AP Environmental Science FRQ Room

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AP Environmental Science Free Response Questions

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

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  • Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems (33)
  • Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity (27)
  • Unit 3: Populations (26)
  • Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources (20)
  • Unit 5: Land and Water Use (31)
  • Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption (20)
  • Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution (48)
  • Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution (22)
  • Unit 9: Global Change (23)
Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems

Aquifer Recharge and Groundwater Depletion Study

A study was conducted in an urban watershed to compare groundwater recharge rates across areas with

Medium

Biomass Disparity in Aquatic Energy Pyramids

An aquatic ecosystem exhibits an unusual biomass pyramid where the consumer biomass exceeds the prod

Medium

Biomass Pyramid Analysis in a Temperate Forest

A temperate forest has been surveyed, and the following biomass data were obtained: primary producer

Easy

Carbon Cycle Disruptions due to Deforestation

Deforestation can significantly alter the carbon cycle in terrestrial ecosystems. Using the data pro

Hard

Comparative Terrestrial Biomes

A geographical region contains three distinct biomes: a Desert, a Temperate Deciduous Forest, and a

Hard

Desert Ecosystem: Water Limitation and Plant Productivity

A research team is investigating how water availability affects plant biomass production in a desert

Hard

Ecological Interactions and Competition

This question examines species interactions, focusing specifically on competition within ecological

Medium

Ecosystem Productivity and the Role of Light Intensity

A claim has been made that light intensity is the sole determinant of net primary productivity (NPP)

Hard

Energy Flow and the 10% Rule

Discuss the 10% rule in the context of energy transfer within an ecosystem and perform a simple calc

Medium

Energy Flow, Thermodynamics, and Ecosystem Efficiency

A study provides the following equation for energy transfer in an ecosystem: $$E_{transferred}=0.1*E

Hard

Energy Transfer Efficiency and the 10% Rule

This question focuses on energy transfer in food chains and the ecological implications of the 10% r

Easy

Evaluating Wetland Ecosystem Services

Design an experiment to assess the role of wetlands in nutrient retention and carbon sequestration.

Hard

Food Web Complexity and Stability

A detailed food web diagram of a terrestrial forest is provided. The diagram includes producers, var

Medium

Freshwater Renewal Rates and Water Resource Management

Freshwater sources have widely varying renewal rates, which have significant implications for resour

Easy

Generalist vs. Specialist Species in Ecosystem Resilience

A field study compared two neighboring ecosystems—one dominated by generalist species and the other

Hard

Generalists vs. Specialists: Adaptation Strategies

A case study in a variable environment describes two species: one that is a generalist capable of ut

Easy

Impact of Invasive Species on Wetland Ecosystems

This question addresses the impact of invasive species on wetland ecosystems and explores potential

Hard

Lake Stratification and Dissolved Oxygen Profiles

A study was conducted on a temperate lake during summer to measure dissolved oxygen concentrations a

Hard

Light Attenuation in Aquatic Ecosystems

Light intensity in a lake decreases exponentially with depth, following the equation $$I(z) = I_{0}*

Medium

Light Intensity and Photosynthesis Rate in Aquatic Plants

Photosynthetic rates in aquatic plants are strongly influenced by light intensity. A table with expe

Easy

Measuring Ecosystem Respiration Using an Automated Chamber

A researcher uses an automated chamber system placed over an open-field plot to continuously measure

Hard

Nitrogen Cycle Alterations

Analyze the natural nitrogen cycle and the effects of anthropogenic activities on its processes.

Hard

Nitrogen Fertilizer Effects on Plant Growth

A study was conducted to assess how different levels of nitrogen fertilizer affect the growth rate o

Medium

Ocean Circulation and Global Climate

Examine the processes that drive ocean circulation and evaluate their influence on global climate pa

Hard

Phosphorus Limitation and Crop Yields

Agronomists have investigated how soil phosphorus availability affects crop yields. The table below

Medium

Phytoplankton Doubling Time and Energy Accumulation

In a lake, phytoplankton have a doubling time of 1 day. If the initial biomass is 1 g/m³, answer the

Hard

Predator-Prey Dynamics in a Microcosm

A researcher conducts an experiment to observe predator-prey interactions in a controlled microcosm

Hard

Primary Productivity: GPP vs. NPP

This question focuses on understanding primary productivity in ecosystems by comparing Gross Primary

Easy

Role of Detritivores in Nutrient Recycling

This question addresses the ecological role of detritivores in nutrient recycling within an ecosyste

