Ap Biology Mathematics And Statistics For Ap Biology Answers

Are you planning on taking the AP® Biology exam? If so, let's get you prepared in this AP® Biology review by learning more about the exam and how to study so that you can feel confident and earn your best score and potentially college credit.

The AP® Biology exam is graded on a scale of 1-5, and you can earn college credits at many colleges for receiving a score as low as a 3, which is estimated to be approximately equivalent to earning a C, C+, or B- in a college-level biology course. However, there is quite a bit of variation between colleges in what test scores they will award credit for, if any, so be sure to check with the specific colleges in which you are interested to see what score(s) they accept.

In this AP® Biology review post, we'll go over key questions you may have about the exam, how to study for AP® Biology, and how to review and use AP® Biology exam practice resources, including AP® Biology practice tests, as you begin preparing for your exam.

Are you ready? Let's get started.

• What's the Format of the 2021 AP® Biology Exam?
• How Long is the AP® Biology Exam?
• How Many Questions Does AP® Biology Have?
• What Topics are Covered on AP® Biology?
• What Do AP® Biology Questions Look Like?
• How is the 2021 AP® Biology Exam Different?
• What Can You Bring to the AP® Biology Exam?
• How to Study for AP® Biology: 5 Steps to Get a 5
• AP® Biology Review: 15 Must Know Study Tips
• AP® Biology: 5 Test Day Tips to Remember
• AP® Biology Review Notes and Practice Test Resources
• Summary: The Best AP® Biology Review Guide

What's the Format of the 2021 AP® Biology Exam?

The AP® Biology exam is composed of two sections: multiple choice and free response. There are 60 multiple choice questions and 6 free-response questions (2 long-answer questions and 4 short-answer questions).

Section	# of Questions	Time Limit	% of Overall Score
I: Multiple Choice	60	90 minutes	50%
II: Free Response	6	90 minutes	50%

Source: College Board

For the 2021 exam season, the AP® Biology exam is being offered in both paper and digital formats. The exam topics and types of questions on both the paper and digital versions of the AP® Biology 2021 exam will be the same.

Learn more about changes to the 2021 AP® Biology exam

How Long is the AP® Biology Exam?

The AP® Biology exam is a 3 hour exam. Students will have 90 minutes to complete 60 multiple choice questions and another 90 minutes to complete 6 free-response questions.

How Many Questions Does AP® Biology Have?

The AP® Biology exam has 60 multiple choice questions and 6 free-response questions. Of the 6 free-response questions, 4 are short-answer questions while the other 2 are long-answer questions.

What Topics are Covered on AP® Biology?

There are two types of questions on the AP® Biology exam: multiple choice and free response.

Section I: Multiple Choice

The AP® Biology exam multiple choice section assesses both content knowledge and science practices , with questions designed to do both. These multiple choice questions may be either individual or in sets of four to five questions per set.

The content knowledge within the eight different course units is broken down into four big ideas , with learning objectives related to each:

• Evolution (EVO)
• Energetics (ENE)
• information Storage and Transmission (IST)
• Systems Interactions (SYI)

Questions within each content area, with the relevant learning objectives addressed, are weighted in the multiple choice section as shown; resources for study, AP® Biology review, and AP® Biology exam practice for each section are also provided. You can use this to make an AP® Biology study guide.

