--- title: "AP Environmental Science Data Analysis FRQ Practice" description: "169 Analyze and Interpret Quantitative Data questions written in the AP format, each scored part by part." canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-enviro/frqs/data-analysis" type: "frq-type-practice" subject: "AP Environmental Science" --- # AP Environmental Science Data Analysis FRQ Practice ## What the Data Analysis FRQ asks This is FRQ 2 on the AP Environmental Science exam. You get an environmental scenario with quantitative data or visuals, interpret the patterns, explain the science behind them, and propose and justify a solution. - **23 min**: suggested writing time - **10 points**: 1 point for each of parts A to J - **1/3**: of your FRQ points | Part | What it asks | Points | | --- | --- | --- | | A: Read the figure | Identify information from a figure | 1 | | B: Identify | Identify a second fact or term from the figures | 1 | | C: Key term | Name a process, term, or value tied to the data | 1 | | D: Explanation | Explain a pattern or process in the scenario | 1 | | E: Effect | Describe an environmental or health effect | 1 | | F: Solution | Propose a realistic solution | 1 | | G: Related concept | Describe a related concept or effect | 1 | | H: Justification | Justify a solution with an additional benefit | 1 | | I: Related problem | Describe a related problem or process | 1 | | J: Extension | Describe a related effect or propose another solution | 1 | ## How Data Analysis FRQ practice works 1. **Read the full question.** The scenario, the data, and all ten parts, A through J, laid out the way the exam shows them. 2. **Write on a 23-minute timer.** The time to plan for on exam day. 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 169 questions ### Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems (20) - [Energy transfer and nitrogen cycling in ecosystems](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6977b2d79162875467e8fa3b&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural runoff causing eutrophication and trophic shifts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698638eea547873167531b0c&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Nitrogen cycling in freshwater lake ecosystems](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698639b2a547873167531b10&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural runoff impacts on freshwater lake ecosystems](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69863a84a547873167531b14&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Nitrogen cycling and eutrophication in freshwater ecosystems](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69863b66a547873167531b19&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Nutrient cycling and agricultural eutrophication impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69863c0ba547873167531b21&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Freshwater lake ecosystem productivity and nutrient cycling](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69863d15a547873167531b26&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Nitrogen cycling in freshwater lake ecosystems](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69863db3a547873167531b2a&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Estuary nutrient cycling and phytoplankton community dynamics](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69863e5da547873167531b2f&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Estuary nutrient cycling and energy transfer](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69863f2da547873167531b35&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Nutrient pollution effects on freshwater lake ecosystems](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69863fcba547873167531b3c&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural runoff, eutrophication, lake ecosystem changes](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986406ba547873167531b3f&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Nutrient cycling and energy flow in forest ecosystems](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986412da547873167531b48&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural runoff, nutrient pollution, lake eutrophication](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698642b4a547873167531b52&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Nutrient cycling, energy flow, ecosystem connections](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698643daa547873167531b5a&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Nitrogen cycling and aquatic ecosystem productivity changes](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698644a8a547873167531b5f&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Nutrient pollution, nitrification, and coastal hypoxia](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864589a547873167531b65&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Freshwater lake ecosystems, energy flow, nutrient cycling](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864745a547873167531b71&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Eutrophication and nutrient cycling in freshwater lakes](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698647caa547873167531b75&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Nitrogen cycling and agricultural nutrient runoff](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986486ca547873167531b79&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) ### Unit 2: The Living World: Biodiversity (20) - [Forest patch size and bird species richness decline](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6977b3a49162875467e8fa3f&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Forest fragmentation effects on biodiversity and ecosystem services](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69863ed8a547873167531b30&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Geographic isolation, species richness, coral reef health](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69863fdaa547873167531b3d&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Habitat fragmentation, species richness, forest loss](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698640d9a547873167531b43&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Habitat fragmentation effects on biodiversity](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986417ea547873167531b4a&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Habitat fragmentation, biodiversity loss, species-area relationship](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698642a4a547873167531b51&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Forest fragmentation, species richness, habitat isolation](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864372a547873167531b56&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Forest fragmentation, habitat area, species richness](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864416a547873167531b5c&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Habitat fragmentation effects on rainforest biodiversity](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698644bca547873167531b60&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Habitat fragmentation, species richness, patch isolation](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698645a2a547873167531b66&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Habitat fragmentation and island biogeography theory](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986464ba547873167531b6c&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Habitat