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 Biology FRQs to get ready for the big day.

  • View all (250)
  • Unit 1: Chemistry of Life (27)
  • Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function (34)
  • Unit 3: Cellular Energetics (27)
  • Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle (30)
  • Unit 5: Heredity (20)
  • Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation (30)
  • Unit 7: Natural Selection (65)
  • Unit 8: Ecology (17)
Unit 1: Chemistry of Life

Analyzing the Effects of Temperature on Lipid Bilayer Permeability

A researcher investigates the permeability of synthetic lipid bilayers by encapsulating a fluorescen

Hard

Analyzing the Role of Water's Cohesion and Adhesion in Capillary Action

A researcher is investigating the unique properties of water by measuring the height to which water

Medium

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

Medium

Atomic Structure and Isotopes

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

Easy

Atomic Structure and Isotopes Analysis

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

Medium

Carbon and Organic Molecules

Carbon is the backbone of organic chemistry. Evaluate its versatility in forming diverse molecular s

Easy

Carbon's Central Role in Biomolecules

A biologist is exploring why carbon is fundamental to the structure of organic molecules.

Easy

Carbon's Versatility in Organic Molecules

This question explores why carbon's tetravalency is crucial for the diversity of organic molecules a

Extreme

Chemical Bonding: Ionic and Covalent Bonds

Examine the differences between ionic and covalent bonds including examples found in biological mole

Medium

Cholesterol's Role in Membrane Fluidity

Investigate how cholesterol modulates cell membrane fluidity across a range of temperatures. Analyze

Medium

Experimental Design: Enzyme Kinetics Under Acidic Conditions

A researcher tests the effect of pH on the kinetics of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction.

Hard

FRQ 11: Classification of Amino Acids

Amino acids are classified based on the properties of their side chains. Discuss how this classifica

Easy

Hydrogen Bonding and Special Properties of Water

This question investigates water's unusual properties that arise from hydrogen bonding. You will exp

Medium

Investigating Nucleic Acid Polymerization via Hydrolysis Reaction

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

Medium

Investigating Water's Unique Properties

A researcher investigates the unique properties of water and how they contribute to biological proce

Medium

Isotope Labeling in Metabolic Pathways

This question focuses on the application of isotopic labeling to study metabolic processes such as t

Hard

Isotopic Labeling in Metabolic Studies

Investigate how isotopic labeling is used to trace metabolic pathways. Analyze the distribution of a

Medium

Lipids and Cellular Membranes

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

Easy

Nucleic Acid Polymerization and Hydrolysis

Describe the process of nucleic acid polymerization and the potential impacts of hydrolysis during t

Medium

Nucleic Acid Structure and Stability

A geneticist is examining the structure of nucleic acids and their stability under varying condition

Hard

Quantitative Analysis of Carbohydrate Storage

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

Easy

Role of Trace Elements in Biological Systems

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

Medium

Saturation and Unsaturation in Fatty Acids

Examine how the degree of saturation in fatty acids influences their melting points and physical pro

Medium

Synergistic Roles of Organic Molecules in Cellular Function

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

Extreme

Trace Elements in Ecosystem Function

An ecologist is researching the role of trace elements (e.g., iron, iodine, copper) in the health of

Medium

Understanding the Role of Molecular Components in Cell Signaling

A study investigates how cholesterol-derived hormones are produced and how molecular structure influ

Medium

Water's Anomalous Properties and Ecological Impact

This question explores the unusual properties of water, particularly its expansion upon freezing, an

Extreme
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

Actin Polymerization and Filament Length

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

Medium

Active Transport and Ion Gradients

This FRQ explores the mechanism of active transport via the sodium-potassium pump and its role in ma

Medium

Active Transport and the Sodium-Potassium Pump

The sodium-potassium pump is a prime example of active transport that maintains essential ion gradie

Hard

Analysis of Exocytosis Process

This question addresses the process of exocytosis and requires a critical analysis of a diagram repr

Medium

Analyzing Diffusion Rates and Concentration Gradients

The table below provides data on the diffusion rates of a substance across a membrane at different c

Easy

Aquaporin Overexpression and Water Transport

Design an experiment to determine how overexpression of aquaporin proteins affects water transport i

Medium

Bulk Flow and Dialysis in Physiological Systems

Bulk flow and dialysis are essential for fluid transport in biological systems and medical applicati

