Biology: Introduction to Biology

Chapter 1: Introduction to Biology

• Biology is the study of living organisms, including their origin, morphology, anatomy, physiology, and behavior.
• Growth in living organisms involves increases in size and/or cell number.
• A stimulus is defined as a change in the environment that results in a reaction.
• The reaction that occurs after a stimulus is called a response.
• The basic functional unit of all life is the cell.
• A group of cells working together to perform a specific function is called a tissue.
• An example of an organ is the bladder.
• An organ system is a group of organs working together to perform one or more functions.
• The ability to exist without energy is not a characteristic of a living organism.
• Homeostasis refers to the state of equilibrium of an organism's internal conditions.
• Multicellular organisms are made up of many cells grouped into tissues, organs, and organ systems.
• Reproduction maintains the continuity of a species.
• Venus Flytraps respond to stimuli by consuming insects for nitrogen.
• Adaptation is determined by an organism's genetic makeup.
• A plant growing toward light is an example of a response to a stimulus.
• Homeostasis is essential for survival.
• The inability to respond to stimuli is not a characteristic of living organisms.
• Tissues are formed by a group of cells working together.
• Organ systems are composed of organs.
• The circulatory system is an example of an organ system.

Scientific Methods

• Asking a question is the first step in the scientific method.
• A hypothesis must be specific and testable.
• Quantitative data is represented by numbers.
• An example of quantitative data is measuring a plant to be 2 meters tall.
• Qualitative data is best described as short descriptive sentences.
• In an experiment, the control group provides a standard for comparison.
• The experimental group is exposed to the factor being studied.
• The independent variable is the factor being changed by the scientist.
• The dependent variable is the factor that is observed or measured.
• A conclusion is an assumption based on previous experience and data.
• A scientific theory is a viewpoint that brings together many facts, hypotheses, and experiments.
• Cell Theory is a common theory in biology.
• Observation is a step in the scientific method.
• Direct observation is a method for collecting data.
• A hypothesis is a proposed answer for a scientific study.

Additional Questions

• Ibn al-Baytar contributed to biology by authoring a book on Islamic medicine and plants.
• The role of biologists includes studying diseases, species, and improving agriculture.
• Technological developments in biology include the creation of prosthetic limbs.
• Genetically engineered plants are designed to be resistant to insects and diseases.
• Protecting the environment involves studying reproductive patterns of threatened species.
• Ignoring the environment is not a role of biologists.
• Studying different species helps in identifying their characteristics.
• Ibn al-Baytar penned the "Compendium on Simple Medicaments and Foods."
• Genetically engineering disease-resistant plants improves agriculture.
• The study of reproductive patterns helps in preventing extinction.
• A tree is an example of a living organism.
• The inability to adapt is not a characteristic of life.
• Morphology is the study of the structure of living organisms.
• The study of the origin of life is part of biology.
• A plant wilting when not watered is a response to a stimulus.

Chapter 2: Classification of Living Organisms

• Prokaryotes are characterized by lacking a nuclear membrane.
• Mitochondria are not found in prokaryotic cells.
• The capsule in prokaryotic cells functions to prevent desiccation.
• Pili in prokaryotes are used for attachment to surfaces.
• The flagellum in prokaryotes is primarily for movement.
• Halophiles thrive in very salty environments.
• Thermoacidophiles are typically found in acidic hot springs.
• Methanogens produce methane as a metabolic by-product.
• Gram staining is used to classify bacteria based on the thickness of their peptidoglycan layer.
• Gram-positive bacteria appear dark purple.
• Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer and high lipid content.
• Conjugation in prokaryotes involves the transfer of genetic material through direct contact.
• Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction.
• Escherichia coli (E. coli) is an example of normal flora in the intestines.
• Bacteria are used in the production of yogurt and cheese.
• Nitrogen-fixing bacteria form symbiotic relationships with legumes.
• Tuberculosis is a respiratory disease caused by bacteria.
• Acne is caused by bacteria affecting the skin.
• Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterium.
• Tetanus affects the nervous system.

