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 (25)
  • Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity (22)
  • Unit 3: Populations (24)
  • Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources (24)
  • Unit 5: Land and Water Use (18)
  • Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption (24)
  • Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution (49)
  • Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution (36)
  • Unit 9: Global Change (28)
Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems

Analyzing Carbon Cycle Dynamics

Propose an experimental study to simulate and analyze the dynamics of the carbon cycle, specifically

Medium

Analyzing Competition in Ecological Communities

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

Medium

Analyzing Invasive Species Effects on Community Structure

Design an experiment to assess how an introduced invasive species affects native plant community div

Medium

Biomass Disparity in Aquatic Energy Pyramids

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

Medium

Biomes: Adaptations in Terrestrial Environments

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

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 Adaptations to Extreme Cold: Tundra Dynamics

An arctic tundra study reports data on extremely low temperatures, short growing seasons, and nutrie

Easy

FRQ 9: Ecological Niches – Generalists vs. Specialists Diagram Analysis

Examine the provided table comparing traits of generalist and specialist species. Explain how these

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

Generalist vs. Specialist Species in Ecosystem Resilience

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

Hard

Groundwater Depletion and Aquifer Recharge

Long‐term groundwater extraction can lead to significant declines in aquifer water levels. Answer th

Hard

Impact of Urbanization on Nitrogen Oxides Levels

A study compared nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) concentrations in different locations: an urban center, a subu

Medium

Impacts of Human Activities on the Phosphorus Cycle

This question examines the natural phosphorus cycle and assesses the impacts of human activities on

Medium

Impacts of Nitrogen Deposition on Forest Health

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

Hard

Keystone Species and Food Web Stability

In a marine food web, a diagram indicates that the removal of a particular predator (the keystone sp

Medium

Phosphorus Runoff and Eutrophication in a Lake

Over a period of 5 years, the phosphorus concentration in a shallow lake increased from 0.03 mg/L to

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

River Nutrient Dynamics and Riparian Vegetation

A study along a river examined how varying nutrient concentrations from agricultural runoff impact t

Medium

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

Simulated Aquifer Recharge Measurement

A researcher simulates aquifer recharge by constructing a soil column in a laboratory container with

Medium

Temperature Stratification in Lakes and Its Impact on Aquatic Life

A study claims that lake stratification patterns are determined solely by surface temperature differ

Medium

Understanding Global Ocean Circulation

Thermohaline circulation plays a crucial role in regulating global climate by driving deep-water cur

Extreme

Water Distribution and Freshwater Renewal Rates

A hydrologist compiled data on the average renewal rates for different water sources. The table belo

Easy
Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity

Adaptation Mechanisms in Response to Environmental Changes

This question explores various adaptation mechanisms in organisms in response to changes in environm

Medium

Adaptations in Changing Environments: Behavioral vs. Physiological Strategies

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

Medium

Comparing Crop Yields Under Monoculture and Polyculture Systems

Researchers compared crop yields in adjacent fields managed under monoculture and polyculture system

Medium

Ecological Succession Stages Analysis

Ecological succession involves changes in species composition over time. Analyze the characteristics

Medium

Ecosystem Recovery After Disturbance

An ecosystem's recovery after a disturbance, such as a wildfire, can often be modeled with a logisti

Hard

Ecosystem Stability and Resilience: A Comparative Analysis

Analyze the factors contributing to ecosystem stability and resilience, with a focus on species dive

Extreme

Effects of Invasive Species on Biodiversity

This question addresses the impact of invasive species on native biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics

Hard

Impact of Flooding on Ecosystem Stability

After a major flooding event, researchers collected data on the population densities of aquatic plan

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

Investigating Pesticide Effects on Non-target Species and Pollination Services

Pesticide use can negatively impact non-target species and reduce ecosystem services like pollinatio

Hard

Island Biogeography

A group of islands at varying distances from a mainland were surveyed for species diversity. The res

