UPDATED FOR 2026. Below is every single AP Biology FRQ from 2015-2025 sorted by topic.
At the end is the predicted FRQs for the upcoming 2026 exam. Good luck!
PRO TIP: Links open in FRQ Atlas — You find the FRQ and upload your working for free, instant AI grading based on scoring guidelines.
FRQ Types
Drill down into the 6 specific question types you’ll face on exam day.
Interpreting Experimental Results
12 questions. A 9-point heavy hitter requiring data analysis and prediction. Tip: Identify the dependent/independent variables immediately.
Experimental Results w/ Graphing
8 questions. The standard “graph it” question. Tip: Don’t forget units on axes and error bars if SEM is provided.
Scientific Investigation
10 questions. Describes a lab setup. Tip: Focus on controls and justifying why specific variables are measured.
Conceptual Analysis
13 questions. A disruption to a biological system. Tip: Trace the pathway: if X breaks, what happens to Y and Z?
Analyze Visual Model
12 questions. Diagrams of pathways or processes. Tip: Use the diagram’s labels in your answer; don’t just use general terms.
Analyze Data
15 questions. Pure data interpretation, often tables. Tip: Look for statistical significance (overlapping error bars).
Skills
Master the 6 core science practices tested on the exam.
Concept Explanation (73)
1.A Describe concepts
Define and detail processes. (42)
1.B Explain concepts
Connect mechanics to outcomes. (22)
1.C Applied contexts
Apply bio knowledge to new scenarios. (9)
Visual Representations (20)
2.A Describe visuals
State what a diagram shows. (2)
2.B Explain relationships
Analyze connections in models. (4)
2.C Model principles
Link models to big theories. (3)
2.D Represent models
Draw or complete diagrams. (11)
Questions & Methods (23)
3.A Pose questions
Identify testable questions. (1)
3.B Hypotheses
State null/alternative hypotheses. (7)
3.C Procedures
Identify controls and variables. (15)
Representing Data (32)
4.A Construct graphs
Plot data points and axes. (9)
4.B Describe data
Summarize trends and patterns. (23)
Statistical Tests (22)
5.A Calculations
Math and formulas. (12)
5.B Error bars
Interpret confidence intervals. (7)
5.D Evaluate hypothesis
Reject or fail to reject. (3)
Argumentation (102)
6.A Claims
Make a scientific assertion. (7)
6.B Support with evidence
Use data to back claims. (20)
6.C Reasoning
Justify using bio theory. (30)
6.D Explain results
Connect experiments to concepts. (12)
6.E Predict effects
Forecast system disruptions. (33)
Units
Frequency data for every AP Biology topic.
Unit 1: Chemistry of Life
Relatively rare on its own, usually tested as context for enzymes or cells. (3 questions)
Unit 2: Cells
High frequency; often focuses on membrane transport or organelle dysfunction. (15 questions)
Unit 3: Cellular Energetics
The most tested unit; master enzyme inhibition, respiration, and photosynthesis pathways. (21 questions)
Unit 4: Cell Communication
Signal transduction errors and feedback loops are massive FRQ favorites. (18 questions)
Unit 5: Heredity
Meiosis and pedigrees are common; watch for chi-square applications here. (12 questions)
Unit 6: Gene Expression
Central dogma and regulation (operons/transcription factors) appear consistently. (19 questions)
Unit 7: Natural Selection
Cladograms and Hardy-Weinberg are the key technical skills tested here. (19 questions)
Unit 8: Ecology
Very frequent; often paired with graphing questions about population dynamics or trophic cascades. (20 questions)
Unit 1: Chemistry of Life
- 2024 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results with Graphing) — Toad liver metabolism, temperature, ATP synthesis.
- 2022 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results with Graphing) — Meiosis crossing over, DNA breaks, corn strains.
- 2021 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results with Graphing) — Glucose metabolism disorder, pedigree analysis, inheritance.
Unit 2: Cells
- 2025 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Protein transport, ER, siRNA inhibition.
- 2025 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results with Graphing) — Moth pheromone, 20E signaling, crop protection.
- 2024 Q3 (Scientific Investigation) — Red blood cells, glucose uptake, aging guinea pigs.
