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AP Biology Free Response Questions

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

  • View all (250)
  • Unit 1: Chemistry of Life (19)
  • Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function (35)
  • Unit 3: Cellular Energetics (28)
  • Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle (34)
  • Unit 5: Heredity (29)
  • Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation (21)
  • Unit 7: Natural Selection (57)
  • Unit 8: Ecology (27)
Unit 1: Chemistry of Life

Atomic Structure and Isotopes Analysis

A researcher is studying isotopes in carbon samples to trace metabolic pathways in mammalian cells.

Easy

Carbohydrates: Monosaccharides, Disaccharides, and Polysaccharides

Analyze the structural differences and functional roles of carbohydrates in biological systems. Use

Medium

Carbon's Central Role in Biomolecules

A biologist is exploring why carbon is fundamental to the structure of organic molecules.

Easy

Dehydration Synthesis and Hydrolysis in Polymer Formation

Examine the processes of dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis in the formation and breakdown of poly

Medium

Effects of pH and Temperature on Protein Structure

This FRQ examines how protein structure is influenced by pH and temperature. You will describe the m

Hard

Evaluating the Impact of pH on Carbohydrate Structures

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

Medium

Hydrogen Bonding and Water's Unique Properties

Analyze the impact of hydrogen bonding on water's physical properties and discuss why these properti

Medium

Hydrogen Bonding in Water: A Molecular Perspective

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

Hard

Investigating Water’s Hydrogen Bonding Effects on Surface Tension

A chemistry class compares the surface tension of pure water with that of water-ethanol mixtures. Th

Easy

Lipid Solubility and Amphipathic Molecules

Analyze the solubility behavior of various lipid molecules. Examine how amphipathic properties influ

Medium

Nucleic Acid Structure and Function

Compare the structural features of DNA and RNA and discuss how these differences are related to thei

Easy

Nucleic Acids: Structure and Information Storage

A genetics laboratory is studying bacterial DNA mutations following exposure to a mutagen. Answer th

Medium

Polymerization vs Hydrolysis Mechanisms in Biochemical Reactions

Compare the mechanisms and biological contexts of polymerization and hydrolysis reactions.

Medium

Protein Structure and Mutation Analysis

A molecular biologist is investigating the structure of proteins and the effects of mutations.

Medium

Trace Elements and Enzyme Activity

Evaluate the importance of trace elements in supporting enzyme function and overall biological activ

Medium

Trace Elements in Ecosystem Function

An ecologist is researching the role of trace elements (e.g., iron, iodine, copper) in the health of

Medium

Trace Mineral Deficiency and Metabolic Health

Medical researchers are investigating how deficiencies in trace minerals impact metabolic health.

Medium

Understanding the Role of Molecular Components in Cell Signaling

A study investigates how cholesterol-derived hormones are produced and how molecular structure influ

Medium

Water: Unique Properties and Capillary Action

Water exhibits several unique physical properties that are crucial for life. Analyze how these prope

Medium
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

Active Transport: Primary vs Secondary

This question examines the concepts of primary and secondary active transport and their roles in cel

Medium

Bulk Flow Analysis in Fluid Systems

This FRQ investigates the concept of bulk flow in fluid systems such as blood vessels or plant xylem

Medium

Cell Recognition and Communication

A researcher investigates the role of glycoproteins and glycolipids in cell recognition and immune r

Hard

Cell Surface Area-to-Volume Ratio and Cellular Efficiency

A researcher studies the effects of cell size on the efficiency of material exchange in the cell. Th

Medium

Cilia and Flagella: Structure-Function Analysis

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

Easy

Comparative Analysis of Plant and Animal Cell Structures

The table below compares the presence of specific organelles in plant and animal cells. Use this inf

Easy

Comparative Analysis of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

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

Medium

Comparing Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ in several fundamental aspects, leading to differences in co

Medium

Cytoskeletal Dynamics in Cell Movement

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

Easy

Cytoskeleton and Cellular Dynamics

Cell shape, division, and movement are critically dependent on the cytoskeleton. (a) Compare the ro

