Biology Chapter 1 Quiz

Chapter 1: The Science of Biology

• Biology is the study of living things, the science of life.
• Living things are diverse.
• Living things with similar features are grouped into the same kingdom.
• Members of different kingdoms are usually very different from each other.

1.1 The Diversity of Life

• Biology is the study of living things, the science of life.
• Living things are diverse.
• Living things with similar features are grouped into the same kingdom.
• Members of different kingdoms are typically very different from each other.

1.2 Properties of Life

• 1. Cellular organization: All living things are composed of at least one cell.
• 2. Metabolism: All living things process energy which is used to power other processes.
• 3. Homeostasis: All living things maintain relatively stable internal environments to optimize conditions for metabolism and other processes.
• 4. Growth and reproduction: All organisms have the capacity for growth and reproduction.
• 5. Heredity: All organisms pass genetic information to future generations from parents to offspring.

1.3 The Organization of Life-Levels of Organization

• Living things function and interact with each other on many levels.
• The organization of life is a hierarchy of levels of increasing complexity.
• Cellular
• Organismal
• Populational

Figure 1.4a: Levels of Organization—Cellular

• Atoms (e.g., hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen)
• Molecule (e.g., adenine)
• Macromolecule (e.g., DNA)
• Organelle (e.g., nucleus)
• Cell (e.g., nerve cell)

Figure 1.4b: Levels of Organization-Organismal

• Tissue (e.g., nerve tissue)
• Organ (e.g., brain)
• Organ system (e.g., nervous system)
• Organism

Figure 1.4c: Levels of Organization-Populational

• Population
• Species
• Community
• Ecosystem

1.3 Organization of Life-Emergent Properties

• At higher levels of the hierarchical organization of life, new properties become apparent, which weren't present at lower levels.
• These emergent properties result from the interaction of diverse but simpler components. Many higher-order processes that characterize life are emergent properties.
• Metabolism
• Consciousness

1.4 Biological Themes

• The study of life is categorized around general themes. 5 biological themes repeatedly emerge at any hierarchical level of biological study.

1.4 Biological Themes 2 - Evolution

• Evolution is genetic change in a species over time.
• The mechanism for evolution is natural selection.
• The diversity of life is explained by evolutionary processes.

1.4 Biological Themes (3) The Flow of Energy

• All living things require energy.
• Energy from the sun flows through the living world.
• Organisms acquire energy in different ways.
• How much energy is available determines how many and what kinds of organisms can live together in an ecosystem.

1.4 Biological Themes (4) Cooperation

• As energy and other resources are limiting, many organisms have evolved cooperation as a means of survival.
• Symbiosis describes when two species live in direct contact.

1.4 Biological Themes (5) Structure Determines Function

• Evolution favors structures that function in an adaptive manner.
• Many structures are specialized for a particular function.
• The convergence of structure and function occurs at all levels of the organizational hierarchy.

1.4 Biological Themes (6) Homeostasis

• Homeostasis is a physiological condition of "steady-state."
• The internal environment of organisms is relatively stable.
• Organisms act to control their internal environments to ensure the efficient functioning of complex metabolic processes.

1.5 Stages of a Scientific Investigation

• Biology is a continually evolving science with new ideas replacing prior ones.
• Scientists systematically conduct experiments to evaluate hypotheses about observed phenomena.
• 1. Observation*
• Science begins with careful observation of natural phenomena.
• 2. Hypothesis*
• Scientists make an educated guess that might be true,
• Often multiple hypotheses about a phenomenon–alternative hypotheses–are formulated.
• 3. Predictions*
• If a hypothesis is valid, specific outcomes are predicted.
• 4. Testing*
• Scientists perform experiments to confirm/disprove predicted outcomes.
• 5. Controls*
• Experiments often use parallel design, a control group to measure influences from potential factors (variables)
• Control conditions remain consistent for comparison to variable conditions
• 6. Conclusion*
• A tested hypothesis not rejected is considered tentatively accepted.

Figure 1.5: The Scientific Process

• Diagram of the scientific process steps, including observations, formulation of hypotheses, predictions, experiments, assessment of results, and forming conclusions.

1.6 Theory and Certainty

• The term "theory" has different meanings for scientists and the general public.
• To scientists, a theory provides certainty, unifying explanations for various observations.
• For the public, a theory may suggest a lack of knowledge or a mere guess.

1.7 Four Theories Unify Biology as a Science

• 1. The Cell Theory: All organisms consist of at least one cell, the cell is the fundamental unit of life, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.
• 2. The Gene Theory: Genetic information resides in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Genes encode specific proteins or RNA, which then regulate other genes, and protein/RNA production determines traits.
• 3. The Theory of Heredity: Genes are discrete units passed across generations , and this concept formed the foundation for genetics. Later, Mendelian genes were situated on chromosomes.
• 4. The Theory of Evolution: All living creatures stem from a shared ancestor, and are grouped into three domains. The theory of evolution explains diversity and unity of life.

1.7 The Cell Theory

• All organisms are composed of at least one cell.
• The cell is the most basic unit of life.
• All cells come from pre-existing cells.

1.7 The Gene Theory

• Genetic information is encoded in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
• Genes encode specific proteins or RNA, or regulate other genes.
• The proteins and RNA encoded by an organism's genes determine its traits and features.

Figure 1.10: The Gene Theory

• This figure visually depicts how genes affect cells, showcasing how specific genes influence specific cell types.

1.7 The Theory of Heredity

• Genes are passed down through generations as discrete units.
• Mendel's work formed the basis of genetics.
• The chromosomal theory of inheritance situates Mendelian genes on chromosomes.

1.7 The Theory of Evolution–Common Ancestry

• All living organisms share a common ancestry.
• The six kingdoms of life are grouped into three domains.
• The theory of evolution explains the unity and diversity of life.

Figure 1.12: The Three Domains of Life

• A diagram representing the evolutionary relationships among the three domains- Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryotes- of life, revealing the evolutionary connections among diverse organisms.

1.7 The Theory of Evolution–Natural Selection

• Charles Darwin attributed evolution to natural selection.
• Organisms best equipped to respond to environmental challenges are more likely to reproduce and pass on their traits, making them prevalent in the population.
• Scientists can now identify genetic changes that explain inter-individual differences.

Figure 1.13: The Theory of Evolution

• Diagrammatically shows the concept of evolution through natural selection, using finches as an illustrative example, demonstrating how changes in genes affect traits.