--- title: "AP Environmental Science Calculation FRQ Practice" description: "144 Analyze an Environmental Problem Doing Calculations questions written in the AP format, each scored part by part." canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-enviro/frqs/calculations" type: "frq-type-practice" subject: "AP Environmental Science" --- # AP Environmental Science Calculation FRQ Practice ## What the Calculation FRQ asks This is FRQ 3 on the AP Environmental Science exam. You get an environmental problem with numbers, explain the science, run calculations that show the scale of the problem, and propose a solution. Three parts are calculations worth 2 points each, and on some questions the solution comes before them. - **24 min**: suggested writing time - **10 points**: across parts A to G - **1/3**: of your FRQ points | Part | What it asks | Points | | --- | --- | --- | | A: Identify | Name a concept, source, or practice in the scenario | 1 | | B: Describe | Describe an environmental problem or service | 1 | | C: Explain | Explain how a process or change affects the system | 1 | | D: Calculation | Set up and solve a calculation, with units | 2 | | E: Calculation | A second calculation, often building on the first | 2 | | F: Solution | Propose a realistic solution | 1 | | G: Calculation | A third calculation tied to the problem | 2 | ## How Calculation FRQ practice works 1. **Read the full question.** The scenario, the numbers you need, and every part, laid out the way the exam shows them. 2. **Write your response.** A timer runs while you write. Pause it or turn it off, and your response saves as you go. 3. **Submit for a score out of 10.** Your response is scored against the scoring guidelines written for that question. Your first score is included. ## All 144 questions ### Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems (20) - [Wetland restoration, nutrient cycling, coastal water quality](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862872a547873167531a71&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Freshwater ecosystems, nutrient cycling, invasive species impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698628a1a547873167531a73&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Energy flow, nutrient cycling in coastal estuaries](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698628dba547873167531a78&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Freshwater lake eutrophication and nutrient cycling](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862991a547873167531a82&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Energy flow and carbon cycling in forest ecosystems](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862a78a547873167531a8c&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Energy transfer and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862ab4a547873167531a8e&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Temperate forest ecosystem dynamics and nutrient cycling](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862b69a547873167531a97&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Energy flow and nutrient cycling in ecosystems](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862c9ba547873167531aa3&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural runoff, eutrophication, and riparian buffer solutions](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862ea7a547873167531ab6&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Freshwater wetland degradation and nutrient cycling impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862edca547873167531ab9&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Tropical rainforest decomposition and nutrient cycling disruption](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862f89a547873167531ac1&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Energy flow and nutrient cycling in temperate deciduous forests](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862fc2a547873167531ac6&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Energy flow and nutrient cycling in forests](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698630d6a547873167531ad3&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Eutrophication, nutrient cycling, aquatic ecosystem management](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69863269a547873167531ade&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Salt marsh productivity and energy transfer efficiency](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986331aa547873167531ae1&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Nutrient pollution impacts on coastal salt marsh restoration](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698633cfa547873167531ae9&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Prairie pothole wetlands, agricultural pollution impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69935c0764bd0bc727e8f06e&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Eutrophication, nutrient runoff, aquatic ecosystem disruption](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2ae83e97cb0d213d0602f&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Tropical rainforest deforestation and biogeochemical cycles](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2aecae97cb0d213d06057&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Grassland ecosystem disruption and nutrient cycling](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2af0ce97cb0d213d06083&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) ### Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity (13) - [Habitat fragmentation, biodiversity loss, genetic isolation](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862713c83e4a0c36354c2a&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Habitat fragmentation and tropical rainforest biodiversity loss](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862911a547873167531a7b&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Coral reef fragmentation, biodiversity, and environmental resilience](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862a26a547873167531a88&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Habitat fragmentation effects on forest bird populations](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862cb0a547873167531aa4&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Habitat fragmentation and biodiversity in tropical rainforests](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862f83a547873167531ac0&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Habitat fragmentation, biodiversity loss, ecosystem services](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698631caa547873167531ad8&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Habitat fragmentation and tropical forest biodiversity](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698631fca547873167531ada&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Habitat fragmentation impacts on mangrove ecosystem services](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69863355a547873167531ae4&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Forest fragmentation and bird species diversity decline](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69863401a547873167531aec&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Island biogeography, invasive species, biodiversity loss](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69863520a547873167531af1&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Coral reef fragmentation and fish species diversity](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69935d4e17e4b4e4631666c5&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Habitat fragmentation and island biogeography principles](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2aeebe97cb0d213d06069&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Wetland degradation, biodiversity loss, ecosystem services](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2af6fe97cb0d213d060ba&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) ### Unit 3: Populations (13) - [Wolf reintroduction and elk population dynamics](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862919a547873167531a7d&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Population growth pressure on wildlife habitats](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698629d4a547873167531a86&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Population dynamics in