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Chapter 1: General Biology: Evolution, Themes, and Scientific Inquiry

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  • What is biology?

    Biology is the scientific study of life, recognized by what living things do.

  • Name the five unifying themes in biology.

    Organization, Information, Energy and Matter, Interactions, Evolution.

  • What is reductionism in biology?

    Reductionism is an approach that reduces complex systems to simpler components for study.

  • What are emergent properties?

    Emergent properties arise from the arrangement and interaction of parts as complexity increases.

  • How do structure and function relate in biology?

    At each biological level, structure correlates with function; knowing one provides insight into the other.

  • What is the cell theory?

    All living organisms are made of cells, the smallest units that perform all life activities.

  • Difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

    Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; eukaryotic cells have both.

  • What is DNA and its role?

    DNA contains genetic material organized in chromosomes and encodes information for building molecules.

  • Describe the structure of DNA.

    DNA is a double helix made of two chains of nucleotides: A, G, C, and T.

  • What is gene expression?

    Gene expression is the process of transcribing DNA into RNA and translating RNA into proteins.

  • Define genomics and proteomics.

    Genomics studies whole sets of genes; proteomics studies whole sets of proteins.

  • How does energy flow through an ecosystem?

    Energy enters as sunlight, is converted by producers, passed to consumers, and lost as heat.

  • What is feedback regulation?

    Feedback regulation controls biological processes; negative feedback reduces initial stimulus, positive feedback amplifies it.

  • What are the three domains of life?

    Bacteria, Archaea (both prokaryotes), and Eukarya (eukaryotes).

  • What groups are included in Domain Eukarya?

    Plants, Fungi, Animals, and Protists.

  • What is evolution?

    Evolution is the modification of species over time from common ancestors.

  • What are Darwin's two main points in natural selection?

    Descent with modification and natural selection as the mechanism.

  • How does natural selection work?

    Individuals with advantageous traits survive and reproduce more, increasing those traits in the population.

  • What is a scientific hypothesis?

    A testable explanation based on observations that leads to predictions.

  • Difference between inductive and deductive reasoning?

    Inductive reasoning derives generalizations from observations; deductive reasoning makes specific predictions from general premises.

  • What is the role of peer review in science?

    Peer review vets research before publication to ensure validity and reliability.

  • How do scientists use model organisms?

    Model organisms help study biological processes applicable to other species.

  • What is the relationship between science and technology?

    Science seeks to understand natural phenomena; technology applies scientific knowledge for practical purposes.

  • Why is diversity important in science?

    Diverse backgrounds and viewpoints enhance scientific creativity, robustness, and productivity.