5 Golden Rules of Successful Biology Research

Successful Biology Research

Doing successful biology research is not as easy as it seems. There are 5 golden rules that you should always follow if you want to get the most out of your project. In this blog post, we will discuss these rules and provide some tips on how to implement them in your own work. So, whether you are just starting out in biology research or you have been doing it for years, be sure to read on!

Rule 1: Know Your Audience

When you’re doing research for a biology project, it’s important to keep your audience in mind. You’ll likely be presenting your findings to a teacher or classmates, so you’ll need to choose a topic that’s appropriate for their level of understanding. 

For example, if you’re researching for a high school biology class, you wouldn’t want to write about something too complex or controversial. However, if you’re doing research for a college biology class, you can feel free to explore more complicated topics. In general, it’s always a great idea to check with your teacher before starting your research to make sure you’re on the right track. By taking the time to understand your audience, you’ll be able to create a more successful biology research project.

Rule 2: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Asking for help is a natural part of the research process. No one knows everything, and even the most experienced biologists need assistance from time to time. If you’re thinking, should I pay someone to write my research paper? The answer is, it depends. Research paper writing can be very challenging. Without the right tools, you might end up disappointed with your result. If you’re afraid that might happen, then the best thing to do is buy a research paper online. You could search for ‘write my research paper’ on your favorite engine and set up an appointment with a writing specialist.

You could also consult with a professor or other expert in the field. If you don’t know anyone who specializes in biology, you can try reaching out to a librarian or searching for online resources. Another great way to get help is to ask fellow students who might be working on similar projects. No matter how you choose to get help, don’t be afraid to ask for it when you need it. Doing so will allow you to make the most of your research and produce the best possible results.

Learn the 5 Golden Rules for Successful Biology Research

Rule 3: Pick a Topic That You Are Passionate About

When it comes to research, picking a topic that you’re passionate about can make all the difference. Not only will you be more likely to enjoy the process of research, but you’ll also be more likely to stick with it even when the going gets tough. And trust me, there will be tough times. There will be days when you feel like you’re getting nowhere when all your hard work seems to be for nothing. 

But if you care about your topic, if you’re invested in finding out the answer to your question, then you’ll keep going. You’ll find a way to push through the difficult times and come out on the other side with new knowledge and a sense of accomplishment. So if you’re thinking about starting a research project, ask yourself: what is a topic that I’m passionate about? Once you have your answer, you’ll be one step closer to success.

Rule 4: Do Your Research

When you’re doing biology research, it’s important to do your research. That may sound like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people skimp on this step. They’ll read a few books or articles, maybe talk to a few experts, and then start writing. The problem is that they haven’t really taken the time to understand the topic inside and out. As a result, their work is often inaccurate or incompetent. 

So if you’re serious about doing great, successful biology research, take the time to immerse yourself in the literature. Read everything you can get your hands on. Talk to as many experts as possible. And only when you have a thorough understanding of the topic should you start writing.

Rule 5: Stay Organized and Keep Track of Your Progress

As a biology researcher, it’s also important to stay organized and keep track of your progress. That way, you can avoid duplication of effort and make sure that you’re making the best use of your time. There are a few different ways to do this. First, make sure to keep records of your experiments. Note down what you did, the results you receive, and any observations you made. 

Second, create a project plan that outlines the steps you need to take to complete your research. This will help you stay on track and identify any potential problems early on. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help online, from your supervisor or colleagues. They can offer valuable insights and feedback that can help improve the quality of your work!

10 Biology Jokes That’ll Make You Laugh Your Genes Off

Biology, while super informative and exciting to science junkies, can be a little dry. It can also be pretty intimidating. However, we’re going to look at the light side: biology jokes!

We definitely need to insert humor into biology. However, not literally into our biology. That could be painful. Or gassy.

We’ve scoured the web for the best biology jokes to add some fun to your life science. These biology jokes also will help you better learn and remember biological terms and concepts.

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Jokes 101

Biology is the study of life. And comedy is the art of laughing at the ups and downs of life. Comedy is a way of inserting humor into the serious. Jokes are often a way to relieve tension and stress.

