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 (24)
  • Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity (29)
  • Unit 3: Populations (27)
  • Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources (30)
  • Unit 5: Land and Water Use (19)
  • Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption (30)
  • Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution (34)
  • Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution (28)
  • Unit 9: Global Change (29)
Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems

Algal Blooms and Dissolved Oxygen Depletion

Algal blooms can cause dramatic drops in dissolved oxygen (DO) in aquatic systems. A graph is provid

Hard

Altered Nitrogen Cycle in Agricultural Landscapes

In an agricultural region with heavy use of nitrogen fertilizers, a study recorded rising soil nitra

Medium

Analyzing Competition in Ecological Communities

Two species sharing the same limited resource show varying population trends over a period, as recor

Medium

Assessing Nitrogen Fertilizer Impact on Ecosystems

Intensive agriculture in a watershed has led to doubling the available fixed nitrogen. A graph is pr

Extreme

Biomass Pyramid Analysis in a Temperate Forest

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

Easy

Biomass vs. Energy Pyramids in Aquatic Ecosystems

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

Hard

Biome Shifts: Transition from Taiga to Temperate Forest

A claim has been made that rising temperatures have driven a transition from taiga to temperate fore

Extreme

Biomes: Adaptations in Terrestrial Environments

This question investigates how species adapt to extreme terrestrial biomes such as deserts and tundr

Medium

Carbon Cycle Disruptions due to Deforestation

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

Hard

Carbon Cycling and Net Primary Production in a Forest

In a forest ecosystem, the Gross Primary Production (GPP) is measured at 2000 g C/m²/year and ecosys

Easy

Coral Bleaching and Ocean Acidification Experiment

An experimental aquarium study was designed to simulate the effects of ocean acidification and incre

Hard

Deforestation Effects on Atmospheric CO₂

A long-term study in a tropical region documented changes in atmospheric CO₂ levels before and after

Medium

Deforestation Impact on Carbon Sequestration

Researchers are evaluating how deforestation in a tropical region affects the ability of the landsca

Medium

Effects of Agricultural Runoff on the Nitrogen Cycle

Excessive use of fertilizers in agriculture has altered the nitrogen cycle in freshwater ecosystems.

Medium

Energy Flow and the 10% Rule in Ecosystems

Energy transfer in ecosystems follows the 10% Rule, where only about 10% of energy is passed between

Medium

Energy Transfer and the 10% Rule in Aquatic Ecosystems

A study in an aquatic ecosystem provides a table summarizing the energy content (in joules) at vario

Medium

Evaluating Human Impact on Wetlands

The ecological services provided by wetlands are significantly affected by human activities. The tab

Hard

FRQ 7: Trophic Pyramid Energy Flow Analysis

Interpret the energy pyramid diagram provided. In your answer, describe how energy diminishes at eac

Easy

FRQ 15: Impact of Disturbance on Ecosystem Succession Graph Analysis

The provided graph tracks ecosystem recovery following a disturbance event (such as a wildfire). Ana

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

Grassland Fire Frequency and Recovery Experiment

A long-term experiment in a temperate grassland investigated the effects of controlled burning on pl

Extreme

Impacts of Nitrogen Deposition on Forest Health

A study asserts that increased nitrogen deposition from industrial activities is correlated with red

Hard

Integrated Ecosystem Sustainability Analysis Under Anthropogenic Pressure

Environmental scientists are evaluating the long-term sustainability of an ecosystem that is experie

Extreme

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
Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity

Adaptations in Changing Environments: Behavioral vs. Physiological Strategies

A study investigates how urban noise pollution affects bird populations by comparing urban and rural

Medium

Adaptations: Behavioral, Physiological, and Structural

Organisms exhibit various types of adaptations to survive in their environments. Analyze these adapt

Easy

Assessing the Impact of Overfishing on Aquatic Biodiversity

Overfishing can disrupt marine ecosystems and reduce aquatic biodiversity. Design a field experiment

