AP Biology FRQ Room

Acid-Base Reactions in Biological Systems

A researcher is investigating the effect of pH on enzyme activity in a metabolic pathway. By adjusti

Analyzing Water's High Specific Heat Through Temperature Change

A physicist compares the temperature change of water and another liquid with a lower specific heat c

Atomic Structure and Isotopes: Composition of Elements

Discuss the difference between elements and compounds, describing the arrangement of subatomic parti

Dehydration Synthesis and Hydrolysis in Polymer Formation

Examine the processes of dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis in the formation and breakdown of poly

Enzymatic Activity and Protein Structure

Enzymes are proteins whose structures are critical to their catalytic function. Examine how environm

Evaluating the Role of Molecular Structure in Lipid Function

A biochemist studies the properties of saturated versus unsaturated fatty acids by examining how the

FRQ 8: Comparative Analysis of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates vary widely in structure and function. Analyze the differences between monosaccharides

FRQ 9: Dehydration Synthesis and Hydrolysis of Peptides

Proteins are synthesized and degraded through dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis reactions. Explai

FRQ 17: Isotopes in Biological Systems

Isotopes are used extensively in biological research. Discuss their role in metabolic studies and te

FRQ 19: Comparative Analysis of Bonding in Biological Systems

Contrast hydrogen bonds and covalent bonds in terms of their strength, stability, and roles in biolo

Impact of pH on Biological Molecules

This FRQ examines how pH affects the solubility and function of biological molecules, particularly p

Interactions Among Biomolecules: A Case Study

This question examines the variety of non-covalent interactions that underlie the assembly of comple

Investigating Nucleic Acid Polymerization via Hydrolysis Reaction

A researcher studies the hydrolysis of RNA under acidic conditions to break it down into individual

Investigating the Role of Carbon in Polymer Formation (Dehydration Synthesis)

A biochemist examines how dehydration synthesis reactions enable the formation of polymers, such as

Lipid Saturation and Membrane Fluidity

A biologist studies how variations in lipid saturation affect the fluidity of cell membranes. Artifi

Nucleic Acid Formation and Hydrogen Bonding in DNA

DNA is synthesized through dehydration reactions that form phosphodiester bonds, and its double-heli

Nucleic Acid Polymerization and Base Pairing

Examine the molecular processes involved in DNA replication, focusing on polymerization and base pai

Organic Molecules: Dehydration Synthesis and Hydrolysis

Examine the processes of dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis in the formation and breakdown of poly

Polymerization and Hydrolysis of Organic Molecules

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

Polymerization vs Hydrolysis Mechanisms in Biochemical Reactions

Compare the mechanisms and biological contexts of polymerization and hydrolysis reactions.

Protein Structure Analysis

A research lab has isolated a novel protein and characterized its structures using biochemical metho

Protein Structure and Function

Investigate the levels of protein structure and determine how these levels contribute to protein fun

Role of Polysaccharides in Organismal Structure and Energy Storage

A botanist examines the roles of various polysaccharides in plants and animals. Answer the following

Structure and Function of Carbohydrates

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

The Versatility of Carbon in Organic Chemistry

This FRQ explores why carbon is the central element in organic chemistry. You will discuss the uniqu

Actin Polymerization and Filament Length

Actin monomers polymerize to form microfilaments in cells. If each actin monomer contributes approxi

Active Transport and the Sodium-Potassium Pump

This question focuses on active transport mechanisms with emphasis on the sodium-potassium pump and

Active versus Passive Transport Mechanisms

A researcher examines how molecules traverse the cell membrane and distinguishes between passive pro

Bulk Flow and Dialysis: Mechanisms of Material Movement

Bulk flow and dialysis represent two different mechanisms of material movement across membranes. Ans

Cell Membrane Signaling and Receptor Function

Signal transduction is initiated at the cell membrane by receptor proteins that interact with extrac

Chloroplast Photosynthesis Efficiency Experiment

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

Cilia and Flagella: Mechanisms of Locomotion

Cilia and flagella facilitate cell movement, but through different structural and functional means.

