AP Environmental Science FRQ Room

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AP Environmental Science Free Response Questions

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

  • View all (250)
  • Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems (17)
  • Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity (37)
  • Unit 3: Populations (25)
  • Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources (24)
  • Unit 5: Land and Water Use (25)
  • Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption (28)
  • Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution (42)
  • Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution (30)
  • Unit 9: Global Change (22)
Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems

Analyzing Competition in Ecological Communities

Two species sharing the same limited resource show varying population trends over a period, as recor

Medium

Biodiversity Loss in Temperate Forests Under Climate Change

A media article claims that rising temperatures have led to significant declines in species diversit

Extreme

Ecosystem Dynamics: Limiting Factors and Niches

Researchers conducted a field study in a small forest ecosystem. They collected data from several pl

Medium

Effect of Climate Change on Seasonal Lake Turnover

Climate change can affect the thermal structure of lakes and hence their turnover cycles. A table wi

Extreme

Food Web Complexity in Tropical Rainforests

Develop a simulation experiment to investigate the impact of species loss on the complexity and stab

Extreme

FRQ 6: Water Quality Trends and Aquifer Depletion Table Analysis

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

Medium

Glacier Melt Rate Simulation

A researcher simulates glacier melt by exposing blocks of artificial ice to a uniform heat lamp in a

Hard

Grassland Fire Frequency and Recovery Experiment

A long-term experiment in a temperate grassland investigated the effects of controlled burning on pl

Extreme

Impacts of pH Alterations on Aquatic Organisms

Changes in water pH can influence aquatic organisms by affecting biochemical reaction rates. Use the

Hard

Microbial Decomposition and Carbon Release Experiment

Design a laboratory experiment to test how soil moisture influences microbial decomposition rates an

Medium

Niche Differentiation: Generalists vs. Specialists

The adaptation of organisms to their ecological niches can influence their survival in changing envi

Hard

Populations, Communities, and Niches

Define and differentiate the terms ecosystem, population, community, and ecological niche. Provide s

Easy

Resource Partitioning and Interspecific Competition

In a forest ecosystem, two bird species share similar fruit resources but exhibit behavioral differe

Medium

Soil Nutrient Availability and Crop Yield

An agricultural experiment was designed to assess the effect of varying phosphorus levels in soil on

Easy

Soil Nutrient Cycling in Forest Ecosystems Experiment

Design an experiment to investigate the rates of decomposition and nutrient release in a temperate d

Hard

Species Competition and Population Genetics under Environmental Stress

Environmental stress can impact species competition and genetic diversity. Using the data provided,

Extreme

Urban Runoff and River Sedimentation

A researcher constructs a scale model of a river system to study the effects of urban runoff on sedi

Medium
Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity

Assessing pH Tolerance in an Aquatic Invertebrate Species

Researchers conduct an experiment exposing a freshwater invertebrate (Daphnia) to varying pH levels

Easy

Assessing the Role of Keystone Species in Maintaining Ecosystem Structure

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

Hard

Climate Change and Rapid Adaptation

This FRQ addresses how species adapt to rapid environmental changes due to climate change, focusing

Hard

Comparing Crop Yields Under Monoculture and Polyculture Systems

Researchers compared crop yields in adjacent fields managed under monoculture and polyculture system

Medium

Comparing Intercropping Versus Monoculture Systems on Soil Fertility and Biodiversity

Intercropping is often proposed as a sustainable agricultural practice that may enhance soil fertili

Medium

Comparing Short-term Adaptations vs. Long-term Evolutionary Adaptations

A study examines populations of a crustacean exposed to rapidly fluctuating salinity conditions vers

Hard

Cultural Ecosystem Services and Community Well-being

Cultural ecosystem services, such as recreation and aesthetic value, contribute significantly to com

Easy

Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity Balance

This FRQ examines the concept of ecosystem services and their role in maintaining a balance within e

Hard

Ecosystem Services Evaluation

Ecosystems provide a variety of services that benefit human societies. Consider cultural, provisioni

Medium

Ecosystem Services Evaluation

This question examines the interconnectedness of various ecosystem services and the consequences of

Hard

Ecosystem Services in Agricultural vs. Urban Systems

Land-use changes, such as converting agricultural lands to urban areas, affect ecosystem services. C

Hard

Evaluating the Effect of Genetic Modification on Crop Biodiversity

Modern agricultural practices often involve the use of genetically modified crops, which can influen

Hard

Experimental Design: Pesticide Effects on Insect Populations

You are tasked with designing an experiment to test the impact of a new pesticide on both target pes