Units, Topics, and Learning Objectives	Weighting on Exam	Resources
Unit 1: Chemistry of Life 1.1: Structure of Water and Hydrogen Bonding: SYI-1.A: Explain how the properties of water that result from its polarity and hydrogen bonding affect its biological function. 1.2: Elements of Life: ENE-1.A: Describe the composition of macromolecules required by living organisms. 1.3: Introduction to Biological Macromolecules: SYI-1.B: Describe the properties of the monomers and the type of bonds that connect the monomers in biological macromolecules. 1.4: Properties of Biological Macromolecules: SYI-1.B: Describe the properties of the monomers and the type of bonds that connect the monomers in biological macromolecules. 1.5: Structure and Function of Biological Macromolecules: SYI-1.C: Explain how a change in the subunits of a polymer may lead to changes in structure or function of the macromolecule. 1.6: Nucleic Acids: IST-1.A: Describe the structural similarities and differences between DNA and RNA.	8-11%	The Chemical Foundation of Life Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Science Practice Challenge Questions Biological Macromolecules Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Science Practice Challenge Questions Albert Practice Questions: Unit 1
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function 2.1: Cell Structure: Subcellular Components: SYI-1.D: Describe the structure and/ or function of subcellular components and organelles. 2.2: Cell Structure and Function: SYI-1.E: Explain how subcellular components and organelles contribute to the function of the cell. SYI-1.F: Describe the structural features of a cell that allow organisms to capture, store, and use energy. 2.3: Cell Size: ENE-1.B: Explain the effect of surface area-to-volume ratios on the exchange of materials between cells or organisms and the environment. ENE-1.C: Explain how specialized structures and strategies are used for the efficient exchange of molecules to the environment. 2.4: Plasma Membranes: ENE-2.A: Describe the roles of each of the components of the cell membrane in maintaining the internal environment of the cell. ENE-2.B: Describe the Fluid Mosaic Model of cell membranes. 2.5: Membrane Permeability: ENE-2.C: Explain how the structure of biological membranes influences selective permeability. ENE-2.D: Describe the role of the cell wall in maintaining cell structure and function. 2.6: Membrane Transport: ENE-2.E: Describe the mechanisms that organisms use to maintain solute and water balance. ENE-2.F: Describe the mechanisms that organisms use to transport large molecules across the plasma membrane. 2.7: Facilitated Diffusion: ENE-2.G: Explain how the structure of a molecule affects its ability to pass through the plasma membrane. 2.8: Tonicity and Osmoregulation: ENE-2.H: Explain how concentration gradients affect the movement of molecules across membranes. ENE-2.I: Explain how osmoregulatory mechanisms contribute to the health and survival of organisms. 2.9: Mechanisms of Transport: ENE-2.J: Describe the processes that allow ions and other molecules to move across membranes. 2.10: Cell Compartmentalization: ENE-2.K: Describe the membrane- bound structures of the eukaryotic cell. ENE-2.L: Explain how internal membranes and membrane- bound organelles contribute to compartmentalization of eukaryotic cell functions. 2.11: Origin of Cell Compartmentalization: EVO-1.A: Describe similarities and/or differences in compartmentalization between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. EVO-1.B: Describe the relationship between the functions of endosymbiotic organelles and their free-living ancestral counterparts.	10-13%	Cell Structure Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Science Practice Challenge Questions Structure and Function of Plasma Membranes Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Science Practice Challenge Questions Albert Practice Questions: Unit 2
Unit 3: Cellular Energetics 3.1: Enzyme Structure: ENE-1.D: Describe the properties of enzymes. 3.2: Enzyme Catalysis: ENE-1.E: Explain how enzymes affect the rate of biological reactions. 3.3: Environmental Impacts on Enzyme Function: ENE-1.F: Explain how changes to the structure of an enzyme may affect its function. ENE-1.G: Explain how the cellular environment affects enzyme activity. 3.4: Cellular Energy: ENE-1.H: Describe the role of energy in living organisms. 3.5: Photosynthesis: ENE-1.I: Describe the photosynthetic processes that allow organisms to capture and store energy. ENE-1.J: Explain how cells capture energy from light and transfer it to biological molecules for storage and use. 3.6: Cellular Respiration: ENE-1.K: Describe the processes that allow organisms to use energy stored in biological macromolecules. ENE-1.L: Explain how cells obtain energy from biological macromolecules in order to power cellular functions. 3.7: Fitness: SYI-3.A: Explain the connection between variation in the number and types of molecules within cells to the ability of the organism to survive and/or reproduce in different environments.	12-16%	Metabolism Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Science Practice Challenge Questions Cellular Respiration Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Science Practice Challenge Questions Photosynthesis Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Science Practice Challenge Questions Albert Practice Questions: Unit 3
Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle 4.1: Cell Communication: IST-3.A: Describe the ways that cells can communicate with one another. IST-3.B: Explain how cells communicate with one another over short and long distances. 4.2: Introduction to Signal Transduction: IST-3.C: Describe the components of a signal transduction pathway. IST-3.D: Describe the role of components of a signal transduction pathway in producing a cellular response. 4.3: Signal Transduction: IST-3.E: Describe the role of the environment in eliciting a cellular response. IST-3.F: Describe the different types of cellular responses elicited by a signal transduction pathway. 4.4: Changes in Signal Transduction Pathways: IST-3.G: Explain how a change in the structure of any signaling molecule affects the activity of the signaling pathway. 4.5: Feedback: ENE-3.A: Describe positive and/ or negative feedback mechanisms. ENE-3.B: Explain how negative feedback helps to maintain homeostasis. ENE-3.C: Explain how positive feedback affects homeostasis. 4.6: Cell Cycle: IST-1.B: Describe the events that occur in the cell cycle. IST-1.C: Explain how mitosis results in the transmission of chromosomes from one generation to the next. 4.7: Regulation of Cell Cycle: IST-1.D: Describe the role of checkpoints in regulating the cell cycle. IST-1.E: Describe the effects of disruptions to the cell cycle on the cell or organism.	10-15%	Cell Communication Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Science Practice Challenge Questions Cell Reproduction Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Science Practice Challenge Questions Albert Practice Questions: Unit 4
Unit 5: Heredity 5.1: Meiosis: IST-1.F: Explain how meiosis results in the transmission of chromosomes from one generation to the next. IST-1.G: Describe similarities and/ or differences between the phases and outcomes of mitosis and meiosis. 5.2: Meiosis and Genetic Diversity: IST-1.H: Explain how the process of meiosis generates genetic diversity. 5.3: Mendelian Genetics: EVO-2.A: Explain how shared, conserved, fundamental processes and features support the concept of common ancestry for all organisms. IST-1.I: Explain the inheritance of genes and traits as described by Mendel's laws. 5.4: Non-Mendelian Genetics: IST-1.J: Explain deviations from Mendel's model of the inheritance of traits. 5.5: Environmental Effects on Phenotype: SYI-3.B: Explain how the same genotype can result in multiple phenotypes under different environmental conditions. 5.6: Chromosomal Inheritance: SYI-3.C: Explain how chromosomal inheritance generates genetic variation in sexual reproduction.	8-11%	Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Science Practice Challenge Questions Mendel's Experiments and Heredity Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Science Practice Challenge Questions Modern Understandings of Inheritance Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Science Practice Challenge Questions Albert Practice Questions: Unit 5
Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation 6.1: DNA and RNA Structure: IST-1.K: Describe the structures involved in passing hereditary information from one generation to the next.IST-1.L: Describe the characteristics of DNA that allow it to be used as the hereditary material. 6.2: Replication: IST-1.M: Describe the mechanisms by which genetic information is copied for transmission between generations. 6.3: Transcription and RNA Processing: IST-1.N: Describe the mechanisms by which genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein. 6.4: Translation: IST-1.O: Explain how the phenotype of an organism is determined by its genotype. 6.5: Regulation of Gene Expression: IST-2.A: Describe the types of interactions that regulate gene expression. IST-2.B: Explain how the location of regulatory sequences relates to their function. 6.6: Gene Expression and Cell Specialization: IST-2.C: Explain how the binding of transcription factors to promoter regions affects gene expression and/or the phenotype of the organism. IST-2.D: Explain the connection between the regulation of gene expression and phenotypic differences in cells and organisms. 6.7: Mutations: IST-2.E: Describe the various types of mutation. IST-4.A: Explain how changes in genotype may result in changes in phenotype. IST-4.B: Explain how alterations in DNA sequences contribute to variation that can be subject to natural selection. 6.8: Biotechnology: IST-1.P: Explain the use of genetic engineering techniques in analyzing or manipulating DNA.	12-16%	DNA Structure and Function Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Science Practice Challenge Questions Genes and Proteins Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Science Practice Challenge Questions Gene Regulation Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Science Practice Challenge Questions Biotechnology and Genomics Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Science Practice Challenge Questions Albert Practice Questions: Unit 6
Unit 7: Natural Selection 7.1: Introduction to Natural Selection: EVO-1.C: Describe the causes of natural selection. EVO-1.D: Explain how natural selection affects populations. 7.2: Natural Selection: EVO-1.E: Describe the importance of phenotypic variation in a population. 7.3: Artificial Selection: EVO-1.F: Explain how humans can affect diversity within a population. EVO-1.G: Explain the relationship between changes in the environment and evolutionary changes in the population. 7.4: Population Genetics: EVO-1.H: Explain how random occurrences affect the genetic makeup of a population. EVO-1.I: Describe the role of random processes in the evolution of specific populations. EVO-1.J: Describe the change in the genetic makeup of a population over time. 7.5: Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium: EVO-1.K: Describe the conditions under which allele and genotype frequencies will change in populations. EVO-1.L: Explain the impacts on the population if any of the conditions of Hardy-Weinberg are not met. 7.6: Evidence of Evolution: EVO-1.M: Describe the types of data that provide evidence for evolution. EVO-1.N: Explain how morphological, biochemical, and geological data provide evidence that organisms have changed over time. EVO-2.B: Describe the fundamental molecular and cellular features shared across all domains of life, which provide evidence of common ancestry. 7.7: Common Ancestry: EVO-2.C: Describe structural and functional evidence on cellular and molecular levels that provides evidence for the common ancestry of all eukaryotes. 7.8: Continuing Evolution: EVO-3.A: Explain how evolution is an ongoing process in all living organisms. 7.9: Phylogeny: EVO-3.B: Describe the types of evidence that can be used to infer an evolutionary relationship. EVO-3.C: Explain how a phylogenetic tree and/or cladogram can be used to infer evolutionary relatedness. 7.10: Speciation: EVO-3.D: Describe the conditions under which new species may arise. EVO-3.E: Describe the rate of evolution and speciation under different ecological conditions. EVO-3.F: Explain the processes and mechanisms that drive speciation. 7.11: Extinction: EVO-3.G: Describe factors that lead to the extinction of a population. EVO-3.H: Explain how the risk of extinction is affected by changes in the environment. EVO-3.I: Explain species diversity in an ecosystem as a function of speciation and extinction rates. EVO-3.J: Explain how extinction can make new environments available for adaptive radiation. 7.12: Variations in Populations: SYI-3.D: Explain how the genetic diversity of a species or population affects its ability to withstand environmental pressures. 7.13: Origins of Life on Earth: SYI-3.E: Describe the scientific evidence that provides support for models of the origin of life on Earth.	13-20%	Evolution and Origin of Species Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Science Practice Challenge Questions The Evolution of Populations Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Science Practice Challenge Questions Phylogenies and the History of Life Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Science Practice Challenge Questions Albert Practice Questions: Unit 7
Unit 8: Ecology 8.1: Responses to the Environment: ENE-3.D: Explain how the behavioral and/or physiological response of an organism is related to changes in internal or external environment. IST-5.A: Explain how the behavioral responses of organisms affect their overall fitness and may contribute to the success of the population. 8.2: Energy Flow Through Ecosystems: ENE-1.M: Describe the strategies organisms use to acquire and use energy. ENE-1.N: Explain how changes in energy availability affect populations and ecosystems. ENE-1.O: Explain how the activities of autotrophs and heterotrophs enable the flow of energy within an ecosystem. 8.3: Population Ecology: SYI-1.G: Describe factors that influence growth dynamics of populations. 8.4: Effect of Density of Populations: SYI-1.H: Explain how the density of a population affects and is determined by resource availability in the environment. 8.5: Community Ecology: ENE-4.A: Describe the structure of a community according to its species composition and diversity. ENE-4.B: Explain how interactions within and among populations influence community structure. ENE-4.C: Explain how community structure is related to energy availability in the environment. 8.6: Biodiversity: SYI-3.F: Describe the relationship between ecosystem diversity and its resilience to changes in the environment. SYI-3.G: Explain how the addition or removal of any component of an ecosystem will affect its overall short-term and long-term structure. 8.7: Disruptions to Ecosystems: EVO-1.O: Explain the interaction between the environment and random or preexisting variations in populations. SYI-2.A: Explain how invasive species affect ecosystem dynamics. SYI-2.B: Explain how geological and meteorological activity leads to changes in ecosystem structure and/or dynamics.	10-15%	Ecology and the Biosphere Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Science Practice Challenge Questions Population and Community Ecology Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Science Practice Challenge Questions Ecosystems Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Science Practice Challenge Questions Conservation Biology and Biodiversity Key Terms AP® Test Prep Questions Albert Practice Questions: Unit 8

