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 (28)
  • Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity (24)
  • Unit 3: Populations (24)
  • Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources (27)
  • Unit 5: Land and Water Use (33)
  • Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption (23)
  • Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution (50)
  • Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution (26)
  • Unit 9: Global Change (15)
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

Assessing Nitrogen Fertilizer Impact on Ecosystems

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

Extreme

Biodiversity and Trophic Level Dynamics

This question explores the relationship between ecosystem biodiversity, food web complexity, and tro

Medium

Biomass Disparity in Aquatic Energy Pyramids

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

Medium

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 Soil Erosion Simulation

A researcher constructs a series of soil boxes on a sloped surface to simulate the impact of defores

Medium

Ecological Niche Differentiation: Generalists vs. Specialists

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

Easy

Ecosystem Response to Limiting Factors

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

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 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

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 3: Lake Stratification Temperature Profile Analysis

The provided graph shows the temperature profile of a stratified lake during summer months. Your ans

Medium

FRQ 16: Effects of Climate Change on Coral Reef Health Diagram Analysis

Examine the provided diagram that depicts the impacts of climate change on coral reef health. In you

Extreme

Generalists vs. Specialists in Ecological Niches

Discuss the differences between generalist and specialist species regarding their ecological niches

Easy

Generalists vs. Specialists: Niche Experiment

Design an experiment to investigate how environmental variability affects populations of generalist

Hard

Glacier Melt Rate Simulation

A researcher simulates glacier melt by exposing blocks of artificial ice to a uniform heat lamp in a

Hard

Human Impact on the Carbon Cycle

Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have significantly altered the carbon cycle. A gra

Medium

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 pH Alterations on Aquatic Organisms

Changes in water pH can influence aquatic organisms by affecting biochemical reaction rates. Use the

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

Niche Partitioning Among Coexisting Species

A biologist surveyed various bird species coexisting in the same region where they exploit similar f

Easy

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

Phytoplankton Doubling Time and Energy Accumulation

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

Hard

Predator-Prey Dynamics in a Microcosm

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

Hard

Predator‐Prey Population Dynamics in a Forest Ecosystem

A study in a temperate forest recorded predator and prey populations over a 20‐week period. Using th

Medium

River Nutrient Dynamics and Riparian Vegetation

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

Medium

Temperature Effects on Enzymatic Activity in Respiration

A study examined the respiration rate of an ectothermic organism at different temperatures. The grap

Hard

Trophic Levels and Energy Transfer Efficiency

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

Hard
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: Behavioral, Physiological, and Structural

Species adopt various adaptations to survive in different environments. Compare and contrast behavio

Easy

Adaptations: Survival Strategies

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

Medium

Assessing Genetic Diversity in Isolated Populations

A researcher investigates the effect of habitat fragmentation on genetic diversity among isolated fr

Medium

Assessing the Impact of Habitat Restoration on Species Richness and Ecosystem Services

Habitat restoration projects aim to recover both species richness and ecosystem services. Design a s

Medium

Deforestation and Its Long-term Impacts on Biodiversity

A researcher examines the effects of deforestation on biodiversity in a tropical forest by comparing

Medium

Ecological Succession in a Disturbed Ecosystem

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

Hard

Equilibrium Species Number and Island Biogeography

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

Hard

Food Web Complexity in Biodiverse Ecosystems

This question explores the relationship between complex food webs and ecosystem resilience.

Hard

FRQ 12: Succession and Species Richness Dynamics

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

Medium

Impact of Anthropogenic Activities on Ecosystem Services

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

Medium

Impacts of Acid Rain on Aquatic pH

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

Medium

Indicator Species and Pollution

Indicator species are used as biological measures to assess the health of an ecosystem. Their abunda

Easy

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

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

Medium

Law of Tolerance and Environmental Limits - Visual Analysis

This question examines the Law of Tolerance by requiring you to define the concept and critically an

Hard

Natural Disruption: Fire Impact on Ecological Succession

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

Hard

Plant Density and Water Pollution Breakdown in River Sections

In a field study, scientists measured pollutant concentrations along river sections with varying den

Medium

Population Bottlenecks and Genetic Variability

Investigate the consequences of population bottlenecks on genetic diversity in a species.

