Biology Video Notes: Taxonomy, Photosynthesis, Nutrition, Fermentation, Biofuels, and Ecology

Vocabulary flashcards covering taxonomy ranks, photosynthesis, amino acids and proteins, major crops, fermentation and ethanol, biofuels, plant physiology, and ecological energy flow.

Domain

The highest taxonomic rank; in notes examples include Eukarya.

Kingdom

Second-highest taxonomic rank; in notes, Animalia.

Phylum

Third taxonomic rank; in notes, Chordata.

Class

Fourth taxonomic rank; in notes, Mammalia.

Order

Fifth taxonomic rank; in notes, Carnivora.

Family

Sixth taxonomic rank; in notes, Canidae.

Genus

Seventh taxonomic rank; in notes, Vulpes.

Species

Basic unit of classification; a group of organisms capable of interbreeding.

Taxonomic mnemonic

Phrase 'Dear King Philip came over for good soup' used to remember Domain through Species.

Photosynthesis

Process by which plants convert light energy, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose (sugar) and oxygen.

Inputs to photosynthesis

Water, carbon dioxide, and light energy.

Outputs of photosynthesis

Glucose (sugar) and oxygen.

Glucose

A simple sugar produced by photosynthesis; building block for carbohydrates.

Starch

A storage carbohydrate in plants made from glucose units.

Carbohydrates

Macromolecules (sugars, starches) that store and provide energy.

Amino acids

Building blocks of proteins; some are essential and must be obtained from the diet.

Essential amino acids

Amino acids that animals cannot synthesize and must obtain from food.

Nitrogen (in biology)

Element from soil used to form amino acids and proteins in plants.

Major crops

Soybean, potato, maize (corn), and sugarcane; sources of protein, starch, and sugars.

Fermentation

Biological process that converts sugars into ethanol (and other products).

Ethanol

Alcohol produced by fermentation of plant sugars (e.g., corn, sugarcane, potatoes).

Biofuels

Fuels produced from biomass, such as ethanol from crops.

Producers

Organisms that capture energy from sunlight via photosynthesis; base of the food chain.

Primary consumers

Herbivores that eat producers.

Energy transfer in ecosystems

Flow of energy from producers to consumers; about 10% is transferred to the next trophic level; 90% is lost as heat.

Trophic levels

Levels in a food chain representing different roles (producers, consumers, etc.).

Transpiration

Loss of water vapor from plant stomata, driving water movement from roots to leaves.

CO2 buildup

Increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide contributing to climate change.

Deforestation

Clearing forests; reduces carbon sinks and affects atmospheric CO2 levels.

Photosynthesis equation

6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2.

Light energy

Energy from the sun captured by plants to drive photosynthesis.