Medium

Cytoskeleton Dynamics in Cell Division

A researcher investigates the role of the cytoskeleton, particularly actin microfilaments, in the pr

Medium

Cytoskeleton: Microfilaments vs. Microtubules

The cytoskeleton is essential for maintaining cell shape and enabling movement. Analyze the differen

Medium

Dialysis Membrane Efficiency and Solute Diffusion

Design an experiment to evaluate how increasing solute concentration affects the rate of diffusion a

Hard

Fluid Mosaic Model and Plasma Membrane Structure

The plasma membrane is best described by the fluid mosaic model. This question explores the structur

Medium

Golgi Complex Function in Protein Secretion

Design an experiment to assess how inhibition of the Golgi complex affects protein processing and se

Easy

Heat Exchange and Surface Area-to-Volume Ratio in Organisms

Design an experiment to investigate how heat-exchange rates vary in organisms with different surface

Hard

Investigation of Peroxisomes in Cellular Detoxification

A study measured peroxisomal enzyme activity in response to increasing concentrations of hydrogen pe

Hard

Lysosomal Enzyme Kinetics

Lysosomal enzymes often follow Michaelis-Menten kinetics, described by $$v = \frac{V_{max} * S}{K_m

Extreme

Lysosomes and Autophagy in Cellular Homeostasis

Lysosomes are essential for breaking down cellular components and aiding in cellular cleanup. Analyz

Medium

Lysosomes and Cellular Waste Management

Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes critical for recycling cellular components. Answer the parts bel

Medium

Membrane Permeability and Transport Proteins

The plasma membrane’s selective permeability is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Examin

Hard

Membrane Proteins and Cellular Communication

This question examines the roles of membrane proteins in cellular communication and asks for an anal

Hard

Mitochondrial Function and Energy Conversion

Mitochondria convert energy from nutrients into ATP. Answer each part of the question below:

Medium

Mitochondrial Structure and Function

This question examines the structure of the mitochondrion and its role in ATP production.

Medium

Osmoregulation and Water Potential

Water potential is a key factor in osmoregulation within cells. Evaluate how variations in solute co

Hard

Osmosis and Water Potential in Cells

Water potential drives water movement in biological systems. (a) Define water potential and explain

Hard

Peroxisomes and Detoxification Processes

Peroxisomes detoxify harmful substances in the cell. Answer the following parts:

Medium

Protein Processing in the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Golgi Complex

A scientist is studying the secretory pathway in eukaryotic cells. A simplified diagram of the pathw

Medium

Ribosome Protein Synthesis Efficiency

A prokaryotic cell contains approximately 10,000 ribosomes, with each ribosome synthesizing proteins

Hard

Ribosome Structure and Protein Synthesis

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

Medium

Ribosome Structure and Protein Synthesis

This FRQ focuses on ribosome composition and its role in protein synthesis.

Easy

Role of Plasma Membrane in Selective Permeability

A series of experiments using artificial membranes have aimed to test the claim that the plasma memb

Medium

Scaling of Metabolic Waste Accumulation with Cell Volume

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

Hard

Temperature Effects on Cellular Metabolism

Design an experiment to assess how different temperatures influence the rate of enzyme-catalyzed rea

Hard

Vacuoles in Plant and Animal Cells

Vacuoles serve important roles in both plant and animal cells. (a) Identify and compare the functio

Easy
Unit 3: Cellular Energetics

Allosteric Regulation of Enzymes

Design an experiment to evaluate the effects of an allosteric inhibitor on enzyme activity.

Hard

Anaerobic Respiration: Fermentation in Muscle Cells and Yeast

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

Medium

Analysis of Substrate Concentration Impact on Enzyme Kinetics

An undergraduate student designed an experiment to measure amylase activity by evaluating the rate o

Medium

Chlorophyll Absorption Spectra

The efficiency of photosynthesis depends on the light absorption properties of pigments. Analyze and

Hard

Cofactors in Enzymatic Reactions

A researcher is exploring the roles of various cofactors in enzyme-catalyzed reactions, with special

Easy

Comparative Analysis of Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration

Design an experiment to compare ATP yield from muscle cells under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

Medium

Comparative Analysis of ATP Yield in Aerobic versus Anaerobic Conditions

A lab experiment was conducted to compare ATP production in isolated muscle tissues under aerobic an

Hard

Designing an Experiment on Allosteric Regulation

Design a controlled experiment to test the effect of an allosteric inhibitor on enzyme activity.

