AP Environmental Science FRQ Room

Ace the free response questions on your AP Environmental Science exam with practice FRQs graded by Kai. Choose your subject below.

Which subject are you taking?

Knowt can make mistakes. Consider checking important information.

Pick your exam

AP 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 (27)
  • Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity (25)
  • Unit 3: Populations (27)
  • Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources (24)
  • Unit 5: Land and Water Use (27)
  • Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption (25)
  • Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution (46)
  • Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution (22)
  • Unit 9: Global Change (27)
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

Analyzing Carbon Cycle Dynamics

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

Medium

Deforestation Impact on Terrestrial Carbon Sinks

A recent study claims that deforestation significantly reduces the carbon storage capacity of forest

Hard

Designing a Nitrogen Cycle Experiment

Develop an experiment to test how varying levels of soil moisture affect nitrogen fixation rates in

Easy

Ecological Niche Differentiation: Generalists vs. Specialists

A field observation in a diverse ecosystem noted that Species A (a generalist) maintained stable pop

Easy

Ecosystem Dynamics: Limiting Factors and Niches

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

Medium

Effect of Temperature on Decomposition Rate

Decomposition rate in soils can be modeled using an Arrhenius equation: $$k(T) = A*e^{-\frac{E}{R*T}

Hard

Energy Flow in a Terrestrial Ecosystem Microcosm

A researcher constructs a small terrestrial microcosm that includes a primary producer (grass), a pr

Hard

Food Web and Trophic Levels in a Grassland Ecosystem

Construct a food web for a temperate grassland ecosystem including at least three trophic levels (pr

Easy

FRQ 2: Food Web Diagram Analysis – Predator–Prey Dynamics

Analyze the food web diagram provided for a temperate forest ecosystem. Your response should include

Hard

FRQ 7: Trophic Pyramid Energy Flow Analysis

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

Easy

Groundwater Recharge Dynamics and Aquifer Sustainability

An aquifer has a natural recharge rate of 1000 m³/day. Initially, groundwater extraction is 1200 m³/

Hard

Impact of Invasive Species on Native Ecosystem Populations

The introduction of an invasive species can have dramatic effects on native species populations. Use

Hard

Light Attenuation in Aquatic Ecosystems

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

Medium

Nutrient Changes in River Zones

A field study measured nutrient concentrations (mg/L) along a river from its headwaters to the flood

Medium

Phosphorus Runoff and Eutrophication

This question explores the natural phosphorus cycle and examines the environmental consequences of e

Medium

Phosphorus Runoff and Eutrophication in Freshwater Lakes

A freshwater lake experiences significant increases in phosphate concentration following heavy rainf

Hard

Populations, Communities, and Niches

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

Easy

Predator-Prey Dynamics in a Microcosm

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

Hard

Primary Productivity: GPP vs. NPP

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

Easy

Resource Partitioning and Interspecific Competition

In a forest ecosystem, two bird species share similar fruit resources but exhibit behavioral differe

Medium

Seasonal Turnover in Lake Stratification

A temperate lake exhibits clear seasonal changes in thermal stratification. A graph provided shows t

Medium

Simulating Deforestation Effects on Local Microclimate

A researcher simulates deforestation by removing the canopy from potted trees arrayed in a greenhous

Medium

Soil Nutrient Availability and Crop Yield

An agricultural experiment was designed to assess the effect of varying phosphorus levels in soil on

Easy

Species Competition and Population Genetics under Environmental Stress

Environmental stress can impact species competition and genetic diversity. Using the data provided,

Extreme

Understanding Global Ocean Circulation

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

Extreme

Using Isotope Ratios to Track Nitrogen Sources in a Watershed

A watershed is influenced by both agricultural runoff and atmospheric deposition. Agricultural nitro

Medium
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

Adaptations enable organisms to survive in challenging environments. Answer the following:

Easy

Animal Adaptations: Behavioral, Physiological, and Structural

This FRQ focuses on the various types of animal adaptations and their roles in survival and ecologic

Medium

Biodiversity Metrics and Anthropogenic Impacts

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

Medium

Deforestation and Species Richness

This FRQ investigates the impact of deforestation on species richness and the balance between specia

