Biodiversity Flashcards
1
Q
What is the relationship between variation and diversity?
A
Variation equals diversity
2
Q
What defines an ecosystem?
A
An ecosystem is where biotic (living) organisms interact with abiotic (non-living) entities in a shared environment
3
Q
What factors vary greatly from one place to another in an ecosystem?
A
Abiotic factors
4
Q
What determines the types and numbers of species that can live in an ecosystem?
A
Differences in the abiotic environment
5
Q
Where is biodiversity highest?
A
Near the equator
6
Q
Where is biodiversity lowest?
A
Near the North and South poles
7
Q
What abiotic factors affect the distribution of species?
A
Heat, water, ice, humidity, pressure, nutrient supply
8
Q
What is the hierarchy of biological classification from broadest to most specific?
A
- Kingdom
- Phylum
- Class
- Order
- Family
- Species
9
Q
What is a phylum?
A
A group of individual organisms that share similar genetic and physical characteristics
10
Q
What happens when the same species interbreed in nature?
A
They produce fertile offspring
11
Q
What is speciation?
A
The process of how new species evolve
12
Q
Fill in the blank: Biodiversity is highest near the _______.
A
equator
13
Q
True or False: Biodiversity is evenly distributed around the world.
A
False
14
Q
What role do abiotic factors play in ecosystems?
A
They determine the types and numbers of species that can inhabit an ecosystem
15
Q
What can impact how new species evolve?
A
Geography, behavior, and timelines
16
Q
What is speciation?
A
The development of different species of organisms from a common ancestor as a result of isolation.
Different environments cause different adaptations.
17
Q
Define niche in ecological terms.
A
The role an organism plays in a community, including its environment and interactions with other organisms.
18
Q
What are adaptations?
A
Specific variations to an inherited trait that increase an organism’s chance of survival in a specific environment.
19
Q
What is a physical adaptation?
A
A structure or part of the body that helps an organism survive.
20
Q
What is a behavioral adaptation?
A
Something an organism does in order to survive.
21
Q
What is discrete variation in genetics?
A
Inherited traits that have a limited number of variations.
22
Q
What is continuous variation in genetics?
A
Traits that show a range of possibilities on a continuum scale.
23
Q
What does it mean for a trait to be inherited?
A
Something genetically passed down to an offspring from their parents.
24
Q
What is a niche?
A
The role an organism plays in a community/environment.
25
What characterizes a broad niche?
An organism has the ability to eat a variety of plants or animals as seasons and habitats change.
26
What are generalists?
Organisms that can spread over large areas and have less diversity but higher number of population.
27
What characterizes a narrow niche?
Specialists take advantage of a very specific environment or food resource.
28
What are specialists?
Organisms that have lots of diversity but low number of population and are successful in stable environments.
29
What is symbiosis?
A relationship or interaction between two dissimilar organisms.
30
What is commensalism?
A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits while the other is unaffected.
31
What is mutualism?
A symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit.
32
What is parasitism?
A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits while the other is harmed.
33
What is resource partitioning?
A process where a species in an area changes their common behavior to reduce direct competition.
34
What is natural selection?
A process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring
## Footnote
Proposed by Charles Darwin, natural selection is the main process for evolution.
35
What is required for natural selection to occur?
Variation within a species
## Footnote
This variation allows for the selection of the best traits that help organisms survive.
36
What happens to the best traits over time in natural selection?
They become more common
## Footnote
Successful traits are favored and passed on to future generations.
37
List the four postulates of Darwin's theory of natural selection.
* All organisms produce more offspring than can possibly survive
* There is incredible variation within each species
* Some of these variations increase the chance of an individual surviving to reproduce
* Over time, variations that are passed on lead to changes in the genetic characteristics of a species
38
Fill in the blank: Humans actively choose which traits should be passed onto an offspring through _______.
[artificial selection]
39
What is artificial selection?
Humans actively choose which traits should be passed onto an offspring (selective breeding)
## Footnote
This contrasts with natural selection, where environmental factors drive the selection process.
40
Provide an example of artificial selection in plants.
Farmers saving seeds from healthy plants
## Footnote
Farmers select seeds from plants that produce large fruit.
41
Provide an example of artificial selection in animals.
* Dairy cows that produce a large milk yield
* Dog breeds with characteristics people like
42
What is one advantage of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?
Higher food yield
## Footnote
GMOs can produce more food per acre compared to traditional crops.
43
List two advantages of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
* Better quality
* Resistant to pests/disease
44
What is a disadvantage of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?
Decrease variety
## Footnote
GMOs can lead to a reduction in the diversity of crops available.
45
What are some ethical concerns associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?
