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SERP STUFF Flashcards

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Biology 101 flashcards
1
Q

Who uses the scientific method and why is the scientific method used?

A

The scientific method used by everyday people and scientists. It is used to help solve everyday problems and help scientists draw conclusions to their hypotheses and experimentation.

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2
Q

What are the three parts to a controlled experiment (well designed experiment)?

A

Control Group, Variables, Experimental Group (Must have 1 control group, but may have many experimental groups)

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3
Q

What is a Control Group and why are they needed?

A

A control group is a part of an experiment for which the independent variable is not changed. Control groups are under “normal” conditions and are used for comparisons.

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4
Q

Variable

A

A variable is any part of an experiment that can be changed.

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5
Q

Independent variable?

A

The independent variable is the ONE factor that is deliberately changed in order to test the effect of the change on another variable (it is what you are testing). If more than one independent variable is tested at a time, you can not be sure what caused the results.

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6
Q

Dependent Variable?

A

The dependent variable is the factor that is measured to gather results (it’s what you were trying to see the independent variable caused a change to)

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7
Q

On what axis are the independent and dependent variables graphed on?

A

The independent variable is graphed on the x-axis and the dependent variable is graphed on the y-axis. (DRY MIX)

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8
Q

Why don’t scientists make conclusions if more than one variable is altered in an experiment?

A

If there is more than one independent variable, scientists cannot determine what caused the results. You should only ever test ONE independent variable at a time to make sure you know what caused the change.

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9
Q

Why must a hypothesis be testable? What is the general format used for writing a hypothesis?

A

This means that information can be gathered or an experiment can be designed to test it. A hypothesis that is not testable is not necessarily wrong, but there is no way to support the hypothesis or show that it is wrong. Most hypotheses are written in “If IV, then DV” format or “Cause – Effect”.

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10
Q

What is a conclusion and when would you make one?

A

A conclusion is a statement about their results supporting or refuting their hypothesis. Conclusions should only be made once the experiment has been completed and the results have been analyzed and interpreted.

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11
Q

What are some limitations of scientific models?

A

Their main limitation is that they cannot function, act, or behave like the real thing. Models are representations of an object or system. Models are useful for studying things that are too small, large, or complex to observe directly.

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12
Q

What is a graduated cylinder used for?

A

To measure the volume of a liquid.

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13
Q

What is a thermometer used for?

A

To measure the temperature of an object.

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14
Q

What is a triple-beam balance used for?

A

To measure the mass of an object.

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15
Q

What is a meter stick used for?

A

To measure the length of an object.

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16
Q

How do you measure the volume of an irregularly shaped object like a rock or gemstone?

A

water displacement or

Add water to a graduated cylinder and record the amount.
Add the object to the graduated cylinder and record the new volume of water.
Subtract the initial volume of the water from the final volume of the water plus the rock.
For example: 27 mL - 16 mL = 11 mL

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17
Q

Define Natural Selection and state whether or not it is related to the Theory of Evolution?

A

The process by which organisms that inherit helpful traits tend to survive longer and reproduce more successfully than other organisms do to pass on those helpful traits at a higher frequency. It is related to the Theory of Evolution because it explains how evolution can occur.

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18
Q

4 steps of natural selection

A

Overproduction, Genetic Variation, Selection (Struggle to survive), and Adaptation (Successful Reproduction)

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19
Q

Overproduction

A

Organisms make more offspring than the environment can support, thus assuring that at least some will survive.

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20
Q

Genetic Variation

A

Variations within a population help some individuals survive when the
environment changes.

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21
Q

Selection (Struggle to Survive)

A

Individuals with helpful traits tend to live longer - they can usually outcompete those without the helpful trait.

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22
Q

Adaptation (Successful Reproduction)

A

A naturally occurring trait that helps an organism reproduce at a higher rate than those without the trait - over time adaptation can occur

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23
Q

What is Selective Breeding (Artificial Selection)?

A

The process of selecting and breeding organisms that have certain desired traits done by humans.

