AP Biology FRQ Room

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AP Biology Free Response Questions

The best way to get better at FRQs is practice. Browse through dozens of practice AP Biology FRQs to get ready for the big day.

  • View all (250)
  • Unit 1: Chemistry of Life (16)
  • Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function (24)
  • Unit 3: Cellular Energetics (29)
  • Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle (33)
  • Unit 5: Heredity (34)
  • Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation (29)
  • Unit 7: Natural Selection (55)
  • Unit 8: Ecology (30)
Unit 1: Chemistry of Life

Analyzing Protein Denaturation in Response to pH Variations

A researcher investigates protein denaturation by exposing a protein solution to a pH range from 3 t

Hard

Carbohydrates: Structures and Reactions

Compare the different types of carbohydrates and their roles in biological systems.

Easy

Evaluating Chemical Bonding in Organic Molecules

In an advanced organic chemistry lab, a student compares the strengths of ionic, covalent, and hydro

Medium

Experimental Design: Enzyme Kinetics Under Acidic Conditions

A researcher tests the effect of pH on the kinetics of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction.

Hard

FRQ 4: Dehydration Synthesis Reactions

A dehydration synthesis reaction joins two molecules by removing a water molecule. Explain how this

Medium

FRQ 16: Analyzing a Graph of Enzyme Activity vs. Temperature

The graph provided represents the activity of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction as a function of temperat

Hard

Investigating Trace Elements on Photosynthesis Efficiency in Aquatic Plants

A researcher hypothesizes that trace elements, particularly iron (Fe), are critical for efficient ph

Medium

Lipid Saturation and Membrane Fluidity

Evaluate the relationship between fatty acid saturation and the fluidity of cell membranes.

Hard

Macromolecule Synthesis and Breakdown

In a biology laboratory, scientists are exploring how large biomolecules are built and degraded. Ans

Medium

Nucleic Acids and Information Storage

This question explores the structural differences between DNA and RNA and addresses the role of nucl

Easy

Organic Molecules and Functional Groups

Examine how functional groups in organic molecules influence their chemical reactivity and biologica

Easy

Properties of Water: Hydrogen Bonding and Density Anomalies

Analyze how the unique properties of water arise from hydrogen bonding and interpret a graph of wate

Hard

Role of Trace Elements in Enzymatic Reactions

This FRQ explores the importance of trace elements as cofactors in enzymatic reactions. You will def

Hard

Structural Adaptations in Biological Macromolecules

Compare the structural features of proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, and nucleic acids and explain

Easy

The Versatility of Carbon in Organic Chemistry

This FRQ explores why carbon is the central element in organic chemistry. You will discuss the uniqu

Medium

Understanding the Role of Molecular Components in Cell Signaling

A study investigates how cholesterol-derived hormones are produced and how molecular structure influ

Medium
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

Assessing Osmosis and Tonicity in Plant Cells

A research study examined how plant cells respond to changes in external solute concentration. The c

Medium

Cell Size and Diffusion Experiment

An experiment was designed to study the rate of dye diffusion in cells of varying sizes, using the c

Easy

Comparative Analysis: Plant Cells vs Animal Cells

Plants and animals have evolved distinct cell structures. (a) Identify three key structural differe

Easy

Comparing Passive and Active Transport under Variable Conditions

A study compares the efficiency of passive (diffusion) and active transport mechanisms under varying

Hard

Comparing Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

This question requires you to differentiate between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, focusing on th

Easy

Endosymbiotic Theory Evidence Analysis

This FRQ is designed to analyze evidence supporting the endosymbiotic theory regarding the origins o

Hard

Fluid Mosaic Model and Plasma Membrane Function

The table below lists different types of membrane proteins and their functions. Use this information

Medium

Fluid Mosaic Model and Plasma Membrane Structure

The plasma membrane is best described by the fluid mosaic model. This question explores the structur

Medium

Hormone Secretion via Exocytosis

A cell secretes hormones through exocytosis. Each vesicle contains 10,000 hormone molecules and fuse

Medium

Impact of Cytoskeletal Disruption on Cell Morphology

This question assesses how disruption of the cytoskeleton alters cell shape by analyzing quantitativ

Hard

Impact of Cytoskeletal Integrity on Cell Stability

Design an experiment to assess how chemical disruption of microtubules affects cell shape stability

Medium

Intracellular Vesicular Transport Along Microtubules

This question investigates the dynamics of vesicular transport along microtubules and requires desig

