Bio 120 lecture 2

Classification

The systematic organization and naming of living things.

Binomial Nomenclature

A two-word scientific naming system for organisms, consisting of genus and species.

Genus

A group of closely related species.

Species

The specific organism within a genus.

Domain

The largest category in the hierarchy of classification.

Kingdom

Large groups of related organisms.

Phylum

Major groups within kingdoms.

Class

Subdivisions of phyla.

Order

Further grouping within classes.

Family

Grouping of closely related species.

Prokaryotic Cells

Simplest, most primitive type of cell with no nucleus.

Eukaryotic Cells

More complex cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that cannot make their own food and must consume others.

Primary Production

Total organic matter produced by autotrophs.

Cellular Respiration

How organisms break down glucose to release energy.

Net Primary Production

The remaining organic matter available for growth after plant respiration.

Photosynthesis

The process by which autotrophs convert sunlight into glucose.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in living organisms.

Evolution

The process through which organisms adapt to their environment over time.

Respiration

The process by which cells break down glucose to release energy.

What is the role of classification in biology?

Classification helps scientists organize and identify living organisms systematically.

What does binomial nomenclature help to identify?

It helps to uniquely identify species by using a two-part name: genus and species.

What distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

What is primary production?

Primary production is the creation of organic matter by autotrophs through processes like photosynthesis.

How do heterotrophs obtain energy?

Heterotrophs obtain energy by consuming other organisms as they cannot produce their own food.

What is the significance of homeostasis in living organisms?

Homeostasis is crucial for maintaining stable internal conditions, essential for survival and functioning.

In what way does evolution occur in species?

Evolution occurs as species adapt over time to changes in their environment, leading to genetic variations.

What is the end product of photosynthesis?

The end product of photosynthesis is glucose, which autotrophs use for energy.

What is the purpose of cellular respiration?

Cellular respiration enables organisms to break down glucose to release energy needed for cellular functions.

What does net primary production refer to?

Net primary production refers to the organic matter available for growth after accounting for plant respiration.

What is taxonomy?

Taxonomy is the science of classifying living organisms into groups based on similarities.

What are the three domains of life?

The three domains of life are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

What determines an organism's scientific name?

An organism's scientific name is determined by its genus and species.

What is the relationship between a family and genus?

A family contains multiple genera (plural of genus) that are closely related.

What is a phylogenetic tree?

A phylogenetic tree is a diagram that represents evolutionary relationships among species.

What role do decomposers play in ecosystems?

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

How do plants contribute to the carbon cycle?

Plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and release oxygen, contributing to the carbon cycle.

What is a keystone species?

A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large impact on its environment.

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life forms within a given ecosystem.

What is the significance of genetic variation?

Genetic variation is crucial for the survival and adaptation of species in changing environments.