AP Biology FRQ Room

Enzymatic Activity and Protein Structure

Enzymes are proteins whose structures are critical to their catalytic function. Examine how environm

Enzyme Activity and Environmental pH

Analyze how changes in pH affect enzyme activity and structure.

Evaluating the Relationship Between Molecular Structure and Biological Function

This FRQ challenges you to examine how the structure of various organic molecules determines their b

FRQ 2: Subatomic Particles and Isotopes

Explain the structure of an atom by discussing the roles of protons, neutrons, and electrons, and il

FRQ 18: Dehydration Synthesis in Proteins versus Carbohydrates

Compare dehydration synthesis reactions in the formation of proteins and carbohydrates, highlighting

Hydrogen Bonding in Water: A Molecular Perspective

A chemist is investigating the unique properties of water that arise from hydrogen bonding. Answer t

Lipids and Membrane Structure

Discuss the roles of phospholipids and cholesterol in maintaining membrane fluidity and integrity, a

Lipids: Structure and Function in Cell Membranes

Discuss the various types of lipids found in biological membranes and their significance in cellular

Macromolecule Synthesis and Breakdown

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

Nucleic Acid Stability Under Temperature Variation

A geneticist investigates the thermal stability of DNA by monitoring its denaturation as the tempera

Nucleic Acids and Genetic Information

Evaluate the structures of nucleic acids and discuss how these structures enable them to perform the

Organic Molecules and Functional Groups

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

Organic Molecules: Dehydration Synthesis and Hydrolysis

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

Protein Structure Analysis

A research lab has isolated a novel protein and characterized its structures using biochemical metho

Protein Structure and Function

Examine the four levels of protein structure and explain how the primary sequence of amino acids inf

Protein Structure and Mutation Analysis

A molecular biologist is investigating the structure of proteins and the effects of mutations.

Subatomic Particles and Elemental Diversity

Discuss the fundamental components of atoms and explain the significance of isotopic variation in bi

Subatomic Structure and Isotope Variation in Atoms

This FRQ focuses on atomic structure and isotopic differences. You will describe the arrangement of

Trace Elements and Enzyme Activity

A biochemist hypothesizes that trace elements, such as copper (Cu), affect the activity of a specifi

Trace Elements in Ecosystem Function

An ecologist is researching the role of trace elements (e.g., iron, iodine, copper) in the health of

Water in Polymer Hydrolysis Reactions

Analyze the role of water in the hydrolysis of polymers.

Water: Unique Properties and Capillary Action

Water exhibits several unique physical properties that are crucial for life. Analyze how these prope

Cell Diffusion Efficiency Based on Radius

A researcher measured the diffusion rates of a solute in cells of varying radii. The theoretical rel

Comparative Analysis of Plant and Animal Cells

Plant and animal cells exhibit distinct structural features that reflect their functions. Answer the

Comparative Analysis of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

The following table lists key features of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Analyze the differences

Comparing Passive and Active Transport under Variable Conditions

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

Cytoskeleton Function and Cellular Dynamics

The cytoskeleton is essential for maintaining cell shape, enabling movement, and facilitating cell d

Cytoskeleton Structural Stability Experiment

Researchers conducted an experiment to determine the role of the cytoskeleton in maintaining cell sh

Dialysis and Solute Diffusion Analysis

This FRQ explores how the principles of diffusion are utilized in dialysis to remove solutes from th

Differences Between Plant and Animal Cells

Plant and animal cells share many features but also display distinct differences. Analyze these diff

Energy Conversion in Mitochondria vs. Peroxisomes

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

Golgi Apparatus Function Analysis

An experiment was designed to study the role of the Golgi apparatus in processing and packaging prot

Kinetics of Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis

This question integrates data analysis with kinetic concepts to understand receptor-mediated endocyt

Membrane Transport: Diffusion and Osmosis

This question examines membrane transport through calculations using the water potential equation an

Microscopy and its Applications in Cell Biology

Microscopy is a fundamental tool for exploring cell structure. Compare and contrast light microscope

Microscopy in Cellular Biology

This question explores the application of different microscopy techniques in cellular biology.

