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 $AP Environmental Science FRQs to get ready for the big day.

  • View all (250)
  • Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems (24)
  • Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity (24)
  • Unit 3: Populations (29)
  • Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources (22)
  • Unit 5: Land and Water Use (22)
  • Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption (26)
  • Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution (46)
  • Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution (33)
  • Unit 9: Global Change (24)
Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems

Analyzing Invasive Species Effects on Community Structure

Design an experiment to assess how an introduced invasive species affects native plant community div

Medium

Assessing Nitrogen Fertilizer Impact on Ecosystems

Intensive agriculture in a watershed has led to doubling the available fixed nitrogen. A graph is pr

Extreme

Biodiversity Loss in Temperate Forests Under Climate Change

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

Extreme

Biomass Pyramid Analysis in a Temperate Forest

A temperate forest has been surveyed, and the following biomass data were obtained: primary producer

Easy

Biomass vs. Energy Pyramids in Aquatic Ecosystems

In many aquatic ecosystems, biomass pyramids appear inverted, though energy pyramids always maintain

Hard

Carbon Cycle and Anthropogenic Impact

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

Medium

Carbon Sink Capacity and Atmospheric CO2 Increase

Understanding carbon sinks is critical to evaluating global climate change. A table of major carbon

Hard

Deforestation Effects on Atmospheric CO₂

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

Medium

Effect of Temperature on Decomposition Rate

Decomposition rate in soils can be modeled using an Arrhenius equation: $$k(T) = A*e^{-\frac{E}{R*T}

Hard

Effects of Acid Rain on Freshwater Organisms

A study claims that acidic deposition (acid rain) is a major factor in reducing freshwater fish popu

Medium

Food Web and Trophic Levels in a Grassland Ecosystem

Construct a food web for a temperate grassland ecosystem including at least three trophic levels (pr

Easy

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

FRQ 9: Ecological Niches – Generalists vs. Specialists Diagram Analysis

Examine the provided table comparing traits of generalist and specialist species. Explain how these

Easy

Human Alterations to Nutrient Cycles

Assess how various human activities alter natural nutrient cycles such as carbon, nitrogen, and phos

Extreme

Impact of Light Intensity on Photosynthetic Rate in Aquatic Plants

In an experiment, aquatic plants were exposed to varying levels of light intensity and their photosy

Medium

Impacts of Invasive Species on Local Wetland Communities

A recent study claims that invasive species considerably reduce native species diversity in wetland

Hard

Invasive Species and Biodiversity Loss

Explore the impacts of invasive species on native ecosystems and discuss the mechanisms by which the

Medium

Investigating Primary Productivity in a Freshwater Ecosystem

Design an experiment to test how variations in light intensity and nutrient concentration affect the

Medium

Niche Partitioning Among Coexisting Species

A biologist surveyed various bird species coexisting in the same region where they exploit similar f

Easy

Predator‐Prey Population Dynamics in a Forest Ecosystem

A study in a temperate forest recorded predator and prey populations over a 20‐week period. Using th

Medium

Simulating Deforestation Effects on Local Microclimate

A researcher simulates deforestation by removing the canopy from potted trees arrayed in a greenhous

Medium

Temperature and Water Density: Lake Stratification

Water has its maximum density at 4°C. In a stratified lake, the epilimnion at 20°C has a density of

Medium

Trophic Cascades

Discuss the concept of trophic cascades and the interrelated effects of changes at one trophic level

Hard

Vegetation Succession Following Disturbance

A study was carried out in a forest area that experienced a severe wildfire. Researchers monitored s

Easy
Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity

Adaptation Mechanisms in Response to Environmental Changes

This question explores various adaptation mechanisms in organisms in response to changes in environm

Medium

Assessing Biodiversity: Factors Affecting Diversity

Examine the table provided comparing diversity increasers and decreasers. Discuss how each factor co

Easy

Assessing the Impact of Overfishing on Aquatic Biodiversity

Overfishing can disrupt marine ecosystems and reduce aquatic biodiversity. Design a field experiment