* Moral/ethical questions
* Changes evolution of species
46
True or False: Asexual reproduction requires genetic information from two parents.
False
## Footnote
Asexual reproduction only requires one parent.
47
What is the result of asexual reproduction?
Genetically identical offspring (clones)
## Footnote
All genetic information in the offspring comes from one parent.
48
Define binary fission.
A way that bacteria & single-celled organisms reproduce
## Footnote
In binary fission, the cell duplicates its contents and then divides.
49
What are the resulting cells from binary fission called?
Daughter cells
50
Explain the process of budding.
One cell on the organism starts to grow new cells called a bud
## Footnote
The bud eventually breaks off and forms a new organism.
51
What is a spore?
A one-cell reproductive structure that can form into an identical offspring
## Footnote
Spores are produced by various organisms, including fungi and plants, as a means of reproduction.
52
How many spores can be produced and released at one time?
Many spores can be produced and released at one time
## Footnote
This high production rate increases the chances of successful reproduction.
53
What is vegetative reproduction?
Cells can be used to create new plants from cuttings, tubers, runners, etc.
## Footnote
This method allows plants to reproduce asexually without seeds.
54
What type of cells allow plants to grow new structures?
Meristematic cells
## Footnote
These specialized cells are responsible for the continuous growth of plants throughout their lives.
55
Are new plants produced by vegetative reproduction genetically identical to the parent?
Yes, new plants are genetically identical
## Footnote
This is because vegetative reproduction is a form of asexual reproduction.
56
What is one advantage of asexual reproduction?
Don't need a partner
## Footnote
This allows for reproduction to occur without the necessity of mating.
57
Name two advantages of asexual reproduction.
* Less time & energy
* Offspring are adapted to exist in the same environment as the parent
## Footnote
These advantages contribute to the efficiency of asexual reproduction.
58
What is one disadvantage of asexual reproduction?
No genetic variation
## Footnote
This lack of variation can lead to vulnerability in changing environments.
59
True or False: Asexual reproduction allows for adaptation to changing environments.
False
## Footnote
Asexual reproduction does not promote genetic diversity, which is crucial for adaptation.
60
What is a consequence of disease in a population produced through asexual reproduction?
Disease will affect all individuals in the population
## Footnote
This is due to the lack of genetic variation among the individuals.
61
Fill in the blank: Asexual reproduction produces a lot of _______.
offspring
## Footnote
This high offspring production can be beneficial for survival in stable environments.
62
What is required for sexual reproduction?
2 parents to supply genetic material to the offspring
63
Are offspring genetically identical to their parents in sexual reproduction?
No, offspring will not be genetically identical to the parents
64
What are gametes?
Egg and sperm are called gametes
65
What is the chromosome count in human gametes?
Gametes have 23 chromosomes
66
What is fertilization?
The process of gametes combining
67
What is formed after fertilization?
A single cell called a zygote
68
What does the zygote represent?
The start of a new offspring
69
What is the chromosome count in most human cells?
46 chromosomes
70
What process begins after the formation of a zygote?
Mitosis
71
What is the result of mitosis?
Cells begin to divide, creating two identical cells
72
What is a blastocyst?
A ball of cells formed after several rounds of mitosis
73
What is differentiation in the context of embryonic development?
Cells start to specialize based on function
74
What do all cells in a developing baby share?
100% DNA from the parent cell
75
What is the role of mitosis in the body?
How all cells grow and repair themselves
76
What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?
Mitosis is for growth and repair; meiosis allows specialization into gametes
77
How many daughter cells are produced in meiosis?
4 daughter cells
78
Fill in the blank: Gametes have _______ the chromosomes of regular body cells.
half
79
True or False: Mitosis results in genetically diverse cells.
False
80
What is bacterial conjugation?
Genetic material is transferred directly from one organism to another.
## Footnote
No new offspring but individual is changed; occurs in single-celled organisms.
81
What are zygospores?
Mold produced sexually from the method where hyphae grow towards each other.
## Footnote
When hyphae touch, they form a zygospore containing genetic material from two different sources.
82
What is the male part of a flower called?
Stamen
## Footnote
The stamen consists of the anther and filament.
83
What is the female part of a flower called?
Pistil
## Footnote
The pistil includes the stigma, style, ovary, and ovule.
84
Fill in the blank: Pollen from another flower is carried to a new flower by a _______.
[pollinator]
85
What happens when pollen sticks to the stigma?
Pollen tube carries genetic info from the pollen down the style to fertilize the ovule.
## Footnote
This leads to the formation of a zygote, which develops into an embryo.
86
What do cotyledons develop into?
Seeds
## Footnote
Cotyledons are the first leaves that appear on a seedling.
