AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

AP Environmental Science
Past Papers

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AP Environmental Science free-response questions by paper, context, unit, topic and PDF page
Paper / question	Question focus	Unit & topics	Practice
2026Regular · Question 1Q1 · Design an investigation	Mountain bird ranges, coral bleaching and climate change Identify the variables and comparison group, then use the findings to evaluate the environmental claim.	Unit 1 · EcosystemsUnit 2 · BiodiversityUnit 9 · Global changeBiodiversityClimate changeEcosystems and food websExperimental design	PDF page 3 · context
2026Regular · Question 2Q2 · Analyze data	U.S. energy consumption and fossil-fuel trends Interpret evidence of environmental change and explain a relevant cause, effect or response.	Unit 6 · Energy resourcesUnit 7 · Atmospheric pollutionUnit 9 · Global changeEnergy resourcesAir pollutionClimate change	PDF page 6
2026Regular · Question 3Q3 · Environmental calculations	Ocelot recovery, population growth and shrubland Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 2 · BiodiversityUnit 3 · PopulationsUnit 5 · Land and water useConservationPopulationsLand useQuantitative calculations	PDF page 8
2025Set 1 · Question 1Q1 · Design an investigation	Chickadees, spiders and nonnative plants Identify the variables and comparison group, then use the findings to evaluate the environmental claim.	Unit 1 · EcosystemsUnit 2 · BiodiversityUnit 3 · PopulationsEcosystems and food websBiodiversityPopulationsExperimental design	PDF page 3 · context
2025Set 1 · Question 2Q2 · Analyze data	Pacific climate patterns, El Niño and flooding Interpret evidence of environmental change and explain a relevant cause, effect or response.	Unit 4 · Earth systemsUnit 9 · Global changeEarth systemsClimate changeWater resources	PDF page 6 · context
2025Set 1 · Question 3Q3 · Environmental calculations	Vehicle emissions, particulate matter and acid rain Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 6 · Energy resourcesUnit 7 · Atmospheric pollutionAir pollutionEnergy resourcesQuantitative calculations	PDF page 9
2025Set 2 · Question 1Q1 · Design an investigation	Common Terns, sea-level rise and coastal wetlands Identify the variables and comparison group, then use the findings to evaluate the environmental claim.	Unit 2 · BiodiversityUnit 9 · Global changeBiodiversityClimate changeConservationExperimental design	PDF page 3 · context
2025Set 2 · Question 2Q2 · Analyze data	Serengeti migration, plate boundaries and grasslands Connect species traits and environmental pressures to the change in biodiversity, then justify a response.	Unit 1 · EcosystemsUnit 2 · BiodiversityUnit 4 · Earth systemsEcosystems and food websBiodiversityEarth systems	PDF page 5 · context
2025Set 2 · Question 3Q3 · Environmental calculations	Coal mining, power generation and air impacts Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 5 · Land and water useUnit 6 · Energy resourcesUnit 7 · Atmospheric pollutionEnergy resourcesMining and extractionAir pollutionQuantitative calculations	PDF page 8
2024Set 1 · Question 1Q1 · Design an investigation	Stream oxygen demand, water quality and aquatic life Identify the variables and comparison group, then use the findings to evaluate the environmental claim.	Unit 1 · EcosystemsUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionEcosystems and food websWater pollutionExperimental design	PDF page 2
2024Set 1 · Question 2Q2 · Analyze data	Animal protein, land use and climate costs Interpret evidence of environmental change and explain a relevant cause, effect or response.	Unit 5 · Land and water useUnit 9 · Global changeAgriculture and foodLand useClimate change	PDF page 4
2024Set 1 · Question 3Q3 · Environmental calculations	Nuclear power, coal and electricity calculations Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 6 · Energy resourcesUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionUnit 9 · Global changeEnergy resourcesWater pollutionClimate changeQuantitative calculations	PDF page 6
2024Set 2 · Question 1Q1 · Design an investigation	Ecological succession and forest ecosystem services Identify the variables and comparison group, then use the findings to evaluate the environmental claim.	Unit 1 · EcosystemsUnit 2 · BiodiversityEcosystems and food websBiodiversityExperimental design	PDF page 2
2024Set 2 · Question 2Q2 · Analyze data	Global land-use change, grazing and forests Interpret evidence of environmental change and explain a relevant cause, effect or response.	Unit 5 · Land and water useUnit 9 · Global changeLand useAgriculture and foodClimate change	PDF page 4
2024Set 2 · Question 3Q3 · Environmental calculations	Colorado River drought and water-saving landscapes Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 4 · Earth systemsUnit 5 · Land and water useUnit 9 · Global changeWater resourcesLand useClimate changeQuantitative calculations	PDF page 6
2023Set 1 · Question 1Q1 · Design an investigation	Genetically modified green beans and field plots Identify the variables and comparison group, then use the findings to evaluate the environmental claim.	Unit 4 · Earth systemsUnit 5 · Land and water useUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionAgriculture and foodExperimental designWater pollution	PDF page 2
2023Set 1 · Question 2Q2 · Analyze data	Manatee movement, shipping and seagrass habitat Connect species traits and environmental pressures to the change in biodiversity, then justify a response.	Unit 1 · EcosystemsUnit 2 · BiodiversityUnit 3 · PopulationsBiodiversityConservationPopulations	PDF page 4
2023Set 1 · Question 3Q3 · Environmental calculations	Crude oil, mining impacts and transportation choices Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 5 · Land and water useUnit 6 · Energy resourcesUnit 7 · Atmospheric pollutionEnergy resourcesMining and extractionAir pollutionQuantitative calculations	PDF page 6
