Environmental Impact of Beef Production

In this AP Environmental Science session, Amy Fasler guides students through FRQ number three, focusing on analyzing environmental problems and proposing solutions with calculations. The session covers methane emissions from landfills and cattle, land efficiency for beef versus crops, and feeding efficiency of corn versus beef. Key takeaways include understanding the importance of dimensional analysis and the ecological efficiency rule.

What is a significant environmental issue associated with methane emissions from landfills?

• Methane causes ozone depletion.

• Methane is harmless to the environment.

• Methane is a greenhouse gas that leads to climate change.

• Methane contributes to acid rain.

How much methane does an average cow release per day?

• 250 liters

• 200 liters

• 150 liters

• 100 liters

What is the total methane emission from 31.2 million beef cattle in a year?

• 4.0 * 10^12 liters

• 1.7 * 10^12 liters

• 2.5 * 10^12 liters

• 3.0 * 10^12 liters

Why is raising beef cattle considered less efficient than growing crops?

• Beef cattle require more water.

• Beef cattle produce less methane.

• Beef cattle require less land.

• Beef cattle have a lower ecological efficiency.

How many kilograms of food does a typical beef cow need per day?

• 11.8 kg

• 12.5 kg

• 10.5 kg

• 13.0 kg

What is the caloric output of beef cattle per hectare compared to corn?

• Beef: 15.0 million kcal, Corn: 35.0 million kcal

• Beef: 10.0 million kcal, Corn: 20.0 million kcal

• Beef: 5.0 million kcal, Corn: 25.0 million kcal

• Beef: 2.7 million kcal, Corn: 30.4 million kcal

How many more people could be fed by growing corn instead of raising beef on 50 hectares?

• 1.0 million

• 2.0 million

• 1.8 million

• 1.5 million

What is a key strategy for solving FRQ calculations effectively?

• Memorize all formulas.

• Write out values as ratios.

• Use a calculator for all steps.

• Ignore the units.

What is the benefit of using dimensional analysis in calculations?

• It simplifies the problem.

• It ensures correct setup.

• It eliminates the need for a calculator.

• It provides exact answers.

What should you do if you use an incorrect value in a follow-up calculation?

• You can still earn points if used correctly.

• You should skip the question.

• You must redo the entire calculation.

• You will lose all points.