Sexual vs Asexual reproduction
Define asexual reproduction and give an example of a species that uses this strategy.
Asexual reproduction involves one parent producing offspring genetically identical to the parent. An example is a starfish reproducing by fragmentation
Define clones in biology.
Clones are organisms or cells that are genetically identical to one another, having been produced from a single original organism or cell.
Define tolerance range.
Tolerance range refers to the range of environmental conditions, such as temperature or moisture, within which an organism can survive and reproduce. Outside this range, the organism may experience stress or may not survive.
What does a logistic growth curve represent in population growth models
A logistic growth curve represents a population that grows rapidly at first but then slows down as it reaches the carrying capacity of the environment, where resources become limiting. It shows how populations stabilize over time.
How do you determine the direction of energy flow in a food web?
The direction of energy flow in a food web is shown by arrows pointing from the food source to the consumer. The arrow indicates where the energy is transferred, such as from plants to herbivores and then to carnivores
Why is genetic diversity important in populations?
Genetic diversity allows populations to adapt to environmental changes and resist diseases, increasing the chances of survival.
Compare reproductive cloning and natural reproduction in animals.
Reproductive cloning produces an organism that is genetically identical to the donor, while natural reproduction involves the combination of genetic material from two parents, resulting in offspring with a mix of both parents' genes.
Explain how two abiotic factors can influence the tolerance range of an animal in a hot environment.
Temperature and water availability are key abiotic factors. For example, the dromedary camel’s tolerance range is influenced by high temperatures and scarce water, as it can survive extreme heat and long periods without water.
How do density-dependent factors differ from density-independent factors in affecting population growth?
Density-dependent factors, such as competition for resources or disease, become more intense as population density increases. Density-independent factors, like natural disasters or climate changes, affect populations regardless of their density.
In a food web, if a koala eats eucalyptus leaves and is then eaten by a dingo, how does the energy transfer between these species?
The energy flows from the eucalyptus leaves to the koala, and then from the koala to the dingo. The arrows should point from the eucalyptus leaves to the koala, and from the koala to the dingo, showing the transfer of energy through the food chain.
What is one advantage and one disadvantage of asexual reproduction?
Advantages include faster reproduction and no need for a mate. Disadvantages are a lack of genetic diversity and higher susceptibility to diseases.
Explain the key steps in Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT).
In SCNT, the nucleus from a somatic cell of the donor is transferred into an egg cell that has had its nucleus removed. The egg is then stimulated to divide and develop into an embryo, which is genetically identical to the donor organism.
What is the difference between physiological and structural adaptations?
Where are clumped populations likely to be found, and why?
Clumped populations are often found where resources are unevenly distributed or where individuals benefit from group living, such as protection or cooperation. Examples include schools of fish or herds of animals around water sources.
Describe the relationship between a red kangaroo and the grasses it eats in a food web.
The relationship between a red kangaroo and the grasses is a predator-prey relationship. The red kangaroo is the herbivore that consumes the grasses, transferring energy from the plant to the animal.
Compare the impact of environmental changes on populations that reproduce asexually vs. sexually.
Asexual populations are more vulnerable to environmental changes due to low genetic diversity, while sexually reproducing populations have more genetic variation, making them more adaptable
What is one advantage and one challenge of using Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) in cloning?
One advantage of SCNT is that it produces genetically identical organisms, which can be useful in agriculture and medicine. However, it also has challenges, including low success rates and ethical concerns regarding the manipulation of life forms.
Describe one structural and one behavioral adaptation in animals that live in cold environments, using examples
How would you classify a relationship where bees pollinate flowers while obtaining nectar? Why?
In mutualism, both species benefit from the interaction. Bees get nectar for food, and flowers get pollinated, which aids in reproduction. This relationship enhances the survival and fitness of both species.
How would you show competition between two herbivores in a food web? Use an example
Competition between two herbivores is shown by both species relying on the same food source, which can lead to a decrease in resources for each. For example, if both the red kangaroo and the koala eat eucalyptus leaves, they compete for the same food resource.
In the event of a sudden drought, how would a population of asexually reproducing species perform compared to a sexually reproducing one?
Asexually reproducing species may struggle more during a drought since all individuals are genetically similar and less adaptable, whereas sexually reproducing species may have some individuals with traits that allow them to survive
Discuss one ethical concern surrounding the cloning of animals and provide a reason why it is debated.
One ethical concern is the welfare of cloned animals, as they often face health issues and shortened lifespans. This is debated because while cloning can advance scientific research, it raises questions about the treatment and rights of cloned organisms.
How do adaptations in animals living in hot environments compare to those in cold environments? Provide examples for each.
Explain the difference between ecosystem engineers and apex predators as keystone species.
Ecosystem engineers, like beavers, modify their environment significantly, creating habitats for other species. Apex predators, such as sharks, regulate prey populations and maintain balance in the food web.
Explain how the presence of an apex predator like a wedge-tailed eagle can influence the population of other species in a food web.
An apex predator like the wedge-tailed eagle can regulate the populations of other species by preying on them. For example, if the eagle preys on red kangaroos and dingoes, it can help control their numbers, which in turn affects the populations of plants and other organisms in the food web. This balance maintains ecosystem stability and energy flow.