Evolution and Ecology Review

SAVVAS: 14.1: RNA (pages 1, 2, and 5 or 599, 600, and 603)

  • Compare and contrast (identify and explain) similarities and differences between DNA and RNA

  • What is the role of RNA in the production of proteins?

  • How does RNA polymerase know when to start and stop making a strand of RNA?

  • What is a codon?

  • What is transcription?

  • Complete the DNA, mRNA, and protein sequence found below. Each column has a clue that you need to work from to complete each full sequence. Use the Amino Acid Codon Wheel to help.

SAVVAS: 18.1: Genes and Variation (pages 1 - 3 or 789-791)

  • Define evolution.

  • Define natural selection (word for word from class).

  • Describe how natural selection affects genotypes by acting on phenotypes.

  • What makes an individual “fit”?

  • What is a mutation? Explain how mutations can be neutral, beneficial, or harmful.

  • The appendix is an organ in humans that does not perform a necessary function. In fact, appendices can sometimes rupture, which can be very dangerous. Explain in terms of evolution why humans may have appendices in our bodies.



SAVVAS: 18.1: Genes and Variation (pages 1 - 3 or 789-791)

  • Define evolution.

  • Define natural selection (word for word from class).

  • Describe how natural selection affects genotypes by acting on phenotypes.

  • What makes an individual “fit”?

  • What is a mutation? Explain how mutations can be neutral, beneficial, or harmful.

  • The appendix is an organ in humans that does not perform a necessary function. In fact, appendices can sometimes rupture, which can be very dangerous. Explain in terms of evolution why humans may have appendices in our bodies.


SAVVAS: 3.1: Introduction to Global Systems (pgs 2, 4, and 5 or 106, 108, and 109)

  • List the levels of organization from species (organisms) through biosphere

  • Using the picture below, give an example of each level of organization you listed in the previous question.

  • Describe the difference between biotic and abiotic factors and use the image above to provide two examples of each


SAVVAS: 4.1-4.3 Ecosystems

  • Label the trophic levels in the food chain below

  • What is the ultimate source of energy that powers all food chains and webs?

  • Why is a food web a more accurate representation of the feeding relationships in an ecosystem than a food chain?

  • Explain the 10% rule. Why isn’t more energy passed on to the next trophic level?

  • What are the different types of symbiotic relationships found in ecosystems? Provide a specific example of each kind of relationship.

  • Farmers/gardeners will sometimes use fungicide to kill fungi (mushrooms) growing on their plants. What do you think would happen if runoff carrying fungicide spread into a forest ecosystem?