AP Biology FRQ Room

Ace the free response questions on your AP Biology exam with practice FRQs graded by Kai. Choose your subject below.

Which subject are you taking?

Knowt can make mistakes. Consider checking important information.

Pick your exam

AP Biology Free Response Questions

The best way to get better at FRQs is practice. Browse through dozens of practice AP $AP Biology FRQs to get ready for the big day.

  • View all (250)
  • Unit 1: Chemistry of Life (22)
  • Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function (25)
  • Unit 3: Cellular Energetics (23)
  • Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle (31)
  • Unit 5: Heredity (33)
  • Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation (28)
  • Unit 7: Natural Selection (60)
  • Unit 8: Ecology (28)
Unit 1: Chemistry of Life

Analyzing Protein Denaturation in Response to pH Variations

A researcher investigates protein denaturation by exposing a protein solution to a pH range from 3 t

Hard

Carbohydrate Structure and Monosaccharide Energy Utilization

A nutritionist is investigating the energy yield differences between monosaccharides and disaccharid

Medium

Carbohydrates: Structure and Function

Investigate the structural differences and roles of monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysacchari

Easy

Chemical Bonding in Biological Molecules

Investigate the different types of chemical bonds that are critical to biological molecules. Conside

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Energy Storage Molecules

This question focuses on the differences in energy storage among carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins

Hard

Evaluating Chemical Bonding in Organic Molecules

In an advanced organic chemistry lab, a student compares the strengths of ionic, covalent, and hydro

Medium

Investigating Carbohydrate Polymerization via Dehydration Synthesis

A researcher studies the formation of disaccharides through dehydration synthesis by mixing two mono

Medium

Isotopic Tracers in Metabolic Pathways

Analyze the use of isotopes as tracers in the study of metabolic pathways.

Extreme

Macromolecule Diversity in Cells

Compare the major classes of organic molecules found in cells and their functional roles.

Easy

Molecular Interactions in Organic Compounds

Researchers are studying the interactions among various organic molecules such as carbohydrates, pro

Medium

Nucleic Acid Stability Under Temperature Variation

A geneticist investigates the thermal stability of DNA by monitoring its denaturation as the tempera

Medium

Nucleic Acids: Structure and Information Storage

A genetics laboratory is studying bacterial DNA mutations following exposure to a mutagen. Answer th

Medium

Organic Molecule Synthesis: Dehydration Synthesis

A biochemist investigates the formation of polysaccharides from monosaccharides through dehydration

Easy

Polymerization and Hydrolysis of Organic Molecules

Explore the reversible processes of polymerization and depolymerization in organic molecules and how

Medium

Polymerization and Hydrolysis Reactions

This question examines the reversible reactions that create and break down biological polymers, emph

Medium

Protein Denaturation: Heat and pH Effects

Investigate how environmental conditions such as temperature and pH lead to protein denaturation.

Extreme

Quantitative Analysis of Carbohydrate Storage

Examine the role of carbohydrate storage in plants and perform a quantitative analysis based on prod

Easy

Structural Adaptations in Biological Macromolecules

Compare the structural features of proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, and nucleic acids and explain

Easy

Structure and Function of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates such as starch and cellulose are both polymers of glucose but differ in their glycosid

Easy

Synergistic Roles of Organic Molecules in Cellular Function

A molecular biologist is investigating how carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids intera

Extreme

The Role of Electrostatic Interactions in Molecular Function

A study is investigating how electrostatic interactions, such as ionic bonds and polar covalent bond

Easy

Water in Polymer Hydrolysis Reactions

Analyze the role of water in the hydrolysis of polymers.

Medium
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

Active Transport and ATP Usage in Ion Pumps

A study was conducted to assess the role of ATP in the activity of the sodium-potassium pump in cult

Medium

Active Transport and Ion Pumps

Active transport mechanisms allow cells to move substances against their concentration gradients. Ex

Hard

Analyzing Protein Synthesis: The Role of Ribosomes

A molecular biologist is investigating protein synthesis by examining the role and structure of ribo

Easy

Bulk Flow and Dialysis in Biological Systems

Bulk flow and dialysis are processes that involve the movement of fluids and solutes. Answer the fol

Easy

Cell Size and Diffusion Experiment

An experiment was designed to study the rate of dye diffusion in cells of varying sizes, using the c

Easy

Comparative Analysis of Endocytic Pathways

Different types of endocytosis include pinocytosis, phagocytosis, and receptor-mediated endocytosis.