Extreme

Calculation of Surface Area and Volume: Cubical Cell Model

This question involves calculating the surface area and volume of a cell modeled as a cube and discu

Easy

Cell Surface Area-to-Volume Ratio and Its Effects on Cellular Efficiency

In the study of cell physiology, the relationship between surface area and volume has important impl

Medium

Cytoskeletal Disruption and Its Impact on Exocytosis

Design an experiment to determine how disruption of actin filaments affects the rate of exocytosis i

Extreme

Cytoskeletal Dynamics in Cell Movement

This FRQ focuses on the role of cytoskeleton components, particularly actin, in cell movement.

Easy

Cytoskeleton Dynamics in Cell Division

A researcher investigates the role of the cytoskeleton, particularly actin microfilaments, in the pr

Medium

Cytoskeleton Function and Cellular Dynamics

The cytoskeleton is essential for maintaining cell shape, enabling movement, and facilitating cell d

Hard

Endocytosis and Exocytosis in Cellular Transport

Cells use various mechanisms to transport materials. Answer the following parts:

Hard

Endoplasmic Reticulum and Protein Modification

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is crucial for protein processing. (a) Compare and contrast the roug

Hard

Energy Conversion in Mitochondria vs. Peroxisomes

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

Extreme

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

Medium

Fluid Mosaic Model and Plasma Membrane Function

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

Medium

Golgi Complex: Modification and Sorting

The Golgi complex is critical for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins. Answer the following:

Hard

Investigating the Efficiency of Lipid Bilayers in Facilitating Diffusion

A study utilizes artificial lipid bilayers to test their permeability to various solutes. The claim

Easy

Investigation of Peroxisomes in Cellular Detoxification

A study measured peroxisomal enzyme activity in response to increasing concentrations of hydrogen pe

Hard

Kinetics of Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis

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

Extreme

Mechanisms of Passive and Active Transport

This question focuses on the fundamental differences between passive and active transport across the

Medium

Mechanisms of Secondary Active Transport

Secondary active transport uses the energy stored in electrochemical gradients to move substances ac

Hard

Microscopy Techniques: Light vs Electron Microscopy

This FRQ compares the resolving power and usability of light microscopes versus electron microscopes

Medium

Mitochondrial Function and ATP Production

This FRQ assesses the relationship between substrate concentration and ATP production in mitochondri

Medium

Mitochondrial Function and Energy Production

This question focuses on the role of mitochondria in energy production and the relationship between

Easy

Mitochondrial Structure and ATP Production Efficiency

An experimental physiologist is studying mitochondria to understand how their structure contributes

Hard

Mitochondrial Structure and Function

This question examines the structure of the mitochondrion and its role in ATP production.

Medium

Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis Efficiency

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

Hard

Ribosomes and Protein Synthesis

Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis in cells. Answer the following questions regarding thei

Easy

Role of Cell Surface Markers in Immune Recognition

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

Hard

Role of Plasma Membrane in Selective Permeability

A series of experiments using artificial membranes have aimed to test the claim that the plasma memb

Medium

Temperature Effects on Active Transport Mechanisms

Design an experiment to assess how varying temperatures affect the activity of the sodium-potassium

Hard
Unit 3: Cellular Energetics

Advanced Enzyme Energy Diagrams under Variable Conditions

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

Extreme

Analysis of Light Reactions in Photosynthesis

This question focuses on the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, emphasizing the roles of t

Medium

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 Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Respiration

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

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

A flow diagram is provided comparing the overall processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiratio

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

A student compares the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, focusing on the use of

Easy

Comparative Analysis of Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

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

Medium

Effects of Enzyme Denaturation on Reaction Rate

Examine the table below which shows enzyme reaction rates under three different conditions related t

Medium

Energy Yield of Aerobic Respiration

Outline the stages of aerobic respiration and calculate the total ATP yield from one molecule of glu

Medium

Enzyme Catalysis and Activation Energy

Enzymes accelerate reactions by lowering the activation energy. Analyze this effect quantitatively u

Medium

Enzyme Cofactors and Regulation

This question examines the role of enzyme cofactors and their effects on enzyme activity.

Easy

Enzyme Inhibition and Kinetics

This question explores the mechanisms of enzyme inhibition and how they affect reaction kinetics.

