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Questions and Answers
Which of the following are characteristics of living things? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are characteristics of living things? (Select all that apply)
Natural selection causes extinction of species.
Natural selection causes extinction of species.
False
What is the smallest particle of an element?
What is the smallest particle of an element?
atom
The classification hierarchy is Domain > Kingdom > Phylum > Class > Order > Family > ______
The classification hierarchy is Domain > Kingdom > Phylum > Class > Order > Family > ______
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Who developed the binomial naming system?
Who developed the binomial naming system?
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What is necessary for scientific inquiry?
What is necessary for scientific inquiry?
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
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Scientific theories are considered absolute facts.
Scientific theories are considered absolute facts.
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What does the term 'pseudoscience' refer to?
What does the term 'pseudoscience' refer to?
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What is the role of natural selection in evolution?
What is the role of natural selection in evolution?
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In the classification system, which level comes directly before 'Genus'?
In the classification system, which level comes directly before 'Genus'?
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Which statement accurately describes a key feature of scientific theories?
Which statement accurately describes a key feature of scientific theories?
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Which of the following terms refers to organisms that obtain energy from other sources?
Which of the following terms refers to organisms that obtain energy from other sources?
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What initiates the scientific method process?
What initiates the scientific method process?
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Which of the following best describes a species?
Which of the following best describes a species?
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What is the main focus of a phylogenetic tree?
What is the main focus of a phylogenetic tree?
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Which statement is true regarding autotrophs?
Which statement is true regarding autotrophs?
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What does the classification hierarchy help accomplish in biological sciences?
What does the classification hierarchy help accomplish in biological sciences?
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What is a characteristic of scientific principles?
What is a characteristic of scientific principles?
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Study Notes
Characteristics of Living Things
- Living organisms exhibit growth, respond to stimuli, and require energy and materials for metabolism (e.g., photosynthesis, respiration).
- They demonstrate organized complexity, have the potential for evolution, and are capable of reproduction.
Evolution
- All organisms share a common ancestry, as proposed by Darwin and Wallace.
- Natural Selection: Key process leading to adaptation, evolution, and potential speciation; it can also result in extinction of species.
- Definition of a species: Organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring; a population consists of members of the same species in a shared area.
- Classification is based on evolutionary relationships using the phylogenetic tree and named through the binomial system (e.g., Homo sapiens).
Levels of Organization of Matter
- Matter is composed of elements, with atoms being the smallest particles of an element.
- Classification of life exists in domains: Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya.
- Organisms are categorized as prokaryotes (lacking a nuclear membrane) or eukaryotes (having a nuclear membrane).
- Energy sources differentiate organisms into autotrophs (self-feeders via photosynthesis) and heterotrophs (obtain energy from other sources).
Classification Hierarchy
- The structure of biological classification follows: Domain > Kingdom > Phylum > Class > Order > Family > Genus > Species.
- The binomial nomenclature system, established by Linnaeus, uses Latin; scientific names are italicized with the genus capitalized (e.g., Escherichia coli).
Science of Biology
- Scientific inquiry operates on validated assumptions known as Scientific Principles, which include:
- Uniformity in space and time.
- Natural causality.
- Common perception.
- The progression of scientific knowledge moves from hypotheses to theories and ultimately to natural laws through rigorous testing.
Scientific Method
- The scientific process involves:
- Observation (forming a question).
- Hypothesis (making predictions).
- Experimentation (testing the hypothesis).
- Conclusion (analyzing results).
- Variables in experimentation:
- Independent variable: manipulated element.
- Dependent variable: measured element.
- Control: factors kept constant for comparison.
Distinction in Science
- Science vs. Pseudoscience: Distinguishes between evidence-based research and claims driven by belief or opinion.
- Example contrasts: Astronomy is science; astrology is pseudoscience.
Continuous Nature of Science
- Science is an ever-evolving field, capable of change and adaptation through learning from errors.
- Notable scientific discoveries include penicillin by Fleming and the cholera vaccine by Pasteur, showcasing repurposing of existing drugs for beneficial effects.
Characteristics of Living Things
- Living organisms exhibit growth and respond to external stimuli, such as tropism.
- Require energy and materials for metabolism, including photosynthesis and respiration.
- Display organized complexity and potential for evolution.
- Capable of reproduction, leading to the continuation of species.
Evolution
- All organisms share common ancestry, leading to genetic changes over time.
- Natural selection drives adaptation, resulting in evolution within populations.
- Evolution can result in speciation, while extinction can eliminate entire species.
Species and Populations
- Species are defined as groups that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
- A population consists of individuals from the same species residing in a specific area.
- Organisms are categorized based on evolutionary relationships using phylogenetic trees and named using the binomial nomenclature system (e.g., Homo sapiens).
Levels of Organization of Matter
- Matter is comprised of elements, with atoms as the smallest units.
- Organisms classified into three domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
- Differentiation between prokaryotes (without nuclear membrane) and eukaryotes (with nuclear membrane).
- Organisms categorized based on their energy sources:
- Autotrophs (“self-feeders”) synthesize their own food through photosynthesis.
- Heterotrophs (“other-feeders”) obtain energy from consuming other organisms.
Classification Hierarchy
- Biological classification follows a hierarchy: Domain > Kingdom > Phylum > Class > Order > Family > Genus > Species.
- Scientific names consist of the genus and epithet, written in Latin and italicized, for example, Escherichia coli.
Science of Biology
- Scientific inquiry is grounded in a foundation of assumptions that are rigorously tested.
- Key scientific principles include:
- Uniformity in space and time.
- Natural causality.
- Common perception.
Development of Scientific Knowledge
- A hypothesis evolves into a theory through tested predictions and evidence collection, ultimately leading to natural laws with broad applicability.
- Scientific theories are characterized by being testable, repeatable, and falsifiable, contrary to belief systems and opinions that are not empirically based.
Scientific Method
- The scientific method consists of systematic steps:
- Observation to identify a question.
- Formulating a hypothesis to make predictions.
- Conducting experiments to test the hypothesis.
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Description
Explore the essential characteristics of living organisms, their growth and metabolism, and learn about evolution and natural selection. This quiz covers the classification of species, levels of organization within matter, and the evolutionary relationships among organisms. Test your knowledge on these fundamental biological concepts.