Medium

Biodiversity Analysis and Impacts

This question focuses on the concept of biodiversity. In your answers, consider genetic, species, an

Easy

Biodiversity Metrics and Anthropogenic Impacts

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

Medium

Biodiversity Patterns in Ecosystem Study

Analyze the table provided that shows data on species richness, genetic variation index, and ecosyst

Medium

Comparing Primary and Secondary Succession

Ecosystems can recover from disturbances via succession. Compare and contrast primary and secondary

Medium

Cultural Ecosystem Services and Community Well-being

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

Easy

Ecological Succession: Primary vs. Secondary

Ecological succession describes how communities change over time. Both primary and secondary success

Medium

Evaluating the Impact of Renewable Energy Policies on Ecosystem Services

Renewable energy policies aim to reduce fossil fuel emissions, which can have positive effects on ec

Extreme

Impact of Invasive Plant Species on Local Biodiversity

An ecologist introduced a non-native plant species into a controlled plot to observe its effect on n

Hard

Impacts of Population Bottlenecks on Species Richness

A forest beetle population experiences a dramatic reduction due to a wildfire, creating a population

Medium

Indicator and Keystone Species in Ecosystems

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

Medium

Indicator Species and Environmental Monitoring

Indicator species serve as biological markers for environmental health. Investigate their significan

Easy

Indicator Species as Signposts for Ecosystem Health

Discuss the role of indicator species in monitoring ecosystem health.

Medium

Investigating the Role of Invasive Species on Native Ecosystem Services

Invasive species can alter native ecosystem services by disrupting local species interactions. Desig

Medium

Island Biogeography and Species Richness

This FRQ investigates the principles of island biogeography and their influence on species richness.

Hard

Keystone and Indicator Species Analysis

This question focuses on the roles of keystone and indicator species in ecosystems.

Easy

Levels of Biodiversity: Genetic, Species, and Ecosystem

Biodiversity exists at multiple levels. Explain how genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity are in

Easy

Pioneer Species and Population Doubling

Pioneer species are key players in early ecological succession. Examine their role in ecosystem deve

Easy

Population Bottleneck and Genetic Diversity Analysis

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

Hard

Sea Level Change Contributions

Global sea level changes are driven by multiple processes. Recent studies attribute portions of sea

Easy

Wildfire Effects on Soil Nutrient Recovery

After a wildfire, the nutrient concentration in soil begins to recover over time. It is modeled by t

Medium

Wildlife Migration Triggers

This question focuses on understanding the triggers for wildlife migrations in the context of enviro

Medium
Unit 3: Populations

Analyzing Survivorship Curves

Survivorship curves illustrate the mortality patterns of species over their lifespan. Analyze the gr

Hard

Analyzing Total Fertility Rate (TFR) Trends

Examine the provided table listing TFR values for various countries and interpret the socio-economic

Medium

Application of Liebig's Law of the Minimum

Apply Liebig's law of the minimum to evaluate limiting factors in an ecosystem.

Medium

Assessing the Impact of Pollution on Aquatic Population Growth

Design an experiment to evaluate the effect of varying pollutant concentrations on the population gr

Hard

Biotic Potential and Environmental Resistance

Investigate the interplay between biotic potential and environmental resistance in determining popul

Easy

Biotic Potential and Environmental Resistance

Consider a population with a high biotic potential that is curtailed by environmental resistance. An

Medium

Calculating Doubling Time Using the Rule of 70

A biologist is studying a bacterial culture that grows rapidly. Answer the following:

Easy

Calculating Population Density

Utilize the provided data to calculate the population density of a species and discuss the ecologica

Easy

Carrying Capacity and Environmental Constraints

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

Medium

Carrying Capacity: Ecological and Human Dimensions

Carrying capacity is a critical concept in both natural ecosystems and human societies. Discuss the

Medium

Demographic Transition Model Analysis

Analyze the demographic transition model and apply it to a hypothetical country's data.