Hard

Ecological Succession Dynamics over Time

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

Hard

Ecological Succession in a Disturbed Ecosystem

Following a major disturbance, an ecosystem undergoes successional changes. Analyze the progression

Hard

Ecosystem Services Valuation in Coastal Mangroves

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

Medium

Effectiveness of Different Reforestation Methods on Biodiversity

A reforestation study was conducted across three different sites using three distinct tree planting

Easy

Effects of Natural Disruptions on Ecosystem Recovery

Natural disruptions such as flooding, wildfires, and volcanic eruptions affect ecosystems’ biomass a

Medium

FRQ 11: Ecological Succession – Primary vs. Secondary

Following a volcanic eruption, a barren landscape begins to be colonized by life. A researcher compa

Medium

Impact of Anthropogenic Activities on Ecosystem Services

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

Medium

Impact of Temperature on Ecosystem Productivity

A study measures the effects of temperature increases on an ecosystem’s gross primary productivity (

Hard

Indicator Species and Ecosystem Health

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

Easy

Island Biogeography and Species Richness

Island biogeography theory explores the factors influencing species richness on isolated habitats. A

Hard

Island Biogeography and Species Richness

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

Hard

Island Size and Species Richness Relationship

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

Hard

Nutrient Cycling Efficiency and Decomposer Activity

Nutrient cycling in ecosystems is substantially driven by decomposer organisms. In an experiment, th

Easy

Sea Level Change Contributors

Global sea level changes are influenced by various factors. Examine and quantify these contributions

Medium

Species Richness and Habitat Fragmentation

This FRQ explores how habitat fragmentation affects species richness and the differential impact on

Medium

The Role of Keystone Species in Ecosystem Stability

Evaluate the significance of keystone species in maintaining ecosystem stability.

Hard

Urban Green Spaces and Air Quality Improvement

A study was conducted at several urban sites to evaluate the impact of green space density on local

Medium

Urbanization Impact on Local Species Richness

In an urban ecology study, researchers compare species richness in fragmented urban parks versus con

Medium

Volcanic Eruptions: Destruction and Renewal

Volcanic eruptions cause immediate destruction but can lead to long-term soil fertility improvements

Medium

Wildfire Effects on Soil Nutrient Recovery

After a wildfire, the nutrient concentration in soil begins to recover over time. It is modeled by t

Medium
Unit 3: Populations

Age-Structure Diagrams and Demographic Trends

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

Hard

Analyzing Survivorship Curves

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

Hard

Assessing the Impact of Pollution on Aquatic Population Growth

Design an experiment to evaluate the effect of varying pollutant concentrations on the population gr

Hard

Calculating Doubling Time from Exponential Growth

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

Easy

Energy Consumption and Ecological Feedback Loops

Examine the relationship between increasing energy consumption and ecological feedback loops. Analyz

Extreme

Evaluating the Sustainability of Agricultural Practices

Increased population pressures have significant effects on agricultural practices. Answer the follow

Medium

Exponential vs Logistic Population Growth

Examine the differences between exponential and logistic population growth, and apply the Rule of 70

Easy

Feedback Loops and Limiting Factors in Ecosystems

Feedback loops are essential mechanisms in ecosystem regulation. Evaluate the role of positive and n

Hard

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 4: Investigating Reproductive Strategies in K-Selected vs r-Selected Rodent Species

An experiment was designed to compare the reproductive outputs of two rodent species, one classified

Hard

FRQ 7: Analyzing Biotic Potential Adjustments

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

Medium

FRQ 11: Interpretation of Age-Structure Diagrams

This question focuses on age-structure diagrams and their implications for population dynamics.

