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.

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  • Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems (30)
  • Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity (17)
  • Unit 3: Populations (30)
  • Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources (30)
  • Unit 5: Land and Water Use (17)
  • Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption (24)
  • Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution (43)
  • Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution (31)
  • Unit 9: Global Change (28)
Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems

Adaptations in Desert and Tundra Ecosystems

This question examines the physical and behavioral adaptations of organisms living in extreme enviro

Medium

Carbon Cycle and Anthropogenic Impact

This question examines the natural carbon cycle and how human activities have altered carbon dynamic

Medium

Carbon Cycling and Net Primary Production in a Forest

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

Easy

Comparing Terrestrial and Aquatic Biomass Pyramids

Design an analytical study to compare biomass distribution between a terrestrial forest ecosystem an

Hard

Controlled Experiment on Invasive Species Impact on Wetland Ecosystems

Designing experiments to assess the impact of invasive species is critical for wetland conservation,

Extreme

Decomposition Rates in Forest Litter

A researcher examines the rate of leaf litter decomposition by placing mesh bags filled with forest

Easy

Deforestation Effects on Atmospheric CO₂

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

Medium

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 Salinity on Coral Polyp Growth

A researcher investigates how different salinity levels affect the growth of coral polyps. Small cor

Hard

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 and the 10% Rule

Discuss the 10% rule in the context of energy transfer within an ecosystem and perform a simple calc

Medium

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 Energy Flow Dynamics in Coral Reef Ecosystems

A study claims that coral reef ecosystems exhibit an inverted biomass pyramid due to the prolonged l

Hard

Food Web Complexity and Stability

A detailed food web diagram of a terrestrial forest is provided. The diagram includes producers, var

Medium

Fossil Fuel Combustion and Atmospheric Particulates

A study compared data from three cities with differing rates of fossil fuel combustion. The table be

Medium

Freshwater Renewal Rates and Water Resource Management

Freshwater sources have widely varying renewal rates, which have significant implications for resour

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 6: Water Quality Trends and Aquifer Depletion Table Analysis

Examine the provided table that displays groundwater levels, pumping rates, and signs of aquifer dep

Medium

Impact of Water Pollution on Fish Diversity

A research team studied a river system to evaluate how increasing levels of pollutants from agricult

Medium

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

Land Use Change and Ecosystem Water Dynamics

A study comparing deforested regions with nearby intact forests shows significant differences in wat

Hard

Nitrogen Fertilizer Effects on Plant Growth

A study was conducted to assess how different levels of nitrogen fertilizer affect the growth rate o

Medium

Photosynthesis Rate and Light Intensity Experiment

A researcher is investigating the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis in the aqu

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

Primary Productivity: GPP vs. NPP

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

Easy

Role of Keystone Species in Grassland Biodiversity

A report claims that the presence of a keystone species, such as prairie dogs, has a stabilizing eff

Medium

Seasonal Turnover in Lake Stratification

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

Medium

Symbiotic Relationships and Ecosystem Functioning

A coastal ecosystem study observed multiple symbiotic relationships, including instances of mutualis

Easy

Trophic Energy Transfer in a Forest Ecosystem

A study of a forest ecosystem provided the following measurements of energy (in kJ/m²/day) available

Easy
Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity

Adaptations: Behavioral, Physiological, and Structural

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

Easy

Assessing the Role of Keystone Species in Maintaining Ecosystem Structure

In a marine mesocosm experiment, researchers remove the sea star—a keystone predator—from some enclo

Hard

Biodiversity Dimensions Analysis

Analyze the table provided showing measures of different dimensions of biodiversity in three types o

Easy

Biodiversity Metrics and Anthropogenic Impacts

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

Medium

Ecological Succession Dynamics in a Disturbed Ecosystem

This question addresses the dynamics of ecological succession following a significant disturbance.