Hard

Primary vs. Secondary Succession Comparison

The table below outlines key differences between primary and secondary succession. Use this evidence

Easy

Species Richness Dynamics in Successional Communities

Examine the dynamics of species richness during ecological succession.

Medium

Sustainable Agriculture and Soil Fertility

Sustainable agricultural practices can improve soil fertility and enhance biodiversity. This questio

Easy

Thermal Adaptation of Ectotherms

A researcher studied the effects of temperature on lizard activity by housing individuals in control

Medium

Urbanization Impact on Local Species Richness

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

Medium
Unit 3: Populations

Application of the Rule of 70 to Bacterial Population Growth

Design an experiment to measure the doubling time of a rapidly growing bacterial population using th

Medium

Biotic Potential: Factors and Impact

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

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

Evaluating Density-related Factors in Insect Populations

A researcher is studying insect populations in agricultural fields to discern how density-dependent

Medium

Evaluating the Role of Limiting Factors in Population Regulation

Discuss the concept of limiting factors and evaluate how density-dependent and density-independent f

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

Factors of Environmental Resistance

Environmental resistance factors are crucial in limiting population growth. Answer the following que

Medium

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

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

Easy

FRQ 10: Analyzing Historical Human Population Growth Trends

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

Hard

FRQ 11: Assessing Feedback Loops in Ecosystem Population Regulation

Scientists studied predator–prey dynamics in a controlled ecosystem and recorded percentage changes

Hard

FRQ 14: Identifying Stages in the Demographic Transition Model

A table lists birth and death rates for four different countries. Using the data, answer the followi

Hard

FRQ 15: Analyzing Tree Survivorship Under Controlled Irrigation

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

Medium

FRQ 17: Ecological Impact of Overpopulation

This question examines how overpopulation can affect resource distribution and ecosystem stability,

Extreme

Generalist vs Specialist Species Analysis

This question investigates the differences in ecological strategies between generalist and specialis

Medium

Generalists vs Specialists in Variable Environments

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

Medium

Historical Milestones in Human Population Growth

Summarize the key historical milestones in human population growth and discuss how these milestones

Easy

Historical Trends in Human Population Growth

Examine the major milestones in human population growth from pre-agricultural times to the modern er

Hard

Impact of Invasive Species on Local Biodiversity

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

Hard

Impacts of High Population Density on Ecosystem Health

Examine how high human population density can affect ecosystem health and propose sustainable strate

Hard

K-Selected and R-Selected Species Analysis

This question examines the contrasting life-history strategies of r-selected and K-selected species

Medium

Modeling Population Growth with Mathematical Equations

Using provided data, model the growth of a population mathematically and interpret the results in an

Medium

Population Dispersal Patterns

Using the concept of population dispersal patterns, analyze how organisms distribute themselves in h

Easy

Predictive Models of Population Growth

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

Hard
Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources

Albedo Measurement Experiment to Study Urban Heat Islands

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

Medium

Analyzing Soil Texture and Nutrient Holding Capacity

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

Hard

Atmospheric Evolution and the Great Oxidation Event

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

Hard

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

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 Fossil Distribution Analysis

Consider the table below reporting the distribution of similar fossil species found on different con

Hard

Coriolis Effect and Global Wind Trajectories

Analyze the influence of Earth’s rotation on global wind patterns and assess the role of the Corioli

Medium

Divergent Boundaries and Seafloor Creation

A marine geologist investigates the process of seafloor spreading at divergent boundaries along mid-

Hard

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

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: Analyzing the Coriolis Effect

The lateral deflection of wind due to the Coriolis effect can be estimated using the formula: $$d =

Medium

Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar Cells Circulation Analysis

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

Hard

Impact of Soil Compaction on Water Infiltration Rates

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

Medium

Integrative Analysis of Land and Water Use Impacts on Ecosystems

This integrative question requires you to synthesize information from multiple environmental systems

Extreme

Investigation of Weather Patterns and Convection

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

Easy

Mechanics of Convergent Plate Boundaries

Convergent boundaries are dynamic regions where plate interactions result in subduction and mountain

Easy

Ozone Layer Function and Surface Impact

This question examines the protective role of the ozone layer and the potential consequences of its

Medium

Seafloor Spreading and Magnetic Striping Analysis

Evaluate the process of seafloor spreading by analyzing the patterns of magnetic striping on the oce