Easy

Role of Keystone Species in Grassland Biodiversity

A report claims that the presence of a keystone species, such as prairie dogs, has a stabilizing eff

Medium

Trophic Energy Transfer in a Forest Ecosystem

A study of a forest ecosystem provided the following measurements of energy (in kJ/m²/day) available

Easy

Trophic Levels and Energy Transfer Efficiency

A study of an ecosystem recorded the biomass at several trophic levels. The data is summarized in a

Hard

Water Cycle Alterations and Climate Regulation

Climate change is altering precipitation and evaporation patterns, thereby affecting the water cycle

Extreme
Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity

Analyzing Population Bottlenecks on Genetic Variability

Population bottlenecks can drastically reduce genetic variability and threaten long-term species via

Hard

Anthropogenic Impacts on Biodiversity

This question examines how human-induced activities affect biodiversity using data from a provided t

Medium

Anthropogenic Impacts on Biodiversity: Analysis and Remediation

This question explores the impact of human activities on biodiversity and requires analysis of a pro

Medium

Assessing Biodiversity: Factors Affecting Diversity

Examine the table provided comparing diversity increasers and decreasers. Discuss how each factor co

Easy

Climate Change Effects on Ecosystem Services

In a controlled greenhouse experiment, researchers simulate increased temperatures to study their ef

Hard

Comparing Primary and Secondary Succession

Ecosystems can recover from disturbances via succession. Compare and contrast primary and secondary

Medium

Ecological Succession Dynamics over Time

This question focuses on the dynamic changes in productivity and species richness during ecological

Hard

Ecosystem Services and Their Value

Ecosystems provide numerous services that support human well-being. Evaluate these services and expl

Easy

Equilibrium Species Number and Island Biogeography

Island biogeography theory suggests that the equilibrium number of species on an island is determine

Hard

Examining Genetic Diversity in a Botanical Garden

A researcher conducted a study in a botanical garden to measure genetic diversity among various plan

Medium

FRQ 2: Population Bottlenecks and Genetic Diversity

A catastrophic event drastically reduces the size of a fish population in a freshwater lake, leading

Hard

FRQ 12: Succession and Species Richness Dynamics

A researcher follows an ecosystem recovering from a forest fire, tracking changes in species richnes

Medium

Global Sea Level Rise: Experimental Simulation of Melting Ice Impact

Scientists simulate sea level rise in coastal mesocosm tanks by gradually introducing melted glacial

Extreme

Impact of Anthropogenic Activities on Biodiversity

Examine the role that anthropogenic activities play in reducing biodiversity and discuss potential r

Medium

Impacts of Acid Rain on Aquatic pH

Burning fossil fuels can produce acid rain, which alters the pH of aquatic habitats. A lake with an

Medium

Impacts of Habitat Fragmentation on Biodiversity Metrics

Habitat fragmentation can lead to significant changes in biodiversity. The table below compares key

Hard

Impacts of Population Bottlenecks on Species Richness

A forest beetle population experiences a dramatic reduction due to a wildfire, creating a population

Medium

Investigating Behavioral Adaptations in Urban Generalist vs. Specialist Species

Generalist and specialist species exhibit different behavioral adaptations in response to urban envi

Hard

Island Biogeography and Biodiversity

This question investigates the theory of island biogeography and its influence on species diversity

Medium

Island Size and Species Richness Relationship

Island biogeography theory suggests a relationship between island area and species richness. A graph

Hard

Monitoring Indicator Species for Water Quality

A researcher evaluated water quality in several pond ecosystems by monitoring the presence and abund

Easy

Natural Disruptions and Ecosystem Services

The table below summarizes the effects of various natural disruptions on two aspects of ecosystem se

Hard

Population Bottlenecks and Genetic Diversity

In this question, you will explore the concept of population bottlenecks, how they reduce genetic di

Hard

Sea Level Change Analysis

This question involves analyzing the various factors contributing to global sea level change, and in

Hard

Short-term vs. Long-term Adaptations

A study monitored trait changes in a species over two distinct time periods following environmental

Medium

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Adaptations

Organisms exhibit both short-term and long-term adaptations to environmental changes. Contrast these

Medium

Wildfires and Biomass Recovery

Wildfires can drastically alter ecosystems. Analyze both the destructive and renewing aspects of wil

Medium
Unit 3: Populations

Analyzing Carrying Capacity Fluctuations

Explore the concept of carrying capacity and interpret the fluctuations depicted in the provided gra

