AP Biology FRQ Room

Amino Acid Properties and Protein Folding

Examine how the polarity of amino acid side chains influences protein folding and enzyme activity un

Atomic Structure and Isotopes

This question focuses on isotopes and the calculation of average atomic mass using subatomic particl

Atomic Structure and Isotopes Analysis

A researcher is studying isotopes in carbon samples to trace metabolic pathways in mammalian cells.

Atomic Structure and Isotopes Analysis

Investigate the nature of atomic structure by analyzing a table that summarizes various isotopes of

Comparative Analysis of Carbohydrate Storage Molecules

Compare the structures and functions of starch and glycogen, and explain how these attributes are su

FRQ 18: Dehydration Synthesis in Proteins versus Carbohydrates

Compare dehydration synthesis reactions in the formation of proteins and carbohydrates, highlighting

Hydrogen Bonding and Unique Properties of Water

Analyze how hydrogen bonding influences water’s unique physical properties.

Lipids and Cellular Membranes

A cell biologist is investigating how membrane composition affects fluidity under different temperat

Lipids and Membrane Fluidity

A researcher is examining how cholesterol affects the fluidity of cell membranes. Artificial membran

Lipids as a Source of Energy and Structural Components

A nutrition scientist is examining how triglycerides stored in adipose tissue serve both as energy r

pH Variations in Aquatic Ecosystems: Impact and Analysis

An environmental team is monitoring pH fluctuations in a river affected by industrial pollution. Ans

Properties of Water Molecules

This question examines how water's hydrogen bonding leads to its unique properties and how these pro

Role of Trace Elements in Biological Systems

Explore the significance of trace elements in biological systems by analyzing their impact on enzyme

Structure-Function Relationship in Proteins

A molecular biologist investigates how changes in a protein’s primary structure can lead to alterati

Active Transport and the Sodium-Potassium Pump

Active transport is essential for maintaining ion gradients across the plasma membrane. (a) Describ

Active Transport: Primary vs Secondary

This question examines the concepts of primary and secondary active transport and their roles in cel

Active Transport: The Sodium-Potassium Pump

The sodium-potassium pump maintains essential ion gradients across the plasma membrane. Answer the f

Cell Signaling: Receptor-Ligand Dynamics

This FRQ examines receptor-ligand binding data to infer receptor affinity and specificity in cell si

Cellular Responses to Environmental Stress: Osmotic Pressure

The table below presents data on the percentage of cells undergoing plasmolysis under different osmo

Chloroplast Photosynthesis Efficiency Experiment

An experiment was established to study the effect of light intensity on photosynthetic efficiency in

Comparative Analysis of Plant and Animal Cell Structures

The table below compares the presence of specific organelles in plant and animal cells. Use this inf

Cytoskeletal Elements and Vesicle Transport

In a study of intracellular transport, researchers examined the effect of cytoskeletal inhibitors on

Cytoskeleton: Microfilaments vs. Microtubules

The cytoskeleton is essential for maintaining cell shape and enabling movement. Analyze the differen

Dialysis and Solute Diffusion Analysis

This FRQ explores how the principles of diffusion are utilized in dialysis to remove solutes from th

Diffusion vs. Facilitated Diffusion: Reaction Rate Analysis

The table below provides diffusion rates for a hydrophobic molecule (simple diffusion) and a hydroph

Endocytosis and Exocytosis Mechanisms

This FRQ examines the cellular processes of endocytosis and exocytosis in maintaining homeostasis.

Energy Considerations in Passive vs. Active Transport

A physiologist is comparing the energy requirements of passive diffusion and active transport, espec

Evaluating the Fluid Mosaic Model under Varying Temperature Conditions

A study investigates the effect of temperature on the fluidity of the plasma membrane to test predic

Fluid Mosaic Model and Plasma Membrane Function

The table below lists different types of membrane proteins and their functions. Use this information

Fundamentals of Diffusion and Osmosis

An experiment is conducted to observe the movement of solutes and water across cell membranes, highl

Hormone Secretion via Exocytosis

A cell secretes hormones through exocytosis. Each vesicle contains 10,000 hormone molecules and fuse