Hard

Enzyme Saturation and Michaelis-Menten Kinetics

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

Medium

Enzyme Specificity and Active Site Dynamics

Enzymes are highly specific catalysts in biological reactions. Their function depends on precise int

Medium

Impact of Inhibitors on Metabolic Pathways

A researcher analyzes the impact of enzyme inhibitors on a metabolic pathway by examining changes in

Hard

Investigation of Inhibitor Effects on Enzyme Catalysis

A laboratory experiment was performed to assess the effect of a purported noncompetitive inhibitor o

Hard

Kinetic Analysis of Enzyme Inhibition

Enzyme inhibitors can alter reaction rates in various ways. Evaluate the kinetic effects of competit

Hard

Mechanism of Induced-Fit in Enzymatic Reactions

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

Medium

Metabolic Pathways: Glycolysis versus Krebs Cycle

Glycolysis and the Krebs Cycle are central to cellular respiration. Compare their roles, cellular lo

Medium

pH Effects on Enzyme Function

This question investigates how pH influences enzyme structure and function.

Easy

Photosynthesis Electron Transport Analysis

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

Medium

Photosynthesis: C3, C4, and CAM Pathways

Compare and contrast the three photosynthetic pathways (C3, C4, and CAM) in terms of their mechanism

Hard

Proton Gradient and ATP Synthesis

A biologist investigates ATP synthesis via chemiosmosis in mitochondria, focusing on the role of the

Hard

Reaction Coupling and ATP Synthesis

Reaction coupling is central to cellular metabolism. Using ATP hydrolysis as an example, explain how

Medium

Role of Cofactors in Enzyme Activity

Design an experiment to compare enzyme activity in the presence and absence of a cofactor (e.g., $$M

Easy

Simulation of Anaerobic Glycolysis in Muscle Cells

An experiment was conducted using cultured muscle cells to simulate the anaerobic conditions typical

Medium

Temperature-Induced Enzyme Denaturation

Propose an experiment to investigate the effect of elevated temperatures on enzyme activity and stru

Medium
Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle

Cascading Effects of Ligand-Receptor Binding Failures

A mutation in a receptor protein leads to impaired ligand binding efficiency, causing a significant

Hard

Cell Communication in Tissue Regeneration

During wound healing, tissue regeneration relies on effective cell communication via growth factor s

Hard

Cell Cycle Checkpoints and Cancer

Proper cell division is ensured by cell cycle checkpoints that monitor and repair errors. Defects in

Hard

Cell Cycle Checkpoints and DNA Damage Response

Construct a detailed experimental plan to investigate the activation of cell cycle checkpoints in ma

Hard

Chemotaxis in Unicellular Organisms

A researcher investigates the chemotactic response of a bacterial species to increasing concentratio

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Membrane Receptor Classes

Cells utilize various classes of membrane receptors to perceive and respond to external signals. Con

Hard

Comparative Analysis of Receptor Types in Signal Transduction

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

Hard

Comparative Analysis of Short-Range vs. Long-Range Signaling

Cells communicate using both short-range (e.g., paracrine) and long-range (e.g., hormonal) signaling

Easy

Cyclin D and Cell Cycle Progression

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

Medium

Cyclin/CDK Complex Activation Kinetics

The activation of cyclin/CDK complexes is pivotal for cell cycle progression. Analyze the kinetics o

Medium

Cytokinesis and Mitotic Spindle Dynamics

During cell division, cytokinesis physically separates the cytoplasm of the dividing cell, concludin

Medium

Designing an Experiment on Cell Junction Communication

A research team is investigating the role of gap junctions in propagating electrical signals in card

Medium

Environmental Stress and Signal Transduction

Cells exposed to high salinity experience stress that can disrupt their signal transduction pathways

Medium

Feedback Loops in Signal Transduction Pathways

Design an experiment to explore both positive and negative feedback loops within a specific cell sig

Extreme

Genetic Mutations and Oncogene Activation

Mutations in regulatory genes can transform proto-oncogenes into oncogenes, leading to increased cel

Easy

Hormonal Regulation and Feedback in Blood Glucose Homeostasis

A researcher examines the mechanisms of blood glucose regulation and collects data under various con

Medium

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

Intracellular Signaling and Second Messengers

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

Medium

Kinase Cascade Activation by Growth Factor

A laboratory experiment explores the activation of a kinase cascade in epithelial cells following tr

