diver p1

Question 1

What is biodiversity?

Answer 1

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms within a given ecosystem, region, or on Earth as a whole. It includes genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

Question 2

What is taxonomy?

Answer 2

Taxonomy is the branch of biology that involves the classification, naming, and identification of organisms based on shared characteristics.

Question 3

What are dichotomous keys?

Answer 3

Dichotomous keys are tools used in taxonomy to identify organisms based on a series of yes/no questions that lead to the correct species.

Question 4

What are prokaryotes?

Answer 4

Prokaryotes are single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. They include bacteria and archaea.

Question 5

What are viruses?

Answer 5

Viruses are non-living entities that require a host cell to replicate. They consist of a protein coat (capsid) and genetic material (DNA or RNA).

Question 6

What are protists?

Answer 6

Protists are a diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms, which include algae, protozoa, and slime molds. They are mostly unicellular but can also be multicellular.

Question 7

What are archaebacteria?

Answer 7

Archaebacteria are a group of microorganisms that are similar to bacteria but differ in genetic and biochemical properties. They often live in extreme environments.

Question 8

What are bacillus, diplobacilli, and streptobacilli?

Answer 8

These are types of bacterial shapes:
* Bacillus: rod-shaped bacteria
* Diplobacilli: pairs of rod-shaped bacteria
* Streptobacilli: chains of rod-shaped bacteria

Question 9

What is a bacteriophage?

Answer 9

A bacteriophage is a virus that infects and replicates within bacteria.

Question 10

What is binary fission?

Answer 10

Binary fission is an asexual reproduction method in prokaryotes, where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

Question 11

What is binomial nomenclature?

Answer 11

Binomial nomenclature is the system of naming species using two names: the genus name (capitalized) and the species name (lowercase), e.g., Homo sapiens.

Question 12

What is a capsid?

Answer 12

A capsid is the protein shell that surrounds the genetic material of a virus.

Question 13

What are coccus, diplococcus, tetrad, sarcina, streptococci, and staphylococci?

Answer 13

These terms describe bacterial shapes and arrangements:
* Coccus: spherical-shaped bacteria
* Diplococcus: pairs of spherical bacteria
* Tetrad: a group of four cocci
* Sarcina: a group of eight cocci
* Streptococci: chains of cocci
* Staphylococci: clusters of cocci

Question 14

What are cyanobacteria?

Answer 14

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic bacteria that can fix nitrogen. They are often called “blue-green algae,” though they are not true algae.

Question 15

What is a dichotomous key (spider vs. numerical)?

Answer 15

A dichotomous key is used for identifying organisms. A spider key uses a branching structure, while a numerical key uses numbered steps leading to identification.

Question 16

What is diversity (structural, genetic, species)?

Answer 16

Diversity in biology refers to:
* Structural diversity: differences in the physical features of organisms
* Genetic diversity: variations in the genetic makeup of organisms
* Species diversity: the variety of species in a given area

Question 17

What are eubacteria?

Answer 17

Eubacteria are the “true” bacteria, distinguished from archaebacteria by differences in genetic material and cell wall composition.

Question 18

What is a facultative anaerobe?

Answer 18

A facultative anaerobe is an organism that can survive with or without oxygen, using oxygen when available but also capable of anaerobic metabolism.

Question 19

What is a halophile?

Answer 19

A halophile is an organism that thrives in high-salt environments.

Question 20

What is a kingdom in taxonomy?

Answer 20

A kingdom is one of the highest taxonomic ranks used to classify organisms, e.g., Animalia, Plantae, Fungi.

Question 21

What is the lytic cycle/viral reproduction?

Answer 21

The lytic cycle is a method of viral reproduction where a virus infects a host cell, replicates inside it, and causes the host cell to burst, releasing new viruses.

Question 22

What is a methanogen?

Answer 22

A methanogen is an archaebacterium that produces methane gas as a byproduct of metabolism, often found in anaerobic environments.

Question 23

What is an obligate aerobe?

Answer 23

An obligate aerobe is an organism that requires oxygen to survive and grow.

Question 24

What is an obligate anaerobe?

Answer 24

An obligate anaerobe is an organism that cannot survive in the presence of oxygen and may be harmed by it.

Question 25

What is peptidoglycan?

Answer 25

Peptidoglycan is a polymer that forms part of the cell wall in most bacteria, providing structural support and shape.

Question 26

What is phylogeny?

Answer 26

Phylogeny is the evolutionary history and relationship of an organism or group of organisms.

Question 27

What is a plasmid?

Answer 27

A plasmid is a small, circular DNA molecule found in bacteria that can replicate independently of chromosomal DNA.

Question 28

What is a saprobe?

Answer 28

A saprobe is an organism that feeds on dead or decaying organic matter, playing an important role in decomposition.

Question 29

What is a thermophile?

Answer 29

A thermophile is an organism that thrives at high temperatures, often found in environments like hot springs.

Question 30

What are vibrios, spirilla, and spirochete?

Answer 30

These are bacterial shapes:
* Vibrios: comma-shaped bacteria
* Spirilla: spiral-shaped bacteria with rigid bodies
* Spirochetes: spiral-shaped bacteria with flexible bodies