Hard

Effects of Simulated Warming on Plant Growth

In a greenhouse study, researchers placed identical potted plants in warming chambers set to a const

Hard

Examining Genetic Diversity in a Botanical Garden

A researcher conducted a study in a botanical garden to measure genetic diversity among various plan

Medium

FRQ 6: Adaptive Strategies – Generalists vs. Specialists

A researcher investigates how species with different adaptive strategies respond to habitat fragment

Medium

FRQ 14: Role of Keystone Species in Ecosystem Stability

A researcher investigates the role of a keystone predator in a coastal ecosystem. Data indicate that

Hard

FRQ 15: Indicator Species and Environmental Health Monitoring

A researcher uses indicator species to monitor water quality in several river systems. Changes in th

Medium

Impact of Habitat Fragmentation on Biodiversity

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

Medium

Impact of Road Networks on Bird Migration Patterns

Scientists conducted a field study to track migratory birds along routes intersected by road network

Hard

Impact of Urbanization on Pollinator Diversity and Ecosystem Services

Urbanization can affect the diversity and abundance of pollinators, which are critical for ecosystem

Medium

Indicator and Keystone Species in Ecosystems

Understanding the roles of indicator and keystone species is vital for monitoring ecosystem health.

Medium

Population Bottlenecks and Genetic Diversity

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

Extreme

The Role of Keystone Species in Ecosystem Stability

Evaluate the significance of keystone species in maintaining ecosystem stability.

Hard

Wildfires and Biomass Recovery

Wildfires can drastically alter ecosystems. Analyze both the destructive and renewing aspects of wil

Medium
Unit 3: Populations

Age-Structure Diagrams Interpretation

Interpret age-structure diagrams to infer population dynamics and possible future trends.

Medium

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

Assessing Population Growth under Water Stress

A biologist is investigating how water availability affects the exponential growth of an amphibian p

Medium

Calculating Doubling Time from Exponential Growth

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

Easy

Carrying Capacity and Environmental Constraints

Analyze a graph showing fluctuations in population size around the carrying capacity of an environme

Medium

Comparing Strategies: Generalists vs. Specialists and r/K Selection

Compare and contrast the adaptations of generalists versus specialists with the reproductive strateg

Extreme

Demographic Transition Model Analysis

Evaluate the stages of demographic transition using data on birth and death rates, and discuss the s

Hard

Density-Dependent vs Density-Independent Factors

Examine how density-dependent and density-independent factors influence populations, particularly in

Hard

Evaluating Density-related Factors in Insect Populations

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

Medium

Evaluating Population Dispersal Patterns

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

Medium

Experimental Analysis of r-Strategists vs. K-Strategists

A researcher is studying differences between r-strategist and K-strategist species in fluctuating en

Medium

Exploring Predator-Prey Dynamics and Feedback Loops

In a forest ecosystem, predator and prey populations exhibit oscillating patterns that are influence

Hard

Feedback Loops and Limiting Factors in Ecosystems

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

Hard

Feedback Loops in Ecological Systems

Examine the role of feedback loops in ecosystem dynamics and provide specific examples to illustrate

Easy

FRQ 2: K-Selected and r-Selected Reproductive Strategies in Variable Environments

An ecologist compared two species: one known to be an r-strategist and the other a K-strategist. The

Medium

FRQ 5: Interpreting Population Growth Curves: J-Curve Versus S-Curve

A study displays two distinct population growth curves for separate communities. One curve has a ste

Hard

FRQ 8: Investigating the Impact of Water Quality on Fish Population Growth

A researcher set up two identical artificial ponds with the same species and identical initial numbe

Medium

FRQ 9: Simulating Predator-Prey Dynamics with Feedback Loop Errors

A researcher used a computer simulation to model predator-prey interactions in a closed ecosystem ov

Extreme

FRQ 11: Investigating Maternal Investment and Offspring Survival in Primates

A controlled laboratory study was set up to examine the effect of maternal nutritional supplementati

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

Human Population Dynamics and Ecosystem Impact

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

Hard

Interpreting Age-Structure Diagrams

Interpret the different shapes of age-structure diagrams and their implications for population dynam

Hard

Liebig’s Law of the Minimum and Limiting Factors

Using the provided nutrient data, explain how Liebig's Law of the Minimum determines plant growth.

