Lesson 1: Introduction

Question 1

Characteristics of Life

Answer 1

The 6 characteristics of life:

1. Living things are organized systems
   made up of one or more cells.
2. Living things metabolize matter and
   energy
3. Living things interact with their
   environment and are homeostatic.
4. Living things grow and develop.
5. Living things reproduce themselves.
6. Living things are adapted to their
   surroundings.

Question 2

Biodiversity

Answer 2

The variety of living things
(species) in a given area.

An “area” could be as
large as the Earth or as
small as a puddle.

It is estimated that Earth
contains somewhere
between 5 and 30 million
different species.

Only 1.5 million have
been classified

Question 3

Species

Answer 3

A species is defined as a
reproductive community
of populations that
occupies a specific niche.

A species is reproductively
isolated from other
species.

Species are defined by
their genetic integrity.
They share DNA with each
other not with other
species.

Question 4

The Problems: 1. Hybrids

Answer 4

A large number of species
can interbreed creating a
sterile hybrid OR a
“temporarily” viable
hybrid.

Ex. Mules, Roses,
Finches

Question 5

The Problems: 2. Wide Phenotypic Variation

Answer 5

Some species have a wide range of phenotypes. It is difficult to determine initially that they share a common gene pool.

Question 6

The Problems: 3. Ring Species

Answer 6

A ring species is a ring of
populations in which there is only
one place where two distinct
species meet.

At one location in the ring of
populations, two distinct forms
coexist without interbreeding,
and hence are different species.

Around the rest of the ring, the
traits of one of these species
change gradually, through
intermediate populations, into
the traits of the second species.

Example: Greenish Warbler