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About OpenStax resources
Customization
Biology for AP® Courses is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY) license, which
means that you can distribute, remix, and build upon the content, as long as you provide attribution to OpenStax and its
content contributors.
Because our books are openly licensed, you are free to use the entire book or pick and choose the sections that are most
relevant to the needs of your course. Feel free to remix the content by assigning your students certain chapters and sections
in your syllabus, in the order that you prefer. You can even provide a direct link in your syllabus to the sections in the web
view of your book.
Instructors also have the option of creating a customized version of their OpenStax book. The custom version can be made
available to students in low-cost print or digital form through their campus bookstore. Visit the Instructor Resources section
of your book page on OpenStax.org for information.
Errata
All OpenStax textbooks undergo a rigorous review process. However, like any professional-grade textbook, errors
sometimes occur. Since our books are web based, we can make updates periodically when deemed pedagogically necessary.
If you have a correction to suggest, submit it through the link on your book page on OpenStax.org. Subject matter experts
review all errata suggestions. OpenStax is committed to remaining transparent about all updates, so you will also find a list
of past errata changes on your book page on OpenStax.org.
Format
You can access this textbook for free in web view or PDF through OpenStax.org, and for a low cost in print.
About Biology for AP® Courses
Biology for AP® Courses covers the scope and sequence requirements of a typical two-semester Advanced Placement®
biology course. The text provides comprehensive coverage of core biology concepts and foundational research through an
evolutionary lens. Biology for AP® Courses was designed to meet and exceed the requirements of the College Board’s AP®
Biology framework while allowing significant flexibility for instructors. Each section of the book includes an introduction
based on the AP® curriculum as well as rich features that engage students in scientific practice and AP® test preparation. It
also highlights careers and research opportunities in the biological sciences.
Coverage and scope
In developing Biology for AP® Courses, we relied on experts in the goals and approach of the AP® curriculum, carefully
considered the AP® framework design, and listened to the advice of hundreds of high school and college biology instructors.
The result is a book that provides excellent coverage of the AP® framework while addressing the sheer breadth of biology
topics in the modern age. We provide a thorough treatment of biology’s foundational concepts while condensing selected
topics. We also strive to make biology, as a discipline, interesting and accessible to students. In addition to a comprehensive
Preface
1

coverage of core concepts and foundational research, we have incorporated features that draw learners into the discipline in
meaningful ways.
Unit 1: The Chemistry of Life. Our opening unit introduces students to the sciences, including scientific methods
and the fundamental concepts of chemistry and physics that provide a framework within which learners comprehend
biological processes.
Unit 2: The Cell. Students will gain solid understanding of the structures, functions, and processes of the most basic
unit of life: the cell.
Unit 3: Genetics. Our comprehensive genetics unit takes learners from the earliest experiments that revealed the basis
of inheritance through the intricacies of DNA’s structure, replication, and expression, to current applications in the
studies of biotechnology and genomics.
Unit 4: Evolutionary Processes. The core concepts of evolution are discussed in this unit with examples illustrating
evolutionary processes. Additionally, the evolutionary basis of biology reappears throughout the textbook in general
discussion and is also reinforced through special call-out features highlighting specific topics in evolution.
Unit 5: Biological Diversity. The diversity of life is explored through detailed study of all phyla of organisms as well
as discussion of their phylogenetic relationships. The unit begins with viruses and then moves through prokaryotes and
eukaryotes, ending with a discussion of vertebrates and, finally, humans.
Unit 6: Plant Structure and Function. Our plant anatomy and physiology unit thoroughly covers the fundamental
structure and function of plant cells, tissues, and organs. It also covers important plant physiological functions such as
tissue differentiation, material transport, and the roles of plant hormones.
Unit 7: Animal Structure and Function. An introduction to the form and function of the animal body is followed
by detailed chapters on specific body systems and their physiological function. This unit touches on the biology of all
organisms while maintaining an engaging focus on human anatomy and physiology that helps students connect to the
topics.
Unit 8: Ecology. Ecological concepts are broadly covered in this unit, beginning with the small-scale relationships
of population ecology and gradually building to the large-scale processes of ecosystem ecology. Localized, real-world
issues of conservation and biodiversity are presented at numerous points along the way.
AP® Connections
Every section of the textbook — over 200 total — begins with a “Connection for AP® Courses.” Section. Written by
Julianne Zedalis, the College Board’s AP® Biology Curriculum Committee Co-Chair, these valuable overviews provide
meaningful support for students and instructors.
Each Connection highlights the key concepts of the section in the context of the AP® Biology Curriculum Framework
and explains their importance in brief, engaging language.
The explanations build upon the knowledge gained in previous sections, reinforcing the most significant concepts
and alerting students of the foundational basis of upcoming material. This helps students build a more comprehensive
understanding and helps instructors reference prior explanations.
Direct references to the relevant sections of the AP® Curriculum Framework are first explained and then outlined in
table format emphasizing their importance and relating them to the overall design of the course. Students and teachers
using these reference tables can easily see their progression through and coverage of the required curriculum.
Scientific practices
The AP® Biology Science Practices are presented to students through several active learning features.
Science Practice Connections for AP® Courses provide a context and suggested activity linking the concepts with the
relevant science practices. Students are often asked to build representations, undertake brief research, or answer critical
thinking questions.
Science Practice Questions, designed and authored by John Eggebrecht and Julianne Zedalis, present a complex scenario
or data set and ask students a series of multiple-choice and open-ended questions based on a complex scenario or data
set. These robust activities hone students’ scientific thinking skills and prepare them for similar questions on the AP®
Examination.
Pedagogical foundation and features
Biology for AP® Courses® is grounded in a solid scientific base, with features that engage the students in scientific inquiry:
2
Preface
This OpenStax book is available for free at http://cnx.org/content/col12078/1.6

