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Biology Long Essay Free Response Questions

9 min read • january 6, 2021

Jessica Nadzam

Overview of the Long Essay (FRQ) Questions

The AP Biology exam used to consist of eight long-form free response questions, but in 2019 it was redesigned to consist of only six free response questions. Two of those questions are in the “long” form, and these consist of 50% of the free response score, or 25% of your total score.

Long story short, those two questions make a biiiiiiiiig impact on your score! 

The long essay questions will always be the first two on your exam, so you’ll see them as soon as you open the test booklet. You have to write in blue or black ink (for all things that are good, please do not use a pencil), so have a few of your favorite pens ready. You’ll have lots of pages to write on (if you use all of them, you may have written too much), and you’ll be given a copy of the Formulas and Equations sheet for any calculations you need to do. 

Questions are between 8-10 points apiece, and they typically contain content and problems concerning multiple content areas. You could initially respond about protein structure in the first part and then end up describing the evidence of evolution by the end of the question. There’s a lot of points on the table, and CollegeBoard will make you work for them. 

There is one guarantee on the long essay portion, and that is that one of these questions will ask you to graph something, but IMHO, this is the easiest part. Graphs are usually just that - graphs! And they’re worth three whole points just for plotting some information from a table - woohoo! I always tell my students to go straight to the graph and complete it, if possible. Just remember that when you complete that graph, you must:

Scale your graph appropriately

Label the axes and use proper units (if you don’t list your units, this point won’t count)

Plot the actual data 

Pretty simple, right? 

Response Grading (from a former AP Reader)

There are almost twenty points in this section, and they make up 25% of your AP Biology score. So, how are those points calculated and scored? CollegeBoard is fantastic at writing rigorous questions, but they’re also very good at training their graders (called AP Readers) how to objectively score the questions. Readers spend a whole day training to grade just ten points worth of questions, and then spend a whole week grading only those questions, eight hours a day . 

A well-oiled machine may be an understatement. The bottom of the line is, AP Readers know exactly what they’re looking for when they’re grading. They read a hundred tests a day (minimum), and if you don’t have the answer they’ve been told is the right answer, they tend to move on pretty quickly. 

While this seems intimidating, it’s actually good news for you - but only if you pay very close attention to the next section on verbage. You see, the bolded verbs in AP free response questions are just hints as to what AP Readers are looking for in an answer. If you know those verbs backwards and forwards, you will know what type of response AP Readers want. And if you know that, you don’t have to worry about writing something that may be right content-wise, but still missing a point on a technicality. 

Essential Verbiage

There are a lot of verbs used in AP exams to pose questions for students to ponder and rip their hair out over. 

To keep all that hair on your head, we’ve made you a table. It’s pretty easy - if you know exactly what to do when you encounter each bolded verb , you know exactly what to do to answer the question the way the Reader wants to see it. You know how many points it's worth, and therefore can figure out how much time to spend on it. 

Side note - keep in mind that if a question asks you do something more than once - maybe to describe two factors or explain three phenomenon, you should multiple that # Points by however many things it expects you to do. 

Strategies for 5able Responses

Do you want a 5 on this test? Then here’s what you need to know and be able to do: 

Read. The. Question. Care. Fully. Seriously. You don’t know how many students miss points because they were skimming and missed a critical word. It’s a heartbreaker for Readers, who want to give you that point, but can’t. Also, read the directions carefully. Your papers always say something about how responses on the actual question page will not be scored. Do not write on the question page . You can for brainstorming or outlining as scratch paper, but if your words aren’t written on lined paper or a graph or table, they won’t be scored. So make sure you put your answers in the right place! 

Complete. Sentences. Unless it’s an identify or construct or calculate question, you need a capital letter and a period, or the Reader will not grade that response. Period. Outlines, bulleted lists, and drawings won’t be graded unless specified in the question’s directions. 

Circle your bolded verbs . Find them. Figure out which are worth the most points, the least points, will take the longest, will be the quickest, etc. Then, figure out which ones to answer first. 

When you start the test, you don’t have to go in order. If your mind goes blank on question one, skip it . It’s not going anywhere, you can come back to it. But don’t waste time on it when there are others you can definitely answer later in the booklet. 

Skip around to answer these types of questions first, as they are worth the most points and/or are the quickest to answer: Construct a graph, Design an experiment, Identify, Graph/draw. Most other question types take longer just to read the question and write out the full answer, so these are the quickest and most bang-for-your-buck question types. 

Time yourself. You get 90 minutes, but it goes by fast. Keep a digital watch that does not beep , and refer to it regularly. Plot how long you want to spend on each question so you don’t waste time in one area and lose points on another question you could have easily answered. 

This is not AP English. The graders are not English teachers. They don’t care how pretty your introduction is or how thought-provoking your thesis statement is, so don’t write these. Skip the fluff and go straight to the point. Don’t restate the question or introduce the topic or regurgitate random knowledge - it won’t get you extra points, it’s a waste of time for you, and the Readers get bored sorting through all your thoughts and writing. 

Label your responses . While you still have to write in complete sentences, please label each response with a, b, c, etc. if the essay question has multiple parts. You don’t even have to go in order, but this helps Readers find your answer so they don’t have to sift and guess what you meant. 

COMMIT TO YOUR ANSWER . Readers don’t like wishy-washy papers. Erase the words “might” and “possible” and “I think” from your vocabulary. You could be completely wrong, but if you’re writing about a purple hippopotamus, COMMIT to that purple hippopotamus. Don’t say “I think the purple hippopotamus might possibly maybe do photosynthesis if it feels like it.” That’s wishy washy, and Readers don’t accept that as an actual answer, so they won’t give points for it. Be committed , and loudly proclaim “This purple hippopotamus does photosynthesis!” Ta-da! 

If possible, always give an example. We said earlier not to mind dump and regurgitate, but examples are usually a good way to sweep up an extra point or two if you have budgeted your time wisely and can accurately apply it to the scenario. Examples should be a demonstration of the phenomenon you’re describing. ~For example~ if you’re asked to describe the differences between natural and artificial selection, a good example of artificial selection would be to discuss the development of different dog breeds for different traits and features. 

Now that’s we’ve passed on the knowledge, let’s take it out for a test drive. Below you will find a sample question with tips to apply to maximize your time and points for that Fiveable 5 score! 

Sample Question

Soybeans, or Glycine max , are grown and harvested in the American delta. They are a popular crop and are used in a variety of foodstuffs including soy milks, tofu, and other added ingredients. As a high protein bean, they are very popular and fast to grow, with only sixty days from planting to harvest. However, they are very sensitive to their environments, and farmers frequently worry about frost destroying their crops. Also, they do not work alone. Soybeans rely on fungi in their roots (mycorhizzae) to exchange nutrients and fix nitrogen. 

a) Construct a graph of soybean grown between days 1 and 60. 

b) Draw and label a line for your prediction if the mycorhizzae were not present in soybean roots. Explain why this would occur. 

c) The mycorhizzae in plant roots are responsible for fixing nitrogen that plants need. Identify the type of relationship that occurs between the plants and the mycorhizzae, and make a claim as to why it is beneficial or harmful.

d) Botanists recommend rotating soybean fields every three years or so. Typically, farmers will alternate soybeans and corn in different fields. Describe why this is done and how it benefits the plants and their environments. 

Sample Question Answer Key

Phew. That’s a lot of words, a lot of scientific terminology, and a lot to answer in approximately twenty minutes - the maximum amount of time you should spend on one FRQ. Remember, you don’t have to answer questions in order and you can pick and choose parts to answer each time, but for the sake of this example, I’ll be moving from a-d. 

Before we answer, let’s do some quick recon. It’s question one, so we know it’s a long FRQ. It’s got four parts, and six parts are bolded. We tally it up, and we find this question is worth 10 points . But we don’t panic, because we know how to tackle these AP verbs! 

Part A is pretty simple, and I recommend doing it first. Draw and label the graph. I’ve linked my example below. Notice that I labeled my axes and made sure to include my units ( 1) , and the scales on my graph are equidistant and accurate ( 1 ), and I plotted my points correctly ( 1) . Ding ding ding, that’s three points right there!

Moving on to Part B, we’re asked to draw a line. Okay, cool, we can do that. But where do we draw the line? Remember, this is only 1 point, so it’s okay to skip it for now if you aren’t sure. Definitely don’t waste your time wracking your brain if it baffles you. But, if you were to draw it, you’d have a flat line on the bottom of the X-axis. Why? Because mycorrhizae are essential for plant growth. Without them, the plant wouldn’t survive.

We’ve got 4 points total and two more parts to go, so there’s going to be a lot expected from these questions. Part C wants you to identify a relationship between a plant and a fungus - that’s Ecology 101 again, and the answer is “mutualism.” Remember, since this is an identify question, we don’t need complete sentences, just the one word answer to get our 1 point. Yay, time saved! For the make a claim portion, explain this relationship. Why is it good or bad? Well, it’s mutualism, which means both parties benefit. For this one, you do need complete sentences, but since it’s just 1 point, one complete sentence defining mutualism should suffice.  Finally, we get to the finale - Part D. The Describe question. Students typically love or hate these, because they leave a bit of wiggle room in the answer, but they also take a lot of time. Since this one is worth 2 points, we want to take the time to answer it correctly. Why do farmers rotate their crops? The key part to a describe question is identifying the phenomenon or concept, and then explaining it or illustrating it with an example. So in this case, we want to identify that crops are rotated to keep nutrients from being overused, and then provide substance to that answer by saying what nutrients are needed for, how they rebuild over time, etc.

