240's OAE Biology Study Guide Is 96% Test-Aligned
240's OAE Biology study guide is built around the official exam framework so you can study what is actually tested. This page shows exactly how the guide maps to the real exam — SMR by SMR and competency by competency — so you can see where coverage is strongest, where some depth gaps remain, and how each part of the guide supports your prep.
Why Test Alignment Matters for Your OAE Biology Study Guide
Certification test standards are broad, but the exam questions are very specific. Our team of curriculum experts uses the 240 Study Guide Creation Process to ensure the most aligned, specific content for your OAE Biology (007) test — so you are not wasting time on broad subject review that may not show up on exam day.
- Built around the official exam framework
- Organized by the competencies actually used on the exam
- Shows exactly what is covered and where depth is partial
- Includes aligned questions, flashcards, study materials, and videos
- Helps candidates study what is actually tested instead of broad generic content
How to Read This Alignment Review
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and procedures for designing and carrying out various types of scientific investigations. | S.Evidence, Models, and Explanation; S.Repeatability; S.Scientific Method; S.Background Research; S.Observation vs Inference; S.Experimental Investigations; S.Non-Experimental Investigations; S.Scientific Lab Techniques | Covered | 91 | 8 | 31 | 2 | Covered by 8 topics (91 questions, 8 materials, 31 cards, 2 videos). |
| B. Analyze methods and criteria for collecting, organizing, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting scientific data. | S.Change, Constancy, and Measurements; S.Models; S.Variety of Methods Across Science; S.Error In Measurements; S.Ethics and Publishing; S.Proper Tool Use; S.Various Tools; S.Choose Appropriate Equipment - Advanced | Covered | 57 | 8 | 58 | 0 | Covered by 8 topics (57 questions, 8 materials, 58 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Recognize the evidential basis of scientific claims. | S.Prediction, Explanation, Theory, Fact | Covered | 7 | 1 | 5 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 5 cards, 1 videos). |
| D. Apply basic mathematical procedures and scientific notation in communicating data and addressing questions in biology. | S.Best Chart for the Data; M.Boxplots; M.Observations, Conclusions, and Relationships; S.Measures of Center and Range; M.Exponential and Scientific Notation; M.Measurement Principles; M.Choosing Appropriate Units; M.Converting Units - Proportional Reasoning; S.Calculating Density; S.Precision vs Accuracy; S.Significant Figures; S.Proper Data Analysis; S.Trend Analysis of Scatterplots; S.Metric System; S.Converting Units - Dimensional Analysis | Covered | 163 | 15 | 54 | 5 | Covered by 15 topics (163 questions, 15 materials, 54 cards, 5 videos). |
| E. Demonstrate knowledge of safety procedures and hazards associated with biological investigations and the materials, equipment, technology, and disposal methods used in biology. | S.Safety Rules; S.Emergency Procedures; S.Safety Icons; S.Proper Handling - Chemicals; S.Proper Handling - Organisms Legal Codes; S.Microscopes; S.Safety Rules - Biology | Covered | 60 | 7 | 11 | 0 | Covered by 7 topics (60 questions, 7 materials, 11 cards, 0 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Demonstrate knowledge of the historical development of major scientific ideas. | S.Key History of Science; S.Famous Experiments | Covered | 23 | 2 | 60 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (23 questions, 2 materials, 60 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Identify unifying scientific theories, models, and concepts in biology, Earth and space science, chemistry, and physics. | S.Properties of Systems | Covered | 12 | 1 | 5 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (12 questions, 1 materials, 5 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Identify unifying themes, principles, and relationships that connect the different branches of science, including biology, Earth and space science, chemistry, and physics. | S.Change In Systems; S.Form and Function | Covered | 27 | 2 | 7 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (27 questions, 2 materials, 7 cards, 0 videos). |