Hard

Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Function in Neuromuscular Transmission

This question explores the role and quantitative aspects of ligand-gated ion channels at the neuromu

Easy

Mathematical Modeling of Diffusion in Signal Transduction

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

Hard

Mathematical Modeling of Ligand-Receptor Interactions

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

Medium

Oncogene Activation and Cancer Cell Proliferation

A study compares normal cells with cells engineered to overexpress an oncogene. Researchers measure

Hard

Quantitative Analysis of Mitotic Spindle Formation

This question evaluates the role of the mitotic spindle in chromosome segregation through quantitati

Hard

Signal Amplification and Cascade Effects

An experiment aims to demonstrate signal amplification within a cell signaling cascade. The claim is

Hard

Signal Amplification in Cell Communication

Signal transduction cascades allow cells to amplify a small external signal. Using the concept of si

Easy

Signal Transduction Cascade and Receptor Saturation

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

Medium

Signal Transduction Cascades and Secondary Messengers

G-protein coupled receptor activation results in the rapid production of secondary messengers that a

Easy

Signal Transduction Feedback Mechanisms

Feedback mechanisms are essential in regulating signal transduction pathways. Review the provided di

Medium

Targeting Signal Transduction in Cancer Therapy

Abnormal activation of signal transduction pathways is a hallmark of many cancers. Part a: Identif

Extreme
Unit 5: Heredity

Analysis of Sex-Linked Inheritance of X-linked Recessive Traits

A researcher is analyzing a trait known to be X-linked and recessive (such as color blindness) in hu

Medium

Analysis of X-Inactivation and Barr Bodies

In female mammals, one of the two X chromosomes is randomly inactivated during development, leading

Medium

Analyzing Incomplete Dominance and Codominance

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

Easy

Codominance in the ABO Blood Group System

An individual with AB blood type (genotype I^A I^B) mates with an individual with type O blood (geno

Medium

Dihybrid Cross and Independent Assortment

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

Medium

Dihybrid Cross and Probability

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

Hard

Environmental Effects on Phenotypic Plasticity

Examine how environmental factors influence phenotype even when the genotype remains constant.

Medium

Gametogenesis: Comparing Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis

Compare and contrast the processes of spermatogenesis and oogenesis. In your response, outline the d

Medium

Inheritance Patterns: Incomplete Dominance and Codominance

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

Medium

Integration of Meiosis and Genetic Variation

Discuss how different mechanisms during meiosis contribute to genetic variation and compare these so

Hard

Integrative Inheritance: Combining Mendelian and Non-Mendelian Traits

Design an experiment in which you cross organisms that exhibit both Mendelian (e.g., dominant/recess

Hard

Monohybrid Cross Analysis

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

Easy

Monohybrid Cross and Epistasis

A monohybrid cross typically produces a simple ratio of genotypes and phenotypes. However, epistasis

Easy

Non-Mendelian Inheritance Patterns: Incomplete Dominance and Codominance

Compare and contrast two non-Mendelian inheritance patterns— incomplete dominance and codominance—us

Medium

Pedigree Analysis for Inheritance Patterns

A pedigree chart shows the appearance of a certain trait across multiple generations in a family. Us

Medium

Polygenic Inheritance and Environmental Influences

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

Hard

Recombination Mapping of Linked Genes

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

Hard

Sex-Linked Inheritance and Pedigree Analysis

Sex-linked traits, particularly those located on the X chromosome, often show distinctive patterns i

Hard

Sex-Linked Traits and Pedigree Analysis

Analyze a pedigree where a sex-linked trait (e.g., color blindness) is present. Explain the differen

Hard

Synapsis and Crossing-Over: Diagram Analysis

Analyze the provided diagram illustrating synapsis and crossing-over during prophase I of meiosis. I

Hard
Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation

Analysis of Mutational Impacts on Protein Structure

A molecular biologist is studying the effects of different point mutations on protein structure. The

Easy

Analyzing DNA Gel Electrophoresis Results

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

Hard

Bacterial Gene Transfer by Transduction

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

Medium

Central Dogma and Variations in Genetic Information Flow

A review of the central dogma reveals instances where the expected flow of genetic information is al

Easy

Chromatin Structure and Gene Expression

The packaging of DNA in chromatin influences gene expression. Consider the data below and answer the

Medium

Chromatin Structure and Transcriptional Regulation

A researcher is investigating how chromatin structure affects gene expression. The study compares tr

Medium

Comparative DNA Replication: Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes

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

Extreme

Comparative Structures of DNA and RNA

DNA and RNA have distinct structural differences that underlie their different biological functions.

