AP Environmental Science FRQ Room

Altered Nitrogen Cycle in Agricultural Landscapes

In an agricultural region with heavy use of nitrogen fertilizers, a study recorded rising soil nitra

Biomass Pyramid Analysis in a Temperate Forest

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

Biomass vs. Energy Pyramids in Aquatic Ecosystems

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

Comparative Terrestrial Biomes

A geographical region contains three distinct biomes: a Desert, a Temperate Deciduous Forest, and a

Deforestation and Carbon Emissions

Analyze the relationship between deforestation and carbon emissions, focusing on the disruption of t

Deforestation Impact on Terrestrial Carbon Sinks

A recent study claims that deforestation significantly reduces the carbon storage capacity of forest

Ecological Niche Differentiation: Generalists vs. Specialists

A field observation in a diverse ecosystem noted that Species A (a generalist) maintained stable pop

Ecological Succession in a Disturbed Lake Ecosystem

Following a disturbance event, a lake ecosystem undergoes a complete succession. A graph tracks spec

Energy Flow and the 10% Rule in Ecosystems

Energy transfer in ecosystems follows the 10% Rule, where only about 10% of energy is passed between

FRQ 11: Anthropogenic Impacts on the Nitrogen Cycle Diagram Analysis

Critically analyze the provided diagram of the nitrogen cycle that includes human influences. In you

Generalist vs. Specialist Species in Ecosystem Resilience

A field study compared two neighboring ecosystems—one dominated by generalist species and the other

Glacier Melt Rate Simulation

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

Groundwater Depletion and Aquifer Recharge

Long‐term groundwater extraction can lead to significant declines in aquifer water levels. Answer th

Human Impact on the Carbon Cycle

Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have significantly altered the carbon cycle. A gra

Hydrologic Cycle Dynamics in a Changing Climate

A simulation study of a watershed over a 30-year period examines how climate change alters component

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

Impacts of Nitrogen Deposition on Forest Health

A study asserts that increased nitrogen deposition from industrial activities is correlated with red

Nitrogen Cycling and Fertilizer Impact

Nitrogen is a critical nutrient in ecosystems and its cycle can be significantly altered by human ac

Nutrient Filtering Capacity in Simulated Wetlands

A researcher creates mesocosms designed to mimic wetland environments in order to study their capaci

Phosphorus Limitation and Crop Yields

Agronomists have investigated how soil phosphorus availability affects crop yields. The table below

Photosynthesis Rate Under Different Water Turbidity Levels

A laboratory experiment was conducted to examine how water turbidity affects the photosynthetic rate

Predator-Prey Dynamics and Population Cycles

A long-term ecological study in a freshwater lake has produced a graph that illustrates the cyclic r

Simulated Aquifer Recharge Measurement

A researcher simulates aquifer recharge by constructing a soil column in a laboratory container with

Anthropogenic Impacts on Biodiversity: Analysis and Remediation

This question explores the impact of human activities on biodiversity and requires analysis of a pro

Assessing Pesticide Impact on Pollinator Behavior

A researcher conducted an experiment in which several bee hives were exposed to an environment conta

Assessing the Impact of Overfishing on Aquatic Biodiversity

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

Biodiversity Analysis and Impacts

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

Climate Change and Species Range Shifts

Climate change is influencing species distributions around the globe. In this context, it is importa

Comparative Adaptations for Temperature Extremes

A study compares two species that inhabit extreme temperature regimes. The table below summarizes st

Comparative Analysis of Successional Stages

Ecological succession involves distinct changes between early and late stages. Refer to the table be

Ecological Succession Dynamics over Time

This question focuses on the dynamic changes in productivity and species richness during ecological

Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity Balance

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

Ecosystem Services and Their Value

Ecosystems provide numerous services that support human well-being. Evaluate these services and expl

Effects of Invasive Species on Biodiversity

This question addresses the impact of invasive species on native biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics

Evolutionary Adaptation and Natural Selection Over Time

Analyze the process of evolutionary adaptation and natural selection in response to environmental ch

Flooding and Its Ecological Impact

Flooding has immediate negative effects but can also initiate long-term ecological processes. Evalua

