SRC: Content Information
Table of Contents:
- Biology Resources Linked to IBO Curriculum
- General Study Sources
- Books of Interest to USABO Alums
- Scientists You May Like to Know
- Science Journal Links
- "Fun" science sites recommended by USABO National Finalists
- Science for the Public Links
- 2003 to 2018 Open and Semifinal Exams with Keys
- 2020 Semifinal Exam & Answer Key
General Study Sources
BioEd is an online educational resource for life science educators. It provides access to lesson plans, activities, lab techniques, science standards and current educational issues.
EdX offers interactive online classes and MOOCs from the world’s best universities.
A project to develop a page of information on each species on Earth.
provides access to scientific databases and software tools (i.e., resources) in different areas of life sciences such as proteomics, genomics, phylogeny, systems biology, population genetics, transcriptomics. On this portal you find resources from many different SIB groups as well as external institutions.
Images of nonvascular plants, invertebrates, protests, fungi, bacteria, and seed plants.
Website offers online references, top science news stories, grant opportunities for individuals and institutions, virtual labs and museums, teaching resources, lecture series and biointeractive teaching tools.
iBiology's mission is to convey, in the form of open-access free videos, the excitement of modern biology and the process by which scientific discoveries are made.
Jablonski Diagram Molecular Expressions: Interactive Java tutorials.
MacMillan Learning: 106 tutorials on topics in biology.
zeroBiology: Biology quizzes, games, worksheets, dissections, and songs for students.
Flashcard Database: Site has sets of biology-related flashcards to study, capacity to develop your own, and information to download the app from iTunes.
Past International Biology Olympiad Exams.
Interactive animations from Wiley Publishers Interactive Concepts for Biochemistry.
Botany: An Introduction to Plant Biology, Fourth Edition by James D. Mauseth. Online biology text with numerous resources, study techniques, and extensive set of review questions
Biology: Provides comparisons in five areas of biology anatomy, botany, cellular biology, microbiology, and molecular biology.
- Biology Extensive resources on content, animations, and interactive activities in the life sciences to include dissections, animals, the rainforest, and links to zoos and museums. Please note some links are not live. The site was last edited in 2009.
- Mathematics Interactive tutorials, quizzes, lectures, and other resources on mathematics at high school level. Includes graphing, scatter plots, and more
Online dichotomous keys for insects.
The Genetic Science Learning Center at The University of Utah translates science and health for non-experts. In addition to genetics, we address all areas of life science and health as well as other scientific fields.
Mastering Biology (Pearson): Requires registration. Used to study AP Biology.
Makes the materials used in the teaching of MIT's subjects available on the Web.
Knowledge source with ability to ask questions, receive responses and participate in a blog.
Featured research from universities, journals, and other organizations.
Source of science, technology information and policy.
Short, powerful talks to spread ideas in many disiplines to include biology.
Books of Interest to USABO Alums
Cell & Molecular Biology
Suggested supplemental resources
Genetics & Evolution
Suggested supplemental resources
Enrichment resources
Animal Anatomy & Physiology
Suggested supplemental resources
Enrichment resources
Plant Anatomy & Physiology
Ecology
Suggested supplemental resources
Enrichment resources
Biodiversity
Suggested supplemental resources
Enrichment resources
Scientists You May Like to Know
Geerat Vermeij, UC Davis, Evolution Eugenie Clark, "The Shark Lady" Jane Goodall, Ethologist Eric Betzi, Image Tool Developer
Norman Borlaug, Agronomist Sean Carroll, Genetics, Molecular Bio Elizabeth Blackburn, Telomeres Feng Zhang, CRISPR-Cas9
Science Journal Links
"Fun" science sites recommended by USABO National Finalists
2023 USABO National Finalists
- As Many Exceptions as Rules: Blog about biological exceptions.
- BioMan: Games, virtual labs and activities.
- Bird and Moon Science and Nature Cartoons: Nature comics by Rosemary Moscoe, a field naturalist by training who is interested in connecting people with environmental science through field experiences and creative communication projects.
- Bug Guide: This site is also found in the insect section of IBO curiculum links. It is An online community of naturalists who enjoy learning about and sharing their observations of insects, spiders, and other related creatures. BugGuide.net provides identification, images and information for insects, spiders and their kin found in the U.S. and Canada.
- BrainPop: This site has animated movies, learning games, interactive quizzes, primary source activities, concept mapping, and more.
