• The structure, physiology, behavior, and development of plants and animals are addressed.
• Topics covered include nutrient procurement and processing, gas exchange, internal transport, regulation of fluids, control mechanisms and effectors, and reproduction in autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms. 
• Examples of developmental phenomena range from fertilization through differentiation and morphogenesis.
• Perceptions and responses to environmental stimuli are examined as they pertain to both plants and animals.
• Major distinguishing characteristics and phylogenetic relationships of selected groups from the various kingdoms are also covered.

A. Animal Structure, Function, and Organization — 9-10%

1. Exchange with environment
Nutrient, salt, and water exchange, Gas exchange; Energy
2. Internal transport and exchange
Circulatory, gastrovascular, and digestive systems
3. Support and movement
Support systems (external, internal, and hydrostatic), Movement systems (flagellar, ciliary, and muscular)
4. Integration and control mechanisms
Nervous and endocrine systems
5. Behavior (communication, orientation, learning, and instinct)
6. Metabolic rates (temperature, body size, and activity)

B. Animal Reproduction and Development — 5-6%

1. Reproductive structures
2. Meiosis, gametogenesis, and fertilization
3. Early development (e.g., polarity, cleavage, and gastrulation)
4. Developmental processes (e.g., induction, determination, differentiation, morphogenesis, and metamorphosis)
5. External control mechanisms (e.g., photoperiod)

C. Plant Structure, Function, and Organization, with Emphasis on Flowering Plants — 6-7%

1. Tissues, tissue systems, and organs
2. Water transport, including absorption and transpiration
3. Phloem transport and storage
4. Mineral nutrition
5. Plant energetics (e.g., respiration and photosynthesis)

D. Plant Reproduction, Growth, and Development, with Emphasis on Flowering Plants — 4-5%

1. Reproductive structures
2. Meiosis and sporogenesis
3. Gametogenesis and fertilization
4. Embryogeny and seed development
5. Meristems, growth, morphogenesis, and differentiation
6. Control mechanisms (e.g., hormones, photoperiod, and tropisms)

E. Diversity of Life — 6-7%

1. Archaebacteria Morphology, physiology, and identification
2. Eubacteria (including cyanobacteria)
Morphology, physiology, pathology, and identification
3. Protista
Protozoa, other heterotrophic Protista (slime molds and Oomycota), and autotrophic Protista, Major distinguishing characteristics, Phylogenetic relationships, Importance (e.g., eutrophication, disease)
4. Fungi
Distinctive features of major phyla (vegetative, asexual, and sexual reproduction), Generalized life cycles, Importance (e.g., decomposition, biodegradation, antibiotics, and pathogenicity), Lichens
5. Animalia with emphasis on major phyla
Major distinguishing characteristics, Phylogenetic relationships
6. Plantae with emphasis on major phyla
Alternation of generations, Major distinguishing characteristics, Phylogenetic relationships