fragmentation effects on tropical forest biodiversity](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864701a547873167531b6f&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Forest fragmentation, habitat area, species richness](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698647b1a547873167531b74&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Rainforest fragmentation and biodiversity loss](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986485ba547873167531b78&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Forest fragmentation and species diversity patterns](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864912a547873167531b80&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Forest fragmentation effects on biodiversity](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698649d0a547873167531b86&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Habitat fragmentation effects on species richness](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864a7fa547873167531b8d&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Forest fragmentation and species richness decline](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864b29a547873167531b94&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Forest fragmentation, habitat isolation, species distribution](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864beaa547873167531b9a&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Forest fragmentation, biodiversity, patch isolation effects](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864ca3a547873167531ba4&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) ### Unit 3: Populations (14) - [K-selected and r-selected species characteristics](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6977b30e9162875467e8fa3c&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Deer population growth and survivorship curves](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698646aba547873167531b6e&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [White-tailed deer population growth and carrying capacity](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864a82a547873167531b8e&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Island populations, r-selection versus K-selection strategies](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864d4da547873167531ba9&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [White-tailed deer population dynamics and management](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864f98a547873167531bbc&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Island bird species population dynamics and survival patterns](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698650cea547873167531bc6&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [White-tailed deer population growth and carrying capacity](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698651d7a547873167531bcc&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Predator-prey dynamics, drought, population responses](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986584aa547873167531bf1&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Population growth, carrying capacity, resource limits](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865907a547873167531bf6&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Habitat fragmentation effects on specialist versus generalist bird species](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865cb7a547873167531bfc&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Population dynamics, survivorship curves, life history strategies](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865dc8a547873167531bfd&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [White-tailed deer population growth and carrying capacity](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865fbda547873167531c00&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Population dynamics, reproductive strategies, ecological niches](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69866324a547873167531c02&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Population growth, survivorship curves, species strategies](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69866678a547873167531c03&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) ### Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources (18) - [Plate boundaries, orographic effects, soil formation](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6977b3fa9162875467e8fa40&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Orographic precipitation, plate tectonics, soil development](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864541a547873167531b64&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Tectonic activity, volcanic deposits, regional climate patterns](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986463ea547873167531b6b&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Tectonic activity, soil development, watershed management](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864746a547873167531b72&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Volcanic soil formation and watershed management](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986481ca547873167531b77&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Tectonic activity, precipitation, watershed dynamics Pacific Northwest](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698648e8a547873167531b7e&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Convergent boundaries, orography, and rain shadow effects](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864987a547873167531b83&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Convergent plate boundaries, mountain formation, soil characteristics](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864a59a547873167531b8c&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Tectonic boundaries, precipitation patterns, Pacific Northwest](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864b31a547873167531b95&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Tectonic boundaries, mountain formation, soil properties](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864c13a547873167531b9d&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Subduction zones, soil development, watershed precipitation patterns](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864d12a547873167531ba7&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Subduction zone, volcanic mountains, precipitation impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864dada547873167531bad&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Subduction zones, volcanism, orographic precipitation patterns](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864e7ea547873167531bb2&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Cascade Range volcanism, tectonics, climate patterns](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865050a547873167531bc1&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Plate boundaries, soil development, watershed management](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865149a547873167531bc9&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Cascadia Subduction Zone geological processes and impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865314a547873167531bd3&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Convergent plate boundaries, orographic precipitation, rain shadow