- 2022 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Cholera toxin, cAMP signaling, chloride transport.
- 2021 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Na+/K+ ATPase, PKD cells, ouabain.
- 2019 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results with Graphing) — Protist competition, population growth curves.
- 2019 Q3 (Conceptual Analysis) — PDC enzyme deficiency, NADH production, inheritance.
- 2019 Q8 (Analyze Model or Visual Representation of a Biological Concept or Process) — Flower opening, vacuole pH, cell swelling.
- 2018 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Caspase-1, gasdermin, cell fractionation data.
- 2018 Q4 (Analyze Data) — Bedbug insecticide resistance, gene deletions.
- 2018 Q6 (Analyze Model or Visual Representation of a Biological Concept or Process) — CFTR protein pathway, cystic fibrosis.
- 2017 Q8 (Conceptual Analysis) — Estrogen transport, intracellular receptors, antibodies.
- 2016 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results with Graphing) — Mussels, lap94 allele, salinity gradient.
- 2016 Q4 (Analyze Model or Visual Representation of a Biological Concept or Process) — Eukaryotic RNA processing, prokaryotic comparison.
- 2015 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — ATP synthesis, glycolysis origin, efficiency calculation.
Unit 3: Cellular Energetics
- 2025 Q5 (Analyze Model or Visual Representation of a Biological Concept or Process) — Amino acid synthesis, feedback inhibition.
- 2024 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results with Graphing) — Toad liver metabolism, temperature, ATP synthesis.
- 2023 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results with Graphing) — CO2 levels, mitochondrial density, organelle inheritance.
- 2023 Q4 (Conceptual Analysis) — Photosynthesis electron flow, photosystem I mutation.
- 2022 Q3 (Scientific Investigation) — Luciferase enzyme rate, temperature effect.
- 2021 Q3 (Scientific Investigation) — Resveratrol, ATP production, muscle cells.
- 2019 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — IAA synthesis pathway, feedback, rhizobacteria.
- 2019 Q3 (Conceptual Analysis) — PDC enzyme deficiency, NADH production, inheritance.
- 2019 Q4 (Analyze Model or Visual Representation of a Biological Concept or Process) — Neurotoxin, synaptic transmission, enzymes.
- 2019 Q6 (Scientific Investigation) — Yeast amino acid synthesis, mutant strains.
- 2019 Q7 (Analyze Data) — Mouse tissue mRNA, glycolysis genes.
- 2018 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Caspase-1, gasdermin, cell fractionation data.
- 2018 Q4 (Analyze Data) — Bedbug insecticide resistance, gene deletions.
- 2018 Q8 (Analyze Data) — Acetylcholine receptors, enzyme inhibition.
- 2017 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results with Graphing) — Caffeine, bee memory, nectar.
- 2017 Q3 (Conceptual Analysis) — Gibberellin biosynthesis, GA3H mutation, plant height.
- 2017 Q5 (Analyze Data) — Pond algal bloom, oxygen levels, metabolism.
- 2017 Q7 (Conceptual Analysis) — Oral bacteria, biofilms, toothpaste pH.
- 2016 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results with Graphing) — Mussels, lap94 allele, salinity gradient.
- 2016 Q3 (Analyze Data) — Annual plant energy allocation, growing season.
- 2015 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — ATP synthesis, glycolysis origin, efficiency calculation.
Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle
- 2025 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results with Graphing) — Moth pheromone, 20E signaling, crop protection.
- 2025 Q5 (Analyze Model or Visual Representation of a Biological Concept or Process) — Amino acid synthesis, feedback inhibition.
- 2024 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Yeast chromosomes, kinetochore proteins, crossing over.
- 2023 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Yeast PHO signaling, phosphate levels.
- 2022 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Cholera toxin, cAMP signaling, chloride transport.
- 2021 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Na+/K+ ATPase, PKD cells, ouabain.
- 2019 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — IAA synthesis pathway, feedback, rhizobacteria.
- 2019 Q4 (Analyze Model or Visual Representation of a Biological Concept or Process) — Neurotoxin, synaptic transmission, enzymes.
- 2018 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Caspase-1, gasdermin, cell fractionation data.