Medium

FRQ 14: Modeling Population Growth in Fungi on Decaying Logs

A simulation was designed to model the growth of a fungal population on decaying logs over a period

Hard

Generalist vs Specialist under Environmental Change

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

Easy

Historical Perspectives on Human Population Growth

Discuss the major surges in human population growth throughout history and analyze the key factors t

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

Implications of Total Fertility Rate

Evaluate the impacts of total fertility rate (TFR) on population dynamics and socioeconomic developm

Medium

Integrated Analysis of Earth Systems and Resource Management

A multidisciplinary study has been conducted to understand the complex interactions between human po

Extreme

Invasive Species and Ecosystem Stability

Invasive species, which are often generalists, can disrupt native ecosystems by outcompeting special

Medium

Investigating Biotic Potential and Environmental Resistance

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

Medium

J-Curve vs S-Curve Population Growth

Differentiate between J-curve and S-curve patterns in population growth and evaluate their ecologica

Medium

Population Growth Rate Calculations and Implications

Examine the formula for percent rate of change and apply it to calculate population growth. Discuss

Medium

Predictive Models of Population Growth

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

Hard

Rural to Urban Migration and Environmental Impact

Examine the causes and consequences of rural-to-urban migration, particularly in the context of demo

Medium

Total Fertility Rate and Demographic Transition Analysis

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

Hard

Understanding Demographic Transitions

Discuss the concept of demographic transition, outlining the characteristics of each stage. Using ex

Hard
Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources

Continental Drift Fossil Correlation Experiment

A geologist attempted to validate the theory of continental drift by comparing fossil records from s

Hard

Correlation between Water Vapor and Weather Patterns

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

Medium

Divergent Boundaries: Earthquake Dynamics at Fault Zones

Divergent boundaries create fault zones that can result in earthquake activity. Analyze the characte

Medium

Effect of pH on Nutrient Availability Experiment

A researcher conducted an experiment to determine how soil pH influences nutrient availability to pl

Easy

El Niño and Fisheries Impact

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

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 5: Soil Composition and Nutrient‐Holding Capacity

A researcher is interested in how variations in soil composition affect its nutrient-holding capacit

Hard

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 18: Soil pH and Nitrogen Availability

An agronomist is studying how soil pH affects the availability of nitrogen for plant uptake. Soil sa

Medium

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 climatologist is investigating the role of the Coriolis Effect in shaping global wind patterns.

Medium

Human Agricultural Practices and Soil Erosion

This question examines how different agricultural practices affect soil erosion rates and what strat

Hard

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

Impact of Organic Matter on Soil Nutrient-Holding Capacity

Design an experimental study to test the effect of organic matter (humus) on the nutrient-holding ca

Medium

Monsoonal Dynamics and Seasonal Variability

This question explores the dynamics of monsoonal winds and their impact on seasonal precipitation pa

Medium

Mountain Formation at Plate Boundaries

Using the example of the Cascade Mountain Range, this question requires you to explain mountain buil

Hard

Plate Tectonics: Analysis of a Plate Boundaries Diagram

Using the provided diagram of Earth's tectonic plates, answer the following questions about plate bo

Medium

Soil Compaction Effects in Urban Environments

This question focuses on the effects of urban development on soil compaction, water infiltration, an

Medium

Soil Erosion Data Analysis

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

Medium

Soil Erosion Rate Experiment

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

Easy

Soil Erosion: Impact of Agricultural Practices

A soil scientist is evaluating how different agricultural practices influence soil erosion rates.

Hard

Soil Nutrient-Holding Capacity

The claim to be evaluated is that soils rich in clay particles always hold nutrients more efficientl

Medium

Water Holding Capacity and Soil Compaction Calculations

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

Hard

Watershed Nutrient Runoff Experiment

A watershed manager designed an experiment to measure nutrient runoff, specifically nitrate and phos

Medium
Unit 5: Land and Water Use

Acid Mine Drainage and Ecosystem Recovery

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

Medium

Analyzing Policy Responses to Overpopulation and Resource Consumption

Consider the role of overpopulation in environmental degradation and evaluate policy responses aimed

Extreme

Assessing Environmental Effects of CAFOs

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) have become a major contributor to water quality prob

Medium

Assessing the Environmental Impact of Intercropping in Pest Management

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

Medium

Assessment of Pesticide Treadmill Dynamics through Laboratory Simulation

A researcher simulates the development of pesticide resistance in a pest population by applying a sp