Medium

Island Biogeography and Species Diversity

This question explores the principles of island biogeography and how island size and isolation affec

Medium

Keystone Species and Biodiversity Impact

Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem structure and biodiversity. Explore th

Medium

Natural Disruption: Fire Impact on Ecological Succession

Following a wildfire in a chaparral ecosystem, researchers design an experiment to assess ecological

Hard

Natural Disruptions and Ecosystem Recovery

Analyze how different natural disruptions (flooding, volcanic eruptions, and wildfires) impact ecosy

Medium

Population Bottleneck and Genetic Diversity

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

Hard

Population Bottleneck and Genetic Diversity Analysis

A catastrophic event causes a population bottleneck in a species resulting in altered allele frequen

Hard

Responses of Organisms to Environmental Stress

This question examines how organisms respond to environmental stress through various adaptive mechan

Medium

Sea Level Rise and Glacial Melting Correlation

A table summarizes changes in average ocean temperatures and corresponding global sea level changes

Easy

Species-Area Relationship Analysis

A biologist is studying the relationship between forest fragment area and species richness. The rela

Medium

Volcanic Eruptions and Ecosystem Recovery

Volcanic eruptions can both disrupt ecosystems and enhance long-term soil fertility. Explore this du

Medium

Water Pollution and Aquatic Biodiversity

Nutrient loading from human activities can lead to water pollution, affecting aquatic biodiversity.

Medium
Unit 3: Populations

Application of Liebig's Law of the Minimum

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

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

Calculating Doubling Time Using the Rule of 70

The Rule of 70 is a useful tool for estimating the doubling time of a population. Answer the followi

Medium

Ecosystem Responses to Human Population Growth

Investigate how human population growth and associated activities impact various ecosystems, with an

Hard

Environmental Impacts of Population Growth

Analyze the environmental consequences of rapid human population growth and propose approaches to mi

Hard

Evaluating Population Dispersal Patterns

A researcher collected data on the dispersal patterns of various animal species. Refer to the provid

Medium

FRQ 2: r-Selected vs. K-Selected Species – Reproductive Strategies

This question examines reproductive strategies by comparing r-selected and K-selected species and ap

Medium

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 15: Specialist Species and Extinction Risk

This question probes the relationship between specialized ecological niches and extinction risk thro

Medium

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

FRQ 19: Parental Care and Survivorship Curves

This question explores the influence of parental care on the shape of survivorship curves in differe

Medium

Human Population Dynamics and Ecosystem Impact

Explore the historical trends in human population growth and analyze their environmental implication

Hard

Human Population Dynamics Through Historical Surges

Trace the major surges in human population growth through history, highlighting the primary technolo

Hard

Interpreting Survivorship Curves

Interpret the provided survivorship curves graph to explain the biological significance of Type I, T

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 Socioeconomic Factors on Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

Design an experiment to investigate the effects of socioeconomic factors, such as education and urba

Hard

Population Density and Growth Rate Computation

A wildlife reserve covers 150 square kilometers and currently supports 900 individuals of a certain

Easy

Population Dispersal Patterns and Their Ecological Implications

Examine various population dispersal patterns such as clumped, random, and uniform. How do these pat

Easy

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

Survivorship Curves and Reproductive Strategies

Analyze the different survivorship curves and relate them to reproductive strategies in various spec

Medium

Urbanization and Demographic Change

Urbanization significantly influences demographic factors such as fertility rates and age structure.

