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.

  • View all (250)
  • Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems (14)
  • Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity (33)
  • Unit 3: Populations (26)
  • Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources (25)
  • Unit 5: Land and Water Use (24)
  • Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption (25)
  • Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution (44)
  • Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution (29)
  • Unit 9: Global Change (30)
Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems

Analyzing Lake Stratification

A limnologist collected temperature data at various depths in a deep lake and produced a graph showi

Hard

Biomass vs. Energy Pyramids in Aquatic Ecosystems

In many aquatic ecosystems, biomass pyramids appear inverted, though energy pyramids always maintain

Hard

Carbon Cycle in Aquatic Ecosystems

An ecologist measured dissolved carbon dioxide levels in a lake at different water temperatures. The

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Terrestrial Biomes: Desert vs. Tropical Rainforest

Using the table provided, compare the environmental factors of deserts and tropical rainforests, and

Medium

Desert Ecosystem: Water Limitation and Plant Productivity

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

Hard

Ecosystem Dynamics: Limiting Factors and Niches

Researchers conducted a field study in a small forest ecosystem. They collected data from several pl

Medium

Ecosystem Response to Limiting Factors

A researcher is investigating the effect of nitrate concentration on the growth rate of a particular

Medium

FRQ 17: Primary Productivity in Tropical Rainforests – Graph Analysis

Analyze the provided graph showing net primary production (NPP) across different layers (canopy, und

Hard

Long-Term Effects of Fossil Fuel Combustion on Atmospheric CO₂ Levels

Atmospheric CO₂ concentrations have been rising over the past 150 years, largely due to fossil fuel

Extreme

Modeling Groundwater Depletion Impact

Propose an experimental or data analysis study to examine the effects of groundwater extraction on a

Medium

Phosphorus Enrichment and Eutrophication in Lakes

Excess phosphorus inputs can lead to eutrophication in lakes. Using the provided data, answer the fo

Medium

Populations, Communities, and Niches

Define and differentiate the terms ecosystem, population, community, and ecological niche. Provide s

Easy

Restoration Effectiveness in Mangrove Ecosystems Post Oil Spill

A study claims that restoration efforts in mangrove ecosystems following an oil spill have significa

Hard

Role of Detritivores in Nutrient Recycling

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

Easy
Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity

Adaptations: Survival Strategies

This question explores various types of adaptations organisms use to survive environmental changes.

Medium

Anthropogenic Influences on Biodiversity

This FRQ focuses on the influence of various anthropogenic activities on biodiversity and evaluates

Hard

Biodiversity Analysis and Impacts

This question focuses on the concept of biodiversity. In your answers, consider genetic, species, an

Easy

Biodiversity Dimensions Analysis

Analyze the table provided showing measures of different dimensions of biodiversity in three types o

Easy

Comparative Adaptations for Temperature Extremes

A study compares two species that inhabit extreme temperature regimes. The table below summarizes st

Medium

Comparative Insect Survival under Pesticide Exposure

In an experiment, two populations of insects are exposed to increasing concentrations of pesticides.

Hard

Ecological Tolerance and the Law of Tolerance

This question focuses on the Law of Tolerance and its implications for species distribution and abun

Medium

Ecosystem Services Evaluation

This question examines the interconnectedness of various ecosystem services and the consequences of

Hard

Ecosystem Services Valuation in Coastal Mangroves

Coastal mangrove forests provide both provisioning and regulating ecosystem services. The value of t

Medium

Flooding and Its Ecological Impact

Flooding has immediate negative effects but can also initiate long-term ecological processes. Evalua

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 9: Wildlife Migrations and Environmental Stressors

A researcher studies the migration patterns of amphibian species in response to environmental stress

Medium

FRQ 12: Succession and Species Richness Dynamics

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

Medium

FRQ 18: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Conservation Strategies

Researchers assess the outcomes of conservation strategies implemented in a fragmented forest landsc

Hard

Generalists vs. Specialists: Responses to Habitat Loss

Compare how generalist and specialist species respond to habitat loss. Consider both behavioral and

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

Habitat Fragmentation and Island Biogeography in a Fragmented Landscape

Analyze how habitat fragmentation can be understood through the lens of island biogeography theory.