Hard

Analyzing Human Population Growth Rate and Doubling Time

A demographer compares historical and current human population growth rates. In 1650, the growth rat

Medium

Analyzing Survivorship Curves

The following graph represents three types of survivorship curves from different species. Using the

Hard

Assessing the Impact of a K-Selected Predator on Prey Population Dynamics

Design an experiment to investigate how a K-selected predator species affects the population dynamic

Medium

Biotic Potential Analysis

Analyze the concept of biotic potential and its relation to environmental resistance by evaluating t

Medium

Biotic Potential and Environmental Resistance

Explore the concepts of biotic potential and environmental resistance and discuss their roles in reg

Hard

Calculating Doubling Time from Exponential Growth

A biologist is examining the exponential growth of a rodent population. The growth rate is observed

Easy

Carrying Capacity and Environmental Constraints

Analyze a graph showing fluctuations in population size around the carrying capacity of an environme

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Survivorship Curves in Wild vs. Captive Populations

Compare the survivorship curves of wild and captive populations of a species and assess how environm

Extreme

Comparing Adaptability: Generalist vs Specialist Species

A researcher is interested in assessing the adaptability of a generalist species versus a specialist

Medium

Comparing the Ecological Impacts of an Invasive Generalist versus a Native Specialist

Design an experiment to compare the ecological impacts of an invasive generalist species and a nativ

Extreme

Feedback Loops in Ecosystem Dynamics

Evaluate the role of feedback loops in maintaining or disrupting ecosystem stability.

Medium

Feedback Loops in Ecosystems

Feedback loops are critical in maintaining ecosystem stability. Answer the following questions: 1.

Hard

FRQ 13: Human Population Dynamics Across History

This question examines the long-term trends in human population dynamics and the technological advan

Extreme

FRQ 15: Analyzing Tree Survivorship Under Controlled Irrigation

An ecologist set up experimental forest plots to study tree survivorship over a period of five years

Medium

FRQ 20: Response to Environmental Constraints: Species Distribution Analysis

In a biogeographical study, two species (Alpha and Beta) were compared based on environmental tolera

Extreme

Generalist vs Specialist under Environmental Change

A rapidly changing environment due to climate change has led to unpredictable resource availability.

Easy

Generalists vs Specialists in Variable Environments

Discuss how the adaptations of generalist and specialist species affect their ability to cope with r

Medium

Generalists vs. Specialists in Changing Environments

Consider the following statements about generalist and specialist species: Generalists utilize a var

Medium

Human Population Dynamics and Historical Growth Patterns

Human population growth has experienced several surges throughout history. Answer the following ques

Medium

Interpreting Survivorship Curves

Examine the survivorship curves in the provided graph and discuss their implications for species' re

Medium

K-Selected vs. r-Selected Species: Life History Strategies

Examine the life history strategies of r-selected and K-selected species. Using the provided table,

Medium

Total Fertility Rate (TFR) Analysis

Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is a key demographic indicator. Using the table provided, answer the foll

Medium

Total Fertility Rate and Demographic Transition Analysis

A global study has compiled data on Total Fertility Rates (TFR) for several countries. Refer to the

Hard

Urbanization Effects on Population Dynamics and Resources

Evaluate the impact of urbanization on population dynamics and resource availability, and propose su

Hard

Urbanization Effects on r- and K-Strategists

Examine how urbanization influences species exhibiting r-selected versus K-selected strategies using

Hard
Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources

Climate Change Emissions and Temperature Trends Graph Assessment

Using the provided graph that shows greenhouse gas emissions and global temperature anomalies over s

Extreme

Continental Drift and Fossil Distribution

A paleontologist is reviewing evidence supporting continental drift based on fossil records found on

Medium

Continental Drift: Evaluating Geological Evidence

Wegener’s theory of continental drift is supported by various lines of evidence. In this question, a

Medium

Evaluating Land Use Impacts on Water Quality in a Watershed

A study of a watershed yields the following data regarding phosphorus levels in different sections c

Extreme

Evaluating Soil Erosion Under Different Farming Techniques

Agricultural practices play a significant role in soil erosion. Evaluate the differences in soil los

Easy

Evaluating the Impact of Buffer Zones on Nutrient Runoff in Watersheds

Design an experimental study to assess the effectiveness of vegetative buffer zones in reducing nutr

Medium

Fisheries Impact under ENSO Conditions

This question examines how ENSO events affect fish productivity and the underlying oceanographic pro

Medium

Great Oxidation Event and Atmospheric Stabilization

A claim has been made that the rapid rise in free oxygen during the Great Oxidation Event (GOE) imme

Hard

Greenhouse Gases and Earth's Atmosphere

This question evaluates your knowledge of atmospheric composition and the role of greenhouse gases.