FRQ 14: Role of Keystone Species in Ecosystem Stability

A researcher investigates the role of a keystone predator in a coastal ecosystem. Data indicate that

FRQ 20: Predicting Future Trends in Biodiversity – A Modeling Approach

A researcher employs computational models to predict future trends in biodiversity under varying env

Genetic Diversity in Bottlenecked Populations

Population bottlenecks can drastically reduce genetic diversity. One model for estimating the loss o

Indicator and Keystone Species in Ecosystems

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

Indicator Species as Signposts for Ecosystem Health

Discuss the role of indicator species in monitoring ecosystem health.

Investigating Pesticide Effects on Non-target Species and Pollination Services

Pesticide use can negatively impact non-target species and reduce ecosystem services like pollinatio

Island Biogeography and Species Diversity

This question explores the principles of island biogeography and how island size and isolation affec

Keystone Species and Biodiversity Impact

Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem structure and biodiversity. Explore th

Keystone Species and Food Web Stability

This question focuses on the role of keystone species in maintaining food web stability and requires

Monoculture vs. Polyculture: Impact on Soil Fertility and Ecosystem Health

An agricultural study compares the effects of monoculture and polyculture systems on soil fertility

Natural Disruptions and Ecosystem Services

The table below summarizes the effects of various natural disruptions on two aspects of ecosystem se

Population Bottleneck and Genetic Diversity

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

Population Bottlenecks and Genetic Diversity

This FRQ examines the concept of population bottlenecks and their effects on genetic diversity withi

Population Bottlenecks and Genetic Diversity

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

Primary vs. Secondary Succession Comparison

The table below outlines key differences between primary and secondary succession. Use this evidence

Primary vs. Secondary Succession Duration

Primary and secondary succession differ in their onset and duration. Analyze these differences both

Regulating Ecosystem Services and Agricultural Systems

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

Role of a Keystone Species in Ecosystem Function

In a controlled mesocosm study, ecologists removed a species thought to be a keystone from a freshwa

Species-Area Relationship Analysis

A biologist is studying the relationship between forest fragment area and species richness. The rela

Tracking Ecological Succession in a Disturbed Forest

Ecological succession records the recovery of plant communities after a disturbance. Design a long-t

Urbanization and Ecosystem Alteration

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

Urbanization Impact on Biodiversity

A study evaluated the impact of urbanization on biodiversity by comparing habitat fragmentation scor

Urbanization Impact on Local Species Richness

In an urban ecology study, researchers compare species richness in fragmented urban parks versus con

Valuation of Ecosystem Services

A local government evaluates four types of ecosystem services provided by a nearby wetland. Refer to

Wildlife Migrations and Energy Expenditure

Wildlife migrations are critical responses to environmental changes. Investigate the energetic costs

Analyzing the Demographic Transition Model

Using the provided data, explain the demographic transition model and predict future trends for a co

Applying the Rule of 70 to Population Growth Rates

Utilize the Rule of 70 to calculate population doubling times and interpret the ecological implicati

Carrying Capacity and Environmental Constraints

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

Comparing the Ecological Impacts of an Invasive Generalist versus a Native Specialist

Design an experiment to compare the ecological impacts of an invasive generalist species and a nativ

Density-Dependent vs Density-Independent Limiting Factors

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

Evaluating the Role of Limiting Factors in Population Regulation

Discuss the concept of limiting factors and evaluate how density-dependent and density-independent f

Exponential vs Logistic Population Growth

Examine the differences between exponential and logistic population growth, and apply the Rule of 70

Feedback Loops in Ecosystem Regulation

Examine the roles of positive and negative feedback loops in regulating ecosystem populations and fu

FRQ 3: Assessing Carrying Capacity in Aquatic Tanks with Daphnia

Researchers conducted an experiment to evaluate the carrying capacity in aquatic systems by studying

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

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

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

Generalists vs Specialists in Variable Environments

Discuss how the adaptations of generalist and specialist species affect their ability to cope with r

Interaction of Population Density with Resource Availability

Population density is a critical factor influencing resource competition. Answer the following: 1.

