Earth and Life Science Lesson 1

Lesson 1: Earth and Life Science

• Paleontologists: Scientists who study early life forms, collecting, identifying, and studying evidence.
• Fossil: Preserved remains of ancient organisms.
• Stromatolites: Layered sedimentary formations created by photosynthetic cyanobacteria, found near water.
• Deep Sea Vent Theory: Life began in hydrothermal vents (cracks on Earth's surface).
• Theory of Special Creation/Divine Theory: Life is created by supernatural powers.
• Theory of Panspermia/Spore Theory: Life arrived on Earth from another planet in resistant spores.
• Primordial Soup Theory: Life originated from water charged with lightning.
• Theory of Spontaneous Generation/Abiogenesis: Non-living materials generate life spontaneously.
• Pneuma: Material needed for life to arise from nonliving matter.
• Francisco Redi: Experiment disproved spontaneous generation.
• John Needham: Experiment tried to prove spontaneous generation, but flawed.
• Louis Pasteur: Experiment disproved spontaneous generation, popularized pasteurization.

Lesson 2: Biological Systems

• Biological System: Complex system of parts forming an organization.
• Hierarchy of Organization: Atom -> Molecule -> Cells -> Tissue -> Organ -> Organ System -> Organism -> Population -> Community -> Ecosystem -> Biosphere.
• Atom: Smallest basic unit of matter.
• Molecule: Group of two or more atoms.
• Cell: Basic unit of life.
• Tissue: Groups of similar cells working together.
• Organ: Structure composed of two or more tissue types.
• Organ System: Groups of organs working together.
• Organism: Individual living entity.
• Population: Group of the same species living together.
• Community: All populations living in a particular area.
• Ecosystem: All living organisms (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components in an area, interacting.
• Biosphere: All ecosystems on Earth.
• Form and Function: Structure relates to function.
• Reproduction and Inheritance: Passing on traits.
• Interaction with the Environment: Biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) interact.
• Energy: Required for biological functions.
• Regulation/Homeostasis: Ability to adjust to the environment.
• Evolution and Diversity: Explains life's diversity on Earth.
• Scientific Inquiry: Way to gain knowledge.

Lesson 3: Plant Reproduction

• Stamen: Male reproductive part.
• Filament: Supports the anther.
• Anther: Produces pollen.
• Pollen: Male gametes.
• Carpel/Pistil: Female reproductive part.
• Stigma: Sticky part to catch pollen.
• Style: Connects stigma and ovary.
• Ovary: Contains ovules.
• Ovule: Female gametes
• Gametes: Reproductive cells.
• Zygote: Union of two gametes.
• Fertilization: Fusion of two gametes.
• Pollination: Transfer of pollen to the female part of the flower.
• Self-pollination: Pollen transfer on the same plant.
• Cross-pollination: Pollen transfer on different plants.
• Angiosperms: Flowering plants.

Lesson 4: Genetic Engineering and Reproduction

• Gymnosperms: Non-flowering, seed-producing plants.
• Double Fertilization: Two cells are fertilized.
• Germination: Growth of seedlings into plants.
• Asexual Reproduction: Reproduction with one parent, creates genetically identical offspring.
• Sexual Reproduction: Reproduction with two parents, creates genetically unique offspring.
• Types of Asexual Reproduction: Budding, Binary Fission, Fragmentation, Regeneration.
• Types of Animal Reproduction: Oviparous, Viviparous, Ovoviviparous.
• Genetic Engineering: Direct manipulation of DNA to alter organisms.
• GMA: Genetically modified animal.
• GMP: Genetically modified plant.
• GMF: Genetically modified foods.
• GMO: Genetically modified organism.
• Genetic Engineering Technique: Steps involve identifying, extracting, removing, and inserting a desirable gene.

Lesson 5: Respiration and Life Processes

• Respiration: Exchange of gases.
• Endotherms: Warm-blooded animals that regulate internal temperature.
• Ectotherms/Poikilotherms: Cold-blooded animals, body temp changes with surroundings.
• Negative Feedback: Reduces excessive response to maintain normal range.
• Positive Feedback: Intensifies response until an endpoint.
• Excretion: Removal of waste.
• Osmoregulation: Maintaining salt and water balances.
• Immune System: Protects against foreign bacteria.
• Nervous System: Allows body to respond to changes.
• Body in Motion: Movement for survival.

Lesson 6: Evolution and Environmental Change

• Evolution: Gradual change and development of species.
• Embryology: Study of embryos and development.
• Homologous Structures: Similar structures from common ancestors.
• Vestigial Structure: Feature no longer necessary but inherited from ancestors.
• Genetics: Study of heredity and genes.
• Environmental Changes Affecting Extinction: Variations in atmosphere, temperature, floods, glaciation, cosmic radiation/asteroid impact, and diseases.
• Balance of Nature: Ecosystems have a limited capacity for individuals.
• Diversity and Stability: Organisms have specific roles.
• Resistance: Ability to remain stable despite disturbances.
• Resilience: Ability to adapt to adversity.

Ecosystems

• Terrestrial Ecosystem: Land-based.
• Aquatic Ecosystem: Water-based.
• Grassland: Dominated by grasses.
• Desert: Minimal rainfall.
• Marine Ecosystem: Large, high dissolved salts and minerals.
• Freshwater: Minimal salt, covers 0.8% of Earth.
• Human Activities: Ecosystem damage.