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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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How to Write a Biology Essay

“The point of the essay is to change things.” – Edward Tufte

Writing a biology essay can be a complex task, requiring not only a deep understanding of the subject but also the ability to present scientific information clearly and effectively. Prepare well and exploit a structured approach to crafting a compelling and well-researched biology text. Some simple steps go from understanding the assignment and conducting detailed research to structuring your essay and incorporating credible sources so that you can reach academic excellence without any complications. For qualitative preparation check out biology essay examples on a trustworthy source and follow the expert instructions to ensure your text meets the high standards of scientific writing.

Understand the Biological Context

You will hardly create any qualitative content unless you clearly understand what you are going to write about. Identify the biological concept or phenomenon that is to be at the center of your writing. If you have any hesitations or your assignment seems ambiguous to you, consult your professor for clarifications or any educational assistant for further directions.

What can help you dive deeper into your biological context is also a literature review. Proceed through a thorough literature review to understand the current state of research on the topic. Look up databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and institutional libraries.

Formulate a Hypothesis or Research Question

Pass on to generate a hypothesis or research question that is going to be the core of your essay. If your writing involves an experimental or observational study, formulate a clear, testable hypothesis. Develop a specific research question to guide your investigation if it’s a review or analytical essay. So, define the type of your text and formulate its central point respectively for further successful steps.

Conduct Detailed Research and Data Collection

Now that you know your context and your attitude as for the assignment it is time to back it up with the proof. Start with primary sources, covering research articles, original studies, and scientific experiments. When you have enough, pass on to secondary sources, such as review articles, meta-analyses, and books for broader context.

Additionally, biological research allows you to conduct data analysis to strengthen your essay arguments. If the step is relevant to your work, analyze raw data from experiments or existing datasets using statistical methods. Create or refer to graphs, tables, and figures to present data effectively.

Create and Follow a Structured Outline with Scientific Rigor

Sometimes it is very difficult to organize your work properly so that you can finish it on time and produce qualitative content without any delay. So the very next step is to create a structured outline with scientific rigor so that you can stick to it to write a fundamental essay.

● Abstract – if you are required to, begin with an abstract. Provide a concise summary of the essay, including the research question, methods, key findings, and conclusions.

● Introduction – the next step or the primary point when an abstract is not necessary is to write an introduction. For your introduction include detailed background information with references to key studies and findings. Explain the significance of the topic within the field of biology. And don’t forget to state your thesis or hypothesis clearly. The rest of your writing will be tied to it. Be confident you’ve singled out the central idea of your topic and the findings related.

● Methods – if necessary or stated in the assignment, dwell on the methods you’ve exploited when researching and writing. Provide a description of the experimental design, including controls, variables, and procedures. Add the list of materials and equipment used. Explain how data was collected and recorded. This part of the essay will be solid proof of your no-plagiarism work.

● Results – think of the way you are going to display the results of your research and organize them appropriately. Present data in an organizedmanner using figures, tables, and charts. Add statistical tests if used and their outcomes.

● Discussion – remember that you not only have to present the data and evidence you have collected but also analyze and show your attitude to the findings. Interpret the results in the context of the research question or hypothesis. Compare findings with previous studies and discuss similarities and differences. Be open about any limitations in your study or analysis.

● Conclusion – with the analysis of your findings ready, you should summarize your work with a proper conclusion. Dwell on how your findings support or disprove the thesis/hypothesis. Discuss the broader implications of your findings for the field of biology. Suggest areas for further research.

Make an outline and cover it step by step so that you have a logical and strong text in the end. This will help you to get everything important and finish up your essay on time. Usually with a scientific assignment, you don’t need the inspiration to guide you but should have a proper organization of the writing process to assist you. Outlining will be a crucial part of your well-organized work with the essay.

Incorporate Scientific Evidence

Your biological essay will be no more but the words compound together unless you exploit strong scientific evidence to support your arguments. Ensure all references are from peer-reviewed scientific journals or reputable academic sources. Use a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) and include in-text citations and a bibliography to guarantee the genuineness and trustworthiness of your sources and proofs.

