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AP Biology Free Response Questions

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

  • View all (250)
  • Unit 1: Chemistry of Life (17)
  • Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function (35)
  • Unit 3: Cellular Energetics (35)
  • Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle (24)
  • Unit 5: Heredity (28)
  • Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation (21)
  • Unit 7: Natural Selection (67)
  • Unit 8: Ecology (23)
Unit 1: Chemistry of Life

Carbon and the Formation of Organic Molecules

A molecular biologist is examining why carbon is uniquely suited to form the complex organic molecul

Easy

Designing a Cellular Component Experiment

A researcher is examining the effect of trace elements on enzyme activity in plant cells. The experi

Medium

Elemental Composition and Isotopes in Biological Molecules

You are presented with information about the elements that form biological molecules and the occurre

Hard

Enzymatic Activity and Protein Structure

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

Medium

Evaluating the Impact of pH on Carbohydrate Structures

A biologist is investigating how pH changes affect the stability of carbohydrate polymers, focusing

Medium

Exploring the Role of Water as a Solvent in Acid-Base Reactions

A chemist is interested in water's role as a solvent in facilitating acid-base reactions. An experim

Medium

Hydrogen Bonding in Water: A Molecular Perspective

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

Hard

Investigating Water's Unique Properties

A researcher investigates the unique properties of water and how they contribute to biological proce

Medium

Lipid Saturation and Membrane Fluidity

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

Hard

Lipids: Structure and Membrane Function

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

Medium

Nucleic Acids: Structure, Function, and Polymerization

Explore the structure and synthesis of nucleic acids. Analyze how nucleotide properties contribute t

Hard

pH and Enzyme Activity

Examine the influence of pH on enzyme structure and activity.

Hard

Polysaccharides and Their Biological Functions

Examine the structural differences among various polysaccharides and discuss how these differences r

Easy

Protein Structure and Denaturation Under pH Variation

A researcher investigates how varying pH levels affect protein structure and enzyme activity. In the

Medium

Structure and Function of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates such as starch and cellulose are both polymers of glucose but differ in their glycosid

Easy

The Role of Electrostatic Interactions in Molecular Function

A study is investigating how electrostatic interactions, such as ionic bonds and polar covalent bond

Easy

Water's Role in Homeostasis

Discuss how the unique properties of water contribute to homeostasis in biological systems.

Medium
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

Active Transport and the Sodium-Potassium Pump

The sodium-potassium pump actively transports ions by moving 3 Na⁺ ions out of the cell and 2 K⁺ ion

Hard

Active Transport and the Sodium-Potassium Pump

This question focuses on active transport mechanisms with emphasis on the sodium-potassium pump and

Easy

Active Transport: The Sodium-Potassium Pump

The sodium-potassium pump maintains essential ion gradients across the plasma membrane. Answer the f

Hard

Active vs Passive Ion Transport Experiment

In an effort to differentiate between active and passive ion transport, researchers used ion-selecti

Extreme

Chloroplast Function Under Variable Light Intensities

Design an experiment to investigate how changes in light intensity affect the rate of photosynthesis

Medium

Cilia and Flagella: Structure and Function

Cilia and flagella are specialized structures that aid in cell movement. Answer the following:

Easy

Cilia and Flagella: Structure-Function Analysis

This FRQ examines how the structure of cilia and flagella affects their locomotive properties.

Easy

Comparative Analysis of Endocytic Pathways

Different types of endocytosis include pinocytosis, phagocytosis, and receptor-mediated endocytosis.

Easy

Comparative Analysis of Plant and Animal Cells

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

Easy

Comparative Analysis of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

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

Medium

Comparative Analysis: Plant and Animal Cells

This FRQ compares structural features of plant and animal cells and their functional implications.

