AP Biology: Summer Assignment
In order to complete the summer assignment you will need access to a computer. You will be covering
the information in Chapters 1-4 of your text. Since many of you will not have the text on your iPad for
the summer this assignment is designed so it can be completed using the computer. One of the websites we will be
using is called Kahn Academy. If you already have an iPad, there is a free app. for Kahn Academy. If you don’t have an
iPad of your own, the Kahn Academy web address is www.khanacademy.org. Remember the text is Campbell Biology 9/e
AP* Edition by Reece et.al. Please email me at sfleming@olla.org if you have any questions.
Follow the instructions and answer the questions below pertaining to each of the four chapters.
This assignment is due the first full block of class. Come prepared with questions.
Be prepared to take a test on this material our second block.
Chapter 1: Introduction: The Eight Themes in the Study of Life
This information will be found in Chapter 1 of your text.
1. Go to www.kahnacademy.org click on Science, then Biology and view the lesson (video) called “Introduction to
Evolution and Natural Selection” or click here: http://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/v/introduction-toevolution-and-natural-selection
a. Explain Darwin’s idea of descent with modification.
b. As a result of natural selection does the individual organism adapt or does the population?
c. An extra video about evolution you might like…:) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svHQ4BQY__o
2. Differentiate between a hypothesis and a theory.
3. Differentiate between inductive and deductive reasoning as it pertains to the scientific process.
4. Why is Darwin’s idea of “Natural Selection” considered to be a theory?
5. What are the steps of Scientific Method? Briefly describe what each step entails.
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_scientific_method.shtml
6. The following experiment about Natural Selection, carried out by David Pfennig and his colleagues, was designed
to test a prediction of the mimicry hypothesis: that kingsnakes benefit from mimicking the warning coloration of
venomous coral snakes only in regions where coral snakes are present.
Experiment: The researchers placed equal numbers of artificial kingsnakes with coral snake colors (mimics) and
brown artificial snakes at 14 field sites, half in the area the two snakes cohabit and half in the area where coral
snakes are absent. The researchers recovered the artificial snakes after four weeks and tabulated predation data
based on teeth and claw marks on the snakes.
Results: see the next page
AP Biology Summer Assignment
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Using the information above complete the following questions:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
What is the “Problem” for this experiment?
What is the “Hypothesis” for this experiment?
Which group is the experimental group and which group is the control group?
What is the dependent and independent variable in this experiment?
Based on the data in the table above, what conclusion can be made about the presence of coral snakes
and the survival of artificial brown kingsnakes vs. artificial kingsnakes with coral snake patterns (mimics)?
How do you explain these results?
7. Design an experiment to demonstrate the effects of temperature on the state of water. For each step of the
scientific process discuss how you would carry out your experiment; be sure to label each step. What will your
control and experimental group/s be? What type of data will you collect, for example, height, weight…? What
will your dependent and independent variables be etc…? This is a hypothetical lab. Obviously you will not carry it
out. Assume that you have carried it out in order to discuss how you would demonstrate your data and how you
would write a conclusion based on data.
8. Define and differentiate, with examples, between Reductionism and Emergent Properties.
a. View this NOVA video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnO_MKHG_Lo
b. View this video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFdO0Els68I
AP Biology Summer Assignment
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Chapter 2: The Chemical Context of Life
This information will be found in Chapter 2 of your text.
1. Go to www.kahnacademy.org click on Science, then Chemistry, and view the lesson (video) called “Ionic,
Covalent and Metallic Bonds.” or click here: http://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/v/ionic--covalent-and-metallic-bonds
a. Name the various types of chemical bonds and describe how they are formed. Give examples of each
type of bond.
b. Define Electronegativity
2. Go to Kahn Academy click on Science, Chemistry and view the lesson (Video) called “Elements and Atoms” or
Click here, http://znd-search-test.khan-academy.appspot.com/science/chemistry/v/elements-and-atoms
a. Describe the three subatomic particles?
b. What is the relationship between atoms and molecules?
Chapter 3: Water and the Fitness of the Environment
This information will be found in Chapter 3 of your text.
1. Watch this video on Hydrogen Bonding: http://www.brightstorm.com/science/biology/chemical-basis-oflife/hydrogen-bonds/
2. Go to this website: http://www.visionlearning.com/library/module_viewer.php?mid=57&mcid=&l=
a. Read it
b. Do the quiz that can be found in the “Questions and Quizzes” tab at the top of the page.
c. Print out the graded quiz and submit it with your completed assignment.
3. Describe the five life-supporting properties of water, and give an example of how each property affects some form
of life. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/List_the_five_properties_of_water and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wnx9thXySGw
4. Define “buffer” and explain the importance of buffers in biological systems.
http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/chemweek/biobuff/biobuffers.html
5. Additional video that may be helpful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAilC0sjvy0&feature=fvwp&NR=1
Chapter 4: Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life
This information will be found in Chapter 4 of your text.
1. Go to this website and read about Carbon http://oolong.co.uk/oo/carbon
a. What are the properties of carbon?
b. Why can carbon bond to so many different elements and form so many differently shaped molecules?
c. What makes carbon so important to life?
2. Define: Isomer
3. Define the different types of isomers http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/8-28-2004-58540.asp
4. What are the names of the different functional groups? What are their Chemical formulas? Give an example of a
molecule that contains this functional group. http://quizlet.com/1279263/ap-bio-functional-groups-flash-cards/
I am looking forward to seeing all of you in class in August. In the mean time enjoy your summer and
start preparing for your Biology parties!!! 
I
AP Biology Summer Assignment
Biology!!!
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