Biology Extended Essay Topics and RQs for IBDP

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  • Writing Metier

It’s time for our exploration of Biology extended essay topics, a resource designed to spark your curiosity and guide your research interests in the vast and vibrant field of biology. 

Whether you’re fascinated by the intricate workings of ecosystems or intrigued by the complexities of cellular processes, this article offers a diverse range of topics collected by expert academic writers to suit your interests. 

NB! If you need assistance with your Biology assignments, you can use our biology essay writing service , which will surely assist you. Now, let’s get back to the main question of the article – BIO EE topic ideas.

Bio EE topic categories

List of biology extended essay topic categories I’ll cover in this article.

  • Impact of Urban Development on Local Ecosystems – Investigating the effects of urban expansion on biodiversity in a specific area.
  • Marine Biology and Ocean Acidification – Studying the impact of changing pH levels on marine life.
  • Invasive Species and Their Impact on Biodiversity – Analyzing how a particular invasive species has affected native wildlife.
  • Conservation Efforts for Endangered Species – Evaluating the effectiveness of current conservation strategies for a specific endangered species.
  • Climate Change and Its Effects on Ecosystems – Researching how a particular ecosystem has been impacted by climate change.
  • Nutrition and Diet’s Impact on Human Health – Exploring the effects of a specific diet on human health.
  • Exercise Physiology – Investigating how different types of exercise affect a particular aspect of human health.
  • Neurobiology of Sleep – Studying the effects of sleep patterns on cognitive functions.
  • Genetic Factors in Diseases – Exploring the role of genetics in the susceptibility to a specific disease.
  • Impact of Environmental Factors on Allergies – Analyzing how environmental changes have influenced the prevalence of allergies.
  • Gene Expression in Cancer Cells – Investigating how gene expression differs in cancerous versus normal cells.
  • Protein Synthesis and Its Regulation – Studying the regulation of protein synthesis in a specific organism or cell type.
  • Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine – Exploring the potential of stem cells in treating a specific condition.
  • Viral Replication and Host Interaction – Examining how a particular virus replicates and interacts with its host.
  • DNA Repair Mechanisms – Investigating the efficacy of different DNA repair mechanisms under various conditions.
  • Photosynthesis Variations Among Plant Species – Comparing photosynthetic efficiency in different plant species.
  • Impact of Climate Change on Plant Growth – Studying how changing climates affect the growth of a specific plant species.
  • Medicinal Properties of Plants – Investigating the medicinal properties of a specific plant.
  • Plant Defense Mechanisms Against Pathogens – Exploring how a particular plant species defends itself against pathogens.
  • Genetic Modification and Crop Improvement – Analyzing the impacts of genetic modification on a specific crop’s traits.
  • Social Behavior in Insects – Studying the social structures and behaviors of a specific insect species.
  • Bird Migration Patterns – Investigating the factors influencing migration patterns of a specific bird species.
  • Physiological Adaptations in Marine Mammals – Exploring adaptations that enable marine mammals to survive in their environments.
  • Impact of Environmental Stressors on Animal Behavior – Analyzing how specific stressors affect the behavior of a particular animal species.
  • Endocrine Regulation in Animals – Studying how the endocrine system regulates processes in a specific animal.
  • Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria – Investigating the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in a specific bacterial strain.
  • Use of Microorganisms in Bioremediation – Exploring the use of microorganisms in cleaning up environmental pollutants.
  • Genetic Engineering and Its Applications – Analyzing the applications and implications of genetic engineering in a specific field.
  • Role of Microbiome in Human Health – Studying how the human microbiome influences health and disease.
  • Yeast Fermentation and Its Industrial Applications – Investigating the fermentation process in yeast and its uses in industry.
  • Evolutionary Adaptations to Environmental Changes – Exploring how a particular species has adapted to environmental changes over time.
  • Genetic Diversity and Population Health – Studying the impact of genetic diversity on the health of a specific population.
  • Molecular Basis of Inheritance – Investigating the molecular mechanisms of inheritance in a specific organism.
  • Speciation and Genetic Drift – Analyzing the role of genetic drift in the speciation process.
  • Human Evolutionary Biology – Studying aspects of human evolution, such as the development of specific traits.

Every category and its subcategories provide a comprehensive overview, from the microscopic wonders of microbiology to the grand scale of evolutionary biology. 

With the help of our IB writers team, I have managed to collect all these ideas for you, so I hope you will be enjoying this. I aim to inspire your investigative spirit and help you select a topic that  satisfies the IB criteria  and aligns with your passion for biology. 

IB Bio extended essay topics

bio ee topics

So, let’s begin with a list of IB Biology EE topics list.

Ecology and Environmental Science

I’m stoked to talk about Ecology and Environmental Science . It’s all about how living things interact with each other and their surroundings. Think of it like a complex dance of life, where every move affects the whole scene. 

From the hustle and bustle of city ecosystems to the quiet, yet dynamic, world of marine biology, we’ll explore how these interactions shape our planet. We’ll also explore the hot topics of invasive species and their impacts, the heroic efforts in conservation, and the big elephant in the room – climate change. 

So, let’s get ready to explore the intricate tapestry of life that makes our world fascinating!

Impact of Urban Development on Local Ecosystems

  • Research Question: How does the presence of urban green spaces affect bird species diversity in [City Name]?
  • Research Question: What impact do urban heat islands have on the behavior and distribution of [Specific Animal Species] in [City Name]?

Marine Biology and Ocean Acidification

  • Research Question: How does ocean acidification affect coral bleaching events in the [Specific Coral Reef Location]?
  • Research Question: What is the impact of increasing ocean acidification on the shell growth and survival of [Specific Shellfish Species]?

Invasive Species and Their Impact on Biodiversity

  • Research Question: What has been the impact of the invasive Zebra Mussel on native species in the Great Lakes?
  • Research Question: How do invasive plant species [Specify Species] affect the growth and survival of native plants in [Specific Region]?

Conservation Efforts for Endangered Species

  • Research Question: How effective have conservation strategies been in increasing the population of the Giant Panda in China?
  • Research Question: What are the impacts of anti-poaching measures on the survival of Rhinoceros populations in Africa?

Climate Change and Its Effects on Ecosystems

  • Research Question: How is the melting of Arctic sea ice affecting the habitat and migration patterns of polar bears?
  • Research Question: What are the effects of rising global temperatures on plant and animal life in the Alpine ecosystems?

Transitioning from the external world of Ecology and Environmental Science, we now turn to the internal intricacies of Human Physiology and Health. 

This shift brings us from exploring external ecosystems to understanding our body’s inner workings, a world where lifestyle choices meet biological responses.

Human Physiology and Health

Let’s chat about Human Physiology and Health, the amazing science of how our bodies work and how we keep them ticking. We’re diving headfirst into the world of nutrition and diet – what you eat isn’t just about taste, it’s about your health too! 

Then, we’ll check out how exercise, that thing we all know we should do more of, affects our bodies in awesome ways. Ever wondered about the science of sleep and how it messes with your brain when you don’t catch enough Z’s? We’ll cover that, along with the mysteries of genetics in diseases, and how our environment plays a sneaky role in triggering allergies. 

It’s going to be an eye-opening ride through the wonders of our bodies!

Nutrition and Diet’s Impact on Human Health

  • Research Question: How does adherence to the Mediterranean diet affect cardiovascular health indicators in adults?
  • Research Question: What is the impact of a long-term vegan diet on nutrient absorption and health in teenagers?

Exercise Physiology

  • Research Question: How does HIIT affect cardiovascular fitness in young adults?
  • Research Question: What are the effects of regular yoga practice on stress and anxiety levels in college students?

Neurobiology of Sleep

  • Research Question: How does sleep deprivation impact cognitive performance and memory in high school students?
  • Research Question: What is the relationship between sleep patterns and academic performance in IB students?

Genetic Factors in Diseases

  • Research Question: How do specific genetic factors contribute to the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease?
  • Research Question: What is the contribution of genetics to the onset of Type 2 Diabetes in populations with high prevalence rates?

Impact of Environmental Factors on Allergies

  • Research Question: What is the correlation between air pollution levels and the prevalence of respiratory allergies in urban children?
  • Research Question: How has climate change influenced the prevalence and severity of allergic diseases in [Specific Region]?

Moving from Human Physiology and Health, we zoom into the realm of Cellular and Molecular Biology. 

Here, we swap the broader human health perspective for a closer look at life’s building blocks, delving into the microscopic universe that operates within every living being.

Cellular and Molecular Biology

Ready to geek out on Cellular and Molecular Biology? This is where we get down to the nitty-gritty of life – the cells and molecules that make up every living thing. 

We’re talking about the big bad world of cancer cells and what makes them tick, the fascinating process of how our cells make proteins, and the cutting-edge stuff like stem cell research and how viruses play a game of cat and mouse with our bodies. 

Meanwhile, make sure also to check our article with biology research paper topics for all students.

Plus, we’ll unravel the mysteries of how our cells fix their own DNA. It’s like being a detective, but for biology. Trust me, it’s cooler than it sounds!

Gene Expression in Cancer Cells

  • Research Question: How does gene expression in breast cancer cells differ from that in normal breast tissue?
  • Research Question: What role do specific oncogenes play in the development of colorectal cancer?

Protein Synthesis and Its Regulation

  • Research Question: How is protein synthesis regulated in response to physical exercise in human muscle cells?
  • Research Question: How do bacterial cells regulate protein synthesis under environmental stress conditions?

Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine

  • Research Question: What is the potential of stem cell therapy in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease?
  • Research Question: How can stem cells be used to repair damaged heart tissue?

Viral Replication and Host Interaction

  • Research Question: How does HIV replicate within human cells, and what is its impact on the immune system?
  • Research Question: How does the Influenza virus adapt to host immune responses over time?

DNA Repair Mechanisms

  • Research Question: How do DNA repair mechanisms change as human cells age?
  • Research Question: How effective are DNA repair mechanisms in skin cells exposed to different levels of UV radiation?

After diving into the microcosm of cells and molecules, we transition to Plant Biology. 

This shift steers us from the foundations of life at the cellular level to the diverse world of plants, exploring how these organisms harness and embody basic biological principles.

Plant Biology

Let’s dive into the world of Plant Biology! Plants are not just pretty to look at; they’re the backbone of all life on Earth. 

We’ll be talking about how they turn sunlight into food – a process that’s as important as it is fascinating. Ever wonder how plants are coping with our changing climate or what superpowers medicinal plants have? We’ve got that covered. 

We’ll also explore the secret life of plants, how they defend themselves against enemies, and the science behind making them stronger and better through genetic modification. 

It’s time to get our hands dirty and uncover the secrets of the plant world!

Photosynthesis Variations Among Plant Species

  • Research Question: How does photosynthetic efficiency compare between C3 and C4 plants under varying light conditions?
  • Research Question: What is the effect of varying light intensities on the rate of photosynthesis in [Specific Aquatic Plant Species]?

Impact of Climate Change on Plant Growth

  • Research Question: How are Arctic tundra plants adapting their growth patterns in response to global warming?
  • Research Question: What is the impact of elevated atmospheric CO2 levels on the growth of [Specific Plant Species]?

Medicinal Properties of Plants

  • Research Question: What are the anti-inflammatory properties of [Specific Medicinal Plant] and how can they be harnessed?
  • Research Question: What is the antioxidant capacity of different herbal teas, and how does it affect human health?

Plant Defense Mechanisms Against Pathogens

  • Research Question: How do [Specific Plant Species] defend themselves against fungal infections?
  • Research Question: What role do secondary metabolites play in the defense mechanisms of [Specific Plant Species] against herbivores?

Genetic Modification and Crop Improvement

  • Research Question: How effective are genetically modified crops in resisting drought conditions compared to traditional varieties?
  • Research Question: What is the impact of genetic modification on the nutrient content of [Specific Crop]?

From the stationary life of plants, we now step into the dynamic world of Animal Behavior and Physiology. This change of scene introduces us to the complex behaviors and physiological adaptations of animals, offering a contrasting perspective to plant biology.

Animal Behavior and Physiology

Let’s jump into the wild and wonderful world of Animal Behavior and Physiology. This is where we get to spy on the animal kingdom and learn about their secret lives. 

From the social gossip of insects to the globe-trotting adventures of migratory birds, animals have some amazing stories to tell. 

We’ll also look at how marine animals have adapted to their deep and mysterious homes, how animals respond when their environment goes bonkers, and the hormonal soap operas that dictate their lives. 

It’s like being a fly on the wall in the most interesting nature documentary ever!

Social Behavior in Insects

  • Research Question: How does the social structure of honeybee colonies affect their survival and productivity?
  • Research Question: What are the primary communication mechanisms used in ant colonies, and how do they impact colony efficiency?

Bird Migration Patterns

  • Research Question: How has climate change affected the migration routes of [Specific Bird Species]?
  • Research Question: How do magnetic fields influence the migration patterns of [Specific Bird Species]?

Physiological Adaptations in Marine Mammals

  • Research Question: What physiological adaptations allow sperm whales to dive to extreme depths?
  • Research Question: How do polar bears regulate their body temperature in the Arctic environment?

Impact of Environmental Stressors on Animal Behavior

  • Research Question: How does underwater noise pollution affect the behavior and communication of dolphins?
  • Research Question: What are the effects of urban light pollution on the nocturnal activities of [Specific Nocturnal Animal Species]?

Endocrine Regulation in Animals

  • Research Question: How do hormones regulate the reproductive behaviors in [Specific Bird Species]?
  • Research Question: How do stress-induced cortisol levels affect the behavior of [Specific Wild Animal Species] in their natural habitat?

Leaving the observable world of animals, we enter the less visible but equally important sphere of Microbiology and Biotechnology. This transition takes us from larger life forms to the microscopic, where tiny organisms significantly impact our health, environment, and technology.

Microbiology and Biotechnology

Alright, microbe hunters and tech wizards, it’s time to zoom in on Microbiology and Biotechnology. This is the world of the tiny, where bacteria and viruses hang out, and where science meets innovation . 

We’re going to explore the battleground of antibiotic resistance, how we can use tiny organisms to clean up our messes, and the mind-blowing possibilities of genetic engineering. 

Ever thought about how your gut buddies – the microbiome – affect your health? We’ll get into that too, along with the yeast party that’s behind some of your favorite bread and beverages.

Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria

  • Research Question: What factors have contributed to the rise of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in hospitals?
  • Research Question: What are the primary mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli strains found in [Specific Environment]?

Use of Microorganisms in Bioremediation

  • Research Question: How effective are specific bacterial species in the bioremediation of oil spills?
  • Research Question: What is the effectiveness of using fungi in the phytoremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals?

Genetic Engineering and Its Applications

  • Research Question: What is the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in preventing genetic diseases?
  • Research Question: How has genetic engineering been used to enhance the nutritional quality of [Specific Crop]?

Role of Microbiome in Human Health

  • Research Question: What is the relationship between the gut microbiome and obesity in adults?
  • Research Question: How does the diversity of the human microbiome affect immune system functioning?

Yeast Fermentation and Its Industrial Applications

  • Research Question: How efficient is yeast fermentation in the production of biofuels compared to traditional methods?
  • Research Question: How do different yeast strains affect the flavor profiles in beer brewing?

Finally, we shift from the practical applications in Microbiology and Biotechnology to the historical narrative of Evolution and Genetics. This move links present-day biological understanding to the historical journey of life, unraveling how genetic heritage and evolutionary processes shape all living things.

Evolution and Genetics

Ready to unravel the tales of Evolution and Genetics? This is where we figure out how life on Earth got to be as diverse and fantastic as it is. We’ll be exploring the incredible adaptations organisms have made to survive and thrive, how genetic diversity is crucial for the health of species, and the molecular secrets behind inheritance. 

Ever pondered how new species come into being or what genetics reveal about our own ancient history ? Well, you’re in for a treat. We’re about to walk through time and genes to discover the roots and branches of the tree of life. Buckle up!

Evolutionary Adaptations to Environmental Changes

  • Research Question: What evolutionary adaptations have enabled cacti to thrive in harsh desert environments?
  • Research Question: How have Galápagos finches undergone adaptive radiation in response to their environment?

Genetic Diversity and Population Health

  • Research Question: How does genetic diversity affect the health and survival of animal populations on isolated islands?
  • Research Question: How can conservation genetics be used to enhance the survival prospects of [Specific Endangered Species]?

Molecular Basis of Inheritance

  • Research Question: What is the molecular basis of inheritance for Sickle Cell Anemia?
  • Research Question: How can mitochondrial DNA be used to trace maternal lineage in human populations?