Learning biology is easy and exciting for some. It’s tough and intimidating for others. Humor unites us all. Some truly funny biology jokes will not just get you laughing but help you learn to enjoy the concepts of life science.

Now, while knowing a couple of biology jokes isn’t going to make you a stand-up comedian, they just might help you remember important key terms and help you ace your next exam.

The Science of Funny

What makes things funny? Writing good biology jokes is not just about inserting biology terms or talking about farts. Good jokes are about playing with expectations.

You capitalize on the fact that words have double meanings. You play with expectations and add that little something extra.

In comedy, you play with the way people read or think about things. You make light of the different levels of meaning words or ideas have to give everyone’s brain a little tickle. Comedy is about relieving tension and sometimes you play with where people’s minds may go in order to get them to let out a deep belly laugh. So, onto the list!

The 10 Best Biology Jokes

  • What did the Femur say to the Patella?
  • Which Biochemicals Wash up on Beaches?
  • What is Blood’s Message to the World?
  • What do You Call a Member of the Financial Staff of the Faculty of Biology?
  • Why are men sexier than women?
  • What do You Call a Microbiologist who has Visited 30 Different Countries and Speaks 6 Languages?
  • Is there a Big Difference Between Male and Female Anatomy?
  • What did One Cell Say to His Sister Cell When She Stepped on His Toe?
  • How does Juliet Maintain a Constant Body Temperature?
  • Why didn’t the Dendrochronologist Ever Get Married?

What did the Femur say to the Patella?

I kneed you.

I Love You GIF by Psyklon - Find & Share on GIPHY

Joke Dissection

This joke is humorous because the femur is the thigh bone and the patella is the knee cap. The femur literally needs the patella to walk. It connects the femur to the rest of the leg. Kneed is a play on the word need. The double context makes it a quick chuckle. Now, one might also say this joke was humerus. But the humerus is an arm bone.

Joke Source

http://www.jokes4us.com/miscellaneousjokes/schooljokes/biologyjokes.html

Which Biochemicals Wash Up on Beaches?

Nucleotides

Scientific Illustration Cell Biology Animation Medical Dna Rna Polymerase Transcription GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Joke Dissection

This joke is funny because of the play on words between tides on a beach and the suffix -tides of the biochemical molecule called nucleotides. Nucleotides are the organic molecules that make up DNA. There’s also the added humor that they wouldn’t wash up on beaches.

But, technically, if we put on our lab coats and act like sticklers of science, nucleotides do wash up on beaches in the form of organic life. There are millions of microorganisms that live in the ocean, and there are also nucleotides in the various parts of living things that wash up on the shore.

Joke Source

https://www.buzzfeed.com/kellyoakes/biology-jokes

What Is Blood’s Message to the World?

B Positive.

Evolution Thumbs Up GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Joke Dissection

This joke makes our list of funniest biology jokes because it has multiple levels. There’s the fact that B positive is a blood type. and it is a play on the phrase, “Be Positive.”

It’s also funny to imagine your blood being super optimistic and sweet considering how little we see of it. Giving it that personality gives it that extra level of humor.

Also if you’re a fan of dark humor, B positive blood is super rare. The argument could be made that optimists are even rarer.

Joke Source

http://www.jokes4us.com/miscellaneousjokes/schooljokes/biologyjokes.html

What do You Call a Member of the Financial Staff of the Faculty of Biology?

A buy-ologist.

Shopping GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Joke Dissection

This joke is funny because it’s a play on the word biologist. Not just any biologist but the person who manages the money for biology, which would make them a buyer. Are dad biology jokes a thing?

Joke Source

http://laffgaff.com/biology-jokes-puns-and-one-liners/

Why are Men Sexier than Women?

You can’t spell sexy without a ‘xy’

Sexy Homer Simpson GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Joke Dissection

This joke is funny on multiple levels. Now this joke has a nice build up that gets you thinking it’s talking about sexual reproduction. But it’s talking about sex as in the biological sex of someone.