- 2018 Q8 (Analyze Data) — Acetylcholine receptors, enzyme inhibition.
- 2017 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Smoke compounds, seed germination, receptors.
- 2017 Q8 (Conceptual Analysis) — Estrogen transport, intracellular receptors, antibodies.
- 2016 Q8 (Analyze Data) — Exercise, blood prolactin levels, error bars.
- 2015 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Mouse circadian rhythms, light conditions.
- 2015 Q4 (Conceptual Analysis) — Mitosis vs meiosis comparison.
- 2015 Q5 (Scientific Investigation) — Phototropism, plant shoot treatments.
- 2015 Q7 (Conceptual Analysis) — Olfactory neurons, signal transduction, odor perception.
- 2015 Q8 (Conceptual Analysis) — B-cell loss, humoral immune response.
Unit 5: Heredity
- 2025 Q6 (Analyze Data) — Fruit flies, ALD protein, meiosis.
- 2024 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Yeast chromosomes, kinetochore proteins, crossing over.
- 2023 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results with Graphing) — CO2 levels, mitochondrial density, organelle inheritance.
- 2022 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results with Graphing) — Meiosis crossing over, DNA breaks, corn strains.
- 2021 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results with Graphing) — Glucose metabolism disorder, pedigree analysis, inheritance.
- 2019 Q3 (Conceptual Analysis) — PDC enzyme deficiency, NADH production, inheritance.
- 2019 Q6 (Scientific Investigation) — Yeast amino acid synthesis, mutant strains.
- 2018 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Bear phylogeny, LYST protein, cladogram.
- 2018 Q7 (Conceptual Analysis) — Fish sex determination, environmental influence.
- 2017 Q3 (Conceptual Analysis) — Gibberellin biosynthesis, GA3H mutation, plant height.
- 2016 Q7 (Analyze Model or Visual Representation of a Biological Concept or Process) — Meiosis products, linked vs unlinked genes.
- 2015 Q4 (Conceptual Analysis) — Mitosis vs meiosis comparison.
Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation
- 2025 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Protein transport, ER, siRNA inhibition.
- 2025 Q6 (Analyze Data) — Fruit flies, ALD protein, meiosis.
- 2024 Q3 (Scientific Investigation) — Red blood cells, glucose uptake, aging guinea pigs.
- 2024 Q6 (Analyze Data) — Ribosome profiling, translation rates, codons.
- 2023 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Yeast PHO signaling, phosphate levels.
- 2023 Q6 (Analyze Data) — Housekeeping genes, PCR Cq values.
- 2022 Q6 (Analyze Data) — mRNA vaccine, cap structure, half-life.
- 2021 Q6 (Analyze Data) — Krill heat-shock protein, temperature response.
- 2019 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — IAA synthesis pathway, feedback, rhizobacteria.
- 2019 Q6 (Scientific Investigation) — Yeast amino acid synthesis, mutant strains.
- 2019 Q7 (Analyze Data) — Mouse tissue mRNA, glycolysis genes.
- 2018 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Bear phylogeny, LYST protein, cladogram.
- 2018 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Caspase-1, gasdermin, cell fractionation data.
- 2018 Q6 (Analyze Model or Visual Representation of a Biological Concept or Process) — CFTR protein pathway, cystic fibrosis.
- 2017 Q3 (Conceptual Analysis) — Gibberellin biosynthesis, GA3H mutation, plant height.
- 2017 Q6 (Scientific Investigation) — Comet assay, DNA damage, mutagen.
- 2016 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Bacterial growth, limiting nutrients, gene regulation.
- 2016 Q4 (Analyze Model or Visual Representation of a Biological Concept or Process) — Eukaryotic RNA processing, prokaryotic comparison.
- 2016 Q6 (Scientific Investigation) — eDNA, invasive species, PCR detection.
Unit 7: Natural Selection
- 2025 Q4 (Conceptual Analysis) — Panama isthmus, marine evolution, speciation.
- 2024 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Yeast chromosomes, kinetochore proteins, crossing over.
- 2024 Q5 (Analyze Model or Visual Representation of a Biological Concept or Process) — Cod antifreeze glycoprotein, phylogenetic tree.