Hard

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

Calculating Water Holding Capacity of Soil

The water holding capacity (WC) of soil is the ratio of the volume of water required to saturate the

Hard

Comparing Loam and Clay Soil for Agriculture

This question explores the physical properties of different soil types and their implications for ag

Easy

Correlation between Water Vapor and Weather Patterns

The table below summarizes average relative humidity and monthly rainfall for different regions: |

Medium

Evidence for Continental Drift and Seafloor Spreading

This question examines the evidence supporting plate tectonics, including both continental drift and

Medium

Fisheries Impact under ENSO Conditions

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

Medium

FRQ 1: Plate Tectonics and Seafloor Spreading Experiment

In an experiment simulating seafloor spreading, a research team uses a heated mechanical model with

Medium

FRQ 3: Effect of Organic Matter on Soil Formation

Researchers seek to understand how the addition of organic matter affects soil formation rates. In a

Medium

Global Warming and its Effects on Coral Reefs

Rising ocean temperatures due to global warming are threatening coral reef ecosystems. Analyze the i

Extreme

Global Wind Patterns and Atmospheric Circulation Cells

This question evaluates understanding of atmospheric circulation and the role of the Coriolis effect

Hard

Global Wind Patterns and the Coriolis Effect

A recent publication claims that the Coriolis effect causes winds to spiral in the same direction ev

Hard

Greenhouse Gases and Global Temperature Trends

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

Hard

Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar Cells

A meteorologist is examining the structure of atmospheric circulation cells and their effects on cli

Hard

Human Impacts: Soil Erosion and Sustainable Practices

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

Easy

Influence of Soil Texture on Water Infiltration and Nutrient Loss

Soil texture significantly affects water infiltration and nutrient leaching. Examine the relationshi

Medium

Monsoons: Analyzing Seasonal Rainfall Patterns

Monsoonal climates are marked by dramatic seasonal variations in rainfall and temperature. Analyze t

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

Simulating Acid Rain Effects on Soil pH and Nutrient Retention

Design an experimental study to investigate how acid precipitation affects soil pH and the availabil

Medium

Soil Erosion Data Analysis

The table below presents soil erosion rates for various types of land use: | Land Use |

Medium

Soil Formation and Erosion Management

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

Medium

Soil Formation and Erosion Processes

Design an experimental study to investigate the factors influencing soil formation and erosion, and

Hard

Vegetation and the Carbon Cycle: Feedback Mechanisms

Long-term data on atmospheric CO₂ concentrations and vegetation cover have been collected over sever

Extreme

Volcanic Aerosol Impact on Stratospheric Temperature Experiment

A team of atmospheric scientists simulated the impact of sulfur-rich volcanic aerosols on stratosphe

Extreme

Water Holding Capacity and Soil Compaction Calculations

This question involves quantitative reasoning related to soil water holding capacity and compaction.

Hard
Unit 5: Land and Water Use

Agricultural Practices and Soil Degradation

This question examines the role of agricultural practices in soil erosion and degradation, including

Easy

Agricultural Revolution: Crop Yield Increase

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

Easy

Agricultural Revolutions and Production Trends

Discuss the historical impact of the Agricultural Revolutions on food production and societal develo

Medium

Assessing Irrigation Methods for Water Efficiency

Evaluate different irrigation methods in terms of water efficiency and discuss sustainable water man

Medium

Evaluating GMO Crop Performance under Environmental Stress

Design an experiment to evaluate how genetically modified (GMO) crops perform under drought conditio

Medium

Experiment Analysis: Fertilizer Effects on Crop Yield

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

Hard

Experiment Analysis: Pesticide Resistance Evolution in Controlled Habitats

In a laboratory experiment designed to study pesticide resistance, researchers maintained a pest pop

Hard

Experimental Simulation of the Tragedy of the Commons

Design a simulation experiment that investigates how different management strategies (communal vs. p

Medium

Impacts of Timber Harvesting on Biodiversity and Fragmentation

The table below compares the effects of different timber harvesting strategies on forest biodiversit

Medium

Impacts of Urbanization on Environmental Systems

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

Medium

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Cycle Diagram Analysis

Examine the provided cycle diagram that compares Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with conventional

Medium

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Strategies Evaluation

A researcher investigates the ecological and economic effectiveness of Integrated Pest Management (I

Medium

IPM vs. Conventional Pesticide Use Effects on Crop Damage

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

Medium

Overfishing: Trends and Sustainable Quotas

Assess the long-term impacts of overfishing on fish stocks using trend analysis, and propose sustain