Cis-gendered men are born male because of their XY chromosomes. Cis-gendered women have XX chromosomes.

This joke also sounds like a cheesy pickup line you would hear from a sketchy character, but instead, it’s biologically informative.

Joke Source

https://www.quickfunnyjokes.com/biology.html

What Do You Call a Microbiologist Who Has Visited 30 Different Countries and Speaks 6 Languages?

A man of many cultures

Petri Dish GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Joke Dissection

This is one of our favorite biology jokes because it’s a play on the world of microbiologists. Microbiologists need to get cultures in order to study the colonies of bacteria, protozoans, or other microorganisms.

Joke Source

https://www.quickfunnyjokes.com/biology.html

Is There a Big Difference Between Male and Female Anatomy?

Yes, a vas deferens.

Good One Lol GIF by Chicks on the Right - Find & Share on GIPHY

Joke Dissection

This is one of our favorite biology jokes! It’s so hilarious because of the solid wordplay. Vas deferens is a play on vast difference. But literally, one of the biggest differences between male and female anatomy is the vas deferens. The vas deferens are the ducts that lead sperm cells from the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts.

Joke Source

https://www.buzzfeed.com/kellyoakes/biology-jokes

What Did One Cell Say to His Sister Cell When She Stepped on His Toe?

Mitosis.

Redux GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Joke Dissection

This is a great biology joke because it covers the basics. Mitosis is how cells replicate. One cell forms two sister cells. But it also brings in the element of two sisters fighting.

So if one sister steps on another sister’s toes she might say “My toesies.” Which sounds like mitosis. It’s also funny to picture two cells bickering like sisters.

Joke Source

http://laffgaff.com/biology-jokes-puns-and-one-liners/

How Does Juliet Maintain a Constant Body Temperature?

Romeostasis.

No Way Lol GIF by Rosanna Pansino - Find & Share on GIPHY

Joke Dissection

This isn’t just one of the funniest biology jokes, but it brings in some Shakespeare and literature. Literary references can be funny, too. Homeostasis is how animals maintain their internal temperature and the equilibrium of their body. “Romeo & Juliet” is one of the most popular love stories of all time.

Joke Source

http://laffgaff.com/biology-jokes-puns-and-one-liners/

Why Didn’t the Dendrochronologist Ever Get Married?

Because he only dated trees

Tree Hugger GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Joke Dissection

A dendrochronologist is a person who studies the lifespan of trees. They literally date trees. But it would be sad to imagine a single, lonely scientist only dating trees. This joke is not just a super deep reference, it also is a play on words.

You also imagine the sad picture of a lonely dendrologist studying their trees but, surprise, it’s about what they literally do.

Joke Source

https://www.buzzfeed.com/kellyoakes/biology-jokes

Now it may be a while before you are touring with Kevin Hart. But you will definitely make your professor laugh with these great biology jokes. Not only can they help you ace your exam, but you’ll also put breathing more life into life science.

What Is Osmosis in Biology? Understanding How Solvents Break the Barrier

Are you getting ready for your first biology class? Or are you trying to shake off the cobwebs and remember your biology from years ago? Either way, you may be asking, what is osmosis in biology?

We want to answer this question in a way that is thorough and understandable at the same time. Dust off your old textbook and put on your reading glasses as you find answers to the question, “What is osmosis in biology?”

What Is Osmosis In Biology?

Osmosis is a type of diffusion. In biology, it is related to cells. Osmosis happens when a solvent flows through a cell membrane, to balance the concentration of a solute — such as salt. If water is a solvent, it will be affected by the amount of salt (solute) that it contains.

Understanding Diffusion

Diffusion happens when molecules move from a highly concentrated area to a less concentrated region. Solids, liquids, and gasses can all diffuse.

When a liquid such as water diffuses in cellular biology, it crosses a semipermeable membrane to balance the concentrations of substances within the cells. As water flows in or out of a cell, the concentration of solutes affects its travel.

Semipermeable Membranes

To answer the question, what is osmosis in biology, we have to understand semipermeable membranes.