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How to answer A-level Biology essay questions

The Synoptic essay questions in paper 3 of the AQA A-level biology course carries 25 marks, so can make a big difference to your overall grade. The essay encourages you to think across different topics (some call this “synoptic” or “holistic” thinking). This is also valuable for other areas of the exams, particularly the application questions .

Here are a few tips for tackling your A-level biology essay: (As an example, Let’s use the title “The importance of movement in cells and tissues”)

Think broadly…

Essay titles are deliberately vague to give you the chance to show your knowledge in a variety of topics. To help you to choose what’s most relevant, look out for subjective words like “movement” and “cells”. Think of the possible alternatives. “Cells”, for example, hints that you could discuss plants, animals, single-celled organisms etc. in your essay. “Movement” could mean short distances (across a membrane) or much further (circulation or mass flow) or even the whole tissue moving (phototropism).

Visualize and catastrophize!

If you can’t think of enough topics for an “importance” essay, flip the question around – what would happen if movement in cells suddenly ground to a halt? Or if ATP suddenly vanished, or our cells were robbed of their ions? Sometimes catastrophizing in this way frees up thoughts, and helps you see what is really important. Another way is to picture every diagram in your notes or textbook that features the thing-that’s-important-in-the-question. If it’s in a diagram, it could go in your essay.

Pick your strongest topics

It’s possible to drop marks on the essay for scientific errors. With that in mind, even if you have lots of ideas for things to include, always pick the topics you can write confidently about. For bonus marks, try to order them in a way that “flows” like a story. Take care to use A-level (and not GCSE) language too.

Keep an eye on the question

While you’re writing, keep asking yourself “Where am I placing the emphasis?”. If the essay is about movement, perhaps you don’t need a whole page about nervous responses, only the bits where movement is involved – sodium ions flowing through channels, waves of depolarisation etc. Movement is the focus of the essay, after all, not neurons. Always ask yourself “Does this sentence fit with the title of the essay?”

Use outside knowledge

The top marks for the essay are reserved for displaying “evidence of reading beyond specification requirements”. Often you can drop recent scientific research or news into your writing – how vaccines tackle COVID might work in an essay about viruses, for example. I often encourage students to have a quick look at the news pages of New Scientist pages (eg https://www.newscientist.com/subject/health/ ) before paper 3 for inspiration – you don’t need to spend ages doing this, just long enough to have one or two ideas up your sleeve…

Good luck with your essay!

If you’d like to work through some example essay questions, please get in touch with me at Woolton Tutors (or Woolton Biology) and we can set up some online biology tutoring sessions.

Best wishes,

Dr John Ankers

Specialist online A-level biology tutor

www.wooltontutors.co.uk

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• April 25, 2023
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Mastering A Level Biology Essays: Smart Tips and Unbeatable Examples

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Introduction

A Level Biology is a challenging but rewarding course that covers a wide range of topics, from DNA and genetic inheritance to ecosystems and biodiversity. The key to success in this subject lies in understanding and applying the core principles of Biology and expressing your understanding in well-structured, coherent essays. In this article, we will provide you with some essential tips for writing outstanding A Level Biology essays, as well as presenting clear examples to help you master the essay-writing process.

• Understand the essay question

The first and most important step in writing an A Level Biology essay is to clearly understand the question. Break down the question into its key terms and implications, and ensure you comprehend what the examiner is asking you to discuss. Make a note of any key words or phrases that should feature in your essay, as these will help you structure your response and ensure you cover all the necessary points.

• Plan your essay

Before you begin writing your essay, take the time to plan your response. Create an outline that maps out the main points you want to make, as well as the order in which you will discuss them. This will enable you to develop a logical and coherent argument that addresses all the key aspects of the question.

• Include an engaging introduction

An effective introduction is crucial to grabbing the reader’s attention and setting the tone for your essay. Begin with a general statement that links to the essay question, and then narrow down your focus to present your main argument or line of inquiry. Finish your introduction with a clear thesis statement, which outlines the central points you will cover in your essay, demonstrating a solid understanding of the topic.

Example: The discovery of DNA and the subsequent advancements in genetic research have proven instrumental in understanding the role of genetics ininheritance of traits and diseases. This essay will discuss the role of genetic inheritance in the development of several human diseases, namely: Cystic Fibrosis, Huntington’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as the ethical implications surrounding genetic testing and treatment.

• Use specific examples to support your arguments

In A Level Biology essays, it is essential to provide examples that demonstrate your understanding of the material and support your claims. Try to include a range of examples from different areas of the subject to show that you have a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the course material.

Example: Cystic Fibrosis is an example of a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the CFTR gene, which results in thick and sticky mucus production in affected individuals. This condition can lead to respiratory and digestive complications, illustrating the significant impact of genetic inheritance on an individual’s health.

• Synthesize information from multiple sources

To demonstrate a high level of understanding, A Level Biology essays should integrate information from various sources, such as class notes, textbooks, and scientific articles. Be sure to support your ideas with specific references to the source material, and use your own words to explain the concepts in a clear and concise manner.

• Address counterarguments and controversies

In any scientific field, there are often debates and controversies surrounding key concepts and theories. To show a comprehensive grasp of the subject matter, be sure to address counterarguments and discuss opposing viewpoints in your essay.

Example: While genetic testing for diseases such as Huntington’s has the potential to provide valuable information for individuals at risk, there are ethical concerns about the potential misuse of genetic information by employers, insurance companies, and even government entities. Weighing the benefits of genetic testing and treatment against these ethical concerns is an ongoing debate within the scientific community.

• Write a strong conclusion

To wrap up your essay, restate your main argument and summarize the key points you have made. Provide a clear and concise conclusion that demonstrates the significance of your argument and its implications for the broader field of Biology.

Example: In conclusion, the role of genetic inheritance in human diseases, as illustrated by Cystic Fibrosis, Huntington’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease, underscores the immense potential of genetic research to improve our understanding of human health. However, as we continue to advance our knowledge and develop new treatments and testing methods, it is crucial that we remain conscious of the ethical implications that come with such advancements in order to protect individuals’ rights and liberties.

• Proofread and edit your essay

Finally, make sure you thoroughly proofread and edit your essay to correct any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors, and to ensure that your argument flows smoothly and logically. Consider asking a friend or peer to review your essay and provide feedback – a fresh perspective can help you identify areas for improvement that you may have overlooked.

In summary, mastering A Level Biology essays involves understanding the essay question, planning a clear and logical response, using specific examples and evidence, synthesizing information from multiple sources, addressing counterarguments and controversies, and crafting a compelling introduction and conclusion. By following these steps and using the examples provided, you will be well on your way to delivering high-quality, insightful essays that demonstrate an excellent understanding of the complex and fascinating world of Biology.

Good luck, and happy essay writing!

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160 Biology Essay Topics

For most science courses, assignments are generally lab-based and rarely require much writing. However, all of that changes in biology courses when detailed essays must be written to highlight a student’s understanding of the subject. These essays are highly technical, with specific comments required to meet the factual nature of the subject.

In addition to meeting the factual requirements needed to complete the assignment, biology essays must also be written in a writing style that is informative and authoritative rather than subjective and personal.

These detailed specifics of writing a biology essay can make completing the writing difficult from the very beginning. Fortunately, we’ve created this guide to help students learn how to write a biology essay. In addition, we’ve also included 160 biology essay topics to help inspire the creative writing process.

How to Write a Biology Essay?

Writing a biology essay starts with choosing a topic. If your teacher has not already assigned a specific topic, then students must choose one that is broad enough to find credible resources and specific enough that the research won’t overtake the writing process.

To select a suitable topic for a biology essay, consider the type of biology class you are taking, the current and previous chapters studied, and the overall context of the course. These factors will help you select a topic that is likely to be relevant to your teacher’s needs and to the passing of your course.

Once students have selected a suitable topic, it’s time to research credible resources that will support the subject. To do this successfully, students need to consider the following:

• What information is already known about this topic?
• What topics are related or similar to this topic?
• Who are credible authors that can explain this topic?
• What additional sources will provide me with the information needed to complete this assignment successfully?

For example, if you want to write a biology essay on protein synthesis and its regulation at the transcriptional level, research material would include books, articles, and other written works published by credible authors or publishers. While important, this material isn’t the only type of research that should be completed.

Students may also consider consulting medical and biology dictionaries, textbooks, online research databases such as PubMed or Medline, and professional organizations for biologists to find additional sources. Once the research has been completed, it’s time to create the first draft of the biology essay.

Biology Essay Introduction

Starting an essay is always the same. Students should open with a catchy hook statement that introduces an interesting fact, presents a unique perspective, or raises a thought-provoking question.

Once that sentence has been created, students can use the middle part of the introduction to introduce fundamental concepts and provide background details about the topic.

Once that information has been laid out, and the reader knows the necessary details to make the reading interesting and worthwhile, students should move into the final portion of the introduction that answers the question: WHY is this essay important? This question is answered in the form of a thesis statement that details the essay’s overall purpose.

Biology Essay Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of your essay will contain the bulk of your research. Be sure that each body paragraph meets the following requirements:

• One clear idea represented per paragraph or section
• Examples that back up the point of the paragraph
• A clear and logical flow between paragraphs with transition words

Make sure that the body paragraphs only contain information pertinent to the subject or topic. Avoid fluff or filler words and phrases that don’t add any substance or value to the writing.

The number of paragraphs in the body may vary depending on the assignment parameters and the essay style. For example, an essay with a 1000 word limit won’t have as many body paragraphs as an essay with a high word count.

Additionally, a compare and contrast essay that examines the similarities and differences between two or more biology concepts may have more body paragraphs than an argumentative essay.

Biology Essay Conclusion

The final section of a biology essay is the conclusion. In this section, students need to summarize the major points of the essay and the overall purpose for writing it. The thesis should also be re-stated to recap what has been learned from the writing.

