Introduction to Biodiversity and Taxonomy

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on biodiversity and taxonomy.

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity refers to the number and variety of species and ecosystems on Earth.

Define speciation.

Speciation is the evolutionary process in which populations evolve to become distinct species.

What are heterotrophs?

Heterotrophs are organisms that obtain energy-rich nutrients by consuming other living or dead organisms.

Give an example of a eukaryotic organism.

Example of eukaryotic organisms include protists, animals, fungi, and plants.

What is a dichotomous key?

A dichotomous key is a series of branching, two-part statements used to identify organisms.

What are prokaryotes?

Prokaryotes are small, simple cells without a membrane-bound nucleus.

What is the function of ribosomes in bacteria?

Ribosomes are responsible for protein production within bacterial cells.

Describe the process of binary fission.

Binary fission is the division of one parent cell into two genetically identical daughter cells as a form of asexual reproduction.

What are viruses?

Viruses are small infectious particles containing genetic material in the form of DNA or RNA within a protein capsule.

What is a prion?

A prion is an abnormally shaped infectious protein responsible for some brain diseases in mammals.

What is the role of fungi in ecosystems?

Fungi serve as decomposers, absorbing nutrients from other living organisms and playing an important role in nutrient cycling.

What characteristics differentiate Archaebacteria from Eubacteria?

Archaebacteria have unique chemical properties in their cell membranes and walls and differ genetically from Eubacteria.

Define taxonomy.

Taxonomy is the science of naming organisms and assigning them to groups.

Explain the role of photosynthetic eubacteria.

Photosynthetic eubacteria, such as cyanobacteria, produce oxygen and contribute to the nitrogen fixation process.

What is endosymbiosis?

Endosymbiosis is a relationship in which a single-celled organism lives within the cell(s) of another organism.

List the four main parts of a bacterial cell.

The four main parts of a bacterial cell are the cell wall, cell membrane, ribosomes, and a nucleoid containing a single loop of DNA.

What are autotrophs?

Autotrophs are organisms that create their own energy-rich nutrients using light, chemical reactions, etc.

How do bacteria contribute to gut health?

Bacteria in the gut produce vitamins B12 and K, benefiting human health in a mutualistic relationship.

What type of bacteria are mycoplasma?

Mycoplasma are the smallest known bacterial cells that have lost their cell wall.

What is a reproductive structure of fungi called?

The reproductive structure of fungi is called a fruiting body.