Semipermeable membranes are membranes that allow specific molecules or solvents to pass through by diffusion. Every cell in the human body has a cellular membrane, and they are semipermeable.

That word breaks down: “semi” in this biology word means “partly”, and “permeable” means “able to be passed through, or permeated.” So, semipermeable membrane means a membrane partially able to be crossed.

Some things can pass through, and others cannot.

Osmosis happens as solvents pass into and out of the cell, crossing that semipermeable membrane.

Osmosis in Plants and Animals

Plant cells need more water than animal cells. Plants have thicker cell walls that can contain more solution before bursting. For that reason, plants can thrive with the diffusion of hypotonic solutions.

Hypotonic solutions have a much higher ratio of solvent to solute. Hypotonic solutions can make animal cells burst; animal cells have thinner cell walls than plant cells.

Isotonic solutions are much better for diffusion in animal cells. Isotonic solutions contain equal amounts of solvent and solute. Conversely, isotonic solutions will leave plants drooping and unhealthy.

Did you ever hear of someone pouring salt on a slug when they were a child? Hopefully not; but if you did you know the slug shriveled up and essentially disappeared. That is because the water left the slug’s cells in an attempt to balance the concentration of salt outside the cells.

That is osmosis in action.

Examples of Osmosis

Try it at home! If you are looking for an example of osmosis you can easily try at home, and you have some lettuce in your fridge (or any leafy green like kale or spinach) that has become wilted try this experiment:

Types of Solutions

test tube

image source: pixabay.com

Every solution has a solvent and a solute. When you buy contact lens solution, you are essentially buying saltwater; water is the solvent and salt is the solution. The same is basically true of your tears.

Solutions

To answer the question, what is osmosis in biology, we have to understand the types of solutions in biology. Solutions include isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic.

Iso means “equal.”

Isotonic solutions have equal amounts of solutes inside and outside the cell. Therefore, isotonic solutions have no net movement because the concentration is already equal.

“Hypo” means “below” or “lower.”

Hypotonic solutions have lower concentrations of solutes outside of the cell than inside. This causes osmosis as solvents enter the cell to even the concentration.

Hyper means “high” or “above.”

Hypertonic solutions have higher concentrations of solutes outside the cell causing osmosis as solvents exit the cell to balance the concentration.

Osmosis Applications and Uses

We asked, what is osmosis in biology, and a logical follow-up question is, what are the applications of osmosis?

Another easy osmosis experiment to try at home:

You need two glass or ceramic cereal-sized bowls, one large carrot or two “baby” carrots, salt, and water.

  1. Pour water into both bowls, sufficient to cover the carrot(s).
  2. Stir salt into one of the bowls until it stops dissolving (hot water will dissolve the salt faster, but let it cool to room temp before adding the carrot).
  3. Place a baby carrot, or half of your large carrot, in both bowls.
  4. Wait: set a timer for one hour, and check your carrots at intervals throughout the day.

We can see something interesting when we drop a carrot into a bowl of saltwater. Within hours the carrot will have become a limp, orange piece of ribbon.

Why? Because the water left the carrot to balance the high concentration of salt surrounding the carrot.

Have you ever watched a suspense movie where the stranded travelers on a desert island are longing for something to drink and one wise traveler warns the others, “Do not drink the ocean water!” A diet of ocean water would leave your cells void of water as it traveled to counteract the salt.

Medicine

Noting the effect of osmosis on our cells, consider the role of osmosis in medicine. Our red blood cells are the giver of life to many who have undergone blood transfusions. In the meantime, red blood cells are stored in an isotonic solution. Remember the solution types?

An isotonic solution is measured to balance the concentration of solutes inside and outside the cells. If the blood cells were stored in a hypotonic or hypertonic solution, the cells would either lose their water or be overtaken by water. Either way, lives could be lost.

A similar phenomenon happens when medicine is received intravenously. If the medicine within the IV solution took on too much solution or lost too much solution, it would not achieve its intended purpose.

Fruits

Have you ever eaten a dehydrated peach chip? Or strawberry chip? Fruits are dehydrated and preserved through osmosis.

