High School Competition Biology

Grades 9–12

Also in high school

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Popular Biology Competitions

The two main biology competitions for high school students: the USA Biology Olympiad and, for those who advance, the International Biology Olympiad.

USA Biology Olympiad (USABO)

A nationwide multiple-choice exam open to any high school biology student in grades 9–12, and the first step toward the International Biology Olympiad.

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International Biology Olympiad (IBO)

The world's top biology competition for secondary school students.

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Resources & Past Exams

Official study materials, past papers, and community study groups for students preparing for the USABO and the International Biology Olympiad.

USABO Study Resources

Official study materials and content information for USA Biology Olympiad competitors.

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USABO Past Exams

A collection of past USA Biology Olympiad practice exams.

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USABO Past Papers (Biolympiads)

Downloadable past USA Biology Olympiad papers for practice and preparation.

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IBO Past Exams

Historical International Biology Olympiad papers for advanced preparation.

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Toronto National Biology Competition

Past exams from the University of Toronto's National Biology Competition.

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Biology Olympiads Study Group

A community forum and study group for biology olympiad competitors.

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StudyOfLife

Practice quizzes and problem sets covering biology olympiad topics.

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Books

Books for Competition Biology

College-level textbooks and references spanning cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, botany, and physiology: the core library for serious USABO and IBO competitors.

General & Olympiad Textbooks

Campbell Biology

Urry, Cain, Wasserman, Minorsky & Reece / Pearson

The standard introductory college biology text and the foundational reference for USABO preparation, covering every major topic in depth.

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Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry

David Nelson & Michael Cox / W. H. Freeman

A clear, thorough biochemistry text covering metabolism, enzymes, and molecular processes essential for the biochemistry portions of biology olympiads.

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Genetics: From Genes to Genomes

Hartwell, Goldberg, Fischer & Hood / McGraw-Hill

A modern genetics textbook that connects classical and molecular genetics, building the problem-solving skills needed for olympiad genetics questions.

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Stern's Introductory Plant Biology

Bidlack, Jansky & Stern / McGraw-Hill

A comprehensive introduction to plant biology covering structure, physiology, and ecology, and a key reference for the botany topics on the USABO.

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Principles of Anatomy and Physiology

Gerard Tortora & Bryan Derrickson / Wiley

A detailed treatment of human anatomy and physiology, providing the depth needed for the animal anatomy and physiology sections of biology competitions.

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Molecular Biology of the Cell

Bruce Alberts et al. / Garland Science

The definitive reference on cell and molecular biology, prized by advanced competitors for its rigorous, in-depth coverage of cellular processes.

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DNA Science: A First Course

David Micklos & Greg Freyer / Cold Spring Harbor

An accessible introduction to molecular biology and DNA techniques that pairs narrative text with hands-on laboratory protocols.

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Animal Physiology: Adaptation and Environment

Knut Schmidt-Nielsen / Cambridge

A classic comparative physiology text exploring how animals adapt to their environments. It is valuable for the physiology and ecology topics on the USABO.

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