Interpretation of Survivorship Curves

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

Investigating Density-Dependent Limitations on Population Growth

Design an experiment to study the impact of density-dependent factors on population growth within a

J-Curve vs S-Curve Population Growth

Differentiate between J-curve and S-curve patterns in population growth and evaluate their ecologica

Population Dispersal Patterns

Using the concept of population dispersal patterns, analyze how organisms distribute themselves in h

r-Selected and K-Selected Strategies: Life History Trade-offs

Analyze the differences between r-selected and K-selected species by evaluating their life history s

Simulating Stages of Demographic Transition

Design an experiment to simulate the stages of demographic transition by manipulating factors that i

Species Specialization and Extinction Risk

Evaluate the relationship between species specialization and risk of extinction, and propose conserv

Survivorship Curves and Reproductive Strategies

Analyze the different survivorship curves and relate them to reproductive strategies in various spec

Total Fertility Rate and Demographic Implications

Evaluate the significance of total fertility rate (TFR) in shaping population dynamics using the pro

Analyzing Seasonal Wind Patterns in Monsoon Climates

Monsoon systems are characterized by dramatic seasonal changes in wind patterns and rainfall. Analyz

Analyzing Soil Texture and Nutrient Holding Capacity

Soil composition is critical for nutrient retention and plant growth. A soil sample's composition ca

Assessing Ozone Layer Protective Functions

The ozone layer plays a critical role in protecting life from ultraviolet radiation. Evaluate its fo

Atmospheric Composition Change Over Geological Time

Earth's atmosphere has evolved significantly over billions of years. Analyze a graph showing oxygen

Comparative Analysis of Rock Types and Erosion Susceptibility

The table below compares different rock types based on their resistance to weathering and associated

Divergent Boundaries: Earthquake Dynamics at Fault Zones

Divergent boundaries create fault zones that can result in earthquake activity. Analyze the characte

Effect of Atmospheric CO2 on Plant Photosynthesis

Design an experimental study to investigate how varying atmospheric CO2 concentrations affect the ra

Effect of Rock Weathering on Soil Permeability

Design an experiment to determine how the degree of rock weathering (as measured by the percentage o

Effect of Urbanization on Soil Erosion Rates

Design an experimental study to examine how increasing urban development, and thus the expansion of

FRQ 11: Watershed Nutrient Run-Off Experiment

In efforts to assess the impact of agricultural practices on watershed nutrient run-off, researchers

Global Warming and its Effects on Coral Reefs

Rising ocean temperatures due to global warming are threatening coral reef ecosystems. Analyze the i

Global Wind Patterns: Analyzing the Coriolis Effect

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

Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar Cells Circulation Analysis

A diagram (described below) illustrates global atmospheric circulation: "A diagram shows rising air

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

Interconnected Environmental Systems: Plate Tectonics, Soil Formation, and Climate Change

Discuss how the interactions among plate tectonics, soil formation, and climate change affect ecosys

Modeling Shoreline Retreat Due to Sea Level Rise

Coastal erosion is influenced by rising sea levels, which can result in significant shoreline retrea

Monsoonal Dynamics and Seasonal Variability

This question explores the dynamics of monsoonal winds and their impact on seasonal precipitation pa

Mountain Ranges and Rain Shadow Effects

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

Quantitative Analysis of Soil Water Infiltration

Soil compaction affects water infiltration and root growth. Analyze how reduced pore space in compac

Rain Shadow Effect and Mountainous Regions

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

Soil Composition and Plant Growth

This question addresses soil components and their roles in supporting plant growth.

