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 (27)
  • Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity (31)
  • Unit 3: Populations (19)
  • Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources (24)
  • Unit 5: Land and Water Use (16)
  • Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption (16)
  • Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution (59)
  • Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution (33)
  • Unit 9: Global Change (25)
Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems

Aquifer Depletion and Groundwater Recharge

In a semi-arid region, long-term monitoring data have shown a decline in groundwater levels. A table

Hard

Carbon Cycle and Deforestation Impact Study

A researcher has collected data on carbon stocks in a tropical forest before and after deforestation

Medium

Carbon Sequestration in Old-Growth Forests

A long-term study monitored carbon stocks in an old-growth forest by measuring carbon storage in the

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Biome Productivity

Scientists have measured the net primary productivity (NPP) across several terrestrial biomes. The t

Easy

Ecological Succession in a Disturbed Lake Ecosystem

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

Medium

Ecosystem Interactions and Niche Differentiation

A field study in a temperate forest examines two rodent species – a generalist and a specialist. The

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

Effectiveness of Riparian Buffers in Mitigating Agricultural Runoff

Riparian buffers can reduce the impact of agricultural runoff on water quality. Use the data provide

Medium

Effects of Agricultural Runoff on the Nitrogen Cycle

Excessive use of fertilizers in agriculture has altered the nitrogen cycle in freshwater ecosystems.

Medium

Energy Flow in Food Webs and the 10% Rule

A researcher is investigating the flow of energy through a terrestrial food web. Measurements have b

Easy

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 9: Ecological Niches – Generalists vs. Specialists Diagram Analysis

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

Easy

FRQ 13: Experiment Design – Effects of Invasive Species on Community Structure

Design an experiment to investigate how an invasive species affects the native community structure i

Hard

FRQ 16: Effects of Climate Change on Coral Reef Health Diagram Analysis

Examine the provided diagram that depicts the impacts of climate change on coral reef health. In you

Extreme

Groundwater Depletion and Aquifer Recharge

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

Hard

Invasive Species and Biodiversity Loss

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

Medium

Invasive Species Effects on Native Plant Diversity

In a grassland ecosystem, researchers conducted a controlled field experiment to determine the impac

Hard

Nitrogen Cycle Alterations Due to Agriculture

Intensive agriculture increases the input of fixed nitrogen into nearby water bodies. A table accomp

Hard

Nitrogen Cycling and Fertilizer Impact

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

Medium

Photosynthesis Rate Under Different Water Turbidity Levels

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

Medium

Population Growth and Carrying Capacity in a Woodland Ecosystem

A population of deer in a forest follows logistic growth. The logistic growth model is given by $$P(

Medium

Resource Partitioning and Interspecific Competition

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

Medium

Species Interactions in Temperate Forests

A field study in a temperate forest documented various interactions among species. A table listing d

Medium

Temperature Effects on Nitrogen Fixation in Legume Root Systems

Design a greenhouse experiment to examine how temperature variations affect nitrogen fixation rates

Hard

Urbanization Impact on Aquifer Sustainability

A long-term study in an urban area has monitored groundwater levels over 15 years, correlating annua

Hard

Using Isotope Ratios to Track Nitrogen Sources in a Watershed

A watershed is influenced by both agricultural runoff and atmospheric deposition. Agricultural nitro

Medium

Water Distribution and Freshwater Renewal Rates

A hydrologist compiled data on the average renewal rates for different water sources. The table belo

Easy
Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity

Anthropogenic Influences on Biodiversity

This FRQ focuses on the influence of various anthropogenic activities on biodiversity and evaluates

Hard

Assessing the Impact of Overfishing on Aquatic Biodiversity

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

Medium

Comparing Primary and Secondary Succession

Compare primary and secondary succession in terms of their initial conditions, species colonization,

Medium

Ecological Tolerance Evaluation

The table below provides data on the abundance of two species (Species A with narrow pH tolerance an

Easy

Ecosystem Service Disruption and Management Strategies

This question examines the cascading effects of ecosystem service disruption and challenges you to d