Microscopy: Light versus Electron

This question investigates the advantages and limitations of different microscopic techniques in stu

Mitochondrial Function and Energy Production

This question focuses on the role of mitochondria in energy production and the relationship between

Mitochondrial Structure and ATP Production Efficiency

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

Nuclear Organization and Function

The nucleus is central to eukaryotic cell function. (a) Explain the role of the nucleus in gene reg

Osmosis and Tonicity in Plant Cells

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

Osmosis and Water Potential in Cells

This question assesses understanding of osmosis, water potential, and the consequences of solute con

Plasma Membrane Structure and Function

A cell biologist investigates how the composition of the plasma membrane affects its transport funct

Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cellular Organization

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

Role of Plasma Membrane in Selective Permeability

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

Sodium-Potassium Pump: Active Transport and Energy Consumption

A biochemist is investigating the sodium-potassium pump in animal cells. The pump moves 3 Na+ ions o

Transport Proteins Functionality: Channels vs Pumps

This FRQ examines the differences between passive transport via channel proteins and active transpor

ATP Yield in Cellular Respiration

A student analyzes the stages of cellular respiration to determine the ATP yield from glycolysis, py

Cellular Respiration Stages and Energy Production

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

Chemiosmosis and Proton Gradient Analysis

Explain the process of chemiosmosis and analyze how the proton gradient is generated and utilized in

Coenzymes and their Roles in Enzymatic Reactions

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

Cofactors and Coenzymes in Enzyme Function

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

Comparative ATP Production in Cellular Respiration vs Photosynthesis

A researcher compares energy production in heterotrophic cells via cellular respiration and in autot

Designing an Experiment on Allosteric Regulation

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

Electron Transport and ATP Production Correlation

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

Electron Transport Chain (ETC) and Oxidative Phosphorylation

This question explores the mechanism of the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation i

Energy Conversion Comparisons: Photosynthesis vs. Cellular Respiration

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

Energy Diagrams Analysis

Analyze the energy diagram provided to determine the type of reaction depicted. Use the graph to ext

Enzyme Kinetics Analysis

A researcher conducts an experiment where the rate of an enzyme reaction is measured at varying subs

Evaluation of Light Wavelength Effects on Photosynthetic Pigment Absorption

A group of researchers aimed to determine the absorption spectra of various photosynthetic pigments

Impact of Allosteric Inhibitors on Enzyme Regulation

A table below shows enzyme reaction rates in the presence of various concentrations of an inhibitor.

Impact of pH on ATP Hydrolysis Rate

Review the table below showing rates of ATP hydrolysis at various pH levels. Analyze the data to det

Impact of pH on Photosynthetic Efficiency

Design an experiment to investigate the effect of pH on the rate of photosynthesis in aquatic plants

pH Effects on Enzyme Function

This question investigates how pH influences enzyme structure and function.

Reaction Coupling and ATP Hydrolysis

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

Reaction Coupling in Metabolic Pathways

Define reaction coupling in cellular metabolism and design a hypothetical pathway where it is essent

Regulation of Metabolic Pathways in Cellular Respiration

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

Temperature and pH Effects on Enzyme Activity

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

Temperature Dependence of Enzyme Activity

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

The Calvin Cycle and Carbon Fixation

This question examines the biochemical steps of the Calvin cycle and its regulation in different pla

Thermodynamics in Coupled Metabolic Reactions

This question challenges you to integrate thermodynamic principles with the concept of reaction coup

Analyzing Signal Transduction Pathways: Crosstalk and Amplification

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

Apoptosis Trigger Mechanisms in Damaged Cells

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

Bacterial Chemotaxis Investigation

A scientist is investigating the chemotactic behavior of a unicellular bacterium in response to vary

Cell Cycle Disruption and Cancer Development

Mutations affecting cell cycle regulators can lead to cancer. Answer the following questions regardi

Cell Cycle Dysregulation and Apoptosis

Failure of cell cycle checkpoints can lead to uncontrolled cell division and trigger programmed cell