Integration of Cellular Transport Mechanisms and Homeostasis

This FRQ integrates passive and active transport mechanisms to analyze changes in intracellular ion

Microscopic Techniques in Cellular Analysis

Compare the capabilities of light microscopy and electron microscopy in studying cellular components

Microscopy Sample Preparation Fault

Researchers prepared cell samples for electron microscopy to study plasma membrane structures. The s

Mitochondrial ATP Production and Substrate Availability

Design an experiment to investigate the effect of varying substrate concentrations on ATP production

Observing Cell Structures Using Microscopy

A research laboratory has access to two principal types of microscopes: a light microscope (which ma

Osmoregulation and Water Potential in Plant Cells

This question integrates quantitative calculation using water potential with qualitative analysis to

Osmosis and Water Potential Experiment

In an experiment to investigate the effects of osmotic pressure on plant cells, researchers placed i

Osmosis and Water Potential in Plant Cells

A botanist is studying water movement in plant cells. The following table provides experimental data

Ratios of Phospholipids and Proteins in Artificial Membranes

The table below shows how varying the phospholipid-to-protein ratio in artificial membranes affects

Receptor Mediated Endocytosis and Signal Transduction

This question explores receptor-mediated endocytosis and its possible influence on downstream cellul

Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis Efficiency

Design an experiment to evaluate the efficiency of receptor-mediated endocytosis in cells exposed to

The Cytoskeleton: Structure and Function

The cytoskeleton is critical for maintaining cell shape and enabling movement. Answer the following

The Fluid Mosaic Model and Membrane Proteins

This question examines the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane and the impact of lipid composi

Activation Energy Reduction by Enzymes

Devise an experiment to measure the effect of an enzyme on reducing the activation energy of a react

Analysis of Mitochondrial Proton Gradient Formation

Researchers isolated mitochondria to study the formation of the proton gradient during oxidative pho

Analysis of Substrate Concentration Impact on Enzyme Kinetics

An undergraduate student designed an experiment to measure amylase activity by evaluating the rate o

Chloroplast Structure and Function

Examine the provided diagram of a chloroplast and identify key structures involved in photosynthesis

Cofactors in Enzymatic Reactions

A researcher is exploring the roles of various cofactors in enzyme-catalyzed reactions, with special

Comparative ATP Production in Cellular Respiration vs Photosynthesis

A researcher compares energy production in heterotrophic cells via cellular respiration and in autot

Comparing Competitive vs Noncompetitive Inhibition

Answer the following questions regarding enzyme inhibition using the provided data.

Designing an Experiment to Assess Enzyme Denaturation

A researcher wants to understand how high temperature and extreme pH values cause enzyme denaturatio

Effect of Inorganic Cofactor Concentrations on Enzyme Kinetics

Design an experiment to assess how varying concentrations of an inorganic cofactor (e.g., $$Mg^{2+}$

Efficiency of ATP Production in Isolated Mitochondria

Design an experiment to determine the effect of ADP concentration on the ATP synthesis rate in isola

Energy Coupling in Metabolic Pathways

Design an experiment to test how coupling an exergonic reaction (ATP hydrolysis) with an endergonic

Energy Diagrams and Reaction Types

A researcher provides the following table representing a reaction's energy changes: the reactants ha

Entropy and Energy Efficiency in Bioenergetics

Examine how energy transfer in cellular reactions adheres to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, and c

Enzyme Kinetics and Saturation Analysis

Understanding enzyme kinetics is essential for analyzing reaction rates. Examine the concept of satu

Enzyme Kinetics: Saturation and Reaction Rates

A researcher examines the effect of substrate concentration on enzyme activity to explore substrate

Experimental Design: Role of Cofactors in Enzyme Activity

Cofactors play a vital role in enzyme catalysis. Design an experiment to investigate how varying con

Impact of pH on Photosynthetic Efficiency

Design an experiment to investigate the effect of pH on the rate of photosynthesis in aquatic plants

Impact of Unintended Inhibition on Hexokinase Activity Measurements

A student designed an experiment to measure the kinetics of hexokinase by monitoring the rate of glu