Cilia and Flagella: Structure and Locomotion

Cilia and flagella are cellular appendages that facilitate movement. Answer the parts below:

Comparative Analysis of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

The following table lists key features of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Analyze the differences

Comparative Structure of Plant and Animal Cells

Plant and animal cells exhibit several distinct structural differences. Use the provided table to he

Dialysis and Solute Diffusion Analysis

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

Endoplasmic Reticulum and Protein Sorting

A cell biologist examines how the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is involved in protein sorting and how

Energy Considerations in Passive vs. Active Transport

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

Energy Conversion in Mitochondria vs. Peroxisomes

This question contrasts energy conversion efficiencies between mitochondria and peroxisomes and disc

Function of Transport Proteins

A researcher examines the role of transport proteins in maintaining ion gradients across the cell me

Lysosome Activity and Cellular Aging

Design an experiment to examine how lysosomal activity changes in aging eukaryotic cells, especially

Membrane Protein Density and the Fluid Mosaic Model

According to the fluid mosaic model, integral proteins are embedded within the lipid bilayer of the

Microscopy Techniques Comparison

A researcher compared observations of eukaryotic cells using both light microscopy and electron micr

Microscopy Techniques in Observing Cellular Structures

The table below compares light and electron microscopes. Use this information to explain how each te

Nucleus, Genetic Material, and Ribosome Assembly

The nucleus plays an essential role in housing genetic material and orchestrating ribosome productio

Plant Cell versus Animal Cell

This question asks you to compare and contrast plant and animal cells, focusing on structural differ

Protein Processing Efficiency in the Golgi Complex

In the Golgi complex, proteins are modified and packaged into vesicles for secretion. If only 80% of

Receptor Mediated Endocytosis and Signal Transduction

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

Role of Cell Surface Markers in Immune Recognition

A recent report asserts that variations in glycoprotein expression on cell surfaces directly influen

Surface Area-to-Volume Ratio and Cell Function

This question explores how cell size influences diffusive exchange. A researcher studies spherical c

Surface Area-to-Volume Ratio in Cells

This question examines how the surface area-to-volume ratio affects cell function, especially with r

The Cytoskeleton: Structure and Function

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

The Role of the Cytoskeleton in Cellular Motility

A cell biologist studies how the cytoskeleton, particularly actin microfilaments and microtubules, c

Transport Protein Channel Dynamics

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

Vacuoles in Plant vs. Animal Cells

Vacuoles serve different roles in plant and animal cells. Compare and contrast these functions.

Advanced Enzyme Energy Diagrams under Variable Conditions

This advanced problem examines how enzyme-catalyzed energy diagrams are altered under different temp

Anaerobic Metabolism and Fermentation in Skeletal Muscle

During intense exercise, muscle cells shift from aerobic respiration to anaerobic metabolism, leadin

ATP Synthase and Chemiosmosis

Describe the process of chemiosmosis and the role of ATP synthase in oxidative phosphorylation.

Calvin Cycle and Carbon Fixation

A botanist investigates the dark reactions of photosynthesis, focusing on the Calvin cycle and its r

Chloroplast Structure and Function

A plant biologist is investigating how the structural organization of chloroplasts enhances photosyn

Comparative Analysis of Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Respiration

This question compares the processes and efficiencies of aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

Comparing Competitive vs Noncompetitive Inhibition

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

Effect of Inorganic Cofactor Concentrations on Enzyme Kinetics

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

Electron Transport Chain: Comparative Analysis

Compare the components and functions of the electron transport chains in photosynthesis and cellular

Enzyme Inhibition Mechanisms

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

Enzyme Kinetics and Saturation Analysis

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

Impact of Enzyme Denaturation on Metabolic Pathways

Explain what enzyme denaturation is and predict its impact on cellular metabolism, including any com

Impact of pH on Enzyme Catalysis

Review the table below that lists enzyme reaction rates at various pH levels. Analyze how pH affects

Impact of pH on Photosynthetic Efficiency

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

Investigation of Enzyme Catalysis in ATP Hydrolysis

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

Photosynthesis Electron Transport Analysis

Analyze the electron transport process during the light reactions of photosynthesis using the provid

Regulation of Metabolic Pathways in Cellular Respiration

This question explores the regulatory mechanisms controlling cellular respiration, including feedbac

Substrate Concentration and Enzyme Saturation

A researcher studies how varying substrate concentration affects the reaction rate of an enzyme-cata

Testing the Induced-Fit Mechanism in Enzymes

Develop an experiment to test the induced-fit model of enzyme-substrate binding.