Medium

Lysosomal Enzyme Function and Cellular Recycling

A researcher explores how lysosomes contribute to the degradation of cellular components and recycli

Hard

Lysosome Activity and Cellular Aging

Design an experiment to examine how lysosomal activity changes in aging eukaryotic cells, especially

Hard

Mitochondrial Structure and ATP Production Efficiency

An experimental physiologist is studying mitochondria to understand how their structure contributes

Hard

Organelle Dysfunction and Disease

A researcher studies the impact of mitochondrial and lysosomal malfunctions in a disease model, focu

Extreme

Osmosis and Tonicity in Plant Cells

A graph of experimental data shows the relationship between external solute concentration and turgor

Hard

Osmosis and Water Potential Calculations

Osmosis is critical for maintaining cellular water balance. Answer the following parts:

Hard

Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cellular Organization

Answer the following questions comparing prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. (a) List and explain thr

Medium

Protein Processing in the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Golgi Complex

A scientist is studying the secretory pathway in eukaryotic cells. A simplified diagram of the pathw

Medium

Ribosome Localization and Protein Synthesis

Consider how the location of ribosomes within a cell influences protein synthesis and targeting. (a

Medium

Ribosomes and Protein Synthesis

Ribosomes are essential organelles for protein synthesis. Answer the following parts regarding the r

Medium

The Nucleus and Genetic Material Organization

Explore the structure and function of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells. Answer the following parts:

Medium

Vesicular Transport Analysis

Researchers designed an experiment to analyze vesicle formation and release during exocytosis in cul

Medium
Unit 3: Cellular Energetics

Aerobic Respiration and ATP Yield

A researcher studies aerobic respiration to understand the contributions of different stages of gluc

Medium

Anaerobic Glycolysis

Discuss how glycolysis proceeds in the absence of oxygen and explain the importance of NAD+ regenera

Medium

Anaerobic Metabolism and Fermentation in Skeletal Muscle

During intense exercise, muscle cells shift from aerobic respiration to anaerobic metabolism, leadin

Easy

ATP and Reaction Coupling

This question examines how cells use ATP to couple exergonic and endergonic reactions in metabolism.

Medium

CAM vs C4 Pathways under Drought Stress

A biologist compares CO2 uptake efficiency and water-use efficiency between CAM and C4 plants under

Medium

Cellular Respiration Stages and Energy Production

Describe the four stages of cellular respiration, detailing the key reactions and net production of

Hard

Coenzymes and their Roles in Enzymatic Reactions

A researcher is investigating the impact of supplementing a coenzyme on the activity of an enzyme in

Medium

Cofactors and Coenzymes in Enzyme Function

Discuss the roles of cofactors and coenzymes in enzyme-catalyzed reactions and provide an example hi

Easy

Comparative Analysis of Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Respiration

This question compares the processes and efficiencies of aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Energy Conversion in Photosynthesis and Respiration

Compare the mechanisms of ATP synthesis in photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and evaluate how

Extreme

Coupling between Light Reactions and Dark Reactions in Photosynthesis

A researcher examines how varying light intensities affect the production of ATP and NADPH in the li

Hard

Electron Transport and ATP Production Correlation

A graph is provided showing the relationship between the proton gradient and ATP production. Analyze

Medium

Energy Diagrams and Reaction Coupling

A researcher studies two types of reactions using energy diagrams. The diagrams show the relationshi

Medium

Entropy and Energy Efficiency in Bioenergetics

Examine how energy transfer in cellular reactions adheres to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, and c

Extreme

Enzyme Kinetics: Saturation and Reaction Rates

A researcher examines the effect of substrate concentration on enzyme activity to explore substrate

Medium

Evolutionary Origins of Photosynthesis and its Impact on Modern Cells

An evolutionary biologist examines evidence suggesting that prokaryotic photosynthesis was a precurs

Extreme

Fermentation and Muscle Function

Under strenuous exercise, muscle cells switch to anaerobic respiration (fermentation), leading to la

Medium

Impact of Temperature and pH on Enzymatic Activity

A lab experiment measures enzyme activity across different temperatures. The data is provided in the

Medium

Impact of Unintended Inhibition on Hexokinase Activity Measurements

A student designed an experiment to measure the kinetics of hexokinase by monitoring the rate of glu

Medium

Investigating Electron Transport Chain Disruption

A researcher tests the effect of cyanide, an inhibitor of cytochrome c oxidase, on the electron tran