Extreme

Impact of Anthropogenic Activities on Ecosystem Services

Human activities can significantly affect ecosystem services. Evaluate the impact of such activities

Medium

Impact of Habitat Fragmentation on Biodiversity

Human activities increasingly fragment natural habitats. This fragmentation can have profound effect

Medium

Island Biogeography: Effects of Isolation on Species Richness

Island biogeography theory suggests that the degree of isolation affects species richness on islands

Medium

Island Size and Species Richness Relationship

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

Hard

Keystone Species and Trophic Cascades

This FRQ investigates the role of keystone species in ecosystems and the potential for trophic casca

Hard

Natural Disruptions and Ecosystem Services

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

Hard

Overfishing and Trophic Cascades

Overfishing disrupts marine ecosystems by reducing the biomass of key species. The logistic growth m

Medium

Population Bottleneck and Genetic Diversity

A population of organisms underwent a catastrophic bottleneck event, drastically reducing its number

Hard

Population Bottlenecks and Genetic Diversity

Population bottlenecks drastically reduce the number of individuals and genetic diversity. Explore t

Medium

Population Bottlenecks and Genetic Diversity

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

Hard

Population Bottlenecks and Genetic Diversity

This FRQ examines the concept of population bottlenecks and their effects on genetic diversity withi

Extreme

Primary vs. Secondary Succession Duration

Primary and secondary succession differ in their onset and duration. Analyze these differences both

Easy

Species Richness and Environmental Heterogeneity

This question involves analyzing species richness in relation to environmental heterogeneity using p

Medium

Trade-Offs Between Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

Discuss the trade-offs between maintaining biodiversity and maximizing ecosystem services in land ma

Hard

Trophic Interactions and Energy Flow

Energy flows through ecosystems in a pyramidal fashion, and trophic interactions determine the struc

Extreme

Wildlife Migrations and Environmental Stressors

This FRQ examines the patterns of wildlife migrations and the influence of environmental stressors o

Hard
Unit 3: Populations

Age-Structure Diagrams and Demographic Trends

Analyze age-structure diagrams to determine population trends and propose policy interventions based

Hard

Analyzing Global Fertility Trends and Policy Implications

Consider the following table presenting Total Fertility Rates (TFR) for various world regions. Answe

Medium

Biotic Potential Analysis

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

Medium

Biotic Potential: Factors and Impact

Define biotic potential and environmental resistance, and discuss how various factors interact to re

Easy

Calculating Doubling Time Using the Rule of 70

Utilize the Rule of 70 to calculate population doubling time. Include a derivation of the formula an

Easy

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

Density-Dependent vs. Density-Independent Regulation

Distinguish between density-dependent and density-independent regulatory factors and analyze their r

Easy

Determining Doubling Time in Algal Populations Using the Rule of 70

Design an experiment to determine the doubling time of an algal population using the Rule of 70. Dev

Medium

Evaluating Survivorship Patterns in Species

Design an experiment to determine the survivorship curve of a species under varying environmental co

Hard

FRQ 8: Population Dispersal Patterns in Ecology

This question asks you to distinguish between different dispersal patterns in populations and then a

Easy

FRQ 9: Application of the Rule of 70 for Doubling Time Calculations

The Rule of 70 provides an approximation for the doubling time of a population by using the formula

Easy

FRQ 10: Analyzing Historical Human Population Growth Trends

Historical data shows significant surges in human population growth at different eras. Use the table

Hard

FRQ 17: Impact of Environmental Stress on R-Selected Life History Traits

In an experiment on an r-selected species, researchers compared reproductive output and juvenile sur

Hard

FRQ 19: Investigating the Effect of Temperature on Rubisco Activity

In a laboratory experiment, researchers measured the activity of Rubisco extracted from spinach leav

Hard

Human Population Dynamics from Agricultural Revolution to Present

Human population growth has undergone dramatic changes from the Agricultural Revolution to the prese

Hard

Interaction of Population Density with Resource Availability

Population density is a critical factor influencing resource competition. Answer the following: 1.