Hard

Ecosystem Services Evaluation

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

Medium

Ecosystem Stability and Resilience: A Comparative Analysis

Analyze the factors contributing to ecosystem stability and resilience, with a focus on species dive

Extreme

Effects of Natural Disruptions on Ecosystem Recovery

Natural disruptions such as flooding, wildfires, and volcanic eruptions affect ecosystems’ biomass a

Medium

FRQ 10: Adaptive Responses – Short-term vs. Long-term Adaptations

A study examines the responses of an insect population to repeated pesticide exposure. The researche

Medium

FRQ 11: Ecological Succession – Primary vs. Secondary

Following a volcanic eruption, a barren landscape begins to be colonized by life. A researcher compa

Medium

Impact of Anthropogenic Activities on Ecosystem Services

Human activities can significantly affect ecosystem services. Evaluate the impact of such activities

Medium

Impact of Flooding on Soil and Plant Health

Flooding can profoundly affect soil conditions and plant survival in an ecosystem. Analyze these imp

Medium

Integrating Ecosystem Services in Urban Planning

As urban areas expand, the integration of ecosystem services into planning becomes critical for sust

Hard

Island Biogeography

A group of islands at varying distances from a mainland were surveyed for species diversity. The res

Medium

Island Biogeography Model Analysis

A graph representing species richness on islands at varying distances from the mainland is provided.

Medium

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

Natural Disruptions and Ecosystem Stability

This question explores the ecological impacts of natural disruptions such as flooding, volcanic erup

Medium

Plant Density and Water Pollution Breakdown in River Sections

In a field study, scientists measured pollutant concentrations along river sections with varying den

Medium

Population Bottleneck Analysis

A population of a species experienced a drastic reduction due to an environmental catastrophe. A gra

Hard

Population Bottlenecks and Genetic Diversity

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

Extreme

Population Bottlenecks and Genetic Variability

Investigate the consequences of population bottlenecks on genetic diversity in a species.

Hard

Population Dynamics and Logistic Growth Models

This question examines population dynamics by comparing the logistic growth model with exponential g

Hard

Recovery Dynamics in Ecological Succession

Disturbances impact ecosystem recovery dynamics, influencing net primary productivity (NPP). Analyze

Extreme

Sea Level Rise and Glacial Melting Correlation

A table summarizes changes in average ocean temperatures and corresponding global sea level changes

Easy

Simulating Primary Succession on Sterile Substrate

Researchers conducted a controlled greenhouse experiment to simulate primary ecological succession o

Medium

Species Richness and Environmental Heterogeneity

This question involves analyzing species richness in relation to environmental heterogeneity using p

Medium

Temperature Effects on Ecosystem Productivity and Biodiversity

This question investigates the effects of temperature changes on ecosystem productivity and species

Hard

The Role of Keystone Species in Ecosystem Stability

Evaluate the significance of keystone species in maintaining ecosystem stability.

Hard

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

Wildlife Migration Triggers

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

Medium
Unit 3: Populations

Assessing the Impact of a K-Selected Predator on Prey Population Dynamics

Design an experiment to investigate how a K-selected predator species affects the population dynamic

Medium

Comparative Analysis of Generalist vs Specialist Species

Use the provided table to analyze the differences between generalist and specialist species and disc

Easy

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

Extreme

Demographic Transition Model Analysis

Discuss the demographic transition model and analyze its implications for future population trends a

Medium

Evaluating Density-related Factors in Insect Populations

A researcher is studying insect populations in agricultural fields to discern how density-dependent

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 6: Feedback Loops in Ecosystems

This question focuses on feedback loops in ecosystems, asking you to define them and apply your unde

Medium

FRQ 18: Modeling Family Planning Impact on Population Growth

A computer simulation was developed to model the impact of family planning policies on population gr

Medium

FRQ 19: Parental Care and Survivorship Curves

This question explores the influence of parental care on the shape of survivorship curves in differe

Medium

Generalists vs Specialists in Variable Environments

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

Medium

Human Population Dynamics from Agricultural Revolution to Present

Human population growth has undergone dramatic changes from the Agricultural Revolution to the prese