Extreme

Investigating Energy Transfer through Enzyme Complexes in Cellular Respiration

A researcher studies the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) in mitochondrial preparations to under

Extreme

Investigation of ATP Synthase Activity via Proton Gradient Manipulation

Design an experiment to determine how alterations in the proton gradient across the mitochondrial in

Hard

Mechanism of Induced-Fit in Enzymatic Reactions

Experimental evidence suggests that an enzyme undergoes a conformational change upon substrate bindi

Medium

Quantitative Analysis of ATP Production

A researcher is quantifying ATP production from cellular respiration and wants to analyze the energe

Hard

Regulation of Metabolic Pathways in Cellular Respiration

This question explores the regulatory mechanisms controlling cellular respiration, including feedbac

Hard

Temperature and pH Effects on Enzyme Activity

The activity of enzymes is highly dependent on environmental conditions. Using the provided data tab

Easy

Temperature Dependence of Enzyme Activity

A researcher measured an enzyme's activity at various temperatures, and the results are shown in the

Medium

Temperature Effects on Enzyme Kinetics

This question explores how temperature influences enzyme kinetics and reaction rates.

Medium

The Calvin Cycle and Carbon Fixation Pathways

This question examines the Calvin-Benson cycle along with alternative carbon fixation pathways (C3,

Hard
Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle

Analysis of Mitosis: Stages and Regulation

A classroom lab investigation involves detailed observation of cells undergoing mitosis. The claim i

Easy

Apoptosis Trigger Mechanisms in Damaged Cells

Cells exposed to high doses of radiation show evidence of programmed cell death (apoptosis). An inve

Hard

Cancer Genetics: Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes

A study on various cancer cell lines reveals different mutation frequencies in oncogenes and tumor s

Hard

Catalytic Receptor Activity in Initiating Cell Division

An experiment is designed to study the effect of an enzyme-linked (catalytic) receptor on cell proli

Hard

Cell Cycle Checkpoints and Cancer

Proper cell division is ensured by cell cycle checkpoints that monitor and repair errors. Defects in

Hard

Cell-to-Cell Communication Mechanisms

This question explores the diverse mechanisms by which cells communicate with each other, particular

Easy

Comparative Analysis of Mitosis and Cytokinesis

A study compares the process of mitosis in two different cell types—one with rapid division and anot

Hard

Cyclin D and Cell Cycle Progression

A researcher tests the hypothesis that increased levels of cyclin D accelerate the G1/S transition b

Medium

Cyclin-CDK Complex and Its Regulation

Cyclin-CDK complexes are essential for the regulated progression of the cell cycle. A researcher is

Medium

Cyclin/CDK Complex Activation Kinetics

The activation of cyclin/CDK complexes is pivotal for cell cycle progression. Analyze the kinetics o

Medium

Environmental Stress and Signal Transduction

Cells exposed to high salinity experience stress that can disrupt their signal transduction pathways

Medium

Enzyme-Linked Receptors in Cellular Metabolism

A cell biologist is investigating the signaling mechanisms initiated by the binding of epidermal gro

Medium

Experimental Analysis of S Phase Duration

A researcher uses a thymidine analog to monitor DNA replication over time in asynchronously dividing

Hard

Experimental Design: Investigating Taxis Behavior

A scientist aims to study the directed movement (taxis) of organisms in response to a chemical gradi

Hard

Exploring Cell Junctions and Direct Cell-to-Cell Communication

Cell junctions play a critical role in maintaining proper cell-to-cell communication in tissues.

Easy

G-Protein Coupled Receptor Activation and cAMP Signaling

Researchers are studying the activation of a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) in cultured cells. Wh

Hard

Insulin's Role in Blood Glucose Homeostasis

Propose an experimental design to investigate how insulin contributes to maintaining blood glucose l

Medium

Integration of Taxis and Signal Transduction Pathways

Cells integrate external chemical signals and internal signal transduction mechanisms to navigate th

Easy

Interphase and DNA Replication Dynamics

Interphase is a critical period in the cell cycle during which cells grow and replicate their DNA.