Soil Formation and Erosion Management

A researcher is investigating soil profiles in an agricultural area experiencing significant soil er

Soil Nutrient-Holding Capacity

The claim to be evaluated is that soils rich in clay particles always hold nutrients more efficientl

Urbanization Impact on Localized Precipitation Experiment

An environmental scientist designed an experiment to assess the influence of urbanization on localiz

Weather Patterns and Heat Energy Transfer

An urban meteorologist is analyzing how heat energy is transferred through the atmosphere and how th

Wind Pattern and the Coriolis Effect

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

Agricultural Revolution: Crop Yield Increase

During the Second Agricultural Revolution, technological improvements led to higher crop yields. Con

Agricultural Revolutions and Crop Yield Improvements

Analyze the progress in agricultural productivity by examining changes in crop yields over time, and

Agricultural Revolutions and Production Trends

Discuss the historical impact of the Agricultural Revolutions on food production and societal develo

Analyzing Policy Responses to Overpopulation and Resource Consumption

Consider the role of overpopulation in environmental degradation and evaluate policy responses aimed

Assessing Environmental Impacts of Mountaintop Removal Mining

A team of researchers is studying the effects of mountaintop removal mining on nearby stream ecosyst

CAFOs and Their Impact on Water Quality

This question examines the environmental impact of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) on

Clear-Cutting Effects on Forest Ecosystems

A forested region has undergone extensive clear-cutting to meet the demands for timber and farmland

Deforestation Process Flowchart Analysis

Examine the provided flowchart that outlines the deforestation process and its resulting environment

Ecological Footprint and Resource Use

A researcher aims to quantify the ecological footprint of a city using the IPAT formula $$I = P \tim

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

Environmental Impacts of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)

Studies claim that CAFOs contribute significantly to water pollution through nutrient runoff. Evalua

Evaluating GMO Crop Performance under Environmental Stress

Design an experiment to evaluate how genetically modified (GMO) crops perform under drought conditio

Evaluating the Environmental Effects of Clear-Cutting on Forest Ecosystems

Design an experiment to assess how clear-cutting affects forest ecosystems by focusing on changes in

Government Subsidies, Food Production, and Environmental Health

This question investigates the impacts of government subsidies on food production systems and the re

Impact of Overgrazing on Grassland Ecosystems

The table below shows the relationship between grazing frequency and average grassland biomass.

Innovative Irrigation in Arid Regions

Develop an irrigation plan tailored for arid regions that maximizes water use efficiency.

Irrigation Efficiency Analysis

Analyze the water use efficiency of different irrigation methods by calculating the yield per liter

Mining Process Efficiency and Waste Generation

An open-pit mining operation extracts 5000 metric tons of ore with a recovery efficiency of 70%. Ans

Overfishing and Marine Ecosystem Restoration

Analyze the effects of overfishing on marine ecosystems and explore management methods to restore ec

Overfishing, Aquaculture, and Fisheries Management

Analyze the issues surrounding overfishing and examine the potential role of aquaculture in sustaini

Stratospheric Ozone Depletion and Human Activity

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

Sustainability and the IPAT Equation

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

Urban Sprawl and Traffic Emissions

In an urban sprawl area, 100,000 residents have an average commuting distance of 30 km per day per c

Urban Sprawl versus Smart Growth

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

Urbanization and Its Environmental Costs

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

Water Quality Impacts of CAFOs

A researcher analyzes the effects of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) on downstream wa

Biomass Energy and Anaerobic Digestion

Biomass offers a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. Evaluate the process of biomass energy produ

Clean Coal Emissions Measurement Experiment

Engineers set up an experiment to simulate clean coal technology by burning pulverized coal in a con

Clean Coal Scrubber Efficiency Experiment

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

Cogeneration System Efficiency Experiment

Design an experiment to investigate how a cogeneration system's simultaneous production of electrici

Energy Conservation in Residential Buildings

A recent study compared energy consumption and operating costs between conventional residential buil

Energy Conversion Efficiency in Power Plants

This question requires you to analyze energy conversion from thermal to electrical energy in power p

Environmental Impacts of Fossil Fuel Extraction

Fossil fuel extraction methods can have various environmental impacts. Using the table below, answer

Fossil Fuels: Combustion Reactions and Emissions

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

Fuel Type Comparison: Renewable vs Nonrenewable

A policymaker is comparing various fuel types to determine their long‐term sustainability and enviro

Geothermal Turbine Experiment

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

Hydroelectricity and Ecosystem Impact

Hydroelectric power offers renewable energy but can also disrupt natural ecosystems. Evaluate its be

Hydrogen Fuel Cells Performance Analysis

Hydrogen fuel cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy through chemical reactions. Using