Fruits are made primarily of water, so as osmosis causes the water to leave the fruit, it becomes much less likely to spoil

Meat

The opposite is true of meats. Think of the days before refrigerators and ice boxes. How did people preserve their meat? They covered it with salt.

Why did they do that? Unlike fruits that are dehydrated, meats are preserved through drawing solvent into the meat. As the solvent enters, it brings the solute (salt) with it to prevent easy access for bacteria. Salt creates a hypertonic environment that is lethal to bacteria cells.

The Other Side of the Coin

Remember the folks on the desert island? While osmosis could lead to their death through the consumption of saltwater, osmosis could also be their best friend. Since osmosis is a two-way street, it flows into and out of cells depending on concentration levels, it can actually be used to turn saltwater into something salt-free and drinkable.

While the stranded folks wouldn’t have the proper tools to reverse osmosis on the desert island, it is not impossible for someone with an understanding of science and osmosis.

Basically, the pressure is created to push water from highly concentrated areas into an area away from the salt. Today, small units can actually be purchased to reverse osmosis and create safe drinking water.

Here’s an example of a large unit, used in Australia, to clean saltwater for drinking:

Conclusion

water
image source: pexels.com

What is osmosis in biology? Hopefully, you can now answer that question with some thoroughness.

Osmosis is a type of diffusion that happens when a solvent moves through a semipermeable membrane. In biology, water moves through our cells based on the concentration or ratio of solvent (water) to solute (salt).

Semipermeable membranes allow some solutions to pass through, meaning cells can take on too much water or lose too much water. If a cell is in a solution more concentrated than itself (hypertonic), water will enter the cell to balance the high concentration of salt without the cell.

Osmosis also plays a key role in carrying nutrients across the cell membrane. Likewise, waste is escorted out of the cell. Osmosis allows the roots of trees and plants to get the water and nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.

In return, the plants feed us, either directly or by sustaining the herd animals we eventually eat. Plants rely on osmosis to live, and people rely on plants to live.

Aside from plants, osmosis also is crucial to man’s survival because it expels toxins and waste from our systems.

Hopefully, you have an understanding of osmosis as you move ahead in your biology class or as you reflect on your biology class from many years ago. Osmosis in biology is more than a scientific principle in an old textbook; it is a lifeline for both plants and animals.

You can look around you each day and see it at work, from tall trees in your backyard to patients recovering in the hospital with an IV feeding their veins. Practical examples of osmosis range from accident victims receiving emergency blood transfusions to little kids pouring salt on slugs.

Take note of the osmosis that happens in front of you each day and be amazed by the science all around you.

Featured image: pixabay.com

From Water to Land: 10 Amazing Types Of Amphibians

There are nearly 8,000 types of amphibians, including some of the most unusual and exciting creatures found on land and water.

About two million species of animals inhabit Planet Earth. More than that, scientists discover and categorize about 10,000 other new species every year. Animals are broken down into classes which include vertebrates and invertebrates, or animals with or without spines.

Amphibians belong to the vertebrate class along with birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles. All amphibians are cold-blooded, meaning they cannot generate body heat on their own. For that reason, they must rely on their environment to keep them cold or warm enough for survival.

Going further, most amphibians undergo a metamorphosis from a juvenile to an adult form. For example, frogs begin as tadpoles with gills and a tail. As they mature, they develop lungs. Over time, four legs replace most types of amphibians tails.

The Types of Amphibians

Amphibian species include three subgroups or orders. Firstly, there is the Order Anura which includes about 6,500 species of frogs and toads.

Secondly, the Order Caudata or Urodela includes about 680 species of newts and salamanders. Thirdly, Order Apoda or Gymnophiona, includes about 200 species of caecilians.

Frogs and Toads

Types of amphibians: European Common Frog (Rana temporaria) & European Toad (Bufo bufo) on a grassy patch of soil
European Common Frog (Rana temporaria) & European Toad (Bufo bufo): Image CC by 2.0 Generic, by Thomas Brown, via Wikipedia Commons

Frogs and toads typically have short bodies, webbed fingers and toes, and no tails. And, they usually have bulging eyes.

