Biology 101 - Chapter 1 Learning Guide – The Scientific Study of Life

Biology is the scientific study of________________.

life

What are the Five Characteristics of Life?

1. Repopulation/Reproduction

2. Growth

3. Evolution

4. Organization

5. Homeostasis

All organisms are made up of ________________, the basic unit of life.

cells

All organisms use ________________ as their genetic material.

DNA

DNA carries instructions for making ________________.

proteins

What is the process by which organisms maintain a stable internal environment?

homeostasis

Smallest chemical unit of an element

atom

A group of joined atoms

molecule

A membrane-bounded structure that has a specific function within a cell

organelles

The fundamental unit of life

cell

A collection of specialized cells that function in a coordinated fashion

tissue

A structure consisting of tissues organized to interact and carry out specific functions

Organ

Organs connected physically or chemically that function together

Organ system

A single living individual

Organism

Members of the same species occupying the same place at the same time

Population

The populations of different species in a region

Community

The living and nonliving components of an area

Ecosystem

The global ecosystem; all parts of the planet that can support life

Biosphere

At what level do the characteristics of life first emerge?

cells/cellular level

What are emergent properties?

Interacting components whose whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Life requires energy. Where does most of the energy on Earth originate?

From the sun

What are organisms that make their own food called?

Producers/Autotrophs

Give two examples of producers:

Plants & Algae

Organisms that eat others to obtain energy are called

Consumers/Heterotrophs

Decomposers obtain energy from

wastes or dead organic matter

Define homeostasis:

a state of internal constancy in the presence of changing external conditions

Provide two examples of internal conditions regulated through homeostasis:

Temperature & Thirst

Define growth:

an increase in an organisms size, generally via cell division

Define Development:

changes that occur as an organism matures, including growth, cell specialization, and other processes

What is the difference between asexual and sexual reproduction?

Asexual reproduction includes only one parent, and its offspring are almost an exact genetic copy; Sexual reproduction includes two parents, and its offspring share DNA from both parents, resulting in genetic variation.

Evolution is defined as

the change in the genetic makeup of a population over multiple generations

What process drives evolution by favoring beneficial traits?

Natural selection

Give an example of adaptation in an organism:

Camouflage in chameleons

What is taxonomy?

the science of describing, naming, and classifying organisms

List the three domains of life:

1. Bacteria

2. Archaea

3. Eukarya

Which two domains consist of prokaryotes?

Bacteria & Archaea

Which domain includes organisms with complex cells?

Eukarya

Kingdoms under Domain Eukarya

The kingdoms under Domain Eukarya include Animalia (Ex. Frogs), Plantae (Ex. Daisies), Fungi (Ex. Mushrooms(Multicellular) & Yeast(Unicellular)), and Protista (Ex. Algae), which comprise complex, multicellular and unicellular organisms.