Easy

CRISPR-Cas Genome Editing: Efficiency and Ethics

A biotech company is using CRISPR-Cas technology for genome editing in various cell lines. Review th

Extreme

DNA Damage from UV Radiation and Repair Mechanisms

Cells exposed to UV radiation exhibit specific types of DNA damage. A researcher examines the repair

Medium

DNA Replication Dynamics

A laboratory is studying the DNA replication process in E. coli. The replication fork moves at 1000

Medium

Effects of Helicase Inhibition on DNA Replication Fork Progression

Design an experiment to evaluate how inhibition of helicase affects the rate of DNA replication.

Hard

Epigenetic Regulation and Chromatin Structure

Gene expression in eukaryotes is influenced by chromatin structure. Analyze the following table and

Medium

Evolutionary Impact of DNA Mutations

Discuss how mutations in DNA contribute to evolutionary change.

Medium

FRQ 5: Translation and Protein Synthesis

An mRNA transcript carrying a mutation in its start codon is introduced into an in vitro translation

Medium

Genomic Organization and Chromatin Structure

Discuss how genomic organization affects gene expression.

Easy

Hydrogen Bonding in DNA Base Pairing

A double-stranded DNA molecule contains 1×10^6 base pairs. Assuming that 50% of the base pairs are a

Easy

Investigation of DNA Replication Enzyme Activity Error

A researcher is investigating the replication kinetics of a novel DNA polymerase in an in vitro syst

Medium

Mechanism of Translation

Examine the process of translation and the molecular accuracy mechanisms involved in protein synthes

Medium

Mechanisms of DNA Replication

This question examines the complex process of DNA replication and the enzymatic machinery that ensur

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

Operon Function and Regulation

Using the provided operon diagram, answer the following questions concerning the regulation of gene

Medium

Point Mutations and Frameshift Effects

Analyze different types of mutations and their impact on protein synthesis.

Medium

Reverse Transcription in Retroviruses

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

Hard

Semiconservative DNA Replication and Labeling

Examine the semiconservative nature of DNA replication and the experimental evidence supporting it.

Hard

Transcription Factor Binding and Promoter Strength

In a study, the rate of transcription (R) is modeled as a function of transcription factor concentra

Easy

Transcription Regulation Experiment Using Promoter Mutations

A researcher introduces point mutations into the promoter region of a eukaryotic gene and measures m

Medium

Translation Initiation and Elongation Experiment

A study examines how variations in ribosome number affect the rate of protein synthesis when mRNA co

Hard

tRNA and Codon-Anticodon Pairing

The mRNA sequence 5'-AUG GCU UAA-3' is translated during protein synthesis. Answer the following:

Easy

Viral Replication Cycles: Lytic vs Lysogenic

A virology experiment measured bacterial viability at various time points following infection with a

Medium
Unit 7: Natural Selection

Adaptive Radiation in Island Ecosystems

On an archipelago, a single ancestral species of bird has diversified into several distinct species,

Hard

Adaptive Traits and Finch Beak Variation

A population of finches exhibits variation in beak size that correlates with environmental condition

Easy

Analyzing Fossil Records for Evolutionary Trends

Design a study using fossil records from two different geological formations with the goal of identi

Medium

Analyzing Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

A biologist collected data from a population to assess if it is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The f

Hard

Antibiotic Resistance in Bacterial Populations

Analyze the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria using the data provided in the table, a

Hard

Artificial Selection in Crop Plants: Predicting Trait Frequency Changes

Investigate how artificial selection can alter the trait distribution in crop plants over one genera

Hard

Artificial vs. Natural Selection

This question compares artificial and natural selection. Design an experiment and analyze the evolut

Medium

Climate Change and Evolutionary Selection

Climate change can act as a powerful selective force. Use the data provided to examine how changing

Hard

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

Extreme

Comparing Evolutionary Theories: Darwin vs. Lamarck

Answer the following questions comparing two evolutionary theories:

