AP Biology FRQ Room

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

Which subject are you taking?

Knowt can make mistakes. Consider checking important information.

Pick your exam

AP Biology Free Response Questions

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

  • View all (250)
  • Unit 1: Chemistry of Life (20)
  • Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function (32)
  • Unit 3: Cellular Energetics (23)
  • Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle (29)
  • Unit 5: Heredity (29)
  • Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation (28)
  • Unit 7: Natural Selection (59)
  • Unit 8: Ecology (30)
Unit 1: Chemistry of Life

Atomic Structure and Isotopes

Investigate the properties of carbon isotopes and their significance in biological systems. Analyze

Medium

Carbohydrate Structure and Monosaccharide Energy Utilization

A nutritionist is investigating the energy yield differences between monosaccharides and disaccharid

Medium

Carbohydrates: Structures and Reactions

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

Easy

Chemical Bonding: Ionic and Covalent Bonds

Examine the differences between ionic and covalent bonds including examples found in biological mole

Medium

Comparative Analysis of DNA and RNA

This question addresses the structural and functional distinctions between DNA and RNA. You will com

Easy

Dehydration Synthesis and Hydrolysis in Polymer Formation

Examine the processes of dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis in the formation and breakdown of poly

Medium

Dehydration Synthesis and Hydrolysis Reactions

Discuss how cells use dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis reactions to build and break down polymer

Easy

FRQ 7: Carbon's Versatility in Organic Molecules

Carbon's unique ability to form stable bonds with many elements is central to organic chemistry. Dis

Easy

FRQ 9: Dehydration Synthesis and Hydrolysis of Peptides

Proteins are synthesized and degraded through dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis reactions. Explai

Hard

Lipid Saturation and Membrane Fluidity

A biologist studies how variations in lipid saturation affect the fluidity of cell membranes. Artifi

Hard

Lipids as a Source of Energy and Structural Components

A nutrition scientist is examining how triglycerides stored in adipose tissue serve both as energy r

Medium

Lipids: Structure and Membrane Function

Examine the structural diversity of lipids and how it relates to their function within biological me

Medium

Macromolecule Diversity in Cells

Compare the major classes of organic molecules found in cells and their functional roles.

Easy

Nucleic Acids: Structure and Information Storage

A genetics laboratory is studying bacterial DNA mutations following exposure to a mutagen. Answer th

Medium

Organic Molecules and Functional Groups

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

Easy

Protein Structure and Function

Investigate the levels of protein structure and determine how these levels contribute to protein fun

Hard

Roles of Ionic, Covalent, and Hydrogen Bonds in Molecular Structure

This FRQ examines the different types of chemical bonds that are crucial to the structure of biologi

Medium

Trace Elements and Enzymatic Activity

Discuss the importance of trace elements in cellular metabolism and enzymatic function.

Medium

Trace Elements in Biological Systems

Trace elements, though required in minute amounts, play crucial roles in biological processes. Analy

Medium

Water Properties and Plant Physiology

Analyze how the unique properties of water contribute to plant physiology, particularly in terms of

Hard
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

Analysis of Exocytosis Process

This question addresses the process of exocytosis and requires a critical analysis of a diagram repr

Medium

Assessing Osmosis and Tonicity in Plant Cells

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

Medium

Bulk Flow and Dialysis in Biological Systems

Bulk flow and dialysis are processes that involve the movement of fluids and solutes. Answer the fol

Easy

Cell Surface Area-to-Volume Ratio and Its Effects on Cellular Efficiency

In the study of cell physiology, the relationship between surface area and volume has important impl

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Plant and Animal Cells

A biologist is comparing plant and animal cells to understand how structural differences relate to t

Easy

Cytoskeletal Disruption and Its Impact on Exocytosis

Design an experiment to determine how disruption of actin filaments affects the rate of exocytosis i

Extreme

Cytoskeletal Dynamics in Cell Movement

This FRQ focuses on the role of cytoskeleton components, particularly actin, in cell movement.

Easy

Diffusion and Facilitated Diffusion Rates

This FRQ examines the rate of molecular transport across membranes via diffusion and facilitated dif

Medium

Endocytosis and Exocytosis Processes

Cells use vesicular transport to move large particles and bulk materials across the plasma membrane.