Easy

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

Easy

Comparing Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

This question explores the structural differences and corresponding functional implications between

Medium

Critically Evaluating Cellular Storage: Vacuoles in Plant Cells

A research paper claims that central vacuoles in plant cells are essential for maintaining turgor pr

Medium

Cytoskeleton and Cellular Dynamics

Cell shape, division, and movement are critically dependent on the cytoskeleton. (a) Compare the ro

Medium

Dialysis and Solute Diffusion Analysis

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

Easy

Endocytosis and Exocytosis: Mechanisms and Functions

A researcher is exploring the mechanisms by which cells internalize and expel substances. The proces

Easy

Energy Required for Endocytosis

During receptor-mediated endocytosis, a cell forms a vesicle from the plasma membrane. If the energy

Medium

Golgi Complex Function in Protein Secretion

Design an experiment to assess how inhibition of the Golgi complex affects protein processing and se

Easy

Impact of Cytoskeletal Integrity on Cell Stability

Design an experiment to assess how chemical disruption of microtubules affects cell shape stability

Medium

Kinetics of Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis

This question integrates data analysis with kinetic concepts to understand receptor-mediated endocyt

Extreme

Mitochondrial Function and Energy Conversion

Mitochondria convert energy from nutrients into ATP. Answer each part of the question below:

Medium

Mitochondrial Structure and ATP Synthesis

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, with structures that are intricately linked to their f

Medium

Observing Cell Structures Using Microscopy

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

Medium

Organism Heat Exchange and Surface Area Scaling

Consider a cube-shaped organism whose ability to exchange heat depends on its surface area-to-volume

Medium

Osmosis and Water Potential Experiment

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

Hard

Peroxisome Detoxification Experiment

A study was undertaken to evaluate the detoxification efficiency of peroxisomes in liver cells by me

Medium

Solute Potential and Osmosis in Cells

In an experiment, the water (solute) potential of a solution is calculated using the equation $$\Psi

Medium

Surface Area-to-Volume Ratios and Cellular Function

A recent study aimed to quantify the relationship between cell size and the efficiency of material e

Medium

Transport Protein Channel Dynamics

In an experiment to investigate the role of aquaporins in water transport across the plasma membrane

Easy
Unit 3: Cellular Energetics

Allosteric Regulation and Enzyme Inhibition

This question focuses on enzyme regulation via inhibitors and allosteric effects.

Hard

Cellular Respiration Stages and Energy Production

Describe the four stages of cellular respiration, detailing the key reactions and net production of

Hard

Comparative Analysis of Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration both rely on electron transport chains. Analyze and compare

Medium

Comparative ATP Production in Cellular Respiration vs Photosynthesis

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

Extreme

Coupled Reactions and ATP Synthesis

A researcher investigates how cells couple exergonic and endergonic reactions to drive ATP synthesis

Medium

Effect of Inorganic Cofactor Concentrations on Enzyme Kinetics

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

Medium

Energy Diagrams and Reaction Types

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

Medium

Enzyme Inhibition Mechanisms

Enzymatic activity can be modulated by various inhibitors. This problem examines both competitive an

Medium

Enzyme Kinetics Analysis

A researcher conducts an experiment where the rate of an enzyme reaction is measured at varying subs

Easy

Enzyme Kinetics and Saturation Analysis

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

Hard

Enzyme Saturation and Michaelis-Menten Kinetics

A biochemist studies how substrate concentration affects the rate of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction us

Medium

Fermentation and Muscle Function

Under strenuous exercise, muscle cells switch to anaerobic respiration (fermentation), leading to la

Medium

Investigation of Cytochrome c Oxidase Inhibition and Membrane Integrity

A research team designed an experiment to study the effect of increasing concentrations of a cytochr

Hard

Investigation of Enzyme Catalysis in ATP Hydrolysis

A research team designed an experiment to study the effect of enzyme concentration on ATP hydrolysis

Medium

Mechanism of Induced-Fit in Enzymatic Reactions

Experimental evidence suggests that an enzyme undergoes a conformational change upon substrate bindi

Medium

pH Effects on Enzyme Function

This question investigates how pH influences enzyme structure and function.

