Biology: The Study of Life

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of insulin in the body?

Lower glucose levels (correct)

Increase glucose levels

Regulate temperature

Facilitate digestion

All living things respond to stimuli.

True

What molecule carries the genetic information in living organisms?

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

When the body temperature increases, the body cools itself down by __________.

sweating Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of adaptation to its definition:

Migration = Seasonal movement of animals Hibernation = Extended sleep during cold months Camouflage = Blending with the environment Mimicry = Resembling another organism for protection Signup and view all the answers

What is thigmotaxis?

Response to contact or touch Signup and view all the answers

All organisms start their development from multiple cells.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are inherited changes that improve survival called?

Adaptations Signup and view all the answers

The ability of plants to grow towards light is called __________.

phototropism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a physical adaptation?

Mimicry Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of living organisms?

Non-responsiveness Signup and view all the answers

Viruses are considered living organisms because they can reproduce.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the stable internal environment that living organisms maintain?

Homeostasis Signup and view all the answers

All living things must maintain a stable internal environment known as __________.

homeostasis Signup and view all the answers

Match the following living organisms with their characteristics:

Bacteria = Unicellular Plants = Multicellular Fungi = Decomposers Animals = Multicellular Signup and view all the answers

What do we call the chemicals reactions that all living organisms perform to obtain and use energy?

Metabolism Signup and view all the answers

All living organisms can perform both photosynthesis and respiration.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one example of an abiotic factor.

Water Signup and view all the answers

An organism that consists of a single cell is described as __________.

unicellular Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a biotic factor?

Plants Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biology: The Study of Life

Biology is the study of life.
Living organisms are called biotic factors
Nonliving things are called abiotic factors.
Viruses are not considered living organisms because they cannot reproduce on their own. They need to take over a host cell to reproduce.

Seven Characteristics of Life:

Cellular Organization: All living things are made of cells.
Reproduction: The ability to produce offspring.
Metabolism: Chemical reactions that occur within an organism to sustain life, requiring energy.
Homeostasis: Maintaining a stable internal environment.
Heredity: Passing on traits to offspring through genes.
Responsiveness: Responding to stimuli in the environment.
Growth and Development: Increasing in size and maturing over time.
Adaptations: Inherited traits that help a species survive.

Cellular Structure and Function

Cells are the basic unit of life, capable of all life functions.
Organisms can be unicellular (single-celled) or multicellular (many cells).

Reproduction

Necessary for the survival of a species.

Metabolism

Involves obtaining and using energy for life processes.
Examples include: photosynthesis (plants using sunlight to make glucose) and breaking down food to obtain energy.

Homeostasis:

Important for maintaining a stable internal environment in organisms.
Examples:
- Regulating blood glucose levels.
- Removing waste products from the blood through urination.
- Cooling the body through sweating.
- Closing stomata in plants to prevent dehydration.

Heredity

Passing on traits to offspring through genes.
Genes are coded in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).

Responsiveness

Reaction or response to stimuli.
Examples:
- Phototropism (plants growing towards light).
- Phototaxis (organisms moving toward or away from light).
- Thigmotaxis (organisms responding to touch).
- Reflexes in animals to prevent harm.

Growth and Development

All living things increase in size and mature over time.
Multicellular organisms begin from a single cell and develop into specialized cells.

Adaptations

Inherited traits that help species survive.
Examples:
- Eyeballs adapting to different light conditions: round pupils for chasing prey, vertical slit pupils for ambush predators, horizontal pupils for prey animals.
- Behavioral adaptations: migration, hibernation, mating behaviors, communication, finding food.
- Physical adaptations: body parts, color and pattern, camouflage, mimicry.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of biology, focusing on living organisms and their characteristics. It covers the seven traits of life, cellular organization, and the distinction between biotic and abiotic factors. Test your knowledge on the principles that define the study of life.