Impact of Carbon Capture on CO2 Emissions

A coal power plant produces 1000 tonnes of CO₂ per day. With the implementation of Carbon Capture an

Life Cycle Analysis of Energy Production Methods

This question engages you in a life cycle analysis (LCA) of different energy production methods, foc

Long-Term Energy Demand Projection with Conservation Impact

A country's current annual energy demand is 1,000,000 GWh, and it is projected to grow at 2% per yea

Overall Efficiency of Fossil Fuel Electricity Generation

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

Passive Solar Heating Efficiency Experiment

A study is designed to evaluate the efficiency of a building's passive solar heating system by monit

Solar Energy Systems: Photovoltaic vs. Solar Thermal

This question analyzes two solar energy systems and evaluates their performance using provided data.

Solar Photovoltaic System Diagram Analysis

Examine the provided diagram of a residential solar photovoltaic (PV) system. The diagram shows sola

Stoichiometry of Fossil Fuel Combustion and its Role in Global Warming

Examine the stoichiometry of fossil fuel combustion and its environmental implications in terms of C

Wind Energy Integration Experiment

A researcher examines wind farm design by testing different turbine spacing arrangements in a contro

Wind Turbine Performance Variability

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

Acid Rain Remediation Strategies

Acid rain results from atmospheric reactions that produce sulfuric and nitric acids, which in turn c

Air Pollution Classification and Sources

This question examines your understanding of air pollution classifications. Explain the definitions

Analyzing Air Pollutant Types and Measurements

A city has compiled a table of air pollutants in ppm along with their classifications as primary or

Calculating Emission Reductions from Catalytic Converter Efficiency

Catalytic converters in automobiles reduce harmful emissions. Consider a vehicle that emits 0.8 gram

CO Emissions and Catalytic Converter Efficacy

An experiment measured CO levels at various temperatures with and without a catalytic converter. The

Comprehensive Air Pollution Mitigation Strategies

This comprehensive question requires you to integrate various air pollution remediation techniques,

Efficacy of Pollution-Control Devices

Devise an experimental procedure to test the efficacy of various pollution-control devices (e.g., sc

Efficiency of Electrostatic Precipitators in Particulate Removal

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

Evaluating the Impact of Air Pollution on Ecosystem Nutrient Cycling

Air pollution, through acid deposition and particulate matter, can disrupt nutrient cycling in ecosy

FRQ 16: Acid Deposition Effects on Aquatic Systems

Analyze the impact of acid deposition on freshwater ecosystems, focusing on changes in pH and associ

FRQ 17: Chemical Kinetics in Air Pollution Control

Explore the kinetics involved in the catalytic converter reactions that reduce atmospheric pollutant

FRQ 20: Multi-factor Analysis in Air Pollution Dynamics

Design an experiment to evaluate the effects of multiple environmental variables on air pollutant co

Graph Analysis of Urban Air Pollutant Concentration Over Time

A city monitors the concentration of a particular air pollutant over time. A graph of pollutant conc

Impact of Renewable Energy on Local Air Quality

Design an experiment to assess the impact of transitioning to renewable energy sources on local air

Impact of Temperature on Formation of Industrial Smog

A researcher conducted a set of experiments to monitor the concentration of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emi

Industrial Smog and Emission Control

Industrial smog, primarily associated with sulfur compounds from fossil fuel combustion, poses serio

Investigating Ozone Formation in Urban Settings

A researcher studies ozone formation by exposing a mixture of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic c

Mechanisms of Catalytic Converter Reactions

The following table provides data on pollutant concentrations before and after passing through a cat

Multi-Pollutant Interaction: CO, SO2, and Particulate Matter in Urban Environments

Multiple air pollutants often interact in urban environments, leading to complex secondary pollutant

Nitrogen Oxides and Ozone Chemistry

Explore the production of nitrogen oxides in high-temperature combustion and explain their role in t

Nitrogen Oxides and Their Environmental Impact

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are significant air pollutants produced during combustion and play a crucial r

