Illustrations & Diagrams

In this section I will provide you with pictures, illustrations and diagrams that might help you better understand the concepts in each unit. The material will likely be different from those contained with the power points and webcasts.

Unit One

The topics included in this unit include strictly biology topics: Intro to Life, Energy Flow, Chemical Cycling, Biomes, Symbiotic Relationships, Succession and others. For all of the earth science topics: seasons, climate, solar radiance and others you must go to the AP Environmental tab and you will find them there.

Unit Two

Topics include nutrition, water, metabolic waste and thermoregulation. Since I do not have a dedicated unit that addresses biochemistry you will also find some additional information on carbohydrates, fats and proteins. I did not include any information about nucleic acids because they will be covered extensively in future units.

Unit Three

Topics include circulation, respiration, nervous systems, nerves, muscles and modes of locomotion.

Unit Four

Topics include immunity, defensive strategies, reproduction and gamete production.

Unit Five

The topics include evolution, natural selection, DNA and molecular genetics. Bacteria are emphasized. Speciation and phylogeny topics are omitted and will addressed in later units.

Unit Six

Topics include structure and functions of bacteria. The structure and function of viruses. Early earth its formation and the prebiotic origins of living organisms

Unit Seven

This unit explores the structure and function of cells. Comparisons of animal and plant cells, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are also addressed. The unit focus however is  membranes their structure and function, including their role in transport and cellular communication. The unit also looks at the various modes of cellular communication.

Unit Eight

Unit eight focuses on energy and metabolism. Here we take a close look at enzymes, photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

Unit Nine

This unit looks at genetics starting with general cell division, followed by the production of gametes (meiosis) and ending with Mendelian and modern genetics.

Unit Ten

Unit ten spirals back the topic of molecular genetics. Topics include protein synthesis and gene regulation however the emphasis is now on eukaryotes. In addition, this unit takes a comprehensive look at biotechnology.

Unit Eleven

Unit nine revisits the topic of evolution and then takes a closer look at speciation, biodiversity and the classification of living organisms.

Unit Twelve

This unit begins with an overview of animal communication (endocrinology). Next we examine animal behavior which transitions into populations. Interactions in and among populations are examined but the focus is on population growth. The last topic in this unit brings us full circle back to the biosphere this time looking at the biodiversity of life and human  impacts on the earth.