Easy

Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar Cells Circulation Analysis

A diagram (described below) illustrates global atmospheric circulation: "A diagram shows rising air

Hard

Impact of Fertilizer Runoff on Nutrient Cycles

Fertilizer application can enhance crop yields but also lead to nutrient runoff affecting surroundin

Easy

Impact of Ocean-Atmosphere Interactions on Global Climate

Global climate is largely regulated by interactions between ocean currents, atmospheric circulation,

Hard

Mountain Rain Shadow Effect

A diagram (see description below) illustrates the rain shadow effect: "A diagram shows moist air ap

Easy

Seafloor Spreading Data Analysis

This question examines the concept of seafloor spreading through analysis of quantitative data.

Medium

Soil Erosion Graph Analysis

Analyze the provided graph depicting soil erosion rates as influenced by rainfall intensity and answ

Medium

Soil Erosion Rate Experiment

A group of researchers conducted an experiment to measure soil erosion. They collected uniform soil

Easy

Soil Formation under Varying Climatic Conditions

A comparative study was conducted on soil profiles in regions with different climatic conditions. Th

Medium

Tornado Formation: Assessing Wind Shear and Kinetic Energy

Wind shear is a critical factor in tornado formation. The kinetic energy per unit mass of an air par

Medium

Watershed Management and Pollutant Control

This question focuses on watershed definition, management practices, and the reduction of agricultur

Medium

Watershed Management: Calculating Nutrient Runoff

Nutrient runoff from a watershed can be estimated by the equation $$L = C * Q$$, where $$C$$ is the

Medium
Unit 5: Land and Water Use

Acid Mine Drainage and Ecosystem Recovery

A mining region has been affected by acid mine drainage, which has led to the contamination of nearb

Medium

Agricultural Revolutions: Comparing Past and Present

Historically, agricultural practices have undergone dramatic shifts from the First Agricultural Revo

Easy

Air Pollution and the Tragedy of the Commons

Apply the concept of the Tragedy of the Commons to urban air pollution by analyzing emission data an

Easy

CAFOs and Water Quality

Evaluate the impact of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) on water quality by analyzing

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Conventional and Organic Farming

Interpret data comparing the responses of conventional and organic farms to increased nitrogen input

Hard

Comparative Analysis of Traditional and Modern Farming Practices

Compare the environmental and productivity differences between traditional and modern, mechanized fa

Extreme

Desertification and Overgrazing Effects

Analyze the processes of desertification and the role of overgrazing in accelerating land degradatio

Medium

Ecological Footprint Assessment

Country A has an ecological footprint of 5.2 global hectares (gha) per person with a population of 5

Medium

Ecological Footprints and National Sustainability

The table presents data on the ecological footprint and biocapacity per person (in global hectares)

Medium

Environmental Consequences of Mining Activity

A study evaluated acid mine drainage levels over time at mining sites with and without remediation e

Medium

Evaluating Genetic Engineering's Impact on Crop Yields

A plant biologist evaluates a genetically modified (GM) crop designed for enhanced insect resistance

Medium

Evaluating the IPAT Formula in the Context of Modern Environmental Challenges

The IPAT formula (I = P × A × T) claims that human impact on the environment is driven by population

Medium

Evaluating the Role of Urban Greening in Mitigating the Urban Heat Island Effect

Design an experiment to assess whether urban greening (e.g., parks, green roofs) can mitigate the ur

Medium

Experiment Analysis: Clear-Cutting and Edge Effects on Soil Moisture

Researchers conducted an experiment to study the impact of clear-cutting on soil moisture and forest

Hard

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and Biodiversity

This question examines the role of GMOs in modern agriculture and their potential impacts on biodive

Medium

Green Revolution and Pesticide Resistance

During the Green Revolution, the widespread adoption of high-yield crops was accompanied by intensiv

Hard

Green Revolution: Impact of GMO Adoption on Crop Production

A farm using traditional seeds produces 100 tons of crop. After adopting genetically modified (GMO)

Easy

Impact of Road Building on Forest Fragmentation

Assess how road building affects forest fragment sizes and discuss potential measures to mitigate th

Hard

Integrated Environmental Policy: Balancing Multiple Sectors

Synthesize data from various environmental sectors to design integrated policies that balance econom

