Chapter 1 - Introduction Flashcards
(23 cards)
How do biologists investigate life?
The Scientific method: observation, hypothesis, predictions, experiments, theory.
Scientific hypothesis must be testable and falsifiable.
What is biology?
The science of life and how it works.
Testable
Using repeatable experiments.
Falsifiable
With potential of being rejected.
What are the characteristics of a living organism?
- Homeostasis
- Organization
- Metabolism
- Growth
- Adaptation
- Response to stimuli
- Reproduction
What are the essential features of a cell?
- Cells can store and transmit information
- Cells have a plasma membrane
- Cells can harness energy from the environment
How is heritable information passed from one generation to the next?
Genes, composed of DNA, transmit information from parents to offspring through DNA sequencing.
What is taxonomy? What is the taxonomic hierarchy for classification?
Taxonomy is the classification of life. Domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species.
What is metabolism?
The chemical reactions that convert molecules into other molecules and transfer energy in living organisms.
What is the theory of evolution through natural selection?
Living organisms adapt to environmental change.
How does the theory of evolution through natural selection explain the diversity of life?
All organisms are capable of reproduction involving duplication of genetic material with potential for errors to occur. This leads to differences among organisms that enable them to:
- live in different kinds of environments
- adapt to changing environmental conditions
How does the theory of evolution through natural selection explain the unity of life?
As diverse as life is, there is evidence of remarkable unity among all organisms:
- cellular
- based on aqueous solutions
- consist of 6 elements (C, H, O, N, P, S)
- similar macromolecules
- have RNA and DNA
- have ribosomes for protein synthesis
- undergo rapid metabolic reactions catalyzed by proteins
- osmotically active membranes
- use of formation/hydrolysis of ATP for energy flow
What is phylogeny?
The modern classification of life.
Common ancestors –> 3 domains –> 6 kingdoms
What makes up the scientific name of an organism?
- Genus name
2. Species name
Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
A eukaryotic cell has a nucleus, while a prokaryotic cell does not.
Distinguish among the three domains of life.
Archaea: single-celled organisms with no nuclei (prokaryote)
Bacteria: single-celled organisms with no nuclei (prokaryote)
Eukarya: cells with nuclei containing chromosomes (eukaryote)
List and distinguish among the three kingdoms of multicellular, eukaryotic life.
- Plantae: green plants (producers through photosynthesis)
- Fungi
- Animalia (consumers)
What is cell theory?
- Cells are the basic units of life
- All organisms are composed of cells
- All cells come from pre-existing cells
What are emergent properties of Life?
Unique characteristics associated with one level of organization that are not seen at lower levels.
What is a producer?
A producer is an organism that creates its own food. An example is photosynthesis.
What is a consumer?
A consumer is an organism that does not make its own food and must consume a producer or its product.
What is diversity?
Diversity is the variety and variability among living organisms and the ecological complexes in which they occur.
What is homeostasis?
Homeostasis is the ability to maintain a constant internal environment in response to environmental changes.