Exploit direct quotations sparingly; prefer paraphrasing and summarizing with proper citations. Put the evidence in between your personal conclusions and attitude to the issue you are addressing in your writing. This will display you have processed the question under study deeply and made your own conclusions out of your findings.

Consider Formatting and Technical Details

Scientific essay requires a relevant approach to its formatting and presentation. Use proper scientific nomenclature, italicizing genus and species names (e.g., Homo sapiens). Make sure you exploit standard units of measurement (SI units) and provide conversions if necessary. Define acronyms and abbreviations the first time they are used. Pay attention to these points when proofreading and editing or get someone to help you with a fresh look. A thorough approach and consistency in details will only add to the quality of your essay.

Spend Time on Proofreading and Peer Review

Take care your scientific essay looks appropriate and proves your level of qualification. Proofreading and thorough review will help you create a desirable image for your writing. Check for grammatical errors, scientific accuracy, and clarity. Use apps and tools to optimize and speed up the process. If possible, have your writing reviewed by a peer or mentor in the field for additional feedback. Or reach out to professionals from online services for high-end proofreading and review.

Care about Adherence to Ethical Guidelines

In the age of tolerance, you should also be confident that your essay doesn’t diminish or offend anyone’s rights and position as to your topic under study. Begin with ethical considerations. If your writing involves discussing experiments on humans or animals, ensure it adheres to ethical guidelines and includes necessary approvals. Additionally, avoid plagiarism by properly citing all sources and using original language. Check your text for authenticity with the help of anti-plagiarism tools on the Internet but beware of scams for anyone to steal your work.

Biology Essay Conclusion

Writing a biology essay involves proper planning, thorough research, and attention to detail. Cover some essential measures so that you can craft a well-structured and scientifically sound text that effectively communicates your findings and arguments. Mind the assignment and formulating a hypothesis to presenting data and discussing implications since each element plays a crucial role in the overall quality of your work. Remember to adhere to ethical guidelines, properly cite all sources, and seek feedback from peers or mentors. With these tools and strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to produce a high-quality biology essay that displays your knowledge and analytical skills.

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understand biology

AQA Paper 3 Extended Essay: Tips, Mark-schemes and Past Essay Titles

I have been working with some tutees to improve their approach to the AQA Paper 3 Extended Essay - so here are a few tips, and all of the essay titles (and markschemes) since 2007.

A Few Points Raised By The Exam Boards Feedback

The essay is designed to assess whether you can bring together material from a range of topics to illustrate and explain an important concept or idea.

The essay is not just a memory test of what a student knows – it is also a test of whether they have some understanding of what they have learnt and can apply what they know.

The essay is marked using a levels of response system. The demands for scientific content, breadth, relevance and scientific terminology are now found within each level.

It is a synoptic exercise – you are required to recall appropriate factual material from different parts of the specification (AO1), you should  identify an underlying theme or idea in an essay title – it will be a ‘big idea’, not a minor topic.

You need to select five or six different examples that you can use to illustrate the theme or idea.

Selecting the topic areas is a challenge to many students.

I suggest that they think about an example that illustrates the theme from topic in each of five kingdoms (OK - protists do supply a challenge).

And then to go up in complexity from a molecule - macromolecule - organelle - cells - tissue - organ - organ system - individual - populations - community - ecosystem. 

So this technique should give you breadth and depth

Write a reasonable paragraph about each example (using appropriate A-level terminology) pointing out how it illustrates the theme or idea. And use it to illustrate/explain a biological concept/idea – the ‘theme’ of an essay title (AO2)  - often the ‘importance of’.

‘Think of every possible thing that relates to the title and write as much as you can about it, with no thought of the main theme/idea’. This would make it just a memory test (AO1).

‘Write at a very high level (above A-level) about one or two topics’. This is not a synoptic approach. We do not wish to encourage learning of rote answers involving one or two important topics which might apply across many titles – eg respiration.

TAKE CARE TO

Extension material has to be at least of A-level standard and accurately described using appropriate scientific terminology.

