Do you need to take the hardest math courses your school offers?

It is not necessary to complete multivariable calculus in high school, especially for a prospective biology major.

Even the “less advanced” track you are considering is still advanced, since the normal track is precalculus in 12th grade.

However, if s/he targets the most selective colleges, find out from the high school counselor whether choosing the “less advanced” math track will prevent getting the “most demanding” schedule indication on the counselor recommendation.