Medium

Limiting Factors and Population Regulation

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

Easy

Measuring Biotic Potential Under Optimal Conditions

Design an experiment to measure the biotic potential (maximum reproductive capacity) of two differen

Easy

Simulating Demographic Transition Dynamics

A sociologist is using a controlled simulation to study the demographic transition in a population.

Extreme

Survivorship Curves and Reproductive Strategies

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

Medium

Understanding Demographic Transitions

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

Hard

Understanding the Demographic Transition Model

The Demographic Transition Model (DTM) outlines changes in birth and death rates through development

Medium

Urban Population Policy and Resource Allocation

Examine urban population growth challenges and propose policy interventions to improve resource allo

Extreme
Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources

Assessing Plant Species Response to Simulated Temperature Increases

Design an experimental study to investigate how increasing ambient temperatures, simulating climate

Extreme

Assessing Watershed Pollution Trends

This question examines the impact of agricultural runoff on watershed water quality over time using

Medium

Atmospheric CO₂ Trends and Greenhouse Effects

This question assesses your understanding of atmospheric CO₂ trends and their contribution to the gr

Hard

Atmospheric Composition and the Great Oxidation Event

Discuss the transformation of Earth’s atmosphere during the Great Oxidation Event and its impact on

Medium

Atmospheric Composition Change Over Geological Time

Earth's atmosphere has evolved significantly over billions of years. Analyze a graph showing oxygen

Medium

CO2 Levels and Plant Growth

A recent report claims that rising atmospheric CO2 levels boost plant growth regardless of other env

Medium

Continental Drift and Seafloor Spreading

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

Medium

Convergent Boundary Dynamics: Subduction and Orogeny

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

Hard

Correlation between Water Vapor and Weather Patterns

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

Medium

Effect of Atmospheric CO2 on Plant Photosynthesis

Design an experimental study to investigate how varying atmospheric CO2 concentrations affect the ra

Medium

Evidence for Continental Drift and Seafloor Spreading

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

Medium

Global Wind Patterns and Coriolis Effect Analysis

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

Hard

Heat Index and Relative Humidity

The claim under analysis is that relative humidity is the predominant factor in determining the heat

Medium

Impact of Humus Addition on Soil Microbial Diversity

Design an experimental study to assess how the addition of humus influences the diversity and activi

Medium

Impact of Ocean-Atmosphere Interactions on Global Climate

Global climate is largely regulated by interactions between ocean currents, atmospheric circulation,

Hard

Impact of Soil Compaction on Water Infiltration Rates

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

Medium

Interconnected Environmental Systems: Plate Tectonics, Soil Formation, and Climate Change

Discuss how the interactions among plate tectonics, soil formation, and climate change affect ecosys

Extreme

Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift Analysis

Examine the theory of plate tectonics and its relationship to continental drift. Refer to the attach

Medium

Plate Tectonics: Movement and Seismic Energy

A table of tectonic plate velocities is provided below (in cm/year). Use the table and the formula $

Medium

Seismic Activity and Fault Lines Map Evaluation

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

Hard

Simulating Acid Rain Effects on Soil pH and Nutrient Retention

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

Medium

Simulating Trade Winds and Ocean Upwelling

Design an experiment using a rotating tank to simulate the effect of trade wind intensity on ocean u

Hard

Soil Composition and Crop Yield

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

Medium

Soil Composition and Water Infiltration Rates

Interpret data on soil texture and water holding capacity to evaluate soil quality for effective agr

Hard

Soil Erosion Graph Analysis

Analyze the provided graph depicting soil erosion rates as influenced by rainfall intensity and answ

Medium

Soil Erosion: Estimating Soil Loss using the USLE Model

The Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) estimates annual soil loss using the formula $$A = R * K * L

Medium

Soil Food Web and Biodiversity

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

Medium

Storm Surges and Hurricane Strength

A claim has been made that stronger hurricanes always produce higher storm surges regardless of coas

Hard

Tornado Formation: Assessing Wind Shear and Kinetic Energy

Wind shear is a critical factor in tornado formation. The kinetic energy per unit mass of an air par

Medium

Transform Boundaries and Earthquake Prediction

A seismologist is studying transform plate boundaries and their association with earthquake generati