Medium

Sustainable Agriculture: No-Till and Crop Rotation Benefits

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

Easy

Sustainable vs. Conventional Agricultural Practices

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

Medium

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 Sustainability Energy Usage Diagram Analysis

Analyze the provided diagram comparing sustainable energy usage with conventional energy usage in ur

Hard
Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption

Air Pollution from Fossil Fuel Combustion

Analyze the bar graph titled 'Emissions by Fuel Type' which shows emission levels for coal, oil, and

Hard

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

Biomass Energy from Anaerobic Digestion

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

Medium

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

Effect of Solar Panel Angle on Energy Collection Efficiency

An experiment investigated how the angle of solar panels affects daily energy collection. The table

Medium

Energy Conservation in Residential Buildings

A recent study compared energy consumption and operating costs between conventional residential buil

Easy

Energy Conservation Strategies in Residential Buildings

Examine various strategies for energy conservation in residential buildings and analyze their potent

Easy

Energy Density Comparison between Coal and Biomass

Coal has an energy density of 24 MJ/kg while biomass has 18 MJ/kg. Answer the following:

Easy

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 Efficiency in Residential Homes

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

Medium

Evaluating Energy Policies: Renewable Investment vs. Fossil Fuel Dependency

This question requires an evaluation of energy policies by comparing the long-term environmental and

Extreme

Fossil Fuels and Environmental Impact

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

Hard

Hydroelectric Power and Ecosystem Impact

Dams used for hydroelectric power generation provide renewable energy but also have significant ecol

Medium

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Performance

A set of experiments were conducted to assess the performance of a hydrogen fuel cell under differen

Medium

Impact of Energy Policy on Renewable Energy Adoption

Using the table below that compares renewable energy adoption rates with the presence of subsidies a

Hard

Life Cycle Analysis of Energy Production Methods

This question engages you in a life cycle analysis (LCA) of different energy production methods, foc

Extreme

Life Cycle Analysis of Energy Sources

Perform a life cycle analysis comparing fossil fuels with a renewable energy source of your choice t

Hard

Long-Term Energy Demand Projection with Conservation Impact

A country's current annual energy demand is 1,000,000 GWh, and it is projected to grow at 2% per yea

Hard

Nuclear Criticality: Chain Reaction and Control Rod Analysis

Maintaining a controlled chain reaction is crucial in nuclear reactors. Analyze the concept of criti

Hard

Nuclear Fission and Reactor Control

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

Hard

Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Management

Managing nuclear energy involves complex processes and long-term waste management. Analyze the nucle

Hard

Passive vs. Active Solar Heating Experiment

Design an experiment to compare the effectiveness of passive and active solar heating systems in mai

Hard

Pollutant Emission Reduction Technologies Evaluation

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

Medium

Thermodynamics in Practical Applications

Thermodynamic principles set limits on energy systems' performance. Consider a real-world energy con

Medium
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

Air Pollutants Characteristics

This question examines your understanding of primary and secondary air pollutants and their sources.

Medium

Analysis of Air Quality Data

You have been provided with air quality data from urban and rural locations. Analyze the following d

Hard

Analysis of Lead Exposure and Regulatory Standards

A regulatory study measured lead concentrations in various environments to assess potential exposure

Medium

Assessing Urban Heat Island Effects on Weather

A researcher studies the influence of urban heat islands on local weather patterns. The table below

Extreme

Carbon Monoxide Production and Mitigation

Incomplete combustion in engines produces carbon monoxide (CO). Answer the following: (a) Write the

Hard

Catalyst Efficiency in Oxidizing Unburned Hydrocarbons

A researcher evaluated a new catalyst designed to oxidize unburned hydrocarbons in engine emissions

Extreme

Catalytic Converter Chemical Reactions

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

Medium

Catalytic Converter Reactions

Catalytic converters play a crucial role in reducing harmful vehicular emissions. Explain the chemic

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 Study of Diesel vs. Gasoline Emissions Through a Simulated Environment