Hard

Demographic Transition Model Analysis

Analyze the stages of the Demographic Transition Model (DTM) and evaluate the socioeconomic factors

Hard

Demographic Transition Model Analysis

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

Hard

Density-Dependent vs Density-Independent Limiting Factors

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

Medium

Evaluating Biotic Potential and Environmental Resistance

Discuss the concepts of biotic potential and environmental resistance using the provided table, and

Medium

Exploring the Impact of Urbanization on Human Population Dynamics

Design an experiment simulating the effects of urbanization on human population dynamics, focusing o

Extreme

FRQ 4: Investigating Reproductive Strategies in K-Selected vs r-Selected Rodent Species

An experiment was designed to compare the reproductive outputs of two rodent species, one classified

Hard

FRQ 6: Studying Population Dispersal Patterns in a Simulated Field

A study was conducted to examine seed dispersal patterns by broadcasting seeds of a wind‐dispersed p

Easy

FRQ 7: Interpreting Total Fertility Rate Data Across Countries

Using the table below, examine the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) for several countries and answer the f

Medium

FRQ 10: Impacts of Population Growth on Biodiversity

This question examines the relationship between rapid human population growth and biodiversity loss,

Hard

FRQ 16: Population Dispersal Patterns and Resource Distribution

A field study observed the dispersal patterns of organisms in three different plots. The following t

Easy

Historical Milestones in Human Population Growth

Summarize the key historical milestones in human population growth and discuss how these milestones

Easy

Interpreting Survivorship Curves

Examine the survivorship curves in the provided graph and discuss their implications for species' re

Medium

Liebig’s Law of the Minimum and Limiting Factors

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

Medium

Limiting Factors and Population Regulation

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

Easy

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: Application of Formulas

Apply the formulas of population growth rate to analyze given demographic data. Discuss how immigrat

Medium

Species Adaptability in Changing Environments

The table below summarizes key differences between generalist and specialist species. Using this inf

Medium

Urbanization Effects on r- and K-Strategists

Examine how urbanization influences species exhibiting r-selected versus K-selected strategies using

Hard
Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources

CO2 Levels and Plant Growth

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

Medium

Deforestation Impact on Soil Composition Experiment

A researcher investigated the impact of deforestation on soil composition by collecting soil samples

Medium

Effect of Land Use on Watershed Functionality

A watershed in a mixed-use region is being impacted by both urban expansion and intensive agricultur

Hard

Effect of Sunlight Angle on Surface Temperature Distribution

Develop an experimental study using a solar simulator to investigate how the angle of incidence of s

Medium

Effect of Topography on Local Climate: Rain Shadow Effect

Mountain ranges can dramatically influence local climate conditions through the rain shadow effect.

Medium

Evaluating Soil Erosion Under Different Farming Techniques

Agricultural practices play a significant role in soil erosion. Evaluate the differences in soil los

Easy

Evapotranspiration and Local Climate: A Simplified Estimate

Evapotranspiration (ET) is a key factor influencing local climate and water availability. A simplifi

Medium

FRQ 1: Plate Tectonics and Seafloor Spreading Experiment

In an experiment simulating seafloor spreading, a research team uses a heated mechanical model with

Medium

Global Wind Patterns and the Coriolis Effect

The Coriolis Effect plays a crucial role in determining global wind patterns. Analyze its influence

Hard

Global Wind Patterns: Analyzing the Coriolis Effect

The lateral deflection of wind due to the Coriolis effect can be estimated using the formula: $$d =

Medium

Impact of El Niño on Regional Climate and Ecology

This question explores the climatic and ecological effects of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO

Hard

Impact of Ocean-Atmosphere Interactions on Global Climate

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

Hard

Impacts of Atmospheric Composition Changes on Climate

Changes in Earth's atmospheric composition have profound impacts on climate. Analyze the historical

Hard

Investigating La Niña Effects on Regional Precipitation

The table below presents data on sea surface temperatures and rainfall anomalies during a La Niña pe

Extreme

Mechanics of Convergent Plate Boundaries

Convergent boundaries are dynamic regions where plate interactions result in subduction and mountain

Easy

Rain Shadow Effects of Mountain Ranges

A claim states that the mere presence of a mountain range guarantees a rain shadow, ensuring arid co

Medium

Rock Metamorphism and Diagenesis

A geologist is comparing the formation processes of metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.

