Bio Study Guide - Unit 1 - Sheet1 Flashcards
Questions
A query made to seek information, clarify a concept, or solve a problem in a scientific context.
Hypothesis
A testable idea or prediction based on observations, used to guide scientific experiments.
Prediction
Based on the hypothesis, predict the observable outcome (e.g., string movement).
Test
Conduct the experiment and observe the results.
Analyze
Evaluate the results; compare observations to predictions. Revise hypotheses as needed.
Conclusion
Explain the success or failure of the experiment and the reasons behind it.
Communicate & Collaborate
Share findings and work with others.
Control
The group or condition not receiving the treatment; used for comparison.
Independent Variable
The variable manipulated by the researcher; the presumed cause.
Dependent
The variable measured or observed; the presumed effect; depends on the independent variable.
What was the Early Atmosphere & Climate of Early Earth?
Early Earth had a dense, greenhouse atmosphere (CO2, NH3) due to impacts, volcanism, and radioactive heat, despite a faint young Sun.
Origin of Life
Life likely began in hot hydrothermal vents, utilizing sulfur compounds. Photosynthesis later introduced oxygen, forming the ozone layer and enabling life’s expansion onto land. Early life forms were extremophiles.
Asteroid Bombardment
Significant asteroid impacts occurred, potentially causing extreme heat and affecting geology and early life, but with a relatively modest impact on tectonics.
Extremophiles
Organisms thriving in extreme environments (high/low temperatures, pressures, radiation) demonstrate life’s resilience and adaptability.
Atmospheric Evolution
Early atmosphere: low oxygen, high CO2, likely significant methane. Evolution linked to planetary processes, impacts, magmatism, and the biosphere.
Crustal Evolution
Continental crust formed in stages: mafic oceanic crust, then TTG crust, finally granite. This involved partial melting, fractional crystallization, and likely a magma ocean in the early Earth.
Characteristics of Living Material
- Made up of cells
- Grow and develop
- Metabolize (either anabolize or catabolize molecules) for energy
- Excrete waste products
- Respond to surrounding (stimuli)
- Many move (not all living things move, ie. plants, corals, etc)
- Reproduction
How did Early Earth form?
- Space dust and matter, INORGANIC minerals, metals, ice, accrete to create the planet of molton magma and toxic gases.
- Asteroids and celestial bodies collide into earth and melt
- Atmosphere and lithosphere filled with CO2, H2O, CH4, NH3, S and P
Abiogenesis
The origin of life from non-living matter.
Spontaneous Generation
An outdated belief that living organisms arise spontaneously from non-living matter (Aristotle).
Creationism
The belief that life originated through a supernatural act of creation.
RNA from Sulfur Compounds
A hypothesis suggesting RNA, a precursor to life, formed from sulfur compounds in a primordial soup.
Protective Membranes
The formation of membranes around macromolecules to protect them from harsh environmental conditions.
Cell Formation
The cell membrane is made of phospholipids with water-loving heads and water-fearing tails. It controls what goes in and out of the cell and keeps it stable.