Thermodynamic Principles in Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration must obey the principles of thermodynamics. Use the provided energy data to ana

Thermodynamics and Energy Diagrams

Cells follow the laws of thermodynamics to manage energy transformations. The First Law states that

Thermodynamics in Cellular Metabolism

Explain how the laws of thermodynamics apply to cellular metabolism and discuss the role of reaction

Apoptosis Trigger Mechanisms in Damaged Cells

Cells exposed to high doses of radiation show evidence of programmed cell death (apoptosis). An inve

Bacterial Chemotaxis Investigation

A scientist is investigating the chemotactic behavior of a unicellular bacterium in response to vary

Cell Cycle Checkpoints and DNA Damage Response

This question examines the role of cell cycle checkpoints in monitoring DNA integrity and responding

Cell Cycle Regulation and Checkpoints

The cell cycle is tightly regulated by checkpoints and specific proteins to ensure that cell divisio

Comparative Analysis of Mitosis and Cytokinesis

A study compares the process of mitosis in two different cell types—one with rapid division and anot

Comparative Analysis of Signal Transduction in Neurons vs. Muscle Cells

An experiment compares the signal transduction mechanisms in neurons and muscle cells. In neurons, l

Designing Experiments to Investigate Cell Signaling Pathways

Design an experiment to determine the effect of a novel drug on a specific signal transduction pathw

Differences Between Ligand-Gated Ion Channels and Enzyme-Linked Receptors

In a comparative study, cellular response times to stimuli activating ligand-gated ion channels and

Disruption of Mitosis with Microtubule Inhibitors

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

DNA Damage Response and Apoptosis

Cells that experience extensive DNA damage can either arrest the cell cycle for repair or trigger pr

Effects of Environmental Stimuli on Taxis Behavior

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

Evaluating Oncogenic Activation Effects on Mitotic Rate

This question examines how oncogenic activation can influence the rate of cell division by altering

Feedback Mechanisms in Homeostasis: Insulin Regulation

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

Feedback Regulation in Cellular Metabolism

An experiment is designed to study the interplay of positive and negative feedback in regulating blo

GPCR Activation and cAMP Measurement

Design an experiment to measure intracellular cAMP responses to varying concentrations of a GPCR ago

Integration of Cell Communication and Cell Cycle Control in Tissue Repair

A researcher is studying wound healing in epithelial tissue and observes that cell communication thr

Interphase DNA Replication and Errors

During interphase, DNA replication is critical to accurately duplicate the genome. Answer the follow

Mitosis Process Analysis

Mitosis is the process by which a parent cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter

Molecular Basis of Cancer: Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressors

The regulation of the cell cycle is critical for preventing cancer. Answer the following questions r

Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes in Cancer

This question examines the genetic basis of cancer with a focus on the roles of oncogenes and tumor

Receptor Mutation: Effects on Signal Transduction

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

Regulation of the Cell Cycle: Cyclins and CDKs

This question focuses on cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and their roles in regulating t

S Phase DNA Replication Fidelity

A research lab examines the effects of a cyclin inhibitor on the fidelity of DNA replication during

Signal Amplification in Transduction Cascades

This question examines how signal transduction cascades amplify extracellular signals within the cel

Signal Transduction Cascade and Receptor Saturation

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

Signal Transduction Pathways: Second Messenger Systems

Second messengers are important components of many signal transduction pathways. A researcher is foc

Analyzing Meiotic Errors: Nondisjunction Effects

In an experiment, two groups of cells undergo meiosis. Group A experiences nondisjunction during ana

Codominance and Polygenic Inheritance

Beyond simple dominance relationships, traits can exhibit codominance and polygenic inheritance. Des

Comparing Gametogenesis: Spermatogenesis vs Oogenesis

This question asks you to compare the processes of spermatogenesis and oogenesis, focusing on both t

Comprehensive Analysis Integrating Meiotic Processes, Test Crosses, and Inheritance Patterns

A comprehensive study was conducted integrating data from meiotic analysis, test crosses, and phenot

Contrasting Inheritance Patterns: Polygenic, Codominance, and Incomplete Dominance

Discuss how polygenic inheritance, codominance, and incomplete dominance differ in their effects on

Dihybrid Cross and Probability

Analyze a dihybrid cross (AaBb x AaBb) and apply probability rules to predict offspring phenotypes.