Extreme
Unit 5: Land and Water Use

Analyzing the Effects of Slash-and-Burn Agriculture

A researcher investigates the impacts of slash-and-burn agriculture on soil fertility and atmospheri

Hard

Deforestation and Carbon Emissions

A tropical country is experiencing rapid deforestation for urban development and agriculture, contri

Hard

Desertification Trends in Arid Regions

The table below presents data for several regions indicating percentage land degradation and changes

Medium

Environmental Consequences of Mining Activity

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

Medium

Evaluating Genetic Engineering's Impact on Crop Yields

A plant biologist evaluates a genetically modified (GM) crop designed for enhanced insect resistance

Medium

Impact of Overfishing on Marine Biodiversity

The table below compares fish biomass and species count in regions subjected to different levels of

Easy

Mining Methods and Environmental Impacts Diagram Analysis

Analyze the provided diagram that outlines various mining methods (including mountaintop removal, op

Extreme

Overfishing and Marine Ecosystem Decline

Examine the impact of overfishing on marine ecosystems by analyzing population trends provided in a

Hard

Overfishing and Marine Ecosystem Restoration

Analyze the effects of overfishing on marine ecosystems and explore management methods to restore ec

Hard

Overfishing: Trends and Sustainable Quotas

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

Medium

Overgrazing and Soil Degradation

It is claimed that overgrazing leads to accelerated soil degradation and can eventually contribute t

Medium

Pesticide Resistance and the Treadmill Effect

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

Extreme

Renewable Energy Adoption in Urban Settings

This question evaluates the adoption of renewable energy technologies in urban environments by analy

Easy

Sustainable Agriculture and Soil Conservation Techniques

Evaluate sustainable agricultural practices with emphasis on soil conservation and conversion techni

Hard

Sustainable Agriculture and Soil Health

Evaluate the impact of adopting sustainable farming practices on soil fertility and crop yield.

Easy

Urbanization and its Environmental Consequences

A researcher investigates the impacts of urbanization on local ecosystems, focusing on issues like u

Medium

Water Quality Impact from CAFOs

The table displays water quality measures (specifically soluble nitrogen and phosphorus levels) at l

Medium
Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption

Biomass Combustion and Energy Yield Experiment

Engineers design an experiment to measure the energy yield from the combustion of biomass. A fixed q

Medium

Biomass Energy and Anaerobic Digestion

This question investigates the production of energy from biomass via anaerobic digestion processes.

Easy

Combined Heat and Power Systems (Cogeneration)

This question focuses on cogeneration systems, exploring their operational principles, energy calcul

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy Resources

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

Medium

Economic and Environmental Analysis of Fossil Fuels

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

Extreme

Electric Vehicle Energy Consumption Experiment

A study is performed to analyze the energy consumption of an electric vehicle during a standardized

Extreme

Energy Conversion Efficiency Analysis

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

Medium

Energy Unit Conversions in Environmental Engineering

Perform unit conversions to compare energy outputs and understand the different systems used to meas

Easy

Fossil Fuel Pricing and Demand Experiment

An economic simulation experiment is conducted to study the relationship between fossil fuel pricing

Easy

Geothermal Energy and Site Selection

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

Easy

Geothermal Energy Extraction and Environmental Considerations

Analyze the schematic of a geothermal power plant. Answer the following:

Medium

Hydraulic Fracturing and Groundwater Impact

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

Hard

Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid Efficiency Experiment

An engineering team conducts an experiment to optimize hydraulic fracturing by testing different flu

Hard

Hydraulic Fracturing: Environmental and Operational Analysis

Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) has revolutionized fossil fuel extraction but raises environmental c

Hard

Hydroelectric Dams: Benefits and Drawbacks

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

Medium

Life Cycle Analysis of Energy Sources

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

Hard

Life Cycle Analysis of Energy Sources

A comprehensive life cycle analysis (LCA) was conducted on wind, solar, coal, and nuclear energy. Th

Hard

Lifecycle Environmental Impact Comparison

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

Hard

Nuclear Fission and Reactor Safety

Nuclear power generation relies on controlled fission reactions. Analyze the mechanisms of nuclear f