Hard

Seismic Activity and Fault Lines Map Evaluation

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

Hard

Soil Compaction Effects in Urban Environments

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

Medium

Soil Composition and Crop Yield

A group of farmers claims that using loam soil leads to significantly higher crop yields compared to

Medium

Soil Erosion and Agricultural Practices

A local news article claims that improper plowing techniques are the primary cause of soil erosion i

Medium

Soil Food Web and Biodiversity

An ecologist is exploring the complexity of the soil food web and its influence on ecosystem product

Medium

Soil Food Web: Nutrient Cycling and Decay Rate Analysis

Nutrient levels in soil can decay over time following first-order kinetics: $$N(t) = N_0 * e^{-k*t}$

Medium

Soil Formation and Erosion Processes

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

Hard

Watershed Dynamics and Nutrient Runoff

Evaluate how watershed management strategies influence nutrient runoff and overall water quality in

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

Air Pollution and the Tragedy of the Commons

A researcher investigates the relationship between unregulated industrial emissions and air quality

Medium

Assessing Ecological Footprints Across Nations

It is claimed that countries with higher ecological footprints per person are more likely to exceed

Hard

Assessing the Role of GMOs in Sustainable Agriculture

A researcher examines how genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can contribute to food security and

Medium

Biodiversity and Land Use Conversion Diagram Analysis

Examine the provided diagram that illustrates the relationship between deforestation/land conversion

Extreme

Clear-Cutting and Bird Populations

A researcher examines the impact of clear-cutting on bird species diversity in forest ecosystems.

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 Irrigation Methods on Water Efficiency

A study measured the water use efficiency (WUE) of two irrigation methods over time. The graph provi

Medium

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

Comparing Tillage vs. No-till Agriculture on Soil Health

The table below compares soil organic matter and erosion rates between conventional tillage and no-t

Easy

Ecological Footprint Assessment

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

Medium

Economic and Environmental Impacts of Agricultural Mechanization

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

Extreme

Evaluating Desertification in Overgrazed Rangelands

A researcher assesses the process by which overgrazing leads to desertification in rangelands.

Medium

Evaluating Sustainable Agriculture through Crop Rotation Experiments

A researcher investigates the impact of crop rotation versus monoculture on soil fertility and pest

Medium

Evaluating the Effects of Overfishing on Marine Food Web Dynamics

Design an experimental simulation to examine how different levels of fishing pressure affect marine

Extreme

Experiment Analysis: Integrated Water Management in Agriculture

Researchers compared a traditional flood irrigation method with a new hybrid method that alternates

Hard

IPAT Equation and Sustainability Trade-offs

The table below lists three communities along with their population (P), affluence (A, in dollars/pe

Hard

Irrigation Methods Efficiency Analysis

A researcher conducted a study comparing water use efficiency for drip and flood irrigation methods

Medium

Irrigation Methods Efficiency and Water Usage

This question explores various irrigation methods, their efficiency, and implications for water cons

Medium

Measuring Ecological Footprints: Urban vs. Suburban Lifestyles

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

Easy

Pesticide Effects on Non-target Species

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

Hard

Pesticide Treadmill and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

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

Medium

Soil Conservation with No-Till Farming: Carbon Sequestration

No‐till farming is known to increase soil organic carbon by 0.2 tC/ha per year. A farmer converts 10

Hard

Soil Erosion Process Diagram Analysis

Evaluate the provided schematic diagram that represents soil erosion mechanisms under various agricu

Medium

Sustainability and Overfishing

A researcher evaluates the sustainability of marine fisheries impacted by overfishing, analyzing fis

Medium

Sustainability Modeling Using the IPAT Equation

Model changes in environmental impact using the IPAT equation with given annual growth rates and int

Hard

Sustainable Agriculture Practices and Soil Health

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

Medium

Sustainable Agriculture: No-Till and Crop Rotation Benefits

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

Easy

Timeline Analysis: Agricultural Revolutions Schematic

Review the provided timeline diagram representing the First, Second, and Third Agricultural Revoluti

Easy

Tragedy of the Commons and Water Consumption

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

Medium

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

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

Urbanization: Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

Using urban data, analyze the environmental challenges posed by urbanization and propose effective u

Hard
Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption

Analysis of Clean Coal Technology

The table below compares emission levels for conventional coal combustion versus clean coal processe