Easy

Comparative Function of Ribosomes

Ribosomes play a critical role in protein synthesis, and their structure varies between prokaryotes

Medium

Critically Evaluating Cellular Storage: Vacuoles in Plant Cells

A research paper claims that central vacuoles in plant cells are essential for maintaining turgor pr

Medium

Cytoskeletal Dynamics in Cell Movement

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

Easy

Cytoskeletal Elements and Vesicle Transport

In a study of intracellular transport, researchers examined the effect of cytoskeletal inhibitors on

Hard

Cytoskeleton Function and Cellular Dynamics

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

Hard

Endocytosis and Exocytosis Processes

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

Medium

Endoplasmic Reticulum and Protein Sorting

A cell biologist examines how the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is involved in protein sorting and how

Hard

Endosymbiotic Theory Evidence Analysis

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

Hard

Energy Considerations in Passive vs. Active Transport

A physiologist is comparing the energy requirements of passive diffusion and active transport, espec

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

Mitochondrial ATP Production

A cell oxidizes 0.002 moles of glucose per minute. Given that one mole of glucose yields 36 moles of

Hard

Mitochondrial Function and Cellular Respiration

A biologist obtains experimental data showing oxygen consumption in cells under varying concentratio

Medium

Nuclear Organization and Function

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

Medium

Organelles and Their Functions in Eukaryotic Cells

A cell biologist is examining the functions of several organelles in eukaryotic cells, including the

Medium

Osmosis and Water Potential Calculations

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

Hard

Plasma Membrane Protein Localization Study

In an experiment to determine the localization of receptor proteins, researchers used fluorescently

Hard

Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis Efficiency

Design an experiment to evaluate the efficiency of receptor-mediated endocytosis in cells exposed to

Hard

Ribosome Structure and Protein Synthesis

A biologist investigates the role of ribosomes in protein synthesis, as well as the effects of ribos

Medium

Ribosomes and Protein Synthesis

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

Medium

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

Scaling of Metabolic Waste Accumulation with Cell Volume

As a cell increases in size, waste production (proportional to cell volume) may outpace waste remova

Hard

Surface Area-to-Volume Ratio and Cell Function

A researcher is studying how cell size affects the efficiency of nutrient and waste exchange. Consid

Medium

Surface Area-to-Volume Ratio in Cells

A spherical cell’s surface area is given by $$4 * \pi * r^2$$ and its volume by $$\frac{4}{3} * \pi

Medium
Unit 3: Cellular Energetics

Allosteric Regulation and Enzyme Activity Modulation

Investigate the impact of allosteric inhibitors on enzyme kinetics by analyzing the provided graph w

Extreme

Anaerobic Respiration: Fermentation in Muscle Cells and Yeast

This question investigates anaerobic respiration pathways in muscle cells and yeast, focusing on the

Medium

Analysis of a Thylakoid Membrane Diagram

Examine the provided schematic diagram of a thylakoid membrane during the light reactions of photosy

Extreme

ATP and Reaction Coupling

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

Medium

ATP Yield in Cellular Respiration

This question integrates knowledge of cellular respiration to explore ATP production.

Medium

Chloroplast Structure and Efficiency of Photosynthesis

Discuss how the structure of chloroplasts contributes to the efficiency of photosynthesis.

Easy

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

Comparative Analysis of Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration both rely on electron transport chains. Analyze and compare

Medium

Comparative ATP Production in Cellular Respiration vs Photosynthesis

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

Extreme

Competitive and Noncompetitive Inhibition

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

Hard

Coupling of Endergonic and Exergonic Reactions in Metabolism

This question examines the coupling of endergonic and exergonic reactions in cellular metabolism.

Hard

Electron Transport and ATP Production Correlation

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

Medium

Energy Diagrams and Reaction Coupling

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

Medium

Enzyme Kinetics: Saturation and Reaction Rates

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

Medium

Enzyme Specificity and Active Site Dynamics

Enzymes are highly specific catalysts in biological reactions. Their function depends on precise int

Medium

Enzyme Specificity and the Induced-fit Model

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

Easy

Evaluation of Light Wavelength Effects on Photosynthetic Pigment Absorption

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

Hard

Experimental Design for Enzyme Activity Under Varying pH

Design an experiment to study how pH affects the activity of an enzyme. Use mathematical modeling to

Hard

Impact of Enzyme Concentration on Reaction Rate

An experiment was conducted in which the concentration of an enzyme was varied while maintaining a c

Easy

Impact of pH on Photosynthetic Efficiency

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

Medium

Impact of Temperature and pH on Enzymatic Activity

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

Medium

Inhibition of the Krebs Cycle via Competitive Inhibitors

A researcher investigates the effect of a competitive inhibitor on a key enzyme of the Krebs cycle.