Hard

Flood Impact on Soil Saturation

During a flood, soil saturation increases over time, which can adversely affect plant root oxygenati

Easy

FRQ 2: Population Bottlenecks and Genetic Diversity

A catastrophic event drastically reduces the size of a fish population in a freshwater lake, leading

Hard

FRQ 3: Island Biogeography and Species Diversity

A researcher studies several islands to understand how species diversity is affected by island bioge

Medium

FRQ 16: Anthropogenic Activities and Biodiversity Reduction

A researcher examines the impact of various human activities such as deforestation, overfishing, and

Medium

Global Sea Level Rise: Experimental Simulation of Melting Ice Impact

Scientists simulate sea level rise in coastal mesocosm tanks by gradually introducing melted glacial

Extreme

Indicator and Keystone Species in Ecosystems

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

Medium

Indicator Species and Ecosystem Health

This FRQ examines the concept of indicator species and their application in assessing ecosystem heal

Easy

Island Biogeography and Habitat Fragmentation Effects

This question applies the principles of island biogeography to habitat fragmentation in continental

Hard

Island Biogeography and Species Richness

Investigate how island biogeography theory explains patterns of species richness.

Hard

Island Size and Species Richness Relationship

Island biogeography theory suggests a relationship between island area and species richness. A graph

Hard

Keystone and Indicator Species Roles in Ecosystems

The table below lists several species along with their roles and sensitivity indicators. Answer the

Easy

Modeling Ecological Succession in Disturbed Ecosystems

Researchers simulate ecological succession in an experimental plot that was initially set up to mimi

Medium

Modeling Immigration and Extinction on Islands

This FRQ applies the theory of island biogeography to a mathematical model examining immigration and

Extreme

Monitoring Indicator Species for Water Quality

A researcher evaluated water quality in several pond ecosystems by monitoring the presence and abund

Easy

Population Bottleneck and Genetic Diversity

This question examines the concept of a population bottleneck and its impact on genetic diversity, a

Medium

Population Bottleneck and Genetic Diversity Analysis

A catastrophic event causes a population bottleneck in a species resulting in altered allele frequen

Hard

Population Bottlenecks and Genetic Diversity

Population bottlenecks drastically reduce the number of individuals and genetic diversity. Explore t

Medium

Regulating Ecosystem Services and Agricultural Systems

This FRQ addresses how regulating ecosystem services, such as natural pest control, influence agricu

Medium

Responses of Organisms to Environmental Stress

This question examines how organisms respond to environmental stress through various adaptive mechan

Medium

Short-term vs. Long-term Adaptations

A study monitored trait changes in a species over two distinct time periods following environmental

Medium

Succession Processes in Disturbed Ecosystems: Comparing Primary and Secondary Succession

Compare primary and secondary succession processes in disturbed ecosystems.

Hard

Sustainable Resource Management in Forest Ecosystems

This question integrates concepts of biodiversity, ecosystem services, and ecological succession to

Extreme

Urban Green Spaces and Air Quality Improvement

A study was conducted at several urban sites to evaluate the impact of green space density on local

Medium

Urbanization and Ecosystem Alteration

Urbanization is expanding globally, altering local ecosystems in many ways. This question focuses on

Easy
Unit 3: Populations

Analysis of Age-Structure Diagrams and Societal Impacts

Interpret the provided age-structure diagram and evaluate its implications for a country's future ec

Medium

Analyzing Global Fertility Trends and Policy Implications

Consider the following table presenting Total Fertility Rates (TFR) for various world regions. Answe

Medium

Analyzing Population Dispersal Patterns

An ecologist observes three distinct dispersal patterns (clumped, random, and uniform) in species di

Medium

Assessing Carrying Capacity in a Microcosm Experiment

Design an experiment to measure the carrying capacity (K) in a controlled microcosm environment by v

Medium

Biotic Potential and Environmental Resistance

Biotic potential and environmental resistance play key roles in determining population growth. Using

Medium

Comparing J-Curve and S-Curve Population Growth

Analyze the differences between J-curve and S-curve population growth patterns using the provided gr

Medium

Density-Dependent vs Density-Independent Factors

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

Hard

Density-Dependent vs Density-Independent Limiting Factors

Differentiate between density-dependent and density-independent factors and apply this understanding

Medium

FRQ 1: Effects of Environmental Change on Generalist and Specialist Species

Researchers examined two populations – one consisting of a generalist species and the other of a spe