Speciation and Genetic Drift

  • Research Question: What role has genetic drift played in the speciation of cichlids in Lake Victoria?
  • Research Question: How does genetic drift affect the genetic diversity of small, isolated animal populations?

Human Evolutionary Biology

  • Research Question: What evolutionary factors contributed to the development of bipedalism in early humans?
  • Research Question: What are the key genetic adaptations that enable humans to live at high altitudes?

These topics and questions aim to inspire in-depth exploration and research, allowing students to delve into various aspects of biology, from molecular to ecosystem levels. 

Use them as an inspiration for your future Ib extended essay.

Select your topic wisely!

The world of biology is rich with diverse topics suitable for an Extended Essay. From the tiny intricacies of cellular biology to the broad complexities of environmental science, each area offers a unique perspective and a chance for in-depth exploration . 

The key to a successful essay is choosing a topic that not only interests you but also challenges your analytical and research skills.

Need Extra Support?

If you’re seeking guidance with your topic selection, or if you need assistance in writing or editing your Biology Extended Essay , our team at Writing Metier is here to help. 

marine biology extended essay topics

Our experienced IB writers are equipped to provide the support you need to refine your ideas and enhance your writing. Contact us for personalized assistance, or simply fill out our online order form with details of your IB EE and ensure your essay is a reflection of your best efforts.

Free topic suggestions

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Vasyl Kafidoff is a co-founder and CEO at WritingMetier. He is interested in education and how modern technology makes it more accessible. He wants to bring awareness about new learning possibilities as an educational specialist. When Vasy is not working, he’s found behind a drum kit.

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Biology EE Topics | 40 Ideas

Biology EE Topics

Luke MacQuoid

There are many potential topics for a biology Extended Essay (EE) in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

Topic Ideas

Some possibilities include the following:

  • The effects of pollution on a particular species or ecosystem.
  • The genetic basis of a specific disease or trait.
  • The comparative physiology of a specific mammal and bird.
  • The effects of climate change on a particular species or ecosystem.
  • The impact of human activity on the evolution of a species.
  • The physiology of a specific plant species.
  • The efficacy of a specific medicinal plant.
  • The comparison of the anatomy and physiology of a specific animal species in captivity and in the wild.
  • The impact of a specific invasive species on an ecosystem.
  • The effect of different fertilizers on the growth and development of a specific plant species.
  • The study of the symbiotic relationship between specific species.
  • The effect of different light conditions on the growth and development of a specific plant species.
  • The impact of different temperature conditions on the physiology of a specific microorganism.
  • The study of the genetic diversity within a specific species.
  • The study of the effects of different pH levels on the growth and development of a specific plant species.
  • The impact of human activity on the population dynamics of a specific species.
  • The study of the effects of different soil types on the growth and development of a specific plant species.
  • The study of the impacts of different pesticides on the physiology of a specific species.
  • The study of the effects of different water conditions on the growth and development of a specific plant species.
  • The study of the impact of ocean acidification on the physiology of a specific marine species.
  • Studying the Effects of Acid Rain on Local Flora.
  • The Role of Gut Microbiota in Obesity.
  • Influence of Insecticides on Honey Bee Population Decline.
  • The Effects of Microplastics on Aquatic Food Chains.
  • The Role of Genetics in Determining Human Lifespan.
  • Influence of Habitat Loss on the Genetic Diversity of a Specific Species.
  • The Effects of Light Pollution on Nocturnal Animals.
  • A Comparative Study of Photosynthesis Rates in Different Plant Species.
  • The Impact of Noise Pollution on Avian Communication.
  • Analysis of Biological Controls for Invasive Species.
  • The Effects of Diet on the Gut Microbiota.
  • Understanding the Effect of Climate Change on Disease Vectors.
  • Exploring the Role of Genetics in Athletic Performance.
  • Effects of Pharmaceuticals on Aquatic Ecosystems.
  • The Impact of Urbanization on Local Bird Species.
  • Understanding the Relationship Between Sleep and Immune Function.
  • Studying the Effects of Air Pollution on Lichen Species.
  • The Role of Epigenetics in Aging.
  • The Effect of Vegan and Vegetarian Diets on the Human Body.
  • Investigating the Biological Mechanisms of Meditation and Mindfulness.

It’s important to note that these are just examples of topics for your IB EE in Biology . You should choose a topic that interests you and that you can find enough information on.

marine biology extended essay topics

Need help with your Biology extended essay?

From research and analysis to structuring and editing, our skilled mentors will be by your side, helping you craft an exceptional extended essay that not only meets the stringent IB criteria but also reflects your passion for Biology studies.

Additionally, it’s essential to consult with your supervisor to make sure the topic meets the requirements of the Extended Essay and that you have access to the necessary resources to complete the research.

Students can use these themes in their essays by researching and analyzing the specific topic, providing evidence and examples to support their claims, and discussing the implications and potential solutions to the issue at hand.

For example, in an essay on the effects of pollution on a particular species or ecosystem, a student could research the specific pollutants that are affecting the species or ecosystem, analyze the effects those pollutants are having, and discuss potential solutions to mitigate the pollution and its effects.

These are experiments students can use for Biology EE topics:

  • Looking at how pollution impacts a certain type of animal or plant: This would involve checking out pollution levels in a specific place, then watching to see how it affects your chosen species.
  • Understanding how certain genes affect a disease or characteristic: This would mean doing genetic tests to identify the genes involved, and potentially using genetic engineering techniques to change those genes and see what happens.
  • Comparing how a mammal and a bird work: You’d do experiments to see how your chosen mammal and bird are similar or different. You could look at things like brain structure, behaviour, and thinking abilities.
  • Exploring how climate change impacts a certain animal, plant, or ecosystem: This could involve experiments to see how changes in temperature, rain patterns, or CO2 levels affect your chosen species or ecosystem.
  • Studying how people’s actions affect how a species evolves: This might mean looking at how things like habitat destruction, hunting, or pollution impact a species’ genetic diversity and population.
  • Looking at how a certain plant works: You’d do experiments to see how the plant responds to things like light, temperature, or water.
  • Studying how well a medicinal plant works: You’d do experiments to see how good the plant is at killing or slowing the growth of microbes, or reducing pain or inflammation.
  • Comparing a certain animal in captivity and in the wild: You’d look at how being in captivity affects the animal’s body and how it works, and how it behaves.
  • Seeing how an invasive species affects an ecosystem: You’d study how your chosen invasive species impacts the growth, reproduction, and health of native species.
  • Studying how different fertilizers affect a plant: This could involve testing different types of fertilizers to see how they affect the plant’s growth rate, leaf size, and health.
  • Looking at how certain species interact: You’d do experiments to understand the relationship between the species. This could involve seeing what happens when you remove one species, or how different environments affect the relationship.
  • Studying how light affects a plant: This might mean doing experiments to see how different light conditions affect the plant’s growth, leaf size, and health.
  • Looking at how temperature affects a microorganism: You’d do experiments to see how different temperatures impact the microorganism’s growth rate, metabolism, and health.
  • Studying genetic diversity in a species: This could involve using genetic markers to identify genetic variations in the species, and then seeing how these variations affect the organism.
  • Looking at how pH levels affect a plant: You’d do experiments to see how different pH levels impact the plant’s growth, leaf size, and health.
  • Studying how people’s actions affect a species’ population: This might mean looking at how things like habitat destruction, hunting, or pollution impact the species’ population size, growth rate, and health.
  • Looking at how soil types affect a plant: This could involve doing experiments to see how different types of soil affect the plant’s growth, leaf size, and health.
  • Studying how pesticides affect a species: This might mean doing experiments to see how different pesticides impact the species’ growth, reproduction, and health.
  • Looking at how water conditions affect a plant: You’d do experiments to see how different water conditions (like availability, salt levels, or temperature) affect the plant’s growth, leaf size, and health.
  • Studying how ocean acidification affects a marine species: This could involve doing experiments to see how increasing acidity levels impact the species’ growth, reproduction, and health.

Additionally, in an essay on the comparative psychiatry of a specific mammal and bird, a student could research and compare the brain structures, behaviors, and cognitive abilities of the two species and discuss any similarities and differences found.

A student can ask for help from a writing service if they need assistance with their essay. This can bring several benefits to the student, such as:

  • Professional guidance . Writing services often have experienced writers and editors who can provide guidance on the essay topic and structure, as well as help with research and editing.
  • Improved quality . A writing service can help improve the overall quality of the essay, including grammar, punctuation, and formatting.
  • Better grades . With the help of a writing service, a student’s essay is likely to be of higher quality, which can lead to better grades.
  • Time-saving . A writing service can help save time as the student can focus on other responsibilities while the writing service works on the essay.
  • Customization . Writing services can also provide a customized service that can be tailored to the student’s specific needs and requirements.
  • Originality . Professional writers will provide original work that is free from plagiarism, which is important in academic writing.

It is important to note, however, that a student should always ensure that the writing service they use is reputable and that they review and understand the work they receive before submitting it as their own.

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Luke MacQuoid has extensive experience teaching English as a foreign language in Japan, having worked with students of all ages for over 12 years. Currently, he is teaching at the tertiary level. Luke holds a BA from the University of Sussex and an MA in TESOL from Lancaster University, both located in England. As well to his work as an IB Examiner and Master Tutor, Luke also enjoys sharing his experiences and insights with others through writing articles for various websites, including extendedessaywriters.com blog

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104 Marine Life Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best marine life topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on marine life, ⭐ simple & easy marine life essay titles.