In addition to these sentences, students should include a final remark about their research and findings. This might be a thought that ties into the intro or another interesting angle that presents a new way of looking at your topic.

Once the conclusion is completed, students should edit and review their work. Make sure that the essay is free of grammar and spelling mistakes before submitting it for grading.

When it comes to choosing a biology essay topic, it is not always as easy as it seems. For students looking for help with writing a biology essay, we have compiled a list of 160 biology essay topics that will hopefully give you some great ideas.

Biology Essay Topics About Animals

• What is the importance of bats in our ecosystem?
• What is the difference between a domesticated cat and a wildcat?
• How do animals adapt to their environments?
• What are the various types of symbiotic relationships found in nature?
• Which animals have been known to show altruism towards other species?
• What impact does human activity have on animal behavior?
• What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of zoos?
• How do animal brains work?
• What is an animal’s anatomical structure like?
• What are some symbiotic relationships between humans and animals?
• What is the difference between herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, and insectivores?
• Why are having pets important to humans?
• What are the positive and negative impacts of commercial farming on animals?
• Do you think it is acceptable to keep pets in zoos? Why or why not?
• What are some common misconceptions about cats, dogs, rodents, cows, sheep, horses, reptiles/fish/insects?
• How do animal bones support their body structure?
• What are the effects of humans on the natural habitats of animals?
• What are some ways in which animal anatomy is similar to human biology?
• What are some symbiotic relationships found in the animal kingdom?
• Can humans and animals communicate with each other?
• How do different types of animal cells function differently than human cells?
• Why do some animals see better in the dark?
• Explain the circulatory system of cold-blooded animals and how it differs from that of warm-blooded animals.
• What are some examples of mimicry in nature?

Biology Essay Topics About Cellular Biology

• How does cell theory apply to cellular biology?
• What is mitosis, and where does it take place?
• What are the different parts of a cell?
• What is a nucleolus?
• What are the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
• How do viruses affect our cells?
• How does photosynthesis work?
• Why is it important to study cellular biology as a foundation for other disciplines of biology?
• What are the functions of organelles in cells?
• What is anabolism and catabolism?
• How do plants use photosynthesis to produce sugar while animals break down food for energy?
• Describe the process of homeostasis and explain how the human body maintains its internal environment.
• What are the important parts of a cell?
• How do cells reproduce?
• What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?
• What is the importance of cellular research to humans?
• Explain mitochondria, chloroplasts, and vacuoles in plant cells.
• What are some of the problems with using stem cells in medical research?
• What are the differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms?
• How do humans reproduce sexually?
• Why is it different to clone plants than animals?
• What are some important functions of membranes in cells?
• What is the significance of mass spectrometry to molecular biology and genetics?
• How do viruses reproduce?
• What are mitochondria responsible for in eukaryotic cells?
• What is the difference between a plasmid and a virus?
• Do you think cloning animals should be allowed? Why or why not?
• What is a cell cycle?
• How do diseases affect the structure and function of cells?
• What are some ethical issues with genetic engineering?
• What is cell division, and how does it work?
• Where does meiosis occur in the body, and what does it accomplish?
• Explain the structure and function of ribosomes in eukaryotic cells.
• What is a cell membrane made up of, and what are its important structural components?
• How do antibiotics affect bacterial cells?
• Do you think cloning humans should be allowed? Why or why not?
• What makes up the cytoskeleton?
• How are molecular structures related to the functions of cells?
• What are some examples of biomolecules necessary for cell function and survival?
• What types of molecules make up an organism’s genome?

Biology Essay Topics About the Ecosystem

• What does the term food web mean?
• Why is it important to study population dynamics in an ecosystem?
• How do humans affect other species and their environments?
• How can we prevent and control invasive species, and why are they so dangerous?
• What effects does pollution have on animals and their habitats?
• How do global warming and climate change affect the ecosystem?
• What are the different types of animals found in ecosystems?
• What happens to an ecosystem when one species becomes extinct?
• What is the difference between biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem?
• How do humans feed off other species to survive?
• Describe how the r-selected life strategy works.
• What are some examples of symbiosis found in nature?
• How does biodiversity affect the structure, function, and survival of ecosystems?
• How does the stability of an ecosystem depend on biodiversity?
• What are trophic levels, and how do they function to maintain the structure of ecosystems?
• Why are invasive species dangerous?
• How do global climate changes and human activities affect the biodiversity of ecosystems?
• What types of organisms thrive in wetlands?
• How do humans benefit from studying ecosystems?
• What ecosystems are best suited to rapid climate change?

Biology Essay Topics About Evolution

• Is evolution strictly a scientific theory, or is it also valid spiritually?
• Why is research about the evolution of life important to our understanding of the past?
• What are some examples of convergent evolution?
• How does natural selection contribute to evolution?
• Why is it important for people to understand evolution and its role in biology?
• What are some benefits that humans enjoy thanks to evolution?
• How do mass extinctions impact the evolution of different species?
• How does a mutation affect a population’s gene pool and diversity?
• Explain the core principles of Darwin’s theory of evolution.
• How does an organism’s ability to respond to environmental changes contribute to its rate of evolution?
• What is polyphyletic evolution?
• What are some examples of vestigial traits in humans and other species?
• How do eco-evolutionary dynamics play a role in evolution?
• Do you think that past mass extinction events had an impact on evolution? Why or why not?
• What are some benefits humans enjoy thanks to evolution by natural selection?
• How could modern-day diets affect the evolutionary growth of humans?
• What animals have had evolutionary changes based on threats to their diets?
• What evolutionary response makes for the best camouflage?
• What types of traits can be used to differentiate between closely related species?
• What are the main factors that prevent a population from evolving?
• How is artificial selection different from natural selection?
• Why do scientists still debate about evolutionary theory despite overwhelming evidence supporting it?
• What are some examples of convergent evolution in nature, and how do they function as an adaptation?
• Why is research about the evolution of life important to understanding the past?

Biology Essay Topics About Genetics

• What is genetic drift, and how can it lead to changes in a population over time?
• How do the different parts of DNA interact with each other?
• How are dominant and recessive traits identified?
• What are some examples of genetic disorders?
• What causes Down syndrome, and how is it diagnosed in children?
• How does natural selection act on mutations to create variation in a population?
• Can scientists use DNA testing to learn about our ancestors’ migratory patterns and where they lived?
• How can animal migration help us to better understand genetics?
• Define molecular genetics and explain how it relates to classical and Mendelian genetics.
• What is the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and why is it important in population genetics?
• Do you believe that scientists should clone human beings? Why or why not?
• Why are dominant traits sometimes called masking genes?
• Why is genetic diversity important for long-term species survival?
• How are epigenetic changes related to evolution?
• What is the difference between gene expression and gene activity with regards to genetics?
• How do developmental genes affect the appearance of an organism throughout its life cycle?
• How have animal and plant breeders used genetic engineering to produce certain types of hybrids?
• What are the ethical implications of human cloning?
• What are the latest technologies in genetic engineering?
• What new technologies are needed to make human cloning a reality?
• How are living organisms adapting to the presence of plastics in our environment?
• Why are some individuals resistant to certain genetically programmed diseases?
• What are three common misconceptions about genetic engineering?
• What is transgenic technology, and how can it be used for disease prevention or treatment?
• How do microorganisms impact human health and the environment?
• What are some examples of a genetically modified organism?
• How does natural selection impact microorganisms?
• What is DNA profiling, and how can it help to solve crimes or return missing persons to their families?
• Why do scientists need more research surrounding epigenetics before drawing conclusions on its effects on evolution?

Biology Essay Topics About the Human Body

• What is the purpose of skeletal and respiratory systems?
• How do hormones affect our body on a daily basis?
• How does the endocrine system work as part of an overall regulatory system in the human body?
• What are some different types of cells found in the human body?
• What are the differences between exocrine and endocrine glands?
• What are stem cells, and why are they important to biological research?
• How do muscles work together to create movement in our bodies?
• How do bones help us to maintain balance while walking, standing up straight, and running?
• What are some ways that human behavior can impact our bodies?
• How do foods with high sugar content affect the digestive system?
• What organs are no longer necessary in the human body, and why?
• What blood types offer better protection from the elements?
• What are mosquitoes attracted to some humans and not to others?
• What pheromones do humans give off?
• What are the different types of blood cells?
• How does healthy eating help to maintain digestive health?
• Why do some people get migraines that others don’t seem to be bothered by?
• What is the pH level of human blood, and how can it be carefully regulated?
• How does altitude affect respiration in humans?
• What is the most complicated system in the human body?
• Explain the biological purposes of “Fight or Flight.”
• What role does the immune system play in human health?
• What is the difference between human anatomy and physiology?

Choosing any of these 160 biology essay topics will help students craft an informative and authoritative essay that is sure to earn them a passing grade.

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Free Biology Essay Examples & Writing Tips

Don’t know what to write about in your essay on biology? Looking for good biology essay examples for inspiration? This article has all you need!

A biology essay is a type of academic paper that focuses on a particular topic of biology. It can discuss animal life, cycles in biology, or a botanic subject. You will need to demonstrate your critical thinking skills and provide relevant evidence to support your perspective.

On this page, you will find examples of biology essays. You will also find here tips and topics prepared by our experts . They can assist you in nailing your short or extended essay.

Areas of Research for Biology Essays

If you’ve been assigned to write a biology essay, you probably know which area of research you have to choose. However, it might be beneficial to explore other available scopes. It’s useful for both interdisciplinary study and the cases when you are free to pick your area of research. In this section, let’s figure out what you can study in biology.