Photocatalytic Reactions in Atmospheric Pollution

Design an experimental study to investigate the role of photocatalytic reactions in forming secondar

Photochemical Smog Formation and Effects

In an urban environment, researchers monitored pollutant levels over different times of day. Sensors

Photochemical Smog: Formation, Components, and Timing

A city's environmental department is studying photochemical smog to better understand its formation

Precipitation Impact on Suspended Particulate Matter

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

Primary vs Secondary Pollutants: Definitions and Reactions

Air pollution can be classified into primary pollutants that are emitted directly into the atmospher

Reduction Strategies for Air Pollutants

This question compares different remediation strategies to reduce particulate matter pollution by in

Remediation Strategies for Air Quality Improvement

Facing worsening air quality, a large city is considering an array of interventions ranging from tec

Role of Carbon Monoxide in Atmospheric Chemistry

This question focuses on the formation of carbon monoxide and strategies for its mitigation in the a

Sick Building Syndrome and Indoor Air Pollutants

Indoor environments can sometimes become contaminated, leading to sick building syndrome (SBS). Answ

Sulfur Dioxide Reactions and Environmental Impact

This question assesses your understanding of the atmospheric chemistry of sulfur dioxide and its env

Testing a Multi-Pollutant Air Quality Monitoring Device

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

Thermal Inversion and Pollutant Dispersion Experiment

Design an experiment to study how thermal inversion events affect the concentration and dispersion o

VOCs and the Formation of Photochemical Smog

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

Analyzing the Impact of Acid Rain on Freshwater Ecosystems

A simulation experiment applies acid rain to a freshwater pond to study its effects on water quality

Analyzing the Persistence of Organic Pollutants (POPs)

A study measured the concentration of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and the bioaccumulation f

Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification in Aquatic Food Chains

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

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) Analysis Accuracy

A researcher collected water samples from a municipal wastewater treatment plant to measure Biologic

Comparative Study of Filtration and Adsorption for Drinking Water Purification

Drinking water purification methods like filtration and adsorption are essential for removing contam

Designing a Water Quality Testing Protocol for Urban Runoff

Urban runoff can significantly impact water quality. Design an experiment to develop a comprehensive

Dissolved CO2 Measurement Using pH-Sensitive Indicator

A researcher attempted to measure dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in a freshwater lake using a

Ecological Effects of Cultural Eutrophication

This FRQ focuses on the ecological impacts of cultural eutrophication in aquatic systems. Analyze th

Efficiency of Anaerobic Digestion in Wastewater Treatment

A wastewater treatment plant utilizes anaerobic digestion to reduce organic waste and produce methan

Endocrine Disruptors and Their Impact on Wildlife and Humans

A researcher is investigating the effects of endocrine disruptors on both wildlife and human health.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Landfill Capping

Landfill capping is used to reduce the seepage of contaminants from waste. A table presents seepage

Evaluating the Efficiency of Ion Exchange Columns in Wastewater Treatment

A researcher designed an experiment to test the efficiency of an ion exchange column in removing hea

FRQ3: Impact of Oil Spills on Marine Ecosystems

This FRQ addresses the ecological repercussions of oil spills in marine environments. Analyze the pr

FRQ15: Urban Stormwater and Pollutant Transport

Analyze the data from various storm events to understand urban stormwater pollutant transport. Use t

FRQ17: Chemical Kinetics in Flocculation Sedimentation Process

Analyze the schematic diagram of a flocculation sedimentation process used in water treatment. Expla

Human Impacts on Wetlands and Mangroves

This question investigates the ecological importance of wetlands and mangroves, and the effects of h

Impact of Waste Incineration on Air Quality

This FRQ examines the environmental trade-offs of waste incineration, focusing on the production of

Integrated Management Strategies for Global Water Pollution Challenges

This comprehensive question addresses the cumulative impacts of human activities on water pollution

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

Investigating the Impact of pH Changes on Aquatic Organisms' Health

Water pH can significantly affect the health of aquatic organisms. Design an experiment to study the

Investigation of Solid Waste Disposal Effects on Soil and Water Quality

Evaluate how different types of solid waste disposal affect soil and water quality by analyzing degr