Source: College Board

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While there are no units specifically devoted to prokaryotes and viruses, having a basic understanding of prokaryotic and virus structure, evolution, ecology, and diversity will be helpful since prokaryotic and eukaryotic mechanisms are compared in various units. Thus, we recommend that you review this information as well.

The six different science practices are divided into skills and are also assessed in the multiple choice section and weighted as shown:

Science Practice and Skills (A, B, C, etc.)	Weighting on Exam
1. Concept Explanation: Explain biological concepts, processes, and models presented in written format. 1.A: Describe biological concepts and/or processes. 1.B: Explain biological concepts and/or processes. 1.C: Explain biological concepts, processes, and/or models in applied contexts.	25-33%
2. Visual Representations: Analyze visual representations of biological concepts and processes. 2.A: Describe characteristics of a biological concept, process, or model represented visually. 2.B: Explain relationships between different characteristics of biological concepts, processes, or models represented visually In theoretical contexts. In applied contexts. 2.C: Explain how biological concepts or processes represented visually relate to larger biological principles, concepts, processes, or theories. 2.D: Represent relationships within biological models, including Mathematical models Diagrams Flow charts	16-24%
3. Questions and Methods: Determine scientific questions and methods. 3.A: Identify or pose a testable question based on an observation, data, or a model. 3.B: State the null or alternative hypotheses, or predict the results of an experiment. 3.C: Identify experimental procedures that are aligned to the question, including Identifying dependent and independent variables. Identifying appropriate controls. Justifying appropriate controls. 3.D: Propose a new/next investigation based on An evaluation of the evidence from an experiment. An evaluation of the design/methods.	8-14%
4. Representing and Describing Data: Represent and describe data. 4.A: Construct a graph, plot, or chart ( X,Y; Log Y; Bar; Histogram; Line, Dual Y; Box and Whisker; Pie ). Orientation Labeling Units Scaling Plotting Type Trend line 4.B: Describe data from a table or graph, including Identifying specific data points. Describing trends and/or patterns in the data. Describing relationships between variables.	8-14%
5. Statistical Tests and Data Analysis: Perform statistical tests and mathematical calculations to analyze and interpret data. 5.A: Perform mathematical calculations, including Mathematical equations in the curriculum. Means. Rates. Ratios. Percentages. 5.B: Use confidence intervals and/or error bars (both determined using standard errors) to determine whether sample means are statistically different. 5.C: Perform chi-square hypothesis testing. 5.D: Use data to evaluate a hypothesis (or prediction), including Rejecting or failing to reject the null hypothesis. Supporting or refuting the alternative hypothesis.	8-14%
6. Argumentation: Develop and justify scientific arguments using evidence. 6.A: Make a scientific claim. 6.B: Support a claim with evidence from biological principles, concepts, processes, and/or data. 6.C: Provide reasoning to justify a claim by connecting evidence to biological theories. 6.D: Explain the relationship between experimental results and larger biological concepts, processes, or theories. 6.E: Predict the causes or effects of a change in, or disruption to, one or more components in a biological system based on Biological concepts or processes. A visual representation of a biological concept, process, or model. Data.	20-26%

Source: College Board

You can also get AP® Biology exam practice in both the science practice and content knowledge by completing the Albert practice questions associated with each of 13 lab activities.

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Section II: Free Response

The AP® Biology free response questions are also designed to assess both content knowledge and science practices and are organized around the science practices and the four big ideas for the course.

The free response questions are designed as follows, with each of the short-answer questions also assessing one of the four big ideas:

Free Response Question	Point Breakdown and Total
#1: Long-Answer: Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results: gives an authentic scenario with data table or graph	Part A: describe/explain biological concepts/processes/models (1-2 pts.) Part B: identify experimental design procedures (3-4 pts.) Part C: analyze data (1-3 pts.) Part D: make and justify predictions (2-4 pts.) Total: 8-10 pts.
#2: Long-Answer: Interpreting and Evaluating Experimental Results with Graphing: gives an authentic scenario with data table	Part A: describe/explain biological concepts/processes/models (1-2 pts.) Part B: construct graph/plot/chart using confidence intervals/error bars (4 pts.) Part C: analyze data (1-3 pts.) Part D: make and justify predictions (1-3 pts.) Total: 8-10 pts.
#3: Short-Answer: Scientific Investigation: describes a lab investigation scenario	Part A: describe biological concepts/processes (1 pt.) Part B: identify experimental procedures (1 pt.) Part C: predict results (1 pt.) Part D: justify predictions (1 pt.) Total: 4 pts.
#4: Short-Answer: Conceptual Analysis: gives an authentic scenario describing biological phenomenon with a disruption	Part A: describe biological concepts/processes (1 pt.) Part B: explain biological concepts/processes (1 pt.) Part C: predict causes/effects of change in biological system (1 pt.) Part D: justify predictions (1 pt.) Total: 4 pts.
#5: Short-Answer: Analyze Model or Visual Representation: give an authentic scenario with visual model or representation	Part A: describe characteristics of biological concept/process/model represented visually (1 pt.) Part B: explain relationships between different characteristics of biological concept/process represented visually (1 pt.) Part C: represent relationships within biological model (1 pt.) Part D: explain how biological concept or process represented visually relates to larger biological principle/concept/process/theory (1 pt.) Total: 4 pts.
#6: Short-Answer: Analyze Data: gives data in a graph, table, or other visual representation	Part A: describe data (1 pt.) Part B: describe data (1 pt.) Part C: use data to evaluate hypothesis/prediction (1 pt.) Part D: explain how experimental results relate to 1+ larger biological principle/concept/process/theory (1 pt.) Total: 4 pts.

