Biology Study Guide: Organisms, Metabolism, Evolution, and Classification

Study Notes

The notes posted are the same as the notes on eCampus but formatted with subtitles for screen readers.
Biology is the study of life, with bio meaning life and ology meaning study.
All living organisms have seven characteristics, including being organized into a hierarchy.
Emergent properties are key in biology, where groups of cells have more functions together than alone.
Living organisms engage in metabolic activities, which involve catabolic (breaking down) and anabolic (building up) reactions.
Energy flows through living organisms, with ATP being the energy currency used.
Homeostasis is the internal balance within living organisms, distinct from equilibrium which applies to non-living systems.
Living organisms reproduce and develop, with cellular reproduction like mitosis being essential for replacing lost cells.
Biological evolution is a characteristic of living systems, emphasizing adaptation and change over time.
The hierarchy of living organisms includes cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere.
DNA carries chemical information that flows through organisms via reproduction, leading to protein synthesis and metabolism.- Anabolic and catabolic reactions are processes in biology where catabolic reactions break down molecules, while anabolic reactions build up molecules.
Photosynthesis is a process where plants convert light energy into food, while cellular respiration is the process where cells convert food into energy.
Living organisms go through metabolic cycles where energy is taken in and released, forming a series of chemical reactions.
Living organisms must maintain homeostasis, which is the ability to regulate internal conditions despite external changes.
Homeostasis can involve negative feedback mechanisms where the body signals a problem and tries to fix it.
Positive feedback mechanisms amplify a process until a certain point is reached, such as in childbirth with increasing contractions.
Living organisms reproduce, grow, develop, and ultimately reproduce again to ensure the continuation of the species.
Evolution in biology is tied to genetic changes, where mutations lead to adaptations and eventual evolution of populations over time.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace were key figures in formulating the concept of biological evolution through natural selection.
Mutations are random genetic changes that can lead to adaptations beneficial for survival, contributing to the process of evolution.- Fitness in biology is defined by an organism surviving long enough to reproduce and pass on its characteristics successfully.
Natural selection involves being either selected for (surviving to reproduce) or selected against (not surviving to reproduce).
Rabbits have many offspring because many will not survive due to predators, contributing to the concept of natural selection.
Fitness is measured by the number of offspring an organism produces, indicating genetic success.
Genes, which store traits, are located in DNA, with DNA containing over 22,000 genes.
Mutations are random changes in DNA that lead to genetic variability, enhancing the chances of survival and reproduction.
Adaptations arise from mutations over time, as seen in the example of peppered moths evolving due to industrial pollution.
Evolution is the result of accumulated adaptations and genetic differences over long periods, leading to biodiversity.
Taxonomy classifies living organisms into domains, kingdoms, phyla, classes, orders, families, genera, and species based on reproductive capability.
Binomial nomenclature, introduced by Carolus Linnaeus, names organisms with a genus and species in italics.
Writing in italics for scientific names may be replaced by underlining if cursive or italics are not possible due to modern education trends.

Description

This quiz covers important concepts in biology such as the characteristics of living organisms, metabolic activities, energy flow, homeostasis, reproduction, evolution, DNA, natural selection, and taxonomy. Test your knowledge on these fundamental topics!