Past Papers

New York Life Science: Biology Regents Exam Past Papers (2025-2026)

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Access the complete collection of official New York State Life Science: Biology Regents examination past papers, scoring keys, rating guides, and conversion charts.

🧬 New York Life Science: Biology Regents Exam Past Papers (2025-2026)

Access the complete collection of official New York State Life Science: Biology Regents examination past papers, scoring keys, rating guides, and conversion charts. Essential resources for students studying cells, genetics, evolution, ecology, human body systems, and laboratory investigation skills.

📋 Exam Format: The Life Science: Biology Regents consists of 85 questions completed over 3 hours. Part A includes multiple-choice questions covering all major biology topics. Part B contains short and extended constructed-response questions requiring detailed explanations, data analysis, and application of biological concepts. Part C features laboratory-based questions assessing experimental design and scientific reasoning. The exam emphasizes understanding of biological principles, processes, and their real-world applications.

🆕 New Exam Format: The Life Science: Biology Regents exam was introduced in June 2025 as part of New York State's updated science assessment framework. This exam replaces the previous Living Environment Regents exam and aligns with the New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards. The format emphasizes deeper understanding of core biological concepts and science practices.

📚 Complete Past Papers Collection

January 2026

📌 Scoring materials only (Examination not yet released)

📄 Scoring Materials PDF Scoring Key Excel Scoring Key
⭐ Rating Guide Rating Guide
📊 Conversion Chart PDF Chart Excel Chart
August 2025
📝 Examination Exam (Regular Size) Exam (Large Type)

Note: Large type version should be printed on 11x17 inch paper

📄 Scoring Materials PDF Scoring Key Excel Scoring Key
⭐ Rating Guide Rating Guide
📊 Conversion Chart PDF Chart Excel Chart
⚠️ Spanish Edition Q41 Scoring Clarification
June 2025

🎉 First Administration of Life Science: Biology Regents

📝 Examination Exam (Regular Size) Exam (Large Type)

Note: Large type version should be printed on 11x17 inch paper

📄 Scoring Materials PDF Scoring Key Excel Scoring Key
⭐ Rating Guide Rating Guide
📊 Conversion Chart PDF Chart Excel Chart
⚠️ Arabic Edition Q1 Scoring Clarification

🎯 Key Content Areas in Life Science: Biology

Unity & Diversity of Life

10-15% of content

Classification systems, taxonomy, domains and kingdoms, binomial nomenclature, phylogenetic relationships, cladograms, biodiversity, and evolutionary relationships among organisms.

Cells & Cell Processes

15-20% of content

Cell theory, prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells, cell organelles and functions, cell membrane structure and transport (diffusion, osmosis, active transport), cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and enzyme function.

Genetics & Heredity

15-20% of content

DNA structure and replication, RNA and protein synthesis, genes and chromosomes, Mendelian genetics, Punnett squares, pedigree analysis, genetic mutations, genetic disorders, and biotechnology applications.

Evolution & Natural Selection

10-15% of content

Evidence for evolution (fossils, comparative anatomy, embryology, molecular biology), natural selection, adaptation, speciation, mechanisms of evolution, evolutionary patterns, and common ancestry.

Ecology & Ecosystems

15-20% of content

Energy flow in ecosystems, food webs and food chains, trophic levels, biogeochemical cycles (carbon, nitrogen, water), population dynamics, community interactions, succession, biomes, and environmental issues.

Human Body Systems

15-20% of content

Digestive, circulatory, respiratory, excretory, nervous, endocrine, immune, reproductive, and musculoskeletal systems. System interactions, homeostasis, feedback mechanisms, and human health.

Reproduction & Development

8-12% of content

Asexual vs sexual reproduction, mitosis and meiosis, cell division, gamete formation, fertilization, embryonic development, growth and differentiation, and life cycles of organisms.

Molecular Biology

8-12% of content

Organic molecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids), biochemical reactions, enzymes and catalysis, metabolic pathways, energy transfer (ATP), and molecular interactions.

Scientific Practices & Lab Skills

Throughout exam

Experimental design, hypothesis formation, data collection and analysis, graphing and interpretation, laboratory safety, using scientific instruments, controlling variables, drawing conclusions, and scientific communication.

Science, Technology & Society

Throughout exam

Applications of biology in medicine and agriculture, ethical considerations in biotechnology, environmental sustainability, human impact on ecosystems, and evaluating scientific claims and information.