Source: College Board

You will be provided an AP® Biology Equations and Formulas Sheet that you may use on either section of the exam. You are also permitted to use a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator throughout the exam.

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What Do AP® Biology Questions Look Like?

Because taking an exam is a skill, completing AP® Biology exam practice questions, then reviewing the answers carefully, is a great way to prepare for the AP® Biology exam so that you are not caught off guard by any content or question formats. The AP® Biology Course and Exam Description (CED) for AP® Biology from the College Board provides 15 multiple choice practice questions and correct answers that address content knowledge from all eight units as well as skills from all six science practices.

The CED for AP® Biology also provides two practice free response questions (one long-answer question and one short-answer question) with detailed grading rubrics. The College Board has also released the free-response questions with scoring guidelines from the last 20 years' worth of exams through 2019. The College Board has also released a complete practice exam with answers based upon the 2013 exam . Albert also provides a wide variety of both AP® Biology exam practice multiple choice and free-response questions and answers, as well as unit assessments and complete AP® Biology practice tests .

Multiple Choice Examples

Here are some examples of the types of multiple choice questions you may see, as well as the correct answer, unit(s), and science practice(s) that each question (or question set) assesses.

Example #1:

AP® Biology Course and Exam Description (CED) – MC Example #10

Correct Answer: C

This question challenges students on one core principle and one science practice.

For Unit 2 (Cell Structure and Function), you should flag the topic of tonicity and osmoregulation as important.

For Science Practice 2 (Visual Representations), you should flag the following as important:

• Explain relationships between different characteristics of biological concepts, processes, or models represented visually in applied contexts.

Example #2:

AP® Biology Course and Exam Description (CED) – MC Example #12

Correct Answer: C

This question challenges students on one core principle and one science practice.

For Unit 1 (Chemistry of Life), you should flag the topic of properties of biological macromolecules as important.

For Science Practice 1 (Concept Explanation), you should flag the following as important:

• Explain biological concepts and/or processes.

AP® Biology Practice Test from the 2013 Administration – MC Examples #10-13

Examples #3-6

Correct Answer #10: C

Correct Answer #11: B

Correct Answer #12: D

Correct Answer #13: B

These questions challenge students on one core principle and two science practices.

For Unit 8 (Ecology), you should flag the topic of population ecology as important.

For Science Practice 2 (Visual Representations), you should flag the following as important:

• Explain relationships between different characteristics of biological concepts, processes, or models represented visually in applied contexts.

For Science Practice 6 (Argumentation), you should flag the following as important:

• Support a claim with evidence from biological principles, concepts, processes, and/or data.
• Provide reasoning to justify a claim by connecting evidence to biological theories.
• Predict the causes or effects of a change in, or disruption to, one or more components in a biological system based on data.

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Free-Response Examples

Note that the specific focus of each free-response question is more targeted than in years past.

When writing answers to free response questions, be sure to write your answers in the designated space only and in complete paragraphs. Bulleted lists, outlines, and diagrams without explanation are not acceptable and will not be graded. Also be sure that you well understand the various task verbs used, as explained in the AP® Biology Course and Exam Description (CED) .

Here are two examples of the types of free response questions you may see, as well as the correct answer, scoring rubric, and commentary for each question. The unit(s), and science practice(s) that each question assesses is also provided. One long-answer question and one short-answer question are shown.

Example #1: AP® Biology Long-Answer Free-Response:

Carefully review the scoring rubric provided for this question.

This question challenges students on three core principles: Natural Selection (Unit 7), Gene Expression and Regulation (Unit 6), and the Chemistry of Life (Unit 1).

Here's the content that you should flag as important from this question:

• Unit 7: Natural Selection, Population Genetics, and Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium
• Unit 6: Mutations
• Unit 1: Structure and Function of Macromolecules

This question also covers 4 of the science practices: Concept Explanation (Science Practice 1), Questions and Methods (Science Practice 3), Representing and Describing Data (Science Practice 4), Statistical Tests and Data Analysis (Science Practice 5).

Here's the science practices that you should flag as important from this question:

Science Practice 1: Concept Explanation:

• Describe biological concepts and/or processes.
• Explain biological concepts, processes, and/or models in applied contexts.

Science Practice 3: Questions and Methods:

• State the null or alternative hypotheses, or predict the results of an experiment.
  • Identify experimental procedures that are aligned to the question

Science Practice 4: Representing and Describing Data:

• Describe data from a table or graph.
• Science Practice 5: Statistical Tests and Data Analysis: Perform mathematical calculations.
• Science Practice 6: Argumentation: Support a claim with evidence from biological principles, concepts, processes, and/or data.

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Example #2: AP® Biology Short-Answer Free-Response:

Carefully review the scoring rubric provided for this question.

This question challenges students on one core principle, Heredity (Unit 5).

Here's the content that you should flag as important from this question:

• Unit 5: Meiosis and Genetic Diversity, Mendelian Genetics

Here's the science practices that you should flag as important from this question:

• Science Practice 1: Concept Explanation: Describe biological concepts and/or processes.

• Science Practice 2: Visual Representations:Explain relationships between different characteristics of biological concepts, processes, or models represented visually

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How is the 2021 AP® Biology Exam Different?

The COVID pandemic has caused lots of changes for the 2021 AP® exam season.

• There are now three different test dates for AP® Biology.
• There are two versions of the test: a paper version and a digital version.
• Students can take the exam either at in-person (at school) or at home.

