Biology review for Grade 11

This set of flashcards covers key concepts in biology and technology as they relate to environmental science, ecosystems, and conservation, specifically designed for Grade 11 students.

What is technology in the context of biology?

The use or application of scientific knowledge for a specific goal or purpose.

How does society benefit from technology?

Technology makes life easier and improves the quality of life.

What is nature defined as?

The physical, natural, and material world of life that exists without human intervention.

What do scientists and engineers learn from nature?

They learn from the imitation of physical structures, shapes, materials, and functional mechanisms.

What can better understanding of biological materials lead to?

It can lead to the development of more efficient technologies.

What is imitation in biology?

Imitating natural systems and structures to develop technologies.

What is biotechnology?

The integration of natural and engineering sciences to develop useful products using biological systems.

What are medicinal plants used for in biotechnology?

They have biochemical substances that can be used to develop medicines.

Define gene engineering.

The process of altering the genes of organisms for beneficial outcomes.

What inspired the design of aircraft wings?

The imitation of bird and bat wings.

What type of architecture was used in constructing the East Gate Center in Harare?

Architecture that imitates the mound design of termites.

What is an example of technology imitating nature in communication devices?

Sensors in electrical devices that imitate biological neurons.

What is a biological arm modeled after?

The trunk of an elephant.

How does osmoregulation function in the kidney?

It involves maintaining a stable balance of water and electrolytes.

What happens when there is excess glucose in the blood?

The pancreas produces insulin to convert excess glucose to glycogen.

What do vasodilation and vasoconstriction do?

They regulate blood flow to maintain body temperature.

What is negative feedback in homeostasis?

A process that reverses a change to maintain stability.

What is the primary role of enzymes in biological systems?

To act as catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering activation energy.

What affects enzyme activity?

Physical factors like temperature and pH, as well as enzyme and substrate concentration.

What is competitive inhibition?

When a substance competes with the substrate to bind to the active site of an enzyme.

What distinguishes between warm-blooded and cold-blooded vertebrates?

Warm-blooded vertebrates maintain a constant body temperature, while cold-blooded vertebrates' temperature varies with the environment.

What is the significance of the four-chambered heart in mammals?

It allows efficient separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.

How do amphibians breathe during their life stages?

They breathe through gills in the larval stage and lungs as adults.

What role does the brain play in thermoregulation?

The hypothalamus regulates body temperature by signaling for adjustments like sweating or shivering.

Name a technology developed by imitating spider webs.

Weaving technologies.

What is the impact of industrial emissions on the environment?

They contribute to air and water pollution.

What is bioinformatics?

A scientific discipline involving computer technology to collect, analyze, and disseminate biological data.

Why is ethical treatment important in biology?

To respect the rights and welfare of living organisms and the integrity of ecosystems.

What does the term 'homeostasis' refer to?

The ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.

Explain the process of glomerular filtration in the kidney.

It filters blood to form urine, removing waste and excess substances.

Define 'adaptation' in the context of biology.

The process by which organisms become better suited to their environment.

What was the East Gate Center in Harare inspired by?

The mound architecture of termites.

What is a notable application of biotechnology in industry?

Using genetically modified organisms for product development, such as in pharmaceuticals.

What is the role of receptors in homeostasis?

To detect environmental changes and send signals to the control center.

What is the importance of feedback mechanisms in biological systems?

They allow organisms to respond effectively to changes and maintain stability.

What is the implication of using animal models in research?

To gain insights into biological processes and human diseases.

How do technological advancements pose ethical dilemmas?

They raise questions about the implications for privacy, safety, and moral responsibility.

Give an example of learned behavior in animals.

Habituation is when an animal stops responding to a repeated stimulus.

What are the two main types of reproductive strategies in animals?

Sexual and asexual reproduction.

What is the function of an enzyme's active site?

To bind substrates and facilitate chemical reactions.

What defines a eukaryotic organism?

An organism with cells that have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

List the main types of biomolecules involved in structure and function in living organisms.

Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

What is the basic structural unit of proteins?

Amino acids linked by peptide bonds.

Explain the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus; eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and are often larger.

What role do mitochondria play in the cell?

They are the powerhouse of the cell, producing energy through respiration.

Describe the significance of cell membranes.

They regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

What are the primary roles of ribosomes?

To synthesize proteins from amino acids.

How does enzyme concentration affect reaction rate?

Increasing enzyme concentration generally increases reaction rate until the substrate becomes limiting.

What are the factors that determine enzyme specificity?

The shape and chemical properties of the enzyme and substrate.

What does the term 'biodegradable' mean?

A substance that can be broken down by biological processes.

What is the end result of a successful feedback loop in homeostasis?

