Module 1: The Chemistry of Life

• Define matter and elements
• Describe the interrelationship between protons, neutrons, and electrons
• Compare the ways in which electrons can be donated or shared between atoms
• Explain the ways in which naturally occurring elements combine to create molecules, cells, tissues, organ systems, and organisms
• Describe the properties of water that are critical to maintaining life
• Explain why water is an excellent solvent
• Discuss the role of acids, bases, and buffers in homeostasis
• Explain why carbon is important for life
• Describe the role of functional groups in biological molecules

Module 2: The Cell

• Describe the role of cells in organisms
• Compare and contrast light microscopy and electron microscopy
• Summarize cell theory
• Name examples of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms
• Explain why cells must be small
• Describe the structure of eukaryotic cells
• Compare animal cells with plant cells
• State the role of the plasma membrane
• Summarize the functions of the major cell organelles
• Recognize the relationship between the endomembrane system and its functions
• Describe the cytoskeleton
• Compare the roles of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules
• Summarize the differences among the components of prokaryotic cells, animal cells, and plant cells
• Describe the extracellular matrix
• List examples of the ways that plant cells and animal cells communicate with adjacent cells
• Summarize the roles of tight junctions, desmosomes, gap junctions, and plasmodesmata

Module 3: Genetics

• Describe the behavior of chromosomes during meiosis, and the differences between the first and second meiotic divisions
• Describe the cellular events that take place during meiosis
• Explain the differences between meiosis and mitosis
• Explain that meiosis and sexual reproduction are highly evolved traits
• Identify variation among offspring as a potential evolutionary advantage of sexual reproduction
• Describe the three different life-cycle types among sexually reproducing multicellular organisms.
• Describe the scientific reasons for the success of Mendel’s experimental work
• Describe the expected outcomes of monohybrid crosses involving dominant and recessive alleles
• Apply the sum and product rules to calculate probabilities
• Explain the relationship between genotypes and phenotypes in dominant and recessive gene systems
• Develop a Punnett square to calculate the expected proportions of genotypes and phenotypes in a monohybrid cross
• Identify non-Mendelian inheritance patterns such as incomplete dominance, codominance, recessive lethals, multiple alleles, and sex linkage
• Explain Mendel’s law of segregation and independent assortment in terms of genetics and the events of meiosis
• Use the forked-line method and the probability rules to calculate the probability of genotypes and phenotypes from multiple gene crosses
• Explain the effect of linkage and recombination on gamete genotypes
• Explain the phenotypic outcomes of epistatic effects between genes
• Discuss Sutton’s Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance
• Describe genetic linkage
• Explain the process of homologous recombination, or crossing over
• Describe chromosome creation
• Calculate the distances between three genes on a chromosome using a three-point test cross
• Describe how a karyogram is created
• Explain how nondisjunction leads to disorders in chromosome number
• Compare disorders that aneuploidy causes
• Describe how errors in chromosome structure occur through inversions and translocations
• Explain transformation of DNA
• Describe the key experiments that helped identify that DNA is the genetic material
• State and explain Chargaff’s rules
• Describe the structure of DNA
• Explain the Sanger method of DNA sequencing
• Discuss the similarities and differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic DNA
• Explain how the structure of DNA reveals the replication process
• Describe the Meselson and Stahl experiments
• Explain the process of DNA replication in prokaryotes
• Discuss the role of different enzymes and proteins in supporting this process
• Discuss the similarities and differences between DNA replication in eukaryotes and prokaryotes
• State the role of telomerase in DNA replication
• Discuss the different types of mutations in DNA
• Explain DNA repair mechanisms
• Explain the “central dogma” of DNA-protein synthesis
• Describe the genetic code and how the nucleotide sequence prescribes the amino acid and the protein sequence
• List the different steps in prokaryotic transcription
• Discuss the role of promoters in prokaryotic transcription
• Describe how and when transcription is terminated
• List the steps in eukaryotic transcription
• Discuss the role of RNA polymerases in transcription
• Compare and contrast the three RNA polymerases
• Explain the significance of transcription factors
• Describe the different steps in RNA processing
• Understand the significance of exons, introns, and splicing for mRNAs
• Explain how tRNAs and rRNAs are processed
• Describe the different steps in protein synthesis
• Discuss the role of ribosomes in protein synthesis
• Discuss why every cell does not express all of its genes all of the time
• Describe how prokaryotic gene regulation occurs at the transcriptional level
• Discuss how eukaryotic gene regulation occurs at the epigenetic, transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels
• Describe the steps involved in prokaryotic gene regulation
• Explain the roles of activators, inducers, and repressors in gene regulation
• Explain how chromatin remodeling controls transcriptional access
• Describe how access to DNA is controlled by histone modification
• Describe how DNA methylation is related to epigenetic gene changes
• Discuss the role of transcription factors in gene regulation
• Explain how enhancers and repressors regulate gene expression
• Understand RNA splicing and explain its role in regulating gene expression
• Describe the importance of RNA stability in gene regulation
• Understand the process of translation and discuss its key factors
• Describe how the initiation complex controls translation
• Explain the different ways in which the post-translational control of gene expression takes place
• Describe how changes to gene expression can cause cancer
• Explain how changes to gene expression at different levels can disrupt the cell cycle
• Discuss how understanding regulation of gene expression can lead to better drug design
• Describe gel electrophoresis
• Explain molecular and reproductive cloning
• Describe biotechnology uses in medicine and agriculture
• Define genomics
• Describe genetic and physical maps
• Describe genomic mapping methods
• Describe three types of sequencing
• Define whole-genome sequencing
• Explain pharmacogenomics
• Define polygenic
• Explain systems biology
• Describe a proteome
• Define protein signature

