Cumulative Test Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is biology?
Study of life
Biology encompasses all aspects of living organisms and their interactions with the environment.
What are the 8 characteristics of life?
- Made of cells
- Reproduce
- DNA
- Evolve
- Homeostasis
- Respond to stimulates
- Grow and develop
- Obtain and use energy
These characteristics define living organisms and distinguish them from non-living entities.
What is a cell?
Basic unit of life
Cells are the smallest structural and functional units of living organisms.
What are ethics?
Moral issues
Ethics in science often involves the moral implications of research and its impact on society.
What is the scientific method?
It includes making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing data.
What is hypothesis
Possible answer to a question
What are the steps of the scientific method?
- Observe
- Hypothesize
- Experiment
- Analyze
- Conclude
These steps help scientists systematically approach questions and test their ideas.
What is a hypothesis?
Possible answer to a question
A hypothesis is a testable prediction based on existing knowledge.
What is a control group?
Group that remains the same
The control group is used as a baseline to compare the effects of the independent variable.
What is an experimental group?
Group that undergoes change
This group receives the treatment or variable being tested.
What is an independent variable?
Variable that is changed
The independent variable is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable.
What variable goes on the x-axis in a graph?
Independent variable
The x-axis typically represents the variable that is controlled or manipulated.
What variable goes on the y-axis in a graph?
Dependent variable
The y-axis represents the variable that is measured or affected in the experiment.
What is a legend in graphing?
Shows data displayed on the graph
Legends help to identify different data series or categories represented in the graph.
What are the rules of writing binomial nomenclature?
- First word capitalized
- Two parts
Binomial nomenclature is a formal system of naming species using two Latin names.
What are some benefits of using scientific names?
- Universal naming system
- Reduces confusion
- Provides information about relationships
Scientific names allow for precise communication about species across different languages and regions.
What was Aristotle’s system for classification?
Divided organisms into plants and animals
Aristotle’s classification was one of the earliest systems and laid the groundwork for future taxonomy.
What is a dichotomous key?
Tool used to identify organisms through a series of choices
Dichotomous keys help in the identification of organisms based on contrasting characteristics.
What is a taxon?
Group of organisms in taxonomy
Taxa are units of biological classification, such as species, genus, family, etc.
What is binomial nomenclature?
Naming system that gives each species a two-part name
The first part is the genus name, and the second part is the specific epithet.
List the order of the 8 taxonomy from biggest to smallest.
- Domain
- Kingdom
- Phylum
- Class
- Order
- Family
- Genus
- Species
This hierarchical system organizes biological diversity.
What is the difference between ancestral and derived traits?
Ancestral traits are inherited from distant ancestors; derived traits are new adaptations
Understanding these traits helps in studying evolutionary relationships.
Define homologous structures and give an example.
Structures with similar anatomy but different functions; example: forelimbs of mammals
Homologous structures indicate common ancestry.
Define analogous structures and give an example.
Structures with similar functions but different anatomy; example: wings of birds and insects
Analogous structures result from convergent evolution.