A researcher conducts an experiment to compare emissions from diesel and gasoline engines within a c

Extreme

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

Comprehensive Air Pollution Mitigation Strategies

This comprehensive question requires you to integrate various air pollution remediation techniques,

Extreme

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

Effects and Mitigation of Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is an environmental concern affecting both humans and wildlife. Answer the following

Easy

Evaluating Emission Reductions from Alternative Transportation

A city is considering policies to reduce vehicular CO2 emissions by promoting alternative transporta

Easy

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Air Quality Legislation

Legislation can significantly impact ambient pollutant levels. (a) Write an equation that models the

Medium

Evaluating the Effects of Noise Pollution on Health

A study has compiled data on noise levels (in decibels) and the frequency of reported health issues

Easy

FRQ 3: Carbon Monoxide Sources and Mitigation Strategies

Examine the sources, formation processes, and mitigation strategies related to carbon monoxide (CO)

Easy

Impact of Acid Rain on Aquatic Ecosystems

A laboratory experiment simulated acid rain effects on a small stream ecosystem containing fish. The

Medium

Impact of Renewable Energy on Air Quality

Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources has the potential to change local and gl

Extreme

Impact of Thermal Inversions on Air Quality

A study collected data on temperature profiles and particulate matter (PM) concentrations during dif

Medium

Indoor Air Pollution and Sick Building Syndrome

This question explores the phenomenon of sick building syndrome, common indoor air pollutants, and p

Hard

Indoor Air Purification System Efficiency

Design an experiment to evaluate the effectiveness of indoor air purification systems in reducing le

Medium

Indoor Air Quality and Pollutant Remediation

Analyze the causes and mitigation strategies for indoor air pollution.

Medium

Industrial Energy Consumption and Atmospheric CO₂ Trends

A long-term study monitored CO₂ emissions from several power plants over a period of 40 years. The g

Hard

Industrial Smog and Particulate Matter Analysis

A large power plant has been identified as a significant contributor to industrial smog in a metropo

Medium

Industrial Smog Formation Mechanisms

Industrial smog is formed from chemical reactions involving pollutants emitted during the combustion

Hard

Integrated Analysis of Air Pollutant Interactions and Environmental Feedbacks

Air pollutants interact in complex ways to influence environmental systems. Develop an integrated mo

Extreme

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: Sources and Effects

Lead pollution poses significant health hazards. Discuss the primary industrial uses and environment

Medium

Modeling Air Pollutant Dispersion

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

Extreme

Modeling Industrial Smog Formation: SO₂ to Sulfuric Acid Conversion

A researcher set up a laboratory simulation to replicate industrial smog formation by combining sulf

Hard

Nitrogen Oxides and their Role in Atmospheric Chemistry

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are central to many atmospheric reactions that lead to secondary pollutant for

Medium

Noise Pollution Analysis

This question examines the quantitative change in sound intensity associated with an increase in dec

Easy

Noise Pollution and Community Health Study

Design an experiment to investigate the impact of noise pollution on community health indicators in

Medium

Noise Pollution and Urban Health Study

In a study conducted in various urban neighborhoods, researchers measured ambient noise levels and s

Easy

Noise Pollution in Urban Environments

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

Easy

Peroxyacyl Nitrates (PANs) and Their Environmental Implications

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

Hard

Photochemical Reaction Kinetics in the Troposphere

This question centers on the kinetics of photochemical reactions in the troposphere and requires ana

Hard

Photochemical Smog Formation and Control

This question examines the formation of photochemical smog and considers both its chemical kinetics

Hard

Primary vs Secondary Pollutants: Definitions and Reactions

Air pollution can be classified into primary pollutants that are emitted directly into the atmospher

Medium

Reduction of Air Pollution: Energy and Transportation

This question examines the impact of reducing automobile usage and switching to cleaner energy sourc

Medium

Remediation Strategies for Air Quality Improvement

Facing worsening air quality, a large city is considering an array of interventions ranging from tec