Module 4: Evolutionary Processes

• Describe how scientists developed the present-day theory of evolution
• Define adaptation
• Explain convergent and divergent evolution
• Describe homologous and vestigial structures
• Discuss misconceptions about the theory of evolution
• Define species and describe how scientists identify species as different
• Describe genetic variables that lead to speciation
• Identify prezygotic and postzygotic reproductive barriers
• Explain allopatric and sympatric speciation
• Describe adaptive radiation
• Describe pathways of species evolution in hybrid zones
• Explain the two major theories on rates of speciation
• Define population genetics and describe how scientists use population genetics in studying population evolution
• Define the Hardy-Weinberg principle and discuss its importance
• Describe the different types of variation in a population
• Explain why only natural selection can act upon heritable variation
• Describe genetic drift and the bottleneck effect
• Explain how each evolutionary force can influence a population’s allele frequencies
• Explain the different ways natural selection can shape populations
• Describe how these different forces can lead to different outcomes in terms of the population variation
• Discuss the need for a comprehensive classification system
• List the different levels of the taxonomic classification system
• Describe how systematics and taxonomy relate to phylogeny
• Discuss a phylogenetic tree’s components and purpose
• Compare homologous and analogous traits
• Discuss the purpose of cladistics
• Describe maximum parsimony
• Describe horizontal gene transfer
• Illustrate how prokaryotes and eukaryotes transfer genes horizontally
• Identify the web and ring models of phylogenetic relationships and describe how they differ from the original phylogenetic tree concept