Medium

FRQ 1: Evaluating Algal Growth Under Variable Nutrient Conditions

An experiment was designed to investigate algal growth under different nutrient conditions. In this

Easy

FRQ 5: Population Doubling Time Using the Rule of 70

This question requires you to apply the Rule of 70 to determine population doubling time and to disc

Extreme

FRQ 9: Application of the Rule of 70 for Doubling Time Calculations

The Rule of 70 provides an approximation for the doubling time of a population by using the formula

Easy

FRQ 12: Assessing Urbanization Effects on Biodiversity in Field Plots

Researchers established three types of field plots in an urban environment to study the impact of ur

Medium

FRQ 17: Assessing the Impact of Introduced Invasive Species in Freshwater Microcosms

Researchers established several identical freshwater microcosms to study the interactions between al

Medium

FRQ 20: Assessing Environmental Change on Population Stability

This question asks you to synthesize multiple factors—including carrying capacity reductions, limiti

Extreme

Human Population Dynamics and Ecosystem Impact

Explore the historical trends in human population growth and analyze their environmental implication

Hard

Interpretation of Survivorship Curves

Analyze survivorship curves and explain how their shapes reflect underlying reproductive strategies

Medium

Investigating Socioeconomic Factors on Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

Design an experiment to investigate the effects of socioeconomic factors, such as education and urba

Hard

Life-History Strategies and Ecosystem Stability

Explore how r-selected and K-selected life-history strategies affect species' resilience to environm

Hard

Modeling Population Doubling Time

The Rule of 70 is a useful tool for estimating population doubling time. Answer the following: 1. D

Easy

Population Dispersal Patterns and Their Ecological Implications

Examine various population dispersal patterns such as clumped, random, and uniform. How do these pat

Easy

Population Growth Rate Calculations and Implications

Examine the formula for percent rate of change and apply it to calculate population growth. Discuss

Medium

Total Fertility Rate (TFR) Analysis

Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is a key demographic indicator. Using the table provided, answer the foll

Medium

Total Fertility Rate and Future Population Projections

Discuss the concept of Total Fertility Rate (TFR) and analyze how variations in TFR across nations i

Medium

Understanding the Demographic Transition Model

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

Medium
Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources

Assessing Nutrient Runoff in a Watershed

Watershed management is critical for controlling nutrient runoff into water bodies. Analyze nitrate

Easy

Atmospheric Circulation and Wind Speed Calculation

This question integrates conceptual understanding of atmospheric pressure systems with quantitative

Medium

Climate Moderation by Bodies of Water

A climatologist is investigating how large bodies of water influence the climate of adjacent land ar

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Hurricanes and Tornadoes

Compare and contrast the formation mechanisms and environmental impacts of hurricanes and tornadoes.

Hard

Continental Drift and Fossil Distribution

A paleontologist is reviewing evidence supporting continental drift based on fossil records found on

Medium

Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics Analysis

Examine the evidence for continental drift and plate tectonics. The table provided summarizes severa

Easy

Convergent Boundaries: Subduction and Mountain Building

At convergent boundaries, subduction zones play a key role in mountain building and seismic activity

Hard

FRQ 18: Soil pH and Nitrogen Availability

An agronomist is studying how soil pH affects the availability of nitrogen for plant uptake. Soil sa

Medium

Greenhouse Gas Impact on Earth’s Climate

The table below shows measured concentrations of greenhouse gases over time: | Year | CO2 (ppm) | C

Hard

Impact of Land Use Changes on Local Climate Experiment

A researcher conducted an experiment to study the effects of urban expansion on local temperature an

Medium

Impact of Organic Matter on Soil Nutrient-Holding Capacity

Design an experimental study to test the effect of organic matter (humus) on the nutrient-holding ca

Medium

Investigating the Rain Shadow Effect Using a Wind Tunnel Model

Design an experimental study to simulate and analyze the rain shadow effect using a wind tunnel mode

Medium

Mountain Ranges and Rain Shadow Effects

Mountain ranges significantly influence local climates through the rain shadow effect. Analyze a sce

Medium

Plate Boundaries and Seismic Activity

This question focuses on the relationship between plate boundaries and earthquake activity. Analyze

Hard

Rain Shadow Effect and Mountainous Regions

This question investigates the rain shadow effect caused by mountain ranges and its ecological impli

Medium

Soil Compaction and Water Infiltration Experiment

An investigator set up an experiment to study water infiltration in compacted soils. Identical soil

Medium

Soil Composition and Nutrient-Holding Capacity

An agronomist is researching how soil texture and organic matter influence water-holding capacity an

