Review

Question 1

What are the steps involved in the scientific method?

Answer 1

1. Observation 2. Question 3. Hypothesis 4. Experiment 5. Analysis 6. Conclusion

Each step is critical for conducting scientific research.

Question 2

What are the six unifying themes in biology?

Answer 2

1. Structure and function 2. Homeostasis 3. Evolution 4. Energy and matter 5. Information flow 6. Interdependence

These themes help to organize biological concepts.

Question 3

List the hierarchical organization of living things from smallest to largest.

Answer 3

1. Cell 2. Tissue 3. Organ 4. Organ system 5. Organism 6. Population 7. Community 8. Ecosystem 9. Biosphere

This organization reflects the complexity of life.

Question 4

Describe the key points of modern cell theory.

Answer 4

1. All living things are composed of cells 2. Cells are the basic unit of life 3. All cells arise from pre-existing cells

These points are fundamental to understanding biology.

Question 5

What are the differences between a plant and animal cell?

Answer 5

1. Plant cells have cell walls 2. Plant cells contain chloroplasts 3. Animal cells have centrioles

These structural differences impact their functions.

Question 6

Define ‘ecosystem’.

Answer 6

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their abiotic environment

Ecosystems can vary in size and complexity.

Question 7

What is the difference between abiotic and biotic factors in an organism’s environment?

Answer 7

Abiotic factors are non-living (e.g., water, temperature) while biotic factors are living (e.g., plants, animals)

Both factors influence the survival of organisms.

Question 8

Define the terms ‘autotroph’ and ‘heterotroph’.

Answer 8

Autotrophs produce their own food (e.g., plants) while heterotrophs consume other organisms for energy

This distinction is crucial for understanding food webs.

Question 9

Relate the terms ‘food chain’ and ‘food web’.

Answer 9

A food chain is a linear sequence of energy transfer while a food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains

Food webs provide a more accurate representation of ecosystem interactions.

Question 10

What are trophic levels? Give examples.

Answer 10

Trophic levels are the hierarchical levels in an ecosystem, typically including producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and decomposers

Example: Producers (plants), Primary consumers (herbivores), Secondary consumers (carnivores).

Question 11

Describe the energy pyramid in a typical ecosystem.

Answer 11

The energy pyramid illustrates the flow of energy through trophic levels, with energy decreasing as it moves up

Typically, only about 10% of energy is transferred to the next level.

Question 12

Explain the overall chemical reaction of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. How are they related?

Answer 12

Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, while cellular respiration uses glucose and oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water

They are interconnected processes in the energy cycle.

Question 13

What is the difference between an organism’s habitat and niche?

Answer 13

A habitat is the environment where an organism lives, while a niche is the role or function of that organism within its environment

Understanding both concepts is essential for ecology.

Question 14

What is a ‘limiting factor’ in terms of population growth?

Answer 14

A limiting factor is an environmental condition that restricts population growth

Examples include food availability, water supply, and habitat space.

Question 15

Define ‘carrying capacity’.

Answer 15

Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can sustainably support

It is influenced by resource availability.

Question 16

What is the difference between intraspecies and interspecies interactions?

Answer 16

Intraspecies interactions occur between members of the same species, while interspecies interactions occur between different species

Both types of interactions can impact population dynamics.

Question 17

Define ‘predation’, ‘parasitism’, ‘competition’, ‘commensalism’, and ‘mutualism’.

Answer 17

1. Predation: One organism kills and eats another 2. Parasitism: One organism benefits at the expense of another 3. Competition: Organisms compete for resources 4. Commensalism: One organism benefits while the other is unaffected 5. Mutualism: Both organisms benefit

These interactions shape ecosystems.

Question 18

Describe the process of succession.

Answer 18

Succession is the gradual process of change and replacement in an ecosystem following a disturbance

It can be primary or secondary succession.

Question 19

Describe the basic structure of the DNA molecule.

Answer 19

DNA is composed of a double helix structure formed by nucleotides, which include a phosphate group, a sugar, and nitrogenous bases

The four nitrogenous bases are adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine.

Question 20

Explain the basic assumptions of Lamarck.

Answer 20

Lamarck proposed that organisms evolve through the inheritance of acquired characteristics and a drive towards complexity

His ideas laid groundwork for future evolutionary theories.

Question 21

Describe Darwin’s theory of natural selection.

Answer 21

Natural selection is the process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring

This theory is a key mechanism of evolution.