Medium

Simulating Trade Winds and Ocean Upwelling

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

Hard

Soil Composition and Crop Suitability

A soil analysis at a particular field shows the following approximate composition: Gravel 20%, Sand

Easy

Soil Food Web and Nutrient Cycling

The soil food web is essential for nutrient recycling in ecosystems. Explore how disruptions in the

Hard

Soil Texture Impact on Water Holding Capacity Experiment

A soil scientist investigated how different soil textures affect water holding capacity by using sta

Easy

Watershed Management and Water Quality

An environmental scientist is evaluating the role of watersheds in regulating water quality and redu

Hard
Unit 5: Land and Water Use

Agricultural and Green Revolutions: Balancing Productivity and Sustainability

This question requires you to compare different agricultural revolutions and analyze their impacts o

Medium

Agricultural Revolutions: Transforming Society and Environment

Examine the transformations in agricultural practices from early domestication to modern biotechnolo

Hard

Analyzing Soil Fertility and Agricultural Input Use

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

Medium

Clear-Cutting and Edge Effect Impact Calculation

A 10,000-hectare forest experiences clear-cutting of 20% of its area. In addition, the edge effect (

Hard

Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources

This question addresses how climate change affects water availability and quality, and asks you to p

Medium

Efficiency of Irrigation Methods on Crop Production and Water Use

Design an experiment to compare the efficiency of three irrigation methods—drip, furrow, and flood—o

Hard

Evaluating the IPAT Formula in the Context of Modern Environmental Challenges

The IPAT formula (I = P × A × T) claims that human impact on the environment is driven by population

Medium

Experimental Simulation of the Tragedy of the Commons

Design a simulation experiment that investigates how different management strategies (communal vs. p

Medium

Exploring Soil Erosion in Deforestation Areas

A geomorphologist studies soil erosion rates by comparing clear-cut plots with uncut forest plots. T

Medium

Investigating Overfishing Effects on Marine Ecosystems

A marine ecologist sets up an experimental tank simulating a small marine ecosystem. Different secti

Hard

Irrigation Methods Process Diagram Analysis

Examine the provided schematic diagram that illustrates various irrigation methods (including drip,

Medium

Mining: Land Disturbance and Environmental Consequences

Assess the environmental impacts of mining by quantifying land disturbance and discussing related ec

Easy

Mitigating Urban Runoff

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

Medium

Pesticide Degradation Rate Analysis

A pesticide degrades via first‐order kinetics with a half‐life of 5 days and an initial concentratio

Medium

Pesticide Resistance and the Treadmill Effect

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

Extreme

Pesticide Treadmill and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Investigate the concept of the pesticide treadmill and evaluate the potential of Integrated Pest Man

Medium

Stratospheric Ozone Depletion and Human Activity

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

Easy

Sustainability and the IPAT Equation

Explore the concept of sustainability using the IPAT formula as a framework for understanding human

Hard

Sustainable Irrigation Methods and Water Use Efficiency

An agricultural region is comparing several irrigation methods to improve water use efficiency and r

Medium

Tragedy of the Commons and Water Consumption

A small town with 10,000 residents uses water as a common resource. Each resident currently uses 300

Medium

Urban Sprawl versus Smart Growth

Examine the contrasting urban development models: urban sprawl and smart growth.