Medium

Endocytosis and Exocytosis: Mechanisms and Functions

A researcher is exploring the mechanisms by which cells internalize and expel substances. The proces

Easy

Energy Conversion in Mitochondria vs. Peroxisomes

This question contrasts energy conversion efficiencies between mitochondria and peroxisomes and disc

Extreme

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

Golgi Complex: Processing and Packaging Proteins

The Golgi complex is essential for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for transport. Answer

Medium

Impact of Cytoskeletal Disruption on Cell Morphology

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

Hard

Integration of Cellular Organelles: Experimental Design

This question requires you to integrate your understanding of several cellular organelles and design

Extreme

Lysosomes and Cellular Waste Management

Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes critical for recycling cellular components. Answer the parts bel

Medium

Mechanisms of Bulk Flow

This question focuses on the concept of bulk flow and its significance in biological transport proce

Medium

Microscopy Sample Preparation Fault

Researchers prepared cell samples for electron microscopy to study plasma membrane structures. The s

Hard

Microscopy Techniques in Cell Biology

This question explores the differences between microscopy techniques used in cell biology and requir

Easy

Mitochondrial Function and Energy Conversion

Mitochondria convert energy from nutrients into ATP. Answer each part of the question below:

Medium

Osmosis and Tonicity in Plant Cells

Design a controlled experiment to study the effects of isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic solutions

Medium

Osmosis and Water Potential in Cells

Water potential drives water movement in biological systems. (a) Define water potential and explain

Hard

Passive Transport: Diffusion and Facilitated Diffusion

Passive transport allows substances to move across membranes without energy input. This question add

Medium

Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis and Cell Signaling

A recent article claims that binding of a specific ligand to its receptor not only initiates recepto

Hard

Role of Plasma Membrane in Selective Permeability

A series of experiments using artificial membranes have aimed to test the claim that the plasma memb

Medium

Secondary Active Transport and Glucose Uptake

Design an experiment to assess the efficiency of secondary active transport in glucose uptake in cel

Hard

Surface Area-to-Volume Ratio and Cell Efficiency

This FRQ investigates how cell size affects the efficiency of material exchange. Consider a spherica

Medium

Surface Area-to-Volume Ratio and Heat Exchange in Organisms

This question connects geometric scaling with physiological processes such as heat exchange in organ

Medium

The Fluid Mosaic Model and Membrane Proteins

This question examines the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane and the impact of lipid composi

Medium

Vacuoles in Plant and Animal Cells

Vacuoles serve important roles in both plant and animal cells. (a) Identify and compare the functio

Easy

Vesicular Transport Analysis

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

Medium
Unit 3: Cellular Energetics

Bioenergetic Trade-offs in Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Respiration

A researcher compares aerobic and anaerobic respiration in terms of energy yield and metabolic bypro

Easy

Chloroplast Structure and Function

A plant biologist is investigating how the structural organization of chloroplasts enhances photosyn

Easy

Chloroplast Structure and Function

Examine the provided diagram of a chloroplast and identify key structures involved in photosynthesis

Medium

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

Competitive and Noncompetitive Inhibition

A researcher examines an enzyme's kinetics in the presence and absence of inhibitors. Reaction rate

Hard

Designing an Experiment on Allosteric Regulation

Design a controlled experiment to test the effect of an allosteric inhibitor on enzyme activity.

Hard

Effects of Oxygen Availability on the Electron Transport Chain

Develop an experimental design to study how varying oxygen levels affect electron transport chain ef

Hard

Electron Transport Chain: Comparative Analysis

Compare the components and functions of the electron transport chains in photosynthesis and cellular

Medium

Energy Conversion Comparisons: Photosynthesis vs. Cellular Respiration

Design an experiment to compare the energy conversion efficiency of photosynthesis and cellular resp

Hard

Environmental Impact on Enzyme Function

This question assesses how extreme environmental conditions affect enzyme structure and function.