Easy

Proton Gradients in Cellular Energy Conversion

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

Hard

Reaction Coupling and ATP Hydrolysis

This question addresses the concept of reaction coupling in metabolic processes.

Easy

Role of Cofactors in Enzyme Catalysis

A researcher explores how cofactors and coenzymes enhance enzyme activity in biochemical reactions.

Easy

Temperature Dependence of Enzyme Activity

A researcher measured an enzyme's activity at various temperatures, and the results are shown in the

Medium

The Calvin Cycle and Carbon Fixation Pathways

This question examines the Calvin-Benson cycle along with alternative carbon fixation pathways (C3,

Hard

The Calvin Cycle and Light-Independent Reactions

The Calvin Cycle is critical for carbon fixation in photosynthesis. Explain the steps of the Calvin

Medium

Thermodynamics in Cellular Processes

A cellular biologist is studying how cells maintain order despite continuous energy transformations.

Medium
Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle

Assessment of Mitotic Checkpoint Failures in Cancer Cells

This question evaluates the impact of failure in mitotic checkpoints on chromosomal segregation accu

Extreme

Cancer Biology: Oncogenes vs. Tumor Suppressor Genes

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

Medium

Catalytic Receptor Activity in Initiating Cell Division

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

Hard

Cell Cycle Checkpoints and DNA Damage Response

A cell culture study investigates the effect of UV radiation on cell cycle progression. After exposu

Hard

Cell Cycle Disruption and Cancer Development

Mutations affecting cell cycle regulators can lead to cancer. Answer the following questions regardi

Hard

Cell Migration and Developmental Patterning

Design an experiment to study the migration patterns of cells during development in a tissue model,

Medium

Chemotaxis in Unicellular Organisms

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

Easy

Comparative Analysis of Receptor Types in Signal Transduction

An article compares three classes of membrane receptors: ligand-gated ion channels, catalytic recept

Hard

Effects of Environmental Stress on Cell Signaling and Cycle Regulation

A study examines the impact of a high concentration of an environmental toxin on kidney cells, asses

Hard

Effects of Receptor Inhibition on Signal Transduction

A pharmaceutical test examines the effect of a new compound on signal transduction in cultured cells

Medium

Effects of Toxins on Receptor Function

Certain toxins act as competitive inhibitors by binding to the ligand-binding sites of membrane rece

Medium

Experimental Design: Investigating Taxis Behavior

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

Hard

Feedback Inhibition in Hormone Signaling

In an investigation of insulin's role in blood glucose regulation, a researcher treats isolated live

Easy

G-Protein Coupled Receptors Function

G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) play a crucial role in cellular signaling. Answer the following

Hard

G-Protein-Coupled Receptors and cAMP Amplification

An endocrinologist studies the effect of adrenaline on heart cells, focusing on its interaction with

Hard

GPCR and Second Messenger Dynamics

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

Hard

Homeostasis and Hormonal Regulation

It is claimed that insulin and glucagon work via feedback mechanisms to maintain blood glucose level

Easy

Impact of CDK Inhibition on Cell Cycle Progression

Design an experiment to analyze the effect of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors on cell cycle

Extreme

Impact of Receptor Mutation on Signal Transduction

A mutation in the extracellular domain of a plasma membrane receptor can drastically alter cell comm

Hard

Insulin's Role in Blood Glucose Homeostasis

Propose an experimental design to investigate how insulin contributes to maintaining blood glucose l

Medium

Integration of Taxis and Signal Transduction Pathways

Cells integrate external chemical signals and internal signal transduction mechanisms to navigate th

Easy

Intracellular Signaling and Second Messengers

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

Medium

Ligand-Gated Ion Channels and Muscle Contraction

A study examines the role of acetylcholine in muscle contraction via ligand-gated ion channels. The

Easy

Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes

Cancer development is closely linked to genetic alterations in cell cycle regulation. A researcher i

Hard

Oncogenes, Tumor Suppressors, and Cancer Progression

A research study compares the proliferation rates of different cell types to understand the roles of

Medium

Pathway Crosstalk Analysis in Fibroblasts

A researcher explores potential crosstalk between the MAP kinase pathway and the PI3K/Akt pathway in

Extreme

Plasma Membrane Receptor Specificity

Researchers test the specificity of plasma membrane receptors by exposing a cultured cell line to a

Medium

Positive Feedback in Signal Amplification

A study investigates the role of positive feedback in the blood clotting cascade. In this experiment