Cell Division Regulation: Unicellular vs. Multicellular Organisms

Cell division is regulated differently in unicellular and multicellular organisms. Part a: Compare

Chemotaxis and Signal Transduction in Unicellular Organisms

This question examines how unicellular organisms use chemotaxis to detect and respond to environment

Comparative Analysis of Membrane Receptor Classes

Cells utilize various classes of membrane receptors to perceive and respond to external signals. Con

Comparative Analysis of Membrane Receptors

Various classes of membrane receptors differ in structure and function. A researcher is comparing li

Comparative Analysis of Mitosis and Cytokinesis

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

Comparative Signal Transduction in Cancerous vs. Normal Cells

Construct an experimental plan to compare the activation of signal transduction pathways in cancerou

Cyclin-Dependent Kinases and Cell Cycle Progression

An experiment measured cyclin concentrations during different phases of the cell cycle. The data bel

Effects of Toxins on Receptor Function

Certain toxins act as competitive inhibitors by binding to the ligand-binding sites of membrane rece

G-Protein Coupled Receptor Dynamics

Researchers are investigating the impact of a single amino acid mutation in a G-protein coupled rece

Impact of Environmental Stimuli on Unicellular Organisms

Unicellular organisms rely on taxis to navigate their environments. Answer the following questions r

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

Mathematical Modeling of Diffusion in Signal Transduction

This question explores the diffusion of signaling molecules using Fick's First Law and requires a mu

Mitosis and Chromosome Segregation

This question focuses on the stages of mitosis and the mechanisms that ensure accurate chromosome se

Negative Feedback in Homeostasis: Regulation of Blood Glucose

This question explores homeostatic regulation through negative feedback mechanisms, focusing on bloo

Receptor Binding and Signal Specificity

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

Regulation of the Cell Cycle: Cyclins and CDKs

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

Role of G-protein Coupled Receptors in Cell Signaling

G-protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) play a crucial role in transmitting external signals into a cell

Signal Amplification in Cellular Communication

A cell receives a low concentration of a signaling molecule, yet the resulting intracellular respons

Signal Transduction and Metabolic Enzyme Regulation

This question explores the interplay between signal transduction pathways and metabolic regulation,

Signal Transduction Cascade Analysis

A researcher is analyzing the signal transduction cascade initiated by ligand binding to a plasma me

Signal Transduction in Immune Response Activation

A study examines the activation levels of immune cells following exposure to a pathogen-associated m

Signal Transduction Pathway Analysis in Eukaryotic Cells

A research lab studies a hormone signaling pathway in eukaryotic cells. In this pathway, the hormone

Temporal Coordination of DNA Replication and the S Phase

Accurate DNA replication during the S phase is essential for genomic stability. Evaluate the timing

Visual Analysis of a Cell Cycle Schematic

A schematic diagram of the cell cycle has been provided. Analyze this diagram in detail.

Application of Probability Rules in Genetics

A plant with genotype RrYy produces gametes following independent assortment. If the probability of

Assessing Genetic Variation through Test Cross Design

A researcher conducted a test cross by mating a dominant phenotype plant with a recessive phenotype

Assessing Recombination Frequency in Linked Genes

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

Barr Bodies and X-Inactivation

X-inactivation is a key mechanism to ensure dosage compensation in females. Describe the process of

Chromosomal Nondisjunction and Developmental Defects

Errors during meiosis can lead to nondisjunction, resulting in abnormal chromosome numbers (aneuploi

Comparative Analysis of Inheritance Patterns

Modern genetics recognizes both Mendelian and non‐Mendelian patterns of inheritance. Compare and con

Comparative Analysis of Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis

A reproductive biologist is comparing the processes of spermatogenesis and oogenesis to understand t

Comparative Analysis: Spermatogenesis versus Oogenesis

Spermatogenesis and oogenesis are two distinct processes of gamete formation in animals. Each proces

