Midterm (lecture notes 1-6) Flashcards
Endemic Species
Species that live in only one, or a small number of places.
- 92% of land bird species are endemic.
- 26% of marine bird species are endemic. (Less marine birds are endemic, because they have the ability to migrate)
Cosmopolitan Species
Species that occur in most regions of the world.
Biological Adaptation
A biological adaptation is an anatomical structure, physiological process, or behaviour trait of an organism that increases its expected long-term reproductive success.
It is the evolutionary process whereby a population becomes better suited to its habitat, and enhances an organisms chances of survival and reproduction in certain areas.
Marine Iguana biological adaptation
This is a reptile that spends part of its time in the sea.
- It has salt glands under its skin, between its eyes & nostril on each side of its head.
Blue-footed booby Environmental Adaptations
The blue-footed boody has adaptations for diving into water.
- streamlined shape, large tail, and nostrils that close
- large, webbed feet help propel the bird through the water at high speeds
- specialized salt-secreting glands manage salt intake while at sea.
- uropygial gland (for waterproofing)
Great frigate Environmental Adaptations
Greater frigate birds are adapted for aerial life.
- highest ration of wingspan/weight
- tiny unwebbed feet
- vestigial uropygial gland (waterproofing unnecessary)
Biology
In Greek, Bio = “life”, and logos = “knowledge”
- Biology is the scientific study of life
- The term “biology” was defined in 1802 by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
- The unifying principle of biology is evolution
Aristotle
Considered “the father of biology”
- one of the first to classify the relationships of living things
- first person to apply empirical techniques and a rudimentary scientific method to the study of living things.
- he formed questions based on his observations to learn “truths” about the universe, using inductive reasoning.
Inductive Reasoning
General conclusions are drawn from specific observations.
- generalizations may not be correct every time
Deductive Reasoning
Specific observations are predicted from a general premise.
Polar Bear Structural Adaptations
Polar bears are adapted to deal with cold temperatures, moving across snow & ice & water, and hunting for prey.
- thick layer of white fur (warmth, camouflage)
- small ears (reduce heat loss)
- thick layer of blubber (energy store, and warmth)
- sharp claws and teeth (catch prey)
- strong powerful legs (running, swimming)
- large feet (spreads body mass on ice)
- fur on soles of feet (grip, insulation)
The Scientific Method (4 steps)
- Produce hypothesis
- Designing and performing controlled experiments or making observations that allow data relevant to the hypothesis to be collected.
- Analyzing the data in an objective way against the background of existing knowledge
- Drawing conclusions that support or refute the hypothesis
Structural Adaptation
anatomical or morphological change
Killer Whale Behavioural Adaptations
Killer whales are apex predators (lack natural predators).. Adaptations are used by different killer whale populations in response to their prey choice.
- Carousel feeding (group feeding strategy, involves circulating prey)
- Intentional beaching
- Hunting in packs
7 Characteristics of Living Things
All living things…
- Consist of one or more cells (that contain DNA)
- Require a constant input of energy
- Conduct metabolism
- Grow/ develop
- Exhibit homeostasis
- Make short-term responses to stimuli
- Reproduce
Characteristics of Cells (3)
All cells…
- are the basic structural and functional units of all living things
- contain DNA (hereditary material), cell membranes, and ribosomes
- Have basically the same chemical composition.
Chemical unity of cells (4 basic elements)
95% of the body mass of plants and animals are composed of only 4 elements:
- oxygen
- hydrogen
- carbon
- nitrogen
Chemical uniqueness of life (4 macromolecules)
Living organisms have many types of highly specialized macromolecules:
i) Carbohydrates
ii) Lipids
iii) Proteins
iv) Nucleic Acids
Hierarchy of Life
The hierarchy of life, refers to the levels of biological diversity.
- Atoms & elements
- Molecules & macromolecules
- Cells
- Tissues
- Organs
- Organ systems
- Organism
- Species
- Populations
- Community
- Ecosystem
- Biosphere
Population
A localized group of individuals of the same species that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
Community
All organisms (an assemblage of populations in different species) that live in a particular area.
Ecosystem
All organisms in a specific area, as well as the abiotic factors (eg., water, soil, etc.)
Biosphere
The sum of all ecosystems.
Mycoplasme genitalium
it is the smallest known bacterium
Why are unicellular organisms small in size?
The size of an organism is limited due to a cell’s surface area to volume ration.
- as a cell’s radius increases, the surface area/volume ration decreases.
- as cells increase in size, there is a point where the cell membrane can not pass enough material across it to meet the needs of the increased cytoplasmic volume.
Size of bacteria
Most bacteria are 0.2 um in diameter, and 2-8 um in legnth.
- exception: Sulpher proteo-bacterium are 750 umin diameter.
Size of protists
Protists are larger than bacteria. The are 0.8 um - 100’s um.
(some are even 2mm)
- exception: greem alga (“killer” alga: seaweed) can be several feet
Autotrophs (2 types)
Organisms that synthesize their own food, using an external energy source to produce organic matter from inorganic raw materials.
2 Types:
1. Photoautotrophs - use light from the sun and organic materials. ex. plants
- Chemoautrtrophs - use inorganic compounds as energy sources. ex. sulphur bacteria