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy Resources

Renewable energy resources are naturally replenished on a human time scale, unlike nonrenewable reso

Medium

Comparative Renewable Energy Output Experiment

Design an experiment to compare the energy outputs of solar panels and wind turbines under controlle

Hard

Economic Analysis of Domestic Energy Production

Analyze the economic principles underlying domestic energy production, focusing on supply and demand

Hard

Economic and Environmental Analysis of Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuel markets are influenced by both economic principles and environmental considerations. Exa

Extreme

Energy Conversion and the First Law of Thermodynamics

In many energy conversion systems, energy is transformed from one form to another while obeying the

Medium

Energy Conversion Efficiency in Fossil Fuel Power Plants

A comparative study of several fossil fuel power plants recorded their thermal energy inputs and ele

Easy

Energy Units and Conversion Calculations

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

Easy

Environmental Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing

Assess the environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in fossil fuel extraction and pr

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

Hydroelectric Power and Ecosystem Impact

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

Medium

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Catalyst Experiment

Design an experiment to determine how the type of catalyst used in a hydrogen fuel cell affects its

Medium

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Voltage Calculation

A hydrogen fuel cell produces 0.7 V per cell. In a system where 100 cells are connected in series, a

Easy

Impact of Hydraulic Fracturing on Water Quality

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

Hard

Interdisciplinary Analysis of Energy Policy and Environmental Impact

Energy policy decisions must consider economic, social, and environmental impacts. Analyze how these

Extreme

Nuclear Fission and Reactor Control

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

Hard

Nuclear Power Safety and Efficiency

A nuclear power plant operates using controlled nuclear fission. The table below lists key reactor p

Hard

Nuclear Safety and Reactor Design

Study the schematic diagram of a typical nuclear reactor provided below. Answer the following questi

Extreme

Peat vs. Lignite Energy Yield Experiment

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

Medium

Residential Energy Conservation Strategies

This question investigates various energy conservation strategies in residential settings and requir

Easy

Wind Turbine Performance Variability

A wind turbine's energy output was recorded at various wind speeds. A graph is provided to illustrat

Medium

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

Air Pollutant Source Analysis

This question addresses sources and levels of various air pollutants measured in parts per million (

Easy

Air Pollution Mitigation Analysis Using Cost-Benefit Assessment

This question requires a cost-benefit analysis of two pollution-control devices used to reduce indus

Hard

Air Pollution: Types and Sources

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

Easy

Air Quality Trends in Urban Area

A researcher collects data on PM2.5 concentrations over a week from an urban monitoring station. The

Easy

Analyzing Air Pollutant Types and Measurements

A city has compiled a table of air pollutants in ppm along with their classifications as primary or

Easy

Analyzing Photochemical Smog Formation

A researcher monitors nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations throughout the day in an urban area affe

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

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

Assessing the Efficacy of Air Purification Systems in Reducing Indoor Pollution

A facility manager tests an air purification system by installing it in a sealed room that has been

Hard

Assessing the Impact of Thermal Inversions on Air Pollution Concentrations

Thermal inversions can trap pollutants close to the ground, impacting local air quality. A study com

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

Assessment of Particulate Matter Settling Rate in Simulated Atmosphere

In this experiment, a researcher studies the settling of particulate matter by releasing artificiall

Medium

Assessment of Pollution Reduction Policies

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

Easy

Catalytic Converter Efficiency Experiment

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

Medium

Catalytic Converter Efficiency Testing

A researcher is evaluating the efficiency of a catalytic converter by comparing the concentration of

Hard

Catalytic Converter Reactions

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

Medium

Catalytic Converters and Emission Control

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

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Industrial and Photochemical Smog

A researcher compares industrial (gray) smog and photochemical (brown) smog regarding their sources,

Hard

Comparative Analysis of Remediation Steps to Reduce Urban Air Pollutants

Urban air quality is affected by various pollutants from multiple sources. City planners are conside

Extreme

Detection and Impact of Gas Leaks: Carbon Monoxide Monitoring

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

Easy

Efficiency of Electrostatic Precipitators in Particulate Removal

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

Medium

Emerging Technologies in Air Pollution Reduction

New technologies are being developed to reduce air pollution. Analyze the provided diagram of an int

Extreme

Evaluating Photochemical Smog Formation

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

Extreme

Formation of Industrial Smog: Sulfur Dynamics Experiment

In this experiment, a researcher simulates the formation of industrial smog by burning a controlled

Medium

FRQ 2: Industrial Smog Formation and Effects

This question addresses the chemical processes involved in the formation of industrial smog and exam

Medium

FRQ 10: Photochemical Smog Dynamics

Investigate the formation of photochemical smog and analyze its daily variations in urban settings.