Module 5: Biological Diversity

• Describe how viruses were first discovered and how they are detected
• Discuss three hypotheses about how viruses evolved
• Describe the general structure of a virus
• Recognize the basic shapes of viruses
• Understand past and emerging classification systems for viruses
• Describe the basis for the Baltimore classification system
• List the steps of replication and explain what occurs at each step
• Describe the lytic and lysogenic cycles of virus replication
• Explain the transmission of plant and animal viruses
• Discuss some of the diseases caused by plant and animal viruses
• Discuss the economic impact of plant and animal viruses
• Identify major viral illnesses that affect humans
• Compare vaccinations and anti-viral drugs as medical approaches to viruses
• Describe prions and their basic properties
• Define viroids and their targets of infection
• Describe the evolutionary history of prokaryotes
• Discuss the distinguishing features of extremophiles
• Explain why it is difficult to culture prokaryotes
• Describe the basic structure of a typical prokaryote
• Describe important differences in structure between Archaea and Bacteria
• Identify the macronutrients needed by prokaryotes, and explain their importance
• Describe the ways in which prokaryotes get energy and carbon for life processes
• Describe the roles of prokaryotes in the carbon and nitrogen cycles
• Identify bacterial diseases that caused historically important plagues and epidemics
• Describe the link between biofilms and foodborne diseases
• Explain how overuse of antibiotics may be creating “super bugs”
• Explain the importance of MRSA with respect to the problems of antibiotic resistance
• Explain the need for nitrogen fixation and how it is accomplished
• Describe the beneficial effects of bacteria that colonize our skin and digestive tracts
• Identify prokaryotes used during the processing of food
• Describe the use of prokaryotes in bioremediation
• List the unifying characteristics of eukaryotes
• Describe what scientists know about the origins of eukaryotes based on the last common ancestor
• Explain the endosymbiotic theory
• Describe the cell structure characteristics of protists
• Describe the metabolic diversity of protists
• Describe the life cycle diversity of protists
• Describe representative protist organisms from each of the six presently recognized supergroups of eukaryotes
• Identify the evolutionary relationships of plants, animals, and fungi within the six presently recognized supergroups of eukaryotes
• Identify defining features of protists in each of the six supergroups of eukaryotes.
• Describe the role that protists play in the ecosystem
• Describe important pathogenic species of protists
• List the characteristics of fungi
• Describe the composition of the mycelium
• Describe the mode of nutrition of fungi
• Explain sexual and asexual reproduction in fungi
• Identify fungi and place them into the five major phyla according to current classification
• Describe each phylum in terms of major representative species and patterns of reproduction
• Describe the role of fungi in various ecosystems
• Describe mutualistic relationships of fungi with plant roots and photosynthetic organisms
• Describe the beneficial relationship between some fungi and insects
• Describe some fungal parasites and pathogens of plants
• Describe the different types of fungal infections in humans
• Explain why antifungal therapy is hampered by the similarity between fungal and animal cells
• Describe the importance of fungi to the balance of the environment
• Summarize the role of fungi in agriculture and food and beverage preparation
• Describe the importance of fungi in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries
• Discuss the role of fungi as model organisms
• Discuss the challenges to plant life on land
• Describe the adaptations that allowed plants to colonize the land
• Describe the timeline of plant evolution and the impact of land plants on other living things
• Describe the traits shared by green algae and land plants
• Explain why charophytes are considered the closest algal relative to land plants
• Explain how current phylogenetic relationships are reshaped by comparative analysis of DNA sequences
• Identify the main characteristics of bryophytes
• Describe the distinguishing traits of liverworts, hornworts, and mosses
• Chart the development of land adaptations in the bryophytes
• Describe the events in the bryophyte lifecycle
• Identify the new traits that first appear in seedless tracheophytes
• Discuss how each trait is important for adaptation to life on land
• Identify the classes of seedless tracheophytes
• Describe the life cycle of a fern
• Explain the role of seedless plants in the ecosystem
• Describe the two major innovations that allowed seed plants to reproduce in the absence of water
• Explain when seed plants first appeared and when gymnosperms became the dominant plant group
