Test on Friday the 13, 2016 Flashcards
In science, what is a theory? 2
“An established scientific model that EXPLAINS OBSERVATIONS and MAKES PREDICTIONS”
In other words, theories come to existence when many, many facts have been gathered – a theory explains why those facts happen.
Define genetic make-up
“Genetic makeup” refers to the genes that determine what you look like and what physical characteristics you have. They are your GENOTYPE, and when these genes are expressed (the color of your eyes, your blood type, your hair texture, the structure of your digestive enzymes, etc), you are showing your PHENOTYPE.
What is the role of MUTATIONS in evolution?
Mutations allow some specific part of DNA or genes to be modifies, sometimes it is useful ( like developing hard sheels in groundnuts ) or harmful like mutations in atomic bombings.
Define population
A population is a summation of all the organisms of the same group or species, which live in a particular geographical area, and have the capability of interbreeding
List 5 scientific theories
Quantum Mechanics Theory
Atomic Theory
Cell Theory
Big Bang Theory
Chaos Theory
Germ theory of disease
Define Generation
All of the people born and living at about the same time, regarded collectively.
Define the term “carrying capacity” and how it is useful
It is the maximum, equilibrium number of organisms of a particular species that can be supported indefinitely in a given environment.
It is useful because when a population of a species is too big, they can destroy the environment by depleting its resources
What are the four factors that affect carrying capacity?
Population density
Materials and Energy
Food Chains
Competition for Food
What is Materials and Energy when it refers to one of the 4 factors that determine carrying capacity?
All populations are limited by the supply of essential materials (carbon, water. Etc.) and the amount of usable energy from the sun.
What is Food Chains when it refers to one of the 4 factors that determine carrying capacity?
The population size at any tropic levels is limited by the tropic level below it (what it eats) and the tropic level above it. (What eats it)
What is Competition for Food when it refers to one of the 4 factors that determine carrying capacity? 3
There is Intraspecific and Interspecific.
Intraspecific is competition of members of the same species. (Food, mate, territory)
Interspecific is competition between different species. (Food, territory)
What is Population density when it refers to one of the 4 factors that determine carrying capacity?
Different organisms require different amounts of space. (Based on size, environment and way of life)
What are the 2 Maximum Population Density factors?
Density-dependent factors
Density-independent factors
What is Density-dependent factor based on Maximum Population Density? Come up with 4 examples
Will increase or decrease the carrying capacity based on the SIZE of a population
Ex. Amount of food available
Infectious diseases can spread rapidly
Paratism
Predation
What is Density-independent factor based on Maximum Population Density? Come up with 4 examples
Will increase or decrease the carrying capacity REGARDLESS of the size of the population.
Ex. A forest fire
Tornado
Tsunami
Volcanic eruption