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24
Q

Humans have changed field corn so that it is resistant to molds & fungi. They have genetically altered it to grow so it won’t be susceptible to infestation by molds & fungi to get better crops. How is this example of selective breeding different than natural selection?

A

Since humans wanted field corn resistant to mold and fungi, they chose those with these traits and breed them together – it is selective breeding. In Selective Breeding, humans sometimes choose the organism’s traits to produce results that best suit their needs, but wouldn’t actually happen on their own in nature.

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25
Q

Define learned behavior and give an example of a learned behavior.

A

A learned behavior is a behavior that has been learned from experience or observation. (reading for humans or learning to hunt for wild animals by watching parents and then practicing)

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26
Q

What do webbed feet do

A

Easier to swim in an aquatic environment (duck).

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27
Q

What do sharp talons on feet do?

A

To catch and kill prey (hawk).

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28
Q

What do Long Legs and Long Toes do?

A

To wade through water to stalk prey (blue herring).

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29
Q

Define Hibernation?

A

A deep sleep during which an animal slows down its body processes to save
energy in winter.

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30
Q

Define Estivation

A

A period of time in which the internal processes slow down during hot, dry weather in the summer in a desert.

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31
Q

Under what conditions would animals use hibernation and estivation behaviors?

A

To help survive through periods of time when resources are low or during harsh environmental conditions - like low availability of food or water OR when it’s really cold / hot / dry.

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32
Q

Define biodiversity.

A

Biodiversity is the number and variety of plants, animals, and other organisms living in an area. It also includes genetic diversity - difference in the DNA of individuals of the same species.

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33
Q

How does high biodiversity contribute to the sustainability of an ecosystem - EXPLAIN?

A

High biodiversity contributes to the sustainability of an ecosystem because if something should happen to the ecosystem (disease or disaster) there are many options to choose from for a quick recovery. The higher the biodiversity, the more interactions between species that can occur, thus increasing survivability and stability. Also, the more species that exist in an area the more likely it is that some of them will survive a change.

34
Q

What is the difference between an external and internal stimulus?

A

An internal stimulus is something inside an organism that causes it to respond. (like bacteria causing a fever)

An external stimulus is something outside an organism that causes it to respond. (like touching a hot stove and pulling your hand away)
35
Q

How does a bulb help the plant survive environmental changes

A

It stores energy (food / glucose) that can be used when resources are low.

36
Q

How are a bird’s feathers and skeletal system specialized for flight?

A

A bird’s skeleton is hollow which makes them lighter for flight. Feathers are very light structures that help birds with lift and make flight possible.

37
Q

On the Galapagos Islands, several species of finches were found with varying beak size. What is the likely reason that natural selection occurred to create these varying beak sizes?

A

Over time, the finches that were born with beaks better suited to the available food supply in their habitats survived and reproduced.

38
Q

What is the equation for photosynthesis?

A

CO^2 + H2O + Sunlight → C^6H^12O^6 + O^2

39
Q

What are the reactants for photosynthesis

A

CO^2 (Carbon Dioxide) + H^2O (water) + Sunlight

40
Q

What are the products for photosynthesis

A

C^6H^12O^6 (glucose - keeps and uses) + O2 (Oxygen - gets rid of)

41
Q

Phototropism+ (positive or negative)

A

Response to light (positive)

42
Q

Thigmotropism + (positive or negative)

A

Response to touch (can be positive if it grows toward the touch OR negative if it grows away from the touch - but not both at the same time)

43
Q

Geotropism + (positive or negative)

A

Response to gravity (roots are positive because the grow with gravity downwards & stems are negative because the grow up which is against gravity)

44
Q

Hydrotropism + (positive or negative)

A

Response to water (roots positive)

45
Q

What causes a plant to wilt?

A

Low turgor pressure - the water pressure inside the vacuole of the cells of the plant is very low.

46
Q

Where does the energy for Photosynthesis come from?

A

The Sun

47
Q

What happens to the level of stored energy as you move up an energy pyramid?