Medium

Urbanization and Its Environmental Costs

A rapidly growing city is facing multiple environmental challenges due to urbanization, including ai

Easy
Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption

Biomass Anaerobic Digestion Experiment

In an experiment investigating methane production from biomass waste, a scientist uses an anaerobic

Medium

Clean Coal Scrubber Efficiency Experiment

Design an experiment to test the efficiency of scrubbers in reducing the concentration of particulat

Medium

Clean Coal Technologies and Carbon Capture

Examine the role of Clean Coal technologies in reducing emissions from coal combustion and evaluate

Hard

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

Electrical Energy and Mechanical Energy System Efficiency

A system converts electrical energy into mechanical work with some losses due to inefficiencies. Usi

Medium

Fossil Fuels: Combustion Reactions and Emissions

This question focuses on the combustion of fossil fuels, associated chemical equations, energy relea

Medium

Geothermal Turbine Experiment

Design an experiment to investigate the effect of water temperature in a simulated geothermal system

Hard

Hydroelectric Dam Power Output Analysis

A hydroelectric dam releases water from a height of 50 m at an average flow rate of 500 m³/s. With w

Medium

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Operation Analysis

A hydrogen fuel cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy. Consider the process as shown

Hard

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Performance

A set of experiments were conducted to assess the performance of a hydrogen fuel cell under differen

Medium

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Voltage Calculation

A hydrogen fuel cell produces 0.7 V per cell. In a system where 100 cells are connected in series, a

Easy

Hydrogen Storage Energy Calculation

A hydrogen storage system holds 200 kg of hydrogen. Given that the energy content of hydrogen is 120

Medium

Impact of Hydraulic Fracturing on Water Quality

A study measured contaminant levels in water samples from sites near hydraulic fracturing operations

Hard

Long-term Implications of Nuclear Waste Management on Energy Policy

A long-term study was conducted to assess trends in nuclear waste accumulation and associated storag

Hard

Nuclear Criticality: Chain Reaction and Control Rod Analysis

Maintaining a controlled chain reaction is crucial in nuclear reactors. Analyze the concept of criti

Hard

Nuclear Fission and Reactor Control

This question investigates nuclear fission, reactor control, and associated risks. Consider the proc

Hard

Nuclear Power Safety and Efficiency

A nuclear power plant operates using controlled nuclear fission. The table below lists key reactor p

Hard

Renewable vs Nonrenewable Energy Resources

As global energy demands rise, understanding the differences between renewable and nonrenewable reso

Medium

Solar Energy Efficiency Investigation

A group of researchers has constructed a solar panel array and measured its electrical output under

Medium

Thermodynamics in Practical Applications

Thermodynamic principles set limits on energy systems' performance. Consider a real-world energy con

Medium

Understanding Different Forms of Energy

A researcher is studying various forms of energy and how they transform from one type to another in

Medium

Wind Energy and CO2 Emission Offsets

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

Easy

Wind Energy Turbine System Efficiency

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

Medium

Wind Turbine Blade Experiment

You want to investigate how varying wind turbine blade designs affect energy output. Your goal is to

Hard

Wind Turbine Performance Variability

A wind turbine's energy output was recorded at various wind speeds. A graph is provided to illustrat

Medium
Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution

Acid Rain and Ecosystem Impact Assessment

Acid rain has deleterious effects on ecosystems. Evaluate the impact using the provided data and you

Hard

Air Pollution Types and Sources Evaluation

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

Easy

Analysis of Air Pollutant Classifications

Examine the table below and answer the following questions about the classification of air pollutant

Easy

Analysis of Urban Heat Islands and Air Pollutant Dispersion

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

Easy

Assessing Health Risks from Heavy Metal Air Pollutants

Heavy metals like lead (Pb) in the atmosphere can pose significant health risks. Consider the follow

Hard

Assessing Vehicle Emissions During Peak Traffic

Design an experimental study to quantify the contribution of vehicle emissions to urban air pollutan

Hard

Comparative Analysis of Point vs. Non-Point Source Pollution

This question examines the differences between point source and non-point source pollution by analyz

Medium

Distribution of Peroxyacyl Nitrates (PANs) from Urban Sources

Environmental scientists collected data on PAN concentrations at varying distances from an urban cen