Appropriate terminology was often poorly used or absent. For example, many students wrote about ‘signals’ and ‘messages’ rather than impulses/action potentials. The use of ‘levels’ and ‘amounts’ for concentration was also very common.

The essay is supposed to be written using appropriate terminology, at a level to be expected after two years of A-level study.

Content has to be of A-level standard to score highly – this includes terminology and the explanation of ‘importance’

Any plan is purely for the student’s use, The essay is a prose exercise – unless a plan is written as a series of sentences (i.e. as an essay), it won’t add to the mark for the essay. The same applies to diagrams/drawings – they would have to be very heavily annotated to count

No introduction or conclusion required - they waste time that could be used for more content

Content from ‘several’ topic areas required – AQA have defined 4 as the minimum for ‘several’ – 5 or 6 might be safer, since best content affects level

A topic area is a topic area in the specification – a numbered sub-section

A-level detail required – though not necessarily all the detail of a topic

A-level terminology required and more important than grammar – this is an exercise concerned with Biology, not English

GCSE-level material only makes possible between 1 and 5 marks

If asked about the importance of something, factual detail and explanation of importance have to be at A-level standard to score above 15 marks

An example not in the specification (for the highest band) has to be at (or above) A-level standard – not GCSE, or what anyone who hasn’t studied A-level Biology would know.  Example – quite a few students made reference to cystic fibrosis– relatively few made accurate links to this condition and chloride ion channel protein, diffusion and/or water potentials and osmosis.

If you found it useful then please ❤️ (at the bottom of the page) and share

I run weekly AQA specific group classes for Y12 and Y13 students - details here

We cover a different topic each week, looking in depth at how to structure answers and approach application questions for top marks. Lesson videos are available for recaps and revision.

Each class is specific to an exam board and year group

“The focus the sessions have on understanding biological concepts and how to correctly answer past paper questions has really helped me. Through actively attending the group tutoring sessions my Biology grades are quickly improving from Cs to As.” - Eloise Brown (and yes she got an A!)

Classes (£45) are enrolling now and sold out last year

AQA Y12 - 5.15pm Tues from 1st of October AQA Y13 - 6.30pm Weds from 9th of October OCR A Y12 - 5.15pm Weds from 25th of September OCR A Y13 - 6.30pm Tues from 8th of October

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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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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.

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.

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.

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How Science Biology Might Help Alleviate Human Suffering

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Digestive Journey of Cheeseburger

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Microbiology: Zygomycota, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota

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Differences of Domesticated and Wild Animals and Plants

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Microbial growth and effect of ph on it.

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Tips on How to Write a Biology Essay: Learn from the Example of Jellyfish Essay

How to Write a Biology Essay

In this article, we will guide you on how to write a perfect biology essay from scratch. You’ll find various tips to help you excel in writing your essay and creating a paper worth the highest grades. We also prepared a jellyfish essay example for you, so it can be easier to enhance all the specifics and structure of this kind of paper.

What is Biology Essay

A biology essay is a student-written work where you present arguments and ideas about a particular biological topic. The essay on biology can take different forms like argumentative, cause-and-effect, descriptive, detailed analysis, or ‘how-to’ instruction, depending on the professor’s guidelines and writer’s preferences. 

A descriptive paper can explain a biological subject, while an argumentative one provides evidence to support a point of view. It’s up to you to choose which type is more suitable for the topic you’re writing about. The most common type is a cause-and-effect essay explaining an event’s reasons and consequences. 

How to Craft a Perfect Essay About Biology

Writing is an art form that requires time and effort. But if you prefer someone else to write the paper for you, you can just text the experts, ‘ do my homework for me ,’ and consider it done. 

Here is the step by step instruction to organize the process for desired results. 

Choose Your Biology Essay Topic

To get a good grade:

• make your paper informative and enjoyable by choosing a topic you wish to explore. 
• Use a brainstorming technique to generate 30-50 options for biology essay topics and research to create a shortlist. 
• Keep a notebook to jot down your ideas.

Choose a Question for Research

When writing a biology essay, use a scientific approach by selecting a research question related to your topic. Always avoid overly complex or apparent questions. You can also text our profs ‘ write my research paper ,’ and it can be done in a blink.