Medium

Receptor Mutation: Effects on Signal Transduction

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

Hard

Regulation of Cell Division in Response to DNA Damage

Cells possess mechanisms to respond to DNA damage, ensuring genomic integrity. A researcher is inves

Hard

Signal Transduction Cascade: Ligand Binding and Amplification

This question focuses on the mechanism of signal transduction cascades involving ligand binding and

Medium
Unit 5: Heredity

Analyzing Monohybrid Cross Results in Pea Plants

In an experiment inspired by Mendel, a researcher crosses true‐breeding tall pea plants (TT) with tr

Medium

Analyzing Pedigree Data to Determine Inheritance Patterns

A genetic counselor is analyzing a pedigree chart showing the inheritance pattern of a particular tr

Medium

Application of Mendelian Principles in Plant Breeding

A plant breeder performs a cross between a heterozygous tall, yellow-flowered plant (TtYy) and a sho

Medium

Assessing Genetic Variation through Test Cross Design

A researcher conducted a test cross by mating a dominant phenotype plant with a recessive phenotype

Easy

Barr Bodies and X-Inactivation

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

Easy

Comparative Analysis of Haploid vs Diploid Cells

Using the provided schematic diagram, compare haploid and diploid cells. In your answer, describe th

Medium

Critical Evaluation of Dominance and Segregation Claims

A recent research study claims that the observed 3:1 phenotype ratio in a plant monohybrid cross doe

Medium

Designing a Mendelian Genetics Experiment

Design an experiment using pea plants to test the Law of Segregation. Answer the following: (a) Dev

Hard

Differences Between Meiosis I and II

Meiosis is divided into two successive divisions, each with unique characteristics. Compare and cont

Hard

Efficiency of Gametogenesis in Different Organisms

Two organisms were studied for the efficiency of gamete production. The table below presents the per

Medium

Environmental Effects on Phenotype

The phenotype of an organism is not solely determined by its genotype; environmental factors can als

Medium

Evidence for Haploid and Diploid States

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

Medium

Experimental Design: Test Cross for Genetic Analysis

Design an experiment using a test cross to determine whether a plant exhibiting a dominant phenotype

Medium

Exploring Incomplete Dominance in Snapdragon Flowers

Design an experiment using snapdragon flowers to demonstrate incomplete dominance. Cross true-breedi

Easy

Exploring Meiotic Nondisjunction

Errors during meiosis can have significant impacts on an organism. Answer the following: (a) Define

Hard

Gamete Functionality and Viability Assay

A researcher performs an experiment to investigate how temperature affects the viability of gametes

Easy

Genetic Variation from Crossing Over

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

Hard

Haploid and Diploid Cell Analysis

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

Easy

Interpreting Pedigree Data for Inherited Disorders

A pedigree analysis was conducted for a genetic disorder. The table below summarizes information fro

Hard

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

Hard

Investigating Incomplete Dominance in Snapdragon Flowers

A botanist investigates the inheritance pattern of flower color in snapdragons by crossing a true‐br

Medium

Meiosis: Stages and Genetic Variation

This problem explores the stages of meiosis with a focus on Prophase I and its role in generating ge

Medium

Meiosis: Stages and Their Significance

Meiosis is critical for gamete formation and genetic diversity. Describe the key differences between

Medium

Mendelian Inheritance and Test Cross

This question involves using a test cross to determine the genotype of a tall pea plant. A tall plan

Hard

Monohybrid Cross Analysis

This question explores Mendel's principles using a monohybrid cross between pea plants. Explain the

Easy

Non-Mendelian Inheritance: Codominance in Flower Color

A researcher is investigating flower color in a plant species known to have codominant alleles for r

Easy

Polygenic Inheritance and Environmental Influences

This question explores the concept of polygenic inheritance and examines how environmental factors c

Hard

Probability in Genetic Crosses

Apply the rules of probability to analyze multi-event genetic scenarios.

