IEB Matric Life Sciences Exam Preparation

These flashcards cover key concepts in IEB Matric Life Sciences to aid in exam preparation.

What is species in population ecology?

A group of organisms with similar characteristics capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.

Define population in the context of ecology.

A group of organisms of one species that interbreed and live in the same place at the same time.

What is community in ecology?

A group of interacting organisms that share a common habitat.

What does ecosystem entail?

A system that includes all living organisms (biotic factors) in an area and its physical environment (abiotic factors) working together.

What is bio-capacity?

The amount of productive land and water available to produce the resources we use and absorb our waste.

What is the definition of ecological niche?

All conditions necessary for an organism to survive and reproduce.

Explain natural selection.

A process where the environment selects for survival those individuals that are best adapted to environmental conditions.

What is the difference between macro-evolution and micro-evolution?

Macro-evolution involves changes at or above the level of species over long periods of time, whereas micro-evolution refers to smaller evolutionary changes within a species or population.

What are the roles of sexual reproduction in speciation?

It leads to the rearrangement of genetic material, crossing over, and independent assortment, resulting in a variety of genotypes.

Define inbreeding.

The mating of genetically closely related individuals, which can lead to a loss of genetic diversity.

What are the factors regulating population growth?

Density independent factors like climate and natural disasters, and density dependent factors such as competition, predation, and resource availability.

What is ecological succession?

The process by which an environment establishes itself to maintain high biodiversity and sustainability.

What is the purpose of reproductive isolation?

To prevent two or more species from exchanging genes (interbreeding) even if they coexist.

Explain the concept of carrying capacity in ecology.

The maximum number of individuals that an environment can support without degrading the habitat.

How does resource partitioning reduce competition?

Different populations access the same resource in different ways, minimizing direct competition.

What is the significance of the Out of Africa theory?

It proposes that modern humans originated in Africa and migrated out, leading to the replacement of other Homo species.

What does the term 'bipedalism' refer to?

The ability to walk upright on two legs, which is a significant adaptation in hominid evolution.

What hormonal changes occur in the reproductive system during puberty?

Increased levels of growth hormones, FSH, and LH leading to physical and testosterone-driven changes in males and females.

Name one key feature that distinguishes Homo sapiens from other hominins.

Larger brain size, particularly in the frontal lobe, which contributes to complex behavior and advanced cognitive function.

What are Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis?

Spermatogenesis is the formation of sperm while Oogenesis is the formation of ova in females.