AP Environmental Science 5.1: Tragedy of the Commons

Practice AP Environmental Science questions on how individual self-interest can deplete shared natural resources and harm the common good.

Covered syllabus points

EIN-2.A—Explain the concept of the tragedy of the commons

[Maximum number: 1]

Asian carp were first introduced in the southern United States in the 1970s by fish farmers wanting to control algal growth in fish ponds. Asian carp can eat up to 40\% of their body weight in algae each day, and a female carp can produce up to 1 million eggs every year.

Distribution of the Asian Carp in the United States

Figure for Question 5.1 The Tragedy of the Commons question 1 — AP Environmental Science

Describe one way that overfishing of blue pike illustrates the tragedy of the commons.

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Covered syllabus points

5.1 The Tragedy of the Commons question 1