Hard

Probability in Genetic Crosses: Sum and Product Rules

This problem requires the application of the sum and product rules in probability to predict outcome

Hard

Test Cross Analysis for Determining Genotype

A researcher designs an experiment to determine whether several tall pea plants are homozygous (TT)

Easy

Time-Lapse Microscopy Analysis of Meiosis Stages

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

Hard

Understanding Sex-linked Traits and X Inactivation

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

Medium

Utilizing the Product and Sum Rules in Genetic Predictions

In a dihybrid cross, suppose the probability of inheriting trait A is 0.75 and the probability of in

Medium
Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation

Chromatin Structure and Eukaryotic Gene Expression

This question investigates the influence of chromatin structure on gene accessibility and expression

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Transcription and Replication Enzymes

RNA polymerase and DNA polymerase are crucial for transcription and replication respectively. Answer

Medium

DNA Base Pairing and Hydrogen Bond Energy

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

Medium

DNA Replication Efficiency Experiment

A researcher is investigating the effect of DNA polymerase concentration on the rate of DNA replicat

Medium

DNA Structure and Base Pairing

Explain the structure of DNA including the nucleotide composition, the formation of the sugar-phosph

Easy

DNA Structure and Base Pairing Analysis

This question focuses on the fundamental structure of DNA and how complementary base pairing ensures

Medium

DNA Topoisomerase Function and Supercoiling

Proper DNA supercoiling is crucial for many cellular processes. A study investigates the effect of t

Extreme

Effects of UV Exposure on DNA Replication Efficiency

A biologist evaluated the effect of UV exposure on the efficiency of DNA replication. A graph (provi

Medium

Epigenetic Regulation and Chromatin Modifications

Answer the following questions about epigenetics and how chromatin modifications influence gene expr

Hard

Evolutionary Impact of DNA Mutations

Discuss how mutations in DNA contribute to evolutionary change.

Medium

Gel Electrophoresis Analysis

Explain how gel electrophoresis is used to separate and analyze DNA fragments, and interpret experim

Medium

Hox Genes and Embryonic Development

Analyze the role of Hox genes in embryonic development and the impact of their mutation on organisma

Hard

Impact of DNA Mutations on Protein Synthesis

This question addresses various types of DNA mutations and their effects on the synthesis of protein

Hard

Investigating the Impact of Chromosomal Inversions on Gene Regulation

Propose an experimental design to study the effects of chromosomal inversions on gene expression pat

Extreme

Investigation of Plasmid Size on Transformation Efficiency

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

Medium

Mechanisms of DNA Replication Enzyme Functions

A researcher performs an in vitro study to elucidate the roles of key enzymes in DNA replication, in

Medium

PCR Amplification and Analysis

Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, answer the following questions regarding its me

Medium

Plasmid Conjugation Efficiency in Bacteria

This question explores the quantitative analysis of plasmid transfer during bacterial conjugation.

Easy

Recombinant DNA Technology

Discuss the process of creating recombinant DNA and its application in genetic engineering.

Medium

Reverse Transcription in Retroviruses

This question assesses your understanding of reverse transcription in retroviruses.

Medium

Reverse Transcription in Retroviruses

This question explores reverse transcription in retroviruses and its comparison to typical DNA repli

Hard

RNA Interference (RNAi) in Gene Regulation

Analyze the mechanism of RNA interference and its application in gene knockdown experiments.

Hard

RNA Processing and Alternative Splicing

This question examines the post-transcriptional modifications of RNA and their significance in produ

Medium

Telomere Dynamics and Cellular Aging

An experiment tracked telomere length over successive cell divisions. Refer to the provided graph an

Medium

Telomere Function and Cellular Aging

Answer the following questions regarding telomere structure, its role in cellular aging, and implica

Easy

Telomeres, Replication, and Cellular Aging

Discuss the structure and function of telomeres, and analyze their impact on cellular aging.

Medium

Transcription and RNA Processing Mechanisms

Researchers are comparing mRNA transcript lengths before and after splicing in eukaryotic cells. Usi

Hard

Transcriptional Inhibition by Regulatory Proteins

A study compared mRNA levels under different regulatory conditions to understand the impact of repre

Easy
Unit 7: Natural Selection

Analysis of Darwin's Observations and Natural Selection

This question asks you to analyze Darwin's observations of reproduction, intraspecific variation, an

Medium

Analysis of Natural Selection in Peppered Moths

A study records the frequency of dark and light-colored Peppered moths before and after the industri

Medium

Biogeography and Evolutionary History

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

Medium

Cladistics, Homology, and Convergent Evolution

Cladistics uses morphological data to infer evolutionary relationships. Answer the following:

Hard

Comparing Evolutionary Theories: Darwin vs. Lamarck

Answer the following questions comparing two evolutionary theories:

