Biology Exam Study Guide

Biology Exam Study Guide

• Biology Definition: The scientific study of life and living organisms.

Characteristics of Life

• Cellular Organization: Living things are composed of cells.
• Reproduction: Living things reproduce, creating new organisms.
• Metabolism: Living things use energy to carry out life processes.
• Homeostasis: Maintaining a stable internal environment.
• Heredity: Passing traits from parents to offspring.
• Response to Stimuli: Reacting to changes in the environment.
• Adaptation/Evolution: Responding to environmental changes over time.
• Growth and Development: Increase in size and complexity.

Scientific Method

• Observation: Identifying a phenomenon.
• Question: Asking a question about the observation.
• Hypothesis: Proposing a possible explanation.
• Prediction: A testable statement based on the hypothesis.
• Experiment: Testing the prediction.
• Analysis: Interpreting the results.
• Conclusion: Determining if the hypothesis is supported or rejected.

Hypothesis Format

• A hypothesis is stated as an "if...then" statement.

Units of Measurement

• Mass: Kilograms (kg)
• Length: Meters (m)
• Volume: Liters (L)
• Temperature: Kelvin (K)

Reading Graduated Cylinders

• To read a graduated cylinder, align your eye with the bottom of the liquid meniscus.

Lab Safety

• Review safety principles and emergency procedures.

Microscopy

• Compound Light Microscope: The microscope used in class.
• Parts for Focus: Coarse and fine adjustment knobs.
• Wet-Mount Slide Preparation: Place a specimen on a slide, add a drop of water or liquid, and carefully place a coverslip on top at a 45-degree angle.

Kingdoms of Living Things

• Six Kingdoms: Archaea, Bacteria, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia
• Examples by Kingdom: Archaea (methanogens, halophiles); Bacteria (E. coli, cyanobacteria); Protista (amoeba, paramecium); Fungi (mushrooms, yeast); Plantae (oak tree, rose); Animalia (human, dog).