Hard

Investigation of ATP Synthase Activity via Proton Gradient Manipulation

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

Hard

Investigation of Photosynthesis Efficiency in Isolated Chloroplasts

A research group isolates chloroplasts from spinach leaves to investigate the rate of photosynthesis

Medium

Light Reactions vs. Calvin Cycle in Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis comprises two major phases: the light reactions and the Calvin cycle. A researcher is

Easy

Metabolic Adaptations During Intense Exercise

During intense exercise, muscle cells switch from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism. Analyze the metab

Extreme

Metabolic Regulation via Feedback Inhibition

Feedback inhibition is a key regulatory mechanism in metabolism. Discuss its role and provide an exa

Medium

Photosynthesis Rate vs Light Intensity

Photosynthesis is influenced by light intensity. In this problem, analyze experimental data relating

Medium

Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex (PDC) and its Role in Respiration

This question examines the conversion of pyruvic acid to acetyl-CoA by the pyruvate dehydrogenase co

Medium

Regulation of Enzyme Activity

A biochemist studies how enzyme activity is regulated by environmental factors and allosteric effect

Easy

Role of ATP in Cellular Energy Transfer

Discuss the role of ATP in cellular energy transfer by answering the following parts.

Easy

Stages of Cellular Respiration and Energy Yield

Cellular respiration converts glucose into ATP through a series of metabolic stages. Outline these s

Medium

Temperature Effects on Enzyme Kinetics

A biochemist examines how temperature influences enzyme activity in controlled experiments.

Medium

Thermodynamics in Cellular Processes

A cellular biologist is studying how cells maintain order despite continuous energy transformations.

Medium

Thermodynamics in Coupled Metabolic Reactions

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

Extreme
Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle

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

Apoptosis Trigger Mechanisms in Damaged Cells

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

Hard

Cell Cycle Checkpoint Analysis

Checkpoint regulation ensures that errors during the cell cycle do not propagate. Analyze how delays

Medium

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

A study claims that increased levels of the p53 protein in response to DNA damage arrest the cell cy

Medium

Cell Cycle Regulation and Cancer

This question addresses the regulatory mechanisms of the cell cycle and the potential consequences w

Hard

Chemotaxis in Unicellular Organisms

A researcher is investigating the chemotactic response of a bacterial species to an attractant. The

Medium

Comparative Study of Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes

Researchers compare mutation frequencies in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes across several canc

Medium

Cyclin/CDK Complex Activation Kinetics

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

Medium

Cytokinesis and Mitotic Spindle Dynamics

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

Medium

Differences Between Ligand-Gated Ion Channels and Enzyme-Linked Receptors

In a comparative study, cellular response times to stimuli activating ligand-gated ion channels and

Easy

Enzyme-Linked Receptors in Cellular Metabolism

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

Medium

G-Protein-Coupled Receptors and cAMP Amplification

An endocrinologist studies the effect of adrenaline on heart cells, focusing on its interaction with

Hard

Integration of Cellular Signals: Crosstalk Between Pathways

This question delves into the interactions between different signal transduction pathways (signal cr

Extreme

Interphase Dynamics and DNA Replication

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

Easy

Mathematical Modeling of Ligand-Receptor Interactions

Researchers model the binding of ligands to cell surface receptors using the equation $$B = \frac{B_

Medium

Mathematical Modeling of Signal Amplification

Cellular signaling pathways often feature amplification steps that magnify the initial signal. Throu

Easy

Mitosis and Its Role in Tissue Repair

Mitosis is essential for tissue repair and regeneration. Refer to the diagram provided to answer the

Medium

Oncogene Activation and Cancer Cell Proliferation

A study compares normal cells with cells engineered to overexpress an oncogene. Researchers measure

Hard

Role of Cyclins and CDKs in the Cell Cycle

Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are central regulators of the cell cycle. Consider the f