| D. Demonstrate knowledge of the nature of science and its characteristics as a system of inquiry. | S.Nature of Science; S.Limits of Science; S.Interdisciplinary Connections | Covered | 27 | 3 | 10 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (27 questions, 3 materials, 10 cards, 0 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Analyze the interrelationships between biology, engineering, technology, mathematics, and society. | S.Human Populations Impact the Earth; S.Green Energy Technology | Covered | 24 | 2 | 9 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (24 questions, 2 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Critically evaluate scientific research and the coverage of science in the media. | S.Read Scientific Publication | Partially covered | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (3 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| C. Analyze social, economic, and ethical issues associated with technological and scientific developments. | S.Ethics; S.Ethics and Regulation; S.Decision Making; S.Renewable vs Nonrenewable; S.Types of Power Sources; S.Resource Extraction | Covered | 51 | 6 | 14 | 1 | Covered by 6 topics (51 questions, 6 materials, 14 cards, 1 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Demonstrate knowledge of basic chemistry, including the characteristics of atoms and molecules, and of the physical and chemical properties of water and carbon and the biological significance of these properties. | S.Properties of Water; S.Carbon-Based Life; S.Parts of an Atom; S.Atoms and Molecules | Covered | 37 | 4 | 17 | 1 | Covered by 4 topics (37 questions, 4 materials, 17 cards, 1 videos). |
| B. Analyze biological phenomena at the cellular level in terms of the basic principles of thermodynamics and the properties of chemical reactions and covalent, ionic, and hydrogen bonds. | S.Applications of Conservation of Matter - Conceptual; S.Types of Bonds; S.Enthalpy - Applications to Photosynthesis and Respiration | Covered | 22 | 2 | 10 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (22 questions, 2 materials, 10 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Analyze the structure and function of macromolecules (e.g., carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, proteins) and their monomers, including metabolic pathways involving their synthesis and breakdown. | S.Elements Used in Life; S.Macromolecules | Covered | 18 | 2 | 7 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (18 questions, 2 materials, 7 cards, 1 videos). |
| D. Analyze the role of enzymatic molecules in metabolic pathways involving the synthesis and breakdown of macromolecules. | S.Enzymes | Partially covered | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (6 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Analyze the structures and functions of membranes, organelles, and other cellular components in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and the mechanisms by which cells maintain homeostasis. | S.Macromolecules - Form and Function; S.Eukaryotic vs Prokaryotic; S.Parts of the Cell; S.Plant Transportation; S.Membrane Transport - Advanced | Covered | 69 | 5 | 34 | 4 | Covered by 5 topics (69 questions, 5 materials, 34 cards, 4 videos). |
| B. Analyze the process of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. | S.Respiration; S.Respiration - Aerobic vs Anaerobic; S.Citric Acid Cycle; S.Photosynthesis; S.Photosynthesis Reactions; S.Chemiosmosis | Covered | 42 | 6 | 21 | 1 | Covered by 6 topics (42 questions, 6 materials, 21 cards, 1 videos). |
| C. Analyze the specializations of cells and differentiate cell types. | S.Types of Cells; S.Types of Cells - Muscle and Epithelial; S.Plant Systems - Cross Sections; S.Somatic vs Sex Cells | Covered | 26 | 4 | 27 | 0 | Covered by 4 topics (26 questions, 4 materials, 27 cards, 0 videos). |
| D. Demonstrate knowledge of binary fission, mitosis, the stages of the cell cycle, and factors affecting the growth and division of cells. | S.Cell Growth Issues; S.The Cell Cycle; S.The Cell Cycle - Regulations and Cancer; S.Stem Cells and Differentiation; S.Asexual Reproduction; S.Mitosis; S.Mitosis - Plant vs Animal | Covered | 46 | 7 | 35 | 0 | Covered by 7 topics (46 questions, 7 materials, 35 cards, 0 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Analyze the synthesis, structure, and function of nucleic acids; gene structure and function and factors controlling gene expression; and the processes involved in protein synthesis. | S.Factors of Genetic Transmission; S.Structure of DNA and RNA; S.Organization of DNA; S.Roles of DNA; S.DNA Replication; S.Transcription; S.Translation; S.Universal Genetic Code; S.Epigenetics | Covered | 52 | 9 | 35 | 0 | Covered by 9 topics (52 questions, 9 materials, 35 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Analyze the types and causes of chromosomal and gene mutations, the consequences of these genetic changes, and the genetic basis of common disorders and diseases. | S.Relationship Between Genes and Traits; S.Environmental vs Genetic; S.Mutations; S.Types of Mutations - Sequence; S.Types of Mutations - Environmental; S.Common Human Mutations | Covered | 41 | 6 | 26 | 0 | Covered by 6 topics (41 questions, 6 materials, 26 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Demonstrate knowledge of basic methods and applications of genetic engineering. | S.DNA as Evidence; S.Analyzing Karyotypes; S.Genetic Research; S.Genetic Research - Techniques; S.Genetic Research - Agriculture | Covered | 18 | 5 | 19 | 0 | Covered by 5 topics (18 questions, 5 materials, 19 cards, 0 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Analyze meiosis and fertilization and their roles in sexual life cycles. | S.Sexual Reproduction; S.Meiosis | Covered | 25 | 2 | 18 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (25 questions, 2 materials, 18 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Analyze patterns of inheritance and the relationship between genotypic and phenotypic frequencies. | S.Dominant vs Recessive; S.Non-Mendelian Inheritance; S.Pedigrees | Covered | 33 | 3 | 17 | 1 | Covered by 3 topics (33 questions, 3 materials, 17 cards, 1 videos). |