Hard

CAFOs and Water Quality

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

Medium

Desertification and Soil Erosion: Quantifying Soil Loss

Overgrazing in a 200-hectare field leads to soil erosion at a rate of 5 tons per hectare per year ov

Medium

Ecological Footprint Analysis

A national government is evaluating its ecological footprint to determine if its resource consumptio

Hard

Experiment Analysis: GMO vs. Non-GMO Crop Yield Comparison

In a study comparing the yields of GMO and non-GMO corn varieties over a full growing season, resear

Medium

Genetically Modified Organisms in Agriculture

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

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) vs. Chemical Pesticides: Impact on Pest Populations

Design an experiment to compare the effects of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and chemical pestici

Hard

Irrigation Efficiency: Comparing Water Delivery Methods

Three irrigation methods—ditch, drip, and flood—have efficiencies of 60%, 90%, and 50% respectively.

Medium

Measuring Ecological Footprints: Urban vs. Suburban Lifestyles

Design a study to measure and compare the ecological footprints of urban versus suburban lifestyles.

Easy

Mining Methods and Their Environmental Impacts

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

Hard

Pesticide Resistance and IPM Strategies

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

Hard

Pesticide Resistance and the Treadmill Effect

Examine the evolution of pesticide resistance in pest populations and propose strategies to break th

Extreme

Pesticide Use vs. Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Critically assess the drawbacks of traditional pesticide use and compare them to the benefits of Int

Medium

Pollution from Agricultural Pesticides: A Case Study

Recent data from a midwestern farm indicate that persistent agricultural pesticides are being detect

Medium

Sustainability and the IPAT Equation

Explore the concept of sustainability using the IPAT formula as a framework for understanding human

Hard

Sustainability and the IPAT Equation

This question uses the IPAT formula to explore the components of environmental impact and the implic

Medium

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 Analysis

The following table shows data on the extraction rates from a shared resource (e.g., a fishery or fo

Medium

Tragedy of the Commons: Air Pollution and Global Warming

Discuss the concept of the Tragedy of the Commons and analyze its application to air pollution and f

Medium

Urban Sprawl versus Smart Growth Schematic Comparison

Review the provided diagram that compares the features of urban sprawl with those of smart growth. I

Easy

Urban Sprawl vs. Smart Growth Strategies

A researcher compares the environmental and social outcomes of urban sprawl against smart growth str

Medium

Urbanization and Pollution Correlation

The table below outlines the population density and air pollution index for several urban areas.

Easy
Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption

Advancements in Cogeneration Systems

A research study compared several cogeneration (CHP) systems based on their electrical output, therm

Medium

Anaerobic Digester Temperature Experiment

Design an experiment to determine how temperature affects biogas (methane) production in an anaerobi

Hard

Comparative Analysis of Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy Resources

A researcher is comparing renewable and nonrenewable energy resources to evaluate their sustainabili

Medium

Energy Conversion Efficiency Analysis

This question addresses the conversion of energy from fossil fuels to electrical energy. Consider a

Medium

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 Unit Conversions and Real-World Applications

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

Easy

Fuel Calorimetry Comparison Experiment

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

Medium

Fuel Type Comparison: Renewable vs Nonrenewable

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

Medium

Geothermal Energy: Extraction and Efficiency

Geothermal energy harnesses the heat from the Earth’s interior to generate electricity. Analyze the

Medium

Hydraulic Fracturing and Groundwater Impact

A study investigated the impact of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) on nearby groundwater by measurin

Hard

Hydraulic Fracturing and Water Use

This question focuses on hydraulic fracturing ('fracking') processes, particularly examining water u

Medium

Hydroelectric Dams: Benefits and Drawbacks

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

Medium

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Operation Analysis

A hydrogen fuel cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy. Consider the process as shown

Hard

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Performance Experiment

A team of students conducts an experiment to assess the efficiency of a hydrogen fuel cell by measur

Medium

Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Operation and Energy Conversion

Hydrogen fuel cells offer an efficient conversion of chemical energy to electrical energy. Analyze t

