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AP Biology Practice Test

Build AP Biology readiness with original cells, genetics, evolution, ecology, data analysis, and experimental reasoning questions.

AP Biology practice sets

This page provides one canonical AP Biology practice hub with five short sets of 10 original questions each. The sets cover chemistry of life, cells, cellular energetics, communication and heredity, gene expression, natural selection, ecology, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific argumentation.

Skills covered

  • Explain biological concepts, processes, and models
  • Analyze visual representations, data tables, graphs, and experimental results
  • Identify questions, methods, controls, variables, and evidence
  • Use quantitative reasoning and statistical evidence in context
  • Develop and justify scientific arguments using relevant biological evidence

AP Biology course and exam scope

College Board organizes AP Biology into eight units: Chemistry of Life, Cells, Cellular Energetics, Cell Communication and Cell Cycle, Heredity, Gene Expression and Regulation, Natural Selection, and Ecology. The course also emphasizes science practices such as concept explanation, visual representations, questions and methods, data analysis, and argumentation.

College Board’s current exam page describes a hybrid digital exam in which students view questions in Bluebook and handwrite free-response answers in paper booklets. Current information also allows approved calculators on both sections, while 2027 calculator guidance limits handheld calculators with storage capabilities. Check the current official policy before test day.

How to use this page

Start with one untimed set to identify a topic gap, then use timed sets to build pacing. For every missed item, name the biological mechanism, inspect the evidence, and write a conclusion that stays within the experimental conditions.

These questions are original supplemental practice. They are not official College Board questions, secure AP Exam content, AP Classroom assignments, a score predictor, or a substitute for current AP policies and course materials.

For current scope and preparation, review the AP Biology course page, the AP Central course overview, the AP Biology exam page, the AP Biology Course and Exam Description, and the AP calculator policy.

For more study options, visit AP Exam Tests or explore College Readiness Tests, High School Course Tests, and Pomodoro.

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AP Biology Practice Questions

A 10-question AP Biology practice set on ap biology: cell communication, cell cycle, and heredity, with answers and explanations.

Read the biological scenario, model, data, or experimental design carefully. Choose the best answer and review the explanation after each response.

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1. QuestionMultiple choice

What is a ligand in cell communication?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is A signaling molecule that binds to a receptor.

  1. Identify the biological system: Determine the process, structure, evidence, or experimental variable described in the AP Biology prompt.
  2. Apply the concept: A ligand carries a signal by binding a specific receptor.
  3. Connect evidence: Check that the conclusion matches the model, data, mechanism, or biological level named in the question.

A ligand carries a signal by binding a specific receptor.

2. QuestionMultiple choice

What is a common result of signal amplification in a pathway?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is One external signal produces a larger intracellular response.

  1. Identify the biological system: Determine the process, structure, evidence, or experimental variable described in the AP Biology prompt.
  2. Apply the concept: A cascade can multiply a signal through several activated molecules.
  3. Connect evidence: Check that the conclusion matches the model, data, mechanism, or biological level named in the question.

A cascade can multiply a signal through several activated molecules.

3. QuestionMultiple choice

What happens during the S phase of the cell cycle?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is DNA is replicated.

  1. Identify the biological system: Determine the process, structure, evidence, or experimental variable described in the AP Biology prompt.
  2. Apply the concept: S phase is the synthesis phase in which DNA is copied.
  3. Connect evidence: Check that the conclusion matches the model, data, mechanism, or biological level named in the question.

S phase is the synthesis phase in which DNA is copied.

4. QuestionMultiple choice

What is the purpose of a checkpoint in the cell cycle?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is To assess conditions before the cell proceeds.

  1. Identify the biological system: Determine the process, structure, evidence, or experimental variable described in the AP Biology prompt.
  2. Apply the concept: Checkpoints can stop progression when DNA or growth conditions are not appropriate.
  3. Connect evidence: Check that the conclusion matches the model, data, mechanism, or biological level named in the question.

