Fundamental Issues in Biology

Question 1

issues in biology related to the origin of life and speciesism (3)

Answer 1

Abiogenesis vs Biogenesis
Evolution vs Creationism
Atheism vs Theism

Question 2

what is abiogenesis theory

Answer 2

inanimate matter can be transformed into living matter through spontaneous generation

Question 3

examples of abiogenesis (2)

Answer 3

in ancient roman and greek times they believed:
Rain → muddy pond → fish and frogs
Grains of wheat + dirty shirt in a container → mice

Question 4

what did the first atmosphere contain? (5)

Answer 4

hydrogen gas, nitrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, no gaseous oxygen

Question 5

possible sequence of how the first cells formed?

Answer 5

spontaneous formation of biomolecules under abiotic conditions > formation of protein-RNA systems and lipid spheres > evolution of DNA > self-replicating system enclosed in a selectively permeable, protective lipid sphere (membrane-bound proto-cells) > living cells

Question 6

what is biogenesis theory?

Answer 6

life comes from preexisting life and that cells come from preexisting cells

Question 7

the story of the proof of biogenesis… (involves 4 scientists)

Answer 7

1. Redi Francisco:
   - open jar + meat > maggots. closed jar + meat > no maggots.
   conclusion: flies come from flies
   retarded critics said air was needed
2. John Needham (retard):
   - boiled flasks of broth + loosely sealed > microbes.
   conclusion: microbes come from nonliving things
3. Lazzaro Spallanzani
   - boiled flasks longer + tightly sealed > no microbes.
   retarded critics said air was needed
4. Louis Pasteur
   - swan-necked flask + boiled flask longer > microbes in neck of flask, not in broth.
   conclusion: microbes come from microbes

Question 8

who is Robert Hooke

Answer 8

first scientist to observe, identify, and name cells using a microscope

Question 9

what is Schwann & Schleidan’s cell theory? (3)

Answer 9

All living things are composed of cells.
All cells arise from pre-existing cells.
Cells do not come from nonliving things.

Question 10

what is evolution theory? (3)

Answer 10

• the change in the inherited traits of a population of organisms through successive generations. After a population splits into smaller groups, these groups evolve independently and may eventually diversify into new species.
• Genetically based change in a line of descent over time
• Population changes, not individuals

Question 11

evidence of evolution? (2)

Answer 11

direct evidence: fossils, carbon dating
indirect evidence: e.g. comparative embryology, anatomy, physiology, homologous & analogous organs

Question 12

what is comparative embryology?

Answer 12

the study of how organisms like fish, rabbits, and primates show similar patterns of embryonic development

Question 13

what is creation theory?

Answer 13

Creationism, or intelligent design, is the belief that life, the Earth, and the universe are the creation of a supernatural being

Question 14

what was the Big Bang

Answer 14

over 13.7 billion years ago, all matter was compressed into a space the size of the sun > sudden instantaneous distribution of matter and energy throughout the known universe

Question 15

scientists opposed to creationism (2)

Answer 15

Stephen Hawking, Richard Dawkins

Question 16

examples of indirect proof of existence

Answer 16

• insulin: through gene expression
• wind: trees swaying, sails filling
• electricity: a lightbulb turning on