Restoration of the internal environment to its normal state.

Why is biodiversity important to ecosystems?

Higher biodiversity increases resilience and stability of ecosystems.

What impact do pesticides have on biological systems?

They can lead to bioaccumulation and negatively affect non-target species.

How do enzymes behave under extreme pH conditions?

They can become denatured and lose activity.

Define 'competitive advantage' in evolutionary biology.

Traits that improve an organism's chances of survival and reproduction in its environment.

What are the characteristics that distinguish mammals from other vertebrates?

Mammals have mammary glands, fur or hair, and typically give live birth.

What is the role of chloroplasts in plant cells?

To perform photosynthesis, converting sunlight into energy.

Describe the importance of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in ecosystems.

They convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which plants can use for growth.

How does water act as a solvent in biological systems?

It dissolves various ions and molecules, facilitating biochemical reactions.

What is the significance of the cell cycle in growth and development?

It allows cells to divide and reproduce for tissue growth and repair.

How do vaccines help in disease prevention?

They stimulate the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens.

What is the role of hormones in homeostasis?

They regulate various physiological functions in response to internal and external changes.

How does energy flow through an ecosystem?

Energy flows from producers to consumers and decomposers.

Explain the concept of ecological succession.

The gradual process of change and replacement in a community over time.

What factors contribute to the stability of an ecosystem?

Biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and the balance of predator-prey relationships.

What can cause a shift in population dynamics?

Environmental changes, resource availability, and human activities.

What is the purpose of a species classification system?

To organize and categorize living organisms based on shared characteristics.

What are the main characteristics of arthropods?

They have an exoskeleton, segmented body, and jointed appendages.

What distinguishes amphibians from reptiles?

Amphibians typically have a two-stage life cycle requiring water, while reptiles do not.

How do decomposers contribute to an ecosystem?

By breaking down dead organic material and recycling nutrients.

What adaptations do desert animals have for survival?

Water conservation methods, nocturnal behavior, and physiological adjustments.

Why is genetic diversity important for populations?

It increases resilience to environmental changes and diseases.

Describe the importance of pollinators in agriculture.

They facilitate the fertilization of plants, leading to fruit and seed production.

What is the significance of the food chain in ecology?

It illustrates the flow of energy and nutrients through an ecosystem.

What is an invasive species?

A non-native species that disrupts local ecosystems and can harm native species.

How do glacial movements affect terrestrial ecosystems?

They reshape landforms and can alter habitats and species distributions.

Explain how climate change impacts biodiversity.

It leads to habitat loss, altered species interactions, and increased extinction rates.

What is the ecological footprint?

A measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems.

How does acid rain affect aquatic habitats?

It lowers pH levels, harming aquatic organisms and disrupting ecosystems.

Define ecosystem resilience.

The ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances and maintain functionality.

Describe the role of keystone species in ecosystems.

They have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance.

What is the relationship between coral reefs and marine biodiversity?

Corals provide habitat and resources for a vast number of marine species.

How do mutualistic relationships benefit organisms?

Both species involved gain an advantage that enhances their survival or reproduction.

What role do fungi play in ecosystems?

They decompose organic matter, recycle nutrients, and form symbiotic relationships.

How do cultural practices impact ecosystems?

They can either support conservation or lead to degradation of natural resources.

Don't forget to review key terms.

Review glossary for definitions of crucial concepts in biology.

What is the impact of deforestation on carbon cycles?

It increases atmospheric carbon levels by reducing carbon sinks.

Explain the process of bioaccumulation.

The accumulation of substances, such as pesticides, in an organism over time.

What are the key drivers of evolution?

Natural selection, mutations, genetic drift, and gene flow.

Describe the importance of primary producers in an ecosystem.

They convert solar energy into chemical energy, forming the base of the food web.

What is a biogeochemical cycle?

The movement of elements and compounds through living organisms and the environment.

How do technological advancements in medicine relate to biology?

They leverage understanding of biological processes to develop treatments and diagnostics.

What is the basic unit of life?

The cell.

What are abiotic factors in an environment?

Non-living chemical and physical parts of the environment that affect living organisms.

What is the difference between a food web and a food chain?

A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains, showing multiple feeding relationships.

How does population density impact species interaction?

Higher density can lead to competition for resources and affect reproduction rates.

What role do wetlands play in the ecosystem?

They act as natural water filters, flood control, and habitats for diverse species.

Explain the meaning of 'carrying capacity.'

The maximum population size that an environment can sustainably support.

What is a biological magnification?

The increasing concentration of toxins in organisms at each successive level of the food chain.

Describe how invasive species affect local biodiversity.

They can outcompete native species for resources, leading to declines or extinctions.