Hard

Ecosystem Impacts of Acid Deposition

Acid deposition can have profound effects on aquatic ecosystems. The table below shows measurements

Hard

Effectiveness of Air Purifiers on Indoor VOC Levels

Design an experiment to test the effectiveness of commercially available air purifiers in reducing i

Easy

Effectiveness of Air Quality Regulations on Pollutant Reduction

A policy analyst conducts a longitudinal study to compare pollutant levels in regulated versus unreg

Extreme

Effectiveness of Electrostatic Precipitators in Industrial Settings

Electrostatic precipitators are used in industrial settings to remove suspended particulate matter f

Medium

Effects of Acid Rain on Aquatic Ecosystems

A researcher monitors the pH levels of a lake before, during, and after an acid rain event. The grap

Hard

Efficiency of Electrostatic Precipitators in Particulate Removal

An engineer designed an experiment to evaluate the efficiency of an electrostatic precipitator for r

Medium

Environmental Impact of Volcanic Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Volcanic organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted naturally but can affect air quality. Analyze their en

Hard

Evaluating Air Purification Technologies

A study is conducted to compare the effectiveness of two air purification technologies in reducing i

Medium

Evaluating Impact of Non-Point Source Pollution on Ecosystem Health

A watershed study measured nitrogen oxide (NOx) deposition across sub-catchments subject to non-poin

Extreme

Fundamental Concepts of Air Pollution and Data Conversion

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

Easy

Impact Assessment of Catalytic Converters on Vehicle Emissions

Catalytic converters can greatly reduce harmful vehicle emissions. Use the table below to analyze th

Easy

Impact of Industrial Activity on Particulate Matter Levels

Industrial activities are major contributors to particulate matter levels in the atmosphere. Discuss

Medium

Impact of Peroxyacyl Nitrates (PANs) on Agriculture

A study investigates the influence of peroxyacyl nitrates (PANs) on agricultural crop yields. The ta

Hard

Indoor Air Pollution and Sick Building Syndrome

Exposure to indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde and radon can lead to "sick building syndrome" (S

Medium

Industrial Noise Pollution Impact Assessment

A study examines noise pollution from various sources in industrial settings. The provided table lis

Medium

Interpretation of Ozone and Photochemical Smog Formation Data

Ozone is a key component of photochemical smog. The concentration of ozone in an urban area shows va

Medium

Interpreting a Graph of Atmospheric CO₂ Concentration Trends

The provided graph depicts atmospheric CO₂ concentration trends over the past century. Analyze and i

Medium

Interpreting Air Pollutant Data and Proposing Solutions

An urban area has been recording ambient concentrations of various air pollutants. The following tab

Medium

Investigating the Relation between Industrial Emissions and Particulate Matter

A monitoring study was conducted at various power plants to assess particulate matter (PMₓ) emission

Easy

Lead Pollution: Sources, Health Effects, and Mitigation

Lead is a toxic pollutant with numerous industrial and urban sources. Examine the impact of lead pol

Easy

Mechanism of Industrial Smog Formation

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

Hard

Mitigation Strategies for Urban Air Pollution

A researcher is tasked with developing strategies to mitigate urban air pollution. Considering vario

Medium

Nitrogen Oxides Reaction Lab: Formation of Tropospheric Ozone

In a controlled laboratory, a researcher uses UV lamps to simulate the conversion of nitric oxide (N

Hard

Noise Pollution and Public Health: Data Evaluation

Numerous studies link noise pollution from transportation sources to adverse health effects. A table

Hard

Noise Pollution Assessment in Urban Areas

Noise pollution can adversely affect health and well‐being. Use the table below to analyze the noise

Easy

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 Diurnal Variation Analysis

This question explores the diurnal variation of photochemical smog and requires analysis of pollutan

Extreme

Photochemical Smog Formation Dynamics

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

Medium

Photochemical Smog Formation: Reaction Kinetics Analysis

A researcher simulates the formation of photochemical smog by exposing a controlled mixture of nitro