Environmental Effects on Phenotypes

Environmental factors can modify which traits are expressed by an organism. Answer the following: (

Environmental Influence on Phenotypic Plasticity

Environmental factors can influence the phenotype even when the genotype remains constant. This phen

Experimental Analysis of Meiotic Nondisjunction in Model Organisms

A research group studied meiotic nondisjunction by examining gametes from a model organism using flu

Gamete Formation and Fertilization

Gametes are essential for sexual reproduction. Answer the following questions: (a) Describe the rol

Gamete Production in Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis

A male's primary spermatocyte produces 4 functional sperm cells, whereas a female's primary oocyte p

Gene Mapping through Recombination Data

In an experiment to map the distance between two linked genes, the following data were collected fro

Graphical Analysis of Chromosome Segregation during Meiosis

Examine the following graph that charts the movement of chromosomes during different stages of meios

Haploid and Diploid Cell Analysis

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

Haploid vs Diploid and Gamete Formation

Explain the differences between haploid and diploid cells and describe the significance of haploid g

Independent Assortment and Genetic Variation

Independent assortment during meiosis contributes significantly to genetic diversity. Answer the fol

Interpreting Pedigree Data

Given the following simplified pedigree data for a trait that appears to be recessive: | Generation

Mechanisms of Crossing-over and Genetic Recombination

A molecular geneticist is studying the process of crossing-over during prophase I of meiosis and its

Meiosis and Genetic Variation

Meiosis is a crucial process for generating genetic diversity. This question focuses on the mechanis

Meiosis Observation Lab

A laboratory group conducted an experiment to observe meiosis using fixed slides of onion root tip c

Monohybrid Cross to Validate the Law of Segregation

Design an experiment using a monohybrid cross in pea plants to test Mendel's Law of Segregation. You

Polygenic Inheritance and Environmental Effects on Quantitative Traits

A population biologist is studying a quantitative trait, such as skin pigmentation, which is influen

Recombination Frequency and Gene Mapping

Gene mapping relies on the analysis of recombination frequencies observed during meiosis. Answer the

Recombination Mapping of Linked Genes

Linked genes do not always assort independently. Consider three genes A, B, and C, with recombinatio

Revisiting Mendel's Laws

Review Mendel's three principles of inheritance—the Law of Dominance, the Law of Segregation, and th

Sex-Linked Trait Inheritance: Color Blindness

In humans, color blindness is an X-linked recessive trait. A color-blind male (genotype X^cY) mates

Spermatogenesis vs. Oogenesis

Gametogenesis differs between males and females. Answer the following: (a) Outline and compare the

Test Cross Analysis for Genotype Determination

A test cross is used to determine the genotype of an individual with a dominant phenotype. In this s

Test Cross and Determining Genotypes

A plant that exhibits the dominant tall phenotype is being test crossed with a recessive short (tt)

Analyzing the Role of Spliceosomes in mRNA Processing

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

Assessing UV Radiation Effects on Mutation Frequency

Design an experiment to investigate the effect of UV exposure on the frequency of point mutations in

Cell-Free Translation System: Ribosome Binding Site Error

A researcher develops a cell-free system to study translation by combining purified mRNA, ribosomes,

Chromatin Structure and Gene Expression

A study examined how the packaging of DNA into chromatin affects gene expression. Refer to the provi

Comparative Analysis of Bacterial vs. Eukaryotic DNA Replication

This question compares and contrasts the mechanisms of DNA replication in prokaryotes and eukaryotes

Comparative Analysis of Mutation Types on Protein Function

Design an experiment to compare the effects of frameshift mutations and base substitution mutations

Comparative DNA Replication: Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes

Compare the mechanisms of DNA replication in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, highlighting the diff

Comparative Gene Expression in Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes

A researcher compares gene expression mechanisms in prokaryotes and eukaryotes to understand differe

Complementary Base Pairing and Hydrogen Bond Stability

A media report claims that increased temperature causes significant weakening of hydrogen bonds in D

DNA Polymerase Proofreading and Replication Fidelity

An in vitro experiment compares DNA replication by polymerases with and without proofreading activit

DNA Replication Fidelity Assessment with Nucleotide Substitution Error

A researcher aims to compare the fidelity of two DNA polymerases by running parallel PCR reactions.