Medium

Biodiversity Metrics and Anthropogenic Impacts

This FRQ focuses on understanding the three levels of biodiversity and assessing the impact of anthr

Medium

Comparative Adaptations for Temperature Extremes

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

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Successional Stages

Ecological succession involves distinct changes between early and late stages. Refer to the table be

Medium

Comparing Intercropping Versus Monoculture Systems on Soil Fertility and Biodiversity

Intercropping is often proposed as a sustainable agricultural practice that may enhance soil fertili

Medium

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 and Biodiversity Balance

This FRQ examines the concept of ecosystem services and their role in maintaining a balance within e

Hard

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 13: Nutrient Cycling and Ecosystem Productivity

Researchers study nutrient cycling processes in a grassland ecosystem at two different successional

Hard

Impact of Habitat Fragmentation on Biodiversity

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

Medium

Impact of Invasive Plant Species on Local Biodiversity

An ecologist introduced a non-native plant species into a controlled plot to observe its effect on n

Hard

Indicator Species and Ecosystem Health

This FRQ examines the concept of indicator species and their application in assessing ecosystem heal

Easy

Indicator Species as Environmental Monitors

This question examines the concept of indicator species and their use in assessing environmental hea

Easy

Integrating Ecosystem Services in Urban Planning

As urban areas expand, the integration of ecosystem services into planning becomes critical for sust

Hard

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 Species Richness

This FRQ investigates the principles of island biogeography and their influence on species richness.

Hard

Island Biogeography Model Analysis

A graph representing species richness on islands at varying distances from the mainland is provided.

Medium

Keystone Species and Ecosystem Balance

Keystone species play critical roles in maintaining ecosystem stability. Analyze their function and

Medium

Modeling Species Decline with Increased Isolation

A study models the decline in species number as habitat isolation increases. The graph below shows t

Extreme

Natural Disruptions and Ecosystem Resilience

This FRQ focuses on natural disruptions and their impacts on ecosystem structures and recovery proce

Hard

Natural Disruptions in Ecosystems

This question examines the ecological impacts of natural disruptions such as flooding, wildfires, an

Hard

Population Bottlenecks and Genetic Diversity

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

Extreme

Population Bottlenecks and Genetic Diversity

A population undergoes a severe bottleneck due to a catastrophic event. Discuss the genetic conseque

Medium

Population Bottlenecks and Genetic Diversity

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

Medium

Role of a Keystone Species in Ecosystem Function

In a controlled mesocosm study, ecologists removed a species thought to be a keystone from a freshwa

Medium

Sea Level Change Analysis

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

Hard

Succession Processes in Disturbed Ecosystems: Comparing Primary and Secondary Succession

Compare primary and secondary succession processes in disturbed ecosystems.

Hard
Unit 3: Populations

Analyzing Survivorship Curves

Survivorship curves illustrate the mortality patterns of species over their lifespan. Analyze the gr

Hard

Application of Liebig's Law of the Minimum

Apply Liebig's law of the minimum to evaluate limiting factors in an ecosystem.

Medium

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

Climate Change and Ecological Feedback Loops

Assess the role of feedback loops in climate change and their potential effects in accelerating or m

Extreme

Comparative Analysis of Generalist and Specialist Species

Discuss the differences between generalist and specialist species and analyze how these differences

Easy

Demographic Transition Analysis

The demographic transition model outlines the shift from high birth and death rates to lower rates a

Hard

FRQ 5: Population Doubling Time Using the Rule of 70

This question requires you to apply the Rule of 70 to determine population doubling time and to disc

Extreme

FRQ 6: Studying Population Dispersal Patterns in a Simulated Field

A study was conducted to examine seed dispersal patterns by broadcasting seeds of a wind‐dispersed p

Easy

FRQ 7: Analyzing Biotic Potential Adjustments

This question examines biotic potential by having you list influencing factors and apply a numerical