Hard

Investigation of Energy Losses During Transmission

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

Easy

Nuclear Fission and Reactor Control

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

Hard

Nuclear Fission Reaction Dynamics

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

Medium

Nuclear Power Plant Performance Analysis

In a study of a nuclear reactor's performance, data were collected for various reactor conditions. T

Hard

Photovoltaic Wavelength Response Experiment

Develop an experimental design to investigate how different wavelengths of light affect the electric

Medium

Residential Energy Conservation Experiment

In a controlled residential setting, a study is conducted to evaluate the impact of energy conservat

Easy

Secondary Effects of Solar Energy Implementation on Ecosystems

Large-scale solar farms have the potential to alter local ecosystems. Answer the following:

Medium

Solar Energy Applications

Solar energy can be harnessed in various ways for electricity generation and heating. Assess the tec

Medium

Solar Energy Efficiency Investigation

A group of researchers has constructed a solar panel array and measured its electrical output under

Medium

Sustainable Energy Transition

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is a complex challenge with far-reachin

Hard
Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution

Acid Rain and Soil pH Effects

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

Medium

Air Quality Monitoring: Data Analysis and Experimental Design

Air quality monitoring involves collecting data on various pollutants. Examine the provided sensor d

Extreme

Assessing the Ecological Impact of Acid Rain on Forests

Acid rain can have long-term effects on forest ecosystems. Examine the ecological consequences of ac

Hard

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 Efficiency Experiment

Design an experiment to assess the efficiency of catalytic converters in reducing toxic emissions fr

Medium

Catalytic Converter Function and Stoichiometry

Catalytic converters are critical in controlling emissions from vehicles by converting harmful gases

Hard

Catalytic Converters and Emission Control

Discuss the function of catalytic converters in reducing vehicular emissions and examine their limit

Medium

Catalytic Converters and Emission Reductions

This question examines the function of three-way catalytic converters in reducing harmful vehicular

Medium

Catalytic Converters: Mechanisms and Limitations

Examine the role of catalytic converters in reducing vehicular emissions and discuss their limitatio

Hard

Comparative Study of Indoor vs. Outdoor Air Pollutants

Indoor environments often exhibit different pollutant concentrations compared to outdoors. Use the t

Medium

Comprehensive Air Pollution Mitigation Strategies

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

Extreme

Determining the Role of Particulate Matter Sources

A study measured the contribution of various sources to suspended particulate matter (PM₁₀) in a met

Easy

Effectiveness of Electrostatic Precipitators in Industrial Settings

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

Medium

Effects of Acid Rain on Aquatic Ecosystems

A researcher monitors the pH levels of a lake before, during, and after an acid rain event. The grap

Hard

Evaluating Effects of Noise Pollution in Urban Areas

A noise monitoring study was conducted in both urban and suburban areas to assess the impact of huma

Easy

Evaluating Emission Reductions from Alternative Transportation

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

Easy

Evaluating Photochemical Smog Formation

A simulated urban environment is used to study photochemical smog formation with hourly measurements

Extreme

Experimental Evaluation of Nitrogen Oxides in a Traffic Simulation

A researcher develops an automated traffic simulation to evaluate nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions fro

Medium

FRQ 5: Nitrogen Oxides: Formation and Impact

Examine the formation of nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) from combustion processes and their environmental con

Hard

Graphical Analysis of Photochemical Smog Formation

Photochemical smog forms through a series of reactions catalyzed by sunlight. A graph representing o

Hard

Impact of Acid Rain on Aquatic Ecosystems

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

Medium

Indoor Air Quality and Sick Building Syndrome

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

Easy

Indoor Air Quality: Experiment on VOC Removal

A study was conducted to assess the effect of indoor plants on the concentration of volatile organic

Easy

Indoor Air Quality: Formaldehyde Concentration Analysis Experiment

In an investigation of indoor air quality, a student deploys passive formaldehyde sampling devices t

Easy

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 Formation Analysis

A major industrial city is grappling with persistent smog episodes known as industrial smog. To deve

Hard

Interpreting a Diagram of Industrial Smog Formation

The diagram below outlines the process of industrial smog formation. It shows several chemical react

Hard

Investigating Ozone Formation in Urban Settings

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

Medium

Lead Exposure and Public Health Implications

Urban areas often face challenges with lead contamination due to industrial activities, lead-acid ba

Medium

Lead Pollution and Its Impact on Human Health

This question requires analysis of lead pollution sources, trends, and health impacts.