DNA Topoisomerase Function and Supercoiling

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

DNA Topology and Supercoiling

This question focuses on the concept of DNA supercoiling and the enzymes involved in managing DNA to

Effect of Topoisomerase Inhibition on Replication Fork Progression

A scientist hypothesizes that inhibiting topoisomerase will lead to increased DNA supercoiling and r

Effects of DNA Mutations on Protein Structure

An enzyme activity assay is conducted on proteins translated from genes harboring different point mu

Evaluating the Function of Telomeres and Telomerase

Researchers are investigating the role of telomeres in safeguarding chromosome ends and how telomera

FRQ 6: Central Dogma and Gene Expression Regulation

A university lab investigates gene expression by manipulating transcription factors and measuring su

Mutation Types and Phenotypic Consequences

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

Mutations: Impacts of Various Point Mutations

A research group studied the effects of different point mutations on protein function. Refer to the

Nucleosome Assembly Analysis with Improper Salt Concentration Gradient

To study nucleosome assembly, a researcher incubates purified DNA with histone proteins under contro

Operon Regulation in Prokaryotes

Operons are crucial for the regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes. Answer the following:

Recombinant DNA and Gene Cloning

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

Recombinant DNA and Ligation Efficiency

This question evaluates recombinant DNA techniques emphasizing ligation efficiency in cloning experi

Transcription and RNA Processing Mechanisms

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

Transcription Rate Under Promoter Mutations

A geneticist is investigating the impact of promoter mutations on transcription efficiency. The tabl

Translation Termination Efficiency Study with Stop Codon Misinterpretation

In a cell-free translation assay, a researcher studies the termination efficiency of protein synthes

Analyzing the Fossil Record

Examine the fossil record as evidence for evolution and answer the following questions:

Artificial Selection in Domestic Animals

A livestock breeder aims to increase milk production in cows through selective breeding. Design an e

Comparing Evolutionary Theories: Darwin vs. Lamarck

Charles Darwin proposed natural selection while Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed the inheritance of ac

Comparison of Lamarckian and Darwinian Theories

Compare and contrast Lamarck’s theory of the inheritance of acquired traits with Darwin’s theory of

Convergent Evolution in Aquatic and Terrestrial Species

Scientists observe that dolphins and ichthyosaurs (an extinct group of marine reptiles) both possess

Convergent vs. Divergent Evolution

Evolutionary processes can lead to similar traits through different mechanisms. The table provided c

Darwin vs. Lamarck: Mechanisms of Evolution

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

Darwin’s Observations and Natural Selection

Examine Darwin's observations regarding reproduction, variation, and survival, and describe how thes

Darwin's Observations on Natural Selection

Charles Darwin’s early observations provided the groundwork for the theory of evolution by natural s

Designing an Experiment on Artificial Selection

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

Directional Selection in Alpine Plant Populations

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

Effects of Gene Flow on Allele Frequencies

Investigate how gene flow affects allele frequencies in populations, using both definitions and nume

Environmental Pressures and Adaptive Traits

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

Environmental Pressures and Adaptive Traits

Environmental pressures, both biotic and abiotic, drive the evolution of adaptive traits. Use the fo

Environmental Pressures and Adaptive Traits Over Time

Examine the relationship between environmental pressures and the frequency of an adaptive trait over

Evidence of Evolution: Fossils and Biogeography

Discuss how fossil records and biogeographical patterns serve as robust evidence for evolution and c

Evolutionary Adaptations in Urban Environments

Urban environments impose unique selective pressures that can lead to rapid evolutionary adaptations

Evolutionary Stasis and Punctuated Equilibrium

Evaluate the theories of gradualistic evolution versus punctuated equilibrium in explaining patterns

Fossil Evidence and Phylogenetic Trees

Paleontologists use fossil records, radiometric dating, and cladistics to study evolutionary relatio

Fossil Record and Evolutionary Chronology

A geologist compiled data on fossils from various rock layers, using both relative dating and carbon

Genetic Drift and the Bottleneck Effect

Using the data provided in the table, explain how a bottleneck event can impact genetic diversity an