Integrated Metabolic Pathway Analysis

A researcher examines the contributions of different stages of cellular respiration to the overall p

Photosystem Function and Pigment Absorption

Photosystems I and II are integral to the light-dependent reactions in photosynthesis. Discuss their

Proton Gradients in Cellular Energy Conversion

A researcher is exploring how proton gradients are generated and utilized in mitochondria and chloro

Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex (PDC) and its Role in Respiration

This question examines the conversion of pyruvic acid to acetyl-CoA by the pyruvate dehydrogenase co

Reaction Coupling and ATP Hydrolysis Calculations

Cells frequently couple exergonic and endergonic reactions to drive unfavorable processes. Use the p

Temperature Effects on Enzyme Kinetics

A biochemist examines how temperature influences enzyme activity in controlled experiments.

Thermodynamic Constraints on Reaction Coupling

This question explores the thermodynamic basis for coupling reactions in metabolism.

Activation of Cell Cycle Checkpoints Following DNA Damage

When cells encounter DNA damage, such as from UV radiation, cell cycle checkpoints become activated

Analyzing the Effects of Mutations in CDKs on Cell Cycle Progression

A study compares wild-type cells to cells with mutations in cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), assessi

Bacterial Chemotaxis and Signal Transduction

Unicellular bacteria exhibit chemotaxis, moving toward beneficial chemicals. In the following experi

Cancer Biology: Oncogenes vs. Tumor Suppressor Genes

This question explores the genetic basis of cancer by distinguishing between oncogenes and tumor sup

Catalytic Receptor Activity in Initiating Cell Division

An experiment is designed to study the effect of an enzyme-linked (catalytic) receptor on cell proli

Cell Cycle Checkpoints and DNA Damage Response

A laboratory study exposes cultured cells to a DNA-damaging agent and measures checkpoint protein le

Chemotaxis in Unicellular Organisms

A recent study claims that chemotaxis in unicellular organisms is primarily controlled by the intera

Chemotaxis in Unicellular Organisms: Gradient Response Analysis

This question investigates chemotaxis in unicellular organisms and how they respond to chemical grad

Cyclin D and Cell Cycle Progression

A researcher tests the hypothesis that increased levels of cyclin D accelerate the G1/S transition b

Disruption of Mitosis with Microtubule Inhibitors

Design an experiment to assess the impact of a microtubule inhibitor (such as colchicine) on mitosis

Effects of Environmental Stimuli on Taxis Behavior

A team of researchers analyzes how different environmental stimuli influence the movement directions

Enzyme-Linked Receptors in Cellular Metabolism

A cell biologist is investigating the signaling mechanisms initiated by the binding of epidermal gro

Experimental Design: Investigating Taxis Behavior

A scientist aims to study the directed movement (taxis) of organisms in response to a chemical gradi

Feedback Control in Hormone Regulation

Design an experiment investigating the negative feedback loop between insulin and glucagon in regula

Feedback Mechanisms in Homeostasis: Insulin Regulation

A clinical study on a diabetic patient records blood glucose levels before and after insulin adminis

GPCR and Second Messenger Dynamics

Develop an experimental design to investigate how ligand binding to a G-protein-coupled receptor (GP

Impact of Environmental Stimuli on Unicellular Organisms

Unicellular organisms rely on taxis to navigate their environments. Answer the following questions r

Intracellular Signaling and Second Messengers

Second messengers play a critical role in amplifying and transmitting signals within the cell. Par

Ligand-Gated Ion Channels and Muscle Contraction

A physiologist is studying neuromuscular signaling, focusing on how acetylcholine binding at the neu

Mathematical Modeling of Diffusion in Signal Transduction

This question explores the diffusion of signaling molecules using Fick's First Law and requires a mu

Mathematical Modeling of Ligand-Receptor Interactions

Researchers model the binding of ligands to cell surface receptors using the equation $$B = \frac{B_

Mathematical Modeling of Signal Amplification

Cellular signaling pathways often feature amplification steps that magnify the initial signal. Throu

