ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION: POTENTIAL AND CHALLENGES FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING PROCESSES

Abstract

The increasing incorporation of artificial intelligence into educational environments has expanded the possibilities for using technological resources in teaching and learning processes while introducing new pedagogical, ethical, and academic challenges. This study aimed to analyze the potential and challenges of using artificial intelligence in teaching and learning processes in biological sciences. This is an integrative literature review with a qualitative and descriptive approach, conducted through searches in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Google Scholar, considering publications from January 2020 to August 2026. The results showed that artificial intelligence can contribute to personalized learning, feedback provision, diversification of teaching resources, understanding of complex content, data analysis, development of cognitive skills, and support for teaching planning and practice. However, challenges were identified regarding the reliability of generated information, technological dependence, academic integrity, authorship, privacy, unequal access, and the need for teacher training. It is concluded that artificial intelligence has the potential to contribute to biological sciences education when used as a complementary resource, grounded in clear pedagogical objectives and accompanied by teacher mediation. Its integration should preserve students' intellectual autonomy, critical thinking, and active participation in the construction of scientific knowledge.