• Discuss the purpose of pollen grains and seeds
• Describe the significance of angiosperms bearing both flowers and fruit
• Discuss the type of seeds produced by gymnosperms, as well as other characteristics of gymnosperms
• Identify the geological era dominated by the gymnosperms and describe the conditions to which they were adapted
• List the four groups of modern-day gymnosperms and provide examples of each
• Describe the life cycle of a typical gymnosperm
• Explain why angiosperms are the dominant form of plant life in most terrestrial ecosystems
• Describe the main parts of a flower and their functions
• Detail the life cycle of a typical gymnosperm and angiosperm
• Discuss the similarities and differences between the two main groups of flowering plants
• Explain how angiosperm diversity is due, in part, to multiple complex interactions with animals
• Describe ways in which pollination occurs
• Discuss the roles that plants play in ecosystems and how deforestation threatens plant biodiversity
• List the features that distinguish the kingdom Animalia from other kingdoms
• Explain the processes of animal reproduction and embryonic development
• Describe the roles that Hox genes play in development
• Explain the differences in animal body plans that support basic animal classification
• Compare and contrast the embryonic development of protostomes and deuterostomes
• Interpret the metazoan phylogenetic tree
• Describe the types of data that scientists use to construct and revise animal phylogeny
• List some of the relationships within the modern phylogenetic tree that have been discovered as a result of modern molecular data
• Describe the features that characterized the earliest animals and approximately when they appeared on earth
• Explain the significance of the Cambrian period for animal evolution and the changes in animal diversity that took place during that time
• Describe some of the unresolved questions surrounding the Cambrian explosion
• Discuss the implications of mass animal extinctions that have occurred in evolutionary history
• Describe the organizational features of the simplest multicellular organisms
• Explain the various body forms and bodily functions of sponges
• Compare structural and organization characteristics of Porifera and Cnidaria
• Describe the progressive development of tissues and their relevance to animal complexity
• Identify the two general body forms found in the Cnidaria
• Describe the identifying features of the major cnidarian classes
• Describe the unique anatomical and morphological features of flatworms, rotifers, and Nemertea
• Identify an important extracoelomic cavity found in Nemertea
• Explain the key features of Platyhelminthes and their importance as parasites
• Describe the unique anatomical and morphological features of molluscs and annelids
• Describe the formation of the coelom
• Identify an important extracoelomic cavity in molluscs
• Describe the major body regions of Mollusca and how they vary in different molluscan classes
• Discuss the advantages of true body segmentation
• Describe the features of animals classified in phylum Annelida
• Describe the structural organization of nematodes
• Describe the importance of Caenorhabditis elegans in research
• Describe the features of Tardigrades
• Compare the internal systems and appendage specializations of phylum Arthropoda
• Discuss the environmental importance of arthropods
• Discuss the reasons for arthropod success and abundance
• Describe the distinguishing characteristics of echinoderms
• Describe the distinguishing characteristics of chordates
• Describe the distinguishing characteristics of chordates
• Identify the derived characters of craniates that sets them apart from other chordates
• Describe the developmental fate of the notochord in vertebrates
• Describe the difference between jawless and jawed fishes
• Describe the important difference between the life cycle of amphibians and the life cycles of other vertebrates
• Distinguish between the characteristics of Urodela, Anura, and Apoda
• Describe the evolutionary history of amphibians
• Describe the main characteristics of amniotes
• Explain the difference between anapsids, synapsids, and diapsids, and give an example of each
• Identify the characteristics of reptiles
• Discuss the evolution of reptiles
• Describe the evolutionary history of birds
• Describe the derived characteristics in birds that facilitate flight
• Name and describe the distinguishing features of the three main groups of mammals
• Describe the likely line of evolutionary descent that produced mammals
• List some derived features that may have arisen in response to mammals’ need for constant, high-level metabolism
• Identify the major clades of eutherian mammals
• Describe the derived features that distinguish primates from other animals
• Identify the major hominin precursors to modern humans
• Explain why scientists are having difficulty determining the true lines of descent in hominids

