Biology Concepts Quiz

Study Notes

Biology is the study of life, with test questions often requiring connections between concepts.
Living organisms have seven characteristics, including organization into a hierarchy and emergent properties.
The seven characteristics also include having chemical information (DNA), engaging in metabolic activities, and energy flow through them (using ATP).
Homeostasis is the internal balance within living organisms, distinct from equilibrium.
Living organisms reproduce and develop, with cellular reproduction (mitosis) being a key process.
Living systems also exhibit the ability to evolve, with biological evolution being a topic of discussion.
The hierarchy of living systems starts from cells and progresses to organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere.
DNA is essential for protein synthesis, where DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then used to create proteins.
Metabolism involves both catabolic (breaking down) and anabolic (building up) processes in living organisms.
Structure determines function in biology, emphasizing the importance of shape in determining the capabilities of biological entities.- Catabolic and anabolic reactions are processes in metabolism; catabolic reactions break down molecules while anabolic reactions build them up.
Photosynthesis converts energy into food, while cellular respiration converts food into energy.
In photosynthesis, light energy is turned into food, which is then used to produce energy.
All living organisms carry out metabolic functions, not just digesting food, but also utilizing and releasing energy.
Living organisms must be able to take in, create, and release energy to maintain homeostasis.
Energy is represented by ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in biological systems.
Living organisms are part of a cycle of life where they use and release energy and eventually get recycled when they die.
Living systems must be able to adapt to external changes to maintain internal balance and homeostasis.
Positive feedback amplifies a process until it is stopped physically, like in childbirth.
Living organisms reproduce, grow, develop, and ultimately need to reproduce to prevent extinction.- Fitness in biology is about surviving long enough to reproduce and pass on good genetic characteristics.
Natural selection involves being selected for (survive to reproduce) or selected against (don't survive to reproduce).
Rabbits have many offspring because many will die due to predators, ensuring only the fittest survive to reproduce.
Fitness is measured by the number of offspring one has, indicating genetic success.
Genes and DNA are key in determining fitness and passing on traits from parents to offspring.
Mutations in DNA lead to genetic variability and eventual adaptations for survival.
Adaptations can be seen in examples like peppered moths evolving due to pollution changes.
Taxonomy classifies living organisms into domains, kingdoms, phyla, classes, orders, families, genera, and species.
Binomial nomenclature is the system of naming species with genus and species names, always italicized.
Knowing these classification levels helps in understanding the universal language of science.