Positive Feedback Mechanisms in Biological Systems

This question analyzes positive feedback systems by comparing them with negative feedback, using the

Receptor Function and Ligand Binding

A recent research article argues that receptor specificity for ligands is a crucial determinant in e

Receptor Mutation: Effects on Signal Transduction

Mutations in receptors can drastically alter signal transduction. Part a: Explain how a mutation i

Signal Transduction Cascade and Receptor Saturation

A researcher investigates the effect of a signaling molecule on the activation of a receptor-mediate

Signal Transduction via G-Protein Coupled Receptors

A study investigates a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) mediated signaling pathway leading to cAMP

Temporal Dynamics of Cyclin Concentrations

A graph displays changes in cyclin concentration (in arbitrary units) over time during the cell cycl

Analyzing Incomplete Dominance and Codominance

A plant biologist is studying flower color in snapdragons and human blood types. Crosses between red

Barr Bodies and X-Inactivation

X-inactivation is a process that equalizes gene dosage in female mammals. Answer the following: (a)

Chromosome Separation Simulation Experiment

In an experiment, students used a microfluidic chip to simulate the stages of meiosis in plant cells

Comparing Mitosis and Meiosis

Cell division occurs via mitosis and meiosis, each serving distinct purposes. Answer the following:

Critiquing an Experimental Protocol on Linked Genes Mapping

A genetics laboratory designed an experiment to map linked genes on a chromosome by calculating reco

Designing a Test Cross Experiment

Design a test cross experiment to determine if a tall pea plant is homozygous dominant (TT) or heter

Dihybrid Cross and Independent Assortment

The dihybrid cross is a key experiment illustrating the Law of Independent Assortment. In this scena

Epistatic Interactions: Modifiers of Mendelian Ratios

This question challenges you to analyze epistatic interactions where one gene masks the expression o

Error in Punnett Square Calculation for Dihybrid Cross

In a dihybrid cross experiment, a researcher used a Punnett square to predict the phenotypic ratios

Evidence for Haploid and Diploid States

A researcher conducted an experiment to determine chromosome numbers in various cell types. The foll

Experimental Design in Genetics: Detecting Linked Genes

Designing experiments to determine whether two genes are linked requires careful planning and analys

Experimental Design: Environmental Effects on Gene Expression

Design an experiment to investigate how environmental factors affect the expression of a specific ge

Gametogenesis Differences: Spermatogenesis vs. Oogenesis

Gametogenesis is the process by which germ cells develop into mature gametes. This question compares

Gene Linkage and Recombination Frequencies

A study on linked genes yielded the following recombination frequencies between three genes, A, B, a

Genetic Variation from Crossing Over

During prophase I of meiosis, crossing over can lead to recombinant chromosomes. Assume the probabil

Haploid and Diploid Cell Analysis

In many organisms, cells can be either haploid (n) or diploid (2n). This question addresses the diff

Incomplete Dominance in Flower Color

In some cases, the blending of traits can occur through incomplete dominance, such as in snapdragons

Inheritance Patterns: Incomplete Dominance and Codominance

Not all traits follow purely dominant-recessive inheritance. Consider cases of incomplete dominance

Investigating Gene Expression and Pedigree Data for Sex-linked Conditions

Analyze the provided pedigree data for a sex-linked condition (e.g., hemophilia) and predict inherit

Investigating Meiotic Nondisjunction Effects

During a study on meiotic errors, a cytogeneticist examines the occurrence of nondisjunction in game

Linkage and Recombination Mapping

Using recombination frequencies between three linked genes A, B, and C, construct a simple genetic m

Linked Genes and Recombination Mapping

Genes that are located close together on the same chromosome can be inherited together due to geneti

Mendelian Inheritance: Monohybrid Cross Analysis

Using a monohybrid cross between tall pea plants (T) and short pea plants (t), analyze and predict t

Mitochondrial Inheritance: An Experiment in Maternal Effects

A team of researchers investigated mitochondrial inheritance by comparing offspring traits from reci

Mitochondrial vs Nuclear Inheritance

Mitochondrial inheritance represents a unique mode of genetic transmission. Compare mitochondrial in