  • Marine Degradation and Solutions in the Pacific Region The second issue related to the degradation of marine resources in the Pacific region is the unsustainable use of marine resources, including destructive fishing, which leads to changes in the number and health of species.
  • Ocean Pollution and the Fishing Industry In essence, the activities of over six billion people in the world are threatening the survival and quality of water found in the oceans, lakes and other inland water catchment areas. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
  • Ocean Currents: General Information There are generally two types of ocean currents depending on the water level where the movement of oceanic water takes place and they are the deep ocean currents and the surface ocean currents.
  • The Problem of Ocean Pollution in Modern World Wastes such as toxic matter, plastics, and human wastes are some of the major sources of pollution in the ocean. Many people consume fish as food; when marine life is affected by toxic substance in […]
  • Sea Otters’ Life Cycle From Birth to Death However, after the species had almost become extinct and their protection began, the species began to recover and towards the close of the 20th century, conservation had given rise to tens of thousands of sea […]
  • High Seas Marine Protected Areas: Effective Legislation or Paper Parks This essay dwells on the definition and importance of MPAs, including the ones in the high sea. The goal of the alliance is to bolster international collaboration and exchange of knowledge.
  • Climate Change Impacts on Ocean Life The destruction of the ozone layer has led to the exposure of the earth to harmful radiation from the sun. The rising temperatures in the oceans hinder the upward flow of nutrients from the seabed […]
  • Life in the Bottom of the Ocean and Its Protection While we all strive hard to detect and analyze the essence of life and the impact it has on our lives, we need to understand that life in itself is a big mystery, the truth […]
  • The Aral Sea’s Environmental Issues Prior to its destruction, the Sea was one of the biggest water bodies, rich in different species of flora and fauna; a case that is opposite today, as the sea is almost becoming extinct.
  • The Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004 and Its Consequences The worst effects of the great wave were observed in Indonesia, where the death toll exceeded 160,000 people, and the overall damages almost reached $4.
  • The Impacts of Oil Spills on Marine Life The intensity of aquatic effects is influenced by the nature and extent of the spilt oil. Besides, the severity might be influenced by the sensitivity and ambient state of the pretentious marine and their surroundings […]
  • The Ocean Pollution Problem Overview Ocean pollution is the unfavorable upshot due to the entrance of chemicals and particulate substances into the ocean. The land is the key source of ocean pollution in the form of non-point water pollution.
  • Living Resources of the Ocean The most commendable among the benefits of marine life to human life are the fact that marine life can act as food and the fact that some oceanic organisms have medicinal value.
  • Plastic Waste and Its Effects on Marine Life However, many people do not appreciate the importance of oceans to human and marine life. Another effect of microplastics on the marine community is that they lead to uneven distribution of organisms.
  • Marine Life in United Arab Emirates This report analyses the marine life in the UAE, covering detailed information about the various species of animals found in the region and their adaptation to the unique environment.
  • The Global Ocean Conveyor Belt This ocean water phenomenon is a result of the temperature difference in the ocean waters between the warm, salty surface water, and the less salty cold water in the ocean depths.
  • Ocean Dumping Issue and Rhetorical Rationale Therefore, the goal of this paper is to prove that the poster in question manages to accomplish an impressive goal of subverting the audience’s expectation and encouraging them to shift from an ironic perception of […]
  • Marine Surveying, Inspection and Safety Practices The importance of these conventions and rules was to address the need to access different ports in different countries based on uniform rules and standards acceptable to destination ports or countries in addition to maintaining […]
  • Marine Parks Concept Overview In terms of marine tourism, aquatic parks offer the best solution for tourists because they are cheaper than watching animals in the sea.
  • Marine Conservation and Coastal Development The committee should comprise of a balanced membership for holistic review of the coastal development projects. The lack of legislation related to marine conservation is also a major setback.
  • How the Ocean Current Affect Animals’ Life in the Sea Depending on the strength of the ocean current, sea animals along the path are flown along with the water, and the animals are moved to new regions that are sometimes thousands of kilometers away causing […]
  • Dell’s Initiative to Recycle Ocean-Bound Plastics The innovation to use plastics from the ocean and areas where these materials had a high risk of moving to the water was presented to the company in 2015.
  • Ecology Issues: Creatures of the Deep Sea Discuss the negative changes that are occurring and the cause of these changes In the recent past, the temperature on the earth has been rising steadily due to the effect of global warming.
  • Deep Sea Volcanoes and their Effects Deep sea volcanoes are present under deep sea ridges of the ocean floor and the above research has been based on the amount of carbon dioxide that is present in depths of four kilometers on […]
  • Policy Change to Control Ocean Dumping Policies addressing the issue of ocean dumping and the need to curb it have been in place. Several factors fueled the change; for instance, change in the information concerning the effect of ocean dumping to […]
  • The Negatives of Fossil Fuel: Ocean Acidification and Human Health The adverse effects of burning oil are hard to overestimate. Unless specific and practical actions are taken to address the issues of global climate change and pollution issues and reduce reliance on oil, the future […]
  • Impacts of Climate Change on Ocean The development of phytoplankton is sensitive to the temperature of the ocean. Some marine life is leaving the ocean due to the rising water temperature.
  • Exploring Environmental Issues: Marine Ecotourism For marine ecotourism to succeed, it must thrive in a manner that accommodates the needs of both the current and future generations and safeguards the natural environment.
  • Autonomous Platforms in Marine Research One of the significant ideas that can increase the overall efficiency of the data collection process is the creation of networks of autonomous platforms.
  • The Sea Water Impact on the Human Cell Hence, consuming it causes a high amount of salt without the human cell, which leads to a steep concentration gradient within the cell, thereby causing water to be drawn out, which is detrimental to the […]
  • Ocean Sustainability and Human Economic Activity The world economy and the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people depend on the ocean. It is important to remember that the misuse of water resources and the effects of global climate change will […]
  • Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden The role of the ICZM in the control of environmental, transport, industrial, and other types of safety is high, and the example of the RSGA region proves this.
  • Mining and Ocean Use in Canada Cobalt, nickel, manganese, and copper are among the metals deep seabed mining seeks to extract from the polymetallic nodules on the seafloor and seamounts.
  • Addressing Marine Debris: Causes, Effects, and Potential Solutions A major limitation that makes the eradication of the problem difficult is the fact that most of the debris contains microplastic.
  • Sea Foods in the Environment Protection Context Further, the purpose of the website is to give information that seeks to reward the efforts of people who protect and safeguard the ocean and seafood supplies such as lobsters.
  • How Deep Sea Discoveries Inspires Professional Creativity Limited technological access to the deep seas should inspire one to focus on the necessary technology to build the most efficient deep-sea robots.
  • Visiting San Francisco Bay as Marine Protected Area San Francisco Bay Bridge will become the central place for this trip because it is just in the center of this view.
  • Non-trophic Interaction in Marine Species An example of non-trophic relationships between marine species is decorator crabs and sponges. Decorator crabs and sponges’ relations are an example of mutually helpful non-trophic interaction mutualism.
  • The Rising of Sea Level and Melting Glaciers: Analysis of the Issues In modern realities, the rate of warming of the World’s Oceans has increased. Global warming provokes the melting of ice in Greenland and Antarctica.
  • Habitat and Ocean Life Considerations of Bottlenose Dolphins The temperate and tropical oceans of the world are home to bottlenose dolphins. On the American continent, bottlenose dolphins can be seen along California’s southern beaches and the eastern seaboard from Massachusetts to Florida, and […]
  • The Ocean Dumping Problem: A Visual Argument There is, however, less awareness of deep-sea drilling and the impacts on the habitat and human life in the oceans and along the coasts.
  • Australia’s Endangered Diverse Marine Ecosystem Climate Change and population increase are becoming increasingly difficult to perceive distinctly, especially when the question is about the loss of a diverse marine environment.
  • Marine Environment Protection and Management in the Shipping Industry Therefore, criminal penalties system in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency should reinforce legislations to protect sea creatures and humans from oil pollution or wastes from ships.
  • Marine Creatures and Terrestrial Animals in “The Wild West: Gold Rush” In fact, Californian nature is rich in various animal species that live to survive and pass their genes to the offspring.
  • Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 342 Such flows reduce the temperature of the planet’s core, change the composition of the foundation bedrock, and impact microorganism dispersion in the subterranean ecosystem.
  • Ocean Circulation and Biogeography, Species Distribution, Invasive Species The concept of ocean circulation refers to the movements of water in the oceans and seas. Surface ocean currents carry water from the poles to the tropics, where it is heated, and, afterwards, this water […]
  • “History of Ocean Basins” by Hess From the article it is vivid that the coming into being of oceans is subject to discussion since the previous knowledge is doubtful, and the existing framework is confusing.
  • Plastic Ocean and Its Effect on the Ecosystem The purpose of this essay is to present science-based facts in support of the author’s words to convince the reader of the criticality of the ecological problem.
  • Marine Protected Areas: Impact on Kelp Forest Recovery and Urchin Reduction The research aims to study the effectiveness of MPA for kelp forest recovery and urchin reduction. The research aims to study the effectiveness of MPA for kelp forest recovery and urchin reduction.
  • Environmental Marine Ecosystems: Biological Invasions One of the biggest hypoxic zones in the US is in the Gulf of Mexico. The condition of water in the area caused the decline of the shrimp industry.
  • Effect of Sea Water and Corrosion on Concrete On the other hand, substantial tautness, for instance due to meandering will shatter the tiny firm pattern, ending up in fracturing and disjointing of the concrete.
  • Effects of Global Warming on Marine Life Global warming has adverse effects on the marine life. It has led to the extinction of some of the animals and living things and has been necessitated by human activities.
  • Deep-Sea Biology: The Search for a Sea Monster This case study is about the attempts of Clyde Roper to find the giant squid. This canyon is known to be very deep and runs towards the Kermadec Trench which is also documented to be […]
  • Bacterial Diseases of Marine Organisms The striped dolphin is a highly susceptible host of the bacteria and poses and the most potent reservoir and source of transmission of the infectious agent.
  • Ecotoxicology: Toxic Wastes in the Marmara Sea The importance and actuality of the paper can not be exaggerated, as the problem of toxic wastes is one of the most burning in Europe.
  • The Aral Sea Problems, Their Causes and Consequences To identify and analyze the problems of the lake, its basin, and the entire region To discuss the causes and consequences of the lake’s destruction To evaluate the solutions proposed for ameliorating the consequences The […]
  • How Climate Change Impacts Ocean Temperature and Marine Life The ocean’s surface consumes the excess heat from the air, which leads to significant issues in all of the planet’s ecosystems.
  • Intergovernmental Relations and Ocean Policy Change The administration of Ronald Reagan contributed to the Federal ocean policy in the 1980s. During this change, analysts believed the United States was making a shift from ocean protection of the 1970s to ocean management […]
  • Improving the Response to Marine Emergencies However, we still need to facilitate this process, for instance, by informing the National Fire Service about the implementation of this project and its results. These are the most objectives that have to be attained […]
  • A Benchmarking Biodiversity Survey of the Inter-Tidal Zone at Goat Island Bay, Leigh Marine Laboratory Within each quadrant, the common species were counted or, in the case of seaweed and moss, proliferation estimated as a percentage of the quadrant occupied.
  • Ocean Circulation in a Warming Climate These effects will enhance the development of reduced release of radio-carbon depleted carbon dioxide gas and thus the idea of the self-restoration mechanism of the earth to this global warming.
  • Protected Marine Areas: Great Barrier Reef To protect the Great Barrier Reef the administration has put in place several policies to protect this region. In this plan, A panel of scientists was to advise on the quality of waste.
  • Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion The warm seawater is carried into a chamber and is used to produce vapor that, in turn, is used to rotate a turbine.
  • Review of the Quaternary History of Reefs in the Red Sea With Reference to Past Sea-Level Changes Some of the changes have occurred on the very grandest of scales, such as the Merging and ensuing breaking up of huge supercontinents, or the decimation of the dinosaurs by extra-terrestrial impacts.reefs are not invulnerable […]
  • Radiocarbon C14 Dating in Marine Geology The radiocarbon technique can say to be one of the most important inventions of the 20th century, especially in the field of human science.
  • Marine Biology: Polar Oceans as an Eco System The water in and around the Antarctic continent is referred to as the Antarctic or Southern Ocean. The Atlantic Water is situated between the Arctic Surface Water and the Arctic Deep Water.
  • Marine Pollution: Management and International Legislation Marine environment refers to: the physical, chemical, geological and biological components, conditions and factors which interact and determine the productivity of, state, condition and quality of the marine ecosystem, the waters of the seas and […]
  • Marine Pollution: Sources, Types, Pathways, and Status By examining sources, types, pathways, and status of water contamination in the context of the World Ocean, it is clear that most marine pollution caused by human actions, especially the mismanagement of plastic debris.
  • Concerns of Ocean Ecosystem Pollution The range of adverse outcomes for ocean ecosystems can be discussed in volumes; however, the current discussion will focus on trash in the ocean waters, acidification, and the disruption of the marine life cycles.
  • Hudson River’s Ocean Floor Investigation Mapping the ocean floor of the Hudson River would enable the analysis of sediments and the bottom surface hardness as well as would provide data on bottom features and the depth of the river.
  • Port Philip Bay and Sea Levels in Australia’s Geological History As the scientist explains, the phenomenon of the port’s emergence in the dry environment can be attributed to the fact that considerable water shrinkage could be observed in the area roughly 1,000 years ago.
  • Geology: Port Phillip Bay and Sea Level Changes Specifically, the fossils of specific creatures, such as the shells of tertiary foraminifera, as well as the meanders of the river channels, which were located in the area, are bound to bolster the hypothesis suggested […]
  • Marine Algae Associated Bacteria as Antioxidants The antinociceptive activity analysis involved comparing the reaction time of mice treated with the extracts and the controls. The authors conclude that the isolation and characterization of the bioactive principles from the potent strains could […]
  • Ocean-Plate Tectonics and Geology Bathymetry of the ocean seafloor refers to the measurement of how deep the sea is in relation to the sea level.
  • “Manifest Destiny”: Westward Expansion to the Pacific Ocean The concept of Manifest Destiny elucidates the states of mind of many expansionist principle makers of the period who worked hard in an attempt to push America’s borders towards the west.
  • Impact of Sea Transport on the Aquatic Environment The shipping companies also have a serious impact on the maritime environment in terms of the wastes often released into the water.
  • Deep-Sea Currents and Upwelling Along Florida The thermohaline circulation influences the movement and population of the marine ecosystem and heat redistribution both in the sea and on the earth’s surface.
  • Climate Change Effects on Ocean Acidification The scientists realized that the crisis lasted for several millennia before the oceans could fully recover from the impacts of the drop in the pH level.
  • Marine Geology, Hydrology and Human Impact on Earth However, the implementation of the new technologies and practices in the process of investigation of the sea depths resulted in the appearance of the new meaning.
  • Marine Ecosystems, Human Dependence and Impact The growth of communities dependent on fishing is proportional to the destruction of marine ecosystems. The survival of the human race, and the survival of millions of species of wildlife is dependent on a healthy […]
  • The Northern Sea Route’ Safety Management The company discusses the opportunity to trade some of the vessels with the help of the NSR. The NSR is discussed as an attractive option to decrease the time spent in the voyage while comparing […]
  • Water Crisis, Oceans and Sea Turtles Issues In the case of Mexico, it appears that the past regimes have never put a lot of focus on the utilization of water resources.
  • National Marine Fishery Service Business Projects Within a fishery management context, the report primarily focuses on the provisions of the Magnuson-Steven Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act issues in 2006.
  • The Dead Sea Geochemical History Globally, the most saline location is found on the water surfaces and shores of the Dead Sea. On the other hand, the pattern of fluctuation in temperature and salinity in the Arctic Ocean is complex.
  • SOFAR Effects on the Marine Life The speed and energy of the sounds that are transmitted in the SOFAR channel are maintained without being altered because of the pressure, which increases with increase in depth.
  • Ocean Acidification Impact on the Sea Urchin Larval Growth Due to the carbon dioxide increase in the atmosphere, acidity in the oceans is increasing++ and a fast increase of change rate is experienced.
  • Deep Sea Mining: Salt Extraction This therefore shows how important the process of evaporation is in regard to extraction of salt from the sea. This therefore explains that sea water is a cheap source of salt in terms of time […]
  • Pacific Ocean: Essentials of Oceanography The ocean has about 25,000 islands which are in excess of the entire number islands in all the oceans across the world. The volume of water in the ocean is about 622 million km3.
  • Marine Pollution and the Anthropogenic Effects Upon It Marine pollution denotes the introduction of harmful materials or chemicals in our oceans which may disrupt the marine ecosystem, cause other harmful effects to marine life or change the chemical properties of the water.
  • Marine Biodiversity Conservation and Impure Public Goods The fact that the issue concerning the global marine biodiversity and the effects that impure public goods may possibly have on these rates can lead to the development of a range of externalities that should […]
  • El Niño’s Effects on Marine Life El Nino makes the winds of the east blow to the west and moves the layers of warm water in the Pacific Ocean.
  • Marine Ecosystems in Oceanography Studies While oceanography students need to understand these aspects of ocean management, this paper focused on marine ecosystems, as a broad and useful topic in oceanography studies.
  • Ocean Acidification: Marine Calcification Process This article correlates calcium with oceanography because the process of acidification, which causes the ocean’s pH to decrease because of excess carbon from the atmosphere, has impacts on calcifying organisms in the oceans.
  • Ocean Literacy and Exploration From the onset of “human-ocean interaction and exploration in the fifteenth century” and despite ocean being the largest feature of the earth, only 5% of the ocean is known.
  • Ocean and Atmosphere Circulation Oceanic and atmospheric circulation is the means by which heat is distributed on the surface of the Earth by large scale circulation of air.
  • The Role of Sea Power in International Trade The historical influence that the marines or the navy has had on international trade and the complications in comparing measures of sea power has been issues of discussion in the past.
  • Ocean Fisheries Sustainability Analysis It is necessary for fishing industries to use better fishing methods in the ocean to ensure that their activities do not endanger the ecological balance. Fish species do not get the chance to replenish and […]
  • Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Reefs This essay addresses some of the disturbances which have been experienced in the coral reefs of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary together with measures which have been implemented to salvage the ecosystem.
  • Plastic Ocean Pollution on Ocean Life in U.S. Ocean plastic pollution has had a great impact on a minimum of two hundred and sixty seven species across the world and these include forty three percent of all of the sea mammal species, eighty […]
  • Impact of the Toxic Substances on Marine Ecosystem The condition of hypoxia is created when algal biomass decompose leading to dissolution of oxygen in the water column. While, on the other hand, farming of Bluefin tuna leads to destruction of marine life as […]
  • Climate Shift Could Leave Some Marine Species Homeless This is very important as it helps put pressure on countries to reduce on carbon release, in order to conserve the environment and hence species at risk.
  • The Difficulties in Exploiting Sea Floor Massive Sulfide Deposits However, the difficulties involved in exploring the minerals have been the greatest obstacles to the full exploration of sea floor mineral deposits such as sulphide. The regulatory environment is the other issue of concern in […]
  • Global Warming Outcomes and Sea-Level Changes The outcome of global warming has been exhibited by the melting of ice and snows in areas such as the Antarctic which has changed the average sea level of the whole world because the ice […]
  • The Ocean’s Rarest Mammal Vaquita – An Endangered Species The vaquita looks like a curved stocky porpoise, and it is the smallest of all the porpoises in the world. This is a matter of concern and ought to be investigated if the survival of […]
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240 Interesting Biology Topics for Essays & Research Papers

Biology is often called the science of life . From bacteria to whales, biologists study all kinds of organisms. Have you ever wondered why bees dance? Or how can chickens be the closest modern relatives to dinosaurs? The buzzing world is full of complex wonders like these. That’s why it’s so easy to find a biology research topic of your liking.

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If you need to craft a biology essay, this article is for you. Here you can learn about research areas and fields in biology. Besides, you will find 220 interesting biology topics to write about. Read on to refresh your knowledge of microbiology, epidemiology, and more.

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🔝 Top 10 Biology Research Topics

📚 areas of research in biology, ⭐ top 10 interesting biology topics for essays, 🍎 biological topics for high school.

  • 🦠 Microbiology Topics
  • 💀 Anatomy & Human Biology
  • 🔬 Cell & Molecular Biology
  • ♻️ Environmental Biology
  • 🐬 Marine Biology
  • 🌻 Plant Biology
  • 🧬 Evolutionary Biology
  • 👶🧑 Developmental Biology
  • 😷 Epidemiology & Population Topics in Biology
  • 📜 History of Biology

🔍 References

  • Are viruses alive?
  • How do emotions work?
  • What is the role of hormones?
  • Ways to recover endangered species
  • Are allergies a sign of immune disorder?
  • What is the function of chromosomes?
  • Robert Hooke’s contribution to biology
  • The difference between Darwinism and evolution
  • The process of bacterial invasion of the body
  • Ways to strengthen the human immune system

Biologists operate on a vast scale. Naturally, there are plenty of research areas. Let’s sort them out:

  • Microbiology. Microbiologists examine minute organisms. Many of them, such as viruses, can cause infectious diseases. Because of this, microbiology is strongly linked with immunology.
  • Anatomy. Anatomical research focuses on the structure of tissues and organs.
  • Cell and molecular biology. Cells are the basis for every living being. The key topic in this area is the molecular organization of cells.
  • Environmental biology. Our environment needs support, and environmental biologists provide it. They study ecosystems to find out how humans affect nature. Scientists in this area also observe how organisms react to their surroundings.
  • Marine biology. This branch is concerned with life in the deep seas. Oceanography is a crucial part of marine biology.

Paul Watson quote.

  • Botany. This study is also called plant biology. It studies the properties of organisms that need sun and water to survive. Common categories of plants include trees, shrubs, and flowers.
  • Evolutionary biology. All that lives is always evolving. Organisms create, merge, and delete genes. Evolutionary biologists monitor these changes.
  • Developmental biology. Research in this area includes studying tissue regeneration and cell growth.
  • Epidemiology. Epidemiologists investigate diseases and health conditions. Key questions include: Where does a disease originate from? How does it transmit? What risks are there?

With this overview in mind, you’re ready to choose an interesting biological topic.

  • 4 types of biotechnology
  • Main branches of biochemistry
  • Pros and cons of gene therapy
  • Exobiology vs. astrobiology
  • Biological functions of the DNA
  • Levels of biological organization
  • Properties of the phylogenetic tree
  • Classification of invertebrate animals
  • History of modern light microscopes
  • The early modern period of plant systematics

From peas to platypuses: high school biology covers a wide range of topics. In your biology essay, you’ll have the chance to familiarize yourself with any of them. Your options are almost endless! Consult our list of 20 popular ideas to get your research started:

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  • Compare the types of cell reproduction. 
  • How did Gregor Mendel discover heredity? 
  • Cell structure: prokaryotes vs. eukaryotes . 
  • Enzymes : what do we need them for? 
  • Explain how photosynthesis converts CO2 into O2. 
  • How does the human metabolism work? 
  • What are the differences between mitosis and meiosis?  
  • How do you predict the probability of inheriting a gene? 
  • Describe the structure of DNA.  
  • What is PCR used for? 
  • Biotechnology: the mechanisms behind cloning . 
  • Survival of the fittest: what does natural selection mean? 
  • Discuss the latest evidence for Darwin’s theory of evolution. 
  • The tree of life: how does this concept depict the relationships between species? 
  • What kind of strategies do organisms use to get nutrition? 
  • Dinosaurs and their modern relatives: what do we know about them? 
  • How does our nervous system transport information? 
  • Explain the mechanisms behind the carbon cycle. 
  • Examine the human impact on biodiversity . 
  • What factors regulate population dynamics ? 