Hard

Sick Building Syndrome and Air Pollution

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is often linked to poor indoor air quality. Explain what SBS is, and id

Easy

Sulfur Dioxide and its Secondary Reactions

This question involves the chemical transformation of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) into sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄

Medium

Suspended Particulate Matter and Its Behavior

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

Hard

Urban Heat Islands and Air Pollution Interaction

This question explores the concept of urban heat islands and their impact on air pollution, requirin

Extreme

Volcanic Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Air Quality

This question focuses on volcanic organic compounds (VOCs), their physical properties, and their imp

Medium
Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution

Anaerobic Digestion Efficiency and Energy Recovery

Assess the role of anaerobic digestion in reducing organic waste and producing renewable energy by a

Hard

Anaerobic Digestion Efficiency in Organic Waste Treatment

A researcher investigated the efficiency of anaerobic digestion for decomposing organic waste from m

Hard

Analysis of Water Pollution Sources

A regional water quality study is being conducted on a river subject to both point and non-point sou

Easy

Analyzing the Long-Term Effects of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in Ecosystems

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) bioaccumulate in organisms and can travel long distances. Desig

Extreme

Analyzing Water Pollution Sources

This FRQ examines your understanding of water pollution sources in aquatic ecosystems. Answer the fo

Easy

Assessing Flocculation Efficiency in Stormwater Runoff

A researcher simulated stormwater runoff in the laboratory to evaluate the efficiency of a chemical

Medium

Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification in Terrestrial Food Chains

This FRQ investigates the processes of bioaccumulation and biomagnification within terrestrial food

Extreme

Climate Change and Global Waste Management

This FRQ explores the interplay between climate change effects and global waste management systems.

Hard

Comparison of Hazardous Waste Isolation Techniques

This FRQ requires a detailed analysis of methods used to isolate hazardous wastes. Address the follo

Extreme

Designing a Remediation Strategy for an Oil-Contaminated Coastal Zone

Oil spills in coastal zones can have long-lasting detrimental effects on local ecosystems. Design an

Hard

Drinking Water Treatment Processes

A water treatment researcher is comparing different methods used in drinking water treatment. Answer

Easy

Dynamics of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

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

Hard

Ecological Effects of Cultural Eutrophication

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

Hard

Effects of Urban Development on Wetlands and Mangroves

An environmental monitoring project collected data on biodiversity, water quality, and sediment accu

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 Endocrine Disruptors in Drinking Water

Endocrine disruptors such as Bisphenol A (BPA) can interfere with hormonal systems. This question in

Extreme

Evaluating Incineration and its Impact on Air Quality

A city implemented incineration for municipal solid waste management, and air quality data have been

Hard

Evaluating Water Treatment Processes: Filtration and Flocculation Sedimentation

A municipal water treatment facility uses a combination of filtration and flocculation sedimentation

Hard

Examining Heavy Metal Mobility in Acidic Water Conditions

Analyze the relationship between water pH and heavy metal mobility by interpreting provided experime

Hard

Exploring the Impact of Oil Spills on Marine Ecosystems

After an oil spill, a controlled experiment is conducted to assess its impact on seawater quality. K

Hard

Filtration Efficiency: Comparative Study

This FRQ compares the efficiency of three different water filtration methods based on their impact o

Easy

FRQ13: Thermal Pollution Effects on Aquatic Systems

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

Hard

FRQ15: Urban Stormwater and Pollutant Transport

Analyze the data from various storm events to understand urban stormwater pollutant transport. Use t

Medium

Global Impacts of Ocean Dumping and Waste Trade

A decade-long study compiles data on international waste trade and ocean dumping incidents. The tabl

Extreme

Great Pacific Garbage Patch: Dynamics and Impact

Analyze the formation and environmental impact of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch by interpreting da

Hard

Impact of Human Activity on Wetlands and Mangroves

This FRQ explores how human activities affect wetlands and mangrove ecosystems, integrating data int

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

Impact of Wastewater Treatment Upgrades

This FRQ examines the benefits of upgrading wastewater treatment processes to better remove nutrient

Medium

Investigating Cultural Eutrophication and its Effects

A study measured nutrient levels, algal bloom intensity (on a scale from 1 to 10), and dissolved oxy

Easy

Mechanisms of Bioaccumulation in a Food Web

A researcher studies an aquatic food chain consisting of algae, small fish, and large fish to invest

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 the Environment

A researcher is studying Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and their behavior in the environment.