Hard

Effect of Temperature on Enzyme Activity

A researcher studies the impact of temperature on the activity of an enzyme. The experiment involves

Medium

Energy Diagrams Analysis

Analyze the energy diagram provided to determine the type of reaction depicted. Use the graph to ext

Medium

Energy Diagrams and Reaction Types

This question examines the energy profiles of exergonic and endergonic reactions. The provided energ

Medium

Enzyme Kinetics and Saturation Analysis

Understanding enzyme kinetics is essential for analyzing reaction rates. Examine the concept of satu

Hard

Enzyme Kinetics and Temperature Effects

Examine the table below showing enzyme reaction rates measured at different temperatures. Use the da

Hard

Enzyme Regulation and Inhibition Mechanisms

Cells tightly regulate enzyme activity to maintain metabolic balance. Evaluate the mechanisms of enz

Medium

Enzyme Saturation and Reaction Rate

A researcher examines how increasing substrate concentration affects an enzyme's reaction rate. Data

Easy

Evaluation of Light Wavelength Effects on Photosynthetic Pigment Absorption

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

Hard

Evolutionary Origins of Photosynthesis and its Impact on Modern Cells

An evolutionary biologist examines evidence suggesting that prokaryotic photosynthesis was a precurs

Extreme

Fermentation in Muscle Cells: Analysis of Lactate Production

A study measured blood lactate levels under different exercise intensities, as shown in the table be

Hard

Fermentation vs. Aerobic Respiration

Contrast anaerobic fermentation and aerobic respiration in terms of ATP yield, by‐products, and the

Medium

Glycolysis Pathway and ATP Yield

This question focuses on glycolysis, the pathway that breaks down glucose to yield ATP and NADH.

Easy

Impact of pH on Enzyme Catalysis

Review the table below that lists enzyme reaction rates at various pH levels. Analyze how pH affects

Medium

Inhibition of the Krebs Cycle via Competitive Inhibitors

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

Hard

Investigation of Photosynthesis Efficiency in Isolated Chloroplasts

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

Medium

Kinetic Analysis of Enzyme Inhibition

Enzyme inhibitors can alter reaction rates in various ways. Evaluate the kinetic effects of competit

Hard

pH Effects on Enzyme Activity

Answer the following questions regarding the effect of pH on enzyme activity.

Medium

Photosynthesis: Light-Dependent Reactions

This question investigates the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, especially focusing on t

Medium

Role of Cofactors in Enzyme Catalysis

A researcher investigates how varying concentrations of the cofactor Mg2+ affect the activity of an

Hard

Substrate Concentration and Enzyme Saturation

A researcher studies how varying substrate concentration affects the reaction rate of an enzyme-cata

Hard
Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle

Cancer Biology: Oncogenes vs. Tumor Suppressor Genes

This question explores the genetic basis of cancer by distinguishing between oncogenes and tumor sup

Medium

Cell Communication in Tissue Regeneration

During wound healing, tissue regeneration relies on effective cell communication via growth factor s

Hard

Cell Cycle Dysregulation and Apoptosis

Failure of cell cycle checkpoints can lead to uncontrolled cell division and trigger programmed cell

Hard

Cell Cycle Inhibition and Drug Testing in Cancer Cells

A cancer researcher designs an experiment to test a new drug intended to arrest cancer cells at the

Hard

Cell Migration and Developmental Patterning

Design an experiment to study the migration patterns of cells during development in a tissue model,

Medium

Cell-to-Cell Communication Mechanisms

This question explores the diverse mechanisms by which cells communicate with each other, particular

Easy

Chemotaxis in Unicellular Organisms: Gradient Response Analysis

This question investigates chemotaxis in unicellular organisms and how they respond to chemical grad

Medium

Cyclin D and Cell Cycle Progression

A researcher tests the hypothesis that increased levels of cyclin D accelerate the G1/S transition b

