Pre AP Biology Final Exam Outline 2024

Experimental Design

The process of planning a scientific experiment, including identifying variables, groups, constants, hypothesis, and title.

Independent Variable

The variable that is changed or manipulated in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured or observed in response to the independent variable.

Control Group

The group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment and is used as a baseline for comparison.

Constants

Factors in an experiment that are kept the same to ensure a fair test.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction, usually written as an If...then... statement.

Data Organization

The process of arranging data in a structured manner for analysis.

Data Interpretation

The analysis and understanding of data, often through graphs and tables.

Macromolecules

Large molecules essential for life, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Monomer

The basic unit that makes up a polymer.

Polymer

A large molecule made up of repeating units of monomers.

Mitosis

The process of cell division resulting in two identical daughter cells.

Diffusion

The movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to low concentration.

Active Transport

The movement of molecules against the concentration gradient requiring energy.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The energy currency of the cell.

Cellular Respiration

The process of converting glucose into ATP in the presence of oxygen.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert sunlight into energy in the form of glucose.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in living organisms.

DNA Replication

The process of copying DNA to produce two identical DNA molecules.

Transcription

The process of creating mRNA from DNA.

Translation

The process of protein synthesis where mRNA is decoded to produce a specific protein.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can result in genetic variation.

Punnett Square

A diagram used to predict the outcome of a particular cross or breeding experiment.

Abiotic factor

Non-living components of an ecosystem, such as sunlight, temperature, water, and soil.

Biotic factor

Living components of an ecosystem, including plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria.

Food Webs

A system of interlocking and interdependent food chains in an ecosystem.

Decomposer

Organisms that break down dead or decaying organisms.

Consumer

Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.

Producer

Organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.

Carnivore

Animals that primarily eat meat.

Herbivore

Animals that primarily eat plants.

Autotroph

Organisms that can produce their own food.

Heterotroph

Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.

Omnivore

Animals that eat both plants and animals.

Energy Transfer

The movement of energy through an ecosystem, often depicted in energy pyramids.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population size of a species that an ecosystem can sustain indefinitely.

Limiting Factors

Factors that restrict the growth of a population, such as availability of food, water, or habitat.

Natality

The birth rate of a population.

Mortality

The death rate of a population.

Emigration

The movement of individuals out of a population.

Immigration

The movement of individuals into a population.

Density-dependent factors

Factors that influence population growth based on the population's density.

Density-independent factors

Factors that affect population growth regardless of the population's density.

Symbiotic Relationships

Close and long-term interactions between different species.

Ecological Succession

The process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.

Nutrient Cycles

The movement and exchange of nutrients in an ecosystem.

Keystone Species

A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance.

Evolution

The process of change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.

Homologous Structures

Structures that are similar in different species because of common ancestry.

Vestigial Organs

Organs that have lost their original function through evolution.

Embryonic Development

The process by which an embryo develops.

Fossils

The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.

Charles Darwin

English naturalist who proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection.

Gradualism

The theory that evolution occurs slowly and steadily.

Punctuated Equilibrium

The theory that evolution occurs in rapid bursts separated by periods of little change.

Geographic Isolation

The separation of populations by physical barriers.

Reproductive Isolations

Mechanisms that prevent different species from interbreeding.

Experimental Design

The process of planning and conducting a scientific experiment to ensure valid results and draw accurate conclusions."

Properties of Water

• High specific heat: resists temperature changes

• Universal solvent: dissolves many substances

• Cohesion & adhesion: water molecules stick together & to other substances

• Surface tension: forms a "skin" on the surface

structure of a water molecule

• Consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom

• Oxygen atom is slightly negatively charged, while hydrogen atoms are slightly positively charged

CHNOPS

Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus, Sulfur. Key building blocks in biological molecules.

types of macromolecules and the elements that compose each and their monomers

Carbohydrates: composed of C, H, O; monomer is monosaccharide.

Lipids: composed of C, H, O; no true monomer.

Proteins: composed of C, H, O, N; monomer is amino acid.

Nucleic Acids: composed of C, H, O, N, P; monomer is nucleotide.