Module 6: Plant Structure and Function

• Describe the shoot organ system and the root organ system
• Distinguish between meristematic tissue and permanent tissue
• Identify and describe the three regions where plant growth occurs
• Summarize the roles of dermal tissue, vascular tissue, and ground tissue
• Compare simple plant tissue with complex plant tissue
• Describe the main function and basic structure of stems
• Compare and contrast the roles of dermal tissue, vascular tissue, and ground tissue
• Distinguish between primary growth and secondary growth in stems
• Summarize the origin of annual rings
• List and describe examples of modified stems
• Identify the two types of root systems
• Describe the three zones of the root tip and summarize the role of each zone in root growth
• Describe the structure of the root
• List and describe examples of modified roots
• Identify the parts of a typical leaf
• Describe the internal structure and function of a leaf
• Compare and contrast simple leaves and compound leaves
• List and describe examples of modified leaves
• Define water potential and explain how it is influenced by solutes, pressure, gravity, and the matric potential
• Describe how water potential, evapotranspiration, and stomatal regulation influence how water is transported in plants
• Explain how photosynthates are transported in plants
• Describe how red and blue light affect plant growth and metabolic activities
• Discuss gravitropism
• Understand how hormones affect plant growth and development
• Describe thigmotropism, thigmonastism, and thigmogenesis
• Explain how plants defend themselves from predators and respond to wounds
• Describe how plants obtain nutrients
• List the elements and compounds required for proper plant nutrition
• Describe an essential nutrient
• Describe how soils are formed
• Explain soil composition
• Describe a soil profile
• Understand the nutritional adaptations of plants
• Describe mycorrhizae
• Explain nitrogen fixation
• Describe the two stages of a plant’s lifecycle
• Compare and contrast male and female gametophytes and explain how they form in angiosperms
• Describe the reproductive structures of a plant
• Describe the components of a complete flower
• Describe the development of microsporangium and megasporangium in gymnosperms
• Describe what must occur for plant fertilization
• Explain cross-pollination and the ways in which it takes place
• Describe the process that leads to the development of a seed
• Define double fertilization
• Compare the mechanisms and methods of natural and artificial asexual reproduction
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of natural and artificial asexual reproduction
• Discuss plant life spans