- EteRNA: Design RNA molecules.
- Florida Institute for Neurologic Rehabilition, Inc 3D Brain Model: Explore our interactive 3-dimensional brain atlas to discover where structures are located within the brain, their purpose, and explore brain injury models. All structures and models are accompanied by easy-to-understand detailed explanations. Available for a nominal fee as an app for your communication devices.
- Foldit: Solve puzzles for science.
- HHMI Biointeractive: A variety of engaging animations, lecture clips, virtual labs, and other classroom resources teach key concepts related to DNA’s structure and function.
- The League of Nerds: Site to ask your questions about science.
- Mnemonic Devices for Biology: Memory tools to remember concepts and information about biology.
- National Geographic: National Geographic site includes geography, archaeology and natural science, and the promotion of environmental and historical conservation.Photographs, news, videos, and other resources.
- Popular Science: News about gadgets, technology, and science.
- Protein Spotlight: founded in the year 2000 to write about a specific protein - or family of proteins - on an informal tone. Despite the description of hard facts – such as a protein's function or its use in biotechnology – each article was to be a pleasant and relatively undemanding read for the Scientific Community.
- r/biology: r/biology is a discussion board to discuss all things biology. The site is monitored. Be sure to follow the rules listed on the right with other important information about the site.
- Society for Science & the Public: Source of information on the INTEL and ISEF Competitions in addtion to Science News magazine, blog, and other information. the Soceity for Science is dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education.
- UC Davis ChemWiki: The Chemistry Libre Texts library is a principal hub of the Libre Texts project, which is a multi-institutional collaborative venture to develop the next generation of open-access texts to improve postsecondary education at all levels of higher learning.
- UCLA Life Sciences: Science news updates, research at UCLA, Scientist and Faculty Features, and more resources of interest.
- Wiley's Interactive oncepts in Biochemistry: Instructional resources to supplement and extend complex biochemistry concepts.
Science for the Public Links
Biology Resources Linked to IBO Curriculum
Animal Anatomy and Physiology 25%
- The Endocrine System: YouTube by Bozeman Science explains the major elements in the endocrine system.
- The Immune System: The National Cancer Institute has put together 38 slides with explanations about the immune system.
- Gastrointestinal: General information.
- Olfaction: Provides an excellent overview and appropriate for student research.
- Taste Receptors: Information on taste.
Cell and Molecular Biology 20%
Cell Organelles
Organelles: Basic description of structure and functions of organelles of plant and animal cells. Drawings are elementary, but the information is valuable
- Mitochondria
- Mitochondrion: Description of structure and function of the mitochondrion.
- Mitochondrion from The Cell: Full description of mitochondrion and its functions. Chapter from The Cell by B. Alberts, 4th edition.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum by Biology Reference: Description of structure and function of ER.
- Golgi Apparatus by WH Freeman: Animation and description of Golgi Apparatus with quiz.
- Lysosomes
- Lysosomes from NIH: Animation on lysosomes.
- Lysosomes by Biology Reference: Description of structure and function of lysosomes.
- Chloroplasts
- Chloroplasts by Molecular Expressions: Description of structure and function with diagrams.
- Chromoplasts by Wikipedia: Description of chromoplasts with examples.
- Leucoplasts: Description of leucoplasts with examples.
Cell Processes
Tutorials
- Glycolysis Tutorial: Step by step process of glycolysis with animation.
- Cellular Metabolism and Fermentation: Tutorial on cell metabolism to include glycolysis.
- Citric Acid Cycle by Wiley: Tutorial on cell metabolism to include glycolysis and the Citric Acid Cycle.
- How the Krebs Cycle Works by McGraw Hill: Includes animation and quiz on the Krebs Cycle.
- The Citric Acid Cycle by Interactive Concepts in Biochemistry: Animation and tutorial of Citric Acid Cycle.
- Energy for the Body: Oxidative Phosphorylation: Tutorial on oxidative phosphorylation.
- Photosynthesis: Tutorial on photosynthesis.
Animations
- Calvin Cycle by McGraw Hill : Animation and quiz on Calvin Cycle.
- How Diffusion Works by McGraw Hill : Animation of diffusion.
- How Osmosis Works by McGraw Hill : Animation of osmosis.
General Information: Molecular Biology
- Atomic Absorption of Electromagnetic Radiation University of California: Animation of atom.