Extreme

IPM vs. Conventional Pesticide Use Effects on Crop Damage

The table below presents data comparing field performance between farms using conventional pesticide

Medium

Overfishing and Its Ecological Consequences

This question focuses on the impact of overfishing on marine ecosystems, including data interpretati

Medium

Overfishing Impact Graph Analysis

Interpret the provided graph which illustrates the decline in fish populations relative to overfishi

Medium

Pesticide Resistance and IPM Strategies

Investigate the relationship between pesticide use and pest population dynamics, and evaluate how In

Hard

Sustainable Agriculture Practices and Soil Health

A researcher investigates the impact of sustainable agriculture practices on soil health, focusing o

Medium

Sustainable Agriculture: No-Till and Crop Rotation Benefits

A farming community has recently transitioned from conventional tillage methods to sustainable pract

Easy

Tragedy of the Commons and Water Consumption

A small town with 10,000 residents uses water as a common resource. Each resident currently uses 300

Medium

Urban Runoff and Water Quality

Analyze the concentrations of pollutants in urban runoff and recommend measures to improve water qua

Medium

Urban Runoff and Water Quality Process Diagram Analysis

Using the provided diagram that illustrates the process of urban runoff and its impact on water qual

Hard

Urban Sustainability and the IPAT Model

Use the IPAT model to analyze the environmental impact of urban areas and propose strategies to redu

Hard

Water Pollution from Urban Runoff

A mid-sized city has been experiencing increased flooding and water quality issues due to urban runo

Medium

Water Quality Impact from CAFOs

The table displays water quality measures (specifically soluble nitrogen and phosphorus levels) at l

Medium
Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption

Biomass Energy and Anaerobic Digestion

Biomass offers a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. Evaluate the process of biomass energy produ

Medium

Biomass Energy Conversion Experiment

In a laboratory bioreactor, a researcher tests the efficiency of converting biomass into methane via

Hard

Comparative Analysis of Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy Sources

Compare renewable energy sources (such as wind, solar, and geothermal) with nonrenewable sources (su

Medium

Designing a Sustainable Community Energy Plan

This question requires you to design a sustainable energy portfolio for a small community by integra

Extreme

Energy Conversion Efficiency in Power Plants

This question requires you to analyze energy conversion from thermal to electrical energy in power p

Extreme

Energy Conversion in Biomass Combustion Experiment

A researcher investigates the energy conversion efficiency of biomass combustion using different typ

Hard

Energy Efficiency in Residential Homes

This FRQ examines the impact of energy conservation measures on residential energy consumption. In a

Medium

Energy Units and Conversion Calculations

Understanding energy units is essential in quantifying and comparing energy use. Analyze the differe

Easy

Geothermal Energy Extraction Analysis

A geothermal power plant pumps water from a reservoir at 250°C at a rate of 2 m³/s. At the surface,

Hard

Geothermal Energy Extraction and Environmental Considerations

Analyze the schematic of a geothermal power plant. Answer the following:

Medium

Geothermal Energy Extraction Efficiency Experiment

A laboratory model is designed to replicate a geothermal system where water is circulated through he

Hard

Hydroelectric Dam Flow Rate and Energy Production Experiment

In an experiment to model hydroelectric dam efficiency, a scale model is built featuring a water cha

Medium

Hydroelectric Dams: Benefits and Drawbacks

Hydroelectric dams have long been a major source of renewable energy. Analyze the benefits and envir

Medium

Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Operation and Comparison with Batteries

Examine the operation of hydrogen fuel cells and compare their advantages and limitations relative t

Medium

Interdisciplinary Energy Policy Analysis

Design an interdisciplinary framework for formulating future energy policies that integrate environm

Extreme

Investigation of Energy Losses During Transmission

A study measured energy losses in power transmission over various distances. Analyze the following t

Easy

Life Cycle Analysis of Energy Sources

A comprehensive life cycle analysis (LCA) was conducted on wind, solar, coal, and nuclear energy. Th

Hard

Overall Efficiency of Fossil Fuel Electricity Generation

Electricity generation from fossil fuels involves multiple stages with the following efficiencies: f

Extreme

Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Energy Cost-Benefit Experiment

A computer simulation is used to compare the long-term cost-effectiveness, energy output, and net en

Hard

Wind Energy: Efficiency and Environmental Impact

This question evaluates understanding of wind energy systems including conversion of wind to electri

Easy
Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution

Acid Rain and Ecosystem Impact Assessment

Acid rain has deleterious effects on ecosystems. Evaluate the impact using the provided data and you