Medium

FRQ 7: Interpreting Total Fertility Rate Data Across Countries

Using the table below, examine the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) for several countries and answer the f

Medium

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 18: Predictive Models in Population Ecology

This question requires you to compare predictive models used in population ecology and outline a cal

Extreme

FRQ 20: Assessing Environmental Change on Population Stability

This question asks you to synthesize multiple factors—including carrying capacity reductions, limiti

Extreme

Human Population Dynamics and Ecosystem Impact

A recent study examines the historical trends in human population growth and its subsequent impact o

Hard

Human Population Dynamics and Technological Change

Discuss how technological and societal advancements have influenced human population growth, using t

Medium

Impact of Invasive Species on Local Biodiversity

Investigate the ecological effects of invasive species and design an experimental approach to study

Hard

Impacts of Population Growth on Natural Resources

Assess the relationship between human population growth and the depletion of natural resources, and

Hard

Investigating Limiting Factors in Aquatic Ecosystems

Researchers have observed a decline in a fish population in a lake. They hypothesize that certain li

Medium

Investigating Reproductive Strategies: r-Selected vs K-Selected Species

Design an experiment to compare reproductive strategies between an r-selected species and a K-select

Medium

Limiting Factors and Population Regulation

Populations are regulated by a variety of limiting factors. Answer the following questions:

Easy

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 Application: The Rule of 70

Apply the Rule of 70 to calculate the doubling time of a population and evaluate its ecological sign

Easy

Modeling Population Doubling Time

The Rule of 70 is a useful tool for estimating population doubling time. Answer the following: 1. D

Easy

Predictive Models of Population Growth

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

Hard

Species Adaptability in Changing Environments

The table below summarizes key differences between generalist and specialist species. Using this inf

Medium

Total Fertility Rate (TFR) Analysis

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

Medium

Urbanization Effects on Population Dynamics and Resources

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

Hard
Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources

Analyzing the Role of Vegetation in Carbon Sequestration

The table below compares soil organic carbon levels across different land use types with varying deg

Medium

Assessing Nutrient Runoff in a Watershed

Watershed management is critical for controlling nutrient runoff into water bodies. Analyze nitrate

Easy

Atmospheric Convection and Weather Patterns

Examine how atmospheric convection contributes to weather phenomena. Refer to the provided diagram s

Easy

Atmospheric Evolution and the Great Oxidation Event

An atmospheric scientist is studying the changes in Earth’s atmosphere that occurred during the Grea

Hard

Comparative Analysis of Rock Types and Erosion Susceptibility

The table below compares different rock types based on their resistance to weathering and associated

Hard

Continental Drift and Seafloor Spreading

A scientific presentation argued that patterns of magnetic anomalies on the seafloor support the the

Medium

Convergent Boundaries: Subduction and Mountain Building

At convergent boundaries, subduction zones play a key role in mountain building and seismic activity

Hard

Convergent Boundary Dynamics: Subduction and Orogeny

This question focuses on the dynamics at convergent plate boundaries. A graph depicts the frequency

Hard

Effect of Sunlight Angle on Surface Temperature Distribution

Develop an experimental study using a solar simulator to investigate how the angle of incidence of s

Medium

El Niño and Fisheries Impact

A common claim states that El Niño events always disrupt local fish populations due to altered sea s

Medium

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

FRQ 6: Soil Food Web Dynamics Experiment

A team of ecologists wants to study how the introduction of earthworms affects the rate of litter de

Medium

FRQ 8: Ozone Formation in the Stratosphere Experiment

Scientists are interested in simulating the formation of ozone (O3) in the stratosphere under contro

Hard

FRQ 14: Rain Shadow Effect on Precipitation

Researchers aim to investigate how mountain ranges affect precipitation through the rain shadow effe

Medium

Global Wind Patterns and Coriolis Effect Analysis

A study was conducted correlating wind speed with latitude. Analyze the graph provided to answer the

Hard

Human Impacts: Soil Erosion and Sustainable Practices

Discuss how modern agricultural practices contribute to soil erosion and propose sustainable managem