Here are biological areas of research you should be familiar with:

• Cancer Biology studies this type of disease to prevent, detect, diagnose and cure it. The ultimate goal of such biologists is to eliminate cancer.
• Cell Biology is a branch that studies the structure, function, and behavior of cells. Here, biologists study healthy and sick cells to produce vaccines, medication, etc.
• Biochemistry is an application of chemistry to the study of biological processes on cell and molecular levels. It is a cross-discipline between chemistry and biology. The focus is on the chemical processes of living organisms.
• Computation Biology is a study of biological data that develops algorithms and models to understand biological systems. Here, scientists either work for institutions or research for private enterprises.
• Genetics is an area that focuses on the study of genes and genetic variations for health benefits. It looks at the way DNA affects certain diseases.
• Human Disease is an area within which scientists study different diseases. The field covers cancer, developmental disorders, disease genes, etc.
• Immunology is a branch of biology that focuses on immunity. Immunologists look at the way the body responds to viruses as a way to protect the organism.
• Microbiology studies all living organisms that are too small for our eye to see. It includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms.
• Neurobiology is the study of the nervous system. Biologists examine the way the brain works and look into brain illnesses.
• Stem Cell and Developmental Biology seeks to examine how the processes behind stem cell’s ability transform cells. The biologists in this area use the power of stem cells to model human illnesses.

Essay on Biology: Writing Tips

Want to know how to start a biology essay? Wondering about the best way to write your essay on biology? Then check out the following tips.

When you’re writing about biology, pay attention to the following features:

• Introduction . Just as in any other form of academic writing, the first section of your paper introduces the subject. Here, explain why your ideas are relevant to biology as a science.
• Thesis Statement. The final one or two sentences of the first paragraph should include your original hypothesis and experiment. You will be proving them in the main body. You do not have to include the results as the reader will encounter them later. If you’re struggling with this part, try our thesis generator .
• Main Body. In this part, write about all the experiments in detail. Often, teachers require to include visual aid to prove your point. For Zoology, Anatomy, Botany, it is pretty easy to find some photos and illustrations.
• Conclusion. Here, restate your thesis. Reemphasize the most critical aspects described in the main body. You can do it by using our summarizing tool . The goal of this last paragraph is to leave an everlasting impression on the reader.

Thank you for reading our article. We hope you found it helpful. Share it with your class peers who also study biology. Additionally, have a look at the biological essay examples below.

810 Best Essay Examples on Biology

Grass and its importance, the benefits of animals to humans essay.

• Words: 1166

The Effect of Temperature on Amylase Activity

• Words: 1293

Biology of Grasses: Description and Importance

Effects of vinegar on the germination rate of mung beans seeds.

• Words: 1750

Ubiquity of Microorganisms

• Words: 2210

Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological System Theory

• Words: 1827

Anaerobic Respiration and Its Applications

• Words: 1274

Seed Germination Experiment: Results and Discussion

Strawberries history.

• Words: 1484

Botany and Taxonomy of the Onion

• Words: 2414

Mung Seed Germination Patterns under Varying pH Values

Dark or light skin: advantages and disadvantages, pets and people, mitosis and meiosis in onion root tip.

• Words: 1691

Nanobiotechnology, Its Advantages and Disadvantages

Similarities and differences of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, browning reactions explained, the c-fern plant laboratory experiment.

• Words: 1101

Characteristics of Adult Development

• Words: 1311

Lemon, Its Origin and Production

• Words: 1115

Osmosis Through a Potato Slice Dipped in Solutions of Varying Concentrations

• Words: 1075

Pollutants Effects on Cellular Respiration Rate

• Words: 1434

Rabbit Muscular System Dissection Report

Aspects, importance and issues of biodiversity, seed germination and osmosis.

• Words: 1127

Microbiology: Zygomycota, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota

Vitamin a: description and usage, transpiration process in plants, eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells: key differences, importance of the brain in human body, different ecosystems and living things, cell organelles, their functions, and disease.

• Words: 1195

Mitosis in Onion Root and Whitefish Blastula

Photosynthesis as a biological process, responsible house plant keeping.

• Words: 2262

The Characteristics and Importance of Nervous System

• Words: 1705

A Study of the Brine Shrimps and Their Natural Environment

• Words: 1937

The Insect Effect on Human Life

Anaerobic capacity: power endurance and fatigue index, botany and zoology in the classroom.

• Words: 1631

Dugesia, a Planarian With Its Peculiar Characteristics

• Words: 3207

Molecular Biology. Production of pET28b and EGFP Clones

• Words: 4609

Ethnobotanical Uses of Plants

• Words: 1938

Marine Life in United Arab Emirates

• Words: 1474

Cane Toad: Introduction and Threat

• Words: 1018

The Thermoregulation Is and Its Importance

The function and structures of the human heart, the integumentary and the skeleton system.

• Words: 1100

Substrate Concentration and Rate of Enzyme Reactions

• Words: 1730

Co-Evolution: Angiosperms and Pollinating Animals

Forensic procedures: hairs and fibres.

• Words: 2067

The Process of a Prenatal Child’s Development

The digestive system in the human body, olfactics and its importance for living beings.

• Words: 1446

Archaea and Bacteria Prokaryotes Dichotomous Keys

Description of mitosis and meiosis, life in the bottom of the ocean and its protection.

• Words: 1529

Natural Sciences. The Phenol Red Broth Test Experiment

• Words: 1156

Falling in Love as Part of Natural Selection

• Words: 1085

Soil Impact on the Growth of Plants

• Words: 1227

Cells, Tissues, and Major Organs Systems

• Words: 2269

A Brief Discussion of Animal and Plant Cells

A light microscope: function and usage, microbial growth and effect of ph on it.

• Words: 1330

The Anatomy and Physiology of the Nervous System of a Rat

• Words: 1612

Invertase Enzyme: Description and Role

• Words: 1151

Epithelial Tissue: Structure and Functions

Yeast and the fermentation process, dna barcoding sequence analysis of unknown plant.

• Words: 1315

Plant Resource Allocation: Materials and Methods

• Words: 1182

How SCOBY Changes Its Environment: Lab Experiment

• Words: 1214

Lipids: Fatty Acids and Glycerols

A peptic ulcer: medical analysis.

• Words: 1185

Common Biochemical Cycles

Evolution of predator and prey pairings, ubiquity of bacteria: laboratory activity.

• Words: 1496

Biology: Photosynthesis and Respiration

The effect of different shampoos on the bacteria growth.

• Words: 1737

Basic and Applied Biology: Key Differences

Is earthworm beneficial or harmful to humans, the importance of sleeping and dreaming, case study: human body water balance, membrane hands-on laboratory report.

• Words: 1176

Researching the Physiology of the Eye

• Words: 1122

Digestion, Absorption and Assembly of Proteins

• Words: 1456

The Kingdom Fungi: The Structure, Characteristics

Microbiology and its role in healthcare, cell counting and measurement under magnification.

• Words: 1641

Microbiological Studies, Applications, and Current Discoveries

Brine shrimp habitat, the genus rosa’s adaptation to the environment.

• Words: 1144

The Characteristics and Importance of Chickpeas

• Words: 3665

The DNA Extraction Procedure: Scientific Experiment

Human circulatory system and evolution, a study of “escherichia coli”, history of biotechnology.

• Words: 1908

Vertical Stratification

Introduction to the nervous system, “the egg and the sperm” by emily martin critique.

• Words: 2577

Microbial Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Impact

Cell culture and biomedical applications.

• Words: 1485

Rosalind Franklin: The Discovery of the DNA Structure

Food macromolecules – lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, planting bamboo: the role of photosynthesis, climate change and threat to animals, how the human eye works analogous to a camera, the euphorbia plant modification and adaptation, physiology of uromastyx aegyptia.

• Words: 1340

Psychophysics: Definition & Fundamentals

• Words: 1606

Corn Plant’s Developmental Stages

Sleep may be nature’s time management tool by carey, venus flytraps and arthropods: plant-animal interactions.

• Words: 2088

Gekkonidae: Biological Characteristics

• Words: 1121

Melanin Theory as a Pseudoscientific Claim

• Words: 1645

Domesticated, Cultivated, and Wild Species

Human reproductive biology: organs, structure, functions.

• Words: 2909

Biology. Cell Analogy – Nucleus + Nucleolus

Allelopathy in helianthus annuus’ germination, fungi: characteristics and groups.

97 Biology Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on biology, ✍️ biology essay topics for college, 👍 good biology research topics & essay examples, 📌 easy biology essay topics, 🎓 most interesting biology research titles.