Medium

Cyclins and CDKs in Cell Cycle Regulation

During liver regeneration, proper cell cycle progression is critical. The role of cyclins and cyclin

Hard

Cyclins and CDKs: Regulation of the Cell Cycle

Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are central to the regulation of the cell cycle. Part

Medium

Cytokinesis and Mitotic Spindle Dynamics

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

Medium

Designing Experiments to Study Mitosis

Experimental approaches are crucial for understanding the dynamics of mitosis. Part a: Propose a l

Hard

Experimental Design to Investigate Chemotaxis

A researcher is designing an experiment to study bacterial chemotaxis in response to a nutrient grad

Hard

Feedback Inhibition in Hormone Signaling

In an investigation of insulin's role in blood glucose regulation, a researcher treats isolated live

Easy

Feedback Mechanisms in Hormonal Regulation

Hormonal regulation, such as the maintenance of blood glucose levels, often relies on feedback mecha

Medium

Homeostatic Feedback in Blood Glucose Regulation

Homeostasis in blood glucose levels is maintained by hormonal feedback mechanisms. Refer to the diag

Medium

Hormonal Feedback in Glucose Regulation

A research team investigates the role of insulin and glucagon in regulating blood glucose levels usi

Medium

Impact of CDK Inhibition on Cell Cycle Progression

Design an experiment to analyze the effect of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors on cell cycle

Extreme

Integration of Taxis and Signal Transduction Pathways

Cells integrate external chemical signals and internal signal transduction mechanisms to navigate th

Easy

Ligand-Gated Ion Channels in Muscle Contraction

A neuromuscular junction study explores the effect of acetylcholine (ACh) on muscle cell contraction

Medium

Mathematical Modeling of cAMP Signal Amplification

Mathematical models can help explain biochemical signaling pathways. Consider the differential equat

Extreme

Mechanisms of Toxin Interference with Signal Transduction

An environmental toxin is found to interfere with cellular signal transduction, resulting in decreas

Medium

Mitosis Stages and Chromosome Behavior

Mitosis is the process by which a cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells.

Easy

Mitosis: Chromosome Condensation and Segregation

A cytologist observes the stages of mitosis in cultured cells using special staining techniques. The

Medium

Molecular Basis of Cancer: Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressors

The regulation of the cell cycle is critical for preventing cancer. Answer the following questions r

Hard

Negative Feedback in Cellular Signaling

A study on hormone regulation claims that negative feedback pathways stabilize hormone levels by red

Medium

Oncogene Activation Analysis

A researcher investigates oncogene activation in epithelial cells by exposing them to a suspected ca

Medium

Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes in Cancer

This question examines the genetic basis of cancer with a focus on the roles of oncogenes and tumor

Hard

Signal Amplification and Cascade Effects

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

Hard

Signal Amplification in Transduction Cascades

This question examines how signal transduction cascades amplify extracellular signals within the cel

Medium

Signal Transduction Cascades: Ligand-Receptor Binding

Design an experiment to measure the activation of a receptor by a specific ligand and the resulting

Hard

Signal Transduction Feedback Mechanisms

Feedback mechanisms are essential in regulating signal transduction pathways. Review the provided di

Medium

Signal Transduction Pathways: Second Messenger Systems

Second messengers are important components of many signal transduction pathways. A researcher is foc

Medium

Temporal Dynamics of Mitosis Phases

This question investigates the timing of mitotic phases and the implications of phase duration on th

Easy
Unit 5: Heredity

Analysis of X-Inactivation and Barr Bodies

In female mammals, one of the two X chromosomes is randomly inactivated during development, leading

Medium

Application of the Product Rule in Predicting Combined Traits

In a genetic study, the probability of obtaining a tall plant is given as 3/4 and the probability of

Easy

Barr Bodies and X-Inactivation

X-inactivation is a key mechanism to ensure dosage compensation in females. Describe the process of

Medium

Dihybrid Cross and Probability: Tall and Yellow Pea Plants

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

Medium

Environmental Effects on Phenotypes

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

Easy

Environmental Influence on Phenotypic Plasticity

Environmental factors can influence the phenotype even when the genotype remains constant. This phen