2023Set 2 · Question 1Q1 · Design an investigation	Coal-mine restoration and plant succession Identify the variables and comparison group, then use the findings to evaluate the environmental claim.	Unit 1 · EcosystemsUnit 2 · BiodiversityUnit 5 · Land and water useEcosystems and food websBiodiversityMining and extractionExperimental design	PDF page 2
2023Set 2 · Question 2Q2 · Analyze data	Asian carp spread and Great Lakes ecosystems Connect species traits and environmental pressures to the change in biodiversity, then justify a response.	Unit 1 · EcosystemsUnit 2 · BiodiversityInvasive speciesBiodiversityEcosystems and food webs	PDF page 4
2023Set 2 · Question 3Q3 · Environmental calculations	Landfill methane, decomposition and waste management Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 6 · Energy resourcesUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionUnit 9 · Global changeSolid and hazardous wasteClimate changeEnergy resourcesQuantitative calculations	PDF page 6
2022Set 1 · Question 1Q1 · Design an investigation	Mercury pollution and snapping turtle nesting Identify the variables and comparison group, then use the findings to evaluate the environmental claim.	Unit 2 · BiodiversityUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionWater pollutionBiodiversityExperimental design	PDF page 2
2022Set 1 · Question 2Q2 · Analyze data	Hydraulic fracturing and methane in well water Compare energy choices using their resource demands, emissions and environmental trade-offs.	Unit 6 · Energy resourcesUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionEnergy resourcesWater pollution	PDF page 4
2022Set 1 · Question 3Q3 · Environmental calculations	Urban heat islands, solar energy and population Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 5 · Land and water useUnit 6 · Energy resourcesUnit 9 · Global changeLand useEnergy resourcesClimate changeQuantitative calculations	PDF page 6
2022Set 2 · Question 1Q1 · Design an investigation	Mississippi runoff and Gulf of Mexico dead zone Identify the variables and comparison group, then use the findings to evaluate the environmental claim.	Unit 5 · Land and water useUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionAgriculture and foodWater pollutionExperimental design	PDF page 2
2022Set 2 · Question 2Q2 · Analyze data	Island lizards, mongoose and habitat disturbance Connect species traits and environmental pressures to the change in biodiversity, then justify a response.	Unit 2 · BiodiversityUnit 3 · PopulationsUnit 5 · Land and water useInvasive speciesBiodiversityPopulations	PDF page 4
2022Set 2 · Question 3Q3 · Environmental calculations	Coal ash, electricity and water demands Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 6 · Energy resourcesUnit 7 · Atmospheric pollutionUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionEnergy resourcesAir pollutionWater pollutionQuantitative calculations	PDF page 5
2021Set 1 · Question 1Q1 · Design an investigation	Solar panel orientation and experimental design Identify the variables and comparison group, then use the findings to evaluate the environmental claim.	Unit 6 · Energy resourcesEnergy resourcesExperimental design	PDF page 2
2021Set 1 · Question 2Q2 · Analyze data	Pesticide use, resistance and food production Weigh the food-production benefit against resource use and environmental costs.	Unit 5 · Land and water useUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionAgriculture and foodPollution and exposure	PDF page 4
2021Set 1 · Question 3Q3 · Environmental calculations	Forest fragmentation and specialist species Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 2 · BiodiversityUnit 5 · Land and water useBiodiversityConservationLand useQuantitative calculations	PDF page 6
2021Set 2 · Question 1Q1 · Design an investigation	Soil erosion, slope and farm practices Identify the variables and comparison group, then use the findings to evaluate the environmental claim.	Unit 4 · Earth systemsUnit 5 · Land and water useSoilAgriculture and foodExperimental design	PDF page 2
2021Set 2 · Question 2Q2 · Analyze data	Amphibian richness, deforestation and threats Connect species traits and environmental pressures to the change in biodiversity, then justify a response.	Unit 2 · BiodiversityUnit 5 · Land and water useBiodiversityConservationLand use	PDF page 4
2021Set 2 · Question 3Q3 · Environmental calculations	Coal versus natural gas power and pollution Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 6 · Energy resourcesUnit 7 · Atmospheric pollutionUnit 9 · Global changeEnergy resourcesAir pollutionClimate changeQuantitative calculations	PDF page 6
2019Regular · Question 1Earlier four-question format	Piping plovers and beach conservation Connect species traits and environmental pressures to the change in biodiversity, then justify a response.	Unit 2 · BiodiversityUnit 5 · Land and water useBiodiversityConservationLand use	PDF page 2
2019Regular · Question 2Earlier four-question format	Alberta oil sands and boreal forest loss Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 5 · Land and water useUnit 6 · Energy resourcesEnergy resourcesMining and extractionLand useQuantitative calculations	PDF page 4
2019Regular · Question 3Earlier four-question format	Atmospheric carbon dioxide and ocean acidification Interpret evidence of environmental change and explain a relevant cause, effect or response.	Unit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionUnit 9 · Global changeWater pollutionClimate change	PDF page 5
2019Regular · Question 4Earlier four-question format	National park visibility and regional air pollution Identify the emission source, explain pollutant formation or transport, and assess its impacts.	Unit 7 · Atmospheric pollutionAir pollution	PDF page 6