Polygenic Inheritance and Environmental Influences on Phenotype

Polygenic traits, such as human height, are influenced by multiple genes as well as environmental fa

Quantitative Analysis of Crossing-over Frequency

Calculate the recombination frequency using experimental data and discuss how this measurement is us

Statistical Analysis of Gamete Viability Based on Environmental Stress

A study evaluates the effect of temperature on gamete viability. Analyze the provided data and discu

Time-Lapse Microscopy Analysis of Meiosis Stages

Design an experiment using time-lapse microscopy to analyze the dynamics of meiosis in a model cell

Understanding Sex-linked Traits and X Inactivation

Discuss the inheritance patterns of X-linked recessive traits (such as color blindness) and the role

Analyzing DNA Gel Electrophoresis Results

A researcher runs gel electrophoresis on DNA fragments produced by a restriction enzyme. Three bands

Analyzing Frameshift Mutations

Frameshift mutations can drastically alter the reading frame of a gene. Given the original mRNA sequ

Analyzing the Role of Spliceosomes in mRNA Processing

A researcher investigated how inhibition of the spliceosome affects mRNA processing. The table below

Antiparallel Structure of DNA and Its Functional Implications

The antiparallel orientation of DNA strands is a key feature of the double helix. Answer the followi

Bacterial Gene Transfer by Transduction

Analyze the process of transduction in bacteria and its implications for genetic diversity.

Comparative Analysis of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Gene Expression

A researcher compared key features of gene expression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The table

CRISPR-Mediated Gene Duplication Study with Target Site Error

A researcher employs CRISPR-Cas9 to create gene duplications in yeast cells with the goal of augment

DNA Base Pairing and Hydrogen Bond Energy

This question focuses on the quantitative and qualitative aspects of hydrogen bonding in the DNA dou

DNA Replication Dynamics and Enzyme Function

A research laboratory is investigating the roles of various enzymes in DNA replication. Using the pr

DNA Sequencing and RFLP Analysis

Scientists use restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis to compare DNA sequences amo

DNA Topology and Supercoiling

Investigate the challenges posed by DNA supercoiling during replication and the role of topoisomeras

Effects of DNA Mutations on Antiparallel Structure

A diagram provided in the stimulus shows a segment of a double-stranded DNA molecule, with one stran

Effects of Point Mutations on Protein Synthesis

Mutations in the genetic code can have varying effects on protein synthesis. Consider the following

Gel Electrophoresis and RFLP Analysis

Scientists use gel electrophoresis to analyze restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) from

Gene Regulation in Eukaryotic Cells

In studying gene regulation, a researcher monitored mRNA expression in eukaryotic cells after applyi

Genomic Organization and Chromatin Structure

Discuss how genomic organization affects gene expression.

Hox Genes and Embryonic Development

An investigation into embryonic development reveals abnormalities in segment formation. Researchers

Investigation of Plasmid Size on Transformation Efficiency

Propose an experimental design to assess how plasmid size affects transformation efficiency in bacte

Leading vs. Lagging Strand Synthesis Analysis

In DNA replication, the lagging strand is synthesized in short segments called Okazaki fragments. Th

Mutation Types and Phenotypic Consequences

This question focuses on different types of genetic mutations and how they affect proteins and pheno

Operon Regulation Study with Misinterpretation of Repressor Binding

To understand gene regulation in bacteria, a researcher investigates a mutant strain with an altered

Operon Regulation Under Nutrient Conditions

This question explores how environmental conditions can affect operon-mediated gene regulation in ba

Plasmid Construction and Genetic Engineering

This question focuses on the use of plasmids in genetic engineering. Provide comprehensive answers t

Recombinant DNA and Gene Cloning

A biotechnologist is engineering a plasmid to express a human gene (e.g., insulin) in bacteria.

Recombinant DNA and Gene Cloning Efficiency

A research team is investigating the efficiency of gene cloning by transforming bacteria with plasmi

Retroviral Replication and Reverse Transcriptase

Researchers are studying the replication cycle of retroviruses and comparing it with bacteriophage r

RNA Interference (RNAi) and Post-Transcriptional Regulation

This question explores the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi) and its application in regulating ge

Transcription and RNA Processing

This question covers the fundamentals of transcription and post-transcriptional RNA processing.