Newts and salamanders

yellow-spotted salamander, an amphibian, on a white background
Spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum): Image CC by 2.0, by Brian Gratwicke, via Wikipedia Commons

Newts and salamanders look similar to lizards and have short legs, skinny bodies, and long tails. Surprisingly, salamanders and newts have the remarkable ability to re-grow lost limbs and tails.

Caecilians

Caecilian: one of the types of amphibian with eggs in wet soil
Presumed Microcaecilia dermatophaga mother with eggs: Image CC by A 2.5 Generic, by Wilkinson M, Sherratt E, Starace F, Gower DJ (2013), via Wikipedia Commons

Caecilians don’t have any legs and resemble worms or snakes. That is because they mostly live underground, or in the substrate under streams. As a result, they have strong skulls and pointed noses to help them burrow through mud and dirt.

Fun Facts About Types of Amphibians

Amphibians are an evolutionary link between water-dwelling animals such as fish and land-dwelling animals such as mammals. Let’s be honest, they are some of the most fascinating animals on Planet Earth.

For example, amphibians have extremely primitive lungs. However, they have thin, moist skin that absorbs limited amounts of oxygen. So, you could say some types of amphibians breathe through their skin.

Another exciting fact about them, amphibians are carnivores and predators. But, they cannot chew their food. So, they swallow their prey whole.

Amphibians are also one of the planet’s most endangered animal species. It is believed that nearly half of the world’s amphibians are threatened species. That’s due to a combination of factors, including habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.

10 Amazing Types of Amphibians

Amphibians include some of the most amazing and unusual vertebrates found on earth. Much like their ancestors, most of them stick close to water.

We gathered a collection of photos of 10 of the most exciting types of amphibians currently roaming the earth, below. Then, we included a brief introduction to each one.

1. Axolotl

The axolotl is a type of salamander that is native to central Mexico. Unlike many other types of amphibians, axolotl larvae do not undergo metamorphosis when they reach maturity. As a result, they retain their gills, and tails, and are entirely aquatic throughout their life cycle.

photograph of an axolotl under wooden structure in a tank - one of the types of amphibian
Types of amphibians: Axolotl. Image via Instagram.

2. Fire Salamander

Fire salamanders are native to the forests of central and southern Europe. These types of amphibians stay near to ponds and streams, which they rely on for breeding. Another cool fact, they are active both night and day.

photograph of a fire salamander - a type of amphibian
Fire Salamander. Image via Instagram.

3. Golden Toad

The golden toad was native to the tropical mountain regions of Costa Rica, known as montane cloud forests. Sadly, golden toads are one of many types of amphibians thought to be extinct since they have not been seen since 1989.

photograph of a golden toad - a type of amphibian
Golden Toad. Image via Instagram.

4. Green Tree Frog

Green tree frogs are native to New Guinea and Australia. Their colors range from brown to green, depending on the surrounding air temperature. These are one of the most abundant types of amphibians dwelling in trees.

photograph of a green tree frog - a type of amphibian
Green Tree Frog. Image via Instagram.

5. Hellbender

Hellbenders are native to wetlands of Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. However, they are sometimes located in smaller numbers in the surrounding states. Sadly, hellbenders join other types of amphibians on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

photograph of a hellbender - a type of amphibian
Hellbender. Image via Instagram.

6. Luristan Newt

These black and white spotted newts are native to the Luristan Province of Iran. While they look like cows, they are clearly amphibians. The Luristan newt is listed as “critically endangered” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, they are currently protected under Iranian law.

photograph of a black and white spotted luristan newt - a type of amphibian
Luristan Newt. Image via Instagram.

7. Poison Dart Frog

The poison dart frog is native to the subtropical and tropical regions of South America. They can also be found in Central America. Bright colored dart frogs are extremely poisonous. However, dart frogs with cryptic or dull coloring have nominal toxicity. In fact, some are not toxic at all.

photograph of a poison dart frog - a type of amphibian
Poison Dart Frog. Image via Instagram.