Hard

Investigating Biotic Potential and Environmental Resistance

An ecologist is researching how environmental resistance factors affect the biotic potential of an a

Medium

Life History Strategies: r-Strategists vs K-Strategists

Explain the differences between r-strategists and K-strategists, and analyze how these strategies co

Medium

Limiting Factors in Ecosystem Dynamics

Discuss the concept of limiting factors in ecosystems with respect to Liebig’s law of the minimum, a

Medium

Mathematical Analysis of Doubling Time

Apply mathematical concepts to derive and critique population doubling time using the Rule of 70.

Medium

Mathematical Modeling of Logistic Growth

A biologist is modeling the growth of a population using the logistic growth equation. Answer the fo

Hard

Predictive Models of Population Growth

Utilize predictive models and mathematical formulas to forecast future population growth and its eco

Hard

r-Selected vs K-Selected Species Population Dynamics

Consider an ecosystem in which two species exhibit distinct reproductive strategies: one follows an

Medium

Total Fertility Rate and Demographic Implications

Evaluate the significance of total fertility rate (TFR) in shaping population dynamics using the pro

Easy

Urbanization and Age-Structure Diagrams in Bird Populations

An urban ecologist is comparing the age-structure diagrams of bird populations from urban and rural

Medium

Urbanization Effects on Carrying Capacity

Assess the impact of urbanization on ecosystem carrying capacity and propose sustainable urban plann

Medium
Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources

Albedo Measurement Experiment to Study Urban Heat Islands

An environmental scientist performed an experiment to investigate the role of albedo in influencing

Medium

Analyzing Soil Texture and Nutrient Holding Capacity

Soil composition is critical for nutrient retention and plant growth. A soil sample's composition ca

Hard

CO2 Levels and Plant Growth

A recent report claims that rising atmospheric CO2 levels boost plant growth regardless of other env

Medium

Delineating the Impacts of Urbanization on Local Climate

The table below presents average temperatures (in °C) for urban and rural areas in two different cit

Hard

Effects of Volcanic Activity on Climate and Atmosphere

Volcanic eruptions can have substantial short-term and long-term impacts on the climate. Analyze the

Extreme

El Niño and La Niña: Analysis of Ocean Temperature Profiles

Ocean temperature anomalies during El Niño and La Niña events can have profound ecological impacts.

Hard

Fisheries Impact under ENSO Conditions

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

Medium

Greenhouse Gases and Global Temperature Trends

Examine the relationship between increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases and global temperatur

Hard

Heat Index and Relative Humidity

The claim under analysis is that relative humidity is the predominant factor in determining the heat

Medium

Impact of El Niño on Regional Climate and Ecology

This question explores the climatic and ecological effects of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO

Hard

Impact of Soil Compaction on Water Infiltration Rates

Design an experiment to investigate how varying degrees of soil compaction affect water infiltration

Medium

Interconnected Environmental Systems: Plate Tectonics, Soil Formation, and Climate Change

Discuss how the interactions among plate tectonics, soil formation, and climate change affect ecosys

Extreme

Investigating La Niña Effects on Regional Precipitation

The table below presents data on sea surface temperatures and rainfall anomalies during a La Niña pe

Extreme

Monsoons and Regional Climate Variability

Monsoons drive seasonal weather changes and directly affect regional agriculture and water availabil

Hard

Mountain Rain Shadow Effect

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

Easy

Mountain Ranges and Rain Shadow Effects

Mountain ranges significantly influence local climates through the rain shadow effect. Analyze a sce

Medium

Rain Shadow Effect and Mountainous Regions

This question investigates the rain shadow effect caused by mountain ranges and its ecological impli

Medium

Rain Shadow Effects of Mountain Ranges

A claim states that the mere presence of a mountain range guarantees a rain shadow, ensuring arid co

