Biology Flashcard (Science Bowl)

These are the flashcards for the biology section of the Science Bowl Notes.

Where is the white matter located in the cerebral cortex?

On the inside of the cerebral cortex.

What is the function of gyri in the cerebral cortex?

Gyri are ridges found in brain lobes that group together and are involved in various brain functions.

What are the two main types of matter in the cerebral cortex?

Grey matter and white matter.

What is grey matter primarily made up of?

Neuronal cell bodies.

What is the role of sulci in the brain?

Sulci are grooves that increase the brain’s surface area, allowing it to fit inside the skull.

What is T Cell Activation?

The process of turning Naive T cells into effector T cells.

What are the two signals required for T cell activation?

Signal 1 is the recognition of an MHC molecule antigen from an APC, and Signal 2 involves co-stimulatory molecules.

What is the process of cleavage in embryonic development?

A series of cell divisions resulting in smaller cells called blastomeres leading to a blastula.

What is a blastula?

A hollow ball of cells formed from the first five to seven cleavage divisions.

Define morphogenesis in embryonic development.

The process during which an animal's body develops over time.

What is gastrulation?

The process that forms two or three-layered embryos known as gastrulas.

What is the primary role of connective tissue?

To support, protect, and bind other tissues.

What type of muscle tissue is responsible for voluntary movement?

Skeletal muscle.

What is the function of glial cells?

To support and protect nerve cells in the brain and nervous system.

Define natural selection in terms of evolution.

A process that favors traits that enhance survival in a specific environment.

What is the main evidence for evolution derived from DNA?

DNA homologies indicate shared ancestry and common genes among different species.

What are the three types of connective tissue?

Proper, cartilage, bone, and blood.

What does homeostasis refer to?

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions.

What is phylogeny?

The study of the evolutionary history and relationships among individuals or groups of organisms.

What is the landmark event of the Proterozoic eon?

The rise of multicellular life and the appearance of oxygen in the atmosphere.

What characterizes the Hadean eon?

The formation of Earth, characterized by a molten surface and the lack of life.

What significant developments occurred during the Archean eon?

The emergence of the first simple life forms, mainly prokaryotes.

What are the four eons of Earth's history?

Hadean, Archean, Proterozoic, and Phanerozoic.

What defines the Phanerozoic eon?

The period characterized by abundant fossil records, divided into three eras: Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic.

What is the immune system responsible for?

Defending the body against pathogens and disease.

What are the two main components of the immune system?

Innate immunity (immediate response) and adaptive immunity (specific response).

What are vitamins?

Organic compounds that are essential for normal growth and nutrition, usually obtained through diet.

What is the function of Vitamin C?

To support immune function, collagen synthesis, and act as an antioxidant.

What role does Vitamin D play in the body?

It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus, promoting healthy bone development.

What is the importance of Vitamin B12?

Critical for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis.

What is biochemistry?

The branch of science that explores the chemical processes within and related to living organisms.

What is allopatric speciation?

Speciation that occurs when populations are geographically isolated from one another.

What is the function of the circulatory system?

To transport blood, nutrients, gases, and waste products throughout the body.

What defines an organ system?

A group of organs that work together to perform complex functions necessary for life.

What are the main biomolecules in biochemistry?

Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

What are the major organ systems in the human body?

Some of the major organ systems include the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems.

What is the role of enzymes in biochemistry?

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body.

What is speciation?

The evolutionary process by which populations evolve to become distinct species.

What are the types of speciation?

Allopatric speciation, sympatric speciation, parapatric speciation, and peripatric speciation.

What is sympatric speciation?

Speciation that occurs without geographic separation, often through reproductive barriers.

What factors can drive speciation?

Factors include geographic isolation, genetic drift, mutations, and selective pressures.

What is the basic unit of heredity in genetics?

The gene is the basic unit of heredity, responsible for passing traits from parents to offspring.

What is DNA?

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms.

What is a genotype?

The genotype is the genetic constitution of an individual, representing the alleles inherited from parents.

What is a phenotype?

The phenotype is the observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, determined by its genotype and environment.

What is Mendel's Law of Segregation?

Mendel's Law of Segregation states that allele pairs segregate during gamete formation, and offspring receive one allele from each parent.

What are the primary components of the skeletal system?

The skeletal system consists of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and joints.

What is the function of bones in the skeletal system?

Bones provide structure, protect organs, anchor muscles, and store calcium.

What are osteoblasts?

Osteoblasts are cells responsible for bone formation and mineralization in the skeleton.

What is the role of cartilage in the skeletal system?

Cartilage provides flexible support, reduces friction between bones, and absorbs shock in joints.

What are the two main types of bone tissue?

The two main types of bone tissue are compact bone and spongy (cancellous) bone.

What is the axial skeleton?

The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage, providing support and protection for the brain and vital organs.

What is the appendicular skeleton?

The appendicular skeleton consists of the limbs and girdles, facilitating movement and interaction with the environment.

What is skeletal muscle?

Skeletal muscle is a type of striated muscle tissue that is attached to bones and responsible for voluntary movements.

What is the role of ligaments in the skeletal system?

Ligaments are fibrous connective tissues that connect bones to other bones at joints, providing stability.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weakened bones, increasing the risk of fractures.

What is the role of calcium in the skeletal system?

Calcium is crucial for maintaining bone density and strength, and it plays a role in muscle function.

What is the definition of ecology?

Ecology is the branch of biology that studies the interactions between organisms and their environment.

What is a biome?

A biome is a large geographical biotic unit, a major community of plants and animals with similar life forms and environmental conditions.

What is an ecosystem?

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms and their physical environment interacting as a system.

What is the difference between abiotic and biotic factors?

Abiotic factors are non-living chemical and physical elements, while biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem.

What is the trophic level?

A trophic level refers to the position an organism occupies in a food chain, typically categorized as producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and so on.

What is a food web?

A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships between different organisms in an ecosystem.

What are the two main types of epithelial tissue?

The two main types are simple (single layer) and stratified (multiple layers) epithelial tissue.

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

What is carrying capacity?

Carrying capacity is the maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustain indefinitely.

What is the function of epithelial tissue?

Epithelial tissue covers body surfaces, lines cavities, and forms glands.

What are the primary types of tissues in the human body?

The primary types of tissues are epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue.

What is a keystone species?

A keystone species is one that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance.

What is ecological succession?

Ecological succession is the process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.

What types of connective tissue exist?

Types include loose connective tissue, dense connective tissue, cartilage, bone, and blood.

What is muscle tissue responsible for?

Muscle tissue is responsible for movement of the body or its parts.

What are the three types of muscle tissue?

The three types are skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle.

What is the role of sebaceous glands?

Sebaceous glands produce oil to keep skin and hair moisturized.

What role does connective tissue play in the body?

Connective tissue supports, binds, and protects other tissues and organs.

What are the main components of the integumentary system?

The main components include the skin, hair, nails, and associated glands.

What are the layers of the skin?

The skin has three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.

What is the largest organ of the body?

The skin is the largest organ of the body.

What is the function of the integumentary system?

The integumentary system protects the body, regulates temperature, and provides sensory information.

What is the role of the epidermis?

The epidermis acts as a protective barrier and is the outermost layer of skin.

What is the function of sweat glands?

Sweat glands help regulate body temperature and excrete waste products.

What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition characterized by clogged hair follicles and infected oil glands.

What structures are found in the dermis?

The dermis contains blood vessels, hair follicles, sweat glands, and connective tissue.