2018Regular · Question 1Earlier four-question format	School carbon footprint and green roof design Interpret evidence of environmental change and explain a relevant cause, effect or response.	Unit 5 · Land and water useUnit 6 · Energy resourcesUnit 9 · Global changeEnergy resourcesLand useClimate change	PDF page 2
2018Regular · Question 2Earlier four-question format	Offshore wind power and electricity output Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 6 · Energy resourcesEnergy resourcesQuantitative calculations	PDF page 3
2018Regular · Question 3Earlier four-question format	Arctic food web and energy flow Interpret evidence of environmental change and explain a relevant cause, effect or response.	Unit 1 · EcosystemsUnit 9 · Global changeEcosystems and food websClimate change	PDF page 4
2018Regular · Question 4Earlier four-question format	Indoor biomass combustion and health Compare energy choices using their resource demands, emissions and environmental trade-offs.	Unit 6 · Energy resourcesUnit 7 · Atmospheric pollutionEnergy resourcesAir pollution	PDF page 6
2016Regular · Question 1Earlier four-question format	Little brown bats, disease and forest services Connect species traits and environmental pressures to the change in biodiversity, then justify a response.	Unit 1 · EcosystemsUnit 2 · BiodiversityUnit 3 · PopulationsBiodiversityPopulationsEcosystems and food webs	PDF page 2
2016Regular · Question 2Earlier four-question format	Iron ore, steel recycling and resource use Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 5 · Land and water useUnit 6 · Energy resourcesMining and extractionSolid and hazardous wasteQuantitative calculations	PDF page 4
2016Regular · Question 3Earlier four-question format	Municipal solid waste and disposal methods Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionSolid and hazardous wasteQuantitative calculations	PDF page 5
2016Regular · Question 4Earlier four-question format	Soil horizons, formation and land protection Relate the land-use decision to habitat, resource use and practical management alternatives.	Unit 4 · Earth systemsUnit 5 · Land and water useSoilLand use	PDF page 6
2015Regular · Question 1Earlier four-question format	Everglades freshwater and phosphorus pollution Explain where the pollutant comes from, how it moves, and what its ecological or health effect is.	Unit 5 · Land and water useUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionWater resourcesWater pollution	PDF page 2
2015Regular · Question 2Earlier four-question format	Mobile devices, gold use and electronic waste Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 5 · Land and water useUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionMining and extractionSolid and hazardous wasteQuantitative calculations	PDF page 3
2015Regular · Question 3Earlier four-question format	Deepwater Horizon oil spill and coastal damage Compare energy choices using their resource demands, emissions and environmental trade-offs.	Unit 6 · Energy resourcesUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionEnergy resourcesWater pollution	PDF page 4
2015Regular · Question 4Earlier four-question format	Urban sprawl and smart growth Use the population evidence to explain the trend and its likely environmental consequences.	Unit 3 · PopulationsUnit 5 · Land and water usePopulationsLand use	PDF page 5
2014Regular · Question 1Earlier four-question format	Nuclear power claims and construction impacts Interpret evidence of environmental change and explain a relevant cause, effect or response.	Unit 6 · Energy resourcesUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionUnit 9 · Global changeEnergy resourcesSolid and hazardous wasteClimate change	PDF page 2
2014Regular · Question 2Earlier four-question format	Combined sewers, runoff and stream pollution Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 5 · Land and water useUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionWater resourcesWater pollutionQuantitative calculations	PDF page 3
2014Regular · Question 3Earlier four-question format	Plate tectonics, volcanoes and earthquakes Interpret the map, graph or process in terms of connected Earth systems.	Unit 4 · Earth systemsEarth systems	PDF page 4
2014Regular · Question 4Earlier four-question format	Carbon and nitrogen biogeochemical cycles Interpret evidence of environmental change and explain a relevant cause, effect or response.	Unit 1 · EcosystemsUnit 9 · Global changeEcosystems and food websClimate change	PDF page 5
2013Regular · Question 1Earlier four-question format	Gulf Coast sediments, wetlands and fertilizer runoff Explain where the pollutant comes from, how it moves, and what its ecological or health effect is.	Unit 5 · Land and water useUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionWater resourcesWater pollution	PDF page 2
2013Regular · Question 2Earlier four-question format	Battery electric vehicles and fuel comparisons Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 6 · Energy resourcesUnit 7 · Atmospheric pollutionUnit 9 · Global changeEnergy resourcesAir pollutionQuantitative calculations	PDF page 3
2013Regular · Question 3Earlier four-question format	Stratospheric and tropospheric ozone Identify the emission source, explain pollutant formation or transport, and assess its impacts.	Unit 7 · Atmospheric pollutionUnit 9 · Global changeAir pollutionGlobal change	PDF page 4
2013Regular · Question 4Earlier four-question format	Biodiversity loss and conservation strategies Connect species traits and environmental pressures to the change in biodiversity, then justify a response.	Unit 2 · BiodiversityUnit 5 · Land and water useBiodiversityConservationLand use	PDF page 5