Medium

Rock Formation, Weathering, and Soil Development

Assess how different types of rocks contribute to soil development and the role of weathering proces

Medium

Seismic Activity and Fault Lines Map Evaluation

Review the provided seismic activity map and answer the following questions regarding the relationsh

Hard

Soil Composition and Crop Suitability

A soil analysis at a particular field shows the following approximate composition: Gravel 20%, Sand

Easy

Soil Composition and Water Infiltration Rates

Interpret data on soil texture and water holding capacity to evaluate soil quality for effective agr

Hard

Soil Formation Process and Erosion Impact

This question explores the processes of soil formation and the impacts of erosion on agricultural pr

Medium

Soil Formation Rates: Predicting Soil Profile Development

Soil formation can be approximated by the linear relationship $$d = r * t$$, where $$d$$ is the soil

Easy

Storm Surges and Hurricane Strength

A claim has been made that stronger hurricanes always produce higher storm surges regardless of coas

Hard
Unit 5: Land and Water Use

Agricultural Revolution: Crop Yield Increase

During the Second Agricultural Revolution, technological improvements led to higher crop yields. Con

Easy

Agricultural Revolutions and Crop Yield Improvements

Analyze the progress in agricultural productivity by examining changes in crop yields over time, and

Medium

Assessing Environmental Impacts of Mining

A researcher examines the environmental impacts of various mining practices, such as mountaintop rem

Extreme

Assessing the Environmental Impact of Intercropping in Pest Management

Design an experiment to evaluate how intercropping affects pest populations compared to monoculture,

Medium

CAFOs Impact on Water Quality Diagram Analysis

Examine the provided diagram depicting how waste from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)

Hard

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

Energy Demand and Sustainable Growth: Reduction Analysis

A city currently consumes 1000 MW of energy. To meet sustainability targets, it must reduce its CO₂

Extreme

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

Examining the Environmental Benefits of No-Till Farming

A researcher explores how switching from conventional tillage to no-till farming practices affects s

Easy

Experiment Analysis: CAFOs and Water Pollution

Researchers designed an experiment to investigate the impact of manure waste from Concentrated Anima

Hard

Experiment Analysis: Overgrazing Impact on Common Pastures

Researchers designed an experiment to analyze the impacts of communal grazing on pasture regrowth. T

Medium

Impacts of Mining on Local Ecosystems

Mining operations have been linked to acid mine drainage and associated ecological disruptions. Crit

Medium

Mining Methods and Environmental Consequences

Evaluate various mining techniques and analyze their environmental impacts with a focus on remediati

Extreme

Mining Methods and Their Environmental Impacts

Examine the environmental consequences of different mining techniques and the challenges associated

Hard

Mining Practices and Environmental Degradation

This question explores different mining techniques and their environmental impacts, including an ana

Hard

Mining Process Efficiency and Waste Generation

An open-pit mining operation extracts 5000 metric tons of ore with a recovery efficiency of 70%. Ans

Easy

Mitigating Climate Change through Urban Planning

An urban region is exploring how smart growth and urban planning can lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Hard

Overgrazing and Desertification

In a semi-arid region, intensive grazing practices have led to overgrazing, which in turn is acceler

Hard

Pesticide Effects on Non-target Species

The use of certain pesticides is claimed to cause declines in non-target organism populations. Evalu

Hard

Renewable Energy Adoption in Urban Settings

This question evaluates the adoption of renewable energy technologies in urban environments by analy

Easy

Sustainable vs. Conventional Agricultural Practices

The table below compares the performance of three farming practices in terms of crop yield, water us

Medium

Synthetic vs. Organic Fertilizers Trade-offs

Evaluate the trade-offs between using synthetic and organic fertilizers in terms of crop yield impro

Medium

Water Extraction and the Tragedy of the Commons

Analyze a scenario involving water extraction from a shared river basin utilized by multiple communi

Medium
Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption

Application of the First Law of Thermodynamics in Power Systems

The First Law of Thermodynamics is fundamental to understanding energy conservation in power plants.