Genetics and Evolution (20%)
General Information: Genetics
- Readings That May Be of Interest Hybrids May Thrive Where Parents Fear to Tread: Discusses interesting hybrids among species.
- Deciphering the Genetic Code: Marshall Nirenberg: Online exhibit about the work of Marshall Nirenberg.
- Gene Gateway: Companion to Human Genome Landmarks Poster: Interactive site with extensive resources such as links to databases, FAQs, 23 human chromosomes and disorders.
- Transcribe and Translate a Gene: Activity of the genetic code.
- Genetic Code: Alphabet of the genetic code.
Variation
- Mutations: Understanding Evolution
- What is a Mutation? from The University of Utah: Description of mutations.
Mendelian Inheritance: monohybrid, dihybrid, and polyhybrid crosses
- Homologous Recombination from a Genetics Perspective by Stan Maloy, San Diego State University: Description and explanation of recombination.
- Multiple Allelism: Explanation and examples.
- Genetics Practice Problems: Kansas State University practice problems monohybrid, dihybrid, sex-linked, linked, and incomplete dominance.
Hardy-Weinberg Principle
- Hardy-Weinberg Calculator: Online calculator for Hardy-Weinberg
General Information: Evolution
- Evolution at PBS WGBH: Extensive resources, video clips, and more on evolution.
- Evolution 101: Overview of evolution and the associated concepts.
Mechanisms of Evolution
- Mutation
- Evolution and Mutation: Overview of evolution and mutation with examples.
- Natural selection
- Natural Selection and Mutation: Overview of natural selection and evolution with examples.
- Adaptation
- Evolution and Adaptation: Overview of evolution and adaption.
- Fitness
- The Measure of Fitness: Overview of fitness and evolution.
- Drosophila melanogaster from Kimball Biology: Images, diagrams, information about Drosophila.
Plant Anatomy and Physiology (15%)
General Information
- Plant Terminology: List of plant terms with images.
- Plant Terminology by FLORAbyMAX: Extensive plant terms with images in printable pdf.
Structure and function of tissues and organs involved in photosynthesis:
- Photosynthesis, transpiration and gas exchange
- Calvin Cycle Animations by June Steinberg: Animations of carbon fixation.
- Photosynthesis by HHMI: Animations of cyclic and noncyclic photosynthesis and electron transport system and ATP synthesis.
- Photosynthesis by McGraw Hill: Animation of photosynthesis.
- Transpiration: Description of water cycle and transpiration. Interactive Water Cycle map at the bottom of the page provides information ground, water, evaporation, and other factors.
- Transport of water, minerals and assimilates
- Stem and Root Anatomy: Descriptions, diagrams and animations of stem and root anatomy.
- Colorado State University Extension (Colorado Master Gardener Program): Basics of root development and structure.
- Growth and development
- Plant Growth and Development Basic information on plant growth and development with Q&A.
- Plant Growth from Kimball Biology: Description and diagrams of plant growth.
- Plant Development from the Molecular Biology of the Cell (2002): Full description of plant development with images and diagrams.
- Reproduction (ferns and mosses included)
- Asexual Reproduction in Plants from Kimball Biology: Description of various modes of asexual reproduction in plants.
- Fern Reproduction and Life Cycle: Diagram and description of the fern Polypodium glycyrrhiza (licorice fern) reproduction sexual and asexual.
- Flowering Plant Reproduction I & Flowering Plant Reproduction II from Estrella Mountain Community College: In depth information on plant reproduction in angiosperms with diagrams and images.
- Moss and Fern Reproduction by Windward Community College: Powerpoint with indepth information on mosses and ferns.
- Moss Reproduction from the Hidden Forest: Description, diagrams, and images of moss reproduction.
- Moss Reproduction (YouTube): Excellent imagery of moss reproduction.
Ecology: 10%
General Information
Individual Organisms : Journal article on Ecology with individual as basic unit of ecosystem.
Population
- Introduction to Population Ecology Mathematical Association of America.
- Population Ecology from Maricopa Community College: In depth information on population ecology.
Biotic Communities (Information is specific to community, such as Southwest Arizona)
Native Botany Classroom: Contains information on biotic communities.
Ecosystems
Ecosystems: Terrestrial, Freshwater, and Marine from the USGS: Discussion of ecosystesms and current research in these ecosystems. Program to set a scientific basis for the improvement of the relationships between people and their environment globally.
Biosphere and Man: Man and the Biosphere Programme: Program to set a scientific basis for the improvement of the relationships between people and their environment globally.