2012Regular · Question 1Earlier four-question format	Hydraulic fracturing and natural gas trade-offs Compare energy choices using their resource demands, emissions and environmental trade-offs.	Unit 6 · Energy resourcesUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionEnergy resourcesWater pollution	PDF page 2
2012Regular · Question 2Earlier four-question format	School carbon footprint and forest conservation Interpret evidence of environmental change and explain a relevant cause, effect or response.	Unit 5 · Land and water useUnit 6 · Energy resourcesUnit 9 · Global changeEnergy resourcesConservationClimate change	PDF page 3
2012Regular · Question 3Earlier four-question format	Pesticide toxicity experiment with minnows Identify the variables and comparison group, then use the findings to evaluate the environmental claim.	Unit 5 · Land and water useUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionAgriculture and foodWater pollutionExperimental design	PDF page 4
2012Regular · Question 4Earlier four-question format	Wetland food webs and ecosystem benefits Connect species traits and environmental pressures to the change in biodiversity, then justify a response.	Unit 1 · EcosystemsUnit 2 · BiodiversityUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionEcosystems and food websBiodiversityWater resources	PDF page 5
2011Regular · Question 1Earlier four-question format	Mountain pine beetles, forests and warming Connect species traits and environmental pressures to the change in biodiversity, then justify a response.	Unit 1 · EcosystemsUnit 2 · BiodiversityUnit 9 · Global changeEcosystems and food websBiodiversityClimate change	PDF page 2
2011Regular · Question 2Earlier four-question format	Coral reefs and ocean acidification Interpret evidence of environmental change and explain a relevant cause, effect or response.	Unit 1 · EcosystemsUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionUnit 9 · Global changeEcosystems and food websWater pollutionClimate change	PDF page 3
2011Regular · Question 3Earlier four-question format	Electricity use, GDP and geothermal energy Interpret evidence of environmental change and explain a relevant cause, effect or response.	Unit 6 · Energy resourcesUnit 9 · Global changeEnergy resourcesClimate change	PDF page 5
2011Regular · Question 4Earlier four-question format	World food supply and arable-land demand Use the population evidence to explain the trend and its likely environmental consequences.	Unit 3 · PopulationsUnit 5 · Land and water usePopulationsAgriculture and foodLand use	PDF page 6
2010Regular · Question 1Earlier four-question format	Toxic pollutants, human exposure and control Explain where the pollutant comes from, how it moves, and what its ecological or health effect is.	Unit 7 · Atmospheric pollutionUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionAir pollutionWater pollution	PDF page 2
2010Regular · Question 2Earlier four-question format	Termites, decomposition and rainforest emissions Interpret evidence of environmental change and explain a relevant cause, effect or response.	Unit 1 · EcosystemsUnit 9 · Global changeEcosystems and food websClimate change	PDF page 4
2010Regular · Question 3Earlier four-question format	Zebra mussel invasion in the Great Lakes Connect species traits and environmental pressures to the change in biodiversity, then justify a response.	Unit 2 · BiodiversityUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionInvasive speciesBiodiversityWater resources	PDF page 5
2010Regular · Question 4Earlier four-question format	Sea-level rise and coastal effects Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 9 · Global changeClimate changeQuantitative calculations	PDF page 6
2009Regular · Question 1Earlier four-question format	Fertilizer nitrogen and photochemical smog Explain where the pollutant comes from, how it moves, and what its ecological or health effect is.	Unit 7 · Atmospheric pollutionUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionAir pollutionWater pollution	PDF page 2
2009Regular · Question 2Earlier four-question format	Farm methane digesters and energy costs Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 6 · Energy resourcesUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionUnit 9 · Global changeEnergy resourcesSolid and hazardous wasteQuantitative calculations	PDF page 3
2009Regular · Question 3Earlier four-question format	Colorado River dams, salinity and water sharing Relate the land-use decision to habitat, resource use and practical management alternatives.	Unit 4 · Earth systemsUnit 5 · Land and water useWater resourcesLand use	PDF page 3
2009Regular · Question 4Earlier four-question format	GM crops and sustainable agriculture Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 5 · Land and water useAgriculture and foodQuantitative calculations	PDF page 4
2008Regular · Question 1Earlier four-question format	Microalgae biodiesel versus crop-based fuels Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 5 · Land and water useUnit 6 · Energy resourcesUnit 9 · Global changeEnergy resourcesAgriculture and foodQuantitative calculations	PDF page 2
2008Regular · Question 2Earlier four-question format	Landfill leachate and cadmium calculations Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionSolid and hazardous wasteWater pollutionQuantitative calculations	PDF page 4
2008Regular · Question 3Earlier four-question format	Fire suppression and forest management Trace energy or material through the ecosystem and explain how one change affects the other organisms.	Unit 1 · EcosystemsUnit 5 · Land and water useEcosystems and food websLand use	PDF page 5
2008Regular · Question 4Earlier four-question format	World fertility rates and population trends Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 3 · PopulationsPopulationsQuantitative calculations	PDF page 6