According to the College Board, schools will make all decisions about which exams are offered and the specific dates, versions, and locations of each exam. Students willnot be able to choose exam dates on their own.

Read more details here about the 2021 AP® Biology exam dates and different versions of the test.

What Can You Bring to the AP® Biology Exam?

If you're taking the digital exam, you must use a laptop computer (Mac, Windows, or school-managed Chromebook). Because the full-length digital AP® Exams require typewritten free responses, the exams can't be taken on smartphones. For more details, here is the full digital AP® exam specifications from College Board.

If you're traveling to a testing location to take an in-person exam, make sure to arrive early.If you're testing digitally from home, be sure all of your digital login details are confirmed beforehand.

The College Board is rather specific about what you can and cannot bring to the AP® Biology exam. You are at risk of having your score not count if you do not carefully follow instructions. We recommend that you carefully review these guidelines and pack your bag the night before so that you do not have any additional stress on the morning of the exam.

What You Should Bring to Your AP® Biology Exam:

If you're taking the paper AP® Biology exam in-person at school, you should bring:

• At least 2 sharpened No. 2 pencils for completing the multiple choice section.
• At least 2 pens with black or blue ink only. These are used to complete certain areas of your exam booklet covers and to write your free-response questions. The College Board is very specific that pens should be black or blue ink only, so please double-check!
• A four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator to use on both the multiple choice and free-response sections of the exam. You may actually bring two calculators. Calculators cannot connect to the internet, make noise, or have a stylus or keyboard. For more information about acceptable versus unacceptable calculators, look here .
• If you do not attend the school where you are taking an exam, you must bring a government issued or school issued photo ID.
• If you receive any testing accommodations , be sure that you bring your College Board SSD Accommodations Letter.

What You Should NOT Bring to Your AP® Biology Exam:

If you're taking the paper AP® Biology exam in-person at school, you should not bring:

• Electronic devices of any kind, as listed below, beyond the permitted calculators are prohibited in both the exam room and break areas:
  • phones
  • smartwatches and other wearable technology (including watches that beep or have alarms)
  • tablets
  • cameras
  • laptops
  • separate timers
  • devices that access the internet or communicate in any way
• Mechanical pencils, colored pencils, or pens that do not have black/blue ink
• Your own scratch paper
• Reference guides (note that you will be provided with an AP® Biology Equations and Formulas Sheet )
• Food or drink, including bottled water, are not permitted in the test room, but are permitted in the break room

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How to Study for AP® Biology: 5 Steps to Get a 5

1. Take an AP® Biology practice test. (3 hours)

Identify your areas of strength as well as focus areas for review by taking an Albert AP® Biology practice test . Be sure to have a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator to use.

2. Make a schedule. (1 hour)

Determine your exam date and format. Then, start preparing early, giving yourself at least two months if possible. After taking an Albert AP® Biology practice test to identify areas for study, make a schedule, giving yourself at least a week for each content unit on your AP® Biology study guide.

• While you should prioritize material where you struggle, spending at least a week on each unit, also review those units you know better for at least 2-3 days each to stay sharp so that you can answer these questions quickly.
• If you are running short on study time, prioritize Units 3, 6, and 7 since these are the most heavily weighted on the exam, and spend less time reviewing Units 1 and 5 since these will be covered the least.

3. Review challenging concepts using your resources and build your AP® Biology study guide. (2-5 hours)

Use your high school textbook and notes and other accessible materials (like OpenStax Biology , Khan Academy , or CK-12 ) for AP® Biology review of the various content areas. As you review each chapter, build your AP® Biology study guide, the outline of which has already been provided above, to include important key words and concepts for each unit.

4. Use AP® Biology exam practice resources. (20-25 hours)

The best way to become effective at test-taking is by answering lots and lots of AP® Biology exam practice questions because practice makes perfect!

Use the AP® Biology exam practice questions provided by the College Board, the Albert AP® Biology exam practice questions for each unit, as well as unit assessments to support your study.

5. Get more AP® Biology exam practice. (3 hours)

After completing steps 1-4, take another Albert AP® Biology practice test to identify content areas that require more review.

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AP® Biology Review: 15 Must Know Study Tips

5 AP® Biology Study Tips to Do at Home:

1. Be consistent.

Devote time to studying and preparing daily. Even if it is just a few minutes on some days when you are busy, be sure to study each and every day.

2. Use an app like Quizlet for studying key terms.

There are already a bunch flashcards and study guides preloaded into Quizlet (vocab lists from your textbook may already be available), or you can easily make your own. Then, you can be reviewing key terms and studying whenever you have a few free moments (like standing in line at the store, riding the bus, etc.). If this doesn't work for you, you can still make flashcards the old-fashioned way using index cards.

3. Remove distractions.

It is easy to become distracted during studying by texting, SnapChats, e-mailing, listening to music, etc. Unfortunately, multitasking is ineffective; it takes about 25 minutes to return to a task after a distraction. Therefore, you can be much more time efficient and productive if you study distraction-free.

4. Study with a buddy.

It can be helpful to meet and study with a friend periodically. It can be helpful to talk out concepts from your AP® Biology study guide with each other because they might describe it differently and in a way that you more easily understand. Additionally, having regular appointments to do so can help to hold you accountable to get through your study plan at a regular pace and not slack off. However, while you can also schedule in time for fun and hanging out after your study appointments, make sure that your planned study time is focused on actual studying.