Module 7: Animal Structure and Function

• Describe the various types of body plans that occur in animals
• Describe limits on animal size and shape
• Relate bioenergetics to body size, levels of activity, and the environment
• Describe epithelial tissues
• Discuss the different types of connective tissues in animals
• Describe three types of muscle tissues
• Describe nervous tissue
• Define homeostasis
• Describe the factors affecting homeostasis
• Discuss positive and negative feedback mechanisms used in homeostasis
• Describe thermoregulation of endothermic and ectothermic animals
• Explain the processes of digestion and absorption
• Compare and contrast different types of digestive systems
• Explain the specialized functions of the organs involved in processing food in the body
• Describe the ways in which organs work together to digest food and absorb nutrients
• Explain why an animal’s diet should be balanced and meet the needs of the body
• Define the primary components of food
• Describe the essential nutrients required for cellular function that cannot be synthesized by the animal body
• Explain how energy is produced through diet and digestion
• Describe how excess carbohydrates and energy are stored in the body
• Describe the process of digestion
• Detail the steps involved in digestion and absorption
• Define elimination
• Explain the role of both the small and large intestines in absorption
• Discuss the role of neural regulation in digestive processes
• Explain how hormones regulate digestion
• List and describe the functions of the structural components of a neuron
• List and describe the four main types of neurons
• Compare the functions of different types of glial cells
• Describe the basis of the resting membrane potential
• Explain the stages of an action potential and how action potentials are propagated
• Explain the similarities and differences between chemical and electrical synapses
• Describe long-term potentiation and long-term depression
• Identify the spinal cord, cerebral lobes, and other brain areas on a diagram of the brain
• Describe the basic functions of the spinal cord, cerebral lobes, and other brain areas
• Describe the organization and functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
• Describe the organization and function of the sensory-somatic nervous system
• Describe the symptoms, potential causes, and treatment of several examples of nervous system disorders
• Identify the general and special senses in humans
• Describe three important steps in sensory perception
• Explain the concept of just-noticeable difference in sensory perception
• Describe four important mechanoreceptors in human skin
• Describe the topographical distribution of somatosensory receptors between glabrous and hairy skin
• Explain why the perception of pain is subjective
• Explain in what way smell and taste stimuli differ from other sensory stimuli
• Identify the five primary tastes that can be distinguished by humans
• Explain in anatomical terms why a dog’s sense of smell is more acute than a human’s
• Describe the relationship of amplitude and frequency of a sound wave to attributes of sound
• Trace the path of sound through the auditory system to the site of transduction of sound
• Identify the structures of the vestibular system that respond to gravity
• Explain how electromagnetic waves differ from sound waves
• Trace the path of light through the eye to the point of the optic nerve
• Explain tonic activity as it is manifested in photoreceptors in the retina
• Identify different hormones and explain their role in maintaining homeostasis
• Explain how hormones work
• Discuss the role of different types of hormone receptors
• Explain how hormones regulate the excretory system
• Discuss the role of hormones in the reproductive system
• Describe how hormones regulate metabolism
• Explain the role of hormones in different diseases
• Explain how hormone production is regulated
• Discuss the different stimuli that control hormone levels in the body
• Describe the role of different glands in the endocrine system
• Explain how the different glands work together to maintain homeostasis
• Discuss the different types of skeletal systems
• Explain the role of the human skeletal system
• Compare and contrast different skeletal systems
• Classify the different types of bones in the skeleton
• Explain the role of the different cell types in bone
• Explain how bone forms during development
• Classify the different types of joints on the basis of structure
• Explain the role of joints in skeletal movement
• Classify the different types of muscle tissue
• Explain the role of muscles in locomotion
• Describe the passage of air from the outside environment to the lungs
• Explain how the lungs are protected from particulate matter
• Name and describe lung volumes and capacities
• Understand how gas pressure influences how gases move into and out of the body
• Describe how the structures of the lungs and thoracic cavity control the mechanics of breathing
• Explain the importance of compliance and resistance in the lungs
• Discuss problems that may arise due to a V/Q mismatch
• Describe how oxygen is bound to hemoglobin and transported to body tissues
• Explain how carbon dioxide is transported from body tissues to the lungs
• Describe an open and closed circulatory system
• Describe interstitial fluid and hemolymph
• Compare and contrast the organization and evolution of the vertebrate circulatory system
• Compare red and white blood cells
• Describe blood plasma and serum
• Describe the structure of the heart and explain how cardiac muscle is different from other muscles
• Describe the cardiac cycle
• Explain the structure of arteries, veins, and capillaries, and how blood flows through the body
• Describe the system of blood flow through the body
• Describe how blood pressure is regulated
• Define osmosis and explain its role within molecules
• Explain why osmoregulation and osmotic balance are important body functions
• Describe active transport mechanisms
• Explain osmolarity and the way in which it is measured
• Describe osmoregulators or osmoconformers and how these tools allow animals to adapt to different environments
• Explain how the kidneys serve as the main osmoregulatory organs in mammalian systems
• Describe the structure of the kidneys and the functions of the parts of the kidney
• Describe how the nephron is the functional unit of the kidney and explain how it actively filters blood and generates urine
• Detail the three steps in the formation of urine: glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and tubular secretion
• Explain how vacuoles, present in microorganisms, work to excrete waste
• Describe the way in which flame cells and nephridia in worms perform excretory functions and maintain osmotic balance
• Explain how insects use Malpighian tubules to excrete wastes and maintain osmotic balance
• Compare and contrast the way in which aquatic animals and terrestrial animals can eliminate toxic ammonia from their systems
• Compare the major byproduct of ammonia metabolism in vertebrate animals to that of birds, insects, and reptiles
• Explain how hormonal cues help the kidneys synchronize the osmotic needs of the body
• Describe how hormones like epinephrine, norepinephrine, renin-angiotensin, aldosterone, anti-diuretic hormone, and atrial natriuretic peptide help regulate waste elimination, maintain correct osmolarity, and perform other osmoregulatory functions
• Describe physical and chemical immune barriers
• Explain immediate and induced innate immune responses
• Discuss natural killer cells
• Describe major histocompatibility class I molecules
• Summarize how the proteins in a complement system function to destroy extracellular pathogens
• Explain adaptive immunity
• Compare and contrast adaptive and innate immunity
• Describe cell-mediated immune response and humoral immune response
• Describe immune tolerance
• Explain cross-reactivity
• Describe the structure and function of antibodies
• Discuss antibody production
• Describe hypersensitivity
• Define autoimmunity
• Describe advantages and disadvantages of asexual and sexual reproduction
• Discuss asexual reproduction methods
• Discuss sexual reproduction methods
• Discuss internal and external methods of fertilization
• Describe the methods used by animals for development of offspring during gestation
• Describe the anatomical adaptions that occurred in animals to facilitate reproduction
• Describe human male and female reproductive anatomies
• Discuss the human sexual response
• Describe spermatogenesis and oogenesis and discuss their differences and similarities
• Describe the roles of male and female reproductive hormones
• Discuss the interplay of the ovarian and menstrual cycles
• Describe the process of menopause
• Explain fetal development during the three trimesters of gestation
• Describe labor and delivery
• Compare the efficacy and duration of various types of contraception
• Discuss causes of infertility and the therapeutic options available
• Discuss how fertilization occurs
• Explain how the embryo forms from the zygote
• Discuss the role of cleavage and gastrulation in animal development
• Describe the process of organogenesis
• Identify the anatomical axes formed in vertebrates
• Identify the two major abiotic factors that determine terrestrial biomes
• Recognize distinguishing characteristics of each of the eight major terrestrial biomes