Medium

Signal Amplification and Cascade Effects

An experiment aims to demonstrate signal amplification within a cell signaling cascade. The claim is

Hard

Signal Transduction Cascade and Receptor Saturation

A researcher investigates the effect of a signaling molecule on the activation of a receptor-mediate

Medium

Signal Transduction Cascade: Ligand Binding and Amplification

This question focuses on the mechanism of signal transduction cascades involving ligand binding and

Medium

Signaling Molecule Binding Specificity

Receptor-ligand interactions are critical for signal transduction specificity. Use the provided diag

Hard

Temporal Dynamics of Cyclin Concentrations

A graph displays changes in cyclin concentration (in arbitrary units) over time during the cell cycl

Hard
Unit 5: Heredity

Advanced Probability in Dihybrid Crosses

In a dihybrid cross involving two heterozygous traits, a geneticist requires precise probability cal

Extreme

Analyzing Incomplete Dominance and Codominance

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

Easy

Analyzing Pedigree Data to Determine Inheritance Patterns

A genetic counselor is analyzing a pedigree chart showing the inheritance pattern of a particular tr

Medium

Barr Bodies and X Inactivation

This question examines the process of X-inactivation in female mammals and the role of Barr bodies.

Easy

Contrasting Inheritance Patterns: Polygenic, Codominance, and Incomplete Dominance

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

Extreme

Dihybrid Cross and Probability Rules

This question examines the use of the product rule from probability in the context of a dihybrid cro

Medium

Dihybrid Cross and Probability: Tall and Yellow Pea Plants

In pea plants, tall (T) is dominant to short (t) and yellow seeds (Y) are dominant to green seeds (y

Medium

Effects of Nondisjunction on Gamete Formation

During meiosis in a human female, nondisjunction occurs during anaphase I resulting in 1/6 of the ga

Medium

Efficiency of Gametogenesis in Different Organisms

Two organisms were studied for the efficiency of gamete production. The table below presents the per

Medium

Environmental Effects on Phenotype

Discuss the concept of phenotypic plasticity, explaining how organisms with the same genotype can ex

Medium

Environmental Effects on Phenotypes

Environmental factors can modify which traits are expressed by an organism. Answer the following: (

Easy

Environmental Influence on Phenotypic Plasticity

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

Medium

Ethical Implications in Genetic Counseling for Sex-linked Disorders

A recent media report suggests that early genetic screening for sex-linked disorders, such as color

Extreme

Events of Prophase I in Meiosis

Prophase I of meiosis is critical for generating genetic diversity. Answer the following: (a) Descr

Hard

Gene Linkage and Recombination Frequencies

A study on linked genes yielded the following recombination frequencies between three genes, A, B, a

Medium

Impact of Recombination on Genetic Diversity

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

Hard

Integration of Meiosis and Genetic Variation

Discuss how different mechanisms during meiosis contribute to genetic variation and compare these so

Hard

Interplay Between Mendelian and Non-Mendelian Inheritance

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

Medium

Interpreting Pedigree Data

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

Medium

Interpreting Pedigree Data for Inherited Disorders

A pedigree analysis was conducted for a genetic disorder. The table below summarizes information fro

Hard

Monohybrid Cross Punnett Square Analysis

Analyze a monohybrid cross between two heterozygous individuals (Tt x Tt) for a trait where T is dom

Easy

Non-Mendelian Genetics: Incomplete Dominance and Codominance

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

Medium

Pedigree Analysis and Carrier Probability

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

Hard

Probability in Genetic Crosses

Apply the rules of probability to analyze multi-event genetic scenarios.