• How Do People Use Biology in Their Everyday Life?
• Fiji Water Quality: Biology Lab Experiment
• My Journey in Biology
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Are Fundamental to the Life Sciences
• Relations Between Biology and Culture
• Biology as the Branch of Science
• Crime Explanation Using Biology and Psychology
• Biology and Culture of Gender Color Stereotypes This paper attempts to answer this question and determine whether the indicated color genders are biologically based or culturally embedded.
• Designing Oligonucleotide Primers in Biology Molecular biology tools include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which requires an mRNA template or a cDNA template, polymerase enzyme, and a primer.
• Homologous and Analogous Structures in Biology Homologous structures are found in organisms with a shared origin, while analogous structures have the same function but in organisms that do not share a common ancestor.
• Human Biology and Culture Connection The paper states that it is anthroposociogenesis that explains the dichotomy between biology and culture and the connection with human evolution.
• Biology: Aspects of Fruits The paper discusses fruits. A fruit is the fleshy and sweet part of a tree or any flowering plant that contains seeds. Some fruits are poisonous while some are edible.
• Environmental Biology: Green Energy a precise definition of green energy is manifested in its source, which must be natural, such as the sun or geothermal sources.
• Role of Human Biology in Contemporary Criminal Justice Focus of analysis of the paper will be on theories developed to explain criminology with a special emphasis on Biological positivism theory
• Biology and Social Influence Genetics plays an indispensable role in facilitating inherent-acquired behaviors, while others claim the environment contributes to shaping an individual’s personality.
• Biology: The Definition of the Genotype The paper discusses the genotype. It is composed of a pair of alleles and it is what is manifested as the phenotype or observable characteristics of an organism.
• Transcription and Translation in Molecular Biology The Central Dogma describes the basic principles of genetic information transfer: transcription and translation. The paper distinguishes these two processes.
• Concepts of Biology: HIV and AIDS The primary purpose of the paper is to examine the symptoms and the effects that HIV and AIDS have on a human being.
• The Egg White Denaturation as a Concept of Biology Denaturation is the process of breaking down the secondary and tertiary structures of a protein by external factors such as temperature.
• Marine Biology: Description and the Key Features Marine Biology is an open area of the coast line that is exposed to ocean currents and tides. This is a backwater area with occasional flooding of sea water.
• Cell Biology: Cell Sizes, Types, and Theories The Cell Theory propounds that all organisms are made of cells, the cell is the basic unit of life and all cells descend from older cells.
• Biology: Comparison and Contrast of Cats and Dogs It is important to discuss the eating habits of cats and dogs. In particular, one should mention that they are mammals, and they are fed with milk during childhood.
• Organismal Biology: Succession and Its Characteristics Succession is an ecological phenomenon during which a successive change of biological communities occurs in a particular territorial area over time.
• Atoms and Molecules as Concepts in Biology Atoms are the fundamental building block of chemical elements and the smallest unit into which matter can be divided.
• Molecular Biology and Its Central Dogma The central dogma of molecular biology is a principle describing the transfer of molecular information in the Nucleus of the DNA.
• Herbert Spencer – Scientists of Biology Herbert Spencer is one of the outstanding scientists belonging to the sphere of biology, sociology, and anthropology.
• An Aspect of Evolutionary Biology as Phylogenetic Analysis The paper explores an aspect of evolutionary biology as phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic analysis is a tool in the hands of biologists.
• Human Biology – Scientific Method In the study of biology, knowledge of proteins is very important as it enables a person to make informed decisions while choosing a balanced diet.
• Human Biology: Genes and Genes Mutations Mutations in certain regions of DNA can cause pathological metabolic abnormalities or hereditary features realized through dysfunctional disorders.
• Human Biology Review Essay of Our Body, Every Cells The collection of like cells that have an identical origin that carries out a definite function together is what I am.
• Is PCR the Most Important Invention in Molecular Biology to Date? This essay provides different reasons that have made the PCR technique a significant invention in molecular biology to date.
• Cancer Biology: Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes This paper seeks to interpret the role oncogenes and tumor suppressors play in transformation during cancer formation.
• Biology Food Chain The body coordination in an organism are carried out in the central nervous system that depends entirely on the neurons conducted from the receptor sites to the effectors’ sites in the body.
• “Genbank” Impact on Modern Molecular Biology Research GenBank is the fundamental element of Molecular biology. It is the sequence formed and stored in the database of the entire genome of life.
• Conservation Biology and Preservation of the Biodiversity The Theory of Island Biogeography is the most significant contribution toward the scientific understanding of both the process and how to measure the rate of species extinction.
• Biology Lab: Why Ice Floats Ice is usually considered to be a mineral that consists of hydrogen oxide; when ice is frozen at a constant pressure of 1 atmosphere, the resultant effect.
• Mirror-Image Biology to Enhanced Therapeutic Proteins The concepts described in “From Mirror-Image Biology to Enhanced Therapeutic Proteins” exemplify the potential of cell chemical biology generally and mirror-image forms.
• Biology: Application of the Holobiont in Humans When it comes to the formation of a unique environmental unit, a holobiont can link an individual host to a variety of interactive microorganisms and microbiota.
• Biology. Glial Cells and Their Subtypes Due to the distinctive features of some glial cells, they are divided into different subtypes, including ependymal cells, oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, and microglia cells.
• Biology and Happiness Relationship Human beings engage in numerous activities, establish appropriate relationships, and formulate decisions that can eventually make them happy.
• Psychobiology: Biology of Behavior This report researches to what extent psychological and physiological factors influence a person’s character, reactions, and behavior using findings of psychobiology.
• Biology Postgraduate Education and Its Advantages If you want to become a biologist in the future or just want to evaluate the pros of this occupation, this article may become more than useful for you.
• Biology: Mechanical Signals Regulating Development The paper will highlight several control effects of mechanical forces on various cell activities, including early embryonic development, tissue morphogenesis, and organ formation.
• Cultural Variations in Environment and Biology: AIDS The research studies the prevalence of AIDS among ethnic groups in the United States and suggests patient education interventions, which can be performed by nurses.
• Cancer Risk Factors: Biology Concepts The development of cancer cells is associated with the halting of the process of cell generation and decay that may be considered one of the basic aspects of the physical health.
• Substance Abuse: Environmental Influences and Biology Substance abuse is not a new problem the human society faces. This paper examines different ways biological and environment influences interact and affect drug taking behavior.
• Happiness in Biology, Culture, Experience It isn’t easy to understand what happiness is. However, it is still possible to identify some factors that are likely to affect the degree of happiness.
• Bringing Culture Into Human Biology and Biology Back Into Anthropology
• The Relationship Between Evolutionary Biology and Religion
• Cell Biology of Stem Cells: An Enigma of Asymmetry and Self-Renewal
• An Intricate Relationship Between Biology and Art
• Computing Has Changed Biology: How Biology Education Can Catch Up
• Common Ground Between Anthropology and Conservation Biology
• The Evolution of Molecular Biology Into Systems Biology
• Scientific and Public Functions of Models in the 19th-Century Biology
• Biology and Ethics: The Paradoxes of the Natural
• Use, Overuse, and Misuse of Significance Tests in Evolutionary Biology
• The Autonomy of Biology: The Position of Biology Among the Sciences
• Joseph Gottlieb Kolreuter’s Contributions to Biology
• Chemical Bridge Between Ecosystem Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
• The Ethics of Biological Studies With Living Organisms
• Biological Function and Teleology: Implications for Biology Education
• Adaptationism and the Challenge From Developmental Biology
• Quality Assured Science: Managerialism in Forensic Biology
• Essence and Natural Kinds in Aristotle’s Biology: Was It Sexist?
• The Biological Weapons Convention: Securing Biology in the 21st Century
• Molecular Biology Techniques Used in Wastewater Treatment
• The Biology of Stupidity: Genetics, Eugenics, and Mental Deficiency
• Existentialism and Feminism: The Rhetoric of Biology in the Second Sex
• Kant, Blumenbach, and Vital Materialism in German Biology
• How the Mind Grows: A Developmental Perspective on the Biology of Cognition
• Biology and Society in the Age of Enlightenment
• Negotiating the Place of Molecular Evolution Within Evolutionary Biology
• Global Change: Increasing the Success of Biological Invaders?
• On the Relations Between History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences and Biology
• Civic Biology: The Origin of the School Anti-Evolution Movement
• Reductionism in Biology: Prospects and Problems
• Factors Shaping Ernst Mayr’s Concepts in the History of Biology
• Building Simulations: Modeling and Theory in Systems Biology
• The Role of Information Technology in Biology Education
• What Difference Does Quantity Make: On the Epistemology of Big Data in Biology
• Causality, Teleology, and Thought Experiments in Biology
• Applying the Principles of Stem-Cell Biology to Cancer
• The Moral Impact of Synthesizing Living Organisms: Biocentric Views on Synthetic Biology
• Applying Evolutionary Biology to Address Global Challenges
• Water as an Active Constituent in Cell Biology
• The Importance of Feminist Critique for Contemporary Cell Biology
• Marine Molecular Biology as an Emerging Field of Biological Sciences
• Trends, Priorities, and Needs in Systematic and Evolutionary Biology
• Development of Biology in Aristotle and Theophrastus: Theory of Spontaneous Generation
• Why Values Are a Good Thing in Conservation Biology
• Biology and Equality: A Perspective on Sex Differences
• Recent Advances of Deep Learning in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
• Bioimage Informatics: A New Area of Engineering Biology
• Reflecting on the History of Biology as a Field
• Molecular Biology vs. Organicism: An Enduring Dispute Between Mechanism and Vitalism
• The Role of Reductionism in the Development of Molecular Biology

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StudyCorgi . 2023. "97 Biology Essay Topics." May 7, 2023. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/biology-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on Biology were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on December 27, 2023 .

240 Interesting Biology Topics for Essays & Research Papers

Biology is often called the science of life . From bacteria to whales, biologists study all kinds of organisms. Have you ever wondered why bees dance? Or how can chickens be the closest modern relatives to dinosaurs? The buzzing world is full of complex wonders like these. That’s why it’s so easy to find a biology research topic of your liking.

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

If you need to craft a biology essay, this article is for you. Here you can learn about research areas and fields in biology. Besides, you will find 220 interesting biology topics to write about. Read on to refresh your knowledge of microbiology, epidemiology, and more.

Tight deadlines are demanding for all students. Luckily, our custom writing service is there for you! With our help, your biology project will be done in no time.

🔝 Top 10 Biology Research Topics

📚 areas of research in biology, ⭐ top 10 interesting biology topics for essays, 🍎 biological topics for high school.