87
True or False: Angiosperms are flowering plants that reproduce sexually by forming seeds.
True
88
List the parts of the pistil.
* Stigma
* Style
* Ovary
* Ovule
89
List the parts of the stamen.
* Anther
* Filament
90
What is internal fertilization?
Fertilization that occurs inside the body, where the embryo grows and develops
## Footnote
Internal fertilization allows for greater protection of the developing embryo.
91
What is external fertilization?
Fertilization where the female releases eggs and the male fertilizes them outside the body
## Footnote
External fertilization is common in aquatic animals.
92
What happens to zygotes in external fertilization?
Zygotes develop into embryos outside of the body
## Footnote
This process can lead to higher mortality rates for the embryos.
93
Name one advantage of internal fertilization.
Variation
## Footnote
Variation allows species to adapt to changing environments.
94
List two disadvantages of internal fertilization.
* Need a partner/mate
* Fewer offspring
## Footnote
These disadvantages can limit reproductive success.
95
What is one disadvantage of external fertilization?
More time and energy required
## Footnote
External fertilization often requires specific environmental conditions for successful fertilization.
96
Fill in the blank: Internal fertilization occurs inside the _______.
[body]
97
True or False: External fertilization typically produces more offspring than internal fertilization.
True
## Footnote
External fertilization can result in a larger number of eggs being fertilized.
98
What is genetics?
The branch of science that deals with the study of heredity
## Footnote
Genetics encompasses the understanding of how traits are passed from one generation to the next.
99
What is heredity also known as?
Inheritance or biological inheritance
## Footnote
Heredity refers to the passing of traits from parents to their offspring.
100
What is the definition of trait?
A genetically determined characteristic
## Footnote
Examples include eye color, height, and blood type.
101
What are continuous traits?
Traits that have a wide range of variation
## Footnote
Continuous traits can show a spectrum of characteristics, such as height.
102
What are discrete traits?
Traits that have a limited number of variations
## Footnote
Examples include blood type, which has specific categories.
103
What does DNA stand for?
Deoxyribonucleic Acid
## Footnote
DNA is the molecule that contains the genetic instructions for all living organisms.
104
What is the role of DNA?
To contain the specific instructions that make organisms unique
## Footnote
DNA is inherited from parents and determines the genetic makeup of an organism.
105
What are the components of DNA?
Made of 4 chemicals that pair in different combinations
## Footnote
These chemicals are nucleotides, which include adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine.
106
What is the structure of DNA?
Consists of two strands that wind around each other to form a 'Double Helix'
## Footnote
The double helix structure is crucial for DNA replication and function.
107
Fill in the blank: Heredity is the passing of traits from parents to their _______.
Offspring
## Footnote
This process occurs through asexual or sexual reproduction.
108
What is the backbone of each DNA strand made of?
Alternating sugar and phosphate groups
## Footnote
The backbone structure is crucial for the stability and integrity of the DNA strand.
109
What are the four bases that pair together in DNA?
* Cytosine (C)
* Guanine (G)
* Thymine (T)
* Adenine (A)
## Footnote
These base pairs are essential for the formation of the genetic code.
110
What forms the genetic code in DNA?
The sequence of bases
## Footnote
The specific order of bases determines the information encoded in the DNA.
111
What is a gene?
Sections of DNA
## Footnote
Genes are the functional units of heredity and vary in size from a few hundred to over 2 million DNA bases.
112
How many genes do humans have?
Between 20,000 to 25,000 genes
## Footnote
This range reflects the complexity of human genetics.
113
Where do genes occur in chromosomes?
In exactly the same order along the lengths of chromosomes
## Footnote
This consistency is critical for genetic inheritance.
114
What are chromosomes?
Thread-like structures made up of wound up DNA
## Footnote
Chromosomes are essential for cell division and genetic material organization.
115
Where are chromosomes located?
Inside the nucleus of animal and plant cells
## Footnote
The nucleus acts as a control center for cell activities and genetic information.
116
Why is DNA tightly packaged in the nucleus?
To fit in the cell nucleus
## Footnote
If not packaged, DNA would be too long to fit inside the nucleus.
117
How many chromosomes does every cell in the human body have?
46 chromosomes except sperm and egg cells, which have 23
## Footnote
This diploid number is characteristic of somatic cells, while gametes have a haploid number.
118
What are mutations?
Changes to DNA
## Footnote
Mutations can be caused by environmental factors or random factors.
119
What can cause mutations in DNA?
Environmental factors or random factors
## Footnote
These can include exposure to mutagens such as certain chemicals or radiation.
120
What are acquired mutations?
Changes in the structure of an organism acquired during its lifetime
## Footnote
These changes can occur as cells age or due to exposure to mutagens.