2007Regular · Question 1Earlier four-question format	Sewage treatment and sludge disposal Explain where the pollutant comes from, how it moves, and what its ecological or health effect is.	Unit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionWater pollutionSolid and hazardous waste	PDF page 2
2007Regular · Question 2Earlier four-question format	Household hot water and electricity savings Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 5 · Land and water useUnit 6 · Energy resourcesWater resourcesEnergy resourcesQuantitative calculations	PDF page 3
2007Regular · Question 3Earlier four-question format	Stratospheric ozone depletion and CFCs Identify the emission source, explain pollutant formation or transport, and assess its impacts.	Unit 9 · Global changeGlobal changeAir pollution	PDF page 3
2007Regular · Question 4Earlier four-question format	Urban heat islands and city air quality Identify the emission source, explain pollutant formation or transport, and assess its impacts.	Unit 5 · Land and water useUnit 7 · Atmospheric pollutionLand useAir pollution	PDF page 4
2006Regular · Question 1Earlier four-question format	Arizona home photovoltaic system economics Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 6 · Energy resourcesEnergy resourcesQuantitative calculations	PDF page 2
2006Regular · Question 2Earlier four-question format	Antarctic ice cores, carbon dioxide and temperature Interpret evidence of environmental change and explain a relevant cause, effect or response.	Unit 4 · Earth systemsUnit 9 · Global changeEarth systemsClimate change	PDF page 3
2006Regular · Question 3Earlier four-question format	Brownfield soil cleanup and phytoremediation Relate the land-use decision to habitat, resource use and practical management alternatives.	Unit 5 · Land and water useUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionSoilPollution and exposureLand use	PDF page 4
2006Regular · Question 4Earlier four-question format	Georges Bank fishery decline and fishing practices Connect species traits and environmental pressures to the change in biodiversity, then justify a response.	Unit 1 · EcosystemsUnit 2 · BiodiversityUnit 5 · Land and water useEcosystems and food websBiodiversityWater resources	PDF page 5
2005Regular · Question 1Earlier four-question format	Emerging diseases and environmental change Connect species traits and environmental pressures to the change in biodiversity, then justify a response.	Unit 2 · BiodiversityUnit 3 · PopulationsBiodiversityPopulations	PDF page 2
2005Regular · Question 2Earlier four-question format	Meat production, grain and food-energy efficiency Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 1 · EcosystemsUnit 3 · PopulationsUnit 5 · Land and water useEcosystems and food websPopulationsAgriculture and foodQuantitative calculations	PDF page 3
2005Regular · Question 3Earlier four-question format	Surface coal mining and land restoration Compare energy choices using their resource demands, emissions and environmental trade-offs.	Unit 5 · Land and water useUnit 6 · Energy resourcesLand useMining and extractionEnergy resources	PDF page 4
2005Regular · Question 4Earlier four-question format	Arctic National Wildlife Refuge oil development Connect species traits and environmental pressures to the change in biodiversity, then justify a response.	Unit 2 · BiodiversityUnit 5 · Land and water useUnit 6 · Energy resourcesBiodiversityConservationEnergy resources	PDF page 4
2004Regular · Question 1Earlier four-question format	Mercury transport and biomagnification in fish Trace energy or material through the ecosystem and explain how one change affects the other organisms.	Unit 1 · EcosystemsUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionEcosystems and food websWater pollution	PDF page 2
2004Regular · Question 2Earlier four-question format	Coal plant versus community wind power Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 6 · Energy resourcesUnit 7 · Atmospheric pollutionEnergy resourcesAir pollutionQuantitative calculations	PDF page 3
2004Regular · Question 3Earlier four-question format	Radioactive waste and safe storage Compare energy choices using their resource demands, emissions and environmental trade-offs.	Unit 6 · Energy resourcesUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionEnergy resourcesSolid and hazardous waste	PDF page 3
2004Regular · Question 4Earlier four-question format	Soil tests and sustainable farm practices Weigh the food-production benefit against resource use and environmental costs.	Unit 4 · Earth systemsUnit 5 · Land and water useSoilAgriculture and food	PDF page 4
2003Regular · Question 1Earlier four-question format	Exotic earthworms and forest leaf litter Identify the variables and comparison group, then use the findings to evaluate the environmental claim.	Unit 1 · EcosystemsUnit 2 · BiodiversityInvasive speciesEcosystems and food websExperimental design	PDF page 2
2003Regular · Question 2Earlier four-question format	Industria birth rates and demographic transition Set up each rate or conversion with units, show the arithmetic, and interpret the answer in context.	Unit 3 · PopulationsPopulationsQuantitative calculations	PDF page 3
2003Regular · Question 3Earlier four-question format	Estuaries, coastal wetlands and human impacts Trace energy or material through the ecosystem and explain how one change affects the other organisms.	Unit 1 · EcosystemsUnit 8 · Aquatic and terrestrial pollutionEcosystems and food websWater resourcesWater pollution	PDF page 4
2003Regular · Question 4Earlier four-question format	Whooping crane and California condor recovery Connect species traits and environmental pressures to the change in biodiversity, then justify a response.	Unit 2 · BiodiversityUnit 3 · PopulationsBiodiversityConservationPopulations	PDF page 4