• 🦠 Microbiology Topics
• 💀 Anatomy & Human Biology
• 🔬 Cell & Molecular Biology
• ♻️ Environmental Biology
• 🐬 Marine Biology
• 🌻 Plant Biology
• 🧬 Evolutionary Biology
• 👶🧑 Developmental Biology
• 😷 Epidemiology & Population Topics in Biology
• 📜 History of Biology

🔍 References

• Are viruses alive?
• How do emotions work?
• What is the role of hormones?
• Ways to recover endangered species
• Are allergies a sign of immune disorder?
• What is the function of chromosomes?
• Robert Hooke’s contribution to biology
• The difference between Darwinism and evolution
• The process of bacterial invasion of the body
• Ways to strengthen the human immune system

Biologists operate on a vast scale. Naturally, there are plenty of research areas. Let’s sort them out:

• Microbiology. Microbiologists examine minute organisms. Many of them, such as viruses, can cause infectious diseases. Because of this, microbiology is strongly linked with immunology.
• Anatomy. Anatomical research focuses on the structure of tissues and organs.
• Cell and molecular biology. Cells are the basis for every living being. The key topic in this area is the molecular organization of cells.
• Environmental biology. Our environment needs support, and environmental biologists provide it. They study ecosystems to find out how humans affect nature. Scientists in this area also observe how organisms react to their surroundings.
• Marine biology. This branch is concerned with life in the deep seas. Oceanography is a crucial part of marine biology.

• Botany. This study is also called plant biology. It studies the properties of organisms that need sun and water to survive. Common categories of plants include trees, shrubs, and flowers.
• Evolutionary biology. All that lives is always evolving. Organisms create, merge, and delete genes. Evolutionary biologists monitor these changes.
• Developmental biology. Research in this area includes studying tissue regeneration and cell growth.
• Epidemiology. Epidemiologists investigate diseases and health conditions. Key questions include: Where does a disease originate from? How does it transmit? What risks are there?

With this overview in mind, you’re ready to choose an interesting biological topic.

• 4 types of biotechnology
• Main branches of biochemistry
• Pros and cons of gene therapy
• Exobiology vs. astrobiology
• Biological functions of the DNA
• Levels of biological organization
• Properties of the phylogenetic tree
• Classification of invertebrate animals
• History of modern light microscopes
• The early modern period of plant systematics

From peas to platypuses: high school biology covers a wide range of topics. In your biology essay, you’ll have the chance to familiarize yourself with any of them. Your options are almost endless! Consult our list of 20 popular ideas to get your research started:

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

• Compare the types of cell reproduction. 
• How did Gregor Mendel discover heredity? 
• Cell structure: prokaryotes vs. eukaryotes . 
• Enzymes : what do we need them for? 
• Explain how photosynthesis converts CO2 into O2. 
• How does the human metabolism work? 
• What are the differences between mitosis and meiosis?  
• How do you predict the probability of inheriting a gene? 
• Describe the structure of DNA.  
• What is PCR used for? 
• Biotechnology: the mechanisms behind cloning . 
• Survival of the fittest: what does natural selection mean? 
• Discuss the latest evidence for Darwin’s theory of evolution. 
• The tree of life: how does this concept depict the relationships between species? 
• What kind of strategies do organisms use to get nutrition? 
• Dinosaurs and their modern relatives: what do we know about them? 
• How does our nervous system transport information? 
• Explain the mechanisms behind the carbon cycle. 
• Examine the human impact on biodiversity . 
• What factors regulate population dynamics ? 

🦠 Microbiology Research Topics for Students

The world of microbiology consists of tiny organisms. Researchers study microbes and other simple life forms such as bacteria and fungi. This way, they aim to solve environmental as well as medical issues.

• How do microbes develop resistance? 
• Give an overview of our immune system’s defense mechanisms. 
• Contrast the types of microbiomes . 
• What are the industrial applications for microbiology ? 
• How do you degrade soil pollutants using microbes? 
• Investigate examples of agents that kill bacteria. 
• What makes yeast versatile? 
• The differences between virions and viroids. 
• What are acellular agents? 
• Give an overview of the biochemical properties of fungi . 
• What are possible causes for asthma ? 
• The relationship between stress and our immune system’s performance. 
• How do vaccines work? 
• Examine the structure of archaeal genes. 
• Why is microbial diversity important? 

• How do microbes contribute to an ecosystem? 
• The role of microbes in food contamination. 
• How do bacteria turn milk into yogurt? 
• Applications of microbial biotechnology. 
• Describe the four groups of protozoa. 

💀 Anatomy & Human Biology Topics

Human biology studies people as single organisms and in the context of populations. Two of its essential parts are anatomy and anthropology. The latter studies the evolution of humankind. The former is more concerned with body structure. Combine all three subjects to gain a 360° view of humanity!

• Describe the functions of the respiratory system.  
• What happens to your body if you’re anemic ? 
• Outline the history of the human population. 
• How does medical anthropology help us understand health? 
• Reading bones: what types of information can osteologists gather? 
• Biomechanics: what makes humans move? 
• Compare the proposed effects of various current trends in nutrition . 
• Explore the psychological factors that influence one’s health. 
• How does your brain control your behavior? 
• Synapses: structure and mechanisms. 
• Explain how kidneys filter blood. 
• What regulates muscle contraction ? 
• Discuss the new reproductive technologies from an anthropological perspective. 
• Describe the structure of a skeletal muscle fiber. 
• The cerebral cortex: what does it do? 
• Brain, hormones, and emotions. 
• Functions of the sodium-potassium pump. 
• Examine what blood consists of. 
• What happens when your heart skips a beat? 
• Is the growth in the human population out of control? 

🔬 Cell & Molecular Biology Research Topics

Your body’s fundamental structure is made up of cells. Their properties are in the center of interest for cell biologists. They investigate a cell’s life cycle and its vital functions. On a molecular level, this includes the role of chemical processes in cell activity.

• How does cancer affect the body’s cell growth? 
• The protein paradox: what is the right amount of protein? 
• How do cells heal bones? 
• The ethics of stem cell research . 
• Investigate the communication methods between cells. 
• Explore the link between the environment and our DNA. 
• Current trends in molecular biochemistry. 
• Telomerase: will it ever be possible to reverse aging processes? 
• What do we know about axon guidance? 
• Where does our brain keep the memories? 
• Why do cells become sticky? 
• High-resolution microscopy: ways to advance molecular research. 
• How do cilia move cells? 

• Treating glaucoma : is surgery always necessary? 
• The role of microtubules in the nervous system. 
• Diffusion : means of transport within cells. 
• What does the central dogma of molecular biology state? 
• Trace the steps of DNA translation. 
• Why do cells need to eat their dead counterparts? 
• How does protein biosynthesis work? 

♻️ Environmental Biology Topics to Research

Environmental biologists ensure our harmonic coexistence with nature. They are also in charge of monitoring wastewater disposal and pollution levels. This branch is closely related to ecology.

• Discuss the importance of light in different bodies of water. 
• Aftermath of building the Hetch Hetchy valley dam. 
• The devastating impact of deforestation in the Amazon. 
• Analyze the consequences of desertification. 
• How do genetically modified insects influence the environment? 
• What would happen if all the bees die? 
• Compare several methods of wastewater disposal. 
• What were the ecological effects of Indonesia’s Mega Rice Project? 
• The Great Pacific Garbage Patch: will we ever get rid of it? 
• How do worms indicate the state of an ecosystem? 
• Why is it important to conserve biodiversity? 
• DDT: how did it affect wildlife in the US? 
• What causes toxic algae bloom? 
• Compare the adverse health effects of common contaminants in the air. 
• The Aral Sea: how did it disappear? 
• How do genetically engineered crops impact the environment? 
• Indoor air pollution: causes and risks. 
• The pros and cons of using natural gas . 
• Trace the ecological footprint of cotton production. 
• What are the ways to ensure food security without harming the environment? 

🐬 Marine Biology Topics for a Paper

Fun fact: the vast majority of our oceans are still unobserved. Research in marine biology encompasses all organisms living close to or under water. Do you want to participate in uncovering the mysteries of the deep sea? This section is for you!

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• How does luminescence in marine vertebrae work? 
• Dolphins: how do they communicate? 
• The impact of military sonar on whales. 
• What makes the Galapagos Islands so unique? 
• Compare different camouflage techniques of marine animals. 
• How do aquatic organisms live together in coral reefs ? 
• Causes of high mercury concentrations in fish. 
• Investigate the impact of overfishing in China. 
• Explain how rising sea temperatures affect marine life. 
• Contrast the survival strategies of various penguin species. 
• The ethics of seafood farms. 
• Examine bacteria’s contribution to biological processes in the sea. 
• What are the types of invasive species? 
• The contribution of birds to a stable marine ecosystem. 
• Identify the biggest threats to marine biodiversity. 
• Inspect the predatory behavior of starfish. 
• How do corals form? 
• The importance of phyto- and zooplankton to ponds. 
• Whales: how did they evolve? 
• What are the four types of oceanography ? 

🌻 Plant Biology Research Topics

Plant biology, you guessed it, investigates plants. These green organisms are incredibly versatile. From redwood trees to algae, plants come in all sizes and shapes. Scientists use botanical knowledge to improve our food and medicine supplies. They also help to conserve forests, parks, and wilderness areas.

• What causes diseases in plants? 
• What are the benefits of studying algae ? 
• Recently, scientists engineered a plant to glow by itself. How does it work? 
• What makes some plants toxic? 

• Compare various defense mechanisms of flowers. 
• Deciduous trees: what are the advantages of leaf loss? 
• How do Butterworts acquire nutrition? 
• Carnivorous plants: methods of luring prey. 
• Types of negative feedback in plants. 
• Give examples of thigmotropism. How does it work? 
• What problems are associated with the definition of kingdoms? 
• Investigate the anatomical structure of plant roots. 
• Phytohormones: how do they influence plant growth? 
• Plants and music: does sound have any measurable effects on plant development? 
• How do plants produce starch? 
• Why do weeds grow excessively? 
• Investigate plant disease management and intervention. 
• Industrial applications of synthesized plant mechanisms. 
• Cacti: how do they survive in the desert? 
• Examine the biological properties of medicinal herbs. 