Taxonomy and Classification

• The largest classification group is the domain.
• The three domains of life are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
• Eubacteria belong to the domain Bacteria.
• Archaebacteria can survive in harsh conditions like high heat and acidity.
• Eukarya includes organisms that have membrane-bound organelles.
• The kingdom Animalia is characterized by being heterotrophic.
• The cell wall of plants is made of cellulose.
• Fungi have cell walls composed of chitin.
• Protists are characterized by lacking specialized tissues or organs.
• Viruses are not part of the classification system for living organisms.
• The correct order of taxonomic classification from largest to smallest is: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.
• The term "division" is used instead of "phylum" for plants and bacteria.
• A genus is a group of closely related species.
• Species are defined as organisms that share common characteristics and can produce fertile off-spring.
• The binomial naming system was developed by Carolus Linnaeus.
• The binomial name for an organism consists of genus and species.
• In the binomial naming system, the genus name is always uppercase and italicized when printed.
• The correct way to write the scientific name for humans is Homo sapiens.
• The kingdom Archaebacteria belongs in the domain Archaea.
• The domain Eukarya includes the kingdom Plantae.
• Eubacteria is not a kingdom in the domain Eukarya.
• The kingdom Protista includes organisms that lack specialized tissues or organs.
• The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) causes AIDS.
• Viruses are classified based on their own system, separate from living organisms.
• The binomial name Rosa indica follows rules because the genus name is capitalized and the species name is lowercase.
• The primary basis for Linnaeus's classification system was morphology and behavior.
• Canis lupus is a correct example of binomial nomenclature.
• Taxonomy refers to the classification of living organisms.
• The kingdom Plantae stores carbohydrates as starch.
• The kingdom Fungi is characterized by cell walls made of chitin.

Chapter 3: Protoctista & Fungi

• Protoctista are primarily eukaryotic and mostly unicellular.
• Microsporidia are used as insecticides.
• Animal-like protists are classified based on their method of movement.
• Ciliates, like Paramecium, move using cilia.
• Nuclear dimorphism is when ciliates have a macronucleus for vegetative functions and a micronucleus for sexuality.
• Amoeboid protists move using pseudopods.
• Foraminifera are useful to geologists because their fossils help date rocks and identify oil-bearing sediments.
• Plasmodium causes malaria.
• Trypanosoma is transmitted by tsetse flies.
• Plant-like protists are characterized by photoautotrophic nutrition.
• Diatoms store food as oils.
• The Red Tide Phenomenon is caused by dinoflagellates.
• Euglenoids have a pellicle instead of a cell wall.
• Golden algae contain carotenoid pigments.
• Spirogyra is an example of green algae.
• Fungi are eukaryotic and heterotrophic.
• Fungal cell walls are made of chitin.
• Hyphae absorb nutrients by secreting enzymes.
• Mycelium refers to a network of hyphae.
• Yeast reproduces asexually by budding.
• Chytrids are unique among fungi because they produce flagellated zoospores.
• Bread mold (Rhizopus) belongs to Zygomycota.
• Sac fungi (Ascomycota) reproduce sexually via ascospores.
• Penicillium is used to produce antibiotics.
• Club fungi (Basidiomycota) include mushrooms.
• Lichens are a symbiotic relationship between fungi and cyanobacteria or algae.
• Lichens are bioindicators of air pollution.
• Mycorrhizae benefit plants by increasing water and mineral absorption.
• Fungi reproduce sexually by producing spores.
• Saprotrophic fungi obtain nutrients from dead and decaying matter.

Nutrition and Ecology

• Parasitic fungi feed on living hosts, often harming them.
• Mutualistic fungi include mycorrhizae and lichens.
• The Red Tide Phenomenon can be toxic because dinoflagellates release neurotoxins.
• Giardia is an example of an animal-like protist.
• Slime molds are classified as fungus-like protists.
• Fungi-like protists have cell walls made of cellulose.
• The contractile vacuole in protists functions for osmoregulation.
• Allomyces is an example of Chytrids.
• Aspergillus is a member of Ascomycota.
• Fruiting bodies in fungi are responsible for spore production.
• Trypanosoma causes Chagas disease.
• Volvox is a Green algae.
• Coral reef ecosystems depend on Red algae.
• Penicillium is a sac fungus.
• Yeast is used in bread and alcohol production.
• Lichens are sensitive to air pollutants.
• Mycorrhizae increase crop yields for corn and tomatoes.
• The "kissing bug" transmits Chagas disease.
• Euglena exhibits both plant and animal characteristics.
• The eyespot is the structure that detects light in Euglena.