🦠 Microbiology Research Topics for Students

The world of microbiology consists of tiny organisms. Researchers study microbes and other simple life forms such as bacteria and fungi. This way, they aim to solve environmental as well as medical issues.

  • How do microbes develop resistance? 
  • Give an overview of our immune system’s defense mechanisms. 
  • Contrast the types of microbiomes . 
  • What are the industrial applications for microbiology ? 
  • How do you degrade soil pollutants using microbes? 
  • Investigate examples of agents that kill bacteria. 
  • What makes yeast versatile? 
  • The differences between virions and viroids. 
  • What are acellular agents? 
  • Give an overview of the biochemical properties of fungi . 
  • What are possible causes for asthma ? 
  • The relationship between stress and our immune system’s performance. 
  • How do vaccines work? 
  • Examine the structure of archaeal genes. 
  • Why is microbial diversity important? 

Natural selection.

  • How do microbes contribute to an ecosystem? 
  • The role of microbes in food contamination. 
  • How do bacteria turn milk into yogurt? 
  • Applications of microbial biotechnology. 
  • Describe the four groups of protozoa. 

💀 Anatomy & Human Biology Topics

Human biology studies people as single organisms and in the context of populations. Two of its essential parts are anatomy and anthropology. The latter studies the evolution of humankind. The former is more concerned with body structure. Combine all three subjects to gain a 360° view of humanity!

  • Describe the functions of the respiratory system.  
  • What happens to your body if you’re anemic ? 
  • Outline the history of the human population. 
  • How does medical anthropology help us understand health? 
  • Reading bones: what types of information can osteologists gather? 
  • Biomechanics: what makes humans move? 
  • Compare the proposed effects of various current trends in nutrition . 
  • Explore the psychological factors that influence one’s health. 
  • How does your brain control your behavior? 
  • Synapses: structure and mechanisms. 
  • Explain how kidneys filter blood. 
  • What regulates muscle contraction ? 
  • Discuss the new reproductive technologies from an anthropological perspective. 
  • Describe the structure of a skeletal muscle fiber. 
  • The cerebral cortex: what does it do? 
  • Brain, hormones, and emotions. 
  • Functions of the sodium-potassium pump. 
  • Examine what blood consists of. 
  • What happens when your heart skips a beat? 
  • Is the growth in the human population out of control? 

🔬 Cell & Molecular Biology Research Topics

Your body’s fundamental structure is made up of cells. Their properties are in the center of interest for cell biologists. They investigate a cell’s life cycle and its vital functions. On a molecular level, this includes the role of chemical processes in cell activity.

  • How does cancer affect the body’s cell growth? 
  • The protein paradox: what is the right amount of protein? 
  • How do cells heal bones? 
  • The ethics of stem cell research . 
  • Investigate the communication methods between cells. 
  • Explore the link between the environment and our DNA. 
  • Current trends in molecular biochemistry. 
  • Telomerase: will it ever be possible to reverse aging processes? 
  • What do we know about axon guidance? 
  • Where does our brain keep the memories? 
  • Why do cells become sticky? 
  • High-resolution microscopy: ways to advance molecular research. 
  • How do cilia move cells? 

Living organisms.

  • Treating glaucoma : is surgery always necessary? 
  • The role of microtubules in the nervous system. 
  • Diffusion : means of transport within cells. 
  • What does the central dogma of molecular biology state? 
  • Trace the steps of DNA translation. 
  • Why do cells need to eat their dead counterparts? 
  • How does protein biosynthesis work? 

♻️ Environmental Biology Topics to Research

Environmental biologists ensure our harmonic coexistence with nature. They are also in charge of monitoring wastewater disposal and pollution levels. This branch is closely related to ecology.

  • Discuss the importance of light in different bodies of water. 
  • Aftermath of building the Hetch Hetchy valley dam. 
  • The devastating impact of deforestation in the Amazon. 
  • Analyze the consequences of desertification. 
  • How do genetically modified insects influence the environment? 
  • What would happen if all the bees die? 
  • Compare several methods of wastewater disposal. 
  • What were the ecological effects of Indonesia’s Mega Rice Project? 
  • The Great Pacific Garbage Patch: will we ever get rid of it? 
  • How do worms indicate the state of an ecosystem? 
  • Why is it important to conserve biodiversity? 
  • DDT: how did it affect wildlife in the US? 
  • What causes toxic algae bloom? 
  • Compare the adverse health effects of common contaminants in the air. 
  • The Aral Sea: how did it disappear? 
  • How do genetically engineered crops impact the environment? 
  • Indoor air pollution: causes and risks. 
  • The pros and cons of using natural gas . 
  • Trace the ecological footprint of cotton production. 
  • What are the ways to ensure food security without harming the environment? 

🐬 Marine Biology Topics for a Paper

Fun fact: the vast majority of our oceans are still unobserved. Research in marine biology encompasses all organisms living close to or under water. Do you want to participate in uncovering the mysteries of the deep sea? This section is for you!

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  • How does luminescence in marine vertebrae work? 
  • Dolphins: how do they communicate? 
  • The impact of military sonar on whales. 
  • What makes the Galapagos Islands so unique? 
  • Compare different camouflage techniques of marine animals. 
  • How do aquatic organisms live together in coral reefs ? 
  • Causes of high mercury concentrations in fish. 
  • Investigate the impact of overfishing in China. 
  • Explain how rising sea temperatures affect marine life. 
  • Contrast the survival strategies of various penguin species. 
  • The ethics of seafood farms. 
  • Examine bacteria’s contribution to biological processes in the sea. 
  • What are the types of invasive species? 
  • The contribution of birds to a stable marine ecosystem. 
  • Identify the biggest threats to marine biodiversity. 
  • Inspect the predatory behavior of starfish. 
  • How do corals form? 
  • The importance of phyto- and zooplankton to ponds. 
  • Whales: how did they evolve? 
  • What are the four types of oceanography ? 

🌻 Plant Biology Research Topics

Plant biology, you guessed it, investigates plants. These green organisms are incredibly versatile. From redwood trees to algae, plants come in all sizes and shapes. Scientists use botanical knowledge to improve our food and medicine supplies. They also help to conserve forests, parks, and wilderness areas.

  • What causes diseases in plants? 
  • What are the benefits of studying algae ? 
  • Recently, scientists engineered a plant to glow by itself. How does it work? 
  • What makes some plants toxic? 

Rainforest plants.

  • Compare various defense mechanisms of flowers. 
  • Deciduous trees: what are the advantages of leaf loss? 
  • How do Butterworts acquire nutrition? 
  • Carnivorous plants: methods of luring prey. 
  • Types of negative feedback in plants. 
  • Give examples of thigmotropism. How does it work? 
  • What problems are associated with the definition of kingdoms? 
  • Investigate the anatomical structure of plant roots. 
  • Phytohormones: how do they influence plant growth? 
  • Plants and music: does sound have any measurable effects on plant development? 
  • How do plants produce starch? 
  • Why do weeds grow excessively? 
  • Investigate plant disease management and intervention. 
  • Industrial applications of synthesized plant mechanisms. 
  • Cacti: how do they survive in the desert? 
  • Examine the biological properties of medicinal herbs. 

🧬 Hot Topics in Evolutionary Biology to Write About

Evolutionary biologists observe change in all living organisms. If you want to know why life on Earth is so versatile, evolutionary biology has the answer. Research areas cover ecology and genetics, as well as paleontology.

  • How does stabilizing selection ensure the same phenotype for a species during evolution? 
  • Discuss Tinbergen’s four questions. 
  • What are the benefits of sexual reproduction ? 
  • Cancer: why does it persist? 
  • Society and evolution: are they connected? 
  • Southeast Asia and the limited occurrence of the alcohol dehydrogenase gene. 
  • Is there a scientific reason to divide humans into races? 
  • Track the evolution of aging throughout human history. 
  • How does speciation work? 
  • Genetic drift and its effects on variation. 
  • Describe problems concerning the Modern Synthesis. 
  • Selective sweeps: how likely are they to cause disease? 
  • What does the Red Queen hypothesis state? 
  • How do you determine age in herbaceous plants? 
  • Life history theory: how does a species’ life history influence its evolution? 
  • What are the ways for a species to achieve its maximum fitness? 
  • How did the bees learn to communicate information by dancing? 
  • Investigate the evolution of stamina in animal locomotion. 
  • How does an animal’s physiology adapt to its geographic range? 
  • Compare the evolutionary process of endotherms and ectotherms. 

👶🧑 Developmental Biology Research Topics

When animals and plants grow, their features change. It’s no surprise: every living being starts as a single cell. It’s a long way from there to a fully formed organism! Developmental biologists track this process at different levels.

  • Why are men more likely to be colorblind than women? 
  • What is phylogenetic niche conservatism? 
  • Identify origins of congenital disorders. 
  • What causes birds to become territorial? 
  • Explain the two types of developmental mechanisms. 
  • Why does getting older make humans more susceptible to cancer? 
  • Homeotic genes: how do they influence the development of body structures? 
  • Describe the advantages of apoptosis . 
  • What causes polycephaly? 
  • How do stem cells differentiate? 
  • Investigate regeneration in hydra. 
  • Mechanisms of metamorphosis in frogs. 
  • What happened during the Cambrian explosion? 
  • How do plants produce new structures? 
  • Examine the process of neurulation in fish. 
  • What are the types of deformations found in plants? 
  • Describe the ABC model of flower development. 
  • Why are zebrafish good model systems for developmental studies? 
  • Search for the origins of the vertebrate body plan. 
  • What does the concept of morphogen gradient say about the fate of cells? 

😷 Epidemiology & Population Topics in Biology

Investigating health-related events is a part of epidemiologic research. The goal is to find out what causes diseases in a specific population. Epidemiology analyzes other health issues such as natural disasters and injuries. Population biology focuses on the interaction between populations and their environment.

  • How does evolutionary game theory describe the development of a population? 
  • When is a strategy evolutionarily stable? 
  • How does phenotypic variety in plants help manage disease? 
  • What diseases are caused by heavy metal pollution? 

Cell in the human body.

  • How did the Coronavirus pandemic contribute to a rise in cases of domestic violence ? 
  • Reasons for an increased rate of congenital disabilities in a specific area. 
  • Asian carp: a harmful disruption of the marine population in American rivers. 
  • Compare the three kinds of population distribution. 
  • Examine the consequences of the 1783 Laki eruption. 
  • Examine various policies to moderate population growth . 
  • How do predator-prey dynamics work? 
  • Avoidance mechanisms of resource competition. 
  • Describe the three types of symbiotic relationships . 
  • How does a species regulate its abundance? 
  • What happens if the equilibrium state of a community is disturbed? 
  • Factors that encourage human population growth. 
  • Contrast the survivorship curves of humans, birds, and trees. 
  • Obesity : causes and solutions. 
  • Depression : how does it affect society? 
  • The role of causal inference in epidemiological studies . 

📜 History of Biology Topics to Write About

Even before the emergence of scientific studies, humans had basic biological understanding. They were able to spot edible plants and domesticate animals. Assyrians and Babylonians were the first to implement biological knowledge. If you’re looking for a theoretical research project, this is the right research area for you.

Get an originally-written paper according to your instructions!

  • Explore the medical knowledge available in ancient China. 
  • The history of agriculture in India. 
  • How did the Greek philosophers theorize about the origin of life? 
  • Investigate the theory of the four humors. 
  • Aristotle’s classification of animals. 
  • Give an overview of discoveries in Galen’s medical writings. 
  • What caused the stagnation in scientific progress during the Middle Ages? 
  • Al-Jahiz’ discovery of the relationships between organisms . 
  • Albertus Magnus: what was his contribution to botany? 
  • How did Italy become the center for biological studies? 
  • What factors impacted the development of biology during the Renaissance? 
  • Trace the origins of modern anatomy. 
  • What led to the establishment of the cell theory? 
  • Jump starting biological progress: the invention of the microscope. 
  • Louis Pasteur and the dismissal of spontaneous generation. 
  • How did the discovery of heredity influence modern biology? 
  • What led to the discovery of blood circulation? 
  • How did the Royal Society of London impact scientific development in Europe? 
  • What technology helped advance biological research in the 20th century? 
  • The rise of bioinformatics: boosting progress in genetic data analysis. 

We hope our article gave you some useful ideas for your biology paper. Good luck with your assignment!

You might also be interested in:

  • A List of 212 Brilliant Research Proposal Topics to Investigate
  • 220 Best Science and Technology Essay Topics to Write About
  • 501 Research Questions & Titles about Science
  • 300 Interesting Chemistry Topics & Writing Tips
  • 150 Best Environmental Essay Topics & Questions
  • 165 Health-Related Topics & Essay Ideas
  • 281 Best Health & Medical Research Topics
  • What is Biology?: NTNU
  • High School Biology: Khan Academy
  • Microbiology: University of Pittsburgh
  • Human Biology: University at Albany
  • Explore Topics Related to Cells: NIH
  • What Is Marine Biology?: MarineBio Conservation Society
  • Developmental Biology: Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
  • Introduction to Epidemiology: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
  • The History of Biology: Encyclopedia Britannica
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International Baccalaureate (IB)

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IB students around the globe fear writing the Extended Essay, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress! In this article, I'll get you excited about writing your Extended Essay and provide you with the resources you need to get an A on it.

If you're reading this article, I'm going to assume you're an IB student getting ready to write your Extended Essay. If you're looking at this as a potential future IB student, I recommend reading our introductory IB articles first, including our guide to what the IB program is and our full coverage of the IB curriculum .

IB Extended Essay: Why Should You Trust My Advice?

I myself am a recipient of an IB Diploma, and I happened to receive an A on my IB Extended Essay. Don't believe me? The proof is in the IBO pudding:

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If you're confused by what this report means, EE is short for Extended Essay , and English A1 is the subject that my Extended Essay topic coordinated with. In layman's terms, my IB Diploma was graded in May 2010, I wrote my Extended Essay in the English A1 category, and I received an A grade on it.

What Is the Extended Essay in the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Extended Essay, or EE , is a mini-thesis you write under the supervision of an IB advisor (an IB teacher at your school), which counts toward your IB Diploma (learn more about the major IB Diploma requirements in our guide) . I will explain exactly how the EE affects your Diploma later in this article.

For the Extended Essay, you will choose a research question as a topic, conduct the research independently, then write an essay on your findings . The essay itself is a long one—although there's a cap of 4,000 words, most successful essays get very close to this limit.

Keep in mind that the IB requires this essay to be a "formal piece of academic writing," meaning you'll have to do outside research and cite additional sources.

The IB Extended Essay must include the following:

  • A title page
  • Contents page
  • Introduction
  • Body of the essay
  • References and bibliography

Additionally, your research topic must fall into one of the six approved DP categories , or IB subject groups, which are as follows:

  • Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
  • Group 2: Language Acquisition
  • Group 3: Individuals and Societies
  • Group 4: Sciences
  • Group 5: Mathematics
  • Group 6: The Arts

Once you figure out your category and have identified a potential research topic, it's time to pick your advisor, who is normally an IB teacher at your school (though you can also find one online ). This person will help direct your research, and they'll conduct the reflection sessions you'll have to do as part of your Extended Essay.

As of 2018, the IB requires a "reflection process" as part of your EE supervision process. To fulfill this requirement, you have to meet at least three times with your supervisor in what the IB calls "reflection sessions." These meetings are not only mandatory but are also part of the formal assessment of the EE and your research methods.

According to the IB, the purpose of these meetings is to "provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their engagement with the research process." Basically, these meetings give your supervisor the opportunity to offer feedback, push you to think differently, and encourage you to evaluate your research process.

The final reflection session is called the viva voce, and it's a short 10- to 15-minute interview between you and your advisor. This happens at the very end of the EE process, and it's designed to help your advisor write their report, which factors into your EE grade.

Here are the topics covered in your viva voce :

  • A check on plagiarism and malpractice
  • Your reflection on your project's successes and difficulties
  • Your reflection on what you've learned during the EE process

Your completed Extended Essay, along with your supervisor's report, will then be sent to the IB to be graded. We'll cover the assessment criteria in just a moment.

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We'll help you learn how to have those "lightbulb" moments...even on test day!  

What Should You Write About in Your IB Extended Essay?

You can technically write about anything, so long as it falls within one of the approved categories listed above.