managed and isolated ecosystems](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862aa4a547873167531a8d&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Population growth, specialist-generalist species, survivorship curves](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862ef9a547873167531abc&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [K-selected species vulnerability and survivorship patterns](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69863352a547873167531ae3&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Population growth patterns, reproductive strategies, demographics](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986360fa547873167531af9&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [White-tailed deer population growth and management](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69863678a547873167531afc&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [White-tailed deer population management and forest ecology](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69863831a547873167531b08&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Invasive prey species and raptor population dynamics](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698f61ae5faccee2a0edb383&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Keystone species, ecosystem regulation, population dynamics](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698f62945faccee2a0edb386&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Human population growth, carrying capacity, resource limitation](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2ae81e97cb0d213d0602b&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Wildlife habitat loss and population dynamics](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2aebce97cb0d213d0604d&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Habitat fragmentation, species survival, population ecology](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2afede97cb0d213d060fa&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) ### Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources (15) - [Subduction zones, volcanic soils, watershed runoff](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698628c2a547873167531a76&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Watershed boundaries, soil erosion, deforestation impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862900a547873167531a7a&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Soil horizons, agricultural erosion, nutrient cycling](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862b27a547873167531a93&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural soil erosion and water infiltration management](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862b9ca547873167531a99&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Soil erosion, sediment loading, watershed degradation](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862bd4a547873167531a9d&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Soil erosion management in agricultural watersheds](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69863055a547873167531acf&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Soil erosion, tectonic activity, watershed impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69863209a547873167531adb&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Soil erosion, formation processes, agricultural management](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69863283a547873167531adf&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Soil formation, degradation, and agricultural productivity](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698633c3a547873167531ae8&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Soil erosion mitigation through agricultural conservation practices](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698f61045faccee2a0edb382&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Watershed erosion from forest removal and restoration](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698f627c5faccee2a0edb385&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Colorado River watershed water resource management](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69935ef44399aed7cdf0b1f1&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Soil erosion, watersheds, and climate interactions](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2ae81e97cb0d213d06029&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Climate patterns, precipitation, ocean-atmosphere interactions](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2aec5e97cb0d213d06053&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Freshwater disruption in river watershed systems](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2af4ce97cb0d213d060a6&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) ### Unit 5: Land and Water Use (19) - [Agricultural sustainability: irrigation, monoculture, soil degradation](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862835a547873167531a6e&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural sustainability and soil degradation in California](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986286ea547873167531a70&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Industrial agriculture sustainability and pest management practices](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698628a4a547873167531a74&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Water-intensive agriculture and environmental resource depletion](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862915a547873167531a7c&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural sustainability and environmental degradation challenges](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986294ea547873167531a7f&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Sustainable agriculture, water scarcity, pest management](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698629c6a547873167531a84&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural sustainability, irrigation, and concentrated animal operations](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862ac0a547873167531a8f&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural irrigation, pesticide overuse, monoculture farming impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862b31a547873167531a95&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural intensification, sustainability trade-offs, resource management](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862b74a547873167531a98&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural sustainability: irrigation, CAFOs, pesticide resistance](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862bd9a547873167531a9e&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural water sustainability and farming practice transitions](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862cf2a547873167531aa6&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Water management, irrigation efficiency, and shared resource depletion](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862d68a547873167531aab&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural irrigation methods and groundwater resource management](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862dd4a547873167531aaf&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural sustainability in California's Central Valley](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862e0fa547873167531ab1&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural practices, environmental degradation, and ecosystem impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862ee5a547873167531abb&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural practices and environmental degradation impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862f1fa547873167531abe&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural water efficiency and downstream aquaculture impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862fcfa547873167531ac7&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Water scarcity, soil degradation, sustainable agriculture](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986306ca547873167531ad0&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural sustainability and ecosystem service impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=699360e6188a6832c936af11&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) ### Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption (20) - [Energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862989a547873167531a81&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Island nation energy transition to geothermal power](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698629c5a547873167531a83&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Energy transition: coal alternatives and environmental impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862b60a547873167531a96&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Energy transition from coal to renewable sources](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862bd1a547873167531a9c&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Coal combustion pollutants and acid deposition impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862c09a547873167531a9f&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Coal energy transition and environmental impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862c44a547873167531aa1&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Coal transition to renewable energy sources](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862cbaa547873167531aa5&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Energy transition from coal to renewable sources](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862cf4a547873167531aa7&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Renewable energy transition and coastal environmental impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862dafa547873167531aad&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Coal power transition and environmental impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862e5aa547873167531ab2&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Energy transition from coal to renewable sources](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862e8ea547873167531ab4&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Coal power plant replacement and environmental impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862ecaa547873167531ab8&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Urban energy transition from coal to renewables](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862f03a547873167531abd&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Energy transition from coal to renewable sources](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862fa8a547873167531ac5&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Energy transition: coal versus renewable sources](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862fe8a547873167531aca&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Energy transition from coal to renewable sources](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986301ca547873167531acc&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Coal energy transition and environmental impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2ae81e97cb0d213d06028&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Fossil fuel electricity generation and renewable energy transitions](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2aeb7e97cb0d213d06049&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Fossil fuel alternatives: geothermal and biomass energy](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2af34e97cb0d213d06099&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Electricity generation methods and environmental consequences](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2af9ce97cb0d213d060d1&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) ### Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution (13) - [Urban air pollution, thermal inversions, ozone formation](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862705c83e4a0c36354c29&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Coal combustion pollution and thermal inversion trapping](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986286da547873167531a6f&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Winter air quality degradation in valley communities](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862a36a547873167531a89&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Photochemical smog, thermal inversions, air quality](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862a6ba547873167531a8b&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Coal combustion pollution and environmental health impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862ea6a547873167531ab5&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Urban air pollution and thermal inversion impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698631eaa547873167531ad9&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Fossil fuel combustion, air pollution, power plant emissions](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698633b3a547873167531ae6&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Air pollution, thermal inversions, acid deposition effects](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698f62495faccee2a0edb384&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Coastal air pollution and atmospheric inversion](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698f63ec5faccee2a0edb388&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Urban air pollution, thermal inversions, aquatic acidification](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6a8fbd9364ce179053f936b2&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Urban air pollution: particulates, acid deposition, indoor contaminants](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2aef0e97cb0d213d0606d&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Air pollution sources and atmospheric impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2af34e97cb0d213d0609b&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Air pollution in coastal basin environments](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2afc1e97cb0d213d060e4&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) ### Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution (18) - [Agricultural runoff, eutrophication, and aquatic ecosystem degradation](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698628cca547873167531a77&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Lake pollution: bioaccumulation, eutrophication, thermal effects](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862931a547873167531a7e&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Nutrient pollution and endocrine disruption in freshwater ecosystems](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862965a547873167531a80&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural runoff, atrazine bioaccumulation, endocrine disruption](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862a24a547873167531a87&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural runoff, eutrophication, thermal pollution](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862bb8a547873167531a9a&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural and industrial water pollution sources](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862c37a547873167531aa0&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural runoff pollution and eutrophication impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862d38a547873167531aa9&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural runoff, nutrient pollution, ecosystem impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862dd2a547873167531aae&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural runoff, water quality, ecosystem pollution](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862e0ca547873167531ab0&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural runoff impacts on aquatic ecosystems](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862f6ca547873167531abf&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Eutrophication, bioaccumulation, endocrine disruption in aquatic ecosystems](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862fa3a547873167531ac4&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural runoff, nutrient pollution, eutrophication](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862fd5a547873167531ac8&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural runoff, eutrophication, aquatic ecosystem