Hard

Impact of Environmental Degradation on Carrying Capacity

Environmental degradation can significantly affect a system’s carrying capacity. Answer the followin

Hard

Interpreting Survivorship Curves

Examine the graph provided in the stimulus which depicts three types of survivorship curves (Type I,

Hard

Mathematical Modeling of Logistic Growth

A biologist is modeling the growth of a population using the logistic growth equation. Answer the fo

Hard

Measuring Biotic Potential Under Optimal Conditions

Design an experiment to measure the biotic potential (maximum reproductive capacity) of two differen

Easy

Simulating Demographic Transition Dynamics

A sociologist is using a controlled simulation to study the demographic transition in a population.

Extreme

Survivorship Curve Analysis

Evaluate the different types of survivorship curves and discuss their implications for species' repr

Hard

Urbanization Effects on Population Dynamics and Resources

Evaluate the impact of urbanization on population dynamics and resource availability, and propose su

Hard

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

Analyzing the Role of Vegetation in Carbon Sequestration

The table below compares soil organic carbon levels across different land use types with varying deg

Medium

Assessing Watershed Pollution Trends

This question examines the impact of agricultural runoff on watershed water quality over time using

Medium

Calculating Water Holding Capacity of Soil

The water holding capacity (WC) of soil is the ratio of the volume of water required to saturate the

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

Continental Drift and Seafloor Spreading

A scientific presentation argued that patterns of magnetic anomalies on the seafloor support the the

Medium

Convergent Boundaries: Subduction and Mountain Building

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

Hard

Coriolis Effect and Global Wind Trajectories

Analyze the influence of Earth’s rotation on global wind patterns and assess the role of the Corioli

Medium

Effect of pH on Nutrient Availability Experiment

A researcher conducted an experiment to determine how soil pH influences nutrient availability to pl

Easy

Effect of Rock Weathering on Soil Permeability

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

Medium

ENSO Variability and Marine Food Web Disruptions

Examine the ecological consequences of El Niño and La Niña events on marine ecosystems and associate

Hard

Evaluating the Impact of Buffer Zones on Nutrient Runoff in Watersheds

Design an experimental study to assess the effectiveness of vegetative buffer zones in reducing nutr

Medium

FRQ 16: Climate Change Simulation: Impact of Surface Albedo

Researchers simulate the impact of surface albedo on heat absorption using identical panels painted

Extreme

FRQ 20: Monsoon Dynamics and Land-Sea Temperature Gradient Experiment

To study monsoon dynamics, researchers develop a computational simulation experiment that models the

Extreme

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

Greenhouse Gas Concentrations and Atmospheric Composition

Atmospheric composition has evolved since pre-industrial times. The table below lists approximate pe

Medium

Impact of Soil Compaction on Water Infiltration Rates

Design an experiment to investigate how varying degrees of soil compaction affect water infiltration

Medium

Influence of Oceans on Local Climate

Large bodies of water can moderate local climates. The table below compares temperature data from co

Easy

Investigating Urban Air Pollution Effects on Weather Patterns

Design a study to examine the relationship between urban air pollution and local weather patterns, f

Medium

Mountain Ranges and Rain Shadow Effects

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

Medium

Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift Evidence

Analyze the key evidence supporting plate tectonic theory and continental drift. In your answer, dis

Medium

Soil Formation Process and Erosion Impact

This question explores the processes of soil formation and the impacts of erosion on agricultural pr

Medium

Tornado Formation: Assessing Wind Shear and Kinetic Energy

Wind shear is a critical factor in tornado formation. The kinetic energy per unit mass of an air par

Medium

Urban Expansion and Biodiversity Loss

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

Hard
Unit 5: Land and Water Use

Air Pollution and the Tragedy of the Commons

Apply the concept of the Tragedy of the Commons to urban air pollution by analyzing emission data an

Easy

Analyzing The Tragedy of the Commons

Garrett Hardin’s essay 'The Tragedy of the Commons' suggests that individual self‐interest in exploi