Extreme

Reduction of Air Pollution through Policy Measures

Discuss the variety of remediation strategies for reducing air pollution and evaluate the effectiven

Hard

Sulfur Dioxide and Acid Rain

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

Extreme

Sulfur Dioxide and its Secondary Reactions

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

Medium

Suspended Particulate Matter and Its Behavior

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

Hard

Temporal Variations in Air Pollutants

A researcher collects continuous data on air pollutant concentrations over a 24-hour period in an ur

Medium

Testing a Multi-Pollutant Air Quality Monitoring Device

An engineering team developed a new air quality monitoring device intended to simultaneously measure

Hard

Thermal Inversions and Air Pollution Accumulation

Thermal inversions can trap air pollutants near the ground and worsen urban air quality. Analyze the

Medium

Thermal Inversions and Trapping of Pollutants

This question investigates the phenomenon of thermal inversions and their impact on air pollutant di

Medium

Urban Heat Islands and Air Pollutants

This question examines the formation of urban heat islands and their effect on air pollutant dispers

Medium
Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution

Anaerobic Digestion Efficiency and Energy Recovery

Assess the role of anaerobic digestion in reducing organic waste and producing renewable energy by a

Hard

Anaerobic Digestion for Waste Energy Recovery

This FRQ focuses on anaerobic digestion processes used in converting organic waste into renewable en

Medium

Analysis of Industrial Waste Discharge on Water Bodies

Industrial wastewater can severely affect water quality if not properly treated. This question invol

Hard

Analyzing Water Pollution Sources

This FRQ examines your understanding of water pollution sources in aquatic ecosystems. Answer the fo

Easy

Assessment of Urban Runoff on Water Quality

Urban runoff has significant impacts on local water quality through pollutants like heavy metals, ni

Medium

Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification in Aquatic Food Chains

A study on an aquatic food chain has measured the concentration of a pollutant at various trophic le

Hard

Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification in Terrestrial Food Chains

This FRQ investigates the processes of bioaccumulation and biomagnification within terrestrial food

Extreme

Calculating Biomagnification Factors from Experimental Data

This question involves calculating the biomagnification factor within a simplified food web and inte

Hard

Comparative Impacts of Industrial and Agricultural Pollution

A comparative study evaluated water pollution from industrial and agricultural sources. The table be

Extreme

Designing a Remediation Strategy for an Oil-Contaminated Coastal Zone

Oil spills in coastal zones can have long-lasting detrimental effects on local ecosystems. Design an

Hard

Designing an Experiment on Agricultural Runoff

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

Hard

Effects of Oil Spills on Marine Life

A coastal study monitored the concentration of oil in seawater and the mortality rate of seabirds ov

Medium

Effects of Temperature on Metabolic Rates in Aquatic Organisms

This FRQ explores the relationship between water temperature and the metabolic rate in aquatic organ

Easy

Evaluating Endocrine Disruptors in Drinking Water

Endocrine disruptors such as Bisphenol A (BPA) can interfere with hormonal systems. This question in

Extreme

Evaluating the Impact of Industrial Activity on Wetland Biodiversity

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

Extreme

Evaluating the Long-Term Impact of Persistent Organic Pollutants on Aquatic Life

A long-term study is carried out in a lake to monitor the concentration of Persistent Organic Pollut

Extreme

Evaluation of Point and Non-Point Source Water Pollution

This free-response question investigates the differences between point source and non-point source p

Medium

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

Global Waste Trade and Its Environmental Justice Implications

The international trade of hazardous waste raises important environmental justice concerns. Analyze

Extreme

Hazardous Waste Management Techniques

A researcher is exploring techniques used for managing hazardous wastes. Answer the following parts.