effect](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698653eba547873167531bd9&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Cascade Range formation, climate zones, soil types](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986548ca547873167531bde&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) ### Unit 5: Land and Water Use (18) - [Irrigation methods, water efficiency, environmental impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6977b08f494805c163c26fae&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural practices, water quality, pest resistance](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986488aa547873167531b7a&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Sustainable agriculture practices and irrigation methods](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986492ba547873167531b81&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Intensive agriculture, water management, environmental impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698649f6a547873167531b89&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Sustainable agriculture, irrigation methods, environmental impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864a9ea547873167531b8f&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural sustainability, irrigation efficiency, pest management](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864bf2a547873167531b9c&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Water scarcity, irrigation efficiency, pest management strategies](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864d4aa547873167531ba8&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Water scarcity, sustainable agriculture, soil conservation](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864df5a547873167531bae&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Unsustainable irrigation, soil degradation, pesticide pollution](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864e83a547873167531bb3&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Aquifer depletion, agricultural practices, water quality](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864f7da547873167531bbb&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Groundwater depletion from agricultural irrigation practices](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986504aa547873167531bbf&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [California Central Valley agricultural sustainability and irrigation](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865114a547873167531bc8&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural practices, irrigation methods, environmental impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698651e3a547873167531bcd&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural expansion versus environmental conservation tradeoffs](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698652bca547873167531bd2&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural sustainability and water resource management](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986535da547873167531bd5&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural sustainability, monoculture, irrigation methods](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698653fba547873167531bdb&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Irrigation methods, water efficiency, groundwater depletion](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698654a3a547873167531be0&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural intensification and irrigation efficiency methods](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865552a547873167531be2&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) ### Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption (20) - [Renewable and fossil fuel energy sources](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6977b5089162875467e8fa42&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Energy transition in developing nations](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698648c7a547873167531b7c&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698649b3a547873167531b85&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Urban energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864a4ea547873167531b8b&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Energy portfolio transition and capacity factor analysis](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864aeca547873167531b90&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Coal transition, renewable energy alternatives](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864b87a547873167531b98&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Energy transition: coal reliance and renewable alternatives](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864c13a547873167531b9e&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Island nation renewable energy transition options](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864cc4a547873167531ba6&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Energy transition: coal decommissioning and renewable replacement](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864d5ba547873167531baa&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Coal-fired power transition to solar energy](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864dffa547873167531baf&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Energy source transitions and capacity factors](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864efda547873167531bb7&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Energy transition from coal to renewable sources](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864fafa547873167531bbd&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Island nation energy transition and renewable resources](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698650aaa547873167531bc5&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Energy sources, developing nation demand, climate commitments](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865361a547873167531bd6&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Energy transition: coal to renewable alternatives](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698653faa547873167531bda&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Island nation energy transition and renewable capacity](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865563a547873167531be3&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Energy transition from coal to renewable sources](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865621a547873167531be6&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Energy transition from coal to renewable sources](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698656cba547873167531bea&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Energy transition planning and emissions reduction strategies](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865765a547873167531bed&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Urban energy transition: coal to renewables](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865800a547873167531bf0&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) ### Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution (19) - [Air pollution sources and atmospheric trapping mechanisms](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6977aabc2db02932da80b221&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Urban air quality, temperature inversion, secondary