Create an Outline

Always have a clear plan when writing biology essays while starting a paper. Use a 5-paragraph structure with an outline to keep your main idea and arguments organized. Use any format that works best for you and adjust as needed. Discard any ideas that don’t fit your research question.

Use a Strong Thesis Statement

The introduction should end with a strong thesis statement synthesizing the overall essay, conveying the research question and your point of view. The paper is ineffective without a clear thesis, as readers may not understand your position.

Use Citation and References

Include a list of references in your academic papers, such as biology essays, to avoid plagiarism and provide data sources. Use the appropriate citation style, like APA or CSE, and consult a guide for requirements.

How to Structure a Biology Essay

Ensure your essay has an attention-grabbing introduction, a detailed body, and a solid conclusion with distinct sections. Use around seven paragraphs for the main body, adjusting as needed for the required word count.

Biology Essay Introduction

In the introduction of your essay about biology, showcase your expertise by providing a brief background of the topic and stating the essay’s objective. For a research paper, explain why the study is relevant. Make sure the reader understands the essence of your subject.

The body section of your essay on biology should focus on supporting and defending your thesis statement. To achieve this, make a list of essential points to cover and address each one step by step. Starting a new paragraph for each point ensures neatness and a continuous flow. 

In conclusion, restate your thesis statement and summarize supporting points to solidify your arguments. Avoid introducing new concepts, and leave a lasting impression on your instructor.

Jellyfish Essay - Example of a Biology Essay About a Fascinating Creature of the Ocean

Jellyfish, also known as jellies, are incredible creatures of the ocean. They’re members of the phylum Cnidaria, including corals and sea anemones. You can find jellyfish in every ocean around the globe, from the surface to the depths of the sea. 

Do you know what shape the jellyfish body has?! It’s one of their most unique features. Their bell-shaped body comprises a soft, jelly-like substance called mesoglea, found between two cellular layers. The outer layer of cells, the epidermis, is thin and flexible, while the inner layer, the gastrodermis, contains the jellyfish’s digestive system. At the bottom of the bell is the mouth, surrounded by tentacles armed with stinging cells called nematocysts. 

The jellyfish tentacles consist of venom-filled sacs, which can be potentially dangerous and life-threatening. Considering the severity of its sting, researchers have gathered information on how to treat it effectively. Use thick clothing, tweezers, sticks, or gloves to alleviate the sting. It’s crucial to avoid touching the sting with bare skin since the venom can cause severe harm. Always dispose of the tool used for removing the sting to prevent re-stinging. 

Jellyfish are creatures that feed on small fish and other tiny marine organisms. They capture their prey using the tentacles and bring it to their mouth. Once the food is inside the jellyfish, it’s broken down by digestive enzymes and absorbed into the gastrovascular cavity. 

An exciting thing about jelly is its life cycle. They go through several stages of development, starting as a tiny, free-swimming larva and then growing into a polyp. The polyp stage is stationary, and the jellyfish attaches itself to a surface using a sticky pad. During this stage, the jellyfish reproduces asexually, creating clones of itself. These clones then break off from the polyp and develop into the familiar bell-shaped body of the adult jellyfish. 

Jellyfish play an essential role in the ocean’s ecosystem too. They’re a food source for many marine creatures, including sea turtles and some fish species. They also help to control the population of tiny marine animals by feeding on them, and their waste products contribute to the nutrient cycle in the ocean.

However, jellyfish populations can sometimes explode and become a nuisance. This phenomenon mostly occurs when their natural predators are eliminated from the ecosystem or when water conditions, like temperature and salinity, are conducive for jellyfish growth. In cases where jellyfish populations reach excessive levels, they can clog fishing nets and interfere with other human activities in the ocean.

Jellyfish really are stunning creatures of the ocean. They’re diverse, with many different species, and are essential to the marine ecosystem. While they can sometimes become a nuisance, they’re vital to the ocean’s food web and nutrient cycle. Studying jellyfish can give us a greater understanding of the complex and interconnected systems that make up our oceans.