Module 8: Ecology

• Define ecology and the four basic levels of ecological research
• Describe examples of the ways in which ecology requires the integration of different scientific disciplines
• Distinguish between abiotic and biotic components of the environment
• Recognize the relationship between abiotic and biotic components of the environment
• Define biogeography
• List and describe abiotic factors that affect the global distribution of plant and animal species
• Compare the impact of abiotic forces on aquatic and terrestrial environments
• Summarize the effects of abiotic factors on net primary productivity
• Describe the effects of abiotic factors on the composition of plant and animal communities in aquatic biomes
• Compare and contrast the characteristics of the ocean zones
• Summarize the characteristics of standing water and flowing water freshwater biomes
• Define global climate change
• Summarize the effects of the Industrial Revolution on global atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration
• Describe three natural factors affecting long-term global climate
• List two or more greenhouse gases and describe their role in the greenhouse effect
• Describe how ecologists measure population size and density
• Describe three different patterns of population distribution
• Use life tables to calculate mortality rates
• Describe the three types of survivorship curves and relate them to specific populations
• Describe how life history patterns are influenced by natural selection
• Explain different life history patterns and how different reproductive strategies affect species’ survival
• Explain the characteristics of and differences between exponential and logistic growth patterns
• Give examples of exponential and logistic growth in natural populations
• Describe how natural selection and environmental adaptation led to the evolution of particular life history patterns
• Give examples of how the carrying capacity of a habitat may changeCompare and contrast density-dependent growth regulation and density-independent growth regulation, giving examples
• Give examples of exponential and logistic growth in wild animal populations
• Describe how natural selection and environmental adaptation leads to the evolution of particular life-history patterns
• Discuss exponential human population growth
• Explain how humans have expanded the carrying capacity of their habitat
• Relate population growth and age structure to the level of economic development in different countries
• Discuss the long-term implications of unchecked human population growth
• Discuss the predator-prey cycle
• Give examples of defenses against predation and herbivory
• Describe the competitive exclusion principle
• Give examples of symbiotic relationships between species
• Describe community structure and succession
• Compare innate and learned behavior
• Discuss how movement and migration behaviors are a result of natural selection
• Discuss the different ways members of a population communicate with each other
• Give examples of how species use energy for mating displays and other courtship behaviors
• Differentiate between various mating systems
• Describe different ways that species learn
• Describe the basic ecosystem types
• Explain the methods that ecologists use to study ecosystem structure and dynamics
• Identify the different methods of ecosystem modeling
• Differentiate between food chains and food webs and recognize the importance of each
• Describe how organisms acquire energy in a food web and in associated food chains
• Explain how the efficiency of energy transfers between trophic levels affects ecosystem structure and dynamics
• Discuss trophic levels and how ecological pyramids are used to model them
• Discuss the biogeochemical cycles of water, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur
• Explain how human activities have impacted these cycles and the potential consequences for Earth
• Define biodiversity in terms of species diversity and abundance
• Describe biodiversity as the equilibrium of naturally fluctuating rates of extinction and speciation
• Identify historical causes of high extinction rates in Earth’s history
• Identify chemical diversity benefits to humans
• Identify biodiversity components that support human agriculture
• Describe ecosystem services
• Identify significant threats to biodiversity
• Explain the effects of habitat loss, the introduction of exotic species, and hunting on biodiversity
• Identify the early and predicted effects of climate change on biodiversity
• Identify new technologies and methods for describing biodiversity
• Explain the legislative framework for conservation
• Describe principles and challenges of conservation preserve design
• Identify examples of the effects of habitat restoration
• Discuss the role of zoos in biodiversity conservation