🧬 Hot Topics in Evolutionary Biology to Write About

Evolutionary biologists observe change in all living organisms. If you want to know why life on Earth is so versatile, evolutionary biology has the answer. Research areas cover ecology and genetics, as well as paleontology.

• How does stabilizing selection ensure the same phenotype for a species during evolution? 
• Discuss Tinbergen’s four questions. 
• What are the benefits of sexual reproduction ? 
• Cancer: why does it persist? 
• Society and evolution: are they connected? 
• Southeast Asia and the limited occurrence of the alcohol dehydrogenase gene. 
• Is there a scientific reason to divide humans into races? 
• Track the evolution of aging throughout human history. 
• How does speciation work? 
• Genetic drift and its effects on variation. 
• Describe problems concerning the Modern Synthesis. 
• Selective sweeps: how likely are they to cause disease? 
• What does the Red Queen hypothesis state? 
• How do you determine age in herbaceous plants? 
• Life history theory: how does a species’ life history influence its evolution? 
• What are the ways for a species to achieve its maximum fitness? 
• How did the bees learn to communicate information by dancing? 
• Investigate the evolution of stamina in animal locomotion. 
• How does an animal’s physiology adapt to its geographic range? 
• Compare the evolutionary process of endotherms and ectotherms. 

👶🧑 Developmental Biology Research Topics

When animals and plants grow, their features change. It’s no surprise: every living being starts as a single cell. It’s a long way from there to a fully formed organism! Developmental biologists track this process at different levels.

• Why are men more likely to be colorblind than women? 
• What is phylogenetic niche conservatism? 
• Identify origins of congenital disorders. 
• What causes birds to become territorial? 
• Explain the two types of developmental mechanisms. 
• Why does getting older make humans more susceptible to cancer? 
• Homeotic genes: how do they influence the development of body structures? 
• Describe the advantages of apoptosis . 
• What causes polycephaly? 
• How do stem cells differentiate? 
• Investigate regeneration in hydra. 
• Mechanisms of metamorphosis in frogs. 
• What happened during the Cambrian explosion? 
• How do plants produce new structures? 
• Examine the process of neurulation in fish. 
• What are the types of deformations found in plants? 
• Describe the ABC model of flower development. 
• Why are zebrafish good model systems for developmental studies? 
• Search for the origins of the vertebrate body plan. 
• What does the concept of morphogen gradient say about the fate of cells? 

😷 Epidemiology & Population Topics in Biology

Investigating health-related events is a part of epidemiologic research. The goal is to find out what causes diseases in a specific population. Epidemiology analyzes other health issues such as natural disasters and injuries. Population biology focuses on the interaction between populations and their environment.

• How does evolutionary game theory describe the development of a population? 
• When is a strategy evolutionarily stable? 
• How does phenotypic variety in plants help manage disease? 
• What diseases are caused by heavy metal pollution? 

• How did the Coronavirus pandemic contribute to a rise in cases of domestic violence ? 
• Reasons for an increased rate of congenital disabilities in a specific area. 
• Asian carp: a harmful disruption of the marine population in American rivers. 
• Compare the three kinds of population distribution. 
• Examine the consequences of the 1783 Laki eruption. 
• Examine various policies to moderate population growth . 
• How do predator-prey dynamics work? 
• Avoidance mechanisms of resource competition. 
• Describe the three types of symbiotic relationships . 
• How does a species regulate its abundance? 
• What happens if the equilibrium state of a community is disturbed? 
• Factors that encourage human population growth. 
• Contrast the survivorship curves of humans, birds, and trees. 
• Obesity : causes and solutions. 
• Depression : how does it affect society? 
• The role of causal inference in epidemiological studies . 

📜 History of Biology Topics to Write About

Even before the emergence of scientific studies, humans had basic biological understanding. They were able to spot edible plants and domesticate animals. Assyrians and Babylonians were the first to implement biological knowledge. If you’re looking for a theoretical research project, this is the right research area for you.

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• Explore the medical knowledge available in ancient China. 
• The history of agriculture in India. 
• How did the Greek philosophers theorize about the origin of life? 
• Investigate the theory of the four humors. 
• Aristotle’s classification of animals. 
• Give an overview of discoveries in Galen’s medical writings. 
• What caused the stagnation in scientific progress during the Middle Ages? 
• Al-Jahiz’ discovery of the relationships between organisms . 
• Albertus Magnus: what was his contribution to botany? 
• How did Italy become the center for biological studies? 
• What factors impacted the development of biology during the Renaissance? 
• Trace the origins of modern anatomy. 
• What led to the establishment of the cell theory? 
• Jump starting biological progress: the invention of the microscope. 
• Louis Pasteur and the dismissal of spontaneous generation. 
• How did the discovery of heredity influence modern biology? 
• What led to the discovery of blood circulation? 
• How did the Royal Society of London impact scientific development in Europe? 
• What technology helped advance biological research in the 20th century? 
• The rise of bioinformatics: boosting progress in genetic data analysis. 

We hope our article gave you some useful ideas for your biology paper. Good luck with your assignment!

You might also be interested in:

• A List of 212 Brilliant Research Proposal Topics to Investigate
• 220 Best Science and Technology Essay Topics to Write About
• 501 Research Questions & Titles about Science
• 300 Interesting Chemistry Topics & Writing Tips
• 150 Best Environmental Essay Topics & Questions
• 165 Health-Related Topics & Essay Ideas
• 281 Best Health & Medical Research Topics
• What is Biology?: NTNU
• High School Biology: Khan Academy
• Microbiology: University of Pittsburgh
• Human Biology: University at Albany
• Explore Topics Related to Cells: NIH
• What Is Marine Biology?: MarineBio Conservation Society
• Developmental Biology: Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
• Introduction to Epidemiology: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
• The History of Biology: Encyclopedia Britannica
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Critical Thinking Questions

• ATP and NADPH are forms of chemical energy produced from the light dependent reactions to be used in the light independent reactions that produce sugars.
• ATP and NADPH are forms of chemical energy produced from the light independent reactions, to be used in the light dependent reactions that produce sugars.
• ATP and NADPH are forms of chemical energy produced from the light dependent reactions to be used in the light independent reactions that produce proteins.
• ATP and NADPH are forms of chemical energy produced from the light dependent reactions to be used in the light independent reactions that use sugars as reactants.
• NADPH and ATP molecules are produced during the light-independent reactions and are used to power the light-dependent reactions.
• Sugar and ATP are produced during the light-dependent reactions and are used to power the light-independent reactions.
• Carbon dioxide and NADPH are produced during the light-independent reactions and are used to power the light-dependent reactions.
• NADPH and ATP molecules are produced during the light-dependent reactions and are used to power the light-independent reactions.

Examine the illustration of the photosynthesis equation. How does the equation relate to both photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and what is the connection between the two processes?

• Photosynthesis utilizes energy to build carbohydrates, while cellular respiration metabolizes carbohydrates.
• Photosynthesis utilizes energy to metabolize carbohydrates, while cellular respiration builds carbohydrates.
• Photosynthesis and cellular respiration both utilize carbon dioxide and water to produce carbohydrates.
• Photosynthesis and cellular respiration both metabolize carbohydrates to produce carbon dioxide and water.
• When photons strike photosystem (PS) I, pigments pass the light energy to chlorophyll, molecules that excite electrons, which are then passed to the electron transport chain. The cytochrome complex then transfers protons across the thylakoid membrane and transfers electrons from PS-II to PS-I. The products of the light-dependent reaction are used to power the Calvin cycle to produce glucose.
• When photons strike photosystem (PS) II, pigments pass the light energy to chlorophyll a molecules that in turn excite electrons, which are then passed to the electron transport chain. The cytochrome complex transfers protons across the thylakoid membrane and transfers electrons from PS-I to PS-II. The products of the light-dependent reaction are used to power the Calvin cycle to produce glucose.
• When photons strike photosystem (PS) II, pigments pass the light energy to chlorophyll a molecules that excite electrons, which are then passed to the electron transport chain. The cytochrome complex transfers protons across the thylakoid membrane and transfers electrons from PS-II to PS-I. The products of the light-dependent reaction are used to power the Calvin cycle to produce glucose.
• When photons strike photosystem (PS) II, pigments pass the light energy to chlorophyll a molecules that excite electrons, which are then passed to the electron transport chain. The cytochrome complex transfers protons across the thylakoid membrane and transfers electrons from PS II to PS I. The products of the light-independent reaction are used to power the Calvin cycle to produce glucose.
• Because UV rays and X-rays are high-energy waves, they penetrate the tissues and thus damage cells.
• Because UV rays and X-rays are long-wavelength waves, they penetrate the tissues and thus damage cells.
• Because UV rays and X-rays are low-energy waves, they cannot penetrate tissues and thus damage cells.
• Because UV rays and X-rays are low-frequency waves, they can penetrate tissues and thus damage cells.
• Photosynthesis is not possible.
• Photosynthesis is possible.
• Photosynthesis is possible only with blue light.
• Photosynthesis is possible only with green light.
• After splitting water in PS-I, high-energy electrons are delivered through the chloroplast electron transport chain to PS-II.
• After the photosynthesis reaction, released products like glucose help in the transfer of electrons from PS-II to PS-I.
• After splitting water in PS-II, high-energy electrons are delivered through the chloroplast electron transport chain to PS-I.
• After the completion of the light-dependent reactions, the electrons are transferred from PS-II to PS-I.
• This event will have no effect on the rate of photosynthesis in the leaf.
• Photosynthesis in the leaf will slow down or possibly stop.
• Photosynthesis in the leaf will increase exponentially.
• Photosynthesis in the leaf will first decrease and then increase.
• The product of the Calvin cycle is glyceraldehyde-3 phosphate and RuBP is regenerated.
• The product of the Calvin cycle is glyceraldehyde-3 phosphate and RuBisCO is regenerated.
• The product of the Calvin cycle is a 3-PGA molecule and glyceraldehyde-3 phosphate is regenerated.
• The product of the Calvin cycle is glyceraldehyde-3 phosphate and oxygen is regenerated.
• by using CAM photosynthesis and by closing stomatal pores during the night
• by using CAM photosynthesis and by opening stomatal pores during the night
• by using CAM photosynthesis and by keeping stomatal pores closed at all times
• by bypassing CAM photosynthesis and by keeping stomatal pores closed at night
• The prey of lions are generally herbivores, which depend on heterotrophs.
• The prey of lions are generally smaller carnivorous animals, which depend on non-photosynthetic organisms.
• The prey of lions are generally herbivores, which depend on autotrophs.
• The prey of lions are generally autotrophs, which depend onother autotrophs.
• It takes three turns to fix enough oxygen to export one G3P molecule.
• It takes three turns to produce RuBisCO as an end product.
• It takes three turns to produce ATP and NADPH for fixation of G3P.
• It takes three turns to fix enough carbon to export one G3P molecule.