Medium

Events of Prophase I in Meiosis

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

Hard

Gamete Formation and Fertilization

Gametes are essential for sexual reproduction. Answer the following questions: (a) Describe the rol

Easy

Gene-Environment Interactions in Expression

A molecular biologist is investigating how environmental factors influence gene expression levels in

Hard

Haploid and Diploid Cell Analysis

In many organisms, cells can be either haploid (n) or diploid (2n). This question addresses the diff

Easy

Identifying Errors in a Multi-Trait Breeding Experiment

A breeding experiment was conducted to analyze the inheritance patterns of multiple traits simultane

Extreme

Impact of Recombination on Genetic Diversity

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

Hard

Integration of Genetics and Meiosis Mechanisms

A genetics professor conducts a comprehensive experiment to illustrate how the principles of Mendeli

Extreme

Interplay Between Mendelian and Non-Mendelian Inheritance

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

Medium

Maternal Inheritance: Mitochondrial Genetics

Mitochondrial inheritance differs from Mendelian inheritance as mitochondria are passed only from th

Easy

Meiosis and Genetic Variation

Meiosis plays a critical role in generating genetic variation and reducing the chromosome number in

Hard

Meiosis: Stages and Genetic Variation

This problem explores the stages of meiosis with a focus on Prophase I and its role in generating ge

Medium

Mendelian Genetics and Punnett Squares

Mendel’s experiments with pea plants laid the foundation for modern genetics. In this question, you

Medium

Mendelian Inheritance and Test Cross

This question involves using a test cross to determine the genotype of a tall pea plant. A tall plan

Hard

Mitochondrial Inheritance: An Experiment in Maternal Effects

A team of researchers investigated mitochondrial inheritance by comparing offspring traits from reci

Easy

Mitochondrial vs Nuclear Inheritance

Mitochondrial inheritance represents a unique mode of genetic transmission. Compare mitochondrial in

Medium

Non-Nuclear Inheritance: Mitochondrial Genetics in Plants

A geneticist is examining inheritance patterns in plants with the goal of distinguishing between tra

Hard

Pedigree Analysis: Charting Inheritance in a Family

Analyze the provided pedigree data to infer the mode of inheritance for a trait observed in the fami

Hard

Probability Rules in Genetic Crosses

Genetic crosses often involve calculating the likelihood of independent events. This question requir

Easy

Recombination Mapping

Linked genes do not assort independently. In this problem, you will use recombination frequencies to

Hard

Revisiting Mendel's Laws

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

Easy

Sex-Linked Inheritance in Pedigree Data

A geneticist analyzed a set of pedigree data for a trait suspected to be X-linked. The table below s

Medium

Stages of Meiosis: Analyzing a Diagram

Using the provided diagram of meiotic stages, analyze the key events that contribute to genetic vari

Easy

Synapsis and Crossing-Over Analysis in Meiosis

A researcher conducts an experiment to quantify the frequency of crossing-over events during synapsi

Extreme
Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation

Advances in DNA Sequencing Techniques

Examine Sanger sequencing and next-generation sequencing technologies, and compare their respective

Medium

Cell-Free Translation System: Ribosome Binding Site Error

A researcher develops a cell-free system to study translation by combining purified mRNA, ribosomes,

Medium

Central Dogma and Its Exceptions

Discuss the central dogma of molecular biology along with notable exceptions observed in certain org

Easy

Comparative Analysis of Leading and Lagging Strand Synthesis

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

Medium

Comparative DNA Replication: Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes

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

Extreme

Energy Consumption in DNA Replication by Helicase

Helicase unwinds the DNA double helix during replication. Suppose unwinding 1 kilobase (kb) of DNA r

Hard

Gel Electrophoresis and RFLP Analysis

Scientists use gel electrophoresis to analyze restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) from

Medium

Gene Duplication and Transposon Insertion: Effects on Evolution

A recent study on a bacterial population revealed frequent events of gene duplication and transposon