Medium

Interphase Dynamics and DNA Replication

Interphase is a critical period during which the cell grows and duplicates its genetic material. A r

Easy

Interphase Dynamics and DNA Replication

It is claimed that the S phase of interphase is critical for accurate DNA replication and that error

Medium

Ligand-Gated Ion Channels and Muscle Contraction

A study examines the role of acetylcholine in muscle contraction via ligand-gated ion channels. The

Easy

Ligand-Gated Ion Channels in Neuromuscular Function

This question focuses on the role of ligand-gated ion channels in initiating muscle contraction and

Medium

Mechanisms of Taxis in Unicellular Organisms

Taxis is crucial for the survival of unicellular organisms. Answer the following questions regarding

Easy

Misregulation in the Cell Cycle and Cancer

A study investigates the role of mutations in tumor suppressor genes and overactive cyclin/CDK compl

Extreme

Mitosis: Chromosome Condensation and Segregation

A cytologist observes the stages of mitosis in cultured cells using special staining techniques. The

Medium

Mutations in Signal Transduction Pathways

A research article reports that a mutation in the extracellular domain of a membrane receptor signif

Extreme

Plant Cell Signal Transduction

This question investigates how plant cells use signal transduction to respond to environmental stimu

Medium

Positive and Negative Feedback in Cell Signaling

A laboratory study investigates two distinct cellular signaling pathways: one regulated by negative

Medium

Receptor Density and Hormonal Responsiveness

A study examines the effect of varying receptor density on a cell's responsiveness to a specific hor

Medium

Signal Transduction in Multicellular Organisms

In multicellular organisms, efficient cell communication is essential for maintaining homeostasis. A

Medium

Signal Transduction Pathways

A scientist is studying the cascade that converts an extracellular ligand-binding event into an intr

Medium

Temporal Dynamics of Mitosis Phases

This question investigates the timing of mitotic phases and the implications of phase duration on th

Easy
Unit 5: Heredity

Analyzing a Monohybrid Cross: Tall vs. Short Traits in Pea Plants

Utilize a monohybrid cross to analyze the inheritance of plant height (T for tall, t for short) in p

Medium

Analyzing Codominance in Human Blood Type Inheritance

Design an investigation to study codominance in human blood type inheritance. Your experiment or stu

Medium

Analyzing Incomplete Dominance and Codominance

A plant biologist is studying flower color in snapdragons and human blood types. Crosses between red

Easy

Assessing Recombination Frequency in Linked Genes

A geneticist designed an experiment to determine the recombination frequency among three linked gene

Hard

Chromosomal Behavior in Prophase I

During prophase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes undergo synapsis and crossing-over. Describe th

Easy

Chromosomal Crossover Experiment Suspension

A student lab attempted to induce chromosomal crossover events in model plant cells by subjecting th

Extreme

Comparative Study of Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis

Design an experiment or comparative study to investigate the differences between spermatogenesis and

Medium

Comparing Haploid and Diploid Cells

Examine and contrast haploid (n) and diploid (2n) cells, and explain the significance of homologous

Medium

Comparing Mitosis and Meiosis

Cell division occurs via mitosis and meiosis, each serving distinct purposes. Answer the following:

Medium

Determining Genotypes through Test Crosses

A test cross was performed by crossing a tall plant of unknown genotype with a short, homozygous rec

Easy

Dihybrid Cross and Independent Assortment

The dihybrid cross is a key experiment illustrating the Law of Independent Assortment. In this scena

Medium

Dihybrid Cross and Probability

Analyze a dihybrid cross (AaBb x AaBb) and apply probability rules to predict offspring phenotypes.

Hard

Dihybrid Cross Probability Analysis

Using Mendelian genetics and the Rules of Probability, analyze a dihybrid cross involving two indepe

Medium

Exploring X-Chromosome Inactivation and Barr Bodies

Researchers study female mammals to understand X-chromosome inactivation. They observe the presence

Easy

Gamete Production and Fertilization

Describe the process of gametogenesis in males and females and analyze how these processes contribut

Medium

Gene Mapping through Recombination Data

In an experiment to map the distance between two linked genes, the following data were collected fro

Hard

Haploid and Diploid Cells

Many organisms have both haploid and diploid cells. In your answer, describe the differences between

Easy

Haploid vs. Diploid Cells: Structure and Function

Cells can be categorized based on their chromosome numbers: haploid cells (n) and diploid cells (2n)

Easy

Identifying Conceptual Error in Plant Hybridization Experiment

Researchers conducted a plant hybridization experiment by crossing two species with distinct petal c

Medium

Meiosis and Genetic Variation

Meiosis is a crucial process for generating genetic diversity. This question focuses on the mechanis

Medium

Meiosis and Genetic Variation

Meiosis plays a critical role in generating genetic variation and reducing the chromosome number in

Hard

Mendelian Genetics and the Law of Dominance

Gregor Mendel’s experiments with pea plants provided the foundation for classical genetics. Consider

Medium

Non-Mendelian Genetics: Incomplete Dominance and Codominance

In some cases, inheritance does not follow strict Mendelian patterns. This question asks you to prov

Medium

Nondisjunction and Aneuploidy Analysis

A study on meiotic errors produced the following data on nondisjunction events during meiosis. Use t

Hard

Nondisjunction in Meiosis and Genetic Consequences

Nondisjunction is an error in meiosis that results in gametes with abnormal numbers of chromosomes.