Hard

Soil Erosion and Agricultural Practices

A local news article claims that improper plowing techniques are the primary cause of soil erosion i

Medium

Soil Erosion Data Analysis

The table below presents soil erosion rates for various types of land use: | Land Use |

Medium

Soil Nutrient Holding Capacity Experiment

A researcher aimed to determine the nutrient-holding capacity of various soil types by mixing measur

Medium

Urban Expansion and Biodiversity Loss

A claim suggests that urban expansion is the primary driver of local biodiversity loss. Evaluate thi

Hard

Urban Heat Island Effect Graph Evaluation

Analyze the provided graph comparing temperature variations between urban and rural areas, then answ

Medium

Watershed Management: Calculating Nutrient Runoff

Nutrient runoff from a watershed can be estimated by the equation $$L = C * Q$$, where $$C$$ is the

Medium

Wind Pattern and the Coriolis Effect

A table below summarizes observed wind patterns in different regions: | Region | Observ

Medium
Unit 5: Land and Water Use

Analyzing Soil Fertility and Agricultural Input Use

A researcher conducts an experiment to compare the effects of inorganic and organic fertilizers on s

Medium

Assessing Ecological Footprints Across Nations

It is claimed that countries with higher ecological footprints per person are more likely to exceed

Hard

CAFOs Impact on Water Quality Diagram Analysis

Examine the provided diagram depicting how waste from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)

Hard

Clear-cutting and Edge Effects Analysis

The table below provides data on forest area and biodiversity index for areas managed through differ

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Organic versus Inorganic Fertilizers on Crop Yield

Design an experiment to compare the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on crop yield. Your

Easy

Deforestation and Habitat Fragmentation: Edge Effects

This question addresses the consequences of deforestation, particularly clear-cutting, on habitat fr

Medium

Desertification Trends in Arid Regions

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

Medium

Experiment Analysis: Effects of Solar Panel Installations on Local Ecosystems

Researchers simulated a renewable energy project by installing scaled-down solar panels in a test fi

Hard

Experiment Analysis: GMO vs. Non-GMO Crop Yield Comparison

In a study comparing the yields of GMO and non-GMO corn varieties over a full growing season, resear

Medium

Green Revolution and GMOs in Modern Agriculture

Analyze the role of the Green Revolution and the introduction of GMOs in modern agriculture with reg

Medium

Integrated Land Management: Balancing Agricultural and Urban Development

A researcher is tasked with developing an integrated land management plan for a region experiencing

Extreme

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Strategies in a Citrus Orchard

A citrus orchard has experienced recurring pest outbreaks that have proven resistant to conventional

Hard

Mining Methods and Environmental Impacts Diagram Analysis

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

Extreme

Mining Methods and Their Environmental Impacts

Examine the environmental consequences of different mining techniques and the challenges associated

Hard

Mitigating Urban Runoff

Assess the causes and mitigation strategies for urban runoff and its impact on water quality.

Medium

Overfishing Impact Graph Analysis

Interpret the provided graph which illustrates the decline in fish populations relative to overfishi

Medium

Overfishing Quota Modeling

A fishery has an estimated stock of 50,000 tons. The sustainable harvest rate is 5% per year, and th

Medium

Overfishing: Trends and Sustainable Quotas

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

Medium

Pesticide Resistance and the Treadmill Effect

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

Extreme

Renewable Energy Integration in Urban Areas: Solar Panel Efficiency and Carbon Footprint Reduction

Design an experiment to evaluate the impact of solar panel installation on a building's energy consu

Medium

Simulating Acid Mine Drainage Effects on Soil pH and Vegetation

Design an experiment to simulate acid mine drainage and investigate its effects on soil pH and subse

Hard

Soil Conversion Techniques and Productivity

The table below compares the effectiveness of various soil conservation techniques by showing the pe

Easy

Stratospheric Ozone Depletion and Human Activity

A mid-latitude country has observed an increase in harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to thinnin

Easy

Urban Sprawl and Land Use Transformation

Urban sprawl is said to drive the conversion of agricultural lands into urban areas. Evaluate this c

Medium

Urban Sprawl vs. Smart Growth Strategies

A researcher compares the environmental and social outcomes of urban sprawl against smart growth str

Medium
Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption

Application of the Laws of Thermodynamics in Energy Production

Thermodynamic principles govern the efficiency of energy production systems. Analyze how both the fi

Hard

Building Insulation Thickness Experiment

Design an experiment to evaluate how varying insulation thickness affects energy conservation in a c