Medium

Mitigation Strategies for Urban Air Pollution

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

Medium

Noise Pollution and Community Health Study

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

Medium

Noise Pollution from Transportation

This question addresses noise pollution from urban transportation and involves both calculations and

Hard

Noise Pollution in Urban Environments

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

Easy

Photochemical Smog Dynamics

This question examines the sequence of reactions involved in photochemical smog formation and requir

Extreme

Precipitation Impact on Suspended Particulate Matter

A study compared PM2.5 levels under different weather conditions. Use the table below to answer the

Easy

Reduction of Air Pollution through Policy Measures

Discuss the variety of remediation strategies for reducing air pollution and evaluate the effectiven

Hard

Reduction of Air Pollution: Energy and Transportation

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

Medium

Reduction Strategies for Air Pollutants

This question compares different remediation strategies to reduce particulate matter pollution by in

Medium

Reduction Technology for Industrial Emissions

An industrial facility has implemented scrubbers to reduce sulfur dioxide ($$SO_2$$) emissions. Rese

Extreme

Sulfur Dioxide and Acid Rain

Detail the chemical transformation of sulfur dioxide into acid rain and evaluate its environmental i

Extreme

Technologies and Strategies for Reducing Air Pollution in Industrial Settings

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

Hard

Thermal Inversion Effects on Pollutant Trapping Experiment

In this study, a researcher simulates a thermal inversion by cooling the air at the bottom of a tall

Hard

Urban Heat Islands and Air Pollutants

This question examines the formation of urban heat islands and their effect on air pollutant dispers

Medium

Urban Heat Islands and Air Pollution

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

Hard

Volcanic VOCs and Health Effects

Volcanic organic compounds (VOCs) can influence air quality during eruptions. Answer the following:

Medium
Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution

Analysis of Water Pollution Sources in a River Ecosystem

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

Medium

Analyzing Endocrine Disruptors in Urban Water Systems

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

Hard

Analyzing the Persistence of Organic Pollutants (POPs)

A study measured the concentration of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and the bioaccumulation f

Hard

Assessing Oil Spill Remediation via Dispersant Application

A researcher designed an experiment to evaluate the effectiveness of a chemical dispersant in breaki

Medium

Assessing the Role of Mangroves in Filtering Urban Runoff

A field study compares water quality in coastal areas with mangrove forests to areas without mangrov

Medium

Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification in Aquatic Food Chains

Bioaccumulation and biomagnification can lead to toxic concentrations of pollutants in top predators

Extreme

Comparative Analysis of Solid Waste Disposal Methods

A researcher is comparing various methods used for solid waste disposal. Answer the following parts

Hard

Comparing Water Testing Methods

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

Medium

Cultural Eutrophication Effects on Aquatic Ecosystems

Investigate the impact of cultural eutrophication on aquatic ecosystems by analyzing nutrient loadin

Hard

Designing a Water Quality Testing Protocol for Urban Runoff

Urban runoff can significantly impact water quality. Design an experiment to develop a comprehensive

Easy

Effects of Temperature on Dissolved Oxygen in Aquatic Ecosystems

A researcher conducts an experiment in which water temperature is gradually increased in laboratory

Hard

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 the Long-Term Impact of Persistent Organic Pollutants on Aquatic Life

A long-term study is carried out in a lake to monitor the concentration of Persistent Organic Pollut

Extreme

FRQ14: Endocrine Disruptor Analysis: BPA Exposure

Examine the schematic diagram depicting BPA exposure pathways in humans. Analyze the diagram and dis

Hard

FRQ17: Chemical Kinetics in Flocculation Sedimentation Process

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

Hard

Impact of Oil Spills on Marine Ecosystems

This FRQ examines the ecological consequences of oil spills using both data analysis and quantitativ