Medium

Pedigree Analysis for Inheritance Patterns

A pedigree chart shows the appearance of a certain trait across multiple generations in a family. Us

Medium

Pedigree Chart Analysis

A pedigree chart is provided showing the inheritance of a trait across several generations. Analyze

Medium

Polygenic Inheritance and Quantitative Trait Analysis

Human height is influenced by multiple genes. In a simplified model, consider 3 independent genes, e

Hard

Probability Calculations in Genetics

Probability rules are often used to predict outcomes in genetic crosses. Using the provided probabil

Medium

Recombination Frequency and Gene Mapping

Gene mapping relies on the analysis of recombination frequencies observed during meiosis. Answer the

Hard

Studying Polygenic Inheritance: Genetic Influences on Human Height

Design an experiment to study the polygenic inheritance of human height. Your experiment should invo

Hard

Test Cross and Determining Genotypes

A plant that exhibits the dominant tall phenotype is being test crossed with a recessive short (tt)

Medium

Utilizing the Product and Sum Rules in Genetic Predictions

In a dihybrid cross, suppose the probability of inheriting trait A is 0.75 and the probability of in

Medium

X-Inactivation and Barr Body Formation

In female mammals, X-inactivation plays a crucial role in balancing gene expression between XX femal

Medium
Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation

Analysis of DNA Double Helix Integrity under Mutational Stress

Using a provided stimulus, analyze the effects of base substitution mutations on the DNA double heli

Easy

Analysis of Mutational Impacts on Protein Structure

A molecular biologist is studying the effects of different point mutations on protein structure. The

Easy

Codon-Anticodon Interaction and Wobble Pairing

Answer the following questions related to the interactions between codons and anticodons during tran

Medium

Comparative Analysis of DNA and RNA Structures

A table below outlines several key differences between DNA and RNA. Use this information to answer t

Easy

Comparative Gene Expression in Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes

A researcher compares gene expression mechanisms in prokaryotes and eukaryotes to understand differe

Extreme

Complementary Base Pairing and Hydrogen Bond Stability

A media report claims that increased temperature causes significant weakening of hydrogen bonds in D

Hard

DNA Polymerase Proofreading and Replication Fidelity

An in vitro experiment compares DNA replication by polymerases with and without proofreading activit

Easy

Effects of Point Mutations on Protein Synthesis

Mutations in the genetic code can have varying effects on protein synthesis. Consider the following

Hard

Effects of UV Exposure on DNA Replication Efficiency

A biologist evaluated the effect of UV exposure on the efficiency of DNA replication. A graph (provi

Medium

Epigenetic Regulation and Chromatin Structure

Gene expression in eukaryotes is influenced by chromatin structure. Analyze the following table and

Medium

Epigenetic Regulation via Chromatin Modification

A research study examined the correlation between histone acetylation levels and gene expression. Re

Hard

Evolutionary Impact of Gene Rearrangements

Gene rearrangements, including duplications and translocations, play a significant role in evolution

Extreme

FRQ 7: Point Mutations and Protein Function

A bacterial population develops antibiotic resistance after a point mutation in a gene coding for an

Medium

Gel Electrophoresis Analysis of DNA Fragments

After digesting genomic DNA with a restriction enzyme, a scientist uses agarose gel electrophoresis

Medium

Genomic Organization and Chromatin Structure

Discuss how genomic organization affects gene expression.

Easy

Homeotic Genes and Embryonic Patterning

A developmental biology experiment compared the incidence of segment malformations in embryos with a

Medium

Hydrogen Bonding in DNA Base Pairing

A double-stranded DNA molecule contains 1×10^6 base pairs. Assuming that 50% of the base pairs are a

Easy

Impact of Impaired Okazaki Fragment Processing

Okazaki fragments play a critical role in lagging strand synthesis during DNA replication. Evaluate

Hard

Impact of Mutation Type on Protein Function

This question considers how different types of point mutations can affect protein function.

