Biol 101 Final Exam Review

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts from the Biol 101 lecture notes, focusing on ecology, cell biology, genetics, evolution, and other key topics for final exam preparation.

Scientific Method

A systematic process for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

Theory vs. Hypothesis

A theory is a well-substantiated explanation based on a body of evidence, while a hypothesis is a testable prediction made before an experiment.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population size that an environment can sustain indefinitely.

Exponential Growth

A growth pattern where resources are unlimited, leading to a rapid increase in population size.

Logistic Growth

A growth pattern where population growth slows as it approaches carrying capacity due to limited resources.

Biodiversity Hotspots

Regions with significant levels of biodiversity that are under threat from human activities.

Gene

The fundamental unit of heredity in living organisms, composed of DNA.

Enzyme

A protein that acts as a catalyst to accelerate chemical reactions in biological systems.

Mitosis vs. Meiosis

Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells, while meiosis produces four genetically diverse gametes.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process through which ribosomes create proteins by decoding mRNA.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Homologous Structures

Anatomical features in different species that share a common ancestry, though they may serve different functions.

Vestigial Structures

Anatomical remnants that once had important functions in ancestors but have no significant function in the current organism.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells capable of giving rise to various cell types, significant for development and regenerative medicine.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to variations in traits; can be caused by various factors including environmental influences.

Allele Frequency

The relative frequency of an allele at a genetic locus in a population.

Punnett Square

A grid used to predict the genotypes of offspring from a cross of parents.

Cell Theory

The theory that all living things are composed of cells, and that all cells arise from pre-existing cells.