A

The available energy decreases as you move up the energy pyramid. Only about 10% gets passed on. Some is used to keep the organisms alive (conducting life processes) and some is lost as heat.

48
Q

Producer

A

A producer (autotroph) uses energy to make food.

49
Q

Consumer:

A

A consumer (heterotroph) is an organism that eats other organisms.

50
Q

Decomposer:

A

A decomposer is an organism that gets energy and nutrients by breaking down the remains of other organisms or waste products.

51
Q

Where do organisms, such as humans, get their energy to carry out life processes?

A

Chemical energy (glucose) in food molecules - people get energy from the breakdown of the chemical energy in their food.

52
Q

What type of energy conversion occurs when a plant performs photosynthesis?

A

Radiant (light) Energy from the sun gets transformed into Chemical Energy (glucose).
(Radiant → Chemical)

53
Q

What type of energy conversion occurs when an animal produces heat after running?

A

Chemical Energy (glucose) gets transformed into Mechanical (motion) & Thermal Energy (heat).
(Chemical → Mechanical & Thermal)

54
Q

What are the characteristics of the tundra biome? (4)

A

-Temperature / Precipitation: It is a cold desert / gets less than 25 cm of rain a year.

-Soil: Has a permanently frozen layer of soil called permafrost – which give it a VERY short growing season in the summer.

-Animals: Have thick fur / excess fat layer (to protect against the cold), Usually light in color in the winter and darker in the summer (to blend in with the environment). (few reptiles or amphibians)

  • Plants: No trees (not enough water), small shrubs / bushes, grasses, flowers, lichens & mosses mostly.
55
Q

What are the major characteristics of plants in the desert biome?

A

Most plants have a thick waxy layer - cuticle (to prevent water loss), Grow far apart (so they don’t have to compete for resources like water), Have roots that spread out very wide and may go deeper (a big root system to collect as much water as they can after each rainfall). The topsoil is very nutrient poor and the lack of water prevents non-vascular plants from surviving.

56
Q

Why would some birds have a difficult time living in a temperate grassland (prairie)?

4

A

because there are not many trees because most of the trees are killed by prairie fires and there is not enough water. So the birds that could live there would have to be ground nesting birds.

57
Q

How are Temperate grassland plants adapted for survival in the prairie?

A

The roots of grassland plants
store nutrients for easy recovery after animals have eaten the top of the grass or prairie fires burn them to
the ground. They have thick, wide, deep roots that provide a level of protection from grazers and fire.

58
Q

What are the major adaptations of plants in the tropical rainforest?

A

Leaves at the bottom of the
forest are very large to absorb any light that makes it to the bottom. The have leaves that come to a point
that act as drip tips to get rid of excess water. Vines are able to climb trees with smooth bark.

59
Q

How would a Hurricane effect the environment?

A

Hurricane will cause
-saltwater to invade freshwater areas and could kill plants and fish.
-remove large chunks of land (through erosion) and damage wildlife habitats.
-sediment will get deposited in other locations damaging the wildlife habitats as well.
-high winds to uproot plants and displace animals (force them to move).

60
Q

How would flooding effect the environment?

A

Could uproot plants and displace animals. Once the water dries out, the plants and animals will return. Without the plants, the ecosystem will have a hard time supporting any other type of life.

61
Q

What is ecological succession?

A

Ecological Succession is the orderly changes an ecosystem goes through as it grows and develops.

62
Q

What type of role does ecological succession play in forming ecosystems - how does it grow back after the disturbance / disaster?

A

Due to ecological succession the environment begins to form a stable ecosystem. There will be great change in the beginning as the small plants start growing and animals return and then it would become stable or level out as it reaches the climax community. Because of succession, sometimes small microhabitats can form along the way. A microhabitat is a habitat within another habitat that has unique properties where new variations of life can exist and thrive.

63
Q

Primary Succession (what is on the ground, the pioneer species, and how long it takes to reach the climax community)

A

Occurs on bare rock, pioneer species is moss / lichens, takes 100-1000’s of year reach a climax community (such as a forest, prairie, or a desert).

