bio first semester

What is biology?

Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy.

What are the common characteristics of life?

Living organisms typically exhibit:

1. Order (highly organized structure)
2. Sensitivity or response to stimuli
3. Reproduction (produce offspring)
4. Adaptation (evolve over time)
5. Growth and development (increase in size and complexity)
6. Regulation/homeostasis (maintain internal conditions)
7. Energy processing (obtain and use energy)

List the levels of biological organization from simplest to most complex.

1. Atoms
2. Molecules
3. Organelles
4. Cells
5. Tissues
6. Organs
7. Organ Systems
8. Organisms
9. Populations
10. Communities
11. Ecosystems
12. Biosphere

What is the cell theory?

The cell theory is a fundamental concept in biology that states:

1. All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.
2. The cell is the basic unit of life.
3. All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

1. Prokaryotic Cells: Simple, single-celled organisms (bacteria, archaea) without a membrane-bound nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles.
2. Eukaryotic Cells: More complex cells (animals, plants, fungi, protists) with a membrane-bound nucleus and various other membrane-bound organelles.

Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

1. Prokaryotic Cells: Simple, single-celled organisms (bacteria, archaea) without a membrane-bound nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles.
2. Eukaryotic Cells: More complex cells (animals, plants, fungi, protists) with a membrane-bound nucleus and various other membrane-bound organelles.

What are the main steps of the scientific method?

The scientific method generally involves:

1. Observation: Noticing phenomena or asking a question.
2. Hypothesis: Forming a testable explanation or prediction.
3. Experimentation: Designing and conducting tests to evaluate the hypothesis.
4. Analysis: Interpreting data and results.
5. Conclusion: Determining if the data supports or refutes the hypothesis.
6. Communication: Sharing findings with the scientific community.

What is the theory of evolution by natural selection?

Proposed by Charles Darwin, this theory states that:

1. Organisms produce more offspring than can survive.
2. Variation exists among individuals within a species.
3. Individuals with traits best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce (natural selection).
4. These advantageous traits are passed

Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

1. Prokaryotic Cells: Simple, single-celled organisms (bacteria, archaea) without a membrane-bound nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles.
2. Eukaryotic Cells: More complex cells (animals, plants, fungi, protists) with a membrane-bound nucleus and various other membrane-bound organelles.

Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

1. Prokaryotic Cells: Simple, single-celled organisms (bacteria, archaea) without a membrane-bound nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles.
2. Eukaryotic Cells: More complex cells (animals, plants, fungi, protists) with a membrane-bound nucleus and various other membrane-bound organelles.

What are the main steps of the scientific method?

The scientific method generally involves:

1. Observation: Noticing phenomena or asking a question.
2. Hypothesis: Forming a testable explanation or prediction.
3. Experimentation: Designing and conducting tests to evaluate the hypothesis.
4. Analysis: Interpreting data and results.
5. Conclusion: Determining if the data supports or refutes the hypothesis.
6. Communication: Sharing findings with the scientific community.

What is the theory of evolution by natural selection?

Proposed by Charles Darwin, this theory states that:

1. Organisms produce more offspring than can survive.
2. Variation exists among individuals within a species.
3. Individuals with traits best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce (natural selection).
4. These advantageous traits are passed