Extreme

FRQ 16: Acid Deposition Effects on Aquatic Systems

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

Hard

FRQ 19: Evaluating Air Pollution Control Legislation

Assess the effectiveness of legislative measures in reducing urban air pollutants over time.

Hard

Ground-Level Ozone Formation and Health Effects

An urban research study focuses on ground-level ozone formation and its impact on public health. The

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 Renewable Energy on Local Air Quality

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

Easy

Impacts of Indoor Air Pollutants

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

Medium

Impacts of Nitrogen Oxides on Ozone Formation

This question examines the chemical relationship between nitrogen oxides and ozone formation in the

Hard

Indoor Air Pollutants and Remediation Strategies

A commercial office building is experiencing reduced air quality, with occupants reporting symptoms

Medium

Indoor Air Purification System Efficiency

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

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 Noise Pollution Impact Assessment

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

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 Health Impact Analysis

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

Medium

Lead Pollution in Air

Analyze the sources and health impacts of lead pollution in the atmosphere, and critically assess a

Medium

Measuring Carbon Monoxide Emissions in Enclosed Chamber

An experiment is set up to measure carbon monoxide (CO) levels produced by the partial oxidation of

Easy

Mitigation Strategies for Urban Air Pollution

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

Medium

Noise Pollution Impacts and Mitigation Strategies

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

Easy

Ozone's Impact on Human Health

A study investigates the effects of ground-level ozone on public health. The provided table shows th

Medium

Photochemical Reaction Kinetics in the Troposphere

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

Hard

Photochemical Smog: Daily Trends and Implications

Photochemical smog is generated by reactions involving nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and volatile organic co

Medium

Risk Assessment of Carbon Monoxide Exposure

A study measures carbon monoxide (CO) levels in different environments. The table below presents the

Easy

Thermal Inversions and Air Pollution Accumulation

Thermal inversions can trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbating air quality issues in urban env

Medium

Urban Heat Island Effect: Analysis and Mitigation

Urban heat islands result in higher temperatures in cities compared to rural areas. The graph below

Medium

Urban versus Rural Particulate Matter Sources

A study compared PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in urban and rural settings over a one-month period.

Medium
Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution

Analyzing Cultural Eutrophication Data

This question addresses the impacts of nutrient enrichment in surface waters leading to cultural eut

Medium

Assessing Nutrient Removal in Constructed Wetlands

A researcher evaluated the performance of a constructed wetland in removing excess nutrients from ag

Hard

Assessing the Ecological Role of Wetlands and Mangroves

This FRQ explores the significance of wetlands and mangroves in sustaining biodiversity and ecosyste

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

Assessment of Endocrine Disruptors in Municipal Water

This FRQ examines the monitoring and treatment efficiency for endocrine disruptors, specifically bis

Medium

Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification: Data Analysis

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

Medium

Bioaccumulation Measurement in Fish Tissue

A researcher conducted a 60-day experiment to measure the bioaccumulation of a synthetic pesticide i

Medium

Case Study: Oil Spill Effects on Marine Ecosystems

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

Medium

Colorimetric Nitrate Concentration Analysis

A researcher aimed to quantify nitrate concentrations in an agricultural runoff water sample using a

Medium

Comparative Impacts of Industrial and Agricultural Pollution

A comparative study evaluated water pollution from industrial and agricultural sources. The table be

Extreme

Designing an Experiment to Mitigate Cultural Eutrophication Using Buffer Zones

Buffer zones are a recognized method for controlling nutrient runoff into water bodies. Design an ex

Medium

Dissolved CO2 Measurement Using pH-Sensitive Indicator

A researcher attempted to measure dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in a freshwater lake using a

Medium

Effects of Oil Spills on Marine Ecosystems

This FRQ examines the environmental impacts of oil spills. Analyze both immediate and long-term effe

