Introduction to Biology Flashcards
State the 7 issues pertaining to biology
1.Understanding Biological Diversity
2.Understanding the human body and its functions
3.Understanding plant life
4.Understanding diseases and causes
5.Sustainable use and management of natural resources and environment
6.Sustainable Food Production
7.Solving some legal and ethical issues
When was the earth formed?
Around 3.5 Billion years ago
Describe the 1st formed organism
Heterotrophic
Anaerobic
Prokaryotic
How many species are there in the world now?
10 million - 100 million species
What is a part of biologically diverse earth?
The variety of life on earth
The no. of species of plants, animals and microorganisms
The diversity of genes of these species
The different ecosystems on earth (such as deserts, rainforests and coral reefs)
What are natural resources?
Natural resources are the sources of materials and energy found naturally which are used in everyday life and economic development
How do overuse of natural resources take place?
Due to the increase of growth rate of human population
What are the various environmental problems that arise as a result of the over-exploitation of natural resources?
Environmental Pollution
Loss of biodiversity
Desertification
How do you overcome environmental problems that arise as a result of the over-exploitation of natural resources?
Management of natural resources and the environment
What is sustainable food production?
The production of sufficient amounts of food for the human population using environmentally safe methods
What are the methods that can be applied to maintain sustainable food production based on knowledge in biology?
Production of high yielding varieties of plants and animals
Production of disease resistant varieties of plants and animals
Improving post-harvest technology
Why is understanding plant biology important?
To produce high yielding plants, disease resistant plants, etc.
What are the non-communicable diseases that exist in the world now?
Cancers
Heart Diseases
Diabetes
Chronic Renal Diseases
What are the communicable diseases that exist in the world now?
AIDS
Dengue
What are some legal issues that can be solved using the knowledge and application of biological concepts?
Parentage Testing
In criminal investigations
To solve immigration Disputes
What are the criteria organisms are diverse based on?
Size
Shape
Form
Habitat
How do sizes vary in living organisms?
Bacteria - 1um - 5um
Giant Sequoia (Giant Red Wood) - 100m
How do shapes vary in living organisms?
Cylindrical (earthworm)
Streamline shape (fish and birds)
How do forms vary in living organisms?
Unicellular (Amoeba)
Multicellular (any plant or animal)
How do habitats vary in living organisms?
Terrestrial
Aquatic
Arboreal
Aerial
What are the characteristics of organisms?
Order and Organization
Growth and Development
Irritability and Coordination
Heredity and Evolution
Adaptation
Metabolism
Reproduction
Name some systems organized in upper levels methodically?
Human eyes
Plant leaves
What is metabolism?
The sum of all chemical activities taking place in an organism is metabolism
It includes all anabolic and catabolic reactions
What is growth?
The irreversible increase in dry mass which is characterized only by the living
What is development?
Irreversible changes that occur during the lifespan of an organism
What are the two consequent processes that happen in an organism’s lifespan?
Growth and Development
What is irritability?
The ability to respond to stimuli from both the internal and external environment
What is the result of irritability and coordination?
Movement
What are the systems involved for movement?
Skeletal system
Muscular system
Nervous system
Hormonal system
What is adaptation?
The peculiarity in structure, physiology, or behavior that promotes the likelihood of an organism’s survival and reproduction in a particular environment
Give 3 examples for adaptation
- Sunken stomata in xerophytes
- Viviparity in some mangroves
- Splayed out foot of camels
Give 3 examples for adaptation
- Sunken stomata in xerophytes
- Viviparity in some mangroves
- Splayed out foot of camels
What is reproduction?
The ability to produce offspring for the continuous existence of a species
What is heredity?
Organisms have genes that pass from one generation to the next and control specific physiological, morphological, and behavioral characters of organisms. This is heredity.
What is evolution?
Ability of organisms to change over time as a result of genetic modification
What are some living characteristics non-living entities display?
Crystals grow
Waves move
What is the hierarchical level of organization?
Molecules – Organelles – Cells – Tissues – Organs – Organ Systems –
Organisms – Populations – Communities – Ecosystems – Biosphere
