EXAM 1 Flashcards
What is the difference between scientific and lay use of the term ‘theory’?
Scientific theories are well-substantiated explanations based on evidence, while lay theories may lack rigorous testing or evidence.
What are the historical developments of the theory of evolution by natural selection?
The theory has evolved through contributions from various scientists, including Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace.
List the 5 components of the theory of evolution and their evidence.
- Variation among individuals
- Inheritance of traits
- Differential survival and reproduction
- Overproduction of offspring
- Adaptation to the environment
or Variation, Inheritance, Selection, Time and Adaptation
What is macroevolution?
Patterns of speciation and extinction over long periods.
What does taxonomy refer to?
The classification of organisms into hierarchical categories.
Define cladistics.
A method of classification based on common ancestry and shared characteristics (clades, synapomorphies).
What is parsimony in the context of phylogenetics?
The principle that the simplest explanation or path is preferred when constructing phylogenetic trees.
What distinguishes terrestrial crises from marine crises in the biodiversity crisis?
Terrestrial crises affect land ecosystems, while marine crises impact oceanic ecosystems.
What is the IUCN classification?
A system that categorizes species based on their conservation status, such as vulnerable, endangered, or extinct.
What is the significance of the transition from prokaryotes to eukaryotes?
It marks a major evolutionary step in the complexity of life forms. (Multicellular Organisms)
How does cell function influence size in protozoa?
Cell size affects metabolic rates, nutrient absorption, and overall efficiency.
What are major characteristics of Ciliophora?
- Reproduction (asexual and sexual)
- Behavior (motility and feeding)
- Unique morphology (cilia for movement)
- distinct oral cavity with specialized cilia for feeding
What is Toxoplasma gondii?
A parasitic protozoan that can infect various hosts, including humans.
Name key dinoflagellates and their significance.
- Zooxanthellae (symbiotic with corals)
- Karenia brevis (harmful algal blooms)
- Pfiesteria piscicida (toxic effects on fish)
How are forams used in climate research?
Foraminifera are used as bioindicators for past climate conditions through their fossil records.
What is the link between choanoflagellates and multicellular organisms?
Choanoflagellates are considered the closest living relatives of animals, providing insight into the origins of multicellularity.
Describe the general structure and function of sponges.
- Canal system for water flow
- Choanocytes for feeding and respiration
What are sponge ecological strategies?
- Encrusting (flat and spread out)
- Upright (tall and branching)
*filtering water
*providing habitat
*forming symbiotic relationships
What is symmetry in animal architecture?
The balanced distribution of duplicate body parts or shapes.
List the levels of organization in animal architecture.
- Cells
- Tissues
- Organs
- Organ systems
What are germ layers?
Three distinct layers of cells
* Ectoderm
* Mesoderm
* Endoderm
What are Reynolds numbers in biology?
a dimensionless quantity that represents the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces within a fluid
What is morphogenesis?
The biological process that causes an organism to develop its shape.
What occurs during cleavage in early development?
The rapid division of the zygote into smaller cells called blastomeres.
What is gastrulation?
The process during embryonic development that forms the three germ layers.
What are body plans in developmental biology?
The overall structural layout of an organism, including symmetry and organization.
Differentiate between direct and indirect development.
Direct development involves a young organism resembling the adult, while indirect development includes a larval stage.
What are the reasons for the rise of jellies and decline of corals?
Environmental changes, competition, and predation pressures.
What major evolutionary advances are seen for the first time in cnidarians?
- Tissue organization
- Nerve nets
- Specialized cells (cnidocytes)
What are cnidocytes?
Specialized cells in cnidarians that contain nematocysts for capturing prey.
What are the general characteristics of different classes of Cnidaria?
- Hydrozoa (polyp and medusa forms)
- Scyphozoa (true jellies)
- Anthozoa (corals and sea anemones)
What is the general pattern of complex life history in Cnidarians?
Alternation between polyp and medusa forms.
Describe the general form and function of Ctenophora.
- Radial symmetry
- Gelatinous body structure
- Comb rows for locomotion
What is bioluminescence?
The ability of organisms to produce and emit light.
What are colloblasts?
Adhesive cells found in Ctenophores used for capturing prey.
What are the impacts of Ctenophora as invaders of the Black Sea?
Disruption of local ecosystems and competition with native species.
What emerging evolutionary patterns are seen in Platyhelminthes?
Development of parasitism and complex life cycles.
What is a common parasite pattern in Platyhelminthes?
Complex life cycles involving multiple hosts.
What are the contrasts between parasitic and free-living forms in Platyhelminthes?
- Parasitic forms often have reduced sensory structures
- Free-living forms are usually more mobile and complex
Why is phylogeny important?
It helps to understand the evolutionary relationships and history of organisms.
How do parasites control their hosts?
By manipulating host behavior and physiology to enhance their own survival.
What are the general characteristics of Platyhelminthes?
- Bilateral symmetry
- Acoelomate body plan
- Organ systems for digestion and reproduction