Easy

Cogeneration System Energy Balance Experiment

A cogeneration system is tested in a facility that simultaneously generates electricity and recovers

Medium

Cogeneration Systems and Enhanced Energy Recovery

Cogeneration, or combined heat and power (CHP), systems aim to maximize energy recovery. Analyze how

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy Resources

Renewable energy resources are naturally replenished on a human time scale, unlike nonrenewable reso

Medium

Comparative Environmental Impacts of Energy Sources

Energy production methods differ in their environmental impacts. Analyze these differences by compar

Medium

Comparative Lifecycle Assessment of Solar Panel Technologies

Using the table below comparing monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels, answer the followi

Hard

Electrostatic Precipitator Efficiency Experiment

A researcher evaluates an electrostatic precipitator by introducing controlled particulate matter in

Medium

Energy Conversion and Efficiency Analysis

A lab experiment is conducted to convert chemical energy stored in a liquid fuel into mechanical wor

Medium

Energy Density Comparison between Coal and Biomass

Coal has an energy density of 24 MJ/kg while biomass has 18 MJ/kg. Answer the following:

Easy

Fossil Fuel Combustion and Its Environmental Impact

Fossil fuel combustion is central to modern energy production, but it carries significant environmen

Medium

Fossil Fuels and Environmental Impact

Fossil fuels, while economically important, have significant environmental impacts. Examine the form

Hard

Geothermal Energy and Heat Extraction

Geothermal energy is harnessed from the Earth’s internal heat. Evaluate the methods used for energy

Hard

Harnessing Geothermal Energy

Investigate the use of geothermal energy for electricity generation and analyze its environmental im

Medium

Hydraulic Fracturing and Groundwater Impact

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

Hard

Hydraulic Fracturing and Its Environmental Impact

This question examines the process of hydraulic fracturing and its potential environmental impacts,

Hard

Hydroelectric Dam Environmental Impact Analysis

Study the diagram of a hydroelectric dam system. Answer the following:

Hard

Nuclear Power Plant Performance Analysis

In a study of a nuclear reactor's performance, data were collected for various reactor conditions. T

Hard

Overall Efficiency of Fossil Fuel Electricity Generation

Electricity generation from fossil fuels involves multiple stages with the following efficiencies: f

Extreme

Passive vs. Active Solar Heating Experiment

Design an experiment to compare the effectiveness of passive and active solar heating systems in mai

Hard

Renewable Energy Storage and Grid Integration

Refer to the diagram of an integrated renewable energy system. Answer the following:

Medium

Secondary Effects of Solar Energy Implementation on Ecosystems

Large-scale solar farms have the potential to alter local ecosystems. Answer the following:

Medium

Solar Thermal Collector Performance Experiment

Students set up an experiment to test the performance of a solar thermal collector by circulating wa

Hard

Wind Energy Growth Analysis

A graph displays the growing installed capacity of wind energy in a region over a decade. Answer the

Hard

Wind Energy Production Analysis

A wind farm has been established to harness wind energy. Researchers collected data on wind speed (i

Medium

Wind Energy Production and Efficiency Calculation

Analyze how wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy and perform a ca

Hard

Wind Energy: Turbine Blade Design Experiment

Researchers conduct an experiment to test various wind turbine blade designs with the goal of optimi

Hard

Wind Turbine Design and Efficiency Analysis

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

Hard
Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution

Acid Deposition and Its Ecological Effects

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

Hard

Acid Deposition Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems

Acid deposition, resulting from atmospheric reactions, has significant impacts on aquatic ecosystems

Hard

Analysis of Ambient Ozone Using UV Triggered Reactions Experiment

A researcher measures ambient ozone formation by subjecting a mixture of nitrogen dioxide and oxygen

Medium

Analyzing Primary vs Secondary Pollutants

A metropolitan region is monitoring several air pollutants. A recent study provided a data table com

Medium

Assessment of Asbestos Fiber Release in Indoor Environments

A laboratory experiment was designed to assess the release of asbestos fibers from building material

Easy

Catalyst Efficiency in Oxidizing Unburned Hydrocarbons

A researcher evaluated a new catalyst designed to oxidize unburned hydrocarbons in engine emissions

Extreme

Catalytic Converters and Emission Reductions

Catalytic converters play a critical role in reducing harmful vehicle emissions. Using the informati

Medium

Comparative Analysis of PMx Sources

Particulate matter (PMx) comes from both natural and anthropogenic sources. The table below compares