Easy

Impact of ENSO Events on Marine Fish Populations

Design an experimental study to evaluate how El Niño and La Niña events influence marine fish popula

Extreme

Impact of Land Use Changes on Local Climate Experiment

A researcher conducted an experiment to study the effects of urban expansion on local temperature an

Medium

Investigation of Weather Patterns and Convection

Convection is a key process in atmospheric heat transfer and weather formation. Explore how convecti

Easy

Land and Sea Breezes Dynamics

This question investigates the mechanisms behind land and sea breezes and their environmental implic

Easy

Land Use Change and Environmental Impact

An urban planner is assessing the environmental impacts of urban sprawl on local climate, hydrology,

Extreme

Landslide Susceptibility and Slope Stability

A geologist is investigating factors that contribute to landslide occurrences in hilly terrains.

Medium

Plate Boundary Interactions: Convergence, Divergence, and Transform Boundaries

Investigate the interactions at various plate boundaries, and discuss how these interactions contrib

Medium

Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift Evidence

Analyze the key evidence supporting plate tectonic theory and continental drift. In your answer, dis

Medium

Plate Tectonics and Seismic Activity

A researcher investigates the relationship between plate boundary types and seismic activity. This i

Medium

Rain Shadow Effect and Mountainous Regions

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

Medium

Soil Formation and Erosion Management

A researcher is investigating soil profiles in an agricultural area experiencing significant soil er

Medium

Solar Radiation and its Dependence on the Sunlight Angle

This question explores how the angle at which sunlight strikes the Earth influences the distribution

Easy

Temperature and Pressure Profiles in the Atmosphere

Analyze the differences in temperature and pressure gradients between the troposphere and the strato

Hard

Watershed Management and Runoff Pollution

A recent environmental study claims that implementing watershed management practices completely elim

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

Clear-cutting and Edge Effects Analysis

The table below provides data on forest area and biodiversity index for areas managed through differ

Medium

Clear-Cutting and Edge Effects on Forest Ecosystems

Examine the impact of clear-cutting on forest ecology, particularly focusing on edge effects. Utiliz

Hard

Comparative Analysis of Organic versus Inorganic Fertilizers on Crop Yield

Design an experiment to compare the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on crop yield. Your

Easy

Economic and Environmental Impacts of Agricultural Mechanization

While agricultural mechanization has driven economic growth, it is claimed to have resulted in signi

Extreme

Environmental Consequences of Mining Activity

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

Medium

Environmental Impact of CAFOs

Investigate the environmental issues associated with Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs),

Hard

Experiment Analysis: Fertilizer Effects on Crop Yield

In an experiment designed to determine the effect of high-nitrogen inorganic fertilizer on maize yie

Hard

Genetically Modified Organisms in Agriculture

Evaluate the role of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in modern agriculture.

Medium

Green Revolution and GMOs in Modern Agriculture

Analyze the role of the Green Revolution and the introduction of GMOs in modern agriculture with reg

Medium

Impact of Overgrazing on Grassland Ecosystems

The table below shows the relationship between grazing frequency and average grassland biomass.

Easy

Impacts of Urbanization on Environmental Systems

Discuss how rapid urbanization affects natural systems and the challenges it poses to sustainable de

Medium

Mining Methods and Environmental Consequences

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

Extreme

Pesticide Treadmill and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Investigate the concept of the pesticide treadmill and evaluate the potential of Integrated Pest Man

Medium

Pesticide Treadmill and Resistance Trends Graph Interpretation

Using the provided graph that plots trends in pesticide usage alongside rising pest resistance over

Hard

Sustainable Irrigation Methods and Water Use Efficiency

An agricultural region is comparing several irrigation methods to improve water use efficiency and r

Medium

Tragedy of the Commons: Visual Analysis

Examine the provided diagram representing the Tragedy of the Commons. The diagram depicts how multip