8. Red-Eyed Tree Frog

The red-eyed tree frog is native to the Neotropical rainforests of Mexico and Central America. In addition to their bulging red eyes, these tree frogs have webbed orange feet and blue and yellow flanks. Luckily, due to their large number, they are listed as “least concerned” by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

photograph of a red-eyed tree frog - a type of amphibian
Red-Eyed Tree Frog. Image via Instagram.

9. Endemic Tailed Caecilian

The endemic tailed caecilian is native to the tropical regions of Sri Lanka. Resembling a giant earthworm, endemic tailed caecilians range in size from 9 inches to nearly 16 inches. Additionally, the endemic tailed caecilian is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

photograph of a sri lankan endemic tailed caecilian - a type of amphibian
Sri Lankan Endemic Tailed Caecilian. Image via Instagram.

10. Tiger Salamander

The tiger salamander is native to the mountainous and lowland regions of the United States and Mexico. Unlike other types of amphibians, they tend to avoid water. Additionally, they can grow to lengths of 12 inches and larger.

photograph of a tiger salamander - a type of amphibian
Tiger Salamander. Image via Instagram.

What We Learned About the Types of Amphibians

We hope you enjoyed our article and accompanying photos of amazing and unique types of amphibians.

You have seen our favorite types of amphibians. Now we want to know about your faves. Using the comments section, let us know any unusual types of amphibians you would like to see included in future articles.

Featured image: A collage of various amphibians CC by ASA 3.0 Unported, by Various Artists: File:Litoria phyllochroa.JPG, File:Seymouria1.jpg, File:Notophthalmus viridescensPCCA20040816-3983A.jpg, File:Dermophis mexicanus.jpg, via Wikimedia Commons

8 Websites with the Best AP Practice Exams

 High school is a challenging time in everyone’s life. And for students enrolled in AP courses, the end of the year is particularly challenging. As high-achieving students gear up for long exams that offer the potential for early college credit, many students are searching high and low for reliable study materials.

One favorite way to practice for an important exam is by taking practice exams. But finding high-quality AP practice exams is challenging. That’s why we curated this list of websites for you. Whether you’re looking for AP Biology practice exams or one for AP Art History, these websites will help you in your quest for a good score.

Why You Should Take a Practice Exam

The best way to gauge how ready you are for an exam is by taking a practice test. While its best to drill yourself with a wide variety of study materials throughout the year, use of a full-length practice test will help you to prepare for the exam in a whole new way. In addition to helping you study, taking a practice exam can offer the following benefits:

  • Enables you to acclimate to the test format.
  • Relieves unwanted test anxiety.
  • Familiarizes you with test content.
  • Offers an opportunity to customize your study plan.
  • Gives testers a sense of readiness.

Practice exams are a helpful tool for getting yourself in tip-top test shape. But don’t forget to apply the knowledge you gain from taking practice tests. For example, if you come across the material in the practice test that you don’t understand, bring it up with your teacher as soon as possible.

girl studying

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Below you’ll find a list of websites that offer AP practice exams in one format or another. Not all of them provide full-length tests, but all of them will help you get ready for your AP exams. Keep in mind, that AP tests are different each year and the practice questions you find online won’t necessarily be the ones you encounter on your exam.

8 Websites with the Best AP Practice Exams

College Board

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If you’re looking for a good starting place when it comes to mastering an AP exam, start with the official College Board website. There are many useful resources available on this website for students who are preparing for any of the AP Exams. In addition to study materials, the College Board website provides all of the information students need about the AP exams.

In addition to general information about each of the AP exams, the College Board website also offers sample questions for curious students. While a limited number of multiple choice sample questions are provided, a wide array of free response questions are typically available. Also, you’ll find a handful of student responses for comparison.

While this website doesn’t provide full-length practice exams, it is a great starting place. College Board is the official company behind all of the AP exams, and therefore the study materials they provide will be most like the AP tests.

APPracticeExams.com

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This website is an all-purpose study site from students preparing for AP exams. From AP Biology practice exams to class notes on Statistics, this website has a little something for everyone. It’s also worth noting that all of the resources on this web page are provided free of charge.