Medium

Enzyme Catalysis and Specificity

Enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions by lowering activation energy and forming specific enzyme‐sub

Medium

Enzyme Inhibition: Competitive vs. Noncompetitive

Using the data provided below, compare the effects of competitive and noncompetitive inhibition on e

Medium

Enzyme Saturation and Substrate Concentration

The table below shows how reaction rate varies with increasing substrate concentration. Use the data

Easy

Enzyme Specificity and the Induced-fit Model

This question investigates enzyme specificity and the induced-fit model of enzyme action.

Easy

Functional Adaptations in Photosynthetic Pathways

A plant biologist is studying different photosynthetic pathways to understand how plants adapt to di

Hard

Inhibition Kinetics: Competitive vs Noncompetitive Inhibition

This question examines the kinetic differences between competitive and noncompetitive inhibitors.

Hard

Investigating the Effects of pH and Temperature on Enzyme Kinetics

A researcher aims to study the combined effects of pH and temperature on the kinetic parameters of a

Extreme

Investigation of Inhibitor Effects on Enzyme Catalysis

A laboratory experiment was performed to assess the effect of a purported noncompetitive inhibitor o

Hard

Krebs Cycle Energy Yield Analysis

A researcher examines the energy yield from the Krebs cycle during cellular respiration.

Medium

Proton Gradients in Cellular Energy Conversion

A researcher is exploring how proton gradients are generated and utilized in mitochondria and chloro

Hard

Reaction Coupling and ATP Hydrolysis

Cells drive endergonic reactions by coupling them with exergonic ones such as the hydrolysis of ATP.

Hard

Regulation of Metabolic Pathways in Cellular Respiration

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

Hard

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

Activation of Cell Cycle Checkpoints Following DNA Damage

When cells encounter DNA damage, such as from UV radiation, cell cycle checkpoints become activated

Hard

Analysis of Tumor Suppressor Gene Function in the Cell Cycle

Tumor suppressor genes play a critical role in preventing uncontrolled cell division. Analyze a scen

Medium

Analyzing Signal Transduction Pathways: Crosstalk and Amplification

An experiment investigates the dynamics of a signal transduction cascade and suggests there may be c

Hard

Cell Cycle Checkpoints and DNA Damage Response

Construct a detailed experimental plan to investigate the activation of cell cycle checkpoints in ma

Hard

Chemotaxis in Dictyostelium Discoideum

A researcher studies chemotaxis in Dictyostelium discoideum by exposing wild-type cells and mutant c

Hard

Chemotaxis in Unicellular Organisms

A recent study claims that chemotaxis in unicellular organisms is primarily controlled by the intera

Easy

Cyclin/CDK Complex Activation Kinetics

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

Medium

Cyclin/CDK Complex Function

A claim posits that the formation of the cyclin/CDK complex is a critical checkpoint event that driv

Medium

Cyclins and CDKs in Cell Cycle Regulation

During liver regeneration, proper cell cycle progression is critical. The role of cyclins and cyclin

Hard

Cytokinesis and Mitotic Spindle Dynamics

During cell division, cytokinesis physically separates the cytoplasm of the dividing cell, concludin

Medium

Differential Hormone Signal Transduction

This question examines the differences between steroid and peptide hormone signaling and requires th

Extreme

Experimental Design to Investigate Chemotaxis

A researcher is designing an experiment to study bacterial chemotaxis in response to a nutrient grad

Hard

Feedback Loops in Signal Transduction Pathways

Design an experiment to explore both positive and negative feedback loops within a specific cell sig

Extreme

Feedback Regulation in Homeostasis

A study monitors blood glucose levels over time after a meal and the corresponding insulin and gluca

Easy

Hormonal Feedback in Glucose Regulation

A research team investigates the role of insulin and glucagon in regulating blood glucose levels usi

Medium

Insulin's Role in Blood Glucose Homeostasis

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

Medium

Integration of Cell Communication and Cell Cycle Control in Tissue Repair

A researcher is studying wound healing in epithelial tissue and observes that cell communication thr

Hard

Integrative Analysis: Linking Cell Communication and Cell Cycle Regulation

The interplay between external signals and cell cycle regulators is critical for proper cell divisio

