Introduction to Biology Flashcards
1
Q
What are the characteristics of life
A
- Composed of cells
- Complex and ordered
- Sensitivity
- Can grow and reproduce
- Obtain and use energy
- Homeostasis
- Evolutionary Adaptation
2
Q
What are the five core unifying themes of biology
A
- Life is subject to chemical and physical laws
- Living systems transform energy and matter
- Living systems depend on information transactions (DNA passed on)
- Structure - determines function and increasing the complexity of a structure results in increasing emergent properties
- Evolution - explains the unity and diversity of life
3
Q
Name the key hierarchical levels + relationship
A
- Molecules
- Macromolecules
- Organelle
- Cell
- Tissue
- Organ
- Organ System
- Organism
- Population
- Species
- Community
- Ecosystem
- Biosphere (increased complexity)
4
Q
Who is Darwin? Explain his theories.
A
- Darwin came of with the Theory of Evolution through Natural Selection
- His theory backed the idea that offers an explanation for organisms on Earth having changed overtime and acquired a diversity of new forms
5
Q
Summarize the evidence provided by Darwin (scientific method)
A
- Darwin observed great diversity exists in the world, and he saw differences in related organisms
- He proposed many hypotheses and made predictions > “natural selection is a tool that changes a population…leading to new species (ie species evolve over time)
- Darwin collected evidence which shows structural change occurs over time in organisms and drafts his argument
a. Fossil records
b. Age of the Earth
c. Comparative anatomy
d. Biogeographical distribution
e. Vestigial structures
6
Q
What is the modern version of the theory of evolution + e.g. of evolution
A
Lamarck said that species would evolve in their lifetime, but Darwin said that species actually evolve over generations
- Stray dogs that have left human care are evolving more wolf-life traits
- A special fish managed to beat the toxic pollution of New York City’s dirtiest river
- Plants developed perfect bird perches to lure their potential pollinators
