Ch.1: Evolution, Themes of Bio, and scientific inquiry mini set

main concepts of chapter one for principles of biology

7 main properties of life?

order, regulation (homeostasis), response to environment, reproduction, growth & development, energy processing, evolutionary adaptation

What does regulation mean in living things?

ability to maintain internal stability (homeostasis)

Smallest unit of life

Cell

List the levels of biological organization from smallest to largest

molecule-organelle-cell-tissue-organ-organism-population-community-ecosystem-biosphere

Ecosystem

all living and nonliving components in an area

Difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Prokaryotic: have no nucleus/organelles, are smaller (bacteria/archaea).

Eukaryotic: have a nucleus/organelles, more complex (plants, animals, fungi, protists).

What do all cells have in common.

Enclosed by a membrane and use DNA as genetic info.

DNA’s structure

Double helix, made of nucleotides A,T,C,G

Gene

A segment of DNA that encodes a specific protein or molecule.

What is a genome?

The complete set of DNA in an organism.

Does energy cycle in ecosystems?

No, energy flows through (sun → chemical energy → heat)

Does matter cycle in ecosystems?

Yes, nutrients are recycled by decomposers

feedback regulation?

When an output of a process regulates that same process

Difference between negative and positive feedback?

Negative feedback reduces stimuli.

Positive feedback speeds up a process

Organism interactions

competition, predation, parasitism, and mutualism.

Evolution

Descent with modification from common ancestors

Natural Selection

individuals with advantageous traits survive/reproduce more

Who developed the theory of natural selection?

Charles Darwin

Science

Study of the natural world through testable explanations

Hypothesis

A testable explanation for observation

What is the difference between independent and dependent variables?

Independent: manipulated

Dependent: measured

Scientific theory

well supported explanation based on evidence.