Medium

Urban Runoff and Water Quality Improvement

Quantify improvements in water quality following urban runoff remediation and evaluate urban design

Easy

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

Advanced Clean Coal Technology

Clean coal technology is designed to reduce the environmental impact of coal combustion. Analyze the

Hard

Application of the First Law of Thermodynamics in Industrial Systems

An industrial process uses 5000 kJ of thermal energy to perform work, yielding 3000 kJ of work outpu

Easy

Application of the Laws of Thermodynamics in Energy Production

Thermodynamic principles govern the efficiency of energy production systems. Analyze how both the fi

Hard

Battery Discharge Rate Analysis

A battery stores 500 Wh of chemical energy and discharges completely over 4 hours. Answer the follow

Easy

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 Emissions Measurement Experiment

Engineers set up an experiment to simulate clean coal technology by burning pulverized coal in a con

Hard

Clean Coal Scrubber Efficiency Experiment

Design an experiment to test the efficiency of scrubbers in reducing the concentration of particulat

Medium

Clean Coal Technologies and Carbon Capture

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

Hard

CO₂ Capture Efficiency Experiment

Design a computer simulation experiment to assess the efficiency of CO₂ capture technologies (e.g.,

Extreme

Cogeneration System Thermal Efficiency Experiment

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

Medium

Comparative Combustion Efficiency Experiment

Design an experiment to compare the combustion efficiency of a fossil fuel (e.g., coal) and a biomas

Hard

Comparative Environmental Impacts of Energy Sources

Energy production methods differ in their environmental impacts. Analyze these differences by compar

Medium

Comparative Lifecycle Assessment of Solar Panel Technologies

Using the table below comparing monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, answer the followi

Hard

Designing a Hybrid Renewable Energy System for a Rural Community

Propose and evaluate a hybrid renewable energy system that integrates solar, wind, and biomass energ

Extreme

Energy Conversion Efficiency in Nuclear Power Plants

Refer to the diagram depicting the nuclear fission process in a power plant. Answer the following:

Hard

Energy Conversion Efficiency in Power Plants

A power plant converts thermal energy from the combustion of fossil fuels into electrical energy. An

Medium

Energy from Biomass and Environmental Impact

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

Medium

Energy Unit Conversions and Real-World Applications

Accurate unit conversions are critical for analyzing energy data in industrial applications. Solve t

Easy

Fossil Fuels and Environmental Impact

Fossil fuels, while economically important, have significant environmental impacts. Examine the form

Hard

Fuel Type Comparison: Renewable vs Nonrenewable

A policymaker is comparing various fuel types to determine their long‐term sustainability and enviro

Medium

Geothermal Energy and Site Selection

This question explores geothermal energy production and the factors influencing site selection for g

Easy

Hydroelectric Dam Power Output Analysis

A hydroelectric dam releases water from a height of 50 m at an average flow rate of 500 m³/s. With w

Medium

Hydroelectric Dams: Energy Calculation and Ecological Impact

This question explores the energy potential of hydroelectric dams and the associated ecological trad

Medium

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Membrane Experiment

Design an experiment to compare the performance of hydrogen fuel cells made with different membrane

Medium

Impact of Hydraulic Fracturing on Water Quality

A study measured contaminant levels in water samples from sites near hydraulic fracturing operations

Hard

Lifecycle Environmental Impact Comparison

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

Hard

Nuclear Fission Reaction Dynamics

Examine the process of nuclear fission in a reactor. A graph depicting the decay of neutron populati

Medium

Nuclear Fission Reaction Rate Experiment

A laboratory simulation of a nuclear fission reactor is carried out to study how varying neutron flu

Extreme

Passive vs. Active Solar Energy Systems

Solar energy can be harnessed through both passive and active systems. Compare these two approaches

Easy

Wind Turbine Power Output Experiment

In a wind tunnel experiment, researchers test a small wind turbine's power output by measuring its r