Hard

Effects of Temperature on Metabolic Rates in Aquatic Organisms

This FRQ explores the relationship between water temperature and the metabolic rate in aquatic organ

Easy

Efficiency of Anaerobic Digestion in Wastewater Treatment

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

Medium

Evaluating Drinking Water Treatment Methods

A municipal study compared various drinking water treatment methods based on their removal efficienc

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 Oil Spill Impacts on Marine Ecosystems

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

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

Exploring the Process of Anaerobic Digestion for Waste Treatment

This FRQ examines the biochemical process of anaerobic digestion and its application in waste treatm

Medium

Incineration and Global Waste Trade Impact Assessment

Municipal waste management often involves incineration as a method of energy recovery. A table below

Hard

Long-Term Environmental Impacts of Ocean Dumping

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

Hard

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Transport and Accumulation

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are chemicals that remain in the environment for extended perio

Extreme

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): Environmental Transport and Impact

A study tracks the environmental distribution of a persistent organic pollutant (POP) across differe

Extreme

Synthesis of Pollution Sources and Remediation Strategies

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

Extreme
Unit 9: Global Change

Assessing Energy Supply and its Impact on Greenhouse Gas Emissions

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

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Energy Sources

Using comparative data, analyze the trade-offs between fossil fuel and renewable energy sources in t

Medium

Designing an Experiment to Measure Residential Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Develop an experimental design to accurately measure the on-site energy consumption and associated C

Easy

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

Energy Consumption and Renewable Transition

Explore the environmental and economic implications of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable

Medium

Habitat Fragmentation and Endangered Species

This question explores the effects of habitat fragmentation on endangered species, including a geome

Hard

Impact of International Environmental Protocols on Atmospheric Chemistry

International protocols such as the Montreal Protocol, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement have been

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

Invasive Plant Competition in a Controlled Garden

A researcher examines the competitive interactions between an invasive plant species and a native pl

Easy

Invasive Species Impact on Aquatic Ecosystems

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

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

Ocean Acidification Impact Analysis

Analyze the chemical and ecological impacts of increased ocean acidification resulting from higher a

Hard

Physics of Greenhouse Gases Absorption

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

Extreme

The Impact of Industrial Processes on the Greenhouse Effect

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

Medium

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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Tips from Former AP Students

FAQWe thought you might have some questions...
Where can I find practice free response questions for the AP Environmental Science exam?
The free response section of each AP exam varies slightly, so you’ll definitely want to practice that before stepping into that exam room. Here are some free places to find practice FRQs :
  • Of course, make sure to run through College Board's past FRQ questions!
  • Once you’re done with those go through all the questions in the AP Environmental ScienceFree Response Room. You can answer the question and have it grade you against the rubric so you know exactly where to improve.
  • Reddit it also a great place to find AP free response questions that other students may have access to.
How do I practice for AP AP Environmental Science Exam FRQs?
Once you’re done reviewing your study guides, find and bookmark all the free response questions you can find. The question above has some good places to look! while you’re going through them, simulate exam conditions by setting a timer that matches the time allowed on the actual exam. Time management is going to help you answer the FRQs on the real exam concisely when you’re in that time crunch.
What are some tips for AP Environmental Science free response questions?
Before you start writing out your response, take a few minutes to outline the key points you want to make sure to touch on. This may seem like a waste of time, but it’s very helpful in making sure your response effectively addresses all the parts of the question. Once you do your practice free response questions, compare them to scoring guidelines and sample responses to identify areas for improvement. When you do the free response practice on the AP Environmental Science Free Response Room, there’s an option to let it grade your response against the rubric and tell you exactly what you need to study more.
How do I answer AP Environmental Science free-response questions?
Answering AP Environmental Science free response questions the right way is all about practice! As you go through the AP AP Environmental Science Free Response Room, treat it like a real exam and approach it this way so you stay calm during the actual exam. When you first see the question, take some time to process exactly what it’s asking. Make sure to also read through all the sub-parts in the question and re-read the main prompt, making sure to circle and underline any key information. This will help you allocate your time properly and also make sure you are hitting all the parts of the question. Before you answer each question, note down the key points you want to hit and evidence you want to use (where applicable). Once you have the skeleton of your response, writing it out will be quick, plus you won’t make any silly mistake in a rush and forget something important.