Comparing Mitosis and Meiosis

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

Contrasting Inheritance Patterns: Polygenic, Codominance, and Incomplete Dominance

Discuss how polygenic inheritance, codominance, and incomplete dominance differ in their effects on

Critiquing an Experimental Protocol on Linked Genes Mapping

A genetics laboratory designed an experiment to map linked genes on a chromosome by calculating reco

Determining Genotypes through Test Crosses

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

Differences Between Meiosis I and II

Meiosis is divided into two successive divisions, each with unique characteristics. Compare and cont

Environmental Influence on Phenotypic Plasticity

Environmental factors can influence the phenotype even when the genotype remains constant. This phen

Epigenetics and the Influence of the Environment

Environmental factors can alter gene expression through epigenetic modifications. Answer the followi

Evaluating Environmental Effects on Phenotypic Plasticity in Plants

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

Examining Dihybrid Cross and Independent Assortment in Pea Plants

Design an experiment using a dihybrid cross in pea plants to test Mendel’s Law of Independent Assort

Examining Meiotic Nondisjunction and Its Consequences in Model Organisms

Design an experiment using a model organism (e.g., fruit flies or yeast) to study the effects of non

Experimental Design in Genetics: Detecting Linked Genes

Designing experiments to determine whether two genes are linked requires careful planning and analys

Exploring X-Chromosome Inactivation and Barr Bodies

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

Gamete Production and Fertilization

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

Gene Mapping and Crossing-Over Analysis

In a genetic mapping experiment, a researcher obtained the following recombination frequencies: | G

Haploid and Diploid Cells

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

Haploid vs Diploid Analysis and Gamete Formation

A researcher is investigating the fundamentals of cell division and gametogenesis. The study compare

Incomplete Dominance in Snapdragon Flowers

When a red-flowered snapdragon (genotype RR) is crossed with a white-flowered snapdragon (genotype W

Interplay Between Mendelian and Non-Mendelian Inheritance

A series of crosses were performed demonstrating both Mendelian traits and non-Mendelian inheritance

Interpreting Pedigree Data

Given the following simplified pedigree data for a trait that appears to be recessive: | Generation

Investigating Gene Expression and Pedigree Data for Sex-linked Conditions

Analyze the provided pedigree data for a sex-linked condition (e.g., hemophilia) and predict inherit

Maternal Inheritance of Mitochondrial Traits in Plants

Design an experiment to investigate the maternal inheritance of mitochondrial traits in a plant spec

Meiosis: Stages and Their Significance

Meiosis is critical for gamete formation and genetic diversity. Describe the key differences between

Mendelian Genetics and the Law of Dominance

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

Non-Mendelian Inheritance: Codominance in Flower Color

A researcher is investigating flower color in a plant species known to have codominant alleles for r

Pedigree Analysis and Carrier Probability

In a pedigree study of an autosomal recessive trait, individual III-2 has an affected sibling while

Punnett Square Analysis of Sex-Linked Crosses

Consider a cross between a carrier female (X^N X^n) and a normal male (X^N Y) for an X-linked recess

Recombinant Frequencies and Genetic Map Construction

Using recombination frequencies is a standard method for constructing genetic maps. In this scenario

Revisiting Mendel's Laws

Review Mendel's three principles of inheritance—the Law of Dominance, the Law of Segregation, and th

Sex-Linked Inheritance in Pedigree Data

A geneticist analyzed a set of pedigree data for a trait suspected to be X-linked. The table below s

Sex-linked Trait Analysis using a Pedigree

A genetic counselor analyzed a pedigree chart to study the inheritance of a sex-linked trait within

Test Cross Analysis for Genotype Determination

A test cross is used to determine the genotype of an individual with a dominant phenotype. In this s

Advances in DNA Sequencing Techniques

Examine Sanger sequencing and next-generation sequencing technologies, and compare their respective

Chromatin Remodeling and Epigenetic Regulation Experiment

A researcher treats cultured cells with a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor to study its effects

Comparative Structures of DNA and RNA

DNA and RNA have distinct structural differences that underlie their different biological functions.