Hard

Hox Genes and Embryonic Development

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

Hard

Impact of Hox Gene Mutations on Vertebrate Body Plan Development

Design a multi-step experimental study to investigate the effects of Hox gene mutations during early

Extreme

Investigating Reverse Transcription in Retroviruses

A virology study investigates the efficiency and fidelity of reverse transcriptase in retroviruses l

Hard

Investigation of Plasmid Size on Transformation Efficiency

Propose an experimental design to assess how plasmid size affects transformation efficiency in bacte

Medium

Mutation Impact on Enzyme Function

Using the experimental data provided, analyze how different types of mutations affect enzyme activit

Extreme

Operon Function and Regulation

Using the provided operon diagram, answer the following questions concerning the regulation of gene

Medium

Operon Model and Gene Regulation

Gene regulation in prokaryotes often occurs via operons. Answer the following in relation to the ope

Easy

Plasmid Transformation with Misinterpreted Promoter Activity

A scientist attempts to quantify gene expression levels by transforming bacterial cells with a recom

Easy

Recombinant DNA Construction Using Plasmids

A researcher seeks to construct a recombinant plasmid by inserting a eukaryotic gene into a bacteria

Easy

Regulation of the lac Operon

A microbiologist studies the regulation of the lac operon in bacterial cells to understand how lacto

Easy

Telomeres, Replication, and Cellular Aging

Discuss the structure and function of telomeres, and analyze their impact on cellular aging.

Medium

Transcriptional Inhibition by Regulatory Proteins

A study compared mRNA levels under different regulatory conditions to understand the impact of repre

Easy

Translation Mechanism and Error Regulation

This question investigates the molecular mechanism of translation and the importance of ensuring acc

Hard
Unit 7: Natural Selection

Analyzing Biogeographical Patterns in Evolution

Biogeography provides important clues about evolutionary relationships. Analyze how species distribu

Medium

Artificial Selection versus Natural Selection

Contrast artificial selection with natural selection, and design an experiment to illustrate mechani

Hard

Cladograms and Evolutionary Relationships

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

Medium

Climate Change and Evolutionary Selection

Climate change can act as a powerful selective force. Use the data provided to examine how changing

Hard

Comparative Analysis of Lamarckian and Darwinian Evolution

Critically compare the theories of Lamarckian evolution and Darwin’s natural selection regarding the

Medium

Constructing and Interpreting Phylogenetic Trees

A phylogenetic analysis yields a graphical representation of evolutionary relationships among severa

Extreme

Constructing Phylogenetic Trees to Understand Common Ancestry

This FRQ focuses on how molecular and fossil records are used together to construct phylogenetic tre

Hard

Convergent vs. Divergent Evolution

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

Medium

Darwin’s Observations and Natural Selection

Examine Darwin's observations regarding reproduction, variation, and survival, and describe how thes

Easy

Directional Selection Under Environmental Stress

A bacterial population is exposed to an antibiotic. Initially, most bacteria are susceptible, but ov

Medium

Disruptive Selection in Flower Color Variation

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

Hard

Divergent Evolution and Speciation in Birds

Two populations of a bird species become geographically isolated due to a landscape change. Over tim

Easy

Embryological Evidence for a Common Ancestry

Embryological studies, including the presence of gill slits in vertebrate embryos, have been used as

Hard

Environmental Impact on Allele Frequency: A Simulation Study

An ecologist plans to simulate the impact of temperature on allele frequency. In this model, the sel

Hard

Environmental Pressures and Adaptive Evolution

Environmental factors drive adaptive changes in populations. Answer the following:

Hard

Evidence for Evolution: Fossils and Morphological Homologies

This question explores two lines of evidence for evolution: the fossil record and morphological homo

Easy

Evolutionary Fitness and Changing Interactions

Discuss the concept of evolutionary fitness and analyze how changing ecological interactions, such a

Medium

Evolutionary Stasis and Punctuated Equilibrium

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

Medium

Fossil Record and Evolutionary Trends

The table below shows fossil data from three different time periods, including age and dominant morp

Medium

Fossil Records and Morphological Homologies

This FRQ examines how fossil records and morphological homologies are used as evidence for common an

Medium

Gene Flow and Local Adaptation in Butterfly Populations

In this experiment, a researcher is studying gene flow and its effects on local adaptation in butter

Extreme

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium Analysis in a Beetle Population

A population of beetles exhibits color variations due to a single gene with two alleles. Analyze the

Hard

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and Population Genetics

Understanding population genetics relies on the application of the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Use t

Hard

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and Population Genetics

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

Medium

Impact of Mutation on Evolutionary Trajectories

Examine the table showing mutation rates and the frequency of new alleles over several generations.

