a mini-lesson, so you can review key ideas and clear up confusion in less time.
What skills do I need to succeed in AP Environmental Science Unit 6?
To succeed in AP Environmental Science Unit 6, you’ll need strong skills in interpreting data, understanding how energy systems work, and connecting energy use to environmental impacts. You should also be able to apply basic math for energy calculations and explain trade-offs between different fuel types or technologies.
With UWorld’s detailed explanations, visual breakdowns, and practice test questions, you can build these skills quickly and feel confident tackling any Unit 6 question on exam day.
