BIOL 1002 Exam 1 Study Guide

Systematics

The study of evolutionary relationships among organisms.

Taxonomy

The science of naming, describing, and classifying organisms.

Phylogeny

The evolutionary history of a species or group of organisms.

Taxon

A named taxonomic unit at any level of hierarchy (e.g., Mammalia).

Clade

A group comprising an ancestor and all of its evolutionary descendants.

Taxonomic Hierarchy Order

Domain → Kingdom → Phylum → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species.

Taxonomic Hierarchy Mnemonic

"Dear King Philip Came Over For Good Soup."

Determining Relatedness on Evolutionary Trees

Determined by branching patterns and recent common ancestors, not physical left-to-right order.

Binomial Nomenclature Format

Genus (capitalized) + species (lowercase), both italicized when typed.

Conjugation in Prokaryotes

Direct transfer of genetic material between bacterial cells via a pilus.

Quorum Sensing

Bacterial cell-to-cell communication system based on cell density.

Biofilm

A surface-attached community of microbes encased in a self-produced matrix.

Cyanobacteria

Photosynthetic prokaryotes that produce oxygen.

Viruses

Acellular infectious agents containing genetic material inside a protein coat.

Viroids

Infectious RNA molecules lacking protein coats that infect plants.

Prions

Infectious misfolded proteins causing neurological diseases.

Endosymbiosis

Theory that eukaryotic organelles (mitochondria/chloroplasts) evolved from ingested prokaryotes.

Animal-like Protists (Protozoa)

Heterotrophic single-celled eukaryotes; examples include Amoebas, Ciliates, and Flagellates.

Plant-like Protists

Photosynthetic protists; examples include Algae, Diatoms, and Dinoflagellates.

Fungus-like Protists

Absorptive heterotrophic protists; examples include Slime molds and Water molds.

Protist Locomotion Structures

Flagella (whip-like), Cilia (hair-like), and Pseudopods (cellular extensions).

Plant Cuticle Function

Waxy outer covering that reduces water loss on land.

Plant Stomata Function

Pores that allow gas exchange while regulating water loss.

Vascular Tissue (Xylem & Phloem)

Tissues that transport water, minerals, and nutrients throughout plants.

Plant Seeds Function

Structures that protect and nourish the plant embryo.

Plant Pollen Function

Allows male gamete dispersal without requiring liquid water for swimming sperm.

Plant Flowers Function

Reproductive structures that attract pollinators to enhance fertilization.

Plant Fruits Function

Structures derived from ovaries that protect and disperse seeds.

Plant Evolutionary Progression

Non-vascular plants → Seedless vascular plants → Gymnosperms → Angiosperms.

Gametophyte Stage

Haploid (n) plant generation that produces gametes by mitosis.

Sporophyte Stage

Diploid (2n) plant generation that produces spores by meiosis.

Alternation of Generations Cycle

Sporophyte (2n) → spores (n) → gametophyte (n) → gametes (n) → fertilization → sporophyte (2n).

Fungi Cell Wall Composition

Composed of chitin.

Hyphae

Thread-like filaments that make up the body of a fungus.

Mycelium

A interwoven mass of fungal hyphae.

Fungi Mode of Nutrition

Secrete digestive enzymes outside the body and absorb digested nutrients.

Lichen

Mutualistic symbiotic relationship between a fungus and a photosynthetic partner.

Mycorrhizae

Mutualistic symbiotic association between fungi and plant roots.

Key Characteristics of Animals

Multicellular, eukaryotic, heterotrophic organisms that ingest food.

Invertebrates vs Vertebrates

Invertebrates lack a backbone; vertebrates possess a backbone.

Animal Body Symmetry Types

Asymmetry (sponges), Radial symmetry (cnidarians), and Bilateral symmetry (bilaterians).

Body Cavity Types

Acoelomate (no cavity), Pseudocoelomate (partial cavity), Coelomate (true cavity).

Protostomes vs Deuterostomes

In protostomes, mouth develops first; in deuterostomes, anus develops first.

Four Key Chordate Characteristics

Notochord, dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, post-anal tail.

Vertebrate Innovations Sequence

Vertebral column → jaws → paired appendages → terrestrial adaptations → amniotic egg → endothermy.

Bacteria Key Feature

Prokaryotic cellular organisms with peptidoglycan cell walls.

Archaea Key Feature

Distinct prokaryotic lineage often inhabiting extreme environments.

Bryophytes Key Feature

Nonvascular land plants lacking xylem and phloem.

Gymnosperms Key Feature

Vascular plants bearing seeds not enclosed in fruits ('naked seeds').

Angiosperms Key Feature

Vascular plants that produce flowers and enclosed seeds within fruits.

Porifera (Sponges) Key Feature

Animals lacking true tissues and symmetry.

Cnidarians Key Feature

Diploblastic animals possessing stinging cells called cnidocytes.

Mollusks Key Feature

Soft-bodied animals typically with a mantle, muscular foot, and visceral mass.

Annelids Key Feature

Segmented worms with bilateral symmetry.

Arthropods Key Feature

Animals with a chitinous exoskeleton and jointed appendages.

Echinoderms Key Feature

Deuterostome invertebrates with radial adult symmetry and a water vascular system.

Amphibians Key Feature

Tetrapods whose reproduction and larvae remain tied to water.

Reptiles Key Feature

Terrestrial vertebrates with waterproof skin and amniotic eggs.

Birds Key Feature

Endothermic reptiles adapted for flight with feathers.

Mammals Key Feature

Endothermic vertebrates with hair and milk-producing mammary glands.

Plant Adaptations for Land

Cuticle → vascular tissue → seeds → pollen → flowers/fruits.

Animal Adaptations for Land

Lungs → limbs → amniotic egg → terrestrial reproduction.

Evolution of Plant Fertilization Water Dependency

Non-vascular and seedless vascular require water for sperm; seed plants use pollen.

Simplified Animal Evolution Sequence

Sponges → Cnidarians → Bilaterians → Protostomes/Deuterostomes → Vertebrates → Tetrapods → Amniotes.