Practical Tips for Creating Perfect Academic Papers

Developing writing skills is crucial for your academic success regardless of your major. Check out these tips we provided for improving your writing. But if you aren't fond of writing, you can easily hand it to professionals by saying, ‘ do homework for me .’

Search for Samples or Examples

To improve your writing, analyze examples of well-written biology essays or research papers. Although not all online samples are perfect, they can still provide insights into what works and what doesn’t. However, avoid plagiarism and ensure your paper is original by presenting fresh ideas and a unique perspective. 

Read Whenever You Can

Develop your writing skills by reading widely and extensively. Look for biology papers in scientific journals, websites, or books. Don’t forget to take notes on interesting points that you can use in your papers later.

Practice Makes Perfect

Don’t expect to write a perfect paper on your first try, so take every opportunity to practice your writing. Find a mentor if needed and use online resources to learn from your mistakes and improve your skills.

Always Organize Your Writing Process

Organize your work process instead of waiting for inspiration by defining stages, scheduling time for each task, and eliminating distractions. Don’t wait for mood to write an essay about biology; use different strategies to overcome writer’s block.

Proofread and Get Other Feedback

It’s hard to assess your own work accurately. Seek feedback from peers or instructors to identify strengths and weaknesses to improve upon. Don’t wait for your professor’s feedback to know if your biology essay is good. 

Interesting Biology Essay Topics from Our Experts to Practice Your Writing

In this paragraph, we listed different biology essay topics from which you can choose your preferred one and practice writing to excel in your academic papers.

• A jellyfish - my favorite creature
• Facts about animal behavior
• Biodiversity conservation
• Chemical Ecology
• Impacts of air pollution
• Acid Rain’s impact on wildlife
• The greenhouse effect
• Causes of global warming
• Effects of climate change on nature
• Ways to avoid water pollution

These are interesting topics and also some of the most significant environmental problems. Choose the one you like and practice.

Final Thoughts

This article provides tips that will definitely make your writing process easier and more effective. Adjust these tips while writing your biology paper and structure it as we did in the jellyfish essay example. But if you still prefer a professional to do it for you, contact us by writing ‘ do my research paper ,’ and our experts will handle it.

Ryan Acton is an essay-writing expert with a Ph.D. in Sociology, specializing in sociological research and historical analysis. By partnering with EssayHub, he provides comprehensive support to students, helping them craft well-informed essays across a variety of topics.

• Plagiarism Report
• Unlimited Revisions
• 24/7 Support

COMMUNICATION IN THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES Department of Biology

ANSWERING ESSAY AND SHORT ANSWER EXAM QUESTIONS

GOOD STRATEGIES TO ALWAYS EMPLOY

MISTAKES TO ALWAYS AVOID

INTERPRETING KEYWORDS

LONG ESSAYS

SHORT ESSAYS    

MISTAKES THAT YOU SHOULD ALWAYS AVOID

INTERPRETING KEYWORDS IN ESSAY QUESTIONS

ADVICE SPECIFIC TO LONG ESSAY QUESTIONS

Write logically organized paragraphs.

Use complete sentences with a subject and verb.  

ADVICE SPECIFIC TO SHORT ESSAY QUESTIONS

Organize your ideas in a logical manner, but do not worry so much about proper sentence and paragraph construction.

Home  

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
• The Arts: Visual Arts
• Individuals & Societies: Business Management
• Individuals & Societies: History
• Individuals & Societies: Psychology
• Language Acquisition
• Language and Literature
• Sciences: Biology
• Sciences: Sports, Exercise, and Health Sciences
• Interdisciplinary Papers: World Studies
• Assessment Criteria
• Research Questions
• Investigation

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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• CBSE Class 12

CBSE Class 12 Biology Competency-Based Questions With Answer Key 2024-25: Chapter 5 Human Health And Disease FREE PDF Download!

Cbse class 12 maths chapter 5 practice questions 2025: this article will give you insights on competency-based questions along with the answer key for chapter 5 human health and diseases. you can download the pdf for free..

CBSE 2024-25 Competency-Based Questions With Answers: Assessment plays a crucial role in learning as it helps to solidify the knowledge that students learn throughout the course. Competency-based questions are designed to evaluate the grasp of the students on a certain topic or subject. 