Hard

Air Pollutants: Industrial Smog and Particulate Matter

Examine the formation process of industrial smog and the behavior of particulate matter in the atmos

Medium

Air Pollution Types and Sources Evaluation

This question asks you to evaluate the different types of air pollutants and their sources. You will

Easy

Air Pollution: Types and Sources

Examine the differences between primary and secondary air pollutants, and between point and non-poin

Easy

Air Quality During Urban Heat Islands

Examine the relationship between urban heat islands and air pollution, and critically assess studies

Hard

Analysis of Air Pollution Data from a Power Plant

A study measured daily concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) near an urban power plant. The data we

Medium

Analysis of Carbon Monoxide Trends in Urban Environments

This question examines diurnal trends in carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations as measured near urban

Medium

Analyzing Noise Pollution Levels in Urban Settings

Noise pollution in urban areas can adversely affect human health and productivity. (a) Given a table

Easy

Assessing Vehicle Emissions During Peak Traffic

Design an experimental study to quantify the contribution of vehicle emissions to urban air pollutan

Hard

Atmospheric CO₂ and Particulates Monitoring Data Interpretation

A study monitored atmospheric CO₂ and particulate matter (PM) levels over a 30-day period in an indu

Medium

Carbon Monoxide Emission and Mitigation Strategies

A study focuses on carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from combustion processes. Discuss the formation o

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Air Pollutant Remediation Techniques

Various techniques exist to remediate outdoor air pollution. Compare and contrast three remediation

Medium

Comparative Analysis of PMx Sources

Particulate matter (PMx) comes from both natural and anthropogenic sources. The table below compares

Medium

Developing a Remediation Strategy for Industrial Air Pollution

Given the variety of methods available to reduce industrial air pollutants (such as switching to low

Hard

Effectiveness of Air Purifiers on Indoor VOC Levels

Design an experiment to test the effectiveness of commercially available air purifiers in reducing i

Easy

Effectiveness of Electrostatic Precipitators in Industrial Settings

Electrostatic precipitators are used in industrial settings to remove suspended particulate matter f

Medium

Evaluating Indoor Air Quality: A Case Study of 'Sick Building Syndrome'

Indoor air pollutants can lead to 'Sick Building Syndrome' (SBS), affecting occupant health and prod

Medium

Evaluating Particulate Matter Settling

This question involves applying Stokes’ Law to calculate the settling velocity of particulate matter

Medium

Evaluating Policy and Technological Innovations in Air Pollution Control

Governmental policies and technological innovations are both crucial in reducing air pollution. Crit

Extreme

Governance and Policy in Air Quality Management

Government regulations play a crucial role in managing air quality. Evaluate the impact of policy me

Easy

Impact of Acid Deposition on Ecosystem Health

Acid deposition can drastically alter the pH of aquatic ecosystems, leading to severe ecological con

Hard

Impact of Low-Sulfur Fuel Regulations on SO2 Emissions

Design an experimental study to evaluate the effect of implementing low-sulfur fuel regulations on s

Easy

Impact of Renewable Energy Adoption on CO2 Emissions

A researcher assesses the impact of renewable energy integration on fossil fuel CO2 emissions in a r

Medium

Impacts of Indoor Air Pollutants

Indoor air pollutants can have significant health effects. Discuss the health impacts of three indoo

Medium

Industrial Noise Pollution Impact Assessment

A study examines noise pollution from various sources in industrial settings. The provided table lis

Medium

Integrated Assessment of Air Pollutants and Climate Change

Air pollutants not only affect human health but also contribute to climate change. Analyze the provi

Extreme

Interpreting Air Pollutant Data and Proposing Solutions

An urban area has been recording ambient concentrations of various air pollutants. The following tab

Medium

Investigating Ozone Formation in Urban Settings

A researcher studies ozone formation by exposing a mixture of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic c

Medium

Lead Pollution and Health Impact Analysis

Lead is a hazardous air pollutant with significant health impacts. In urban settings, measurements o

Medium

Mitigation Strategies for Urban Air Pollution

A researcher is tasked with developing strategies to mitigate urban air pollution. Considering vario

Medium

Modeling Air Pollutant Dispersion

A researcher models the dispersion of an air pollutant from a point source using the equation $$y =

Extreme

Nitrogen Oxides and Ozone Formation Dynamics

This question explores the chemical interactions between nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and ozone formation,

Medium

Noise Pollution Assessment in Urban Areas

Noise pollution can adversely affect health and well‐being. Use the table below to analyze the noise