Question 22

Explain how the Galapagos finches were of major significance to Darwin.

Answer 22

The Galapagos finches provided evidence of adaptive radiation and natural selection, showcasing variation in beak shapes related to food sources

This observation supported Darwin’s theories.

Question 23

What is the difference between microevolution and macroevolution?

Answer 23

Microevolution refers to small evolutionary changes within a species, while macroevolution refers to larger-scale changes that can result in new species

Both processes contribute to the diversity of life.

Question 24

Define the term ‘gene pool’.

Answer 24

A gene pool is the total collection of genes and their variations within a population

The gene pool is essential for understanding genetic diversity.

Question 25

Name and describe 2 causes of genetic diversity in a population.

Answer 25

1. Mutation: Changes in DNA that create new alleles 2. Gene flow: Transfer of alleles between populations through migration ## Footnote These processes contribute to evolutionary change.

Question 26

What is meant by 'artificial selection'?

Answer 26

Artificial selection is the intentional breeding of organisms with desirable traits by humans ## Footnote This process contrasts with natural selection.

Question 27

Define the terms 'species' and 'speciation'.

Answer 27

Species: A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Speciation: The process by which new species arise ## Footnote These concepts are fundamental to understanding biodiversity.

Question 28

Explain why 'reproductive isolation' is necessary for speciation.

Answer 28

Reproductive isolation prevents different species from interbreeding, allowing for genetic divergence and the formation of new species ## Footnote This can occur through various mechanisms, such as geographic or temporal isolation.

Question 29

What are some causes of reproductive isolation?

Answer 29

1. Geographic isolation 2. Temporal isolation 3. Behavioral isolation 4. Mechanical isolation 5. Gametic isolation ## Footnote Each cause prevents gene flow between populations.

Question 30

What is the difference between 'evolutionary divergence' and 'evolutionary convergence'?

Answer 30

Evolutionary divergence occurs when two species evolve different traits from a common ancestor, while evolutionary convergence occurs when unrelated species evolve similar traits due to similar environments ## Footnote Both processes illustrate the adaptability of organisms.

Question 31

What sorts of changes might occur in an animal population in order for it to have become a 'new' species?

Answer 31

Changes may include genetic mutations, adaptations to new environments, and reproductive isolation from the ancestral population ## Footnote These changes facilitate speciation.

Question 32

What is meant by the term 'adaptive radiation'?

Answer 32

Adaptive radiation is when one species quickly evolves into many different species to fill different roles or habitats.

Question 33

Define 'biodiversity'.

Answer 33

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem ## Footnote It encompasses species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

Question 34

Describe the levels of organization of living things.

Answer 34

1. Cell 2. Tissue 3. Organ 4. Organ system 5. Organism 6. Population 7. Community 8. Ecosystem 9. Biosphere ## Footnote Each level represents a different scale of biological organization.

Question 35

Define the term 'taxonomy'.

Answer 35

Taxonomy is the science of classifying and naming organisms ## Footnote It helps in organizing biological diversity.

Question 36

Describe early systems of classification.

Answer 36

Early systems of classification included Aristotle's method of grouping organisms based on observable traits and Linnaeus's binomial nomenclature ## Footnote These systems laid the foundation for modern taxonomy.

Question 37

What is the modern system of classification based on?

Answer 37

The modern system of classification is based on evolutionary relationships among organisms, using phylogenetic trees ## Footnote This approach reflects how species are related through common ancestry.

Question 38

What is 'binomial nomenclature'?

Answer 38

Binomial nomenclature is a two-part naming system for organisms, consisting of the genus and species names ## Footnote This system was developed by Carl Linnaeus.

Question 39

Given the full scientific name of several organisms, how can you tell which are more closely related?

Answer 39

Organisms with the same genus name are more closely related than those with different genus names ## Footnote The genus name is the first part of the binomial nomenclature.

Question 40

Explain the purpose of using a dichotomous key and how it works.

Answer 40

A dichotomous key is a tool used to identify organisms based on a series of choices that lead to the correct name ## Footnote It typically consists of paired statements or questions.

Question 41

What are the 3 Domains and 5 Kingdoms of life? Give examples.

Answer 41

Domains: 1. Archaea 2. Bacteria 3. Eukarya. Kingdoms: 1. Animalia 2. Plantae 3. Fungi 4. Protista 5. Monera ## Footnote Each domain and kingdom encompasses a wide variety of organisms.