Hard
Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution

Acid Deposition and Ecosystem Impacts

Acid deposition, commonly known as acid rain, results from atmospheric chemical reactions and has pr

Hard

Acid Rain and Its Effects on Aquatic Ecosystems

A set of pH measurements from a lake over several years following acid deposition is provided. Analy

Easy

Analysis of Carbon Monoxide Trends in Urban Environments

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

Medium

Assessing Indoor Air Pollutants: Case Study of Asbestos and Formaldehyde

Indoor air quality is crucial for health, particularly concerning pollutants like asbestos and forma

Medium

Assessment of Pollution Reduction Policies

Government policies and technological innovations play crucial roles in reducing air pollution. Cons

Easy

Assessment of Suspended Particulate Matter (PMx) Behavior

The behavior of suspended particulate matter (PMx) in the atmosphere is influenced by particle size,

Hard

Catalytic Converter Chemical Reactions

Catalytic converters are designed to reduce toxic emissions from vehicles. Answer the following: (a

Medium

Catalytic Converters and Pollution-Control Devices

A new design for a three-way catalytic converter is being evaluated to reduce vehicle emissions more

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Naturally Occurring vs. Anthropogenic PMx

This question examines the differences between naturally occurring and anthropogenic suspended parti

Easy

Comparative Study of Natural vs. Anthropogenic PMx Sources

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

Hard

Designing a Community-Based Air Quality Improvement Initiative

A community organization plans to launch an air quality monitoring project using low-cost sensors di

Easy

Designing an Experiment on the Impact of Air Pollutants on Plant Health

Design a controlled experiment to test the effects of a selected air pollutant on plant photosynthet

Hard

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

Diurnal Variation of Photochemical Smog Components

This question focuses on the daily variation in the concentrations of photochemical smog components.

Hard

Evaluating Indoor Air Purification Technologies

In a controlled laboratory experiment, three different types of air purification filters were tested

Hard

Evaluating Measures to Reduce Air Pollutants

A municipality is considering various strategies to reduce air pollutants from both indoor and outdo

Medium

Evaluating Remediation Techniques for Air Pollution

A governmental agency is comparing the effectiveness of several remediation techniques for reducing

Medium

Evaluating the Effects of Particulate Matter on Ecosystems

Particulate matter (PM) can significantly influence ecosystem nutrient balances and overall environm

Medium

Graph Analysis of Urban Air Pollutant Concentration Over Time

A city monitors the concentration of a particular air pollutant over time. A graph of pollutant conc

Medium

Impact of Acid Deposition on Aquatic Ecosystems

Acid deposition from atmospheric pollutants can significantly alter aquatic ecosystems. Evaluate thi

Medium

Impact of Fossil Fuel Combustion on Atmospheric CO₂ Levels

Fossil fuel combustion is a major source of atmospheric CO₂. Answer the following questions related

Extreme

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 Peroxyacyl Nitrates (PANs) on Agriculture

A study investigates the influence of peroxyacyl nitrates (PANs) on agricultural crop yields. The ta

Hard

Indoor Air Quality and Sick Building Syndrome

A study measured indoor pollutant levels in different building rooms to assess risks associated with

Easy

Noise Pollution Assessment in Urban Areas

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

Easy

Peroxyacyl Nitrates (PANs) and Their Environmental Implications

In a heavily industrialized urban area, elevated levels of peroxyacyl nitrates (PANs) have been dete

Hard

Primary vs. Secondary Pollutants: Sources and Formation

A researcher examines the formation of air pollutants. Answer the following questions to differentia

Easy

Role of Volcanic Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Air Quality

Volcanic Organic Compounds (VOCs) are natural emissions that can affect air quality. Explain the pro

Hard

Suspended Particulate Matter and Its Behavior

Analyze the factors influencing the atmospheric behavior of suspended particulate matter.