5. Learn how to use your calculator.

Remember that you cannot use your phone as a calculator on the AP® Biology exam. Therefore, make sure that you have a calculator that meets the requirements and that you know how to use it. Practice using it as you complete AP® Biology exam practice questions and AP® Biology practice tests. The first time you use it should NOT be during the AP® Biology exam.

5 AP® Biology Multiple Choice Study Tips:

1. Pace yourself.

You will have 90 minutes to complete 60 multiple choice questions on the AP® Biology exam. Thus, you should spend no more than 2 minutes on any one question during your first pass through the questions (this assumes that you will move more quickly through other questions). If you get stuck, mark the question, eliminating any answer choices you can, and move on. Then, come back later after you have completed all other questions. Make sure you fill in an answer for each question.

2. Imagine the correct answer.

After carefully reading a question, come up with a mental image of an answer before examining the answer choices. Choose an answer that matches your mental image and then justify your choice. Then, justify why you eliminated each of the other choices. If you cannot choose an answer, eliminate as many as possible, then make your best choice. When using the Albert AP® Biology Practice questions , carefully read the explanations of both the correct and incorrect choices, even if you got the answer correct.

3. Carefully examine any visual materials provided.

Make sure you examine any labels, titles, axes, and legends on tables, graphs, figures, or any other types of images so that you have a clear understanding of how to interpret the visual materials provided in order to answer the questions associated with these materials.

4. Be ready to handle questions that are grouped as sets.

While many of the multiple choice questions are individual, you should expect a few sets of 2-4 questions. Make sure you know which questions are included as a question set. Questions within a set are all typically associated with one or more figures or tables. While these questions are related, don't give up if you don't know the answer to the first question. Each question can typically be answered independently of the others within the set.

5. Check your work.

If possible, plan to use at least 10-15 minutes of the exam time to check your work. First, return to any questions that you found difficult to compete on the first pass, being sure to select an answer. Then, review your answers to all of the questions, ensuring that you have answered each and every question.

5 AP® Biology Free Response Study Tips:

1. Keep track of time.

You will have 90 minutes to complete the 6 free response questions on the AP® Biology exam. Because each of the two long-answer questions are more extensive and together are worth over half of the free response section (10 points each), you should plan to spend about 20 minutes on each. Then, spend no more than 10 minute on each of the four short-answer questions (worth 4 points each). Use any remaining time to review your answers, making sure they are complete.

2. Make sure you understand the scoring rubrics.

The College Board has provided a clear scoring rubric for each of the six free response questions (provided above, from the AP® Biology Course and Exam Description (CED) ). Be sure that you are writing your answers with these rubrics in mind, fully addressing each part. Additionally, within the AP® Biology Course and Exam Description (CED) ), the College Board has also provided detailed scoring guidelines (also provided above) for both a long-answer question and short-answer question. Review these carefully, making sure you understand what is required to earn each and every point. While the College Board has also provided the scoring guidelines for the many free response questions from past exams that they have made available for practice, as well as Chief Reader Reports from past exams that summarize both how students performed on a particular question and what the readers were looking for, remember that the focus of the free response questions on the 2021 AP® Biology exam is different than in years past, so these examples will be slightly different than what you will see when you take the exam.

3. Focus on the verbs.

For each question, focus on its verbs and other clarifying words. Underline or circle each bolded word as well as other key words. Make sure you understand what each task verb is asking you to do. Review the list of AP® task verbs provided above.

4. Write in complete sentences and paragraphs.

The directions for the free response section clearly state that "outlines, bulleted lists, or diagrams alone are not acceptable and will not be scored". Thus, make sure to write your answers in complete sentences and organize your thoughts into paragraphs, using the space provided for each question.

5. Ensure that you follow these 5 must-dos to answer each question completely:

• It is common for students to restate the question as they answer a free response question, but this is not necessary and is a waste of precious time. Instead, focus on directly answering what the question is asking. Past Chief Reader Reports from the College Board recommend careful reading and addressing of the prompt.
• The free-response questions are commonly broken into parts. Make sure that you answer each part. Additionally, make sure that you are actually answering what each question is asking.
• If a calculation is required, be sure to clearly mark your final answer, and show your work as to how you reached that answer.
• If asked to make a table or graph (at least one of the long-answer questions will require this), be sure to follow standard conventions: include a title, label columns or axes (including units), plot points. Draw a line or curve only through the data provided and do not extrapolate unless asked to do so.
• Be succinct but complete in your answers, completing each thought ("closing the loop"). You will not earn points simply for quantity, but rather, for quality. The AP® graders will not know what you were thinking or what you meant; they only know what you wrote. DO NOT PROVIDE ONLY A SINGLE SENTENCE ANSWER to any question.
• When making an argument, use the structure of "claim-evidence-reasoning", making sure that you include each of these three components in your answer.

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AP® Biology: 5 Test Day Tips to Remember

1. Get a good night's sleep the night before.

Complete your intense studying by the afternoon the day before the exam, then have a good dinner and get a good night's sleep (6-8 hours, if possible). Set your alarm, giving yourself plenty of time for breakfast and for driving to the exam site.

2. Pack your bag the night before:

Review the items that you are and are not allowed to bring to the AP® Biology exam and pack accordingly. Use Albert's convenient checklist for packing. Include a snack and some water for the break room, but remember that these are not allowed in the testing room.

3. Replace the batteries in your calculator.

Because you don't want your calculator running out of juice during the exam, be sure to change the batteries in your calculator with a fresh set within a day or so before the exam.

4. Eat a healthy breakfast.

Be sure to eat a healthy breakfast on the morning of the exam. Make sure that it includes both protein and carbs and is not all sugary foods. Also, try to avoid over-caffeinating–you don't want to be jittery.

