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100+ Free A-Level Environmental Science Practice Questions

Pass your A-Level Environmental Science (AQA 7447) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is the framework of fisheries management for:

A
B
C
D
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Key Facts: A-Level Environmental Science Exam

A*-E

Grading scale

Ofqual

May-June

Exam series

AQA timetable

2 papers

Paper 1 and Paper 2, 3 hours each

AQA 7447 specification

100

Free practice questions here

OpenExamPrep

AQA 7447 A-Level Environmental Science is assessed through two 3-hour linear papers (Paper 1: physical environment, energy, pollution; Paper 2: living environment, biological resources, sustainability). Each paper is 120 marks (50%). Graded A*-E on 2026 specifications.

Sample A-Level Environmental Science Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your A-Level Environmental Science exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which term describes the diversity of species within a single habitat or community?
A.Alpha diversity
B.Beta diversity
C.Gamma diversity
D.Genetic diversity
Explanation: Alpha diversity refers to species diversity within a single habitat or community. Beta diversity compares diversity between habitats and gamma diversity describes total diversity across a large region or landscape.
2A quadrat contains 4 individuals of species A, 3 of species B and 3 of species C (N = 10). Simpson's Diversity Index D = 1 - Sum(n/N)^2 equals:
A.0.66
B.0.34
C.0.10
D.0.90
Explanation: Sum(n/N)^2 = (4/10)^2 + (3/10)^2 + (3/10)^2 = 0.16 + 0.09 + 0.09 = 0.34. D = 1 - 0.34 = 0.66. Higher values indicate greater diversity.
3Which UK conservation designation specifically protects sites of national biological or geological importance under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981?
A.SSSI
B.AONB
C.RAMSAR
D.National Park
Explanation: Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) protect areas of national biological or geological importance under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Natural England designates and monitors them.
4The Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst is an example of which conservation approach?
A.Ex-situ conservation
B.In-situ conservation
C.Habitat corridor creation
D.Reintroduction programme
Explanation: Ex-situ conservation preserves species outside their natural habitat. The Millennium Seed Bank stores seeds from wild plant species in controlled conditions, safeguarding genetic diversity against extinction.
5On the IUCN Red List, which category describes a species facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild?
A.Critically Endangered
B.Endangered
C.Vulnerable
D.Near Threatened
Explanation: Critically Endangered (CR) is the highest threat category on the IUCN Red List, indicating an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU) describe lower but still significant risks.
6CITES is an international agreement that primarily aims to:
A.Regulate international trade in endangered species
B.Protect wetland habitats globally
C.Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
D.Manage transboundary fisheries
Explanation: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates and monitors cross-border trade in species threatened by commercial exploitation, listing species in three Appendices.
7Which biome is characterised by very low precipitation (<250 mm/year), large diurnal temperature range and xerophytic vegetation?
A.Desert
B.Tundra
C.Savanna
D.Tropical rainforest
Explanation: Deserts receive less than 250 mm of rainfall per year and experience large daily temperature ranges due to lack of cloud cover. Xerophytes (e.g. cacti) are adapted to retain water.
8The main reason giant pandas became endangered is:
A.Bamboo forest habitat loss and fragmentation
B.Hunting for fur
C.Climate-driven bamboo flowering cycles
D.Predation by introduced species
Explanation: Habitat loss and fragmentation from logging and agricultural expansion in central China is the principal driver. Reduced contiguous bamboo forest also limits panda movement between populations, lowering genetic diversity.
9Conservation justified because species may yield future medicines or food crops is described as:
A.Utilitarian
B.Ethical
C.Aesthetic
D.Ecological
Explanation: A utilitarian justification values species for their direct or potential economic and practical use to humans, such as undiscovered pharmaceuticals or crop genetic resources.
10Beta diversity is best described as:
A.The change in species composition between habitats
B.The number of species within one community
C.The total number of species in a large geographical region
D.Genetic variation between populations
Explanation: Beta diversity measures the rate of change in species composition along an environmental gradient or between adjacent habitats, often calculated as gamma/alpha or via similarity indices.

About the A-Level Environmental Science Exam

A-Level Environmental Science (AQA 7447) is the only A-Level board offering this qualification. The course covers the living environment, physical environment, energy resources, pollution, biological resources, sustainability and research methods, and is assessed through two 3-hour written papers at the end of the two-year course.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

6 hours total (Paper 1: 3 hours, Paper 2: 3 hours)

Passing Score

Grade E is the minimum pass, Grades A*-E count as a pass (A*-A-B-C-D-E)

Exam Fee

£75-£130 per subject (school-set entry fee) (AQA)

A-Level Environmental Science Exam Content Outline

Paper 2

The Living Environment

Biodiversity (alpha/beta/gamma, Simpson's index), biomes, in-situ conservation (NNRs, SSSIs, RAMSAR), ex-situ conservation (zoos, Millennium Seed Bank), IUCN Red List and CITES

Paper 1

The Physical Environment

Atmosphere structure, ozone depletion and Montreal Protocol, hydrosphere and ocean currents, lithosphere and soil profiles, enhanced greenhouse effect and climate feedbacks

Paper 1

Energy Resources

Renewables (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass, wave, tidal), non-renewables (coal, oil, gas, fracking, nuclear), energy storage and net zero by 2050 UK target

Paper 1

Pollution

Air pollution (SO2, NOx, PM, smog), water pollution (eutrophication, BOD, biomagnification), land pollution, noise/light pollution and the pollution control hierarchy

Paper 2

Biological Resources

Sustainable agriculture vs intensive Green Revolution, IPM, soil degradation, food security, fisheries (MSY, CFP), forestry (FSC) and freshwater management

Papers 1 and 2

Mineral Resources and Research Methods

Ore types and mining methods, reserves vs resources, circular economy, sampling (quadrats, transects, mark-release-recapture), statistics (Spearman's rank, t-test, chi-squared)

How to Pass the A-Level Environmental Science Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Grade E is the minimum pass, Grades A*-E count as a pass (A*-A-B-C-D-E)
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 6 hours total (Paper 1: 3 hours, Paper 2: 3 hours)
  • Exam fee: £75-£130 per subject (school-set entry fee)

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

A-Level Environmental Science Study Tips from Top Performers

1Use AQA past papers from 2018 onwards — the 7447 specification is stable and questions follow consistent patterns
2Memorise case studies (Deepwater Horizon, Minamata, Cruachan, Dogger Bank, Hinkley Point C) — examiners reward specific named examples
3Practise statistical tests (Spearman's rank, chi-squared, t-test) and Simpson's diversity index calculations under timed conditions
4Review the AQA Required Practicals — at least 15% of marks assess practical skills and field techniques

Frequently Asked Questions

Which exam board offers A-Level Environmental Science?

AQA is the only major UK exam board offering A-Level Environmental Science (specification code 7447). The qualification is assessed across two written papers.

When is the A-Level Environmental Science exam taken?

Exams are written in the May-June series at the end of the two-year linear A-Level course. Most students sit the papers in Year 13.

How is A-Level Environmental Science graded?

A-Levels are graded A*-E. A* is the highest grade and E is the minimum pass. UCAS tariff points are awarded for A-Level grades on most university applications.

How many papers does A-Level Environmental Science have?

AQA 7447 has two written papers, each 3 hours long and worth 120 marks (50% each). Paper 1 covers the physical environment, energy and pollution; Paper 2 covers the living environment, biological resources and sustainability.