Easy

Noise Pollution in Urban Environments

This question investigates noise pollution in urban areas by defining the phenomenon and comparing i

Easy

Noise Pollution: Effects and Mitigation Strategies

With urban expansion, noise pollution has become a growing concern, especially in areas adjacent to

Easy

Outdoor vs. Indoor Air Pollutant Sources

A researcher is tasked with comparing outdoor and indoor air pollution sources. This task involves d

Easy

Photocatalytic Reactions in Atmospheric Pollution

Design an experimental study to investigate the role of photocatalytic reactions in forming secondar

Extreme

Photochemical Smog Formation Dynamics

A graph displays the formation of photochemical smog by tracking NO2 and O3 concentrations over the

Medium

Policy Approaches to Reducing PMx Levels

Particulate matter (PMx) has significant environmental and health impacts. Answer the following: (a

Extreme

Regional Air Pollution Control Strategies

A regional study evaluates multiple remediation steps for reducing air pollution. Based on various a

Hard

Sick Building Syndrome: Indoor Air Quality Analysis

This question targets 'sick building syndrome' (SBS) by examining indoor air quality issues, specifi

Medium

Sulfur Dioxide and Acid Rain Formation

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions can lead to acid rain formation through a series of reactions. Answer

Medium

Technologies and Strategies for Reducing Air Pollution in Industrial Settings

Industrial activities contribute significantly to air pollution. Evaluate various technologies used

Hard

Temporal Variations in Air Pollutants

A researcher collects continuous data on air pollutant concentrations over a 24-hour period in an ur

Medium

Thermal Inversions and Air Pollution Accumulation

Thermal inversions can trap air pollutants near the ground and worsen urban air quality. Analyze the

Medium

Thermal Inversions and Air Pollution Concentration

Thermal inversions can significantly alter the distribution of air pollutants. Analyze how a thermal

Hard

Urban Heat Islands and Air Pollution Dynamics

Evaluate the interplay between urban heat islands and air pollution levels.

Medium

Volcanic Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Air Quality

Analyze the characteristics of volcanic organic compounds and compare them with industrial VOCs in t

Medium
Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution

Analysis of Water Pollution Sources in a River Ecosystem

A mid-sized city situated along a river experiences several forms of water pollution. Some industrie

Medium

Assessing Endocrine Disruptor Effects on Aquatic Organisms

A researcher aimed to study the sub-lethal effects of bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor, on

Medium

Assessing Endocrine Disruptors' Impact on Frog Development

A researcher conducts an experiment to assess the impact of Bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine dis

Hard

Assessing the Effects of Industrial Pollutants on Wetland Ecosystems

Industrial pollutants can adversely affect sensitive wetland ecosystems. Design an experiment to ass

Extreme

Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification in Terrestrial Food Webs

Analyze the concept of bioaccumulation and biomagnification within a terrestrial food web by interpr

Hard

Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification Kinetics

This FRQ focuses on the processes of bioaccumulation and biomagnification in food chains and involve

Medium

Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification: Data Analysis

This question focuses on the processes of bioaccumulation and biomagnification through a trophic cha

Medium

Case Study: Oil Spill Effects on Marine Ecosystems

Oil spills have immediate and long-term detrimental effects on marine ecosystems. This question requ

Medium

Comparing Sources of Water Pollution

In this question, you will examine various sources of water pollution and their impacts on aquatic s

Medium

Effects of Temperature on Dissolved Oxygen in Aquatic Environments

Investigate how changes in water temperature affect dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in aquatic environm

Medium

Evaluating Oil Spill Impacts on Marine Ecosystems

Following an oil spill event, researchers collected data to assess its impacts on a coastal ecosyste

Hard

Evaluating the Efficiency of Ion Exchange Columns in Wastewater Treatment

A researcher designed an experiment to test the efficiency of an ion exchange column in removing hea

Medium

Evaluating the Impact of Industrial Activity on Wetland Biodiversity

Two wetlands are studied: one adjacent to an industrial zone and one located in a protected area. Bi

Extreme

FRQ17: Chemical Kinetics in Flocculation Sedimentation Process

Analyze the schematic diagram of a flocculation sedimentation process used in water treatment. Expla

Hard

FRQ18: Household Water Treatment Design

Evaluate the schematic diagram of a household water treatment system that uses adsorption, filtratio

Medium

FRQ19: Land Use Impact on Water Quality

Interpret the map diagram showing various land uses adjacent to a water body. Discuss how different