Extreme

Interphase Dynamics and DNA Replication

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

Easy

Kinetic Analysis of Cell Cycle Phases

This question focuses on the temporal regulation of the cell cycle and requires the analysis of kine

Medium

Ligand-Gated Ion Channels in Neuromuscular Function

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

Medium

Oncogenes, Tumor Suppressors, and Cancer Progression

A research study compares the proliferation rates of different cell types to understand the roles of

Medium

Oxidative Stress Response Measurement

In an experiment to study cellular responses to oxidative stress, researchers expose cultured cells

Hard

Quantitative Analysis of Mitotic Spindle Formation

This question evaluates the role of the mitotic spindle in chromosome segregation through quantitati

Hard

Receptor Binding and Signal Specificity

A research group examines signal transduction through enzyme-linked receptors in cultured fibroblast

Hard

Regulation of the Cell Cycle: Cyclins and CDKs

This question focuses on cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and their roles in regulating t

Medium

Role of Second Messengers in Signal Amplification

Second messengers play a crucial role in amplifying cellular signals. Consider the role of cyclic AM

Easy

Signal Transduction Pathways: Second Messenger Systems

Second messengers are important components of many signal transduction pathways. A researcher is foc

Medium

Signal Transduction Schematic Analysis

Analyze the provided diagram of a signal transduction pathway. Consider the pathway components illus

Hard
Unit 5: Heredity

Analysis of Sex-Linked Inheritance of X-linked Recessive Traits

A researcher is analyzing a trait known to be X-linked and recessive (such as color blindness) in hu

Medium

Analysis of X-Inactivation and Barr Bodies

In female mammals, one of the two X chromosomes is randomly inactivated during development, leading

Medium

Application of Mendelian Principles in Plant Breeding

A plant breeder performs a cross between a heterozygous tall, yellow-flowered plant (TtYy) and a sho

Medium

Chromosomal Behavior in Meiosis

Compare the behavior of chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis with regard to their arrangement, occ

Easy

Chromosomal Crossover Experiment Suspension

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

Extreme

Designing a Recombination Mapping Experiment

A geneticist seeks to map the order and distances between three genes on a chromosome. The experimen

Hard

Effects of Ploidy on Yeast Growth Rates

Design a controlled laboratory experiment to investigate how ploidy state (haploid versus diploid) i

Medium

Environmental Influence on Phenotypic Plasticity

Two genetically identical plants are grown under different conditions: one in an optimal environment

Medium

Evaluating Environmental Effects on Phenotypic Plasticity in Plants

Design an experiment to assess the impact of environmental conditions on the phenotype of geneticall

Hard

Experimental Design: Test Cross for Genetic Analysis

Design an experiment using a test cross to determine whether a plant exhibiting a dominant phenotype

Medium

Exploring Meiotic Nondisjunction

Errors during meiosis can have significant impacts on an organism. Answer the following: (a) Define

Hard

Gametogenesis: Comparing Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis

Compare and contrast the processes of spermatogenesis and oogenesis. In your response, outline the d

Medium

Genetic Variation from Crossing Over

During prophase I of meiosis, crossing over can lead to recombinant chromosomes. Assume the probabil

Hard

Impact of Crossing-Over on Genetic Variation

Crossing-over during meiosis is an important mechanism for increasing genetic diversity. This questi

Hard

Impact of Recombination on Genetic Diversity

Evaluate the contribution of recombination during meiosis to genetic diversity. Discuss the mechanis

Hard

Investigating Environmental Effects on Trait Expression

A researcher studies how different light conditions affect leaf size in a particular plant species.

Medium

Investigating Meiotic Errors: Nondisjunction Events

A geneticist investigates nondisjunction events in meiosis by analyzing gametes with abnormal chromo

Medium

Investigating the Law of Segregation with Genotypic Ratios

Mendel observed a 1:2:1 genotypic ratio in the offspring of self-pollinated heterozygous pea plants.