Mangrove Loss and Biodiversity Correlation Study

This FRQ examines the correlation between mangrove area and coastal species diversity over a 15-year

Measurement of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) in Polluted Water

A laboratory experiment is conducted to measure the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) of water samples

Mechanisms of Bioaccumulation in a Food Web

A researcher studies an aquatic food chain consisting of algae, small fish, and large fish to invest

Synthesis of Pollution Sources and Remediation Strategies

This capstone FRQ requires a synthesis of various pollution sources and a comprehensive approach to

Temperature Effects on Dissolved Oxygen and Aquatic Life

This question examines the relationship between water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels, and i

Water Pollution Sources and Their Effects

A researcher is investigating different sources of water pollution and their effects on water qualit

Water Quality Testing and Experimental Design

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

Analysis of Thermal Expansion and Sea Level Rise

Researchers conduct an experiment to measure the thermal expansion of water, simulating ocean warmin

Analyzing Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions

This question examines the sources of greenhouse gas emissions and asks you to analyze emission data

Assessing the Effects of Invasive Species on Ecosystem Services

This question explores how invasive species impact ecosystem services and requires you to design a f

Assessing the Effects of Invasive Species on Ecosystem Services

Invasive species can significantly impact ecosystem services. This question asks you to analyze thes

Assessing the Impact of Global Warming on Weather Patterns

This question addresses how global warming influences the frequency and intensity of extreme weather

Biodiversity Loss: Invasive Species Impact on Ecosystems

This question deals with the impact invasive species can have on native biodiversity and ecosystem s

Calculating the Impact of Sea-Level Rise on Coastal Geography

Using a simplified mathematical model, calculate the potential sea-level rise over a period of time

Chemical Behavior of Halocarbons in the Stratosphere

Investigate the role of halocarbons in ozone depletion.

Conservation Strategies for Endangered Species

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

Deforestation and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Deforestation significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions. Examine the relationship

Endangered Species Monitoring: Designing a Conservation Study

This question addresses the challenges of monitoring endangered species. You will first explain the

Endangered Species: An Investigation into Population Dynamics

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

Energy Production and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Discuss how different methods of energy production contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and propos

Estimating the Impact of Global Climate Change on Hydrological Cycles

In a region undergoing significant warming, scientists conducted a decade-long study measuring aspec

Evaluating Greenhouse Gas Emission Sources

A table is provided below summarizing the contributions of different sectors to global greenhouse ga

Examining Endangered Species Population Trends

This question focuses on analyzing population trends of an endangered species and evaluating potenti

Feedback Loops in Arctic Methane Release

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

Greenhouse Effect Mechanisms and Energy Balance

In this question you will analyze the mechanisms of the greenhouse effect and its role in regulating

Greenhouse Gas Source Analysis

Discuss the primary sources of major greenhouse gases and evaluate their contributions to global war

Human Health Impacts of UV Radiation Exposure

Analyze the potential health effects of increased ultraviolet radiation due to ozone depletion.

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,

Invasive Species: Ecological Impact Analysis

Analyze the ecological impacts of invasive species on native ecosystems, focusing on their mechanism

Modeling CO₂ Increase and Global Warming

This question uses an exponential growth model to predict future atmospheric CO₂ concentrations and

Ocean Acidification and Marine Ecosystem Impacts

Investigate the process of ocean acidification and its effects on marine organisms.

Oceanic Heat Storage and Thermal Expansion

A climate scientist investigates how the world's oceans absorb and store heat from the atmosphere an

Stratospheric Ozone Depletion and CFCs Impact

Discuss ozone formation in the stratosphere and analyze the impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) on

Stratospheric Ozone Depletion: Impact of CFCs

This free-response question examines how chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) contribute to ozone depletion in

Stratospheric Ozone Formation and Depletion Mechanisms

In the stratosphere, ozone is continually formed through reactions induced by ultraviolet radiation

Trends in Biodiversity and the Role of Habitat Loss

Environmental changes and habitat destruction have varying impacts on plants and animals. A research

Ultraviolet Radiation and Ozone Formation

This question explores the roles of different types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the formation o