assumed knowledge Flashcards
define biodiversity
the variety of life on Earth at all levels
why do scientists classify organisms into groups
to see their relations with one another
to ease scientific communication
to track evolution
define ecosystem
a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
define biotic factor
living components of an environment
plants, animals and bacteria
define abiotic factor
w examples
non-living components of an ecosystem
wind, rain, sunlight
define environment
the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives
define biosphere
worldwide sum of ecosystems, all places where there are living things
define hydrosphere
all the water on the Earth’s surface; lakes and seas
define lithosphere
the rigid part of the Earth; mountains
define atmosphere
the envelope of gases surrounding the earth
define adaptation
the process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment
plant adaptation example
succulents have adapted to this climate by storing water in their short, thick stems and leaves
animal adaptation example
giraffes have long necks to reach leaves on tall trees
explain the theory of evolution
every living thing on Earth has evolved from a common ancestor and that the distinguishable differences are due to modifications in successive generations
example of natural selection
peppered moths
spotted moths survived longer in heavy smog
white moths survived longer when the smog cleared