| C. Demonstrate knowledge of the chromosomal basis of inheritance and its relationship to observed inheritance patterns and of the characteristics of extranuclear inheritance in plants and animals. | S.Non-Mendelian Inheritance - Linkage; S.Learned vs Inherited; S.Macroevolution Methods - Advanced | Covered | 14 | 3 | 13 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (14 questions, 3 materials, 13 cards, 0 videos). |
| D. Solve genetics problems. | S.Punnett Squares; S.Punnett Squares - Dihybrid Crosses | Covered | 29 | 2 | 8 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (29 questions, 2 materials, 8 cards, 1 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Demonstrate knowledge of population genetics (e.g., Hardy-Weinberg), the mechanisms of natural and artificial selection, and the sources and significance of variation in populations. | S.Stimuli - Effect on Evolution; S.Adaptations; S.Populations Change (Not Individuals); S.Natural Selection; S.Artificial Selection | Covered | 49 | 5 | 13 | 2 | Covered by 5 topics (49 questions, 5 materials, 13 cards, 2 videos). |
| B. Analyze evolutionary patterns and the mechanisms of speciation. | S.Macroevolution Methods; S.Genetic Isolation and Speciation; S.Other Causes of Speciation; S.Reproductive Isolation; S.Ecological Separation | Covered | 31 | 5 | 24 | 0 | Covered by 5 topics (31 questions, 5 materials, 24 cards, 0 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Demonstrate knowledge of the geologic history of Earth, current scientific theories on the origin of life, biologically significant events in Earth's history, and the fossil record. | S.Earth's History; S.Earth's History - Key Events | Covered | 18 | 2 | 22 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (18 questions, 2 materials, 22 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of biological classification, phylogenetic trees and their cladistic basis, evolutionary relationships of major groups of organisms, and evolution as a unifying principle in biology. | S.Major Groups of Eukaryotic Life; S.Taxonomical Systems; S.Evolutionary History - Origin Theories; S.Earth's History - Evolutionary History; S.Cladograms; S.Evolution and Taxonomic Systems | Covered | 52 | 6 | 33 | 0 | Covered by 6 topics (52 questions, 6 materials, 33 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Analyze different kinds of scientific evidence for evolution. | S.Macroevolution Evidence; S.Macroevolution Evidence - Advanced | Covered | 18 | 2 | 10 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (18 questions, 2 materials, 10 cards, 0 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of viruses, prokaryotes, protists, and fungi, including their reproduction and life cycles. | S.Viruses; S.Major Groups of Bacterial Life; S.Bacteria Genetic Transfer | Covered | 22 | 3 | 17 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (22 questions, 3 materials, 17 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of the major groups of plants, including their reproduction and life cycles. | S.Types of Plants; S.Vascular vs Nonvascular Plants; S.Monocots vs Dicots; S.Plant Reproduction; S.Plant Reproduction - Alternation of Generations; S.Plant Growth | Covered | 38 | 6 | 28 | 0 | Covered by 6 topics (38 questions, 6 materials, 28 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of the major groups of animals, including their reproduction and life cycles. | S.Animal Body Plans; S.Animal Body Plans - Embryological Development; S.Growth and Development; S.Metamorphosis | Covered | 14 | 4 | 14 | 1 | Covered by 4 topics (14 questions, 4 materials, 14 cards, 1 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Analyze how prokaryotes, protists, and fungi obtain, store, and use energy, nutrients, and water to maintain homeostasis. | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| B. Analyze how plants obtain, store, and use energy, nutrients, and water to maintain homeostasis. | S.Plant Systems Basics; S.Plant Regulation - Advanced | Covered | 17 | 2 | 5 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (17 questions, 2 materials, 5 cards, 1 videos). |
| C. Analyze how animals obtain, store, and use energy, nutrients, and water to maintain homeostasis. | S.Homeostasis; S.Positive and Negative Feedback; S.Structures and Processes of Homeostasis; S.Structures and Processes of Homeostasis - Advanced | Covered | 48 | 4 | 4 | 0 | Covered by 4 topics (48 questions, 4 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Analyze the general structure, organization, function, and homeostatic relationships of the skeletal, muscular, and integumentary systems. | S.Human Body Systems; S.Movement and Support | Covered | 31 | 2 | 18 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (31 questions, 2 materials, 18 cards, 1 videos). |
