Bio Exam Review: Prokaryotes and Animal Diversity

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to prokaryotes and the diversity of animal life.

Prokaryotes

The first life forms on Earth, which lack a nuclear envelope and membrane-bound organelles.

Extremophiles

Organisms that thrive in extreme environments, such as high salinity or temperature.

Halobacterium

An example of an extremophile that adapts quickly to salty environments.

Microbial mats

Multi-layered sheets of prokaryotes, primarily composed of bacteria.

Extracellular matrix

A substance that holds prokaryotes together.

Hydrothermal vents

Breakages in Earth's surface releasing geothermally heated water.

Stromatolites

Structures formed by the precipitation of minerals out of water.

Photoautotrophs

Organisms that convert solar energy into chemical energy.

Cyanobacteria

A group of bacteria (also known as blue-green algae) that evolved from photoautotrophs.

Peptidoglycan

A polymer in bacterial cell walls composed of modified sugars cross-linked by polypeptides.

Gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria that stain purple and have a thick peptidoglycan cell wall.

Gram-negative bacteria

Bacteria that stain red or pink and have a more complex cell wall with an outer membrane.

Capsule

A dense and well-defined sticky layer of proteins in some prokaryotes.

Endospores

Structures formed by some bacteria to survive extremely hot temperatures and environments.

Fimbriae

Hair-like structures that help prokaryotes adhere to substrates or each other.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit.

Commensalism

A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits while the other is unaffected.

Parasitism

A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of the other.

Chlamydias

Intracellular parasites, such as Chlamydia trachomatis.

Proteobacteria

A diverse group of gram-negative bacteria including autotrophs, chemoautotrophs, and heterotrophs.

Transduction

phage injects DNA into a prokaryote

Transformation

A process where a prokaryote takes up external DNA from the environment.

Ectoderm

The outer germ layer that develops into skin, hair, nails, and the nervous system.

Mesoderm

The middle germ layer that forms muscles, bones, heart, and kidneys.

Endoderm

The inner germ layer that forms the digestive tract, lungs, and liver.

Bilateral symmetry

A body plan with a single plane of symmetry. Ex.) Humans

Radial symmetry

A body plan with multiple planes of symmetry. Ex.) Starfish

Asymmetrical

A body plan that lacks symmetry. Ex.) seas sponge

Coelom

A body cavity that allows for the organization of internal organs.

What are neural crest cells?

Create nerves, cartilage, and pigment cells

What is the notochord?

A rod that supports and helps form the spine.

What are somites?

Cell blocks forming muscles and bones.

What are teratogens?

Substances causing birth defects.

What is organogenesis?

Germ layers forming organs.

What is the role of neurolation?

Forms the neural tube, which develops into the brain and spinal cord.

What is gastrulation?

Creates the three germ layers

What is the process of gram staining?

1) Crystal violet

2) iodine

3) alcohol

4) Safranin

What tissues are best for protections?

Stratified squamous and transitional both had multiple layers to provide protection

What is fertilization?

Sperm and egg join to form a zygote.

What are the differences between the prenatal and postnatal period?

Before birth vs. after birth development.

What is cleavage?

Zygote rapidly divides into smaller cells

What are blastomeres?

Cells from cleavage.

What is a morula?

Solid ball of cells after cleavage.

What is the role of uterine milk?

Nourishes the embryo before implantation

What are similarites and differences between bacteria and archaea?

Similarities, both lack nuclear envelopes and membrane organelles

Differences Bacteria have peptidoglycan and archaea only has histones

TB

Affects the lungs and can spread to other organs

Tooth decay

Acids that erode the tooth

Peptic Ulcers

are sores in the stomach

The great plague of London

Spreads via fleas Yersinia pestis

Lyme disease

Caused by tick bites

E.coli

stomach cramps and diarrhea

What are ecosystems, and what do they include?

Living and non living things in one area

Describe the first and second laws of thermodynamics, and be prepared to give an example or recognize an example of each

1st: Energy can't be created/destroyed (e.g., sunlight → food).

2nd: Energy is lost as heat (e.g., animals lose heat when active).

Describe the law of conservation of mass and be prepared to give an example or recognize an example of it

Matter can't be created/destroyed (e.g., same atoms before and after a reaction).

What are decomposers/detritivores and what do they do for an ecosystem? What is detritus?

Break down dead stuff and return nutrients.

Detritus = Dead material.

What are biogeochemical cycles? Describe the two types of them.

How elements move through Earth and life.

Gaseous = in air (carbon, nitrogen)

Sedimentary = in rocks (phosphorus)

What is a biogeochemical cycle diagram, and what does it represent?

Shows how elements move in nature.

What is a reservoir in the context of a biogeochemical cycle?

Where nutrients are stored (air, ocean, soil).

Describe the process of transpiration

Water evaporates from plant leaves.

Describe how the following types of winter precipitation occur: Snow, Rain, Sleet, Freezing Rain

• Snow – Forms when temperatures stay below freezing from cloud to ground.

• Sleet – Partially melted snowflakes refreeze before hitting the ground, forming ice pellets.

• Freezing Rain – Snow melts completely but refreezes on contact with cold surfaces, creating ice buildup.

• Rain – Falls when temperatures remain above freezing, keeping water in liquid form.

What is a biome?

A large ecological region defined by climate, vegetation, and wildlife (e.g., rainforest, desert).

What is a climograph, and what does it display?

A graph showing monthly temperature and precipitation, used to analyze climate patterns.

What is the significance of aquatic biomes?

Cover 75% of Earth, support biodiversity, regulate climate, and provide resources like food and water.

What is demography?

The study of populations, focusing on size, growth, and trends.

What is a life table, and what does it display?

A chart showing survival and mortality rates in a population.

What is a cohort?

A group of individuals with a shared characteristic (e.g., same age).

What is biomanipulation?

Adding or removing species to control population

What is a disturbance?

Any event that disrupts an ecosystem

Describe the intermediate disturbance hypothesis

Small disturbances increase biodiversity

What is ecological succession?

Gradual change in species composition over time.

Describe the difference between primary and secondary succession

Primary- Occurs in lifeless areas

Secondary- Happens where soil remains after a disturbance

What is a thermocline?

Temperate change in water the deeper you go

Four types of virus shapes

Helical- spiral shaped

Icosahedral- 20 sided

Spherical- round

Complex- unique structures

Long term parenting and why can some ppl not have that

because some species need to be cared for longer