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General Biology Exam 1 Review

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  • Biology

    Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms.

  • Dependent variable

    The dependent variable is the factor measured or observed in an experiment; it responds to changes in the independent variable.

  • Independent variable

    The independent variable is the factor that is deliberately changed or manipulated in an experiment.

  • Control

    A control is a standard for comparison in an experiment where the independent variable is not changed.

  • Hypothesis

    A hypothesis is a testable prediction or explanation for a scientific question.

  • Evolution

    Evolution is the change in the genetic makeup of populations over generations.

  • Darwin's observations on Galapagos finches

    Darwin observed finches with different beak shapes adapted to specific diets, concluding species adapt to their environment over time.

  • Darwin's theory of natural selection

    Natural selection is the process where individuals with advantageous traits survive and reproduce more successfully.

  • Evidence for evolution

    Evidence includes fossils, homologous structures, vestigial structures, and observed adaptations.

  • Homologous structures

    Homologous structures are body parts with similar structure but different functions, indicating common ancestry.

  • Vestigial structures

    Vestigial structures are remnants of organs or structures that had a function in ancestors but are reduced or unused now.

  • Speciation

    Speciation is the process by which new species arise from existing ones.

  • Allopatric speciation

    Allopatric speciation occurs when populations are geographically separated, leading to reproductive isolation.

  • Sympatric speciation

    Sympatric speciation occurs without geographic separation, often through genetic or behavioral changes within a population.

  • Pre-zygotic reproductive barriers

    Five types include temporal, habitat, behavioral, mechanical, and gametic isolation, preventing mating or fertilization.

  • Post-zygotic reproductive barriers

    Two types are hybrid inviability (offspring do not develop properly) and hybrid sterility (offspring are sterile).

  • Trophic level

    Trophic levels represent the position an organism occupies in a food chain, such as producer or consumer.

  • Producers

    Producers are organisms that make their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.

  • Consumers

    Consumers are organisms that eat other organisms for energy.

  • Decomposers

    Decomposers break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.

  • Levels of biological organization

    From smallest to largest: molecule, cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism, population, community, ecosystem, biosphere.

  • Scientific method steps

    Steps include observation, question, hypothesis, experiment, data collection, analysis, and conclusion.

  • Linnaeus

    Linnaeus developed the system of taxonomy using hierarchical classification and binomial nomenclature.

  • Taxonomy

    Taxonomy is the science of naming, describing, and classifying organisms.

  • Genus and Species

    Genus is a group of related species; species is the basic unit of classification, a group of interbreeding organisms.

  • Adaptation

    Adaptation is a heritable trait that increases an organism's chance of survival and reproduction.

  • Biodiversity

    Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms in an ecosystem or on Earth.

  • Variables

    Variables are factors that can change in an experiment, including independent, dependent, and controlled variables.