Unlike some websites that maintain their database of practice materials, AP Practice Exams provides links to the best free AP practice exams online. Students love using this site because it is easy to navigate and understand. Parents like this website because all of the materials are free.

While you can find a lot of resources through this web page, it does have its limitations. More specifically, the site is not backed by any testing or tutoring service. This drawback means that you’re on your own with the resources provided. However, for those who are self-driven, this site can be a treasure trove of information.

Also, it’s worth noting that the website is very low-key and doesn’t feature many stunning visual features or modern conventions. However, because the resources are all free, it’s a good option for many.

Albert

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Albert is a study and test-prep website designed to help students get the most out of the learning experience. Unlike the sites already mentioned above, the resources available through this website are not free of charge. However, they do offer a comprehensive program for preparing for many of the AP exams.

Pricing for the materials on this website varies by subject area, but for the most part, you can expect it to be relatively affordable. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem that there are any concessions made for students who can’t afford the costs associated with using Albert.

Albert provides a variety of study materials including practice multiple choice questions, practice free response questions, and at least one full-length practice exam. Additionally, there are numerous study tips and testing tricks to help students make the most of test day. Albert also offers an overview of the core concepts that are tested in each subject.

This website features an attractive and easy-to-use interface that simplifies the study process. However, the fact that you must pay to use these study materials means that many students won’t be able to take advantage of this program. All in all, this is a good website for students whose parents have a little extra cash to spare.

Get A Five

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Get A Five is a web-based tutoring program that is available to students and teachers free of charge. However, unlike some other websites, this one is somewhat limited in scope. But, if your AP class is available, we highly recommend taking advantage of this valuable resource.

Unlike other programs, Get A Five offers a virtual study room, a diagnostic test, practice tests, and video-based lessons. Each program available in this online resource is customized to provide users with the ultimate learning experience.

Despite being limited to the few materials available, this website is an excellent resource for AP students in the classes offered. And, for a small fee, you can have your practice free response questions hand graded. We love that this resource doesn’t cost anything to use, but provides excellent value nonetheless.

Get A Five currently offers four courses for students preparing for the AP exam period. The subjects offered include AP Calculus AB, AP Biology, AP US History, and AP World History. While this selection is limited, it’s worth checking back from time to time to see if new courses become available later on.

High School Test Prep

Highschooltestprep

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High School Test Prep is another free resource available for students preparing to take an AP exam. The materials available on this website are relatively limited but can prepare you for the general idea of how the test will be. However, it’s worth noting that this resource does not provide full-length exams. Also, it only covers multiple choice questions.

To help students understand the subject area they are testing over, each multiple choice question on this website gives a brief explanation of the correct answer. And while we wouldn’t recommend relying on this website alone, it serves as an excellent way to see where you stand.

After reviewing the materials on this website, you’ll be better prepared to formulate a study plan that will adequately prepare you for your upcoming test. Once you’ve studied the areas that are more difficult for you, use one or more of the other resources listed here to prepare yourself even more.

Study.com

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Study.com offers students a variety of materials for preparing for several different AP exams. They even provide several short practice exams to help you evaluate where you stand concerning the test you’ll be taking later in the school year.

In addition to the short practice tests they offer, study.com also offers test prep services. However, it’s worth noting that these services are not free of charge. Information on pricing is not disclosed without starting a “free trial” so explore these options carefully.

We like that there are several free practice tests available, but the lack of clarity when it comes to plans and pricing seems a bit dubious. Still, if you’re willing to spend a little money, it may be worth it to explore this option.

If you feel that you still need extra practice after thoroughly searching through these websites, consider visiting your local library. There, you may find practice books that contain additional practice questions or exams.

Keep in mind, not all study resources are free, and you should be extremely cautious when choosing how to spend your extra money. Also, always use caution when you have to input a credit card number online. And never purchase online materials without your parent’s permission.

With the resources listed above, you should be well on your way to finding the practice exam that’s right for you. Also, don’t forget that practice exams are only part of the study equation. Remember to brush up on necessary vocabulary and time management strategies as well.