Checkpoints can stop progression when DNA or growth conditions are not appropriate.

5. QuestionMultiple choice

What produces genetic variation during meiosis?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is Crossing over and independent assortment.

  1. Identify the biological system: Determine the process, structure, evidence, or experimental variable described in the AP Biology prompt.
  2. Apply the concept: Crossing over and assortment create new allele combinations.
  3. Connect evidence: Check that the conclusion matches the model, data, mechanism, or biological level named in the question.

Crossing over and assortment create new allele combinations.

6. QuestionMultiple choice

If two heterozygous parents Aa are crossed, what proportion of offspring is expected to be aa?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is One-fourth.

  1. Identify the biological system: Determine the process, structure, evidence, or experimental variable described in the AP Biology prompt.
  2. Apply the concept: The genotype ratio is 1 AA : 2 Aa : 1 aa, so aa is 1/4.
  3. Connect evidence: Check that the conclusion matches the model, data, mechanism, or biological level named in the question.

The genotype ratio is 1 AA : 2 Aa : 1 aa, so aa is 1/4.

7. QuestionMultiple choice

What is the relationship between genotype and phenotype?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is Genotype is genetic information; phenotype is the observable result of genes and environment.

  1. Identify the biological system: Determine the process, structure, evidence, or experimental variable described in the AP Biology prompt.
  2. Apply the concept: Phenotype reflects genetic information expressed in an environmental context.
  3. Connect evidence: Check that the conclusion matches the model, data, mechanism, or biological level named in the question.

Phenotype reflects genetic information expressed in an environmental context.

8. QuestionMultiple choice

What is a mutation?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is A change in the DNA sequence.

  1. Identify the biological system: Determine the process, structure, evidence, or experimental variable described in the AP Biology prompt.
  2. Apply the concept: Mutations alter nucleotide sequence and can have different effects on phenotype.
  3. Connect evidence: Check that the conclusion matches the model, data, mechanism, or biological level named in the question.

Mutations alter nucleotide sequence and can have different effects on phenotype.

9. QuestionMultiple choice

Why can a mutation in a regulatory region affect phenotype?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is It can change when, where, or how much a gene is expressed.

  1. Identify the biological system: Determine the process, structure, evidence, or experimental variable described in the AP Biology prompt.
  2. Apply the concept: Regulatory sequences influence gene expression rather than the protein’s amino acid sequence directly.
  3. Connect evidence: Check that the conclusion matches the model, data, mechanism, or biological level named in the question.

Regulatory sequences influence gene expression rather than the protein’s amino acid sequence directly.

10. QuestionMultiple choice

What is a major function of apoptosis?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is It removes damaged or unnecessary cells in a controlled way.

  1. Identify the biological system: Determine the process, structure, evidence, or experimental variable described in the AP Biology prompt.
  2. Apply the concept: Programmed cell death helps shape tissues and remove compromised cells.
  3. Connect evidence: Check that the conclusion matches the model, data, mechanism, or biological level named in the question.

Programmed cell death helps shape tissues and remove compromised cells.

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Frequently asked questions about AP Biology Practice Tests

What topics are included on this AP Biology practice page?

The page covers cells, energetics, communication, heredity, gene expression, evolution, ecology, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific argumentation.

Are these official College Board questions?

No. These are original supplemental questions. Use AP Classroom, Bluebook previews, AP Central, and current College Board course materials for official preparation.

Is the AP Biology exam digital?

College Board’s current exam page describes a hybrid digital exam, with questions in Bluebook and handwritten free-response answers in paper booklets.

Can I use a calculator on AP Biology?

Current College Board policy allows approved calculators on both sections, but students should check the latest device restrictions and 2027 updates.

How should I answer a biology data question?

Identify the variables and trend, cite the relevant evidence, connect it to a biological mechanism, and limit the conclusion to the tested conditions.