Ch 1: Evolution and the Foundations of Biology

Question 1

A biological system is any system that is a combination of components that function together. It can be defined at any _____, including a single cell or organ system.

Answer 1

scale

Question 2

__________ seeks to reduce complex systems to simpler, more manageable components. Systems biology seeks to understand how all the parts function together.

Answer 2

Reductionism

Question 3

In an ecosystem, nutrients _____ and energy flows through. Nutrients are always recycled. Energy flows through the system, typically entering as solar energy and leaving as ____.

Answer 3

cycle

heat

Question 4

Energy for most life ultimately comes from the light energy of the sun, trapped in the ________ _____ of molecules synthesized by photosynthetic organisms. In this sense, the energy used by most organisms for metabolism and growth ultimately comes from the sun.

Answer 4

chemical bonds