Medium

Comprehensive Air Pollution Mitigation Strategy Analysis

Develop an integrated plan to reduce air pollution that combines technological, legislative, and beh

Extreme

Effects of VOCs in Indoor Environments

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

Medium

Evaluating Acid Rain Effects on Aquatic Ecosystems

A researcher monitors a freshwater lake over four seasons to assess the ecological impact of acid ra

Medium

Evaluating Indoor Air Quality: A Case Study of 'Sick Building Syndrome'

Indoor air pollutants can lead to 'Sick Building Syndrome' (SBS), affecting occupant health and prod

Medium

Evaluating Measures to Reduce Air Pollutants

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

Medium

Evaluating Remediation Strategies for PMx Reduction

Researchers are comparing two remediation strategies—energy conservation measures and improved emiss

Medium

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Air Quality Legislation

Legislation can significantly impact ambient pollutant levels. (a) Write an equation that models the

Medium

Evaluation of Air Quality Monitoring Techniques

This question requires a discussion of various air quality monitoring methods and a critique based o

Extreme

Formation of Industrial Smog

Design an experiment to study the formation and chemical composition of industrial smog, focusing on

Hard

FRQ 5: Nitrogen Oxides: Formation and Impact

Examine the formation of nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) from combustion processes and their environmental con

Hard

FRQ 12: Indoor Air Pollution and Sick Building Syndrome

Assess the causes and impacts of indoor air pollution in relation to sick building syndrome (SBS).

Medium

Governance and Policy in Air Quality Management

Government regulations play a crucial role in managing air quality. Evaluate the impact of policy me

Easy

Impact of Acid Deposition on Ecosystem Health

Acid deposition can drastically alter the pH of aquatic ecosystems, leading to severe ecological con

Hard

Impact of Nitrogen Oxides on Ozone and PAN Formation

A researcher examines the relationship between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and the formation of secondary

Medium

Impact of Noise Pollution on Plant Growth

An experiment was conducted to determine whether chronic exposure to low-frequency noise from roadwa

Easy

Indoor Air Pollutants and Mitigation Techniques

This question addresses indoor air pollutants, focusing on their identification, quantitative assess

Medium

Indoor Air Quality: Formaldehyde Concentration Analysis Experiment

In an investigation of indoor air quality, a student deploys passive formaldehyde sampling devices t

Easy

Industrial vs. Non-Point Source Pollution Analysis

A researcher examines various air pollution sources. The provided table categorizes examples of poin

Medium

Lead Air Pollution Source Analysis

Develop an experimental design to examine the contribution of different lead sources (industrial vs.

Hard

Mathematical Modeling of Particulate Matter Settling

The settling velocity of particulate matter in the atmosphere can be estimated using Stokes’ Law, gi

Hard

Mechanism of Industrial Smog Formation

Industrial smog results from a series of chemical reactions during the combustion of fossil fuels. T

Hard

Modeling Emission Rates from Non-Point Sources

This question involves developing a mathematical model to predict pollutant loads from non-point sou

Extreme

Nitrogen Oxides and their Role in Atmospheric Chemistry

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are central to many atmospheric reactions that lead to secondary pollutant for

Medium

Photochemical Reactions in Smog Formation: The Role of Nitrogen Oxides

A controlled experiment using a UV light chamber was conducted to investigate photochemical reaction

Extreme

Photochemical Smog Formation in Urban Settings

Design an experimental study to investigate the formation of photochemical smog in relation to traff

Hard

Precipitation Impact on Suspended Particulate Matter

A study compared PM2.5 levels under different weather conditions. Use the table below to answer the

Easy

Primary vs. Secondary Pollutants: Sources and Formation

A researcher examines the formation of air pollutants. Answer the following questions to differentia

Easy

Quantitative Assessment of Urban Emission Sources

Urban air pollution arises from both point and non-point sources. (a) Express the total mass emissio

Hard

Role of VOCs in Formation of PANs

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

Hard

Role of Volcanic Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Air Quality

Volcanic Organic Compounds (VOCs) are natural emissions that can affect air quality. Explain the pro

Hard

Sourcing Air Pollution: Point vs. Non-point

A researcher measures concentrations of NO2, SO2, and PM2.5 in two distinct locations: an industrial

Easy

Sulfur Dioxide and Acid Rain

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

Extreme

Urban Heat Islands and Air Pollutant Concentrations

Urban heat islands (UHIs) can influence air quality. Consider the following data, which shows urban