Easy

Linkage and Recombination Mapping

Using recombination frequencies between three linked genes A, B, and C, construct a simple genetic m

Hard

Mapping Linked Genes Using Recombination Frequencies

A geneticist studying three linked genes, A, B, and C, observes the following recombination frequenc

Hard

Mendelian Inheritance: Monohybrid Cross Analysis

Using a monohybrid cross between tall pea plants (T) and short pea plants (t), analyze and predict t

Easy

Pedigree Analysis for Inheritance Patterns

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

Medium

Pedigree Analysis for Inheritance Patterns

A pedigree chart (provided below) tracks an inherited trait over several generations. Analyze the ch

Hard

Probability Calculations in Genetics

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

Medium

Quantitative Analysis of Crossing-over Frequency

Calculate the recombination frequency using experimental data and discuss how this measurement is us

Hard

Sex-Linked Inheritance Analysis

Analyze a cross between a carrier female for color blindness (X^(C)X^(c)) and a normal male (X^(C)Y)

Medium

Sex-Linked Traits and Pedigree Analysis

Analyze a pedigree where a sex-linked trait (e.g., color blindness) is present. Explain the differen

Hard

Sex-Linked Traits and Punnett Square Analysis

Certain traits, like color blindness, are inherited in a sex-linked manner. In this scenario, analyz

Hard

Test Cross and Determining Genotypes

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

Medium
Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation

Analyzing Frameshift Mutations

Frameshift mutations can drastically alter the reading frame of a gene. Given the original mRNA sequ

Extreme

Antiparallel DNA and Replication Dynamics

Discuss how the antiparallel nature of DNA influences the dynamics of replication.

Easy

Cell-Free Translation System: Ribosome Binding Site Error

A researcher develops a cell-free system to study translation by combining purified mRNA, ribosomes,

Medium

DNA Double Helix Structure Interpretation

Examine the attached diagram of a DNA double helix and answer the following parts regarding its stru

Easy

DNA Polymerase Proofreading and Replication Fidelity

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

Easy

DNA Repair Analysis with Unwarranted Telomere Removal

A researcher examines UV-induced DNA damage repair in eukaryotic cells. Cells are exposed to UV ligh

Medium

DNA Structure and Base Pairing Analysis

Discuss the structure of DNA with emphasis on its nucleotide components and the significance of its

Easy

DNA Topology and Supercoiling

This question focuses on the concept of DNA supercoiling and the enzymes involved in managing DNA to

Hard

Epigenetic Gene Silencing Study with Inadequate Chromatin Isolation

A researcher investigates differential gene expression between euchromatin and heterochromatin regio

Medium

Evaluating Methods for Enhancing Bacterial Transformation

Design an experiment to compare different methods for introducing a recombinant plasmid into E. coli

Hard

FRQ 3: Genome Structure and Chromatin Packaging

A comparative study between two cell types shows that one cell type has loosely packed chromatin (eu

Medium

FRQ 7: Point Mutations and Protein Function

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

Medium

FRQ 8: Gene Rearrangement and Chromosomal Abnormality

During meiosis, errors in homologous chromosome pairing can lead to unequal crossing over, resulting

Hard

FRQ 17: Recombinant DNA and Genetic Engineering

A biotechnologist constructs a recombinant plasmid containing a gene for human insulin and transform

Easy

FRQ 20: Effects of Mutations on Protein Structure and Function

A point mutation in a multi-domain enzyme leads to the substitution of a polar amino acid with a non

Extreme

Investigating the Role of Histones in Chromatin Structure

A researcher examines the relationship between nucleosome density and gene expression. The provided

Medium

Investigation of Plasmid Size on Transformation Efficiency

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

Medium

Lab Design for Studying Plasmid Replication in Prokaryotes

A group of students is designing an experiment to investigate factors affecting plasmid replication

Easy

Operon Function and Regulation

Using the provided operon diagram, answer the following questions concerning the regulation of gene

Medium

Operon Regulation Under Nutrient Conditions

This question explores how environmental conditions can affect operon-mediated gene regulation in ba

Hard

Plasmid Construction and Genetic Engineering

This question focuses on the use of plasmids in genetic engineering. Provide comprehensive answers t

Medium

Plasmid Transformation and Gene Expression in Bacteria

Design an experiment involving bacterial transformation with a plasmid to achieve gene expression an

Extreme

Quantitative Analysis of Gene Expression via qPCR

A study employs quantitative PCR (qPCR) to quantify mRNA levels of a target gene under different env

Hard

Separation and Analysis of DNA Fragments via Gel Electrophoresis

Design an experiment using gel electrophoresis to distinguish DNA fragments of different sizes.