Hard

Quantitative Analysis of Crossing-over Frequency

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

Hard

Revisiting Mendel's Laws

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

Easy

Sex-Linked Traits and Pedigree Analysis

Sex-linked traits, often associated with the X chromosome, display unique patterns of inheritance. A

Medium

Sex-Linked Traits and Punnett Square Analysis

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

Hard
Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation

Applications of Genetic Engineering

This question explores the applications of genetic engineering, including recombinant DNA technology

Medium

Assessing the Impact of Reverse Transcriptase Activity

Researchers tested the effect of a reverse transcriptase inhibitor on viral load over time in infect

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Leading and Lagging Strand Synthesis

Develop a multi-step experimental design to elucidate differences in the synthesis of leading and la

Medium

Comparative DNA Replication: Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes

Compare the mechanisms of DNA replication in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, highlighting the diff

Extreme

DNA Replication Kinetics

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

Medium

DNA Topology and Supercoiling

Investigate the challenges posed by DNA supercoiling during replication and the role of topoisomeras

Medium

DNA Topology and the Function of Topoisomerases

In an experiment, researchers measured changes in DNA supercoiling when treated with varying concent

Hard

Effects of DNA Mutations on Antiparallel Structure

A diagram provided in the stimulus shows a segment of a double-stranded DNA molecule, with one stran

Easy

Effects of Helicase Inhibition on DNA Replication Fork Progression

Design an experiment to evaluate how inhibition of helicase affects the rate of DNA replication.

Hard

Eukaryotic Gene Regulation Mechanisms

Discuss the complex regulatory mechanisms of gene expression in eukaryotic cells.

Medium

Evaluating Base Pairing Fidelity Under UV Exposure

A lab investigates the effect of UV radiation on DNA integrity. Samples are exposed to varied UV dos

Medium

Gel Electrophoresis and RFLP Analysis

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

Medium

Gene Rearrangements and Phenotypic Outcomes

Discuss the various types of gene rearrangements, their mechanisms, and their possible effects on ph

Hard

Genomic Organization and Chromatin Structure

Discuss how genomic organization affects gene expression.

Easy

Hox Genes and Embryonic Development

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

Hard

Hox Genes and Embryonic Development Timing

This question examines the role of Hox gene expression in embryonic development and body plan organi

Hard

Mechanisms of RNA Interference (RNAi)

A study explored the effectiveness of different RNAi molecules in silencing a target gene in culture

Medium

PCR Amplification and Exponential Growth

In a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a single double-stranded DNA molecule is amplified by a factor

Easy

PCR Amplification Experiment

A researcher employs PCR to amplify a specific gene fragment, varying the number of cycles to observ

Medium

RNA Interference (RNAi) and Post-Transcriptional Regulation

This question explores the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi) and its application in regulating ge

Medium

Transcription Factor Binding and Promoter Strength

In a study, the rate of transcription (R) is modeled as a function of transcription factor concentra

Easy
Unit 7: Natural Selection

Analysis of Darwin's Observations and Natural Selection

This question asks you to analyze Darwin's observations of reproduction, intraspecific variation, an

Medium

Analyzing Allele Frequency Shifts Using Hardy–Weinberg

A population of 500 individuals is studied, and it is observed that 64 individuals display the reces

Medium

Artificial Selection in Drosophila Wing Patterns

In this experiment, a researcher is investigating the outcomes of artificial selection on wing patte

Medium

Artificial Selection: Insights and Consequences

Artificial selection involves human intervention to select for specific traits. Compare this process

Medium

Cladistics and Morphological Homologies

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

Hard

Cladograms and Evolutionary Relationships

Cladograms are visual representations of the evolutionary relationships among organisms. Use the pro

Medium

Constructing a Phylogenetic Tree

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

Easy

Convergent vs. Divergent Evolution

This question examines the differences between convergent and divergent evolution. Use your understa

Medium

Differentiating Directional and Stabilizing Selection

This FRQ explores the differing outcomes of directional versus stabilizing selection on trait distri

Medium

Directional Selection in Alpine Plant Populations

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

Hard

Disruptive Selection in Flower Color Variation

A study investigated flower color variation in a population of plants. The following table displays

Hard

Environmental Change and Natural Selection in Lizards

Evaluate how sudden environmental changes can alter selective pressures within a lizard population.