121
What is the potential effect of mutations on an organism?
They can have little to no effect or disrupt complex interactions
## Footnote
Disruption can lead to genetic disorders that may be passed on to the next generation.
122
What is substitution in the context of mutations?
A type of mutation where one base pair is replaced by another
## Footnote
Example: TGGCAG changes to TGG TAG.
123
What is insertion in the context of mutations?
A mutation where extra base pairs are added
## Footnote
Example: TGGCAG changes to TGGTATCAG.
124
What is deletion in the context of mutations?
A mutation where base pairs are removed
## Footnote
Example: TGGEE changes to TGGG.
125
What are genes?
Segments of DNA that code for a specific characteristic
## Footnote
Genes operate at the molecular level.
126
What are alleles?
Different versions of the same gene
## Footnote
Example: blue eyes vs. brown eyes.
127
How many versions of each gene do individuals inherit from their parents?
Two versions, known as alleles.
128
What are dominant alleles?
Alleles that determine the trait seen if at least one copy is present
## Footnote
Example: brown eyes are dominant over blue eyes.
129
How are dominant alleles represented?
By capital letters.
130
What are recessive alleles?
Alleles that appear 'hidden' unless inherited from both parents
## Footnote
They do not affect the individual unless both alleles are recessive.
131
How are recessive alleles represented?
By lowercase letters.
132
What is a genotype?
The specific arrangement of alleles related to a certain trait
## Footnote
Example: FF, Ff, or ff.
133
What is a phenotype?
The physical characteristics of an individual
## Footnote
Example: brown eyes vs. blue eyes.
134
Fill in the blank: If one copy of a dominant allele is present, the trait you will see is the _____ trait.
dominant
135
True or False: A recessive allele will always affect the phenotype.
False
136
What does homozygous dominant mean?
Both alleles in an individual are dominant
## Footnote
Example: FF
137
What is the phenotype when an individual is homozygous dominant?
The phenotype will be the dominant trait
138
What does heterozygous mean?
One of each type of allele
## Footnote
Example: Ff
139
What is the phenotype when an individual is heterozygous?
The phenotype will be the dominant trait
140
What does homozygous recessive mean?
Both alleles are recessive
## Footnote
Example: ll
141
What is the phenotype when an individual is homozygous recessive?
The phenotype will be the recessive trait
142
What is a genome?
The complete set of DNA in an organism
143
Where can a complete copy of the genome be found?
Almost every human cell in the body
144
What information does the genome contain?
All info for an organism to develop and grow
145
What is environmental pollution?
A change in the environment that is harmful to living things
## Footnote
This encompasses various forms of adverse changes affecting ecosystems and organisms.
146
Define pollutant.
A material or energy that causes harm
## Footnote
Examples include pesticides, excess nutrients, oxides, heat, noise, and light.
147
What is Point Source Pollution?
Pollution that comes from a certain location which is easy to monitor and control
## Footnote
This type of pollution can be traced back to a single source.
148
What is Non-Point Source Pollution?
Pollution that is in the environment for a while before it is detected and is hard to pinpoint
## Footnote
This type of pollution diffuses over a larger area and originates from multiple sources.
149
What does PPM stand for?
Parts per million
## Footnote
It usually measures the concentration of chemicals in an environment.
150
How is PPM defined in terms of concentration?
One unit of an element can be found in one million units of solution
## Footnote
It is also known as ppb (parts per billion) or ppt (parts per trillion).
151
What is the relationship between PPM and mass?
ppm = mg/kg
## Footnote
This formula relates the concentration of a substance to its mass in relation to the total mass.
152
How many milliliters are in one liter?
1000 mL
## Footnote
This is a standard conversion in metric measurements.
153
How many liters are in one kiloliter?
1000 L
## Footnote
A kiloliter is a metric unit of volume equal to one thousand liters.
154
How many milligrams are in one gram?
1000 mg
## Footnote
This is essential for converting between mass units in chemistry.
155
How many kilograms are in one liter of water?
1 Kg = 1 L
## Footnote
This assumes the density of water is approximately 1 g/mL.
156
Convert 250 grams to kilograms.
0.25 Kg
## Footnote
This conversion is done by dividing grams by 1000.
157
Convert 0.50 mg to kilograms.
5e-7 kg
## Footnote
This is a scientific notation representation for very small quantities.
158
Convert 45.0 liters to grams.
45,000 g
## Footnote
This conversion assumes the density of water is used (1 L = 1000 g).
159
Convert 6.5 liters to milligrams.
6,500,000 mg
## Footnote
This conversion assumes the density of water is used (1 L = 1,000,000 mg).