| B. Analyze the general structure, organization, function, and homeostatic relationships of the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and excretory systems. | S.Internal Transport; S.Exchange; S.Digestion and Excretory | Covered | 15 | 3 | 16 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (15 questions, 3 materials, 16 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Analyze the general structure, organization, function, and homeostatic relationships of the immune, nervous, endocrine, and reproductive systems. | S.Reproduction and Development; S.Immune Systems; S.Control Systems; S.Circadian Rhythm | Covered | 23 | 4 | 14 | 0 | Covered by 4 topics (23 questions, 4 materials, 14 cards, 0 videos). |
| D. Demonstrate knowledge of common human disorders of the major organ systems and the causes, characteristics, and avoidance of common diseases. | S.Cancer Causes; S.Infectious Agents; PE.Common Diseases; S.Vaccines | Covered | 49 | 4 | 30 | 0 | Covered by 4 topics (49 questions, 4 materials, 30 cards, 0 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Analyze the interactions of biotic and abiotic factors that limit or regulate population size, including the difference between density-independent and density-dependent factors. | S.Environment as a Pressure; S.Effect of Biodiversity Changes; S.Growth Factors; S.Growth Factors - Advanced; S.Density Factors and Patterns | Covered | 32 | 5 | 18 | 1 | Covered by 5 topics (32 questions, 5 materials, 18 cards, 1 videos). |
| B. Analyze the behavior of organisms and the relationship of behavior to various social systems. | S.Density Factors and Patterns; S.Advanced Animal Behavior | Covered | 8 | 2 | 9 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (8 questions, 2 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Analyze demographic characteristics, life history patterns, population growth curves, and survivorship curves for populations occurring in different habitats and under different conditions. | S.Stimuli; S.Stimuli - Mediating Factors; S.Cyclical Changes; S.Human Population Patterns; S.R vs K strategies; S.R vs K strategies - Survivorship Curves; S.Population Pyramids | Covered | 26 | 7 | 25 | 1 | Covered by 7 topics (26 questions, 7 materials, 25 cards, 1 videos). |
| D. Analyze the composition of biological communities, the types of relationships that exist among organisms in communities, the concept of ecological niche, and factors that produce change in communities. | S.Ecological Organization; S.Habitats and Niches; S.Habitats and Niches - Advanced; S.Types of Relationships; S.Competition; S.Wildlife Impact on Ecosystems; S.Ecological Succession | Covered | 63 | 7 | 30 | 3 | Covered by 7 topics (63 questions, 7 materials, 30 cards, 3 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Analyze energy flow and biogeochemical cycling in ecosystems. | S.Water Cycle; S.Carbon Cycle; S.Nitrogen Cycle; S.Phosphorus Cycle; S.Role of Microorganisms | Covered | 55 | 5 | 19 | 3 | Covered by 5 topics (55 questions, 5 materials, 19 cards, 3 videos). |
| B. Demonstrate knowledge of different types of biomes, their geographical distribution and physical characteristics, and their typical flora and fauna. | S.Major Biomes; S.Major Biomes - Plant Adaptations; S.Major Biomes - Animal Adaptations | Covered | 16 | 3 | 8 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (16 questions, 3 materials, 8 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Analyze the trophic roles of organisms in different ecosystems. | S.Roles In Food Chain; S.Food Webs | Covered | 41 | 2 | 15 | 2 | Covered by 2 topics (41 questions, 2 materials, 15 cards, 2 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Analyze the effects of human activities on aquatic populations, communities, and ecosystems, and the implications of these effects for humans and other organisms. | S.Human Impact on Ecosystems; S.Human Impact on Ecosystems - Florida | Covered | 10 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (10 questions, 2 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Analyze the effects of human activities on terrestrial populations, communities, and ecosystems, and the implications of these effects for humans and other organisms. | S.Human Impact on Ecosystems; S.Agricultural Practices | Covered | 16 | 2 | 5 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (16 questions, 2 materials, 5 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Analyze the effects of human activities on the atmosphere and climate and the implications of these effects for humans and other organisms. | S.Human Influences on Climate; S.Global Warming; S.Ozone Depletion; S.Acid Rain | Covered | 44 | 4 | 10 | 0 | Covered by 4 topics (44 questions, 4 materials, 10 cards, 0 videos). |
How 240 Creates The OAE Biology (007) Study Guide
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