Medium

Darwin's Observations on Natural Selection

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

Easy

Designing a Study on Multiple Evolutionary Mechanisms

Given a scenario of rapid climate change affecting a species' habitat, design a multi-factorial stud

Extreme

Diagram Analysis: Natural Selection Process

Examine the diagram of the natural selection process provided below. The diagram includes boxes and

Medium

Effects of Environmental Pollution on Population Genetics

Using the example of the peppered moth, this question examines the impact of environmental pollution

Extreme

Effects of Gene Flow on Allele Frequencies in Populations

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

Medium

Environmental Influences on Natural Selection

Evaluate how different environmental factors, both biotic and abiotic, drive natural selection in a

Medium

Environmental Pollutants and Adaptive Change in Amphibians

Environmental pollutants, such as acid rain, can impose strong selective pressures on local populati

Hard

Environmental Pressures and Adaptive Traits

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

Medium

Environmental Pressures and Adaptive Traits

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

Medium

Environmental Pressures and Adaptive Traits Over Time

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

Hard

Environmental Pressures and Phenotypic Traits

A study examines the effect of temperature on the beak size of a particular bird species. Use the pr

Medium

Environmental Pressures and Reproductive Success

A study measured the reproductive success of insects with varying wing shapes under high wind condit

Hard

Environmental Pressures and Speciation of Frogs

Two subpopulations of frogs become geographically isolated by a mountain range. One group inhabits s

Medium

Evidence of Evolution: Fossils and Biogeography

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

Medium

Evidences of Continuing Evolution: Fossils and Molecular Biology

Continuing evolution is supported by multiple lines of evidence. Answer the following:

Hard

Fossil Evidence and Phylogenetic Trees

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

Hard

Fossil Record Analysis and Dating Techniques

Dating methods and fossil records are crucial for understanding evolutionary timelines. Delve into t

Extreme

Fossil Record and Dating Techniques

Assess how the fossil record and dating techniques contribute to our understanding of evolutionary h

Medium

Gene Flow and Its Impact on Population Genetics

Gene flow plays a critical role in shaping genetic diversity within populations. Examine how migrati

Medium

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and Genetic Variability

Consider a population of beetles with two alleles for shell color. Using the Hardy-Weinberg equation

Hard

Impact of Environmental Change on Allele Frequency: Peppered Moths

Analyze the impact of industrial air pollution on the allele frequencies of the peppered moth popula

Medium

Impact of Invasive Species on Native Genotypes

In this experiment, a researcher assesses the impact of an invasive species on the genetic diversity

Extreme

Impact of Mutations on Microbial Populations

In a controlled experiment, a microbial population is exposed to a mutagen, altering the mutation ra

Hard

Integrative Analysis of Evolutionary Mechanisms

Evolution is driven by multiple mechanisms that can interact simultaneously. Answer the following:

Extreme

Interpreting Morphological Homologies in Vertebrates

Morphological homologies, such as similarities in bone structures among vertebrates, are used as evi

Medium

Interpreting Phylogenetic Data Through Cladograms

Cladograms and phylogenetic trees help illustrate evolutionary relationships and common ancestry amo

Hard

Investigating the Founder Effect in Invasive Species

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

Medium

Lamarck vs Darwin: Comparative Analysis

Research on evolutionary theories continues to provoke discussion. Compare the historical theories o

Hard

Lamarck vs. Darwin: Inheritance of Traits

A biologist observes a population of organisms where some individuals appear to acquire enhanced fea

Easy

Lamarckism vs. Darwinian Evolution

Critically compare Lamarck's theory of evolution with Darwin's theory of natural selection.

Easy

Measuring Evolutionary Fitness in Frog Populations

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

Easy

Miller-Urey Experiment and the Origins of Life

Analyze the design and outcomes of the Miller-Urey experiment, including its relevance to the RNA-wo

Medium

Modeling Gene Flow Among Populations

This FRQ focuses on how gene flow between populations can influence allele frequencies over time and

Hard

Molecular Evidence and Evolutionary Relationships

Modern molecular biology has provided powerful tools for elucidating evolutionary relationships amon

Medium

Natural Selection and Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria

An experiment is conducted in which bacterial cultures are exposed to an antibiotic over several gen