📖 How to Use These Resources Effectively

Study Strategy for Life Science: Biology Regents

  1. Understand the New Format: Since this is a newly introduced exam (June 2025), carefully review the available past papers to understand question styles, depth of knowledge required, and how topics are assessed.
  2. Complete Full Practice Exams: Work through entire past papers under timed conditions (3 hours) to build endurance and develop time management strategies for this comprehensive exam.
  3. Master Laboratory Skills: The exam heavily emphasizes scientific practices. Review experimental design, data analysis, graphing techniques, and how to draw evidence-based conclusions.
  4. Study Rating Guides Thoroughly: Rating guides show exactly what graders expect in constructed-response answers. Pay attention to key vocabulary, required depth of explanation, and how to earn full credit.
  5. Connect Concepts Across Units: Biology is interconnected. Understand how cells relate to genetics, how genetics relates to evolution, how organisms interact in ecosystems, and how systems work together in the human body.
  6. Practice Data Interpretation: Many questions require analyzing graphs, tables, diagrams, and experimental results. Practice extracting information and making inferences from various data representations.
  7. Review Biological Vocabulary: Know precise definitions and proper usage of biological terms. Use vocabulary correctly in your written responses to demonstrate understanding.
  8. Focus on Real-World Applications: This exam emphasizes how biology relates to everyday life, health, environmental issues, and technological advances. Connect concepts to current events and practical scenarios.

💡 Pro Tip: Since the Life Science: Biology Regents is a new exam format, the available past papers from June 2025 and August 2025 are extremely valuable resources. Study them thoroughly to understand the style of questions, level of detail expected, and how the exam assesses deeper understanding rather than just memorization. Pay special attention to the rating guides to see how partial credit is awarded.

🔬 Key Differences from Previous Living Environment Exam

Enhanced Science Practices

Greater emphasis on scientific inquiry, experimental design, data analysis, and evidence-based reasoning throughout the exam. Students must demonstrate ability to "do science," not just recall facts.

Deeper Conceptual Understanding

Questions require application of biological concepts to new situations, analysis of complex scenarios, and synthesis of information from multiple sources rather than simple recall.

Aligned with Modern Standards

Based on Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards, reflecting current scientific knowledge and pedagogical approaches.

Real-World Relevance

Increased focus on contemporary issues, technology applications, environmental challenges, and how biological understanding impacts personal and societal decisions.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for the Life Science: Biology Regents?
A scaled score of 65 or higher is considered passing. The exact number of raw points needed varies slightly by exam administration. Use the conversion chart provided with each exam to determine how many points you need to achieve your target grade. Typically, students need approximately 40-45 raw score points out of 85 to reach a scaled score of 65.
Is this the same as the Living Environment Regents?
No. The Life Science: Biology Regents is a new exam that replaced the Living Environment Regents starting in June 2025. It is aligned with updated New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards and has a different format, question style, and emphasis. While it covers similar content areas, it places greater emphasis on science practices, deeper conceptual understanding, and real-world applications.
How should I prepare for the constructed-response questions?
Study the rating guides carefully to understand what graders expect. Practice writing complete, detailed responses using proper biological terminology. Support your answers with evidence, explain your reasoning clearly, and address all parts of each question. Many students lose points by providing incomplete answers or failing to use precise vocabulary. Write in complete sentences and organize your thoughts logically.
What laboratory skills should I review?
Review how to design controlled experiments, identify independent and dependent variables, create appropriate data tables and graphs, analyze experimental results, identify sources of error, and draw evidence-based conclusions. Practice interpreting various types of data representations including graphs, diagrams, and tables. Understand laboratory safety procedures and proper use of equipment like microscopes and measurement tools.
How much time should I spend on each section?
With 3 hours available, allocate time based on question difficulty and point values. Spend more time on questions worth more points and questions requiring written explanations. A general strategy is to complete Part A (multiple choice) in the first 45-60 minutes, leaving ample time for Parts B and C which require more detailed responses. Leave 15-20 minutes at the end to review all answers.
Can I use reference materials during the exam?
You may be provided with specific reference materials as indicated in the exam instructions, but these vary by administration. You typically cannot bring your own reference materials, notes, or textbooks. A basic calculator may be permitted for certain calculations. Check with your teacher about what materials will be provided and what you are allowed to bring.

🌟 Tips for Success

📚 Content Mastery

Create concept maps connecting major biological themes. Use flashcards for vocabulary. Draw and label diagrams from memory. Teach concepts to others to reinforce understanding.

🔬 Practice Skills

Complete practice problems involving data analysis, graph interpretation, and experimental design. Work through various question types to build confidence with different formats.

✍️ Writing Preparation

Practice writing detailed explanations using proper terminology. Review scoring rubrics to understand how to earn maximum credit. Get feedback on your written responses from teachers.

⏱️ Time Management

Take full-length practice exams under timed conditions. Develop a pacing strategy. Don't spend too much time on any single question. Answer easier questions first, then return to challenging ones.

📚 Need More Practice Materials?

Visit Official NYS Life Science: Biology Regents Page

📢 Important Note: The Life Science: Biology Regents is a new exam first administered in June 2025. As more administrations occur, additional past papers will become available. Check the official New York State Education Department website regularly for newly released materials. The exam format and emphasis may continue to evolve as the state refines the assessment based on student performance and feedback from educators.

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