General Education Science

What is the literal meaning of biology?

The study of life.

What are the two Greek words that form the term 'biology'?

Bios (life) and Logos (study).

What is the hierarchy of life, starting from the smallest unit?

Atom > Molecule > Organelle > Cell > Tissue > Organ > System > Organism.

What does cytology study?

The study of cells.

What type of cells lack a true nucleus?

Prokaryotic cells.

Can you name one of the two types of prokaryotic cells?

Bacteria or Archaebacteria.

What type of cells contain a true nucleus?

Eukaryotic cells.

Who discovered cells and coined the term ‘cell'?

Robert Hooke.

What does taxonomy refer to?

The classification and naming of organisms.

How many levels are there in the taxonomic classification?

Eight levels.

Who is known as the father of modern taxonomy?

Carolus Linnaeus.

What classification level comes after 'Domain'?

Kingdom.

Which domain contains organisms that can live in extreme environments?

Domain Archaea.

Give an example of a methanogen.

Organisms that live in environments without oxygen.

What are the main groups of the animal kingdom?

Invertebrates and vertebrates.

What are the defining features of the kingdom Animalia?

Invertebrates (no backbone) and vertebrates (have backbone).

What type of cells possess stinging cells (nematocysts)?

Cnidaria.

What are arthropods characterized by?

Jointed legs and segmented bodies.

What is an example of a segmented worm?

Leech or earthworm.

What are the two groups of vascular plants?

Seedless vascular plants and seed vascular plants.

Name a type of seed vascular plant.

Angiosperms or Gymnosperms.

What is xylem responsible for?

Conducting water and minerals.

What part of the flower is responsible for pollination?

Anther.

What is the main reproductive structure of flowering plants called?

Flower.

What is the difference between cross-pollination and self-pollination?

Cross-pollination is between different plants, self-pollination is within the same plant or flower.

What process involves vegetative reproduction in plants?

Asexual reproduction.

Give an example of a plant that reproduces through tubers.

Potato.

What is budding?

A form of asexual reproduction where a new organism grows from an outgrowth of the parent.

What is fragmentation in the context of asexual reproduction?

When separated pieces of the parent organism can develop into an individual.

What distinguishes angiosperms from gymnosperms?

Angiosperms have seeds enclosed in fruit; gymnosperms have 'naked seeds'.

What is the purpose of the calyx in a flower?

To protect the flower bud before it opens.

What is the function of phloem in vascular plants?

To distribute sugars and other organic products.

Who discovered the nucleus within the cell?

Robert Brown.

What are two examples of mammals?

Humans and whales.

What type of roundworm is an example of Nematoda?

Pinworm or Ascaris.

What type of environment do halophiles thrive in?

Salty environments.

What are microsporidia?

A group of fungi often classified in relation to Kingdom Fungi.

What major characteristic do all members of Chordata share?

They have a notochord at some stage in their development.

What are the defining features of reptiles?

Scaly bodies and lay eggs.

How do flowering plants protect their seeds?

By bearing fruit.

What is the function of sepals in a flower?

To protect the developing flower bud.

Define the term 'hermaphroditic' as it relates to earthworms.

Containing both male and female reproductive organs.

What is the distinction between vascular and nonvascular plants?

Vascular plants have a system to transport water and nutrients, while nonvascular plants do not.

Which class within the Animal Kingdom has jointed limbs and a hard exoskeleton?

Arthropoda.

What type of plant is a fern classified as?

Seedless vascular plant.

What is a cilia?

Hair-like structure found on some cells.

What are the major groups of Eukarya?

Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia.

What is the main reproductive difference between angiosperms and gymnosperms?

Angiosperms reproduce with flowers and fruits; gymnosperms with cones.

Name an example of an organism classified under kingdom Fungi.

Mushroom.

What do viruses lack that distinguishes them from living organisms?

Cells (they are acellular).