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 Pollution Accumulation

A major city has experienced several days where smog remains unusually dense, even with reduced emis

Medium

Urban Heat Islands and Their Contribution to Air Pollution

Urban heat islands, characterized by higher temperatures in metropolitan areas compared to their rur

Medium

VOCs and the Formation of Photochemical Smog

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

Medium

Volcanic Organic Compounds and Temperature

Researchers measured VOC (volatile organic compounds) levels near an active volcano at different amb

Hard
Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution

Analyzing Endocrine Disruptors in Urban Water Systems

This FRQ requires analysis of endocrine disruptors present in urban water systems and their potentia

Hard

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 Urban Runoff and Its Environmental Effects

This FRQ analyzes urban runoff data with respect to physical parameters and discusses strategies to

Medium

Assessment of Endocrine Disruptors on Wildlife

Examine the effects of endocrine disruptors on wildlife populations by analyzing chemical concentrat

Hard

Assessment of Urban Runoff on Water Quality

Urban runoff has significant impacts on local water quality through pollutants like heavy metals, ni

Medium

Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification Kinetics

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

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Waste Treatment Methods

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

Extreme

Comparing Water Testing Methods

This FRQ examines your ability to synthesize water testing data to evaluate water quality. Interpret

Medium

Ecological Effects of Cultural Eutrophication

This FRQ focuses on the ecological impacts of cultural eutrophication in aquatic systems. Analyze th

Hard

Endocrine Disruptors and Their Effects on Aquatic Life

This FRQ explores the impact of the endocrine disruptor BPA on fish growth using experimental data.

Medium

Evaluating Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Aquatic Food Webs

Many pollutants such as heavy metals bioaccumulate in organisms and biomagnify through food webs. De

Hard

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Environmental Regulations on Point Source Pollution

This FRQ assesses your understanding of how environmental regulations can control point source pollu

Easy

Evaluating Water Conductivity as an Indicator of Metal Ion Concentration

A researcher collected water samples from various urban runoff sites and measured conductivity to in

Medium

Evaluation of Hazardous Waste Management and Isolation Methods

Examine the effectiveness of hazardous waste management strategies with a focus on landfill capping

Hard

Impact of Waste Incineration on Air Quality

This FRQ examines the environmental trade-offs of waste incineration, focusing on the production of

Easy

Impacts and Remediation Strategies for Oil Spills

Oil spills have significant environmental impacts. In this question, you will detail both the immedi

Hard

Impacts of Biodegradable Wastes on Lake Ecosystems

A study compares areas of a lake receiving different levels of fertilizer runoff containing biodegra

Medium

Impacts of Mining on Water Quality

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

Medium

Influence of pH on Water Quality and Heavy Metal Mobility

This question explores how water pH influences the solubility of heavy metals and overall water qual

Medium

Investigating the Use of Ion Exchange in Drinking Water Treatment

Ion exchange is an effective method for removing certain contaminants from drinking water. Analyze a

Medium

Mechanisms and Impacts of Endocrine Disruptors

This question examines how endocrine disruptors affect hormonal systems in organisms and their long-

Hard

Municipal Solid Waste Disposal Approaches

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

Hard

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in Food Chains

This FRQ centers on the accumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) through food chains, ex

Medium

Persistent Organic Pollutants and their Long-Range Effects

This FRQ explores the characteristics and impacts of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) on ecosyst

Hard

Policy and Technical Measures to Reduce Cultural Eutrophication

A municipal planning agency is seeking strategies to mitigate cultural eutrophication in agricultura

Extreme

Urban Development and Biodiversity Loss in Wetland Ecosystems

Assess the impact of urban development on wetland biodiversity by analyzing changes in species richn

Extreme

Urban Runoff and Flooding Effects on Water Quality

Urban areas often experience heavy rainfall events that lead to significant runoff. This runoff can

Hard

Water Quality Analysis: BOD and DO

A wastewater treatment plant conducted a study to assess water quality by measuring dissolved oxygen

Hard
Unit 9: Global Change

Agricultural Practices, Methane Emissions, and Soil Health

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

Medium

Analyzing Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) Legislation Effects