The focus labels and unit tags help you search; the original prompt controls the task. Read any preceding background, diagrams, tables, continuation pages and every lettered part.

PAPER. RUBRIC. REVIEW.

Full papers & scoring materials

Browse the actual files in the supplied collection by year. Every valid PDF opens in the same reader.

Collection limits: These are free-response materials, not multiple-choice papers. The 2002 and 2017 folders have supporting files but no complete FRQ paper; no 2020 folder was supplied. The 2026 folder contains only the question paper. One unreadable 2006 support file is omitted. Scoring coverage varies by year and set.

20261 complete FRQ paper · 1 verified PDF

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20242 complete FRQ papers · 15 verified PDFs

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20232 complete FRQ papers · 15 verified PDFs

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20222 complete FRQ papers · 15 verified PDFs

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20212 complete FRQ papers · 14 verified PDFs

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20191 complete FRQ paper · 8 verified PDFs

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20181 complete FRQ paper · 9 verified PDFs

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2017Supporting files only · 8 verified PDFs

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20161 complete FRQ paper · 9 verified PDFs

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20151 complete FRQ paper · 9 verified PDFs

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20141 complete FRQ paper · 9 verified PDFs

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20131 complete FRQ paper · 9 verified PDFs

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20121 complete FRQ paper · 9 verified PDFs

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20111 complete FRQ paper · 8 verified PDFs

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20101 complete FRQ paper · 8 verified PDFs

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20091 complete FRQ paper · 9 verified PDFs

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20081 complete FRQ paper · 9 verified PDFs

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20071 complete FRQ paper · 7 verified PDFs

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20061 complete FRQ paper · 6 verified PDFs

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20051 complete FRQ paper · 3 verified PDFs

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20041 complete FRQ paper · 8 verified PDFs

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20031 complete FRQ paper · 8 verified PDFs

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2002Supporting files only · 5 verified PDFs

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PRACTISE WITH A PURPOSE

How to use AP Environmental Science past papers

Start with the issue that needs work. A question about food webs, a coastal ecosystem or a threatened species may involve several units at once, so use both the topic and unit filters. Read the full prompt before answering: a chart, field-study description or introductory scenario can begin before the numbered question. The popup opens that first source page when the paper is laid out that way. Continue with the page controls until you have read every part.

Try the question before opening its scoring guide. For a design question, identify the independent and dependent variables, a sensible control, what data you would collect, and how the results would test the claim. For a data-analysis question, quote the relevant pattern or value, include units, and distinguish what the data show from what they do not establish. For a calculation, write the setup, show the arithmetic, carry units and interpret the result in the environmental context. When asked for a solution, make it realistic and explain how it addresses the stated problem.

Afterward, find the same year and set in the paper library. A Set 2 scoring guide should be used with Set 2 questions. Compare each part with the rubric rather than just checking the final number. Student samples and scoring commentary can show how an otherwise plausible answer loses a point because a mechanism, unit, or justification is missing. A reader report can reveal broad difficulties; scoring statistics describe performance on individual FRQs. These support files are not extra full papers.