5. Make sure you are free of electronic gadgets.

In this day and age, we have become so accustomed to having or wearing technology. Be sure that you are technology-free when walking into the exam room: no phones, earbuds, smart watches, bluetooth, etc.

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AP® Biology Review Notes and Practice Test Resources

Here are our recommendations for resources to review for and prepare for the AP® Biology exam: Your High School Biology Textbook, Notes, Homework Assignments, Exams, Laboratory Activities, and Other Resources Provided by Your Teacher.

If you are taking an AP® Biology course, your teacher has carefully designed the course to prepare you for the AP® Biology exam. Use the many resources that your teacher has provided for AP® Biology review, carefully reviewing your notes, exams, homework assignments, etc.

AP® Biology Practice Materials Provided by the College Board:

The College Board has provided quite a lot in the way of practice materials for the AP® Biology exam. Throughout this document, we have mentioned the AP® Biology Course and Exam Description (CED) multiple times. You should review this document carefully. Note that there are 15 multiple choice practice questions and correct answers that address content knowledge from all eight units as well as skills from all six science practices. This document also provides two practice free response questions (one long-answer question and one short-answer question) with detailed grading rubrics.

The College Board has also released the free-response questions with scoring guidelines from the 20 years' worth of exams through 2019. The College Board has also released a complete AP® Biology practice test with answers based upon the 2013 exam . Note, however, that the format of the free-response section is changing slightly for the 2021 AP® Biology exam; while there used to be 8 questions (2 long-answer questions and 6 short-answer questions), the 2021 AP® Biology exam will have only 4 short-answer questions. Additionally, each question is more focused on specific skills than in years past, as indicated by the detailed scoring rubrics.

OpenStax AP® Biology Textbook and Resources :

This is a great freely available textbook with associated resources designed specifically for preparing for the AP® Biology exam. There are additional resources available for students, including a student solutions manual (requires you to set up a free account) that includes solutions to many of the questions within the text. There is also a reading and notetaking guide that provides strategies for how to read the textbook and take notes as well as study.

• Use this site if: you are looking for a high-quality textbook specifically designed for preparing for the AP® Biology exam, including content knowledge and science practice questions at the end of each chapter.
• Do not use this site if: you are looking for a variety of high-quality videos to display and show the material.

Khan Academy AP/College Biology Resources :

The Khan Academy provides high quality, freely available, specific resources in support of preparing for the AP® Biology exam. Each section includes short readings and videos about the various topics, as well as practice questions, quizzes, and unit tests. While you can access these materials without signing up or logging in, by setting up an account, you can save your progress through the materials.

• Use this site if: you are a visual learner. There are lots of great videos available.
• Do not use this site if: you primarily learn by reading only or if you find it bothersome switching back and forth between methods of content presentation.

CK-12 Biology for High School Resources :

This is another great freely available set of resources including the CK-12 Biology Advanced Concepts FlexBook . Each section has practice questions associated with it.

• Use this site if: you learn well from completing worksheets (from the CK-12 Biology Workbook FlexBook ) and lots of sample quizzes and tests (from the CK-12 Biology Quizzes and Tests FlexBook ).
• Do not use this site if: you are looking for a resource that is organized in the same way as the AP® Biology exam.

Albert AP® Biology Practice Questions, Unit Assessments, and Practice Exams :

Albert has developed a series of high-quality resources to support you in your preparation for the AP® Biology exam. There are AP® Biology exam practice questions (both multiple choice and free response ) for each of the 8 content units, organized by the unit and topics found on the AP® Biology exam. For each question, clear descriptions of the correct answer as well as explanations for eliminating the incorrect answers are provided. There are also unit assessments for each of the 8 content units, as well as 4 complete AP® Biology Practice Exams . Albert also provides questions to allow for the data analysis from 13 different laboratory activities , allowing students to further practice the Science Practices also found on the AP® Biology exam.

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Summary: The Best AP® Biology Review Guide

We have covered a lot in this AP® Bio review guide, so let's regroup and summarize:

Exam Structure: The exam will take 3 hours to complete and is composed of two 90-minute sections:

Section	# of Questions	Time Limit	% of Overall Score
I: Multiple Choice	60	90 minutes	50%
II: Free Response	6	90 minutes	50%

Source: College Board

Main Topics Covered: The exam will cover 8 content units and 6 science practices, as shown below, with each question typically covering one or more of each:

8 Content Units:

• Unit 1: Chemistry of Life
• Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
• Unit 3: Cellular Energetics
• Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle
• Unit 5: Heredity
• Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation
• Unit 7: Natural Selection
• Unit 8: Ecology

6 Science Practices:

• Science Practice 1: Concept Explanation
• Science Practice 2: Visual Representations
• Science Practice 3: Questions and Methods
• Science Practice 4: Representing and Describing Data
• Science Practice 5: Statistical Tests and Data Analysis
• Science Practice 6: Argumentation

How to Study for the AP® Biology Exam:

1. Take an AP® Biology practice test
2. Make a schedule
3. Review challenging concepts using your resources and build your AP® Biology study guide
4. Use AP® Biology exam practice resources
5. Get more AP® Biology exam practice

We hope you have found this AP® Biology review guide useful. If you worked hard throughout the year in your class, have built out a good AP® Biology study guide using the advice and resources provided here, and have practiced extensively (using lots of AP® Biology practice questions and AP® Biology practice tests), you should feel positive and confident that you have what it takes to earn a strong score. Good luck!

Ap Biology Mathematics And Statistics For Ap Biology Answers

Source: https://www.albert.io/blog/ap-biology-review/

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