Medium

Investigating the RNA-World Hypothesis

A team of researchers performed experiments to test the catalytic properties of RNA molecules under

Hard

Mechanisms of Speciation

This question evaluates your understanding of speciation processes. Examine different modes of speci

Hard

Mechanisms of Speciation

Speciation is the process by which new species arise. Various mechanisms contribute to the formation

Medium

Mendelian Inheritance and Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium Misinterpretation

In this experiment, a researcher studies the genetic structure of a small beetle population by genot

Medium

Modeling Allele Frequencies Using Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

Apply the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium model to estimate allele frequencies in a population. Answer th

Medium

Modeling the Effects of Gene Flow

Gene flow between two populations can alter allele frequencies. Using the data provided, answer the

Medium

Molecular Evidence for Common Ancestry

Discuss how molecular data supports the concept of common ancestry among diverse species.

Medium

Molecular Evidence for Common Ancestry

Molecular biology has become a powerful tool for inferring evolutionary relationships. Answer the fo

Hard

Molecular Evidence for Evolution

Examine how molecular biology provides compelling evidence for evolution.

Medium

Morphological and Embryological Evidence for Evolution

Evidence for evolution is found in both adult anatomy and embryological development. Address the fol

Easy

Mutation and Genetic Drift: Population Dynamics

In populations, both mutations and genetic drift can alter allele frequencies independently of natur

Hard

Mutation and the Evolution of Novel Traits in Insect Populations

An insect population is observed where a random mutation introduces a novel trait that might enhance

Medium

Mutation Effects on Allele Frequency: Quantitative Analysis

A table presents initial allele frequencies and mutation rates for a population. Use this data to an

Extreme

Mutations and Evolutionary Change

Mutations serve as the ultimate source of genetic variation. Evaluate the different types of mutatio

Medium

Mutations and Their Evolutionary Impact

Discuss the role of mutations in generating genetic diversity and calculate the expected number of n

Easy

Non-Mendelian Inheritance and Evolutionary Predictions

Non-Mendelian patterns of inheritance add complexity to our understanding of genetic variation. Expl

Extreme

Origins of Life and the Miller–Urey Experiment

The Miller–Urey experiment simulated early Earth’s atmospheric conditions by combining gases (CH4, N

Medium

Paleontological Evidence and Fossil Record Analysis

Analyze the fossil record data provided in the table to answer the following questions regarding the

Medium

RNA World Hypothesis: Experimental Approaches

Discuss the RNA world hypothesis and design a modern experiment to test its predictions regarding th

Hard

Selective Forces: Directional, Stabilizing, and Disruptive Selection

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

Hard

Selective Predation on Peppered Moths

In this experiment, a researcher is investigating the effects of selective predation on peppered mot

Medium

Sexual Selection and Avian Plumage

In this experiment, a researcher investigates sexual selection in birds by comparing the mating succ

Hard

Sexual Selection and Evolutionary Fitness

Sexual selection represents a unique mechanism of evolution driven by mate choice and competition. E

Medium

Sexual Selection and its Effects

Sexual selection is a distinct evolutionary process. Explore the differences between sexual and natu

Easy

Sexual Selection: Trade-offs in Peafowl

Studies of peafowl indicate that males with larger and more colorful tails are more attractive to fe

Medium

Speciation and Reproductive Barriers

Examine the process of allopatric speciation and explain the role of reproductive isolation in the f

Hard

Speciation and Reproductive Isolation

Speciation involves the evolution of reproductive isolation. Answer the following:

Hard

Speciation through Reproductive Isolation in Frogs

Examine how geographical isolation and divergent evolution lead to speciation in a frog population w