Easy

Impact of Point Mutations on Protein Function

A genetic analysis of a particular enzyme reveals the presence of various point mutations. A table i

Medium

Investigating the Effect of Nucleotide Modifications on Base Pairing

Design an experiment to test how chemical modifications of nucleotides affect DNA double helix stabi

Medium

Investigation of Plasmid Size on Transformation Efficiency

Propose an experimental design to assess how plasmid size affects transformation efficiency in bacte

Medium

Leading versus Lagging Strand Synthesis Analysis

Examine the schematic diagram of a DNA replication fork provided and answer the following questions

Medium

Mechanism of Translation

Examine the process of translation and the molecular accuracy mechanisms involved in protein synthes

Medium

PCR Amplification and Analysis

Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, answer the following questions regarding its me

Medium

Plasmid Transformation with Misinterpreted Promoter Activity

A scientist attempts to quantify gene expression levels by transforming bacterial cells with a recom

Easy

Telomere Shortening and Cellular Aging

Telomeres protect the ends of chromosomes but gradually shorten with each cell division. Use the giv

Medium

Transcription and RNA Processing in Eukaryotes

Researchers are analyzing gene transcripts in eukaryotic cells and have observed aberrant mRNA patte

Medium

Transcription Rates and mRNA Production

In an experiment, the transcription rate is measured at 5 nucleotides per second per gene. For an mR

Easy
Unit 7: Natural Selection

Adaptive Radiation and Speciation in Isolated Environments

After a geographical isolation event, a single species was observed to diversify rapidly into severa

Extreme

Adaptive Radiation in Island Ecosystems

This question explores the concept of adaptive radiation and its role in generating biodiversity on

Hard

Artificial Selection Versus Natural Selection

Contrast the processes of artificial selection and natural selection.

Easy

Biogeography and Phylogenetic Trees

Biogeographical data and phylogenetic trees provide insights into evolutionary history. Answer the f

Hard

Cladistics and Morphological Homologies

Morphological homologies provide key evidence for common ancestry. Use cladistics to analyze evoluti

Hard

Climate Change and Evolutionary Adaptations

A graph plots environmental temperature against the frequency of a particular trait in a population.

Hard

Climate Change and Evolutionary Dynamics

Rapid climate change imposes novel selective pressures on populations. Assess the potential evolutio

Hard

Comparative Anatomy and Homologous Structures

This question addresses the role of homologous structures in comparative anatomy as evidence for com

Easy

Comparing Evolutionary Theories: Darwin vs. Lamarck

Charles Darwin proposed natural selection while Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed the inheritance of ac

Medium

Constructing a Phylogenetic Tree

Explain the process of constructing a phylogenetic tree using molecular data. Answer the following p

Easy

Convergent Evolution in Aquatic and Terrestrial Species

Scientists observe that dolphins and ichthyosaurs (an extinct group of marine reptiles) both possess

Medium

Darwin's Observations on Reproductive Success

Examine the reproduction data provided below for three different species that are maintained under s

Medium

Directional Selection in Alpine Plant Populations

In this experiment, a researcher investigates the impact of altitude on the phenotype of alpine plan

Hard

Effects of Genetic Drift: The Bottleneck Effect

After a natural disaster, a population of rodents underwent a severe reduction in size. The followin

Medium

Embryological Evidence for Common Ancestry

Researchers examined the embryonic development of various vertebrates and noted similar early develo

Hard

Evaluating the Peppered Moth Experiment

Analyze the evolutionary changes observed in the peppered moth population during industrialization a

Medium

Evolutionary Adaptations in Urban Environments

Urban environments impose unique selective pressures that can lead to rapid evolutionary adaptations

Hard

Experimental Design: Bacterial Evolution under Antibiotic Pressure

Design an experiment to study directional selection in a bacterial population exposed to an antibiot

Extreme

Fossil Evidence and Phylogenetic Trees

Paleontologists use fossil records, radiometric dating, and cladistics to study evolutionary relatio

Hard

Fossil Records and Morphological Homologies

This FRQ examines how fossil records and morphological homologies are used as evidence for common an

Medium

Gene Flow in Isolated Populations

Researchers examined two geographically isolated populations of the same species. The following tabl

Hard

Genetic Drift in Isolated Island Bird Populations

In this experiment, a researcher aims to understand the impact of genetic drift on a small isolated

Extreme

Genetic Variability and Population Equilibrium

This question examines genetic variability within a population and its relationship to Hardy-Weinber