Hard

Natural Selection Under Changing Environmental Conditions

Analyze how environmental changes impact allele frequencies in a population based on provided experi

Hard

Origins of Life and the RNA-World Hypothesis

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

Medium

Peppered Moths and Directional Selection

Examine how environmental changes influenced natural selection in peppered moths. Answer the followi

Medium

Peppered Moths: A Case Study in Natural Selection

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

Medium

Phylogenetic Trees and Cladograms

Evaluate the use of phylogenetic trees and cladograms in determining evolutionary relationships amon

Medium

Phylogenetic Trees and Common Ancestry

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

Medium

Phylogenetic Trees and Common Ancestry

Phylogenetic trees offer insights into the common ancestry of species. Use the graph provided to ans

Hard

Population Bottlenecks and Founder Effects

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

Medium

Punctuated Equilibrium versus Gradualism

Evolutionary change can occur gradually or in rapid bursts. Analyze the models of punctuated equilib

Hard

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

Resource Competition and Its Role in Natural Selection

This FRQ explores how competition for limited resources drives natural selection by affecting popula

Easy

RNA World Hypothesis: Experimental Approaches

Discuss the RNA world hypothesis and design a modern experiment to test its predictions regarding th

Hard

Sexual Selection and Evolutionary Dynamics

Analyze the role of sexual selection in evolution and discuss the cost-benefit trade-offs associated

Medium

Sexual Selection and Trait Evolution

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

Medium

Sexual Selection in Bird Ornamentation

A study on a bird population measured male tail length and the number of mating successes. The data

Medium

Speciation and Reproductive Isolation

Discuss the process of speciation with emphasis on reproductive isolation mechanisms. Answer the fol

Medium

The Peppered Moth Case Study: Directional Selection

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

Medium

The RNA World Hypothesis and Origins of Life

This question examines the RNA world hypothesis and the role of prebiotic experiments in understandi

Medium

The RNA World Hypothesis and the Origins of Life

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

Extreme

Types of Selection and Their Effects

Evolutionary processes include various forms of selection that shape population traits. In the follo

Hard
Unit 8: Ecology

Animal Communication: Pheromones and Agonistic Behaviors

This FRQ focuses on the various ways animals communicate, emphasizing chemical signaling and social

Easy

Assessment of Greenhouse Effect on Animal Behavior

A recent media article claims that increasing levels of greenhouse gases are altering the behavior o

Extreme

Circadian Rhythms and Enzyme Activity in Plants

A botanist studies how enzyme activity in a plant varies over a 24-hour period under constant condit

Extreme

Designing an Experiment to Determine Carrying Capacity

A researcher aims to determine the carrying capacity of a freshwater lake for a particular fish spec

Medium

Dominance Hierarchies in Flocking Birds

An ornithologist studies dominance hierarchies in a controlled aviary of crows by observing their in

Hard

Ecological Pyramids and Energy Transfer

An ecologist studies an ecosystem’s trophic structure using the 10% rule of energy transfer.

Medium

Gravitropism and Plant Reorientation

A plant that was placed horizontally was observed for its response to gravitropic stimulus. The foll

Easy

Imprinting Behavior and Critical Period Analysis

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

Medium

Investigating Primary Succession After Disturbance

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

Medium

Photoperiodism and Flowering in Plants

A botanist conducts an experiment to assess the effects of day length on flowering time in a short-d

Medium

Photoperiodism in Flowering Plants

A botanist investigates the effect of day length on flowering in a short-day plant species. The expe

Easy

Plant Behavior: Phototropism vs. Gravitropism

This FRQ explores the underlying mechanisms of two key plant responses: phototropism and gravitropis

Medium

Population Growth and Carrying Capacity in Rabbits

In a nature reserve, a rabbit population begins with $$N_0 = 200$$ individuals. During one month, th

Easy

Primary Ecological Succession on Barren Rock

In a study of primary succession, a barren rock is initially colonized by lichens. Over time, the de

Medium

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

Toxins in Food Chains: Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification

Toxins can accumulate in and magnify through food chains, affecting apex predators. Answer the follo

Hard

Trophic Cascade Effects in a River Ecosystem

In a river ecosystem, the removal of a top predator led to observable changes: before removal, the e

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 688d ago
note Note
123
Updated 688d ago
note Note
View all top notes

Tips from Former AP Students

FAQ

We 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.