It's best to choose a topic that matches one of the IB courses , (such as Theatre, Film, Spanish, French, Math, Biology, etc.), which shouldn't be difficult because there are so many class subjects.

Here is a range of sample topics with the attached extended essay:

  • Biology: The Effect of Age and Gender on the Photoreceptor Cells in the Human Retina
  • Chemistry: How Does Reflux Time Affect the Yield and Purity of Ethyl Aminobenzoate (Benzocaine), and How Effective is Recrystallisation as a Purification Technique for This Compound?
  • English: An Exploration of Jane Austen's Use of the Outdoors in Emma
  • Geography: The Effect of Location on the Educational Attainment of Indigenous Secondary Students in Queensland, Australia
  • Math: Alhazen's Billiard Problem
  • Visual Arts: Can Luc Tuymans Be Classified as a Political Painter?

You can see from how varied the topics are that you have a lot of freedom when it comes to picking a topic . So how do you pick when the options are limitless?

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How to Write a Stellar IB Extended Essay: 6 Essential Tips

Below are six key tips to keep in mind as you work on your Extended Essay for the IB DP. Follow these and you're sure to get an A!

#1: Write About Something You Enjoy

You can't expect to write a compelling essay if you're not a fan of the topic on which you're writing. For example, I just love British theatre and ended up writing my Extended Essay on a revolution in post-WWII British theatre. (Yes, I'm definitely a #TheatreNerd.)

I really encourage anyone who pursues an IB Diploma to take the Extended Essay seriously. I was fortunate enough to receive a full-tuition merit scholarship to USC's School of Dramatic Arts program. In my interview for the scholarship, I spoke passionately about my Extended Essay; thus, I genuinely think my Extended Essay helped me get my scholarship.

But how do you find a topic you're passionate about? Start by thinking about which classes you enjoy the most and why . Do you like math classes because you like to solve problems? Or do you enjoy English because you like to analyze literary texts?

Keep in mind that there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing your Extended Essay topic. You're not more likely to get high marks because you're writing about science, just like you're not doomed to failure because you've chosen to tackle the social sciences. The quality of what you produce—not the field you choose to research within—will determine your grade.

Once you've figured out your category, you should brainstorm more specific topics by putting pen to paper . What was your favorite chapter you learned in that class? Was it astrophysics or mechanics? What did you like about that specific chapter? Is there something you want to learn more about? I recommend spending a few hours on this type of brainstorming.

One last note: if you're truly stumped on what to research, pick a topic that will help you in your future major or career . That way you can use your Extended Essay as a talking point in your college essays (and it will prepare you for your studies to come too!).

#2: Select a Topic That Is Neither Too Broad nor Too Narrow

There's a fine line between broad and narrow. You need to write about something specific, but not so specific that you can't write 4,000 words on it.

You can't write about WWII because that would be a book's worth of material. You also don't want to write about what type of soup prisoners of war received behind enemy lines, because you probably won’t be able to come up with 4,000 words of material about it. However, you could possibly write about how the conditions in German POW camps—and the rations provided—were directly affected by the Nazis' successes and failures on the front, including the use of captured factories and prison labor in Eastern Europe to increase production. WWII military history might be a little overdone, but you get my point.

If you're really stuck trying to pinpoint a not-too-broad-or-too-narrow topic, I suggest trying to brainstorm a topic that uses a comparison. Once you begin looking through the list of sample essays below, you'll notice that many use comparisons to formulate their main arguments.

I also used a comparison in my EE, contrasting Harold Pinter's Party Time with John Osborne's Look Back in Anger in order to show a transition in British theatre. Topics with comparisons of two to three plays, books, and so on tend to be the sweet spot. You can analyze each item and then compare them with one another after doing some in-depth analysis of each individually. The ways these items compare and contrast will end up forming the thesis of your essay!

When choosing a comparative topic, the key is that the comparison should be significant. I compared two plays to illustrate the transition in British theatre, but you could compare the ways different regional dialects affect people's job prospects or how different temperatures may or may not affect the mating patterns of lightning bugs. The point here is that comparisons not only help you limit your topic, but they also help you build your argument.

Comparisons are not the only way to get a grade-A EE, though. If after brainstorming, you pick a non-comparison-based topic and are still unsure whether your topic is too broad or narrow, spend about 30 minutes doing some basic research and see how much material is out there.

If there are more than 1,000 books, articles, or documentaries out there on that exact topic, it may be too broad. But if there are only two books that have any connection to your topic, it may be too narrow. If you're still unsure, ask your advisor—it's what they're there for! Speaking of advisors...

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Don't get stuck with a narrow topic!

#3: Choose an Advisor Who Is Familiar With Your Topic

If you're not certain of who you would like to be your advisor, create a list of your top three choices. Next, write down the pros and cons of each possibility (I know this sounds tedious, but it really helps!).

For example, Mr. Green is my favorite teacher and we get along really well, but he teaches English. For my EE, I want to conduct an experiment that compares the efficiency of American electric cars with foreign electric cars.

I had Ms. White a year ago. She teaches physics and enjoyed having me in her class. Unlike Mr. Green, Ms. White could help me design my experiment.

Based on my topic and what I need from my advisor, Ms. White would be a better fit for me than would Mr. Green (even though I like him a lot).

The moral of my story is this: do not just ask your favorite teacher to be your advisor . They might be a hindrance to you if they teach another subject. For example, I would not recommend asking your biology teacher to guide you in writing an English literature-based EE.

There can, of course, be exceptions to this rule. If you have a teacher who's passionate and knowledgeable about your topic (as my English teacher was about my theatre topic), you could ask that instructor. Consider all your options before you do this. There was no theatre teacher at my high school, so I couldn't find a theatre-specific advisor, but I chose the next best thing.

Before you approach a teacher to serve as your advisor, check with your high school to see what requirements they have for this process. Some IB high schools require your IB Extended Essay advisor to sign an Agreement Form , for instance.

Make sure that you ask your IB coordinator whether there is any required paperwork to fill out. If your school needs a specific form signed, bring it with you when you ask your teacher to be your EE advisor.

#4: Pick an Advisor Who Will Push You to Be Your Best

Some teachers might just take on students because they have to and aren't very passionate about reading drafts, only giving you minimal feedback. Choose a teacher who will take the time to read several drafts of your essay and give you extensive notes. I would not have gotten my A without being pushed to make my Extended Essay draft better.

Ask a teacher that you have experience with through class or an extracurricular activity. Do not ask a teacher that you have absolutely no connection to. If a teacher already knows you, that means they already know your strengths and weaknesses, so they know what to look for, where you need to improve, and how to encourage your best work.

Also, don't forget that your supervisor's assessment is part of your overall EE score . If you're meeting with someone who pushes you to do better—and you actually take their advice—they'll have more impressive things to say about you than a supervisor who doesn't know you well and isn't heavily involved in your research process.

Be aware that the IB only allows advisors to make suggestions and give constructive criticism. Your teacher cannot actually help you write your EE. The IB recommends that the supervisor spends approximately two to three hours in total with the candidate discussing the EE.

#5: Make Sure Your Essay Has a Clear Structure and Flow

The IB likes structure. Your EE needs a clear introduction (which should be one to two double-spaced pages), research question/focus (i.e., what you're investigating), a body, and a conclusion (about one double-spaced page). An essay with unclear organization will be graded poorly.

The body of your EE should make up the bulk of the essay. It should be about eight to 18 pages long (again, depending on your topic). Your body can be split into multiple parts. For example, if you were doing a comparison, you might have one third of your body as Novel A Analysis, another third as Novel B Analysis, and the final third as your comparison of Novels A and B.

If you're conducting an experiment or analyzing data, such as in this EE , your EE body should have a clear structure that aligns with the scientific method ; you should state the research question, discuss your method, present the data, analyze the data, explain any uncertainties, and draw a conclusion and/or evaluate the success of the experiment.

#6: Start Writing Sooner Rather Than Later!

You will not be able to crank out a 4,000-word essay in just a week and get an A on it. You'll be reading many, many articles (and, depending on your topic, possibly books and plays as well!). As such, it's imperative that you start your research as soon as possible.

Each school has a slightly different deadline for the Extended Essay. Some schools want them as soon as November of your senior year; others will take them as late as February. Your school will tell you what your deadline is. If they haven't mentioned it by February of your junior year, ask your IB coordinator about it.

Some high schools will provide you with a timeline of when you need to come up with a topic, when you need to meet with your advisor, and when certain drafts are due. Not all schools do this. Ask your IB coordinator if you are unsure whether you are on a specific timeline.

Below is my recommended EE timeline. While it's earlier than most schools, it'll save you a ton of heartache (trust me, I remember how hard this process was!):

  • January/February of Junior Year: Come up with your final research topic (or at least your top three options).
  • February of Junior Year: Approach a teacher about being your EE advisor. If they decline, keep asking others until you find one. See my notes above on how to pick an EE advisor.
  • April/May of Junior Year: Submit an outline of your EE and a bibliography of potential research sources (I recommend at least seven to 10) to your EE advisor. Meet with your EE advisor to discuss your outline.
  • Summer Between Junior and Senior Year: Complete your first full draft over the summer between your junior and senior year. I know, I know—no one wants to work during the summer, but trust me—this will save you so much stress come fall when you are busy with college applications and other internal assessments for your IB classes. You will want to have this first full draft done because you will want to complete a couple of draft cycles as you likely won't be able to get everything you want to say into 4,000 articulate words on the first attempt. Try to get this first draft into the best possible shape so you don't have to work on too many revisions during the school year on top of your homework, college applications, and extracurriculars.
  • August/September of Senior Year: Turn in your first draft of your EE to your advisor and receive feedback. Work on incorporating their feedback into your essay. If they have a lot of suggestions for improvement, ask if they will read one more draft before the final draft.
  • September/October of Senior Year: Submit the second draft of your EE to your advisor (if necessary) and look at their feedback. Work on creating the best possible final draft.
  • November-February of Senior Year: Schedule your viva voce. Submit two copies of your final draft to your school to be sent off to the IB. You likely will not get your grade until after you graduate.

Remember that in the middle of these milestones, you'll need to schedule two other reflection sessions with your advisor . (Your teachers will actually take notes on these sessions on a form like this one , which then gets submitted to the IB.)

I recommend doing them when you get feedback on your drafts, but these meetings will ultimately be up to your supervisor. Just don't forget to do them!

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The early bird DOES get the worm!

How Is the IB Extended Essay Graded?

Extended Essays are graded by examiners appointed by the IB on a scale of 0 to 34 . You'll be graded on five criteria, each with its own set of points. You can learn more about how EE scoring works by reading the IB guide to extended essays .

  • Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 points maximum)
  • Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 points maximum)
  • Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 points maximum)
  • Criterion D: Presentation (4 points maximum)
  • Criterion E: Engagement (6 points maximum)

How well you do on each of these criteria will determine the final letter grade you get for your EE. You must earn at least a D to be eligible to receive your IB Diploma.

Although each criterion has a point value, the IB explicitly states that graders are not converting point totals into grades; instead, they're using qualitative grade descriptors to determine the final grade of your Extended Essay . Grade descriptors are on pages 102-103 of this document .

Here's a rough estimate of how these different point values translate to letter grades based on previous scoring methods for the EE. This is just an estimate —you should read and understand the grade descriptors so you know exactly what the scorers are looking for.

Here is the breakdown of EE scores (from the May 2021 bulletin):

How Does the Extended Essay Grade Affect Your IB Diploma?

The Extended Essay grade is combined with your TOK (Theory of Knowledge) grade to determine how many points you get toward your IB Diploma.

To learn about Theory of Knowledge or how many points you need to receive an IB Diploma, read our complete guide to the IB program and our guide to the IB Diploma requirements .

This diagram shows how the two scores are combined to determine how many points you receive for your IB diploma (3 being the most, 0 being the least). In order to get your IB Diploma, you have to earn 24 points across both categories (the TOK and EE). The highest score anyone can earn is 45 points.

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Let's say you get an A on your EE and a B on TOK. You will get 3 points toward your Diploma. As of 2014, a student who scores an E on either the extended essay or TOK essay will not be eligible to receive an IB Diploma .

Prior to the class of 2010, a Diploma candidate could receive a failing grade in either the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge and still be awarded a Diploma, but this is no longer true.

Figuring out how you're assessed can be a little tricky. Luckily, the IB breaks everything down here in this document . (The assessment information begins on page 219.)

40+ Sample Extended Essays for the IB Diploma Programme

In case you want a little more guidance on how to get an A on your EE, here are over 40 excellent (grade A) sample extended essays for your reading pleasure. Essays are grouped by IB subject.

  • Business Management 1
  • Chemistry 1
  • Chemistry 2
  • Chemistry 3
  • Chemistry 4
  • Chemistry 5
  • Chemistry 6
  • Chemistry 7
  • Computer Science 1
  • Economics 1
  • Design Technology 1
  • Design Technology 2
  • Environmental Systems and Societies 1
  • Geography 1
  • Geography 2
  • Geography 3
  • Geography 4
  • Geography 5
  • Geography 6
  • Literature and Performance 1
  • Mathematics 1
  • Mathematics 2
  • Mathematics 3
  • Mathematics 4
  • Mathematics 5
  • Philosophy 1
  • Philosophy 2
  • Philosophy 3
  • Philosophy 4
  • Philosophy 5
  • Psychology 1
  • Psychology 2
  • Psychology 3
  • Psychology 4
  • Psychology 5
  • Social and Cultural Anthropology 1
  • Social and Cultural Anthropology 2
  • Social and Cultural Anthropology 3
  • Sports, Exercise and Health Science 1
  • Sports, Exercise and Health Science 2
  • Visual Arts 1
  • Visual Arts 2
  • Visual Arts 3
  • Visual Arts 4
  • Visual Arts 5
  • World Religion 1
  • World Religion 2
  • World Religion 3

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What's Next?

Trying to figure out what extracurriculars you should do? Learn more about participating in the Science Olympiad , starting a club , doing volunteer work , and joining Student Government .

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Introductory essay

Written by the educators who created The Deep Ocean, a brief look at the key facts, tough questions and big ideas in their field. Begin this TED Study with a fascinating read that gives context and clarity to the material.

How inappropriate to call this planet Earth when it is quite clearly Ocean. Arthur C. Clarke

Planet Ocean

In the late 1960s, the Apollo Mission captured images of Earth from space for the very first time. These iconic photos gave people around the world a fresh perspective on our home planet — more specifically, its vast and dazzling expanses of blue. It's perhaps unsurprising that science has subsequently established the key roles that the ocean and its marine organisms play in maintaining a planetary environment suitable for life.

While the Apollo astronauts were sending back pictures of our blue planet, a scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California was searching for ways to detect life on other planets such as Mars. James Lovelock's investigations led him to conclude that the only way to explain the atmospheric composition of Earth was that life was manipulating it on a daily basis. In various publications, including his seminal 1979 book Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth , Lovelock launched the Gaia hypothesis, which describes how the physical and living components of the natural environment, including humankind, interact to maintain conditions on Earth. During the same period, marine scientists including Lawrence Pomeroy, Farooq Azam and Hugh Ducklow were establishing a firm link between the major biogeochemical cycles in the oceans and marine food webs, particularly their microbial components. In the late 1980s and 1990s, large-scale research programs like the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (JGOFS) explored ocean biogeochemistry and established the oceans' pivotal role in the Earth's carbon cycle.

Research efforts like these underscored the oceans' critical importance in regulating all the major nutrient cycles on Earth. It's now widely recognized that the ocean regulates the temperature of Earth, controls its weather, provides us with oxygen, food and building materials, and even recycles our waste.

The advent of deep-sea science

It seems remarkable that until fairly recently many scientists believed that life was absent in the deep sea. Dredging in the Aegean Sea in the 1840s, marine biologist Edward Forbes found that the abundance of animals declined precipitously with depth. By extrapolation he concluded that the ocean would be azoic (devoid of animal life) below 300 fathoms (~550m depth). Despite evidence to the contrary, scientists supported the azoic hypothesis, reasoning that conditions were so hostile in the deep ocean that life simply could not survive. Extreme pressure, the absence of light and the lack of food were viewed as forming an impenetrable barrier to the survival of deep-sea marine species.

But others were already proving this hypothesis wrong. As Edward Forbes published his results from the Aegean, Captain James Clark Ross and the famous naturalist John Dalton Hooker were exploring the Antarctic in the Royal Navy vessels HMS Terror and HMS Erebus . During this expedition, Ross and Hooker retrieved organisms from sounding leads at depths of up to 1.8km, including urchin spines and other fragments of various marine invertebrates, a number of bryozoans and corals. Ross remarked, "I have no doubt that from however great a depth we may be enabled to bring up the mud and stones of the bed of the ocean we shall find them teeming with animal life." This contention was supported by work of Norwegian marine biologists Michael Sars and George Ossian Sars who dredged hundreds of species from depths of 200 to 300 fathoms off the Norwegian coast.