Hard

VOCs and the Formation of Photochemical Smog

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contribute significantly to the formation of photochemical smog. I

Medium
Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution

Analysis of Water Pollution Sources

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

Medium

Analyzing Cultural Eutrophication in a Lake

This FRQ addresses cultural eutrophication in a lake due to nutrient enrichment from human activitie

Medium

Analyzing Dissolved Oxygen Variations in Urban Runoff

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

Hard

Analyzing Endocrine Disruptors in Urban Water Systems

This FRQ requires analysis of endocrine disruptors present in urban water systems and their potentia

Hard

Assessing the Efficiency of Drinking Water Treatments

Drinking water treatment processes are critical to reducing harmful contaminants. This question invo

Medium

Assessment of Endocrine Disruptors on Wildlife

Examine the effects of endocrine disruptors on wildlife populations by analyzing chemical concentrat

Hard

Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification in Aquatic Food Chains

Bioaccumulation and biomagnification can lead to toxic concentrations of pollutants in top predators

Extreme

Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification in Terrestrial Food Webs

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

Hard

Chemical Analysis of Oil Spills

Examine the environmental impacts of oil spills by analyzing data related to oil concentration and s

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Solid Waste Disposal Methods

A researcher is comparing various methods used for solid waste disposal. Answer the following parts

Hard

Effects of Temperature on Dissolved Oxygen in Aquatic Ecosystems

A researcher conducts an experiment in which water temperature is gradually increased in laboratory

Hard

Evaluation of Anaerobic Digestion for Organic Waste Management

Anaerobic digestion is used to manage organic waste while producing renewable energy. Design an expe

Medium

Examining Heavy Metal Mobility in Acidic Water Conditions

Analyze the relationship between water pH and heavy metal mobility by interpreting provided experime

Hard

FRQ1: Analysis of Water Pollution in a River

This FRQ examines water pollution in a river receiving inputs from both point and non-point sources.

Medium

FRQ10: Solid Waste Disposal and Landfill Design

Evaluate the design of a sanitary landfill based on the provided schematic diagram. Analyze its stru

Hard

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

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

Medium

Global Waste Trade and Hazardous Waste Management

This FRQ examines the international trade of hazardous waste and its implications for developing cou

Hard

Impact of Cultural Eutrophication on Lake Ecosystems

A rural lake has been experiencing frequent algal blooms and fish kills, likely resulting from cultu

Medium

Impacts of Endocrine Disruptors on Animal Populations

A study on endocrine disruptors recorded the concentration of BPA and the incidence of developmental

Hard

Investigating the Effects of Nonpoint Source Pollution on Ecosystem Services

Explore the impact of nonpoint source pollution on ecosystem services by analyzing pollutant load da

Hard

Investigating the Effects of pH on Heavy Metal Solubility

In a controlled laboratory experiment, a researcher adjusts the pH of water to examine its effect on

Hard

Long-term Effects of Landfill Leachate on Water Systems

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

Hard

Municipal Solid Waste Management Analysis

Municipal solid waste (MSW) includes a variety of materials that decompose at different rates. The f

Medium

Oil Spill Environmental Impact Analysis

An accidental oil spill has occurred near a coastal wetland. This incident poses risks to both marin

Hard

Oil Spill Impacts and Mitigation

A research team is assessing the ecological effects of an oil spill and evaluating potential mitigat

Medium

Risks and Management of Radioactive Wastes

Radioactive wastes pose significant long-term hazards. This question analyzes the differences betwee

Hard

Role of Anaerobic Digestion in Waste Management

Anaerobic digestion is a key process in converting organic waste into renewable energy. This questio

Medium

Solid Waste and Landfill Design

This FRQ addresses issues in solid waste management and outlines the design criteria for sanitary la

Medium

Thermal Pollution Effects on Aquatic Ecosystems

This FRQ explores how thermal pollution from industrial discharges affects aquatic ecosystems, parti

Easy

Water Quality Analysis: BOD and DO

A wastewater treatment plant conducted a study to assess water quality by measuring dissolved oxygen

Hard
Unit 9: Global Change

Agricultural Practices and Methane Emissions

Investigate the contribution of agricultural practices to methane emissions and propose mitigation s

Medium

Assessment of Ocean Acidification and Its Impact on Marine Life

Marine scientists are investigating the process of ocean acidification resulting from increased atmo

Hard

Climate Change and Agricultural Productivity

Global climate change affects agriculture in multiple ways. One of these impacts is the reduction in