Easy

Telomere Function and Cellular Aging

Answer the following questions regarding telomere structure, its role in cellular aging, and implica

Easy

Telomeres, Replication, and Cellular Aging

Discuss the structure and function of telomeres, and analyze their impact on cellular aging.

Medium

Topoisomerase Function Analysis

Topoisomerases relieve supercoiling during DNA replication. In an experiment, a cell's DNA has 10,00

Medium

Transcription Rate Under Promoter Mutations

A geneticist is investigating the impact of promoter mutations on transcription efficiency. The tabl

Medium
Unit 7: Natural Selection

Adaptive Radiation and Speciation

Adaptive radiation is a process in which a single ancestral species diversifies into multiple distin

Hard

Analyzing Biogeographical Patterns in Evolution

Biogeography provides important clues about evolutionary relationships. Analyze how species distribu

Medium

Artificial Selection and Genetic Variation

Artificial selection is an intentional process in which humans select for desirable traits. Consider

Hard

Artificial Selection in Domestic Animals

A livestock breeder aims to increase milk production in cows through selective breeding. Design an e

Medium

Artificial vs. Natural Selection

This question compares artificial and natural selection. Design an experiment and analyze the evolut

Medium

Biogeography and Evolutionary Patterns

Biogeography provides important insights into the processes of speciation and evolutionary history.

Medium

Comparative Embryology and Evolutionary Development

Discuss how comparative embryology supports evolutionary theory by examining similarities and differ

Medium

Comparative Embryology and Evolutionary Development

Comparative embryology provides insights into common ancestry. Consider the following data comparing

Medium

Convergent vs. Divergent Evolution

Evolutionary processes can lead to similar traits through different mechanisms. The table provided c

Medium

Darwin’s Natural Selection Observations

Analyze Darwin’s observations, including the production of excess offspring, competition, and differ

Easy

Darwin’s Observations and Reproductive Success

This question investigates Darwin's observations regarding reproductive excess and the resulting dif

Hard

Divergent Evolution and Speciation in Birds

Two populations of a bird species become geographically isolated due to a landscape change. Over tim

Easy

Effects of Gene Flow on Subpopulation Divergence

Two subpopulations of the same species are separated by a mountain range, but occasional migration (

Medium

Embryology and Evolutionary Development

Explore how embryological evidence supports common ancestry among vertebrates. Answer the following

Easy

Environmental Pressures and Adaptive Evolution

Environmental factors drive adaptive changes in populations. Answer the following:

Hard

Environmental Pressures and Phenotypic Traits

A study examines the effect of temperature on the beak size of a particular bird species. Use the pr

Medium

Evidence for Evolution from Fossils, Biogeography, and Embryology

Analyze the multiple lines of evidence that underpin the theory of evolution.

Hard

Evolutionary Stasis and Punctuated Equilibrium

Evaluate the theories of gradualistic evolution versus punctuated equilibrium in explaining patterns

Medium

Experimental Design: The Impact of Genetic Variation on Survival

A researcher hypothesizes that populations with higher genetic variation have a better chance of sur

Hard

Fossil Records and Transitional Forms

Examine the role of the fossil record in supporting the theory of evolution and the concept of trans

Easy

Graph Analysis: Rate of Speciation

This question requires you to analyze a graph depicting speciation events over time and perform a re

Extreme

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and Genetic Variability

Consider a population of beetles with two alleles for shell color. Using the Hardy-Weinberg equation

Hard

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and Population Genetics

Understanding population genetics relies on the application of the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Use t

Hard

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium Disruption Analysis

A population's genotypic frequencies were measured and compared to expected Hardy-Weinberg proportio

Hard

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium Violation

This question focuses on the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and how factors like gene flow disturb genet

Hard

Impact of Environmental Change on Evolutionary Dynamics

A population of desert lizards experiences a rapid increase in ambient temperature along with a decr