Hard

Investigating Cultural Eutrophication Effects

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

Medium

Investigating the Effects of Oil Spills on Seabird Health

Oil spills have devastating effects on marine wildlife. Design an experiment to study the relationsh

Medium

Mining and Water Contamination

A researcher is examining how mining operations contribute to water contamination. Answer the follow

Medium

Modeling the Long-Term Impacts of Diverse Waste Disposal Practices on Ecosystem Health

Different waste disposal methods, such as incineration, landfilling, and ocean dumping, have varying

Extreme

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch: An Environmental Assessment

This FRQ assesses your understanding of the formation and ecological implications of the Great Pacif

Medium

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

Analyzing the Impact of Agricultural Practices on Methane Emissions

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

Medium

Assessment of Wildlife Sanctuaries on Biodiversity Conservation

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

Medium

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

Conservation Strategies for Endangered Species

This question focuses on endangered species conservation. Analyze the factors that contribute to end

Medium

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

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

Hard

Evaluating Conservation Strategies for Endangered Species

A conservation biologist is monitoring the population of an endangered amphibian species in a protec

Hard

Evaluating the Greenhouse Effect: Laboratory and Field Approaches

This question focuses on the greenhouse effect, its underlying processes, and experimental methods t

Hard

Evaluating the Impact of Global Warming on Arctic Ecosystems

A researcher investigates how global warming uniquely affects Arctic ecosystems, particularly examin

Extreme

Examining the Role of Ocean Acidification

Ocean acidification occurs when atmospheric $$CO_{2}$$ dissolves in seawater, leading to the formati

Hard

Genetic Diversity Analysis in a Captive Breeding Program

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

Extreme

Global Climate Change: Analysis of Temperature and Sea-Level Graphs

Examine the graphs depicting global temperature anomalies and sea-level rise from 1900 to 2020. Use

Hard

Graphical Analysis of Thermal Expansion

A graph illustrates the relationship between time (in years) and sea temperature as a proxy for ther

Medium

Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change: Data Analysis

A researcher examines a graph that displays global temperature anomalies over the period from 1900 t

Hard

Greenhouse Gas Atmospheric Concentration Trends Analysis

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

Medium

Impacts of Ozone Depletion on Ecosystem Services

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

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

Investigating the Positive Feedback Loop in Arctic Methane Emissions

This question focuses on understanding positive feedback loops in the context of Arctic methane emis

Extreme

Maintaining Biodiversity: Keystone Species

This question addresses the concept of keystone species and their importance in maintaining ecosyste

Easy

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 Earth’s Energy Budget

An experiment aims to quantify Earth's energy budget by measuring incoming solar radiation, reflecte

Extreme

Species Adaptation under Rapid Climate Change

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

Hard

Stratospheric Ozone Depletion: Formation and Destruction

This question investigates the chemical processes involved in the formation of ozone in the stratosp

Medium

Stratospheric Ozone Formation and Depletion Mechanisms

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

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

Thermal Expansion in Saltwater: Modeling Sea-Level Rise

A researcher sets out to simulate sea-level rise due to thermal expansion by heating a sealed contai

Medium

UV Radiation and Ozone Formation

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

Easy

Wildlife Sanctuary Design and Implementation

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

Hard

Trusted by millions

Everyone is relying on Knowt, and we never let them down.

3M +Student & teacher users
5M +Study notes created
10M + Flashcards sets created
Victoria Buendia-Serrano
Victoria Buendia-SerranoCollege freshman
Knowt’s quiz and spaced repetition features have been a lifesaver. I’m going to Columbia now and studying with Knowt helped me get there!
Val
ValCollege sophomore
Knowt has been a lifesaver! The learn features in flashcards let me find time and make studying a little more digestible.
Sam Loos
Sam Loos12th grade
I used Knowt to study for my APUSH midterm and it saved my butt! The import from Quizlet feature helped a ton too. Slayed that test with an A!! 😻😻😻

Need to review before working on AP Environmental Science FRQs?

We have over 5 million resources across various exams, and subjects to refer to at any point.

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.