Medium

CO2 Absorption by Tree Canopy: Single-Point Measurement Flaw

A researcher studies the carbon dioxide absorption capability of a tree canopy by measuring CO2 conc

Medium

Conservation Strategies for Endangered Species

With numerous species facing extinction, effective conservation strategies are critical. Using provi

Medium

Energy Consumption and Renewable Transition

Explore the environmental and economic implications of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable

Medium

Environmental Legislation: Montreal and Paris Protocol Analysis

This question asks you to compare two major international environmental treaties and evaluate their

Easy

Evaluating International Environmental Agreements

This question requires you to compare major international environmental agreements and to propose im

Extreme

Experimental Design for Measuring Forest Carbon Sequestration

Forests act as significant carbon sinks. Develop an experimental design to measure the carbon seques

Medium

Experimental Design on Formation and Decomposition of Stratospheric Ozone

Ozone formation and its subsequent decomposition are dynamic processes in the stratosphere influence

Hard

Global Climate Change Impacts and Sea Level Rise

This question focuses on the factors contributing to global climate change and the resulting impacts

Hard

Habitat Fragmentation and Endangered Species

This question explores the effects of habitat fragmentation on endangered species, including a geome

Hard

Halocarbon Effects on Stratospheric Ozone: Incomplete Ozone Degradation Account

A researcher simulates the impact of halocarbons on stratospheric ozone by exposing an ozone-rich ga

Hard

Impact of Halocarbons on Stratospheric Ozone

This question investigates the pathway by which halocarbons contribute to ozone depletion using reac

Medium

Impact of UV Radiation Intensity on Ozone Layer Dynamics

UV radiation plays a critical role in both the formation and degradation of ozone. In this question,

Extreme

Integrated Assessment of Invasive Species Management Strategies

A schematic diagram is provided showing the spread of an invasive species over time. Answer the foll

Hard

International Environmental Policy and Its Impact

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

Medium

Invasive Plant Impact on Native Species Growth

A researcher investigates the impact of an invasive plant species on the growth of a native plant in

Easy

Investigating Stratospheric Ozone Formation

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

Medium

Investigating the Mechanisms of Ocean Acidification

As atmospheric CO$_2$ levels increase, more of the gas dissolves in seawater, leading to ocean acidi

Medium

Methane Warming Effect Chamber Experiment

A researcher conducts an experiment to determine the warming effect of methane on ambient air inside

Medium

Ocean Acidification Impact Analysis

Analyze the chemical and ecological impacts of increased ocean acidification resulting from higher a

Hard

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Tips from Former AP Students

FAQWe thought you might have some questions...
Where can I find practice free response questions for the AP Environmental Science exam?
The free response section of each AP exam varies slightly, so you’ll definitely want to practice that before stepping into that exam room. Here are some free places to find practice FRQs :
  • Of course, make sure to run through College Board's past FRQ questions!
  • Once you’re done with those go through all the questions in the AP Environmental ScienceFree Response Room. You can answer the question and have it grade you against the rubric so you know exactly where to improve.
  • Reddit it also a great place to find AP free response questions that other students may have access to.
How do I practice for AP AP Environmental Science Exam FRQs?
Once you’re done reviewing your study guides, find and bookmark all the free response questions you can find. The question above has some good places to look! while you’re going through them, simulate exam conditions by setting a timer that matches the time allowed on the actual exam. Time management is going to help you answer the FRQs on the real exam concisely when you’re in that time crunch.
What are some tips for AP Environmental Science free response questions?
Before you start writing out your response, take a few minutes to outline the key points you want to make sure to touch on. This may seem like a waste of time, but it’s very helpful in making sure your response effectively addresses all the parts of the question. Once you do your practice free response questions, compare them to scoring guidelines and sample responses to identify areas for improvement. When you do the free response practice on the AP Environmental Science Free Response Room, there’s an option to let it grade your response against the rubric and tell you exactly what you need to study more.
How do I answer AP Environmental Science free-response questions?
Answering AP Environmental Science free response questions the right way is all about practice! As you go through the AP AP Environmental Science Free Response Room, treat it like a real exam and approach it this way so you stay calm during the actual exam. When you first see the question, take some time to process exactly what it’s asking. Make sure to also read through all the sub-parts in the question and re-read the main prompt, making sure to circle and underline any key information. This will help you allocate your time properly and also make sure you are hitting all the parts of the question. Before you answer each question, note down the key points you want to hit and evidence you want to use (where applicable). Once you have the skeleton of your response, writing it out will be quick, plus you won’t make any silly mistake in a rush and forget something important.