Medium

Comparison of Natural and Artificial Selection

Natural selection and artificial selection lead to changes in populations, but they operate via diff

Medium

Constructing a Phylogenetic Tree

Explain the process of constructing a phylogenetic tree using molecular data. Answer the following p

Easy

Constructing Phylogenetic Trees to Understand Common Ancestry

This FRQ focuses on how molecular and fossil records are used together to construct phylogenetic tre

Hard

Darwin's Observations and Natural Selection

Discuss how Charles Darwin's observations led to the formulation of natural selection. Explain the c

Easy

Darwin's Observations on Reproductive Success

Examine the reproduction data provided below for three different species that are maintained under s

Medium

Designing an Experiment on Artificial Selection

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

Medium

Directional Selection in Alpine Plant Populations

In this experiment, a researcher investigates the impact of altitude on the phenotype of alpine plan

Hard

Embryological Evidence for a Common Ancestry

Embryological studies, including the presence of gill slits in vertebrate embryos, have been used as

Hard

Environmental Change and Allele Frequency Graph

A graph shows the change in allele frequency over 20 generations in a population of insects under a

Hard

Environmental Change and Genetic Variability

Examine how changes in environmental conditions can affect genetic variability in a population. Answ

Hard

Environmental Pressures and Adaptive Evolution

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

Hard

Evaluating Inheritance Theories: Lamarck vs Darwin

In a laboratory simulation, two populations of snails were observed over 10 generations. One populat

Hard

Evaluating Lamarckian Inheritance Versus Darwinian Natural Selection

Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck proposed that acquired traits can be inherited, while Darwin’s theory empha

Medium

Evidence for Evolution: Fossils, Embryology, and Molecular Data

Evaluate the evidence for evolution provided by different scientific fields including paleontology,

Medium

Evidence for Evolution: Phylogenetic Tree Analysis

A cladogram is provided that shows the evolutionary relationships among several vertebrate groups in

Hard

Gene Flow and Local Adaptation

Examine how immigration and emigration (gene flow) affect allele frequencies and influence local ada

Extreme

Genetic Drift in a Bottleneck Event

Genetic drift, particularly in the form of a bottleneck effect, can drastically alter allele frequen

Medium

Genetic Equilibrium and Disruptive Evolutionary Forces

Examine the conditions required for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and analyze factors that can disrupt

Hard

Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium Calculation and Interpretation

In a closed population, a genetic study records that out of 100 individuals, 16 display a recessive

Medium

Interpreting Phylogenetic Trees and Common Ancestry

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

Medium

Investigating Embryological Evidence for Evolution

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

Hard

Investigating the Founder Effect in Invasive Species

This FRQ examines the genetic consequences of the founder effect in invasive species populations usi

Medium

Investigating the Founder Effect in Isolated Populations

A small group of individuals colonizes an isolated island, which may lead to a reduction in genetic

Hard

Mechanisms of Speciation and Reproductive Isolation

Examine the different mechanisms of speciation and the role of reproductive isolation in the evoluti

Medium

Mendelian Genetics and Evolutionary Equilibrium

This question integrates Mendelian genetics with population-level equilibrium analyses. Calculate al

Medium

Modeling the Hardy-Weinberg Principle in a Changing Population

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

Hard

Molecular Evidence for Evolution

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

Hard

Molecular Phylogenetics: Constructing Trees Using DNA Sequences

Scientists compare DNA sequences of a specific gene from several species to infer evolutionary relat

Medium

Multiple Lines of Evidence for Evolution

Evaluate how different types of evidence—fossil records, morphological homologies, and molecular dat

Medium

Mutation and Genetic Variation

Discuss the role of mutation in generating genetic variation within a population and the implication

Easy

Mutation and Its Impact on Evolutionary Processes

Mutations are a primary source of genetic variability and can influence evolution in various ways. A

Medium

Mutations and Evolutionary Change

Analyze the role of mutations in creating genetic diversity and driving evolutionary change in popul

Easy

Natural versus Artificial Selection

Compare and contrast natural selection with artificial selection by describing their processes and p

Medium

Non-Random Mating and Its Evolutionary Consequences

Non-random mating can significantly influence the genetic structure of populations. Answer the follo

Medium

Origins of Life: Evaluating the RNA-World Hypothesis and the Miller-Urey Experiment

Examine the origins of life on Earth by discussing the RNA-world hypothesis and the significance of