Keep a short correction log: question, environmental idea, evidence you missed, and what you will do differently. If a water-pollution answer only names a pollutant, the next step might be to explain its transport and ecological effect. If a calculation goes wrong, check whether the denominator, unit conversion, or percent-change baseline was appropriate. Then try a different question with the same topic without the rubric beside you.

What to expect on the 2027 AP Environmental Science exam

College Board lists the exam for Thursday, May 13, 2027, Session 2. The AP coordinator gives the correct local start time. The exam is fully digital: students read and answer both sections in the Bluebook testing app. The course description received minor clarifications for 2026–27, while the course content remains the same. Historical PDFs remain useful for practice, but use the current format for a full timed rehearsal.

2027 AP Environmental Science exam format
Section	Questions and time	Score weight
Section I · Multiple choice	80 questions · 90 minutes · individual and stimulus-based sets	60%
Section II · Free response	3 questions · 70 minutes	40%

The three current FRQs have distinct purposes. Question 1 asks you to design an investigation based on an environmental scenario and visual model. Question 2 asks you to analyze and interpret quantitative information such as a graph, chart or table. Question 3 asks you to investigate an environmental problem using calculations. Each also asks you to apply scientific understanding and propose or justify solutions. Approved calculators are permitted on this exam; check the current College Board calculator policy and Bluebook reference information before test day.

Many papers in this library were written under a different arrangement. The complete papers from 2003–2019 contain four FRQs and commonly print a 90-minute Section II. Those prompts still offer strong practice in concepts, experimental reasoning, data and math, but their timing does not represent the 2027 three-question section. The 2021–2026 papers in this collection contain three questions. For a current-format rehearsal, choose one complete newer paper, work in order for 70 minutes, and then review its matching resources. Do not combine Question 1 from one set with the rubric from another.

AP Environmental Science units and exam weighting

The College Board framework organizes the course into nine commonly taught units. The ranges below refer to the multiple-choice section. They are not quotas for FRQs: a single free-response task may connect several units, such as agriculture, water quality and climate impacts. That is why some questions have more than one tag in this finder.

AP Environmental Science units and approximate multiple-choice weighting
Course unit	Main practice focus	MCQ weight
Unit 1 · The Living World: Ecosystems	Energy flow, food webs, biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem services.	6%–8%
Unit 2 · The Living World: Biodiversity	Species richness, ecosystem resilience, invasive species and conservation.	6%–8%
Unit 3 · Populations	Population growth, demographic transition and human population dynamics.	10%–15%
Unit 4 · Earth Systems and Resources	Atmosphere, climate, geology, soils and freshwater systems.	10%–15%
Unit 5 · Land and Water Use	Agriculture, fishing, forestry, mining, urbanization and water use.	10%–15%
Unit 6 · Energy Resources and Consumption	Fossil fuels, nuclear power, renewables and energy calculations.	10%–15%
Unit 7 · Atmospheric Pollution	Air pollutants, smog, acid deposition and human health.	7%–10%
Unit 8 · Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution	Water quality, wastewater, solid waste and toxic substances.	7%–10%
Unit 9 · Global Change	Climate change, ocean acidification, ozone depletion and biodiversity loss.	15%–20%

It helps to connect related units as you practise. An invasive-species problem may require food-web reasoning from Unit 1 and biodiversity effects from Unit 2. A coal question may cross energy resources, atmospheric pollution and climate change. A storm-water question can involve land use, soil, runoff and aquatic pollution. Use the filters to find both focused and mixed-unit practice rather than assuming each numbered question belongs to only one chapter.

How to interpret this archive

Each finder row represents a numbered question in a complete original free-response paper. “PDF page” is the physical page number of the file, which may differ from a printed page label. In some 2025 and 2026 papers, the numbered response parts come after introductory diagrams or text. Those rows open on the earlier source page and are marked “context.” When two older numbered questions begin on the same physical page, the reader scrolls toward the selected number. Always check the area immediately above it for a shared figure or heading.

The library includes scoring guidelines, student samples, reports, statistics and distributions wherever those files were supplied. A folder name alone does not prove that it contains a complete question paper. The 2002 and 2017 folders offer review material but cannot support a question-by-question link into a full paper. The 2026 folder has the paper and no supplied rubric. An unreadable 2006 support file is omitted. Every “Open question” result is tied to a verified original PDF.

After targeted practice, try a fresh year and explain your reasoning without looking at the previous rubric. If the challenge is a graph, state the trend before proposing a cause. If it is a field investigation, identify what varies, what is measured and what is held constant. If it is a solution, name a feasible action and its expected environmental effect. You can also use AP tutoring or the AP exam timetable guide to plan the broader preparation schedule.

A LITTLE MORE CLARITY

Questions about AP Environmental Science past papers

Practise from the original prompt, then review the matching scoring material.