Medium

Impact of Disinfectant Use on Waterborne Pathogens

A study compared the effectiveness of two disinfectants in reducing coliform counts in a water sampl

Hard

Impacts of Mining on Water Quality

This FRQ evaluates the environmental impact of mining activities on water quality, focusing on heavy

Medium

Incineration and Global Waste Trade Impact Assessment

Municipal waste management often involves incineration as a method of energy recovery. A table below

Hard

Measurement and Implications of Total Hardness in Drinking Water

Total hardness in water is an important parameter for water quality and treatment. This question inv

Easy

Mining and Heavy Metal Pollution in Water Bodies

A mining company discharges tailings into a nearby river, resulting in elevated heavy metal concentr

Hard

Mining and its Contribution to Water Pollution

Mining activities frequently result in significant water pollution. This question explores the proce

Medium

Mining Impacts on Water Quality

A river flowing through a mining region shows elevated concentrations of heavy metals. The following

Hard

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in Food Chains

This FRQ centers on the accumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) through food chains, ex

Medium

Radioactive Waste: Management and Environmental Challenges

A researcher is analyzing the challenges related to the management of radioactive wastes. Answer the

Hard

Solid Waste and Landfill Design

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

Medium

Thermal Pollution and Its Impact on Freshwater Ecosystems

This FRQ examines the causes and consequences of thermal pollution in freshwater ecosystems and expl

Medium

Water Quality Testing and Experimental Design

Evaluate water quality data and design a controlled experiment to test the impact of a specific vari

Medium

Water Quality Testing and Treatment Analysis

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

Medium
Unit 9: Global Change

Agricultural Practices and Methane Emissions

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

Medium

Analyzing Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Source

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

Medium

Assessing the Effects of Invasive Species on Marine Ecosystems

A marine ecologist is studying the impact of invasive species on coastal ecosystems, with a focus on

Medium

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stability

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

Easy

Biodiversity and Invasive Species: Field Study Design

Invasive species can significantly alter native ecosystems. This question requires you to first disc

Medium

Biodiversity Loss and Habitat Destruction

Discuss how habitat destruction leads to a loss of biodiversity. Compare the vulnerabilities of plan

Easy

Black Carbon and Atmospheric Warming

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

Medium

Climate Change and Agricultural Productivity

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

Medium

Climate Change-Induced Migration: Economic and Social Impacts

Rising sea levels and extreme weather events related to climate change are expected to displace mill

Hard

Conservation Strategies for Endangered Species

This question deals with the factors leading to species endangerment and explores conservation strat

Medium

Conservation Strategies for Endangered Species

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

Medium

Economic Incentives for Biodiversity Conservation

Discuss the role of economic incentives in promoting the conservation of biodiversity and endangered

Easy

Endangered Species: An Investigation into Population Dynamics

A table summarizes various factors affecting the status of endangered species, including breeding su

Medium

Environmental Legislation: Montreal and Paris Protocol Analysis

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

Easy

Experimental Design: Impact of Legislative Policies on Environmental Chemical Controls

International environmental policies have played a significant role in reducing the release of ozone

Extreme

Feedback Loops in Arctic Methane Release

Melting permafrost in the Arctic can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas, which further acceler

Hard

Global Climate Change: Sea Level Rise Impacts

This question requires an analysis of sea level rise data, an explanation of its causes, and a discu

Hard

Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change: Data Analysis

A researcher examines a graph that displays global temperature anomalies over the period from 1900 t

Hard

Health Impacts of Ozone Depletion

Ozone depletion leads to an increase in ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the Earth's surface, whi

Easy

Invasive Species Impact on Aquatic Ecosystems

This question examines the ecological impacts of invasive species on aquatic ecosystems by combining

Medium

Investigating the Positive Feedback Loop in Arctic Methane Emissions

This question focuses on understanding positive feedback loops in the context of Arctic methane emis

Extreme

Quantitative Analysis of Earth’s Energy Budget

An experiment aims to quantify Earth's energy budget by measuring incoming solar radiation, reflecte

Extreme

Role of Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs) in Ozone Depletion

This question examines the formation of polar stratospheric clouds and their importance in accelerat

Medium

Surface Albedo and Local Temperature Experiment

A researcher aims to assess the impact of surface albedo on local temperature by installing panels p

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.