Hard

Paleontological Analysis and Morphological Homology

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

Hard

Peppered Moth and Directional Selection

Due to industrial pollution, the frequency of dark-colored peppered moths increased in a population

Medium

Peppered Moth Case Study: Data Interpretation

A table presents data on the phenotypic ratios of dark and light peppered moths before and after ind

Medium

Peppered Moths: An Example of Natural Selection

This question examines the effects of natural selection on phenotype frequencies using the example o

Medium

Phylogenetics and Cladistics: Inferring Evolutionary Relationships

Consider a simplified phylogenetic scenario in which species A and B form a clade based on shared de

Medium

Population Bottlenecks and Founder Effects

Population bottlenecks and founder effects are important examples of genetic drift. Evaluate how the

Medium

Population Genetics and Hardy-Weinberg Law

Analyze a population using Hardy-Weinberg principles to evaluate its genetic structure.

Hard

Reproductive Isolation and Speciation

Examine how reproductive isolation contributes to the formation of new species.

Easy

Reproductive Isolation and Speciation in Island Birds

On a remote island, a subset of a bird species develops a distinctly different mating call, while th

Medium

Selective Forces: Directional, Stabilizing, and Disruptive Selection

Natural selection can take different forms. Evaluate the types of selection and interpret data from

Hard

Sexual Selection and Reproductive Fitness

Examine the concept of sexual selection and its relationship to reproductive fitness in natural popu

Medium

Sexual Selection and Trait Evolution in Peafowl

Analyze the role of sexual selection in driving the evolution of extravagant traits in peafowl.

Medium

Sexual Selection in Peafowl: The Role of Tail Plumage

Researchers are studying a population of peafowl to determine if the size and brightness of tail plu

Medium

Sexual Selection: Trade-offs in Peafowl

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

Medium

Speciation and Reproductive Isolation

Speciation involves the evolution of reproductive isolation. Answer the following:

Hard

Studying Allopatric Speciation in a Natural Setting

Design a research study to investigate allopatric speciation in a species inhabiting fragmented habi

Medium

Studying Gene Flow in Populations

Analyze the impact of gene flow on allele frequencies within and between populations. Answer the fol

Hard

The RNA World Hypothesis and the Origins of Life

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

Extreme

The Role of Sexual Selection in Trait Evolution

This FRQ investigates the influence of sexual selection on the evolution of secondary sexual traits

Medium

Transitional Fossils and Evolution

Transitional fossils provide snapshots of evolutionary change over time. Analyze the role of transit

Medium
Unit 8: Ecology

Altruistic Behavior and Kin Selection

A behavioral study recorded the frequency of altruistic helping behaviors in relation to the coeffic

Medium

Animal Communication through Pheromones

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

Medium

Application of Simpson’s Diversity Index in a Forest Ecosystem

A team of ecologists conducted a survey in a forest and recorded the number of individuals for four

Hard

Ecological Pyramid and Energy Flow

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

Medium

Ecological Pyramids and Energy Transfer Efficiency

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

Medium

Ecological Succession: Primary Succession in a Barren Landscape

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

Medium

Energy Flow in Ecological Pyramids

This FRQ examines the concept of energy transfer in ecosystems through the ecological pyramid.

Medium

Energy Transfer Analysis in Food Chains

Data from an ecosystem study provide the energy content at different trophic levels. Analyze the dat

Medium

Energy Transfer Efficiency in an Aquatic Food Web

A marine ecologist aims to quantify energy transfer efficiency across trophic levels in a coastal fo

Extreme

Genetic and Behavioral Adaptation

This question investigates the relationship between genetically encoded instincts and behavior that

Medium

Hierarchy and Behavioral Interactions

Researchers observed a group of birds to study dominance hierarchies and agonistic interactions. Dat

Hard

Human Impact: Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss

A conservation biologist examines the relationship between deforestation rates and species richness

Medium

Impact of Deforestation on Ecosystem Productivity

An ecologist examines the effect of deforestation on ecosystem productivity in a tropical region by

Hard

Imprinting and Behavior Analysis

This FRQ focuses on the process of imprinting in animals. Explore how imprinting as a form of learni

Easy

Imprinting Behavior and Critical Period Analysis

A study on imprinting behavior collected data on the critical period durations (in hours) for severa

Medium

Learning Behavior: Habituation in Animals

Consider the table below showing the response intensity of an animal to a repeated auditory stimulus