A government has enacted legislation banning the use of CFCs in various consumer products. Analyze t

Medium

Analyzing Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Using quantitative data, analyze the contributions of various sectors to global greenhouse gas emiss

Medium

Analyzing the Impact of Agricultural Practices on Methane Emissions

Methane emissions from agriculture are a significant component of global greenhouse gas budgets. Ref

Medium

Assessing the Effects of Invasive Species on Ecosystem Services

This question explores how invasive species impact ecosystem services and requires you to design a f

Hard

Biodiversity and Invasive Species: Data Analysis

This question explores the effects of invasive species on biodiversity and economic factors, requiri

Medium

Biodiversity and Invasive Species: Field Study Design

Invasive species can significantly alter native ecosystems. This question requires you to first disc

Medium

Climate Change Effects on Arctic Fauna

Discuss the impacts of rising Arctic temperatures on native wildlife, particularly focusing on speci

Medium

Climate Modeling and Predictive Equations

Examine the role of mathematical models in predicting climate change trends.

Extreme

Conservation Strategies for Endangered Species

With numerous species facing extinction, effective conservation strategies are critical. Using provi

Medium

Endangered Species: An Investigation into Population Dynamics

A table summarizes various factors affecting the status of endangered species, including breeding su

Medium

Experimental Evaluation of Urban Heat Island Effect

A study is conducted to evaluate the urban heat island effect by comparing temperature readings from

Medium

Glacier Melt, Thermal Expansion, and Sea Level Rise

This question addresses the contribution of glacier melt to sea level rise and discusses the combine

Extreme

Global Climate Change: Sea Level Rise and Temperature Trends

Examine the relationship between global temperature increases and sea level rise over the past centu

Hard

Greenhouse Effect Mechanisms and Comparison with Ozone Shield

Discuss the process of the greenhouse effect and contrast it with the function of the ozone layer re

Medium

Greenhouse Gas Atmospheric Concentration Trends Analysis

This question involves analyzing trends in atmospheric $$CO_2$$ concentrations and designing an expe

Medium

Impact of Increasing Greenhouse Gases on Global Temperature

Many climate models relate global temperature change to the concentration of CO₂. Consider the logar

Medium

Impact of Ocean Acidification on Marine Ecosystems

Investigate the process of ocean acidification and its effects on marine ecosystems. Explain the che

Medium

Impacts of Invasive Species on Ecosystems

This question focuses on the characteristics of invasive species, their population dynamics, and the

Medium

Integrated Analysis of Policies and Natural Phenomena in Climate Mitigation

Recent data indicates that global average temperatures have risen by approximately 1°C since 1880 an

Extreme

Invasive Fish Impact on Aquatic Plankton

A researcher sets up an experiment to assess the impact of an invasive fish species on native plankt

Medium

Invasive Plant Impact on Native Species Growth

A researcher investigates the impact of an invasive plant species on the growth of a native plant in

Easy

Invasive Species Impact Assessment

Invasive species can disrupt native ecosystems by rapidly increasing in population. This problem exp

Easy

Invasive Species Impact on Aquatic Ecosystems

This question examines the ecological impacts of invasive species on aquatic ecosystems by combining

Medium

Modeling CO₂ Increase and Global Warming

This question uses an exponential growth model to predict future atmospheric CO₂ concentrations and

Extreme

Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Energy Production

This question examines the calculation of CO₂ emissions from a coal-fired power plant and involves a

Medium

Renewable Energy and CO₂ Reduction Analysis

This question involves analyzing the impact of renewable energy adoption on CO₂ emissions and discus

Easy

The Impact of Industrial Processes on the Greenhouse Effect

A researcher studies how various industrial processes contribute to the greenhouse effect, focusing

Medium

Wildlife Sanctuary Design and Implementation

Design a wildlife sanctuary aimed at protecting endangered species, with an emphasis on promoting ha

Hard

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Tips from Former AP Students

FAQ

We 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.