The Central Board Of Secondary Education has made available the competency-based questions for class 12 for the academic year 2024-25. Students who want to score well in the exam can take a look at these competency-based questions that are provided chapter-wise along with their answers as well. 

1. In addition to being a vector, the female Anopheles mosquito also acts as a host for the malarial parasite - Plasmodium. Choose the option that supports the role of the female Anopheles mosquito as a host.

A. Liver cells serve as the site for the multiplication of Plasmodium.

• B. Plasmodium completes part of its lifecycle in the female Anopheles.

C. The female Anopheles mosquito lays eggs in stagnant pools of water.

The female Anopheles mosquito transmits Plasmodium to humans by biting.

2. Immuno-suppressants are administered to patients post-organ transplantation and also to those suffering from auto-immune disorders. In which of the following ways are immuno-suppressants helpful?

A. They trigger an allergic response.

B. They eliminate unhealthy tissues.

• C. They control the cell-mediated response.

They differentiate between self and non-self parts of the body.

3. Drug abuse is a common problem faced by countries around the world today due to its impact on the health and well-being of an individual.

(a) How is the cocaine consumed? What impact does it have on the body?

(b) Some drugs make an individual sleepy while others make them hyper-energetic. Using appropriate examples, explain this statement.

Answers 

• (a) 1 mark each for the following:
• Cocaine is usually consumed by snorting/smoking.
• Both these actions involve the respiratory system and so cocaine consumption can interfere with the regular functioning of the respiratory tract.
• Heroin is a drug that acts as a depressant to the functioning of the nervous system and so it slows down bodily functions and makes an individual sleepy.
• Cocaine is a drug that stimulates the nervous system thereby making an individual feel very energetic.

[Accept any other valid answer]

• Using drugs chronically makes the body used to functioning in the presence of the drug.

Sudden removal of the drug from the body leads to the body asking for the drug through improper functioning or withdrawal symptoms.

Now, that we have provided the questions and answers for CBSE Class 12 Biology Chapter-5 Human Health And Diseases, we are also providing the Free PDF to download the file from the given link below. 

CHECK: CBSE Class 12 Biology Chapter-5 Human Health And Disease  Competency-Based Questions With Answer Key 2024-25 Free PDF Download

• CBSE Class 12 Biology Competency-Based Questions With Answer Key 2024-25: Chapter 3 Ecosystem FREE PDF Download!
• CBSE Class 12 Biology Competency-Based Questions With Answer Key 2024-25: Chapter 4 Environmental Issues FREE PDF Download!

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Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation at 60: A look back and forward

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• The Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation marked its 60th anniversary with a conference in Kigali, Rwanda this July. The ATBC has diversified its membership and expanded its scope since its founding in 1963, when most members were U.S. scientists working in Latin America, and only one member was a woman.
• This year’s ATBC meeting included 400 attendees from 52 countries, with participants coming from African, Asian and Latin American nations. Annual conferences now rotate between these three tropical realms.
• In the 21st century, conservation has increasingly become an ATBC focus. This July’s meeting in Kigali, like other recent meetings was designed to have a lasting impact on the local scientific community by offering free field courses and scholarships to Rwandan students.
• Today, the distribution of educational resources and employment opportunities for tropical studies is still skewed heavily toward countries in the Global North. ATBC members say they hope to change this by emphasizing “South-South” collaborations, with knowledge sharing between tropical nations around the globe.

KIGALI — When scientists, conservationists and policymakers from around the world gathered in East Africa this July — exchanging ideas, celebrating successes and planning for the future — the international group represented a living showcase of the dramatic transformations in tropical ecology research that has occurred over the last 60 years.

Founded in 1963 by a group of 32 men — mostly white, mostly from the U.S. — and just one woman, the Association for Tropical Biology focused primarily on advancing Neotropical botanical science.

A 2003 name change to the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation reflected the expansion of that mission to include tropical conservation. With 1,000 members in 70 nations today, the professional society’s international membership represents an increasingly diverse roster of scientists from the Global North, tropical Latin America, Africa and Asia, with expertise in everything from carnivores to climate change.