Ethology: 5%
General Information
Tinbergen
- On aims and methods of ethology. Tinbergen's classical paper.
- Tinbergen's Four Questions: an appreciation and an update: Discussion of the "Four Questions" in light of passage of time.
Applied Ethology: International Society of Applied Ethology education and resource links.
Readings and Resources for Ethology: Images, readings, videos, research and other resources courtship, predation, human behavior, parental behavior, and more.
Methodology of Ethology
Animal World's Communications Kings from BBC News: Article on animal communication among dogs, parrots, apes, and other animals.
The Animal Communication Project: Descriptions of various animals methods of communication.
Innate and Learned Behavior
Conditioning
- Classical Conditioning: Episode of the Office that demonstrates classical conditioning in a humorous, effective manner.
- Operant Conditioning: Episode of the Big Bang Theory that demonstrates operant conditioning with humor and effectiveness.
Elements of Behavior from North Carolina State University: Comparisons of learned, innate, and complex behaviors with tutorials.
Innate Behavior from North Carolina State University: Descriptions, diagrams, and animations of innate behavior.
Communication and Social Behavior
Animal Behavior Farm at Indiana University Farm is a learning environment. Sit contains descriptions and images of social behavior among birds.
Foraging Behavior
- Bumble Bee Behavior: Description of communication, foraging, scenting with images.
- Foraging Behavior Tutorial from WH Freeman Description, animation, and quiz on foraging behavior.
Defensive Behavior
Animal Adaptations—Animal Defense from the Utah Education Network: Overview of animal behavior and detailed information on several species.
Animals on Defense Mechanisms: Describes and provides images for defensive behaviors in animals.
Introduction to Animal Behavior from BioEd Online: Lectures and powerpoints on animal behavior.
Mating Systems and Parental Care
The Principles of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior (Mating Systems and Parental Care): Yale online course.
Spider courtship dance: A jumping spider tries out his fancy footwork (and coordinated vibrations!) on a prospective mate.
Biological Rhythms
Biological Rhythms from Neuroscience for Kids by Eric H. Chudler, Ph.D. Simple activities that focus on biological rhythms.
Biological Clocks from the Millar Lab: Descriptions, examples, videos, researchers, and links to resources.
Why Young Sunflowers Follow the Sun: YouTube describing the biological rhythm and hormonal responses of young sunflowers.
Biosystematics: 5%
General Readings
Walking on Water: Insect's Secret Revealed by Robert Roy Britt, LiveScience Senior Writer: Article on how water strider walks on water.
Gastropods: General site on gastropods.
Mealworms Description of mealworms and their care.
Ulothrix: Description and images of Ulothrix.
Horsetails: Good diagram of horsetail.
Archaea
- Introduction to Archaea: Overview of Archaea.
Bacteria
- Introduction to Bacteria: Overview of bacteria with links to other resources.
Eukarya
Domain Eukarya from Susquehanna University: Extensive resource on Eukarya with images, references, lectures from Susquehanna University by Jack Russell Holt, PhD.
Protista
- Protista: Overview of Kingdom Protista.
- Introduction to Protista from Nicholls State University: Overview of Kingdom Protista.
Fungi
- The Amazing Kingdom of Fungi: Overview of Kingdom Fungi by W.P. Armstrong on Wayne 's World.
- Introduction to Fungi from University of California Museum of Paleontology: Overview of Kingdom Fungi.
Plantae
- Introduction to Plantae from University of California Museum of Paleontology: Overview of Kingdom Plantae.
- Flora Library: Flora resources, news & articles, and species database.
- The Phyla of Kingdom Animalia from the University of Aberdeen: Overview of Kingdom Animalia with images and video clips.
- Animalia from ZipcodeZoo: Overview of Kingdom Animalia with images and video clips. Information on classification, taxonomy, and model organisms.
“Virales”
- Electron Micrograph Library: Viruses & Bacteriophage from Institute of Molecular Virology at University of Wisconsin — Madison: Images of viruses and bacteriophage.
- Bacteriophages: Chapter from online textbook about bacteriophages.
- Virology Blog: Weblog that teaches about viruses and viral disease.
“Lichenes”
- Lichens of North America: Based on book Lichens of North America. Contains images, useful links and other resources.
- Introduction to Lichens from University of California Museum of Paleontology: Based Overview of lichens morphology, ecology and systematics with useful links.