Translation Efficiency and Codon Usage

A laboratory study examined how codon usage affects translation efficiency in eukaryotic cells using

UV Radiation and Mutation Rate

UV radiation is known to cause DNA mutations. Using the provided graph and your understanding of DNA

Adaptive Radiation and Speciation in Isolated Environments

After a geographical isolation event, a single species was observed to diversify rapidly into severa

Analyzing Data: Directional, Stabilizing, and Disruptive Selection

A biologist collects data on a population before and after an environmental change and obtains the f

Analyzing Fossil Record Evidence for Evolution

Examine how the fossil record supports evolutionary theory. Answer the following parts:

Artificial Selection in Domestic Animals: Inheritance Patterns

A breeder is performing a selective breeding program to enhance a desirable trait in a domestic anim

Artificial Selection Versus Natural Selection

Contrast the processes of artificial selection and natural selection.

Biogeography and Evolutionary History

A biogeographical study examines the distribution of species across various regions. The table below

Biogeography and Evolutionary Patterns

Biogeography provides important insights into the processes of speciation and evolutionary history.

Biogeography and Phylogenetic Trees

Biogeographical data and phylogenetic trees provide insights into evolutionary history. Answer the f

Climate Change and Evolutionary Dynamics

Rapid climate change imposes novel selective pressures on populations. Assess the potential evolutio

Climate Change and Evolutionary Shifts in Species Distribution

A long-term study tracks an alpine plant population that is experiencing upward shifts in altitude d

Comparing Artificial and Natural Selection

Compare and contrast the mechanisms of artificial selection and natural selection using examples fro

Comparing Evolutionary Theories: Darwin vs. Lamarck

Answer the following questions comparing two evolutionary theories:

Convergent vs. Divergent Evolution

This question examines the differences between convergent and divergent evolution. Use your understa

Darwin vs. Lamarck: Mechanisms of Evolution

The theories proposed by Charles Darwin and Jean-Baptiste Lamarck offer different explanations for h

Designing an Experiment on Artificial Selection

Artificial selection involves humans choosing which organisms reproduce. Create a detailed experimen

Effects of Gene Flow on Allele Frequencies in Populations

Gene flow can alter allele frequencies within a population by introducing new alleles from immigrant

Effects of Genetic Drift: The Bottleneck Effect

After a natural disaster, a population of rodents underwent a severe reduction in size. The followin

Environmental Pressures and Adaptive Evolution

Environmental factors drive adaptive changes in populations. Answer the following:

Environmental Pressures and Adaptive Traits

Selective pressures from an organism’s environment influence the development of adaptive traits. Use

Environmental Pressures and Evolutionary Fitness in Fish Populations

Researchers are studying fish populations in an estuary with varying salinity and pollution levels t

Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance

A graph depicts the increase in the percentage of antibiotic-resistant bacteria over a 30-day period

Evolutionary Adaptation in Polluted Environments

Researchers studying a fish population in a river heavily affected by industrial pollution have noti

Evolutionary Consequences of Non-Random Mating in a Fish Population

In a coastal fish population, individuals preferentially choose mates with brighter coloration. Answ

Evolutionary Dynamics in Peppered Moths

A population of peppered moths in an industrial area experienced a dramatic shift in phenotype frequ

Experimental Evolution in Microbial Populations

Researchers exposed a bacterial population to increasing concentrations of an antibiotic and recorde

Experimental Test on Effects of Sexual Selection in Bird Mating Displays

Design an experiment to investigate how female mate choice influences the evolution of male plumage

Genetic Drift in Isolated Island Bird Populations

In this experiment, a researcher aims to understand the impact of genetic drift on a small isolated

Genetic Drift: Bottleneck Effect in a Small Population

A study tracked the frequency of a specific allele in a small population over 10 generations. A grap

Graphical Comparison of Selection Types

A graph displays three curves representing the effects of directional, stabilizing, and disruptive s