- 2023 Q5 (Analyze Model or Visual Representation of a Biological Concept or Process) — Ruminant cladograms, convergent evolution.
- 2022 Q4 (Conceptual Analysis) — Brook trout, isolation, speciation.
- 2021 Q4 (Conceptual Analysis) — Big Bird finch, reproductive isolation, hybrids.
- 2019 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — IAA synthesis pathway, feedback, rhizobacteria.
- 2019 Q5 (Analyze Data) — Primate mtDNA, divergence rates, cladogram.
- 2018 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Bear phylogeny, LYST protein, cladogram.
- 2018 Q4 (Analyze Data) — Bedbug insecticide resistance, gene deletions.
- 2018 Q7 (Conceptual Analysis) — Fish sex determination, environmental influence.
- 2017 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results with Graphing) — Caffeine, bee memory, nectar.
- 2017 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Smoke compounds, seed germination, receptors.
- 2016 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results with Graphing) — Mussels, lap94 allele, salinity gradient.
- 2016 Q3 (Analyze Data) — Annual plant energy allocation, growing season.
- 2015 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Mouse circadian rhythms, light conditions.
- 2015 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — ATP synthesis, glycolysis origin, efficiency calculation.
- 2015 Q3 (Analyze Data) — Cytochrome c, phylogenetic tree, amino acids.
- 2015 Q6 (Analyze Data) — Snake population rescue, recovery.
Unit 8: Ecology
- 2025 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results with Graphing) — Moth pheromone, 20E signaling, crop protection.
- 2025 Q3 (Scientific Investigation) — Invasive buffelgrass, saguaro cactus, wildfire.
- 2025 Q4 (Conceptual Analysis) — Panama isthmus, marine evolution, speciation.
- 2024 Q4 (Conceptual Analysis) — Invasive wild oat, bunchgrass, aphids.
- 2023 Q3 (Scientific Investigation) — Sand lance embryos, temperature, CO2.
- 2022 Q5 (Analyze Model or Visual Representation of a Biological Concept or Process) — Community ecology, invasive species, toxins.
- 2021 Q5 (Analyze Model or Visual Representation of a Biological Concept or Process) — Giant ragweed, biodiversity, experimental plots.
- 2019 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — IAA synthesis pathway, feedback, rhizobacteria.
- 2019 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results with Graphing) — Protist competition, population growth curves.
- 2018 Q3 (Scientific Investigation) — Seagrass pollination, aquatic invertebrates, water circulation.
- 2018 Q5 (Analyze Data) — Cuckoo vs warbler, nest success, symbiosis.
- 2017 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results with Graphing) — Caffeine, bee memory, nectar.
- 2017 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Smoke compounds, seed germination, receptors.
- 2017 Q4 (Analyze Model or Visual Representation of a Biological Concept or Process) — Aquatic food web, fungal pesticide.
- 2017 Q7 (Conceptual Analysis) — Oral bacteria, biofilms, toothpaste pH.
- 2016 Q2 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Bacterial growth, limiting nutrients, gene regulation.
- 2016 Q5 (Analyze Model or Visual Representation of a Biological Concept or Process) — Mutualism vs parasitism, plant mass graphs.
- 2015 Q1 (Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results) — Mouse circadian rhythms, light conditions.
- 2015 Q5 (Scientific Investigation) — Phototropism, plant shoot treatments.
- 2015 Q6 (Analyze Data) — Snake population rescue, recovery.
2026 FRQ Topics Prediction
We used Phy AI + the frequency of topics above to make an educated guess on what you might see on the upcoming 2026 AP Biology Exam FRQ:
- Unit 3: Cellular Energetics — 21 appearances. Expect at least one question focusing on enzyme inhibition or the effect of environmental changes on respiration/photosynthesis rates.
- Unit 8: Ecology — 20 appearances. A high-probability topic for the long FRQs (Q1 or Q2), particularly involving graphing population data or analyzing invasive species impacts.
- Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation — 19 appearances. Look for questions asking you to analyze data related to transcription factors, operons, or mRNA stability (like the 2022 vaccine question).
- Unit 7: Natural Selection — 19 appearances. While always present, recent trends lean heavily into phylogenetic tree analysis and speciation mechanisms.
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