Genetic Variability and Evolutionary Potential

Explain the importance of genetic variability in evolution and estimate the impact of mutation rate

Genetic Variability and the Peppered Moths

Discuss the importance of genetic variability in evolution, using the peppered moth phenomenon as a

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and Allele Frequencies

Using Hardy-Weinberg principles, answer the following:

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and Population Dynamics

A population is examined for its allele frequencies regarding a particular gene. Assume the initial

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium in a Fish Population

In a lake, a fish population is assumed to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Researchers observe tha

Integrative Analysis of Evolutionary Mechanisms

Analyze how various evolutionary forces interact to shape genetic variation and lead to non-linear p

Interpreting Graphical Data on Evolutionary Trends

Analyze the provided graph depicting species diversity over time and discuss its implications for ev

Investigating Natural Selection in a Laboratory Insect Population

A researcher is investigating the effect of an insecticide on a genetically variable population of i

Mechanisms of Speciation

Speciation is the process by which new species arise. Various mechanisms contribute to the formation

Media Critique: Evaluating Claims of Rapid Evolution

Critically evaluate a media report claiming that evolution can occur within a single generation. Use

Mendelian Inheritance and Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium Misinterpretation

In this experiment, a researcher studies the genetic structure of a small beetle population by genot

Molecular Evidence for Evolution

Molecular comparisons provide compelling evidence for common ancestry. Answer the following parts:

Molecular Evidence for Evolution

A table provides the percentages of DNA sequence similarity among various species. Use this molecula

Molecular Evidence for Evolution: Comparative DNA Analysis

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

Molecular Evidence Supporting Common Ancestry

Scientists compare gene sequences from various species to assess their evolutionary relationships an

Mutation Rates and Environmental Factors

Mutations introduce new genetic variation. Consider a gene with a length of 2000 base pairs and a mu

Natural Selection in the Peppered Moth

The case of the peppered moth exemplifies natural selection in action. Analyze how environmental cha

Paleontological Evidence and Fossil Record Analysis

Analyze the fossil record data provided in the table to answer the following questions regarding the

Peppered Moths: A Case Study in Natural Selection

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

Peppered Moths: Directional Selection in Polluted Environments

Prior to industrial pollution, peppered moths exhibited a 1:1 ratio of light to dark morphs. Followi

Phylogenetic Trees and Common Ancestry

Examine the scenario described below regarding relationships among four species and their common anc

Population Dynamics in Response to Climate Change

Climate change can affect population genetics and dynamics. Answer the following:

Reproductive Isolation in Speciation

Discuss the role of reproductive isolation mechanisms in the speciation process.

RNA-World Hypothesis and the Origins of Life

Examine the RNA-world hypothesis and its relevance to the origin of life on Earth. Answer the follow

Selection Types in Evolution

Compare and contrast directional, stabilizing, and disruptive selection; provide real-world or exper

Sexual Selection and Trait Development

A study on male birds measured tail length and mating success. The following table shows correlation

Sexual Selection and Trait Evolution

Examine the role of sexual selection in shaping traits within a population, and analyze experimental

Speciation and Reproductive Barriers

Discuss how reproductive barriers can lead to speciation, focusing on the roles of pre-zygotic and p

Speciation Mechanisms: Allopatric vs. Sympatric Speciation

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

Speciation through Geographic Isolation

This FRQ addresses how geographic isolation can lead to reproductive isolation and ultimately specia

Testing Non-Random Mating Patterns

This FRQ focuses on the concept of non-random mating and explores its effects on genetic diversity a

Testing the RNA-World Hypothesis with Laboratory Simulations

This FRQ investigates the RNA-world hypothesis by asking you to design a detailed experimental proto

Agricultural Practices and Ecosystem Services

This FRQ examines how agricultural practices rely on ecosystem services and explores the impacts of

Altruistic Behavior and Group Dynamics

Altruistic behavior, in which an individual benefits another at a cost to itself, poses interesting

Animal Communication and Dominance Hierarchies

The table below summarizes observed frequencies of different behaviors in a flock of birds. Use the

Animal Learned Behaviors vs. Instincts: A Comparative Analysis

Animals display behaviors that may be innate (instinct) or acquired (learned). Answer the following:

Chemical Communication and Agonistic Behavior in Insects

In a study, researchers examined how varying concentrations of pheromones affect the level of aggres

