Principles of Biology II Lab Manual Review Flashcards

Flashcards created for reviewing the key principles and concepts in the Principles of Biology II Lab.

What are the fundamental properties of life?

1. Cellular Organization, 2. Growth and Development, 3. Reproduction, 4. Response to Stimuli, 5. Homeostasis, 6. Metabolism, 7. Evolution.

What is the key outcome of the scientific theory of evolution?

It describes how populations of organisms change over time through genetic variations.

What are the major levels of organization in biological systems?

Cells, Tissues, Organs, Organ Systems, Organisms, Populations, Communities, Ecosystems, Biosphere.

What defines prokaryotic cells?

They are single-celled organisms that lack a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles.

What distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

What is a phylogenetic tree?

A diagram that represents the evolutionary relationships among biological species based on genetic and physical characteristics.

What are the two types of reproduction in biology?

Sexual and asexual reproduction.

What is natural selection?

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

Give an example of a species that illustrates natural selection.

The peppered moth and its color variation during the Industrial Revolution.

What are the key differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotes have both.

Name one structure that is unique to plant cells.

Chloroplasts, which are involved in photosynthesis.

What is the function of ribosomes?

They are responsible for protein synthesis.

List the phases of the cell cycle.

Interphase, Mitosis (Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase), Cytokinesis.

What role do enzymes play in biological reactions?

They act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions without being consumed.

What is the purpose of cellular respiration?

To convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and then release waste products.

What are the four major classes of biological macromolecules?

Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids.

What is an ecosystem?

A community of living organisms and their interactions with their abiotic environment.

What is biodiversity?

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Define ecology.

The branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.

What is the main function of the circulatory system?

To transport nutrients, gases, hormones, blood cells, and waste products throughout the body.

What does the term 'homeostasis' mean?

The ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

What is the process of photosynthesis?

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

What are trophic levels?

The hierarchical levels in an ecosystem, corresponding to the position of an organism in a food chain.

Define symbiosis.

A close and often long-term interaction between two different biological species.

What is mutualism?

A type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit.

What role do fungi play in the ecosystem?

They decompose organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

What is the difference between autotrophs and heterotrophs?

Autotrophs can produce their own food; heterotrophs must consume other organisms.

Define a primary consumer.

An organism that eats primary producers, typically herbivores.

What is a keystone species?

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

What is an invasive species?

A non-native species that spreads rapidly in a new environment and causes harm to native species.

What are the different types of muscle tissue?

Skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles.

What is the significance of the water vascular system in echinoderms?

It controls locomotion, feeding, and gas exchange via tube feet.

Name the levels of biological classification from broadest to most specific.

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

What adaptations help plants survive on land?

Roots for water absorption, vascular tissue for nutrient transport, cuticles to prevent water loss.

What is the role of the liver in digestion?

It produces bile, which helps in the digestion and absorption of fats.

Describe the structure and function of a neuron.

Neurons consist of a cell body, dendrites to receive signals, and an axon to transmit impulses.

What are the major organs of the human digestive system?

Mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas.

What distinguishes vertebrates from invertebrates?

Vertebrates have a backbone and a complex nervous system, while invertebrates do not.

What is the significance of the placenta in mammals?

It provides nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus and removes waste.

What processes involve gas exchange in animals?

Respiration and diffusion across membranes.

What are the four primary characteristics of chordates?

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

What is the difference between protostomes and deuterostomes?

In protostomes, the mouth develops from the blastopore; in deuterostomes, the anus develops first.

What is the primary function of the kidney?

To filter blood and produce urine.

What are the major functions of the human heart?

To pump blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients.

Describe the adaptations of birds for flight.

Hollow bones, feathers, a lightweight skeleton, and a high metabolic rate.

What distinguishes gymnosperms from angiosperms?

Gymnosperms produce naked seeds, while angiosperms produce seeds enclosed in fruits.

What is the primary role of chloroplasts in plant cells?

To perform photosynthesis as the site of converting sunlight into energy.

List one example of a mollusk.

Examples include snails, clams, and octopuses.

What is the function of the pancreas?

It produces enzymes for digestion and hormones such as insulin for blood sugar regulation.

What adaptations do mammals have for thermoregulation?

Fur or hair for insulation and sweat glands for cooling.

What are the differences between monocots and dicots?

Monocots have one cotyledon, parallel veins, and flower parts in multiples of three; dicots have two cotyledons, net-like veins, and flower parts in multiples of four or five.

Define an alimentary canal.

A digestive tract with a separate mouth and anus for more efficient digestion.

What is the main function of the gallbladder?

To store and concentrate bile produced by the liver.

How does digestion differ between carnivores and herbivores?

Carnivores often have shorter intestines; herbivores have longer intestines and specialized chambers for digesting cellulose.

What endocrine glands are important in regulating metabolism?

Thyroid and adrenal glands.

How do blood vessels differ in structure and function?

Arteries carry blood away from the heart, veins carry blood to the heart, and capillaries facilitate exchange with tissues.

What promotes genetic variation in sexual reproduction?

Independent assortment, crossing over, and random fertilization.

What is an ecological niche?

The role and position a species has in its environment.

What is symbiotic mutualism?

A relationship where both species benefit from the interaction.

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

To break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

What process keeps plant cells turgid?

Osmosis, due to water uptake by the vacuole.

How do we define biological fitness?

The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.

What are pheromones?

Chemical signals used by organisms to communicate with others of the same species.

How did the theory of evolution by natural selection arise?

From observations made by Charles Darwin during his voyage on the HMS Beagle.

What anatomical feature indicates cephalization?

The concentration of sensory organs and nerve tissue at the anterior end of the body.

What type of circulatory system do most vertebrates have?

Closed circulatory system.

Describe the structure of the cardiac muscle.

It is striated, branched, and involuntary, with intercalated discs.

What do we call plants that reproduce primarily without flowers?

Gymnosperms.

List examples of digestive disorders.

Celiac Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, GERD.

What is a potential consequence of antibiotic overuse?

The development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Which organ systems are involved in waste removal?

Urogenital and digestive systems.

What is the main characteristic that defines mammals?

The presence of mammary glands.

What are the phases of mitosis?

Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase.

What role does the pancreas play in digestion?

Produces digestive enzymes and hormones, such as insulin.

Name one unique feature of amphibians.

They typically undergo metamorphosis from larva to adult form.

Which type of muscle is under voluntary control?

Skeletal muscle.

What are the major components of a food chain?

Primary producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, tertiary consumers.

Name the process through which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy.

Photosynthesis.

What is the primary function of stomata in plants?

Gas exchange, allowing carbon dioxide in and oxygen out.

What species group dominates the insect diversity?

Arthropoda.

What physiological process allows for the transport of nutrients throughout the body in animals?

Circulation.

How do environmental stresses impact aquatic ecosystems?

They can lead to changes in species composition, nutrient cycling, and habitats.

What is genetic drift?

Changes in allele frequencies in a population due to random sampling.

What is the function of the cuticle in plants?

To prevent water loss from the plant surface.

What is the primary function of gills in fish?

To facilitate gas exchange, allowing oxygen to be absorbed and carbon dioxide to be expelled.

Define a trophic cascade.

A chain of events in an ecosystem where a top predator influences the structure of the ecosystem.

How do penguins maintain their body temperature?

Through a layer of blubber and dense feathers that provide insulation.

What adaptations evolved in vertebrates for survival on land?

Lungs for respiration, limbs for movement, and amniotic eggs for reproduction.

Define the role of producers in an ecosystem.

They convert solar energy into chemical energy for consumers to use.