Coral gardens

Further evidence came from natural scientists William Carpenter and Charles Wyville-Thomson, who mounted expeditions in 1868 and 1869 on the vessels HMS Lightening and HMS Porcupine to sample the deep ocean off the British Isles, Spain and the Mediterranean. The findings of these expeditions, which Wyville-Thomson published in his 1873 book The Depths of the Sea , confirmed the existence of animal life to depths of 650 fathoms — including all the marine invertebrate groups — and suggested that oceanic circulation exists in the deep sea.

This convinced the Royal Society of London and the Royal Navy to organize the circumnavigating voyage of HMS Challenger in the 1870s. In part, the expedition's purpose was to survey potential routes for submarine telegraph cables, and so the links between scientific exploration and human use of the deep sea were established in the very early days of oceanography. The Challenger expedition was a watershed for deep-ocean science, establishing the basic patterns of distribution of deep-sea animals, and that their main food source was the rain of organic material from surface waters.

Unidentified cushion star

In the 1950s, the Danish Expedition Foundation's Galathea voyage established that life occurred at depths of more than 10km in the Philippines Trench. In 1960 marine explorers Auguste Picard and Don Walsh reached the bottom of the Challenger Deep in the Marianas Trench, at a depth estimated to be 10,916 meters--the deepest part of the ocean — where they observed flatfish from the porthole of their pressure sphere. This feat was not repeated until 2012 when James Cameron visited the bottom of the Challenger Deep in the submersible Deepsea Challenger .

Hype or hyper-diversity in the deep sea?

While working at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in the late 1960s, scientists Howard Sanders and Robert Hessler developed new types of deep-sea trawls called epibenthic sleds that featured extra- fine mesh in the nets. When the new trawls were tested, they recovered an astonishing diversity of species from the deep sea. It became apparent that the species richness of deep-sea communities actually increased with greater depth to a peak somewhere on the continental slope between 2,000 and 4,000 meters depth. Beyond these depths, diversity appeared to decrease (but not everywhere), or the pattern was unclear.

Sea cucumber

How to explain this amazing diversity in the deep sea? Initially, scientists credited the species richness to the stability of environmental conditions in the deep ocean, which would support extreme specialization of the animals and thus allow many species to coexist. This is known as the stability-time hypothesis. Some scientists considered that small-scale variations of the sediments of the deep ocean, including reworking of seabed by animals, was important in maintaining microhabitats for many species. In the late 1970s other scientists suggested that conditions in shallow waters allow competitive exclusion, where relatively few species dominate the ecosystem, whereas in deeper waters environmental factors associated with depth and a reduced food supply promote biological communities with more diversity.

Fred Grassle and Nancy Maciolek added substantially to our knowledge of deep-sea biodiversity when they published a study of the continental slope of the eastern coast of the USA in the early 1990s. Grassle and Maciolek based their study on quantitative samples of deep-sea sediments taken with box cores. These contraptions retrieve a neat cube-shaped chunk of the seabed and bring it to the surface enclosed in a steel box. Scientists then sieve the mud and count and identify the tiny animals living in the sediment.

In a heroic effort, Grassle and Maciolek analyzed 233 box cores, an equivalent of 21 square meters of the seabed, identifying 90,677 specimens and 798 species. They estimated that they found approximately 100 species per 100 km along the seabed they sampled. Extrapolations of this figure suggested that there may be 1 - 10 million macrofaunal species in the deep sea.

What's more, some scientists argued that Grassle and Maciolek's estimates represented only a small part of the species diversity in the ocean depths. Dr John Lambshead of London's Natural History Museum pointed out that Grassle and Maciolek had not examined the smallest animals in sediments — the meiofauna — made up of tiny nematode worms, copepods and other animals. These are at least an order of magnitude more diverse than the macrofauna, suggesting that as many as 100 million species may inhabit the deep ocean.

Flat worm

However, given that the latest approximation of the Earth's biodiversity is 10 million species in total, Lambshead's number appears to be an overestimate. Scientists have since realized that there are major problems with estimating the species richness of large areas of the deep sea based on local samples. Today we understand that species diversity in the deep ocean is high, but we still don't know how many species live in the sediments of the continental slope and abyssal plains. We also don't understand the patterns of their horizontal distribution or the reasons for the parabolic pattern of species diversity as it relates to depth. Evidence suggests, however, that the functioning of deep-sea ecosystems depends on a high diversity of animals — although exactly why remains open to conjecture.

The creation of deep-sea environments: "Drifters" and "Fixists"

In 1912, German scientist Alfred Wegener put forward his theory of continental drift to address many questions that engaged the geologists and biologists of his time. For example, why do the continents appear to fit together as though they had once been joined? Why are many of the large mountain ranges coastal? And, perhaps most intriguing, why do the rocks and fossil biotas (combined plant and animal life) on disconnected land masses appear to be so similar?

Wegener's theory provoked a major scientific controversy that raged for more than 50 years between "drifters" and "fixists." Critics of Wegener's — the "fixists" — pointed out that Wegener's proposed mechanism for drift was flawed.

In the search for an alternate mechanism to explain continental drift, British geologist Arthur Holmes suggested that radioactive elements in the Earth were generating heat and causing convection currents that made the Earth's mantle fluid. Holmes argued that the mantle would then rise up under the continents and split them apart, generating ocean basins and carrying the landmasses along on the horizontally-moving currents.

Following World War II, scientific expeditions employing deep-sea cameras, continuously recording echo-sounders, deep-seismic profilers and magnetometers lent support to the arguments of Holmes and his fellow "drifters." Scientists realized that the deep sea hosted a vast network of mid-ocean ridges located roughly in the center of the ocean basins. These ridges were characterized by fresh pillow lavas, sparse sediment cover, intense seismic activity and anomalously high heat flow. Scientists found geologically-synchronous magnetic reversals in the rocks of the ocean crust moving away from either side of the mid-ocean ridges. Added to this was the fact that nowhere could scientists find sediments older than the Cretaceous in age. Together, these findings suggested that new oceanic crust was being formed along the mid-ocean ridges, while old oceanic plates are forced underneath continental plates and destroyed along the ocean trenches. By the late 1960s, the bitter scientific debate between the "fixists" and the "drifters" was finally settled.

Life without the sun

Black smoker

During the next decade, scientists investigating volcanic activity at mid-ocean ridges became interested in the associated phenomenon of hot springs in the deep sea. Anomalously high temperature readings over mid-ocean ridge axes led scientists to mount an expedition in 1977 to the 2.5 km-deep Galápagos Rift. From the submersible Alvin, the scientists observed plumes of warm water rising from within the pillow lavas on the seabed. Living amongst the pillows were dense communities of large vesicoyid clams, mussels, limpets and giant vestimentiferan tube worms (Siboglinidae). An abundance of bacteria around the Galápagos Rift site immediately suggested that these communities might be based on bacterial chemosynthesis, or chemolithotrophy, using chemical energy obtained by oxidizing hydrogen sulphide to drive carbon fixation. Subsequent investigation confirmed that the giant tube worms, clams and mussels actually hosted symbiotic sulphur-oxidizing bacteria in their tissues.

The discovery caused huge excitement in the scientific community. Here was life thriving in the deep sea, where primary production — the basis of the food web — was independent from the sun's energy. Furthermore, as scientists discovered additional vent communities and surveyed elsewhere in the mid-ocean ridge system, they found that environmental conditions were extreme, with high temperatures, acidic waters, hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and the presence of toxic chemicals the norm.

The implications of this were enormous and went well beyond the study of the ocean itself. First, it meant that life could exist elsewhere in our solar system in environments previously thought too extreme. Second, it widened the potential area for habitable planets around suns elsewhere in the universe. For example, the discovery in 2000 of the Lost City alkaline hydrothermal vents presented an environment that some scientists suggest is analogous to the conditions in which life evolved on Earth.

Subsequently, chemosynthesis has been discovered in many places in the ocean, including deep-sea hydrocarbon seeps, in large falls of organic matter such as whale carcasses, and from shallow-water sediments associated with, for example, seagrass beds.

Drawing down the oceans' natural capital

Over the past two decades, we've developed a much deeper understanding of the relationship between humankind and the natural world, including the Earth's oceans. In 1997 Robert Costanza and his colleagues published a paper in Nature that estimated the economic value of the goods and services provided by global ecosystems. Costanza and his colleagues argued that the living resources of Earth could be viewed as a form of natural capital with a value averaging $33 trillion per annum, upon which the entire human economy depended. These goods and services were later grouped into supporting (e.g. primary production), provisioning (e.g. food), regulating (climate regulation) and cultural (e.g. education) services.

While this knowledge may have been intuitive for many people, Costanza's recasting of the environment in economic terms forced policymakers, industry leaders and others to recognize the importance of long-term environmental sustainability. With the support of international agencies such as the World Bank, many countries are now implementing natural capital accounting procedures through legislation. The purpose of this is to help monitor and regulate the use and degradation of the environment and to ensure that the critical ecosystem goods and services underpinning economic activity and human well-being are not undermined.

Although it seems like a modern preoccupation, sustainability is actually a centuries-old challenge, particularly as it relates to marine environments. For example, there is evidence that aboriginal fisheries in ancient times may have overexploited marine species. Certainly by medieval times in Europe, a thriving market for fish, coupled with other developments like changing agricultural practices, forced species such as salmon and sturgeon into decline.

The Industrial Revolution led to an increase in hunting fish, seals and whales, thanks to the development of steam- and then oil-powered fishing vessels that employed increasingly sophisticated means of catching animals. Pelagic whaling began in the early 20th century; the development of explosive harpoons, the ability to process whales at sea, and the strong demand for margarine made from whale oil all contributed to dramatic rises in catches. Despite the initiation of the International Whaling Commission in 1946, a serial depletion of whale populations took place from the largest, most valuable species (e.g. blue whale) through to the smallest species (minke whale). The failure to regulate catches of whales led to the establishment of a near-moratorium on whaling in 1986.

Over the same post-war period, fishing fleets underwent a major expansion and deployed increasingly powerful fishing vessels. Improved technologies for navigating, finding fish and catching them led to increasing pressure on fish stocks and the marine ecosystems in which they lived. In 1998, after analyzing catch statistics from the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), Daniel Pauly and his colleagues from the University of British Columbia identified a global shift in fish catches from long-lived, high trophic level predators to short-lived, low trophic level invertebrates and plankton-eating fish. This was the first evidence that fishing was having a global impact on marine ecosystems, causing major changes in the structure of ocean food webs. Aside from the economic impacts of "fishing down the food web," evidence was accumulating that it also affected the vulnerability and/or resilience of marine ecosystems to shocks such as invasions by alien species and climate-change effects such as mass coral bleaching.

Further evidence came in 2003 from a study by Ransom Myers and Boris Worm. Myers and Worm documented a significant decline over time in the stocks of certain large, predatory fish after analyzing information from research trawl surveys and the catches of the Japanese long-line fleet. Other studies over the same time period suggested that sharks, seabirds and turtles were suffering large-scale declines as they became by-catch in many industrial fisheries. Scientists also asserted that some fishing technologies, such as bottom trawling, were extremely damaging to seabed communities — deep-sea ecosystems in particular — by documenting the devastation of cold-water coral communities.

Orange roughy

These studies sparked a bitter war of words between marine ecologists, fishing industry executives and fisheries biologists. While it has now been demonstrated that fish stocks can recover if levels of exploitation by fisheries are reduced through management measures, it's clear that in many parts of the world's oceans this is not happening. Overall, global yields from marine capture fisheries are in a downward trajectory. By-catch of some marine predators, such as albatrosses, still poses a threat of extinction. Habitat destruction resulting from fishing is continuing.

In addition to overfishing, other human activities are damaging marine ecosystems. During the 1960s and 1970s, several major accidents with oil tankers and oil installations resulted in serious oil spills. While oil pollution is still a significant problem, as illustrated by the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, other less-visible sources of pollution are causing large-scale degradation of the ocean.

Persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals such as mercury are being recognized as major health issues for marine animals (especially high trophic level predators, such as killer whales and tuna) and also for humans. The oceans are becoming the dumping ground for a wide range of chemicals from our personal care products and pharmaceuticals, as well as those that leach out of all manner of plastics that are floating in our seas. Agrochemicals are pouring into the oceans through rivers; in some cases these artificially fertilize coastal waters, generating blooms of algae which are broken down by bacteria, thus stripping the water of oxygen and creating dead zones.

Our release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), is leading to a profound disturbance in ocean temperatures and ocean chemistry. Since the late 1970s, mass coral bleaching from ocean warming has killed large areas of tropical coral reefs. Marine animals are changing their distribution and the timing of their lifecycles, sometimes with catastrophic effects across the wider ecosystem. Such effects are often propagated from lower levels of food webs up through to predators such as fish and seabirds: witness recent declines in spectacled sea duck populations in the Arctic and the decline of cod populations in the North Sea. The oceans are becoming more acidic, which affects the growth rates of animals with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons and has other negative impacts on animal physiology. Many of these different stresses on marine species interact in a form of "negative synergy", inducing more severe effects than if they had presented in isolation. At the ecosystem level these stresses reduce the resilience of marine ecosystems to "shocks" arising from large-scale effects, such as anomalous warming events associated with climate change.

Ocean future

The TEDTalks in The Deep Ocean illuminate many current topics in marine science and oceanic exploration. These include the call for better conservation management in the face of unprecedented threats to marine ecosystems, the discovery and application of as-yet-untapped natural resources from the ocean depths, and the quest for improved technologies to support both of these endeavors. As Sylvia Earle eloquently reminds us in her 2009 TEDTalk, the oceans are critically important to maintaining the planet in a condition that is habitable, and better cooperative, international management of marine ecosystems is essential. However, as other TED speakers like Robert Ballard and Craig Venter argue, the oceans should also interest us because they contain vast untapped resources: unexploited mineral resources as well as genes, proteins and other biomolecules of marine life, which may furnish the medicines and industrial materials of the future.

Smart management of these natural resources requires knowledge, as do our efforts to ensure the oceans' ongoing species richness and their critical function in maintaining the Earth system. In their TEDTalks, explorers and scientists Edith Widder, Mike deGruy and Craig Venter share some of the amazing physical and biological features of ocean habitats and describe how new technologies allow more careful study and exploitation of deep-sea environments.

Stalked crinoids

Despite these advances, there are still enormous gaps in our knowledge. In a TEDTalk he gave in 2008, Robert Ballard noted that many parts of the ocean remain entirely unexplored and he advocated for increased resources for organizations like NOAA. As many of the TED speakers in The Deep Ocean argue, marine science is more important than ever because the oceans are under serious threat from a range of human impacts including global-scale climate change.

However, these speakers also offer a message of hope, underscoring that there is still time to alter the current trajectory of degradation. Scientists including TED speaker John Delaney present a vision for the future where ecosystem-based management, coupled with the advent of new technologies that allow us to monitor ocean health in real time, provide us with tools to heal marine ecosystems. This may allow us to restore their capacity to provide goods and services for humankind over the long term. Measures such as marine-protected areas can maintain the oceans' important biogeochemical functions, but will also conserve the remarkable and beautiful marine ecosystems that have culturally enriched the human experience for millennia.

We'll begin our journey into The Deep Ocean with legendary explorer and oceanographer Sylvia Earle, who shares disturbing data about the decline of marine ecosystems and proposes one method to protect what she calls "the blue heart of the planet."

marine biology extended essay topics

Sylvia Earle

My wish: protect our oceans, relevant talks.

marine biology extended essay topics

Mike deGruy

Hooked by an octopus.

marine biology extended essay topics

David Gallo

Underwater astonishments.

marine biology extended essay topics

Edith Widder

Glowing life in an underwater world.

marine biology extended essay topics

Robert Ballard

The astonishing hidden world of the deep ocean.

marine biology extended essay topics

Craig Venter

On the verge of creating synthetic life.

marine biology extended essay topics

John Delaney

Wiring an interactive ocean.

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Marine biology articles from across Nature Portfolio

Marine biology is the study of life in the oceans and brackish waters, which ranges from archaea and bacteria to marine mammals, and includes organisms such as corals that affect the shape of the seafloor. This may also include human modifications to ocean biology, such as fisheries or the effects of overfishing.