Medium

Stress-induced Mutations in Drought-Stressed Plant Populations

In this experiment, a researcher exposes a population of plants to controlled drought conditions in

Medium

Temperature Effects on Enzyme Activity and Evolutionary Adaptation

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

Extreme

The RNA World Hypothesis and Origins of Life

This question examines the RNA world hypothesis and the role of prebiotic experiments in understandi

Medium

The RNA World Hypothesis and the Origins of Life

Experiments simulating early Earth conditions, such as the Miller-Urey experiment, provide support f

Extreme
Unit 8: Ecology

Altruistic Behavior and Kin Selection

A behavioral ecologist investigates altruistic behavior in social mammals with a focus on kin select

Hard

Animal Thermoregulation under Varying Environmental Conditions

A study measured the body temperature of a species at different ambient temperatures to determine if

Hard

Biodiversity Analysis and Diversity Index

Using the species count data provided, calculate Simpson’s Diversity Index and interpret what the va

Hard

Circadian Rhythms and Enzyme Activity in Plants

A botanist studies how enzyme activity in a plant varies over a 24-hour period under constant condit

Extreme

Comparative Thermoregulation in Endotherms and Ectotherms

A study claims that differences in metabolic rate lead to more effective behavioral responses to env

Medium

Differentiating Gravitropism and Thigmotropism in Climbing Plants

Researchers studied climbing plants’ responses to gravitational and touch stimuli, claiming that gra

Hard

Ecological Succession and Pioneer Species

Ecological succession describes the gradual process of change in an ecosystem. Answer the following

Medium

Endotherms vs. Ectotherms: Thermal Regulation and Environmental Adaptations

Animals use different strategies to regulate body temperature. Answer the parts below.

Easy

Experimental Analysis of Habituation and Imprinting

In a controlled experiment, animals were exposed to a repeated stimulus to test habituation, and the

Extreme

Hierarchy and Behavioral Interactions

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

Hard

Human Impacts: Deforestation Effects on Biodiversity

A study examines the impact of deforestation on species diversity in a tropical forest. Surveys indi

Medium

Impact of Deforestation on Biodiversity and Biomass

A region experiencing deforestation was studied and the following data were recorded: Species richne

Hard

Imprinting Behavior in Avian Species

A researcher is studying the imprinting behavior of ducklings. The experimental process involves pla

Easy

Keystone Species and Ecosystem Dynamics

Keystone species have a disproportionate effect on their ecosystems. Answer the following:

Hard

Learning and Conditioning in Animal Behavior

Animals adapt to their environments through various forms of learning. Two key processes are habitua

Medium

Logistic Growth and Carrying Capacity

Explore how population growth is limited by the carrying capacity of an environment using the logist

Hard

Modeling Population Growth: Exponential Growth Analysis

Populations in ideal conditions often exhibit exponential growth. Answer the following parts.

Extreme

Modeling Population Growth: Exponential vs Logistic

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

Extreme

Pheromonal Communication and Reproductive Behaviors

This question explores the role of chemical signals in reproductive behavior, and asks you to compar

Hard

Pheromone Communication in Insects

An entomologist conducts an experiment to examine the effect of pheromones on the mating behavior of

Hard

Photoperiodism in Flowering Plants

A botanist investigates the effect of day length on flowering in a short-day plant species. The expe

Easy

Plant Tropisms and Photoperiodism

Plants exhibit various behavioral responses to environmental stimuli. This FRQ focuses on the mechan

Medium

Primary Productivity: Gross vs. Net

A researcher measured both the gross productivity and respiration rate of a photosynthetic community

Extreme

Species Interactions and Keystone Species

Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem. This FRQ examine

Hard

Symbiotic Relationships: Mutualism, Commensalism, and Parasitism

Symbiotic relationships come in different forms. Answer the following parts.

Easy

Territoriality and Mating Success in Amphibians

A herpetologist hypothesizes that territorial behavior in male frogs directly correlates with their

Medium

Toxin Accumulation in a Terrestrial Food Chain

An environmental scientist investigates toxin bioaccumulation across a terrestrial food chain consis

Extreme

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