Medium

Assessing Ecological Footprint Dynamics in Urban Areas

A researcher compares the ecological footprint (expressed in global hectares per person) of high-den

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

Crop Rotation vs. Monoculture: Effects on Soil Quality and Yield Stability

Design an experiment to compare the effects of crop rotation and monoculture on soil nutrient levels

Medium

Ecological Footprint Assessment

Country A has an ecological footprint of 5.2 global hectares (gha) per person with a population of 5

Medium

Experiment Analysis: Clear-Cutting and Edge Effects on Soil Moisture

Researchers conducted an experiment to study the impact of clear-cutting on soil moisture and forest

Hard

Impacts and Mitigation of Deforestation

Consider the multifaceted impacts of deforestation on natural systems.

Medium

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) versus Conventional Pesticide Use

Evaluate the differences between Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and conventional pesticide applica

Medium

Pesticide Treadmill and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

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

Medium

Sustainable Agriculture and Nitrogen Runoff

A sustainable farm applies 1000 kg of organic fertilizer per hectare, which contains 2% nitrogen. Ho

Easy

Sustainable Agriculture: No-Till and Crop Rotation Benefits

A farming community has recently transitioned from conventional tillage methods to sustainable pract

Easy

The Role of GMOs in Agricultural Sustainability

It is claimed that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can increase crop yields while reducing the

Medium

Tragedy of the Commons: Overfishing Impact on Marine Ecosystems

A coastal community that depends on fishing has experienced a dramatic decline in fish stocks over t

Hard

Urban vs. Rural Environmental Policy Trade-offs

This question compares environmental challenges in urban and rural areas using provided data and ask

Medium

Urbanization and its Effects on Urban Runoff

Rapid urbanization is claimed to lead to increased pollutant concentrations in urban runoff, thus af

Medium
Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption

Chemical Energy in Biodiesel Production

Biodiesel is produced from biomass through a chemical process known as transesterification. Answer t

Hard

Comparing Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy Sources

Discuss the distinctions between renewable and nonrenewable energy resources, and analyze the trade-

Medium

Designing a Solar Photovoltaic System

Explore the principles behind photovoltaic energy conversion and estimate the power output of a sola

Medium

Electrical Energy and Mechanical Energy System Efficiency

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

Medium

Energy Conservation in Residential Buildings

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

Easy

Energy Unit Conversions in Environmental Engineering

Perform unit conversions to compare energy outputs and understand the different systems used to meas

Easy

Fossil Fuels Combustion Analysis

This question focuses on the chemical processes involved in the combustion of fossil fuels and their

Medium

Future Energy Scenarios: Integrating Diverse Energy Sources

Looking forward, the global energy landscape is expected to become increasingly diversified. Evaluat

Extreme

Geothermal Energy Extraction Analysis

A geothermal power plant pumps water from a reservoir at 250°C at a rate of 2 m³/s. At the surface,

Hard

Hydroelectric Power Efficiency Experiment

A researcher builds a scale model of a dam to study the efficiency of converting the potential energ

Medium

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Catalyst Experiment

Design an experiment to determine how the type of catalyst used in a hydrogen fuel cell affects its

Medium

Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Operation and Comparison with Batteries

Examine the operation of hydrogen fuel cells and compare their advantages and limitations relative t

Medium

Photovoltaic Efficiency and Material Limitations

This question examines the efficiency of photovoltaic cells and the material properties that limit t

Hard

Sustainable Energy Transition

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is a complex challenge with far-reachin

Hard

Thermodynamics and Energy Conservation in Industrial Processes

Examine the graph titled 'Energy Flow in Industrial Processes' provided below. Answer the following:

Extreme

Wind Energy: Turbine Blade Design Experiment

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

Hard
Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution

Acid Rain Effects on Aquatic Ecosystems

Acid rain can significantly alter the pH of aquatic systems. Use the provided data to discuss these

Easy

Acid Rain: Formation Process and Ecological Effects

A forested region downwind of industrial centers is experiencing significant ecological changes due

Hard

Analyzing Photochemical Smog Formation

In an urban area, photochemical smog exhibits a distinct daily cycle. During early morning hours (6