Medium

Assessment of Carbon Capture and Storage Technologies

A power plant utilizes several carbon capture methods. The table below shows the capture efficiencie

Hard

Biomass Energy from Anaerobic Digestion

At a biomass facility, 5000 kg of organic waste is processed daily via anaerobic digestion. Each kil

Medium

Clean Coal Technologies and Carbon Capture

Examine the role of Clean Coal technologies in reducing emissions from coal combustion and evaluate

Hard

Cogeneration System Thermal Efficiency Experiment

A researcher tests a cogeneration (combined heat and power) system by varying system load. The syste

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Energy Consumption Trends

The table below shows data for fossil fuel consumption and renewable energy consumption (in billion

Medium

Comparative Emission Profiles: Coal vs. Natural Gas

Environmental impact assessments compared the emission profiles of coal and natural gas power plants

Easy

Comparison of Energy Storage Systems: Batteries vs. Fuel Cells

This question compares the energy storage mechanisms of batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, focusing

Medium

Energy Economics: Supply and Demand in Fossil Fuels Market

This question explores how economic principles such as supply and demand apply to the fossil fuels m

Medium

Energy from Biomass and Environmental Impact

A study was conducted to evaluate energy production from different biomass feedstocks. The table bel

Medium

Fossil Fuels Combustion Analysis

This question focuses on the chemical processes involved in the combustion of fossil fuels and their

Medium

Fuel Calorimetry Comparison Experiment

Design an experiment to compare the energy released from burning different types of fuel (e.g., natu

Medium

Hydraulic Fracturing Efficiency and Environmental Impact Experiment

A simulation is conducted to study hydraulic fracturing. The experiment varies injection pressure an

Extreme

Hydraulic Fracturing Process Analysis

Review the diagram describing the hydraulic fracturing (fracking) process. Answer the following:

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 Power Efficiency Experiment

A researcher builds a scale model of a dam to study the efficiency of converting the potential energ

Medium

Lifecycle Environmental Impact Comparison

A lifecycle analysis compares environmental impacts of fossil fuels versus renewable energy sources.

Hard

Mapping Renewable Energy Resource Distribution

A regional study assessed the viability of renewable energy sources based on solar insolation and av

Easy

Nuclear Fission and Reactor Control

This question investigates nuclear fission, reactor control, and associated risks. Consider the proc

Hard

Nuclear Reactor Simulation Experiment

You are tasked with designing a computer simulation experiment to investigate how varying the amount

Extreme

Peat vs. Lignite Energy Yield Experiment

Design an experiment to compare the energy yield from burning peat versus lignite using calorimetric

Medium

Pollutant Emission Reduction Technologies Evaluation

Different technologies are employed to reduce particulate emissions from flue gases. The table below

Medium

Solar Energy Systems: Photovoltaic vs. Solar Thermal

This question analyzes two solar energy systems and evaluates their performance using provided data.

Medium

Wind Turbine Blade Experiment

You want to investigate how varying wind turbine blade designs affect energy output. Your goal is to

Hard

Wind Turbine Performance Experiment

A researcher studies the performance of a small-scale wind turbine in a controlled wind tunnel. The

Medium
Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution

Acid Deposition and Ecosystem Impact

This question focuses on the chemical processes of acid deposition and its potential environmental i

Hard

Acid Rain and Soil pH Effects

Design an experiment to evaluate the effects of acid rain deposition on soil pH levels and nutrient

Medium

Acid Rain Deposition Experimental Simulation

In a laboratory experiment, acid rain is simulated to study its effects on plant growth and soil nut

Medium

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 Sampling and Pollution Analysis

A research team conducted an experiment in two industrial areas – one dominated by a point source em

Easy

Big Data Analysis: Modeling Air Pollutant Dispersion

A computer simulation was developed to model the dispersion of air pollutants from a single point so

Extreme

Carbon Monoxide Pollution and Mitigation

Examine the formation of carbon monoxide and evaluate the potential for catalytic converters to redu

Easy

Catalytic Converter Efficiency

Catalytic converters reduce harmful emissions in vehicles by catalyzing chemical reactions. Refer to