pollutants](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986490fa547873167531b7f&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Urban air quality, temperature inversion, and pollutant dynamics](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698649eea547873167531b87&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Valley air pollution, ozone formation, atmospheric conditions](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864b10a547873167531b92&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Urban air pollution: ozone, particulate matter sources](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864bdea547873167531b99&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Urban air pollution and atmospheric trapping mechanisms](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864c9aa547873167531ba2&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Urban air pollution: ozone, meteorology, emissions](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864fd0a547873167531bbe&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Urban air pollution and atmospheric inversion effects](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986509ea547873167531bc3&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Urban air quality, photochemical smog formation](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986516ca547873167531bca&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Ground-level ozone formation in urban valley geography](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986523ea547873167531bcf&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Urban air pollution and atmospheric inversion effects](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986546da547873167531bdc&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Urban air pollution patterns and atmospheric trapping](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986558ba547873167531be4&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Urban air pollution, thermal inversion, ozone formation](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986563fa547873167531be7&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Urban air pollution, temperature inversion, secondary pollutants](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986570aa547873167531bec&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Urban air pollution: secondary pollutants and atmospheric conditions](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698657f8a547873167531bef&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Urban air pollution, thermal inversion, photochemical smog](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698658dea547873167531bf4&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Atmospheric inversion and urban photochemical smog formation](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865a89a547873167531bf7&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Urban air pollution, atmospheric inversion, ozone formation](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865b58a547873167531bf8&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Air pollution, temperature inversion, photochemical smog](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865c7ba547873167531bfa&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) ### Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution (20) - [Agricultural pollution sources and eutrophication effects](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6977adfd355fc9a080cc0441&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural and urban nutrient pollution impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698649f5a547873167531b88&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural runoff, nutrient pollution, eutrophication](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864bf2a547873167531b9b&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Lake pollution, bioaccumulation, ecosystem stress](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864c96a547873167531ba1&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Estuary pollution sources and water quality impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864d5fa547873167531bab&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural runoff, eutrophication, estuary water quality](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864e08a547873167531bb0&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural runoff pollution and nutrient eutrophication](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864ea9a547873167531bb5&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural runoff pollution and eutrophication impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864f64a547873167531bb9&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural runoff, eutrophication, water quality decline](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986504fa547873167531bc0&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural runoff and freshwater lake eutrophication](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698650e3a547873167531bc7&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Eutrophication, bioaccumulation, point and nonpoint pollution](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865189a547873167531bcb&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural runoff, nutrient pollution, eutrophication](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698652a3a547873167531bd1&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural runoff, eutrophication, aquatic ecosystem degradation](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865397a547873167531bd7&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural runoff and wastewater impacts on estuary](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986546da547873167531bdd&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural runoff and industrial water pollution impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865511a547873167531be1&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Estuary water quality degradation from agricultural and industrial pollution](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698655b9a547873167531be5&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural runoff, bioaccumulation, eutrophication impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986565ea547873167531be8&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural runoff, nutrient pollution, eutrophication](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698656fea547873167531beb&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Water pollution from agricultural and municipal sources](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698657a7a547873167531bee&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Agricultural runoff pollution and eutrophication impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6986585aa547873167531bf3&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) ### Unit 9: Global Change (20) - [Atmospheric ozone distribution and depletion mechanisms](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=6977b4ff9162875467e8fa41&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Ozone depletion, greenhouse gases, biodiversity decline](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864b4ba547873167531b97&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Atmospheric CO₂ and ocean acidification impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864c1da547873167531b9f&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Coral reef decline and ocean