Circadian Rhythm Disruption in Nocturnal Mammals

A scientist investigates circadian rhythm patterns in a population of nocturnal bats. The experiment

Circadian Rhythms in Plants and Animals

Circadian rhythms are internal processes that regulate biological activities on a roughly 24-hour cy

Climate Change Effects on Population Dynamics and Distribution

Assess the potential impacts of climate change on species' population growth and geographic distribu

Comparative Study of Thermoregulation in Endotherms and Ectotherms

A researcher aims to understand how temperature changes affect behavior in endotherms and ectotherms

Distinguishing Learning and Instinct in Animal Behavior

A researcher observes that in a group of birds, certain behaviors are exhibited immediately upon hat

Dominance Hierarchies and Social Rank Modeling

Investigate the formation of dominance hierarchies in social animals and model how aggressive behavi

Ecological Energy Pyramid and Trophic Levels

This FRQ focuses on the energy transfer within ecosystems as represented by ecological pyramids, and

Ecological Succession in a Post-Volcanic Landscape

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

Effects of Environmental Toxins

This FRQ addresses how toxins accumulate in ecosystems through biomagnification and the potential im

Energy Flow in Ecological Pyramids

Analyze how energy is transferred through trophic levels in an ecosystem using the ecological pyrami

Energy Transfer in Food Chains

In a given ecosystem, it is estimated that only about 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic

Evaluating the Impact of Deforestation on Biodiversity

A recent study suggests that deforestation in a tropical rainforest has led to a significant reducti

Evaluation of Pheromone-Based Communication in Mammals

A researcher claims that pheromones are the primary mode of communication for establishing dominance

Experimental Analysis of Population Growth in Bacterial Cultures

A microbiologist sets up an experiment to observe the exponential growth of a bacterial culture in a

Exponential vs. Logistic Growth Models

Researchers compared two populations: one exhibiting exponential growth and the other logistic growt

Human Impact: Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss

A conservation biologist is examining the effects of deforestation on species diversity in tropical

Imprinting and the Critical Period

Imprinting is a rapid learning process in which young animals form attachments during a critical per

Imprinting Behavior in Avian Species

A researcher is studying the imprinting behavior of ducklings. The experimental process involves pla

Investigating Phototropism: Plant Growth Towards Light

Researchers observed that plants exposed to a directional light source exhibit curvature towards the

Learning and Neural Adaptations: Habituation vs. Sensitization

Review the graph provided, which displays response intensity over multiple trials for two different

Mechanisms of Imprinting and Its Consequences

In many species, offspring exhibit an innate behavior called imprinting in which they soon after bir

Modeling Exponential Population Growth

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

Pheromonal Communication and Reproductive Behaviors

This question explores the role of chemical signals in reproductive behavior, and asks you to compar

Photoperiodism and Flowering Time in Plants

Photoperiodism regulates flowering in many plant species. Answer the following parts.

Plant Tropism Responses

An experiment was conducted to examine plant tropisms by measuring the bending angle of stems over t

Plant Tropisms: Phototropism and Thigmotropism

Review the diagram provided that illustrates plant responses to environmental stimuli. The diagram s

Plant Tropisms: Phototropism vs Thigmotropism

A botanist is interested in determining whether the signaling pathways involved in phototropism (res

Population Growth Dynamics: Exponential vs Logistic Growth

A biologist studying a closed bacterial culture observes that the population initially grows exponen

Primary Productivity: Gross vs. Net

Primary productivity is central to understanding energy flow in ecosystems. Answer the following:

Symbiotic Relationships: Mutualism, Commensalism, and Parasitism

Symbiotic relationships come in different forms. Answer the following parts.

Territoriality and Agonistic Behavior in Birds

Review the provided diagram description illustrating territorial divisions in a forest inhabited by

The Role of Keystone Species in Maintaining Ecosystem Balance

A study documents the removal of a top predator in an ecosystem, leading to a trophic cascade and si

Thermoregulation Comparisons between Endotherms and Ectotherms

A researcher conducts an experiment to compare thermoregulatory behavior between endotherms and ecto

Toxin Biomagnification in Aquatic Food Chains

A study examines the concentration of a pollutant in organisms across different trophic levels in a