Hard

Comparative Study of Natural vs. Anthropogenic PMx Sources

Design an experiment to compare the concentrations of naturally occurring particulate matter (PMx) v

Hard

Comparison of Point vs Non-Point Source Pollutant Dispersion

A research team uses a grid of sensors to measure the spatial distribution of a specific pollutant i

Hard

Derivation of Reaction Pathways in Industrial Smog Formation

Industrial smog is formed by a series of chemical reactions, starting from the combustion of fossil

Extreme

Detection and Impact of Gas Leaks: Carbon Monoxide Monitoring

A residential complex employed a fixed CO detection system to monitor CO levels throughout the day.

Easy

Dynamics of Volatile Organic Compounds in Simulated Atmosphere Experiment

A research team investigates the behavior of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a simulated urban

Extreme

Effectiveness of Air Purifiers on Indoor VOC Levels

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

Easy

Efficiency of Electrostatic Precipitators in Particulate Removal

An engineer designed an experiment to evaluate the efficiency of an electrostatic precipitator for r

Medium

Evaluating Particulate Matter Effects on Environment and Human Health

Suspended particulate matter (PM) poses risks to both human health and ecosystem integrity. Analyze

Hard

FRQ 1: Characteristics and Types of Air Pollutants

This FRQ deals with understanding the definitions and examples of different air pollutants and their

Easy

FRQ 9: Suspended Particulate Matter Analysis

Evaluate the environmental and health impacts of suspended particulate matter and assess the effecti

Hard

FRQ 16: Acid Deposition Effects on Aquatic Systems

Analyze the impact of acid deposition on freshwater ecosystems, focusing on changes in pH and associ

Hard

FRQ 20: Multi-factor Analysis in Air Pollution Dynamics

Design an experiment to evaluate the effects of multiple environmental variables on air pollutant co

Extreme

Fundamental Concepts of Air Pollution and Data Conversion

This question requires you to convert pollutant concentrations from ppm to mg/m³ using a provided fo

Easy

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 Nitrogen Oxides on Ozone and PAN Formation

A researcher examines the relationship between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and the formation of secondary

Medium

Impact of Renewable Energy on Local Air Quality

Design an experiment to assess the impact of transitioning to renewable energy sources on local air

Easy

Indoor Air Pollution and Sick Building Syndrome

Exposure to indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde and radon can lead to "sick building syndrome" (S

Medium

Industrial Smog Formation and Impacts

This question examines the chemical reactions involved in the formation of industrial smog and its e

Medium

Lead Contamination in Urban Air: Experimental Study

An environmental scientist collects airborne particulate samples using air filters over a 24-hour pe

Medium

Lead Pollution: Industrial Sources and Health Impacts

Lead pollution originates from various industrial activities and poses significant health risks. Eva

Medium

Mechanisms of Catalytic Converter Reactions

The following table provides data on pollutant concentrations before and after passing through a cat

Hard

Multi-Pollutant Interaction: CO, SO2, and Particulate Matter in Urban Environments

Multiple air pollutants often interact in urban environments, leading to complex secondary pollutant

Hard

Nitrogen Oxides and Ozone in Photochemical Smog

Photochemical smog involves complex interactions between nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and ozone (O₃). A typ

Hard

Nitrogen Oxides and Their Environmental Impact

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are significant air pollutants produced during combustion and play a crucial r

Hard

Nitrogen Oxides Formation and Impact

Nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) are generated during high-temperature combustion. Answer the following: (a) E

Medium

Noise Pollution Impacts and Mitigation Strategies

Noise pollution represents an environmental concern with both human and ecological impacts. Answer t

Easy

Noise Pollution in Urban Environments

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

Easy

Noise Pollution: Assessment and Mitigation Strategies

Noise pollution is an environmental stressor with significant effects on human health. Answer the fo

Medium

Peroxyacyl Nitrate (PAN) Pollution Analysis

This question examines the formation, decay, and ecological impacts of peroxyacyl nitrates (PANs) in

