CSEC Biology Revision Flashcards

These flashcards cover essential concepts and definitions from the CSEC® Biology syllabus to aid in exam preparation.

What are the seven characteristics of living organisms?

Nutrition, Respiration, Excretion, Movement, Irritability, Growth, Reproduction.

What is the difference between autotrophs and heterotrophs?

Autotrophs make their own food (e.g. plants); heterotrophs obtain food from external sources (e.g. animals).

What is photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the process where green plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose using sunlight energy.

What are the two stages of photosynthesis?

The light stage (light-dependent stage) and dark stage (light-independent stage).

What is the function of chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.

Define osmosis.

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration.

What is the primary role of enzymes in biological reactions?

Enzymes act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed.

What is the significance of the nitrogen cycle to plants?

The nitrogen cycle is essential for providing plants with nitrogen in forms they can absorb and utilize for growth.

How do decomposers contribute to the ecosystem?

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil and facilitating nutrient cycling.

What is the role of the kidneys in excretion?

The kidneys filter blood to remove waste products and excess substances, forming urine.

What are the three types of blood vessels?

Arteries, veins, and capillaries.

Explain the concept of a food chain.

A food chain shows the linear feeding relationships between organisms, illustrating energy flow in an ecosystem.

What is the difference between a habitat and a niche?

A habitat is the environment where an organism lives, while a niche is the role or function of that organism within its ecosystem.

Define biodiversity.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the diversity of species, genetic variation, and ecosystems.

What is the function of the circulatory system in humans?

The circulatory system transports nutrients, gases, hormones, blood cells, and waste products throughout the body.

What are the main components of blood?

Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

What is the importance of the excretory system?

The excretory system removes waste products from the body, regulates blood composition and volume, and maintains homeostasis.

How do plants respond to stimuli?

Plants respond through growth movements (like phototropism) and part movements (like the opening/closing of flowers).

What is the primary role of the nervous system?

The nervous system coordinates responses to stimuli and controls various body functions through nerve impulses.

Describe the process of inhalation in humans.

During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts, the rib cage expands, and air is drawn into the lungs due to low pressure.

What is adaptation in terms of organisms?

Adaptation is a process by which organisms develop traits that enhance their survival and reproduction in specific environments.

Explain the greenhouse effect.

The greenhouse effect occurs when greenhouse gases trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere, leading to global warming.

What type of reproduction involves only one parent?

Asexual reproduction.

What are the advantages of sexual reproduction?

Sexual reproduction introduces genetic variation, which enhances adaptability and survival in changing environments.

Define mutation.

A mutation is a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene, which can lead to changes in traits.

What are antigens?

Antigens are substances that trigger an immune response, including the production of antibodies.

How does natural selection work?

Natural selection is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more offspring.

What is ecological succession?

Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, often following a disturbance.