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and Evolutionary Change

A geneticist is studying a large population of beetles assumed to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium w

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium in Populations

The Hardy-Weinberg principle provides a framework for understanding genetic variation in populations

Homologous vs. Analogous Structures and Evolution

Differentiate between homologous and analogous structures and explain how each provides insights int

Interpreting Phylogenetic Trees and Common Ancestry

Phylogenetic trees illustrate the evolutionary relationships among species. Analyze the provided phy

Interpreting Phylogenetic Trees and Common Ancestry

Analyze a simplified phylogenetic tree to infer evolutionary relationships among vertebrate species

Investigating Embryological Evidence for Evolution

Design an experiment to compare gene expression patterns during embryogenesis in different vertebrat

Lamarck vs Darwin: Mechanisms of Trait Inheritance

Contrast Lamarckian inheritance and Darwinian natural selection by analyzing a case study of lizards

Lamarckian vs. Darwinian Evolutionary Mechanisms

Compare and contrast Lamarck’s theory of acquired traits with Darwin’s theory of natural selection,

Measuring Evolutionary Fitness in Frog Populations

In this experiment, a researcher investigates evolutionary fitness within a frog population by quant

Miller-Urey Experiment and the Origin of Organic Molecules

In an experiment simulating early Earth conditions, scientists introduced a mixture of gases, applie

Modeling the Hardy-Weinberg Principle in a Changing Population

Apply the Hardy-Weinberg principle to a population undergoing genetic change, and critique the model

Molecular Evidence for Evolution

Discuss how molecular biology provides critical evidence for evolution, with a focus on DNA and prot

Molecular Evidence for Evolution: Comparative DNA Analysis

This FRQ focuses on how molecular data, such as DNA sequence comparisons, provide compelling evidenc

Mutation as the Source of Genetic Variation

Explain the role of mutations in generating genetic variability and discuss their different impacts

Natural Selection and Environmental Pressures

This question examines how environmental pressures drive natural selection in a population. Using da

Natural Selection vs Genetic Drift

In a small isolated population, both natural selection and genetic drift can affect allele frequenci

Non-random Mating and Hardy-Weinberg Deviations

A table provides data on a population exhibiting non-random mating with an inbreeding coefficient $$

Origins of Life and the RNA-World Hypothesis

Experiments simulating early Earth conditions have provided data on the synthesis of amino acids. Us

Paleontological Analysis and Morphological Homology

In this experiment, a researcher studies fossil specimens from two different geological periods to i

Peppered Moths: A Case Study in Natural Selection

Examine a historical scenario involving the peppered moth. Before industrialization, the moth popula

Peppered Moths: Environmental Impact and Evolution

A study of peppered moth populations before, during, and after industrialization provides insights i

Phylogenetic Trees and Common Ancestry

Researchers have compiled both molecular and fossil data to construct a phylogenetic tree that maps

Phylogenetic Trees and Common Ancestry

Discuss the construction and interpretation of phylogenetic trees, and explain how they provide evid

Population Bottlenecks and Founder Effects

Examine how population bottlenecks and founder effects can dramatically alter allele frequencies in

Population Genetics Simulation: Allele Frequency Change Over Time

A simulation of allele frequency in a population over time is represented by the graph provided.

Selective Pressures in Plant Populations: Light and Resource Competition

An experiment is conducted on two groups of plants grown under varying light intensities. Researcher

Sexual Selection and Mate Choice in Peafowl

A long-term field study on peafowl examines the relationship between male tail length and mating suc

Sexual Selection: Trade-offs in Peafowl

Studies of peafowl indicate that males with larger and more colorful tails are more attractive to fe

Speciation and Reproductive Barriers

Examine the process of allopatric speciation and explain the role of reproductive isolation in the f

Speciation Mechanisms: Allopatric vs. Sympatric Speciation

Speciation involves the emergence of new species through various mechanisms. Consider the processes

The Peppered Moth Case Study: Directional Selection

Examine the classic case of the peppered moth and answer the following questions:

The RNA World Hypothesis

Discuss the RNA world hypothesis and its significance in explaining the origins of life on Earth.