Hard

Integrative Evolutionary Synthesis

Synthesizing multiple lines of evidence, analyze how diverse fields such as paleontology, molecular

Extreme

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

Lab Analysis: Evolutionary Fitness in Fruit Flies

A laboratory study examines evolutionary changes in a fruit fly population over several generations,

Medium

Lamarck vs. Darwin: Inheritance of Traits

A biologist observes a population of organisms where some individuals appear to acquire enhanced fea

Easy

Lamarck vs. Darwin: Mechanisms of Evolution

Contrast Darwin's theory of natural selection with Lamarck’s hypothesis of the inheritance of acquir

Easy

Measuring Reproductive Success in Variable Environments

Evolutionary fitness is commonly measured by reproductive success, but environmental factors can inf

Hard

Mechanisms of Speciation

This question evaluates your understanding of speciation processes. Examine different modes of speci

Hard

Media Critique: Evaluating Claims of Rapid Evolution

Critically evaluate a media report claiming that evolution can occur within a single generation. Use

Extreme

Molecular Evidence for Evolution

Molecular comparisons among species can help illustrate common ancestry. The table below shows perce

Medium

Molecular Evidence for Evolution: Cladistic Analysis

Analyze the molecular data provided in the table to construct a cladogram and explain how DNA sequen

Extreme

Morphological Homologies: Evidence of Common Ancestry

Using examples of homologous structures, explain how similarities in anatomical features support the

Hard

Mutation Rates and Environmental Factors

Mutations introduce new genetic variation. Consider a gene with a length of 2000 base pairs and a mu

Extreme

Natural Selection in Fluctuating Environments

A study tracked allele frequencies for a particular trait in a population over a 12-month period wit

Hard

Non-random Mating and Deviations from Equilibrium

Discuss the concept of non-random mating and analyze data to determine its effect on Hardy-Weinberg

Medium

Origins of Life and the Miller–Urey Experiment

The Miller–Urey experiment simulated early Earth’s atmospheric conditions by combining gases (CH4, N

Medium

Peppered Moth Evolution and Natural Selection

Investigate the impact of natural selection on the phenotypic shift in peppered moth populations due

Medium

Peppered Moth Experiment: Natural Selection in Polluted Environments

Researchers set up a controlled enclosure experiment to simulate a polluted environment and study na

Medium

Population Bottlenecks and the Founder Effect

A graph displays a dramatic reduction in population size (a bottleneck event) followed by recovery.

Hard

Population Genetics and Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

A biologist studied a population's genotype frequencies over 10 generations. The table below shows t

Medium

Population Genetics Simulation: Allele Frequency Change Over Time

A simulation of allele frequency in a population over time is represented by the graph provided.

Hard

Rapid Environmental Change and Directional Selection

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

Extreme

Selective Pressures in Plant Populations: Light and Resource Competition

An experiment is conducted on two groups of plants grown under varying light intensities. Researcher

Medium

Sexual Selection and Reproductive Fitness

Examine the concept of sexual selection and its relationship to reproductive fitness in natural popu

Medium

Sexual Selection and Trait Propagation

Analyze the role of sexual selection in driving the evolution of secondary sexual traits. Answer the

Medium

Sexual Selection: Trade-offs in Peafowl

Studies of peafowl indicate that males with larger and more colorful tails are more attractive to fe

Medium

Speciation and Reproductive Isolation

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

Medium

Speciation Mechanisms: Allopatric vs. Sympatric Speciation

Speciation involves the emergence of new species through various mechanisms. Consider the processes

Medium

Testing Differential Reproductive Success

This FRQ challenges you to design a rigorous experiment investigating how variation in a specific tr

Extreme

Testing Non-Random Mating Patterns

This FRQ focuses on the concept of non-random mating and explores its effects on genetic diversity a

Medium

The Peppered Moth Case Study: Directional Selection

Examine the classic case of the peppered moth and answer the following questions:

Medium

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

Understanding Convergent Evolution in Desert Plant Species

Design an experiment to compare both morphological traits and genetic sequences of desert plants tha

Medium
Unit 8: Ecology

Altruism in Animal Groups

Data from behavioral studies on a social species indicate variations in the frequency of altruistic