Hard

Assessing Effectiveness of Government Policies on Air Quality Improvement

A retrospective study evaluated air quality data collected over a 10-year period before and after th

Medium

Assessing Urban Heat Island Effects on Weather

A researcher studies the influence of urban heat islands on local weather patterns. The table below

Extreme

Assessment of Noise Pollution in Urban Areas

An environmental scientist collects data on noise pollution in various urban areas. The table below

Medium

Atmospheric CO₂ and Particulates Monitoring Data Interpretation

A study monitored atmospheric CO₂ and particulate matter (PM) levels over a 30-day period in an indu

Medium

Carbon Footprint and the Trade-Offs in Modern Energy Production

Assess the interplay between combustion of fossil fuels for energy and its impacts on air quality, f

Medium

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 Control

This question focuses on the function of catalytic converters in reducing vehicular emissions and ex

Easy

Comparative Analysis of PMx Sources

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

Medium

Detection and Impact of Gas Leaks: Carbon Monoxide Monitoring

A residential complex employed a fixed CO detection system to monitor CO levels throughout the day.

Easy

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

Effects and Mitigation of Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is an environmental concern affecting both humans and wildlife. Answer the following

Easy

Evaluating Point Source vs Non-Point Source Air Pollution

City planners are revising pollution control strategies and need to distinguish between point source

Medium

Evaluating the Effects of Noise Pollution on Health

A study has compiled data on noise levels (in decibels) and the frequency of reported health issues

Easy

Experimental Evaluation of Nitrogen Oxides in a Traffic Simulation

A researcher develops an automated traffic simulation to evaluate nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions fro

Medium

FRQ 1: Characteristics and Types of Air Pollutants

This FRQ deals with understanding the definitions and examples of different air pollutants and their

Easy

FRQ 14: Renewable Energy and Air Pollution Reduction

Discuss the environmental benefits of shifting to renewable energy sources, particularly in relation

Easy

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

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

Medium

Impact of Nitrogen Oxides on Ozone Formation

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) play a significant role in the formation of tropospheric ozone. Use your knowl

Medium

Impact of VOCs from Building Materials on Indoor Air Quality

Devise an experiment to investigate the impact of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from bui

Medium

Impacts of Indoor Air Pollutants

Indoor air pollutants can have significant health effects. Discuss the health impacts of three indoo

Medium

Impacts of Nitrogen Oxides on Ozone Formation

This question examines the chemical relationship between nitrogen oxides and ozone formation in the

Hard

Indoor Air Pollutants and Mitigation Techniques

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

Medium

Indoor Air Pollution and Sick Building Syndrome

This question explores the phenomenon of sick building syndrome, common indoor air pollutants, and p

Hard

Introduction to Air Pollution Classification

This question examines fundamental concepts in air pollution, focusing on definitions and classifica

Easy

Investigating Meteorological Influences on Pollution Dispersion

Weather conditions significantly affect the dispersion of air pollutants in urban settings. Analyze

Medium

Lead Pollution and Health Impact Analysis

Lead is a hazardous air pollutant with significant health impacts. In urban settings, measurements o

Medium

Lead Pollution in Air

Analyze the sources and health impacts of lead pollution in the atmosphere, and critically assess a

Medium

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

Linking Urban Heat Islands to Pollution Concentrations

Urban heat islands can exacerbate air pollution problems. A graph is provided that shows modeled tem

Hard

Measuring Carbon Monoxide Emissions in Enclosed Chamber

An experiment is set up to measure carbon monoxide (CO) levels produced by the partial oxidation of

Easy

Mechanisms of Catalytic Converter Reactions

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

Hard

Mechanisms of Tropospheric Ozone Formation

Tropospheric ozone is a secondary pollutant formed through photochemical reactions. Using the provid

Medium

Modeling Air Pollutant Dispersion

A researcher models the dispersion of an air pollutant from a point source using the equation $$y =

Extreme

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: Effects and Mitigation Strategies

With urban expansion, noise pollution has become a growing concern, especially in areas adjacent to