Hard

Environmental Influences on Natural Selection

Evaluate how different environmental factors, both biotic and abiotic, drive natural selection in a

Medium

Evidence for Evolution: Fossils Analysis

A paleontologist uses fossil records to chart the evolution of a species over millions of years. Ana

Medium

Evidence for Evolution: Fossils, Embryology, and Molecular Data

Evaluate the evidence for evolution provided by different scientific fields including paleontology,

Medium

Evolutionary Stasis and Punctuated Equilibrium

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

Medium

Experimental Analysis of Mutation Rates in Bacteria

In laboratory experiments, mutation rates can be measured by exposing bacterial populations to varyi

Extreme

Experimental Design in Artificial Selection: Domestication Traits

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

Easy

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

Experimental Evolution: Mutation Rates and Population Dynamics

Analyze how mutation rates contribute to evolutionary dynamics in a microbial population.

Extreme

Fossil Record and Evidence for Evolution

Fossils provide critical evidence for understanding evolutionary history. Consider the following tab

Medium

Gene Flow and Adaptation in Populations

Gene flow between populations can alter genetic composition and affect adaptation. The table below s

Medium

Gene Flow and Genetic Drift in Small Populations

Examine the influences of gene flow and genetic drift on small populations:

Medium

Genetic Drift vs. Natural Selection in Beetle Populations

A laboratory experiment divides a large beetle population into two small groups. Group A is exposed

Hard

Genetic Variability and Natural Selection Experiment

This FRQ explores the role of genetic variability in natural selection. Consider how variations with

Easy

Genetic Variability and the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

Genetic variability is a foundation for evolution and is described mathematically by the Hardy-Weinb

Easy

Genetic Variability and the Peppered Moths

Discuss the importance of genetic variability in evolution, using the peppered moth phenomenon as a

Medium

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 Evolutionary Change

A geneticist is studying a large population of beetles assumed to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium w

Medium

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

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

Medium

Integrative Analysis of Evolutionary Mechanisms

Analyze how various evolutionary forces interact to shape genetic variation and lead to non-linear p

Extreme

Interpreting Graphical Data on Evolutionary Trends

Analyze the provided graph depicting species diversity over time and discuss its implications for ev

Hard

Interpreting Phylogenetic Data Through Cladograms

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

Hard

Interpreting Phylogenetic Trees and Common Ancestry

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

Medium

Interpreting the Fossil Record

Analyze how the fossil record contributes to our understanding of evolutionary history.

Medium

Investigating the Role of Abiotic Factors in Evolutionary Change

Abiotic factors, such as temperature and humidity, can influence the growth and mutation rates in mi

Medium

Lamarck vs. Darwin: Inheritance of Traits

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

Easy

Lamarckian vs. Darwinian Evolutionary Mechanisms

Compare and contrast Lamarck’s theory of acquired traits with Darwin’s theory of natural selection,

Medium

Measuring Evolutionary Fitness in Frog Populations

In this experiment, a researcher investigates evolutionary fitness within a frog population by quant

Easy

Measuring Reproductive Success in Variable Environments

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

Hard

Mechanisms of Speciation and Reproductive Isolation

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

Medium

Molecular Evidence and Evolutionary Relationships

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

Medium

Molecular Evidence for Evolution

Discuss how molecular evidence supports the theory of common ancestry among diverse organisms.

Easy

Molecular Evidence for Evolution

A table provides the percentages of DNA sequence similarity among various species. Use this molecula

Medium

Molecular Evidence Supporting Common Ancestry

Scientists compare gene sequences from various species to assess their evolutionary relationships an

Hard

Mutation, Genetic Drift, and Evolutionary Change

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

Hard

Natural Selection in Fluctuating Environments

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

Hard

Natural Selection vs Genetic Drift

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

Hard

Origins of Life and the RNA-World Hypothesis

Examine the evidence supporting the RNA-world hypothesis and its significance in understanding the o

Medium

Origins of Life and the RNA-World Hypothesis

Experiments simulating early Earth conditions have provided data on the synthesis of amino acids. Us

Medium

Phylogenetic Trees and Common Ancestry

Researchers have compiled both molecular and fossil data to construct a phylogenetic tree that maps

Medium

Phylogenetic Trees and Common Ancestry

Scientists use phylogenetic trees to infer the evolutionary relationships among organisms. A table b