The RNA World Hypothesis and the Origins of Life

Experiments simulating early Earth conditions, such as the Miller-Urey experiment, provide support f

Animal Communication through Pheromones

This FRQ explores chemical communication among animals via pheromones, focusing on their role in mod

Behavioral Adaptations in Extreme Environments

This FRQ examines how animals adjust their behavior to thrive in extreme environmental conditions.

Biodiversity Analysis and Diversity Index

Using the species count data provided, calculate Simpson’s Diversity Index and interpret what the va

Biomagnification of Toxins in Food Chains

A study investigates the accumulation of toxins in a freshwater ecosystem and its impact on organism

Carrying Capacity and Population Regulation

This final question examines the concept of carrying capacity and how external factors can regulate

Carrying Capacity and Population Stability

An ecologist monitors a population of rodents in a confined habitat. The data initially show exponen

Chemical Communication Analysis

A study was conducted to analyze how varying concentrations of pheromones affect the frequency of a

Circadian Clock Genes: Oscillatory Patterns in Gene Expression

Investigate the oscillatory behavior of circadian clock genes in mammals using a mathematical model.

Circadian Rhythms in Plants

A botanist investigates how different light/dark cycles affect flowering time in a plant species kno

Dominance Hierarchies and Territoriality in Social Animals

Social animals often establish dominance hierarchies and territories that structure interactions wit

Ecological Pyramid and Energy Flow

Energy flow through ecosystems is depicted by ecological pyramids, which illustrate the transfer of

Ecological Pyramids and Energy Transfer Efficiency

In many ecosystems, only about 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next. Cons

Ecological Succession in a Post-Volcanic Landscape

Investigate the process of primary ecological succession following a volcanic eruption, focusing on

Ecological Succession: Primary Succession in a Barren Landscape

Review the series of illustrations depicting primary succession in a barren landscape. Answer the fo

Human Impact on Ecosystems

Human activities have significantly altered natural ecosystems. This FRQ examines various human-indu

Imprinting and Instinct: A Case Study

A researcher observed newly hatched chicks exposed to different moving objects during a critical per

Investigating Primary Succession After Disturbance

After a volcanic eruption, a newly formed land surface undergoes primary succession. Researchers cla

Learning versus Instinct: Behavioral Adaptations in Navigational Tasks

A study compared the maze navigation times of animals relying solely on instinct versus those allowe

Metabolic Rate in Endotherms vs Ectotherms

A researcher conducts an experiment aiming to compare the metabolic rate of endotherms and ectotherm

Modeling Population Growth: Exponential Growth Analysis

Populations in ideal conditions often exhibit exponential growth. Answer the following parts.

Pheromone Communication in Insects

An entomologist conducts an experiment to examine the effect of pheromones on the mating behavior of

Photoperiodism and Flowering in Plants

A study investigated how day length influences the number of days required for a plant to flower. Th

Photosynthetic Response to Light Intensity in Shade Plants

A plant ecologist investigates the photosynthetic response of shade-adapted plants to varying light

Plant Tropisms: Phototropism, Gravitropism, and Thigmotropism

Plants display directional growth responses or tropisms in reaction to external stimuli. Phototropis

Population Dynamics Under Environmental Stress

An ecologist studies a population of amphibians under different environmental stressors including po

Population Growth and Carrying Capacity

This FRQ examines population dynamics with a focus on exponential growth and carrying capacity.

Population Growth and Exponential Growth

A biologist observes that a bacterial colony in a nutrient-rich environment exhibits exponential gro

Primary vs. Net Productivity in Ecosystems

Gross productivity refers to the total amount of organic material produced via photosynthesis; howev

Simpson’s Diversity Index and Ecosystem Health

This FRQ assesses your understanding of biodiversity metrics, particularly Simpson’s Diversity Index

Simpson's Diversity Index: Calculations and Ecological Implications

Simpson's Diversity Index is used to quantify the biodiversity of a community. Answer the following

Thermoregulation in Endotherms vs. Ectotherms

A biologist compared two groups of animals—endotherms and ectotherms—by measuring their body tempera