Terminology covered on the 2000 NTE Biology CTK:

Adaptive radiation
bile salts
autotroph/heterotroph
biomes-in depth
stages of embryonic development-indepth* germ layers
codominance
evolution-in depth
endoplasmic reticulum
*lots and lots of genetics
frame shift mutation
gene frequency
genetic drift
imprinting
incomplete dominance
independent assortment
geotropism
Krebs cycle
mitochondria
loop of Henle
notochord (use in classification)
parthenogenesis
phylogeny
classification**in depth
RNA/DNA **in depth
Rh factor-scenarios
saprophyte
point mutation
sporophyte
transcription/translation
vestigial organ
Mendel
actin/myosin
aerobic/anaerobic respiration
allele frequency
angiosperms
B-cells
symmetry**in depth
diploid/haploid
gene expression
gene mutations
gene pool
Hardy-Weinberg Principle***
Homologous
Islets of Langerhans
Law of independent asst.
stages of mitosis and meiosis
symbiosis
mutualism
parasitism
commensalism
population growth and genetics
lots of graphs/exponential growth
plants
animals
succession
trophic levels
 
 

Notes from a biology student who took the test in the Fall 2002.

As far as genetics is concerned, there are a lot of problems. Make sure you know phenotype, genotype, homozygous, heterozygous, etc., & I don't mean knowing definitions, you must know how to apply your knowledge to some pretty tough problems. For example, there was a problem about bee's and their characteristics. You should also know hardy Weinberg, in the sense that you will have to use the formula to solve a problem. Also, know everything else about Mendel, for example, principle of segregation, independent assortment, etc. Know meosis and mitosis. You should know how to identify their stages. Know sex determination, alleles (incomplete and codominance), and everything about genes and chromosomes (linkage and recombination). Also know transcription and translation. Another big area is human genetics. You should know genetic diseases and disorders. For example, Down's Syndrome is due to and abnormality in an autosomal chromosome (#21), Recessive disorders such as Tay-Sachs, Albinism, PKU, Sickle Cell Anemia, and know sexlinked traits such as Hemophelia, Muscular Dystrophy, and Color Blindness. On my test, Albinism, Hemophelia, and Color Blindness were covered.

As far as zoology is concerned, know the kingdoms, phylums classes, etc. For example, Phylum Chordata, Subphylum Vertebrata, Class Chondrichthyes equals sharks, skates, and rays. From, here I suggest you know there basic structures, characteristics, and the functions.

When dealing with botany, know the basics. You need to know about reproduction, basic plant structures and functions, and some plant genetics.

There was also a lot of ecology. Know the basics and you should be fine. There are a lot of charts and graphs, but don't' be intimidated they are mostly common sense. Be knowledgeable about biomes, population characteristics, and niches etc.

When it came to the history aspect of biology, there were not many questions; one of mine was who first named the cell (Hooke) and who invented the microscope. Easy stuff.

As far as Anatomy and Physiology, once again know your basics. Know the basic skeletal system, circulatory, and cardio. Also, there were a few questions dealing with the functions of the specific organs (ex. kidney).

I hope this helps everyone. The biggest advice I can give is to be prepared. If you know the above, especially genetics, you should pass with no problem. Additionally, Dr. Zisk's key terms were a huge help, know them. Also, make sure you pace yourself; the test has 150 questions (some of which are rather lengthy). Good luck to all!!!!

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