Biodiversity Review Quiz

Organisms lacking a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, with single-stranded circular DNA, always unicellular. Examples include bacteria.

Organisms possessing a nucleus with a nuclear envelope and membrane-bound organelles, with double-stranded DNA in chromosomes, can be uni- or multicellular. Examples include protists, fungi, plants, animals.

A system of naming and classifying organisms using two names: Genus and species. For example, Orcinus orca represents the killer whale.

A tool used to classify organisms based on a series of choices. Each characteristic presents two options, leading to the correct identification.

An organism that uses sunlight to produce its own food (sugar) using photosynthesis. Examples include plants and photosynthetic bacteria.

A microorganism that causes disease in its host. Examples include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

A life cycle in plants and some algae that alternates between two distinct stages: sporophyte (diploid) and gametophyte (haploid).

Asexual reproduction method used by single-celled organisms, where a parent cell splits into two identical daughter cells.

A process in which a virus replicates within a host cell, using the host's cellular machinery, ultimately destroying the cell.

The outer layer of a bacteria, providing structural support and protection from environmental threats.

A gelatin-like layer that surrounds the cell wall of some bacteria, protecting it from dehydration and immune responses.

A long, whip-like structure that extends from the surface of some bacteria, enabling movement.

The internal fluid inside a bacterial cell, containing enzymes, nutrients, and other molecules essential for metabolic activities.

The central region of a bacterial cell, containing the genetic material in the form of a single, circular DNA molecule.

A type of prokaryote known for living in extreme environments such as high salt concentrations, high temperatures, acidic conditions, or producing methane gas in anaerobic environments.

Protists are eukaryotic organisms, meaning they have a distinct nucleus. They are mostly unicellular but can be multicellular. They can be either autotrophs (making their own food) or heterotrophs (consuming other organisms). They are classified based on how they obtain nutrition: animal-like, plant-like, or fungi-like.

Similar to plants but lack the ability to photosynthesize, therefore cannot make their own food. They obtain nutrients by absorbing organic materials. They exist in diverse forms ranging from microscopic yeasts to the large mushrooms we see.

These plants have specialized tissues (xylem and phloem) that allow them to transport water, minerals, and food. This allows them to grow taller because they can move nutrients over greater distances.

These plants lack specialized tissues for transport, relying on diffusion and osmosis to transport water and nutrients. This confines them to smaller sizes and moist environments.

Animals without backbones, commonly called invertebrates.

Animals possessing a backbone, commonly called vertebrates.

A structure in prokaryotic cells that enables them to move towards nutrients or away from harmful environments.

Single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, have a single-stranded circular DNA, and can be found in various environments.

Single-celled eukaryotic organisms with diverse forms and lifestyles, some being photosynthetic, others heterotrophic, and some parasitic.

A domain of single-celled prokaryotes that have unique adaptations for surviving in extreme environments, like high salt or high temperatures.

Non-living entities that require a host cell to replicate, composed of genetic material within a protein coat, and can cause various diseases.

Organisms that obtain their food by consuming other organisms.

The theory that explains the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts as free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by an ancient eukaryotic cell.

Organisms that cannot make their own food and rely on consuming other organisms for nutrition.

The life cycle in plants that alternates between the diploid stage (sporophyte) and the haploid stage (gametophyte).

A type of bacteria that is characterized by its spiral or corkscrew shape. They are motile and possess flagella for movement.

A system of naming organisms that uses two names: genus and species. For example, Homo sapiens represents the human species.

Prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. They are generally smaller and simpler than eukaryotic cells.

Eukaryotic cells possess a nucleus with a nuclear envelope and other membrane-bound organelles. They are generally larger and more complex than prokaryotic cells.

A form of asexual reproduction in bacteria where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

The type of bacteria typically characterized by a round shape.

The process by which genetic material is exchanged between organisms, resulting in offspring with a combination of genes from both parents. This process is essential for diversity and adaptation.

A long, whip-like structure that extends from the surface of some bacteria and allows them to move through fluids. They help bacteria find food and move away from harmful substances.

A process in which one parent organism produces offspring that are genetically identical to itself. This method of reproduction is common in single-celled organisms and some plants.

The primary function of this organelle in plant cells is to store water and minerals, maintaining cell shape and turgor pressure. It is a large, fluid-filled sac that can occupy most of the cell's volume.

The process by which a virus injects its genetic material into a host cell and uses the host's machinery to replicate itself, ultimately leading to the production of more viruses. The virus's genetic material may integrate into the host's genome or replicate independently.