DNA Double Helix Structure Interpretation

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

DNA Packaging and Histone Modifications

Chromatin structure, including histone modifications, plays a critical role in regulating gene expre

DNA Polymerase Proofreading and Replication Fidelity

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

DNA Replication Dynamics and Enzyme Function

A research laboratory is investigating the roles of various enzymes in DNA replication. Using the pr

DNA Replication Efficiency Experiment

A researcher is investigating the effect of DNA polymerase concentration on the rate of DNA replicat

DNA Replication Kinetics

This question explores the kinetics of DNA replication. Imagine a cell where each replication fork s

Effects of DNA Mutations on Protein Structure

An enzyme activity assay is conducted on proteins translated from genes harboring different point mu

Effects of Inducers on the lac Operon Expression

Design a controlled experiment to assess the impact of varying lactose concentrations on the express

Effects of Mutations on Protein Function

Analyze different types of point mutations and discuss their potential impacts on protein synthesis.

Energy Consumption in DNA Replication by Helicase

Helicase unwinds the DNA double helix during replication. Suppose unwinding 1 kilobase (kb) of DNA r

Exploring the Role of Telomerase in Telomere Length Maintenance

Design an experiment to investigate the effects of telomerase activity on telomere length in culture

FRQ 5: Translation and Protein Synthesis

An mRNA transcript carrying a mutation in its start codon is introduced into an in vitro translation

Gel Electrophoresis and RFLP Analysis

Answer the following questions related to gel electrophoresis and restriction fragment length polymo

Hox Genes and Embryonic Development

Analyze the role of Hox genes in embryonic development and the impact of their mutation on organisma

Impacts of Genetic Mutations on Protein Synthesis

Considering different types of genetic mutations, answer the following questions regarding their eff

Operon Function and Regulation

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

Regulation of Gene Expression in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

Compare the mechanisms of gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, highlighting both shared pr

Semiconservative Replication and DNA Parental Strands

Semiconservative replication results in daughter DNA molecules that each contain one parental strand

Transcription Rate Under Promoter Mutations

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

Abiotic Selective Pressures in an Arid Environment

In an arid region experiencing prolonged drought, a native plant species faces severe water scarcity

Adaptive Traits and Finch Beak Variation

A population of finches exhibits variation in beak size that correlates with environmental condition

Artificial Selection and Crop Improvement

Agricultural scientists use artificial selection to improve traits such as yield in wheat crops. Dat

Artificial Selection Data Analysis

A table provides data on a trait (e.g., beak size in birds) assessed over several generations under

Artificial vs. Natural Selection

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

Biogeographical Patterns and Evolution

Biogeography provides key evidence for evolution by examining the distribution of species across geo

Comparative Analysis of Convergent and Divergent Evolution

Define and compare convergent and divergent evolution, and discuss how these processes are driven by

Comparative Analysis of Morphological Homologies in Vertebrates

Discuss the significance of morphological homologies in understanding evolutionary relationships amo

Comparative Embryology and Evolutionary Development

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

Comparing Evolutionary Theories: Darwin vs. Lamarck

Answer the following questions comparing two evolutionary theories:

Constructing a Phylogenetic Tree

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

Constructing and Interpreting Phylogenetic Trees

A phylogenetic analysis yields a graphical representation of evolutionary relationships among severa

Darwin vs. Lamarck: Mechanisms of Evolution

The theories proposed by Charles Darwin and Jean-Baptiste Lamarck offer different explanations for h

Darwin's Observations and Natural Selection

A researcher reviews historical data and observations that contributed to Darwin's formulation of na

Designing an Experiment on Environmental Impact on Evolution

Design a controlled experiment to test how a specific abiotic factor influences the rate of evolutio

Ecological Interactions Driving Evolution

Population dynamics of predators and prey can exert selective pressures that drive evolutionary chan

Embryological Evidence for a Common Ancestry

Embryological studies, including the presence of gill slits in vertebrate embryos, have been used as

Environmental Pressure and Enzyme Activity

A study investigates how enzyme activity in an organism changes with temperature. A graph depicting