Medium

Photochemical Smog Dynamics

Photochemical smog is a complex phenomenon influenced by sunlight (UV radiation) and the reaction of

Medium

Primary vs. Secondary Pollutants Analysis

A mid-sized city is experiencing both visible smog and ground-level ozone formation. An emissions in

Medium

Thermal Inversion and Pollutant Dispersion Experiment

Design an experiment to study how thermal inversion events affect the concentration and dispersion o

Hard

Thermal Inversions and Air Pollution Trapping

A researcher studies the effects of thermal inversions on pollutant distribution in an urban environ

Hard

Thermal Inversions and Weather-Driven Pollution

Thermal inversions can trap pollutants near the Earth's surface, affecting air quality. Evaluate the

Medium

Urban Heat Islands and Air Pollution

Urban areas often exhibit higher temperatures and pollutant concentrations than rural areas. Refer t

Hard

VOCs and the Formation of Photochemical Smog

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contribute significantly to the formation of photochemical smog. I

Medium
Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution

Assessing the Efficacy of Anaerobic Digestion for Wastewater Treatment

A researcher applies anaerobic digestion to sewage sludge to reduce its Biological Oxygen Demand (BO

Medium

Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification in a Food Chain

A study graphically represents the increase in pollutant concentration across trophic levels in a fo

Extreme

Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification: Data Analysis

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

Medium

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) as an Indicator of Water Pollution

A researcher is analyzing BOD data from various water sources to assess organic pollution. Answer th

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Waste Treatment Methods

This question requires a comparative evaluation of different waste treatment methods used to manage

Extreme

Comparative Study of Wastewater Treatment Methods

A municipal wastewater treatment facility is comparing the effectiveness of secondary and tertiary t

Hard

Designing a Controlled Experiment to Test Adsorption Efficiency

A researcher aims to evaluate the efficiency of various adsorbent materials in removing heavy metals

Hard

Dynamics of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

This FRQ investigates the processes that contribute to the formation of the Great Pacific Garbage Pa

Hard

Efficiency of Anaerobic Digestion in Organic Waste Reduction

A study on anaerobic digestion examines how the process reduces organic waste volume and associated

Medium

Efficiency of Anaerobic Digestion in Wastewater Treatment

A wastewater treatment plant utilizes anaerobic digestion to reduce organic waste and produce methan

Medium

Endocrine Disruptors and Their Impact on Wildlife and Humans

A researcher is investigating the effects of endocrine disruptors on both wildlife and human health.

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 Role of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) in Water Quality

BOD is a key indicator of water quality, reflecting the amount of biodegradable organic matter. Anal

Easy

Evaluating Vegetative Buffer Zones for Nutrient Runoff Reduction

Buffer zones are often used to mitigate nutrient runoff. This question examines their effectiveness.

Hard

FRQ13: Thermal Pollution Effects on Aquatic Systems

Using the provided graph, analyze the impact of thermal pollution on aquatic systems downstream of a

Hard

Human Impacts on Wetlands and Mangroves

This question investigates the ecological importance of wetlands and mangroves, and the effects of h

Medium

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

Impacts of Mining on Water Quality

This FRQ evaluates the environmental impact of mining activities on water quality, focusing on heavy

Medium

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

Mining and its Contribution to Water Pollution

Mining activities frequently result in significant water pollution. This question explores the proce

Medium

Mining Impacts on Water Quality

A river flowing through a mining region shows elevated concentrations of heavy metals. The following

Hard

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Trends and Environmental Impact

This FRQ explores trends in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation over the course of a year and ass

Easy

Municipal Solid Waste Disposal Approaches

Municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal is a major environmental challenge. This question evaluates dif

Hard

Municipal Solid Waste: Decomposition Rates and Environmental Impact

Municipal solid waste (MSW) comprises various materials with differing decomposition times. A table

Medium

Oil Spill Environmental Impact Analysis

An accidental oil spill has occurred near a coastal wetland. This incident poses risks to both marin