Hard

Predicting Climate Change Effects on Stream Temperature and DO Levels

Recent data collected from a stream over a one-year period show variations in temperature and dissol

Medium

Solid Waste and Landfill Design

This FRQ addresses issues in solid waste management and outlines the design criteria for sanitary la

Medium

Thermal Pollution and Its Impact on Freshwater Ecosystems

This FRQ examines the causes and consequences of thermal pollution in freshwater ecosystems and expl

Medium

Water Quality and Testing Analysis

This FRQ explores water quality parameters and their interrelationships through data analysis and ca

Hard
Unit 9: Global Change

Agricultural Practices and Methane Emissions

Investigate the contribution of agricultural practices to methane emissions and propose mitigation s

Medium

Analyzing Climate Feedback Loops

Climate feedback loops can amplify or dampen the effects of climate forcing. In this final problem,

Extreme

Analyzing the Effects of UV Radiation on Biota

A researcher is investigating how different types of UV radiation (UVA, UVB, and UVC) impact both th

Hard

Assessing the Effects of Invasive Species on Ecosystem Services

Invasive species can significantly impact ecosystem services. This question asks you to analyze thes

Hard

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

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

Effects of Ozone Depletion on Human Health and Ecosystems

In this question, you will investigate the biological and ecological consequences of stratospheric o

Medium

Evaluating Greenhouse Gas Emission Sources

A table is provided below summarizing the contributions of different sectors to global greenhouse ga

Medium

Evaluating the Effectiveness of International Environmental Agreements

International agreements such as the Montreal Protocol, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement aim to m

Hard

Evaluation of International Environmental Protocols

International protocols have been established to address both ozone depletion and climate change. Th

Medium

Experiment on Halocarbon Persistence in the Stratosphere

A laboratory experiment simulates stratospheric conditions to evaluate the persistence of various ha

Extreme

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Source Analysis

A dataset on greenhouse gas emissions is compiled from various sectors including energy, transportat

Medium

Habitat Restoration and Endangered Bird Nesting Success

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

Medium

Impact of Invasive Species on Biodiversity

Evaluate the effects invasive species have on native ecosystems and biodiversity.

Medium

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

Interconnected Influences on Global Climate Change

This question requires a synthesis of multiple factors affecting global climate change and asks you

Extreme

International Environmental Agreements: Montreal vs. Paris

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

Easy

International Environmental Policy and Its Impact

Discuss the role of international agreements in mitigating environmental issues such as ozone deplet

Medium

Modeling Ozone Concentration with UV Radiation

A scientist aims to quantify the rate of ozone production as a function of UV radiation intensity. T

Extreme

Modeling the Positive Feedback Loop of Arctic Methane Release

Develop a comprehensive explanation of the positive feedback loop associated with Arctic methane rel

Extreme

Quantitative Analysis of Thermal Expansion

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

Extreme

Role of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs) in Ozone Depletion

This question examines the formation of polar stratospheric clouds and their importance in accelerat

Medium

Stratospheric Ozone Formation and Depletion Mechanisms

This question explores the formation and destruction of stratospheric ozone. Consider the photolysis

Medium

Thermal Expansion of the Oceans

Thermal expansion is a significant contributor to sea level rise as the oceans warm. Consider the eq

Hard

UV Radiation and Ozone Formation

Evaluate the roles of different forms of ultraviolet radiation—UVA, UVB, and UVC—in both promoting a

Easy

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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.