Medium

Assessing Biodiversity Using Simpson's Diversity Index

A researcher uses Simpson's Diversity Index, given by $$D = 1 - \sum (n_i/N)^2$$, to assess biodiver

Extreme

Assessing Biodiversity using Simpson’s Diversity Index

A field ecologist surveys a pond ecosystem and records the number of organisms for each species. Use

Hard

Assessing Simpson’s Diversity Index in a Forest Ecosystem

An ecologist collects data on tree species abundance within a 1-hectare plot in a temperate forest t

Extreme

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

Chemical Communication and Agonistic Behavior in Insects

In a study, researchers examined how varying concentrations of pheromones affect the level of aggres

Medium

Chemical Communication: Pheromones in Social Insects

A study examined how varying concentrations of pheromones affect foraging success in ants. The table

Medium

Circadian Rhythms in Plants

A botanist investigates how different light/dark cycles affect flowering time in a plant species kno

Easy

Comparative Thermoregulation in Endotherms and Ectotherms

A study claims that differences in metabolic rate lead to more effective behavioral responses to env

Medium

Critical Periods and Imprinting

Examine the diagram provided, which illustrates the imprinting response of hatchling birds over time

Medium

Ecosystem Energy Flow and Ecological Pyramids

An ecologist measured the biomass at different trophic levels within an ecosystem. The table below s

Hard

Energy Transfer Efficiency in an Aquatic Food Web

A marine ecologist aims to quantify energy transfer efficiency across trophic levels in a coastal fo

Extreme

Experimental Evaluation of Habituation in Rodents

An experiment was conducted in which a rodent was repeatedly exposed to a harmless sound. Over time,

Easy

Human Impact on Biodiversity

Environmental scientists compared two regions—one with significant human-induced deforestation and o

Hard

Human Impact: Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss

A conservation biologist is examining the effects of deforestation on species diversity in tropical

Extreme

Human Impacts on Ecosystems: A Study of Pollutant Toxins

Analyze the table below that presents pollutant concentrations in various ecosystems. Address the fo

Hard

Human Impacts: Deforestation Effects on Biodiversity

A study examines the impact of deforestation on species diversity in a tropical forest. Surveys indi

Medium

Impact of Deforestation on Ecosystem Function

Analyze the long-term effects of deforestation and subsequent desertification on ecosystem structure

Extreme

Imprinting Behavior and Critical Period Analysis

A study on imprinting behavior collected data on the critical period durations (in hours) for severa

Medium

Keystone Species and Ecosystem Dynamics

Keystone species have a disproportionate effect on their ecosystems. Answer the following:

Hard

Learning and Neural Adaptations: Habituation vs. Sensitization

Review the graph provided, which displays response intensity over multiple trials for two different

Hard

Learning versus Instinct: Behavioral Adaptations in Navigational Tasks

A study compared the maze navigation times of animals relying solely on instinct versus those allowe

Hard

Photoperiodism and Seasonal Behavior in Plants

Examine the graph provided showing variation in day length over the months of a year. Answer the fol

Medium

Photoperiodism in Flowering Plants

A botanist investigates the effect of day length on flowering in a short-day plant species. The expe

Easy

Plant Tropisms: Phototropism and Gravitropism

In an experiment, a researcher exposes seedlings to directional light and altered gravitational cond

Medium

Plant Tropisms: Phototropism vs. Gravitropism

A study examined the directional growth responses of plants to different stimuli. Observations inclu

Medium

Primary Productivity: Gross vs. Net

A researcher measured both the gross productivity and respiration rate of a photosynthetic community

Extreme

Succession Dynamics Analysis

A study of ecological succession in a barren landscape recorded the types of pioneer species and sub

Medium

Symbiotic Relationships in Coastal Ecosystems

A researcher surveys the symbiotic relationships in a coastal ecosystem. Examples observed include a

Easy

Thermoregulation and Circadian Rhythms in Endotherms and Ectotherms

This question explores how different animals regulate their body temperature and the role of interna

Medium

Trusted by millions

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

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

Need to review before working on AP Biology FRQs?

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

Tips from Former AP Students

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.