unit 01 - Introduction to biology Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is biology primarily focused on?
The study of living organisms
Biology derives from ‘Bios’ meaning life and ‘logos’ meaning study.
What are the three primary branches of biology?
- Zoology
- Botany
- Microbiology
What is the significance of studying cell biology?
It involves studying cells, which are the basic units of life.
Define histology in the context of biology.
The study of tissues.
What does anatomy focus on?
The gross structure of the body.
What is physiology concerned with?
The functions of different organ systems.
What is biochemistry the study of?
Biological molecules.
What does genetics study?
Inheritance.
What does ecology focus on?
The relationship between organisms and their environment.
When did life on Earth first form?
Around 3.5 billion years ago.
What were the first organisms believed to be?
Heterotrophic, anaerobic prokaryotes.
How many species are estimated to exist on Earth?
About 10 million to over 100 million.
What is the role of each organism in the biosphere?
Each organism has a specific role in maintaining the balance of the environment.
What is sustainable use of natural resources?
Using resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising future generations.
List some environmental problems caused by overexploitation of natural resources.
- Environmental pollution
- Loss of biodiversity
- Desertification
What is sustainable food production?
Producing sufficient food using environmentally safe methods.
How can sustainable food production be achieved?
- Production of high yielding varieties
- Production of disease resistant varieties
- Improvement of post-harvest technologies
What is the importance of understanding plant life?
Plants are primary producers, and understanding them is crucial for food production.
What are some dangerous non-communicable diseases?
- Cancers
- Heart diseases
- Diabetes
- Chronic renal diseases
What is DNA fingerprinting used for?
Solving legal issues such as parentage testing and criminal investigations.
What are the characteristics of organisms?
- Order and organization
- Metabolism
- Growth and development
- Irritability and coordination
- Adaptation
- Reproduction
- Heredity and evolution
What does metabolism encompass?
The sum of all chemical activities, including catabolic and anabolic reactions.
What is adaptation in biological terms?
A peculiarity that enhances survival and reproduction in a given environment.
What is the basic structural and functional unit of life?
The cell.