Tell us about your needs

How many AP Environmental Science past-paper questions are indexed?

This collection indexes 97 numbered free-response questions in 27 complete papers from 2003–2026. Set 1 and Set 2 are both included for 2021–2025 where supplied. The 2002 and 2017 folders contain supporting files but no complete question paper; no 2020 folder was supplied.

Does Open question show the actual question in the original PDF?

Yes. The reader loads the original Google Drive PDF at its checked physical page. For 2025 and 2026 questions whose diagrams or background appear before the numbered prompt, it starts at that earlier source page. Continue through later pages for all parts.

How is the 2027 free-response section organized?

College Board lists three free-response questions in 70 minutes: design an investigation, analyze quantitative data, and analyze an environmental problem with calculations. The fully digital Bluebook exam also has 80 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes.

Are the older four-question papers still useful?

Yes, for environmental concepts, evidence-based explanations, graphs and calculations. Papers through 2019 in this collection use an older four-question, 90-minute free-response format, so use the current three-question format for a 2027 timed rehearsal.

Are scoring guidelines available for every paper?

No. The library lists only files actually supplied for each year and set. The 2026 folder contains a question paper only. One unreadable 2006 support file is excluded.

ORIGINAL FILES & OFFICIAL REFERENCES

External sources

The original question and support PDFs are read from the supplied Drive collection. Focus labels and searchable tags are independent study aids. Collection checked 28 September 2026.

AP® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with and does not endorse OnlyPrepy. Original papers and scoring materials retain their publisher’s copyright notices.

AP Environmental SciencePast Papers

AP Environmental Science FRQ question finder

Mountain bird ranges, coral bleaching and climate change

U.S. energy consumption and fossil-fuel trends

Ocelot recovery, population growth and shrubland

Chickadees, spiders and nonnative plants

Pacific climate patterns, El Niño and flooding

Vehicle emissions, particulate matter and acid rain

Common Terns, sea-level rise and coastal wetlands

Serengeti migration, plate boundaries and grasslands

Coal mining, power generation and air impacts

Stream oxygen demand, water quality and aquatic life

Animal protein, land use and climate costs

Nuclear power, coal and electricity calculations

Ecological succession and forest ecosystem services

Global land-use change, grazing and forests

Colorado River drought and water-saving landscapes

Genetically modified green beans and field plots

Manatee movement, shipping and seagrass habitat

Crude oil, mining impacts and transportation choices

Coal-mine restoration and plant succession

Asian carp spread and Great Lakes ecosystems

Landfill methane, decomposition and waste management

Mercury pollution and snapping turtle nesting

Hydraulic fracturing and methane in well water

Urban heat islands, solar energy and population

Mississippi runoff and Gulf of Mexico dead zone

Island lizards, mongoose and habitat disturbance

Coal ash, electricity and water demands

Solar panel orientation and experimental design

Pesticide use, resistance and food production

Forest fragmentation and specialist species

Soil erosion, slope and farm practices

Amphibian richness, deforestation and threats

Coal versus natural gas power and pollution

Piping plovers and beach conservation

Alberta oil sands and boreal forest loss

Atmospheric carbon dioxide and ocean acidification

National park visibility and regional air pollution

School carbon footprint and green roof design

Offshore wind power and electricity output

Arctic food web and energy flow

Indoor biomass combustion and health

Little brown bats, disease and forest services

Iron ore, steel recycling and resource use

Municipal solid waste and disposal methods

Soil horizons, formation and land protection

Everglades freshwater and phosphorus pollution

Mobile devices, gold use and electronic waste

Deepwater Horizon oil spill and coastal damage

Urban sprawl and smart growth

Nuclear power claims and construction impacts

Combined sewers, runoff and stream pollution

Plate tectonics, volcanoes and earthquakes

Carbon and nitrogen biogeochemical cycles

Gulf Coast sediments, wetlands and fertilizer runoff

Battery electric vehicles and fuel comparisons

Stratospheric and tropospheric ozone

Biodiversity loss and conservation strategies

Hydraulic fracturing and natural gas trade-offs

School carbon footprint and forest conservation

Pesticide toxicity experiment with minnows

Wetland food webs and ecosystem benefits

Mountain pine beetles, forests and warming

Coral reefs and ocean acidification

Electricity use, GDP and geothermal energy

World food supply and arable-land demand

Toxic pollutants, human exposure and control

Termites, decomposition and rainforest emissions

Zebra mussel invasion in the Great Lakes

Sea-level rise and coastal effects

Fertilizer nitrogen and photochemical smog

Farm methane digesters and energy costs

Colorado River dams, salinity and water sharing

GM crops and sustainable agriculture

Microalgae biodiesel versus crop-based fuels

Landfill leachate and cadmium calculations

Fire suppression and forest management

World fertility rates and population trends

Sewage treatment and sludge disposal

AP Environmental Science
Past Papers