Environmental Pressures and Phenotypic Traits

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

Enzyme Activity Variation in Fish Gill Cells under Different pH Conditions

In this experiment, a researcher isolates gill cells from a fish species and measures the activity o

Evaluating Experimental Methods in Evolution Research

Evaluate a media claim regarding rapid evolution by analyzing experimental methods used in studying

Evaluating Inheritance Theories: Lamarck vs Darwin

In a laboratory simulation, two populations of snails were observed over 10 generations. One populat

Evaluating Mutation Effects on Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

This FRQ examines how an increase in mutation rates can disturb Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in a popu

Evolution of Enzyme Function in Variable Environments

A study examines the catalytic activity of an enzyme extracted from a plant species and how it chang

Evolutionary Fitness and Changing Interactions

Discuss the concept of evolutionary fitness and analyze how changing ecological interactions, such a

Experimental Design in Artificial Selection: Domestication Traits

This FRQ examines the principles of artificial selection in the context of domestication. Consider h

Factors Disrupting Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

Discuss the factors that can disrupt Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in a population:

Fossil Evidence and Phylogenetic Trees

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

Gene Flow and Its Impact on Population Genetics

Gene flow plays a critical role in shaping genetic diversity within populations. Examine how migrati

Gene Flow and Local Adaptation

Examine how immigration and emigration (gene flow) affect allele frequencies and influence local ada

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and Population Genetics

A biologist studies a large, randomly mating population under conditions presumed to follow Hardy-We

Integrative Analysis of Evolutionary Mechanisms

Evolution is driven by multiple mechanisms that can interact simultaneously. Answer the following:

Interpreting Phylogenetic Trees and Common Ancestry

Analyze a simplified phylogenetic tree to infer evolutionary relationships among vertebrate species

Lamarck vs Darwin: Mechanisms of Evolution

Evaluate the differences between Lamarck’s theory of acquired traits and Darwin’s theory of natural

Lamarckian vs Darwinian Evolution

In a laboratory experiment, a population of unicellular organisms is exposed to a novel stressor. Ov

Mechanisms of Speciation and Reproductive Isolation

Examine the different mechanisms of speciation and the role of reproductive isolation in the evoluti

Mendelian Inheritance and Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium Misinterpretation

In this experiment, a researcher studies the genetic structure of a small beetle population by genot

Miller-Urey Experiment and Organic Compounds

Evaluate the significance of the Miller-Urey experiment in understanding the origin of life on Earth

Miller-Urey Experiment and the Origin of Organic Molecules

In an experiment simulating early Earth conditions, scientists introduced a mixture of gases, applie

Molecular Evidence and Evolutionary Relationships

Examine how molecular data, such as DNA or protein sequences, provide evidence for common ancestry a

Molecular Evidence for Common Ancestry

A research study compares the genetic sequence of a particular gene across several mammalian species

Morphological Homologies vs. Analogous Structures

Differentiate between morphological homologies and analogous structures and explain their significan

Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift in Evolution

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

Mutation, Genetic Drift, and Evolutionary Change

Mutations, genetic drift, and gene flow are mechanisms that contribute to genetic variation. Analyze

Natural Selection Under Changing Environmental Conditions

Analyze how environmental changes impact allele frequencies in a population based on provided experi

Natural Selection vs Genetic Drift

In a small isolated population, both natural selection and genetic drift can affect allele frequenci

Peppered Moth Case Study: Data Interpretation

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

Peppered Moths and Directional Selection

Examine how environmental changes influenced natural selection in peppered moths. Answer the followi

Peppered Moths: An Example of Natural Selection

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

Population Bottlenecks and Founder Effects

Population bottlenecks and founder effects are important examples of genetic drift. Evaluate how the

Population Bottlenecks and Genetic Drift

Population bottlenecks can profoundly influence genetic diversity through genetic drift. Consider th

Reproductive Isolation in Speciation

Discuss the role of reproductive isolation mechanisms in the speciation process.