Evolution Connection features highlight the importance and relevance of evolutionary theory to all biological
study. Through discussions like “The Evolution of Metabolic Pathways” and “Algae and Evolutionary Paths to
Photosynthesis,” the student is able to see how evolution pervades all aspects of biology.
Scientific Methods Connection call-outs walk students through actual or thought experiments that elucidate scientific
processes and procedures for a variety of topics. Features include “Determining the Time Spent in Cell Cycle Stages”
and “Testing the Hypothesis of Independent Assortment.”
Career Connection features present information on a variety of careers in the biological sciences. They are meant
to introduce students to professions and day-to-day work related to the current section content. Examples include
microbiologist, ecologist, neurologist, and forensic scientist.
Everyday Connection features tie biological concepts to students’ everyday lives as well as emerging world issues
related to biology. Topics include “Chesapeake Bay” and “Can Snail Venom Be Used as a Pharmacological Pain

About OpenStax resources

Customization

Biology for AP® Courses is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY) license, which

means that you can distribute, remix, and build upon the content, as long as you provide attribution to OpenStax and its

content contributors.

Because our books are openly licensed, you are free to use the entire book or pick and choose the sections that are most

relevant to the needs of your course. Feel free to remix the content by assigning your students certain chapters and sections

in your syllabus, in the order that you prefer. You can even provide a direct link in your syllabus to the sections in the web

view of your book.

Instructors also have the option of creating a customized version of their OpenStax book. The custom version can be made

available to students in low-cost print or digital form through their campus bookstore. Visit the Instructor Resources section

of your book page on OpenStax.org for information.

Errata

All OpenStax textbooks undergo a rigorous review process. However, like any professional-grade textbook, errors

sometimes occur. Since our books are web based, we can make updates periodically when deemed pedagogically necessary.

If you have a correction to suggest, submit it through the link on your book page on OpenStax.org. Subject matter experts

review all errata suggestions. OpenStax is committed to remaining transparent about all updates, so you will also find a list

of past errata changes on your book page on OpenStax.org.

Format

You can access this textbook for free in web view or PDF through OpenStax.org, and for a low cost in print.

About Biology for AP® Courses

Biology for AP® Courses covers the scope and sequence requirements of a typical two-semester Advanced Placement®

biology course. The text provides comprehensive coverage of core biology concepts and foundational research through an

evolutionary lens. Biology for AP® Courses was designed to meet and exceed the requirements of the College Board’s AP®

Biology framework while allowing significant flexibility for instructors. Each section of the book includes an introduction

based on the AP® curriculum as well as rich features that engage students in scientific practice and AP® test preparation. It

also highlights careers and research opportunities in the biological sciences.

Coverage and scope

In developing Biology for AP® Courses, we relied on experts in the goals and approach of the AP® curriculum, carefully

considered the AP® framework design, and listened to the advice of hundreds of high school and college biology instructors.

The result is a book that provides excellent coverage of the AP® framework while addressing the sheer breadth of biology

topics in the modern age. We provide a thorough treatment of biology’s foundational concepts while condensing selected

topics. We also strive to make biology, as a discipline, interesting and accessible to students. In addition to a comprehensive

Preface

1

coverage of core concepts and foundational research, we have incorporated features that draw learners into the discipline in

meaningful ways.