Hard

Population Dynamics in Response to Climate Change

Climate change can affect population genetics and dynamics. Answer the following:

Hard

Predator-Prey Dynamics and Natural Selection in Prey Populations

When a new predator is introduced into an ecosystem, it can drastically impact the natural selection

Medium

Reproductive Isolation in Speciation

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

Medium

Resource Competition and Its Role in Natural Selection

This FRQ explores how competition for limited resources drives natural selection by affecting popula

Easy

Selective Forces: Directional, Stabilizing, and Disruptive Selection

Natural selection can take different forms. Evaluate the types of selection and interpret data from

Hard

Sexual Selection and Trait Evolution

Sexual selection can lead to the evolution of exaggerated traits. Evaluate how sexual selection infl

Medium

Sexual Selection and Trait Inheritance

This question explores the role of sexual selection in driving the evolution of secondary sexual tra

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

Studying Gene Flow in Populations

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

Hard

Temperature Effects on Enzyme Activity and Evolutionary Adaptation

In an experiment, enzyme activity was measured at various temperatures to assess adaptive responses

Extreme

The Miller-Urey Experiment and the Origin of Life

Explore the experiments and hypotheses related to the origin of life:

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 the Origins of Life

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

Hard

Types of Selection: Navigating Trait Distributions

Different types of natural selection result in distinct changes to trait distributions in population

Hard
Unit 8: Ecology

Agonistic Behavior and Resource Competition

An ethologist observed a group of birds to investigate the relationship between aggressive interacti

Medium

Agricultural Practices and Ecosystem Services

This FRQ examines how agricultural practices rely on ecosystem services and explores the impacts of

Hard

Assessing Primary Productivity in Aquatic Ecosystems

A limnologist aims to assess the net primary productivity (NPP) of two lakes by measuring both gross

Medium

Behavioral Thermoregulation in Ectotherms

Examine the diagram description showing a lizard moving from a sunlit area to a shaded area in respo

Medium

Carrying Capacity and Population Stability

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

Medium

Circadian Rhythms in Endotherms and Ectotherms

Review the graph provided, which compares the circadian patterns of body temperature in an endotherm

Medium

Critical Analysis of Altruistic Behavior in Social Insects

A study on a particular species of ants claims that altruistic behavior, observed during food search

Medium

Critical Analysis of Imprinting Mechanisms in Avian Species

A media report states that all chicks imprint on the first moving object they perceive after hatchin

Hard

Dominance Hierarchies and Social Access in Birds

A field study was conducted on a flock of birds to determine how social dominance affects access to

Medium

Dominance Hierarchies in Flocking Birds

An ornithologist studies dominance hierarchies in a controlled aviary of crows by observing their in

Hard

Ecological Pyramid and Energy Transfer

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

Medium

Ecosystem Analysis of Keystone Species

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

Extreme

Energy Flow in Ecological Pyramids

Analyze how energy is transferred through trophic levels in an ecosystem using the ecological pyrami

Hard

Energy Transfer in Food Chains

In a given ecosystem, it is estimated that only about 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic

Medium

Hierarchy and Behavioral Interactions

Researchers observed a group of birds to study dominance hierarchies and agonistic interactions. Dat

Hard

Human Impact on Biodiversity

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

Hard

Keystone Species and Trophic Cascades

An ecologist studied the impact of removing a keystone predator from an ecosystem. The table below c

Hard

Learning, Imprinting, and Habituation in Avian Species

Bird behavior is shaped by both innate mechanisms and experiences. In many bird species, imprinting

Medium

Modeling Population Growth: Exponential vs Logistic

A bacterial culture is observed under two conditions. Under ideal conditions, it grows exponentially

Extreme

Photoperiodism and Flowering in Plants

A study investigated how day length influences the number of days required for a plant to flower. Th

Medium

Photoperiodism and Plant Flowering

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

Hard

Plant Tropisms in Reproductive Structures

A plant physiologist investigates how tropic responses in the positioning of reproductive structures

Extreme

Thermoregulation and Circadian Rhythms in Endotherms and Ectotherms

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

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 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.