64
Q

Secondary Succession (what is on the ground, the pioneer species, and how long it takes to reach the climax community)

A

Occurs on soil, pioneer species is weeds / grasses, takes 10-100’s of years to reach a climax community (such as a forest, prairie, or a desert).

65
Q

Why is it important to have a high level of biodiversity - EXPLAIN?

A

Greater species diversity ensures natural sustainability for all life forms. It allows for a wider variety of genetic possibilities. A healthy ecosystem can better withstand and recover from a variety of diseases and disasters because more options for recovery exist. Having high biodiversity is more stable than low biodiversity.

66
Q

What is a watershed

A

A watershed is an area of land where
water flows across it as it moves towards a larger body of water OR one in which water drains to a
particular body of water.

67
Q

what is a divide in a watershed?

A

The divide in a watershed is the highest point that determine which direction
water will flow and separates one watershed from another.

68
Q

How can human activity affect a watershed - give at least 3 specific examples?

A

Human activity can increase leaching of pollution into groundwater (from adding chemicals to the ground or from landfills). Farming can increase polluted runoff from all their fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. Buildings and roads cover the soil which decreases infiltration and increases runoff and flooding. Factories could cause chemical, thermal and biological pollution.

69
Q

How can humans negatively impact surface water - give at least 3 specific examples?

A

Farming (agricultural) runoff of fertilizers-herbicides-pesticides or ranching could lead to biological pollution / littering / general pollution from cars-factories-farms like thermal-chemical- biological pollution / urban runoff of fertilizers.

70
Q

Define Point Source + examples

A

Sources of water pollution which can be traced to a specific place or location.

Examples: Leaking septic tanks, gasoline storage tanks, pipes from factories.

71
Q

Define Non-Point Source + examples

A

Pollution of the water or air from a general area such as runoff from
farmland or urban communities – you can’t pinpoint it to any one person / entity.

Examples: Runoff from cities, farms, car exhaust and littering.

72
Q

How could building a new town greatly impact a watershed - give at least 3 specific examples?

A

First, soil will disappear as roads and building are built which will reduce infiltration and will increase runoff and flooding. Cities also are a source of multiple types of pollution (chemical,
thermal, and biological) that will probably end up in watersheds through runoff. Cities will require the use of water and may lower aquifer and reservoir levels.

73
Q

Where would the best place be to build a factory for a watershed?

A

The best location for factories to do the least amount of damage in a watershed would be away from water sources.

74
Q

Define mechanical (physical) weathering?

A

The breakdown of rock into smaller pieces by physical means – only makes it smaller.

75
Q

What are 8 agents of mechanical weathering?

A

8 agents of mechanical weathering = ice wedging, wind (abrasion), water (abrasion), gravity (abrasion), plant roots, animal activity, temperature changes, and pressure changes.

76
Q

Define chemical weathering?

A

Chemical weathering is the chemical breakdown of rocks and minerals into new substances. (with addition of other substances)

77
Q

What are 4 agents of chemical weathering?

A

4 agents of chemical weathering = acids in living things (lichen & moss), acids in groundwater, acid precipitation, oxidation (oxygen that causes rusting)

78
Q

How are sand dunes formed?

A

First there has to be strong winds that can move sand (erosion) and there needs to be a supply of sand to be moved around, then winds have to slow down (stop) by hitting an obstacle, and finally deposit the sand in the same place over time.

79
Q

Describe the farming practice of contour plowing that farmers use to help prevent soil erosion on their farmland?

A

Contour plowing is used on hills. Farmers plant crops across the slope of the hill in rows to reduce soil erosion that occurs as rain flows down the hill. The rows act as mini-dams, slowing the water down and thus creating less erosion from water.

80
Q

How could the removal of trees / grasses (vegetation) affect an ecosystem

A

more erosion would occur because there will be less trees and ground cover present. The roots of plants help hold soil in place which reduces runoff and soil erosion from wind and water.

Science (17 decks)

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