The roots of tropical ecology

The ATBC was born at the height of the Cold War, a time of intense global geopolitical upheaval. It was also an era in which the study of tropical ecology still heavily reflected the legacy of the 19 th -century colonial period, when jungle collections gathered by European and U.S. explorers attracted the interest of scientists who mostly viewed tropical organisms from afar, and as strange but worth learning about.

In 1898, at the end of the Spanish-American War, the United States annexed Caribbean colonies, and U.S. researchers began advocating for the closer study of tropical organisms in their natural habitats. This facilitated the establishment of important tropical research field stations during the early 20 th century in Soledad, Cuba, and in Panama’s U.S.-administered Canal Zone.

At these early field research stations, local people were present only as cooks and laborers, not as scientific collaborators or as students, a relationship that reflected the larger power imbalance between the Global North and its colonies.

The rise of anti-colonial movements in the mid-20 th century upended that political and scientific order. After the Cuban Revolution of 1959, U.S.-Cuba relations deteriorated, the Soledad research station was nationalized, and U.S. scientists left the country. A strong anti-colonial protest movement in Panama and elsewhere in the tropics raised serious concerns about access to field sites.

“The mood I get from the writings of those American tropical scientists is that they’re panicking,” says University of Texas at Austin historian Megan Raby, who studies the origins of tropical ecology. “They’re struggling to find a new way to get to the places they want to work in, and a new way to frame what they’re interested in doing.”

In 1960, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami, Florida, a facility that had close ties to the now lost research station in Cuba, convened a meeting on tropical botany attended almost exclusively by U.S. participants. Recognition of the need to deepen connections with other tropical countries and embrace a more collaborative model led to a follow-up meeting in Trinidad in 1962. That session, besides U.S. participants, boasted significant representation from Latin America and the Caribbean.

“Even though they were in a minority, those Latin American scientists really pushed for things they were interested in,” Raby says. “And their interest was not so much in establishing stations for foreign researchers as in circulating publications, having classes on applied questions, and really sharing resources.”

This more diverse group formally established itself as the Association for Tropical Biology in 1963. Initial association meetings tended to focus on botany, with annual gatherings alternating between the U.S. and somewhere in the Neotropics. The organization then still reflected a heavy bias toward U.S. researchers and their networks. Among the founders there was only one woman, the esteemed U.S. botanist Mildred Mathias.

Diversifying in the 21 st century

Over the next six decades, the organization’s focus shifted, with the geographic diversity of members increasing, the tropical regions in which conferences were held widening, and the scientific topics on which members worked broadening. Women’s representation also increased, while the emphasis on conservation deepened.

Major changes have taken place over the last two decades. This year’s Kigali conference is only the organization’s third in Africa , with the other two occurring in the last 15 years. Conferences in Asia have also increased, and the ATBC is now devoted to rotating meetings between tropical Asia, Africa and Latin America.

“The reason why we travel the world is because we want to bring people from nearby countries to participate,” says Lúcia Lohmann, ATBC’s executive director since 2019, who originally hails from Brazil and now holds a professorship at the University of California, Berkeley. This year’s ATBC meeting included 400 attendees from 52 countries, with many from African nations.

The theme of the 60 th -anniversary conference was “Achieving Inclusive Science for Effective Conservation, Adaptation, and Resilience in the Tropics,” reflecting a dramatic conceptual expansion from the 50 th -anniversary theme of “New Frontiers in Tropical Biology: The Next 50 years.” In addition to a diverse menu of scientific talks, the ATBC conference held 13 workshops, with topics ranging from incorporating gender into research and practice, to scientific illustration and science communication, to emerging technologies like environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring.

Today’s ATBC has signaled a commitment to making a positive lasting impact on local scientific capacity and infrastructure wherever it hosts its conferences, and achieves this goal partly by providing scholarships for local students. In Kigali this July, the ATBC made 61 scholarships available to Rwandan students to attend the meeting. Broadening the geographic and gender diversity of those receiving honorary fellowships also plays a big role in increasing the representativeness of the membership at large, according to Lohmann.