acidification impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864cbaa547873167531ba5&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Ocean acidification and coral reef ecosystem impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864d8ba547873167531bac&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Atmospheric carbon dioxide and ocean acidification effects](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864e3ea547873167531bb1&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Atmospheric CO₂, ocean acidification, marine ecosystem changes](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69864edca547873167531bb6&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Atmospheric carbon dioxide and ocean acidification impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698650a9a547873167531bc4&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Greenhouse gases, coral bleaching, ocean ecosystem vulnerability](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865263a547873167531bd0&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Greenhouse gas emissions and climate change impacts](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865323a547873167531bd4&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Atmospheric carbon dioxide, ocean acidification, marine ecosystems](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698653e7a547873167531bd8&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Atmospheric carbon dioxide and ocean acidification](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698654a3a547873167531bdf&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Atmospheric carbon dioxide and ocean acidification trends](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698656b2a547873167531be9&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Rising ocean temperatures and coral bleaching events](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865850a547873167531bf2&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Ocean acidification from rising atmospheric carbon dioxide](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=698658faa547873167531bf5&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Ocean acidification effects on coral reef ecosystems](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865c05a547873167531bf9&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Stratospheric ozone depletion, CFCs, international environmental protection](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865cada547873167531bfb&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide and ocean acidification effects](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865eaea547873167531bfe&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Coral reef degradation from atmospheric CO₂ and ocean acidification](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69865f5ba547873167531bff&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) - [Ocean acidification and coral reef degradation](/ap-enviro/frq-practice?id=69866017a547873167531c01&type=frq-2-analyze-and-interpret-quantitative-data) ## Sample question **Energy transfer and nitrogen cycling in ecosystems** Coastal wetland ecosystems provide critical ecological services including nutrient cycling, water filtration, and habitat for diverse species. These ecosystems are characterized by unique hydrology where freshwater from rivers mixes with saltwater from tidal influences, creating brackish conditions that support specialized plant and animal communities. Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, with complex food webs and efficient nutrient cycling. Figure 1: Type: diagram Caption: Figure 1. Energy Flow in Coastal Wetland Food Web URL: https://kcbwzropdukwhmmvdylp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/frq_stimulus/ap-enviro/810dbcce-50ac-4502-83d3-c1448e16f453_fig1.jpg Placement: before-part Part Letter: A Part A (1 point): Prompt: Based on the information in Figure 1, **identify** the trophic level that contains the greatest amount of available energy. Verb: identify Topic: Energy flow Part B (1 point): Prompt: Based on the information in Figure 1, **identify** the approximate percentage of energy transferred from primary consumers to secondary consumers in this wetland ecosystem. Verb: identify Topic: Energy flow Figure 2: Type: diagram Caption: Figure 2. Nitrogen Cycle in Wetland Ecosystem URL: https://kcbwzropdukwhmmvdylp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/frq_stimulus/ap-enviro/810dbcce-50ac-4502-83d3-c1448e16f453_fig2.jpg Placement: before-part Part Letter: C Part C (1 point): Prompt: **Identify** the biogeochemical cycle process shown in Figure 2 that converts atmospheric nitrogen gas into a form usable by plants. Verb: identify Topic: Nitrogen cycle Part D (1 point): Prompt: **Explain** why energy decreases as it flows from one trophic level to the next in the wetland food web. Verb: explain Topic: Energy flow Part E (1 point): Prompt: Excess nitrogen from agricultural runoff has led to algal blooms in the wetland. **Describe** one negative environmental effect of algal blooms on the wetland ecosystem. Verb: describe Topic: Eutrophication Part F (1 point): Prompt: **Propose** a realistic solution that farmers could implement to reduce nitrogen runoff into the wetland while still maintaining crop production. Verb: propose Topic: Sustainable agriculture Part G (1 point): Prompt: Wetlands are considered transitional biomes between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. **Describe** one characteristic of wetland vegetation that allows plants to survive in waterlogged, anaerobic soil conditions. Verb: describe Topic: Biomes Part H (1 point): Prompt: **Justify** the solution proposed in part F by providing an additional environmental advantage, other than reducing nitrogen runoff. Verb: justify Topic: Sustainable agriculture Part I (1 point): Prompt: Phosphorus is another limiting nutrient in aquatic ecosystems. Unlike nitrogen, phosphorus does not have a gaseous phase in its biogeochemical cycle. **Describe** how phosphorus typically enters aquatic ecosystems from terrestrial sources. Verb: describe Topic: Phosphorus cycle Part J (1 point): Prompt: The hydrologic cycle influences nutrient distribution in wetland ecosystems. **Describe** one way that wetlands naturally filter pollutants from water as it moves through the hydrologic cycle. Verb: describe Topic: Hydrologic cycle Image URLs (2): - https://kcbwzropdukwhmmvdylp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/frq_stimulus/ap-enviro/810dbcce-50ac-4502-83d3-c1448e16f453_fig1.jpg - https://kcbwzropdukwhmmvdylp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/frq_stimulus/ap-enviro/810dbcce-50ac-4502-83d3-c1448e16f453_fig2.jpg ## 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. **Do I have to propose a solution?** Yes. Part F asks for a realistic solution, and a later part usually asks you to justify a solution with another benefit. **How specific should a solution be?** Name a specific action, like a technology, a practice, or a policy tool. A general goal like “reduce pollution” rarely earns the point. **How is FRQ 2 different from FRQ 3?** Both ask about an environmental problem. FRQ 2 centers on reading data and proposing solutions. FRQ 3 adds calculations worth 2 points each. **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 - [Data Analysis 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 Calculation FRQ practice](/ap-enviro/frqs/calculations) - [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`)