Hard

Oil Spill Impacts and Mitigation

A research team is assessing the ecological effects of an oil spill and evaluating potential mitigat

Medium

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Environmental Contamination

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) pose serious risks due to their durability, bioaccumulation, an

Hard

Synthesis of Pollution Sources and Remediation Strategies

This capstone FRQ requires a synthesis of various pollution sources and a comprehensive approach to

Extreme

Urban Runoff and Microclimate Changes

Investigate the effects of urban runoff on local microclimates and water quality by analyzing data c

Medium
Unit 9: Global Change

Agricultural Practices, Methane Emissions, and Soil Health

Agricultural activities, including livestock management and fertilizer application, are major source

Medium

Assessing Alternatives to CFCs for Ozone Protection

Read the following description: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are chemically stable compounds that allo

Hard

Assessing Energy Supply and its Impact on Greenhouse Gas Emissions

This question explores the significant impact of fossil fuel combustion for energy supply on greenho

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

Assessing the Impact of Global Warming on Weather Patterns

This question addresses how global warming influences the frequency and intensity of extreme weather

Medium

Assessment of Wildlife Sanctuaries on Biodiversity Conservation

A conservation organization is investigating whether larger wildlife sanctuaries support greater spe

Medium

Biodiversity Loss and Habitat Destruction

Discuss how habitat destruction leads to a loss of biodiversity. Compare the vulnerabilities of plan

Easy

Captive Breeding and Habitat Simulation for Endangered Amphibians

A researcher evaluates a captive breeding program for an endangered amphibian species by monitoring

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

Climate Change: Sea Level Rise and Ocean Thermal Expansion

This question examines the mechanisms behind sea level rise, particularly focusing on the role of oc

Hard

CO2 Absorption by a Model Forest Ecosystem

A researcher creates a controlled model forest using potted trees inside a greenhouse to measure the

Hard

Experimental Analysis of Stratospheric Ozone Depletion

A researcher designs an experiment to study the effect of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) concentration on

Medium

Global Climate Change: Sea-Level Rise Analysis

Examine the relationship between global temperature increases, the thermal expansion of oceans, and

Medium

Greenhouse Effect and Infrared Radiation Analysis

This question explores the mechanisms behind the greenhouse effect and the role of various greenhous

Medium

Greenhouse Effect: Radiative Forcing and Energy Balance

When sunlight strikes Earth's surface, part of the energy is reflected and the remainder is absorbed

Medium

Greenhouse Gas Atmospheric Concentration Trends Analysis

This question involves analyzing time series data of atmospheric $$CO_2$$ concentrations to identify

Medium

Halocarbon Impact on Ozone Depletion Experiment

A researcher simulates the effect of halocarbons on stratospheric ozone by introducing a measured am

Hard

Impact of UV Radiation Intensity on Ozone Layer Dynamics

UV radiation is a key factor in controlling the balance of the ozone layer. In this question, you wi

Extreme

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

Multiple Stressors and Ecosystem Resilience

An ecologist is investigating how multiple environmental stressors—such as invasive species, climate

Hard

Ocean Acidification and Marine Ecosystem Impacts

Investigate the process of ocean acidification and its effects on marine organisms.

Medium

Population Genetics in Endangered Species

Analyze the genetic challenges faced by endangered species due to small population sizes and propose

Extreme

Quantitative Analysis of Thermal Expansion

Perform a multi-step calculation to determine the temperature increase of the ocean and the subseque

Extreme

Radiative Forcing by Black Carbon (Soot)

This question examines the concept of radiative forcing and requires you to calculate its value base

Medium

Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis

This question examines the contributions of various sectors to greenhouse gas emissions and asks you

Medium

Stratospheric Ozone Formation and Depletion Mechanisms

In the stratosphere, ozone is continually formed through reactions induced by ultraviolet radiation

Medium

Sustainable Practices in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

This question focuses on sustainable practices aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in urban s

Medium

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

Trends in Biodiversity and the Role of Habitat Loss

Environmental changes and habitat destruction have varying impacts on plants and animals. A research

Medium

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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.