Unit 1: The Chemistry of Life. Our opening unit introduces students to the sciences, including scientific methods

and the fundamental concepts of chemistry and physics that provide a framework within which learners comprehend

biological processes.

Unit 2: The Cell. Students will gain solid understanding of the structures, functions, and processes of the most basic

unit of life: the cell.

Unit 3: Genetics. Our comprehensive genetics unit takes learners from the earliest experiments that revealed the basis

of inheritance through the intricacies of DNA’s structure, replication, and expression, to current applications in the

studies of biotechnology and genomics.

Unit 4: Evolutionary Processes. The core concepts of evolution are discussed in this unit with examples illustrating

evolutionary processes. Additionally, the evolutionary basis of biology reappears throughout the textbook in general

discussion and is also reinforced through special call-out features highlighting specific topics in evolution.

Unit 5: Biological Diversity. The diversity of life is explored through detailed study of all phyla of organisms as well

as discussion of their phylogenetic relationships. The unit begins with viruses and then moves through prokaryotes and

eukaryotes, ending with a discussion of vertebrates and, finally, humans.

Unit 6: Plant Structure and Function. Our plant anatomy and physiology unit thoroughly covers the fundamental

structure and function of plant cells, tissues, and organs. It also covers important plant physiological functions such as

tissue differentiation, material transport, and the roles of plant hormones.

Unit 7: Animal Structure and Function. An introduction to the form and function of the animal body is followed

by detailed chapters on specific body systems and their physiological function. This unit touches on the biology of all

organisms while maintaining an engaging focus on human anatomy and physiology that helps students connect to the

topics.

Unit 8: Ecology. Ecological concepts are broadly covered in this unit, beginning with the small-scale relationships

of population ecology and gradually building to the large-scale processes of ecosystem ecology. Localized, real-world

issues of conservation and biodiversity are presented at numerous points along the way.

AP® Connections

Every section of the textbook — over 200 total — begins with a “Connection for AP® Courses.” Section. Written by

Julianne Zedalis, the College Board’s AP® Biology Curriculum Committee Co-Chair, these valuable overviews provide

meaningful support for students and instructors.

Each Connection highlights the key concepts of the section in the context of the AP® Biology Curriculum Framework

and explains their importance in brief, engaging language.

The explanations build upon the knowledge gained in previous sections, reinforcing the most significant concepts

and alerting students of the foundational basis of upcoming material. This helps students build a more comprehensive

understanding and helps instructors reference prior explanations.

Direct references to the relevant sections of the AP® Curriculum Framework are first explained and then outlined in

table format emphasizing their importance and relating them to the overall design of the course. Students and teachers

using these reference tables can easily see their progression through and coverage of the required curriculum.

Scientific practices

The AP® Biology Science Practices are presented to students through several active learning features.

Science Practice Connections for AP® Courses provide a context and suggested activity linking the concepts with the

relevant science practices. Students are often asked to build representations, undertake brief research, or answer critical

thinking questions.

Science Practice Questions, designed and authored by John Eggebrecht and Julianne Zedalis, present a complex scenario

or data set and ask students a series of multiple-choice and open-ended questions based on a complex scenario or data

set. These robust activities hone students’ scientific thinking skills and prepare them for similar questions on the AP®

Examination.

Pedagogical foundation and features

Biology for AP® Courses® is grounded in a solid scientific base, with features that engage the students in scientific inquiry:

2

Preface

This OpenStax book is available for free at http://cnx.org/content/col12078/1.6

Evolution Connection features highlight the importance and relevance of evolutionary theory to all biological

study. Through discussions like “The Evolution of Metabolic Pathways” and “Algae and Evolutionary Paths to

Photosynthesis,” the student is able to see how evolution pervades all aspects of biology.

Scientific Methods Connection call-outs walk students through actual or thought experiments that elucidate scientific

processes and procedures for a variety of topics. Features include “Determining the Time Spent in Cell Cycle Stages”

and “Testing the Hypothesis of Independent Assortment.”

Career Connection features present information on a variety of careers in the biological sciences. They are meant

to introduce students to professions and day-to-day work related to the current section content. Examples include

microbiologist, ecologist, neurologist, and forensic scientist.

Everyday Connection features tie biological concepts to students’ everyday lives as well as emerging world issues

related to biology. Topics include “Chesapeake Bay” and “Can Snail Venom Be Used as a Pharmacological Pain