Hard

Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Energy Sources

This question examines the differences between renewable and nonrenewable energy sources and evaluat

Medium

Thermodynamics and Energy Conservation in Industrial Processes

Examine the graph titled 'Energy Flow in Industrial Processes' provided below. Answer the following:

Extreme

Wind Energy and CO2 Emission Offsets

Analyze how wind energy generation can offset CO2 emissions and evaluate its potential contribution

Easy

Wind Energy Turbine System Efficiency

Examine the diagram of a wind turbine system. Answer the following:

Medium

Wind Turbine Design and Efficiency Analysis

This question examines factors influencing wind turbine performance and calculates expected energy p

Hard
Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution

Acid Deposition and Its Ecological Effects

This question focuses on the processes that lead to acid deposition and its effects on ecosystems.

Hard

Air Pollution Types and Sources Evaluation

This question asks you to evaluate the different types of air pollutants and their sources. You will

Easy

Analysis of Lead Exposure and Regulatory Standards

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

Medium

Analysis of Urban Heat Islands and Air Pollutant Dispersion

Urban heat islands can influence air pollutant dispersion in metropolitan areas. A study compared lo

Easy

Analyzing Industrial Smog Formation

In this question, you will explore the formation of industrial smog arising from fossil fuel combust

Medium

Assessing the Effects of Vehicular Emissions on Air Quality

A study compared emissions from different types of vehicles by measuring carbon monoxide (CO) and ni

Easy

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

Carbon Monoxide Emissions and Conversion

This question examines carbon monoxide (CO) formation due to incomplete combustion and explores the

Medium

Catalytic Converter Efficiency Testing

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

Hard

Catalytic Converter Function and Stoichiometry

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

Hard

Catalytic Converters: Mechanisms and Limitations

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

Hard

Comparative Study of Diesel vs. Gasoline Emissions Through a Simulated Environment

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

Extreme

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

Effects of VOCs in Indoor Environments

A building manager conducts a study of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a newly built office bui

Medium

Evaluating Measures to Reduce Air Pollutants

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

Medium

FRQ 10: Photochemical Smog Dynamics

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

Extreme

Fundamental Concepts of Air Pollution and Data Conversion

This question requires you to convert pollutant concentrations from ppm to mg/m³ using a provided fo

Easy

Graphical Analysis of Photochemical Smog Formation

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

Hard

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 Industrial Air Pollution on Terrestrial Ecosystems

Industrial air pollutants can lead to soil acidification and reduced vegetation diversity. The table

Hard

Impact of Thermal Inversions on Air Quality

Thermal inversions occur when a layer of warm air traps colder air near the ground, leading to incre

Medium

Indoor Air Pollutants and Remediation Strategies

Indoor air quality is a major environmental concern affecting human health. Using the provided table

Easy

Indoor Air Quality and Pollutant Remediation

Analyze the causes and mitigation strategies for indoor air pollution.

Medium

Indoor Air Quality and Sick Building Syndrome

This question requires analysis of indoor air pollutant levels and the development of remediation st

Medium

Investigating Meteorological Influences on Pollution Dispersion

Weather conditions significantly affect the dispersion of air pollutants in urban settings. Analyze

Medium

Long-Term Trends in Atmospheric CO2 and Air Quality

Design a comprehensive experimental study to analyze long-term trends in atmospheric CO2 levels and

Extreme

Monitoring Peroxyacyl Nitrates (PANs) Dispersion Experiment

An environmental scientist studies the dispersion of peroxyacyl nitrates (PANs) by releasing a trace

Hard

Nitrogen Oxides and Ozone Formation Dynamics

This question explores the chemical interactions between nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and ozone formation,

Medium

Photochemical Smog Formation Analysis

Photochemical smog formation involves a series of reactions influenced by sunlight and pollutant con

Hard

Photochemical Smog Formation Dynamics

A graph displays the formation of photochemical smog by tracking NO2 and O3 concentrations over the

Medium

Role of VOCs in Formation of PANs

A researcher investigates the role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in forming peroxyacyl nitrat

