1.1: Unifying Themes in Biology

Question 1

What are the 7 characteristics of life?

Answer 1

1. Cellular organisation;
2. ordered complexity;
3. sensitivity;
4. growth, development & reproduction;
5. energy utilisation;
6. homeostasis;
7. evolutionary adaption

Question 2

What is the core theme in Biology?

Answer 2

Evolution

Question 3

What are new properties called that arise with each step upwards in the hierarchy of life, owing to the arrangement and interactions of parts as complexity increases?

Answer 3

Emergent properties

Question 4

What molecule contains our genetic material?

Answer 4

DNA

Question 5

Evolution accounts for the unity and diversity of life. How is unity achieved?

Answer 5

Through common ancestors

Question 6

Evolution accounts for the unity and diversity of life. How is diversity achieved?

Answer 6

Through adaptation to surroundings

Question 7

What is the process called by which the instructions in our DNA are converted into a functional product, such as a protein?

Answer 7

Gene expression

Question 8

Explain ‘taxonomy’

Answer 8

A branch of science in biology that tries to group species based on the comparison of structure, function and other obvious features, but also with DNA studies

Question 9

From small to large, what are the 12 levels of organisation in the hierarchy of life?

Answer 9

1. atoms,
2. molecules,
3. organelle,
4. cell,
5. tissue,
6. organ,
7. organ system,
8. organism,
9. population,
10. community,
11. ecosystem,
12. biosphere.

Question 10

which level of organisation in the hierarchy of life is the smallest level that can perform all activities required for life?

Answer 10

The cell.