Easy

Modeling Exponential Population Growth

Examine the dynamics of exponential population growth in an ideal environment and discuss its limita

Hard

Modeling Population Growth: Exponential Growth Analysis

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

Extreme

Mutualism and Commensalism in Marine Environments

Marine biologists have observed interactions between remoras and sharks. In these observations, remo

Easy

Parasitism and Host Response

This FRQ investigates the dynamics between parasites and their hosts, including the detrimental effe

Hard

Pheromone Communication in Insects

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

Hard

Photoperiodism and Seasonal Behavior in Plants

Examine the graph provided showing variation in day length over the months of a year. Answer the fol

Medium

Photoperiodism Effects on Flowering Time in Arabidopsis

A geneticist studies the influence of day length on flowering time in Arabidopsis plants by growing

Easy

Plant Tropisms and Photoperiodism

This FRQ explores how plants respond to various stimuli including light, gravity, and touch, and how

Medium

Population Growth and Carrying Capacity

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

Hard

Population Growth Models and Exponential Growth

This FRQ examines population dynamics under ideal conditions, focusing on exponential growth and the

Medium

Productivity in Ecosystems: Gross vs Net Primary Productivity

A researcher is comparing gross primary productivity (GPP) and net primary productivity (NPP) in a t

Hard

Simpson's Diversity Index: Calculations and Ecological Implications

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

Hard

Trusted by millions

Everyone is relying on Knowt, and we never let them down.

3M +Student & teacher users
5M +Study notes created
10M + Flashcards sets created
Victoria Buendia-Serrano
Victoria Buendia-SerranoCollege freshman
Knowt’s quiz and spaced repetition features have been a lifesaver. I’m going to Columbia now and studying with Knowt helped me get there!
Val
ValCollege sophomore
Knowt has been a lifesaver! The learn features in flashcards let me find time and make studying a little more digestible.
Sam Loos
Sam Loos12th grade
I used Knowt to study for my APUSH midterm and it saved my butt! The import from Quizlet feature helped a ton too. Slayed that test with an A!! 😻😻😻

Need to review before working on AP Biology FRQs?

We have over 5 million resources across various exams, and subjects to refer to at any point.

Explore Top AP Biology Notes

123
Updated 515d ago
note Note
View all top notes

Browse top AP materials

We’ve found the best flashcards & notes on Knowt.

Tips from Former AP Students

FAQWe thought you might have some questions...
Where can I find practice free response questions for the AP Biology exam?
The free response section of each AP exam varies slightly, so you’ll definitely want to practice that before stepping into that exam room. Here are some free places to find practice FRQs :
  • Of course, make sure to run through College Board's past FRQ questions!
  • Once you’re done with those go through all the questions in the AP BiologyFree Response Room. You can answer the question and have it grade you against the rubric so you know exactly where to improve.
  • Reddit it also a great place to find AP free response questions that other students may have access to.
How do I practice for AP AP Biology Exam FRQs?
Once you’re done reviewing your study guides, find and bookmark all the free response questions you can find. The question above has some good places to look! while you’re going through them, simulate exam conditions by setting a timer that matches the time allowed on the actual exam. Time management is going to help you answer the FRQs on the real exam concisely when you’re in that time crunch.
What are some tips for AP Biology free response questions?
Before you start writing out your response, take a few minutes to outline the key points you want to make sure to touch on. This may seem like a waste of time, but it’s very helpful in making sure your response effectively addresses all the parts of the question. Once you do your practice free response questions, compare them to scoring guidelines and sample responses to identify areas for improvement. When you do the free response practice on the AP Biology Free Response Room, there’s an option to let it grade your response against the rubric and tell you exactly what you need to study more.
How do I answer AP Biology free-response questions?
Answering AP Biology free response questions the right way is all about practice! As you go through the AP AP Biology Free Response Room, treat it like a real exam and approach it this way so you stay calm during the actual exam. When you first see the question, take some time to process exactly what it’s asking. Make sure to also read through all the sub-parts in the question and re-read the main prompt, making sure to circle and underline any key information. This will help you allocate your time properly and also make sure you are hitting all the parts of the question. Before you answer each question, note down the key points you want to hit and evidence you want to use (where applicable). Once you have the skeleton of your response, writing it out will be quick, plus you won’t make any silly mistake in a rush and forget something important.