Hard

Sulfur Dioxide and Acid Deposition

A research group measured sulfur dioxide (SO2) levels at various distances from an industrial plant

Medium

Sulfur Dioxide and Acid Rain

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

Extreme

Sulfur Dioxide and its Secondary Reactions

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

Medium

Sulfur Dioxide Emissions and Acid Rain Formation

A region with several coal-fired power plants has been experiencing acid rain, which is damaging loc

Hard

Sulfur Dioxide Reactions and Environmental Impact

This question assesses your understanding of the atmospheric chemistry of sulfur dioxide and its env

Medium

Suspended Particulate Matter and Its Behavior

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

Hard

Temperature Inversion and Pollutant Trapping

Construct an experimental design to assess how temperature inversion events contribute to the trappi

Medium

Thermal Inversion Impact on Air Pollution Concentration

Researchers are studying the impact of thermal inversions on local air pollution by measuring pollut

Medium

Thermal Inversions and Air Quality

This question investigates the phenomenon of thermal inversions and their role in trapping air pollu

Hard

Thermal Inversions and Air Quality

This question investigates the impact of thermal inversions on air pollution dispersion and analyzes

Medium

Urban Heat Islands and Air Pollution Dynamics

Evaluate the interplay between urban heat islands and air pollution levels.

Medium
Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution

Anaerobic Digestion as a Waste Management Strategy

A researcher examines anaerobic digestion as an alternative method for municipal waste management. A

Easy

Analysis of Water Pollution Sources

Consider the claim that water pollution is significantly influenced by various sources including poi

Medium

Analyzing Cultural Eutrophication Data

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

Medium

Analyzing Dissolved Oxygen Variations in Urban Runoff

A researcher collected water samples from urban runoff areas at different times of the day to measur

Hard

Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification in Terrestrial Food Webs

Analyze the concept of bioaccumulation and biomagnification within a terrestrial food web by interpr

Hard

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) as an Indicator of Water Pollution

A researcher is analyzing BOD data from various water sources to assess organic pollution. Answer th

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

Designing a Water Quality Testing Protocol for Urban Runoff

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

Easy

Designing an Experiment on Agricultural Runoff

This question focuses on experimental design to assess the impact of agricultural runoff on water qu

Hard

Effects of Temperature on Dissolved Oxygen in Aquatic Environments

Investigate how changes in water temperature affect dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in aquatic environm

Medium

Efficiency of Anaerobic Digestion in Organic Waste Reduction

A study on anaerobic digestion examines how the process reduces organic waste volume and associated

Medium

Endocrine Disruptor Impacts on Human Health

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with hormonal systems and can have wide-ranging ef

Extreme

Evaluating Heavy Metal Toxicity Under Different pH Conditions

A researcher examined the toxicity of heavy metals on aquatic organisms by exposing them to metal so

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

Evaluating the Impact of Industrial Activity on Wetland Biodiversity

Two wetlands are studied: one adjacent to an industrial zone and one located in a protected area. Bi

Extreme

FRQ3: Impact of Oil Spills on Marine Ecosystems

This FRQ addresses the ecological repercussions of oil spills in marine environments. Analyze the pr

Hard

FRQ4: Water Quality Testing Analysis

Analyze water quality data provided from multiple test sites. Use the data to assess the state of th

Medium

FRQ11: Anaerobic Digestion as a Waste-to-Energy Process

Examine the schematic diagram of an anaerobic digestion system. Explain its process and evaluate its

Medium

FRQ18: Household Water Treatment Design

Evaluate the schematic diagram of a household water treatment system that uses adsorption, filtratio

Medium

Heavy Metal Contamination from Mining Activities

A mining area has been monitored for heavy metal contamination over a period of 15 days. A table rec

Hard

Investigating Cultural Eutrophication Effects

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

Medium

Investigating the Impact of Cultural Eutrophication on a Freshwater Ecosystem

Increasing nutrient levels in freshwater systems have led to cultural eutrophication. Design an expe

Medium

Investigating the Role of Microorganisms in Degrading Pollutants Through Bioremediation

An experiment is conducted in which a known pollutant is introduced into contaminated water, and the