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Biology Essay Topics: 50+ Ideas for Your Next Project

by  Antony W

December 16, 2023

A Biological essay is a technical piece of assignment that requires careful topic selection, structure, and writing. So if your teacher hasn’t given you a title for the essay , you should tread carefully when choosing topics.

In this post, we share with you a list of 50+ Biology related ideas, which you may find useful and equally interesting during the brainstorming stage. You can use the list as inspiration to come up with a topic of your choice, or you can pick of these examples and modify it to your liking.

Key Takeaways 

• Because Biology is a broad subject, you should choose a topic that focuses on an interesting theme or an area that you’ve always wanted to explore.
• Check the Biology assignment prompt for guidelines on what you have to do, as these are the instructions that will inform your essay.
• Share the topic with your teacher first, so they can give you their opinion on whether it’s a suitable one to research.

50+ Best Biology Essay Topics

Below is a list of 50+ topics that you just might find useful and interesting enough to explore in your Biology essay:

Human Biology Essay Topics

• How does the mouse serve as a model for understanding human biology?
• What defines the secular trend observed in human physical growth over time?
• The significant role of medicinal plants in human life and health
• Understanding the characteristics of human biorhythms and their implications
• The interconnected circles of human blood circulation and the relationship between the respiratory and cardiovascular systems
• How do neurons interact within nerve centers, and what impact does this have?
• The influence of parental smoking, alcohol, and drug abuse on the embryonic development of a child

Controversial Biology Essay Topics

• What are the leading theories on how life initially emerged on Earth?
• Is there evidence suggesting that plants might experience something akin to pain?
• Can we determine if animals possess consciousness? 
• To what extent is animal testing essential for achieving major biological breakthroughs?
• What defines the concept of the Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA) in evolutionary biology?
• Where did eukaryotic life forms originate from and what evidence supports this?
• Are viruses considered living entities, and why or why not?
• What are the fundamental theories explaining the origins of the human species?
• Why has the mystery of brain function remained unsolved despite scientific advancements?
• Is it scientifically accurate to state that a fetus cannot feel pain?
• What is the current understanding of the status of Nano bacteria in biological research?

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Biology Extended Essay Topics

• How does a multicellular organism develop from a single cell?
• What are the defining characteristics of the regeneration process in living organisms?
• How does guided natural selection influence species’ evolution, and what are its implications?
• What structural and anatomical features differentiate mammals, using two representatives for comparison?
• How does catastrophe theory contribute to understanding the progression of life in nature?
• What are the biological aspects of pathogenesis in both animals and plants?
• How does self-regulation function within biological systems?
• Describe the processes involved in the reproduction and development of living systems.
• What are the fundamental organizational principles that sustain the biosphere?
• How do different forms of movement occur at the subcellular, cellular, and organism levels?

Cell Biology Essay Topics

• How do stem cells contribute to medical advancements?
• What pathways in cell biology offer promising approaches for treating Alzheimer’s disease?
• The primary research methods utilized in cell biology and how they contribute to scientific discoveries.
• How scientists study fixed objects and the insights that this approach provide. 
• The fundamental differences between DNA and RNA, and how do they function within cells.
• An overview of the structure and components that constitute a cell in biology

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Zoology Essay Topics

• What are the intricate migration patterns of birds and how do they navigate across vast distances?
• How primate language or communication systems resemble and differ from human language.
• Analyze how scientists analyze and manage the impact of invasive species on ecosystems.
• Explain how different species of animals communicate with each other.
• What historical evidence or scientific findings shed light on the domestication process of canines and its impact on their behavior and traits?
• Is there a correlation between brain size and the intelligence or cognitive abilities of different species?

Animal Research Essay Topics

• What factors contribute to the rising obesity rates among household pets?
• Ethical considerations surrounding the testing of beauty products on animals
• What cognitive functions do primates exhibit and how do these compare to human cognitive abilities?
• How do predators and prey adapt to their roles in the ecosystem and what strategies have evolved in this ongoing interaction?
• What variations exist in the vision of different animal species and how do these adaptations contribute to their survival?
• The implications of fishing practices on marine conservation efforts
• What are the consequences of removing animals from their natural habitats?

Botany Essay Topics

• What recent breakthroughs in plant research have significantly affected modern agricultural practices? 
• How do plants respond to various stressors and what physiological mechanisms enable them to adapt to adverse conditions?
• Elaborate on the structural diversity and different types of fungi.
• What recent discoveries or insights have emerged from the study of plant fossils and how do they contribute to our understanding of ancient plant life?
• How does the process of photosynthesis function in plants and what factors influence its efficiency and effectiveness?
• What are the mechanisms of genetic inheritance in plants and how do these mechanisms affect the traits and characteristics of plant species?
• What are some prevalent diseases or issues affecting plants and what methods are used to manage or prevent these problems?
• What unique characteristics define ferns, and what role do they play in the ecology and biodiversity of various habitats?

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About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

Extended Essay: Sciences: Biology

• Step 1 - Choosing a Subject
• Step 2 - Choosing a Topic
• Step 3 - Draft a Research Question
• Step 4 - Finding Sources
• Step 5 - Evaluating Information
• Step 6 - Bibliography & Citation
• Step 7 - Organizing Information
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• Assessment Criteria

Extended Essay in Biology

Extended Essays in Biology

Choosing a topic

Choosing a Topic

Biology is the science that deals with living organisms and life processes. A biology EE should incorporate biological theory and emphasize why it is relevant today.

The topic must relates specifically to biology. Many topics can be approached from different viewpoints, but for an EE in biology the treatment of the topic must be clearly biological. For example, an EE in an interdisciplinary area such as biochemistry will, if registered under the subject of biology, be judged solely on its biological content.

Disease, for example, could be considered through many different lenses. A biology paper about diseases would focus on their impact on particular organisms or life processes, and not on medical treatment, or the economic effects of the disease on society.

Approaches to research

Primary Research

Essays in biology may be based on data collected by the student through:

Essays that involve lab work, or fieldwork, should include a clear and concise description of the experimental procedure. Students taking an experimental approach must also consult secondary sources.

Secondary Research

Students can base their essays on data or information obtained from literature (secondary studies). However, in this case they should use the data in an original way. Essays that simply restate facts or data taken directly from the sources are of little value.

Biology Sources

Even students doing primary research will still need to reference secondary sources. And students relying entirely on secondary sources will need to find sources not only of written information but also experimental data which they can analyze.

Writing the Essay

An essay in the sciences requires is more than just generating and presenting data. Analysis of the data is also essential. The main body of the essay should consist of an argument or evaluation based on the data or information presented . You can gather your own data through a variety of methods, or rely on secondary data. You should use graphs, tables, or diagrams to point out the significance of your findings.

You should ensure that the main body of the essay is well structured and has an obvious logical progression. You can use numbered and headed paragraphs to impose a clear structure. Your evaluation should show that you understand the the data they have collected and its significance to the world.

In your analysis, you should also describe and explain the limitations imposed on the research by factors such as

• the suitability and reliability of the sources accessed
• accuracy and precision of measuring equipment
• sample size
• validity and reliability of statistics

Students  should also consider biological limitations such as:

• those arising from the problem of repeatability and control when using living material
• the difficulties of generalizing from research based on a single type of organism or environment.

Exceptions for Safety and Academic Honesty

Safety and Ethics in Choosing a Topic

In all cases where human subjects are used as the basis for an investigation, clear evidence of informed consent must be provided in accordance with the IB guidelines.

Some topics may be inadmissible because their means of investigation are unethical. For example, investigations that:

• are based on experiments likely to inflict pain on, or cause stress to, living organisms
• are likely to have a harmful effect on health, eg culturing micro-organisms at or near body temperature (37°C)
• involve access to, or publication of, confidential medical information.

Some topics may be unsuitable because of safety issues. Adequate safety apparatus and qualified supervision is required for experiments involving dangerous substances such as:

• toxic or dangerous chemicals
• carcinogenic substances
• radioactive materials.

Other topics may be unsuitable because the outcome is already well known and documented in standard textbooks.

Assessed Student Work

• The Antimicrobial Effects of Metals Copper, Barium and Silver on the Growth of Bacteria
• Effects of different calcium salts in growth solutions on the growth of the stems of basil (Ocimum basilicum) plants grown hydroponically
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