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Corals survive severe bleaching event in refuges related to taxa, colony size, and water depth

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Bioadhesive interface for marine sensors on diverse soft fragile species

It is useful to be able to equip marine animals with sensors, but it can be challenging to attach these to soft marine organisms. Here, the authors use an adhesive hydrogel to achieve rapid attachment of sensors to marine life including jellyfish, squid and lobster.

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Establishing an astaxanthin-rich live feed strain of Pseudodiaptomus annandalei

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Diversity and potential host-interactions of viruses inhabiting deep-sea seamount sediments

Little is known about viral communities in deep-sea seamounts. In this study, the authors performed metagenomic and virome analysis from sediments in the western Pacific Ocean and characterize the diversity, distribution and potential ecological roles of viruses in deep-sea seamount sediments.

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A global database on coral recovery following marine heatwaves

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marine biology extended essay topics

Shining light on dinoflagellate photosystem I

Dinoflagellates are ecologically important and essential to corals and other cnidarians as phytosymbionts, but their photosystems had been underexplored. Recently, photosystem I (PSI) of dinoflagellate Symbiodinium sp. was structurally characterized using cryo-Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM). These analyses revealed a distinct organization of the PSI supercomplex, including two previously unidentified subunits, PsaT and PsaU, and shed light on interactions between light harvesting antenna proteins and the PSI core. These results have implications with respect to the evolution of dinoflagellates and their association with cnidarians.

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Restoration as a meaningful aid to ecological recovery of coral reefs

Restoration supports the recovery of ecological attributes such as cover, complexity, and diversity to slow the areal decline of natural ecosystems. Restoration activity is intensifying worldwide to combat persistent stressors that are driving global declines to the extent and resilience of coral reefs. However, restoration is disputed as a meaningful aid to reef ecological recovery, often as an expensive distraction to addressing the root causes of reef loss. We contend this dispute partly stems from inferences drawn from small-scale experimental restoration outcomes amplified by misconceptions around cost-based reasoning. Alongside aggressive emissions reductions, we advocate urgent investment in coral reef ecosystem restoration as part of the management toolbox to combat the destruction of reefs as we know them within decades.

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marine biology extended essay topics

People and coastal ecosystems adapt to relative sea-level rise

Humans and mangroves adapt to conditions arising from subsidence and relative sea-level rise. Quantifying adaptation responses provides an innovative and cost-effective means of characterizing spatial variation in subsidence and relative sea-level rise and delivers critical information for coastal planning.

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Slow down for marine mammals

An article in Science Advances models the noise reduction potential of slowing down marine vessels and how this can mitigate impacts on marine mammals.

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marine biology extended essay topics

Intense and prolonged subsurface marine heatwaves pose risk to biodiversity

An insight into the global patterns of marine heatwaves from the surface to depths of 2,000 m reveals that subsurface events are more intense and long-lasting than surface ones. Biodiversity exposure to the effects of marine heatwaves is higher at depths of 50–250 m, suggesting that subsurface biodiversity could be at considerable risk.

marine biology extended essay topics

Reconstructing the worldwide colonization history of the world’s most widespread marine plant

Using population genomics, we reveal the global dispersal history of eelgrass ( Zostera marina ) from its origin in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, across to the East Pacific, Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. Striking differences in genetic diversity among the locations reflect past glaciations and repeated bottlenecks during Z. marina ’s worldwide colonization.

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marine biology extended essay topics

97 Biology Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on biology, ✍️ biology essay topics for college, 👍 good biology research topics & essay examples, 📌 easy biology essay topics, 🎓 most interesting biology research titles.

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  • Relations Between Biology and Culture While biology has much to do with our choices, the social environment shapes them to fit the community’s expectations. This work discusses relations between biology and culture.
  • Crime Explanation Using Biology and Psychology A comprehensive theory of Cesare Lombroso has been discussed indicating that criminals could be picked out and determined by their physique, attributes, and appearance.
  • Homologous and Analogous Structures in Biology Homologous structures are found in organisms with a shared origin, while analogous structures have the same function but in organisms that do not share a common ancestor.
  • Biology: Aspects of Fruits The paper discusses fruits. A fruit is the fleshy and sweet part of a tree or any flowering plant that contains seeds. Some fruits are poisonous while some are edible.
  • Role of Human Biology in Contemporary Criminal Justice Focus of analysis of the paper will be on theories developed to explain criminology with a special emphasis on Biological positivism theory
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  • Biology: The Definition of the Genotype The paper discusses the genotype. It is composed of a pair of alleles and it is what is manifested as the phenotype or observable characteristics of an organism.
  • Designing Oligonucleotide Primers in Biology Molecular biology tools include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which requires an mRNA template or a cDNA template, polymerase enzyme, and a primer.
  • Transcription and Translation in Molecular Biology The Central Dogma describes the basic principles of genetic information transfer: transcription and translation. The paper distinguishes these two processes.
  • Human Biology and Culture Connection The paper states that it is anthroposociogenesis that explains the dichotomy between biology and culture and the connection with human evolution.
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  • The Egg White Denaturation as a Concept of Biology Denaturation is the process of breaking down the secondary and tertiary structures of a protein by external factors such as temperature.
  • Marine Biology: Description and the Key Features Marine Biology is an open area of the coast line that is exposed to ocean currents and tides. This is a backwater area with occasional flooding of sea water.
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  • An Aspect of Evolutionary Biology as Phylogenetic Analysis The paper explores an aspect of evolutionary biology as phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic analysis is a tool in the hands of biologists.
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  • Human Biology: Genes and Genes Mutations Mutations in certain regions of DNA can cause pathological metabolic abnormalities or hereditary features realized through dysfunctional disorders.
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Biology Essay Topics: 50+ Ideas for Your Next Project

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by  Antony W

December 16, 2023

biology essay topics

A Biological essay is a technical piece of assignment that requires careful topic selection, structure, and writing. So if your teacher hasn’t given you a title for the essay , you should tread carefully when choosing topics.

In this post, we share with you a list of 50+ Biology related ideas, which you may find useful and equally interesting during the brainstorming stage. You can use the list as inspiration to come up with a topic of your choice, or you can pick of these examples and modify it to your liking.

Key Takeaways 

  • Because Biology is a broad subject, you should choose a topic that focuses on an interesting theme or an area that you’ve always wanted to explore.
  • Check the Biology assignment prompt for guidelines on what you have to do, as these are the instructions that will inform your essay.
  • Share the topic with your teacher first, so they can give you their opinion on whether it’s a suitable one to research.

50+ Best Biology Essay Topics

Below is a list of 50+ topics that you just might find useful and interesting enough to explore in your Biology essay:

Human Biology Essay Topics

  • How does the mouse serve as a model for understanding human biology?
  • What defines the secular trend observed in human physical growth over time?
  • The significant role of medicinal plants in human life and health
  • Understanding the characteristics of human biorhythms and their implications
  • The interconnected circles of human blood circulation and the relationship between the respiratory and cardiovascular systems
  • How do neurons interact within nerve centers, and what impact does this have?
  • The influence of parental smoking, alcohol, and drug abuse on the embryonic development of a child

Controversial Biology Essay Topics

  • What are the leading theories on how life initially emerged on Earth?
  • Is there evidence suggesting that plants might experience something akin to pain?
  • Can we determine if animals possess consciousness? 
  • To what extent is animal testing essential for achieving major biological breakthroughs?
  • What defines the concept of the Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA) in evolutionary biology?
  • Where did eukaryotic life forms originate from and what evidence supports this?
  • Are viruses considered living entities, and why or why not?
  • What are the fundamental theories explaining the origins of the human species?
  • Why has the mystery of brain function remained unsolved despite scientific advancements?
  • Is it scientifically accurate to state that a fetus cannot feel pain?
  • What is the current understanding of the status of Nano bacteria in biological research?

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Biology Extended Essay Topics

  • How does a multicellular organism develop from a single cell?
  • What are the defining characteristics of the regeneration process in living organisms?
  • How does guided natural selection influence species’ evolution, and what are its implications?
  • What structural and anatomical features differentiate mammals, using two representatives for comparison?
  • How does catastrophe theory contribute to understanding the progression of life in nature?
  • What are the biological aspects of pathogenesis in both animals and plants?
  • How does self-regulation function within biological systems?
  • Describe the processes involved in the reproduction and development of living systems.
  • What are the fundamental organizational principles that sustain the biosphere?
  • How do different forms of movement occur at the subcellular, cellular, and organism levels?

Cell Biology Essay Topics

  • How do stem cells contribute to medical advancements?
  • What pathways in cell biology offer promising approaches for treating Alzheimer’s disease?
  • The primary research methods utilized in cell biology and how they contribute to scientific discoveries.
  • How scientists study fixed objects and the insights that this approach provide. 
  • The fundamental differences between DNA and RNA, and how do they function within cells.
  • An overview of the structure and components that constitute a cell in biology

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Zoology Essay Topics

  • What are the intricate migration patterns of birds and how do they navigate across vast distances?
  • How primate language or communication systems resemble and differ from human language.
  • Analyze how scientists analyze and manage the impact of invasive species on ecosystems.
  • Explain how different species of animals communicate with each other.
  • What historical evidence or scientific findings shed light on the domestication process of canines and its impact on their behavior and traits?
  • Is there a correlation between brain size and the intelligence or cognitive abilities of different species?

Animal Research Essay Topics

  • What factors contribute to the rising obesity rates among household pets?
  • Ethical considerations surrounding the testing of beauty products on animals
  • What cognitive functions do primates exhibit and how do these compare to human cognitive abilities?
  • How do predators and prey adapt to their roles in the ecosystem and what strategies have evolved in this ongoing interaction?
  • What variations exist in the vision of different animal species and how do these adaptations contribute to their survival?
  • The implications of fishing practices on marine conservation efforts
  • What are the consequences of removing animals from their natural habitats?

Botany Essay Topics

  • What recent breakthroughs in plant research have significantly affected modern agricultural practices? 
  • How do plants respond to various stressors and what physiological mechanisms enable them to adapt to adverse conditions?
  • Elaborate on the structural diversity and different types of fungi.
  • What recent discoveries or insights have emerged from the study of plant fossils and how do they contribute to our understanding of ancient plant life?
  • How does the process of photosynthesis function in plants and what factors influence its efficiency and effectiveness?
  • What are the mechanisms of genetic inheritance in plants and how do these mechanisms affect the traits and characteristics of plant species?
  • What are some prevalent diseases or issues affecting plants and what methods are used to manage or prevent these problems?
  • What unique characteristics define ferns, and what role do they play in the ecology and biodiversity of various habitats?

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Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

100 IB Extended Essay Topic Ideas!

marine biology extended essay topics

One of the biggest keys to the Extended Essay is choosing which subject you want to write your work in and developing that crucial research question. Read on to find inspiration for topics across a wide range of subjects.

Extended Essay: The Love/Hate aspect of the IB

One of the biggest keys to the Extended Essay is choosing which subject you want to write your work in and developing that crucial research question. Annoyingly, coming up with that idea and research question can be the toughest part of the entire process. Writing 4,000 words about something you are interested in is a big ask and it often feels impossible to narrow down your thoughts. To make everything super clear, here are 100 Extended Essay Topics for you to draw inspiration from! Use these as a springboard to create your own research question !

Get Support from A Top Tutor Today

At Lanterna we have over 300 tutors who smashed their Extended Essay. They know exactly how to get an A in your EE and can give you tips and tricks on how you can do the same. What are you waiting for? Get your own tutor today !

How to Begin Your IB Extended Essay

To make everything super clear, here are 100 Extended Essay Topics for you to draw inspiration from! Use these as a springboard to  create your own research question !

Get Support from a Top Tutor Today

At Lanterna, we have over 300 tutors who smashed their Extended Essay. They know exactly how to get an A in your EE and can give you tips and tricks on how you can do the same. What are you waiting for? Get your own tutor today!

10 Steps to Writing an Extended Essay

Before we look at specific topics for your essay, let’s recap the 10-steps you’ll need to follow to complete your extended essay.

1. Define the Topic and Draft the Research Question

2. Create a Timeline

3. Identify and gather Sources

4. Set Deadlines

5. Plan the structure according to the total word count

6. Evaluate

7. independent Research

8. Write the extended essay draft

10. Present

By following the steps above, you should be able to produce a logical and coherent rationale to follow when writing the extended essay for your IB diploma programme.

By starting with a solid research question, you’ll be able to put an extended essay of global significance together, from the research and writing process all the way through to your final submission with a favourable extended essay grade.

Below, we’re sharing 10 topics across 10 subjects to inspire your next IB extended essay.

1. How the change of habitat affects an X organism?

2. How does climate affect the growth of X plant?

3. Can photosynthesis take place without sunlight?

4. What is the effect of age and gender on the photoreceptor cells in the human retina?

5. How is climate change impacting the appearance of coral reefs?

6. An evaluation of how  antioxidants  work in our bodies?

7. Does hand sanitizer, hand soap or antibacterial wipes have the greatest ability to inhibit the growth of E. Coli?

8. To what extent do live cultures in yogurts/milk/other dairy products reduce the concentration of lactose present over the course of a 2 hour incubation period at x°C?

9. What is the relationship between  population density  between X and population size of X?

10. What is the relationship between indoleacetic acid, a growth hormone, and the growth of X (a crop)?

11. How does human influence impact an aquatic ecosystem?

12. How can one organize a pollution check along a X canal in X?

13. What is the effect of the increased ecological footprint in the  Amazon ?

14. What are the forest and woodland restoration in Siberia, Russia and which one is most effective?

15. How does human interference cause ecological imbalances in an X city/country/continent?

16. What is the impact of urban development on the  bee population  in X city?

17. What are the differences in the conversation efforts in Yosemite National Park (California, USA) and the Lake District National Park (UK)?

18. To what extent have healthcare policies in X country influenced their human population curve?

19. How have changes in environmental systems influenced the value system of X country?

20. How has X landfill site affected the surrounding terrestrial ecosystem?

21. What is the profitability of  airline companies ?

22. How does unemployment affect the market?

23. Why did X recession occur?

24. How did the financial Policy affect the economy in X?

25. How effective are government policies in reducing overconsumption of alcohol (specifically hard liquor)?

26. To what extent are public buses and subways substitute goods in a country?

27. How did the tax reform in country x affect its growth and development? (many countries to choose from)

28. To what extent was weak government policy responsible for the Latin American financial crisis of 1997?

29. How effective is the  Big Mac Index  in measuring purchasing power parity?

30. To what extent would the UK suffer from leaving the European Customs Union if Brexit happens?

31. Is there an association between viewing violence on television and the display of violent acts?

32. What motivational climate should a coach employ in order to achieve optimal performance in athletes?

33. How does  X hormone affect human behavior ?

34. Compare theories explaining altruism in human behaviour

35. Discuss short-term and long-term consequences of exposure to violence

36. Why do relationships change or end?

37. Discuss how  social variables (poverty, parenting, educational environment) may the affect cognitive environment.

38. To what extent do mirror neurons play a role in empathy? (2014)

39. To what extent does Mindfulness help people cope with General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

40. To what extent is drug therapy effective in the treatment of bipolar disorder?

41. Does the British Parliamentary reforms act of 1832 deserve its title as the great reform act?

42. To what extent are there similarities in Hitler and Mussolini’s Rise to Power?

43. To what extent did Mao’s tackle the problems which he faced?

44. Was Tsar Alexander II of Russia reforms a success or failure?

45. To what extent was the bombing of Dresden in 1945 justifiable?

46. To what extent can  Sweden be considered neutral during WWII ?

47. The impact of structural economic weakness on the collapse of the Soviet Union.

48. How were women treated differently in 1920s and 1950s Great Britain?

49. Why did Israel win the  Six Day War  of 1967?

50. What role did economics play in the unification of Germany from 1834 to 1871?

English Literature

51. What are the Compare and Contrast Jane Austen Books?

52. How does Joseph Conrad’s portray Racism in A Heart of Darkness?

53. How does Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman critique today’s capitalist society? The American Dream?

54. To what extent does Chris McCandless in Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild escape familial influence?

55. What are the similarities and differences between J.K. Rowling’s characterization of Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows?

56. How does Yaa Gyasi use structure in her novel Homegoing to portray the evolution of time?

57. What is the impact of the social context on Holden Caufield and Huckleberry Finn?

58. How does Sylvia Path’s use of Inanimate objects in Bell Jar?

59. How is the empowerment of Feminine portrayed in the Lord of the Rings?

60. Compare the political rhetoric as used in the inaugural addresses of George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump.