Selective Pressures in Plant Populations: Light and Resource Competition

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

Sexual Selection and Evolutionary Dynamics

Analyze the role of sexual selection in evolution and discuss the cost-benefit trade-offs associated

Sexual Selection and Evolutionary Trade-Offs

Examine the role of sexual selection in evolution and its potential trade-offs:

Sexual Selection and Trait Exaggeration

The table below records data on male bird tail lengths and their corresponding number of mating part

Sexual Selection and Trait Variation

A study explores the relationship between male tail length and mating success. The graph provided sh

Simulating Early Earth: The Miller-Urey Experiment

The Miller-Urey experiment attempted to simulate early Earth conditions and resulted in the formatio

Testing Differential Reproductive Success

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

Testing the RNA-World Hypothesis with Laboratory Simulations

This FRQ investigates the RNA-world hypothesis by asking you to design a detailed experimental proto

The RNA World Hypothesis

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

The Role of Sexual Selection in Trait Evolution

Sexual selection is a powerful evolutionary force often driving dramatic trait exaggeration. Using t

Altruistic Behavior and Group Dynamics

Altruistic behavior, in which an individual benefits another at a cost to itself, poses interesting

Altruistic Behavior and Group Fitness in Social Insects

In some social insects, altruistic behavior by individuals can increase overall colony survival desp

Altruistic Behavior and Kin Selection

A behavioral ecologist investigates altruistic behavior in social mammals with a focus on kin select

Analyzing Population Growth Using the r Equation

A researcher studying an insect population collected data on births and deaths over one generation a

Animal Communication: Pheromones and Agonistic Behaviors

This FRQ focuses on the various ways animals communicate, emphasizing chemical signaling and social

Carrying Capacity and Population Regulation

This final question examines the concept of carrying capacity and how external factors can regulate

Carrying Capacity and Population Stability

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

Chemical Communication Analysis

A study was conducted to analyze how varying concentrations of pheromones affect the frequency of a

Climate Change Effects on Population Dynamics and Distribution

Assess the potential impacts of climate change on species' population growth and geographic distribu

Differentiating Gravitropism and Thigmotropism in Climbing Plants

Researchers studied climbing plants’ responses to gravitational and touch stimuli, claiming that gra

Ecological Pyramid and Energy Transfer

Analyze the provided table displaying energy values across different trophic levels in an ecosystem.

Ecological Pyramids and Energy Transfer Efficiency

In many ecosystems, only about 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next. Cons

Ecological Succession in a Post-Volcanic Landscape

Investigate the process of primary ecological succession following a volcanic eruption, focusing on

Ecosystem Analysis of Keystone Species

An ecosystem study involved the experimental removal of a keystone species. Data on species populati

Evaluating Mutualistic Symbiosis

Examine a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga that forms lichen. Data on growth rate

Exponential Growth in Bacterial Cultures

A bacterial culture starts with 100 cells and doubles every 3 hours. The growth is modeled by the eq

Habituation Response Analysis

In an experiment designed to study habituation, an animal's response magnitude to a repeated stimulu

Human Impact: Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss

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

Instinct, Learning, and Imprinting in Birds

A researcher studies the behavior of ducklings with respect to imprinting. In the absence of their m

Interactions of Endothermy and Behavior

A researcher examines energy expenditure in birds by comparing endothermic metabolic costs and the i

Photoperiodism and Flowering in Plants

Photoperiodism is a critical factor influencing the reproductive cycle in many plants. This FRQ expl

Photoperiodism and Plant Flowering

Plants rely on photoperiodism—the response to the duration of day and night—to time essential proces

Plant Tropisms: Phototropism and Gravitropism

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

Population Dynamics Calculation

A monitored animal population provided data on births, deaths, and total population size over time.

Primary Productivity: Gross vs. Net

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

Simpson’s Diversity Index Calculation

An environmental scientist collects data on species in a forest plot: Species A - 40 individuals, Sp

Symbiotic Relationships: Mutualism, Commensalism, and Parasitism

Symbiotic relationships define the interactions between different species living in close associatio