Hard

Impact of Mining on Water Quality

Examine how mining operations affect water quality by evaluating heavy metal concentration data and

Hard

Impact of Thermal Pollution on Local Fish Populations

A study is conducted near an industrial discharge site where warm water is released into a stream. T

Medium

Investigating Cultural Eutrophication Effects

Cultural eutrophication is primarily driven by human activities that increase nutrient levels in wat

Medium

Long-Term Environmental Impacts of Ocean Dumping

This FRQ evaluates the ecological and human health risks associated with ocean dumping of hazardous

Hard

Measurement and Implications of Total Hardness in Drinking Water

Total hardness in water is an important parameter for water quality and treatment. This question inv

Easy

Water Quality Testing: Field Assessment

A local environmental agency conducted field tests on a nearby lake to assess its water quality. The

Medium
Unit 9: Global Change

Adaptation Strategies in Response to Environmental Change

This question explores biological strategies such as adaptation and acclimatization in response to e

Medium

Analyzing Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Source

This question involves interpreting a table of annual greenhouse gas emissions by different sectors

Medium

Assessing the Effects of Invasive Species on Marine Ecosystems

A marine ecologist is studying the impact of invasive species on coastal ecosystems, with a focus on

Medium

Case Study: European Green Crabs

Analyze a case study on the environmental impact of European green crabs in a coastal ecosystem.

Medium

Chamber Experiment: Quantifying Thermal Absorption due to Greenhouse Gases

In this question, you will design an experiment to quantify how varying concentrations of greenhouse

Hard

Comparative Analysis: Ozone Depletion vs. Greenhouse Warming

Compare the processes and impacts of ozone depletion and the enhanced greenhouse effect.

Hard

Designing an Experiment: Measuring the Rate of Ozone Repair in the Stratosphere

Ozone in the stratosphere is constantly being formed and repair mechanisms are in place. In this que

Hard

Environmental Legislation: Montreal and Paris Protocol Analysis

This question asks you to compare two major international environmental treaties and evaluate their

Easy

Estimating the Impact of Global Climate Change on Hydrological Cycles

In a region undergoing significant warming, scientists conducted a decade-long study measuring aspec

Hard

Experimental Design on Formation and Decomposition of Stratospheric Ozone

Ozone formation and its subsequent decomposition are dynamic processes in the stratosphere influence

Hard

Experimental Design: Ocean Acidification and its Impact on Marine Life

Ocean acidification, driven by increased atmospheric $$CO_2$$, can affect marine organisms, particul

Medium

Feedback Loops in Arctic Methane Release

Melting permafrost in the Arctic can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas, which further acceler

Hard

Genetic Diversity Analysis in a Captive Breeding Program

A researcher evaluates a captive breeding program for an endangered mammal by analyzing the genetic

Extreme

Global Climate Change Impacts and Sea Level Rise

This question focuses on the factors contributing to global climate change and the resulting impacts

Hard

Habitat Restoration and Endangered Bird Nesting Success

A researcher assesses the impact of habitat restoration on the nesting success of an endangered bird

Medium

Impacts of Ozone Depletion on Ecosystem Services

In regions experiencing significant ozone depletion, various ecosystem services are affected. The re

Medium

International Environmental Agreements: Montreal vs. Paris

Compare international treaties aimed at protecting the environment and assess their effectiveness.

Easy

Invasive Species and Ecosystem Disruption

The introduction of an invasive aquatic plant into a freshwater lake can disrupt the native ecosyste

Hard

Invasive Species Impact on Native Biodiversity

Examine how invasive species can disrupt native ecosystems and affect biodiversity.

Medium

Physics of Greenhouse Gases Absorption

This question requires the application of the Stefan-Boltzmann law to determine changes in energy ab

Extreme

Policy Implications for Ozone Layer Protection

International policies have been designed to mitigate ozone depletion. Critically analyze the effect

Medium

Species Adaptation under Rapid Climate Change

This question challenges you to differentiate acclimatization from adaptation in plants and to discu

Hard

Synergistic Effects of Ozone Depletion and UV Radiation

Explore how the depletion of the ozone layer leads to increased UVB radiation at the Earth's surface

Hard

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Tips from Former AP Students

FAQWe thought you might have some questions...
Where can I find practice free response questions for the AP Environmental Science 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 Environmental ScienceFree 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 Environmental Science 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 Environmental Science 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 Environmental Science 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 Environmental Science free-response questions?
Answering AP Environmental Science free response questions the right way is all about practice! As you go through the AP AP Environmental Science 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.