61. The design, construction and calibration of an apparatus for measuring lipid concentration in milk.

62. What is the effect of a change in the optimal lift on the horizontal gliding distance of an aircraft?

63. How does the sugar concentration affect the refractive index of water?

64. How does temperature affect the viscosity of X juice/soda?

65. Is the relationship between temperature and conductivity and insulators and conductors?

66. What is the Oberth Effect?

67. What is the temperature dependence of work performed on an AA battery?

68. How can the rotational frequency of a fan driven by a flame measure distance?

69. Do wine bottles of different shapes behave as Helmholtz resonators?

70. How does the diameter of a wheel affect stability in different weather conditions?

71. What factors influence the location of industries in country/city X?

72. An investigation into the significance of preserving the quality of water in a continent/country/city?

73. An investigation into the degree to which City X can be considered a Sustainable City/Community.

74. To what extent is Biodiversity being managed successfully in city X?

75. To what extent does the education and employment of women affect Country x’s fertility rate?

76. To what extent do gender, educational attainment, and working parameters influence obesity risk?

77. To what extent has urban development affected human thermal comfort levels in Country/city x (a country/city that has developed in a rapid rate over the past decades)?

78. To what extent is the Company x corporate waste management program effective, demonstrating environmental sustainability?

79. To what extent is biodiversity being managed successfully at National Park X?

80. What types of urban design encourage high rates of vandalism in X neighbourhoods?

81. The kinetics of Enzymatic Reactions.

82. How do Iron Intake Diets differ in X country?

83. What are the different factors that affect the iodine values in cooking oils?

84. What is the effect of standing time and temperate on the acid content in X juice or soda?

85. Can caffeine in tea or coffee be reduced?

86. What is the effect of temperature on the souring of milk?

87. What are the sources of error in calorimetry?

88. Does brushing your teeth affect the pH in your mouth after eating?

89. How does changing the concentration of the reagents affect the formation and spacing between Liesehang rings in the reaction between X chloride and X when conducted in a test tube?

90. What effect does the coating of aspirin tablets have on the hydrolysis of aspirin?

Social and Cultural Anthropology

91. How clothing relates to the cultural anthropology of X culture.

92. The extent to which social media networks affect different societies.

93. The relationship between ritual, myths and faith in an X society.

94. The history of rituals in X culture.

95. How different marriage rituals inform the cultural anthropology of X culture.

96. Climate change and its impact on the evolution of different creatures on the planet.

97. Understanding the social and cultural anthropology of the supernatural in X culture.

98. An analysis of body modification in relation to social and cultural anthropology.

100. Chaste systems and social ranks in societies.

There are so many class subjects that can form the basis of your extended essay, including these popular six subjects:

– Information technology

– Computer science

– Health science

– World studies

– Visual arts

– Business management

Extended essays are a great way to improve your writing skills in academic writing. Essays of a high standard that demonstrate critical thinking and in depth analysis can be submitted to academic journals. These have the potential to reach the global society.

Start Writing Your Extended Essay Topic

We hope this gave you some great inspiration for the variation of topics available for your Extended Essay . The research question you select is what will carry you through the entire process, so be sure to choose wisely!

Remember, if you are looking for more help with your Extended Essay, make sure to check out our guide which will tell you exactly how to plan, structure, research and write your Extended Essay!

Grab Free Extended Essay Resources!

No matter the subject groups in your diploma program, we’re here to help all of our IB students. Whether you’re writing about social and cultural anthropology, business management, design technology, or scientific methods for your IB diploma, Lanterna has you covered.

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Extended Essay: Sciences: Biology

  • Step 1 - Choosing a Subject
  • Step 2 - Choosing a Topic
  • Step 3 - Draft a Research Question
  • Step 4 - Finding Sources
  • Step 5 - Evaluating Information
  • Step 6 - Bibliography & Citation
  • Step 7 - Organizing Information
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  • Assessment Criteria
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Extended Essay in Biology

Extended Essays in Biology

Choosing a topic

Choosing a Topic

Biology is the science that deals with living organisms and life processes. A biology EE should incorporate biological theory and emphasize why it is relevant today.

The topic must relates specifically to biology. Many topics can be approached from different viewpoints, but for an EE in biology the treatment of the topic must be clearly biological. For example, an EE in an interdisciplinary area such as biochemistry will, if registered under the subject of biology, be judged solely on its biological content.

Disease, for example, could be considered through many different lenses. A biology paper about diseases would focus on their impact on particular organisms or life processes, and not on medical treatment, or the economic effects of the disease on society.

Approaches to research

Primary Research

Essays in biology may be based on data collected by the student through:

Essays that involve lab work, or fieldwork, should include a clear and concise description of the experimental procedure. Students taking an experimental approach must also consult secondary sources.

Secondary Research

Students can base their essays on data or information obtained from literature (secondary studies). However, in this case they should use the data in an original way. Essays that simply restate facts or data taken directly from the sources are of little value.

Biology Sources

Even students doing primary research will still need to reference secondary sources. And students relying entirely on secondary sources will need to find sources not only of written information but also experimental data which they can analyze.

Writing the Essay

marine biology extended essay topics

An essay in the sciences requires is more than just generating and presenting data. Analysis of the data is also essential. The main body of the essay should consist of an argument or evaluation based on the data or information presented . You can gather your own data through a variety of methods, or rely on secondary data. You should use graphs, tables, or diagrams to point out the significance of your findings.

You should ensure that the main body of the essay is well structured and has an obvious logical progression. You can use numbered and headed paragraphs to impose a clear structure. Your evaluation should show that you understand the the data they have collected and its significance to the world.

In your analysis, you should also describe and explain the limitations imposed on the research by factors such as

  • the suitability and reliability of the sources accessed
  • accuracy and precision of measuring equipment
  • sample size
  • validity and reliability of statistics

Students  should also consider biological limitations such as:

  • those arising from the problem of repeatability and control when using living material
  • the difficulties of generalizing from research based on a single type of organism or environment.

Exceptions for Safety and Academic Honesty

marine biology extended essay topics

Safety and Ethics in Choosing a Topic

In all cases where human subjects are used as the basis for an investigation, clear evidence of informed consent must be provided in accordance with the IB guidelines.

Some topics may be inadmissible because their means of investigation are unethical. For example, investigations that:

  • are based on experiments likely to inflict pain on, or cause stress to, living organisms
  • are likely to have a harmful effect on health, eg culturing micro-organisms at or near body temperature (37°C)
  • involve access to, or publication of, confidential medical information.

Some topics may be unsuitable because of safety issues. Adequate safety apparatus and qualified supervision is required for experiments involving dangerous substances such as:

  • toxic or dangerous chemicals
  • carcinogenic substances
  • radioactive materials.

Other topics may be unsuitable because the outcome is already well known and documented in standard textbooks.

Assessed Student Work

  • The Antimicrobial Effects of Metals Copper, Barium and Silver on the Growth of Bacteria
  • Effects of different calcium salts in growth solutions on the growth of the stems of basil (Ocimum basilicum) plants grown hydroponically
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​Researching and writing an IB Extended Essay in Biology

marine biology extended essay topics

Mr James Fraser, Head of Science at  Scarborough College , shares some of the Extended Essay topics that he's had the pleasure of supervising.

The Extended Essay is a compulsory component of the IB Diploma. Students are tasked with writing four thousand words on a topic of their choice relating to one of the subjects they are studying for their Diploma. Every student is allocated a supervisor who will guide them through the process. It is not an exaggeration when I say that supervising students completing their Extended Essay in my subject has been the most rewarding part of my teaching role at the College.

I have had the privilege of supervising more than thirty students since the IB was introduced at the College more than ten years ago. When I cast my mind back, some topics and essays immediately spring to mind. For instance, the research undertaken by a student to investigate the response made by the tiny C. elegans worm to being tapped on the head. After we had acquired the worms from the University of Chicago, the student designed an ingenious device to tap the head of the worms using her own eyelash. I am sure the experience of conducting research for her Extended Essay in the College laboratory was an instrumental reason for her choosing to read for an immunology degree at the University of Glasgow before doing a PhD at Melbourne University.

More recently, a student now studying medicine at university, designed an investigation to genetically modify bacteria cultured in the lab with a gene originally obtained from jellyfish. The gene taken up by the transgenic bacteria caused them to fluoresce when exposed to ultraviolet light. The gene was prepared in a number of different ways to see if this had an effect on its uptake by the bacteria.

marine biology extended essay topics

Our current Upper Sixth students have recently submitted their Extended Essays. A variety of topics were chosen for investigation by biologists this time around including the effect of hair washing on the strength of hair and the frequency of visits to a bird feeder by House sparrows during the day.

Another essay written by Ksenia Ivanova focussed on the potential for the effect of an antibiotic to be enhanced when used in conjunction with a variety of different plant extracts. I asked Ksenia what advice she would give a student choosing a topic for their essay. She replied that 'Whichever topic you decide to explore, the key is to choose something that you really like and care about, so that your work would never be boring.'

The essays themselves are awarded a grade from A to E. Together with the grade for the Theory of Knowledge course, upto three additional IB Diploma points can be included in their overall IB Diploma score. However, the emphasis throughout the process is not solely on the outcome. Many former students have been in touch over the years to tell me how much their Extended Essay experience helped them when completing assignments and dissertations at university. They always comment on the head start they had over their peers who had studied for ‘A’ Levels who had no experience of academic writing at school.

Returning to my current students, they have discovered that the frequency of hair washing does NOT have an effect on its strength, House sparrows visit garden feeders more in the morning and early evening than at other times of day, and are much more likely to be male than female, and the growth of bacteria was inhibited more when an antibiotic was used together with either clove oil or clary sage extracts than when it was used on its own.

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Urgent Help For Students: Collection Of Biology Extended Essay Topics

If you’re participating in the IB Diploma Program, you may be asked to write a biology extended essay. The first step of this task is to select an interesting narrow topic to discuss. You might not be able to come up with such a topic on your own. However, you may pick a biology topic from a list crafted by somebody else and approach it from a new perspective.

A Selection of Topics for a Biology Essay

  • The biological functions of water.
  • The existence of living organisms without cells.
  • The importance of agricultural microbiology.
  • The evolution of parasites.
  • The distinctive features of human physiology.
  • The stages of embryonic development.
  • The development of biotechnology.
  • The importance of the human genome project.
  • The evidence of the theory of evolution.
  • The influence of the environment on the eating habits of particular species.

Tips for Writing an Extended Essay

  • Select an interesting topic.

Writing this sort of paper will take you a lot of time, so it’s recommended to choose a subject of discussion that will be genuinely interesting to you.

  • Choose a good advisor.

It’s recommended to select a teacher who knows a lot about the topic you’ve chosen to be your instructor. With their help, you’ll be able to conduct a much better study.

  • Make an outline.

An extended paper is a lengthy academic work, so it’s advisable to plan its structure ahead. Otherwise, you might compose a frail text that won’t flow very smoothly.

  • Proofread your paper.

It’s highly advisable to revise the text of your paper several times before submitting it. This way, you’ll be able to spot and correct the majority of your mistakes.

  • Format your paper correctly.

Make sure that the cover page, bibliography, and other sections of your paper are formatted in accordance with the requirements of the IBDP.

  • Come up with an interesting title.

The title of your paper should not only reflect its contents but also be attention-grabbing. If you put a catchy phrase in your title, it’ll be more memorable.

Now that you have taken a look at a collection of great biology topics, it’ll be easier for you to generate a unique idea for your own paper. Keep in mind, however, that a great topic alone won’t guarantee you an excellent mark. It’s very important to put plenty of effort into each step of your work in order to succeed in this task.

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Biology extended essays - Topic?

Guest yeemonkyaw

By Guest yeemonkyaw July 31, 2007 in Extended Essay

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Guest yeemonkyaw.

can any1 suggest for a biology extended essays which is doable in the school lab itself?

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  • 2 weeks later...

BIO-AQUA

hoolaa can any1 suggest for a biology extended essays which is doable in the school lab itself?

:D

- The Competitive and Evolutionary Nature of the Symbiotic Relationship in Paramecium.

- Gel Electrophoresis. The Construction of an Apparatus and the Separation of Proteins in Heat Treated Cow Milk.

But here are some suggestions that I came up with:

- Production of Monoclonal Antibodies through Hybridoma Technology to treat Mutant Myeloma Cells. (I know this is fancy more than it sounds, but basically this can be done with mice. If you take Biology HL, then you're actually familiar with it from Topic 10.. Through injecting the mouse with antigens and extracting B-cells from the spleen...etc). You could also do the same thing to diagnose pregnancy by producing the pregnancy test through identification of HCG hormone instead of the first proposal.

- Studying the effect of psychoactive drugs on the urination patterns, reflexes and/or other patterns of mice.

- Studying the effect of food additives on the digestive system and the body as a whole.

:P

Enter Sandman

Your first topic sounds quite interesting BIO AQUA, but generally I think doing experiments involving living creatures (well except for plants) is quite risky, what with all the "dont harm animals" stuff...one person I know wanted to experiment with mosquitos and my supervisor (she's an examiner) suggested him to change the topic.

:lol:

Guest El_Nano

Hello...everyone..... I'm quite late... in giving in my extended essy..i should hav given in my second draft...but I atill havn't chosen a topic yet... lol..

Could anyone help me ..? I was looking at options in biology because that's what I'm more interested in speccially in the human body or exercises (even if I know that it's complicated to make an good extened essay by analysig a complicated figure such as the human bosy)...but I'm open to any other ideas...

Hello...everyone..... I'm quite late... in giving in my extended essy..i should hav given in my second draft...but I atill havn't chosen a topic yet... lol.. Could anyone help me ..? I was looking at options in biology because that's what I'm more interested in speccially in the human body or exercises (even if I know that it's complicated to make an good extened essay by analysig a complicated figure such as the human bosy)...but I'm open to any other ideas... thank you

Guest jaeukshin

Guest jaeukshin

Biology EE takes a long time because you have to construct and do an actual lab and write a lab-writeup over 2000 words,,

also, it is hard to finish the experiment in short time considering that biology EE deals with plants or animals,,

Biology EE takes a long time because you have to construct and do an actual lab and write a lab-writeup over 2000 words,, also, it is hard to finish the experiment in short time considering that biology EE deals with plants or animals,,

Guest Gunslingerstyle

Guest Gunslingerstyle

If you're going to do an EE around Biology I would suggest doing something concerning human physiology, such as the one I'm doing. Test the effects of an ingredient in food/drink or a condition on the exercise ability of a male athlete, for instance. Doing it around Human Physiology is nice since you can experiment using people at school and ususally the testing can go on at the school facilities.

Guest duchene

Guest duchene

i had an idea for an ee when i already had the results of mine. i ta has a lot to do with chemistry but i think it can work real good with bio. Its to use the enzimes in chiken liver which ir realy easy to get and use them to perform the decomposition of some chemical. the idea would be to change some of the conditions in which the enzime works. its very simple and you could get some pretty nice resuts.

  • 1 month later...

Guest b_avinaash

Guest b_avinaash

hey plzz can u mail me sum info on da chicken enzymes thing....i tried a lott to research on it bt i cud hardly get any info . . . . so if u hav sum info can u plzzzzzz mail me dem . . thnx a lt ;-)

Don't use text speak. Thank you.

HMSChocolate

Soy

local EEs are extremely interesting. i know this senior that did this amazing project on these trees that only grow in our the outskirts of our city and it was pretty much amazing, so detailed and interesting, plus its something you can relate to since, well its part of our local environment. it was on what kept it going, they took soil samples did temperature checks, everything.

  • 3 months later...

i am doing my extended essay on the effect of different color of lights on the germination and growth of peas.....Is the topic too simple??....and does it satisfy the criteria A, C and D. Anyway, its almost done and im scared if that is a way too simple topic. somebody comment please!

cataclysm1c

:(

  • 3 weeks later...

questionnnnn..do u think i can write the procedure of my ee as point form?!

I believe it is a very bad idea. Even the name says it's an essay and "point form" is not essay writing.

minuitfleur

Maybe the effect of a hormone/enzyme on a substrate?

  • 2 months later...

hellogoodbye

you aren't allowed to test animals, but if you wanted to do a topic about it you could do an experiment related to your original topic and then tie in research to show the relationship.

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    Exams: May 2008. Posted August 28, 2007. jaeukshin said: Biology EE takes a long time because you have to construct and do an actual lab and write a lab-writeup over 2000 words,, also, it is hard to finish the experiment in short time considering that biology EE deals with plants or animals,, You're absolutely right.