The Study of Life
What are the four main things we study in the field of biology?
*1) the origins and history of life
*2) the structure of living things
*3) how living things interact
*4) how living things function
Deep ocean vents, African wildlife, and arctic glaciers are all part of the _______
Biosphere
Define a biome and tell me the major trait we use to classify them.
A large group of ecosystems that share the same climate and have similar types of communities
Classified primarily by the traits of their plants
Give an example of an organism that follows an k-strategy for reproduction
Elephant, human, etc
Biodiversity: the variety of _____ in an area that’s determined by the # of diff _____ in that area
life, species
What is the basic unit of structure and function in all living things?
Cells
Ecologists often use modeling, instead of field studies, because it _______.
saves money, time, can be more effective and less difficult
Twenty gray squirrels moving out of a forest is an example of
emigration
Give an example of an organism that follows an r-strategy for reproduction
flies, mice, etc
Genetic diversity: the variety of _____ or inheritable traits that are present in a population
genes
Scientific theories CAN become laws (T/F)
False
Write a biological example of a mutualistic relationship.
*both organisms benefit*
What is the difference between density-dependent and density-independent factors?
density dependant depends on population size, Ex disease, competition etc
The max # of individuals of a species that an environment can support for the long term is called what?
Carrying Capacity
Ecosystem diversity: the variety of ecosystems that are present in the ________
biosphere
List the six things that science does (from module 1 notes)
1. Makes observations and draws conclusions
2. Expands knowledge
3. Challenges accepted theories
4. Questions results
5. Tests claims
6. Undergoes peer review
A doctorfish grazing on ocean kelp is an example of a heterotroph that is an herbivore. (T/F)
True
Cell Respiration takes sugar and ________ and turns it into CO2, water, and energy (ATP)
oxygen
Give an example of a density INDEPENDENT factor
hurricane, drought, flooding, extreme hot or cold, fire
Define habitat fragmentation
the separation of an ecosystem into small pieces of land as a result of human presence
List the 8 characteristics of life
1) Made up of one or more cells
2) Displays organization
3) Grows and develops
4) Reproduces
5) Responds to stimuli
6) Requires energy
7) Maintains homeostasis
8) Adaptations - evolve over time
Producers are on the ______ trophic level
Lowest
List the four key parts of secondary succession. (can be bullet points)
1. Disturbance ex: fire, flood, windstorm
2. Pioneer species are the 1st to appear
3. New species come, but eventually the species belonging to the mature community return
4. Usually occurs faster than primary succession 🡪 soil and some species still present
Compare and contrast r-strategists to k-strategists.
r-strategist
Small orgs (fruit fly, mouse, etc), Short life span and produce many offspring, Expend little/no energy raising young, Controlled by density independent factors, Strategy: produce as many offspring as possible in a short time to take advantage of some environ factor
k-strategist
Larger orgs w/ long life spans, Produce few offspring, Controlled by density dependent factors, Strategy: produce a few offspring w/ a better chance of survival b/c of energy, resources, and time invested in care for young
What is one reason humans would want to preserve biodiversity? (hint: why is biodiversity important?)
Increases the stability of an ecosystem and contributes to the health of the biosphere. Medicine, economy, aesthetic