Facilitating local conservation

Another key local initiative carried out at annual meetings is the teaching of skills in tropical ecology via workshops and field courses. Before the Kigali conference, 20 Rwandan students attended a free course led by UC Berkeley ecologist Paul Fine, covering the basics of plant systematics and specimen preparation — a course sited in the misty mountains of Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park, home to much of the country’s imperiled biodiversity.

The local impacts of the ATBC’s globetrotting conferences is quantifiable. For instance, after the association’s 2019 conference in Antananarivo, Madagascar, a survey found that Malagasy researchers made up 34% of the total conference attendees, and 40% of them said that developing a professional network was the most consequential outcome of the meeting. As with other recent ATBC conferences, Kigali attendees will produce a declaration synthesizing the themes emerging from the event with current local conservation issues to raise awareness and spur action.

The ATBC continues focusing not only on basic science to understand how natural systems work, but also on applying that knowledge to tropical conservation. “When you bring conservation in — because conservation is a crisis discipline that deals with imperfect and incomplete data sets — there’s a tension,” says Colombian ecologist Natalia Ocampo-Peñuela, now at the University of California, Santa Cruz. “But I’ve seen that tension dissolve at ATBC over the years as basic science is being used to ask conservation questions that could never be asked before.”

Local conservationists had a strong presence in Kigali, illustrating the benefits of applying a scientific approach to conservation. In one conference session, Rwandan scientist Deogratias Tuyisingize of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund reviewed efforts to census the endangered Grauer’s swamp warbler ( Bradypterus graueri ), a bird endemic to high-altitude bogs in East Africa’s Albertine Rift mountains. In another, Rwandan bird guide Joseph Lionceau explained approaches by the Rugezi Ornithology Center to restore native vegetation around a lake important to waterfowl.

New models for the future

Despite progress toward creating a strong science and conservation presence in tropical nations, there’s still more to do, say Kigali participants. “We have a biodiversity hotspot here in Rwanda, but funding and training limit how we can explore it, and we have to wait for outsiders from overseas to come do research here,” says Delphine Mpayimana, a Rwandan student who participated in the ATBC field course. While Mpayimana completed her master’s degree at the University of Rwanda, she, like many other science students from tropical developing countries, is mainly looking abroad to advance her career as that is where funding for a Ph.D. or job is more attainable.

That unequal distribution of educational and employment opportunities means that tropical countries lose many of their best scientists to the Global North, which results in an ironic and inefficient situation where scientists need to be employed by institutions half a world away just to study their own countries. An important theme to emerge from the Kigali conference addresses this dilemma by fostering “South-South” collaborations.

“ATBC has done really well at building collaborations ‘North-to-South,’ but what we know from the Neotropics, the African tropics, and the Asian tropics is still not being cross-referenced throughout the tropical belt,” says Ocampo-Peñuela. “Learning from researchers in the tropics for other parts of the tropics and building pan-tropical collaborations is something that would be really powerful.” One way to achieve this goal, she suggests, would be for conservation funders to endow positions in tropical countries in order to retain talent or attract researchers from elsewhere in the tropics.

Advancing these priorities would benefit people everywhere, including in the Global North, because collaborations that boost scientists and research from tropical countries can positively impact the entire world. “We all depend on tropical ecosystems for our existence,” says Lohmann. “If we don’t have tropical forests, we’ll feel the impact through climate change wherever we are.”

Banner image: Panelists from across Africa convene for a session on “Changing the Narrative: Hope in African Conservation” at ATBC’s 2024 conference in Kigali, Rwanda. The panel was hosted by Mongabay Africa Program Director David Akana. Image courtesy of ATBC.” Image courtesy of the ATBC.

Rakotomanana, H., Razanamaro, O. H., Ravelomanana, A., Andriantsaralaza, S., Rafalinirina, A. H., Razanaparany, T. P., … Goodman, S. M. (2023). ATBC 2019 in Madagascar: Its impact on the national scientific community. Biotropica , 56 (1), 50-57. doi: 10.1111/btp.13277

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