Hard

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium Calculation

Using Hardy-Weinberg principles, perform the calculations and interpretation regarding genotype freq

Easy

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium in a Fish Population

In a lake, a fish population is assumed to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Researchers observe tha

Medium

Impact of Environmental Change on Allele Frequency: Peppered Moths

Analyze the impact of industrial air pollution on the allele frequencies of the peppered moth popula

Medium

Impact of Environmental Changes on Evolutionary Fitness

This question explores how sudden environmental changes, such as temperature increases, impact evolu

Hard

Interactions Among Evolutionary Forces

Evolutionary processes do not act in isolation. Gene flow, natural selection, genetic drift, and mut

Extreme

Interpreting Phylogenetic Data Through Cladograms

Cladograms and phylogenetic trees help illustrate evolutionary relationships and common ancestry amo

Hard

Investigating Genetic Drift and the Founder Effect

This FRQ examines the roles of genetic drift and the founder effect in altering allele frequencies i

Medium

Investigating Natural Selection in a Laboratory Insect Population

A researcher is investigating the effect of an insecticide on a genetically variable population of i

Hard

Investigating Pre-zygotic Barriers in Sympatric Species

In this experiment, a researcher examines reproductive isolation mechanisms between two frog species

Hard

Investigating the Founder Effect in Isolated Populations

A small group of individuals colonizes an isolated island, which may lead to a reduction in genetic

Hard

Lamarckism vs. Darwinian Evolution

Critically compare Lamarck's theory of evolution with Darwin's theory of natural selection.

Easy

Linking Evolutionary Theory to Modern Genomics in Human Populations

Geneticists analyze a set of molecular markers across diverse human populations to study genetic var

Extreme

Mendelian Inheritance in Populations

In a population of 200 plants, 150 exhibit the dominant red flower phenotype and 50 exhibit the rece

Easy

Miller-Urey Experiment and the Origins of Life

Analyze the design and outcomes of the Miller-Urey experiment, including its relevance to the RNA-wo

Medium

Molecular Evidence for Evolution: Comparative DNA Analysis

This FRQ focuses on how molecular data, such as DNA sequence comparisons, provide compelling evidenc

Hard

Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift in Evolution

Discuss the roles of mutation, gene flow, and genetic drift as mechanisms that generate genetic vari

Medium

Origins of Life: The RNA-world Hypothesis

The RNA-world hypothesis suggests that RNA molecules were precursors to modern life forms. Evaluate

Medium

Peppered Moth Case Study: Data Interpretation

A table presents data on the phenotypic ratios of dark and light peppered moths before and after ind

Medium

Peppered Moths: An Example of Natural Selection

This question examines the effects of natural selection on phenotype frequencies using the example o

Medium

Population Bottlenecks and Founder Effects

Genetic drift, particularly through population bottlenecks and founder effects, can significantly im

Extreme

Rapid Environmental Change and Directional Selection

Assess how a rapid environmental change can lead to directional selection and use quantitative metho

Extreme

Reproductive Isolation and Speciation

Examine how reproductive isolation contributes to the formation of new species.

Easy

Speciation and Reproductive Isolation

Discuss the process of speciation with emphasis on reproductive isolation mechanisms. Answer the fol

Medium

Stress-induced Mutations in Drought-Stressed Plant Populations

In this experiment, a researcher exposes a population of plants to controlled drought conditions in

Medium

Studying Gene Flow in Populations

Analyze the impact of gene flow on allele frequencies within and between populations. Answer the fol

Hard

The RNA World Hypothesis

Discuss the RNA world hypothesis and its significance in explaining the origins of life on Earth.

Medium

The RNA World Hypothesis and Origins of Life

The RNA World Hypothesis and experiments simulating early Earth conditions have provided insights in

Medium

The RNA World Hypothesis and the Origins of Life

The RNA world hypothesis posits that RNA molecules were precursors to current life forms. Evaluate t

Hard

The RNA-World Hypothesis and the Origin of Life

The RNA-world hypothesis proposes that early life was based on RNA molecules before the evolution of

Medium

The Role of Sexual Selection in Trait Evolution

This FRQ investigates the influence of sexual selection on the evolution of secondary sexual traits

Medium

Types of Natural Selection: Directional, Stabilizing, and Disruptive

Discuss the different modes of natural selection and analyze data to identify the type occurring in

Hard

Types of Selection and Their Effects

Evolutionary processes include various forms of selection that shape population traits. In the follo

Hard
Unit 8: Ecology

Acid Rain and Ecosystem Changes

This FRQ addresses the causes of acid rain and its ecological impacts.

