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Questions and Answers
What does the term 'symbiosis' refer to?
What does the term 'symbiosis' refer to?
Which of the following is an example of commensalism?
Which of the following is an example of commensalism?
In the relationship between an acacia tree and ants, what benefit does the tree receive?
In the relationship between an acacia tree and ants, what benefit does the tree receive?
Which classification group includes single-celled organisms?
Which classification group includes single-celled organisms?
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What is the primary basis for classifying organisms into different kingdoms?
What is the primary basis for classifying organisms into different kingdoms?
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What is the main result of interspecies competition?
What is the main result of interspecies competition?
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What is the primary role of variation within a species in relation to environmental changes?
What is the primary role of variation within a species in relation to environmental changes?
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Which of the following is NOT an example of an environmental change that could lead to survival advantages for individuals with specific variations?
Which of the following is NOT an example of an environmental change that could lead to survival advantages for individuals with specific variations?
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What is the definition of a niche, as discussed in the text?
What is the definition of a niche, as discussed in the text?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a niche?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a niche?
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Which of these is an accurate definition of a species?
Which of these is an accurate definition of a species?
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What is an ecosystem, and how does it contribute to understanding biological diversity?
What is an ecosystem, and how does it contribute to understanding biological diversity?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic shared by all living things?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic shared by all living things?
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What is the significance of classifying biological diversity?
What is the significance of classifying biological diversity?
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Which of the following statements accurately describes species distribution?
Which of the following statements accurately describes species distribution?
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What is the relationship between species and populations?
What is the relationship between species and populations?
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What does the term 'adaptations' mean in the context of living things?
What does the term 'adaptations' mean in the context of living things?
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What is the role of DNA in biological diversity?
What is the role of DNA in biological diversity?
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Study Notes
Biological Diversity
- Biological diversity is reflected in the variety of life on Earth
- Species reproduce, and characteristics are passed from parents to offspring
- DNA is the inherited material responsible for variation
- Human activity affects biological diversity
Examining Diversity
- Earth has approximately 1.5 million species of animals, and 350,000 species of plants
- There are an estimated 30-100 million kinds of organisms currently existing
- All living things share certain characteristics: made up of cells, need energy, grow and develop, reproduce, and have adaptations suited to their environments
Species
- A species is a group of organisms that have the same structure and can reproduce with one another
Understanding Biological Diversity
- Definition: refers to all different types of organisms on Earth
- Ecosystems: Includes living (biotic) things and how they interact with other living and non-living (abiotic) things in a shared environment
- Populations: A group of individuals of the same species living in an area
- Communities: A group of populations of different species living in the same area
Species Distribution
- Species are not evenly distributed around the planet. More diversity occurs near the equator than at the poles
Classifying Biological Diversity
- Carolus Linnaeus developed a naming system for organisms, distinguishing them from similar-looking species using two-word names
- The first word indicates the genus, the second indicates the species
Classification System
- Scientists use a five-kingdom classification system: Animalia (animals), Plantae (plants), Fungi (yeast), Protista (single-celled organisms), and Monera (bacteria)
- These groups are based on physical structure, not habitat
Interdependence
- Each species depends on others within its environment for survival
- Food chains and food webs represent the ongoing relationships between organisms
Symbiosis
- Symbiosis is an association or interaction between members of different species
- 3 types of symbiosis: commensalism, mutualism, parasitism
Commensalism
- One organism benefits, the other is neither helped nor harmed
- Example: Barnacles on whales
Mutualism
- Both organisms benefit
- Example: Acacia trees and ants
Parasitism
- One organism benefits, the other is harmed
- Example: Tapeworms in humans
Niches
- Definition: Role of an organism within an ecosystem
- Includes what it eats, what eats it, where it lives, nesting sites, effect on surrounding populations, and its environment
- Interspecies competition: Interaction between different species where neither benefits because they compete for resources
- Competition for resources can lead to less access to resources, causing species to starve and die
Resource Partitioning
- Organisms in the same area partition resources due to different behavioral adaptations
- Intraspecies competition: Interaction between same species competing for the same resources
Variation Within Species
- Ecosystems function smoothly when communities and species within them interact
- Ecosystems vary greatly in genetic diversity
- Variation within populations is crucial for survival in changing environments
Natural Selection
- Individuals better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce
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Description
Explore the intricacies of biological diversity, including the vast variety of life on Earth and the defining characteristics of species. Understand how ecosystems function and the role of human activity in influencing biodiversity. This quiz covers essential concepts related to organisms, their reproduction, and interactions within environments.
