Biology 101 CMU Wiline Pangle
What are the main approaches of conservation Biology?
(1) to investigate and describe the diversity of the living world (2) to understand the effects of human activities on species, communities, and ecosystems (3) to develop practical interdisciplinary approaches to protecting and restoring biological diversity.
How does the inheritance of the main types of genetic diseases work?
-Autosomal Dom/Rec -X Linked Dom/Rec ( Fathers cannot pass to son) -Y Linked (Only males) -Codominant ( all over the place) -Mitochondrial ( passed by mothers)
What re the main groups of living organisms on earth?
-Bacteria -Eukarya (plants & animals) -Archaea (Extreme stuff)
What are the main fields of ecology?
-Behavioral Ecology -Population Ecology -Community Ecology -Community Ecology
What are the main types of genetic diseases?
-Chromosomal Abnormalities -Single Gene Defects -Multifactorial Problems -Teratogenic Problems
What is DNA structure?
-Double Helix - Made of bases (ATCG) -Sugar/phosphate backbone
What are the main types of evidence for Macro-Evolution
-Fossil Record -Biogeographical dis of genes -Embryological Studies -DNA -Behavioral Studies -Comparative Anatomy -Vestigial Structures
What are some global ecological challenges today?
-Pollution -Global warming -Overpopulation -Climate change -Loss of biodiversity -Deforestation
What are DNA's main function?
-Replication -Make more proteins
What is Biological Evolution?
A change of the gene frequency in a population over time
What is a chromosome?
A coiled up piece of DNA that has genes that code for traits.
What is a mutation?
A gene mutation is a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene, such that the sequence differs from what is found in most people. Mutations range in size; they can affect anywhere from a single DNA building block (base pair) to a large segment of a chromosome that includes multiple genes.
What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?
A hypothesis is a question. A theory is supported, tested, and widely accepted.
How are the main groups of living organisms related to each-other?
All living organisms are classified into groups based on very basic, shared characteristics.
Why is natural selection the only mechanism of evolution that creates adaptations?
Because organisms live to pass on their adaptation
What sort of diversity of life do we have on the planet?
Biological Diversity?
What is Biology?
Biology is the study of life
How does Biological Evolution work?
By the mechanisms of evolution
How is cancer linked with the cell cycle?
Cancer cells are the result of faulty inhibitors during mitosis
Where does the biomass of a tree come from?
Carbon Dioxide from photosynthesis
What is the difference between DNA, Chromosome, and gene?
DNA are in genes, genes are in chromosomes
What is DNA?
DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is a long molecule that contains our unique genetic code. Like a recipe book it holds the instructions for making all the proteins in our bodies
What is a good experimental design?
Detailed, Builds on previous research, Uses a control, Uses appropriate subjects, Large sample size, Multiple trials, Can be reproduced, Is ethical
What is the conflict between science and religion?
Dichotomy- either Science OR religion
What are the main biological consequences of ecological challenges?
Global warming and mass extinction
What are greenhouse gases, and how are they linked to climate change?
Greenhouse gases cause the atmosphere to retain heat, raising the temperature -Water vapor -Ozone -Methane -Nitrous Oxide
What is life?
Growth, Metabolism, Energy Transformation, Reproduction
What does it mean when we say that most human genes are polygenic?
It means that the traits are controlled by two or more genes
What is the difference between micro and macro evolution?
Microevolution pertains to a singular population, Macro transcends the boundary
How does inheritance work?
Mother and father contribute equally to your genetic make up.
What are evolutions mechanisims
Mutations, Natural Selection, Genetic Drift, Migration
What is outside the field of science?
Religion, Art, Technology, Truth, Certainty
Why don't all siblings look identical to each-other?
Siblings receive copies of their genes from their parents, they just aren't exact copies and express different traits.
What is a gene?
Specific segment of base pairs in chromosomes; functional unit of heredity
How does the energy flow on the planet?
Starts in the sun, enters through photosynthesis, then goes through the rest of the trophic pyramid
How is DNA structure linked to its functions?
Structure and function are intimately linked. The most important feature of the structure of DNA is that it forms an "anti-parallel" structure. This double helix allows the cell to make two new, identical copies, by reading and copying each strand separately.
What is the problem with the statement: "Evolution is just a theory"
The person doesn't know the definition of 'theory'
How are photosynthesis and respiration linked
The products of one process are the reactants of the other
How does science work?
The scientific method
What is Ecology?
The study of the interaction of living organisms and the natural environment.
What is Science?
The systematic study of the natural world through observation and experiment
Why are prokaryotes important?
They are important for the nitrogen cycle
Why do we plant more trees to help reduce climate change?
Trees absorb CO2 from the air
What is cancer?
Unregulated duplication of DNA with no purpose
What are the requirements for adaptive evolution?
Variation, Heritability, Selection
Do we have enough evidence to say that climate change is happening?
YES
Is adaptive evolution random?
Yes
What is gene expression?
the appearance in a phenotype of a characteristic or effect attributed to a particular gene.
What is Natural Selection?
the process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring
