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AP Biology 8.7 C Describe Human Activities That Lead to Changes in Ecosystem Structure and Dynamics Questions

Explore AP Biology 8.7.C questions on how nutrient pollution, toxins, land use, construction, and other human activities change ecosystem structure, dynamics, and biodiversity.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2025
Course
AP Biology

Exam points

  • explain how excess nitrogen and phosphorus can cause algal blooms, eutrophication and changes in dissolved oxygen or aquatic communities
  • trace how persistent toxins can move through food webs and biomagnify, reducing populations or biodiversity at higher trophic levels
  • predict how habitat modification, construction, resource use or introduced technologies can alter local communities and ecosystem structure
  • propose or evaluate practical mitigation strategies while considering ecological, human-health and ethical consequences

AP Biology 8.7 C Describe Human Activities That Lead to Changes in Ecosystem Structure and Dynamics Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

The following models represent all the interacting species in two different communities with some of the same species and feeding relationships. These models assume that both communities have the same initial biomass. The models can be used to understand the effects of human activities on the communities.

Figure 1. Models of two different communities with some of the same species

Figure 1. Models of two different communities with some of the same species

Explain how human activities that add toxins to the soil could change a community with many species at each trophic level, such as community A, into a community with few species at each trophic level, such as community B.

Write your responses to this question only on the designated pages in the separate Free Response booklet.

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