Hard

Long-term Effects of Landfill Leachate on Water Systems

A landfill in operation for 30 years has been monitored for leachate composition. A graph shows chan

Hard

Modeling the Effects of Urbanization on Runoff and Water Quality

A study is conducted to compare the effects of traditional asphalt versus permeable pavement on urba

Hard

Urban Development and Biodiversity Loss in Wetland Ecosystems

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

Extreme

Water pH Changes and Metal Solubility Analysis

This FRQ focuses on the relationship between water pH and metal solubility, emphasizing data analysi

Hard

Water Quality and Testing Analysis

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

Hard

Water Quality Testing and Pollutant Identification

This question involves interpreting water quality test results to assess contamination issues and th

Medium

Water Quality Testing and Treatment Analysis

This FRQ assesses your understanding of water quality tests and treatment processes by integrating l

Medium

Water Quality Testing: pH and Buffering Capacity

This FRQ explores the role of buffering capacity in aquatic systems and how changes in bicarbonate c

Hard
Unit 9: Global Change

Adaptation Strategies in Response to Environmental Change

This question explores biological strategies such as adaptation and acclimatization in response to e

Medium

Analyzing Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Source

This question involves interpreting a table of annual greenhouse gas emissions by different sectors

Medium

Analyzing the Effects of UV Radiation on Biota

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

Hard

Assessing Alternatives to CFCs for Ozone Protection

Read the following description: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are chemically stable compounds that allo

Hard

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stability

Discuss the relationship between biodiversity and the stability of an ecosystem.

Easy

Biodiversity and Invasive Species: Data Analysis

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

Medium

Biodiversity Loss: Invasive Species Impact on Ecosystems

This question deals with the impact invasive species can have on native biodiversity and ecosystem s

Hard

Black Carbon and Atmospheric Warming

This question investigates the contribution of black carbon (soot) to atmospheric warming and outlin

Medium

Conservation Strategies for Endangered Species

Analyze the effectiveness of various conservation strategies in protecting endangered species.

Medium

Examining the Role of Ocean Acidification

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

Hard

Experimental Evaluation of International Protocols on Climate Change Mitigation

International agreements play a crucial role in climate change mitigation. This question involves in

Extreme

Glacier Melt, Thermal Expansion, and Sea Level Rise

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

Extreme

Global Climate Change and Human Health

Rising global temperatures and changes in climate patterns have both direct and indirect effects on

Hard

Global Policies on Ozone and Climate Change

This question requires you to compare international policies addressing ozone depletion and climate

Hard

Impacts of Invasive Species on Biodiversity

The following table lists several invasive species along with the regions they have affected and a b

Medium

Integrated Analysis of Policies and Natural Phenomena in Climate Mitigation

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

Extreme

International Environmental Policy and Its Impact

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

Medium

Investigating Stratospheric Ozone Formation

In a research study, an atmospheric scientist investigates the formation and destruction of ozone in

Medium

Ozone Depletion and Human Health

This question explores the link between stratospheric ozone depletion and human health outcomes, par

Medium

Policy Design for Reducing Ozone-Depleting Chemicals

Crafting effective policy measures is essential for reducing ozone-depleting chemicals. This questio

Easy

Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Energy Production

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

Medium

Simulation of Arctic Methane Release and Its Feedback Effect

Arctic researchers conduct a simulation experiment to study how permafrost melting affects methane e

Extreme

Statistical Analysis of Environmental Data: Greenhouse Gas Trends

This question requires you to apply statistical methods to analyze trends in greenhouse gas emission

Hard

Stratospheric Ozone Depletion Analysis

This question examines the mechanisms of ozone formation and depletion in the stratosphere, includin

Medium

Stratospheric Ozone Formation and Depletion Mechanisms

In the stratosphere, ozone is continually formed through reactions induced by ultraviolet radiation

Medium

Stratospheric Ozone Formation and Depletion Mechanisms

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

Medium

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

Understanding Global Climate Change: Sea Level Rise and Thermal Expansion

Global warming leads to sea level rise through both the melting of ice and the thermal expansion of

Medium

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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.