Easy

Particulate Matter (PMx) Deposition Analysis

A study investigates the relationship between particle size and deposition time for particulate matt

Medium

Peroxyacyl Nitrates (PANs) – Movement and Impact

Peroxyacyl nitrates (PANs) are secondary pollutants capable of long-range transport. Analyze their m

Hard

Peroxyacyl Nitrates (PANs) and Urban Air Quality

PANs are secondary pollutants that can travel far from their urban origins. Use the provided data to

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 and Health Effects Analysis

An urban hospital reported an increase in respiratory-related admissions coinciding with elevated ph

Extreme

Photochemical Smog Formation Investigation

A researcher investigates the formation of photochemical smog in a metropolitan area. The provided g

Hard

Photochemical Smog Formation: Reaction Kinetics Analysis

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

Extreme

Policy Approaches to Reducing PMx Levels

Particulate matter (PMx) has significant environmental and health impacts. Answer the following: (a

Extreme

Primary vs. Secondary Pollutants Analysis

A mid-sized city is experiencing both visible smog and ground-level ozone formation. An emissions in

Medium

Processing Industrial Smog

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

Hard

Reduction Strategies for Air Pollutants

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

Medium

Sick Building Syndrome and Indoor Air Pollutants

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

Easy

Sulfur Dioxide Reactions and Environmental Impact

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

Medium

Suspended Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and Public Health

Suspended particulate matter (PM2.5) has both environmental and health impacts. Analyze the followin

Easy

Temperature Inversion and Pollutant Trapping

Construct an experimental design to assess how temperature inversion events contribute to the trappi

Medium

Thermal Inversion and Air Pollution Concentration

This question examines the effect of thermal inversions on pollutant concentration in urban environm

Hard

Tropospheric Ozone Trends

A study monitored the formation of tropospheric ozone over several hours. Use the graph provided to

Easy

Urban Heat Island Effect: Analysis and Mitigation

Urban heat islands result in higher temperatures in cities compared to rural areas. The graph below

Medium

Urban Heat Islands and Air Quality

Urban heat islands can exacerbate air pollution issues. Analyze the relationship between temperature

Medium
Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution

Analysis of Anaerobic Digestion for Waste Treatment

A city is considering anaerobic digestion as a method to treat its organic waste. A simplified diagr

Hard

Analysis of Water Pollution Sources

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

Medium

Analyzing Cultural Eutrophication Data

This question addresses the impacts of nutrient enrichment in surface waters leading to cultural eut

Medium

Assessing the Role of Mangroves in Filtering Urban Runoff

A field study compares water quality in coastal areas with mangrove forests to areas without mangrov

Medium

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) Analysis Accuracy

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

Easy

Comparative Analysis of Solid Waste Disposal Methods

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

Hard

Designing a Controlled Experiment to Test Adsorption Efficiency

A researcher aims to evaluate the efficiency of various adsorbent materials in removing heavy metals

Hard

Designing a Municipal Solid Waste Disposal Strategy

This FRQ challenges you to evaluate various solid waste disposal methods and design an integrated st

Hard

Designing an Experiment to Mitigate Cultural Eutrophication Using Buffer Zones

Buffer zones are a recognized method for controlling nutrient runoff into water bodies. Design an ex

Medium

Dissolved CO2 Measurement Using pH-Sensitive Indicator

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

Medium

Effects of Temperature on Dissolved Oxygen in Aquatic Ecosystems

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

Hard

Endocrine Disruptors and Their Effects on Aquatic Life

This FRQ explores the impact of the endocrine disruptor BPA on fish growth using experimental data.