pollution](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69863036a547873167531acd&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural runoff, eutrophication, bioaccumulation in aquatic ecosystems](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698630a2a547873167531ad1&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Water pollution sources and aquatic ecosystem impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698630d0a547873167531ad2&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Agricultural water pollution and ecosystem consequences](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2af0ce97cb0d213d06082&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Aquatic pollution sources and ecological consequences](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2af4ee97cb0d213d060a9&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Municipal waste disposal and aquatic pollution impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2af9ce97cb0d213d060d3&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) ### Unit 9: Global Change (13) - [Rising atmospheric CO₂ and climate change impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862af0a547873167531a91&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Ocean acidification, coral reefs, climate change threats](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862e75a547873167531ab3&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Coal power plant emissions and coral reef ecosystem degradation](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69862fd9a547873167531ac9&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Climate change mitigation and ocean acidification impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986304fa547873167531ace&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Greenhouse gases, atmospheric CO₂, ocean acidification](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698632daa547873167531ae0&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Ocean warming, coral reefs, invasive species establishment](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698f631c5faccee2a0edb387&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Industrial aquaculture, ocean acidification, marine ecosystem pressures](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698f641e5faccee2a0edb389&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Coral reef ecosystem threats and conservation strategies](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6a8f890494548d09dc188e11&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Environmental challenges: ozone depletion, greenhouse gases](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6a8f89b494548d09dc188e18&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Stratospheric ozone depletion, CFCs, and climate tradeoffs](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6a8f8a6894548d09dc188e20&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Greenhouse gases, ozone depletion, ocean warming impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2ae92e97cb0d213d06035&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Greenhouse gases, ozone protection, ocean acidification threats](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2af7ee97cb0d213d060c1&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) - [Aviation emissions, ozone depletion, ocean warming](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6ab2afc5e97cb0d213d060e9&type=frq-3-analyze-an-environmental-problem-doing-calculations) ## Sample question **Wetland restoration, nutrient cycling, coastal water quality** A coastal community is experiencing declining water quality due to agricultural runoff containing excess nitrogen and phosphorus. Local ecologists propose restoring a 50-hectare freshwater wetland that was drained 40 years ago for development. The restored wetland would serve as a natural filter for nutrients while providing habitat for native species. The community must evaluate the ecological and economic benefits of this restoration project. Data Tables: Headers: Parameter | Current Degraded Site | Expected Post-Restoration Net Primary Productivity (NPP) | 1,200 kcal/m²/yr | 8,400 kcal/m²/yr Nitrogen removal rate | 5 kg/hectare/yr | 180 kg/hectare/yr Phosphorus in incoming water | 0.85 mg/L | 0.85 mg/L Phosphorus in outgoing water | 0.78 mg/L | 0.12 mg/L Water flow through wetland | 2.4 × 10⁶ liters/day | 2.4 × 10⁶ liters/day Part A (1 point): Prompt: **Identify** the specific biogeochemical cycle that does NOT have a significant atmospheric reservoir and is most likely to limit primary productivity in freshwater wetland ecosystems. Verb: identify Part B (1 point): Prompt: **Describe** one ecosystem service, other than nutrient filtration, that the restored wetland would provide to the coastal community. Verb: describe Part C (1 point): Prompt: **Explain** how the process of denitrification in the restored wetland would reduce the amount of nitrogen reaching coastal waters, including the form of nitrogen that is removed from the ecosystem. Verb: explain Part D (2 points): Prompt: **Calculate** the amount of energy, in kcal/m²/yr, that would be available to secondary consumers in the restored wetland food web. Show your work. Context: Based on Table 1, the expected net primary productivity (NPP) of the restored wetland is 8,400 kcal/m²/yr. Energy transfer efficiency between trophic levels in wetland ecosystems averages 10%. Verb: calculate Part E (2 points): Prompt: **Calculate** the percent change in net primary productivity between the current degraded site and the expected post-restoration wetland. Show your work. Context: Based on Table 1, the restored wetland is expected to have a net primary productivity of 8,400 kcal/m²/yr, while the current degraded site has an NPP of 1,200 kcal/m²/yr. Verb: calculate Part F (1 point): Prompt: **Propose** one realistic management practice the restoration team could implement to prevent the establishment of invasive plant species, such as purple loosestrife or phragmites, that could outcompete native wetland vegetation for resources. Verb: propose Part G (2 points): Prompt: **Calculate** the total mass of phosphorus, in kilograms per year, that the restored wetland would remove from the water. Show your work. (Note: 1 kg = 1 × 10⁶ mg) Context: Based on Table 1, phosphorus concentration in water entering the wetland is 0.85 mg/L, and phosphorus in water leaving the wetland is expected to be 0.12 mg/L. The water flow through the restored wetland is 2.4 × 10⁶ liters per day. The wetland operates year-round. Verb: calculate ## Questions **How many responses can I get scored?** You can read every question without a plan. Your first scored response is included. A plan unlocks unlimited scoring. **How do I show my work?** Type each step with its units, the way you’d write it on paper. You can also switch the editor to handwrite, write on paper, and add a photo of your page. **What calculations come up?** Percent change, unit conversions, rates, and totals, like the land, water, or energy a plan needs. Each calculation part is worth 2 points. **How is FRQ 3 different from FRQ 2?** Both ask about an environmental problem and a solution. FRQ 3 adds calculations worth 2 points each. FRQ 2 centers on reading data. **Are these real College Board questions?** No. We wrote them in the AP format, with the same parts, and wrote scoring guidelines for each one. ## Related - [Calculation FRQ exam guide](/ap-enviro/ap-environmental-science-exam/ap-enviro-frqs-environmental-problem-analysis/study-guide/ap-enviro-frqs-environmental-problem-analysis) - [AP Environmental Science Investigation Design FRQ practice](/ap-enviro/frqs/design-an-investigation) - [AP Environmental Science Data Analysis FRQ practice](/ap-enviro/frqs/data-analysis) - [AP Environmental Science FRQs](/ap-enviro/frqs) - Any question by id: the `get_frq` tool on the [Fiveable MCP server](/mcp/docs) ## About This Document Canonical Fiveable pages are available as Markdown at the same path plus `.md`. - [llms.txt](https://fiveable.me/llms.txt): index of Fiveable's sections and URL patterns - [llms-full.txt](https://fiveable.me/llms-full.txt): complete subject and unit listing - [MCP server](https://fiveable.me/mcp): call Fiveable as tools instead of fetching pages (`https://fiveable.me/api/mcp`) - [MCP server for AP teachers](https://fiveable.me/mcp/teachers): a teacher's classes, assignments and AP-rubric grading (`https://fiveable.me/api/mcp/teacher`)