Hard

Agonistic Behavior and Competition in Animal Populations

Agonistic behaviors, which include aggressive interactions, are common in populations competing for

Hard

Assessment of Greenhouse Effect on Animal Behavior

A recent media article claims that increasing levels of greenhouse gases are altering the behavior o

Extreme

Behavioral Adaptations in Extreme Environments

This FRQ examines how animals adjust their behavior to thrive in extreme environmental conditions.

Medium

Calculating and Interpreting Simpson’s Diversity Index in a Forest Ecosystem

Researchers collected species data from a forest and used Simpson's Diversity Index $$D = 1 - \Sigma

Hard

Carrying Capacity and Density-Dependent Factors

A researcher studies a rabbit population within a confined habitat that follows a logistic growth pa

Easy

Carrying Capacity and Population Limitation Factors

Carrying capacity is a key ecological concept that represents the maximum number of individuals an e

Hard

Carrying Capacity and Population Stability

An ecologist monitors a population of rodents in a confined habitat. The data initially show exponen

Medium

Circadian Rhythms and Enzyme Activity in Plants

A botanist studies how enzyme activity in a plant varies over a 24-hour period under constant condit

Extreme

Critical Periods and Imprinting in Avian Species

A researcher is studying imprinting behavior in domestic chicks. In the experiment, one set of chick

Medium

Ecological Succession in Pioneer Communities

Following a volcanic eruption, an ecologist monitored primary succession on a barren substrate where

Medium

Energy Transfer Efficiency and Trophic Dynamics in a Marine Ecosystem

A marine biologist aims to quantify the efficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels in a co

Hard

Experimental Analysis of Population Growth in Bacterial Cultures

A microbiologist sets up an experiment to observe the exponential growth of a bacterial culture in a

Easy

Impact of Toxins in Food Webs

In an ecosystem study, toxin concentrations were measured across trophic levels. Use the data to det

Hard

Imprinting and Critical Period Sensitivity

A biologist studying imprinting behavior in waterfowl wishes to examine how the timing of exposure t

Medium

Learning and Conditioning in Animal Behavior

Animals adapt to their environments through various forms of learning. Two key processes are habitua

Medium

Learning and Habituation in Organisms: Experimental Interpretation

Learning can involve a decrease in response to an unimportant stimulus through habituation. Answer t

Medium

Metabolic Rate in Endotherms vs Ectotherms

A researcher conducts an experiment aiming to compare the metabolic rate of endotherms and ectotherm

Medium

Pheromonal Communication and Reproductive Behaviors

This question explores the role of chemical signals in reproductive behavior, and asks you to compar

Hard

Photoperiodism and Flowering in Plants

A botanist conducts an experiment to assess the effects of day length on flowering time in a short-d

Medium

Plant Tropism: Phototropism vs. Gravitropism

A plant physiologist compared two directional growth responses: one in response to light (phototropi

Medium

Plant Tropisms: Effects of Light, Gravity, and Touch

An experiment is designed to study how plants respond to different stimuli. Separate groups of plant

Hard

Primary Ecological Succession on Barren Rock

In a study of primary succession, a barren rock is initially colonized by lichens. Over time, the de

Medium

Productivity in Ecosystems: Gross vs Net Primary Productivity

A researcher is comparing gross primary productivity (GPP) and net primary productivity (NPP) in a t

Hard

Role of Keystone Species in Ecosystem Dynamics

Review the diagram description of a food web where a particular predator is highlighted as a keyston

Medium

Simpson’s Diversity Index in a Forest Ecosystem

Using the provided table of species counts in a forest ecosystem, address the following:

Medium

Symbiosis in Ecosystems

This question examines the different types of symbiotic relationships and analyzes real-world exampl

Easy

Symbiotic Relationship Dynamics

A study examined the interaction between remora fish and their host sharks by measuring host stress

Medium

Symbiotic Relationships in Ecosystems

A researcher studies various symbiotic relationships within a coral reef ecosystem.

Easy

Toxin Accumulation in a Terrestrial Food Chain

An environmental scientist investigates toxin bioaccumulation across a terrestrial food chain consis

Extreme

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FAQWe thought you might have some questions...
Where can I find practice free response questions for the AP Biology 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 BiologyFree 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 Biology 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 Biology 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 Biology 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 Biology free-response questions?
Answering AP Biology free response questions the right way is all about practice! As you go through the AP AP Biology 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.