Medium

Endocrine Disruptors in Consumer Products

This FRQ explores the pathways by which endocrine disruptors, such as BPA and dioxins, enter the env

Medium

Evaluating Algal Bloom Formation from Fertilizer Runoff

A researcher studied the impact of fertilizer runoff on algal bloom formation by adding varying conc

Hard

Evaluating Drinking Water Treatment Methods

A municipal study compared various drinking water treatment methods based on their removal efficienc

Hard

Evaluating Endocrine Disruptors in Drinking Water

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

Extreme

Evaluating the Role of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) in Water Quality

BOD is a key indicator of water quality, reflecting the amount of biodegradable organic matter. Anal

Easy

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

FRQ5: Endocrine Disruptors and Their Ecosystem Impacts

Examine the schematic diagram of an endocrine system affected by endocrine disruptors. Discuss the i

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

Global Waste Trade and Its Environmental Justice Implications

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

Extreme

Heavy Metal Contamination from Mining Activities

A mining area has been monitored for heavy metal contamination over a period of 15 days. A table rec

Hard

Impact of Human Activity on Wetlands and Mangroves

This FRQ explores how human activities affect wetlands and mangrove ecosystems, integrating data int

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

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Environmental Contamination

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) pose serious risks due to their durability, bioaccumulation, an

Hard

Persistent Organic Pollutants and Bioaccumulation

This FRQ addresses the environmental persistence of organic pollutants (POPs) and their tendency to

Medium

Temperature Effects on Dissolved Oxygen and Aquatic Life

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

Easy

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch: An Environmental Assessment

This FRQ assesses your understanding of the formation and ecological implications of the Great Pacif

Medium

Urban Runoff and Flooding Effects on Water Quality

Urban areas often experience heavy rainfall events that lead to significant runoff. This runoff can

Hard

Water Pollution Sources and Their Effects

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

Easy

Water Quality Testing and Experimental Design

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

Medium
Unit 9: Global Change

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

Hard

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

Easy

Chamber Experiment: Quantifying Thermal Absorption due to Greenhouse Gases

In this question, you will design an experiment to quantify how varying concentrations of greenhouse

Hard

Climate Change and Extreme Weather

This question evaluates the link between global warming and the frequency and severity of extreme we

Hard

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

Comparative Analysis of Adaptation vs. Acclimatization

A student studies how organisms adjust to environmental changes and seeks to clarify the difference

Easy

Conservation Strategies for Endangered Species

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

Medium

Conservation Strategies for Endangered Species

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

Medium

Correlating Habitat Loss and Species Extinction Rates

In this question, you will explore the relationship between habitat loss and the rate of species ext

Hard

Environmental Impact Analysis of Alternative Coolants

The use of HCFCs and CFCs in cooling systems contributes to ozone depletion. Alternative coolants su

Hard

Evaluating Alternative Coolants in Reducing Ozone Depletion

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have been widely used in refrigeration and air conditioning and are a maj

Hard

Experimental Evaluation of International Protocols on Climate Change Mitigation

International agreements play a crucial role in climate change mitigation. This question involves in

Extreme

Experimental Investigation of UV Radiation and Ozone Formation

A researcher investigates how different types of UV radiation affect ozone formation. In a controlle

Medium

Food Web Disruptions from Invasive Species

Examine how the introduction of an invasive predator can disrupt a native food web and outline a res

Hard

Greenhouse Effect: Radiative Forcing and Energy Balance

When sunlight strikes Earth's surface, part of the energy is reflected and the remainder is absorbed

Medium

Greenhouse Gas Source Analysis

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

Easy

Impact of International Environmental Protocols on Atmospheric Chemistry

International protocols such as the Montreal Protocol, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement have been

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

Impacts of Ozone Depletion on Crop Production

A field study was conducted to investigate how increased ultraviolet (UV) radiation, resulting from

Medium

Impacts of Ozone Depletion on Ecosystem Services

In regions experiencing significant ozone depletion, various ecosystem services are affected. The re

Medium

Local Mitigation Strategies for Global Warming

Develop a comprehensive local initiative to reduce urban greenhouse gas emissions and critically ass

Medium

Ozone Depletion and Human Health

This question explores the link between stratospheric ozone depletion and human health outcomes, par

Medium

Population Dynamics of Endangered Species

This problem examines the population decline of endangered species and uses exponential decay models

Medium

Stratospheric Ozone Depletion and CFCs Impact

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

Medium

Thermal Expansion of the Oceans

This question examines the effect of thermal expansion on sea-level rise by using a provided equatio

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.